# 044. Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica

## 01. Volume 1 ( Full Text )

### 001. Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica Updates page

### 2014

#### March

- March 31, 2014 Volume 7 Chapter 3 Completed

- March 28, 2014 Volume 7 Chapter 2 Completed

- March 10, 2014 Volume 4 Chapter 4 & Epilogue Completed

- March 8, 2014 Volume 4 Chapter 3 Completed

- March 4, 2014 Volume 10 Prologue Completed

- March 2, 2014 Volume 9 Prologue Completed

#### February

- February 27, 2014 Volume 8 Prologue Completed

- February 24, 2014 Volume 7 Prologue Completed

- February 19, 2014 Volume 4 Chapter 2 Completed

- February 15, 2014 Volume 4 Chapter 1 Completed

- February 12, 2014 Volume 2 Prologue Completed

- February 11, 2014 Volume 6 Prologue Completed

- February 7, 2014 Volume 3 Prologue Completed

- February 3, 2014 Volume 4 & 5 Prologue Completed

#### January

- January 29, 2014 Volume 1 Completed

- January 24, 2014 Volume 1 Chapter 1 Completed

### 2012

#### October

- October 15, 2012 Volume 1 Prologue Completed Initiated as a teaser project

### 002. Part 1

“Uwaaa! Tha- that's dangerous! Hey, are you trying to kill me?!”

Even though he knew very well it was futile, Ousawa Akatsuki couldn’t stop screaming. Since he was running at full speed his shout caused a Doppler effect. It was daybreak and the sky in the east had just started to turn white. Akatsuki was running in the depths of a dense forest. He was carrying a bag about the size of a sandbag on his back while strongly kicking the ground as he strode through. Half a step behind him arrows struck the ground one right after the other. Numerous footsteps chased him like they were trying to surround him. Akatsuki turned around and confirmed his followers. What he saw were blue and white colors completely unfit for the forest. They were aprons and servants' clothes. His pursuers were maids. Furthermore there were forty-four of them. In today’s recession it is difficult to see this many maids even in the streets of Akihabara. His chasers were beautiful girls and women. Akatsuki was thinking, It would be great if we were at the summer beach.

“But it is not summer and this is not even the beach!”

He straightened himself up and pulled his mind back from his illusions to reality. Actually there was a fundamental problem other than the season and the place. In the first place this is not Akihabara; not even Earth. This is another world.

The earth Ousawa Akatsuki is standing on belongs to a different world called Alayzard. Which was why every maid was carrying a weapon of some kind. Like swords, spears and bows. To understand this situation, it is necessary to know something about Akatsuki.

Five years ago. Akatsuki was summoned to this world called Alayzard. In this world where swords and magic were used and a hero and the demon king existed, there was a full scale war against the army of demons led by Galious the demon king. That’s right. There was already a hero in this world. Therefore this is not a story where the young boy comes from another world to become a hero. On the contrary; the summoned Akatsuki had no powers whatsoever. He was an ordinary boy. He was only a bystander and had nothing to do with the future of this world. His luck was that after the summoning, he woke up in the great magic nation Sherfied. He was welcomed by the hero Leon, the queen Listy and others like the fighter Zechs and the mage Loutier. Not only that, but they searched old books to help him return to his world. In the vast forest near Sherfied there is a in the deepest part of the northern side of the forest. Then, just as Akatsuki was about to return to his world ---- a tragedy occurred. The army led by demon king Galious raided Erdia, the royal city of Sherfied. And in that fight, the hero Leon lost his life protecting Akatsuki from the demon king’s blade. Leon’s death caused despair in the world. This further deepened when Erdia fell. It was natural that the people held Akatsuki responsible. Listy was the only one who could protect Akatsuki, but she couldn’t accept the death of Leon, her lover. She also blamed Akatsuki. She cursed him--- If only you hadn't existed! Zechs and Loutier didn't cover for him either, and after a while Akatsuki disappeared. Everyone thought that he had fled and called him a coward. But he didn't flee.

Risking his life he went alone to the Divine World, where gods dwelt, and trained as hard as he could. In the end he managed to learn a body control technique called Renkan Keikikou, which allowed him to freely make chi in the body, and returned to the battlefield. Then in the war to liberate Erdia he saved Listy, Zechs and Loutier when they got into a tight spot. Akatsuki suddenly became a hero, but there were still quite a few who blamed Akatsuki for Leon’s death. It was especially infuriating for some of Leon's supporters to see Akatsuki and Listy resolving their ill feelings and fighting together. They started to call him cynically a rogue hero.

But Akatsuki quietly accepted his notorious name. Not only that, but he behaved bohemian. As if he were saying he was neither a champion nor a hero. Leon is the hero of Alayzard. Akatsuki still felt that way. He was fine being a rogue hero. That is why on his way to defeat the demon king, if he found a noble oppressing his peers, he crushed him without question. If he caught a rumor about a beautiful girl or woman, he not only flirted with them but also molested them. Finally, after numerous adventures and hardships, Akatsuki defeated demon king Galious.

### 003. Part 1

No matter whether you are about to go out or about to wake up, the current time is 7 am. Welcome to “Alarm 07~”.

The introduction of the television program made Ousawa Akatsuki slowly open his eyes. He obviously belonged to the latter group.

“Fu…Fua…Ah?”

The not so fully awoken Akatsuki scratched his belly, as if he did not know where he was. When the sight of the television screen entered his view, he then remembered that this was his home’s living room.

“…Right, I came back yesterday.”

"Today’s doggy ~ Today’s doggy is Mr. Takahashi’s lovely dog “Seven". Every day, she plays with the big brother who delivers milk. It is said that Seven is quite bold. Each time the milkman brother is about to put the milk into the mailbox, Seven will climb over the fence and shove her nose into the mailbox, sniffing excitedly on the milk bottles. After the milkman brother sees this, he will always say “Seven, you stood up today again!”

“...Looks like it’s still the same, what an unintelligible television program.”

The television was currently broadcasting the morning news’ special, which added slightly to the feeling of returning to the real world.

...Why am I sleeping on the living room’s sofa?

His memory was still not coherent. Was it because he was being stupid or because he was lounging in bed? He'd simply take a shower before continuing to think about it. Therefore, Akatsuki trudged out of the living room and opened the changing room doors. He then completely removed all of his clothing, casually shoved it into the dirty clothes basket and went into bathroom. Ah… the position of the shower head hanging from the wall appeared to be lower than his previous impression. Akatsuki slowly squeezed some shower gel and shampoo, and after washing his body and hair, he closed the shower tap and left the bathroom, picked up a large towel and wiped the water droplets off his wet hair and body.

“Oh damn, forgot to prepare some clean clothes.”

This here was obviously his own world, but he had completely forgotten about the accustomed lifestyle he once had. Akatsuki could not help but shake his head and sigh. So he hung the towel around his neck and headed up towards the second floor’s room.

After opening the room door, Akatsuki immediately headed towards the closet to obtain some clean underwear from the drawers.

“Ehhh?”

This time, Akatsuki suddenly noticed that a female was lying on his bed. Judging from the serene sleep that the girl was having, sleeping on this mattress must be quite comfortable.

Now Akatsuki finally remembered why he slept on the living room sofa.

Within his inner feelings, the words “Outrageous” suddenly emerged.

Akatsuki slowly moved to the bed and attentively observed the beautiful girl who was still in dreamland.

...What an outrageous pair of boobs.

Except for the word “Huge”, there were no other appropriate words. It was impossible for people not to pay attention to the slightly shaking huge twin peaks due to the girl’s breathing. Akatsuki could not help but swallow. How in the world did she grow such enormous boobs?

“Let’s first touch the pair of bo... NO, I should first explain the situation. Wake up, Hurry up and wake up! Hey!”

Akatsuki slightly shook the young girl’s shoulder and was surprised to find the huge boobs were also shaking.

...The absolute highest quality...

This rare scene made Akatsuki squint.

“...Unnn...Ah...?”

The girl slowly opened her eyes. Her sleepy blinking eyelids and her hazy vision fell on Akatsuki.

———!

The girl’s face immediately stiffened, which made Akatsuki confused.

“Heyyyy, Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Could it be the effects of the Dimensional transfer? The worried Akatsuki raised his right hand towards the girl, but the girl’s gaze immediately made him aware of the problem. Yes, the key was the present appearance of Akatsuki.

“This... I can explain... Don’t be nervous, I really don’t have any evil intents. Can you please calm down? Okay?”

While calming the girl, Akatsuki’s heart was desperately screaming “Oh no!”. There wasn't some trivial way to explain the current situation, and the words “mistake” would not help to solve this sudden problem easily either. At the moment when one awakes and suddenly sees the opposite sex standing naked in front of you. The vast majority of the men would be extremely happy about it. However, if the same situation was to occur to the females, the results would greatly differ. The girl’s horrified expression was the best evidence.

It looks like the stimulus was a little bit too strong. Akatsuki took a deep breath and in his heart, told himself that he had to remain calm.

If even he panicked, wouldn't this increase the girl’s misunderstanding? The current priority now is to think of a plan to calm the girl down, so Akatsuki squeezed out a smile. Smiling is a universally renowned language for communications.

“This is my world, please don’t worry.”

“——Put a sock in it!”

After the blunt retort, it was followed with a hot and spicy slap.

“——Looks like I will still have to introduce myself first.”

Akatsuki smiled while stroking his swelling cheek.

“My name is Ousawa Akatsuki, you can call me Akatsuki. Back in Alayzard, everybody called me the . Okay, what else do you want to know?”

“... Why were you standing naked in front of me?”

“Didn't I say it was a misunderstanding? I had just finished taking a shower and entered to get some clothes, and this question is unrelated to my self-introduction isn't it? Believe it or not, that’s the truth. Uh... what’s your name?”

“...Myuu”

“——What?”

The demon king’s daughter bitterly gave out her name, Akatsuki suddenly suspected that he had heard it wrong.

“You...You’re called Miu...?”

Akatsuki, who said the name, expressed an incredible look. This can’t be true right? Isn’t that too weird. However, the girl in front of him showed him a face of disgust.

“...No.”

The girl shook her head.

“It’s not Miu, but Myuu. I’m called Myuu.”

“——Myuu? Oh...So that’s it, ha ha ha.

Akatsuki made a few sounds of a hollow laugh, apparently he really heard it wrong.

But the sound of the girl's name also made Akatsuki remember the critical things that must be addressed as soon as possible. For Akatsuki, the girl’s current presence was like an alarm, constantly reminding him that he could not be lazy.

———Is this the mischief from the Goddess of Fate?

Akatsuki scratched his cheeks. After placing a simple breakfast of toast, poached eggs and milk on the table, Akatsuki looked at the girl sitting opposite of him.

...Having such an explosive body figure that would look down on everyone, but the tone of her voice was no different compared to little boys.

“...I still feel that your eyes look very disgusting.”

“You’re thinking too much. You have just arrived to a completely different world, it must be because you’re too nervous."

While being confused, Akatsuki could not help but secretly admire the girl’s courage.

...Not everyone dares to go alone to a completely unfamiliar world.

### 004. Part 1

The view outside the window gradually went higher up.

JPN Babel school’s campus scene became smaller and smaller, further and further.

Currently, the glass elevator, following a certain speed, was slowly rising.

The Babel school’s main building is a high-rise building. On the side of the body of the building, there are numerous elevators. This building has a total of 180 floors and as the students and staff member's positions and authorities are different, there are limits to the floors they can arrive on. In order to reduce the waiting period, floors used at a higher frequency were equipped with numerous direct elevators. Currently, Akatsuki and Miu were taking the exclusive B-class students’ elevator to the classroom floor.

“Damn it, my head hurts...I don’t know whether it is because of a cold or because I’m too nervous.”

This morning when Akatsuki opened his eyes, he was suffering from an inexplicable headache.

Ousawa Akatsuki had a task that he must complete, and this task was basically equivalent to challenging the world. As he finally stood at his second starting point, he was more or less feeling a bit nervous deep down. This was Akatsuki’s analysis of his own mental state.

Turning his head, he only saw Miu staring at the glass wall in front of her, looking at her own appearance in a uniform. Although she was born from a mix of a human and a dark elf, Miu’s skin was white, soft and delicate, she also did not have an elf’s pointed ears and her appearance was no different from an ordinary human. The elf race’s unique beauty and slender limbs are quite compelling, but not to the extent where it raises suspicion. Akatsuki looked at Miu, his face showing a knowing smile.

“You’re quite happy.”

“…Huh? R..Really?? Of course not.”

Miu quickly tried to evade the topic. In Akatsuki’s eyes, the Miu with her red ears was extraordinarily cute, Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes. Maybe Miu never wore a uniform before, Akatsuki thought. Plus, Miu had mentioned a while ago that today was her very first day going to school.

After bringing Miu to this world with difficulty, Akatsuki sincerely hoped that her very first experience of going to school would leave a favorable impression to her.

At this moment, the elevator’s rising speed gradually decreased and it finally stopped at a certain floor. With a mechanical ringing sound, the elevator doors slowly opened.

This was the B class floor. Several students were chatting in the hallway. After walking out of the elevator, there was only one path in front of them. Thus Akatsuki and Miu walked slowly along the corridor and passed through the students who were standing in the corridor.

Akatsuki quickly discovered one thing.

“Strange…”

Miu also seemed to be aware of it, her tone was very uneasy.

“Is it because I am too sensitive? But it feels that …”

“Yes, we have become the focus of everybody’s attention, but this is quite normal, there is nothing strange with it. This floor only has people in B-class and now two unfamiliar faces show up, it will obviously cause curiosity from everyone. Therefore, you do not have to take it to heart.”

Then Akatsuki suddenly stopped his footsteps. At the end of the corridor appeared an entrance doorway, which was the B-class classroom doors.

…Okay, the day has finally arrived.

Akatsuki violently and rudely pushed open the doors, and walked confidently into the classroom.

The chattering of the classroom suddenly became quiet.

“———”

Everyone’s attention was all focused at the door. Akatsuki did not try and escape, and directly confronted everyone’s stares of curiosity. Whether it was the whispering throughout every corner of the classroom or everybody’s stares of curiosity, it was, in fact, not unfamiliar to Akatsuki. During his time in Alayzard and wandering around the place with his identity of a rogue hero, he had already tasted this feeling.

But at that moment —

“…uuuwwaa!”

The uneasy Miu held to and pulled tightly on Akatsuki’s sleeves. After Akatsuki saw this, he gently held Miu’s shoulder, then looked proudly at the class.

“No matter what time, or ever the world, transfer students are always the main attractions of the crowd. You do not have to be nervous, there is no need to be polite, just confidently be yourself. Come, let us go.”

Akatsuki started to take a step, and walked through the path between the tables under the gaze of the entire class. The classroom was designed in a stairs shape where the front was low and narrow and the back was high up and wide, with a total of three columns of tables in left, middle and right of the class. The formation of the columns extended all the way from the front to the back, making it look like the shape of a paper fan. Akatsuki’s destination was the window seat located at the very last row. Miu timidly followed behind him, with her right hand clinging tightly to Akatsuki’s sleeves.

After arriving at the destination, Akatsuki sat down.

Beside him, Miu disturbedly said:

“C…can we sit anywhere available?”

“Of course. If the seat cannot be sat on, someone will naturally inform us.”

And —

“Usually transfer students sit in empty seats.”

Just when Akatsuki was talking about nonsense—

“— Hahaha, you are quite an interesting person.”

A female student walked over. With a slender physique, beautiful short hair and a pretty face coupled with a well-proportioned body, her gestures revealed the charm of a mature woman. A cute girl was not the best way to describe her, in fact, she was closer to a dazzling beauty.

…Uh Oh.

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, but the female student heartily laughed.

“— Good, Very Good, as expected the legendary student is really talented.”

“Ehh? Why do you say this?”

Akatsuki’s retort seemed to play into the hands of the girl. He only saw her smiling very happily, and even her eyes were filled with tears of laughter.

“Ever since the school enrolled you to B-Class, you guys have become famous within Babel school, everyone calls you guys as History’s strongest newcomers!”

After saying all this, the girl looked at Miu.

“One is a mysterious beauty who used magic to instantly knock out the combat skills instructor during the entrance exam—“

Then she looked at Akatsuki again.

“The other is the one who was identified as a during the Norn Screening, and afterwards was endorsed as a hero by Student President Hikami during a special inspection. Actually, both of you have already become everybody’s object of discussion.”

“So that’s what happened…”

Miu, who finally understood the situation, embarrassingly scratched her cheek.

“I will have to work harder in the future, so I will not fail to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

Akatsuki smiled and said:

“Looks like you are very familiar about us. Based on the greeting principles, shouldn’t you also talk about yourself?”

“Now that you said that, please let me introduce myself.”

The female student nodded, her right hand touching her chest.

“I am called Izumi Chikage, from now on, I am your classmate. As for whether or not will we become friends from classmates, that depends on each other’s meaning of friends. About this, I personally am maintaining an optimistic attitude. Nice to meet you.”

The smiling Chikage extended a hand of friendship, Akatsuki also politely expressed agreement. Chikage’s soft and delicate hand was also very smooth.

“I am Ousawa Akatsuki, this here is my sister Miu.”

After Akatsuki’s introductions, Miu timidly extended her right hand.

“Uhh, I am Ousawa…Miu. During my stay at the alternative world, an accident occurred and made me lose all my memories about this world. If I cause problems for everyone in the future, please forgive me.”

“Don’t be so polite. If there is anything you don’t know in the future, feel free to ask.”

Chikage shook Miu’s hand while smiling.

“Ah that’s right, there is something that I specially have to tell you two. Ousawa-kun, it is natural for transfer students to sit in empty seats, but I hope to persuade you that you can select other seats.”

“There are two Ousawa-kuns, it’s fine to just call me Akatsuki.”

After saying all this, Akatsuki shrugged.

“Why can’t we select this seat? Don’t tell me everyone’s seat is fixed?”

The classroom followed the design of a university lecture room. Akatsuki believed that he could freely select his seat.

“Well that’s true, but…”

Just when Chikage was about to say the reason behind it—

A large noise of dispute could be heard in front of the entrance to the classroom. Miu looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from. There were two males in front of the classroom door. One was awkwardly sitting on the ground. The other was a hideous looking man, arrogantly looking down on the other. It seemed that there was some sort of dispute between them.

“Tanaka, Look where you are going! Pretending that you don’t know when you bumped into someone! How are you going to compensate me!”

“Ahh, it’s beginning again.”

Chikage sighed. Her reaction caught Miu’s curiosity.

“Beginning again…? This kind of thing occurs frequently?”

“Yes. He is Onizuka Kenya, previously a student in A-class, but in the end, he was dropped down from the previous periodical inspection. Perhaps it is a problem of having his pride shattered, but he is constantly bullying people after coming to B-class, relying on the fact that no one is his opponent in B-class, and venting out his frustrations.”

Chikage paused for a moment and continued to speak:

“Actually, the reason why I came to talk with you is also related to the situation. Akatsuki, the seat you selected is Onizuka’s specified special seat. There is no fixed seating arrangements, normally you can sit wherever you look, but everyone is afraid of facing trouble, so they specially avoid this seat to avoid provoking him.”

“So that’s it…”

Akatsuki looked at the classroom door. After Onizuka kicked the male student on the floor a few times, his face was still filled with rage.

After a few seconds, he finally noticed Akatsuki’s existence.

“Hey, what are you looking at huh? Never seen something like this before?”

Only now did Onizuka notice that Akatsuki was actually sitting in his special seat.

“And you dare take my seat. I’ve never seen you before, a newcomer? If you came here, then you have to follow the rules here!”

Onizuka rushed up angrily.

“Now that I think about it, you are the legendary transfer student? You believe that lying fortune telling is real? You actually believe that you are a hero?”

“…”

Akatsuki did not reply. To be honest, he did not even care about Onizuka, his vision lay on the male student who was bullied by Onizuka. Onizuka noticed and coldly snorted.

“What are you looking at? Want me to kick you is it? Don’t think that by entering B-class directly, you can ignore me.”

“Onizuka, could you please not provoke others?”

Chikage attempted to stop Onizuka, and even stood in front of the confused Miu.

“This is not your problem, Chikage. Now scram over to one side…huh?”

Onizuka’s gaze laid upon Miu, who was behind Chikage, his face suddenly showed an obscene smile.

“So that’s it… she is the other transfer student? Not bad, this kind of product is not commonly seen, and she is just my taste.”

After speaking, Onizuka reached out for Miu.

“…W…What are you trying to do…?”

Ignoring Miu’s suspicions, Onizuka rudely held onto Miu’s arm.

At this moment…

“Uhhhhoohh—!”

Onizuka’s entire body flew backwards, hitting the classroom walls abruptly.

The classroom suddenly had an uproar. The students, who were coldly observing on the sidelines, whispered nonstop. The problem student who caused headaches to everyone, the school’s time bomb, was actually being taught a lesson by the new transfer student!?

—What had actually occurred…?

As the event was so sudden, Miu stood at her original spot, bewildered. Chikage, who was beside her, also widened her eyes, and didn’t know whether this was good or not. At this moment, Akatsuki patted Miu’s shoulders and slowly walked to the front.

…Ah, Don’t tell me…!

Miu finally understood. The reason why Onizuka flew back several meters turned out to be Akatsuki’s work. After hitting the wall, Onizuka gently shook his head, and his face revealed a painful expression. Due to being inside of Babel school’s barrier, Onizuka’s physical body was not injured, but the impact of the mental shock should not be underestimated. Onizuka struggled to get up, but with his feet staggering, he nearly failed to stand.

“You are quite impressive, very good, looks like you have guts. Just you wait, I will instantly—“ Onizuka expressed a fierce look, and was about to stand up from the side of the wall.

At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly stretched out his hand, clutching Onizuka’s face.

“—”

This seemingly ordinary and mediocre action was completely out of Onizuka’s expectation. It could be called the ultimate technique, which combined all fight skills.

Miu, who witnessed everything, stood frozen at her place.

“A…Are you trying to do—Whoaaaa!”

Onizuka held onto Akatsuki’s wrist, attempting to break free from Akatsuki’s clutches. What had actually occurred? Miu was puzzled and even the other students were revealing an expression of uncertainty. At this moment, Miu noticed that Onizuka was trembling, and after a careful observation, found out that the reason was that even speaking would inflict a tremendous amount of pain.

Akatsuki calmly looked at the Onizuka in front of him.

“You and I are really like-minded, the truth is I also like bullying the weak. In this world, aren’t there always people who believe that they are stronger than others, and look down upon them? I absolutely love to shatter the pride of these type of people. Right, you are called Onizuka isn’t it?”

Akatsuki snorted.

“So how’s this? The feeling of your pride being stepped on by others isn’t so bad right?”

“…! …! Guuuuu….!”

Onizuka’s face was twisted in pain. Although his physical body does not hurt, it does not mean that he cannot feel pain. Onizuka’s face was red and gradually turning from red to black.

“— S…Stop it! It will cause problems if you continue!”

A panicked Miu broke into the scramble between Akatsuki and Onizuka, pulled on Akatsuki’s burly arms and barely managed to separate the two. During the process of pulling Akatsuki back to his seat, Miu sighed repeatedly.

“Causing trouble on the first day, I really don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“The school’s barrier is designed for the hot-headed people like us. I only played around slightly. It won’t kill anyone…right?”

Akatsuki sought Chikage’s input, but she reluctantly shook her head with a wry smile.

“Yes it is, but it’s hard to say for those who knowingly cause trouble.”

After speaking, Chikage’s expression suddenly turned stiff. A commotion also occurred in the classroom.

…Huh?

Miu looked around and was surprised to find out that beside Onizuka was a magic circle, and a defensive barrier, meaning that he intended to use a powerful magic in the classroom. Activating magic in such a confined space would ultimately cause a significant amount of casualties. Even if it was under the barrier which could remove all physical harm, this could also lead to everyone losing consciousness due to the enormous impact.

—I must activate a magical barrier! But after thinking it through, Miu dismissed the idea. Onizuka is B-class's strongest returnee. Activating a magical barrier could protect herself, but not all the students had the ability to block his magical attacks.

Looks like there is no other choice.

Miu began to concentrate, preparing a defensive magic that ranged throughout the entire classroom.

Unfortunately she was slow by a step. Onizuka had already completed his magic chant. At the moment when Miu felt despair, Akatsuki suddenly shook off her hands.

Only to see Akatsuki approaching Onizuka at lightning speed, and with a turn of his body, unleash an upper kick.

“Ha! Idiot!”

Onizuka’s face showed a hint of sneer. The chant had already finished, the defensive barrier was already opened, all physical attacks were a waste of energy. Everyone was thinking the same thing. They could only watch Akatsuki’s upper kick clash with the defensive barrier.

After a brief struggle, what followed was — a crack. As a crisp sound like glass shattering spread across the room, Onizuka’s defensive barrier suddenly dispersed. This unbelievable scene occurred in front of everyone.

Akatsuki’s upper kick broke pass the defensive barrier, and with overwhelming accuracy hit Onizuka in the head.

“—”

Bang.

Onizuka, like a kite without any string, flew from the very back to the very front.

After rolling a few times on the floor, Onizuka lost consciousness, lying on the ground motionless. The huge classroom was enveloped in an unusual silence. Is this the power of Renkan Keikikou? Miu wondered while staring at Akatsuki.

Just a slight mistake could have led to an enormous disaster, yet Akatsuki stood there relaxed.

“Yes, an idiot indeed.”

Akatsuki coldly spoke—

“Only that the idiotic person is you.”

### 005. Part 1

Just the fact that Norn Screening had shown a already drew the attention of everyone before Akatsuki entered the school. But it was unthinkable that he instantly defeated the former A-class Onizuka on his first day of school, then repulsed the Student Council Vice President Nanase Haruka, and even caused a racket in the Student Council Office. Although the matter about the Student Council Office was unconfirmed, it also added to Akatsuki’s legend, instantly making him the most famous person in Babel.

Currently, including Akatsuki and Miu, all high school division B-class students were outside the classroom.

They all came to a huge arena imitating the Roman Coliseum, which is Babel’s second arena.

The arena may be located indoors, but it is very wide in the inside. With a ceiling of 21 meters, it is equivalent to five or six floors in height. This further highlights the vast interior space.

B-class students came to the arena for class. This was the special physical education course for Alternative World Returnees of Babel. Aside from specialized academic research classes, while other students were required to take standard courses such as mathematics and language, they also had to take the combat skills training course.

All of the returnees had stayed in an alternative world for a limited period of time. It was almost impossible to fully grasp the ability they obtained from the alternative world. To allow them to master their special ability and make it as your own ability, the related courses occupied a large amount of Babel’s education.

For Akatsuki and Miu, this was their first combat skills training after entering the school.

Including the method of weapon usage, magic chanting, the use of basic tactics, formation layout command and combat simulation — it can be said that the combat skill training is all-inclusive. Of course, this course must have students with relatively same combat ability participate together in order to achieve the most accurate results. This is one of the reasons why Babel place emphasis on student ability and qualifications when deciding the classes.

Waiting for a chance to finally show their strengths, all the students were happily smiling.

However, among the students…one student’s face had no smile, that was Miu with a slightly shrinking back, looking uneasy and staring at the floor.

...What do I do...?

Miu looked down at her appearance. She was wearing the school issued sports clothes, both soft and flexible, with various functions such as being permeable to air and insulating. The special fiber material could withstand a powerful impact, achieving the effect of protecting the body. Although the texture was quite thick, it stuck to the body and fully emphasized the body’s curves. To describe it in a phrase, it was like a tight outfit with a covering that included the neck and arms. If it could have been worn properly, perhaps Miu might have been able to accept it. But why was Miu’s outfit worn differently from others—it was not because the objective conditions did not permit it, but rather the abnormal differences compared to ordinary people. The key was the zipper that extended from the neck to the stomach. For it to be easily worn and taken off, the sports clothes utilized a design with a zipper on the top and on the bottom. The place where they merged was in front of the chest. However, Miu’s boobs were too voluptuous and the top and bottom zipper could not be merged, creating a diamond shape in front of her chest, leaving her white and tender skin plainly visible. As for the back, it was also a problem. Under the tight clothing’s constraint, her well-rounded ass curves were even clearer.

“Oh wow, it is almost bursting apart.”

Akatsuki, standing in front, stroked his chin, looking at the embarrassed Miu. Akatsuki has also changed into the sports clothes, but the male outfit was a one-piece which extended from the upper arms to the knees.

...So unfair.

Miu tightly bit on her lower lip, feeling unhappy. At this moment, she discovered that beside Akatsuki, all the males and females on the scene unanimously looked at them—everyone was attracted by Miu’s plump and sexy body figure.

“—Hey, what is it?”

Chikage suddenly appeared as if she was especially concerned. Chikage stared at Miu’s face. She was obviously also wearing the sports clothes.

Her boobs were also well-endowed, although her zipper could be pulled up, but like Miu, her curves are all revealed. Miu widened her eyes, and quietly whispered into Chikage’s ears.

“T..This sports clothing…”

Miu’s cheeks reddened and she issued a sound as quiet as a mouse.

“W…Won’t everyone be embarrassed? W..Wearing this sort of clothes that emphasize body figures…”

“Ah? Haha…”

A wry smile dawned onto Chikage.

“At first there was certainly a bit of resistance, but after getting used to it, it’s okay. If you regard it as a swim suit, then you would not feel as embarrassed.”

“But…”

Perhaps what Chikage said was correct, but wearing this sports clothing that emphasized the body curves made one feel quite ashamed. At this moment a small figure passed by Miu’s eyes. This figure that was no different from a young girl was not an outsider, but was none other than the B-class class rep Doumoto Kuzuha. She not only brought back the person who caused trouble on his first day of school, Akatsuki, from the Student Council Office. Afterwards, she also showed Akatsuki and Miu around Babel, and could be said to have had a nice conversation with Miu. So Miu stopped Kuzuha and asked for her advice, Doumoto answered old-fashionedly:

“The more shy and awkward you are, the more you attract others’ attentions. Just don’t think about it.”

“Y..Yes…”

While Miu muttered, the school bell rang.

Shortly after the class started, the combat skill instructor called forth Akatsuki and Miu.

His intentions were to explain the combat skill course main aspects.

“Oh!”

Akatsuki noticed that the combat skill instructor who called him out was very familiar, and immediately greeted him by a show of hand.

Apparently he was the male combat skill instructor that was responsible for testing Akatsuki and Miu on the entrance inspection day.

“Hello, long time no see. So you’re our combat skills instructor?”

“…P…Pleased to meet you.”

Miu thought back to her knocking down the combat skills instructor during the entrance inspection and suddenly felt a little guilty. Upon seeing this, the combat skills instructor could not help but show a wry smile.

“Perhaps some people may think I do not have the qualifications to act as the combat skills instructor, but still, pleased to meet you.”

After the opening remarks, the combat skills instructor directly entered the topic.

“First is the method to use AD. Well, did you wear them on your hand?”

Akatsuki and Miu simultaneously stretched out their right hands. Both wrists were wearing a black wristband.

“AD — Arms Device matches the user’s abilities and talent. It will materialize a weapon that best suits the user.”

“How is it? Did you hear it from the other students?”

“No, it should be that I’ve seen its power before.”

…So it turns out to be this toy’s ability.

Akatsuki slightly smiled. A flushed Nanase Haruka’s face emerged inside his head.

The instructor nodded.

“Is that so, then there is no need to further explain it. Let’s now materialize your weapons. After having the experience once, the second time will be much easier. In the beginning, you may not be able to grasp the trick for imagination, but it is okay for it to slowly occur to you, there is no need to hurry.

“Imagination... This kind of description is too vague, is there a more descriptive method?”

Miu questioned.

The instructor nodded, showing commendable eyes.

“It is almost the same feeling as using magic. Magic activates by borrowing a god or elf’s powers. The intention of concentrating and chanting magic is for you to imagine that you’ve received permission to use magic from their hands.”

In short —

“The moment you use the AD to materialize the weapon is to imagine that you yourself have obtained the weapon, allowing your power to liberate from your own body. Thus, AD will naturally become a weapon specific to you.”

After listening to the instructor’s explanation, Akatsuki non-committally scratched his cheek.

At that very moment—

A sudden flash of light appeared beside him. He saw Miu closing her eyes, with both her hands stretched forward. Gold particles seemed to be collected on the palms of both hands.

The gold particles gradually shrunk and slowly took shape, and finally became a elongated object. The top was decorated with a red crystal ball, making it look just like a sacred mace. With teardrop-shaped decorations from both the upper and lower crystal ball, the main part of the staff was subjected to gold engraving. A magnificent gold holy staff formed in the hands of Miu.

“…”

Miu, who opened her eyes, violently waved, and a crisp metal sound spread around the surroundings. Although this action did not have any meaning, it made others admire her extraordinary talent.

“Wow, a success!”

Miu was shocked and surprised, and almost could not believe that she could do it.

The combat skill instructor nodded, revealing an pleased smile.

“You really have an amazing magic talent. First time materialization is not something that easy, but I can’t believe you succeeded on your very first try.”

In addition —

“The materialized weapon will disappear based on your will, or under the circumstances that you’ve lost consciousness, will it disappear. The feeling of the weapon disappearing is just like letting the weapon back into your body and being engulfed by your consciousness.”

“Let me try it out… Ah, really!”

Miu tried it out while following the orders, and the holy staff disappeared instantly. Afterwards Miu gently waved her hand, and the holy staff reappeared again. It looked like what the instructor had said was true—after succeeding at it once, future attempts were not a problem.

“— Now it’s your turn.”

The combat skills instructor turned and stared at Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s left hand scratched his head and he looked at his empty right hand.

“Ahhh~ I can’t do it.”

“Do you not know how to imagine? Then when you use magic, how do you do it?”

“This… I can’t use magic.”

“Ah…”

Miu could not help but cry out. To people who were summoned to an alternative world, being able to use magic was the most natural thing. As the daughter of the Demon King of Alayzard, magic was also natural to her. However, magic was not a power that people in this world had, to people such as Akatsuki who can’t use magic; magic is a power of another world, at the same time, an unimaginable dimension.

“…So what should I do now?”

Akatsuki’s question made the instructor have a difficult time.

“Even for the students who know magic, there were some who took several times longer than others before learning how to materialize the weapons, but…”

But no matter what he says they were all people who could use magic. It was a completely different situation compared to Akatsuki.

“Unprecedented is it?...This could be a lot of trouble.”

Akatsuki clenched his empty right hand. Near the black wristband, not even the slightest bits of light particles were there.

### 006. Part 1

——The current time was right before the start of the afternoon course.

High school division B-class’s male student — Onizuka’s figure appeared inside the gym warehouse.

“Why do I have to do such a thing...”

In the dark space, Onizuka was currently preparing the equipment needed for the live combat course.

After an investigation done by the Student Council, they concluded that the incident that happened on the first day of school in the B-class classroom was initiated by Onizuka. Thus, the Disciplinary Officers, following the results of the verdict, punished him with two weeks of preparatory work for all courses.

Although Onizuka didn’t want to be there, he still unwillingly followed the instructions the combat skill instructor gave him about preparing the equipment. The reason was obviously because of someone he could not defy.

The fact of him being downgraded to B-class made Onizuka both resentful and angry. Usually he would unreservedly vent his anger at his classmates, but he had not expected that such a trivial matter would actually get their attention. But after listening to the vice president Nanase Haruka’s explanation, Onizuka suddenly realized.

...It was that guy’s fault, damn it...!

Onizuka bitterly spat out that phrase. According to Nanase Haruka, Ousawa Akatsuki seemed to start a conflict with the Student Council due to this matter. In short, he was just an innocent victim caught up by their dispute.

“Enough...Ah?”

Onizuka, who was preparing the equipment, suddenly stopped his work, and looked at a door inside the gym warehouse. An idea flashed through Onizuka’s mind —— A despicable and evil plan.

Onizuka could not help but laugh.

At least he could return the favor to Ousawa Akatsuki.

### 007. Part 1

Alayzard’s residents almost all believe in the same religion.

That is the only holy light god that the Church of Richard believes in. The religious was the birthplace of the Church of Richard. kingdom’s capital — that is the flying capital has two large buildings, one which is the church’s holy land, or otherwise known as the base for the Holy Association of Richard.

The other building is the symbol for the kingdom, which is the Pope’s city .

Right now the conference hall of was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.

Alayzard’s three countries’ leaders were all present in the hall.

The religious country Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV.

The mechanical militarist empire Emperor Baram Dy Alon Disdia.

And —

The magician country Queen Listy El Da Sherfied.

These three countries had had a military alliance to jointly fight against the country led by the Demon King Galious.

One week after the downfall of Galious, the three heads gathered to hold talks. The location was the large table in the middle of the conference hall.

“—Yes, we generally have a consensus.”

Aleclasta’s Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV was currently aged 68. He was stroking a long beard revealing a smile of satisfaction. The pure white holy garments had glamorous embroideries, which further added to the sacred temperament.

“The Demon King Galious has already been defeated, but the remaining Demon King military forces are still resisting everywhere. To clear up the remaining forces, we should set up a common battlefront, and at the same time, try to recover the places that were devastated by the war. This is the conclusion of this meeting, are there any objections?”

His slow and calm tone showed a majestic pride. Listy nodded in agreement—

“Our country has no objections against the proposal of Aleclasta. In order to maintain the peace and safety in Alayzard, we should form closer bonds, in case there is a need of help.”

A steady and calm tone. Listy’s current identity was the Queen, and at the same time the representative of Sherfied; what she said represented the intention of Sherfied.

Listy glanced towards her right side. The person sitting opposite of Volk was the Disdia Empire’s Emperor Baram Dy Alon Disdia. He had his eyes closed, silently sitting on the the chair. As the talks were about to end, Baram’s reaction made Listy feel a little uneasy.

…The atmosphere was quite strange.

Baram had always been known for his combative side. In each conference, he would always firmly protect his claims, but today he had barely said anything. For the arrogant Baram, this was not common. It seemed to represent that the topics today had no value.

Volk also seemed to have noticed the abnormality. Across the extravagant table, the old Pope stared at Baram.

“Baram-dono, what does Disdia think of it?”

“…This…”

After gently coughing once, Baram slowly opened his eyes.

“To destroy the remaining forces of the Demon King is just natural, our country does not have any objections. However—“

Baram’s sudden ending made Listy feel shocked. Yes, the following is the main point. Only to see Baram stare at an empty spot.

“About a week ago, Disdia received some information.”

After a short pause, Baram continued to talk:

“About the missing Demon King’s daughter…”

“—“

Listy’s expression immediately stiffened. Volk also narrowed his eyes.

For the residents of Alayzard, the Demon King’s lost inheritance was undoubtedly a major threat.

Baram nodded in satisfaction,

“I am pleased that the two of you understand the seriousness of this problem. Please allow me to make a proposal, and immediately send pursuers to capture the Demon King’s daughter.”

“Wait a minute, Emperor Baram …”

Listy expressed opposition.

“The Demon King’s army has already lost the center of its leadership, the only resisting opposition is the remaining forces. The Demon King’s army will eventually accept the truth about the death of the Demon King, and go back to to live peaceful lives, I do not think that capturing the Demon King’s daughter has any value—“

“This kind of thinking is too naïve, Queen Listy. Showing mercy to your enemy means hurting your own.”

Baram laughed uncontrollably.

“As long as the Demon King’s daughter is still alive, the Demon race will regroup under her arms, and once again attack the humans. At that time, it will become a bloody time and the world will once again be caught in grief and panic. The peace was hard to obtain. I believe that it is natural to completely eradicate all possible seeds in order to ensure the safety of the human world.”

“…That is true, but…”

“Baram-dono’s opinion is justifiable.”

Listy could not reject this view. The silent Volk also expressed his agreement.

“Although the Demon King’s daughter is innocent, she is indeed a threat. For the world to finally manage to obtain real peace, we must not relax and make every effort to eliminate all possible obstacles. Queen Listy, I believe you also have no objections?”

“…Yes.”

Listy nodded, with a painful expression. Ignoring Listy, who was tightly biting her lower lip, the two leaders continued their conversation.

“So…Did you find the whereabouts of the Demon King’s daughter?”

Volk urgently tried to unearth the information, but Baram only shook his head.

“Unfortunately, she has not been found yet.”

Because…

“According to our information, the Demon King’s daughter is currently residing in an alternative world—“

“W…Wait a moment!”

Listy suddenly interrupted—

“Emperor Baram, are you saying that the Demon King’s daughter passed through the …?”

“That is correct. She passed through the and escaped…no…exiled into another world.”

“H…How is this possible? I can’t believe it.”

Listy shook her head. This was common knowledge in Alayzard, so it is no wonder that she would have this reaction. Alayzard’s world does have a gate leading to another world, but Alayzard’s residents are unable to pass through this entrance and enter another world. This was the absolute truth and an undeniable reality, thus, Volk also revealed a look of disapproval.

“Baram-dono, even I don’t understand. The Demon King’s daughter is residing in another world…? Your argument is really interesting. To propose such an absurd topic in this important conference regarding the peace of the world, do you think that it is not suitable?”

“Pope Volk, this is not an extremely absurd thing. I have already obtained evidence that the Demon King’s daughter passed through the , so I was able to boldly mention it in the conference.”

After a short pause, Baram continued to speak.

“—The rogue hero brought the Demon King’s daughter back to his own world.”

“What—!”

Listy immediately rose from her seat, even the chair fell down with a large noise, but she did not seem to care. Only seeing her hands slam onto the table, her face extremely pale.

“Emperor Baram, this is just baseless talk right? Slandering the hero that defeated the Demon King alone, don’t you feel rude? Please immediately take back what you said about the “Rogue Hero”!”

“Rude? Who do you think is more rude? Defeating the Demon King was his own decision. Do not forget that we had an agreement, that the three countries form a common battle front and attack the Demon King’s castle together.”

“This way, the collective army would inevitably have suffered significant losses.”

“Maybe so, but maybe not, this is only just a hypothetical question. Since we are both assuming, then I can also boldly say that the escape of the Demon King’s daughter and the situation where the Demon King’s remaining forces are still resisting is all because the collective forces did not completely eradicate the Demon King’s army.”

“Y…You think you can say this kind of thing…!”

Listy was speechless and filled with anger. Volk hurriedly tried to act as the peacemaker.

“Queen Listy, do not mind the hypothetical situation. The Demon King Galious was definitely defeated by Akatsuki’s hands. This is the undeniable truth. The gratitude for Akatsuki will never change in this world. However—“

Volk changed the subject and pointed his finger at Baram.

“Baram-dono, how do you plan on proving this? Your plea is only an hypothetical situation, I do not think it is enough to push back Queen Listy’s claims.”

Stopping for a bit, Volk continued to talk:

“The only allows people from an alternative world to pass, Akatsuki could not possibly bring the Demon King’s daughter into his own world. If your hypothesis is true, how do you plan on proving it? Don’t forget, but we cannot go to an alternative world.”

“This you do not have to worry about, I have already found a suitable candidate.”

After Baram finished, the doors to the conference room suddenly opened, and a single youth walked in.

Brown short hair and greenish eyes, with a childlike face showing a faint smile.

After the youth walked to the side, Baram stood up from his seat, and placed his right hand on his shoulder.

“Let me introduce you, he is called Phil Barnett.”

With a short pause—

“—He also came from the same alternative world as the hero, Akatsuki.”

“—“

Listy widened her eyes. The young individual bowed down to perform his respects. His posture was very flexible.

“I am Phil Barnett, Please to meet you, Queen Listy.”

“He was summoned to Alayzard two years ago and stayed in my country. If the collective army invasion plan had been realized, the person to defeat the Demon King Galious would have been him, and not Akatsuki.”

Baram hummed for a bit.

“He can also pass through the and return to the hero Akatsuki’s world. In order to clarify the truth, I have decided to entrust him to find the whereabouts of the Demon King’s daughter. Queen Listy, you should have no objections right?”

This was a gamble.

“—You trust the previous hero, but I trust the future hero. In the end, who is right, let’s leave it for the world to decide.”

### 008. Part 2

Unlike the eastern and western parts of castle Erdia’s forest where temples and cemeteries were built, the northern part was left untouched. That was because the deepest part of the northern forest was considered a sacred ground. Thus there were no man made roads, only natural paths between the trees. But even so, the flora was growing as it pleased. If one was not careful enough, it was easy to trip on the fallen trees, overgrown vines and ivies all around the forest.

---thirty minutes. Even though I've been running in a forest like this for thirty minutes already, the number of presences behind me is not decreasing at all. They are serious about this. They really want to catch me.

While Akatsuki was thinking about what to do, there was a voice above his head.

“Master Akatsuki, prepare yourself!”

Two maids fell from the sky. They held long spears. They're trying to attack me from both sides. Nonetheless I can’t be caught. How can I defeat them without causing damage?

Suddenly Akatsuki had an idea. He tried it right away.

“— gotcha”

Akatsuki narrowed himself and dodged the spears. Then when the maids landed and tried to turn towards him

“-----eh”

For some reason both of them sat on the ground with red faces. They realized they had been stripped.

“Well, well, what happened? Are you alright?“ Said Akatsuki with a sarcastic tone. There was a white piece of cloth in his hand. It was the panties these maids wore. He borrowed it in the split second they passed him.

“What? Did you sprain your legs? Let me see under your skirts for a little.”

“N- Noooooo!!”

The two maids ran in panic.

“What can I say? It works like a charm.”

A bitter smile appeared on Akatsuki’s face. In the Divine Realm, his master who taught him the Renkan Keikikou technique was the fist saint Granseiz. He was the user of the strongest martial art. He was also the strongest perverted old man. For that reason Akatsuki not only learned how to use the body control technique Renkan Keikikou, but he also learned how to use it in a slightly—no in a quite perverted way. The rumor that [the rogue hero likes women] was widespread throughout Alayzard. Of course the maids knew that as well. Akatsuki waved his hand towards the back of the fleeing maids, but a rope tied around his hand. There was also another rope on his other hand holding his bag.

“You can no longer escape, Master Akatsuki!’

“Come back with us to the castle peacefully.”

Two different maids appeared from the brush next to him. But Akatsuki stood firmly on the ground and put a little power in his hands, pulling the rope.

“Ah---!”

With only that the two maids flew in the air. He used Renkan Keikikou. The girls, as if pulled by a mysterious power, flew right in front of him. Then while still with the bag on his back he skillfully caught the girls by their waist, one on each of his shoulders.

“Oh, that ear looks tasty.”

He bit the ear of the maid on his left shoulder softly. With that he changed the chi inside her body. Her body shook then fell to the ground. Renkan Keikikou has many uses. If you raise the chi in your body you can heighten your senses or make your body superhuman. And it can be used on others too. Akatsuki did that to the left maid. Her face was in ecstasy, her face was red; it was quite erotic to be frank. Clearly a pleasant feeling filled her whole body. The other maid watching this tried to distance herself from Akatsuki by pushing him away. But he didn't even flinch, and the maid was the one pushed back instead. Then something was slipping through her uniform’s sleeve. It was her bra.

“Ah---!”

The maid crossed her arms over her chest like she was trying to hide her breasts from him. Akatsuki talked to her.

“Tell this to Valkyria. It means a lot to me that she tried to stop me.”

“---“ Then the maid bit her lips and disappeared in a brush. Akatsuki shrugged his shoulders, then turned to the other maid whose chi was changed and who was sitting powerlessly on the ground.

“I’m sorry… you will be able to move in thirty minutes. Please give this back to the other maid.”

He threw the bra towards her then started to run again.

It was only yesterday that Akatsuki defeated Galious the demon king. After that he immediately returned to the royal town Erdia, where a victory party was held for the leaders of the allied kingdoms who fought together with Sherfied against the demon army. Now it was the dawn of the next day. Akatsuki had silently left the castle of Sherfied at daybreak. To return to his own world. Since he thought he shouldn’t be in this world anymore. He mumbled while running.

“That was all good but…”

Apparently his plans were seen through by his friends who had fought together with him. Zechs and Loutier, while reluctant to let him leave, saw him off. The problem was Princess Listy. Akatsuki didn’t understand what she was thinking.

Listy the talented mage was Akatsuki’s important partner. After they got over the shared sadness of losing Leon and reconciled, they formed a party with Zechs and Loutier. The four of them traveled and fought together in the last few years to defeat the demon king.

The hero who defeated the demon king marries the princess and they live happily ever after. Indeed it wouldn’t be strange if it had ended like that. It is completely possible that after traveling all over the world risking their lives, something special forms between them. To be precise, there was a special feeling between Akatsuki and Listy. But they didn’t get together. The reason was that Listy had a lover she couldn’t forget. And Akatsuki also couldn’t forget that man. He was his first true friend after he was summoned to Alayzard. He was a hero among heroes. That is why Akatsuki fought as a rogue hero to the end. And that is why it didn’t take long for Listy to feel something special towards Akatsuki, since she understood his feelings like they were her own. Just like the two of them getting attracted to each other due to sharing the same pain. Still, they didn’t become lovers until the very end. And Listy wasn’t there to see him off. Zechs and Loutier followed him. There is no way that Listy of all people wouldn’t realize his plans. That is why he thought that they ended like that. Then when he started to walk towards the northern forest where the was, he was stopped by Sherfied’s beautiful maids and head maid Valkyria. Since they said they had a message from Listy he had to hear it. That is why.

“The hero who defeated the demon king disappears the next day? Don’t kid with me! You should cool your head a little while being tied up!”

Even if they say that, I can’t understand it so quickly. The moment Akatsuki tilted his head to the side, there was a sharp metallic sound as forty-four armed maids attacked him in unison.

“Then it turned out like this.”

Said as he stopped. A group of maids stood before Akatsuki blocking his way. Looks like they decided that two or three of them wouldn't stand a chance against him. So this time they have ten at once. It was quite a sight to see them forming a straight line. Akatsuki let out a sigh.

“I suppose you won't back out. Well… I guessed so. It is not easy to let go. Memories that is.”

Still, that could be said about him too. Thus Akatsuki started to walk. And this was his last warning.

“If you still try to get in my way I'll be a little forceful ---don't think badly of me, okay!”

### 009. Part 2

During the time period when he stayed in Alayzard, Akatsuki along with Listy, Zechs and Lotier formed a 4-man adventuring team.

But afterwards Akatsuki singly challenged the Demon King, Galious, and alone bore the kindness and grudges of defeating the Demon King. As long as Akatsuki left Alayzard, it would not leave any aftereffects.

Akatsuki’s way of thinking had only obtained one person’s agreement. That was the Demon King, Galious. For Alayzard’s peace, the Demon King, who leads the demon race, also had his own way of thinking. Galious decided the Demon King’s palace—to be exact, in front of his throne—would be the location of the duel between Akatsuki and him. Only at that place would the troops of the two camps not be aware of the one on one duel.

However, the Demon King’s castle stationed a large number of demon warriors, thus Galious specially dispatched his own daughter to act as a guide, hiding this information from the demon warriors, and brought Akatsuki into the castle.

There was neither conversation nor dialogue between the two men. The final battle started off instantaneously, and the intense death match ended with the victory of Akatsuki.

Before his death, Galious made his last request to Akatsuki.

“Please take care of my daughter.” The girl’s mother is a dark elf, but her appearance looks similar to the past me, there should be no risk of being seen through.

This was the Demon King’s final wish. The past Demon King was once in love with a dark elf and eventually gave birth to a daughter between the two of them. However, his loving wife eventually died at human hands. This heavy blow made the Demon King discard his human identity and completely devote himself to the demon race’s camp.

At the beginning, Akatsuki did not want to accept this undesirable request. However, the very thought of the princess, after the sudden death of the demon king and the destruction of the kingdom, had to face this cruel fate, he did not have the heart to refuse the demon king’s wish. Not to mention that she was the Demon King’s daughter; she could eventually fall into enemy hands or even get pushed into being the demon race’s new leader and be killed in battle. There was absolutely no happy ending. In addition, Akatsuki had already decided on the idea to bear all the feelings of gratitude and resentment, and disappear from the world. Once Akatsuki left Alayzard, the human’s vengeance would definitely point towards the Demon King’s daughter who was still remaining in this world. Based on his own principles of not letting others bear responsibility, Akatsuki reluctantly agreed.

However, Akatsuki also made a condition, which was that he must go back to his own world and sort out a very important matter. If Galious wished to entrust the girl to Akatsuki, he must accept the possibility of Akatsuki taking her with him back to his own world. Akatsuki did not inquire for the Demon King’s will, but instead turned and stared at Myuu, asking if she was willing to entrust her fate to him.

If the answer is yes, please hold my hand.

Myuu nodded without hesitation and held tightly to Akatsuki’s right hand.

This act was completely different from Akatsuki’s expectation; he had assumed that Myuu would not accept. Myuu’s expression was very calm, and she said that Galious had foreseen his own death. If the Hero who defeats the demon king really appears, from then on, please go follow him and live together.

Akatsuki immediately looked back at Galious. The sad Demon King had long been out of breath.

“——How did you bring me to this world? Alayzard’s residents cannot pass through the right?”

Myuu still had an incredulous look on her face. Akatsuki then easily shrugged.

“Fortunately, I just found a loophole.”

The truth is that by utilizing Renkan Keikikou he messed up the cognitive abilities of the . This was one of the skills that Akatsuki had learned in the past at , which Myuu certainly did not know. Strictly speaking, almost no one had knowledge of this method in Alayzard now. The fact that Myuu came to this world was like a blind spot in a blind spot.

“Oh...”

Myuu bowed down in silence. Akatsuki originally thought that Myuu would continue to ask further, so Myuu’s reaction made Akatsuki feel a bit surprised.

After a moment of silence ———

“——What do I do next?”

Myuu took the initiative to ask.

“In this world, I could be described as an alien. If my true identity is exposed, wouldn’t it cause a heap of trouble?”

“Ahhh... Yes, that’s correct, but there’s no need to worry. In this world, the fact that you are Alayzard’s notorious Demon King’s daughter, no one knows your true identity except for me and you.”

“But there is always a possibility? A large amount of magic that I use can only be used by the demon race."

Myuu’s tone was very uneasy, but Akatsuki still shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Why? Could it be that this world cannot use magic?”

“No, just the opposite.”

Akatsuki exposed a mischievous smile.

“Magic does exist in this world now, but only just recently.”

Akatsuki is not the first person to be summoned to an alternative world.

The amount of people summoned to an alternative world in the past numbers several thousands.

Initially, it created a huge amount of confusion, but as more and more people were summoned, the research about this phenomenon gradually matured. With nearly half of the people coming back from the alternative worlds safe and sound, it solved many of the mysteries.

The summoning to alternative worlds began approximately 30 years ago, but there isn’t only one alternative world. This truth was obtained through the people who came back safe and sound. Alayzard, which summoned Akatsuki, is only one of the multiple alternative worlds, and to up to this day, the total amount of alternative worlds confirmed exceeds 10. The people who are summoned all share some common similarities: every one of them is a male or female in their teens, and each of them will learn a special ability like magic in the alternative world.

After returning from the alternative world, the original world’s time will not elapse. This point is a great surprise for the scientists. The abilities that were obtained at the alternative world can also be used in the original world. The returnees, who obtained an ability surpassing the human capacity, will of course be regarded as a new hope for human development, and often will be treated as a dangerous existence.

Therefore, the new United Nations—G7, which comprise of Japan, USA, Russia, China, India, Oceania Federation and the European Union—founded an organization a few years ago to protect and monitor all alternative world returnees.

That is . The purpose is to guide the young men and women who have special abilities along the right path, and allow them to contribute to human prosperity and development. is established within all member states’ territories of the New United Nations and Japan even turned Tokyo’s satellite city into campus territory, giving them the right to self-govern.

The huge campus houses all the alternative world returnees, while establishing institutes at all levels such as primary school, secondary school, university and even research institutes. At the same time the returnees receive general education, the school will specifically design a curriculum for each returnee, training the special abilities they acquired in the alternative world.

Enrollment eligibility is only for returnees who came back from an alternative world. Conversely, the returnees who came back from an alternative world are all forced to study at without exception. Their intention is to isolate the returnees with special abilities from the general population in order to manage them.

In short, will not let go of any one of its returnees.

“——So, we will also have to study at that school?”

“Exactly, the self-governed region and gathers a lot of returnees with special abilities, so even if there is one more person who can use magic, it will not attract any attention.”

Afterwards Akatsuki paused for a moment, he continued to speak:

“In fact, this house is also located within the self-governed region. My older brother is a graduate of , Dad rarely comes home, and there are no other family members, so staying here is very safe.”

“Oh...”

Myuu seemed to be relieved, but Akatsuki shook his head.

“Don’t think that you can avoid ’s investigation. As I have said, will not let any of the returnees go. It could be possible that last night they observed that I was the only one in the house and suddenly two dimensional shifts reactions occurred. If I guess right, people from should appear very soon.”

“W...Well, what should I do?”

“Rest assured, I have an excellent plan.”

Compared to the pessimistic Myuu, Akatsuki seemed to be much more optimistic.

"When I decided to take you to this world, I had already prepared a battle plan. Although I can not guarantee a 100% success rate, but... it should pass successfully.”

Why so certain?

“——Because the goddess of fate who likes mischief seems to be standing on our side.”

### 010. Part 2

A while after Akatsuki stopped Onizuka—

Numerous students wearing white uniforms immediately hurried to B-class. They were all part of the school’s Disciplinary Committee.

There was a periodic scan of the school that would confirm whether the barrier was working or not, thus, all students and staff members’ physical and mental state would appear on the screen. Once a abnormal situation occurred, the Disciplinary Committee Members and staff members would immediately head for the scene. Alternative World returnees were an important asset to the country, the management could not be careless.

Onizuka, who was showing the whites in his eyes, was sent to the infirmary, and should quickly recover his consciousness. As for the other accomplice, Akatsuki would be sent by the Disciplinary Committee Members to the Student Council. No matter if it was Miu, Chikage or any other students testifying that it was Onizuka who first provoked him, the Disciplinary Committee Members also accepted everyone’s statement. However, as the accomplice, Akatsuki must provide a spoken report to the Student Council and the Student Council would decide on a suitable punishment. In short, it means that Akatsuki’s self-defense went overboard.

“Please wait here for a moment, the enforcement division will be here shortly.”

After leaving this phrase, the Disciplinary Committee Members walked out of the student council room.

…Shortly, is it?

Akatsuki turned and looked around the empty student council room. On the floor lay a red carpet. The inside was a rectangular shaped space. On both sides of the wall stood a bookshelf reaching as high as the ceiling. The location close to the door had a sofa and a small table placed there. The place between the rectangular shaped space and the entrance had three high class desks, two on the left and one on the right confronting each other. As for the inner part of the classroom, there was an even more high class and more lordly desk.

“Whoaaa…”

Akatsuki slowly walked to the inner part of the classroom.

The desks all had a name tag that presented the position and name. The desks that were facing left and right respectively belonged to , and . After seeing the nametag of the innermost table, Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

…This is that fellow’s desk…

Akatsuki suddenly remembered the silver-haired male who tested him back in the entrance inspection.

“So that’s it…”

Akatsuki circled around the desk and sat rudely on Kyouya’s seat.

Babel school president’s seat, the throne of the strongest Japanese.

This position is a goal that he must conquer one day.

Akatsuki crossed his legs, turned the seat and faced the window behind him.

The student council room was located at the highest floor of the school building. Through the entire surface of a French window, JPN Babel school’s campus could be seen throughout.

High above the landscape, all the people looked extraordinarily small. The distant surface looked like the underworld.

…Being at this place too long will inevitably produce an illusion.

In Akatsuki’s brain emerged another person’s shadow. It was not the owner of this seat, Hikami Kyouya, but another person he was familiar with.

After turning the chair back to the front, Akatsuki rudely placed his legs on top of the desk.

He used both hands to hold the back of his head, placing his upper body’s entire weight onto the back of chair, and leisurely straightened his body.

Then he yawned and closed his eyes.

Waiting.

After a period of time, the student council door opened. Two females and a male appeared behind the door, but Kyouya wasn’t there. All three of them were wearing an armband. Embroidered on top was the student council and its title. It looked like they should be members of the student council.

“You’ve waited fo….Huh?”

Her eyes reflected on the deserted sofa, the female who was wearing the Vice president armband was slightly surprised. The vice president was a beautiful female with superior qualities. Her shoulder-length hair, swaying as she moved around, further underlined her scholarly style. As she slowly moved her gaze forward, her eyes met with Akatsuki. Akatsuki gently raised his hand and provided a greeting.

“Hello, you guys finally came.”

She finally realized that Akatsuki was currently sitting on the chair of the Student Council president.

“—!”

The vice president’s face immediately changed.

“Y..You… What are you doing!”

She headed toward Akatsuki at a surprisingly fast speed. The other two were just standing there with a shocked expression and did not know what to do. The vice president Nanase Haruka quickly reached Akatsuki’s side, with a face filled with rage.

“You dare! You… Stand up immediately! This seat isn’t something a normal student like you can randomly sit in!”

“Didn’t you guys ask me to wait for a while? I only listened to you guys only.”

Although Akatsuki tried to pretend he was innocent, inside of him he was secretly delighted. Haha, she indeed fell into his trap.

“And chairs are chairs, when have you heard of a chair that you can’t sit on?”

—Basically, she was not referring to the physical abilities of it.

“…That is Kyouya’s seat.”

As unfamiliar sounds entered his ears, Akatsuki turned around and noticed that the other two had already reached the front of the desk. The male, who was unconsciously scratching his head, seemed to be the student council secretary Uesaki Ryouhei. His hair was very casual and also had a thick layer of hair clay. His face was wearing a lazy expression, and it could be seen that he was not as agitated as the vice president, he only felt that Akatsuki’s act was incredible only.

The person who was standing quietly behind him should be the student council’s accountant Aihara Minami. With a slightly long straight hair, both sides of hair braided and long bangs nearly covering her left eye, you could still see her beautiful upright face.

…All three of them plus Hikama Kyouya, those were all the student council members.

Akatsuki looked at the three people in front of him and attempted to imagine the scene when all four stood together. He noticed that the image was quite coordinated, no wonder that they became JPN Babel school’s four kings.

“—Did you not hear us? Quickly stand up, do not tarnish Hikami-kaichou’s seat!”

Haruka angrily pulled a long face, but her angry look was indescribably sexy.

Akatsuki, joyfully playing around, curtly refused to stand up.

“Your angry expression is actually quite cute.”

“—!”

Haruka suddenly blushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t go overboard —”

Just when Haruka was about to scold him.

The student council office doors opened again, and Kyouya came in from the outside.

“Ahhh…?”

Everyone’s expression made Kyouya immediately understand the situation. He could not help but have a hint of a smile on his face.

Almost at the same time—

“—!”

Akatsuki suddenly took action, there were absolutely no signs beforehand. Only to see him step onto table and jump over Ryouhei and Minami’s heads, and after landing, immediately sprint forward.

“Ah—!”

Tossing away everyone’s cry of alarm to the back of his head, Akatsuki swiftly moved towards Kyouya. Just when he thought he succeeded, a sudden gust of wind blew in front of his eyes. A closer look revealed the vice president Nanase Haruka.

…So fast!

Akatsuki was slightly surprised. In that split second, she could actually catch up with him who sprinted at full speed, this girl really wasn’t that simple. Akatsuki looked at the vice president in front of her, and noticed her surroundings were filled with activated magic circles. She probably used the wind attribute magic to produce a high speed movement. But to complete the chant in such a short period of time, it also proved that her strength was not to be underestimated.

…The so-called vice president should be the second most powerful person here.

Akatsuki smiled and suddenly crouched in front of Haruka.

“—?”

Haruka’s focus was suddenly attracted downward. Taking advantage of this moment, Akatsuki took a violently jump, utilizing the knee’s elasticity to directly leap over Haruka’s head.

“—!”

An unusual atmosphere came from behind. Akatsuki turned around to look in midair, and was surprised to see a huge fireball coming towards him.

The fireball was created by the magic of Ryouhei and it was on an inevitable direct course. Akatsuki hurriedly collected the ki within his body, and twisted his body in midair, using a right kick to face the fireball. After a heavy bang, the fireball was split into fragments, and under the protection of his ki, Akatsuki’s right foot was completely unharmed.

“Oh, you’re quite remarkable!”

Ryouhei applauded, but Akatsuki could see it very clearly. Minami, who was beside Ryouhei, stretched both hands and touched the ground, clearly showing signs of an activating magic circle. The floor — Akatsuki subconsciously looked below.

However, there was no attack coming from the bottom. Akatsuki was slightly surprised, and thought he was in a tight corner inside of him.

—Above?

Akatsuki raised his head and looked at the ceiling, but unfortunately he was a step too late. A giant mud hand appeared on the ceiling, trying to push Akatsuki to the ground.

“…Damn!”

Akatsuki continued to fall and used the momentum of engaging the fireball to abruptly change the direction of his body.

He then extended his left arm and directly stabbed into the giant mud hand. Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, the mud arm instantly turned into pieces. Akatsuki took advantage of this gap to adjust his position, barely landing with one knee on the ground.

However— His actions had been stopped.

“Immediately stop the attack or we will not hold back anymore.” Akatsuki was surrounded by three people. All three of them had their palms raised towards Akatsuki. If Akatsuki tried to resist, they would mercilessly attack.

“…What just happened here?”

Kyouya’s tone had a hint of laughter.

Akatsuki slowly stood up, with a face that was completely outside of this situation.

“Someone called me to the student council office, I thought that you wanted to settle our unfinished duel and purposely called me here.”

“Knock it off, I don’t even know why you appeared here.”

“Ousawa Akatsuki, it is me who looked for you.”

The speaker was Nanase Haruka with a very serious expression.

“The Disciplinary Committee Members have already reported to me. On the first day of school, you were involved in a dispute between students. I can only say that your luck is extremely bad. That student called Onizuka will receive the proper punishment. We, the student council, will like to specially thank you for your courageous acts.” There was no smile, nor any feelings, it was purely a businesslike tone.

Akatsuki shrugged.

“After half a day, you only found me to express your gratitude?”

“—And to give you a grave warning.”

Haruka’s tone carried a hint of anger.

“Causing trouble on the first day of school, you have already become the Disciplinary Committee Members’ target. The Disciplinary Committee Members belong to my elite team. If you continue to cause any trouble, we will use all our power to arrest and confine you in order to maintain the peace on campus.”

Haruka narrowed his eyes, revealing a cold killing intent.

“—Especially acts that disrespect us, or you will face the consequences yourself.”

Haruka right arm swayed and stepped back.

“What needed to be said is finished, please return.”

The cold eyes did not contain the slightest warmth.

The sound of the heavy doors slowly closing echoed in the silent corridor. The location was the student council building located at the highest floor of the school.

The figure standing at the corridor was Akatsuki, who had just left the student council office.

In fact, he really wanted to have a duel with Kyouya, but there was no chance of winning 1 vs. 4.

Although his actions had planted a fuse, it was likely that there would be a chance to attack the student council president in the future. The current Akatsuki could not do anything now, but only hope for an opportunity to occur. …Based on the above considerations, they probably believed that Akatsuki had already given up.

As Akatsuki stared back at the door of the student council office, a hint of smile appeared on his face. Too Naïve. Was 4 against 1 really a big advantage? Did everybody bring out their true strength? Thus — there were no possibilities of a surprise attack now?

…Too careless and too full of yourself. Akatsuki activated Renkan Keikikou and unleashed his body’s inner ki.

…Directly destroying the door… No, it should be better to attack from afar.

Just as a precaution, Akatsuki had already prepared against the others. He even took the opportunity to consider the possibility of a counter attack. In the end, he still thought that a direct assault, defeating each of them one by one, was the most effective tactic. Placing the strongest, Kyouya, at the very last and taking out the other three seems to be good. Akatsuki gently licked his lips, concentrated, and extended his right palm gently against the doors.

…Sorry, I cannot be standing still.

Today I will destroy JPN Babel’s leadership.

“… I advise you to remove the idea out of your head.”

After the sudden warning entered his ears, Akatsuki turned and looked at the direction of the sound.

“… Huh? Where’s the person?”

But in front of him, not even half a person existed. Akatsuki could only see the empty silent corridor.

“I am here.”

The voice sounded again. Akatsuki’s gaze followed the source of the sound and went down, only to be surprised to see a petite female youth standing in front of him. Strictly speaking not a female youth, but a female child. Her age was about ten and her height was only to Akatsuki’s waist, she also kept her black hair to her waist. Although her face was expressionless, it did come with a doll-like beauty. She would become a stunning beauty in time. Her entire body was expressing an intellectual aura, wearing a kimono would be unexpectedly outstanding. However, she was not wearing a kimono, but a JPN Babel school uniform.

“You can interpret their thoughts, but likewise they can see through you.”

The girl looked up at Akatsuki with cold eyes, and no emotional tone.

Akatsuki crouched down and looked at the girl in front of him.

“…Did you get lost? Where did you come from, little girl?”

“That should be a little girl in your class, Ousawa-kun.”

The girl smiled slightly.

“I am B-class class representative Doumoto Kuzuha. The first class’s location is at another location, let me bring you there.”

### 011. Part 2

A crisp and loud bell sound spread throughout the Babel campus, which meant that class had ended. Both the clock’s long and short hand pointed directly up, and the morning classes came to the end.

Currently it was lunch time. B-class students left the second arena in twos or threes, but Miu’s figure appeared inside the gym’s warehouse. Inside the warehouse it was extremely dark, and the air was filled with a damp mildew smell. Miu could not help but think back to Alayzard’s castle. This kind of smell was similar to the castle underground caves.

The warehouse’s interior was broader than expected, as expected of the second arena and first arena’s shared warehouse. The deeper you entered, the darker the light became, until you could not see the other wall at all, not to mention the volume of the place. Miu could not imagine how big this warehouse was. She only knew that everywhere inside the warehouse there were piled up weapons used for combat training and magic props, as well as cushions of different sizes, iron balls and bags filled with lime. It looked like equipment for the physical education courses was also piled up here.

As a mixture of the smell of her sweat and dust entered her lungs, Miu could not help but cough a few times.

“Class rep, is placing it here okay?”

“Yes, thank you for your help.”

After the combat training course had ended, Miu stayed behind to help Kuzuha collect the equipment.

After obtaining the class rep’s agreement, Miu placed the triangular cone in a corner of the warehouse.

“Ah that’s right, Ousawa-san. This door will automatically lock itself after being closed, there is no way to open it from the inside, so you better pay attention to it.”

“Huh, really?”

Miu heard it and looked back at Kuzuha.

“It can be opened from the outside, but not from the inside? Isn’t the design of this too problematic?”

“Just the opposite. This type of design where you can only open it from the outside is the foolproof security system. Inside the warehouse are very important magical props. If someone secretly snuck into the warehouse and moved the items away, wouldn’t that cause more trouble?”

“That’s true, the thief could not allow the doors to be opened while stealing stuff.” Miu suddenly understood. So the design of this warehouse was to capture thieves with evil intentions in their hearts.

Looking back, Akatsuki was still at the arena training hard.

—Miu had expressed her willingness to help Akatsuki materialize his weapon using AD, but the instructor turned it down. The instructor felt that this problem was something that Akatsuki had to overcome by himself, plus Miu had her own course she should learn from and should not waste time here. So under the instructor’s instructions, Miu and Kuzuha formed a group, with Kuzuha teaching Miu how to use the materialized weapon.

The use of an AD materialized weapon could enhance the user’s magic and increase the amount being released. In a nutshell, it acted as a medium. Through the help of the AD, the user did not have to depend on the power of the gods and elves, and could use their own magic power to chant magic. But because the magic Miu used were almost all entirely drawing on elves and gods’s magic, if she wanted to use her own magic power to activate magic, Miu must create a new type of magic.

But as long as you used the materialized weapon, it would enormously increase the magic drawn from elves and gods. In short, it could increase the power or shorten the chanting time. After accumulating a certain amount of experience, you could even skip materializing the weapon and directly use the AD as a medium.

…So that’s why Onizuka’s chanting speed was so fast.

Miu thought back to the quarrel on the first day of school. At that time Onizuka’s activated magic was extremely powerful, and the chanting speed was surprisingly fast. Presumably it must have been the results of using the AD as a medium.

Aside from that, Miu also remembered another situation. The ice magic used by the Student Council President during the entrance inspection. Creating a giant icicle from the ground, it should be the same method as well.

In addition, Akatsuki also seemed to encounter the same situation at the Student Council Office. According to Akatsuki’s description, the student council members almost instantly activated their magic.

…But to not think about the occasion and stirring up trouble, this person went too overboard…

Miu sighed. After the school bell sounded for ending class, Akatsuki was called by the instructors to stay behind, probably due to the fact that he could not materialize his weapon. And from Akatsuki’s current expression, he probably could not obtain any decent results now. Thinking up to here, Miu could not help but laugh. The hero who defeated her father could actually have a moment when he was beaten. The world was really unpredictable.

“…Ha ha ha, to think that he also has these types of days.”

But at the moment when Miu snickered.

“—Looks like you’re quite happy, what’s so funny?”

“Whoa—!”

The sound suddenly came from beside her, and the startled Miu almost jumped back. Turning around, Akatsuki was standing behind her. Gently pressing her pounding heart, Miu said sulkily:

“D…Don’t scare people okay? So how were the after class tutoring results? Did you successfully materialize your weapon?”

“No, I still didn’t succeed, so I’m taking a short break. It looks like afternoon is real combat training, so the instructor specifically told me to eat more, and recover my stamina.”

After saying this, Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

“Well, who did you say had these types of days?”

“…Huh?”

Miu froze for a moment, and immediately exposed a pair of malicious eyes.

“Ha ha ha, even though you knew you still had to ask. Of course it was you.”

Afterwards she pretended to pout.

“You even had this expression saying “No, I can’t do it”. Ah ha ha ha!”

“I say you, getting proud of yourself because you easily passed…Just wait and see.”

“—Can you two quiet down a little?”

Kuzuha interrupted.

“Ah, Sorry…”

Miu thought she was too noisy and suddenly revealed an apologetic look, but Kuzuha’s gaze did not fall onto Miu but rather stared at the depth of the warehouse.

“—”

“W…What is it…?”

Facing Miu’s questions, Kuzuha replied rather calmly, while her gaze remained at the depth of the warehouse.

“—I seem to hear the sound of people talking.”

The inside of the sports warehouse could only be opened with a key.

When previously entering the sports warehouse, the door was closed shut.

If someone was accidently locked in the warehouse, it should be reasonable to stay close to the door, to be more easily discovered by people on the outside.

If they were hiding in the depth of the warehouse, their intention was to avoid people’s eyes and ears.

“C…Could it be that you’ve heard wrong?”

Miu, who was following behind Kuzuha, spoke quietly. Deep inside the warehouse, it was both dark and humid. The atmosphere was almost like a haunted house. After walking for a bit, the sound of people speaking really did seem to come from the front. This terrifying atmosphere made Miu horrified. At this moment, Kuzuha, who was in front, suddenly stopped, and crouched down gently to avoid being found by the other party.

“… Found it.”

“R…Really?”

Miu and Akatsuki both crouched down. Hiding behind Kuzuha, Miu stuck out her head to look around. She noticed figures in the shadows five meters in front. In total there were two people sitting on the soft cushion, but she did not know what they were talking about.

“…Huh? Wait… Isn’t that…?”

After confirming the figure of one of them, Miu was shocked.

Using her pupils that were gradually adjusting to the dark to look carefully once again, Yes that’s right.

“…That’s Izumi.”

The figure that was closer to them was Chikage. She and another female student that Miu did not know were sitting side by side and seemed to be talking. Miu felt relieved. Chikage was absolutely not a suspicious individual.

…Huh? Wait a second…

What was Chikage hiding here? Just as Miu was puzzled, the sight in front of her eyes showed her the answer—Chikage kissed the other female student’s lips.

“Whattttt~~!”

Miu could not withstand it and shouted, then afterwards hurriedly covered her mouth. The scene in front of her eyes was the truth, but Miu could not accept this reality.

…Female with Female…?

Miu, with her ears completely red, stared at the two people, and watched as Chikage slowly pushed down the other female student.

A deep passionate kiss. Their limbs entangled, each demanding from the other.

Akatsuki opened his mouth and said with a calm tone.

“Looks like Izumi’s experiences are quite abundant.”

“… I can’t watch it any longer.”

The petite back in front of their eyes coldly threw out this phrase, stood up and walked towards the front, preparing to enter the crime scene. A few seconds later —

“—!”

“—…—!”

Inside the depth of the warehouse came the sound of a dispute.

“Ah…”

“~~~!”

Their good deed was caught by others, it was probably extremely embarrassing. The female student, who was enjoying her sexual conduct with Chikage, blushed with a reddened face and flew over from in front of Miu and Akatsuki, then disappeared in the direction of the entrance. Afterwards, a sound of a heavy object being locked came from far far behind.

Kuzuha and Chikage were currently engaging in a fierce dispute, and seemed to not have heard the sound.

At that moment Akatsuki suddenly remembered something.

“Hey… she shouldn’t have locked the door right?”

“…Huh? So…”

Miu, who had not yet awoken from the shock of seeing two women entwining among each other, was suddenly awake, and did not seem to understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s words at that moment. After a period of time, she violently woke up.

“—It can’t be! Are we all stuck in the warehouse now?”

Miu panickedly stood up, her elbow accurately hitting Akatsuki’s jaw.

“Ah—”

Miu watched as Akatsuki fell down. Aside from being helpless, she could only temporarily throw away the unconscious Akatsuki and flew off to the entrance of the warehouse.

After coming to the door, she was surprised to find the sliding door was really locked.

“Ah ha ha … This can’t be real, this can’t be real… Oh God ~~~!”

Her smile suddenly disappeared. A panicked Miu used all her strength and attempted to open the heavy doors, but the doors did not move at all. This was also a matter of fact, if a single female’s power could pull open the door, how could it be called a foolproof security system.

“W…What can I do…”

Behind the dejected Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha were still quarrelling.

In this huge warehouse, you could only hear the sounds of the dispute coming from the two people.

### 012. Part 2

The afternoon courses began.

The B-class students, who returned again to the second arena, were about to conduct a different live combat training compared to the morning classes. The course was roughly divided into two different parts. One was a one on one duel in the second arena, the other was to go to the nearby first arena, form a party with various students, and fight against the programmed summoned monster. Akatsuki did not hesitate and selected the latter.

“——Hey, let’s form a team together.”

Akatsuki said to Miu, Kuzuha and Chikage. All three of them had changed into clean gym clothes, perhaps even their body was washed completely clean.

But...

“————”

All three of them replied silently, and gave an icy stare.

“...Let’s go.”

“Yes, Let’s do that.”

“Agreed.”

The trio turned and left, leaving Akatsuki at his original spot. Akatsuki who held up his right hand froze on the spot, while his face showed a wry smile.

“...Ha ha, I can’t blame them.”

Of course. Recalling his actions from the gym warehouse, not being dissected into multiple parts was already very good. The trio’s cold reaction was only natural. It was likely that they would refuse to speak with Akatsuki for a good period of time.

“However, this is also a good opportunity.”

This could let Kuzuha, who intentionally suppressed herself, to have a temporary chance to relieve herself. Kuzuha’s age was the smallest, but her performance exceeded the others. Thus, she was often being alienated by the other students. She didn’t even have friends to talk with.

“——Moreover, it is the same for that fellow too.”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, staring far ahead.

Looking at Miu who was under the companionship of Kuzuha and Chikage.

The three girls left Akatsuki and advanced to the first arena. Their expressions all had a common point, they were all holding back on a proud smile of a successful prank.

“...What?”

“It feels like he is still looking at us.”

Chikage’s answer made Miu feel even more pleased.

...Must make him reflect upon his own actions.

Miu stuck out her tongue and made up her mind. Akatsuki’s action was too much. Only by completely ignoring and excluding him would he know where he went wrong.

After leaving the gym warehouse, Miu was showering and apologizing to Kuzuha and Chikage for her lawless brother. Originally, she thought that Kuzuha and Chikage would reply sarcastically, but both of them just shook their heads with a wry smile and did not add any more blame to them.

Kuzuha and Chikage were grateful for Akatsuki’s consideration, but his method was too much, and they could not forgive him that easily. Thus, the trio made a decision to make Akatsuki fully reflect upon on his actions. After the three of them looked at each other, and unanimously laughed, this laugh strengthened the friendship between the three of them.

Miu felt inconceivable. At first, she always felt that there was a barrier between her and the other two, but now they had become very intimate and very good friends.

“Miu, it must be hard for you. Your family having such a strange brother, it must be difficult right?”

The sound came from below. It was obviously the petite Kuzuha. Although the mature tone was slightly cold, Miu could feel the warmth she never experienced in those few words, making the pleased Miu narrow her eyes. Kuzuha had called out Miu’s name without any resistance, which meant that Kuzuha had completely accepted Miu.

Thus, even if Akatsuki’s action went overboard, Miu still felt grateful to him.

——Regardless of the method used, without Akatsuki, she could not laugh so happily in this world.

After watching Miu and them leave, Akatsuki began to look for another training partner. Since they had decided to select the team battle, he could only select the other course. So Akatsuki stayed at the second arena, preparing to participate in the one on one duel. However, Akatsuki did not have a good relationship with any of the other students, and they also deliberately tried to avoid Akatsuki’s gaze. Perhaps it was because of the trouble he had caused on the first day of school. As he had also showed off his strength in front of everyone, of course no one wanted to be in his group.

...What a pain.

This could be counted as he got what he deserved. At this moment, Akatsuki had two ideas float up into his mind. One was to find an opponent with considerable strength. The other was easily defeating his training partner. He had to select one out of the two. But after taking a closer look, he had already found his opponent, so Akatsuki could only pin his hopes onto the other person—who for a different reason could not find an opponent.

“Onizuka-san~~”

“O...Ousawa? W…What do you want? Don’t scream out so disgustingly!”

Onizuka was alert, but Akatsuki tried to pretend to be cute and slightly turned his head to one side.

“——Group up with me okay?”

“S...Stop it! Why should I pair up with you…”

“If you don’t pair up with me, I’ll kill you.”

“...!”

Akatsuki’s threat made Onizuka suddenly become very stiff.

“Relax, you should know that I still can’t use my AD right? At this time, the weapon I will be using is this borrowed model sword.”

After lifting up the model long sword, Akatsuki continued to speak:

“——Plus, I cannot use any magic at all.”

“R...Really...?”

Onizuka widened his eyes, revealing a surprised look.

Akatsuki nodded.

“That’s right, so there is nothing to be afraid of. Inside Babel’s barrier, you can’t be injured anyways.”

“...”

Onizuka pondered for a moment, and determinedly nodded.

### 013. Part 2

A dark enclosed space.

Although the room was pitch black, outsiders would be able to clearly feel the vast interior space.

The key to figuring this out was the sound. A building with a chimney-like structure can often have a sound amplification effect. The loud sound echoed around, causing the vast space to be further emphasized.

“—It is only that a hero appeared, there is no need to specially summon everyone to this meeting right?”

“And we will see each other in next week’s summit, why did you pick this time?”

“You cannot say this. This is related to the terrorist attack on Babel, we cannot ignore this.”

“Isn’t that man the person who was called the during Norn Screening? I can’t believe it, it looks like we are all fake heroes.”

“…Do I really look like a fake…?”

“This isn’t the main point point, we only need to faithfully follow our own path of justice.”

“Shouldn’t we have a talk with that person? He should also be a hero from one of the worlds? We still have a vacant seat, if he qualifies…”

“About this point, let’s let Kyouya who faced with Ousawa Akatsuki to decide. Kyouya, what is your view?”

“About this…”

Kyouya slowly spoke.

These people were all Kyouya’s partners, their strength was comparable to him or even slightly stronger. However, in the vast space, only their voices could be heard. Kyouya was using a private line to have a conversation with these partners who were spread all around the world. And Kyouya could also understand clearly in his heart —

The voices coming out from the amplifiers were all the future leaders of the world.

“This incident did allow me to witness his strength, but I still haven’t completely understood him, I feel that it is best to continue leaving him in our school’s B-class for a while to observe him. About whether he qualifies to be a new partner of ours, let’s decide in the future.”

Kyouya’s opinion obtained agreement from everyone. The meeting was soon entering the end.

His partners that were dispersed around the world slowly cut off their communications, but Kyouya remained in his seat because he noticed that a partner was still here.

“—The other female that was mentioned in this report is…?”

He, who had not spoken a word since the beginning of the meeting, finally broke the silence.

Kyouya’s face showed a smile.

“The information was written very clearly, she is Ousawa’s sister. Her strength was accepted by everyone so she, along with Ousawa-kun, was placed in B-class…Is there a problem?”

“…No.”

His response was very cold, Kyouya could not help but reveal a wry smile.

“—Ah yes, Ousawa Akatsuki wanted me to convey a few words.”

Kyouya suddenly paused.

“I will definitely stop you, stop you and father— that was what he said.”

“…”

The other person remained silent, and did not respond.

“How is it? Do you need me to help you convey a message?”

“—There’s no need.”

After the short response, the other closed off his communications. The huge room suddenly entered a state of silence.

Kyouya shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care, he smiled surprisingly.

…Looks like there’s no mistake.

COCOON member’s personal history was one of the top-secrets within Babel, any one member could not learn about other members’ past. Even Kyouya, who had the highest authority, could not use Babel’s information database to obtain relevant information. But he would be able to access Ousawa Akatsuki’s data and identify several suspicious areas from the data. Most of them were related to Ousawa Akatsuki’s brother and father. The content from could skillfully avoid the sensitive topics, but Kyouya combined Akatsuki’s message with other reports, and concluded a surprising fact.

…Then what would he do next?

Imagining the infinite possibilities of the future, Kyouya laughed.

“His father whose location is unknown is the founder of the world’s strongest terrorist organization , but he has a goal of assassinating his father, and at the same time, one of the top leaders in COCOON that is controlling the world...Stopping these two figures means to stop this world...Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really understand?”

### 014. Part 3

“Unit Alpha was broken through! The other units can’t surround him in time!”

“Unit Omega can you hear me? Unit Omega! – It’s no use! There is no response!”

The head maid Valkyria closed her eyes and listened to her subordinates screaming similar reports without moving an inch. Valkyria and her unit were further in the forest than Akatsuki’s current position. Her objective was to capture him. If that is the case then intercepting has a higher chance of success than pursuit. Thus she used the first attackers to tie him down while she got a head start. She placed small units in perfect positions to surround and capture Akatsuki--- that was her plan. But he couldn't be stopped. He was not even trying to evade the maids surrounding him. Instead he was fighting them head on and cutting his way forward. And he still had time to grope the breasts, stroke the butts and touch the thighs of the maids in the commotion while using Renkan Keikikou to enrapture them.

“Valkyria, if this goes on…”

We'll all fall—after hearing her subordinate stop her sentence Valkyria silently opened her eyes at last.

“It can’t be helped. You should go too… I'll stay here.”

“But…”

“Valkyria…”

Valkyria’s orders were transmitted to the units via communication magic used by three of her most trusted subordinates out of the forty-three standing under Valkyria’s direct command. They could use attack magic too but the northern forest was a sacred ground after all. They couldn't destroy the forest. Therefore a lonely smile appeared on her face when Valkyria saw that they still couldn't give up.

“We already knew that there was nothing we could do to stop that man. Parting is only a matter of time now. Nonetheless Lady Listy gave us a last chance. That is why you must go. If you can't stop him then at least get a last memory from Master Akatsuki.”

“Understood Valkyria!”

“I hope Valkyria can say farewell without regret.”

“Ee… thank you.”

Valkyria silently watched as her subordinates started to run after saluting. She then closed her eyes again. For a second, silence filled the northern forest. Then she heard her subordinates screaming. The screams started to close in little by little. Valkyria had a flashback from five years ago when she first met Akatsuki. Then a faint feeling started to well up from deep inside her heart.

…I mustn’t. Valkyria’s cheek loosened a little as she was thinking. Then.

“Oh, you finally showed yourself, Valkyria!”

A tall young man appeared from the bushes in front of her. It was Akatsuki. Uncombed hair reaching to his shoulders. Black clothes covering his robust body. They were all black as night. His shining eyes were black as well.

There are two types of faces a woman likes. It is either nice looking or sharp looking. Akatsuki’s face was clearly the latter. His eyes were piercing and his face captured many women’s hearts. Audacious expression. Confidence and pride that was almost like conviction which gave birth to an appearance of allowance. He was strong. So strong that it was obvious to anyone. Akatsuki had a unique presence that could stop someone’s breath. Valkyria thought. He is a completely different person from five years ago when they first met. This must be what it means to turn from an ordinary boy into a hero. Valkyria expressionlessly watched Akatsuki.

“Master Akatsuki, please forgive me—you pervert! Do you want to make a legend of an evil spirit who attacks women in the northern forest?”

“If you say that then shouldn't it first be the legend of maids who attack travelers?”

“You say that but you look unhurt to me--- was there anything inadequate in my subordinates?"

“That is not possible. They are your subordinates. They all did their jobs until the very end.”

She bowed to him thankfully. Valkyria had a nostalgic light in her eyes as she asked Akatsuki.

Please tell me!

“My subordinates… were those girls able to make Master Akatsuki remember them?”

“Don’t make me say it. It is embarrassing.”

Akatsuki laughed then replied.

“I won’t forget. Not a single thing in this world.”

“Thank you. I’m sure the girls are happy to hear that.”

She called out his name and raised her spear then took a stance.

“Lastly---- would you please carve me into your heart?”

-- Then not long after, the forest became silent again. It was Akatsuki who appeared from the bush. Probably there wouldn’t be any more maids coming after him. After he looked back one more time to carve Valkyria’s memory into his heart, Akatsuki started to walk again. His goal was the sacred ground in the deepest part of the forest. There is the leading to the world where he used to live. There are a few gates in Alayzard that connect to different worlds. There are two in the religious Empire of Arekrasta and in the militarist Empire of Disdia. There are other gates too, seven altogether. But the gate he came through was the one here in Sherfied. Thus to return to his own world Akatsuki would have to use this gate.

“I didn't think I would still remember.”

The path made by nature was labyrinthine. If someone unfamiliar with this place entered by accident they would get lost for sure. But Akatsuki didn't have any doubt. He relied on his memories from five years ago. Akatsuki had been here before. After a while Akatsuki noticed a great tree before him. That means his goal is close. The sacred ground lies beyond that tree. The is about a kilometer from here. Then, while walking, his gaze went to the bottom of the giant tree.

“----“

A girl stood there. She was beautiful like a spirit of the forest. Those who said that she was the treasure of Sherfied were not lying at all. The one standing there was Listy El Da Sherfied.

The last time Akatsuki saw her was at the victory party hall yesterday. She wore an elaborately decorated shining dress worthy of a princess. But she couldn’t go into the forest in an outfit like that. Right now she was wearing white casual clothes. She had tied her waist long golden hair in a ponytail. It was the same she used when they traveled to defeat the demon king. Her unchanging beauty was the same.

“---“ Listy noticed him. When their eyes met they recognized each other. Akatsuki continued to move forward while Listy stayed still. The distance between them decreased. They became closer and closer--- then Akatsuki passed her.

“--- He- Hey wait a minute!”

Probably she didn't expect this. She called out in a hurried voice from behind him. But he ignored her. Akatsuki continued to walk in silence. “Stupid. Wait! Stop joking and wait a little, hey…”

Finally he stopped and made a sigh when she grabbed onto his arm. Without turning to her

“What are you doing? For a princess to sneak out of the castle… On top of that you even sent your maids after me.”

“Th- they said that they wanted to say farewell to you so I gave my permission. I… only came here to check up on them.”

After she said that she leaned her back against his wide back. As Akatsuki felt her weight Listy gave out a faint voice.

“Are you really leaving?”

“Aa, I should’t be in this world anymore. You should know that too.”

“……..”

Listy couldn't say anything as she understood what he was thinking. Even though he defeated the demon king Galious, he was still a rogue hero. Of course there were people who praised Akatsuki as a real hero and wanted him to marry Listy. But if she married Akatsuki, who had opposing forces, that would certainly lead to serious troubles later on, and could very well cause Sherfied to split. Even if they did not marry, his influence as the hero who defeated the demon king remains. Certainly there are peoples both domestic and foreign who don’t think well of him. It wouldn't be strange if that would cause another dispute. And this time it would be a war between humans. That is why Akatsuki decided. He would defeat the demon king alone. Then he would bear all the praise, honor, regret and envy, and disappear from this world. Only then would Alayzard be at peace.

“Not to mention I have something to do in that world.”

There was no demon king in the world he grew up in, Earth. But there was someone who had to be stopped. And that was probably his job. Before coming to Alayzard, he thought it was impossible. But it might be possible for him after he gained power. And there was another reason for him to return to his world. That is why Akatsuki was here right now. Then…

“… forgive me!”

Suddenly he heard a wistful, faintly shaking voice coming from his back. He sighed unintentionally.

And I thought it would be the best to leave without saying a word.

Akatsuki scratched his head. Then he turned to Listy. He knew it was cheating. But when he looked closer, tears flowed from Listy’s eyes. Thus he suddenly kissed her.

“----?”

After seeing Listy widen her eyes in surprise, Akatsuki closed his. Then tasted her soft lips to the fullest.

“---ha…wha- what are you doing?”

After she hastily moved her lips away from him, Listy pulled Akatsuki’s face with full force.

“Because you cried in front of me… sorry.”

Akatsuki looked in her face while rubbing his own. Maybe from embarrassment or from anger, but her face turned red. But she wasn't crying anymore. Thus Akatsuki thought this was for the best.

Ousawa Akatsuki had an esthetic.

That is, if there is a woman crying he can do as he wishes. This is what he thought. There must always be a reason when a woman cries in front of a man. The man must never look away from those tears. Thus Ousawa Akatsuki felt he should be honest with his feelings at least in front of the women crying before him. When a woman cries, if he wants to stop those tears, Akatsuki would stop them immediately.

When a woman cries, if he holds those tears dear, Akatsuki would hug her.

When a woman cries, if he thinks those tears were just, Akatsuki would leave her alone.

When a woman cries, if he feels those tears were lying, he would ask for the reason.

And he would do anything to accomplish that. It might be too forceful to call it an esthetic. But sometimes in the world there are sad tears that must be stopped even if ignoring the woman’s feelings. Thus Akatsuki followed his beliefs. Hate me not your tears.

“—well this kiss was like a farewell present. Thank you.”

“Forcibly kissing a princess of a kingdom…you better remember this!”

“Unless you forget me I won't forget you either.”

Listy unpleasantly raised her chin as Akatsuki said that to her with a calm face.

“Don’t get the wrong idea! I'll forget someone like you in no time!”

“Ah, really?”

Said Akatsuki as he lifted his bag from the ground.

“—well it is time to say goodbye. I go this way and… you go that way.”

He pointed at the dimensional gate and Castle Erdia. They were in the opposite directions. Nevertheless, those were the paths Akatsuki and Listy had to take.

“You don’t have to tell me that…”

Listy gave a snort.

“I feel relieved. Farewell, Akatsuki. I--- hated you.”

She said that much then turned her back to him and started to walk away. Akatsuki saw her off, then as her figure got smaller and smaller he suddenly called out to her. Those was his last words to her.

“ Don't forget what I said to you that day! If ever something happens call me! If you believe me I’ll definitely come for you.”

“--------“

Listy stopped silently. That was why Akatsuki talked to her. No matter what happens in the future, even if they never met again. Even if they never meet again--- he had to tell her this unchanging truth.

“No matter how far we are—“

I swear to you.

“I’ll always be your ally. Never forget that, got it?!”

After Akatsuki parted with Listy he kept moving without further stops.

The further he went the more he could feel the forest become unusually silent. Sound disappeared from the world. And even though it was deep in the forest, the scent of the trees, grass and flowers could not be sensed anymore. When the scent of the flora disappeared, his vision and sense of touch started to sharpen. He had clear vision and could feel the invisible air on his skin as if his senses were stretched out. He had entered the sacred ground.

When he realized, Akatsuki had walked into a natural tunnel of trees. The tree branches covering the top of the tunnel were high so it didn't feel cramped. Numerous leaves covered the sunlight completely. Yet it was as bright as under the blue sky. Soft light flowed through the tunnel to the exit. It meant the end of the tunnel was near. And not much further lay the goal of Akatsuki’s journey.

Well, at last. It was a deeply moving sight. Right now there was a gate in front of Akatsuki. On the stone pedestal there were quartz pillars decorated with geometric motives. These made up the giant gate. On the other side of the gate the forest still continued. But this was the without a doubt. Because the space surrounded by the gate faintly fluctuated. It was a plane of discontinuity created by the dimensional instability. That proved that it connected to another world.

“I hope it will go alright.”

Akatsuki started to concentrate as he put the sack back on. This should work in theory. I’m going through.

Akatsuki slowly stepped into the gate. It was a firm step which moved him forward. Just before he stepped through the fluctuating space, Akatsuki turned back for the last time. That was his farewell. His last words to the world he had spent so much time in. He said it.

“Farewell, Alayzard!”

Then Ousawa Akatsuki disappeared into the . There was no sound. The sacred ground in the forest was silent, as if the departure of the hero had been a lie. The only thing still remaining was the silent space fluctuation that occurs when someone travels through the .

### 015. Part 3

Inside the self-governed region is an institution that guides the alternative world returnees onto the right path.

It is situated on a man-made island inside the corner of Tokyo Bay's Firefly observatory.

Aside from the sea and air route, you can also arrive to the self-governed region through an undersea tunnel.

There is a strong contrast as a group of technologically advanced people created this town while maintaining the natural beauty of the mountains. It shows a future outlook of coexistence between technology and nature, and could be called the most desirable urban scenery.

In the center of the man-made island, there is a university that is merged with the natural environment. Aside from the forests, ponds and small hills, the research institutes, laboratories and even the sports ground, the different sized facilities are lined up row by row in close order. One of the most eye-catching is the super high-rise white school building that goes straight into the skies.

The alternative world returnee’s school hall.

Inside the sanctuary of the self governed region, the great building which everyone is in awe and fear of.

.

Inside the tower walls is a circular space. The wall was built as a stairs-shaped auditorium. This place is in fact the third arena, and also where JPN Babel entrance inspection is held.

The reason why it is not an “examination” but an “inspection” lies in the fact that all new students are admitted; the investigation focuses on the performance of the new students in the alternative world and their current abilities. Most of the students belong to the fighting type, but there are still a small number of students who specialized in research; using the entrance inspection to identify the strength properties of everyone—or otherwise known as aptitude—is essential.

The investigation is divided into four major areas, namely medically examination, the use of elemental magic to show the past history to the future, an oral examination conducted by examiners to determine personality traits, as well as combat skill instructors’ technical test.

Myuu and Akatsuki were currently waiting for the medical examination reports. At the scene, there were no other admitted students. There are several thousands of alternative world returnees, but compared to the world’s 6 billion population, the probability of occurrence is actually quite minimal. If it is confined solely to Japan, the number will become ever lower, and considered rare. That is the reason why the governments around the world actively try to manage the returnees.

At the arena lounge, resting on the seat was Akatsuki, leisurely straightening both of his legs, waiting for the inspection results. After looking at Myuu, who was ill at ease, beside him, Akatsuki could not help but sigh.

“Can you please have some confidence okay? Doesn't your current appearance make you even more suspicious?”

“What if they found out I am a person from the alternative world...”

Myuu intentionally lowered her voice, but Akatsuki nonchalantly waved his hand.

“Relax. Your boobs are slightly bigger, but it is still in the acceptable parameters.”

“I do not mean this!”

The composition of blood and the physical structures cannot be faked, what if they really found out...!

Myuu, biting her lower lip tightly, stared uneasily at Akatsuki.

At that moment, the medical staff with the inspection results appeared.

“Ah... Ousawa Akatsuki?”

“That’s me.”

Akatsuki heard this and immediately raised his right hand. The medical staff opened the file and glanced over it once and immediately handed the file to Akatsuki.

“There is no problem with your health status, please bring this data and accept the Norn Screening.”

“Okay, Thanks.”

After Akatsuki received the document file, the medical staff turned to face Myuu.

“Ousawa Miu.”

“Y...Yes...”

Myuu timidly stood up, the medical staff opened the file, quickly glanced through it, but suddenly his gaze stopped at a spot in the inspection report.

“———!”

Myuu suddenly stiffened her body.

———A moment of tension

Only to see the medical staff closing the file.

“There are also no abnormalities, please accept the Norn Screening.”

“Tha...Thank you...”

Myuu took the file with a trembling voice, and immediately sighed heavily.

...Thank god that it is finally over.

At the same time she patted her chest softly, a large hand was suddenly placed onto her head.

A deep voice with a trace of laughter passed through her ears.

“See, I told you there isn’t any problem.”

Myuu raised her hand to touch the top of her head, as if to confirm the feeling of Akatsuki. Once she thought that her identity was not exposed and she could rest assured, she sighed again. On the cover of the file was written an unfamiliar name. Myuu silently read those words.

...Ousawa...Miu...

This was the name that Akatsuki had prepared for Myuu. It originally belonged to the current whereabouts unknown Ousawa’s oldest female daughter, who was also Akatsuki’s younger sister. When learning about this plan from Akatsuki, Myuu had suddenly understood why the moment when she had given out her name, Akatsuki had shown such a weird expression.

———Indeed, Myuu’s blood components and body structure were different from the humans of this world, but whether it was the results of the blood test or the CT scans, she still passed successfully.

Why? The reason is very simple. Through the dimensional shift’s feedback, a few alternative world returnees’ bodies will experience significant changes.

However, Myuu only learned about this matter from Akatsuki yesterday, so there was no time for her to be psychologically prepared.

On the second day after the two of them came to this world, they had received an admission application from Babel. Based on human rights considerations, on the surface, Babel’s admission is based on applications, but the truth is that it is a mandatory order, there is no other choice. Within a week of receiving the application, they must surrender—that is, to go to school—or else Babel will dispatch personnel to forcibly summon them there. But this time, the application was personally brought by a teaching staff member of Babel. This was within Akatsuki’s expectations. Thus, when the other party asked for Myuu’s identity, Akatsuki, without any embarrassment or panting, told a flagrant lie.

——— This person is my sister.

After disappearing for a long time, she only returned recently, and we were summoned together to an alternative world and came back.

Akatsuki’s excuse had not been questioned, having all normal test results was the best proof. Since alternative world’s experiences will cause changes to the human body, having changes in the memory is also very reasonable. As long as you put the blame of the unknown parts on memory loss, naturally you will successfully pass.

...Up to now, it had gone through fairly smoothly.

“—— The next step is the main event. If you are able to safely mix in and pass, then it will be just fine.”

From what Myuu heard, Akatsuki’s tone was somewhat stiff. Yes, next was the Norn Screening.

Using elemental magic to perceive the past, present and the future history.

The goddess who decides the past “Urðr”, the goddess who decides the present “Verðandi” and the goddess who decides the future “Skuld”

The so-called Norn Screening is to use elemental magic to acquire these three goddess’s abilities, perceiving the examinee’s past, present and future. However, the content of Norn Screening does not take the examinee’s life in the form of chronological order and provide tremendous amount of detail, but uses a poem type mode to roughly show the examinee’s history.

No matter what you have done in the past, what kind of magic you have now—that is, the connection between a superior dimensional being, and in the future what goals you use your abilities to achieve can all be clearly shown in the Screening.

In short, Norn Screening is called the most important topic in Babel entrance inspection.

But there is no absolute in the future history. The examinees may embark on another path through their own will, and therefore, the result of Norn Screening only shows the future with the highest probability of occurrence.

Akatsuki came in front of the inspection magic officer and handed over his own file.

The inspector took the data and indicated for Akatsuki to sit down.

“Ousawa Akatsuki, please close both your eyes and try to relax.”

Akatsuki could not help but coldly snort.

“This isn’t some sort of fake hypnotism right?”

The color of the inspector’s face darkened.

“—You’re not allowed to speak. Empty everything and let your consciousness float in the middle of darkness.”

“Okay Okay.”

Akatsuki followed the voice and closed his eyes.

The following few seconds involved Akatsuki emptying his heart, and not thinking. During this time, the inspector took up the pen and wrote rapidly.

The speed was surprisingly alarming. By the time Akatsuki opened his eyes, the inspector had already finished recording it down.

“Good work.”

The forensic officer, who was waiting by the side, took the record from the inspector’s hand and quickly scanned the contents.

“Well...T..This is...!”

The forensic officer suddenly widened his eyes, and the inspector beside him curiously extended his head around. During the Screening, they are unconsciously writing down automatically, so even the inspectors do not know what was written.

After the inspector read the Screening records, he suddenly jumped off his chair. With a very stiff expression, as if he saw an incredible content.

“Doctor, how is it?”

Other staff members also leaned over.

“Did some kind of problem occur...?”

Myuu, who was behind him, anxiously asked.

“God knows, I do not have anything to be ashamed of in the past.”

After saying these words, Akatsuki smiled slightly.

...There was a lot of perverted past though.

After the forensic officer discussed with the other staff members for some time, he placed the records on the table.

“Ousawa, is the description on the record true?”

“Let me first take a look before I answer.”

So Akatsuki quickly glanced over the poem written on the paper.

'' In the World of Alayzard, you, who experienced despair and loneliness, embarked on the path of a True Hero,

Even after you defeated the tragic Demon King, your battle is still not finished.

The, you, right now do not have the blessings of the gods,

Only the truth of the heart will lead you onto a new height.

In the nearby future, the, conqueror, will face a decision.

Under the two rays of hope, select the correct path ———

This was the first time Akatsuki took a Norn Screening, and he did not know how to interpret the contents of the poem, but since the poem divided into the three sections, it should represent the past, present and future. The past and present have already been determined, the poem only described the truth, but for the future, it includes uncertainty factors, and the context tends to be conservative and finally imply an ending. Interestingly enough, the past and present both used “you”, but at the future it turned to “conqueror”. Did this represent the path he took to reach newer heights or was it his mission to lead the conqueror who faced a decision to the correct path?

...Suddenly a conqueror emerges.

Akatsuki could not help but have a wry smile while shaking his head.

Whether the conqueror referred to himself or someone else, Akatsuki would not be too surprised.

Wasn’t that it?

At least those two people had already stood on the highest point of this world.

This text clearly described the upcoming task that he was about to carry.

But aside from Akatsuki and those two people, probably no one else would understand the meaning of this text.

The only thing that puzzled Akatsuki was “Under the two rays of hope, select the correct path”. Perhaps in the “nearby future”, he would naturally find the answer?

At this time ———

“———Ousawa, is the description of the past true?”

“...the past?”

The forensic officer eyes were on the part that Akatsuki did not care about. Akatsuki carefully read the poem again and did not find any problems.

“...Ah, it should be the truth.”

The only controversial point is that he himself was only a , the should have been Leon instead.

Perhaps because he defeated the Demon King, he was described as a .

At this moment ———

“Ousawa!”

“Wha...What is it?”

Akatsuki, who bowed his head and deep in thought, was shocked by the forensic officer.

The delighted forensic officer could not conceal his inner excitement.

“The past Norn Screenings have never shown a . If this is really true, you could be JPN Babel... No, the first person in Babel history worldwide!”

“Really? But only a small part of people called me that title.”

To be honest, the fit his image more.

“The number of people does not matter, the results of the Norn Screening is the main point.”

The forensic officer nodded.

Being summoned to the alternative world is equivalent to opening the door of learning magic, but for whether you can successfully obtain magic and achieve a strong power, a person’s innate gift and talent is the most important part. Just surviving in an unknown alternative world is a commendable achievement. Only a handful of people will get a chance to fight on the battlefield, not to mention obtaining a dominating special ability. Based on this sense, Akatsuki was undoubtedly among the minority of the minority.

However, the inspector also showed a puzzled look.

“...But there is a place that I do not understand. According to current description, you did not receive the blessings of the gods. I think this should represent that the current you cannot use magic...”

“Ah, of course.”

Akatsuki replied without any hesitation.

“———From the beginning, I can’t use magic.”

### 016. Part 3

“… Still hasn’t appeared.”

Inside of the student council office, Haruka muttered to herself while staring at the door

Ryouhei then placed both hands onto the back of his head.

“There are actually times when Kyouya’s sixth sense is wrong.”

“There’s nothing that can be done, this type of thing has always been based mostly on luck.”

Kyouya chuckled uninterestedly, and soon bowed down his head deep in thought.

…There is an 80% chance that Kuzuha stopped him outside. Ah, why?

Oh well. Although I am curious about the results of a direct confrontation, but I should temporarily save this kind of fun. Once he thought about it up to this point, Kyouya could not help but laugh.

“Anyways there are plenty of opportunities in the future, there is no need to hurry.”

“At that time, leave it to me!”

Haruka said in high spirits:

“I, as the vice president, command the Disciplinary Committee Members to perform the purging tasks.”

“However, the report says that he cannot use magic, that fact seems to be true.”

Ryouhei recalled Akatsuki’s previous actions and his reactions towards magical attacks.

“But his fighting ability makes one dumbfounded.”

“It feels that he is very used to fighting techniques.”

Minami chipped in.

“I think he must be very aware of his own strengths, he really is a powerful enemy.”

“How strange, you would actually praise others—”

Ryouhei was greatly surprised and then suddenly frowned.

After thinking for a while, he decided to ask Minami directly to understand the situation.

“Minami, why are the buttons in front of your chest opened?”

“…?...That’s true.”

The perplexed Minami looked to her chest and was about to fasten the buttons when her hands suddenly stopped in midair.

There was no other reason, Minami had already discovered the abnormality in front of her chest.

“…Gone.”

“What is gone?”

“What happened…Minami?”

Haruka immediately found the answer. As they were both females, Haruka instantly noticed Minami’s abnormality, but she just could not believe it in that moment. After all, things shouldn't just disappear without the owner being aware of it.

“Could it be…”

At that moment, Haruka was suspicious.

“—!”

Her face suddenly became pale.

“I…It…can’t be…!”

Her pale face suddenly flushed. She bit tightly on her lower lip, and embarrassedly brushed her thighs, her expression very shy.

Afterwards, she began to care about the length of her skirt, and ultimately could not resist—

“S…Sorryy, I’ll excuse myself.”

Haruka gently stepped back a few steps, and left the student council office in panic.

The momentum of opening the heavy doors was surprising, but the momentum of closing doors was even more astonishing.

The sound of the doors opening and closing constantly echoed in the classroom.

“…But she only needs to use the washroom, why does she need to be so nervous? I really don’t understand what females are thinking in their heads.”

“Yes, it is really hard to understand.”

Facing the dismissive Ryouhei, Kyouya, who knew the truth, could only shake his head with a wry smile.

The transparent space over the horizon. The elevator, with a quiet motor driven sound, was slowly going down. The elevator gently went down towards its destination floor, like a giant steel bar dropping down. During the short stay in the elevator, Akatsuki and Kuzuha chatted.

“—So you skipped grades, very impressive.”

When facing Akatsuki’s praises, Kuzuha still had no expression.

“I just turned 11, which is equivalent to an elementary 6th grader.”

But the 11 years old Kuzuha was the same as Akatsuki, they were both students in the high school sector. Babel school originally had the so-called grade skipping system, but her example of grade skipping was a rare case.

Babel school was not a place where you are only seeking knowledge. Besides the static lessons, combat training was also included in their daily curriculum. Thus it could be said that not only had Kuzuha’s intelligence been confirmed, her combat capability was also not inferior to the students older than her by 5 years.

“The class rep is certainly outstanding.”

“That’s hard to say. However, the student council members you were going to challenge before are much more amazing than me.”

“I believe that’s true, after all, the student council member are JPN Babel School’s top youths.”

Akatsuki muttered. Then the words following that from Kuzuha left Akatsuki dumbfounded.

“It’s not that simple. The student council president Hikami Kyouya is part of .”

“—”

Akatsuki was slightly startled, almost suspecting if he had heard wrong.

After she noticed Akatsuki’s unusual look, Kuzuha frowned and looked a little surprised.

“…Are you okay?”

Akatsuki looked down at Kuzuha, only to see her expressionlessly say:

“Your face … is a little bit scary.”

“…Sorry. I didn’t think he was actually part of …Hahaha, so that’s it.”

Akatsuki finally understood why, on the day of the entrance inspection, he could feel a strong pressure coming from him.

— The new United Nation’s chairman, secretary general and G7’s Babel school highest authority, all of them were returnees who had obtained a strong power from an alternative world. These people were the so-called .

Children of Cross Over Other Nation, in short . These people are all returnees who have achieved a title of a hero in an alternative world. If you have to use the shortest description, they are the strongest warriors, and at the same time, they represent the entire world. Akatsuki originally thought that Kyouya was only the strongest student in JPN Babel school, but now it looked like he should be the strongest Japanese instead. No wonder that during the entrance inspection, the staff on the scene were all respectful to him. Akatsuki suddenly realized that.

Just a single is enough to override the power of a national military. In order to implement the concept of world peace, they, as the elite of Babel, took up the responsibility to educate and manage the returnees. If a war occurs somewhere in the world, Babel will immediately intervene by sending the alternative returnees to the battlefield.

On the surface, Babel seems to have young men and women who have various superpowers, developing them into an elite force to safeguard world peace and promote human prosperity. Conversely, they are turning the alternative world returnees into a tool for war, in order to suppress the organizations worldwide.

’s existence, would it really bring everlasting peace and prosperity? The answer is a no.

There was a group of people who deemed the alternative world returnees to be infidels. Terrorist acts that used cruel methods to persecute the faith and ideologies still remains in this world. Even as Akatsuki and Kuzuha were going down in the elevator currently, there were many young returnees being sent off to the battlefield.

The countless battlefields around the world did not have Babel’s defense barrier, so returnee causalities naturally occurred.

The most difficult problem was the terrorists that rejected the concept of Babel and opposed the returnees.

One of the most famous terrorist organizations was the brave and fierce . Their goal was to select like-minded comrades among the returnees and create a whole new country. To advertise their thoughts and boast their strengths, they would often take the most intense means. ’s strength was said to be not inferior to . The local military, and even the new United Nations and Babel all are hopeless against them.

Aside from , the world still had many other terrorist organizations. Their common point was that they regarded Babel as their number one enemy.

“…”

Akatsuki looked at the somewhat immature Doumoto Kuzuha.

A thin body as if it could be easily broken gently into pieces if just a bit of strength was used. Even a girl like this would be pushed onto the battlefield to act as cannon fodder, just because she was an alternative world returnee.

Akatsuki could not accept this cruel reality. This was a mistaken world, and it was horribly wrong too.

After Kuzuha was aware of Akatsuki’s sight, she showed a mischievous smile.

“Although you were not aware of the situation before, how did the feeling of challenging the world feel?”

“Not bad actually, not bad at all.”

Akatsuki also grinned. Isn’t it? This was the reason why Ousawa Akatsuki returned to this world.

At that moment Akatsuki suddenly remembered one thing. He could not help but scratch his cheek embarrassedly.

“But… If I had known, I should have placed another type of fuse instead.”

“How chaotic, what kind of fuse did you plant?”

“Well, probably something like this.”

After saying all this, Akatsuki suddenly flipped up Kuzuha’s skirt.

He wanted to confirm something.

“…”

The defenseless Kuzuha just stood still, and did not know how to react. The skirt that was raised high up was slowly falling. The expressionless Kuzuha stared at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, I did not expect you to be some sort of pervert that was interested in a girl’s panties.”

“Class rep, aren’t you too calm? It was completely outside of my expectations. A normal girl encountering such a thing, shouldn’t they either be angry or crying, or else angrily attack back?”

Yet Kuzuha did not have any of these reactions, this point was what Akatsuki had guessed. Kuzuha lacked the feelings that a teenager should have.

But no wonder, Akatsuki thought.

Suddenly being summoned to an alternative world, surviving a life that was unimaginably lonely, and finally managing to come back to the original world. The result of having to be split apart from her friends in the same age group, and start a unfamiliar school life with a bunch of strangers that were a few years older. In addition to that, she could be sent off to a battlefield any time. Having her emotions changed greatly is reasonable.

—Or Kuzuha must have lived in an environment where they had to suppress their feelings from a young age. “That’s enough.”

Her tone revealed a bit of unhappiness. The grumbling Kuzuha looked down at her feet. Akatsuki sensed from her tone and actions that she felt a bit of emotional upheaval. An expression of a normal girl flashed by, but this made Akatsuki kindle some hope. Yes, it was still not too late.

During his life at Alayzard, Akatsuki had seen the darkness within the humans. He understood that the people who are physically and mentally battered will eventually have a miserable fate, no matter whether it was male or female, old or young. However, Kuzuha was different, she still had some hope, a chance for her to recover the emotions that a normal female should have.

However he should still call it a day, as they often say “haste makes waste”.

He should first try to make her happy before continuing such a conversation.

“Your panties are very cute, is that a cat?”

“No, it’s a bear.”

In the end, he failed.

### 017. Part 3

Standing in front of the closed door after several attempts ended up in vain, Miu reluctantly decided to walk back. On the way back, she passed the unconscious Akatsuki who was lying on the ground, and walked up to the still arguing Chikage and Kuzuha. After telling the two the fact that everybody was trapped inside the gym’s warehouse, Chikage and Kuzuha instead started to push responsibility to each other, making the fight even more intense.

“Really, I originally wanted to be in a situation, where I would not be disturbed and where I won’t cause problems to others, and fully enjoy myself…”

Chikage sighed. According to Chikage’s confession, she had used the gym’s warehouse as a rendezvous location for a while already. And Chikage had a good relationship with the staff members who held the key to the warehouse, so every time they had gym classes, she would run off to the office to borrow the key. Today was no exception, only that her rendezvous partner fled while taking the key with her, so she was currently helpless as well.

After Chikage’s confession ended, the expressionless Kuzuha suddenly frowned, and raised an issue that a 11 years old girl is unlikely to ask.

“So that means every gym class, you will bring girls in here?”

“Not every time, every once in a while only.”

A relaxed Chikage did not have any guilt in her expression.

…The amount of times must be extremely high.

Miu, who was listening on the side, shook her head nonstop, and forced a few laughter sounds.

“Ousawa-san, this point isn’t funny.”

The young class rep’s face revealed a scowl.

“If it wasn’t for her, how would we be trapped in here?”

“So that’s why I said that you were nosy, couldn’t you have pretended to not have seen anything? This way you guys could have used your legs and walked out of the warehouse, and she and I could have used the key to leave here.”

“I cannot accept your words. You make it sound like the person who was wrong is me.”

“I’m not saying it’s the fault of the class rep, I’m only saying that everybody’s luck wasn’t good.”

Chikage shrugged.

“…I only feel that you shouldn’t be as close minded, being flexible is better.”

“Before you judge others, shouldn’t you examine yourself first?”

Watching the two people’s heated verbal exchange from the sidelines, Miu had a hint of a smile on her face that no one, including herself, discovered.

It has already a week since she had entered school. Aside from Akatsuki, Miu could only converse with these two people in class. Class rep Kuzuha was a typical talented student. Although she was younger than other students by a few years, her test results or even her combat ability were extremely outstanding. Her test results were number 1 in the class, and even her combat ability was ranked 3rd.

Chikage was also an outstanding student in both areas as well. Her combat ability ranked as the second in the class, only exceeded by Onizuka, while her test results were maintained in the top five. Just because her personality was too outgoing and cheerful, she would sometimes abandon herself to her desires and pleasures, causing conflict with the strict and self-disciplined class rep.

Seeing the two of them in front of each other express their undisguised inner feelings, Miu felt envious about it. —During the time at Alayzard, she did not have any so-called friends, she only had her father and her father’s subordinates, and she never knew what kind of thing friendship was. Although her surroundings had some people at a similar age, they only had the feeling of admiration and respect towards her, so they could not really count as friends.

… Just because I am the Demon King’s daughter…

Even if she willingly approached them, she could not shorten the distance between them and turn the mutual relationship from being master and servant into friends. Thus, seeing Kuzuha and Chikage’s appearance over a dispute, besides making her feel warm, it also evoked a sense of envy deep within Miu’s heart.

Now, Miu had hidden her true identity, becoming Akatsuki’s sister, and entered into Babel to study. She was naturally free to make friends. Although she got along with the other classmates, they could be only considered as acquaintances, but not true friends.

… Even though it is easy to say, taking action is not that simple.

Perhaps deep inside her heart, there was a trauma for the fear of strangers, so she could not open her heart to others. Aside from that, one of the reasons was definitely that she was not used to this world.

“…So nice.”

Miu muttered. Kuzuha and Chikage suddenly stopped their dispute and turned around to look at Miu at the same time.

Her mouth showing a peaceful smile, Miu gently said:

“Your relationship with each other is so good, it makes one jealous.”

Kuzuha and Chikage looked at each other.

“ “It’s not good at all!” “

The two of them grunted and simultaneously turned away.

After a period of time, Kuzuha and Chikage had finally stopped arguing.

Since the warehouse doors could not be opened from the inside, everyone naturally could not do anything. Forcibly destroying the doors could be determined by the school to be an act of destroying public property, and the culprit be asked to drop out. Anyway, after the lunch break is over, the afternoon courses will have to begin.

The following course B-class has to take is live combat, at that time; someone will certainly have to open the door to move the necessary class materials. Yes, we will just have to bear with it for a while.

“…”

Once the silence had settled over the scene, it was very difficult to find the correct time to break the silence.

… A very awkward feeling.

Sitting side by side on the floor of the warehouse, Miu could not help but want to express something deep inside her heart.

At this moment, Miu suddenly found a conversation point. Kuzuha, who was sitting beside her, was gently holding her shoulders, her body leaned slightly forward.

Miu looked up and down at Kuzuha, then she noticed that Kuzuha’s petite body was shivering.

“Are you cold? Are you okay?”

“…Not a problem, I’m fine.”

Although she said this, Kuzuha’s expression was still somewhat stiff. After Chikage saw this, her face suddenly displayed an unhappy smile.

“Class rep, could it be that you need to go to the bathroom?”

“—!”

Kuzuha’s entire body shook.

“…No.”

Kuzuha bit her lower lip tightly, and coldly replied. Even in the darkness, Doumoto’s reddened face was visible.

…Whoa…What should we do…!

Seeing the urgent matter, Miu hurriedly tried to seek a solution. But after thinking for a while, her head was still blank. The gym warehouse could not be opened from the inside, they could only wait quietly for the people to open it from the outside.

At this moment Chikage spoke again.

“Is that so? That’s good.”

After saying this, Chikage faced forward again. The gym warehouse relapsed into silence.

“…”

“…!”

The brief silence was suddenly merged with sounds of pain and shortness of breath. The sound came from between Miu and Chikage. By using health as a comparison, it could be described as the part between two mountains. Kuzuha’s thin and frail body trembled clearly, and her closed eyes had tears flowing out of them.

“Class…Class rep, are you really okay?”

Miu asked uneasily, but Kuzuha looked daggers at Chikage.

“…I’m fine.”

However, her voice was very rough. Anyone could see that Kuzuha had already approached her limits, and she could not hold it any longer.

…We must think of a way…

Separated by Kuzuha’s head, Miu gave a glance to Chikage. Chikage also reluctantly shook her head with a wry smile, then nodded towards Miu. So Miu gently patted Kuzuha’s back.

“Class rep, I remember that on that side there are a few sand bags. From what I remember, class rep uses earth magic, why don’t you turn the sand inside the sand bang into a simple toilet? We will stay far far away and hold our ears. Izumi-san, what do you say?”

“Ah, that is a good idea, Class rep can go take a leak then.”

After seeing Kuzuha had entered a state where she could not sit at ease, Chikage could not help but lend a helping hand.

But Kuzuha shook her head.

“…I don’t want to.”

She had lost her usual calm tone, but she still hadn't broken down yet. Chikage reluctantly scratched her head. She understood that Kuzuha was trying to maintain her remaining pride, so she wasn’t sure how to deal with Kuzuha.

“Actually I don’t want to use this kind of method to bully the class rep. Sorry, it was my fault.”

“S…See, Chikage has already apologized.”

u….uaaan! u….uaaan!

Doumoto looked at Miu, then looked at Chikage. She was almost about to cry out.

Miu hurriedly nodded.

“I promise that I would not tell.”

“I’m not that petty, so you can rest assured.”

Chikage also firmly nodded.

Kuzuha suddenly closed her eyes.

“No… I can’t stand up. If I move a little, I’m afraid it will…!”

“Huh? W…What should we do? Class rep, you must stand up!”

“…No, It’s about to come out…!”

Kuzuha’s voice was becoming softer, her face turning more and more red. Oh no, was it already too late? Miu silently screamed ominously.

But there didn’t seem to be a better plan. Miu’s speciality was wind magic, but out of the fire, water, earth and wind magic, wind and earth spirits are opposite properties.

Therefore, although Miu could use earth magic, it was not one of her strong points, not to mention that it was almost impossible to manipulate the small amount of sand, turning them freely into various shapes. Chikage’s speciality was water magic. Developing their own attribute magic was part of Babel’s education policy, so she could not use earth magic.

Although Kuzuha specialized in earth magic, but under this direct situation and still be able to chant without being distracted, there is no guarantee that the last line of defence will hold up till the end.

“I…In the end what should we do?”

Chikage was bewildered, and could not think of any better plans. Could they only stand and watch as this tragedy befalls them?

At this moment —

“—Class rep, are you crying?”

Akatsuki, who had regained consciousness at an unknown time, appeared from the darkness, and slowly walked to Kuzuha’s side.

“D…Do you have any good ideas?”

“Nope. But I cannot allow a woman to have any tears, this is the aesthetic that I adhere to.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and squatted down in front of Kuzuha, his gaze matching Kuzuha’s in height.

The so-called aesthetic that the male, who saved the world, follows — Miu’s eyes were filled with expectation, silently watching the developments of this matter.

“…?”

Kuzuha stared at Akatsuki, with eyes expecting some sort of salvation. Akatsuki nodded, his face revealing a gentle smile.

“This is a good opportunity. I will instantly make you free from this…”

After saying this softly, Akatsuki held onto Kuzuha’s shoulder then gently latched onto Kuzuha’s earlobe with his mouth.

“Ah —“

Kuzuha exclaimed loudly

Her thin body shook slightly, the last line of defense had completely collapsed.

### 018. Part 3

The combat training was about to start. Standing 5 meters away from Akatsuki, Onizuka secretly considered. Although it was different from his original plan, the results were still acceptable.

Onizuka looked behind Akatsuki. The second arena and the first arena were only separated by a layer of wall. On the other side was the first arena, which should be currently holding a battle exercise regarding team training, including the trio Ousawa Miu, Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage. Onizuka originally thought that Akatsuki would form a team with these people and participate in the training, so he specially prepared a big present for him. But this was still good. Anyway Onizuka did not have a favorable impression towards Akatsuki’s sister Ousawa Miu, the arrogant kid Doumoto Kuzuha and the self-centered Izumi Chikage. Letting them receive a bit of punishment wasn’t bad.

Onizuka gaze moved from the wall onto Akatsuki.

“Fuaaa…”

Akatsuki yawned lazily. Onizuka couldn’t stop snickering. He wanted to see how long Akatsuki could act without care.

The model sword used for practice was very blunt, there was no lethality at all, and most importantly Akatsuki could not use magic.

He was certain that he would win.

…Yes, certain for victory.

Thus, Onizuka began to concentrate, and silently waited for the instant that the duel began.

The cold mechanical sound spread throughout the entire second arena, announcing that the combat skill training had begun. Onizuka immediately released his pent up consciousness and in that instant—

“—”

After the muffled bang, Akatsuki was enveloped in flames. Instead of calling it a surprise attack, you could call it taking the initiative. That is because before the mechanical sound rang and declared that the combat skills training had begun, Onizuka had secretly begun to chant magic, cancelling the magic circle and the opening of the defense barrier, and caught Akatsuki off guard with an attack. This type of powerful attack far exceeding training — No, the course’s level, made everyone suddenly enter a state of commotion.

“—Ha…Ha ha ha! I win!”

Onizuka didn’t care and opened his mouth to laugh loudly. He did not care about the gaze of the others. Defeating the arrogant guy in front of him was what was urgent. Since he could not use magic, which meant it was impossible for him to cast a magic defence, Onizuka was sure of his victory.

After waiting for the fire to die out, he should naturally see an unconscious Akatsuki.

No, it should be an unconscious Akatsuki lying on the floor helplessly.

Onizuka bent his waist, pressed his forehead and continued to laugh loudly.

“Haha, Ha ha ha —“

“—!”

Onizuka’s consciousness suddenly stopped. He could not understand the phenomenon in front of his eyes, He only understood that his eyes clearly saw an unharmed Akatsuki standing at the original spot, as if nothing had happened.

Akatsuki hummed then glanced at Onizuka.

“— Using a surprise attack isn’t bad, but unfortunately I had long seen through it.”

“W.Waaaaaaaaooohhh—!”

Onizuka screamed out as he felt a sense of fear he had never experienced before. The AD on his wrist immediately reacted, and in Onizuka’s hands appeared four pieces of chakram, which he threw with Akatsuki as the target.

The chakram pieced through the air and proceeded in an irregular path, and headed to Akatsuki from all directions. Only to see Akatsuki swing the model sword to defend against the chakram.

“—“

The model sword bounced off the first two Chakram, but the amazing act hadn’t finished yet. The chakram that were bounced off changed their path and crashed into each other, then bounced off in midair and crashed with the other chakram, creating a chained crash. After a series of sharp metallic sounds, all the chakram dropped to the floor, and created a circle with Akatsuki in the middle.

“A…Ahhhhhh…”

Onizuka, who was completely surprised, could not even say a word. His trembling body took a few steps back. Until now, Onizuka understood the other students. He noticed that the man in front of him was not to be provoked. He was an untouchable, dangerous person. Unfortunately Onizuka was too late, and Akatsuki had already spoken:

“—So is it over now? Then it’s my turn.”

After saying this, Akatsuki suddenly shortened the distance.

“—!”

Hurriedly, Onizuka subconsciously created a fire wall in front of him to hide himself.

Blocked—Just as Onizuka felt relieved, the fire wall was cut opened by Akatsuki’s model sword.

…How is this possible…?

Onizuka, who was continuously contemplating, only realized that Akatsuki was swinging down the model sword towards his head.

The feedback of the impact was accompanied by a slight shock. Akatsuki’s sword made a crisp contact sound under the straight slash. After carrying the model sword on his shoulders, Akatsuki slowly said:

“Hey—Onizuka, are you okay?”

Akatsuki sighed, shaking his head, and looked down at the classmate who was lying down on the floor, unmoving. Looking at the unconscious Onizuka, Akatsuki scratched his face and regretted slightly. He had not expected that the winner would be decided that fast; it felt that something was missing. Once he thought that his own training course was over, he felt unsatisfied. At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly noticed one thing.

“Oh, looks like it can’t withstand it.”

Cracks appeared on the model sword.

Akatsuki sighed. Every time he used Renkan Keikikou, there would always be such an aftereffect. By inserting his body’s ki into the weapon, not only would it achieve the effect of the person and the sword becoming one will, the ki would also increase the durability and sharpness of the blade. But a body that was enhanced by Renkan Keikikou had amazing power, and during a battle, it would cause a great burden to the weapons. The result was that the model sword’s durability could not keep up with Akatsuki’s ki and his body’s strength—in other words, it could not keep up with Renkan Keikikou, and in the end it was shattered.

…If only I could use this toy. I really want to try it out.

Akatsuki looked at the AD he was wearing. The AD was a magic tool that the Babel was proud of, it could match the user’s ability and talents, and materialize the most suitable weapon. If the effects of AD were really that good, Akatsuki could safely combine his sword techniques with Renkan Keikikou’s power, just like the previous duel with Galious. Having the mentality of wanting to try once again, Akatsuki, again, focused his awareness to the AD, but it was still in vain. No matter how much effort Akatsuki used, the AD did not react at all.

“…It couldn’t be that this was already broken right?”

Akatsuki muttered to himself, then suddenly noticed that Onizuka, who was lying prone to the floor, also wore an AD. Akatsuki could not help but think, since the training is over, it should be okay if I borrow it, right. Thus, Akatsuki took off Onizuka’s AD, wore it on his hand, and tried to materialize his weapon.

“Mmmm….?”

The situation changed a little. Before, the AD did not give any response, but after wearing Onizuka’s AD, his right hand actually had a few light particles appearing. Unfortunately, the light particles only floated in mid-air, and did not form a concrete weapon.

This tiny change made Akatsuki further confirm his own judgment. Thus, he took off his own AD, and attempted to materialize his weapon again, fully expecting that he would soon master the trick. But Akatsuki frowned because the AD did not give any response.

“It can’t be, could it be malfunctioning again?”

…Could the problem be within my body?”

Akatsuki did not believe that he himself had a special constitution, the only difference he had compared to the others was probably Renkan Keikikou. While using Renkan Keikikou, his constitution would definitely become abnormal. But in the morning, while learning how to materialize a weapon, Akatsuki did not activate Renkan Keikikou, and the result still ended in failure. Even if he activated Renkan Keikikou, he still could not materialize the weapon. The instructor had insisted that materialization did not require magic, but it would only be a difficult task for people who cannot use magic. This problem had exceeded the range Akatsuki could solve, so Akatsuki could not help but feel worried.

“…Ah? Wait a minute?”

Regarding the tiny change that was created previously, Akatsuki suddenly thought of another possibility. His sight fell onto his own AD.

At this moment, a huge impact suddenly came from the nearby first arena.

And sounds of screams.

“Looks like they are having a lot of fun. Ahhh, I knew I should have gone off with them.”

After a sigh, Akatsuki began to try out the possibility that he had just thought of.

### 019. Part 3

Everywhere you could look around, all you could see was a white, bright and organized atmosphere with the smell of disinfectant. This was JPN Babel’s infirmary. Aside from Miu and Akatsuki, there was no one else. The infirmary had a total of 8 beds. Miu was sitting in the innermost bed.

“I can’t deal with you…how is it, does it still hurt?”

Miu’s tone involved a hint of anger.

“Ah? This? There’s no problem, it won’t kill me.”

Akatsuki gaze rested on the bandages on his waist. He had a carefree smile on his face. After being bandaged by the doctor, Akatsuki’s upper body was wrapped in layers and layers of bandages, as if he was a mummy in Egypt. According to Akatsuki, this came from the impact when he forcibly blocked the attack of Cockatrice’s sharp claws. In theory, inside Babel’s barrier, you should not receive any damage to your body, so impacts should all turned into mental damage, and once you exceed your limits, you will lose consciousness. A person who has strong willpower will be able to withstand greater amounts of damage. Once the mental side feels pain, it will automatically affect the body, producing an illusion of being hurt. In short, the mental damages will still provide a feedback to the body.

—The Cockatrice’s abnormal strength originated from the malfunction of the training system. Right now the chaotic scene was already under control, but the Cockatrice’s attacks caused many students to lose consciousness, and they were all sent to the medical building that houses critical patients. Even the medical staff in the infirmary all hurried over to support the medical building after wrapping Akatsuki in bandages. Luckily, the unconscious students’ conditions were all fairly stable. Kuzuha and Chikage’s damages were not serious either. As for the petrified students, it was confirmed that there wasn’t a problem after a precise examination. At the same time Akatsuki defeated the Cockatrice, the petrification was lifted.

Miu looked at Akatsuki. She was constantly pondering.

…Were you not afraid?

—At that time, Akatsuki prevented the combat skills instructor from using the forced termination of the system, expressing his willingness to defeat the Cockatrice, and successfully ended the crisis, settling the out of control program as well. The system engineers specially went to the infirmary to express their gratitude to Akatsuki, proving that Akatsuki’s judgment was correct at that time. If they had decided to use the forced termination, the petrified students would not have been able to recover until the system had recovered. Akatsuki must have noticed the danger, but he did not hesitate and jumped in to protect Miu, even if it meant his body would be petrified. Miu felt uncomfortable, her heart had hidden doubts since the time that she came to this world.

…Why are you willing to protect me?

Hide her from his comrades, and bring her to this world.

Even allowing her to pretend to be his dead sister to avoid suspicions.

Miu staying beside Akatsuki wasn’t without any reasons, she was only following her father Galious’s will.

If the situations permitted, she would live together with Akatsuki; if Akatsuki was not reliable enough, she would immediately kill him. Based on her feelings, Miu despised Akatsuki who killed her father. If killing Akatsuki could avenge her father, she did not know how happy it would be.

However, Miu currently did not have any plans on killing Akatsuki based on her personal feelings. To complete her father’s will, Miu wanted to observe Akatsuki clearly, to determine what kind of person he was.

—Although her father entrusted her to Akatsuki, it was not necessary for him to promise. That being the case, why does he still risk his life to protect me?

In order to fulfill his promise with her father? Or to atone for the death of her father? There were too many possibilities; it would be easier if she asked directly.

Miu suddenly had a feeling, maybe Akatsuki would never say the answer. However, in order to determine whether Akatsuki was a reliable person, it was a very important piece of evidence.

…So I must be aware of it.

Even if Akatsuki was not willing to say it, she would still look for the answer herself.

From now on, she would use the identity of Ousawa Miu and remain beside Ousawa Akatsuki and attempt to enter his inner heart.

—In the world of Alayzard, a group of people called Akatsuki a hero. A hero does not just mean the title of a hero, those people must understand Akatsuki as well.

If others can do it, so can I.

One day, I will be the same as those individuals, able to see Ousawa Akatsuki's truest side.

“—Hey.”

“Huh…Waaaa!”

Miu who was lost in thought was surprised to see Akatsuki looking at her. Miu was shocked and unconsciously shrinked back. Seeing this, Akatsuki could not help but sigh.

“Are you still confused? If you have time to care about others, why don’t you care about yourself first.”

“Huh —W…Wait! What are you trying!”

Akatsuki grabbed onto Miu’s hands and dragged her onto the bed.

“N…Nooooo! Release me! I’m not hurt at all!”

“Don’t pull this act, you think I’m blind? If you’re not injured, then why are you clutching onto your right shoulder? During the time when you tried to protect class rep and Izumi, you raised your holy staff and barely managed to maintain the defensive barrier, as a result you hurt yourself accidentally right?”

Ah, she was discovered.

“…Mmph!”

“Don’t use those pitiful eyes and look at me. There is no need to think or endure during painful times.”

Finishing what he said, Akatsuki slowly patted Miu’s right shoulder.

“Yes…”

A thick warm hand. A slight pain came from Miu’s right shoulder.

The reason was the same as Akatsuki, it was the feedback of the pain on the mental side to the body.

“…Ahh!”

Miu’s body gradually lost strength, but she could feel that her right shoulder’s pain was slowly being relieved.

Taking a closer look, a bright light came from Akatsuki’s left hand.

“Is this…recovery magic?”

“Of course not, I cannot use magic at all. This is just a simple first aid.”

Akatsuki gazed rested on Miu’s shoulder.

“This is called inner ki, its effect is to stabilize the body’s ki and rapidly increase the recovery abilities.”

So Akatsuki asked what feelings she was experiencing.

“The pain is gradually being relieved, and what is replacing it is a warm feeling. But…”

Miu glanced at Akatsuki.

“You aren’t going to take this opportunity and disrupt other people’s ki and make me do strange things right?”

“Ahh doing good deeds really doesn’t get rewarded…Since you were looking forward to it, I will fulfill your wish then!”

So Akatsuki's right index finger gently poked Miu’s forehead.

“…Huh?”

Miu was suddenly surprised.

“Waaaa…ahh…ahh…ahhhhh —!”

Then she held her forehead and screamed, probably thinking of the tragedy in the gym warehouse.

“What did you do? What kind of ghastly acupuncture point did you press this time?”

Miu was trembling nervously. This kind of appearance made Akatsuki shake his head and give a wry smile.

“An acupuncture point which will make you more honest.”

“Liar, I won’t believe…Huh?”

Miu waited vigilantly. Afraid of the painful tragedy being reproduced again. However, after a while, nothing happened. A confused Miu suspiciously stared at Akatsuki.

“—If you want to cry then cry.”

“Uh…?”

At this point Miu was completely confused.

“I just pressed an acupuncture point that will make you more honest, so you can cry as much as you want.”

Akatsuki whispered into Miu’s ears.

“After Galious’ death, you still haven’t cried right?”

Her eyes widened. What he said was absolutely true…

“…You…You’re so mean, why do you suddenly…”

Miu did not understand the reason why Akatsuki was doing this, and did not even understand why he was making her think about this past.

It’s not like you can cry if you want to cry.

“That’s too much… How would you right now make me…”

Akatsuki’s expression was very calmly.

“Clumsy fellow.”

Akatsuki gently stroke Miu’s hair.

“Do not force yourself to accept everything. Come, I’m just standing here, let all your grief, hatred and your suppressed feelings out.”

That’s right.

“No matter what the reason is, I am still the enemy who killed your father.”

“…!”

Miu’s body shuddered.

Akatsuki’s expression was extremely serious.

“Even if you were psychologically prepared, it will be difficult for anyone to accept the truth about their father dying at someone’s hands. There is no need to hold back. When you want to cry, you should just let it all out. Then —“

Akatsuki paused.

“—In front of the enemy, scream out your hatred.”

This was the starting point. Only by mutually accepting it and facing the facts could they continue to go on.

“Galious wanted you to observe whether I am trustworthy, but it does not mean that you have to suppress your own feelings.”

So —

“When you want to cry, but if you can’t cry, I’ll think of a way to make you cry. In the entire world only I can do it, so feel free and cry, cry as much as you want.”

Because —

“—I already pressed the honest acupuncture point.”

“Ah…!”

Miu finally understood Akatsuki’s intention. There were no abnormalities in her body, and there was nothing called an honest acupuncture point in the world, but Akatsuki had really pressed onto that acupuncture point. Just like the time at the gym warehouse, he never obtained Miu’s consent.

So feel free to cry, everything is my fault — This was the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. Miu raised her head and looked at Akatsuki, and from Akatsuki’s loving expression, she found the face of her father.

Father will forgive me.

—Cry.

“—!”

The pent up tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

“…Uwaaa…Uwaaa…”

Once she started to sob, her emotions bursted out.

Just cry, Cry as much as you want.

“Uwaaaaaaa —!”

“That’s correct, just cry as long as you want.”

Miu escaped from Akatsuki’s hands that were on her shoulder.

Her forehead pressed along Akatsuki’s shoulder and her clenched fists pounded Akatsuki’s chest.

“—“

Letting all of her sorrow, pain and hatred out.

Akatsuki silently accepted it.

Accepting Miu’s venting

### 020. Part 4

The wind strokes my cheek. Feeling comfortable Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes. His consciousness activated.

“Ah…”

He gets up, slowly shakes his head trying to gather his sleepy thoughts. When Akatsuki woke up there was a blue light piercing the darkness. His eyelids were closed all the time causing his eyes to get used to the darkness so he woke up feeling the gentle light was too bright. Then the wind blew again. As if something was guiding him Akatsuki turned his eyes in that direction. There was a white lace curtain dancing in the wind blowing through the window. Outside the window he saw the night sky. The moon in the sky faintly lightens up the world filled with the silent night. Akatsuki watched the world lit up by the moonlight. He had been seeing this scenery since he was a kid. The asphalt and concrete filled town feels somewhat lifeless. Then he looked inside the room. It was dark but he knew this room. It was familiar scenery.

It looks like he came home. On top of his bed, Akatsuki was thinking about his returning from another world absentmindedly. There is a precise electric clock embedded inside the marble object from Miyano. It showed the same date and same time. It made Akatsuki’s think he had a long dream. But it wasn’t a dream. There is something lying down next to him. It was the large sack he carried on his back when he returned from Alayzard. Usually only those coming from another world can pass the . But the Renkan Keikikou he learned allowed him to control the flow of chi. He covered his clothes and the sack with his chi. This made the gate falsely recognize that his clothes and his bag were part of his body. Thus he succeeded in passing through the with them. But the problem is the inside. Akatsuki slowly opened the fastener on the side of the bag. Then something appeared from it like it was flowing out. They were breasts.

“…ah”

The breasts talked. No it was something else. There was something other than breasts. A tasty looking ass and soft tights rolled out of the bag sleeping silently. A gorgeous sleeping beauty was inside the bag. A breathtakingly beautiful girl. Fine looking nose, soft moist lips, shapely ears and shining long twin tails. Each one of them looked like it was carefully made by the goddess of beauty herself. Besides her beautiful face her bodyline was also attractive. Ample bosom that could stop all thoughts. Abundant round buttocks. Nipped in the waist that made men want to touch it. Anyone would dream of a spectacular body like hers. Her beautiful white skin was slightly pink despite the temperature. The peacefully sleeping girl changed her pose comfortably. That made her eyelids open slightly. She looked this way with her amber like eyes.

“Where am I?”

“In my world. You are safe here.”

After hearing his answer she closed her eyes again. Then started to sleep peacefully. Thus Ousawa Akatsuki made a sigh.

It seems everything went well. He made a bitter smile. Even though he has something he must do. He accepted a troublesome thing.

“I want to entrust my daughter to you, eh? I won’t hold responsibility no matter what happens.”

This is the start of a new tale.

Ousawa Akatsuki. Sixteen years old. High school first year. Job: ex-rogue hero

He was summoned to another world called Alayzard and after many hardships he defeated the demon king Galious. After the dying Galious entrusted Akatsuki with his daughter, he had no choice but to return to his world with her in secret. Thus after the ending the tale enters its second stage.

Returned to the real world, it is the start of a New Game.

You ask me with your heart and I answer with deeds.

The thing the hero protects – what is that.

### 021. Part 4

The results of the Norn Screening and Akatsuki’s explosive declaration shocked all the inspectors and forensic officers on site.

Akatsuki was not only the first person recorded as a “True Hero” by the Norn Screening, but at the same time, was the only exception as an alternative world returnee who could not use magic. The Babel school admission was therefore suspended and everyone on site, without exception, directed their attention on this matter and conducted a lively discussion. In addition, the word “Conqueror” on the description regarding the future is also highly regarded. In the past, there had also been a few returnees with Screenings about the “Conqueror”. To this day, these returnees all held key positions that guided the world to the future, Thus, Akatsuki’s results naturally became the most urgent item and were sent directly to the Babel school’s highest authority.

...Fortunately, my report does not have any problems.

Compared to the huge uproar of Akatsuki, Myuu’s Norn Screening, on the contrary, passed successfully. It could be said that she worried too much.

'' In the alternative world of Alayzard, under the intertwined tragedies, the Princess’s happiness has been deprived,

You, who lost everything, only a thorn infested trial remains.

The current you bathed among the gentle wind,

The gentle wind will become a storm, and call forth other companions.

Loneliness will always follow behind you like a shadow,

Whether you will be alone, the choice belongs to you. Whether you will be isolated, the choice belongs to your partner.''

The poem that described the past had the word “Princess” appear, and Myuu could not help but break out into a cold sweat. But just like bards who talk about singers and dancers, generally, this description is often seen within a female’s poem, and does not represent a special meaning.

The poem that described the present mentioned about “wind”, which represents the magical properties. As for the future description, it was currently still ambiguous.

But the future is basically filled with possibilities, thus it was not surprising. As long as the individual decided on a goal or was aware of one, the future description would become more accurate, Thus, the inspectors and forensic officers had made suggestions for a retake after a period of time.

The Norn Screening was finally over. The thought of her escaping the crisis of exposing her identity made Myuu feel relieved.

At that moment ——

“Congratulations on passing.”

Akatsuki gently patted Myuu’s shoulder.

“Tha...Thank you…”

Her pale face managed to squeeze out a tiny stiff smile.

From now on, she is no longer the Demon King Galious’s daughter.

In other words, she must comply with the agreement last night, to realize her promise.

In order to conceal her real identity, no matter how reluctant she is, she must still try.

“On...Oniii...Oniii-cha...I.. I still can’t say it out!”

With both cheeks burning hot, it was almost impossible to speak. No, I must do it.

In order to survive in this world, there is not any choice.

—— This is the promise between my father and I.

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and gently stroked Myuu’s head.

“Do not force yourself, just temporarily call me Akatsuki. No matter what, from now on, we are one family now — Miu.”

This was the moment where Myuu was born in this world with a brand new name and identity.

### 022. Part 4

“Ding Dong—“ Following a sound effect that sounded like giving a correct answer, the elevator had reached the destination floor.

The heavy doors opened and the passengers inside came out. Akatsuki and Kuzuha appeared from the elevator that had just reached the destination floor. They mixed in with all the other students, and walked along the corridor. After confirming that there was no mistake—

“—Ousawa Akatsuki, stop right there!”

Nanase Haruka shouted. Akatsuki and Kuzuha unconsciously turned around. The students looked at each other, not knowing what had happened. An aggressive Haruka stood in the middle of the corridor. With both eyes looking back and forth on Akatsuki’s body, she was surprised to find that in the left pocket of the uniform pants a white and pink cloth-like object could be seen.

… It really was you who did it.

The corner of Haruka’s lips rose slightly higher, but between her eyebrows, it was filled with killing intent.

It should be during the short offensive in the Student Council Office—

She did not know when did Akatsuki steal Minami’s bra and …

…her…panti—!

A flushed Haruka looked at Akatsuki. Selecting the strap-style underwear was certainly her own negligence, but it did not constitute an excuse for his behavior.

Yes, it is all his fault.

“You really have guts…”

Haruka intentionally lowered the volume. Her cheeks were still fiery red.

“Offending the president is already an unforgivable crime, but to think that you also actually took Minami and I…O… Our…”

“…Ousawa-kun.”

“Oops, the fuse was actually lit. What should I do now?”

Kuzuha gave a contemptuous look to Akatsuki, but Akatsuki only scratched his face embarrassedly.

“I’m very sorry, vice president. I only wanted to test you out a bit, so I used the special skill my master personally taught to me, it absolutely did not mean any disrespect. If you want, I’ll return it to you, can you forgive me?”

“—S...Shut Up! The president may have let you go, but that doesn’t mean that I will spare your life. To maintain order in JPN Babel, I will make you pay a price today.”

After saying all this, Haruka waved her right hand, and green light particles gathered between both her hands.

The light particles instantly became a frame for a blade, and finally turned into a real crescent moon blade. Seeing this, Akatsuki could not help but widen his eyes.

“Wh…What is this toy?”

Today was his first day of school. Akatsuki was quite unfamiliar about knowledge and common sense within Babel. Haruka’s action was suspected of having no pride. However, Haruka did not care about this point, she had already identified the man in front of her eyes as a huge pervert. There was no need to talk about reason with this kind of person.

“It will soon be over…”

Haruka began to concentrate.

The magic circle that covered her entire body instantly activated.

As the event was sudden, the students watching on the side suddenly began to stir. A student council member suddenly used magic in the corridor, it was no wonder that everyone panicked. Although Haruka was apologetic deep inside, she did not have any plans to stop.

…That’s right… It will soon be over.

The magic chant was completed. Haruka immediately activated magic. Blessed by the elf’s wind magic, her entire body was wrapped by a swift whirlwind. This had the ability of increasing movement speed and it was a magic that was more effective than the one she previously used in the Student Council Office.

Besides that, before activating the magic, Haruka specially did extra preparations to prevent accidents happening from under her skirt again.

Unable to dodge, impossible to resist, and cannot be justified, the duel will be instantly over.

With a flash of light, Haruka lifted up the crescent moon blade and pushed off with both legs.

“—!”

In a blink of an eye, she had already moved behind Akatsuki, swinging down her hands with the crescent moon blade. Analyzed in slow motion, she instantly moved across the corridor, passed through Akatsuki and did a cross-cut. Under the effects of the barrier, Haruka’s attack would not cause any physical damage, but the targeted individual would still feel it. An attack multiplied by speed is equivalent to the amount of damage dealt to the enemy. According to this formula, Akatsuki’s mental consciousness should have taken serious damage, and he should have fainted already.

“…Huh?”

Turning back, Haruka saw an incredible sight.

Akatsuki was still standing still, as if nothing had happened.

… How is this possible? Didn’t I already hit him?

Compared to a extremely shocked Haruka, Akatsuki only shrugged calmly.

“This is called Hard Qigong, a common weapon means nothing to me.”

“So that’s it, you really are outstanding.”

Haruka glanced coldly at Akatsuki.

“Looks like I have to show my real skills, in order to stop a pervert like you.”

This time she would not be lenient. Haruka added a wind blade on top of the crescent moon blade. This greatly increased the weapon’s attack, even steel or diamond could not withstand it. Just when she was about to wrap the swift wind around her body—

…Huh?

Haruka suddenly felt that the situation was strange.

Her chest felt chilly. However, Haruka did not understand, and did not think that there was a possibility of such a thing occurring, thus she could not help but look down carefully. When her sight was about to fall upon her chest, an unusual scene entered her sight. Looking at Akatsuki who was standing in front, his pants' right pocket revealed a small pink cloth. A closer look revealed that it should be a bra strap, and it was not Minami’s belongings, but this item looked very familiar. Haruka unconsciously looked at her own chest, only to find out the button in front of her chest had been removed, exposing her white snowy skin and an attractive valley.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh—!”

Haruka pressed against her chest and sat down on the spot. Without the protection of her panties, her private spot directly pressed against the cold floor, but it was not the time to care about it so much. This was really hard to believe, what kind of action did Akatsuki do just now? The answer was none, absolutely none. Wait, could it be the moment she passed by him?

“Vice president, will you still not forgive me?”

Akatsuki scratched his head, narrowed both eyes and looked at the embarrassed Haruka.

“Or do you want to continue to play around?”

“~~~~!”

A flushed Haruka tightly bit her lower lip. No, she absolutely could not let this person go unpunished, and could not let him slip away from her own hands. But what was his next goal? Her shirt? Or her skirt? Just thinking about it was terrifying, not to mention that there were other students in their surroundings. If she made a fool of herself in the middle of a crowd, wouldn’t this thoroughly discredit the student council?

“Y…You remember this, Ousawa Akatsuki! The student council… No, I absolutely will not give up! One day I will personally punish you!”

While saying all the ruthless words, Haruka allowed her surroundings to blow around and created a whirlwind.

After the whirlwind subsided, Haruka had already disappeared. Only the sexual harassment criminal as well as the witnesses who saw the beginning of a legend were left at the scene.

— The transfer student Ousawa Akatsuki pushed back the vice president Nanase Haruka. Akatsuki’s brilliant performance quickly spread throughout every corner of Babel.

### 023. Part 4

In the dark gym warehouse came two different voices. One was the sound of a faint sob, the other was the sound of a metal bat fiercely attacking.

“I…Idiot, stop quickly… you’ll kill someone!”

Aside from these two sounds, there was the third sound of a panic-stricken voice, but Miu did not stop waving the metal bat.

Kuzuha was secretly sobbing behind her.

“Shut up, you pervert! What aesthetics, I’m really angry now!”

“Ah oh, constantly holding it in harms your body, so why not just let it have an early release and become more relaxed…”

“The thing that causes harm is you, your brain, your very existence.”

Miu yelled out loud.

“Look right now, how do we clean up the mess?”

Miu turned back. Aside from the crying Kuzuha, another person’s figure entered her eyes. This person was Izumi Chikage. She was currently gently comforting the crying girl.

“—”

The sinister relationship they had earlier on had completely disappeared. It was replaced with an atmosphere filled with warmth. This was thanks to Akatsuki’s perverted act. Yes, Akatsuki’s heroic sacrifice helped achieved peace for everyone. Kuzuha was simply the victim, she was humiliated and became the target of Akatsuki’s evil act. Afterwards, Kuzuha, Miu and Chikage all pushed the responsibility to Akatsuki. Even right now, holding a metal bat and whacking Akatsuki was an reasonable act — because everything was Akatsuki’s fault, it was all Akatsuki’s responsibility.

“I’m very sorry, for the situation to become like this.”

Looking at Kuzuha and Chikage, Akatsuki muttered.

“Uuuuu?~~~!”

Miu bit her lips tightly and stared angrily at Akatsuki. How could there be such a man in this world? Aside from this kind of cheap move, there was not better alternative?

—But then again, Miu could not have thought about this kind of option. At this time, Miu suddenly remembered, it was the same as the time during Alayzard. Akatsuki, alone, defeated her father, with the intention of bearing all the honor and disgrace himself, and tried to maintain the order of the world as well as the balance in power. Once she thought till this point, she could not help but regret her actions.

Compared to the helpless Miu, at least Akatsuki took action. Even though it was a perverted act, he at least took an actual action in response to Kuzuha’s tears, and now he was willing to act as the bad guy, and did not seem to care about the fact he had to accept all the blame from everyone.

This was all in order to help Kuzuha.

“Well, I shouldn’t have treated you this way.”

Miu put down the metal bat, turned her back to Akatsuki, and ran towards Kuzuha and Chikage.

Akatsuki’s forced laugh came from behind, Miu quickly took the side of the two people.

“Class rep, are you still okay?”

Miu looked at Kuzuha’s expression. Kuzuha had removed her gym clothes and her underwear and put on Chikage’s uniform. According to Chikage, she was supposed to change into this uniform after her sexual conduct was over.

“Sorry, it was the fault of our family’s idiot.”

“I have to apologize as well, I shouldn’t have laughed at you earlier.”

Miu and Chikage apologized with a face filled with guilt.

“…Well, it’s okay.”

At the same time as she was speaking, Kuzuha was still gently sobbing. Seeing this, Miu had a feeling that she wanted expressed out.

…She is still so small…

She was obviously not referring to Kuzuha’s height, her slender limbs, her childlike face, or her immature body. Don’t you forget, she was still only 11 years old, but she was always faithfully doing her responsibilities as class rep, and leading the students of the class. Her body’s weakness, the pressure of loneliness, even facing against these negative aspects, Kuzuha still chose to fight even risking her own life through her continuous efforts. I’m afraid that these days, she is constantly forcing herself.

“Class rep, as I have said before, we will not tell anyone about this, so please be assured.”

“Me too, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“…”

Miu and Chikage both tried to persuade her; however, this type of consolation was just empty talk. Even they had to admit this.

…What should we do. If we do not think of a plan…

On top of being ashamed and resentful, Kuzuha could possibly hide from Chikage from now on.

As a result, the deeply apologetic Miu and Chikage would probably avoid contact with Kuzuha as well. Once they discovered that they, themselves, were the reason why Kuzuha slowly shifted away from others, it would definitely cause a large impact on the relationship between Miu and Chikage too.

…He had already come forth and acted as a villain…

Miu glanced at Akatsuki. After Akatsuki was aware, his face had a strange smile on it.

“What, is it time for my aesthetics?”

The appreciation inside her heart instantly vanished.

“Who do you think caused this! If you feel that you have even a tiny bit of responsibility, then think of a plan!” Miu could not help but retort.

“—Taking responsibility isn’t a big issue…”

Akatsuki’s attitude was very relaxed

“I just need assistance from both of you.”

After noticing that Akatsuki’s expression was serious, Miu and Chikage unconsciously glanced at each other.

“…”

Kuzuha also raised her head to stare at Akatsuki. Under the attention of everyone, Akatsuki quietly said:

“—Are you guys willing to make a contribution to help the class rep?”

A serious tone created a tense atmosphere. Miu nodded without flinching.

“Of course.” “This is something we are supposed to do.”

Chikage also added. Everybody had reached a consensus. Akatsuki nodded and immediately gave instructions.

“Okay, both of you stand side by side over here.”

“Just standing is okay? Is standing here okay?”

Under the instructions of Akatsuki, Miu and Chikage felt confused, but they still followed the orders. Only to see Akatsuki stand behind the two of them, stretch out both hands towards Miu and Chikage’s waist and gently push it once.

“Waaaa—!”

Miu subconsciously stretched out her right foot, attempting to keep her balance.

“—Huh?”

However, her right foot did not have any strength. Everything in her sight was shaking. Miu powerlessly slumped down to the ground. She struggled to get up, but her body didn’t even have the slightest strength to do so.

“W…What happened…”

At the moment when she was attempting to gather her strength from her body…

“Uh…?

Her waist was suddenly paralyzed. Miu felt a sense of aching and cried out softly, then immediately topped down onto the ground. A closer look revealed that Chikage was also currently down beside her, showing a state of powerlessness.

However, it was not over. The feeling of aching and pain coming from her waist continued to increase, Miu felt that her whole body was gradually heating up.

“Y…You…What did you do to us?”

With fear in her heart, Miu hurriedly questioned Akatsuki.

“I did not learn magic from that world, but I did learn a technique to manipulate ki. The technique called Renkan Keikikou can manipulate ki from inside you or others as well. It can be used in several situations.”

Akatsuki quietly replied.

“I…I have a sense of foreboding…”

Miu’s tone was very uneasy. Akatsuki stood behind Kuzuha, both hands placed onto her thin and frail shoulders.

“In short, I did something to your ki. This aching and paralyzing feeling will continue to become stronger.”

“W…Why? Didn’t you want to help the class re….Ah!”

She did not finish, but a sudden burst of numbness made Miu unable to help but scream.

“Ah, I almost forgot to tell you guys not to talk, or else the feeling will become even more intense.”

Akatsuki added to his explanation.

“As for why I did this, you’ll know in a minute.”

Miu suddenly understood the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. Among the swift expansion of numbness, another unbearable feeling emerged. Miu knew what this feeling represented and was shocked.

“C…Could it be…”

Miu almost couldn’t believe what she guessed. At this moment, Akatsuki coldly said:

“—Holding it for too long harms your body.”

Akatsuki’s intentions were extremely clear. Miu could not help but shudder. Was he crazy? He could even do such a thing. A feeling came from her belly, and it was exactly same as the feeling of pain that Kuzuha was experiencing earlier.

And the sense of numbness made Miu unable to use any strength, even if she wanted to hold it back, she did not have the strength to do so.

“Miu….! I…I’m going to…”

“N…Noo, Izumi-san! We can’t let this guy get what he wants…”

A panting Miu desperately cheered for Chikage. At this moment, Akatsuki, who was looking at the two of them, suddenly whispered into the ears of Kuzuha.

“Class rep, it’s time. Just use the method I used before and allow Izumi to release it.”

“ “—!” ”

Miu and Chikage gasped.

…What did he just say? Could I have misheard it…?

In fact, they were both aware of what he had said in their hearts, they did not hear it wrong. Today Kuzuha was disgraced in front of everyone. To maintain the friendship between the three of them, the fastest and most efficient way was for the other two to suffer from the same humiliation — But would you really do this?

An incredulous Miu raised her head and stared at Akatsuki. Her gaze matched with Kuzuha who was in front of Akatsuki. The petite Kuzuha looked at Miu and Chikage, then raised her head and looked at Akatsuki.

“But…”

Kuzuha was very hesitant. Akatsuki smiled and shook his head.

“There’s no need for you to be hesitant, that’s where the phrase “Good friends share good times, but great friends divide the pain.” comes in. You help keep their secret, and they will keep your secret, both sides would not owe each other and it is very fair as well.”

“Fair…”

Kuzuha thought deeply, and was staring respectively at Akatsuki and Chikage.

Afterwards, she walked towards Chikage, as if she had made up her mind.

“…Please don’t hate me.”

After saying this, Kuzuha gently latched onto Chikage’s earlobe with her mouth.

“Ah~~!”

Chikage suddenly issued a sound of extreme pleasure. She was completely liberated. Miu’s face was twisted with fear. After looking back, she suddenly noticed Akatsuki standing in front of her.

“D…Don’t come closer! Don’t touch me! Can you hear me!”

Miu was shocked pale, but Akatsuki only lifted his eyebrow, with an expression of disapproval plastered onto his face.

“Ah, you really don’t know your current situation. I only want to make you recover your original state.”

“…Huh?”

Miu widened her eyes in shock.

“As long as I press other acupuncture points, I can reduce the feeling. Of course, I must be the one who presses it.”

“I…If there were this type of acupuncture points, then why don’t you hurry up and…”

Miu constantly twisted her body, her tone was almost pleading.

“Where? Where is that acupuncture point.”

“Near the belly button.”

“R…Really? Please, hurry up and press that acupuncture point… I already am about to go—Huh?”

Chikage and Kuzuha suddenly appeared beside Akatsuki.

Both staring at Miu with a cold expression.

“Uhh… Don’t be like this, both of your expressions are very scary.”

Miu’s tone was somewhat timid. Only to see Akatsuki shake his head and reluctantly say:

“Did you hear this? She wanted to be the only one to stay out of it, what do you think we should do?”

“…”

Kuzuha and Chikage were completely quiet. After staring at each other, they both firmly nodded.

“Waaa, nooo, don’t fool around!”

Both of them subdued Miu’s hands.

“Don’t be like this, quickly wake up! Friends aren’t supposed to do this! You guys have been brainwashed, been deceived by that devil.”

That was Ousawa Miu’s final resistance, unfortunately it was ignored by both Chikage and Kuzuha.

“I didn’t think that Miu was actually that heartless…”

“Ousawa-kun…Don’t say this much, just hurry and punish this traitor.”

Akatsuki deliberately hid his face with his hands, exposing an overwhelmed expression.

“Women’s friendship is too great, I was almost moved to tears.”

“D…Don’t play this type of trick, you are obviously acting! It must be because I used the recent AD event to laugh at you, so you hold a grudge right!”

Ignoring Miu’s protest, Akatsuki silently stretched out his right hand. Miu desperately struggled and attempted to move her belly button towards Akatsuki.

But Akatsuki’s face revealed a cruel smile.

“Ah I almost forgot to tell you, but the fact about the acupuncture point near the belly button was a lie.”

“Y…You…You’re not a human—!”

Miu snapped while shouting. Akatsuki’s finger gently touched Miu’s belly button.

“Ahhhh ~~~!”

The poor Miu screamed, her body bounced up.

After ten minutes, the doors of the gym warehouse opened, and Miu and the others were able to see the light again.

The savior was Chikage’s tryst partner. Although she had fled at the beginning, she could not forget about the situation so she came back to see.

But the three females, who were trapped in the warehouse, had no time to thank her, and immediately ran out of the second arena and directly to the showers.

—Leaving only a smiling Akatsuki standing at the same spot.

### 024. Part 4

The origin of the screams that Akasuki could hear from the second arena was near Miu who was in first arena. The shrill cry originated from an extremely frightened female classmate.

The reason why they were screaming was in front of their eyes. Miu, Kuzuha and Chikage all stared blankly at the not-so-distant object.

A giant bird taller than a person—Cockatrice. Its body was 5 meters long. This was the training opponent for the team battle that Miu and the others were supposed to face.

However, the size of the giant bird was not the reason for the screams. In fact, the Cockatrice was a common opponent for a small team combat training.

“Why…!”

Miu’s expression was extremely serious. Along with Kuzuha and Chikage she took a few steps back, to maintain a distance from the Cockatrice. The atmosphere of the first arena had completely changed. The previous light-hearted atmosphere had instantly disappeared.

—Before the beginning of training, the combat instructors had specially warned them of the precautions.

A real Cockatrice was a monster with the ability of petrification. To make it closer to its real nature, they had specially configured attacks from its beak to cause a state of paralysis. Aside from Miu, the other students had already experienced many times of live combat training, so they were tired of the instructor’s reminder. Thus the combat training soon started.

At the beginning, Miu and her classmates were prevailing. The magician type students stood far away and activated magic attacks, while the warrior type students dodged the claws and used the weapons in their hands to directly attack it. Everybody was constantly changing their positions, trying to find the most favorable attack angle and surround the Cockatrice. The giant bird was already a familiar combat opponent, so everybody had already worked out a method to achieve victory. Everyone thought that they would easily defeat the enemy this time again.

However, after dealing a certain amount of damage to the giant bird, the situation quickly changed. The Cockatrice’s reaction speed suddenly rapidly increased, and two female warrior type students had already become its sacrifices. The Cockatrice easily dodged the attacks from a dead angle, and instantly went around to the back of the two female’s students. Under the attacks of the claws of the Cockatrice, the two students immediately lost consciousness.

“—Retreat! Quickly find cover!”

The combat skills instructor’s reaction was very swift. A normal training program could not have this type of reaction, and the combat skill instructor immediately noticed the severity of the situation. But there were several male students who had defeated other monsters and didn’t listen to the instructions, and confidently stood in front of the Cockatrice. Perhaps they were bored of the same training program, and wanted to prove their strengths. These male students courageously fought the Cockatrice.

However, the results exceeded their expectation. Magic chants were useless, even weapons could not cause it any harm. Even if they used all their power, the results were the same.

They were deeply appalled and faced an attack from the Cockatrice’s beak.

“Guuu…!”

The male student, who was holding a sword, took a few steps back, attempting to avoid it, but was shot in the right shoulder. His entire body fell onto the ground, causing dust to float around.

Luckily, he had managed to retain his consciousness, but as the paralysis was about to start, he probably could not re-enter the battlefield. Just when everyone felt sorry for him, the male student who had received the attack suddenly became a stone statue. This caused everyone to notice that the terror wasn’t just with the Cockatrice’s speed, but also the dangers involved. Everyone understood how urgent the situation was, and understanding turned into fear, which of course was followed by an incoming large scream.

“I…Instructor, How did this happen!”

Miu concentrated and turned her head to ask the instructor, but only to see an anxious and puzzled look on his face. The combat skills instructor’s fingers were constantly sliding on the control system’s crystal ball.

“I…I don’t understand! The emergency suspension program cannot be activated, the system is out of control! Looks like someone has forcibly changed the data of the Cockatrice and made it much more powerful.”

The instructor had an incredulous expression.

“But it should be safe to say that after being harmed by it, at most it should cause only a temporarily paralysis. The original role was to make a hypnotic suggestion to a person’s mentality… In addition, the barrier is working fine, so it should not cause substantial harm to the body.”

“Mmm—!”

Miu was no longer listening to the instructor’s explanation. Since the instructor was not clear about the current situation, she should not waste any time on him. Miu had more important things to do, that is to buy time for the others to take cover.

“…Wind!”

Miu activated her long prepared magic. The atmosphere replied to Miu’s summons, and multiple wind blades formed near the ceiling. Followed by a swing of her staff, the wind blades traced a beautiful arc and headed towards the Cockatrice. All the blades hit the target, but—

Miu gasped. The moment the wind blades hit the Cockatrice, it immediately dissipated into fog.

… It was actually completely unaffected by it…!

Miu’s attack revealed her own position, and the Cockatrice’s attention suddenly focused onto her body. The giant bird’s sharp claws pressed onto the floor, it tilted its huge body forward and headed to Miu swiftly. It was hard to imagine that such a huge Cockatrice actually had such an alarming speed. Miu and the Cockatrice were separated by roughly 20 meters, but this kind of distance didn’t mean much to the Cockatrice.

… Not good, I have to hurry and avoid…!

In peril, Miu twisted her waist and attempted to dodge the enemy’s attack. But after giving it a thought, she gave up on this idea. Kuzuha and Chikage were both standing next to her, and behind her she also had the instructor and the other students. She must think of a way to protect them. Thus Miu began to chant her magic. The AD on her wrist could shorten the chanting time, so a simple wind magic should still make it in time. Miu planned on making everyone fly up into the air and avoid the enemy’s attack. At this moment, the approaching Cockatrice suddenly stumbled and fell to its side. A closer look showed the Cockatrice’s right leg fell into a several meter deep hole, as if it had fallen into a trap.

“…Direct magic attacks do not have any effect, but this kind of tactics seem to still be working.”

Kuzuha coldly said.

“If that’s the case, let me try it as well.”

The fallen Cockatrice suddenly had a large water block covering its head. The ball-shaped water block emerging from midair stole away the Cockatrice’s ability to breathe. Its huge body tried to stand up, but the water block seemed to have its own consciousness, always covering the head of the Cockatrice. The water block also gradually expanded. Finally it covered the entire body of the Cockatrice, creating a water cage for the Cockatrice to be imprisoned in.

“Ah ha, looks like it really is effective.”

The long range attack really worked. Chikage smiled proudly and immediately turned to Miu.

“Are you okay?”

“Ah, thank you.”

Miu stared at the two people, her face in disbelief.

…Why did I think that I had to do everything by myself…?

Deep down, Miu regarded those two as people she had to protect, but this was obviously only Miu’s thinking. In fact, Kuzuha and Chikage’s strength was comparable to herself. Both were reliable partners.

“Magic being useless is no problem, but even the petrification effect came out…Izumi, what do you think?”

“I’m guessing the system went out of control, therefore affecting the meaning of causing harm to a human body.” Chikage supported her chin, and replied to Kuzuha’s question.

“The Cockatrice created by the training program should only cause paralysis on the mental level, but this kind of paralysis does not cause harm to the human body. The system will follow the student’s abnormal condition to make a judgment. If the system accepted petrification as part of an abnormal condition, then the events that happened today should be reasonable.”

“If that is true, then our current situation may not be very optimistic.”

Kuzuha glanced at the petrified male students.

“If the barrier determined that petrified students are normal stones—“

“T…Then won’t it…!”

Miu was surprised. According to the assumptions given by Kuzuha, a petrified body could possibly be destroyed and was excluded from the protection of the barrier. The body’s damage was not the issue anymore; they could die instantly on the scene.

“How do we return them to normal?”

Miu was very anxious, but Chikage only gently nodded.

Based on past experience, as long as you beat the Cockatrice, the training course will come to an end, and the paralysis effect should also disappear—

After saying half of what she wanted to say, Chikage suddenly shut up. Miu and Kuzuha didn’t understand why but followed Chikage’s gaze and looked forward, and immediately their faces paled.

“Impossible…”

Both of them could hardly believe what they are seeing.

The imprisoned Cockatrice was rapidly expanding in the water cage.

Its sharp eyes stared directly at the three of them.

Miu and the others immediately entered their battle postures. The other female students screamed.

The Cockatrice suddenly broke through Chikage’s water cage.

All of this happened almost simultaneously.

“Damn, it failed!”

Chikage snarled, angry at her own misjudgment.

“It isn’t afraid of magic, but rather it can absorb magic!”

The Cockatrice’s body rapidly grew. From the original 5 meters, it swelled to 7 or 8 meters. The personality became more violent and it used its deadly petrification as an attack.

A symbol of fear was rapidly ascending in front of their eyes.

“—!”

Everyone issued a high-pitched scream and attempted to flee from the scene, but the Cockatrice’s deafening roar swallowed the wails, shaking the atmosphere. The Cockatrice opened its wings and released countless feathers. Under the influence of the strong wind, the Cockatrice’s feathers fluttered everywhere, turning into sharp arrows.

“Waaaaaa…!”

Miu hurriedly activated her wind defence magic, placing Chikage and Doumoto under her protection.

She could not worry about the others and could only watch as the fleeing students got hit by the feathers, and in the presence of the trio, turned into cold hard statues.

“Impossible…”

…Its feathers also have the ability of petrification?

When Miu had fallen into despair, the Cockatrice approached and raised its giant claws.

“~~!”

The sharp claws collided with the defensive barrier. Even Miu who was in the barrier could clearly feel the huge impact. Miu grinded her teeth and endured it.

Noticing its claws being bounced back, the Cockatrice was slightly shocked. It immediately launched a second wave of attack. The huge beak and claws took turns and continued an endless stream of attacks.

“…Uh! …Ah!~~ Ah!”

Miu tried to defend against the giant bird’s attack at all costs, but the situation where they were evenly matched would not last long. The Cockatrice’s attacks became heavier each time, and Miu felt that she was slowly lacking.

…Could it be that it is absorbing my defensive barrier’s magic power?

Her foreboding really became true. The Cockatrice’s body gradually swelled. Miu had no other option; if she removed the defensive barrier, it meant revealing them directly to the threat of the giant beak and claws. Even if they were lucky enough to avoid the attacks from the beak and claws, it was unlikely that they would be able to avoid the fluttering feathers, and at that time, it would still be the end for them. Kuzuha and Chikage also seemed to carry similar thoughts, but they could only frown and desperately think of countermeasures. As the Cockatrice’s attack power became stronger and stronger, Miu’s internal magic power rapidly decreased, and finally she could not withstand it anymore.

“…Ah!”

Both of Miu’s legs gave out and she had no power in her body. Her magic power was completely depleted and the wind defensive barrier also vanished. But the Cockatrice did not stop its attack. She could only watch as its neck went down slightly and the petrification attack from the beak pierced the air. Miu, who was completely powerless, had no response as countermeasures.

At this moment, Kuzuha and Chikage stood in front of Miu.

“—Hmm!”

“Take this…!”

The two of them simultaneously created a earth and water barrier, forming a brand new defensive barrier. Under the effects of the two barriers, they managed to withstand the first wave of attack from the Cockatrice.

However, the earth and water defensive barrier also collapsed.

“Ah—!”

“It can’t be…”

The two of them exclaimed. Miu was feebly lying on the floor, her heart filled with remorse. The barrier was created by her, it blocked the Cockatrice, but at the same time, her own magic power was absorbed completely, turning into the Cockatrice’s strength.

“Quickly escape…!”

Unfortunately, she was a step too late. Kuzuha and Chikage did not even have the chance to catch their breath, and the Cockatrice’s giant claws pierced the air once again.

The two of them attempted to re-activate the defensive barrier, but it was too late. The unformed earth and water barrier was not its opponent. A strong impact made the two of them fly away like broken kites. After rolling on the floor a few times, they lost consciousness. The amount of damage they received was far more than what their mental state could withstand.

“Chikage…! Class rep…!”

Miu struggled to get up. Even if she had no power in her body, she would still bravely raise the holy spear and face off against the over 10 meters tall Cockatrice, in order to protect the unconscious Kuzuha and Chikage — The first friends she made in her life.

… I won’t let you get away with this, monster…!

“Guuu…”

After gripping her hands slightly, she suddenly fell to the ground weakly. But the Cockatrice did not give any mercy. She watched as the giant claws swept towards her rapidly.

Although she knew it was impossible, Miu still held gritted her teeth and raised her holy staff, attempting to block off the attack from the Cockatrice. She would definitely never give up. She stared straight at the sharp claws, her eyes unblinking.

Suddenly, a figure jumped in between.

“—”

As it was so sudden, Miu’s eyes widened in surprise. The familiar silhouette was in front of her eyes, a wide, strong, confident male’s back. He did not even open his mouth, but his back told her everything.

—Don’t worry, I’m here now.

She watched as he calmly raised his left hand.

After a huge noise erupted, the Cockatrice’s giant claws were firmly blocked.

### 025. Part 4

A calm breathing sound echoed in the silent infirmary. An exhausted Miu was currently sound asleep.

Her emotions were finally released. After coming to this world, perhaps it was the first time she slept so soundly.

Akatsuki could not help but shake his head and smile. Not letting women cry was his aesthetics, but sometimes he would have to face a woman’s tears and allow them to cry out, this was ironic.

—However, everything hadn’t ended yet. They were still standing at the starting line. For the future days, she would continue to observe Akatsuki, then make her final decision, so Akatsuki must step up his pace. That’s right, Ousawa Akatsuki had another matter he must complete.

Akatsuki clenched his right first and silently closed his eyes.

Allowing his thoughts to flow through this world and the faraway alternative world.

—Everything began from here.

Bearing a flag about maintaining the world peace, by turning all alternative world returnees into a weapon for power struggles and sending groups of young males and females to battle: COCOON.

To establish a country for alternative world returnees and continuing to show the overwhelming might to the world. The terrorist organization .

Under the bloody situation of terrorists running amok, superhumans killing each other, or even pursuers from an alternative world that is slowly approaching…

A young man with a determined will courageously faced this chaotic world

The name of this young man was about to spread to every corner of this world.

## References

- ↑ Temporary Name

### 026. Part 5

The following oral examination was also passed successfully without any problems occurring. The key point was, of course, for Miu and Akatsuki to take the examiner’s inquiry together. Since they had returned from the same alternative world, and the two of them were in a brother and sister relationship, Akatsuki’s specifically made a proposal and asked the examiner to make a joint interview, which resulted in the examiner accepting it.

Although joint interviews are a rare situation, it does not mean there isn’t a precedent. When Miu did not know how to reply, Akatsuki would take responsibility and round things up in a timely manner. This was one of the reasons the two passed successfully.

Now both of them appeared in the arena’s stage.

“This is the last stage, allow me to see your strengths.”

A male who was approaching his forties said to them.

He was the combat skills instructor responsible for testing out Miu and Akatsuki.

“There is a variety of weapons here that you two are free to select. Some of the weapons might not be as finesse, but please first deal with it. After you are formally accepted, the school will provide the best weapons based on each individual’s needs. Also, this examination does not restrict the usage of magic, it is fine for you two to use magic to decide the victory. In short, select your most skillful, your most powerful way to display your strength.”

As the combat skill instructor said, the walls were covered with a variety of strange weapons. Miu, following the order one by one, was deciding while at the same time contemplating carefully within her heart.

...The opponent utilizes the halberd which is strong against long range attacks, so…

Among all the weapons, Miu picked the single-handed short sword. She was a magician, not a warrior. Before activating magic, it required some time to concentrate. In order to avoid the opponent’s attacking while chanting, a small weapon was necessary for defense.

As for Akatsuki, he casually put his hands behind his head.

“Ah, I do not require weapons.”

“Quite confident huh, are you sure? I was taken back during the Norn Screening when a appeared, but only to find out that you can’t even use magic.”

After saying this, the combat skills instructor laughed.

“—— It can’t be that you don’t even know how to use a sword right?”

“That’s not it. During the time at that world, I was basically fighting with a sword.”

“Well, you decide then, just don’t overdo it. But the results of your combat abilities are related to your placement after admission, so deliberately hiding your strength will be your loss.”

“Didn’t you want us to show off our strength? That’s why this is enough.”

“Well, it is your choice. Once you’re ready, let’s begin. Having both of you come at me together is fine too, please bring out your real strength.”

The combat instructor lifted up the halberd.

“HeyHeyHey, that isn’t good right?”

Akatsuki’s face suddenly showed a smile filled with confidence.

“What if you get instantaneously killed by me, I can’t let you lose all your pride right?”

“Youuu...You should say less words, okay?”

Akatsuki’s plea was honestly too intense, so Miu quickly tried to diffuse the situation. However, the combat skills instructor seemed to be infuriated.

“This you don’t have to worry about. I have been an examiner for many years, I have confidence in my own strength. In the past, I have almost never been beaten by the new students. And even if I am not as skilled as the others, your attacks won’t damage me.”

Why?

“Babel school’s campus is enclosed within a special barrier, any physical or magic attack will only affect the opponent’s mental status and cannot harm the opponent’s body. That said, I will still feel pain and may even lose consciousness, but within the effects of the barrier, that is the biggest amount of damage that can be done, so you guys can safely attack.”

This should be a measure to prevent trespassing students and teaching staff members from having personal fights. An alternative world returnee is like a powerful time bomb; in case of a conflict with each other, there is no guarantee that it will not cause any unnecessary casualties. To reduce this sort of loss, the school set a strong defense barrier within the Babel school campus.

“Well then, there is no problem.”

Akatsuki gently stroked his chin.

“Miu, you’ll start first.”

“Huh? But the instructor wants us together...”

“It does not matter, the instructor also did not say it must be together — right?”

Akatsuki looked at the combat skills instructor in front of him. The two of them were separated by Miu.

The combat skills instructed nodded.

“Ah, that’s okay too, you guys can decide.”

“See.”

Akatsuki said while smiling.

“That’s right, ears over here.”

After Miu followed the orders and lifted her right ear, Akatsuki whispered beside her ear.

“—— How’s that, no problem right?”

“It is not a problem, But… are you really sure you want to do this?”

“If there’s no problem, then just go ahead.”

Akatsuki gently pushed Miu shoulders and brought her in front of the combat skills instructor.

“Is your fighting style using weapon or magic?”

“It’s magic, the short sword is only a weapon used for defense...”

Miu’s eyes fell to the short sword in her hand. After the instructor saw this, he could not help but smile.

“You can rest assured about this point. My goal is to test your strength; I will not initiate the attack. Since it is the use of magic, you can begin the chant now.”

“Yes... uhh, pleased to meet you.”

After bowing down, Miu began to concentrate. Just seeing a magic circle expanding by her side, bursting with a dazzling light, it turned into a defensive effect barrier.

“Hmm...”

The combat skill instructor expression changed and he took a battle posture. The more powerful the magic, the stronger the barrier needed to avoid suffering from attacks during the chanting phase. Miu made an abnormally strong defensive barrier, which meant that the magic she was about to cast had a considerable degree of power. Miu, entering the chanting phase, could clearly see the combat skills instructor calculating the time. The defensive barrier, used for the chant, must be cancelled the instant before activating the magic. Otherwise, the magic will hit the defensive barrier and the power will decrease significantly. Thus, the defensive barrier will disappear at some point of time. It is a very important signal during a magical battle.

...Do I really have to do this?

The moment Miu activated her magic, she felt some guilt.

Because she did not cancel the defensive barrier.

“Ah——!”

The combat skills instructor was deeply surprised.

After a burst of strong wind, a tornado surfaced in mid-air. The tornado did not rise from the ground to the skies, but rather from Miu to the instructor in front, directly hitting the target.

The unprepared instructor’s entire body flew off and heavily hit the arena walls.

“Guuu...!”

After standing up steadily with difficulty, the instructor took a deep breath and raised his head.

A dazzling light followed by an explosive noise came towards and impartially hit the instructor.

During the emergency, the combat skills instructor adopted a magical defense, but the magic power of Miu far exceeded the instructor’s mental strength. This time, the instructor could not stand it any longer and powerlessly lay on the floor.

Although it will produce a protective barrier during the chanting process of performing magic, a high class magician can cancel the generation of the barrier. Because he was blindly calculating the activation timing of magic, the other side undoubtedly gained control. But then again, the protective barrier is only one method of deception in magical combat; just cancelling the barrier is not enough for experienced instructors to fall into the trap.

In truth, Miu’s defensive barrier was just a cover up. She first pretended to activate the barrier and then took the opportunity to activate magic. This is a highly skilled magician’s preferred high class skill. While chanting magic and cancelling the defensive barrier then activate a disguised barrier, at first glance it may only seem like three steps. But, in fact, it's necessary to maintain a high degree of balance between each action. If one of the steps failed, the magic will not activate.

Therefore, this technique is not applicable during the ever-changing battlefield. This time it was just a simple test, plus the other side stood motionless, which led to Miu succeeding easily.

“HeyHeyHey, is that really true? You are quite powerful.”

Akatsuki could not help but compliment Miu’s performance. Defeating an enemy who stood motionlessly is not rare, the rare sight was that in addition to the tornado, Miu actually even added lightning magic afterwards. In truth, Akatsuki only made the suggestion for cancelling the defensive barrier and activating a disguised barrier, but he could not believe that Miu’s performance was beyond his imagination. Of course, chanting two magics together is not as difficult as it seems; however, the chanting of the two types of magic, and at the same time, cancelling a defensive barrier, and adding a disguised barrier, this is not something every magician can do. According to Akatsuki, probably only Listy, Loutier and Galious, etc, a few dozen magicians had this capability. This meant that Miu’s strength was definitely in the ranks of a master mage. Being the demon king’s daughter wasn’t just for show. After the other staff members performed first aid on the combat instructor, Miu returned to Akatsuki’s side.

“I don’t like this sort of underhanded tricks.”

“It does not matter. The combat instructor cast a magical barrier in time, so the damage should be reduced. Besides, no matter how serious the injury, at most, it is only a temporary concussion and is not life-threatening. The only loss I see is that his clothes turned into charcoal.”

Laughing at the same time, Akatsuki twisted his shoulders.

“Then next, it’s my turn. Instructors, can you hurry up? Your body is unwell but there is no damage right?”

“Please...Please...wait for a moment...”

The instructor, who was checking for injuries on the combat skills instructor, seemed to be hesitating.

“The damage is more serious than expected, I am afraid he will awake after two or three days. It looks like he is unable to act as your opponent.”

“Then what do I do? Being admitted without being tested in combat?”

“T...That is obviously impossible.”

“Are there no other combat skill instructors?”

“There is some, but in order to change the entrance examination examiner, we must obtain permission from the high level executives such as the headmaster. The other combat skill instructors also need time to be prepared.”

“——That being said, why don’t I temporarily act as the examiner.”

A voice came from the arena’s entrance, and everyone on the scene turned and looked at the rear.

### 027. Part 5

A nostalgic feeling. It was as if the atmosphere had changed, a single breath caused stinging pain in the body.

Akatsuki was very used to this — It was the atmosphere that only battlefields had.

After his left hand blocked the Cockatrice’s giant claws, Akatsuki looked up at the giant body in front of him.

“Cockatrice…A chimera made out of a chicken and a snake.”

Akatsuki swiftly moved and took a few steps forward.

His right palm was against the giant body, his right leg stepped firmly onto the ground.

“—Let me see you fly away!”

After a loud noise, the Cockatrice’s giant body was lifted into the air, and flew backwards.

This was the activation of Renkan Keikikou. The cockatrice flew a certain amount of distance in the air, then fell down heavily on the floor.

A powerful impact shook the entire first arena.

Akatsuki turned and looked behind him at Miu.

“Sorry, I made you wait, I didn’t expect that there would be such a situation…Are you alright?”

“Yes…”

Akatsuki’s appearance made Miu feel relieved. But her legs were still soft, and it looked like she was about to topple down any moment.

“—Be careful. Are you really okay?”

Akatsuki immediately supported Miu up, and let her slowly sit down on the floor.

“You’ve worked hard enough, you did well. Just leave the rest to me.”

Then he turned again to face the Cockatrice.

“It will end soon.”

“J…Just the strength of one person is not enough, you must first think of…”

The gasping Miu tried to stop Akatsuki, but Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sorry, but there’s no time left — Look.”

“—?”

Akatsuki lifted his left hand. Miu was completely shocked. The lower part of his arm was completely petrified, all the way to his elbow. It looked like the Cockatrice’s petrification ability had already extended from its beak and feathers to the claws.

The petrification effect was slowly eroding into Akatsuki’s arms. It should be said that Akatsuki should have already turned into a stone statue, but luckily Akatsuki used Renkan Keikikou to manipulate his body’s ki, and was barely able to slow down the petrification speed. Of course, this was not a permanent solution.

There’s no time left. Akatsuki turned around, but the sound of “stop” suddenly appeared from behind.

“—Don’t try to be a hero, Ousawa Akatsuki!”

The sound came from the combat skills instructor who had luckily avoided the mess.

“The system is already out of control, there’s no way anyone can take it down. The only way is to forcibly stop the training program to let the Cockatrice automatically disappear.”

But Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sensei, I advise that you give up on this train of thought. Since the system is already out of control, how could we place our hopes on the system? What if it causes serious consequences, can you afford to take this risk?”

So Akatsuki stepped towards the Cockatrice, only to notice that his petrified left wrist was held by someone behind.

“W…What do you plan to do?”

Miu tried to conceal her inner fears.

“Do you really understand the situation? Just by a person who can’t use magic… No, a person who can’t even use an AD, how would he be able to defeat his enemy who isn’t afraid of weapons and magic. Even if you attack it unarmed, it will only speed up the petrification process…”

Akatsuki listened, then looked at Miu and laughed.

“You’re right, if I only had unarmed attacks. But right now I’ll accept your advice, and use a weapon that belongs solely to me.”

After saying this, Akatsuki raised his right hand. Black light particles immediately began to gather.

His AD seemed to be responding. Miu widened her eyes in shock.

“D…Did you learn it? How do you do this?”

“I didn’t do anything, I simply increased the amount only.”

Akatsuki raised his sleeves. On his right arm were seven ADs.

— According to the combat skills instructor, the feeling of using AD to materialize a weapon was equivalent to chanting magic.

Akatsuki did not know magic, he could only use Renkan Keikikou to follow the concept.

…The results were disastrous.

What magic really was was by borrowing the chanting actions and concentrating into your consciousness, then slowly increasing the magic power, enhancing its power. In short, magic activation was to allow the magic power gradually increase from a minuscule value to its maximum, but Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou was to release the large amount of power inside the body to the outside. It could also mean that the power released was already at its maximum state. If the AD’s characteristic was to start from a low gear, Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou started at a high gear, thus they did not correspond to each other well.

…But in the end, he finally found a short cut.

Onizuka’s AD made Akatsuki discover this possibility, thus he borrowed the ADs from the other students in the second arena, attempting to materialize his weapon. After each attempt failed, he added another AD, until he was wearing 7 ADs. Those were finally able to accommodate Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou.

“Come.”

Akatsuki muttered. At the same time, following a black flash of light, Akatsuki’s weapon appeared out of thin air.

“—“

A greatsword with an abnormal look and a pitch black blade. Its length was nearly 3 meters, and the blade was wider than Miu’s shoulders. It was wide in the front and the rear ends of the sword, but the middle section was slightly recessed, making its appearance look complicated. In the center of the hilt and the blade were various red crosses and crystal balls, creating a ghostly atmosphere.

— Anyone who saw this weapon would naturally blurt it out.

Akatsuki held the great sword in his hands, and leisurely walked towards the Cockatrice.

The Cockatrice seemed to recognize the sudden appearance of Akatsuki as a threat. It immediately spreaded its wings and prepared a petrification attack.

“Be careful, that is…”

From behind, Miu cried out aloud. She saw a flash of light pass by and Akatsuki’s black great sword swung across the air.

The petrification feathers did not come. The wings on both sides of the Cockatrice were cut apart by the black great sword. Feeling the pain, the Cockatrice suddenly cried out.

“How is this possible? Shouldn’t weapon and magic attacks have no effect against it?” Miu could hardly believe her eyes, but Akatsuki only smiled calmly.

“Of course it will work, this sword contains my own ki inside of it.”

Then he looked at the hand holding his sword.

…Looks like he hit the jackpot this time.

A suitable weapon for him must take a lifetime’s worth of time before he could find it. Some people would spend a lifetime and still not be able to find a weapon truly suitable for them. Akatsuki did not imagine that he would be able to achieve his wish in this world.

—AD, matching the user’s abilities and talents, and providing the most suitable weapon to materialize.

Was this really true?

“Once I try it out, I’ll know.”

Akatsuki took a few steps. His right hand held the hilt, his petrified left wrist held onto the right wrist. He pointed the sword tip forward, and assumed an assault posture.

The Cockatrice moved its long neck, its hard beak aimed at Akatsuki, and pecked. A large noise occurred, and the ground suddenly had a huge hole.

But as the huge hole appeared, Akatsuki’s demon sword was already stabbed into the Cockatrice’s body. Holding the sword hilt, he activated Renkan Keikikou and inserted his body’s ki into the sword and then into the Cockatrice. The Cockatrice’s giant body suddenly swelled up.

“—Ohoh, this toy is pretty useful.”

Thus Akatsuki turned his back towards the Cockatrice and slowly walked towards Miu.

“W…Wait! It’s dangerous!”

“It’s not dangerous one bit, it is already over.”

Holding Miu’s hands, Akatsuki pulled her up from the ground.

Then he wrapped his hands around Miu’s waist, and turned to look at the Cockatrice, his face filled with a gloating smile.

“Three seconds before countdown. Three, Two, One…”

Once Akatsuki counted to one, the Cockatrice’s huge body suddenly shook the ground violently.

“—“

The next second, the humongous body suddenly exploded into pieces. Akatsuki used Renkan Keikikou and inserted his own ki into the Cockatrice through the Demon Sword, successfully destroying it from within. Before the Cockatrice’s fluttering pieces landed on the floor, it all disappeared as a puff of smoke, representing the end of the training program.

“—See, I told you so.”

With a smile, Akatsuki held up his left hand. The black demon sword drew a beautiful arc in the air and landed slowly. Akatsuki held onto the hilt and successfully caught the demon sword that was coming down from the sky. Signs of the petrification had already disappeared from his left hand.

### 028. Part 6

The owner of the voice was a teenager with a pair of sky blue eyes and silver hair. Covered under the Babel school uniform, his body seemed to be quite skinny, but insiders could tell that it was a well-trained body. What seemed to be an ordinary stature revealed a stable and unmovable aura. This was the confidence that a truly strong person should have.

He is not a fool, his strength is perhaps comparable to mine...no...maybe even slightly stronger.

After guessing the gap between the enemy’s strength and his own, Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes.

“Who are you?”

“First time meeting you, Ousawa Akatsuki. I am JPN Babel school’s student president Hikami Kyouya.”

Kyouya responded to Akatsuki’s question with a hearty smile.

After seeing Kyouya’s appearance, all the staff members at the scene revealed apologetic looks.

“Excuse me, sorry to bother you during the holidays to make you take a trip here personally.”

“That’s okay. I already know the results of the Norn Screening. If the Screening’s results are accurate, this naturally belongs in my jurisdiction.”

“...How strange...”

“Isn’t the student president only the representative of the students, why do all the teachers on the scene seem to respect and fear him?”

“I am not too certain, but ——”

Akatsuki’s gaze moved from Miu’s back to Kyouya in front of him.

“I’ve heard that the student president’s position is held by the strongest student in the Babel school, That means he is the current top dog here.”

At the same time, he was the strongest returnee out of all the returnees who came back from an alternative world.

In short, he was the strongest Japanese student.

After the conversation between the staff members ended, Kyouya turned around.

“Ousawa-kun, about the last topic, the performance examination, I will be your opponent. Are there any objections?”

“No, I’m fine with that.”

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Babel school student president was undoubtedly the best testing stone.

—— Taking advantage of this opportunity and testing whether he, who obtained a powerful strength in the alternative world, could stop those two men now.

So Akatsuki and Kyouya both took a step forward.

Akatsuki originally intended to keep a low profile temporarily after being admitted, but this sudden incident caused him to change his plans and directly challenge the strongest, the student president.

“——Ousawa-kun, there is no need to be that serious.”

When the remaining distance between the two was only a few meters, Kyouya suddenly exposed a bitter smile, as if he had seen through Akatsuki’s mind.

“This is only an examination for combat abilities, I did not mean to have a showdown with you and there is no need to. I only want to test your strengths ——.”

At this moment...

Under Akatsuki’s foot, the sandy floor suddenly broke into a hole, and a huge icicle rapidly came up from the hole.

“——!”

Akatsuki hurriedly jumped backwards, and glided on the sandy floor for some distance before stopping.

“Ahhh, your reaction is not bad.”

Kyouya revealed a knowing smile.

But the creation of his icicle made others unable to laugh.

“Amazing...”

As Miu’s praise came from behind and entered his ears, Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

An icicle with a height of over five meters stood in front of his eyes. Its weight was probably around ten tons. Ice crystal-like spikes were placed across the surface, like a mirror reflecting the surrounding landscape.

By creating such a high purity and tall icicle instantly, the practitioner’s strength is self-evident.

...As expected of the strongest Japanese student, I won’t let you down.

This way, it would be fun. Akatsuki concealed his inner excitement. On the other side of the icicle, Kyouya could not help but grin.

“Ousawa-kun, I’ve heard that you plan to take this test barehanded? So what about this, why don’t you use your prized fist and attack my icicle?”

Akatsuki was stunned for a moment.

“No wayyy right, that simple?”

“You can’t, you can’t fall for his trap!”

Miu hurriedly spoke to stop him with a serious expression.

“This is not a simple icicle, inside it contains a large amount of magic power, its hardness has probably been increased several times. Using your bare hands to hit the icicle will most likely cause an ending with a bone fracture.”

Kyouya shook his head.

“This, you do not have to worry about. As long as you are within the barrier, Ousawa-kun’s fist will definitely not be injured, at most it will only hurt a few days.”

“——You do not have to bother.”

With the huge opportunity in front of him, some pain did not matter much.

So Akatsuki clenched his right fist and took a posture.

“If I can crush your giant icicle in one punch——"

Akatsuki stared at the other side of the icicle.

— At that time, you will be my opponent, Hikami Kyouya.

Kyouya listened and smiled happily.

“Okay, that’s not an issue.”

“Very well, that’s a promise.”

Akatsuki’s ki began to circulate within his body, he was preparing to use Renkan Keikikou. The stimulated ki entered his meridian and finally concentrated into Akatsuki’s right first.

The passing requirement is to crush the icicle, he will not allow any failure.

...Okay, Let’s go.

“——!”

Akatsuki raised his right fist and violently swung it.

After an explosive noise, it was followed by a burst of shaking impacts.

Witnessing everything, Miu hurriedly closed her eyes and covered her ears with both hands.

After a period of time, the surroundings calmed down, and Miu then slowly opened her eyes.

“Waaahh...”

Miu could not help but be shocked.

—— The result was the following: Kyouya’s icicle was not crushed, not even a single crack lay on it. But the power of Akatsuki’s fist was clearly shown in the icicle’s surroundings. The surrounding sand was blasted several feet, exposing the hard ground, and made it look like the icicle fell down from heaven. A sight that proved the power of the iron fist, but Kyouya’s created icicle was also intact.

“Damn it, I failed!”

Akatsuki, who raised his head staring at the icicle, was angry. Miu then suddenly realized why.

...I understand now, the reason why the icicle remained intact...

Miu hurriedly rushed to Akatsuki’s side.

“Is your hand still okay?”

“Ah, no problem. You can see for yourself.”

Akatsuki swung his right hand, proving that he himself did not have any problems. His right hand did not have any broken skin, even a single spot of swelling was nowhere seen. Miu’s eyes widened, revealing an incredulous look.

“Whether the giant icicle, which could not be broken, or your fists, both are too exaggerated!”

“I thought I would succeed, damn it!”

“Excellent, very excellent.”

Kyouya also generously praised him.

“With such strength, it seems like the day where you and I have a showdown will eventually occur. Okay, the entrance inspection of the two of you is finished now.”

Kyouya looked at Akatsuki, then looked at Miu, and with a face filled with smiles.

“Welcome both of you to become part of Babel school.”

### 029. Part 6

In the first arena, there was a room with a view of the entire stadium. It was a small room with glass windows and a high ceiling. Only a few people could freely enter this special viewing platform. At the special viewing platform, a few people were witnessing the first arena’s situation, that is JPN Babel’s four student council members.

“—Yes, I understand, you’ve worked hard. We would like to know more details, please contact us after he regains consciousness.”

After the call, the vice president Nanase Haruka sighed.

“Found the suspect.”

“The guy called Onizuka?”

The secretary Ryouhei asked.

—According to various evidence, the student council had determined the reason for the abnormality in the training program.

After a quick investigation, the key lending records determined that Onizuka had borrowed the keys and went to the gym warehouse to prepare the training equipment. But Onizuka had already fallen unconscious during the training and was sent to the medical building to receive treatment. After he regained consciousness, he would then have to face the Student Council’s questioning.

“It can’t be because he was humiliated in front of his classmates, so he wanted to get his revenge? A male’s jealously is really ugly, they do not think about how many people they will harm. There’s no difference between a male and a terrorist.”

“Yes.”

Kyouya calmly smiled. Mishima was still staring at the first arena under their feet.

Haruka could not help but curiously ask.

“Mishima, what are you looking at?”

“…He really is strong.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Everybody unanimously looked downward. Ousawa Akatsuki, a confirmed by Norn Screening. Although he could not use magic, his martial arts were simply unfathomable. Using his martial arts as a basis for his superior swordmanship, plus the giant Demon Sword that required 7 ADs, it completely impacted the Student Council’s knowledge.

“…But he still isn’t a threat to us. That level of Cockatrice is simply not a problem to us.” Haruka calmly made this judgment.

“As for his last attack, Mishima can easily block it.”

“Perhaps.”

“Ueseki’s fire magic can also give the effect of a pre-emptive attack in a duel mode in training.”

“That… ah ha ha …”

Ryouhei scratched his cheek.

At that moment, Kyouya finally spoke. His tone was extremely calm.

“However, facing different opponents, he should also change and use different strategies.” “That’s true, but…”

Haruka didn’t seem to want to give up.

Ryouhei placed his hands behind the back of his head.

“Anyways, A-class also have some powerful returnees. According to this, he should not be our opponent.”

Thus, the Student Council Members all walked out of the viewing platform. They did not have any reason to continue to stay there.

“—President, where are you going?”

Noticing Kyouya going in the opposite direction alone, Haruka hurriedly asked.

Kyouya nodded.

“I have to clean up the aftermath.”

At the same time Akatsuki defeated the Cockatrice, the system returned to normal. The petrified students all regained their original form, and the chaotic and disorderly scene was gradually brought under control. However, there were still many students who had not regained their consciousness and were currently waiting for medical personnel to arrive on stage.

During the confusion, a single figure swiftly left the scene.

—It actually failed.

Taking advantage when everyone was not paying attention, he quietly left the arena and immediately headed towards Babel’s landfill. There was a building there that had an incinerator that could destroy every object in the world. The current him must immediately rush to the landfill as soon as possible because he was holding a mysterious object that no one else was allowed to find out.

…Ah, the original plan was a mess.

I did not expect Ousawa Akatsuki’s strength to be that formidable.

Passing through the corridor, he opened his shoe locker and took out the outdoor shoes.

At this moment —

“—The key storage room isn’t in that direction right?”

“—!”

Turning around to carefully look, the figure appearing in the hallway made him feel nervous. When did he chase up to him?

The figure in the corridor was Ousawa Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, I don’t understand.”

Suppressing his inner panic, he exposed a puzzled smile.

“I was injured during the previous training course, so my body isn’t feeling too well, I was about to head over to the medical building for an examination.”

“Really? But there is an infirmary here too right? If your body isn’t feeling well, you should select the closer infirmary instead. Why do you have to specifically go to the medical building?”

“That’s correct. Due to the training system going out of control, the infirmary’s personnel are all hurrying to help perform emergency aid to the unconscious students. They do not have time to take care of me.”

“Yes, that makes sense…”

Ousawa Akatsuki nodded, and did not continue to speak.

He still was unclear about the meaning of Ousawa Akatsuki’s words. This was the first time he initiated the conversation with Ousawa Akatsuki. After a moment of silence, he quietly asked:

“…What do you mean?”

“—Yes? What are you referring about?”

“What you just said, Ousawa-kun, Why do you think that I must head over to the key storage?”

Akatsuki suddenly understood.

“The reason is simple. Because you are the one behind all this, right, Tanaka?”

### 030. Part 7

After Akatsuki and Miu left the arena, Kyouya raised his hand and lightly touched the icicle.

Only to see the huge icicle instantly shattered into sand-like fragments, becoming a mist that melted itself in the air.

Leaving the scene with only a huge meteorite crater.

The inspector also slowly walked behind Kyouya.

“We apologize for making you specially come over this time, and also...President?”

“Huh, ah, that’s okay, I did not expect that I would encounter such a fascinating thing.”

“What are you looking at...?”

The staff member walked up to Kyouya, followed his line of sight and looked. He could not help but immediately turn pale.

“Thii...This...I...is?

“He really is amazing.”

Kyouya happily said while smiling.

The crater which should have had the same shape as the icicle was actually crooked to one side.

On the side facing Kyouya dirt was lifted well up, on the other side—that was the the direction facing Akatsuki—was a slight sink into the ground. What did this phenomenon represent?

“A single fist moving an icicle, weighing a few tons, is not that simple. Maybe he really is the legendary hero.”

Also, Akatsuki angrily expressed that “he had failed”.

To judge from the literal meaning, it should mean that he did not shatter the icicle.

Akatsuki’s little actions did not manage to hide themselves from Kyouya’s eyes.

Kyouya clearly noticed that Akatsuki deliberately adjusted the strength of his fist in order to avoid using excessive strength.

The condition that Kyouya had originally raised was to shatter the icicle. If there was excessive strength, only a large hole would be drilled into the icicle and it would not shatter.

In reality, drilling a big hole in the icicle is much more difficult than shattering the icicle, but if Akatsuki did it that way, he would have lost the bet. Thus, he deliberately weakened his punch.

...This guy is really interesting.

If he went all out, my icicle should have easily been shattered or at least a large hole would have been drilled open. At the thought that a returnee who could not use magic actually had such a powerful strength, even if this giant icicle only used ten percent of his powers to create, Kyouya could hardly hide his excitement.

“——I really want that power.”

On Kyouya’s face gradually emerged a cold, shallow smile.

### 031. Part 7

Ousawa Akatsuki stared at Tanaka, carefully observing changes in his expression.

“To be honest, I actually quite admire you. On the first day of school, you were selected by Onizuka. Even if Onizuka punched and kicked you, you still decided to endure it silently, and completely disregard it.”

“…If I was to violently resist, it would only be worse. Silently enduring is a better choice.”

“If it was just simple bullying, I would say that your words are indeed correct. However —“

Akatsuki stared into Tanaka’s eyes.

“However, aren’t you stronger than Onizuka?”

“…”

“I actually noticed it a while ago, I noticed it when I first saw you. Do you still remember what I said to Onizuka?”

After a short pause —

“—Aren’t there always people who believe that they are stronger than others, and look down upon them.”

From that point on, Akatsuki was interested in Tanaka, who was hiding his strength. He originally thought that Tanaka wanted to have low exposure and was someone who did not want to stand out. Even though they had never had a conversation, Akatsuki was still very curious about Tanaka, and even considered that he could possibly become good friends with him.

“Unfortunately, it seems I thought too much, you aren’t that type of person. To hide your strength, you allowed yourself to become an invisible man, making the other students nearly forget about your existence. Today’s combat skills training was the same, and you were completely unnatural.”

What is his goal for doing this? After pondering through, only one possibility came into mind. Thus, Akatsuki silently waited, waited for the instant that Tanaka revealed himself.

“If the terrorist organization that opposes Babel snuck into the campus preparing to cause trouble, the best way is to directly kill people, so their own identity would not be exposed. So I thought, Onizuka’s strength isn’t bad, he also had an arrogant personality, sooner or later he will cause trouble. Since I could come up with that, the terrorist organization would also be able to think of it, what do you say?”

“…Your meaning is that Onizuka intentionally changed the training program for revenge, then after that I took the opportunity to make the training program go out of control? But how can I do that? You may think that the key is on my body, but there are records for borrowing the key, so there is no room for fraud.”

“That’s true, but the school does not have a rule that the person who borrowed the key is the one who returns it right? If the person who borrowed the key had an emergency, or perhaps was just too lazy to make that trip, so he asked someone else to return it, this kind of situation isn’t impossible.”

Saying up to here, Akatsuki suddenly smiled.

“But even if you were the one who returned it, you should still need to write down on the key borrowing record. As for the culprit, who was determined to become transparent, he could not select such a dumb way to reveal himself. So I think that besides changing the program data, and allowing the Cockatrice to rampage in the first arena, the culprit wanted to slip the key into Onizuka’s pocket. But an error appeared in your plans. I was a step ahead and knocked out Onizuka. He did not lose his petty life, did not get petrified and was directly sent to the medical building.”

Akatsuki paused slightly.

“— So I believe that the key still remains somewhere with the culprit.”

“…Even if the key is really with me.”

Tanaka’s tone was extremely calm.

“It is not evidence that I’ve changed the program data.”

“True, that makes sense. Most of the people will probably blame Onizuka, believing that he was the one changing the program data and causing the unexpected loss of control. No one would believe that it was a terrorist that snuck into the school.”

Akatsuki shrugged, his expression was very serious.

“But as long as someone becomes suspicious, as long as someone notices this possibility, do you think that Babel would simply think of this as an accident? Terrorists are the number one enemy of Babel. Plus he is also an alternative world returnee. Based on the two reasons, Babel can not simply ignore it. If you noticed that the training program data was changed twice, at that time, there will be a formal investigation and the students who were deliberately concealing their strength would definitely become the prime suspects.”

“…”

Akatsuki’s prediction was extremely impressive, Tanaka was completely speechless. After a moment, he gently sighed.

“…Looks like there is no choice.”

Finishing his statement —

“Gu —!”

Akatsuki’s body suddenly flew away.

Barely adjusting his posture in midair, after landing, he slid for quite a bit of distance.

Then he looked up.

“…”

From the path between the shoe lockers, Tanaka walked over.

With a distance of ten meters between the two of them, they confronted each other in the hallway.

“—“

What was that attack just now? Akatsuki did not underestimate his enemy, but instead raised his alertness, but he couldn’t believe that he still wasn’t able to react to it. Was it magic? Tanaka’s attack was completely silent. Akatsuki’s had one possibility in his head.

“…Space magic?”

The magic attributes did not only consist of fire, water, earth and wind. These four elements are the most commonly seen magic. Others include manipulation of light and darkness, and even space and gravity magic.

But compared to the elemental magic that requires borrowing the power of elves and gods, magic that controls space or even gravity requires spatial cognitive ability and mastery of laws of physics. This increases the burden for the user. His consciousness must be even more focused. However, Tanaka did not show signs of concentrating, and from the fact that he was caught opened-handly and was still perfectly calm to continue his conversation, Akatsuki considered this to be unlikely.

…Even though the possibility is low, it does not mean it is not impossible.

Akatsuki thought about the other possibilities. Activating a magic that requires physical without warning — Could the world really have someone that strong?

JPN Babel’s Student Council President Hikami Kyouya and the COCOON members who rule this world should be able to do it.

However, Tanaka who rebels against Babel should not be a COCOON member. Among the terrorists, is there someone that strong?

Of course. A terrorist organization that composes of young elites, their strength could be said to be on par with COCOON, it is said that a normal army, police, even the New United Nations and Babel are helpless against them

“…”

Akatsuki swallowed. This isn’t true right?

His mouth shook slightly.

“Perhaps I am wrong, but —“

The Demon King’s daughter’s name was similar to his sister, JPN Babel Student Council President Hikami Kyouya was also a member of COCOON, these series of coincidences seemed like it was the mischief caused by the goddess of fate, maybe this was not an exception either.

Ousawa Akatsuki slowly opened his mouth —

“—Are you Scarlet Dusk?”

### 032. Part 8

A silver brilliance of light emerged into the night skies.

The bright moon reflecting the sun’s rays quietly lit up the dark skies.

Standing on the balcony staring at the skies, Miu could not help but feel that these night skies were as beautiful as the night skies back in Alayzard.

Babel school uses a power ranking to divide all the students from A class to E class. Miu and Akatsuki appeared to be highly rated at the combat test, so both of them were enrolled in the highest class: B class. Normally, freshly admitted students would enter into E class, and those with superior results would also only enter D class. Directly entering B class was an unprecedented achievement.

...Ah!

Miu suddenly noticed a small bird. Looking carefully, it was a giant bird without any life force, and possessed steel wings. She remembered that Akatsuki mentioned that was called an airplane, a product of technology to carry people and items around. Alayzard did not have any flying contraptions; even the country of Disdia, that was well-known for their machinery, only had tanks or submarines. Just those two military weapons already caused a huge threat on the battle field. If those flying machines appeared in Alayzard, the country with such military might would definitely have the advantage. There was no guarantee that it would not overturn the balance of power within the world.

On the other side, the alternative world returnees also play a role of maintaining the power difference within this world.

—— I really came to a completely different world.

Miu stared at the sky, thinking about her own future.

Starting from tomorrow, she was an official student of Babel school. The uniforms and textbooks were provided by the new United Nations and they would be exempted from tuition and fees. As for the living costs, Akatsuki had explained that they could use the other family member’s “card”, so there was no need to worry. Akatsuki also said that they needed to find some time to bring Miu around to buy clothes and other daily necessities.

If she said that she does not have any fear, that is obviously a lie. However, Miu also found that she was gradually getting used to this world.

Looking back to the room from the balcony, Miu was still not used to the darkened room’s furnishings.

The owner of this room was Akatsuki’s sister, the real Ousuwa Miu.

Miu sat on the bed and the mattress’s springs emitted a subtle sound.

A frame stood on the bedside table. The real Ousawa Miu was inside the frame. The face revealed an innocent smile, and was very lovable. In the photos also appeared someone who looked like Ousawa Miu’s brother, but seemingly not around Akatsuki’s age, and a looks-alike middle-aged father. A very happy and peaceful family portrait.

“...”

Miu slowly laid down on the bed, both eyes staring at the ceiling.

An unfamiliar ceiling.

“...This should be normal.”

After rolling around, everything she saw was an unfamiliar sight.

The quiet night, the unfamiliar space, a brand new world.

Miu could not free herself, and deeply felt her loneliness.

I’m so lonely.

...Father...

She slowly closed her eyes, her heart thought about her non-existent family members, and her stolen happiness.

“...!”

Miu suddenly stood up and quietly left the room.

While carefully swallowing her heart’s negative emotions after her father’s violent death.

Go!

The target was Akatsuki’s room.

The hallway, shrouded in darkness, with a cold chill willfully flowing.

Using the moonlight from the windows and leaning on the wall, Miu continued to feel around, while advancing towards the next room.

After walking around 10 steps, Miu stood in front of Akatsuki’s room.

“...”

Slightly knocking on the room doors, as if confirming whether the person inside is awake or not.

If he is awake, he will hear the knocking sounds. There was no reaction coming from within the room, thus, Miu knocked on the door again. This time, using power much stronger, still did not receive any response.

“——”

Therefore, Miu gently turned the doorknob. After a “gacha” sound, the door slowly opened to the inside. Miu looked at the room. She still remembered the room’s interior furnishings, after all, on the first day after coming from Alayzard, this room was where she had opened her eyes.

The bed’s location was in the furthest part of the room. Lying in the bed, Akatsuki’s figure clearly appeared.

He was asleep.

“...”

Miu heard the sound of her swallowing. Thus, she held her breath and crept into the room, carefully, step by step, moving in the direction of the bed.

After a while, Miu finally reached Akatsuki’s bedside.

“...”

The moonlight from the windows shone onto Akatsuki, who was deeply asleep.

A strong muscular body, his thick bulging chest muscles covered in a thin blanket and his body curves could all be seen.

Looking at Akatsuki’s stable sleeping posture, Miu could not help but remember the promise she made with her father.

——If a person who defeats me appears, from that point on, you should follow him and live together.

This phrase was told to Miu when her father Galious defeated the human hero, Leon, on the day of his return. As the demon race’s leader, her father’s goal was to build a world where the demon race could live peacefully. To achieve this goal, he must defeat a lot of humans. Because the humans feared the powerful demon race, they saw the demon race as an obstacle for the survival of the human race.

For the demon race to continue and live, they cannot show their weakness to the humans. The clash between the two races is unavoidable, a large battle will instantly occur upon meeting. From the beginning of the ancient generations, humans and demon race’s battle has never been stopped.

Her father was a great fighter. He used his overwhelming strength to crush countless human armies, thus becoming the object of human hatred and disgust. Her father was aware of his situation more than anyone else, thus he would always remind Miu: if one day I am defeated, do not resent the humans. If you treat the humans as enemies, the resentment between the human and demon races will never end. Thus, her father always mentioned this sentence.

“I hope to be the last Demon King.”

Up until now, Miu still could not forget about the sad smile of her father.

The reason why she was standing here is also due to her father’s instructions.

“But...”

...Father, didn’t you also say it?

If the human that defeated me cannot be trusted——

“At that time, killing him is not a problem either...”

Miu lowered her head to stare at Akatsuki. This man, who is in deep sleep, is the culprit for killing my father, his sworn enemy, no matter what she says, she could not let that go easily.

However, Akatsuki is also a man who was trusted by her father. If his instincts told him that Akatsuki was not to be trusted, even if he was the human who defeated him, her father would not have easily entrusted his daughter to him. Akatsuki also hid the fact from his companions as well as other people’s sight and dangerously took Miu and escaped to this world. To be honest, Akatsuki had no reason to fulfill the promise between him and his enemy, but he still tried to help them. Even though they had just met not so long ago, Miu also understood that Akatsuki was not a bad person. He and her father only fulfilled the roles of the hero and the demon king, both fighting bloody battles for their own ideals.

“...”

Yet, Miu could not help but remember her father’s sad smile.

Miu could not help but bite tightly on her lower lip. How long do I have to spend, to determine whether Akatsuki is someone to be trusted?

But right now, it only takes a few seconds and you can activate magic to kill off Akatsuki.

Miu opened her palm, staring at the sleeping Akatsuki.

“——!”

She chose to suppress the negative emotions she had inside her heart.

Now was not the time, at least she still could not conclude whether Akatsuki was someone to be trusted. If she rashly killed Akatsuki, she would have undoubtedly betrayed her father’s last words.

“I will stay by your side and properly observe you.”

Miu muttered, while slowly gripping her hand.

Only to find that her wrist was grabbed.

After recovering, Miu had already been thrown into the sky.

The ceiling, in front of her eyes, rotated and her body spun a full circle. Miu, falling straight down, landed on her back and was gently caught by the mattress’ springiness.

“Ah——”

Miu said surprisedly. Akatsuki’s burly body was on top of Miu, covering her, and the two people’s eyes were in close proximity.

—— Was he aware of my murderous intent?

An icy gaze made Miu feel a cold chill behind, and at the same time, she felt remorse for her ill-thought. Miu wholeheartedly wanted to kill Akatsuki, but she did not think that she may die in Akatsuki’s hand.

—— I’ll die. The weight of the despair made Miu unable to breathe. Akatsuki’s sharp eyes made Miu feel that she was in an igloo, and was unable to talk.

At that moment, an unbelievable scene appeared in front of her eyes.

“...Haaa.”

On Akatsuki’s face appeared a thin smile.

“——Huh?”

A smile without any murderous intent removed Miu’s inner tension.

... Is he willing to let me go?

Miu felt relieved and subconsciously pursed her lips.

At that moment...

“Chuuuu——”

Akatsuki suddenly held tightly on Miu.

“Huh...Whoa...Wa...Ahhhhhhhh——!”

Miu hurriedly looked away and avoided Akatsuki’s kiss.

What is he trying to do? Miu could not help but shake. Is he trying to humiliate me first before killing me? But the Akatsuki who failed to kiss her became very happy.

“Shy aren’t you? Presumably, it must be your first? Rest assured, I will be very gentle, you cutie.”

“Cu...Cutie? Wha…What are you talking about?”

At this moment, Miu finally discovered that Akatsuki’s narrow eyes weren’t looking at her.

...N...no way..., It can’t be...?

Miu opened her eyes in astonishment and looked carefully at the Akatsuki in front of her. This time, Akatsuki’s second sentence confirmed her suspicions.

“So cute...What is your name?”

“Oh god...!”

Miu nearly fainted on scene. That’s right, Akatsuki was sleepwalking.

With a flushed face, Miu anxiously tried to slide down from the bed, but her body was held tightly by Akatsuki’s physically strong arm. She could not even move a bit.

At that moment, Miu had a sudden thought that flashed within her mind.

The legendary is a hopelessly big pervert.

Miu stopped and thought carefully about what it means to be pushed down on a bed in the middle of the night.

...Could it be that what was in danger was not my life, but my virginity...?

This can’t even be used as a joke.

“Waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh——! No, noooooo! You misunderstood, I did not mean this!”

Miu desperately struggled, but this movement made Akatsuki feel even more satisfied.

“A female who comes over by herself, isn’t she making herself clear already? You don’t have to be shy now, be honest with yourself.”

“I am being very honest, okay? —— Stop! Don’t take off my clothes!”

Miu tried to use a punch to awaken Akatsuki, but Akatsuki easily avoided it. Akatsuki’s two hands also took the opportunity when Miu was defenseless and occupied Miu’s pajamas. Miu was currently wearing Akatsuki’s imouto’s pajamas, the button in front of her chest are not buttoned, exposing a deep cleavage. As a result, the buttons that were barely fastened were instantly captured by Akatsuki, completely liberating Miu’s beautiful boobs.

Miu screamed and covered her chest with her two hands, while subconsciously shrinking her body. Akatsuki did not lose this opportunity and immediately took advantage of the moment when Miu shrunk back and stripped down her lower pajamas. Miu’s defense was completely broken, the only thing left was her panties.

...No...Nooooooo → I must quickly think of a plan…!

Miu’s brain furiously turned. She finally thought of a way to regain Akatsuki’s senses.

This idea really is good.

She screamed hysterically:

“i...I...I am your imouto, Onii-chan!”

“——”

Blurting out the title for the first time, she successfully stopped Akatsuki’s actions.

However, at the next second——

“Imouto? Don’t play around.”

On Akatsuki’s face suddenly appeared a hint of a sad smile.

“—— my imouto has already died.”

“...What?”

At that moment, Miu suddenly had an illusion of time stopping. She did not know how to interpret that sentence’s meaning.

However, when Miu was pondering about the meaning, Akatsuki’s two hands attacked her chest.

“Ahhhhhh——!”

Miu realized she was in trouble, but unfortunately was a step too late. The soft plump boobs were completely defenseless, and Akatsuki’s fingertips entered them as if it was a soft and smooth treasure.

“No,nooo, don’t doo this——Ahhhhhh!”

Miu desperately struggled, both feet kept kicking nonstop, but Akatsuki only moved swiftly and easily overcame Miu’s counterattack.

Once Miu noticed that something was wrong, Akatsuki had already wrapped his hands around her from behind. Akatsuki’s arm drilled its way from underneath Miu’s arms and gently lifted Miu’s two valleys.

The desperate and anxious Miu tried to escape from Akatsuki’s grip, but somehow her body did not have any strength, and she could only watch as her two valleys, under Akatsuki’s groping, constantly changed their shape.

“Ahhhhhh...”

A feeling of pleasure she had not experienced before came and paralyzed her hurt. Miu felt slightly dizzy, and clearly understood that her heartbeat gradually accelerated.

...Thinking about it, this man is...!

With a hazy consciousness, Miu thought about Akatsuki’s technique to control the body. Inside of Akatsuki lies a supreme technique, Renkan Keikikou; his martial arts are perhaps even stronger than her father. Renkan Keikikou can manipulate a person’s inner ki and even have the effects of sharpening the senses.

The suffocating pleasure flowed into her body, her hands and legs all softened and Miu fell down backwards. Her entire weight was pushed onto Akatsuki’s chest.

The indoor temperature was not too low, but the burning hot body felt a cold chill. Miu shivered, then noticed the changes in her body.

...Ahhhh...my body is all pink.

Under the pale moonlight, her flushed body made Miu swallow her saliva. Miu was slightly shocked, even the saliva slowly trickling down her body through her stomach made her feel enchanted. With the gradually accelerating heartbeat, luscious sweet pleasure came in great waves over and over again.

It was as if she could even feel the blood flow in her blood vessels.

...No...I can’t...

A strong sense of shame nearly made Miu’s brain boil up. But she still hypnotized herself in her heart, believing that she could keep the last vestiges of her sanity.

At this moment...

“——Ah!”

Suddenly, the body had an unexpected change.

“Ah, ahhh ahhhh...?

The barely tolerable pleasure suddenly expanded rapidly.

“...This...what is this…?”

The change came very suddenly, as if the sweet pleasure rushed through everywhere, and almost engulfed Miu’s sanity. Her upper and lower body’s pores expanding, rapidly warming her organs and stealing her body’s awareness. Miu subconsciously step and her messy hair danced in the skies.

With her body losing strength, she could not help but keep twitching. Once she saw that she was about to lose balance, Miu randomly grabbed something from the side.

As her body slightly startled, her right hand unconsciously tossed the thing forward.

—A muffled sound entered her ears, as if she hit something.

### 033. Part 8

, the strongest terrorist group, rivaling Babel in strength, that rejects COCOON’s belief. A group formed by elite youth alternative world returnees, and currently the only organization with power that is capable of competing against the ruler of this world, COCOON.

At the same time, it is a target that Ousawa Akatsuki was searching for.

If Tanaka was really part of , it means that Akatsuki took a major step forward towards his target. Seeing Akatsuki activating the AD, waving his right hand, a giant black demon sword appeared in the air shining ominously. Akatsuki held the hilt tightly and stared at Tanaka.

“…This was unexpected.”

Facing Akatsuki’s questioning, Tanaka revealed a wry smile.

In Akatsuki’s eyes, this was the true appearance consoling himself after being found out.

“—“

Akatsuki pushed off with both feet, swiftly moving forward. Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, Akatsuki did not need to accelerate; his first speed was already his fastest speed. The distance between the two instantly disappeared, and he was about to enter the demon sword’s attack range.

At this moment —

“Gu—!”

Akatsuki once again had been hit, this time from behind. The strong impact pushed out the air from his lungs, his feet flying in the air, causing Akatsuki to lose his balance and fall forward.

However, Akatsuki did not release the demon sword. Falling forward caused him to enter the attack range of the demon sword, so Akatsuki endured the pain, and strugglingly swung the demon sword in his hands. The giant blade flashed through the air, and he saw a slash that was going to cut Tanaka in half, but Tanaka’s magic attack was a step faster and accurately hit Akatsuki in the jaw.

His brain violently shook. When he was about to lose consciousness, Akatsuki accelerated his body’s flow, forcibly reviving the nervous systems and regaining control of his own body.

“—It’s not over.”

Tanaka said. Akatsuki received another attack on his right side. Sounds of his ribs being hit could clearly be heard.

Under Babel’s barrier, magic damage would not affect the body. But the damage mentally could not be removed, the person being attacked will feel intense pain.

“Guuuuu…!”

However, he could still endure this degree of pain. Akatsuki’s feet landed on the corridor wall, his body was coincidently vertical to the wall, then he pushed off to once again attack Tanaka. Before entering the demon sword’s attack range, Akatsuki swung the demon sword, cutting the space in front of him.

A solid feeling, and a crisp metallic crashing sound.

Tanaka was taken aback, but Akatsuki did not relax.

“—Next is below!”

Seeing through Tanaka’s mind, the demon sword slashed downwards, resulting in accurately hitting the target, and preventing the attack that was difficult for the naked eye to see.

—When Akatsuki was being pummeled from behind earlier, he still swung the sword, an attack with all his strength. At that time, Tanaka’s counterattack from below was barely able to avoid it. Akatsuki believed that at that time, the attack and defence should be imprinted into Tanaka’s head. As long as he shortens the distance, Tanaka will follow his own experiences and counter them from below.

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. Two consecutive attacks were broken so Tanaka must be feeling anxious deep inside. Space magic requires a cool judgment and sophisticated calculations. Once he noticed that Akatsuki, who was thrown far away, would actually come back up, the user would naturally lose his calmness, and would not be able to activate his planned magic.

Right now, Akatsuki and Tanaka’s distance had already entered the demon sword’s attack range. If he swings the demon sword right now, he would be able to accurately hit his target before Tanaka’s counterattack. So he should do it, an unavoidable blow!

The demon sword swung across Tanaka’s body.

“—?”

But it felt like it was cutting through air. After he was aware that his attack was dodged by his opponent, Akatsuki noticed that Tanaka rapidly moved backwards, leaving the demon sword’s attack range.

The reason lay upon the magic activated on his body. It should not be space magic, Tanaka did not have enough to spare. Akatsuki vaguely remembered that when Tanaka avoided the attack, the field suddenly had a gust of wind blow, this was the best evidence. He could not be wrong, this must be the wind attribute high speed movement magic that the vice president Nanase Haruka specializes in.

Once this thought flashed through his mind, Akatsuki’s body once again flew off to the air.

… How did this happen?

His body’s hard ki immediately provided a timely protection, but his thoughts were thrown in disarray. Using a variety of different attribute magics is not rare, in fact, Miu who specializes in wind magic can also use fire and water magic. But no matter air, water and fire all belong to elemental magic, all of them require the gods’ or elves’ power to chant, basically the nature of the product is essentially the same.

However, space and gravity magic that is physics-based magic is completely different than elemental magic. Due to its special nature, the user should only be able to learn one type of magic, also learning elemental magic is almost impossible.

“Could it be that was able to do it…?”

“—You’re mistaken.”

Tanaka saw through Akatsuki’s thoughts.

With a tone that was devoid of any traces of emotions, like a cold machine.

“The real or COCOON are monsters, so they are able to learn magic with different nature. I cannot learn physics-based magic and elemental magic at the same time, but defeating you isn’t a big problem.”

“What—…Guuu!”

Tanaka’s speech made Akatsuki completely surprised. At this moment, a powerful impact once again came to attack. Akatsuki, who was in midair, revealed a painful expression.

Seeing this, Tanaka revealed a slight smile.

“Looks like your hard ki can only correspond to one direction, and cannot defend against unexpected attacks. That being the case—“

…Behind?

Akatsuki forcibly changed his posture, and swung his hand holding the demon sword behind him. Feeling a sense of a solid hit, a sharp metallic sound came out in the air, but his back still received a direct hit.

“W…Whoaa! To activate two attacks from both sides!”

“Did I say I can only attack from one direction? Sorry, but that was only your own thinking.”

The reason was simple.

“My own created wind-based magic has no dead angles.”

After saying this, Tanaka immediately released consecutive attacks. A strong impact came from all directions: front, back, left, right, up, down. It did not give Akatsuki any time to catch his breath.

“Don’t imagine you can win!”

Akatsuki, who was being attacked by multiple waves of impacts in midair, desperately swung his demon sword. Although the demon sword’s blade was huge, the range it could counter attack was limited, as it could only face one direction at a time. With correct timing, perhaps it could simultaneously counter two directions, but it was impossible to counter the other four directions.

“…Uhhh! Kuuuhh~~!”

Tanaka did not show any mercy. Akatsuki was rapidly accumulating damage. His actions suddenly slowed down and it was difficult to block attacks from two directions.

“…!”

Finally, he completely lost the ability to counter attack, becoming a sandbag that could not fight back.

A period of time passed.

Akatsuki’s right hand loosened, the demon sword dropped from midair and disappeared into multiple black particles before hitting the ground. The release of the materialization meant that the user had lost his consciousness.

However, Tanaka did not relax, but rather accelerated the pace of his attacks.

“If I continue to attack like this, I’m afraid that others would discover it.”

Even when Akatsuki had lost the ability the resist, Tanaka’s attack continued for 3 minutes. During that period, probably over a thousand air bullets—which was Tanaka’s own created wind-based magic—hit Akatsuki. Now that he had finally stopped his attacks, Akatsuki’s body fell from the air and hit the ground.

…How vulnerable.

Glancing at Akatsuki who was lying down on the floor motionless, Tanaka turned away.

“—?”

Tanaka, who was planning to leave the scene, suddenly turned his head.

“—Too late!”

Akatsuki’s demon sword slashed downwards towards Tanaka’s head.

Tanaka immediately activated high speed magic to dodge from the right side. The huge black blade passed by Tanaka’s left side, and did not hit the target. But this was enough.

“Guuu—!”

His face revealing a painful expression, his right hand pressed onto his injured left shoulder, he stared at Akatsuki who was standing in front of him, waiting.

Only to see Akatsuki easily raise the demon sword to the back of his shoulder.

“Your speed is definitely fast, Very impressive.”

“Losing consciousness was only your acting…? You even made the AD materialized weapon disappear, your acting was really realistic.”

“There was no other way. It was the only method to find a counter attack chance.”

“But I don’t understand.”

Tanaka exposed a puzzled look.

“Under my magic attacks, how can you still stand up?”

Akatsuki shrugged, and easily replied:

“Thanks to my hard ki.”

His tone was saying that it was natural.

“Impossible.”

Tanaka did not accept Akatsuki’s response.

“My attacks came from six directions, how could your hard ki possibly —“

After saying half of what he was about to say, Tanaka suddenly understood.

Akatsuki helped Tanaka by saying the possibility in his head.

“My hard ki can only face one direction? That was your way of thinking.”

### 034. Part 9

“Tha...That was dangerous...”

Miu’s shoulder constantly shuddered as she tried to gasp for breath.

The pale moonlight shone on the bed, there Miu, wrapped in a thin blanket, stared at the unconscious Akatsuki, her hand held tightly to the man-made marble alarm clock. It looked like during the critical moment, the alarm clock assisted in her escape and saved the day. Although she almost changed her decision and avenged her father, but the situation earlier was really urgent.

“...He should not have died, right?”

Miu gingerly poked Akatsuki’s cheek.

“Mmmm...”

Akatsuki’s reaction made Miu feel relieved, and hurriedly slide down softly from the bed. After she picked up her pajamas, she immediately rushed and left Akatsuki’s room. Gently closing the door, Miu sighed. She should not take tonight’s sudden event seriously; after all, Akatsuki was sleepwalking—once he wakes up, he should have no memories. And ——

...Apparently, his imouto has already died.

Akatsuki should not use the death of his own imouto as a joke. His face had a sorrowful expression, it did not look like a lie either, so she should have found out the truth, which she should not have known, by the unfortunate events.

“...Good night.”

Miu muttered to herself. Tomorrow, she will have to go to school. It will be her very first experience. If he was still alive —— No, if he really is protecting me in heaven...

...I wonder if my father would be happy for me?

### 035. Part 9

Akatsuki’s hard ki allowed his ki to surround his body, achieving the effect of hardening his flesh.

While moving and dodging, it was just as what Tanaka said, it could only respond to one direction.

However, if his body remained still, or when he was in a completely defenseless situation, then it was not the same. In this situation, he could harden his whole body, achieving a complete protection effect.

“Tanaka, what do you plan to do now?”

Akatsuki looked at Tanaka, who could not move his left shoulder.

“I can defend against your attacks, you can dodge my attacks, but cannot defend against it. Do you know what this means?”

In Akatsuki’s situation, it meant that he would either win or draw.

For Tanaka, it meant he would either draw or lose.

His identity as a terrorist was already exposed now, so a draw was equivalent to a loss.

Although it was currently in a stalemate, considering that the possibility of being seen by others would increase, the result was also equal to failure.

Akatsuki stared at Tanaka.

“Your strength is amazing, but I was going to challenge the monsters that you were talking about. If I even lose to you, won’t I lose the right to challenge those monsters?”

“…”

Tanaka fell silent. After some time passed, he slowly said.

“…I won’t lose.”

After saying this, Tanaka immediately surrounded himself with magic circles. Akatsuki was only prepared to defend against Tanaka’s surprise attack, and did not think he would confront him in a frontal charge. He frowned and retreated a few steps to avoid being caught by the defensive barrier. Only to see the magic circles rapidly increase, overlapping each other. Akatsuki understood how dangerous the magic circles’ power and range were, and at the same time noticed Tanaka’s true plan.

“You…”

Akatsuki’s face sank, Tanaka revealed a proud smile.

“Looks like you’ve discovered it. That’s right, my magic isn’t going to attack you, but rather attack the building of Babel. Perhaps you can resist it, but others cannot.”

“Babel has a defensive barrier, no matter how strong your magic is, it will only make them fall unconscious…”

“If that is the case, why is your face still so serious? I believe you also know, Babel’s barrier only protects against magic, AD materialized weapons and attacks from people. Rubble and debris caused magic attacks is not included. Once involved, their bodies would definitely get injured, and those that are unlucky will most likely die.”

Although Tanaka’s explanation made Akatsuki pale-faced, his mouth still had a hint of a smile.

“Did your previous magic activate?”

“You cannot use magic, so you naturally cannot use any magic barrier. Even if you can, you will not be able to defend against my magical attack. This magic is a type of impact magic, it has the effect of allowing the nearby air to rapidly expand to thousands of time larger. Even if you luckily avoid it, you will not be able to escape the fate of being buried in the rubble, just like the other students.”

“ A suicide attack…?”

“The purpose of my mission was to bring destruction to Babel.”

So—

“If you think you can still forcibly stop my magic, you can feel free and try. Perhaps that move against Onizuka will be effective, but unfortunately I am more cautious than Onizuka, I will not let you swoop in. Before your demon sword touches my body, I will activate the magic a step earlier.”

“Oh so you’re that certain? Then give it a try.”

Akatsuki’s hands held tightly to the demon sword. One slash was good enough. As long as he hit the target, he would be able to prevent Tanaka’s magic from activating. Destroying Tanaka’s defensive barrier would not be hard, but would Tanaka take advantage of the moment when the demon sword collided with his defensive barrier and activate his magic?

That being the case, there was only once chance, that is the moment Tanaka activates his magic and removes the defensive barrier. Right now, Renkan Keikikou had already significantly increased his physical ability. Ki was also injected into his sword. It wasn’t a battle without hope.

Akatsuki concentrated, waiting patiently for the moment when Tanaka removed his defensive barriers.

“—!”

Suddenly, Akatsuki felt another aura. It was not coming from Tanaka, but from a third party source.

“Kuuuh—!”

Although he was a step too slow, Tanaka also noticed it, but unfortunately it was too late.

“—It ends right here.”

A sharp piercing sound spread throughout every corner of the hallway.

“—“

A crystal-like icicle, Tanaka was imprisoned within the icicle. His entire body could not move, even blinking was a problem.

A genuine ice prison. Akatsuki noticed the icicle in front of him was tougher than the one he saw in the entrance inspection. Looking at this school, the person who had the ability to create such an icicle was —

“…Besides you, there is no one else I can think of.”

Akatsuki turned around.

JPN Babel’s Student Council President Hikami Kyouya was standing in front of him with a calm smile.

“—What are you doing here?”

“What you were doing is what I was doing, Ousawa Akatsuki-kun.”

Kyouya’s face revealed a wry smile.

“I did not want to spoil your mood, but the situation forced me to take action to prevent the innocent from being affected… Are you angry?”

“Nope. What you said is correct, affecting the innocent isn’t a good thing.”

After saying this, Akatsuki released the materialization of the demon sword. Kyouya, seeing this, revealed a surprised expression.

“That’s strange. There is only the two of us here, I thought you would charge over here like last time… Looks like I worried too much.”

“I really want to have a duel with you right now, but it will only attract more people to run over here to observe it.”

Akatsuki stared directly at Kyouya.

“If I really want to duel with you, I hope that I can select a location where no one else would interfere.”

“Yes, that may be so.”

Kyouya narrowed his eyes, as if he was looking forward to it.

“—Hey.”

Akatsuki’s tone suddenly changed.

“Are you really a COCOON?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Kyouya swiftly admitted that he was one of the top elite in the world.

Akatsuki nodded, and in a calm tone, he said out his ultimate goal that he came back for in this world.

“Within your comrades, there should be a man with golden eyes. Please tell him this for me.”

Akatsuki boasted—

“—I will definitely stop you, stop you and father!”

### 036. Prologue - Goodbye Parallel World

### Part 1

“Uwaaa! Tha- that's dangerous! Hey, are you trying to kill me?!”

Even though he knew very well it was futile, Ousawa Akatsuki couldn’t stop screaming. Since he was running at full speed his shout caused a Doppler effect. It was daybreak and the sky in the east had just started to turn white. Akatsuki was running in the depths of a dense forest. He was carrying a bag about the size of a sandbag on his back while strongly kicking the ground as he strode through. Half a step behind him arrows struck the ground one right after the other. Numerous footsteps chased him like they were trying to surround him. Akatsuki turned around and confirmed his followers. What he saw were blue and white colors completely unfit for the forest. They were aprons and servants' clothes. His pursuers were maids. Furthermore there were forty-four of them. In today’s recession it is difficult to see this many maids even in the streets of Akihabara. His chasers were beautiful girls and women. Akatsuki was thinking, It would be great if we were at the summer beach.

“But it is not summer and this is not even the beach!”

He straightened himself up and pulled his mind back from his illusions to reality. Actually there was a fundamental problem other than the season and the place. In the first place this is not Akihabara; not even Earth. This is another world.

The earth Ousawa Akatsuki is standing on belongs to a different world called Alayzard. Which was why every maid was carrying a weapon of some kind. Like swords, spears and bows. To understand this situation, it is necessary to know something about Akatsuki.

Five years ago. Akatsuki was summoned to this world called Alayzard. In this world where swords and magic were used and a hero and the demon king existed, there was a full scale war against the army of demons led by Galious the demon king. That’s right. There was already a hero in this world. Therefore this is not a story where the young boy comes from another world to become a hero. On the contrary; the summoned Akatsuki had no powers whatsoever. He was an ordinary boy. He was only a bystander and had nothing to do with the future of this world. His luck was that after the summoning, he woke up in the great magic nation Sherfied. He was welcomed by the hero Leon, the queen Listy and others like the fighter Zechs and the mage Loutier. Not only that, but they searched old books to help him return to his world. In the vast forest near Sherfied there is a in the deepest part of the northern side of the forest. Then, just as Akatsuki was about to return to his world ---- a tragedy occurred. The army led by demon king Galious raided Erdia, the royal city of Sherfied. And in that fight, the hero Leon lost his life protecting Akatsuki from the demon king’s blade. Leon’s death caused despair in the world. This further deepened when Erdia fell. It was natural that the people held Akatsuki responsible. Listy was the only one who could protect Akatsuki, but she couldn’t accept the death of Leon, her lover. She also blamed Akatsuki. She cursed him--- If only you hadn't existed! Zechs and Loutier didn't cover for him either, and after a while Akatsuki disappeared. Everyone thought that he had fled and called him a coward. But he didn't flee.

Risking his life he went alone to the Divine World, where gods dwelt, and trained as hard as he could. In the end he managed to learn a body control technique called Renkan Keikikou, which allowed him to freely make chi in the body, and returned to the battlefield. Then in the war to liberate Erdia he saved Listy, Zechs and Loutier when they got into a tight spot. Akatsuki suddenly became a hero, but there were still quite a few who blamed Akatsuki for Leon’s death. It was especially infuriating for some of Leon's supporters to see Akatsuki and Listy resolving their ill feelings and fighting together. They started to call him cynically a rogue hero.

But Akatsuki quietly accepted his notorious name. Not only that, but he behaved bohemian. As if he were saying he was neither a champion nor a hero. Leon is the hero of Alayzard. Akatsuki still felt that way. He was fine being a rogue hero. That is why on his way to defeat the demon king, if he found a noble oppressing his peers, he crushed him without question. If he caught a rumor about a beautiful girl or woman, he not only flirted with them but also molested them. Finally, after numerous adventures and hardships, Akatsuki defeated demon king Galious.

### Part 2

Unlike the eastern and western parts of castle Erdia’s forest where temples and cemeteries were built, the northern part was left untouched. That was because the deepest part of the northern forest was considered a sacred ground. Thus there were no man made roads, only natural paths between the trees. But even so, the flora was growing as it pleased. If one was not careful enough, it was easy to trip on the fallen trees, overgrown vines and ivies all around the forest.

---thirty minutes. Even though I've been running in a forest like this for thirty minutes already, the number of presences behind me is not decreasing at all. They are serious about this. They really want to catch me.

While Akatsuki was thinking about what to do, there was a voice above his head.

“Master Akatsuki, prepare yourself!”

Two maids fell from the sky. They held long spears. They're trying to attack me from both sides. Nonetheless I can’t be caught. How can I defeat them without causing damage?

Suddenly Akatsuki had an idea. He tried it right away.

“— gotcha”

Akatsuki narrowed himself and dodged the spears. Then when the maids landed and tried to turn towards him

“-----eh”

For some reason both of them sat on the ground with red faces. They realized they had been stripped.

“Well, well, what happened? Are you alright?“ Said Akatsuki with a sarcastic tone. There was a white piece of cloth in his hand. It was the panties these maids wore. He borrowed it in the split second they passed him.

“What? Did you sprain your legs? Let me see under your skirts for a little.”

“N- Noooooo!!”

The two maids ran in panic.

“What can I say? It works like a charm.”

A bitter smile appeared on Akatsuki’s face. In the Divine Realm, his master who taught him the Renkan Keikikou technique was the fist saint Granseiz. He was the user of the strongest martial art. He was also the strongest perverted old man. For that reason Akatsuki not only learned how to use the body control technique Renkan Keikikou, but he also learned how to use it in a slightly—no in a quite perverted way. The rumor that [the rogue hero likes women] was widespread throughout Alayzard. Of course the maids knew that as well. Akatsuki waved his hand towards the back of the fleeing maids, but a rope tied around his hand. There was also another rope on his other hand holding his bag.

“You can no longer escape, Master Akatsuki!’

“Come back with us to the castle peacefully.”

Two different maids appeared from the brush next to him. But Akatsuki stood firmly on the ground and put a little power in his hands, pulling the rope.

“Ah---!”

With only that the two maids flew in the air. He used Renkan Keikikou. The girls, as if pulled by a mysterious power, flew right in front of him. Then while still with the bag on his back he skillfully caught the girls by their waist, one on each of his shoulders.

“Oh, that ear looks tasty.”

He bit the ear of the maid on his left shoulder softly. With that he changed the chi inside her body. Her body shook then fell to the ground. Renkan Keikikou has many uses. If you raise the chi in your body you can heighten your senses or make your body superhuman. And it can be used on others too. Akatsuki did that to the left maid. Her face was in ecstasy, her face was red; it was quite erotic to be frank. Clearly a pleasant feeling filled her whole body. The other maid watching this tried to distance herself from Akatsuki by pushing him away. But he didn't even flinch, and the maid was the one pushed back instead. Then something was slipping through her uniform’s sleeve. It was her bra.

“Ah---!”

The maid crossed her arms over her chest like she was trying to hide her breasts from him. Akatsuki talked to her.

“Tell this to Valkyria. It means a lot to me that she tried to stop me.”

“---“ Then the maid bit her lips and disappeared in a brush. Akatsuki shrugged his shoulders, then turned to the other maid whose chi was changed and who was sitting powerlessly on the ground.

“I’m sorry… you will be able to move in thirty minutes. Please give this back to the other maid.”

He threw the bra towards her then started to run again.

It was only yesterday that Akatsuki defeated Galious the demon king. After that he immediately returned to the royal town Erdia, where a victory party was held for the leaders of the allied kingdoms who fought together with Sherfied against the demon army. Now it was the dawn of the next day. Akatsuki had silently left the castle of Sherfied at daybreak. To return to his own world. Since he thought he shouldn’t be in this world anymore. He mumbled while running.

“That was all good but…”

Apparently his plans were seen through by his friends who had fought together with him. Zechs and Loutier, while reluctant to let him leave, saw him off. The problem was Princess Listy. Akatsuki didn’t understand what she was thinking.

Listy the talented mage was Akatsuki’s important partner. After they got over the shared sadness of losing Leon and reconciled, they formed a party with Zechs and Loutier. The four of them traveled and fought together in the last few years to defeat the demon king.

The hero who defeated the demon king marries the princess and they live happily ever after. Indeed it wouldn’t be strange if it had ended like that. It is completely possible that after traveling all over the world risking their lives, something special forms between them. To be precise, there was a special feeling between Akatsuki and Listy. But they didn’t get together. The reason was that Listy had a lover she couldn’t forget. And Akatsuki also couldn’t forget that man. He was his first true friend after he was summoned to Alayzard. He was a hero among heroes. That is why Akatsuki fought as a rogue hero to the end. And that is why it didn’t take long for Listy to feel something special towards Akatsuki, since she understood his feelings like they were her own. Just like the two of them getting attracted to each other due to sharing the same pain. Still, they didn’t become lovers until the very end. And Listy wasn’t there to see him off. Zechs and Loutier followed him. There is no way that Listy of all people wouldn’t realize his plans. That is why he thought that they ended like that. Then when he started to walk towards the northern forest where the was, he was stopped by Sherfied’s beautiful maids and head maid Valkyria. Since they said they had a message from Listy he had to hear it. That is why.

“The hero who defeated the demon king disappears the next day? Don’t kid with me! You should cool your head a little while being tied up!”

Even if they say that, I can’t understand it so quickly. The moment Akatsuki tilted his head to the side, there was a sharp metallic sound as forty-four armed maids attacked him in unison.

“Then it turned out like this.”

Said as he stopped. A group of maids stood before Akatsuki blocking his way. Looks like they decided that two or three of them wouldn't stand a chance against him. So this time they have ten at once. It was quite a sight to see them forming a straight line. Akatsuki let out a sigh.

“I suppose you won't back out. Well… I guessed so. It is not easy to let go. Memories that is.”

Still, that could be said about him too. Thus Akatsuki started to walk. And this was his last warning.

“If you still try to get in my way I'll be a little forceful ---don't think badly of me, okay!”

### Part 3

“Unit Alpha was broken through! The other units can’t surround him in time!”

“Unit Omega can you hear me? Unit Omega! – It’s no use! There is no response!”

The head maid Valkyria closed her eyes and listened to her subordinates screaming similar reports without moving an inch. Valkyria and her unit were further in the forest than Akatsuki’s current position. Her objective was to capture him. If that is the case then intercepting has a higher chance of success than pursuit. Thus she used the first attackers to tie him down while she got a head start. She placed small units in perfect positions to surround and capture Akatsuki--- that was her plan. But he couldn't be stopped. He was not even trying to evade the maids surrounding him. Instead he was fighting them head on and cutting his way forward. And he still had time to grope the breasts, stroke the butts and touch the thighs of the maids in the commotion while using Renkan Keikikou to enrapture them.

“Valkyria, if this goes on…”

We'll all fall—after hearing her subordinate stop her sentence Valkyria silently opened her eyes at last.

“It can’t be helped. You should go too… I'll stay here.”

“But…”

“Valkyria…”

Valkyria’s orders were transmitted to the units via communication magic used by three of her most trusted subordinates out of the forty-three standing under Valkyria’s direct command. They could use attack magic too but the northern forest was a sacred ground after all. They couldn't destroy the forest. Therefore a lonely smile appeared on her face when Valkyria saw that they still couldn't give up.

“We already knew that there was nothing we could do to stop that man. Parting is only a matter of time now. Nonetheless Lady Listy gave us a last chance. That is why you must go. If you can't stop him then at least get a last memory from Master Akatsuki.”

“Understood Valkyria!”

“I hope Valkyria can say farewell without regret.”

“Ee… thank you.”

Valkyria silently watched as her subordinates started to run after saluting. She then closed her eyes again. For a second, silence filled the northern forest. Then she heard her subordinates screaming. The screams started to close in little by little. Valkyria had a flashback from five years ago when she first met Akatsuki. Then a faint feeling started to well up from deep inside her heart.

…I mustn’t. Valkyria’s cheek loosened a little as she was thinking. Then.

“Oh, you finally showed yourself, Valkyria!”

A tall young man appeared from the bushes in front of her. It was Akatsuki. Uncombed hair reaching to his shoulders. Black clothes covering his robust body. They were all black as night. His shining eyes were black as well.

There are two types of faces a woman likes. It is either nice looking or sharp looking. Akatsuki’s face was clearly the latter. His eyes were piercing and his face captured many women’s hearts. Audacious expression. Confidence and pride that was almost like conviction which gave birth to an appearance of allowance. He was strong. So strong that it was obvious to anyone. Akatsuki had a unique presence that could stop someone’s breath. Valkyria thought. He is a completely different person from five years ago when they first met. This must be what it means to turn from an ordinary boy into a hero. Valkyria expressionlessly watched Akatsuki.

“Master Akatsuki, please forgive me—you pervert! Do you want to make a legend of an evil spirit who attacks women in the northern forest?”

“If you say that then shouldn't it first be the legend of maids who attack travelers?”

“You say that but you look unhurt to me--- was there anything inadequate in my subordinates?"

“That is not possible. They are your subordinates. They all did their jobs until the very end.”

She bowed to him thankfully. Valkyria had a nostalgic light in her eyes as she asked Akatsuki.

Please tell me!

“My subordinates… were those girls able to make Master Akatsuki remember them?”

“Don’t make me say it. It is embarrassing.”

Akatsuki laughed then replied.

“I won’t forget. Not a single thing in this world.”

“Thank you. I’m sure the girls are happy to hear that.”

She called out his name and raised her spear then took a stance.

“Lastly---- would you please carve me into your heart?”

-- Then not long after, the forest became silent again. It was Akatsuki who appeared from the bush. Probably there wouldn’t be any more maids coming after him. After he looked back one more time to carve Valkyria’s memory into his heart, Akatsuki started to walk again. His goal was the sacred ground in the deepest part of the forest. There is the leading to the world where he used to live. There are a few gates in Alayzard that connect to different worlds. There are two in the religious Empire of Arekrasta and in the militarist Empire of Disdia. There are other gates too, seven altogether. But the gate he came through was the one here in Sherfied. Thus to return to his own world Akatsuki would have to use this gate.

“I didn't think I would still remember.”

The path made by nature was labyrinthine. If someone unfamiliar with this place entered by accident they would get lost for sure. But Akatsuki didn't have any doubt. He relied on his memories from five years ago. Akatsuki had been here before. After a while Akatsuki noticed a great tree before him. That means his goal is close. The sacred ground lies beyond that tree. The is about a kilometer from here. Then, while walking, his gaze went to the bottom of the giant tree.

“----“

A girl stood there. She was beautiful like a spirit of the forest. Those who said that she was the treasure of Sherfied were not lying at all. The one standing there was Listy El Da Sherfied.

The last time Akatsuki saw her was at the victory party hall yesterday. She wore an elaborately decorated shining dress worthy of a princess. But she couldn’t go into the forest in an outfit like that. Right now she was wearing white casual clothes. She had tied her waist long golden hair in a ponytail. It was the same she used when they traveled to defeat the demon king. Her unchanging beauty was the same.

“---“ Listy noticed him. When their eyes met they recognized each other. Akatsuki continued to move forward while Listy stayed still. The distance between them decreased. They became closer and closer--- then Akatsuki passed her.

“--- He- Hey wait a minute!”

Probably she didn't expect this. She called out in a hurried voice from behind him. But he ignored her. Akatsuki continued to walk in silence. “Stupid. Wait! Stop joking and wait a little, hey…”

Finally he stopped and made a sigh when she grabbed onto his arm. Without turning to her

“What are you doing? For a princess to sneak out of the castle… On top of that you even sent your maids after me.”

“Th- they said that they wanted to say farewell to you so I gave my permission. I… only came here to check up on them.”

After she said that she leaned her back against his wide back. As Akatsuki felt her weight Listy gave out a faint voice.

“Are you really leaving?”

“Aa, I should’t be in this world anymore. You should know that too.”

“……..”

Listy couldn't say anything as she understood what he was thinking. Even though he defeated the demon king Galious, he was still a rogue hero. Of course there were people who praised Akatsuki as a real hero and wanted him to marry Listy. But if she married Akatsuki, who had opposing forces, that would certainly lead to serious troubles later on, and could very well cause Sherfied to split. Even if they did not marry, his influence as the hero who defeated the demon king remains. Certainly there are peoples both domestic and foreign who don’t think well of him. It wouldn't be strange if that would cause another dispute. And this time it would be a war between humans. That is why Akatsuki decided. He would defeat the demon king alone. Then he would bear all the praise, honor, regret and envy, and disappear from this world. Only then would Alayzard be at peace.

“Not to mention I have something to do in that world.”

There was no demon king in the world he grew up in, Earth. But there was someone who had to be stopped. And that was probably his job. Before coming to Alayzard, he thought it was impossible. But it might be possible for him after he gained power. And there was another reason for him to return to his world. That is why Akatsuki was here right now. Then…

“… forgive me!”

Suddenly he heard a wistful, faintly shaking voice coming from his back. He sighed unintentionally.

And I thought it would be the best to leave without saying a word.

Akatsuki scratched his head. Then he turned to Listy. He knew it was cheating. But when he looked closer, tears flowed from Listy’s eyes. Thus he suddenly kissed her.

“----?”

After seeing Listy widen her eyes in surprise, Akatsuki closed his. Then tasted her soft lips to the fullest.

“---ha…wha- what are you doing?”

After she hastily moved her lips away from him, Listy pulled Akatsuki’s face with full force.

“Because you cried in front of me… sorry.”

Akatsuki looked in her face while rubbing his own. Maybe from embarrassment or from anger, but her face turned red. But she wasn't crying anymore. Thus Akatsuki thought this was for the best.

Ousawa Akatsuki had an esthetic.

That is, if there is a woman crying he can do as he wishes. This is what he thought. There must always be a reason when a woman cries in front of a man. The man must never look away from those tears. Thus Ousawa Akatsuki felt he should be honest with his feelings at least in front of the women crying before him. When a woman cries, if he wants to stop those tears, Akatsuki would stop them immediately.

When a woman cries, if he holds those tears dear, Akatsuki would hug her.

When a woman cries, if he thinks those tears were just, Akatsuki would leave her alone.

When a woman cries, if he feels those tears were lying, he would ask for the reason.

And he would do anything to accomplish that. It might be too forceful to call it an esthetic. But sometimes in the world there are sad tears that must be stopped even if ignoring the woman’s feelings. Thus Akatsuki followed his beliefs. Hate me not your tears.

“—well this kiss was like a farewell present. Thank you.”

“Forcibly kissing a princess of a kingdom…you better remember this!”

“Unless you forget me I won't forget you either.”

Listy unpleasantly raised her chin as Akatsuki said that to her with a calm face.

“Don’t get the wrong idea! I'll forget someone like you in no time!”

“Ah, really?”

Said Akatsuki as he lifted his bag from the ground.

“—well it is time to say goodbye. I go this way and… you go that way.”

He pointed at the dimensional gate and Castle Erdia. They were in the opposite directions. Nevertheless, those were the paths Akatsuki and Listy had to take.

“You don’t have to tell me that…”

Listy gave a snort.

“I feel relieved. Farewell, Akatsuki. I--- hated you.”

She said that much then turned her back to him and started to walk away. Akatsuki saw her off, then as her figure got smaller and smaller he suddenly called out to her. Those was his last words to her.

“ Don't forget what I said to you that day! If ever something happens call me! If you believe me I’ll definitely come for you.”

“--------“

Listy stopped silently. That was why Akatsuki talked to her. No matter what happens in the future, even if they never met again. Even if they never meet again--- he had to tell her this unchanging truth.

“No matter how far we are—“

I swear to you.

“I’ll always be your ally. Never forget that, got it?!”

After Akatsuki parted with Listy he kept moving without further stops.

The further he went the more he could feel the forest become unusually silent. Sound disappeared from the world. And even though it was deep in the forest, the scent of the trees, grass and flowers could not be sensed anymore. When the scent of the flora disappeared, his vision and sense of touch started to sharpen. He had clear vision and could feel the invisible air on his skin as if his senses were stretched out. He had entered the sacred ground.

When he realized, Akatsuki had walked into a natural tunnel of trees. The tree branches covering the top of the tunnel were high so it didn't feel cramped. Numerous leaves covered the sunlight completely. Yet it was as bright as under the blue sky. Soft light flowed through the tunnel to the exit. It meant the end of the tunnel was near. And not much further lay the goal of Akatsuki’s journey.

Well, at last. It was a deeply moving sight. Right now there was a gate in front of Akatsuki. On the stone pedestal there were quartz pillars decorated with geometric motives. These made up the giant gate. On the other side of the gate the forest still continued. But this was the without a doubt. Because the space surrounded by the gate faintly fluctuated. It was a plane of discontinuity created by the dimensional instability. That proved that it connected to another world.

“I hope it will go alright.”

Akatsuki started to concentrate as he put the sack back on. This should work in theory. I’m going through.

Akatsuki slowly stepped into the gate. It was a firm step which moved him forward. Just before he stepped through the fluctuating space, Akatsuki turned back for the last time. That was his farewell. His last words to the world he had spent so much time in. He said it.

“Farewell, Alayzard!”

Then Ousawa Akatsuki disappeared into the . There was no sound. The sacred ground in the forest was silent, as if the departure of the hero had been a lie. The only thing still remaining was the silent space fluctuation that occurs when someone travels through the .

### Part 4

The wind strokes my cheek. Feeling comfortable Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes. His consciousness activated.

“Ah…”

He gets up, slowly shakes his head trying to gather his sleepy thoughts. When Akatsuki woke up there was a blue light piercing the darkness. His eyelids were closed all the time causing his eyes to get used to the darkness so he woke up feeling the gentle light was too bright. Then the wind blew again. As if something was guiding him Akatsuki turned his eyes in that direction. There was a white lace curtain dancing in the wind blowing through the window. Outside the window he saw the night sky. The moon in the sky faintly lightens up the world filled with the silent night. Akatsuki watched the world lit up by the moonlight. He had been seeing this scenery since he was a kid. The asphalt and concrete filled town feels somewhat lifeless. Then he looked inside the room. It was dark but he knew this room. It was familiar scenery.

It looks like he came home. On top of his bed, Akatsuki was thinking about his returning from another world absentmindedly. There is a precise electric clock embedded inside the marble object from Miyano. It showed the same date and same time. It made Akatsuki’s think he had a long dream. But it wasn’t a dream. There is something lying down next to him. It was the large sack he carried on his back when he returned from Alayzard. Usually only those coming from another world can pass the . But the Renkan Keikikou he learned allowed him to control the flow of chi. He covered his clothes and the sack with his chi. This made the gate falsely recognize that his clothes and his bag were part of his body. Thus he succeeded in passing through the with them. But the problem is the inside. Akatsuki slowly opened the fastener on the side of the bag. Then something appeared from it like it was flowing out. They were breasts.

“…ah”

The breasts talked. No it was something else. There was something other than breasts. A tasty looking ass and soft tights rolled out of the bag sleeping silently. A gorgeous sleeping beauty was inside the bag. A breathtakingly beautiful girl. Fine looking nose, soft moist lips, shapely ears and shining long twin tails. Each one of them looked like it was carefully made by the goddess of beauty herself. Besides her beautiful face her bodyline was also attractive. Ample bosom that could stop all thoughts. Abundant round buttocks. Nipped in the waist that made men want to touch it. Anyone would dream of a spectacular body like hers. Her beautiful white skin was slightly pink despite the temperature. The peacefully sleeping girl changed her pose comfortably. That made her eyelids open slightly. She looked this way with her amber like eyes.

“Where am I?”

“In my world. You are safe here.”

After hearing his answer she closed her eyes again. Then started to sleep peacefully. Thus Ousawa Akatsuki made a sigh.

It seems everything went well. He made a bitter smile. Even though he has something he must do. He accepted a troublesome thing.

“I want to entrust my daughter to you, eh? I won’t hold responsibility no matter what happens.”

This is the start of a new tale.

Ousawa Akatsuki. Sixteen years old. High school first year. Job: ex-rogue hero

He was summoned to another world called Alayzard and after many hardships he defeated the demon king Galious. After the dying Galious entrusted Akatsuki with his daughter, he had no choice but to return to his world with her in secret. Thus after the ending the tale enters its second stage.

Returned to the real world, it is the start of a New Game.

You ask me with your heart and I answer with deeds.

The thing the hero protects – what is that.

### 037. Chapter 1 - Hello Reality

### Part 1

No matter whether you are about to go out or about to wake up, the current time is 7 am. Welcome to “Alarm 07~”.

The introduction of the television program made Ousawa Akatsuki slowly open his eyes. He obviously belonged to the latter group.

“Fu…Fua…Ah?”

The not so fully awoken Akatsuki scratched his belly, as if he did not know where he was. When the sight of the television screen entered his view, he then remembered that this was his home’s living room.

“…Right, I came back yesterday.”

"Today’s doggy ~ Today’s doggy is Mr. Takahashi’s lovely dog “Seven". Every day, she plays with the big brother who delivers milk. It is said that Seven is quite bold. Each time the milkman brother is about to put the milk into the mailbox, Seven will climb over the fence and shove her nose into the mailbox, sniffing excitedly on the milk bottles. After the milkman brother sees this, he will always say “Seven, you stood up today again!”

“...Looks like it’s still the same, what an unintelligible television program.”

The television was currently broadcasting the morning news’ special, which added slightly to the feeling of returning to the real world.

...Why am I sleeping on the living room’s sofa?

His memory was still not coherent. Was it because he was being stupid or because he was lounging in bed? He'd simply take a shower before continuing to think about it. Therefore, Akatsuki trudged out of the living room and opened the changing room doors. He then completely removed all of his clothing, casually shoved it into the dirty clothes basket and went into bathroom. Ah… the position of the shower head hanging from the wall appeared to be lower than his previous impression. Akatsuki slowly squeezed some shower gel and shampoo, and after washing his body and hair, he closed the shower tap and left the bathroom, picked up a large towel and wiped the water droplets off his wet hair and body.

“Oh damn, forgot to prepare some clean clothes.”

This here was obviously his own world, but he had completely forgotten about the accustomed lifestyle he once had. Akatsuki could not help but shake his head and sigh. So he hung the towel around his neck and headed up towards the second floor’s room.

After opening the room door, Akatsuki immediately headed towards the closet to obtain some clean underwear from the drawers.

“Ehhh?”

This time, Akatsuki suddenly noticed that a female was lying on his bed. Judging from the serene sleep that the girl was having, sleeping on this mattress must be quite comfortable.

Now Akatsuki finally remembered why he slept on the living room sofa.

Within his inner feelings, the words “Outrageous” suddenly emerged.

Akatsuki slowly moved to the bed and attentively observed the beautiful girl who was still in dreamland.

...What an outrageous pair of boobs.

Except for the word “Huge”, there were no other appropriate words. It was impossible for people not to pay attention to the slightly shaking huge twin peaks due to the girl’s breathing. Akatsuki could not help but swallow. How in the world did she grow such enormous boobs?

“Let’s first touch the pair of bo... NO, I should first explain the situation. Wake up, Hurry up and wake up! Hey!”

Akatsuki slightly shook the young girl’s shoulder and was surprised to find the huge boobs were also shaking.

...The absolute highest quality...

This rare scene made Akatsuki squint.

“...Unnn...Ah...?”

The girl slowly opened her eyes. Her sleepy blinking eyelids and her hazy vision fell on Akatsuki.

———!

The girl’s face immediately stiffened, which made Akatsuki confused.

“Heyyyy, Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Could it be the effects of the Dimensional transfer? The worried Akatsuki raised his right hand towards the girl, but the girl’s gaze immediately made him aware of the problem. Yes, the key was the present appearance of Akatsuki.

“This... I can explain... Don’t be nervous, I really don’t have any evil intents. Can you please calm down? Okay?”

While calming the girl, Akatsuki’s heart was desperately screaming “Oh no!”. There wasn't some trivial way to explain the current situation, and the words “mistake” would not help to solve this sudden problem easily either. At the moment when one awakes and suddenly sees the opposite sex standing naked in front of you. The vast majority of the men would be extremely happy about it. However, if the same situation was to occur to the females, the results would greatly differ. The girl’s horrified expression was the best evidence.

It looks like the stimulus was a little bit too strong. Akatsuki took a deep breath and in his heart, told himself that he had to remain calm.

If even he panicked, wouldn't this increase the girl’s misunderstanding? The current priority now is to think of a plan to calm the girl down, so Akatsuki squeezed out a smile. Smiling is a universally renowned language for communications.

“This is my world, please don’t worry.”

“——Put a sock in it!”

After the blunt retort, it was followed with a hot and spicy slap.

“——Looks like I will still have to introduce myself first.”

Akatsuki smiled while stroking his swelling cheek.

“My name is Ousawa Akatsuki, you can call me Akatsuki. Back in Alayzard, everybody called me the . Okay, what else do you want to know?”

“... Why were you standing naked in front of me?”

“Didn't I say it was a misunderstanding? I had just finished taking a shower and entered to get some clothes, and this question is unrelated to my self-introduction isn't it? Believe it or not, that’s the truth. Uh... what’s your name?”

“...Myuu”

“——What?”

The demon king’s daughter bitterly gave out her name, Akatsuki suddenly suspected that he had heard it wrong.

“You...You’re called Miu...?”

Akatsuki, who said the name, expressed an incredible look. This can’t be true right? Isn’t that too weird. However, the girl in front of him showed him a face of disgust.

“...No.”

The girl shook her head.

“It’s not Miu, but Myuu. I’m called Myuu.”

“——Myuu? Oh...So that’s it, ha ha ha.

Akatsuki made a few sounds of a hollow laugh, apparently he really heard it wrong.

But the sound of the girl's name also made Akatsuki remember the critical things that must be addressed as soon as possible. For Akatsuki, the girl’s current presence was like an alarm, constantly reminding him that he could not be lazy.

———Is this the mischief from the Goddess of Fate?

Akatsuki scratched his cheeks. After placing a simple breakfast of toast, poached eggs and milk on the table, Akatsuki looked at the girl sitting opposite of him.

...Having such an explosive body figure that would look down on everyone, but the tone of her voice was no different compared to little boys.

“...I still feel that your eyes look very disgusting.”

“You’re thinking too much. You have just arrived to a completely different world, it must be because you’re too nervous."

While being confused, Akatsuki could not help but secretly admire the girl’s courage.

...Not everyone dares to go alone to a completely unfamiliar world.

### Part 2

During the time period when he stayed in Alayzard, Akatsuki along with Listy, Zechs and Lotier formed a 4-man adventuring team.

But afterwards Akatsuki singly challenged the Demon King, Galious, and alone bore the kindness and grudges of defeating the Demon King. As long as Akatsuki left Alayzard, it would not leave any aftereffects.

Akatsuki’s way of thinking had only obtained one person’s agreement. That was the Demon King, Galious. For Alayzard’s peace, the Demon King, who leads the demon race, also had his own way of thinking. Galious decided the Demon King’s palace—to be exact, in front of his throne—would be the location of the duel between Akatsuki and him. Only at that place would the troops of the two camps not be aware of the one on one duel.

However, the Demon King’s castle stationed a large number of demon warriors, thus Galious specially dispatched his own daughter to act as a guide, hiding this information from the demon warriors, and brought Akatsuki into the castle.

There was neither conversation nor dialogue between the two men. The final battle started off instantaneously, and the intense death match ended with the victory of Akatsuki.

Before his death, Galious made his last request to Akatsuki.

“Please take care of my daughter.” The girl’s mother is a dark elf, but her appearance looks similar to the past me, there should be no risk of being seen through.

This was the Demon King’s final wish. The past Demon King was once in love with a dark elf and eventually gave birth to a daughter between the two of them. However, his loving wife eventually died at human hands. This heavy blow made the Demon King discard his human identity and completely devote himself to the demon race’s camp.

At the beginning, Akatsuki did not want to accept this undesirable request. However, the very thought of the princess, after the sudden death of the demon king and the destruction of the kingdom, had to face this cruel fate, he did not have the heart to refuse the demon king’s wish. Not to mention that she was the Demon King’s daughter; she could eventually fall into enemy hands or even get pushed into being the demon race’s new leader and be killed in battle. There was absolutely no happy ending. In addition, Akatsuki had already decided on the idea to bear all the feelings of gratitude and resentment, and disappear from the world. Once Akatsuki left Alayzard, the human’s vengeance would definitely point towards the Demon King’s daughter who was still remaining in this world. Based on his own principles of not letting others bear responsibility, Akatsuki reluctantly agreed.

However, Akatsuki also made a condition, which was that he must go back to his own world and sort out a very important matter. If Galious wished to entrust the girl to Akatsuki, he must accept the possibility of Akatsuki taking her with him back to his own world. Akatsuki did not inquire for the Demon King’s will, but instead turned and stared at Myuu, asking if she was willing to entrust her fate to him.

If the answer is yes, please hold my hand.

Myuu nodded without hesitation and held tightly to Akatsuki’s right hand.

This act was completely different from Akatsuki’s expectation; he had assumed that Myuu would not accept. Myuu’s expression was very calm, and she said that Galious had foreseen his own death. If the Hero who defeats the demon king really appears, from then on, please go follow him and live together.

Akatsuki immediately looked back at Galious. The sad Demon King had long been out of breath.

“——How did you bring me to this world? Alayzard’s residents cannot pass through the right?”

Myuu still had an incredulous look on her face. Akatsuki then easily shrugged.

“Fortunately, I just found a loophole.”

The truth is that by utilizing Renkan Keikikou he messed up the cognitive abilities of the . This was one of the skills that Akatsuki had learned in the past at , which Myuu certainly did not know. Strictly speaking, almost no one had knowledge of this method in Alayzard now. The fact that Myuu came to this world was like a blind spot in a blind spot.

“Oh...”

Myuu bowed down in silence. Akatsuki originally thought that Myuu would continue to ask further, so Myuu’s reaction made Akatsuki feel a bit surprised.

After a moment of silence ———

“——What do I do next?”

Myuu took the initiative to ask.

“In this world, I could be described as an alien. If my true identity is exposed, wouldn’t it cause a heap of trouble?”

“Ahhh... Yes, that’s correct, but there’s no need to worry. In this world, the fact that you are Alayzard’s notorious Demon King’s daughter, no one knows your true identity except for me and you.”

“But there is always a possibility? A large amount of magic that I use can only be used by the demon race."

Myuu’s tone was very uneasy, but Akatsuki still shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Why? Could it be that this world cannot use magic?”

“No, just the opposite.”

Akatsuki exposed a mischievous smile.

“Magic does exist in this world now, but only just recently.”

Akatsuki is not the first person to be summoned to an alternative world.

The amount of people summoned to an alternative world in the past numbers several thousands.

Initially, it created a huge amount of confusion, but as more and more people were summoned, the research about this phenomenon gradually matured. With nearly half of the people coming back from the alternative worlds safe and sound, it solved many of the mysteries.

The summoning to alternative worlds began approximately 30 years ago, but there isn’t only one alternative world. This truth was obtained through the people who came back safe and sound. Alayzard, which summoned Akatsuki, is only one of the multiple alternative worlds, and to up to this day, the total amount of alternative worlds confirmed exceeds 10. The people who are summoned all share some common similarities: every one of them is a male or female in their teens, and each of them will learn a special ability like magic in the alternative world.

After returning from the alternative world, the original world’s time will not elapse. This point is a great surprise for the scientists. The abilities that were obtained at the alternative world can also be used in the original world. The returnees, who obtained an ability surpassing the human capacity, will of course be regarded as a new hope for human development, and often will be treated as a dangerous existence.

Therefore, the new United Nations—G7, which comprise of Japan, USA, Russia, China, India, Oceania Federation and the European Union—founded an organization a few years ago to protect and monitor all alternative world returnees.

That is . The purpose is to guide the young men and women who have special abilities along the right path, and allow them to contribute to human prosperity and development. is established within all member states’ territories of the New United Nations and Japan even turned Tokyo’s satellite city into campus territory, giving them the right to self-govern.

The huge campus houses all the alternative world returnees, while establishing institutes at all levels such as primary school, secondary school, university and even research institutes. At the same time the returnees receive general education, the school will specifically design a curriculum for each returnee, training the special abilities they acquired in the alternative world.

Enrollment eligibility is only for returnees who came back from an alternative world. Conversely, the returnees who came back from an alternative world are all forced to study at without exception. Their intention is to isolate the returnees with special abilities from the general population in order to manage them.

In short, will not let go of any one of its returnees.

“——So, we will also have to study at that school?”

“Exactly, the self-governed region and gathers a lot of returnees with special abilities, so even if there is one more person who can use magic, it will not attract any attention.”

Afterwards Akatsuki paused for a moment, he continued to speak:

“In fact, this house is also located within the self-governed region. My older brother is a graduate of , Dad rarely comes home, and there are no other family members, so staying here is very safe.”

“Oh...”

Myuu seemed to be relieved, but Akatsuki shook his head.

“Don’t think that you can avoid ’s investigation. As I have said, will not let any of the returnees go. It could be possible that last night they observed that I was the only one in the house and suddenly two dimensional shifts reactions occurred. If I guess right, people from should appear very soon.”

“W...Well, what should I do?”

“Rest assured, I have an excellent plan.”

Compared to the pessimistic Myuu, Akatsuki seemed to be much more optimistic.

"When I decided to take you to this world, I had already prepared a battle plan. Although I can not guarantee a 100% success rate, but... it should pass successfully.”

Why so certain?

“——Because the goddess of fate who likes mischief seems to be standing on our side.”

### Part 3

Inside the self-governed region is an institution that guides the alternative world returnees onto the right path.

It is situated on a man-made island inside the corner of Tokyo Bay's Firefly observatory.

Aside from the sea and air route, you can also arrive to the self-governed region through an undersea tunnel.

There is a strong contrast as a group of technologically advanced people created this town while maintaining the natural beauty of the mountains. It shows a future outlook of coexistence between technology and nature, and could be called the most desirable urban scenery.

In the center of the man-made island, there is a university that is merged with the natural environment. Aside from the forests, ponds and small hills, the research institutes, laboratories and even the sports ground, the different sized facilities are lined up row by row in close order. One of the most eye-catching is the super high-rise white school building that goes straight into the skies.

The alternative world returnee’s school hall.

Inside the sanctuary of the self governed region, the great building which everyone is in awe and fear of.

.

Inside the tower walls is a circular space. The wall was built as a stairs-shaped auditorium. This place is in fact the third arena, and also where JPN Babel entrance inspection is held.

The reason why it is not an “examination” but an “inspection” lies in the fact that all new students are admitted; the investigation focuses on the performance of the new students in the alternative world and their current abilities. Most of the students belong to the fighting type, but there are still a small number of students who specialized in research; using the entrance inspection to identify the strength properties of everyone—or otherwise known as aptitude—is essential.

The investigation is divided into four major areas, namely medically examination, the use of elemental magic to show the past history to the future, an oral examination conducted by examiners to determine personality traits, as well as combat skill instructors’ technical test.

Myuu and Akatsuki were currently waiting for the medical examination reports. At the scene, there were no other admitted students. There are several thousands of alternative world returnees, but compared to the world’s 6 billion population, the probability of occurrence is actually quite minimal. If it is confined solely to Japan, the number will become ever lower, and considered rare. That is the reason why the governments around the world actively try to manage the returnees.

At the arena lounge, resting on the seat was Akatsuki, leisurely straightening both of his legs, waiting for the inspection results. After looking at Myuu, who was ill at ease, beside him, Akatsuki could not help but sigh.

“Can you please have some confidence okay? Doesn't your current appearance make you even more suspicious?”

“What if they found out I am a person from the alternative world...”

Myuu intentionally lowered her voice, but Akatsuki nonchalantly waved his hand.

“Relax. Your boobs are slightly bigger, but it is still in the acceptable parameters.”

“I do not mean this!”

The composition of blood and the physical structures cannot be faked, what if they really found out...!

Myuu, biting her lower lip tightly, stared uneasily at Akatsuki.

At that moment, the medical staff with the inspection results appeared.

“Ah... Ousawa Akatsuki?”

“That’s me.”

Akatsuki heard this and immediately raised his right hand. The medical staff opened the file and glanced over it once and immediately handed the file to Akatsuki.

“There is no problem with your health status, please bring this data and accept the Norn Screening.”

“Okay, Thanks.”

After Akatsuki received the document file, the medical staff turned to face Myuu.

“Ousawa Miu.”

“Y...Yes...”

Myuu timidly stood up, the medical staff opened the file, quickly glanced through it, but suddenly his gaze stopped at a spot in the inspection report.

“———!”

Myuu suddenly stiffened her body.

———A moment of tension

Only to see the medical staff closing the file.

“There are also no abnormalities, please accept the Norn Screening.”

“Tha...Thank you...”

Myuu took the file with a trembling voice, and immediately sighed heavily.

...Thank god that it is finally over.

At the same time she patted her chest softly, a large hand was suddenly placed onto her head.

A deep voice with a trace of laughter passed through her ears.

“See, I told you there isn’t any problem.”

Myuu raised her hand to touch the top of her head, as if to confirm the feeling of Akatsuki. Once she thought that her identity was not exposed and she could rest assured, she sighed again. On the cover of the file was written an unfamiliar name. Myuu silently read those words.

...Ousawa...Miu...

This was the name that Akatsuki had prepared for Myuu. It originally belonged to the current whereabouts unknown Ousawa’s oldest female daughter, who was also Akatsuki’s younger sister. When learning about this plan from Akatsuki, Myuu had suddenly understood why the moment when she had given out her name, Akatsuki had shown such a weird expression.

———Indeed, Myuu’s blood components and body structure were different from the humans of this world, but whether it was the results of the blood test or the CT scans, she still passed successfully.

Why? The reason is very simple. Through the dimensional shift’s feedback, a few alternative world returnees’ bodies will experience significant changes.

However, Myuu only learned about this matter from Akatsuki yesterday, so there was no time for her to be psychologically prepared.

On the second day after the two of them came to this world, they had received an admission application from Babel. Based on human rights considerations, on the surface, Babel’s admission is based on applications, but the truth is that it is a mandatory order, there is no other choice. Within a week of receiving the application, they must surrender—that is, to go to school—or else Babel will dispatch personnel to forcibly summon them there. But this time, the application was personally brought by a teaching staff member of Babel. This was within Akatsuki’s expectations. Thus, when the other party asked for Myuu’s identity, Akatsuki, without any embarrassment or panting, told a flagrant lie.

——— This person is my sister.

After disappearing for a long time, she only returned recently, and we were summoned together to an alternative world and came back.

Akatsuki’s excuse had not been questioned, having all normal test results was the best proof. Since alternative world’s experiences will cause changes to the human body, having changes in the memory is also very reasonable. As long as you put the blame of the unknown parts on memory loss, naturally you will successfully pass.

...Up to now, it had gone through fairly smoothly.

“—— The next step is the main event. If you are able to safely mix in and pass, then it will be just fine.”

From what Myuu heard, Akatsuki’s tone was somewhat stiff. Yes, next was the Norn Screening.

Using elemental magic to perceive the past, present and the future history.

The goddess who decides the past “Urðr”, the goddess who decides the present “Verðandi” and the goddess who decides the future “Skuld”

The so-called Norn Screening is to use elemental magic to acquire these three goddess’s abilities, perceiving the examinee’s past, present and future. However, the content of Norn Screening does not take the examinee’s life in the form of chronological order and provide tremendous amount of detail, but uses a poem type mode to roughly show the examinee’s history.

No matter what you have done in the past, what kind of magic you have now—that is, the connection between a superior dimensional being, and in the future what goals you use your abilities to achieve can all be clearly shown in the Screening.

In short, Norn Screening is called the most important topic in Babel entrance inspection.

But there is no absolute in the future history. The examinees may embark on another path through their own will, and therefore, the result of Norn Screening only shows the future with the highest probability of occurrence.

Akatsuki came in front of the inspection magic officer and handed over his own file.

The inspector took the data and indicated for Akatsuki to sit down.

“Ousawa Akatsuki, please close both your eyes and try to relax.”

Akatsuki could not help but coldly snort.

“This isn’t some sort of fake hypnotism right?”

The color of the inspector’s face darkened.

“—You’re not allowed to speak. Empty everything and let your consciousness float in the middle of darkness.”

“Okay Okay.”

Akatsuki followed the voice and closed his eyes.

The following few seconds involved Akatsuki emptying his heart, and not thinking. During this time, the inspector took up the pen and wrote rapidly.

The speed was surprisingly alarming. By the time Akatsuki opened his eyes, the inspector had already finished recording it down.

“Good work.”

The forensic officer, who was waiting by the side, took the record from the inspector’s hand and quickly scanned the contents.

“Well...T..This is...!”

The forensic officer suddenly widened his eyes, and the inspector beside him curiously extended his head around. During the Screening, they are unconsciously writing down automatically, so even the inspectors do not know what was written.

After the inspector read the Screening records, he suddenly jumped off his chair. With a very stiff expression, as if he saw an incredible content.

“Doctor, how is it?”

Other staff members also leaned over.

“Did some kind of problem occur...?”

Myuu, who was behind him, anxiously asked.

“God knows, I do not have anything to be ashamed of in the past.”

After saying these words, Akatsuki smiled slightly.

...There was a lot of perverted past though.

After the forensic officer discussed with the other staff members for some time, he placed the records on the table.

“Ousawa, is the description on the record true?”

“Let me first take a look before I answer.”

So Akatsuki quickly glanced over the poem written on the paper.

'' In the World of Alayzard, you, who experienced despair and loneliness, embarked on the path of a True Hero,

Even after you defeated the tragic Demon King, your battle is still not finished.

The, you, right now do not have the blessings of the gods,

Only the truth of the heart will lead you onto a new height.

In the nearby future, the, conqueror, will face a decision.

Under the two rays of hope, select the correct path ———

This was the first time Akatsuki took a Norn Screening, and he did not know how to interpret the contents of the poem, but since the poem divided into the three sections, it should represent the past, present and future. The past and present have already been determined, the poem only described the truth, but for the future, it includes uncertainty factors, and the context tends to be conservative and finally imply an ending. Interestingly enough, the past and present both used “you”, but at the future it turned to “conqueror”. Did this represent the path he took to reach newer heights or was it his mission to lead the conqueror who faced a decision to the correct path?

...Suddenly a conqueror emerges.

Akatsuki could not help but have a wry smile while shaking his head.

Whether the conqueror referred to himself or someone else, Akatsuki would not be too surprised.

Wasn’t that it?

At least those two people had already stood on the highest point of this world.

This text clearly described the upcoming task that he was about to carry.

But aside from Akatsuki and those two people, probably no one else would understand the meaning of this text.

The only thing that puzzled Akatsuki was “Under the two rays of hope, select the correct path”. Perhaps in the “nearby future”, he would naturally find the answer?

At this time ———

“———Ousawa, is the description of the past true?”

“...the past?”

The forensic officer eyes were on the part that Akatsuki did not care about. Akatsuki carefully read the poem again and did not find any problems.

“...Ah, it should be the truth.”

The only controversial point is that he himself was only a , the should have been Leon instead.

Perhaps because he defeated the Demon King, he was described as a .

At this moment ———

“Ousawa!”

“Wha...What is it?”

Akatsuki, who bowed his head and deep in thought, was shocked by the forensic officer.

The delighted forensic officer could not conceal his inner excitement.

“The past Norn Screenings have never shown a . If this is really true, you could be JPN Babel... No, the first person in Babel history worldwide!”

“Really? But only a small part of people called me that title.”

To be honest, the fit his image more.

“The number of people does not matter, the results of the Norn Screening is the main point.”

The forensic officer nodded.

Being summoned to the alternative world is equivalent to opening the door of learning magic, but for whether you can successfully obtain magic and achieve a strong power, a person’s innate gift and talent is the most important part. Just surviving in an unknown alternative world is a commendable achievement. Only a handful of people will get a chance to fight on the battlefield, not to mention obtaining a dominating special ability. Based on this sense, Akatsuki was undoubtedly among the minority of the minority.

However, the inspector also showed a puzzled look.

“...But there is a place that I do not understand. According to current description, you did not receive the blessings of the gods. I think this should represent that the current you cannot use magic...”

“Ah, of course.”

Akatsuki replied without any hesitation.

“———From the beginning, I can’t use magic.”

### Part 4

The results of the Norn Screening and Akatsuki’s explosive declaration shocked all the inspectors and forensic officers on site.

Akatsuki was not only the first person recorded as a “True Hero” by the Norn Screening, but at the same time, was the only exception as an alternative world returnee who could not use magic. The Babel school admission was therefore suspended and everyone on site, without exception, directed their attention on this matter and conducted a lively discussion. In addition, the word “Conqueror” on the description regarding the future is also highly regarded. In the past, there had also been a few returnees with Screenings about the “Conqueror”. To this day, these returnees all held key positions that guided the world to the future, Thus, Akatsuki’s results naturally became the most urgent item and were sent directly to the Babel school’s highest authority.

...Fortunately, my report does not have any problems.

Compared to the huge uproar of Akatsuki, Myuu’s Norn Screening, on the contrary, passed successfully. It could be said that she worried too much.

'' In the alternative world of Alayzard, under the intertwined tragedies, the Princess’s happiness has been deprived,

You, who lost everything, only a thorn infested trial remains.

The current you bathed among the gentle wind,

The gentle wind will become a storm, and call forth other companions.

Loneliness will always follow behind you like a shadow,

Whether you will be alone, the choice belongs to you. Whether you will be isolated, the choice belongs to your partner.''

The poem that described the past had the word “Princess” appear, and Myuu could not help but break out into a cold sweat. But just like bards who talk about singers and dancers, generally, this description is often seen within a female’s poem, and does not represent a special meaning.

The poem that described the present mentioned about “wind”, which represents the magical properties. As for the future description, it was currently still ambiguous.

But the future is basically filled with possibilities, thus it was not surprising. As long as the individual decided on a goal or was aware of one, the future description would become more accurate, Thus, the inspectors and forensic officers had made suggestions for a retake after a period of time.

The Norn Screening was finally over. The thought of her escaping the crisis of exposing her identity made Myuu feel relieved.

At that moment ——

“Congratulations on passing.”

Akatsuki gently patted Myuu’s shoulder.

“Tha...Thank you…”

Her pale face managed to squeeze out a tiny stiff smile.

From now on, she is no longer the Demon King Galious’s daughter.

In other words, she must comply with the agreement last night, to realize her promise.

In order to conceal her real identity, no matter how reluctant she is, she must still try.

“On...Oniii...Oniii-cha...I.. I still can’t say it out!”

With both cheeks burning hot, it was almost impossible to speak. No, I must do it.

In order to survive in this world, there is not any choice.

—— This is the promise between my father and I.

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and gently stroked Myuu’s head.

“Do not force yourself, just temporarily call me Akatsuki. No matter what, from now on, we are one family now — Miu.”

This was the moment where Myuu was born in this world with a brand new name and identity.

### Part 5

The following oral examination was also passed successfully without any problems occurring. The key point was, of course, for Miu and Akatsuki to take the examiner’s inquiry together. Since they had returned from the same alternative world, and the two of them were in a brother and sister relationship, Akatsuki’s specifically made a proposal and asked the examiner to make a joint interview, which resulted in the examiner accepting it.

Although joint interviews are a rare situation, it does not mean there isn’t a precedent. When Miu did not know how to reply, Akatsuki would take responsibility and round things up in a timely manner. This was one of the reasons the two passed successfully.

Now both of them appeared in the arena’s stage.

“This is the last stage, allow me to see your strengths.”

A male who was approaching his forties said to them.

He was the combat skills instructor responsible for testing out Miu and Akatsuki.

“There is a variety of weapons here that you two are free to select. Some of the weapons might not be as finesse, but please first deal with it. After you are formally accepted, the school will provide the best weapons based on each individual’s needs. Also, this examination does not restrict the usage of magic, it is fine for you two to use magic to decide the victory. In short, select your most skillful, your most powerful way to display your strength.”

As the combat skill instructor said, the walls were covered with a variety of strange weapons. Miu, following the order one by one, was deciding while at the same time contemplating carefully within her heart.

...The opponent utilizes the halberd which is strong against long range attacks, so…

Among all the weapons, Miu picked the single-handed short sword. She was a magician, not a warrior. Before activating magic, it required some time to concentrate. In order to avoid the opponent’s attacking while chanting, a small weapon was necessary for defense.

As for Akatsuki, he casually put his hands behind his head.

“Ah, I do not require weapons.”

“Quite confident huh, are you sure? I was taken back during the Norn Screening when a appeared, but only to find out that you can’t even use magic.”

After saying this, the combat skills instructor laughed.

“—— It can’t be that you don’t even know how to use a sword right?”

“That’s not it. During the time at that world, I was basically fighting with a sword.”

“Well, you decide then, just don’t overdo it. But the results of your combat abilities are related to your placement after admission, so deliberately hiding your strength will be your loss.”

“Didn’t you want us to show off our strength? That’s why this is enough.”

“Well, it is your choice. Once you’re ready, let’s begin. Having both of you come at me together is fine too, please bring out your real strength.”

The combat instructor lifted up the halberd.

“HeyHeyHey, that isn’t good right?”

Akatsuki’s face suddenly showed a smile filled with confidence.

“What if you get instantaneously killed by me, I can’t let you lose all your pride right?”

“Youuu...You should say less words, okay?”

Akatsuki’s plea was honestly too intense, so Miu quickly tried to diffuse the situation. However, the combat skills instructor seemed to be infuriated.

“This you don’t have to worry about. I have been an examiner for many years, I have confidence in my own strength. In the past, I have almost never been beaten by the new students. And even if I am not as skilled as the others, your attacks won’t damage me.”

Why?

“Babel school’s campus is enclosed within a special barrier, any physical or magic attack will only affect the opponent’s mental status and cannot harm the opponent’s body. That said, I will still feel pain and may even lose consciousness, but within the effects of the barrier, that is the biggest amount of damage that can be done, so you guys can safely attack.”

This should be a measure to prevent trespassing students and teaching staff members from having personal fights. An alternative world returnee is like a powerful time bomb; in case of a conflict with each other, there is no guarantee that it will not cause any unnecessary casualties. To reduce this sort of loss, the school set a strong defense barrier within the Babel school campus.

“Well then, there is no problem.”

Akatsuki gently stroked his chin.

“Miu, you’ll start first.”

“Huh? But the instructor wants us together...”

“It does not matter, the instructor also did not say it must be together — right?”

Akatsuki looked at the combat skills instructor in front of him. The two of them were separated by Miu.

The combat skills instructed nodded.

“Ah, that’s okay too, you guys can decide.”

“See.”

Akatsuki said while smiling.

“That’s right, ears over here.”

After Miu followed the orders and lifted her right ear, Akatsuki whispered beside her ear.

“—— How’s that, no problem right?”

“It is not a problem, But… are you really sure you want to do this?”

“If there’s no problem, then just go ahead.”

Akatsuki gently pushed Miu shoulders and brought her in front of the combat skills instructor.

“Is your fighting style using weapon or magic?”

“It’s magic, the short sword is only a weapon used for defense...”

Miu’s eyes fell to the short sword in her hand. After the instructor saw this, he could not help but smile.

“You can rest assured about this point. My goal is to test your strength; I will not initiate the attack. Since it is the use of magic, you can begin the chant now.”

“Yes... uhh, pleased to meet you.”

After bowing down, Miu began to concentrate. Just seeing a magic circle expanding by her side, bursting with a dazzling light, it turned into a defensive effect barrier.

“Hmm...”

The combat skill instructor expression changed and he took a battle posture. The more powerful the magic, the stronger the barrier needed to avoid suffering from attacks during the chanting phase. Miu made an abnormally strong defensive barrier, which meant that the magic she was about to cast had a considerable degree of power. Miu, entering the chanting phase, could clearly see the combat skills instructor calculating the time. The defensive barrier, used for the chant, must be cancelled the instant before activating the magic. Otherwise, the magic will hit the defensive barrier and the power will decrease significantly. Thus, the defensive barrier will disappear at some point of time. It is a very important signal during a magical battle.

...Do I really have to do this?

The moment Miu activated her magic, she felt some guilt.

Because she did not cancel the defensive barrier.

“Ah——!”

The combat skills instructor was deeply surprised.

After a burst of strong wind, a tornado surfaced in mid-air. The tornado did not rise from the ground to the skies, but rather from Miu to the instructor in front, directly hitting the target.

The unprepared instructor’s entire body flew off and heavily hit the arena walls.

“Guuu...!”

After standing up steadily with difficulty, the instructor took a deep breath and raised his head.

A dazzling light followed by an explosive noise came towards and impartially hit the instructor.

During the emergency, the combat skills instructor adopted a magical defense, but the magic power of Miu far exceeded the instructor’s mental strength. This time, the instructor could not stand it any longer and powerlessly lay on the floor.

Although it will produce a protective barrier during the chanting process of performing magic, a high class magician can cancel the generation of the barrier. Because he was blindly calculating the activation timing of magic, the other side undoubtedly gained control. But then again, the protective barrier is only one method of deception in magical combat; just cancelling the barrier is not enough for experienced instructors to fall into the trap.

In truth, Miu’s defensive barrier was just a cover up. She first pretended to activate the barrier and then took the opportunity to activate magic. This is a highly skilled magician’s preferred high class skill. While chanting magic and cancelling the defensive barrier then activate a disguised barrier, at first glance it may only seem like three steps. But, in fact, it's necessary to maintain a high degree of balance between each action. If one of the steps failed, the magic will not activate.

Therefore, this technique is not applicable during the ever-changing battlefield. This time it was just a simple test, plus the other side stood motionless, which led to Miu succeeding easily.

“HeyHeyHey, is that really true? You are quite powerful.”

Akatsuki could not help but compliment Miu’s performance. Defeating an enemy who stood motionlessly is not rare, the rare sight was that in addition to the tornado, Miu actually even added lightning magic afterwards. In truth, Akatsuki only made the suggestion for cancelling the defensive barrier and activating a disguised barrier, but he could not believe that Miu’s performance was beyond his imagination. Of course, chanting two magics together is not as difficult as it seems; however, the chanting of the two types of magic, and at the same time, cancelling a defensive barrier, and adding a disguised barrier, this is not something every magician can do. According to Akatsuki, probably only Listy, Loutier and Galious, etc, a few dozen magicians had this capability. This meant that Miu’s strength was definitely in the ranks of a master mage. Being the demon king’s daughter wasn’t just for show. After the other staff members performed first aid on the combat instructor, Miu returned to Akatsuki’s side.

“I don’t like this sort of underhanded tricks.”

“It does not matter. The combat instructor cast a magical barrier in time, so the damage should be reduced. Besides, no matter how serious the injury, at most, it is only a temporary concussion and is not life-threatening. The only loss I see is that his clothes turned into charcoal.”

Laughing at the same time, Akatsuki twisted his shoulders.

“Then next, it’s my turn. Instructors, can you hurry up? Your body is unwell but there is no damage right?”

“Please...Please...wait for a moment...”

The instructor, who was checking for injuries on the combat skills instructor, seemed to be hesitating.

“The damage is more serious than expected, I am afraid he will awake after two or three days. It looks like he is unable to act as your opponent.”

“Then what do I do? Being admitted without being tested in combat?”

“T...That is obviously impossible.”

“Are there no other combat skill instructors?”

“There is some, but in order to change the entrance examination examiner, we must obtain permission from the high level executives such as the headmaster. The other combat skill instructors also need time to be prepared.”

“——That being said, why don’t I temporarily act as the examiner.”

A voice came from the arena’s entrance, and everyone on the scene turned and looked at the rear.

### Part 6

The owner of the voice was a teenager with a pair of sky blue eyes and silver hair. Covered under the Babel school uniform, his body seemed to be quite skinny, but insiders could tell that it was a well-trained body. What seemed to be an ordinary stature revealed a stable and unmovable aura. This was the confidence that a truly strong person should have.

He is not a fool, his strength is perhaps comparable to mine...no...maybe even slightly stronger.

After guessing the gap between the enemy’s strength and his own, Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes.

“Who are you?”

“First time meeting you, Ousawa Akatsuki. I am JPN Babel school’s student president Hikami Kyouya.”

Kyouya responded to Akatsuki’s question with a hearty smile.

After seeing Kyouya’s appearance, all the staff members at the scene revealed apologetic looks.

“Excuse me, sorry to bother you during the holidays to make you take a trip here personally.”

“That’s okay. I already know the results of the Norn Screening. If the Screening’s results are accurate, this naturally belongs in my jurisdiction.”

“...How strange...”

“Isn’t the student president only the representative of the students, why do all the teachers on the scene seem to respect and fear him?”

“I am not too certain, but ——”

Akatsuki’s gaze moved from Miu’s back to Kyouya in front of him.

“I’ve heard that the student president’s position is held by the strongest student in the Babel school, That means he is the current top dog here.”

At the same time, he was the strongest returnee out of all the returnees who came back from an alternative world.

In short, he was the strongest Japanese student.

After the conversation between the staff members ended, Kyouya turned around.

“Ousawa-kun, about the last topic, the performance examination, I will be your opponent. Are there any objections?”

“No, I’m fine with that.”

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Babel school student president was undoubtedly the best testing stone.

—— Taking advantage of this opportunity and testing whether he, who obtained a powerful strength in the alternative world, could stop those two men now.

So Akatsuki and Kyouya both took a step forward.

Akatsuki originally intended to keep a low profile temporarily after being admitted, but this sudden incident caused him to change his plans and directly challenge the strongest, the student president.

“——Ousawa-kun, there is no need to be that serious.”

When the remaining distance between the two was only a few meters, Kyouya suddenly exposed a bitter smile, as if he had seen through Akatsuki’s mind.

“This is only an examination for combat abilities, I did not mean to have a showdown with you and there is no need to. I only want to test your strengths ——.”

At this moment...

Under Akatsuki’s foot, the sandy floor suddenly broke into a hole, and a huge icicle rapidly came up from the hole.

“——!”

Akatsuki hurriedly jumped backwards, and glided on the sandy floor for some distance before stopping.

“Ahhh, your reaction is not bad.”

Kyouya revealed a knowing smile.

But the creation of his icicle made others unable to laugh.

“Amazing...”

As Miu’s praise came from behind and entered his ears, Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

An icicle with a height of over five meters stood in front of his eyes. Its weight was probably around ten tons. Ice crystal-like spikes were placed across the surface, like a mirror reflecting the surrounding landscape.

By creating such a high purity and tall icicle instantly, the practitioner’s strength is self-evident.

...As expected of the strongest Japanese student, I won’t let you down.

This way, it would be fun. Akatsuki concealed his inner excitement. On the other side of the icicle, Kyouya could not help but grin.

“Ousawa-kun, I’ve heard that you plan to take this test barehanded? So what about this, why don’t you use your prized fist and attack my icicle?”

Akatsuki was stunned for a moment.

“No wayyy right, that simple?”

“You can’t, you can’t fall for his trap!”

Miu hurriedly spoke to stop him with a serious expression.

“This is not a simple icicle, inside it contains a large amount of magic power, its hardness has probably been increased several times. Using your bare hands to hit the icicle will most likely cause an ending with a bone fracture.”

Kyouya shook his head.

“This, you do not have to worry about. As long as you are within the barrier, Ousawa-kun’s fist will definitely not be injured, at most it will only hurt a few days.”

“——You do not have to bother.”

With the huge opportunity in front of him, some pain did not matter much.

So Akatsuki clenched his right fist and took a posture.

“If I can crush your giant icicle in one punch——"

Akatsuki stared at the other side of the icicle.

— At that time, you will be my opponent, Hikami Kyouya.

Kyouya listened and smiled happily.

“Okay, that’s not an issue.”

“Very well, that’s a promise.”

Akatsuki’s ki began to circulate within his body, he was preparing to use Renkan Keikikou. The stimulated ki entered his meridian and finally concentrated into Akatsuki’s right first.

The passing requirement is to crush the icicle, he will not allow any failure.

...Okay, Let’s go.

“——!”

Akatsuki raised his right fist and violently swung it.

After an explosive noise, it was followed by a burst of shaking impacts.

Witnessing everything, Miu hurriedly closed her eyes and covered her ears with both hands.

After a period of time, the surroundings calmed down, and Miu then slowly opened her eyes.

“Waaahh...”

Miu could not help but be shocked.

—— The result was the following: Kyouya’s icicle was not crushed, not even a single crack lay on it. But the power of Akatsuki’s fist was clearly shown in the icicle’s surroundings. The surrounding sand was blasted several feet, exposing the hard ground, and made it look like the icicle fell down from heaven. A sight that proved the power of the iron fist, but Kyouya’s created icicle was also intact.

“Damn it, I failed!”

Akatsuki, who raised his head staring at the icicle, was angry. Miu then suddenly realized why.

...I understand now, the reason why the icicle remained intact...

Miu hurriedly rushed to Akatsuki’s side.

“Is your hand still okay?”

“Ah, no problem. You can see for yourself.”

Akatsuki swung his right hand, proving that he himself did not have any problems. His right hand did not have any broken skin, even a single spot of swelling was nowhere seen. Miu’s eyes widened, revealing an incredulous look.

“Whether the giant icicle, which could not be broken, or your fists, both are too exaggerated!”

“I thought I would succeed, damn it!”

“Excellent, very excellent.”

Kyouya also generously praised him.

“With such strength, it seems like the day where you and I have a showdown will eventually occur. Okay, the entrance inspection of the two of you is finished now.”

Kyouya looked at Akatsuki, then looked at Miu, and with a face filled with smiles.

“Welcome both of you to become part of Babel school.”

### Part 7

After Akatsuki and Miu left the arena, Kyouya raised his hand and lightly touched the icicle.

Only to see the huge icicle instantly shattered into sand-like fragments, becoming a mist that melted itself in the air.

Leaving the scene with only a huge meteorite crater.

The inspector also slowly walked behind Kyouya.

“We apologize for making you specially come over this time, and also...President?”

“Huh, ah, that’s okay, I did not expect that I would encounter such a fascinating thing.”

“What are you looking at...?”

The staff member walked up to Kyouya, followed his line of sight and looked. He could not help but immediately turn pale.

“Thii...This...I...is?

“He really is amazing.”

Kyouya happily said while smiling.

The crater which should have had the same shape as the icicle was actually crooked to one side.

On the side facing Kyouya dirt was lifted well up, on the other side—that was the the direction facing Akatsuki—was a slight sink into the ground. What did this phenomenon represent?

“A single fist moving an icicle, weighing a few tons, is not that simple. Maybe he really is the legendary hero.”

Also, Akatsuki angrily expressed that “he had failed”.

To judge from the literal meaning, it should mean that he did not shatter the icicle.

Akatsuki’s little actions did not manage to hide themselves from Kyouya’s eyes.

Kyouya clearly noticed that Akatsuki deliberately adjusted the strength of his fist in order to avoid using excessive strength.

The condition that Kyouya had originally raised was to shatter the icicle. If there was excessive strength, only a large hole would be drilled into the icicle and it would not shatter.

In reality, drilling a big hole in the icicle is much more difficult than shattering the icicle, but if Akatsuki did it that way, he would have lost the bet. Thus, he deliberately weakened his punch.

...This guy is really interesting.

If he went all out, my icicle should have easily been shattered or at least a large hole would have been drilled open. At the thought that a returnee who could not use magic actually had such a powerful strength, even if this giant icicle only used ten percent of his powers to create, Kyouya could hardly hide his excitement.

“——I really want that power.”

On Kyouya’s face gradually emerged a cold, shallow smile.

### Part 8

A silver brilliance of light emerged into the night skies.

The bright moon reflecting the sun’s rays quietly lit up the dark skies.

Standing on the balcony staring at the skies, Miu could not help but feel that these night skies were as beautiful as the night skies back in Alayzard.

Babel school uses a power ranking to divide all the students from A class to E class. Miu and Akatsuki appeared to be highly rated at the combat test, so both of them were enrolled in the highest class: B class. Normally, freshly admitted students would enter into E class, and those with superior results would also only enter D class. Directly entering B class was an unprecedented achievement.

...Ah!

Miu suddenly noticed a small bird. Looking carefully, it was a giant bird without any life force, and possessed steel wings. She remembered that Akatsuki mentioned that was called an airplane, a product of technology to carry people and items around. Alayzard did not have any flying contraptions; even the country of Disdia, that was well-known for their machinery, only had tanks or submarines. Just those two military weapons already caused a huge threat on the battle field. If those flying machines appeared in Alayzard, the country with such military might would definitely have the advantage. There was no guarantee that it would not overturn the balance of power within the world.

On the other side, the alternative world returnees also play a role of maintaining the power difference within this world.

—— I really came to a completely different world.

Miu stared at the sky, thinking about her own future.

Starting from tomorrow, she was an official student of Babel school. The uniforms and textbooks were provided by the new United Nations and they would be exempted from tuition and fees. As for the living costs, Akatsuki had explained that they could use the other family member’s “card”, so there was no need to worry. Akatsuki also said that they needed to find some time to bring Miu around to buy clothes and other daily necessities.

If she said that she does not have any fear, that is obviously a lie. However, Miu also found that she was gradually getting used to this world.

Looking back to the room from the balcony, Miu was still not used to the darkened room’s furnishings.

The owner of this room was Akatsuki’s sister, the real Ousuwa Miu.

Miu sat on the bed and the mattress’s springs emitted a subtle sound.

A frame stood on the bedside table. The real Ousawa Miu was inside the frame. The face revealed an innocent smile, and was very lovable. In the photos also appeared someone who looked like Ousawa Miu’s brother, but seemingly not around Akatsuki’s age, and a looks-alike middle-aged father. A very happy and peaceful family portrait.

“...”

Miu slowly laid down on the bed, both eyes staring at the ceiling.

An unfamiliar ceiling.

“...This should be normal.”

After rolling around, everything she saw was an unfamiliar sight.

The quiet night, the unfamiliar space, a brand new world.

Miu could not free herself, and deeply felt her loneliness.

I’m so lonely.

...Father...

She slowly closed her eyes, her heart thought about her non-existent family members, and her stolen happiness.

“...!”

Miu suddenly stood up and quietly left the room.

While carefully swallowing her heart’s negative emotions after her father’s violent death.

Go!

The target was Akatsuki’s room.

The hallway, shrouded in darkness, with a cold chill willfully flowing.

Using the moonlight from the windows and leaning on the wall, Miu continued to feel around, while advancing towards the next room.

After walking around 10 steps, Miu stood in front of Akatsuki’s room.

“...”

Slightly knocking on the room doors, as if confirming whether the person inside is awake or not.

If he is awake, he will hear the knocking sounds. There was no reaction coming from within the room, thus, Miu knocked on the door again. This time, using power much stronger, still did not receive any response.

“——”

Therefore, Miu gently turned the doorknob. After a “gacha” sound, the door slowly opened to the inside. Miu looked at the room. She still remembered the room’s interior furnishings, after all, on the first day after coming from Alayzard, this room was where she had opened her eyes.

The bed’s location was in the furthest part of the room. Lying in the bed, Akatsuki’s figure clearly appeared.

He was asleep.

“...”

Miu heard the sound of her swallowing. Thus, she held her breath and crept into the room, carefully, step by step, moving in the direction of the bed.

After a while, Miu finally reached Akatsuki’s bedside.

“...”

The moonlight from the windows shone onto Akatsuki, who was deeply asleep.

A strong muscular body, his thick bulging chest muscles covered in a thin blanket and his body curves could all be seen.

Looking at Akatsuki’s stable sleeping posture, Miu could not help but remember the promise she made with her father.

——If a person who defeats me appears, from that point on, you should follow him and live together.

This phrase was told to Miu when her father Galious defeated the human hero, Leon, on the day of his return. As the demon race’s leader, her father’s goal was to build a world where the demon race could live peacefully. To achieve this goal, he must defeat a lot of humans. Because the humans feared the powerful demon race, they saw the demon race as an obstacle for the survival of the human race.

For the demon race to continue and live, they cannot show their weakness to the humans. The clash between the two races is unavoidable, a large battle will instantly occur upon meeting. From the beginning of the ancient generations, humans and demon race’s battle has never been stopped.

Her father was a great fighter. He used his overwhelming strength to crush countless human armies, thus becoming the object of human hatred and disgust. Her father was aware of his situation more than anyone else, thus he would always remind Miu: if one day I am defeated, do not resent the humans. If you treat the humans as enemies, the resentment between the human and demon races will never end. Thus, her father always mentioned this sentence.

“I hope to be the last Demon King.”

Up until now, Miu still could not forget about the sad smile of her father.

The reason why she was standing here is also due to her father’s instructions.

“But...”

...Father, didn’t you also say it?

If the human that defeated me cannot be trusted——

“At that time, killing him is not a problem either...”

Miu lowered her head to stare at Akatsuki. This man, who is in deep sleep, is the culprit for killing my father, his sworn enemy, no matter what she says, she could not let that go easily.

However, Akatsuki is also a man who was trusted by her father. If his instincts told him that Akatsuki was not to be trusted, even if he was the human who defeated him, her father would not have easily entrusted his daughter to him. Akatsuki also hid the fact from his companions as well as other people’s sight and dangerously took Miu and escaped to this world. To be honest, Akatsuki had no reason to fulfill the promise between him and his enemy, but he still tried to help them. Even though they had just met not so long ago, Miu also understood that Akatsuki was not a bad person. He and her father only fulfilled the roles of the hero and the demon king, both fighting bloody battles for their own ideals.

“...”

Yet, Miu could not help but remember her father’s sad smile.

Miu could not help but bite tightly on her lower lip. How long do I have to spend, to determine whether Akatsuki is someone to be trusted?

But right now, it only takes a few seconds and you can activate magic to kill off Akatsuki.

Miu opened her palm, staring at the sleeping Akatsuki.

“——!”

She chose to suppress the negative emotions she had inside her heart.

Now was not the time, at least she still could not conclude whether Akatsuki was someone to be trusted. If she rashly killed Akatsuki, she would have undoubtedly betrayed her father’s last words.

“I will stay by your side and properly observe you.”

Miu muttered, while slowly gripping her hand.

Only to find that her wrist was grabbed.

After recovering, Miu had already been thrown into the sky.

The ceiling, in front of her eyes, rotated and her body spun a full circle. Miu, falling straight down, landed on her back and was gently caught by the mattress’ springiness.

“Ah——”

Miu said surprisedly. Akatsuki’s burly body was on top of Miu, covering her, and the two people’s eyes were in close proximity.

—— Was he aware of my murderous intent?

An icy gaze made Miu feel a cold chill behind, and at the same time, she felt remorse for her ill-thought. Miu wholeheartedly wanted to kill Akatsuki, but she did not think that she may die in Akatsuki’s hand.

—— I’ll die. The weight of the despair made Miu unable to breathe. Akatsuki’s sharp eyes made Miu feel that she was in an igloo, and was unable to talk.

At that moment, an unbelievable scene appeared in front of her eyes.

“...Haaa.”

On Akatsuki’s face appeared a thin smile.

“——Huh?”

A smile without any murderous intent removed Miu’s inner tension.

... Is he willing to let me go?

Miu felt relieved and subconsciously pursed her lips.

At that moment...

“Chuuuu——”

Akatsuki suddenly held tightly on Miu.

“Huh...Whoa...Wa...Ahhhhhhhh——!”

Miu hurriedly looked away and avoided Akatsuki’s kiss.

What is he trying to do? Miu could not help but shake. Is he trying to humiliate me first before killing me? But the Akatsuki who failed to kiss her became very happy.

“Shy aren’t you? Presumably, it must be your first? Rest assured, I will be very gentle, you cutie.”

“Cu...Cutie? Wha…What are you talking about?”

At this moment, Miu finally discovered that Akatsuki’s narrow eyes weren’t looking at her.

...N...no way..., It can’t be...?

Miu opened her eyes in astonishment and looked carefully at the Akatsuki in front of her. This time, Akatsuki’s second sentence confirmed her suspicions.

“So cute...What is your name?”

“Oh god...!”

Miu nearly fainted on scene. That’s right, Akatsuki was sleepwalking.

With a flushed face, Miu anxiously tried to slide down from the bed, but her body was held tightly by Akatsuki’s physically strong arm. She could not even move a bit.

At that moment, Miu had a sudden thought that flashed within her mind.

The legendary is a hopelessly big pervert.

Miu stopped and thought carefully about what it means to be pushed down on a bed in the middle of the night.

...Could it be that what was in danger was not my life, but my virginity...?

This can’t even be used as a joke.

“Waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh——! No, noooooo! You misunderstood, I did not mean this!”

Miu desperately struggled, but this movement made Akatsuki feel even more satisfied.

“A female who comes over by herself, isn’t she making herself clear already? You don’t have to be shy now, be honest with yourself.”

“I am being very honest, okay? —— Stop! Don’t take off my clothes!”

Miu tried to use a punch to awaken Akatsuki, but Akatsuki easily avoided it. Akatsuki’s two hands also took the opportunity when Miu was defenseless and occupied Miu’s pajamas. Miu was currently wearing Akatsuki’s imouto’s pajamas, the button in front of her chest are not buttoned, exposing a deep cleavage. As a result, the buttons that were barely fastened were instantly captured by Akatsuki, completely liberating Miu’s beautiful boobs.

Miu screamed and covered her chest with her two hands, while subconsciously shrinking her body. Akatsuki did not lose this opportunity and immediately took advantage of the moment when Miu shrunk back and stripped down her lower pajamas. Miu’s defense was completely broken, the only thing left was her panties.

...No...Nooooooo → I must quickly think of a plan…!

Miu’s brain furiously turned. She finally thought of a way to regain Akatsuki’s senses.

This idea really is good.

She screamed hysterically:

“i...I...I am your imouto, Onii-chan!”

“——”

Blurting out the title for the first time, she successfully stopped Akatsuki’s actions.

However, at the next second——

“Imouto? Don’t play around.”

On Akatsuki’s face suddenly appeared a hint of a sad smile.

“—— my imouto has already died.”

“...What?”

At that moment, Miu suddenly had an illusion of time stopping. She did not know how to interpret that sentence’s meaning.

However, when Miu was pondering about the meaning, Akatsuki’s two hands attacked her chest.

“Ahhhhhh——!”

Miu realized she was in trouble, but unfortunately was a step too late. The soft plump boobs were completely defenseless, and Akatsuki’s fingertips entered them as if it was a soft and smooth treasure.

“No,nooo, don’t doo this——Ahhhhhh!”

Miu desperately struggled, both feet kept kicking nonstop, but Akatsuki only moved swiftly and easily overcame Miu’s counterattack.

Once Miu noticed that something was wrong, Akatsuki had already wrapped his hands around her from behind. Akatsuki’s arm drilled its way from underneath Miu’s arms and gently lifted Miu’s two valleys.

The desperate and anxious Miu tried to escape from Akatsuki’s grip, but somehow her body did not have any strength, and she could only watch as her two valleys, under Akatsuki’s groping, constantly changed their shape.

“Ahhhhhh...”

A feeling of pleasure she had not experienced before came and paralyzed her hurt. Miu felt slightly dizzy, and clearly understood that her heartbeat gradually accelerated.

...Thinking about it, this man is...!

With a hazy consciousness, Miu thought about Akatsuki’s technique to control the body. Inside of Akatsuki lies a supreme technique, Renkan Keikikou; his martial arts are perhaps even stronger than her father. Renkan Keikikou can manipulate a person’s inner ki and even have the effects of sharpening the senses.

The suffocating pleasure flowed into her body, her hands and legs all softened and Miu fell down backwards. Her entire weight was pushed onto Akatsuki’s chest.

The indoor temperature was not too low, but the burning hot body felt a cold chill. Miu shivered, then noticed the changes in her body.

...Ahhhh...my body is all pink.

Under the pale moonlight, her flushed body made Miu swallow her saliva. Miu was slightly shocked, even the saliva slowly trickling down her body through her stomach made her feel enchanted. With the gradually accelerating heartbeat, luscious sweet pleasure came in great waves over and over again.

It was as if she could even feel the blood flow in her blood vessels.

...No...I can’t...

A strong sense of shame nearly made Miu’s brain boil up. But she still hypnotized herself in her heart, believing that she could keep the last vestiges of her sanity.

At this moment...

“——Ah!”

Suddenly, the body had an unexpected change.

“Ah, ahhh ahhhh...?

The barely tolerable pleasure suddenly expanded rapidly.

“...This...what is this…?”

The change came very suddenly, as if the sweet pleasure rushed through everywhere, and almost engulfed Miu’s sanity. Her upper and lower body’s pores expanding, rapidly warming her organs and stealing her body’s awareness. Miu subconsciously step and her messy hair danced in the skies.

With her body losing strength, she could not help but keep twitching. Once she saw that she was about to lose balance, Miu randomly grabbed something from the side.

As her body slightly startled, her right hand unconsciously tossed the thing forward.

—A muffled sound entered her ears, as if she hit something.

### Part 9

“Tha...That was dangerous...”

Miu’s shoulder constantly shuddered as she tried to gasp for breath.

The pale moonlight shone on the bed, there Miu, wrapped in a thin blanket, stared at the unconscious Akatsuki, her hand held tightly to the man-made marble alarm clock. It looked like during the critical moment, the alarm clock assisted in her escape and saved the day. Although she almost changed her decision and avenged her father, but the situation earlier was really urgent.

“...He should not have died, right?”

Miu gingerly poked Akatsuki’s cheek.

“Mmmm...”

Akatsuki’s reaction made Miu feel relieved, and hurriedly slide down softly from the bed. After she picked up her pajamas, she immediately rushed and left Akatsuki’s room. Gently closing the door, Miu sighed. She should not take tonight’s sudden event seriously; after all, Akatsuki was sleepwalking—once he wakes up, he should have no memories. And ——

...Apparently, his imouto has already died.

Akatsuki should not use the death of his own imouto as a joke. His face had a sorrowful expression, it did not look like a lie either, so she should have found out the truth, which she should not have known, by the unfortunate events.

“...Good night.”

Miu muttered to herself. Tomorrow, she will have to go to school. It will be her very first experience. If he was still alive —— No, if he really is protecting me in heaven...

...I wonder if my father would be happy for me?

### 038. Chapter 2 - The Hot-Headed Loafer’s Youthful Rampage

### Part 1

The view outside the window gradually went higher up.

JPN Babel school’s campus scene became smaller and smaller, further and further.

Currently, the glass elevator, following a certain speed, was slowly rising.

The Babel school’s main building is a high-rise building. On the side of the body of the building, there are numerous elevators. This building has a total of 180 floors and as the students and staff member's positions and authorities are different, there are limits to the floors they can arrive on. In order to reduce the waiting period, floors used at a higher frequency were equipped with numerous direct elevators. Currently, Akatsuki and Miu were taking the exclusive B-class students’ elevator to the classroom floor.

“Damn it, my head hurts...I don’t know whether it is because of a cold or because I’m too nervous.”

This morning when Akatsuki opened his eyes, he was suffering from an inexplicable headache.

Ousawa Akatsuki had a task that he must complete, and this task was basically equivalent to challenging the world. As he finally stood at his second starting point, he was more or less feeling a bit nervous deep down. This was Akatsuki’s analysis of his own mental state.

Turning his head, he only saw Miu staring at the glass wall in front of her, looking at her own appearance in a uniform. Although she was born from a mix of a human and a dark elf, Miu’s skin was white, soft and delicate, she also did not have an elf’s pointed ears and her appearance was no different from an ordinary human. The elf race’s unique beauty and slender limbs are quite compelling, but not to the extent where it raises suspicion. Akatsuki looked at Miu, his face showing a knowing smile.

“You’re quite happy.”

“…Huh? R..Really?? Of course not.”

Miu quickly tried to evade the topic. In Akatsuki’s eyes, the Miu with her red ears was extraordinarily cute, Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes. Maybe Miu never wore a uniform before, Akatsuki thought. Plus, Miu had mentioned a while ago that today was her very first day going to school.

After bringing Miu to this world with difficulty, Akatsuki sincerely hoped that her very first experience of going to school would leave a favorable impression to her.

At this moment, the elevator’s rising speed gradually decreased and it finally stopped at a certain floor. With a mechanical ringing sound, the elevator doors slowly opened.

This was the B class floor. Several students were chatting in the hallway. After walking out of the elevator, there was only one path in front of them. Thus Akatsuki and Miu walked slowly along the corridor and passed through the students who were standing in the corridor.

Akatsuki quickly discovered one thing.

“Strange…”

Miu also seemed to be aware of it, her tone was very uneasy.

“Is it because I am too sensitive? But it feels that …”

“Yes, we have become the focus of everybody’s attention, but this is quite normal, there is nothing strange with it. This floor only has people in B-class and now two unfamiliar faces show up, it will obviously cause curiosity from everyone. Therefore, you do not have to take it to heart.”

Then Akatsuki suddenly stopped his footsteps. At the end of the corridor appeared an entrance doorway, which was the B-class classroom doors.

…Okay, the day has finally arrived.

Akatsuki violently and rudely pushed open the doors, and walked confidently into the classroom.

The chattering of the classroom suddenly became quiet.

“———”

Everyone’s attention was all focused at the door. Akatsuki did not try and escape, and directly confronted everyone’s stares of curiosity. Whether it was the whispering throughout every corner of the classroom or everybody’s stares of curiosity, it was, in fact, not unfamiliar to Akatsuki. During his time in Alayzard and wandering around the place with his identity of a rogue hero, he had already tasted this feeling.

But at that moment —

“…uuuwwaa!”

The uneasy Miu held to and pulled tightly on Akatsuki’s sleeves. After Akatsuki saw this, he gently held Miu’s shoulder, then looked proudly at the class.

“No matter what time, or ever the world, transfer students are always the main attractions of the crowd. You do not have to be nervous, there is no need to be polite, just confidently be yourself. Come, let us go.”

Akatsuki started to take a step, and walked through the path between the tables under the gaze of the entire class. The classroom was designed in a stairs shape where the front was low and narrow and the back was high up and wide, with a total of three columns of tables in left, middle and right of the class. The formation of the columns extended all the way from the front to the back, making it look like the shape of a paper fan. Akatsuki’s destination was the window seat located at the very last row. Miu timidly followed behind him, with her right hand clinging tightly to Akatsuki’s sleeves.

After arriving at the destination, Akatsuki sat down.

Beside him, Miu disturbedly said:

“C…can we sit anywhere available?”

“Of course. If the seat cannot be sat on, someone will naturally inform us.”

And —

“Usually transfer students sit in empty seats.”

Just when Akatsuki was talking about nonsense—

“— Hahaha, you are quite an interesting person.”

A female student walked over. With a slender physique, beautiful short hair and a pretty face coupled with a well-proportioned body, her gestures revealed the charm of a mature woman. A cute girl was not the best way to describe her, in fact, she was closer to a dazzling beauty.

…Uh Oh.

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, but the female student heartily laughed.

“— Good, Very Good, as expected the legendary student is really talented.”

“Ehh? Why do you say this?”

Akatsuki’s retort seemed to play into the hands of the girl. He only saw her smiling very happily, and even her eyes were filled with tears of laughter.

“Ever since the school enrolled you to B-Class, you guys have become famous within Babel school, everyone calls you guys as History’s strongest newcomers!”

After saying all this, the girl looked at Miu.

“One is a mysterious beauty who used magic to instantly knock out the combat skills instructor during the entrance exam—“

Then she looked at Akatsuki again.

“The other is the one who was identified as a during the Norn Screening, and afterwards was endorsed as a hero by Student President Hikami during a special inspection. Actually, both of you have already become everybody’s object of discussion.”

“So that’s what happened…”

Miu, who finally understood the situation, embarrassingly scratched her cheek.

“I will have to work harder in the future, so I will not fail to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

Akatsuki smiled and said:

“Looks like you are very familiar about us. Based on the greeting principles, shouldn’t you also talk about yourself?”

“Now that you said that, please let me introduce myself.”

The female student nodded, her right hand touching her chest.

“I am called Izumi Chikage, from now on, I am your classmate. As for whether or not will we become friends from classmates, that depends on each other’s meaning of friends. About this, I personally am maintaining an optimistic attitude. Nice to meet you.”

The smiling Chikage extended a hand of friendship, Akatsuki also politely expressed agreement. Chikage’s soft and delicate hand was also very smooth.

“I am Ousawa Akatsuki, this here is my sister Miu.”

After Akatsuki’s introductions, Miu timidly extended her right hand.

“Uhh, I am Ousawa…Miu. During my stay at the alternative world, an accident occurred and made me lose all my memories about this world. If I cause problems for everyone in the future, please forgive me.”

“Don’t be so polite. If there is anything you don’t know in the future, feel free to ask.”

Chikage shook Miu’s hand while smiling.

“Ah that’s right, there is something that I specially have to tell you two. Ousawa-kun, it is natural for transfer students to sit in empty seats, but I hope to persuade you that you can select other seats.”

“There are two Ousawa-kuns, it’s fine to just call me Akatsuki.”

After saying all this, Akatsuki shrugged.

“Why can’t we select this seat? Don’t tell me everyone’s seat is fixed?”

The classroom followed the design of a university lecture room. Akatsuki believed that he could freely select his seat.

“Well that’s true, but…”

Just when Chikage was about to say the reason behind it—

A large noise of dispute could be heard in front of the entrance to the classroom. Miu looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from. There were two males in front of the classroom door. One was awkwardly sitting on the ground. The other was a hideous looking man, arrogantly looking down on the other. It seemed that there was some sort of dispute between them.

“Tanaka, Look where you are going! Pretending that you don’t know when you bumped into someone! How are you going to compensate me!”

“Ahh, it’s beginning again.”

Chikage sighed. Her reaction caught Miu’s curiosity.

“Beginning again…? This kind of thing occurs frequently?”

“Yes. He is Onizuka Kenya, previously a student in A-class, but in the end, he was dropped down from the previous periodical inspection. Perhaps it is a problem of having his pride shattered, but he is constantly bullying people after coming to B-class, relying on the fact that no one is his opponent in B-class, and venting out his frustrations.”

Chikage paused for a moment and continued to speak:

“Actually, the reason why I came to talk with you is also related to the situation. Akatsuki, the seat you selected is Onizuka’s specified special seat. There is no fixed seating arrangements, normally you can sit wherever you look, but everyone is afraid of facing trouble, so they specially avoid this seat to avoid provoking him.”

“So that’s it…”

Akatsuki looked at the classroom door. After Onizuka kicked the male student on the floor a few times, his face was still filled with rage.

After a few seconds, he finally noticed Akatsuki’s existence.

“Hey, what are you looking at huh? Never seen something like this before?”

Only now did Onizuka notice that Akatsuki was actually sitting in his special seat.

“And you dare take my seat. I’ve never seen you before, a newcomer? If you came here, then you have to follow the rules here!”

Onizuka rushed up angrily.

“Now that I think about it, you are the legendary transfer student? You believe that lying fortune telling is real? You actually believe that you are a hero?”

“…”

Akatsuki did not reply. To be honest, he did not even care about Onizuka, his vision lay on the male student who was bullied by Onizuka. Onizuka noticed and coldly snorted.

“What are you looking at? Want me to kick you is it? Don’t think that by entering B-class directly, you can ignore me.”

“Onizuka, could you please not provoke others?”

Chikage attempted to stop Onizuka, and even stood in front of the confused Miu.

“This is not your problem, Chikage. Now scram over to one side…huh?”

Onizuka’s gaze laid upon Miu, who was behind Chikage, his face suddenly showed an obscene smile.

“So that’s it… she is the other transfer student? Not bad, this kind of product is not commonly seen, and she is just my taste.”

After speaking, Onizuka reached out for Miu.

“…W…What are you trying to do…?”

Ignoring Miu’s suspicions, Onizuka rudely held onto Miu’s arm.

At this moment…

“Uhhhhoohh—!”

Onizuka’s entire body flew backwards, hitting the classroom walls abruptly.

The classroom suddenly had an uproar. The students, who were coldly observing on the sidelines, whispered nonstop. The problem student who caused headaches to everyone, the school’s time bomb, was actually being taught a lesson by the new transfer student!?

—What had actually occurred…?

As the event was so sudden, Miu stood at her original spot, bewildered. Chikage, who was beside her, also widened her eyes, and didn’t know whether this was good or not. At this moment, Akatsuki patted Miu’s shoulders and slowly walked to the front.

…Ah, Don’t tell me…!

Miu finally understood. The reason why Onizuka flew back several meters turned out to be Akatsuki’s work. After hitting the wall, Onizuka gently shook his head, and his face revealed a painful expression. Due to being inside of Babel school’s barrier, Onizuka’s physical body was not injured, but the impact of the mental shock should not be underestimated. Onizuka struggled to get up, but with his feet staggering, he nearly failed to stand.

“You are quite impressive, very good, looks like you have guts. Just you wait, I will instantly—“ Onizuka expressed a fierce look, and was about to stand up from the side of the wall.

At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly stretched out his hand, clutching Onizuka’s face.

“—”

This seemingly ordinary and mediocre action was completely out of Onizuka’s expectation. It could be called the ultimate technique, which combined all fight skills.

Miu, who witnessed everything, stood frozen at her place.

“A…Are you trying to do—Whoaaaa!”

Onizuka held onto Akatsuki’s wrist, attempting to break free from Akatsuki’s clutches. What had actually occurred? Miu was puzzled and even the other students were revealing an expression of uncertainty. At this moment, Miu noticed that Onizuka was trembling, and after a careful observation, found out that the reason was that even speaking would inflict a tremendous amount of pain.

Akatsuki calmly looked at the Onizuka in front of him.

“You and I are really like-minded, the truth is I also like bullying the weak. In this world, aren’t there always people who believe that they are stronger than others, and look down upon them? I absolutely love to shatter the pride of these type of people. Right, you are called Onizuka isn’t it?”

Akatsuki snorted.

“So how’s this? The feeling of your pride being stepped on by others isn’t so bad right?”

“…! …! Guuuuu….!”

Onizuka’s face was twisted in pain. Although his physical body does not hurt, it does not mean that he cannot feel pain. Onizuka’s face was red and gradually turning from red to black.

“— S…Stop it! It will cause problems if you continue!”

A panicked Miu broke into the scramble between Akatsuki and Onizuka, pulled on Akatsuki’s burly arms and barely managed to separate the two. During the process of pulling Akatsuki back to his seat, Miu sighed repeatedly.

“Causing trouble on the first day, I really don’t know what you’re thinking.”

“The school’s barrier is designed for the hot-headed people like us. I only played around slightly. It won’t kill anyone…right?”

Akatsuki sought Chikage’s input, but she reluctantly shook her head with a wry smile.

“Yes it is, but it’s hard to say for those who knowingly cause trouble.”

After speaking, Chikage’s expression suddenly turned stiff. A commotion also occurred in the classroom.

…Huh?

Miu looked around and was surprised to find out that beside Onizuka was a magic circle, and a defensive barrier, meaning that he intended to use a powerful magic in the classroom. Activating magic in such a confined space would ultimately cause a significant amount of casualties. Even if it was under the barrier which could remove all physical harm, this could also lead to everyone losing consciousness due to the enormous impact.

—I must activate a magical barrier! But after thinking it through, Miu dismissed the idea. Onizuka is B-class's strongest returnee. Activating a magical barrier could protect herself, but not all the students had the ability to block his magical attacks.

Looks like there is no other choice.

Miu began to concentrate, preparing a defensive magic that ranged throughout the entire classroom.

Unfortunately she was slow by a step. Onizuka had already completed his magic chant. At the moment when Miu felt despair, Akatsuki suddenly shook off her hands.

Only to see Akatsuki approaching Onizuka at lightning speed, and with a turn of his body, unleash an upper kick.

“Ha! Idiot!”

Onizuka’s face showed a hint of sneer. The chant had already finished, the defensive barrier was already opened, all physical attacks were a waste of energy. Everyone was thinking the same thing. They could only watch Akatsuki’s upper kick clash with the defensive barrier.

After a brief struggle, what followed was — a crack. As a crisp sound like glass shattering spread across the room, Onizuka’s defensive barrier suddenly dispersed. This unbelievable scene occurred in front of everyone.

Akatsuki’s upper kick broke pass the defensive barrier, and with overwhelming accuracy hit Onizuka in the head.

“—”

Bang.

Onizuka, like a kite without any string, flew from the very back to the very front.

After rolling a few times on the floor, Onizuka lost consciousness, lying on the ground motionless. The huge classroom was enveloped in an unusual silence. Is this the power of Renkan Keikikou? Miu wondered while staring at Akatsuki.

Just a slight mistake could have led to an enormous disaster, yet Akatsuki stood there relaxed.

“Yes, an idiot indeed.”

Akatsuki coldly spoke—

“Only that the idiotic person is you.”

### Part 2

A while after Akatsuki stopped Onizuka—

Numerous students wearing white uniforms immediately hurried to B-class. They were all part of the school’s Disciplinary Committee.

There was a periodic scan of the school that would confirm whether the barrier was working or not, thus, all students and staff members’ physical and mental state would appear on the screen. Once a abnormal situation occurred, the Disciplinary Committee Members and staff members would immediately head for the scene. Alternative World returnees were an important asset to the country, the management could not be careless.

Onizuka, who was showing the whites in his eyes, was sent to the infirmary, and should quickly recover his consciousness. As for the other accomplice, Akatsuki would be sent by the Disciplinary Committee Members to the Student Council. No matter if it was Miu, Chikage or any other students testifying that it was Onizuka who first provoked him, the Disciplinary Committee Members also accepted everyone’s statement. However, as the accomplice, Akatsuki must provide a spoken report to the Student Council and the Student Council would decide on a suitable punishment. In short, it means that Akatsuki’s self-defense went overboard.

“Please wait here for a moment, the enforcement division will be here shortly.”

After leaving this phrase, the Disciplinary Committee Members walked out of the student council room.

…Shortly, is it?

Akatsuki turned and looked around the empty student council room. On the floor lay a red carpet. The inside was a rectangular shaped space. On both sides of the wall stood a bookshelf reaching as high as the ceiling. The location close to the door had a sofa and a small table placed there. The place between the rectangular shaped space and the entrance had three high class desks, two on the left and one on the right confronting each other. As for the inner part of the classroom, there was an even more high class and more lordly desk.

“Whoaaa…”

Akatsuki slowly walked to the inner part of the classroom.

The desks all had a name tag that presented the position and name. The desks that were facing left and right respectively belonged to , and . After seeing the nametag of the innermost table, Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

…This is that fellow’s desk…

Akatsuki suddenly remembered the silver-haired male who tested him back in the entrance inspection.

“So that’s it…”

Akatsuki circled around the desk and sat rudely on Kyouya’s seat.

Babel school president’s seat, the throne of the strongest Japanese.

This position is a goal that he must conquer one day.

Akatsuki crossed his legs, turned the seat and faced the window behind him.

The student council room was located at the highest floor of the school building. Through the entire surface of a French window, JPN Babel school’s campus could be seen throughout.

High above the landscape, all the people looked extraordinarily small. The distant surface looked like the underworld.

…Being at this place too long will inevitably produce an illusion.

In Akatsuki’s brain emerged another person’s shadow. It was not the owner of this seat, Hikami Kyouya, but another person he was familiar with.

After turning the chair back to the front, Akatsuki rudely placed his legs on top of the desk.

He used both hands to hold the back of his head, placing his upper body’s entire weight onto the back of chair, and leisurely straightened his body.

Then he yawned and closed his eyes.

Waiting.

After a period of time, the student council door opened. Two females and a male appeared behind the door, but Kyouya wasn’t there. All three of them were wearing an armband. Embroidered on top was the student council and its title. It looked like they should be members of the student council.

“You’ve waited fo….Huh?”

Her eyes reflected on the deserted sofa, the female who was wearing the Vice president armband was slightly surprised. The vice president was a beautiful female with superior qualities. Her shoulder-length hair, swaying as she moved around, further underlined her scholarly style. As she slowly moved her gaze forward, her eyes met with Akatsuki. Akatsuki gently raised his hand and provided a greeting.

“Hello, you guys finally came.”

She finally realized that Akatsuki was currently sitting on the chair of the Student Council president.

“—!”

The vice president’s face immediately changed.

“Y..You… What are you doing!”

She headed toward Akatsuki at a surprisingly fast speed. The other two were just standing there with a shocked expression and did not know what to do. The vice president Nanase Haruka quickly reached Akatsuki’s side, with a face filled with rage.

“You dare! You… Stand up immediately! This seat isn’t something a normal student like you can randomly sit in!”

“Didn’t you guys ask me to wait for a while? I only listened to you guys only.”

Although Akatsuki tried to pretend he was innocent, inside of him he was secretly delighted. Haha, she indeed fell into his trap.

“And chairs are chairs, when have you heard of a chair that you can’t sit on?”

—Basically, she was not referring to the physical abilities of it.

“…That is Kyouya’s seat.”

As unfamiliar sounds entered his ears, Akatsuki turned around and noticed that the other two had already reached the front of the desk. The male, who was unconsciously scratching his head, seemed to be the student council secretary Uesaki Ryouhei. His hair was very casual and also had a thick layer of hair clay. His face was wearing a lazy expression, and it could be seen that he was not as agitated as the vice president, he only felt that Akatsuki’s act was incredible only.

The person who was standing quietly behind him should be the student council’s accountant Aihara Minami. With a slightly long straight hair, both sides of hair braided and long bangs nearly covering her left eye, you could still see her beautiful upright face.

…All three of them plus Hikama Kyouya, those were all the student council members.

Akatsuki looked at the three people in front of him and attempted to imagine the scene when all four stood together. He noticed that the image was quite coordinated, no wonder that they became JPN Babel school’s four kings.

“—Did you not hear us? Quickly stand up, do not tarnish Hikami-kaichou’s seat!”

Haruka angrily pulled a long face, but her angry look was indescribably sexy.

Akatsuki, joyfully playing around, curtly refused to stand up.

“Your angry expression is actually quite cute.”

“—!”

Haruka suddenly blushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t go overboard —”

Just when Haruka was about to scold him.

The student council office doors opened again, and Kyouya came in from the outside.

“Ahhh…?”

Everyone’s expression made Kyouya immediately understand the situation. He could not help but have a hint of a smile on his face.

Almost at the same time—

“—!”

Akatsuki suddenly took action, there were absolutely no signs beforehand. Only to see him step onto table and jump over Ryouhei and Minami’s heads, and after landing, immediately sprint forward.

“Ah—!”

Tossing away everyone’s cry of alarm to the back of his head, Akatsuki swiftly moved towards Kyouya. Just when he thought he succeeded, a sudden gust of wind blew in front of his eyes. A closer look revealed the vice president Nanase Haruka.

…So fast!

Akatsuki was slightly surprised. In that split second, she could actually catch up with him who sprinted at full speed, this girl really wasn’t that simple. Akatsuki looked at the vice president in front of her, and noticed her surroundings were filled with activated magic circles. She probably used the wind attribute magic to produce a high speed movement. But to complete the chant in such a short period of time, it also proved that her strength was not to be underestimated.

…The so-called vice president should be the second most powerful person here.

Akatsuki smiled and suddenly crouched in front of Haruka.

“—?”

Haruka’s focus was suddenly attracted downward. Taking advantage of this moment, Akatsuki took a violently jump, utilizing the knee’s elasticity to directly leap over Haruka’s head.

“—!”

An unusual atmosphere came from behind. Akatsuki turned around to look in midair, and was surprised to see a huge fireball coming towards him.

The fireball was created by the magic of Ryouhei and it was on an inevitable direct course. Akatsuki hurriedly collected the ki within his body, and twisted his body in midair, using a right kick to face the fireball. After a heavy bang, the fireball was split into fragments, and under the protection of his ki, Akatsuki’s right foot was completely unharmed.

“Oh, you’re quite remarkable!”

Ryouhei applauded, but Akatsuki could see it very clearly. Minami, who was beside Ryouhei, stretched both hands and touched the ground, clearly showing signs of an activating magic circle. The floor — Akatsuki subconsciously looked below.

However, there was no attack coming from the bottom. Akatsuki was slightly surprised, and thought he was in a tight corner inside of him.

—Above?

Akatsuki raised his head and looked at the ceiling, but unfortunately he was a step too late. A giant mud hand appeared on the ceiling, trying to push Akatsuki to the ground.

“…Damn!”

Akatsuki continued to fall and used the momentum of engaging the fireball to abruptly change the direction of his body.

He then extended his left arm and directly stabbed into the giant mud hand. Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, the mud arm instantly turned into pieces. Akatsuki took advantage of this gap to adjust his position, barely landing with one knee on the ground.

However— His actions had been stopped.

“Immediately stop the attack or we will not hold back anymore.” Akatsuki was surrounded by three people. All three of them had their palms raised towards Akatsuki. If Akatsuki tried to resist, they would mercilessly attack.

“…What just happened here?”

Kyouya’s tone had a hint of laughter.

Akatsuki slowly stood up, with a face that was completely outside of this situation.

“Someone called me to the student council office, I thought that you wanted to settle our unfinished duel and purposely called me here.”

“Knock it off, I don’t even know why you appeared here.”

“Ousawa Akatsuki, it is me who looked for you.”

The speaker was Nanase Haruka with a very serious expression.

“The Disciplinary Committee Members have already reported to me. On the first day of school, you were involved in a dispute between students. I can only say that your luck is extremely bad. That student called Onizuka will receive the proper punishment. We, the student council, will like to specially thank you for your courageous acts.” There was no smile, nor any feelings, it was purely a businesslike tone.

Akatsuki shrugged.

“After half a day, you only found me to express your gratitude?”

“—And to give you a grave warning.”

Haruka’s tone carried a hint of anger.

“Causing trouble on the first day of school, you have already become the Disciplinary Committee Members’ target. The Disciplinary Committee Members belong to my elite team. If you continue to cause any trouble, we will use all our power to arrest and confine you in order to maintain the peace on campus.”

Haruka narrowed his eyes, revealing a cold killing intent.

“—Especially acts that disrespect us, or you will face the consequences yourself.”

Haruka right arm swayed and stepped back.

“What needed to be said is finished, please return.”

The cold eyes did not contain the slightest warmth.

The sound of the heavy doors slowly closing echoed in the silent corridor. The location was the student council building located at the highest floor of the school.

The figure standing at the corridor was Akatsuki, who had just left the student council office.

In fact, he really wanted to have a duel with Kyouya, but there was no chance of winning 1 vs. 4.

Although his actions had planted a fuse, it was likely that there would be a chance to attack the student council president in the future. The current Akatsuki could not do anything now, but only hope for an opportunity to occur. …Based on the above considerations, they probably believed that Akatsuki had already given up.

As Akatsuki stared back at the door of the student council office, a hint of smile appeared on his face. Too Naïve. Was 4 against 1 really a big advantage? Did everybody bring out their true strength? Thus — there were no possibilities of a surprise attack now?

…Too careless and too full of yourself. Akatsuki activated Renkan Keikikou and unleashed his body’s inner ki.

…Directly destroying the door… No, it should be better to attack from afar.

Just as a precaution, Akatsuki had already prepared against the others. He even took the opportunity to consider the possibility of a counter attack. In the end, he still thought that a direct assault, defeating each of them one by one, was the most effective tactic. Placing the strongest, Kyouya, at the very last and taking out the other three seems to be good. Akatsuki gently licked his lips, concentrated, and extended his right palm gently against the doors.

…Sorry, I cannot be standing still.

Today I will destroy JPN Babel’s leadership.

“… I advise you to remove the idea out of your head.”

After the sudden warning entered his ears, Akatsuki turned and looked at the direction of the sound.

“… Huh? Where’s the person?”

But in front of him, not even half a person existed. Akatsuki could only see the empty silent corridor.

“I am here.”

The voice sounded again. Akatsuki’s gaze followed the source of the sound and went down, only to be surprised to see a petite female youth standing in front of him. Strictly speaking not a female youth, but a female child. Her age was about ten and her height was only to Akatsuki’s waist, she also kept her black hair to her waist. Although her face was expressionless, it did come with a doll-like beauty. She would become a stunning beauty in time. Her entire body was expressing an intellectual aura, wearing a kimono would be unexpectedly outstanding. However, she was not wearing a kimono, but a JPN Babel school uniform.

“You can interpret their thoughts, but likewise they can see through you.”

The girl looked up at Akatsuki with cold eyes, and no emotional tone.

Akatsuki crouched down and looked at the girl in front of him.

“…Did you get lost? Where did you come from, little girl?”

“That should be a little girl in your class, Ousawa-kun.”

The girl smiled slightly.

“I am B-class class representative Doumoto Kuzuha. The first class’s location is at another location, let me bring you there.”

### Part 3

“… Still hasn’t appeared.”

Inside of the student council office, Haruka muttered to herself while staring at the door

Ryouhei then placed both hands onto the back of his head.

“There are actually times when Kyouya’s sixth sense is wrong.”

“There’s nothing that can be done, this type of thing has always been based mostly on luck.”

Kyouya chuckled uninterestedly, and soon bowed down his head deep in thought.

…There is an 80% chance that Kuzuha stopped him outside. Ah, why?

Oh well. Although I am curious about the results of a direct confrontation, but I should temporarily save this kind of fun. Once he thought about it up to this point, Kyouya could not help but laugh.

“Anyways there are plenty of opportunities in the future, there is no need to hurry.”

“At that time, leave it to me!”

Haruka said in high spirits:

“I, as the vice president, command the Disciplinary Committee Members to perform the purging tasks.”

“However, the report says that he cannot use magic, that fact seems to be true.”

Ryouhei recalled Akatsuki’s previous actions and his reactions towards magical attacks.

“But his fighting ability makes one dumbfounded.”

“It feels that he is very used to fighting techniques.”

Minami chipped in.

“I think he must be very aware of his own strengths, he really is a powerful enemy.”

“How strange, you would actually praise others—”

Ryouhei was greatly surprised and then suddenly frowned.

After thinking for a while, he decided to ask Minami directly to understand the situation.

“Minami, why are the buttons in front of your chest opened?”

“…?...That’s true.”

The perplexed Minami looked to her chest and was about to fasten the buttons when her hands suddenly stopped in midair.

There was no other reason, Minami had already discovered the abnormality in front of her chest.

“…Gone.”

“What is gone?”

“What happened…Minami?”

Haruka immediately found the answer. As they were both females, Haruka instantly noticed Minami’s abnormality, but she just could not believe it in that moment. After all, things shouldn't just disappear without the owner being aware of it.

“Could it be…”

At that moment, Haruka was suspicious.

“—!”

Her face suddenly became pale.

“I…It…can’t be…!”

Her pale face suddenly flushed. She bit tightly on her lower lip, and embarrassedly brushed her thighs, her expression very shy.

Afterwards, she began to care about the length of her skirt, and ultimately could not resist—

“S…Sorryy, I’ll excuse myself.”

Haruka gently stepped back a few steps, and left the student council office in panic.

The momentum of opening the heavy doors was surprising, but the momentum of closing doors was even more astonishing.

The sound of the doors opening and closing constantly echoed in the classroom.

“…But she only needs to use the washroom, why does she need to be so nervous? I really don’t understand what females are thinking in their heads.”

“Yes, it is really hard to understand.”

Facing the dismissive Ryouhei, Kyouya, who knew the truth, could only shake his head with a wry smile.

The transparent space over the horizon. The elevator, with a quiet motor driven sound, was slowly going down. The elevator gently went down towards its destination floor, like a giant steel bar dropping down. During the short stay in the elevator, Akatsuki and Kuzuha chatted.

“—So you skipped grades, very impressive.”

When facing Akatsuki’s praises, Kuzuha still had no expression.

“I just turned 11, which is equivalent to an elementary 6th grader.”

But the 11 years old Kuzuha was the same as Akatsuki, they were both students in the high school sector. Babel school originally had the so-called grade skipping system, but her example of grade skipping was a rare case.

Babel school was not a place where you are only seeking knowledge. Besides the static lessons, combat training was also included in their daily curriculum. Thus it could be said that not only had Kuzuha’s intelligence been confirmed, her combat capability was also not inferior to the students older than her by 5 years.

“The class rep is certainly outstanding.”

“That’s hard to say. However, the student council members you were going to challenge before are much more amazing than me.”

“I believe that’s true, after all, the student council member are JPN Babel School’s top youths.”

Akatsuki muttered. Then the words following that from Kuzuha left Akatsuki dumbfounded.

“It’s not that simple. The student council president Hikami Kyouya is part of .”

“—”

Akatsuki was slightly startled, almost suspecting if he had heard wrong.

After she noticed Akatsuki’s unusual look, Kuzuha frowned and looked a little surprised.

“…Are you okay?”

Akatsuki looked down at Kuzuha, only to see her expressionlessly say:

“Your face … is a little bit scary.”

“…Sorry. I didn’t think he was actually part of …Hahaha, so that’s it.”

Akatsuki finally understood why, on the day of the entrance inspection, he could feel a strong pressure coming from him.

— The new United Nation’s chairman, secretary general and G7’s Babel school highest authority, all of them were returnees who had obtained a strong power from an alternative world. These people were the so-called .

Children of Cross Over Other Nation, in short . These people are all returnees who have achieved a title of a hero in an alternative world. If you have to use the shortest description, they are the strongest warriors, and at the same time, they represent the entire world. Akatsuki originally thought that Kyouya was only the strongest student in JPN Babel school, but now it looked like he should be the strongest Japanese instead. No wonder that during the entrance inspection, the staff on the scene were all respectful to him. Akatsuki suddenly realized that.

Just a single is enough to override the power of a national military. In order to implement the concept of world peace, they, as the elite of Babel, took up the responsibility to educate and manage the returnees. If a war occurs somewhere in the world, Babel will immediately intervene by sending the alternative returnees to the battlefield.

On the surface, Babel seems to have young men and women who have various superpowers, developing them into an elite force to safeguard world peace and promote human prosperity. Conversely, they are turning the alternative world returnees into a tool for war, in order to suppress the organizations worldwide.

’s existence, would it really bring everlasting peace and prosperity? The answer is a no.

There was a group of people who deemed the alternative world returnees to be infidels. Terrorist acts that used cruel methods to persecute the faith and ideologies still remains in this world. Even as Akatsuki and Kuzuha were going down in the elevator currently, there were many young returnees being sent off to the battlefield.

The countless battlefields around the world did not have Babel’s defense barrier, so returnee causalities naturally occurred.

The most difficult problem was the terrorists that rejected the concept of Babel and opposed the returnees.

One of the most famous terrorist organizations was the brave and fierce . Their goal was to select like-minded comrades among the returnees and create a whole new country. To advertise their thoughts and boast their strengths, they would often take the most intense means. ’s strength was said to be not inferior to . The local military, and even the new United Nations and Babel all are hopeless against them.

Aside from , the world still had many other terrorist organizations. Their common point was that they regarded Babel as their number one enemy.

“…”

Akatsuki looked at the somewhat immature Doumoto Kuzuha.

A thin body as if it could be easily broken gently into pieces if just a bit of strength was used. Even a girl like this would be pushed onto the battlefield to act as cannon fodder, just because she was an alternative world returnee.

Akatsuki could not accept this cruel reality. This was a mistaken world, and it was horribly wrong too.

After Kuzuha was aware of Akatsuki’s sight, she showed a mischievous smile.

“Although you were not aware of the situation before, how did the feeling of challenging the world feel?”

“Not bad actually, not bad at all.”

Akatsuki also grinned. Isn’t it? This was the reason why Ousawa Akatsuki returned to this world.

At that moment Akatsuki suddenly remembered one thing. He could not help but scratch his cheek embarrassedly.

“But… If I had known, I should have placed another type of fuse instead.”

“How chaotic, what kind of fuse did you plant?”

“Well, probably something like this.”

After saying all this, Akatsuki suddenly flipped up Kuzuha’s skirt.

He wanted to confirm something.

“…”

The defenseless Kuzuha just stood still, and did not know how to react. The skirt that was raised high up was slowly falling. The expressionless Kuzuha stared at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, I did not expect you to be some sort of pervert that was interested in a girl’s panties.”

“Class rep, aren’t you too calm? It was completely outside of my expectations. A normal girl encountering such a thing, shouldn’t they either be angry or crying, or else angrily attack back?”

Yet Kuzuha did not have any of these reactions, this point was what Akatsuki had guessed. Kuzuha lacked the feelings that a teenager should have.

But no wonder, Akatsuki thought.

Suddenly being summoned to an alternative world, surviving a life that was unimaginably lonely, and finally managing to come back to the original world. The result of having to be split apart from her friends in the same age group, and start a unfamiliar school life with a bunch of strangers that were a few years older. In addition to that, she could be sent off to a battlefield any time. Having her emotions changed greatly is reasonable.

—Or Kuzuha must have lived in an environment where they had to suppress their feelings from a young age. “That’s enough.”

Her tone revealed a bit of unhappiness. The grumbling Kuzuha looked down at her feet. Akatsuki sensed from her tone and actions that she felt a bit of emotional upheaval. An expression of a normal girl flashed by, but this made Akatsuki kindle some hope. Yes, it was still not too late.

During his life at Alayzard, Akatsuki had seen the darkness within the humans. He understood that the people who are physically and mentally battered will eventually have a miserable fate, no matter whether it was male or female, old or young. However, Kuzuha was different, she still had some hope, a chance for her to recover the emotions that a normal female should have.

However he should still call it a day, as they often say “haste makes waste”.

He should first try to make her happy before continuing such a conversation.

“Your panties are very cute, is that a cat?”

“No, it’s a bear.”

In the end, he failed.

### Part 4

“Ding Dong—“ Following a sound effect that sounded like giving a correct answer, the elevator had reached the destination floor.

The heavy doors opened and the passengers inside came out. Akatsuki and Kuzuha appeared from the elevator that had just reached the destination floor. They mixed in with all the other students, and walked along the corridor. After confirming that there was no mistake—

“—Ousawa Akatsuki, stop right there!”

Nanase Haruka shouted. Akatsuki and Kuzuha unconsciously turned around. The students looked at each other, not knowing what had happened. An aggressive Haruka stood in the middle of the corridor. With both eyes looking back and forth on Akatsuki’s body, she was surprised to find that in the left pocket of the uniform pants a white and pink cloth-like object could be seen.

… It really was you who did it.

The corner of Haruka’s lips rose slightly higher, but between her eyebrows, it was filled with killing intent.

It should be during the short offensive in the Student Council Office—

She did not know when did Akatsuki steal Minami’s bra and …

…her…panti—!

A flushed Haruka looked at Akatsuki. Selecting the strap-style underwear was certainly her own negligence, but it did not constitute an excuse for his behavior.

Yes, it is all his fault.

“You really have guts…”

Haruka intentionally lowered the volume. Her cheeks were still fiery red.

“Offending the president is already an unforgivable crime, but to think that you also actually took Minami and I…O… Our…”

“…Ousawa-kun.”

“Oops, the fuse was actually lit. What should I do now?”

Kuzuha gave a contemptuous look to Akatsuki, but Akatsuki only scratched his face embarrassedly.

“I’m very sorry, vice president. I only wanted to test you out a bit, so I used the special skill my master personally taught to me, it absolutely did not mean any disrespect. If you want, I’ll return it to you, can you forgive me?”

“—S...Shut Up! The president may have let you go, but that doesn’t mean that I will spare your life. To maintain order in JPN Babel, I will make you pay a price today.”

After saying all this, Haruka waved her right hand, and green light particles gathered between both her hands.

The light particles instantly became a frame for a blade, and finally turned into a real crescent moon blade. Seeing this, Akatsuki could not help but widen his eyes.

“Wh…What is this toy?”

Today was his first day of school. Akatsuki was quite unfamiliar about knowledge and common sense within Babel. Haruka’s action was suspected of having no pride. However, Haruka did not care about this point, she had already identified the man in front of her eyes as a huge pervert. There was no need to talk about reason with this kind of person.

“It will soon be over…”

Haruka began to concentrate.

The magic circle that covered her entire body instantly activated.

As the event was sudden, the students watching on the side suddenly began to stir. A student council member suddenly used magic in the corridor, it was no wonder that everyone panicked. Although Haruka was apologetic deep inside, she did not have any plans to stop.

…That’s right… It will soon be over.

The magic chant was completed. Haruka immediately activated magic. Blessed by the elf’s wind magic, her entire body was wrapped by a swift whirlwind. This had the ability of increasing movement speed and it was a magic that was more effective than the one she previously used in the Student Council Office.

Besides that, before activating the magic, Haruka specially did extra preparations to prevent accidents happening from under her skirt again.

Unable to dodge, impossible to resist, and cannot be justified, the duel will be instantly over.

With a flash of light, Haruka lifted up the crescent moon blade and pushed off with both legs.

“—!”

In a blink of an eye, she had already moved behind Akatsuki, swinging down her hands with the crescent moon blade. Analyzed in slow motion, she instantly moved across the corridor, passed through Akatsuki and did a cross-cut. Under the effects of the barrier, Haruka’s attack would not cause any physical damage, but the targeted individual would still feel it. An attack multiplied by speed is equivalent to the amount of damage dealt to the enemy. According to this formula, Akatsuki’s mental consciousness should have taken serious damage, and he should have fainted already.

“…Huh?”

Turning back, Haruka saw an incredible sight.

Akatsuki was still standing still, as if nothing had happened.

… How is this possible? Didn’t I already hit him?

Compared to a extremely shocked Haruka, Akatsuki only shrugged calmly.

“This is called Hard Qigong, a common weapon means nothing to me.”

“So that’s it, you really are outstanding.”

Haruka glanced coldly at Akatsuki.

“Looks like I have to show my real skills, in order to stop a pervert like you.”

This time she would not be lenient. Haruka added a wind blade on top of the crescent moon blade. This greatly increased the weapon’s attack, even steel or diamond could not withstand it. Just when she was about to wrap the swift wind around her body—

…Huh?

Haruka suddenly felt that the situation was strange.

Her chest felt chilly. However, Haruka did not understand, and did not think that there was a possibility of such a thing occurring, thus she could not help but look down carefully. When her sight was about to fall upon her chest, an unusual scene entered her sight. Looking at Akatsuki who was standing in front, his pants' right pocket revealed a small pink cloth. A closer look revealed that it should be a bra strap, and it was not Minami’s belongings, but this item looked very familiar. Haruka unconsciously looked at her own chest, only to find out the button in front of her chest had been removed, exposing her white snowy skin and an attractive valley.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh—!”

Haruka pressed against her chest and sat down on the spot. Without the protection of her panties, her private spot directly pressed against the cold floor, but it was not the time to care about it so much. This was really hard to believe, what kind of action did Akatsuki do just now? The answer was none, absolutely none. Wait, could it be the moment she passed by him?

“Vice president, will you still not forgive me?”

Akatsuki scratched his head, narrowed both eyes and looked at the embarrassed Haruka.

“Or do you want to continue to play around?”

“~~~~!”

A flushed Haruka tightly bit her lower lip. No, she absolutely could not let this person go unpunished, and could not let him slip away from her own hands. But what was his next goal? Her shirt? Or her skirt? Just thinking about it was terrifying, not to mention that there were other students in their surroundings. If she made a fool of herself in the middle of a crowd, wouldn’t this thoroughly discredit the student council?

“Y…You remember this, Ousawa Akatsuki! The student council… No, I absolutely will not give up! One day I will personally punish you!”

While saying all the ruthless words, Haruka allowed her surroundings to blow around and created a whirlwind.

After the whirlwind subsided, Haruka had already disappeared. Only the sexual harassment criminal as well as the witnesses who saw the beginning of a legend were left at the scene.

— The transfer student Ousawa Akatsuki pushed back the vice president Nanase Haruka. Akatsuki’s brilliant performance quickly spread throughout every corner of Babel.

### 039. Chapter 3 - Bonds of Holy Water

## Chapter 3 - Bonds of the Holy Water

### Part 1

Just the fact that Norn Screening had shown a already drew the attention of everyone before Akatsuki entered the school. But it was unthinkable that he instantly defeated the former A-class Onizuka on his first day of school, then repulsed the Student Council Vice President Nanase Haruka, and even caused a racket in the Student Council Office. Although the matter about the Student Council Office was unconfirmed, it also added to Akatsuki’s legend, instantly making him the most famous person in Babel.

Currently, including Akatsuki and Miu, all high school division B-class students were outside the classroom.

They all came to a huge arena imitating the Roman Coliseum, which is Babel’s second arena.

The arena may be located indoors, but it is very wide in the inside. With a ceiling of 21 meters, it is equivalent to five or six floors in height. This further highlights the vast interior space.

B-class students came to the arena for class. This was the special physical education course for Alternative World Returnees of Babel. Aside from specialized academic research classes, while other students were required to take standard courses such as mathematics and language, they also had to take the combat skills training course.

All of the returnees had stayed in an alternative world for a limited period of time. It was almost impossible to fully grasp the ability they obtained from the alternative world. To allow them to master their special ability and make it as your own ability, the related courses occupied a large amount of Babel’s education.

For Akatsuki and Miu, this was their first combat skills training after entering the school.

Including the method of weapon usage, magic chanting, the use of basic tactics, formation layout command and combat simulation — it can be said that the combat skill training is all-inclusive. Of course, this course must have students with relatively same combat ability participate together in order to achieve the most accurate results. This is one of the reasons why Babel place emphasis on student ability and qualifications when deciding the classes.

Waiting for a chance to finally show their strengths, all the students were happily smiling.

However, among the students…one student’s face had no smile, that was Miu with a slightly shrinking back, looking uneasy and staring at the floor.

...What do I do...?

Miu looked down at her appearance. She was wearing the school issued sports clothes, both soft and flexible, with various functions such as being permeable to air and insulating. The special fiber material could withstand a powerful impact, achieving the effect of protecting the body. Although the texture was quite thick, it stuck to the body and fully emphasized the body’s curves. To describe it in a phrase, it was like a tight outfit with a covering that included the neck and arms. If it could have been worn properly, perhaps Miu might have been able to accept it. But why was Miu’s outfit worn differently from others—it was not because the objective conditions did not permit it, but rather the abnormal differences compared to ordinary people. The key was the zipper that extended from the neck to the stomach. For it to be easily worn and taken off, the sports clothes utilized a design with a zipper on the top and on the bottom. The place where they merged was in front of the chest. However, Miu’s boobs were too voluptuous and the top and bottom zipper could not be merged, creating a diamond shape in front of her chest, leaving her white and tender skin plainly visible. As for the back, it was also a problem. Under the tight clothing’s constraint, her well-rounded ass curves were even clearer.

“Oh wow, it is almost bursting apart.”

Akatsuki, standing in front, stroked his chin, looking at the embarrassed Miu. Akatsuki has also changed into the sports clothes, but the male outfit was a one-piece which extended from the upper arms to the knees.

...So unfair.

Miu tightly bit on her lower lip, feeling unhappy. At this moment, she discovered that beside Akatsuki, all the males and females on the scene unanimously looked at them—everyone was attracted by Miu’s plump and sexy body figure.

“—Hey, what is it?”

Chikage suddenly appeared as if she was especially concerned. Chikage stared at Miu’s face. She was obviously also wearing the sports clothes.

Her boobs were also well-endowed, although her zipper could be pulled up, but like Miu, her curves are all revealed. Miu widened her eyes, and quietly whispered into Chikage’s ears.

“T..This sports clothing…”

Miu’s cheeks reddened and she issued a sound as quiet as a mouse.

“W…Won’t everyone be embarrassed? W..Wearing this sort of clothes that emphasize body figures…”

“Ah? Haha…”

A wry smile dawned onto Chikage.

“At first there was certainly a bit of resistance, but after getting used to it, it’s okay. If you regard it as a swim suit, then you would not feel as embarrassed.”

“But…”

Perhaps what Chikage said was correct, but wearing this sports clothing that emphasized the body curves made one feel quite ashamed. At this moment a small figure passed by Miu’s eyes. This figure that was no different from a young girl was not an outsider, but was none other than the B-class class rep Doumoto Kuzuha. She not only brought back the person who caused trouble on his first day of school, Akatsuki, from the Student Council Office. Afterwards, she also showed Akatsuki and Miu around Babel, and could be said to have had a nice conversation with Miu. So Miu stopped Kuzuha and asked for her advice, Doumoto answered old-fashionedly:

“The more shy and awkward you are, the more you attract others’ attentions. Just don’t think about it.”

“Y..Yes…”

While Miu muttered, the school bell rang.

Shortly after the class started, the combat skill instructor called forth Akatsuki and Miu.

His intentions were to explain the combat skill course main aspects.

“Oh!”

Akatsuki noticed that the combat skill instructor who called him out was very familiar, and immediately greeted him by a show of hand.

Apparently he was the male combat skill instructor that was responsible for testing Akatsuki and Miu on the entrance inspection day.

“Hello, long time no see. So you’re our combat skills instructor?”

“…P…Pleased to meet you.”

Miu thought back to her knocking down the combat skills instructor during the entrance inspection and suddenly felt a little guilty. Upon seeing this, the combat skills instructor could not help but show a wry smile.

“Perhaps some people may think I do not have the qualifications to act as the combat skills instructor, but still, pleased to meet you.”

After the opening remarks, the combat skills instructor directly entered the topic.

“First is the method to use AD. Well, did you wear them on your hand?”

Akatsuki and Miu simultaneously stretched out their right hands. Both wrists were wearing a black wristband.

“AD — Arms Device matches the user’s abilities and talent. It will materialize a weapon that best suits the user.”

“How is it? Did you hear it from the other students?”

“No, it should be that I’ve seen its power before.”

…So it turns out to be this toy’s ability.

Akatsuki slightly smiled. A flushed Nanase Haruka’s face emerged inside his head.

The instructor nodded.

“Is that so, then there is no need to further explain it. Let’s now materialize your weapons. After having the experience once, the second time will be much easier. In the beginning, you may not be able to grasp the trick for imagination, but it is okay for it to slowly occur to you, there is no need to hurry.

“Imagination... This kind of description is too vague, is there a more descriptive method?”

Miu questioned.

The instructor nodded, showing commendable eyes.

“It is almost the same feeling as using magic. Magic activates by borrowing a god or elf’s powers. The intention of concentrating and chanting magic is for you to imagine that you’ve received permission to use magic from their hands.”

In short —

“The moment you use the AD to materialize the weapon is to imagine that you yourself have obtained the weapon, allowing your power to liberate from your own body. Thus, AD will naturally become a weapon specific to you.”

After listening to the instructor’s explanation, Akatsuki non-committally scratched his cheek.

At that very moment—

A sudden flash of light appeared beside him. He saw Miu closing her eyes, with both her hands stretched forward. Gold particles seemed to be collected on the palms of both hands.

The gold particles gradually shrunk and slowly took shape, and finally became a elongated object. The top was decorated with a red crystal ball, making it look just like a sacred mace. With teardrop-shaped decorations from both the upper and lower crystal ball, the main part of the staff was subjected to gold engraving. A magnificent gold holy staff formed in the hands of Miu.

“…”

Miu, who opened her eyes, violently waved, and a crisp metal sound spread around the surroundings. Although this action did not have any meaning, it made others admire her extraordinary talent.

“Wow, a success!”

Miu was shocked and surprised, and almost could not believe that she could do it.

The combat skill instructor nodded, revealing an pleased smile.

“You really have an amazing magic talent. First time materialization is not something that easy, but I can’t believe you succeeded on your very first try.”

In addition —

“The materialized weapon will disappear based on your will, or under the circumstances that you’ve lost consciousness, will it disappear. The feeling of the weapon disappearing is just like letting the weapon back into your body and being engulfed by your consciousness.”

“Let me try it out… Ah, really!”

Miu tried it out while following the orders, and the holy staff disappeared instantly. Afterwards Miu gently waved her hand, and the holy staff reappeared again. It looked like what the instructor had said was true—after succeeding at it once, future attempts were not a problem.

“— Now it’s your turn.”

The combat skills instructor turned and stared at Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s left hand scratched his head and he looked at his empty right hand.

“Ahhh~ I can’t do it.”

“Do you not know how to imagine? Then when you use magic, how do you do it?”

“This… I can’t use magic.”

“Ah…”

Miu could not help but cry out. To people who were summoned to an alternative world, being able to use magic was the most natural thing. As the daughter of the Demon King of Alayzard, magic was also natural to her. However, magic was not a power that people in this world had, to people such as Akatsuki who can’t use magic; magic is a power of another world, at the same time, an unimaginable dimension.

“…So what should I do now?”

Akatsuki’s question made the instructor have a difficult time.

“Even for the students who know magic, there were some who took several times longer than others before learning how to materialize the weapons, but…”

But no matter what he says they were all people who could use magic. It was a completely different situation compared to Akatsuki.

“Unprecedented is it?...This could be a lot of trouble.”

Akatsuki clenched his empty right hand. Near the black wristband, not even the slightest bits of light particles were there.

### Part 2

A crisp and loud bell sound spread throughout the Babel campus, which meant that class had ended. Both the clock’s long and short hand pointed directly up, and the morning classes came to the end.

Currently it was lunch time. B-class students left the second arena in twos or threes, but Miu’s figure appeared inside the gym’s warehouse. Inside the warehouse it was extremely dark, and the air was filled with a damp mildew smell. Miu could not help but think back to Alayzard’s castle. This kind of smell was similar to the castle underground caves.

The warehouse’s interior was broader than expected, as expected of the second arena and first arena’s shared warehouse. The deeper you entered, the darker the light became, until you could not see the other wall at all, not to mention the volume of the place. Miu could not imagine how big this warehouse was. She only knew that everywhere inside the warehouse there were piled up weapons used for combat training and magic props, as well as cushions of different sizes, iron balls and bags filled with lime. It looked like equipment for the physical education courses was also piled up here.

As a mixture of the smell of her sweat and dust entered her lungs, Miu could not help but cough a few times.

“Class rep, is placing it here okay?”

“Yes, thank you for your help.”

After the combat training course had ended, Miu stayed behind to help Kuzuha collect the equipment.

After obtaining the class rep’s agreement, Miu placed the triangular cone in a corner of the warehouse.

“Ah that’s right, Ousawa-san. This door will automatically lock itself after being closed, there is no way to open it from the inside, so you better pay attention to it.”

“Huh, really?”

Miu heard it and looked back at Kuzuha.

“It can be opened from the outside, but not from the inside? Isn’t the design of this too problematic?”

“Just the opposite. This type of design where you can only open it from the outside is the foolproof security system. Inside the warehouse are very important magical props. If someone secretly snuck into the warehouse and moved the items away, wouldn’t that cause more trouble?”

“That’s true, the thief could not allow the doors to be opened while stealing stuff.” Miu suddenly understood. So the design of this warehouse was to capture thieves with evil intentions in their hearts.

Looking back, Akatsuki was still at the arena training hard.

—Miu had expressed her willingness to help Akatsuki materialize his weapon using AD, but the instructor turned it down. The instructor felt that this problem was something that Akatsuki had to overcome by himself, plus Miu had her own course she should learn from and should not waste time here. So under the instructor’s instructions, Miu and Kuzuha formed a group, with Kuzuha teaching Miu how to use the materialized weapon.

The use of an AD materialized weapon could enhance the user’s magic and increase the amount being released. In a nutshell, it acted as a medium. Through the help of the AD, the user did not have to depend on the power of the gods and elves, and could use their own magic power to chant magic. But because the magic Miu used were almost all entirely drawing on elves and gods’s magic, if she wanted to use her own magic power to activate magic, Miu must create a new type of magic.

But as long as you used the materialized weapon, it would enormously increase the magic drawn from elves and gods. In short, it could increase the power or shorten the chanting time. After accumulating a certain amount of experience, you could even skip materializing the weapon and directly use the AD as a medium.

…So that’s why Onizuka’s chanting speed was so fast.

Miu thought back to the quarrel on the first day of school. At that time Onizuka’s activated magic was extremely powerful, and the chanting speed was surprisingly fast. Presumably it must have been the results of using the AD as a medium.

Aside from that, Miu also remembered another situation. The ice magic used by the Student Council President during the entrance inspection. Creating a giant icicle from the ground, it should be the same method as well.

In addition, Akatsuki also seemed to encounter the same situation at the Student Council Office. According to Akatsuki’s description, the student council members almost instantly activated their magic.

…But to not think about the occasion and stirring up trouble, this person went too overboard…

Miu sighed. After the school bell sounded for ending class, Akatsuki was called by the instructors to stay behind, probably due to the fact that he could not materialize his weapon. And from Akatsuki’s current expression, he probably could not obtain any decent results now. Thinking up to here, Miu could not help but laugh. The hero who defeated her father could actually have a moment when he was beaten. The world was really unpredictable.

“…Ha ha ha, to think that he also has these types of days.”

But at the moment when Miu snickered.

“—Looks like you’re quite happy, what’s so funny?”

“Whoa—!”

The sound suddenly came from beside her, and the startled Miu almost jumped back. Turning around, Akatsuki was standing behind her. Gently pressing her pounding heart, Miu said sulkily:

“D…Don’t scare people okay? So how were the after class tutoring results? Did you successfully materialize your weapon?”

“No, I still didn’t succeed, so I’m taking a short break. It looks like afternoon is real combat training, so the instructor specifically told me to eat more, and recover my stamina.”

After saying this, Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

“Well, who did you say had these types of days?”

“…Huh?”

Miu froze for a moment, and immediately exposed a pair of malicious eyes.

“Ha ha ha, even though you knew you still had to ask. Of course it was you.”

Afterwards she pretended to pout.

“You even had this expression saying “No, I can’t do it”. Ah ha ha ha!”

“I say you, getting proud of yourself because you easily passed…Just wait and see.”

“—Can you two quiet down a little?”

Kuzuha interrupted.

“Ah, Sorry…”

Miu thought she was too noisy and suddenly revealed an apologetic look, but Kuzuha’s gaze did not fall onto Miu but rather stared at the depth of the warehouse.

“—”

“W…What is it…?”

Facing Miu’s questions, Kuzuha replied rather calmly, while her gaze remained at the depth of the warehouse.

“—I seem to hear the sound of people talking.”

The inside of the sports warehouse could only be opened with a key.

When previously entering the sports warehouse, the door was closed shut.

If someone was accidently locked in the warehouse, it should be reasonable to stay close to the door, to be more easily discovered by people on the outside.

If they were hiding in the depth of the warehouse, their intention was to avoid people’s eyes and ears.

“C…Could it be that you’ve heard wrong?”

Miu, who was following behind Kuzuha, spoke quietly. Deep inside the warehouse, it was both dark and humid. The atmosphere was almost like a haunted house. After walking for a bit, the sound of people speaking really did seem to come from the front. This terrifying atmosphere made Miu horrified. At this moment, Kuzuha, who was in front, suddenly stopped, and crouched down gently to avoid being found by the other party.

“… Found it.”

“R…Really?”

Miu and Akatsuki both crouched down. Hiding behind Kuzuha, Miu stuck out her head to look around. She noticed figures in the shadows five meters in front. In total there were two people sitting on the soft cushion, but she did not know what they were talking about.

“…Huh? Wait… Isn’t that…?”

After confirming the figure of one of them, Miu was shocked.

Using her pupils that were gradually adjusting to the dark to look carefully once again, Yes that’s right.

“…That’s Izumi.”

The figure that was closer to them was Chikage. She and another female student that Miu did not know were sitting side by side and seemed to be talking. Miu felt relieved. Chikage was absolutely not a suspicious individual.

…Huh? Wait a second…

What was Chikage hiding here? Just as Miu was puzzled, the sight in front of her eyes showed her the answer—Chikage kissed the other female student’s lips.

“Whattttt~~!”

Miu could not withstand it and shouted, then afterwards hurriedly covered her mouth. The scene in front of her eyes was the truth, but Miu could not accept this reality.

…Female with Female…?

Miu, with her ears completely red, stared at the two people, and watched as Chikage slowly pushed down the other female student.

A deep passionate kiss. Their limbs entangled, each demanding from the other.

Akatsuki opened his mouth and said with a calm tone.

“Looks like Izumi’s experiences are quite abundant.”

“… I can’t watch it any longer.”

The petite back in front of their eyes coldly threw out this phrase, stood up and walked towards the front, preparing to enter the crime scene. A few seconds later —

“—!”

“—…—!”

Inside the depth of the warehouse came the sound of a dispute.

“Ah…”

“~~~!”

Their good deed was caught by others, it was probably extremely embarrassing. The female student, who was enjoying her sexual conduct with Chikage, blushed with a reddened face and flew over from in front of Miu and Akatsuki, then disappeared in the direction of the entrance. Afterwards, a sound of a heavy object being locked came from far far behind.

Kuzuha and Chikage were currently engaging in a fierce dispute, and seemed to not have heard the sound.

At that moment Akatsuki suddenly remembered something.

“Hey… she shouldn’t have locked the door right?”

“…Huh? So…”

Miu, who had not yet awoken from the shock of seeing two women entwining among each other, was suddenly awake, and did not seem to understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s words at that moment. After a period of time, she violently woke up.

“—It can’t be! Are we all stuck in the warehouse now?”

Miu panickedly stood up, her elbow accurately hitting Akatsuki’s jaw.

“Ah—”

Miu watched as Akatsuki fell down. Aside from being helpless, she could only temporarily throw away the unconscious Akatsuki and flew off to the entrance of the warehouse.

After coming to the door, she was surprised to find the sliding door was really locked.

“Ah ha ha … This can’t be real, this can’t be real… Oh God ~~~!”

Her smile suddenly disappeared. A panicked Miu used all her strength and attempted to open the heavy doors, but the doors did not move at all. This was also a matter of fact, if a single female’s power could pull open the door, how could it be called a foolproof security system.

“W…What can I do…”

Behind the dejected Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha were still quarrelling.

In this huge warehouse, you could only hear the sounds of the dispute coming from the two people.

### Part 3

Standing in front of the closed door after several attempts ended up in vain, Miu reluctantly decided to walk back. On the way back, she passed the unconscious Akatsuki who was lying on the ground, and walked up to the still arguing Chikage and Kuzuha. After telling the two the fact that everybody was trapped inside the gym’s warehouse, Chikage and Kuzuha instead started to push responsibility to each other, making the fight even more intense.

“Really, I originally wanted to be in a situation, where I would not be disturbed and where I won’t cause problems to others, and fully enjoy myself…”

Chikage sighed. According to Chikage’s confession, she had used the gym’s warehouse as a rendezvous location for a while already. And Chikage had a good relationship with the staff members who held the key to the warehouse, so every time they had gym classes, she would run off to the office to borrow the key. Today was no exception, only that her rendezvous partner fled while taking the key with her, so she was currently helpless as well.

After Chikage’s confession ended, the expressionless Kuzuha suddenly frowned, and raised an issue that a 11 years old girl is unlikely to ask.

“So that means every gym class, you will bring girls in here?”

“Not every time, every once in a while only.”

A relaxed Chikage did not have any guilt in her expression.

…The amount of times must be extremely high.

Miu, who was listening on the side, shook her head nonstop, and forced a few laughter sounds.

“Ousawa-san, this point isn’t funny.”

The young class rep’s face revealed a scowl.

“If it wasn’t for her, how would we be trapped in here?”

“So that’s why I said that you were nosy, couldn’t you have pretended to not have seen anything? This way you guys could have used your legs and walked out of the warehouse, and she and I could have used the key to leave here.”

“I cannot accept your words. You make it sound like the person who was wrong is me.”

“I’m not saying it’s the fault of the class rep, I’m only saying that everybody’s luck wasn’t good.”

Chikage shrugged.

“…I only feel that you shouldn’t be as close minded, being flexible is better.”

“Before you judge others, shouldn’t you examine yourself first?”

Watching the two people’s heated verbal exchange from the sidelines, Miu had a hint of a smile on her face that no one, including herself, discovered.

It has already a week since she had entered school. Aside from Akatsuki, Miu could only converse with these two people in class. Class rep Kuzuha was a typical talented student. Although she was younger than other students by a few years, her test results or even her combat ability were extremely outstanding. Her test results were number 1 in the class, and even her combat ability was ranked 3rd.

Chikage was also an outstanding student in both areas as well. Her combat ability ranked as the second in the class, only exceeded by Onizuka, while her test results were maintained in the top five. Just because her personality was too outgoing and cheerful, she would sometimes abandon herself to her desires and pleasures, causing conflict with the strict and self-disciplined class rep.

Seeing the two of them in front of each other express their undisguised inner feelings, Miu felt envious about it. —During the time at Alayzard, she did not have any so-called friends, she only had her father and her father’s subordinates, and she never knew what kind of thing friendship was. Although her surroundings had some people at a similar age, they only had the feeling of admiration and respect towards her, so they could not really count as friends.

… Just because I am the Demon King’s daughter…

Even if she willingly approached them, she could not shorten the distance between them and turn the mutual relationship from being master and servant into friends. Thus, seeing Kuzuha and Chikage’s appearance over a dispute, besides making her feel warm, it also evoked a sense of envy deep within Miu’s heart.

Now, Miu had hidden her true identity, becoming Akatsuki’s sister, and entered into Babel to study. She was naturally free to make friends. Although she got along with the other classmates, they could be only considered as acquaintances, but not true friends.

… Even though it is easy to say, taking action is not that simple.

Perhaps deep inside her heart, there was a trauma for the fear of strangers, so she could not open her heart to others. Aside from that, one of the reasons was definitely that she was not used to this world.

“…So nice.”

Miu muttered. Kuzuha and Chikage suddenly stopped their dispute and turned around to look at Miu at the same time.

Her mouth showing a peaceful smile, Miu gently said:

“Your relationship with each other is so good, it makes one jealous.”

Kuzuha and Chikage looked at each other.

“ “It’s not good at all!” “

The two of them grunted and simultaneously turned away.

After a period of time, Kuzuha and Chikage had finally stopped arguing.

Since the warehouse doors could not be opened from the inside, everyone naturally could not do anything. Forcibly destroying the doors could be determined by the school to be an act of destroying public property, and the culprit be asked to drop out. Anyway, after the lunch break is over, the afternoon courses will have to begin.

The following course B-class has to take is live combat, at that time; someone will certainly have to open the door to move the necessary class materials. Yes, we will just have to bear with it for a while.

“…”

Once the silence had settled over the scene, it was very difficult to find the correct time to break the silence.

… A very awkward feeling.

Sitting side by side on the floor of the warehouse, Miu could not help but want to express something deep inside her heart.

At this moment, Miu suddenly found a conversation point. Kuzuha, who was sitting beside her, was gently holding her shoulders, her body leaned slightly forward.

Miu looked up and down at Kuzuha, then she noticed that Kuzuha’s petite body was shivering.

“Are you cold? Are you okay?”

“…Not a problem, I’m fine.”

Although she said this, Kuzuha’s expression was still somewhat stiff. After Chikage saw this, her face suddenly displayed an unhappy smile.

“Class rep, could it be that you need to go to the bathroom?”

“—!”

Kuzuha’s entire body shook.

“…No.”

Kuzuha bit her lower lip tightly, and coldly replied. Even in the darkness, Doumoto’s reddened face was visible.

…Whoa…What should we do…!

Seeing the urgent matter, Miu hurriedly tried to seek a solution. But after thinking for a while, her head was still blank. The gym warehouse could not be opened from the inside, they could only wait quietly for the people to open it from the outside.

At this moment Chikage spoke again.

“Is that so? That’s good.”

After saying this, Chikage faced forward again. The gym warehouse relapsed into silence.

“…”

“…!”

The brief silence was suddenly merged with sounds of pain and shortness of breath. The sound came from between Miu and Chikage. By using health as a comparison, it could be described as the part between two mountains. Kuzuha’s thin and frail body trembled clearly, and her closed eyes had tears flowing out of them.

“Class…Class rep, are you really okay?”

Miu asked uneasily, but Kuzuha looked daggers at Chikage.

“…I’m fine.”

However, her voice was very rough. Anyone could see that Kuzuha had already approached her limits, and she could not hold it any longer.

…We must think of a way…

Separated by Kuzuha’s head, Miu gave a glance to Chikage. Chikage also reluctantly shook her head with a wry smile, then nodded towards Miu. So Miu gently patted Kuzuha’s back.

“Class rep, I remember that on that side there are a few sand bags. From what I remember, class rep uses earth magic, why don’t you turn the sand inside the sand bang into a simple toilet? We will stay far far away and hold our ears. Izumi-san, what do you say?”

“Ah, that is a good idea, Class rep can go take a leak then.”

After seeing Kuzuha had entered a state where she could not sit at ease, Chikage could not help but lend a helping hand.

But Kuzuha shook her head.

“…I don’t want to.”

She had lost her usual calm tone, but she still hadn't broken down yet. Chikage reluctantly scratched her head. She understood that Kuzuha was trying to maintain her remaining pride, so she wasn’t sure how to deal with Kuzuha.

“Actually I don’t want to use this kind of method to bully the class rep. Sorry, it was my fault.”

“S…See, Chikage has already apologized.”

u….uaaan! u….uaaan!

Doumoto looked at Miu, then looked at Chikage. She was almost about to cry out.

Miu hurriedly nodded.

“I promise that I would not tell.”

“I’m not that petty, so you can rest assured.”

Chikage also firmly nodded.

Kuzuha suddenly closed her eyes.

“No… I can’t stand up. If I move a little, I’m afraid it will…!”

“Huh? W…What should we do? Class rep, you must stand up!”

“…No, It’s about to come out…!”

Kuzuha’s voice was becoming softer, her face turning more and more red. Oh no, was it already too late? Miu silently screamed ominously.

But there didn’t seem to be a better plan. Miu’s speciality was wind magic, but out of the fire, water, earth and wind magic, wind and earth spirits are opposite properties.

Therefore, although Miu could use earth magic, it was not one of her strong points, not to mention that it was almost impossible to manipulate the small amount of sand, turning them freely into various shapes. Chikage’s speciality was water magic. Developing their own attribute magic was part of Babel’s education policy, so she could not use earth magic.

Although Kuzuha specialized in earth magic, but under this direct situation and still be able to chant without being distracted, there is no guarantee that the last line of defence will hold up till the end.

“I…In the end what should we do?”

Chikage was bewildered, and could not think of any better plans. Could they only stand and watch as this tragedy befalls them?

At this moment —

“—Class rep, are you crying?”

Akatsuki, who had regained consciousness at an unknown time, appeared from the darkness, and slowly walked to Kuzuha’s side.

“D…Do you have any good ideas?”

“Nope. But I cannot allow a woman to have any tears, this is the aesthetic that I adhere to.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and squatted down in front of Kuzuha, his gaze matching Kuzuha’s in height.

The so-called aesthetic that the male, who saved the world, follows — Miu’s eyes were filled with expectation, silently watching the developments of this matter.

“…?”

Kuzuha stared at Akatsuki, with eyes expecting some sort of salvation. Akatsuki nodded, his face revealing a gentle smile.

“This is a good opportunity. I will instantly make you free from this…”

After saying this softly, Akatsuki held onto Kuzuha’s shoulder then gently latched onto Kuzuha’s earlobe with his mouth.

“Ah —“

Kuzuha exclaimed loudly

Her thin body shook slightly, the last line of defense had completely collapsed.

### Part 4

In the dark gym warehouse came two different voices. One was the sound of a faint sob, the other was the sound of a metal bat fiercely attacking.

“I…Idiot, stop quickly… you’ll kill someone!”

Aside from these two sounds, there was the third sound of a panic-stricken voice, but Miu did not stop waving the metal bat.

Kuzuha was secretly sobbing behind her.

“Shut up, you pervert! What aesthetics, I’m really angry now!”

“Ah oh, constantly holding it in harms your body, so why not just let it have an early release and become more relaxed…”

“The thing that causes harm is you, your brain, your very existence.”

Miu yelled out loud.

“Look right now, how do we clean up the mess?”

Miu turned back. Aside from the crying Kuzuha, another person’s figure entered her eyes. This person was Izumi Chikage. She was currently gently comforting the crying girl.

“—”

The sinister relationship they had earlier on had completely disappeared. It was replaced with an atmosphere filled with warmth. This was thanks to Akatsuki’s perverted act. Yes, Akatsuki’s heroic sacrifice helped achieved peace for everyone. Kuzuha was simply the victim, she was humiliated and became the target of Akatsuki’s evil act. Afterwards, Kuzuha, Miu and Chikage all pushed the responsibility to Akatsuki. Even right now, holding a metal bat and whacking Akatsuki was an reasonable act — because everything was Akatsuki’s fault, it was all Akatsuki’s responsibility.

“I’m very sorry, for the situation to become like this.”

Looking at Kuzuha and Chikage, Akatsuki muttered.

“Uuuuu?~~~!”

Miu bit her lips tightly and stared angrily at Akatsuki. How could there be such a man in this world? Aside from this kind of cheap move, there was not better alternative?

—But then again, Miu could not have thought about this kind of option. At this time, Miu suddenly remembered, it was the same as the time during Alayzard. Akatsuki, alone, defeated her father, with the intention of bearing all the honor and disgrace himself, and tried to maintain the order of the world as well as the balance in power. Once she thought till this point, she could not help but regret her actions.

Compared to the helpless Miu, at least Akatsuki took action. Even though it was a perverted act, he at least took an actual action in response to Kuzuha’s tears, and now he was willing to act as the bad guy, and did not seem to care about the fact he had to accept all the blame from everyone.

This was all in order to help Kuzuha.

“Well, I shouldn’t have treated you this way.”

Miu put down the metal bat, turned her back to Akatsuki, and ran towards Kuzuha and Chikage.

Akatsuki’s forced laugh came from behind, Miu quickly took the side of the two people.

“Class rep, are you still okay?”

Miu looked at Kuzuha’s expression. Kuzuha had removed her gym clothes and her underwear and put on Chikage’s uniform. According to Chikage, she was supposed to change into this uniform after her sexual conduct was over.

“Sorry, it was the fault of our family’s idiot.”

“I have to apologize as well, I shouldn’t have laughed at you earlier.”

Miu and Chikage apologized with a face filled with guilt.

“…Well, it’s okay.”

At the same time as she was speaking, Kuzuha was still gently sobbing. Seeing this, Miu had a feeling that she wanted expressed out.

…She is still so small…

She was obviously not referring to Kuzuha’s height, her slender limbs, her childlike face, or her immature body. Don’t you forget, she was still only 11 years old, but she was always faithfully doing her responsibilities as class rep, and leading the students of the class. Her body’s weakness, the pressure of loneliness, even facing against these negative aspects, Kuzuha still chose to fight even risking her own life through her continuous efforts. I’m afraid that these days, she is constantly forcing herself.

“Class rep, as I have said before, we will not tell anyone about this, so please be assured.”

“Me too, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“…”

Miu and Chikage both tried to persuade her; however, this type of consolation was just empty talk. Even they had to admit this.

…What should we do. If we do not think of a plan…

On top of being ashamed and resentful, Kuzuha could possibly hide from Chikage from now on.

As a result, the deeply apologetic Miu and Chikage would probably avoid contact with Kuzuha as well. Once they discovered that they, themselves, were the reason why Kuzuha slowly shifted away from others, it would definitely cause a large impact on the relationship between Miu and Chikage too.

…He had already come forth and acted as a villain…

Miu glanced at Akatsuki. After Akatsuki was aware, his face had a strange smile on it.

“What, is it time for my aesthetics?”

The appreciation inside her heart instantly vanished.

“Who do you think caused this! If you feel that you have even a tiny bit of responsibility, then think of a plan!” Miu could not help but retort.

“—Taking responsibility isn’t a big issue…”

Akatsuki’s attitude was very relaxed

“I just need assistance from both of you.”

After noticing that Akatsuki’s expression was serious, Miu and Chikage unconsciously glanced at each other.

“…”

Kuzuha also raised her head to stare at Akatsuki. Under the attention of everyone, Akatsuki quietly said:

“—Are you guys willing to make a contribution to help the class rep?”

A serious tone created a tense atmosphere. Miu nodded without flinching.

“Of course.” “This is something we are supposed to do.”

Chikage also added. Everybody had reached a consensus. Akatsuki nodded and immediately gave instructions.

“Okay, both of you stand side by side over here.”

“Just standing is okay? Is standing here okay?”

Under the instructions of Akatsuki, Miu and Chikage felt confused, but they still followed the orders. Only to see Akatsuki stand behind the two of them, stretch out both hands towards Miu and Chikage’s waist and gently push it once.

“Waaaa—!”

Miu subconsciously stretched out her right foot, attempting to keep her balance.

“—Huh?”

However, her right foot did not have any strength. Everything in her sight was shaking. Miu powerlessly slumped down to the ground. She struggled to get up, but her body didn’t even have the slightest strength to do so.

“W…What happened…”

At the moment when she was attempting to gather her strength from her body…

“Uh…?

Her waist was suddenly paralyzed. Miu felt a sense of aching and cried out softly, then immediately topped down onto the ground. A closer look revealed that Chikage was also currently down beside her, showing a state of powerlessness.

However, it was not over. The feeling of aching and pain coming from her waist continued to increase, Miu felt that her whole body was gradually heating up.

“Y…You…What did you do to us?”

With fear in her heart, Miu hurriedly questioned Akatsuki.

“I did not learn magic from that world, but I did learn a technique to manipulate ki. The technique called Renkan Keikikou can manipulate ki from inside you or others as well. It can be used in several situations.”

Akatsuki quietly replied.

“I…I have a sense of foreboding…”

Miu’s tone was very uneasy. Akatsuki stood behind Kuzuha, both hands placed onto her thin and frail shoulders.

“In short, I did something to your ki. This aching and paralyzing feeling will continue to become stronger.”

“W…Why? Didn’t you want to help the class re….Ah!”

She did not finish, but a sudden burst of numbness made Miu unable to help but scream.

“Ah, I almost forgot to tell you guys not to talk, or else the feeling will become even more intense.”

Akatsuki added to his explanation.

“As for why I did this, you’ll know in a minute.”

Miu suddenly understood the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. Among the swift expansion of numbness, another unbearable feeling emerged. Miu knew what this feeling represented and was shocked.

“C…Could it be…”

Miu almost couldn’t believe what she guessed. At this moment, Akatsuki coldly said:

“—Holding it for too long harms your body.”

Akatsuki’s intentions were extremely clear. Miu could not help but shudder. Was he crazy? He could even do such a thing. A feeling came from her belly, and it was exactly same as the feeling of pain that Kuzuha was experiencing earlier.

And the sense of numbness made Miu unable to use any strength, even if she wanted to hold it back, she did not have the strength to do so.

“Miu….! I…I’m going to…”

“N…Noo, Izumi-san! We can’t let this guy get what he wants…”

A panting Miu desperately cheered for Chikage. At this moment, Akatsuki, who was looking at the two of them, suddenly whispered into the ears of Kuzuha.

“Class rep, it’s time. Just use the method I used before and allow Izumi to release it.”

“ “—!” ”

Miu and Chikage gasped.

…What did he just say? Could I have misheard it…?

In fact, they were both aware of what he had said in their hearts, they did not hear it wrong. Today Kuzuha was disgraced in front of everyone. To maintain the friendship between the three of them, the fastest and most efficient way was for the other two to suffer from the same humiliation — But would you really do this?

An incredulous Miu raised her head and stared at Akatsuki. Her gaze matched with Kuzuha who was in front of Akatsuki. The petite Kuzuha looked at Miu and Chikage, then raised her head and looked at Akatsuki.

“But…”

Kuzuha was very hesitant. Akatsuki smiled and shook his head.

“There’s no need for you to be hesitant, that’s where the phrase “Good friends share good times, but great friends divide the pain.” comes in. You help keep their secret, and they will keep your secret, both sides would not owe each other and it is very fair as well.”

“Fair…”

Kuzuha thought deeply, and was staring respectively at Akatsuki and Chikage.

Afterwards, she walked towards Chikage, as if she had made up her mind.

“…Please don’t hate me.”

After saying this, Kuzuha gently latched onto Chikage’s earlobe with her mouth.

“Ah~~!”

Chikage suddenly issued a sound of extreme pleasure. She was completely liberated. Miu’s face was twisted with fear. After looking back, she suddenly noticed Akatsuki standing in front of her.

“D…Don’t come closer! Don’t touch me! Can you hear me!”

Miu was shocked pale, but Akatsuki only lifted his eyebrow, with an expression of disapproval plastered onto his face.

“Ah, you really don’t know your current situation. I only want to make you recover your original state.”

“…Huh?”

Miu widened her eyes in shock.

“As long as I press other acupuncture points, I can reduce the feeling. Of course, I must be the one who presses it.”

“I…If there were this type of acupuncture points, then why don’t you hurry up and…”

Miu constantly twisted her body, her tone was almost pleading.

“Where? Where is that acupuncture point.”

“Near the belly button.”

“R…Really? Please, hurry up and press that acupuncture point… I already am about to go—Huh?”

Chikage and Kuzuha suddenly appeared beside Akatsuki.

Both staring at Miu with a cold expression.

“Uhh… Don’t be like this, both of your expressions are very scary.”

Miu’s tone was somewhat timid. Only to see Akatsuki shake his head and reluctantly say:

“Did you hear this? She wanted to be the only one to stay out of it, what do you think we should do?”

“…”

Kuzuha and Chikage were completely quiet. After staring at each other, they both firmly nodded.

“Waaa, nooo, don’t fool around!”

Both of them subdued Miu’s hands.

“Don’t be like this, quickly wake up! Friends aren’t supposed to do this! You guys have been brainwashed, been deceived by that devil.”

That was Ousawa Miu’s final resistance, unfortunately it was ignored by both Chikage and Kuzuha.

“I didn’t think that Miu was actually that heartless…”

“Ousawa-kun…Don’t say this much, just hurry and punish this traitor.”

Akatsuki deliberately hid his face with his hands, exposing an overwhelmed expression.

“Women’s friendship is too great, I was almost moved to tears.”

“D…Don’t play this type of trick, you are obviously acting! It must be because I used the recent AD event to laugh at you, so you hold a grudge right!”

Ignoring Miu’s protest, Akatsuki silently stretched out his right hand. Miu desperately struggled and attempted to move her belly button towards Akatsuki.

But Akatsuki’s face revealed a cruel smile.

“Ah I almost forgot to tell you, but the fact about the acupuncture point near the belly button was a lie.”

“Y…You…You’re not a human—!”

Miu snapped while shouting. Akatsuki’s finger gently touched Miu’s belly button.

“Ahhhh ~~~!”

The poor Miu screamed, her body bounced up.

After ten minutes, the doors of the gym warehouse opened, and Miu and the others were able to see the light again.

The savior was Chikage’s tryst partner. Although she had fled at the beginning, she could not forget about the situation so she came back to see.

But the three females, who were trapped in the warehouse, had no time to thank her, and immediately ran out of the second arena and directly to the showers.

—Leaving only a smiling Akatsuki standing at the same spot.

### 040. Chapter 4 - A Hero's Silhouette

### Part 1

——The current time was right before the start of the afternoon course.

High school division B-class’s male student — Onizuka’s figure appeared inside the gym warehouse.

“Why do I have to do such a thing...”

In the dark space, Onizuka was currently preparing the equipment needed for the live combat course.

After an investigation done by the Student Council, they concluded that the incident that happened on the first day of school in the B-class classroom was initiated by Onizuka. Thus, the Disciplinary Officers, following the results of the verdict, punished him with two weeks of preparatory work for all courses.

Although Onizuka didn’t want to be there, he still unwillingly followed the instructions the combat skill instructor gave him about preparing the equipment. The reason was obviously because of someone he could not defy.

The fact of him being downgraded to B-class made Onizuka both resentful and angry. Usually he would unreservedly vent his anger at his classmates, but he had not expected that such a trivial matter would actually get their attention. But after listening to the vice president Nanase Haruka’s explanation, Onizuka suddenly realized.

...It was that guy’s fault, damn it...!

Onizuka bitterly spat out that phrase. According to Nanase Haruka, Ousawa Akatsuki seemed to start a conflict with the Student Council due to this matter. In short, he was just an innocent victim caught up by their dispute.

“Enough...Ah?”

Onizuka, who was preparing the equipment, suddenly stopped his work, and looked at a door inside the gym warehouse. An idea flashed through Onizuka’s mind —— A despicable and evil plan.

Onizuka could not help but laugh.

At least he could return the favor to Ousawa Akatsuki.

### Part 2

The afternoon courses began.

The B-class students, who returned again to the second arena, were about to conduct a different live combat training compared to the morning classes. The course was roughly divided into two different parts. One was a one on one duel in the second arena, the other was to go to the nearby first arena, form a party with various students, and fight against the programmed summoned monster. Akatsuki did not hesitate and selected the latter.

“——Hey, let’s form a team together.”

Akatsuki said to Miu, Kuzuha and Chikage. All three of them had changed into clean gym clothes, perhaps even their body was washed completely clean.

But...

“————”

All three of them replied silently, and gave an icy stare.

“...Let’s go.”

“Yes, Let’s do that.”

“Agreed.”

The trio turned and left, leaving Akatsuki at his original spot. Akatsuki who held up his right hand froze on the spot, while his face showed a wry smile.

“...Ha ha, I can’t blame them.”

Of course. Recalling his actions from the gym warehouse, not being dissected into multiple parts was already very good. The trio’s cold reaction was only natural. It was likely that they would refuse to speak with Akatsuki for a good period of time.

“However, this is also a good opportunity.”

This could let Kuzuha, who intentionally suppressed herself, to have a temporary chance to relieve herself. Kuzuha’s age was the smallest, but her performance exceeded the others. Thus, she was often being alienated by the other students. She didn’t even have friends to talk with.

“——Moreover, it is the same for that fellow too.”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, staring far ahead.

Looking at Miu who was under the companionship of Kuzuha and Chikage.

The three girls left Akatsuki and advanced to the first arena. Their expressions all had a common point, they were all holding back on a proud smile of a successful prank.

“...What?”

“It feels like he is still looking at us.”

Chikage’s answer made Miu feel even more pleased.

...Must make him reflect upon his own actions.

Miu stuck out her tongue and made up her mind. Akatsuki’s action was too much. Only by completely ignoring and excluding him would he know where he went wrong.

After leaving the gym warehouse, Miu was showering and apologizing to Kuzuha and Chikage for her lawless brother. Originally, she thought that Kuzuha and Chikage would reply sarcastically, but both of them just shook their heads with a wry smile and did not add any more blame to them.

Kuzuha and Chikage were grateful for Akatsuki’s consideration, but his method was too much, and they could not forgive him that easily. Thus, the trio made a decision to make Akatsuki fully reflect upon on his actions. After the three of them looked at each other, and unanimously laughed, this laugh strengthened the friendship between the three of them.

Miu felt inconceivable. At first, she always felt that there was a barrier between her and the other two, but now they had become very intimate and very good friends.

“Miu, it must be hard for you. Your family having such a strange brother, it must be difficult right?”

The sound came from below. It was obviously the petite Kuzuha. Although the mature tone was slightly cold, Miu could feel the warmth she never experienced in those few words, making the pleased Miu narrow her eyes. Kuzuha had called out Miu’s name without any resistance, which meant that Kuzuha had completely accepted Miu.

Thus, even if Akatsuki’s action went overboard, Miu still felt grateful to him.

——Regardless of the method used, without Akatsuki, she could not laugh so happily in this world.

After watching Miu and them leave, Akatsuki began to look for another training partner. Since they had decided to select the team battle, he could only select the other course. So Akatsuki stayed at the second arena, preparing to participate in the one on one duel. However, Akatsuki did not have a good relationship with any of the other students, and they also deliberately tried to avoid Akatsuki’s gaze. Perhaps it was because of the trouble he had caused on the first day of school. As he had also showed off his strength in front of everyone, of course no one wanted to be in his group.

...What a pain.

This could be counted as he got what he deserved. At this moment, Akatsuki had two ideas float up into his mind. One was to find an opponent with considerable strength. The other was easily defeating his training partner. He had to select one out of the two. But after taking a closer look, he had already found his opponent, so Akatsuki could only pin his hopes onto the other person—who for a different reason could not find an opponent.

“Onizuka-san~~”

“O...Ousawa? W…What do you want? Don’t scream out so disgustingly!”

Onizuka was alert, but Akatsuki tried to pretend to be cute and slightly turned his head to one side.

“——Group up with me okay?”

“S...Stop it! Why should I pair up with you…”

“If you don’t pair up with me, I’ll kill you.”

“...!”

Akatsuki’s threat made Onizuka suddenly become very stiff.

“Relax, you should know that I still can’t use my AD right? At this time, the weapon I will be using is this borrowed model sword.”

After lifting up the model long sword, Akatsuki continued to speak:

“——Plus, I cannot use any magic at all.”

“R...Really...?”

Onizuka widened his eyes, revealing a surprised look.

Akatsuki nodded.

“That’s right, so there is nothing to be afraid of. Inside Babel’s barrier, you can’t be injured anyways.”

“...”

Onizuka pondered for a moment, and determinedly nodded.

### Part 3

The combat training was about to start. Standing 5 meters away from Akatsuki, Onizuka secretly considered. Although it was different from his original plan, the results were still acceptable.

Onizuka looked behind Akatsuki. The second arena and the first arena were only separated by a layer of wall. On the other side was the first arena, which should be currently holding a battle exercise regarding team training, including the trio Ousawa Miu, Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage. Onizuka originally thought that Akatsuki would form a team with these people and participate in the training, so he specially prepared a big present for him. But this was still good. Anyway Onizuka did not have a favorable impression towards Akatsuki’s sister Ousawa Miu, the arrogant kid Doumoto Kuzuha and the self-centered Izumi Chikage. Letting them receive a bit of punishment wasn’t bad.

Onizuka gaze moved from the wall onto Akatsuki.

“Fuaaa…”

Akatsuki yawned lazily. Onizuka couldn’t stop snickering. He wanted to see how long Akatsuki could act without care.

The model sword used for practice was very blunt, there was no lethality at all, and most importantly Akatsuki could not use magic.

He was certain that he would win.

…Yes, certain for victory.

Thus, Onizuka began to concentrate, and silently waited for the instant that the duel began.

The cold mechanical sound spread throughout the entire second arena, announcing that the combat skill training had begun. Onizuka immediately released his pent up consciousness and in that instant—

“—”

After the muffled bang, Akatsuki was enveloped in flames. Instead of calling it a surprise attack, you could call it taking the initiative. That is because before the mechanical sound rang and declared that the combat skills training had begun, Onizuka had secretly begun to chant magic, cancelling the magic circle and the opening of the defense barrier, and caught Akatsuki off guard with an attack. This type of powerful attack far exceeding training — No, the course’s level, made everyone suddenly enter a state of commotion.

“—Ha…Ha ha ha! I win!”

Onizuka didn’t care and opened his mouth to laugh loudly. He did not care about the gaze of the others. Defeating the arrogant guy in front of him was what was urgent. Since he could not use magic, which meant it was impossible for him to cast a magic defence, Onizuka was sure of his victory.

After waiting for the fire to die out, he should naturally see an unconscious Akatsuki.

No, it should be an unconscious Akatsuki lying on the floor helplessly.

Onizuka bent his waist, pressed his forehead and continued to laugh loudly.

“Haha, Ha ha ha —“

“—!”

Onizuka’s consciousness suddenly stopped. He could not understand the phenomenon in front of his eyes, He only understood that his eyes clearly saw an unharmed Akatsuki standing at the original spot, as if nothing had happened.

Akatsuki hummed then glanced at Onizuka.

“— Using a surprise attack isn’t bad, but unfortunately I had long seen through it.”

“W.Waaaaaaaaooohhh—!”

Onizuka screamed out as he felt a sense of fear he had never experienced before. The AD on his wrist immediately reacted, and in Onizuka’s hands appeared four pieces of chakram, which he threw with Akatsuki as the target.

The chakram pieced through the air and proceeded in an irregular path, and headed to Akatsuki from all directions. Only to see Akatsuki swing the model sword to defend against the chakram.

“—“

The model sword bounced off the first two Chakram, but the amazing act hadn’t finished yet. The chakram that were bounced off changed their path and crashed into each other, then bounced off in midair and crashed with the other chakram, creating a chained crash. After a series of sharp metallic sounds, all the chakram dropped to the floor, and created a circle with Akatsuki in the middle.

“A…Ahhhhhh…”

Onizuka, who was completely surprised, could not even say a word. His trembling body took a few steps back. Until now, Onizuka understood the other students. He noticed that the man in front of him was not to be provoked. He was an untouchable, dangerous person. Unfortunately Onizuka was too late, and Akatsuki had already spoken:

“—So is it over now? Then it’s my turn.”

After saying this, Akatsuki suddenly shortened the distance.

“—!”

Hurriedly, Onizuka subconsciously created a fire wall in front of him to hide himself.

Blocked—Just as Onizuka felt relieved, the fire wall was cut opened by Akatsuki’s model sword.

…How is this possible…?

Onizuka, who was continuously contemplating, only realized that Akatsuki was swinging down the model sword towards his head.

The feedback of the impact was accompanied by a slight shock. Akatsuki’s sword made a crisp contact sound under the straight slash. After carrying the model sword on his shoulders, Akatsuki slowly said:

“Hey—Onizuka, are you okay?”

Akatsuki sighed, shaking his head, and looked down at the classmate who was lying down on the floor, unmoving. Looking at the unconscious Onizuka, Akatsuki scratched his face and regretted slightly. He had not expected that the winner would be decided that fast; it felt that something was missing. Once he thought that his own training course was over, he felt unsatisfied. At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly noticed one thing.

“Oh, looks like it can’t withstand it.”

Cracks appeared on the model sword.

Akatsuki sighed. Every time he used Renkan Keikikou, there would always be such an aftereffect. By inserting his body’s ki into the weapon, not only would it achieve the effect of the person and the sword becoming one will, the ki would also increase the durability and sharpness of the blade. But a body that was enhanced by Renkan Keikikou had amazing power, and during a battle, it would cause a great burden to the weapons. The result was that the model sword’s durability could not keep up with Akatsuki’s ki and his body’s strength—in other words, it could not keep up with Renkan Keikikou, and in the end it was shattered.

…If only I could use this toy. I really want to try it out.

Akatsuki looked at the AD he was wearing. The AD was a magic tool that the Babel was proud of, it could match the user’s ability and talents, and materialize the most suitable weapon. If the effects of AD were really that good, Akatsuki could safely combine his sword techniques with Renkan Keikikou’s power, just like the previous duel with Galious. Having the mentality of wanting to try once again, Akatsuki, again, focused his awareness to the AD, but it was still in vain. No matter how much effort Akatsuki used, the AD did not react at all.

“…It couldn’t be that this was already broken right?”

Akatsuki muttered to himself, then suddenly noticed that Onizuka, who was lying prone to the floor, also wore an AD. Akatsuki could not help but think, since the training is over, it should be okay if I borrow it, right. Thus, Akatsuki took off Onizuka’s AD, wore it on his hand, and tried to materialize his weapon.

“Mmmm….?”

The situation changed a little. Before, the AD did not give any response, but after wearing Onizuka’s AD, his right hand actually had a few light particles appearing. Unfortunately, the light particles only floated in mid-air, and did not form a concrete weapon.

This tiny change made Akatsuki further confirm his own judgment. Thus, he took off his own AD, and attempted to materialize his weapon again, fully expecting that he would soon master the trick. But Akatsuki frowned because the AD did not give any response.

“It can’t be, could it be malfunctioning again?”

…Could the problem be within my body?”

Akatsuki did not believe that he himself had a special constitution, the only difference he had compared to the others was probably Renkan Keikikou. While using Renkan Keikikou, his constitution would definitely become abnormal. But in the morning, while learning how to materialize a weapon, Akatsuki did not activate Renkan Keikikou, and the result still ended in failure. Even if he activated Renkan Keikikou, he still could not materialize the weapon. The instructor had insisted that materialization did not require magic, but it would only be a difficult task for people who cannot use magic. This problem had exceeded the range Akatsuki could solve, so Akatsuki could not help but feel worried.

“…Ah? Wait a minute?”

Regarding the tiny change that was created previously, Akatsuki suddenly thought of another possibility. His sight fell onto his own AD.

At this moment, a huge impact suddenly came from the nearby first arena.

And sounds of screams.

“Looks like they are having a lot of fun. Ahhh, I knew I should have gone off with them.”

After a sigh, Akatsuki began to try out the possibility that he had just thought of.

### Part 4

The origin of the screams that Akasuki could hear from the second arena was near Miu who was in first arena. The shrill cry originated from an extremely frightened female classmate.

The reason why they were screaming was in front of their eyes. Miu, Kuzuha and Chikage all stared blankly at the not-so-distant object.

A giant bird taller than a person—Cockatrice. Its body was 5 meters long. This was the training opponent for the team battle that Miu and the others were supposed to face.

However, the size of the giant bird was not the reason for the screams. In fact, the Cockatrice was a common opponent for a small team combat training.

“Why…!”

Miu’s expression was extremely serious. Along with Kuzuha and Chikage she took a few steps back, to maintain a distance from the Cockatrice. The atmosphere of the first arena had completely changed. The previous light-hearted atmosphere had instantly disappeared.

—Before the beginning of training, the combat instructors had specially warned them of the precautions.

A real Cockatrice was a monster with the ability of petrification. To make it closer to its real nature, they had specially configured attacks from its beak to cause a state of paralysis. Aside from Miu, the other students had already experienced many times of live combat training, so they were tired of the instructor’s reminder. Thus the combat training soon started.

At the beginning, Miu and her classmates were prevailing. The magician type students stood far away and activated magic attacks, while the warrior type students dodged the claws and used the weapons in their hands to directly attack it. Everybody was constantly changing their positions, trying to find the most favorable attack angle and surround the Cockatrice. The giant bird was already a familiar combat opponent, so everybody had already worked out a method to achieve victory. Everyone thought that they would easily defeat the enemy this time again.

However, after dealing a certain amount of damage to the giant bird, the situation quickly changed. The Cockatrice’s reaction speed suddenly rapidly increased, and two female warrior type students had already become its sacrifices. The Cockatrice easily dodged the attacks from a dead angle, and instantly went around to the back of the two female’s students. Under the attacks of the claws of the Cockatrice, the two students immediately lost consciousness.

“—Retreat! Quickly find cover!”

The combat skills instructor’s reaction was very swift. A normal training program could not have this type of reaction, and the combat skill instructor immediately noticed the severity of the situation. But there were several male students who had defeated other monsters and didn’t listen to the instructions, and confidently stood in front of the Cockatrice. Perhaps they were bored of the same training program, and wanted to prove their strengths. These male students courageously fought the Cockatrice.

However, the results exceeded their expectation. Magic chants were useless, even weapons could not cause it any harm. Even if they used all their power, the results were the same.

They were deeply appalled and faced an attack from the Cockatrice’s beak.

“Guuu…!”

The male student, who was holding a sword, took a few steps back, attempting to avoid it, but was shot in the right shoulder. His entire body fell onto the ground, causing dust to float around.

Luckily, he had managed to retain his consciousness, but as the paralysis was about to start, he probably could not re-enter the battlefield. Just when everyone felt sorry for him, the male student who had received the attack suddenly became a stone statue. This caused everyone to notice that the terror wasn’t just with the Cockatrice’s speed, but also the dangers involved. Everyone understood how urgent the situation was, and understanding turned into fear, which of course was followed by an incoming large scream.

“I…Instructor, How did this happen!”

Miu concentrated and turned her head to ask the instructor, but only to see an anxious and puzzled look on his face. The combat skills instructor’s fingers were constantly sliding on the control system’s crystal ball.

“I…I don’t understand! The emergency suspension program cannot be activated, the system is out of control! Looks like someone has forcibly changed the data of the Cockatrice and made it much more powerful.”

The instructor had an incredulous expression.

“But it should be safe to say that after being harmed by it, at most it should cause only a temporarily paralysis. The original role was to make a hypnotic suggestion to a person’s mentality… In addition, the barrier is working fine, so it should not cause substantial harm to the body.”

“Mmm—!”

Miu was no longer listening to the instructor’s explanation. Since the instructor was not clear about the current situation, she should not waste any time on him. Miu had more important things to do, that is to buy time for the others to take cover.

“…Wind!”

Miu activated her long prepared magic. The atmosphere replied to Miu’s summons, and multiple wind blades formed near the ceiling. Followed by a swing of her staff, the wind blades traced a beautiful arc and headed towards the Cockatrice. All the blades hit the target, but—

Miu gasped. The moment the wind blades hit the Cockatrice, it immediately dissipated into fog.

… It was actually completely unaffected by it…!

Miu’s attack revealed her own position, and the Cockatrice’s attention suddenly focused onto her body. The giant bird’s sharp claws pressed onto the floor, it tilted its huge body forward and headed to Miu swiftly. It was hard to imagine that such a huge Cockatrice actually had such an alarming speed. Miu and the Cockatrice were separated by roughly 20 meters, but this kind of distance didn’t mean much to the Cockatrice.

… Not good, I have to hurry and avoid…!

In peril, Miu twisted her waist and attempted to dodge the enemy’s attack. But after giving it a thought, she gave up on this idea. Kuzuha and Chikage were both standing next to her, and behind her she also had the instructor and the other students. She must think of a way to protect them. Thus Miu began to chant her magic. The AD on her wrist could shorten the chanting time, so a simple wind magic should still make it in time. Miu planned on making everyone fly up into the air and avoid the enemy’s attack. At this moment, the approaching Cockatrice suddenly stumbled and fell to its side. A closer look showed the Cockatrice’s right leg fell into a several meter deep hole, as if it had fallen into a trap.

“…Direct magic attacks do not have any effect, but this kind of tactics seem to still be working.”

Kuzuha coldly said.

“If that’s the case, let me try it as well.”

The fallen Cockatrice suddenly had a large water block covering its head. The ball-shaped water block emerging from midair stole away the Cockatrice’s ability to breathe. Its huge body tried to stand up, but the water block seemed to have its own consciousness, always covering the head of the Cockatrice. The water block also gradually expanded. Finally it covered the entire body of the Cockatrice, creating a water cage for the Cockatrice to be imprisoned in.

“Ah ha, looks like it really is effective.”

The long range attack really worked. Chikage smiled proudly and immediately turned to Miu.

“Are you okay?”

“Ah, thank you.”

Miu stared at the two people, her face in disbelief.

…Why did I think that I had to do everything by myself…?

Deep down, Miu regarded those two as people she had to protect, but this was obviously only Miu’s thinking. In fact, Kuzuha and Chikage’s strength was comparable to herself. Both were reliable partners.

“Magic being useless is no problem, but even the petrification effect came out…Izumi, what do you think?”

“I’m guessing the system went out of control, therefore affecting the meaning of causing harm to a human body.” Chikage supported her chin, and replied to Kuzuha’s question.

“The Cockatrice created by the training program should only cause paralysis on the mental level, but this kind of paralysis does not cause harm to the human body. The system will follow the student’s abnormal condition to make a judgment. If the system accepted petrification as part of an abnormal condition, then the events that happened today should be reasonable.”

“If that is true, then our current situation may not be very optimistic.”

Kuzuha glanced at the petrified male students.

“If the barrier determined that petrified students are normal stones—“

“T…Then won’t it…!”

Miu was surprised. According to the assumptions given by Kuzuha, a petrified body could possibly be destroyed and was excluded from the protection of the barrier. The body’s damage was not the issue anymore; they could die instantly on the scene.

“How do we return them to normal?”

Miu was very anxious, but Chikage only gently nodded.

Based on past experience, as long as you beat the Cockatrice, the training course will come to an end, and the paralysis effect should also disappear—

After saying half of what she wanted to say, Chikage suddenly shut up. Miu and Kuzuha didn’t understand why but followed Chikage’s gaze and looked forward, and immediately their faces paled.

“Impossible…”

Both of them could hardly believe what they are seeing.

The imprisoned Cockatrice was rapidly expanding in the water cage.

Its sharp eyes stared directly at the three of them.

Miu and the others immediately entered their battle postures. The other female students screamed.

The Cockatrice suddenly broke through Chikage’s water cage.

All of this happened almost simultaneously.

“Damn, it failed!”

Chikage snarled, angry at her own misjudgment.

“It isn’t afraid of magic, but rather it can absorb magic!”

The Cockatrice’s body rapidly grew. From the original 5 meters, it swelled to 7 or 8 meters. The personality became more violent and it used its deadly petrification as an attack.

A symbol of fear was rapidly ascending in front of their eyes.

“—!”

Everyone issued a high-pitched scream and attempted to flee from the scene, but the Cockatrice’s deafening roar swallowed the wails, shaking the atmosphere. The Cockatrice opened its wings and released countless feathers. Under the influence of the strong wind, the Cockatrice’s feathers fluttered everywhere, turning into sharp arrows.

“Waaaaaa…!”

Miu hurriedly activated her wind defence magic, placing Chikage and Doumoto under her protection.

She could not worry about the others and could only watch as the fleeing students got hit by the feathers, and in the presence of the trio, turned into cold hard statues.

“Impossible…”

…Its feathers also have the ability of petrification?

When Miu had fallen into despair, the Cockatrice approached and raised its giant claws.

“~~!”

The sharp claws collided with the defensive barrier. Even Miu who was in the barrier could clearly feel the huge impact. Miu grinded her teeth and endured it.

Noticing its claws being bounced back, the Cockatrice was slightly shocked. It immediately launched a second wave of attack. The huge beak and claws took turns and continued an endless stream of attacks.

“…Uh! …Ah!~~ Ah!”

Miu tried to defend against the giant bird’s attack at all costs, but the situation where they were evenly matched would not last long. The Cockatrice’s attacks became heavier each time, and Miu felt that she was slowly lacking.

…Could it be that it is absorbing my defensive barrier’s magic power?

Her foreboding really became true. The Cockatrice’s body gradually swelled. Miu had no other option; if she removed the defensive barrier, it meant revealing them directly to the threat of the giant beak and claws. Even if they were lucky enough to avoid the attacks from the beak and claws, it was unlikely that they would be able to avoid the fluttering feathers, and at that time, it would still be the end for them. Kuzuha and Chikage also seemed to carry similar thoughts, but they could only frown and desperately think of countermeasures. As the Cockatrice’s attack power became stronger and stronger, Miu’s internal magic power rapidly decreased, and finally she could not withstand it anymore.

“…Ah!”

Both of Miu’s legs gave out and she had no power in her body. Her magic power was completely depleted and the wind defensive barrier also vanished. But the Cockatrice did not stop its attack. She could only watch as its neck went down slightly and the petrification attack from the beak pierced the air. Miu, who was completely powerless, had no response as countermeasures.

At this moment, Kuzuha and Chikage stood in front of Miu.

“—Hmm!”

“Take this…!”

The two of them simultaneously created a earth and water barrier, forming a brand new defensive barrier. Under the effects of the two barriers, they managed to withstand the first wave of attack from the Cockatrice.

However, the earth and water defensive barrier also collapsed.

“Ah—!”

“It can’t be…”

The two of them exclaimed. Miu was feebly lying on the floor, her heart filled with remorse. The barrier was created by her, it blocked the Cockatrice, but at the same time, her own magic power was absorbed completely, turning into the Cockatrice’s strength.

“Quickly escape…!”

Unfortunately, she was a step too late. Kuzuha and Chikage did not even have the chance to catch their breath, and the Cockatrice’s giant claws pierced the air once again.

The two of them attempted to re-activate the defensive barrier, but it was too late. The unformed earth and water barrier was not its opponent. A strong impact made the two of them fly away like broken kites. After rolling on the floor a few times, they lost consciousness. The amount of damage they received was far more than what their mental state could withstand.

“Chikage…! Class rep…!”

Miu struggled to get up. Even if she had no power in her body, she would still bravely raise the holy spear and face off against the over 10 meters tall Cockatrice, in order to protect the unconscious Kuzuha and Chikage — The first friends she made in her life.

… I won’t let you get away with this, monster…!

“Guuu…”

After gripping her hands slightly, she suddenly fell to the ground weakly. But the Cockatrice did not give any mercy. She watched as the giant claws swept towards her rapidly.

Although she knew it was impossible, Miu still held gritted her teeth and raised her holy staff, attempting to block off the attack from the Cockatrice. She would definitely never give up. She stared straight at the sharp claws, her eyes unblinking.

Suddenly, a figure jumped in between.

“—”

As it was so sudden, Miu’s eyes widened in surprise. The familiar silhouette was in front of her eyes, a wide, strong, confident male’s back. He did not even open his mouth, but his back told her everything.

—Don’t worry, I’m here now.

She watched as he calmly raised his left hand.

After a huge noise erupted, the Cockatrice’s giant claws were firmly blocked.

### Part 5

A nostalgic feeling. It was as if the atmosphere had changed, a single breath caused stinging pain in the body.

Akatsuki was very used to this — It was the atmosphere that only battlefields had.

After his left hand blocked the Cockatrice’s giant claws, Akatsuki looked up at the giant body in front of him.

“Cockatrice…A chimera made out of a chicken and a snake.”

Akatsuki swiftly moved and took a few steps forward.

His right palm was against the giant body, his right leg stepped firmly onto the ground.

“—Let me see you fly away!”

After a loud noise, the Cockatrice’s giant body was lifted into the air, and flew backwards.

This was the activation of Renkan Keikikou. The cockatrice flew a certain amount of distance in the air, then fell down heavily on the floor.

A powerful impact shook the entire first arena.

Akatsuki turned and looked behind him at Miu.

“Sorry, I made you wait, I didn’t expect that there would be such a situation…Are you alright?”

“Yes…”

Akatsuki’s appearance made Miu feel relieved. But her legs were still soft, and it looked like she was about to topple down any moment.

“—Be careful. Are you really okay?”

Akatsuki immediately supported Miu up, and let her slowly sit down on the floor.

“You’ve worked hard enough, you did well. Just leave the rest to me.”

Then he turned again to face the Cockatrice.

“It will end soon.”

“J…Just the strength of one person is not enough, you must first think of…”

The gasping Miu tried to stop Akatsuki, but Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sorry, but there’s no time left — Look.”

“—?”

Akatsuki lifted his left hand. Miu was completely shocked. The lower part of his arm was completely petrified, all the way to his elbow. It looked like the Cockatrice’s petrification ability had already extended from its beak and feathers to the claws.

The petrification effect was slowly eroding into Akatsuki’s arms. It should be said that Akatsuki should have already turned into a stone statue, but luckily Akatsuki used Renkan Keikikou to manipulate his body’s ki, and was barely able to slow down the petrification speed. Of course, this was not a permanent solution.

There’s no time left. Akatsuki turned around, but the sound of “stop” suddenly appeared from behind.

“—Don’t try to be a hero, Ousawa Akatsuki!”

The sound came from the combat skills instructor who had luckily avoided the mess.

“The system is already out of control, there’s no way anyone can take it down. The only way is to forcibly stop the training program to let the Cockatrice automatically disappear.”

But Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sensei, I advise that you give up on this train of thought. Since the system is already out of control, how could we place our hopes on the system? What if it causes serious consequences, can you afford to take this risk?”

So Akatsuki stepped towards the Cockatrice, only to notice that his petrified left wrist was held by someone behind.

“W…What do you plan to do?”

Miu tried to conceal her inner fears.

“Do you really understand the situation? Just by a person who can’t use magic… No, a person who can’t even use an AD, how would he be able to defeat his enemy who isn’t afraid of weapons and magic. Even if you attack it unarmed, it will only speed up the petrification process…”

Akatsuki listened, then looked at Miu and laughed.

“You’re right, if I only had unarmed attacks. But right now I’ll accept your advice, and use a weapon that belongs solely to me.”

After saying this, Akatsuki raised his right hand. Black light particles immediately began to gather.

His AD seemed to be responding. Miu widened her eyes in shock.

“D…Did you learn it? How do you do this?”

“I didn’t do anything, I simply increased the amount only.”

Akatsuki raised his sleeves. On his right arm were seven ADs.

— According to the combat skills instructor, the feeling of using AD to materialize a weapon was equivalent to chanting magic.

Akatsuki did not know magic, he could only use Renkan Keikikou to follow the concept.

…The results were disastrous.

What magic really was was by borrowing the chanting actions and concentrating into your consciousness, then slowly increasing the magic power, enhancing its power. In short, magic activation was to allow the magic power gradually increase from a minuscule value to its maximum, but Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou was to release the large amount of power inside the body to the outside. It could also mean that the power released was already at its maximum state. If the AD’s characteristic was to start from a low gear, Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou started at a high gear, thus they did not correspond to each other well.

…But in the end, he finally found a short cut.

Onizuka’s AD made Akatsuki discover this possibility, thus he borrowed the ADs from the other students in the second arena, attempting to materialize his weapon. After each attempt failed, he added another AD, until he was wearing 7 ADs. Those were finally able to accommodate Akatsuki’s Renkan Keikikou.

“Come.”

Akatsuki muttered. At the same time, following a black flash of light, Akatsuki’s weapon appeared out of thin air.

“—“

A greatsword with an abnormal look and a pitch black blade. Its length was nearly 3 meters, and the blade was wider than Miu’s shoulders. It was wide in the front and the rear ends of the sword, but the middle section was slightly recessed, making its appearance look complicated. In the center of the hilt and the blade were various red crosses and crystal balls, creating a ghostly atmosphere.

— Anyone who saw this weapon would naturally blurt it out.

Akatsuki held the great sword in his hands, and leisurely walked towards the Cockatrice.

The Cockatrice seemed to recognize the sudden appearance of Akatsuki as a threat. It immediately spreaded its wings and prepared a petrification attack.

“Be careful, that is…”

From behind, Miu cried out aloud. She saw a flash of light pass by and Akatsuki’s black great sword swung across the air.

The petrification feathers did not come. The wings on both sides of the Cockatrice were cut apart by the black great sword. Feeling the pain, the Cockatrice suddenly cried out.

“How is this possible? Shouldn’t weapon and magic attacks have no effect against it?” Miu could hardly believe her eyes, but Akatsuki only smiled calmly.

“Of course it will work, this sword contains my own ki inside of it.”

Then he looked at the hand holding his sword.

…Looks like he hit the jackpot this time.

A suitable weapon for him must take a lifetime’s worth of time before he could find it. Some people would spend a lifetime and still not be able to find a weapon truly suitable for them. Akatsuki did not imagine that he would be able to achieve his wish in this world.

—AD, matching the user’s abilities and talents, and providing the most suitable weapon to materialize.

Was this really true?

“Once I try it out, I’ll know.”

Akatsuki took a few steps. His right hand held the hilt, his petrified left wrist held onto the right wrist. He pointed the sword tip forward, and assumed an assault posture.

The Cockatrice moved its long neck, its hard beak aimed at Akatsuki, and pecked. A large noise occurred, and the ground suddenly had a huge hole.

But as the huge hole appeared, Akatsuki’s demon sword was already stabbed into the Cockatrice’s body. Holding the sword hilt, he activated Renkan Keikikou and inserted his body’s ki into the sword and then into the Cockatrice. The Cockatrice’s giant body suddenly swelled up.

“—Ohoh, this toy is pretty useful.”

Thus Akatsuki turned his back towards the Cockatrice and slowly walked towards Miu.

“W…Wait! It’s dangerous!”

“It’s not dangerous one bit, it is already over.”

Holding Miu’s hands, Akatsuki pulled her up from the ground.

Then he wrapped his hands around Miu’s waist, and turned to look at the Cockatrice, his face filled with a gloating smile.

“Three seconds before countdown. Three, Two, One…”

Once Akatsuki counted to one, the Cockatrice’s huge body suddenly shook the ground violently.

“—“

The next second, the humongous body suddenly exploded into pieces. Akatsuki used Renkan Keikikou and inserted his own ki into the Cockatrice through the Demon Sword, successfully destroying it from within. Before the Cockatrice’s fluttering pieces landed on the floor, it all disappeared as a puff of smoke, representing the end of the training program.

“—See, I told you so.”

With a smile, Akatsuki held up his left hand. The black demon sword drew a beautiful arc in the air and landed slowly. Akatsuki held onto the hilt and successfully caught the demon sword that was coming down from the sky. Signs of the petrification had already disappeared from his left hand.

### Part 6

In the first arena, there was a room with a view of the entire stadium. It was a small room with glass windows and a high ceiling. Only a few people could freely enter this special viewing platform. At the special viewing platform, a few people were witnessing the first arena’s situation, that is JPN Babel’s four student council members.

“—Yes, I understand, you’ve worked hard. We would like to know more details, please contact us after he regains consciousness.”

After the call, the vice president Nanase Haruka sighed.

“Found the suspect.”

“The guy called Onizuka?”

The secretary Ryouhei asked.

—According to various evidence, the student council had determined the reason for the abnormality in the training program.

After a quick investigation, the key lending records determined that Onizuka had borrowed the keys and went to the gym warehouse to prepare the training equipment. But Onizuka had already fallen unconscious during the training and was sent to the medical building to receive treatment. After he regained consciousness, he would then have to face the Student Council’s questioning.

“It can’t be because he was humiliated in front of his classmates, so he wanted to get his revenge? A male’s jealously is really ugly, they do not think about how many people they will harm. There’s no difference between a male and a terrorist.”

“Yes.”

Kyouya calmly smiled. Mishima was still staring at the first arena under their feet.

Haruka could not help but curiously ask.

“Mishima, what are you looking at?”

“…He really is strong.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Everybody unanimously looked downward. Ousawa Akatsuki, a confirmed by Norn Screening. Although he could not use magic, his martial arts were simply unfathomable. Using his martial arts as a basis for his superior swordmanship, plus the giant Demon Sword that required 7 ADs, it completely impacted the Student Council’s knowledge.

“…But he still isn’t a threat to us. That level of Cockatrice is simply not a problem to us.” Haruka calmly made this judgment.

“As for his last attack, Mishima can easily block it.”

“Perhaps.”

“Ueseki’s fire magic can also give the effect of a pre-emptive attack in a duel mode in training.”

“That… ah ha ha …”

Ryouhei scratched his cheek.

At that moment, Kyouya finally spoke. His tone was extremely calm.

“However, facing different opponents, he should also change and use different strategies.” “That’s true, but…”

Haruka didn’t seem to want to give up.

Ryouhei placed his hands behind the back of his head.

“Anyways, A-class also have some powerful returnees. According to this, he should not be our opponent.”

Thus, the Student Council Members all walked out of the viewing platform. They did not have any reason to continue to stay there.

“—President, where are you going?”

Noticing Kyouya going in the opposite direction alone, Haruka hurriedly asked.

Kyouya nodded.

“I have to clean up the aftermath.”

At the same time Akatsuki defeated the Cockatrice, the system returned to normal. The petrified students all regained their original form, and the chaotic and disorderly scene was gradually brought under control. However, there were still many students who had not regained their consciousness and were currently waiting for medical personnel to arrive on stage.

During the confusion, a single figure swiftly left the scene.

—It actually failed.

Taking advantage when everyone was not paying attention, he quietly left the arena and immediately headed towards Babel’s landfill. There was a building there that had an incinerator that could destroy every object in the world. The current him must immediately rush to the landfill as soon as possible because he was holding a mysterious object that no one else was allowed to find out.

…Ah, the original plan was a mess.

I did not expect Ousawa Akatsuki’s strength to be that formidable.

Passing through the corridor, he opened his shoe locker and took out the outdoor shoes.

At this moment —

“—The key storage room isn’t in that direction right?”

“—!”

Turning around to carefully look, the figure appearing in the hallway made him feel nervous. When did he chase up to him?

The figure in the corridor was Ousawa Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, I don’t understand.”

Suppressing his inner panic, he exposed a puzzled smile.

“I was injured during the previous training course, so my body isn’t feeling too well, I was about to head over to the medical building for an examination.”

“Really? But there is an infirmary here too right? If your body isn’t feeling well, you should select the closer infirmary instead. Why do you have to specifically go to the medical building?”

“That’s correct. Due to the training system going out of control, the infirmary’s personnel are all hurrying to help perform emergency aid to the unconscious students. They do not have time to take care of me.”

“Yes, that makes sense…”

Ousawa Akatsuki nodded, and did not continue to speak.

He still was unclear about the meaning of Ousawa Akatsuki’s words. This was the first time he initiated the conversation with Ousawa Akatsuki. After a moment of silence, he quietly asked:

“…What do you mean?”

“—Yes? What are you referring about?”

“What you just said, Ousawa-kun, Why do you think that I must head over to the key storage?”

Akatsuki suddenly understood.

“The reason is simple. Because you are the one behind all this, right, Tanaka?”

### Part 7

Ousawa Akatsuki stared at Tanaka, carefully observing changes in his expression.

“To be honest, I actually quite admire you. On the first day of school, you were selected by Onizuka. Even if Onizuka punched and kicked you, you still decided to endure it silently, and completely disregard it.”

“…If I was to violently resist, it would only be worse. Silently enduring is a better choice.”

“If it was just simple bullying, I would say that your words are indeed correct. However —“

Akatsuki stared into Tanaka’s eyes.

“However, aren’t you stronger than Onizuka?”

“…”

“I actually noticed it a while ago, I noticed it when I first saw you. Do you still remember what I said to Onizuka?”

After a short pause —

“—Aren’t there always people who believe that they are stronger than others, and look down upon them.”

From that point on, Akatsuki was interested in Tanaka, who was hiding his strength. He originally thought that Tanaka wanted to have low exposure and was someone who did not want to stand out. Even though they had never had a conversation, Akatsuki was still very curious about Tanaka, and even considered that he could possibly become good friends with him.

“Unfortunately, it seems I thought too much, you aren’t that type of person. To hide your strength, you allowed yourself to become an invisible man, making the other students nearly forget about your existence. Today’s combat skills training was the same, and you were completely unnatural.”

What is his goal for doing this? After pondering through, only one possibility came into mind. Thus, Akatsuki silently waited, waited for the instant that Tanaka revealed himself.

“If the terrorist organization that opposes Babel snuck into the campus preparing to cause trouble, the best way is to directly kill people, so their own identity would not be exposed. So I thought, Onizuka’s strength isn’t bad, he also had an arrogant personality, sooner or later he will cause trouble. Since I could come up with that, the terrorist organization would also be able to think of it, what do you say?”

“…Your meaning is that Onizuka intentionally changed the training program for revenge, then after that I took the opportunity to make the training program go out of control? But how can I do that? You may think that the key is on my body, but there are records for borrowing the key, so there is no room for fraud.”

“That’s true, but the school does not have a rule that the person who borrowed the key is the one who returns it right? If the person who borrowed the key had an emergency, or perhaps was just too lazy to make that trip, so he asked someone else to return it, this kind of situation isn’t impossible.”

Saying up to here, Akatsuki suddenly smiled.

“But even if you were the one who returned it, you should still need to write down on the key borrowing record. As for the culprit, who was determined to become transparent, he could not select such a dumb way to reveal himself. So I think that besides changing the program data, and allowing the Cockatrice to rampage in the first arena, the culprit wanted to slip the key into Onizuka’s pocket. But an error appeared in your plans. I was a step ahead and knocked out Onizuka. He did not lose his petty life, did not get petrified and was directly sent to the medical building.”

Akatsuki paused slightly.

“— So I believe that the key still remains somewhere with the culprit.”

“…Even if the key is really with me.”

Tanaka’s tone was extremely calm.

“It is not evidence that I’ve changed the program data.”

“True, that makes sense. Most of the people will probably blame Onizuka, believing that he was the one changing the program data and causing the unexpected loss of control. No one would believe that it was a terrorist that snuck into the school.”

Akatsuki shrugged, his expression was very serious.

“But as long as someone becomes suspicious, as long as someone notices this possibility, do you think that Babel would simply think of this as an accident? Terrorists are the number one enemy of Babel. Plus he is also an alternative world returnee. Based on the two reasons, Babel can not simply ignore it. If you noticed that the training program data was changed twice, at that time, there will be a formal investigation and the students who were deliberately concealing their strength would definitely become the prime suspects.”

“…”

Akatsuki’s prediction was extremely impressive, Tanaka was completely speechless. After a moment, he gently sighed.

“…Looks like there is no choice.”

Finishing his statement —

“Gu —!”

Akatsuki’s body suddenly flew away.

Barely adjusting his posture in midair, after landing, he slid for quite a bit of distance.

Then he looked up.

“…”

From the path between the shoe lockers, Tanaka walked over.

With a distance of ten meters between the two of them, they confronted each other in the hallway.

“—“

What was that attack just now? Akatsuki did not underestimate his enemy, but instead raised his alertness, but he couldn’t believe that he still wasn’t able to react to it. Was it magic? Tanaka’s attack was completely silent. Akatsuki’s had one possibility in his head.

“…Space magic?”

The magic attributes did not only consist of fire, water, earth and wind. These four elements are the most commonly seen magic. Others include manipulation of light and darkness, and even space and gravity magic.

But compared to the elemental magic that requires borrowing the power of elves and gods, magic that controls space or even gravity requires spatial cognitive ability and mastery of laws of physics. This increases the burden for the user. His consciousness must be even more focused. However, Tanaka did not show signs of concentrating, and from the fact that he was caught opened-handly and was still perfectly calm to continue his conversation, Akatsuki considered this to be unlikely.

…Even though the possibility is low, it does not mean it is not impossible.

Akatsuki thought about the other possibilities. Activating a magic that requires physical without warning — Could the world really have someone that strong?

JPN Babel’s Student Council President Hikami Kyouya and the COCOON members who rule this world should be able to do it.

However, Tanaka who rebels against Babel should not be a COCOON member. Among the terrorists, is there someone that strong?

Of course. A terrorist organization that composes of young elites, their strength could be said to be on par with COCOON, it is said that a normal army, police, even the New United Nations and Babel are helpless against them

“…”

Akatsuki swallowed. This isn’t true right?

His mouth shook slightly.

“Perhaps I am wrong, but —“

The Demon King’s daughter’s name was similar to his sister, JPN Babel Student Council President Hikami Kyouya was also a member of COCOON, these series of coincidences seemed like it was the mischief caused by the goddess of fate, maybe this was not an exception either.

Ousawa Akatsuki slowly opened his mouth —

“—Are you Scarlet Dusk?”

### Part 8

, the strongest terrorist group, rivaling Babel in strength, that rejects COCOON’s belief. A group formed by elite youth alternative world returnees, and currently the only organization with power that is capable of competing against the ruler of this world, COCOON.

At the same time, it is a target that Ousawa Akatsuki was searching for.

If Tanaka was really part of , it means that Akatsuki took a major step forward towards his target. Seeing Akatsuki activating the AD, waving his right hand, a giant black demon sword appeared in the air shining ominously. Akatsuki held the hilt tightly and stared at Tanaka.

“…This was unexpected.”

Facing Akatsuki’s questioning, Tanaka revealed a wry smile.

In Akatsuki’s eyes, this was the true appearance consoling himself after being found out.

“—“

Akatsuki pushed off with both feet, swiftly moving forward. Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, Akatsuki did not need to accelerate; his first speed was already his fastest speed. The distance between the two instantly disappeared, and he was about to enter the demon sword’s attack range.

At this moment —

“Gu—!”

Akatsuki once again had been hit, this time from behind. The strong impact pushed out the air from his lungs, his feet flying in the air, causing Akatsuki to lose his balance and fall forward.

However, Akatsuki did not release the demon sword. Falling forward caused him to enter the attack range of the demon sword, so Akatsuki endured the pain, and strugglingly swung the demon sword in his hands. The giant blade flashed through the air, and he saw a slash that was going to cut Tanaka in half, but Tanaka’s magic attack was a step faster and accurately hit Akatsuki in the jaw.

His brain violently shook. When he was about to lose consciousness, Akatsuki accelerated his body’s flow, forcibly reviving the nervous systems and regaining control of his own body.

“—It’s not over.”

Tanaka said. Akatsuki received another attack on his right side. Sounds of his ribs being hit could clearly be heard.

Under Babel’s barrier, magic damage would not affect the body. But the damage mentally could not be removed, the person being attacked will feel intense pain.

“Guuuuu…!”

However, he could still endure this degree of pain. Akatsuki’s feet landed on the corridor wall, his body was coincidently vertical to the wall, then he pushed off to once again attack Tanaka. Before entering the demon sword’s attack range, Akatsuki swung the demon sword, cutting the space in front of him.

A solid feeling, and a crisp metallic crashing sound.

Tanaka was taken aback, but Akatsuki did not relax.

“—Next is below!”

Seeing through Tanaka’s mind, the demon sword slashed downwards, resulting in accurately hitting the target, and preventing the attack that was difficult for the naked eye to see.

—When Akatsuki was being pummeled from behind earlier, he still swung the sword, an attack with all his strength. At that time, Tanaka’s counterattack from below was barely able to avoid it. Akatsuki believed that at that time, the attack and defence should be imprinted into Tanaka’s head. As long as he shortens the distance, Tanaka will follow his own experiences and counter them from below.

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. Two consecutive attacks were broken so Tanaka must be feeling anxious deep inside. Space magic requires a cool judgment and sophisticated calculations. Once he noticed that Akatsuki, who was thrown far away, would actually come back up, the user would naturally lose his calmness, and would not be able to activate his planned magic.

Right now, Akatsuki and Tanaka’s distance had already entered the demon sword’s attack range. If he swings the demon sword right now, he would be able to accurately hit his target before Tanaka’s counterattack. So he should do it, an unavoidable blow!

The demon sword swung across Tanaka’s body.

“—?”

But it felt like it was cutting through air. After he was aware that his attack was dodged by his opponent, Akatsuki noticed that Tanaka rapidly moved backwards, leaving the demon sword’s attack range.

The reason lay upon the magic activated on his body. It should not be space magic, Tanaka did not have enough to spare. Akatsuki vaguely remembered that when Tanaka avoided the attack, the field suddenly had a gust of wind blow, this was the best evidence. He could not be wrong, this must be the wind attribute high speed movement magic that the vice president Nanase Haruka specializes in.

Once this thought flashed through his mind, Akatsuki’s body once again flew off to the air.

… How did this happen?

His body’s hard ki immediately provided a timely protection, but his thoughts were thrown in disarray. Using a variety of different attribute magics is not rare, in fact, Miu who specializes in wind magic can also use fire and water magic. But no matter air, water and fire all belong to elemental magic, all of them require the gods’ or elves’ power to chant, basically the nature of the product is essentially the same.

However, space and gravity magic that is physics-based magic is completely different than elemental magic. Due to its special nature, the user should only be able to learn one type of magic, also learning elemental magic is almost impossible.

“Could it be that was able to do it…?”

“—You’re mistaken.”

Tanaka saw through Akatsuki’s thoughts.

With a tone that was devoid of any traces of emotions, like a cold machine.

“The real or COCOON are monsters, so they are able to learn magic with different nature. I cannot learn physics-based magic and elemental magic at the same time, but defeating you isn’t a big problem.”

“What—…Guuu!”

Tanaka’s speech made Akatsuki completely surprised. At this moment, a powerful impact once again came to attack. Akatsuki, who was in midair, revealed a painful expression.

Seeing this, Tanaka revealed a slight smile.

“Looks like your hard ki can only correspond to one direction, and cannot defend against unexpected attacks. That being the case—“

…Behind?

Akatsuki forcibly changed his posture, and swung his hand holding the demon sword behind him. Feeling a sense of a solid hit, a sharp metallic sound came out in the air, but his back still received a direct hit.

“W…Whoaa! To activate two attacks from both sides!”

“Did I say I can only attack from one direction? Sorry, but that was only your own thinking.”

The reason was simple.

“My own created wind-based magic has no dead angles.”

After saying this, Tanaka immediately released consecutive attacks. A strong impact came from all directions: front, back, left, right, up, down. It did not give Akatsuki any time to catch his breath.

“Don’t imagine you can win!”

Akatsuki, who was being attacked by multiple waves of impacts in midair, desperately swung his demon sword. Although the demon sword’s blade was huge, the range it could counter attack was limited, as it could only face one direction at a time. With correct timing, perhaps it could simultaneously counter two directions, but it was impossible to counter the other four directions.

“…Uhhh! Kuuuhh~~!”

Tanaka did not show any mercy. Akatsuki was rapidly accumulating damage. His actions suddenly slowed down and it was difficult to block attacks from two directions.

“…!”

Finally, he completely lost the ability to counter attack, becoming a sandbag that could not fight back.

A period of time passed.

Akatsuki’s right hand loosened, the demon sword dropped from midair and disappeared into multiple black particles before hitting the ground. The release of the materialization meant that the user had lost his consciousness.

However, Tanaka did not relax, but rather accelerated the pace of his attacks.

“If I continue to attack like this, I’m afraid that others would discover it.”

Even when Akatsuki had lost the ability the resist, Tanaka’s attack continued for 3 minutes. During that period, probably over a thousand air bullets—which was Tanaka’s own created wind-based magic—hit Akatsuki. Now that he had finally stopped his attacks, Akatsuki’s body fell from the air and hit the ground.

…How vulnerable.

Glancing at Akatsuki who was lying down on the floor motionless, Tanaka turned away.

“—?”

Tanaka, who was planning to leave the scene, suddenly turned his head.

“—Too late!”

Akatsuki’s demon sword slashed downwards towards Tanaka’s head.

Tanaka immediately activated high speed magic to dodge from the right side. The huge black blade passed by Tanaka’s left side, and did not hit the target. But this was enough.

“Guuu—!”

His face revealing a painful expression, his right hand pressed onto his injured left shoulder, he stared at Akatsuki who was standing in front of him, waiting.

Only to see Akatsuki easily raise the demon sword to the back of his shoulder.

“Your speed is definitely fast, Very impressive.”

“Losing consciousness was only your acting…? You even made the AD materialized weapon disappear, your acting was really realistic.”

“There was no other way. It was the only method to find a counter attack chance.”

“But I don’t understand.”

Tanaka exposed a puzzled look.

“Under my magic attacks, how can you still stand up?”

Akatsuki shrugged, and easily replied:

“Thanks to my hard ki.”

His tone was saying that it was natural.

“Impossible.”

Tanaka did not accept Akatsuki’s response.

“My attacks came from six directions, how could your hard ki possibly —“

After saying half of what he was about to say, Tanaka suddenly understood.

Akatsuki helped Tanaka by saying the possibility in his head.

“My hard ki can only face one direction? That was your way of thinking.”

### Part 9

Akatsuki’s hard ki allowed his ki to surround his body, achieving the effect of hardening his flesh.

While moving and dodging, it was just as what Tanaka said, it could only respond to one direction.

However, if his body remained still, or when he was in a completely defenseless situation, then it was not the same. In this situation, he could harden his whole body, achieving a complete protection effect.

“Tanaka, what do you plan to do now?”

Akatsuki looked at Tanaka, who could not move his left shoulder.

“I can defend against your attacks, you can dodge my attacks, but cannot defend against it. Do you know what this means?”

In Akatsuki’s situation, it meant that he would either win or draw.

For Tanaka, it meant he would either draw or lose.

His identity as a terrorist was already exposed now, so a draw was equivalent to a loss.

Although it was currently in a stalemate, considering that the possibility of being seen by others would increase, the result was also equal to failure.

Akatsuki stared at Tanaka.

“Your strength is amazing, but I was going to challenge the monsters that you were talking about. If I even lose to you, won’t I lose the right to challenge those monsters?”

“…”

Tanaka fell silent. After some time passed, he slowly said.

“…I won’t lose.”

After saying this, Tanaka immediately surrounded himself with magic circles. Akatsuki was only prepared to defend against Tanaka’s surprise attack, and did not think he would confront him in a frontal charge. He frowned and retreated a few steps to avoid being caught by the defensive barrier. Only to see the magic circles rapidly increase, overlapping each other. Akatsuki understood how dangerous the magic circles’ power and range were, and at the same time noticed Tanaka’s true plan.

“You…”

Akatsuki’s face sank, Tanaka revealed a proud smile.

“Looks like you’ve discovered it. That’s right, my magic isn’t going to attack you, but rather attack the building of Babel. Perhaps you can resist it, but others cannot.”

“Babel has a defensive barrier, no matter how strong your magic is, it will only make them fall unconscious…”

“If that is the case, why is your face still so serious? I believe you also know, Babel’s barrier only protects against magic, AD materialized weapons and attacks from people. Rubble and debris caused magic attacks is not included. Once involved, their bodies would definitely get injured, and those that are unlucky will most likely die.”

Although Tanaka’s explanation made Akatsuki pale-faced, his mouth still had a hint of a smile.

“Did your previous magic activate?”

“You cannot use magic, so you naturally cannot use any magic barrier. Even if you can, you will not be able to defend against my magical attack. This magic is a type of impact magic, it has the effect of allowing the nearby air to rapidly expand to thousands of time larger. Even if you luckily avoid it, you will not be able to escape the fate of being buried in the rubble, just like the other students.”

“ A suicide attack…?”

“The purpose of my mission was to bring destruction to Babel.”

So—

“If you think you can still forcibly stop my magic, you can feel free and try. Perhaps that move against Onizuka will be effective, but unfortunately I am more cautious than Onizuka, I will not let you swoop in. Before your demon sword touches my body, I will activate the magic a step earlier.”

“Oh so you’re that certain? Then give it a try.”

Akatsuki’s hands held tightly to the demon sword. One slash was good enough. As long as he hit the target, he would be able to prevent Tanaka’s magic from activating. Destroying Tanaka’s defensive barrier would not be hard, but would Tanaka take advantage of the moment when the demon sword collided with his defensive barrier and activate his magic?

That being the case, there was only once chance, that is the moment Tanaka activates his magic and removes the defensive barrier. Right now, Renkan Keikikou had already significantly increased his physical ability. Ki was also injected into his sword. It wasn’t a battle without hope.

Akatsuki concentrated, waiting patiently for the moment when Tanaka removed his defensive barriers.

“—!”

Suddenly, Akatsuki felt another aura. It was not coming from Tanaka, but from a third party source.

“Kuuuh—!”

Although he was a step too slow, Tanaka also noticed it, but unfortunately it was too late.

“—It ends right here.”

A sharp piercing sound spread throughout every corner of the hallway.

“—“

A crystal-like icicle, Tanaka was imprisoned within the icicle. His entire body could not move, even blinking was a problem.

A genuine ice prison. Akatsuki noticed the icicle in front of him was tougher than the one he saw in the entrance inspection. Looking at this school, the person who had the ability to create such an icicle was —

“…Besides you, there is no one else I can think of.”

Akatsuki turned around.

JPN Babel’s Student Council President Hikami Kyouya was standing in front of him with a calm smile.

“—What are you doing here?”

“What you were doing is what I was doing, Ousawa Akatsuki-kun.”

Kyouya’s face revealed a wry smile.

“I did not want to spoil your mood, but the situation forced me to take action to prevent the innocent from being affected… Are you angry?”

“Nope. What you said is correct, affecting the innocent isn’t a good thing.”

After saying this, Akatsuki released the materialization of the demon sword. Kyouya, seeing this, revealed a surprised expression.

“That’s strange. There is only the two of us here, I thought you would charge over here like last time… Looks like I worried too much.”

“I really want to have a duel with you right now, but it will only attract more people to run over here to observe it.”

Akatsuki stared directly at Kyouya.

“If I really want to duel with you, I hope that I can select a location where no one else would interfere.”

“Yes, that may be so.”

Kyouya narrowed his eyes, as if he was looking forward to it.

“—Hey.”

Akatsuki’s tone suddenly changed.

“Are you really a COCOON?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Kyouya swiftly admitted that he was one of the top elite in the world.

Akatsuki nodded, and in a calm tone, he said out his ultimate goal that he came back for in this world.

“Within your comrades, there should be a man with golden eyes. Please tell him this for me.”

Akatsuki boasted—

“—I will definitely stop you, stop you and father!”

### 041. Epilogue

### Part 1

Alayzard’s residents almost all believe in the same religion.

That is the only holy light god that the Church of Richard believes in. The religious was the birthplace of the Church of Richard. kingdom’s capital — that is the flying capital has two large buildings, one which is the church’s holy land, or otherwise known as the base for the Holy Association of Richard.

The other building is the symbol for the kingdom, which is the Pope’s city .

Right now the conference hall of was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.

Alayzard’s three countries’ leaders were all present in the hall.

The religious country Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV.

The mechanical militarist empire Emperor Baram Dy Alon Disdia.

And —

The magician country Queen Listy El Da Sherfied.

These three countries had had a military alliance to jointly fight against the country led by the Demon King Galious.

One week after the downfall of Galious, the three heads gathered to hold talks. The location was the large table in the middle of the conference hall.

“—Yes, we generally have a consensus.”

Aleclasta’s Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV was currently aged 68. He was stroking a long beard revealing a smile of satisfaction. The pure white holy garments had glamorous embroideries, which further added to the sacred temperament.

“The Demon King Galious has already been defeated, but the remaining Demon King military forces are still resisting everywhere. To clear up the remaining forces, we should set up a common battlefront, and at the same time, try to recover the places that were devastated by the war. This is the conclusion of this meeting, are there any objections?”

His slow and calm tone showed a majestic pride. Listy nodded in agreement—

“Our country has no objections against the proposal of Aleclasta. In order to maintain the peace and safety in Alayzard, we should form closer bonds, in case there is a need of help.”

A steady and calm tone. Listy’s current identity was the Queen, and at the same time the representative of Sherfied; what she said represented the intention of Sherfied.

Listy glanced towards her right side. The person sitting opposite of Volk was the Disdia Empire’s Emperor Baram Dy Alon Disdia. He had his eyes closed, silently sitting on the the chair. As the talks were about to end, Baram’s reaction made Listy feel a little uneasy.

…The atmosphere was quite strange.

Baram had always been known for his combative side. In each conference, he would always firmly protect his claims, but today he had barely said anything. For the arrogant Baram, this was not common. It seemed to represent that the topics today had no value.

Volk also seemed to have noticed the abnormality. Across the extravagant table, the old Pope stared at Baram.

“Baram-dono, what does Disdia think of it?”

“…This…”

After gently coughing once, Baram slowly opened his eyes.

“To destroy the remaining forces of the Demon King is just natural, our country does not have any objections. However—“

Baram’s sudden ending made Listy feel shocked. Yes, the following is the main point. Only to see Baram stare at an empty spot.

“About a week ago, Disdia received some information.”

After a short pause, Baram continued to talk:

“About the missing Demon King’s daughter…”

“—“

Listy’s expression immediately stiffened. Volk also narrowed his eyes.

For the residents of Alayzard, the Demon King’s lost inheritance was undoubtedly a major threat.

Baram nodded in satisfaction,

“I am pleased that the two of you understand the seriousness of this problem. Please allow me to make a proposal, and immediately send pursuers to capture the Demon King’s daughter.”

“Wait a minute, Emperor Baram …”

Listy expressed opposition.

“The Demon King’s army has already lost the center of its leadership, the only resisting opposition is the remaining forces. The Demon King’s army will eventually accept the truth about the death of the Demon King, and go back to to live peaceful lives, I do not think that capturing the Demon King’s daughter has any value—“

“This kind of thinking is too naïve, Queen Listy. Showing mercy to your enemy means hurting your own.”

Baram laughed uncontrollably.

“As long as the Demon King’s daughter is still alive, the Demon race will regroup under her arms, and once again attack the humans. At that time, it will become a bloody time and the world will once again be caught in grief and panic. The peace was hard to obtain. I believe that it is natural to completely eradicate all possible seeds in order to ensure the safety of the human world.”

“…That is true, but…”

“Baram-dono’s opinion is justifiable.”

Listy could not reject this view. The silent Volk also expressed his agreement.

“Although the Demon King’s daughter is innocent, she is indeed a threat. For the world to finally manage to obtain real peace, we must not relax and make every effort to eliminate all possible obstacles. Queen Listy, I believe you also have no objections?”

“…Yes.”

Listy nodded, with a painful expression. Ignoring Listy, who was tightly biting her lower lip, the two leaders continued their conversation.

“So…Did you find the whereabouts of the Demon King’s daughter?”

Volk urgently tried to unearth the information, but Baram only shook his head.

“Unfortunately, she has not been found yet.”

Because…

“According to our information, the Demon King’s daughter is currently residing in an alternative world—“

“W…Wait a moment!”

Listy suddenly interrupted—

“Emperor Baram, are you saying that the Demon King’s daughter passed through the …?”

“That is correct. She passed through the and escaped…no…exiled into another world.”

“H…How is this possible? I can’t believe it.”

Listy shook her head. This was common knowledge in Alayzard, so it is no wonder that she would have this reaction. Alayzard’s world does have a gate leading to another world, but Alayzard’s residents are unable to pass through this entrance and enter another world. This was the absolute truth and an undeniable reality, thus, Volk also revealed a look of disapproval.

“Baram-dono, even I don’t understand. The Demon King’s daughter is residing in another world…? Your argument is really interesting. To propose such an absurd topic in this important conference regarding the peace of the world, do you think that it is not suitable?”

“Pope Volk, this is not an extremely absurd thing. I have already obtained evidence that the Demon King’s daughter passed through the , so I was able to boldly mention it in the conference.”

After a short pause, Baram continued to speak.

“—The rogue hero brought the Demon King’s daughter back to his own world.”

“What—!”

Listy immediately rose from her seat, even the chair fell down with a large noise, but she did not seem to care. Only seeing her hands slam onto the table, her face extremely pale.

“Emperor Baram, this is just baseless talk right? Slandering the hero that defeated the Demon King alone, don’t you feel rude? Please immediately take back what you said about the “Rogue Hero”!”

“Rude? Who do you think is more rude? Defeating the Demon King was his own decision. Do not forget that we had an agreement, that the three countries form a common battle front and attack the Demon King’s castle together.”

“This way, the collective army would inevitably have suffered significant losses.”

“Maybe so, but maybe not, this is only just a hypothetical question. Since we are both assuming, then I can also boldly say that the escape of the Demon King’s daughter and the situation where the Demon King’s remaining forces are still resisting is all because the collective forces did not completely eradicate the Demon King’s army.”

“Y…You think you can say this kind of thing…!”

Listy was speechless and filled with anger. Volk hurriedly tried to act as the peacemaker.

“Queen Listy, do not mind the hypothetical situation. The Demon King Galious was definitely defeated by Akatsuki’s hands. This is the undeniable truth. The gratitude for Akatsuki will never change in this world. However—“

Volk changed the subject and pointed his finger at Baram.

“Baram-dono, how do you plan on proving this? Your plea is only an hypothetical situation, I do not think it is enough to push back Queen Listy’s claims.”

Stopping for a bit, Volk continued to talk:

“The only allows people from an alternative world to pass, Akatsuki could not possibly bring the Demon King’s daughter into his own world. If your hypothesis is true, how do you plan on proving it? Don’t forget, but we cannot go to an alternative world.”

“This you do not have to worry about, I have already found a suitable candidate.”

After Baram finished, the doors to the conference room suddenly opened, and a single youth walked in.

Brown short hair and greenish eyes, with a childlike face showing a faint smile.

After the youth walked to the side, Baram stood up from his seat, and placed his right hand on his shoulder.

“Let me introduce you, he is called Phil Barnett.”

With a short pause—

“—He also came from the same alternative world as the hero, Akatsuki.”

“—“

Listy widened her eyes. The young individual bowed down to perform his respects. His posture was very flexible.

“I am Phil Barnett, Please to meet you, Queen Listy.”

“He was summoned to Alayzard two years ago and stayed in my country. If the collective army invasion plan had been realized, the person to defeat the Demon King Galious would have been him, and not Akatsuki.”

Baram hummed for a bit.

“He can also pass through the and return to the hero Akatsuki’s world. In order to clarify the truth, I have decided to entrust him to find the whereabouts of the Demon King’s daughter. Queen Listy, you should have no objections right?”

This was a gamble.

“—You trust the previous hero, but I trust the future hero. In the end, who is right, let’s leave it for the world to decide.”

### Part 2

A dark enclosed space.

Although the room was pitch black, outsiders would be able to clearly feel the vast interior space.

The key to figuring this out was the sound. A building with a chimney-like structure can often have a sound amplification effect. The loud sound echoed around, causing the vast space to be further emphasized.

“—It is only that a hero appeared, there is no need to specially summon everyone to this meeting right?”

“And we will see each other in next week’s summit, why did you pick this time?”

“You cannot say this. This is related to the terrorist attack on Babel, we cannot ignore this.”

“Isn’t that man the person who was called the during Norn Screening? I can’t believe it, it looks like we are all fake heroes.”

“…Do I really look like a fake…?”

“This isn’t the main point point, we only need to faithfully follow our own path of justice.”

“Shouldn’t we have a talk with that person? He should also be a hero from one of the worlds? We still have a vacant seat, if he qualifies…”

“About this point, let’s let Kyouya who faced with Ousawa Akatsuki to decide. Kyouya, what is your view?”

“About this…”

Kyouya slowly spoke.

These people were all Kyouya’s partners, their strength was comparable to him or even slightly stronger. However, in the vast space, only their voices could be heard. Kyouya was using a private line to have a conversation with these partners who were spread all around the world. And Kyouya could also understand clearly in his heart —

The voices coming out from the amplifiers were all the future leaders of the world.

“This incident did allow me to witness his strength, but I still haven’t completely understood him, I feel that it is best to continue leaving him in our school’s B-class for a while to observe him. About whether he qualifies to be a new partner of ours, let’s decide in the future.”

Kyouya’s opinion obtained agreement from everyone. The meeting was soon entering the end.

His partners that were dispersed around the world slowly cut off their communications, but Kyouya remained in his seat because he noticed that a partner was still here.

“—The other female that was mentioned in this report is…?”

He, who had not spoken a word since the beginning of the meeting, finally broke the silence.

Kyouya’s face showed a smile.

“The information was written very clearly, she is Ousawa’s sister. Her strength was accepted by everyone so she, along with Ousawa-kun, was placed in B-class…Is there a problem?”

“…No.”

His response was very cold, Kyouya could not help but reveal a wry smile.

“—Ah yes, Ousawa Akatsuki wanted me to convey a few words.”

Kyouya suddenly paused.

“I will definitely stop you, stop you and father— that was what he said.”

“…”

The other person remained silent, and did not respond.

“How is it? Do you need me to help you convey a message?”

“—There’s no need.”

After the short response, the other closed off his communications. The huge room suddenly entered a state of silence.

Kyouya shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care, he smiled surprisingly.

…Looks like there’s no mistake.

COCOON member’s personal history was one of the top-secrets within Babel, any one member could not learn about other members’ past. Even Kyouya, who had the highest authority, could not use Babel’s information database to obtain relevant information. But he would be able to access Ousawa Akatsuki’s data and identify several suspicious areas from the data. Most of them were related to Ousawa Akatsuki’s brother and father. The content from could skillfully avoid the sensitive topics, but Kyouya combined Akatsuki’s message with other reports, and concluded a surprising fact.

…Then what would he do next?

Imagining the infinite possibilities of the future, Kyouya laughed.

“His father whose location is unknown is the founder of the world’s strongest terrorist organization , but he has a goal of assassinating his father, and at the same time, one of the top leaders in COCOON that is controlling the world...Stopping these two figures means to stop this world...Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really understand?”

### Part 3

Everywhere you could look around, all you could see was a white, bright and organized atmosphere with the smell of disinfectant. This was JPN Babel’s infirmary. Aside from Miu and Akatsuki, there was no one else. The infirmary had a total of 8 beds. Miu was sitting in the innermost bed.

“I can’t deal with you…how is it, does it still hurt?”

Miu’s tone involved a hint of anger.

“Ah? This? There’s no problem, it won’t kill me.”

Akatsuki gaze rested on the bandages on his waist. He had a carefree smile on his face. After being bandaged by the doctor, Akatsuki’s upper body was wrapped in layers and layers of bandages, as if he was a mummy in Egypt. According to Akatsuki, this came from the impact when he forcibly blocked the attack of Cockatrice’s sharp claws. In theory, inside Babel’s barrier, you should not receive any damage to your body, so impacts should all turned into mental damage, and once you exceed your limits, you will lose consciousness. A person who has strong willpower will be able to withstand greater amounts of damage. Once the mental side feels pain, it will automatically affect the body, producing an illusion of being hurt. In short, the mental damages will still provide a feedback to the body.

—The Cockatrice’s abnormal strength originated from the malfunction of the training system. Right now the chaotic scene was already under control, but the Cockatrice’s attacks caused many students to lose consciousness, and they were all sent to the medical building that houses critical patients. Even the medical staff in the infirmary all hurried over to support the medical building after wrapping Akatsuki in bandages. Luckily, the unconscious students’ conditions were all fairly stable. Kuzuha and Chikage’s damages were not serious either. As for the petrified students, it was confirmed that there wasn’t a problem after a precise examination. At the same time Akatsuki defeated the Cockatrice, the petrification was lifted.

Miu looked at Akatsuki. She was constantly pondering.

…Were you not afraid?

—At that time, Akatsuki prevented the combat skills instructor from using the forced termination of the system, expressing his willingness to defeat the Cockatrice, and successfully ended the crisis, settling the out of control program as well. The system engineers specially went to the infirmary to express their gratitude to Akatsuki, proving that Akatsuki’s judgment was correct at that time. If they had decided to use the forced termination, the petrified students would not have been able to recover until the system had recovered. Akatsuki must have noticed the danger, but he did not hesitate and jumped in to protect Miu, even if it meant his body would be petrified. Miu felt uncomfortable, her heart had hidden doubts since the time that she came to this world.

…Why are you willing to protect me?

Hide her from his comrades, and bring her to this world.

Even allowing her to pretend to be his dead sister to avoid suspicions.

Miu staying beside Akatsuki wasn’t without any reasons, she was only following her father Galious’s will.

If the situations permitted, she would live together with Akatsuki; if Akatsuki was not reliable enough, she would immediately kill him. Based on her feelings, Miu despised Akatsuki who killed her father. If killing Akatsuki could avenge her father, she did not know how happy it would be.

However, Miu currently did not have any plans on killing Akatsuki based on her personal feelings. To complete her father’s will, Miu wanted to observe Akatsuki clearly, to determine what kind of person he was.

—Although her father entrusted her to Akatsuki, it was not necessary for him to promise. That being the case, why does he still risk his life to protect me?

In order to fulfill his promise with her father? Or to atone for the death of her father? There were too many possibilities; it would be easier if she asked directly.

Miu suddenly had a feeling, maybe Akatsuki would never say the answer. However, in order to determine whether Akatsuki was a reliable person, it was a very important piece of evidence.

…So I must be aware of it.

Even if Akatsuki was not willing to say it, she would still look for the answer herself.

From now on, she would use the identity of Ousawa Miu and remain beside Ousawa Akatsuki and attempt to enter his inner heart.

—In the world of Alayzard, a group of people called Akatsuki a hero. A hero does not just mean the title of a hero, those people must understand Akatsuki as well.

If others can do it, so can I.

One day, I will be the same as those individuals, able to see Ousawa Akatsuki's truest side.

“—Hey.”

“Huh…Waaaa!”

Miu who was lost in thought was surprised to see Akatsuki looking at her. Miu was shocked and unconsciously shrinked back. Seeing this, Akatsuki could not help but sigh.

“Are you still confused? If you have time to care about others, why don’t you care about yourself first.”

“Huh —W…Wait! What are you trying!”

Akatsuki grabbed onto Miu’s hands and dragged her onto the bed.

“N…Nooooo! Release me! I’m not hurt at all!”

“Don’t pull this act, you think I’m blind? If you’re not injured, then why are you clutching onto your right shoulder? During the time when you tried to protect class rep and Izumi, you raised your holy staff and barely managed to maintain the defensive barrier, as a result you hurt yourself accidentally right?”

Ah, she was discovered.

“…Mmph!”

“Don’t use those pitiful eyes and look at me. There is no need to think or endure during painful times.”

Finishing what he said, Akatsuki slowly patted Miu’s right shoulder.

“Yes…”

A thick warm hand. A slight pain came from Miu’s right shoulder.

The reason was the same as Akatsuki, it was the feedback of the pain on the mental side to the body.

“…Ahh!”

Miu’s body gradually lost strength, but she could feel that her right shoulder’s pain was slowly being relieved.

Taking a closer look, a bright light came from Akatsuki’s left hand.

“Is this…recovery magic?”

“Of course not, I cannot use magic at all. This is just a simple first aid.”

Akatsuki gazed rested on Miu’s shoulder.

“This is called inner ki, its effect is to stabilize the body’s ki and rapidly increase the recovery abilities.”

So Akatsuki asked what feelings she was experiencing.

“The pain is gradually being relieved, and what is replacing it is a warm feeling. But…”

Miu glanced at Akatsuki.

“You aren’t going to take this opportunity and disrupt other people’s ki and make me do strange things right?”

“Ahh doing good deeds really doesn’t get rewarded…Since you were looking forward to it, I will fulfill your wish then!”

So Akatsuki's right index finger gently poked Miu’s forehead.

“…Huh?”

Miu was suddenly surprised.

“Waaaa…ahh…ahh…ahhhhh —!”

Then she held her forehead and screamed, probably thinking of the tragedy in the gym warehouse.

“What did you do? What kind of ghastly acupuncture point did you press this time?”

Miu was trembling nervously. This kind of appearance made Akatsuki shake his head and give a wry smile.

“An acupuncture point which will make you more honest.”

“Liar, I won’t believe…Huh?”

Miu waited vigilantly. Afraid of the painful tragedy being reproduced again. However, after a while, nothing happened. A confused Miu suspiciously stared at Akatsuki.

“—If you want to cry then cry.”

“Uh…?”

At this point Miu was completely confused.

“I just pressed an acupuncture point that will make you more honest, so you can cry as much as you want.”

Akatsuki whispered into Miu’s ears.

“After Galious’ death, you still haven’t cried right?”

Her eyes widened. What he said was absolutely true…

“…You…You’re so mean, why do you suddenly…”

Miu did not understand the reason why Akatsuki was doing this, and did not even understand why he was making her think about this past.

It’s not like you can cry if you want to cry.

“That’s too much… How would you right now make me…”

Akatsuki’s expression was very calmly.

“Clumsy fellow.”

Akatsuki gently stroke Miu’s hair.

“Do not force yourself to accept everything. Come, I’m just standing here, let all your grief, hatred and your suppressed feelings out.”

That’s right.

“No matter what the reason is, I am still the enemy who killed your father.”

“…!”

Miu’s body shuddered.

Akatsuki’s expression was extremely serious.

“Even if you were psychologically prepared, it will be difficult for anyone to accept the truth about their father dying at someone’s hands. There is no need to hold back. When you want to cry, you should just let it all out. Then —“

Akatsuki paused.

“—In front of the enemy, scream out your hatred.”

This was the starting point. Only by mutually accepting it and facing the facts could they continue to go on.

“Galious wanted you to observe whether I am trustworthy, but it does not mean that you have to suppress your own feelings.”

So —

“When you want to cry, but if you can’t cry, I’ll think of a way to make you cry. In the entire world only I can do it, so feel free and cry, cry as much as you want.”

Because —

“—I already pressed the honest acupuncture point.”

“Ah…!”

Miu finally understood Akatsuki’s intention. There were no abnormalities in her body, and there was nothing called an honest acupuncture point in the world, but Akatsuki had really pressed onto that acupuncture point. Just like the time at the gym warehouse, he never obtained Miu’s consent.

So feel free to cry, everything is my fault — This was the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. Miu raised her head and looked at Akatsuki, and from Akatsuki’s loving expression, she found the face of her father.

Father will forgive me.

—Cry.

“—!”

The pent up tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

“…Uwaaa…Uwaaa…”

Once she started to sob, her emotions bursted out.

Just cry, Cry as much as you want.

“Uwaaaaaaa —!”

“That’s correct, just cry as long as you want.”

Miu escaped from Akatsuki’s hands that were on her shoulder.

Her forehead pressed along Akatsuki’s shoulder and her clenched fists pounded Akatsuki’s chest.

“—“

Letting all of her sorrow, pain and hatred out.

Akatsuki silently accepted it.

Accepting Miu’s venting

### Part 4

A calm breathing sound echoed in the silent infirmary. An exhausted Miu was currently sound asleep.

Her emotions were finally released. After coming to this world, perhaps it was the first time she slept so soundly.

Akatsuki could not help but shake his head and smile. Not letting women cry was his aesthetics, but sometimes he would have to face a woman’s tears and allow them to cry out, this was ironic.

—However, everything hadn’t ended yet. They were still standing at the starting line. For the future days, she would continue to observe Akatsuki, then make her final decision, so Akatsuki must step up his pace. That’s right, Ousawa Akatsuki had another matter he must complete.

Akatsuki clenched his right first and silently closed his eyes.

Allowing his thoughts to flow through this world and the faraway alternative world.

—Everything began from here.

Bearing a flag about maintaining the world peace, by turning all alternative world returnees into a weapon for power struggles and sending groups of young males and females to battle: COCOON.

To establish a country for alternative world returnees and continuing to show the overwhelming might to the world. The terrorist organization .

Under the bloody situation of terrorists running amok, superhumans killing each other, or even pursuers from an alternative world that is slowly approaching…

A young man with a determined will courageously faced this chaotic world

The name of this young man was about to spread to every corner of this world.

## Translation notes and References

- ↑ Temporary Name

## 02. Volume 2

### 001. Prologue - I Will Never Forget You

### Part 1

The wind.

The purple sky marks the end to the night, and with accompanying morning sunrise a flock of birds fly through the sky.

Underneath the birds view was the vast earth, the land called Alayzard.

Right now the birds were flying over the Kingdom of magic, Sherfied.

In the royal capital Erdia, the castle built upon the hills, even the town which was built on open land, still the scars of war remain.

Five years ago Erdia was once under siege from the demon army and destroyed.

With the royal lineage almost gone the situation had seemed bleak. Through gaining cooperation from the neighboring countries, Erdia had after 4 years finally begun to recover from that tragedy.

You could really say that the restoration progressed abnormally fast.

Around that time, the queen's triumphant return had brought forth courage and hope within the citizens.

Now at the present time, the citizens of Sherfied were filled with joy.

As every citizens wishes had finally come to pass, for the demon king Garius who had descended with power thought to be absolute had finally been defeated.

Surrounding the castle was a huge forest spreading as far as you could see, in ancient times when the civilization had collapsed.

In a region where animism was a popular belief, the believers had succeeded in making a pact with the four great spirits of fire, water, earth and wind.

As a result, the majority of the land had begun to flourish with nature. With people gradually coming to live in these nature-filled areas, the country Sherfied was born.

In the eastern part of the forest, a temple to worship the four great spirits was built. Even now, people go there to pray for the protection of the four great spirits.

In the western part of the forest where the sun sets by cutting through part of the forest there lays a cemetery for the souls of those who lost their lives to the demon king.

In the corner of the cemetery there stood a gravestone different from the rest, a gravestone which was created two years ago surrounded with lots of flowers and cards, on it

“Here lies the True hero Leon Esuperio”

was engraved.

Fighting the demon army and earning various war achievements, the hero Leon was Sherfied's true hero.

But he too lost his life from the siege five years ago. It was only three years ago that Sherfied could finally create a proper burial for him, even people still come to his burial with expressions filled with extreme sadness to wish that his soul rest in peace.

Thus, the demon king had been defeated and a banquet was held for the heroes return.

The morning after the banquet, there was a silhouette of a young man in front of Leon's grave.

He was a tall man with a firm build, dressed from head to toe in black clothing, unkempt hair that was black like the darkness, even his eyes that had a bright shine in them were jet-black in colour.

“.....”

The young man had just silently been gazing at the grave of the former hero without even twitching ever since the sun had started rising.

As if reporting the results of the long and hazardous battle, he silently whispers,

“See ya.”

After finishing his farewell the young man picked up the sand-coloured bag beside him and swung it over his shoulders, turned around and started walking. The sound of his steps resounded throughout the cemetery.

There was no one around since it was still the morning after the demon king had been defeated, though once the sun has fully risen it will be the signal that world shall wake up once again.

In front of the iron-fence surrounding the cemetery the young man had noticed two figures, a man and a woman. But the young man's pace did not change as he walked straight through them to the outside of the cemetery.

As the young man had passed the two of them the man had called out to him.

“You okay with that, Akatsuki?”

“Yeah this is enough.”

Replied the young man called Akatsuki.

Ousawa Akatsuki.

The young man had been summoned to this world five years ago, defeating the Demon king Garius and becoming the new hero of Sherfied.

### Part 2

“Hey are you seriously leaving?!”

“You're persistent, I've been telling you I am, haven't I?”

Said Akatsuki with a face filled with disdain.

As to not disrupt his pace the conversation happened as they were walking with the man and woman walking behind him.

The red-haired man was called Zeks Doltrake while the half elf with silver hair reaching to her waist was called Rutie Trum.

These two fought along side with Akatsuki as comrades.

“But right now you are the hero that defeated the demon king, if you stay here your whole life you would be living a life without troubles” as one of his close friends, Zeks said with a slight tone of regret.

“That's not true and you know it, because of the demon king starting with Sherfied and then the other countries I'll probably end up going all over the world as a symbol to help the restoration process, right?”

To Akatsuki's bitter smile,

“Well that's true, since a hero is the symbol of hope to the citizens. You're practically a slave because of that”

“It's rare for you Zeks to say something wise like that but...”

Having kept quiet thus far, Rutie spoke out:

“But for Akatsuki who comes from another world we can't forcefully make him stay here.

As he didn't have any obligations to help us defeat the demon king, but since he did help us I think the aftermath should be dealt with the citizens of this world.

Like us he also has a world he loves. So we have no right to stop him.”

“Yeah, that's right you tell him Ru.”

While saying that Akatsuki grabbed Rutie by the shoulder and embraced her, as she let out a voice of surprise and her face became flustered, Akatsuki faced Zeks and spoke:

“You're gonna be Sherfied's army's top commander so what are you gonna gain by leaving it to other people, you perverted commander.”

“Who's the perverted commander!? You pervert hero, even though you're trying to say something convincing, you're touching Ru's ass so nonchalantly it's not persuasive at all.”

While pointing towards Akatsuki's hand that was currently rubbing Rutie's ass, Akatsuki retorted,

“You sure are an idiot, since it's the last time of course I'd rub it.”

“Um, Akatsuki...”

With a flustered face and a bewildered expression Rutie looked up towards Akatsuki, with a serious expression Akatsuki spoke:

“That's the reason, so is it okay if I rub your breasts too, as a memoir?”

It seems that request was impossible as Rutie struck at Akatsuki's cheek.

The gate behind the castle of Erdia surrounded by nature became their farewell.

“Akatsuki, I guess this is where we part ways.”

“It's still a bit regretful but take care, Ru.”

With his hand that was suppressing the stinging feeling in his cheek he firmly shook Rutie's hand.

He then moved his gaze towards Zeks, but as if sulking his back was towards Akatsuki.

Chuckling a little,

“See ya Zeks once you become Sherfied's official commander keep the womanizing in check, if you act like you did on the journey until now it's instant dismissal from the position, you hear me?”

“I don’t wanna be told that by you.”

Wanting to prolong Akatsuki's leave Zeks asked:

“What are you gonna do about Risty?”

“...”

Akatsuki's mouth was shut tight. That was definitely an effective method to stop him.

The person Zeks had mentioned was the sole survivor of the royal family who had escaped from the slaughter five years ago and was now the queen of Sherfied, Risty da Sherfied.

She is a talented magic user as well as one of Akatsuki's comrades. With the four of them they had fought together to defeat the demon king.

Akatsuki had definitely felt himself being attracted to her since their first meeting after being summoned to Alayzard. But she already had the best partner...

Alayzard's symbol of hope and the strongest hero, Leon Esperio.

Ousawa Akatsuki knew just how much those two loved each other. The whole world wished for their happiness and that includes Akatsuki himself.

But that wish never came true.

Because five years ago Leon was slain by the demon king, in front of his own eyes.

Even now the image of that moment was burned into his mind as well as Risty's expression when she found Leon in a puddle of his own blood and Akatsuki who was sitting next to him in a daze.

After that incident Akatsuki had successfully escaped to the religious kingdom of Alecrasta and temporarily disappeared.

Seeking power Akatsuki proceeded to the High Sanctuary where the gods lived.

After gaining the ability of Renkan Keikikou and descending from the High Sanctuary Akatsuki had fallen into another dilemma. After saving Risty and the others, his status had been raised to being a hero but after losing the hope of Alayzard the majority of the citizens could not forgive him, for letting Leon die and having only him who wasn't even from this world live and to make matters worse he had abandoned Risty when she was in a period of suffering. That's why to this day, they criticize him as being a coward and although they praise him as the new hero, with a slight tone of cynicism they began to call him the “Rogue Hero”.

Akatsuki thought back to the days after he had started being called the rogue hero, he had traveled with Risty throughout numerous lands and they had survived on the battlefield together and during that time he had seriously thought that they had established an emotional bond.

But even so Akatsuki showed a bitter smile as he declared.

“I'm the rogue hero, even if I went to see her she would just be dazzled by my appearance.”

For the new queen as someone who is the complete opposite of her, Akatsuki was not fit to be by her side.

Moreover, even if they aren't tied by any sort of political bond. The influence of having defeated the demon king will never disappear, even if it ends with having countries being split because there were people who thought of using that influence or people who didn't even think much about it.

Akatsuki had decided he would defeat the demon king on his own and take all the citizens praise and everlasting grudges and forever carry them on his shoulders and disappear.

That was the best choice for him, the rogue hero to make which is why he left the castle without telling anyone. To return to his own world.

Risty had probably realized what Akatsuki was thinking which is why she didn't show up, this was her way of saying farewell.

But Zeks didn't seem satisfied as he shouted

“Whatever, it's not like you, the rogue hero to suddenly have a conscience.”

It seems he couldn't take it anymore as he turned to face Akatsuki, while looking at his expression that was about to cry Akatsuki thought to himself, it looks I wasn't wrong. This was his friend's way of displaying his understanding.

To that:

“Idiot.”

As Akatsuki said that while whispering the words “thank you” in his heart.

Silently hitting his comrade on the shoulder while smiling,

“It's fine like this, she probably understands that too.”

Saying farewell he continued walking.

“Please wait a moment, Akatsuki-sama.”

Hearing this new voice that seemed slightly familiar he turned around, positioned behind Zeks and Rutie lining up at the gate behind the castle were maids, starting with the head maid Valkuria these were Sherfied's prided Beautiful maid alliance.

With such a spectacular view of these maids who were lined up so uniformly Akatsuki scratched his cheek “This is embarrassing did all of you come to see me off, Valkuria?”

“Yes, we have come to deliver a message from the princess.”

Getting straight to the point and not bringing emotions into factor was Valkuria's style.

To everyone who knew her well they could tell she was being thoughtful in her own way, Akatsuki was also someone who knew her well and as such had understood.

“Is that so?”

Not being honest to the end and sending a message was very much like Risty, that's why,

“Let me hear it”

Nodding Valkuria spoke with a smooth and rhythmical tone,

“A hero who has saved the world and thinks about leaving the next day, don't look down on me! You should have your body beaten and cool off... That seems to be the message”

“Huh?”

As Akatsuki tilted his head in puzzlement, the maids had all got their weapons prepared and assaulted him.

### Part 3

With that his eyes had awoken, in other words he had been sleeping.

Ousawa Akatsuki had understood what he saw was a dream.

It happened the day he left and the maids attacked him.

“To think I would see it in a dream... Seems I was pretty restless.”

While in Alayzard he had been surrounded by enemies a lot that's so even after Leon's death, fighting for his life or even if the situation had seemed desperate he had never hesitated.

But that farewell, he had let down his guard completely because of that, the whole thing seemed like a surprise attack with all the magic infused and shining weapons and on top of that starting with Valkuria all the maids were emotionless and in all honesty he was a bit frightened by it.

Scratching the back of his head Akatsuki slowly got out of bed, the room was still dark, while looking at the clock it was still in the middle of the night at 2:30AM.

Looking at the clock he narrowed his eyes and wondered to himself

“I get the feeling the shape of the clock had changed from before.”

The clock which was chipped as if it had hit something hard was made from artificial marble so he seriously wondered how that could of happened.

“Well it's all good it doesn't seem like it's broken.”

as he whispered that he faced the faint moonlight.

Opening the window, walking forward onto his veranda while looking at the night sky he thought to himself.

“Seeing that dream means that none of the things I've done there have been forgotten, those words I said to Valkuria definitely weren't a lie there’s no way I'd forget.”

The time he spent with those three, the war with the demon army and the days he spent learning Reikan Keikikou from the Fist Saint Granzes and reason why he went there in the first place... Leon's death.

“Because it was my fault.”

At the time Akatsuki had just been summoned to Alayzard and was just a young man without any abilities, Leon had shielded Akatsuki from the dagger of the demon king and thus lost his life.

At that time he had never cursed his powerless more, swearing to never lose someone important to him a second time. But in the end he still couldn't do anything. That tragedy gave birth to the rogue hero Ousawa Akatsuki.

He had starting thinking that his existence and defeating the demon king could act as a temporary relief

“Yeah right, as if it was that convenient.”

as he reprimanded himself.

Even if he had defeated the demon king and even if peace had come to Alayzard, Leon had died there was no way to change that fact. As long as that fact was not overturned Akatsuki's guilt will never disappear.

For Risty who had known him longer than Akatsuki she would definitely be in more pain over that fact.

“I wonder what she's doing right now.” thought Akatsuki.

It's been nearly a month since he had returned to his own world but even though he's returned no time had passed at all.

But from the stories he heard while in the High Sanctuary the time that he now passes in this world will also pass in Alayzard.

Since it's been a month since the demon king was defeated, Alayzard is probably spending its days being restored.

Just defeating the demon king won't bring back the hope in people's hearts, but for Akatsuki who knows nothing about politics, he couldn't even imagine the hard work that was needed even so, with Zeks and the others helping it should be progressing little by little.

“I can't lose either.”

Akatsuki shifted his gaze filled with resolution from the night sky to the darkness covering the other side of the city.

This was a gigantic man-made island which was built upon an open section of the interior of Tokyo Bay.

This island was created to guide the people who had been summoned to an alternative world onto the right path.

To the east of the island was a mountain area filled with nature, to the west was a huge facility with cutting-edge technology and towns had spread around the facility.

There was also a landmark centered in the middle of the island which can be seen from any direction.

Staring at that landmark in the shape of a tower Ousawa Akatsuki made a proclamation-

“Just you wait old man and Sakuya, I will definitely rise to top and reach your level.”

### Part 4

As he was about to return to his room, he showed a bitter smile as there was one more thing he couldn't forget just as the window of the room next to his entered his view.

The demon king's final wish as he perished to his death.

“I want to entrust my daughter to you...”

Akatsuki adhered to the demon king's last request and had brought the girl who had a name oddly similar to his deceased sister into this world.

She too like Risty was a person who by Akatsuki's hands has had a deep mental wound etched into her heart.

Like Risty who had lost her fiancee because of Akatsuki, the young girl, Miu had lost her father, Garius.

“Yeah I get it.”

There was no way he would ever be forgiven for what he had done but even then, Akatsuki still thought that he wanted to protect this girl, no matter what happens in the future.

“I don't intend to lose someone precious to me a third time.”

While thinking about the girl sleeping on the other side of the window Akatsuki softly shut his eyes and whispered

“I wonder if she's having dreams about Alayzard and if that's the case it would be good if it were about those happy times.”

Akatsuki shook his head, once again he ended thinking up another convenient situation, if on the other hand she was having nightmares it would definitely be his fault, even while knowing that he had brought her to this world while being fully resolved for that.

“I have make a place for her to feel at home properly as soon as I can.”

Having also once experienced the same pain of isolation he knew how the girl felt.

“That's why I have to stop those two as soon as possible...”

With that Akatsuki quietly returned to his room.

The wind had started blowing softly and quietly.

Just like the calm before the storm.

Even so I don't want to see your tears even if its because you have to go along with my selfishness.

## 03. Volume 3

### 001. Prologue - Fomenting of Malicious Claw Marks

### Part 1

Rays of light suddenly flashed the dark space.

Rainbow colored light quickly spread out in all directions. This was a special phenomenon arising from the transfer of space.

It was a space distortion that linked different locations.

A high-pitch buzzing noise resonated in the area.

Then the dazzling light converged, and a figure had emerged from within the light.

"I think the same thing each time...... the church's is amazing!"

She lightly fiddled with her beautiful long smooth hair, as she praised the space transfer.

Listy El Da Sherfied.

In the world known as Alayzard, one of the most powerful nations was the magical country of Sherfied. The present woman was its Queen, Listy.

Listy turned her head to look behind.

In front of her eyes stood a towering circular object. The outside was decorated with sacred stones that appeared like ornate colored glass, while the center reflected the scenery ahead.

However -- the inner circle wasn't an enormous mirror. To a certain extent the mirror lens emitted a light, as if to prove it wasn't the case. The light was so dazzling, Listy subconsciously narrowed her eyes. After the glare faded the object also reflected three figures on her side. She heavily relied upon them once she ascended to the throne as they were the three people she trusted the most.

Sherfied's major general in command of the Kingdoms army Zechs · Doltrake.

Queen Listy's assistant administer Chief Executive of the Kingdom Trum · Loutier.

As well as the caretaker for Queen Listy and her daily living Chief maid -- Grand chamberlain Valkyria.

In fact, not too long ago Listy was accompanied by those three when she left for the desert in which the Disdiya Empire was located to discuss an important matter. However it was only for a short time, almost a few seconds of time before they returned to Erudia, the capital of Sherfied kingdom, from Disdiya.

"What's wrong? How can you afford to just stand here?"

After discovering Listy's weird expression, Zechs couldn't resist opening his mouth.

"Mmm," Listy softly shook her head and said,

"Nothing, I was just looking at , that's all."

Listy raised her head to carefully study the towering object in front of her --- .

It was a relic of a bygone era in the multi-continent of Alayzard the Church of Richard used to complete their missionary work.

According to historical records, originally the various thoughtout Alayzard were limited to only lead to the Church of Richard's place of origin -- Aleclasta. At that time, the Religious Empire only allowed high-ranking bishops of Church the privileges of using the But after several great wars, and also at the strong request of each of the countries over the years the Religious Empire lessened the restrictions on the and made it it possible to traverse to each other upon cases of famine, plague or other natural disasters to quickly give support and assistance. From the beginning the Church prized its neutrality -- and so the Aleclasta Empire took a passive approach towards the requests of the other countries. However, since the current Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV's ascension the privileges were opened further to be used by the governments of each country.

Still the were only for urgent matters. Activities such as trade and commerce were forbidden.

In this context, the was useful for pressing matters between the various countries royal families. In particular was the period of time when Sherfied, Disdiya and Aleclasta held numerous conferences to establish a military alliance in order to defeat the Demon country of Galevain and overthrow its Demon King Galious.

And just recently, Listy was taking part in talks with representatives from Disdiya and Aleclasta in order to capture the unaccounted for Demon King's daughter, Myuu.

Simultaneously -- to permit a youth to return his original world.

After saying farewell to the Church, Listy had passed through Gate and went straight back to Erudia's castle.

Urgent matters had come up concerning the future which needed to be planned accordingly.

The conversions needed to be kept in strict confidence, so Listy chose to assemble in the Queen's executive office. Thus eliminating the risk of any information being leaked.

The last to enter was Valkyria, who at the same time locked the door behind her. After which Listy let out a heavy sigh.

"..... I was only out of the country for one day."

Listy voice sounded quite wearily, as her eyes rested on the desk against the wall where she took care of official business. Piling up on top of the desk was a mountain of documents.

"It seems Loutier-sama's judgment was correct."

And Valkyria calmly stated,

"If we had returned to country through the land route as Listy-sama desired it would have taken at least five days. Then the amount of documents piling up would of been proportional.

That was right, Listy had planned to return home by carriage. She didn't even consider using the . On the way back by land she could have inspected the reconstruction progress throughout Sherfied's territory -- especially near the border were it was harder to gauge the progress.

In addition, she thought an appearance from the Queen could soften people's anxiety, and may also give hope to the people. But this proposal was rejected by Loutier and Valkyria, and ultimately she had no choice but to give up. Admittedly maintaining popular sentiment was important, however Sherfied had a hundred other things that took precedent. And now in her office was a pile of documents concerning the recover the country. If it was really for the people, the government affairs should prioritized before anything else.

Listy understood that Loutier and Valkyria's were correct.

Thus she readily accepted their good advice, and decided to use the to return home.

But still in her heart she couldn't help think.

...... If Akatsuki were here ......

Akatsuki was a Hero with an innate quality to motivate others. If it was him who was in charge of government affairs he would have visited every corner of the Sherfied, and would of certainly been able to encourage and inspire hope in many more people.

...... No, that's not true.

It was Listy herself who wanted Akatsuki stay in Alayzard more than anyone.

After he returned to his original world, and she ascended to the Queen's throne she realized that.

After a little reminiscing, Listy understand more than ever before the position Akatsuki held in her heart. How important his strength, brilliant smile and strong personality, not only brought Listy inexplicable sense of security, further became her hearts most significant moral support.

However Listy shook her head, trying to get rid of her dependence on Akatsuki.

She was Sherfied's Queen, and must handle the work of the Queen herself.

...... But this amount of documents even spending several hours might not be enough......

To Listy who sighed, and dropped her shoulders the assistant administer Loutier floated a slight smile,

"It will be alright. I'll also help, two people working together can finish this in the blink of an eye."

"Two people, huh? So basically it will be Loutier doing it all by herself."

"Don't underestimate me, I'll be helpful."

Listy stuck out her chest, and refuted Zechs's ridiculing.

...... But then again, LuLu really helps me out a lot.

As a high elf Loutier possessed an intelligence that surpassed humans. and other

Ordinarily Listy would of been able to handle the national affairs and miscellaneous business on her own, but because of current restoration of Sherfied she was naturally dealing with more than the usual mess. She was simply overwhelmed. Thanks to Loutier finishing most of the work, Listy got a chance to catch some breath.

"Putting these documents aside, what matters most right now is --"

Half said, Listy suddenly changed the tone in her voice.

"-- I sure both of you should of more or less guess correctly? -- Zechs and Lulu, I want to ask you to investigate something."

It was the new Hero from Disdiya who was tasked with the apprehension of the Demon King's daughter. Watching Phil Barnett's unusual departure towards the alternate world, Listy felt very skeptical. When Phil, Disdiya's Emperor Baram as well as Aleclasta's Archbishop Miranda talked among themselves Listy became even more suspicious.

"Zechs, would you please investigate the origins of Phil Barnett, and what he has been up to during his time in Alayzard. The first time I saw Phil Barnett I knew he was not an ordinary person, but I never could of imagined him having that kind of power."

After Listy recalled the confrontation with Disdiya and Phil Barnett when they arrived at the she couldn't help but say,

"With ordinary training that degree of power fluctuation is impossible. They must be hiding something. Zechs, I would like you to find out the answer."

In addition -–

"Lulu, I would ask you to investigate how a person from another world can return to their world and then come back to this world. Judging from Emperor Baram as well as Miranda's reactions they all seem to think that Phil Barnett will be able to return with the Demon King's daughter to Alayzard once again, and also saw it as a matter of course."

Having said that, Listy in her heart was still somewhat skeptical. Does a method really exist? At least until now, Listy didn't know anything such method to speak of.

However, Akatsuki once said, If ever something happens call for me. If you believe in me, at that time I will absolutely come rushing back. In retrospect, Akatsuki parting shot seemed to suggest a method for inhabitants of an alternate world to return to Alayzard really does exist.

"...... I don't mind looking into the matter, but --"

Suddenly, Loutier spoke in a subdued voice.

"-- If there really is a method for a person from an different world who returned to once more come this world -- Then what are your intentions, Listy?"

She doesn't plan to re-summon Akatsuki? Or does she plan to analyzes the mechanism of alternate world migration, and go directly to Akatsuki's world? Loutier's eyes were flickering to show her indignant thoughts, seemly to criticize Listy's lack of thinking everything through.

-- Akatsuki brought the Demon King's daughter to his own world.

Listy was unwilling to believe Disdiya leader, Emperor Baram's hypothesis. Akatsuki was Listy's comrade, and this statement will undoubtedly hurt Akatsuki's image. Listy plainly refused to believe that, and also was why she involuntarily flared up towards Emperor Baram.

Of course, Listy understood that wasn't how a Queen of a country should behave. Moreover Listy already made up her mind, that no matter what, she will always stand on the side of Akatsuki.

Therefore -- Listy gently shook her head, and showed a wry smile.

"Even if I know of the method, I have no intentions. But simply not knowing and not being aware is something completely different. At present this is a secret that the other countries know of, while we actually know anything at all. In this regard, Sherfied is apparently behind the curve. To compensate for this disparity, also to prevent people from using this method for all kinds of evil. I think we should get to the bottom of it."

Moreover,

"Akatsuki told me to call for him if something were to happen. Even if that's case, wouldn't it be better learn of this method beforehand just in case? I think as Queen this is absolutely my responsibility to protect this country."

On the surface it sounded dignified, but at the same time -- she couldn't assert it wasn't slightly taking into account her personal feelings. Loutier then floated a smile.

She had a long friendship with Listy, and naturally knew the her real intention. She noded to say "I understand" and,

"Although there aren't any descriptions write down in Sherfied's old records. Perhaps the secret was restricted to an extreme few."

That being the case --

"Why don't I try inquire about it in my homeland. Some of the elders have lived for close to a thousand years. Maybe they know some information."

"All right, then I'll begin with contacting our spies in the national army."

Zechs interjected from side and,

"Since we entered into a military alliance with Disdiya the restrictions on crossing the border had been drastically lifted. Even now we have some guys remaining over there. From them it might be possible to get some information on that brat Phil."

"I'm sorry to trouble both of you. This is an important matter, but it isn't necessary to rush things."

And Listy smiled bitterly.

"As for me, even my hair has become itching because of the sand in Disdiya. Before tiding up this pile of documents, I want to take a hot bath to wash off this exhaustion. Even you two are tired. Do take it easy today --"

Without time to finish, came a short knock at the door to the office.

"-- Who is it?"

Valkyria was standing near a door had asked for who was on the other side of the door. The conversations in this room were extremely confidential, so her tone was somewhat harsh. Then,

"It's Ilya, there's an urgent matter to report to Valkyria-sama."

The maids voice could be heard through the door, as Valkyria silently looked at Listy. Her eyes were asking for permission. Therefore Listy returned a nod,

"It's fine. The meeting was over, let her come in."

When Valkyria opened the execute office door a young girl dressed in almost the same maid uniform was standing in the corridor. After the girl bowed towards Listy, she walked towards Valkyria and whispered into her ear. For an instant the calm composure that Valkyria always wore turned grim. This apparent change caught Listy's eyes.

"..... Valkyria, what happened?"

Listy asked.

"There was a ...... problem that occurred during our absence."

It was said in a roundabout manor. Ordinary Valkyria would just speak outright, today was somewhat unusual.

Listy knows Valkyria, and this only happens in unusual circumstances, in this case it means something ominous. And --- it seems to be particularly serious.

Then,

"Listy Her Majesty the Queen --"

With a heavy tone Valkyria slowly informed her.

### Part 2

The sinking sun gradually dyed the horizon crimson.

The sky overhead began to slowly become a dark blue, as if declaring the coming of night. And at boundary off in the distant sky near the horizon was a purplish red line of both.

During the period when the upcoming evening began to show its dimness. In the forest west of Erudia's castle was a cemetery, and in the corner of it.

Listy stood stock still.

"Why ......"

The word accidentally slip from her mouth, because sight was too hard to believe.

What she was looking at now was a completely destroyed tomb.

This cemetery created for the people who died in the fight against the Demons, and among them was tomb which was extremely special. It was for a youth who dared to take on the Demon King's army head-on, and left behind numerous distinguished war services.

It was the final resting place of the man praised as the "True Hero," Leon Esuperio -- who's tomb was now devastated. The gravestone engraved with his name was split into two from center lengthwise.

The condolence flowers and cards mourning the deceased had all been trampled. And the ground where his remains and keepsakes were buried looked as though it had been hollowed out by a huge talon.

"This is awful... ... Who would do such a terrible thing ......!"

Listy bite her lower lip, it didn't make any sense.

Unfortunately there were those in Alayzard who do not think highly of Akatsuki, and Listy had some knowledge of that. Which was why Akatsuki was ridiculed as the "Rogue Hero."

However Listy honesty couldn't have imagined someone actually thought of Leon as an enemy, even so such to desecrate his final resting place.

That person absolutely cannot be forgiven, Listy thought.

"-- Valkyria."

Listy signaled to the grand Chamberlain standing behind her, before passing down her instructions,

"-- Find this criminal immediately! The destruction of the Hero's grave is clear hostile action against the people of Sherfied!"

Listy clenched her fists as she secretly swore in her heart.

The desecration of the dead was absolutely unforgivable behavior.

And she won't let this stand.

Behind the infuriated Listy stood two figures.

Just like Valkyria, Zechs and Loutier had rushed after her to the scene.

Those two understood how much pain Listy must be feeling.

And their anger was absolutely no less than hers.

However, that was irrational rage, and as before the two remained somewhat cool-headed.

Therefore, they whispered to each other in a low murmur Listy couldn't hear.

"--- Did you notice, Zechs?"

"Ah...... the gravestone wasn't broken into two, but cut with a blade."

The halves of gravestone had many little of cracks, and there were tiny fragments from it scattered all around. At first glance it seems like a huge iron hammer mashed it into two parts. But Leons's gravestone was specially made out of Adamantite ore, and its hardness was many more times that of iron. It would be impossible for a mere iron hammer to smash it. Having said that, the Adamantium tomb even had a number of defensive magics placed on it. No mid tier magic could have destroyed it either.

And looking at the how the cross-section that was smooth almost like a mirror.

No mistake, that was a mark left by a sword. Then someone tried to disguise the destruction as if by something different. A person who could cut it like that had to be a master. Even though Alayzard was large, expertize of that caliber was limited to just a handful. Ferreting out the criminal should be just a matter of when, rather than if.

"...... Valkyria, I'm sorry for troubling you."

Valkyria was put in charge of cleaning up the aftermath. As Valkyria was instructing the other maids Listy started towards the castle with Zechs and Loutier closely behind.

"------"

However, suddenly Zechs stopped and turned to look behind.

"...... Zechs, what's wrong?"

"No...... its nothing."

To Loutier's question Zechs shook his head as he answered.

...... It can't be.......

Zechs once again started walking, and smiled wryly. He was about to say a name, however it was too early to say such a thing.

The figure of one young man had flashed across his mind.

It was not possible to conclude that he was the culprit at the moment.

### Part 3

The space was equipped with various kinds of monitors and consoles.

From small electric devices to air-conditioning system, and even the system barrier that converts physical damage into mental damage were all directly managed in the room. It could be said the control room was the heart of JPN Babel.

It was soon approaching midnight, and the control room should only have a few staff left on duty. But in spite of that the room was overcrowded with people.

Angry shouts of status reports and confirmation orders roared back and forth to each other. The tension from the seriousness of the situation was starting to take a toll.

Then a man appeared. The tall sturdy figure was dressed in oil-stained overalls, while the unforthcoming man's expression seemed to be disagreeable under the stubbly beard. He looked remarkably alike an iron factory worker at first glance, that was out of place among the high-tech precision instruments throughout the control center. But when the man appeared most of the staff invariably stopped what they were doing to stare at him. After confirming who he was their expressions were filled with relief.

"...... Professor Kubota."

After someone call out to the man dressed in greasy overalls -- Kubota Kaito responded:

"Report the situation.”

In his own workshop not only was tinkering with machines one of his interests.

As regards to Babel, he was the number one authority on technical research into parallel worlds.

The practical use of AD, the development of the system barrier to prevent harming the body, the construction of mock training simulators, etc. were critical systems in Babel due in the most part to his accomplishments.

He was important figure on campus, and Kubota Kaito's status was unshakeable.

Responding to Kubota's calm inquiry the staff reported the present situation in rapid succession.

"About 30 minutes ago the system barrier stopped functioning. The main program crashed for unknown reasons, and cannot be rebooted."

"In accordance with the emergency operating procedures we tried restarting with the back-up system, but it also failed to restore it. It appears the external line was destroyed."

"In addition to the second, fourth and seventh lines being disconnected all communication with the outside has been cut. There are also serious problems with the campus's security systems."

In a nutshell, they were helpless in face of the crisis. Then Kubota narrowed his eyes,

"-- Status on the other lines and systems?"

"No-nothing...... they are operating normally......"

After listening to the staffs flustered replies, Kubota nodded "good" and,

"We will make use of systems still operating to create a by-pass forcing them to run each program in parallel. Then we will re-build the rest of the system from there to restore the system to its status prior the destruction. Operational efficiencies will be drastically reduced, but at this critical juncture that is a luxury I'm not worried about it."

He gave out precise instructions. Kubota appeared in the control room for only a few minutes, however in that very short time he gave this desperate situation a ray of hope. Staff members on-site hurriedly back to their respective posts to put Kubota's plan into action.

"-- Professor Kubota!"

A staff member stopped Kubota.

"There is a transmission from the ranking tournament headquarters's tent asking how long will it take for system barrier restoration."

"...... Eight hours. Before the system can be reset in attempt to continue the ranking tournament."

When Kubota answered the surrounding staff in the control room voices started to stir.

In this emergency situation every second counts, and eight hours was already a long time.

Still, the eight hours that Kubota spoke of made some of the on-site staff shiver. They were trying make use of the remaining lines in order to restore the main program's operation, but tying into the normal lines with this brutal method is tantamount to starting from scratch and building a new system.

That was, can such a workload be completed in as little as eight hours?

However, Kubota informed them in tone as though it was a matter of course,

"Just over there it has become a battlefield -- It would be unjust of us not to desperately do everything we can here."

And thus the technical staff battle began.

Under these harsh conditions of limited equipment and systems, everyone must be at their best. There was no room for someone to slack. At that moment someone muttered –- Why couldn't it been another day. Why today of all days!

"It's useless to complain. We can now only make the best of it."

While he placated the staff member, many questions emerge in Kubota's mind.

-- I heard that a few hours before this situation occurred the security system discovered a mysterious intruder within the campus. However, not long after there were reports of malfunction in the system, so it was regarded as a false positive. Looking back now, the system wide crashes may not be unrelated with the invader. The destruction of the main system I can understand, but why even damaged the backup system and also to drastically cut the lines? It was as if -- the intruder had a thorough knowledge of Babel's systems.

...... It can't be that simple.

Kubota imagined a certain possibility, and couldn't help but frown.

Currently an intruder was still at large.

Furthermore it could be -- someone who betrayed Babel!

-- The two Worlds had been caught inside a tangled web.

As JPN Babel's longest and most brutal night curtain rises --

If you do not know yet, then I will tell you.

That is where you belong --

## 04. Volume 4 ( Full Text )

### 001. Part 1

Soft sunlight filtered in.

The rays of the sun spread their comfortable warmth, announcing the coming of spring. Gentle wind blew into the room from an open window, making the white lace curtain flutter lightly.

A self-governed region established to manage the returnees from alternate worlds. On the sky of the giant manmade island built by refilling a portion of Tokyo Bay, the cloudless weather gave the feeling of spring.

However, in contrast with the comfortable weather, a heavy atmosphere enshrouded the Ousawa residence.

The reason was the silence that fell into the living room a little while before.

...... Good grief.

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed in his mind. Right now inside the room, there were four people including Akatsuki.

Akatsuki and Miu, who live in this house.

Also their friends Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

“........................”

Akatsuki, leisurely laying back on the couch, looked at the girl sitting beside him.

The name of the girl prone to cast her eyes down was Ousawa Miu. The name belonged to Akatsuki’s little sister.

However—the girl that was now over there wasn’t Akatsuki’s little sister.

Akatsuki was summoned to the alternate world Alayzard, as a result of his hardships became a hero, and defeated the Demon King Garius — From Garius, right before his death, he was entrusted with his only daughter.

Myuu . That's her true name.

And after the Demon King Garius died, judging that she was in danger, Akatsuki brought her back to this world. Bestowing her with the name of his sister who was no longer around, they started living together. Meanwhile they attended school at the Babel organization, which had been established with the aim to manage and train the boys and girls who returned from alternate worlds.

Yet, that didn't mean all problems were solved. If those around them got hold of her being an inhabitant of an alternate world, it would be problematic, and from the start they had a relationship of being a hero and the daughter of the Demon King. To Miu, Akatsuki was her father's enemy. Properly speaking, he was the target of a hatred that absolutely could not be forgiven.

—Living together despite that, while learning about each other, in time trust sprouted between them. Then a pursuer was sent from Alayzard and attacked Miu.

Phil Burnet. He was a human of this world summoned to Alayzard, ironically to be the youth that was to become the next hero after Akatsuki. At JPN Babel, which Akatsuki and Miu attended—there, during the Ranking Tournament, a death match against Phil ensued. Despite Phil having formed a contract with the Evil Dragon Zahark, a lifeform from a higher plane, Akatsuki still defeated him. Furthermore, during the battle, even though Miu gave up her own life so as not to involve the people around her, Akatsuki's strong persuasive skills freed her from her despair. In the end, the trust between them became deeper.

—But in contrast, this most likely caused others to notice that Miu held some sort of secret.

Especially, the ones who were in their same team at the ranking tournament, Chikage and Kuzuha, as they in fact engaged in combat against Phil, they knew that Phil's goal was Miu. At least to these two, due to the facts stated above, it was impossible to keep the secret from them.

Because of that, at the end of the Ranking tournament, after coming back home from the seaside park.

Akatsuki made Miu make a decision. Whether or not to disclose her secret to Chikage and Kuzuha.

Thereupon, after a struggle Miu made a decision. To reveal her secret to those two.

For that reason, Akatsuki got in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha. In order to confirm their intentions.

—Don't tell anyone. It's a life or death matter. Miu's hidden secret is that big, so it's serious. Even so, it may be you want to hear about it.

You will hear Miu's secret from Miu herself.—

To Akatsuki's question "What will you do?", both Chikage and Kuzuha sent the same answer.

An immediate reply. Both of them said just the words "I'll come."

The next day, just a bit after noon, Chikage and Kuzuha turned up at the Ousawa home.

—And so, we arrive at the current situation.

### 002. Part 1

Printed text that could arouse the reader’s emotions completely occupied the cover.

The attractive headlines conveyed the authors’ stubbornness and passion.

Daily Sports News. The front page covers that reported everyday sports competition in the world all had a similar paragraph of text.

“Oh, they actually published it! Ahh~ which one should I choose?”

Kaidou Motoharu, who had entered the convenience store, stood beside the counter looking at the goods from the newspaper shelves. He finally selected the Daily Super Sports News with a fiery style. After paying, Kaidou took the newspaper and energetically walked out of the convenience store.

This was the Daily Super Sports News’ cover headline.

After the headline, there was a report regarding the terrorist group ’s destruction of Singapore’s unfinished Babel. However, the destruction of Babel was only used as bait to attract terrorist groups. The United Nations also issued a press release, confirming that the real Babel was still safe and sound.

To construct the high-rise Babel required the use of a special magic. The construction period could not be compared with a normal building. If they carried out a large scale construction at the predetermined location, it would become an easy target for terrorist attacks, thus a fake Babel was naturally needed. Even for the fake Babel, the protective measures could not be sloppy; as Babel was a important facility for C.O.C.O.O.N., a weak protection would inevitably reveal the authenticity of the building. Therefore, there had never been a record of Babel suffering an attack during construction.

“—This record was finally broken by us.”

After reading the report, Kaidou folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. He then took out his phone, selected a number from his contact list, and pressed the dial button.

“…What’s the matter?”

After the phone call connected, a girl’s dull and indifferent voice came from the other end of the phone.

Kaidou could not help but give a wry smile.

“There’s no need to be so cold right, I haven’t offended you. Meme, are you currently free to talk?”

“No, please keep it short.”

The girl’s reaction suddenly made Kaidou crack a smile. Although she said that it is inconvenient, she would still chat for an awfully long time. Even her appearance of being indifferent was just to hide her warm-heartedness.

At this moment…

“…I can see your face revealing a strangely annoying smile, can I hang the phone call now?”

“No way, you can even see this? This is only a phone call, but you still keep a stiff attitude!?”

Kaidou patted his face and retracted his frivolous look.

“Meme, Actually I have something to ask you, the all-knowing person. After yesterday’s mission in Singapore, didn’t I return back earlier? So I want to know the aftermath of the event.”

In short –

“- Who was the last to stay?”

Through the phone call, Kaidou Motoharu asked his companions - members - a question.

After receiving the notice from their commander, Kaidou and several others had flown to Singapore from various locations in the world to meet up, and together destroy the fake Babel’s construction. Yes, they knew from the beginning that it wasn’t the real Babel.

Even though it was a fake Babel, its protective measures and the hardness of the building were no different from the real Babel.

Therefore, the mission of destroying the fake Babel was ultimately the best field exercise.

All these efforts were to destroy the real Babel.

This mission had nearly full attendance, except for one person. That’s right, the only absentee was the boss. Even receiving the commander’s notice, founder still used the excuse of “The great Amazon is calling me>, and directly expressed his willingness to not participate.

This was not an excuse for shirking, currently he should be in the Amazon lands alone.

After the mission for destroying the fake Babel had ended, Kaidou immediately left Singapore. Because it was the commander’s request to monitor Akatsuki’s movements.

“I did not stay till the very last moment, and am unclear about the situation. Commander also seems to have left the scene early.”

“- But you should have “seen” it right?”

Kaidou chuckled with an appearance filled with confidence.

’s mission mode had always been meeting up and disbanding at the location. After the mission was completed, it was up to the individual to decide their next action; the organization would not interfere. Thus, the past Kaidou was never interested in the after-actions of other members. However, the situation this time was different. Before Kaidou and the others started the mission, they had received information about a few C.O.C.O.O.N members trying to use this chance to eradicate . Thus, when Kaidou left Singapore, there were still various bloodthirsty members staying behind. C.O.C.O.O.N viewed as a thorn, and at the same time, also viewed C.O.C.O.O.N as a pest. Both camps had the goal of getting rid of the other.

“… The C.O.C.O.O.N responsible for India and China Babel seemed to take advantage of the summit and went to Singapore to investigate, as a result there was a conflict with Luka and Claire.”

“Oh wow, they really fought against C.O.C.O.O.N.?”

In his excitement, Kaidou could not help but raise his voice. This was confidential information that would not appear in the news media or on the internet.

All the news media were subjected to strict controls and would block any unfavorable news about C.O.C.O.O.N. It was evident that C.O.C.O.O.N had a large influence.

“So…Who won?”

Compared to Kaidou, who was jumping up with joy, the tone on the other end of the phone seemed to be extraordinarily calm.

“Both sides fought for a while, and in the end there was no victor. It seems that the battle was too intense and attracted a large crowd of media and onlookers, so it ended abruptedly.”

“What… So boring.”

With his expectations dashed, Kaidou hid his inner disappointment.

Although C.O.C.O.O.N controlled the world’s media, they could not stop the chatter between individuals. Neither C.O.C.O.O.N nor wished to reveal their secrets in front of the world.

“Since you were looking forward to it, why did you not stay in the first place? You seem to like standing at the sidelines and observing.”

The tone on the other end of the phone seemed to disapprove, but Kaidou smiled slightly, and did not mind.

“That’s okay. Fighting is the greatest “stage”, but I still prefer to be the audience. This is also the reason why I wanted to be close to that guy.”

“So you deliberately live in the self-governed area and even became a Babel student? But you cannot ignore the commander’s summons; it must be hard to hide this kind of thing.”

“Ahah, there is a trick for it.”

Kaidou was slightly arrogant. The self-governed area always had strict control measures for the alternative world returnees.

However, these measures all follow certain rules.

“As long as you understand the rules under the “frame”, you will naturally find a loophole.”

“Just as they say a good swimmer drowning in shallow water, don’t overdo it.”

“Rest assured, this kind of sneaky act is not difficult for me.”

“…There’s no difference between you and a cockroach.”

After saying this, the other side hung up the phone.

“Huh? Hey…Hey…Hey…? Meme? Really, she does not even give me time to say thanks.”

Kaidou sighed, put away his cell phone and leisurely walked towards the residential areas.

Currently Kaidou’s position was the self-govern area’s 3rd residential area. Approximately 40% of JPN Babel students lived here. Kaidou’s own apartment also belonged to the 3rd residential area.

But Kaidou’s direction was opposite of his own apartment. The buildings on both sides of the road were almost all single-family houses. Kaidou walked leisurely in the quiet residential area.

After walking for a while –

“Oh! Here it is, that’s the place.”

The building that Kaidou had set as his goal appeared in his sight. It was the living place of his recently met “Best Friend”.

“Why not use the rare spring break to increase our friendship. Aki, you must be looking forward to it too right?” Muttering to himself, Kaidou suddenly widened his eyes.

“Oh, looks like someone was here first.”

Kaidou scratched his cheek, looking awkwardly. In front of Akatsuki’s doorstep stood a familiar girl.

“Geez, what just happened?”

Kaidou carefully looked at the girl in front of him. Even during spring break, the girl was still wearing the school uniform.

The Student Council and Disciplinary Officer‘s armband was sparkling.

Yes, the girl was JPN Babel High school division Vice president – Nanase Haruka.

### 003. Part 1

A splendorous and majestic corridor.

The marble floors were covered by red carpets. This was Sherfield Kingdom’s city of Erdia.

Listy was currently hurriedly running down the corridor.

Around a step to the right and left beside her, Zechs and Loutier were following her closely.

“……Is this message really true?”

Listy turned her head and asked — | “Yes.” Responded Loutier, who was following behind her, nodding her head.

“At that time I was away from the city dealing with official matters, so I cannot confirm the authenticity of the message; however, according to the soldiers responsible for reception and the maids, it should not be wrong.”

“It can’t be……”

Zechs muttered to himself with a tone of disbelief.

“Can it be that the report from the investigation team is true……?”

“……Tch!”

Listy bit on her lower lip tightly and sped up the pace.

—— Akatsuki had returned to Alayzard.

Listy and Zechs had gotten this report from their subordinates at three country alliance army headquarters near Galevain forest.

The investigation team captain had been quite excited. During the report, there were parts that were incoherent as if he had fallen into slight confusion.

Faced with this incredible intelligence, Listy did not know what judgment to make. According to Zechs and Loutier, people who returned to the original world from the alternative world could possibly pass through the and once again return to Alayzard. However, the news of Akatsuki returning was too sudden. It could be possible that the captain saw incorrectly, or perhaps it was an illusion created with magic. Thus Listy did not put this information into her heart. But an emergency contact that came from Sherfield changed everything. A person calling themselves as the demon race representative delivered a mail requesting to have talks with Listy.

The location specified for the talks was Sherfield’s city of Erdia. A copy with similar contents was delivered to Disdia and Aleclasta at the same time. Listy immediately contacted the two countries’ leaders to confirm that Disdia and Aleclasta had received the same letter. As for whether they should accept the request of the letter, the opinions of Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta differed.

Emperor Baram from Disdia seemed to think that this letter was the demon race’s trap and they should not accept the request in the letter.

Pope Volk from Aleclasta seemed to be have an attitude of consent. After all, if they could reduce the amount of unnecessary killing and sacrifice, it fell in line with the holy teaching and values of Church of Richard.

As for Listy, she was stuck between two alternatives. Basically, she agreed with Aleclasta’s stand, and she did not wish to increase the casualties. However, the demon race elimination this time was from the joint forces of Disdia and Sherfield. On behalf of the dead citizens, it was the responsibility of Listy as a queen to make sure justice was served.

Therefore, towards the request of the demon race, Listy was current having a reserved attitude; but the situation had changed significantly this morning. The person claiming to be the demon race representative suddenly appeared at Sherfield’s castle. This was simply a reckless act. Listy could only feel a sense of dizziness and decided to refuse the request.

—— But she did not do so.

One of the demon race representatives turned out to be Akatsuki.

“That idiot……!”

Muttering at the same time, the end of the corridor reflected upon Listy’s eyes.

The corner that was at the end of the corridor led up to the doors of the hall. Listy did not show any signs of slowing down and hurriedly extended her hand to open the heavy doors.

What was reflected in her eyes was the familiar hall, as well as the magnificent square table in the middle of the room.

And……

“——Hi, your actions were pretty fast.”

A single youth was leisurely sitting on a chair.

Listy only stopped where she was.

He was still the same as back then, whether it was his figure, or the messy shoulder——length hair and the confident look.

The familiar Ousawa Akatsuki was in front of them.

“——!”

Listy wanted to rush towards him immediately, but she suppressed her inner impulses.

Akatsuki’s return should be worth a grand celebreation. Listy had often fantasized about the reunion of Akatsuki and herself, she even thought of the things she wanted to say as well. But the current situation did not allow her to do so.

Listy carefully looked at Akatsuki and the females beside Akatsuki.

One of them was unfamiliar. From the female’s heroic and tall appearance, she should be a knight or something similar. Although Listy was very concerned about the relationship between the female and Akatsuki, it was not the time to ask for the female’s identity.

Because there was a greater and more troublesome problem in front of them. Listy’s gaze slowly shifted to the other female. Listy El Da Sherfield recognized that female, including her appearance, name and even her identity. Therefore, Listy’s opening question was not to question the female, but Akatsuki.

“Why……!”

A hoarse voice filled with a tone of resentment, Listy hurriedly attempted to confirm the truth in front of her eyes.

Why is the Demon King’s daughter Myuu, whose whereabouts were unknown, beside Akatsuki.

“Why……Akatsuki!”

Listy’s stern questioning was questioning Akatsuki, but at the same time questioning herself.

The reunion that I was looking forward to between Akatsuki and I, why did it eventually come to this sort of situation?

### 004. Part 1

After Akatsuki ended the conversation and left Sherfield Castle.

The trio went together to the market within Sherfield’s capital Erdia.

“Waaaaaa……”

Among the crowd, Miu constantly looked around, and was unable to conceal her surprise.

The battle had just ended, the people’s minds and bodies had still not yet recovered from the war, but there were smiles among the pedestrians, and the market on the side of the road was even bustling with vitality.

“There’s so many people, is there a festival being organized?”

“No, it is that lively almost every day.”

Akatsuki said beside her.

“This could be called Sherfield’s cargo distribution center. Naturally it will gather merchants and goods from all over the world.”

“Isn’t it not appropriate for us to walk openly in the crowded streets?

Haruka revealed an incredulous look.

“Aren’t you the hero of this country? Everybody should know you right? If others notice you, wouldn’t it seem as if we were seeking for trouble?”

Haruka’s warning wasn’t unreasonable; in fact, Miu also felt the same way. If everyone discovered that their hero Akatsuki was walking together with the demon king’s daughter, it was bound to set off an uproar. To all the leaders of the world, the information of Miu and Akatsuki showing up together was absolutely a big problem that could not be ignored.

Although Sherfield’s citizens might not recognize Miu, but nothing is impossible. There was no guarantee that there are no exceptions to the situation.

This also meant that the possibility they would be recognized wasn’t zero. Once they would be recognized, things would become trouble. It might even cause panic at that time.

“Relax, we won’t be recognized.”

Akatsuki seemed to smile carelessly.

“You see, isn’t there no one that pays attention to us in this street?”

That was true. Even while walking among the crowd of people, there really was no one that noticed Miu and the others.

Miu and Haruka were considered to be foreigners, so perhaps they could be passable; but the citizens on the streets actually did not notice Akatsuki’s existence. This was really strange.

This was Sherfield’s capital, which was also right inside of Erdia. Akatsuki had lived in Sherfield for many years, so he had become part of the locals. Not to mention that Akatsuki was the hero everyone knew about. According to this, he should have been in the spotlight at any location. The passersby would not ignore him. Perhaps noticing Miu’s suspicion, Akatsuki laughed.

“The reason is simple, I hid my true ki. Even if others were able to see me, they wouldn't notice my presence. It is the same as being invisible.”

Besides that……

“I also controlled your true ki, to avoid others noticing the demon king’s daughter appeared in Erdia’s market. So hold onto my hand tightly and do not let go.”

“Yes…”

A slightly flushed Miu nodded her head.

“Vice president, what about you? My other hand is still free.”

“There’s no need, nobody in this world knows me.”

Facing Akatsuki’s taunt, Haruka coldly replied with a “Hmmph”, and immediately looked away. Akatsuki shrugged and continued to walk forward. After some time……

“——We’re here, this is the place.”

Under Akatsuki’s instruction, Miu and Haruka both stopped. Here was an intersection of a small alley and the main road. In the alley, there was a restaurant. Haruka looked up at the sign hanging on the outside.

“ “Mountain Cat Cabin ” ……The place you wanted to visit is here?”

“Yes. I have already promised the boss, if I were to visit Sherfield, I must eat a meal here.”

Akatsuki replied faintly.

“But it is hanging a sign saying it is currently preparing, and if we were to be recognized ……” Miu could not conceal the restlessness inside her heart.

“Rest assured, nothing will happen. Okay, let’s go.”

Thus, Akatsuki pulled Miu’s hand and forcibly dragged her inside.

After entering the restaurant, what appeared in their vision was the small shop front.

On top of the store were a few tables of differing sizes. The walls made of stone bricks were covered with posters and flyers. Installed on the ceiling was a huge fan, which helped circulate the air inside.

This restaurant, Mountain Cat Cabin, served Sherfield’s local cuisine. When he was staying in Alayzard before, Akatsuki often came together with Listy, Zechs and Loutier and dined here. To Akatsuki, the furnishment in the store was undoubtedly a view from the past. He narrowed his eyes and felt the endless emotions while looking around the store.

……This place was the same as before.

An inexplicable nostalgia swept over him.

“There seems to be no one in the store, can we really come in?”

“That’s strange, there should be people here at this time.”

Facing Haruka’s question, Akatsuki could not help but scratch his head.

“Hey——! Auntie, are you here?”

Akatsuki raised his voice and called out a few times.

“……Coming, who is it?”

From the kitchen, a female voice came over.

“It can’t be that I forgot to hang the sign……I’m really sorry, we are currently preparing, can you please come back a little later?’

“Why do you treat me as an outsider? Auntie, it can’t be that you forgot my voice right?”

Akatsuki smiled while he talked.

A few minutes later, a woman stuck her head outside of the kitchen.

Seeing Akatsuki, her expression gradually changed, from surprise to joy.

“Hey Hey——Isn’t it Akatsuki? I really wondered who it was!”

The female boss wiped her hands on her apron, then hurriedly ran over.

“Long time no see, Auntie. Are you still okay these days?”

“Couldn’t be better, Auntie’s body is extremely healthy.”

The female boss issued a hearty laugh. Then her gaze fell upon Miu and Haruka.

“Even bringing along two cute girls? You really have guts, aren’t you afraid that Listy-sama would get angry?”

“Too late, I was just scolded by her.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile while he shook his head. The female boss narrowed her eyes.

“You don’t even tell me when you’re coming, it really surprised me. Everybody should stand here and talk, come and find a seat and relax! I’ll prepare something for everybody to drink!”

After saying this, the female boss immediately turned and headed to the kitchen. Then Akatsuki yelled at the female boss.

“Can we get something to eat first, I’m starving.”

“Why is that isn’t a problem? However, most of the ingredients are not prepared yet. I can, at most, only make some simple dishes, is that okay?”

“Of course, auntie’s dishes will not lose to the hotel cuisine.”

“Your really know how to sweet-talk……Okay, I’ll go prepare it now.”

The female boss slightly smiled and entered the kitchen.

“She’s really kind……”

This was Miu’s first impression towards the female boss.

“Is she?” Akatsuki laughed and randomly picked a chair to sit down.

“Not only does auntie manage this shop alone, she is also a committee member of the People’s Council. She is passionate and enjoys helping others. It is almost impossible to find a resident in Erdia who does not know auntie. Before, I, along with Listy and the others, was always taken care of by auntie.”

A bustling sound came from the kitchen, probably because she was currently preparing dishes.

“Right, why did you suddenly come over today? Didn’t you return back to your own world?”

Facing the female boss’s question, Akatsuki casually replied.

“The people here found out that I secretly brought the demon king’s daughter back to my own world. Disdia even sent pursuers, which troubled me. So I simply returned to Alayzard and explained it to the Queen, Emperor and Pope of the three country alliance, hoping that they would not bother me again, and by the way, asked them to stop their aggressive actions towards the demon race.”

Immediately after Akatsuki finished speaking, the sound of kitchen pots and pans falling to the ground rang out.

“W…What did you say……?”

The female boss stuck her head outside of the kitchen. She had both a surprised and a puzzled expression.

Akatsuki shrugged, revealing an innocent smile.

“Haha……Isn’t it like my style?”

### 005. Part 1

As if there was a singing sound that was coming from the shaking of the atmosphere and the low deep sound from the shaking of the earth.

This sound was not formed by a natural phenomenon.

But was the sound issued from countless individuals concentrating at the same location.

Excited. The magician country Sherfield’s royal arena was enveloped by a mist of hot air. The hot air diffused and spread outwards, even the west side preparation room that was divided by thick stone walls could hear the noisiness. The audience stands should have been packed tightly from a long time ago. Hearing the distant noise, Ousawa Miu’s hands were clasped over her chest. She knew that this was a duel that was open to the public, but……

……She did not think that it would actually attract so many people.

The day after the talks had ended, which is two days ago, the three country’s leader officially announced the news about the duel.

In addition to the home country crowd of Sherfield, there was an unusual amount of audience from Disdia and Aleclasta.

“There’s no problem right……”

Humans have always considered the powerful demon race as an object of fear. Right now the arena had an influx of large amount of spectators, and it was obvious that they came due to the contestants. The hero who defeated the demon king Galious and his comrades, these people were all great heroes within their hearts. One of the reasons is obviously not because they defeated the demon king, but the fact that they had helped many individuals throughout their travels, and leaving many popular stories. As long as they met people being abused while on their travels, whether it was to cure people who were suffering from diseases and hunger, or even to help out people who lived in pain due to mountain thieves and pirates, they would always actively intervene, and helped solve the problems of the kind citizens, earning the crowd’s trust and respect. Although a small number of people were shocked by the title of “Rogue Hero”, it did not shake the crowd’s belief in them. The heroic deeds of the four people were even heard of by Miu, who was living in Galevain forest. Thus, the news that these four people would once again show up immediately captured spectators throughout the world. Although Akatsuki joined the demon race’s formation, opinions put his method as “Creating peace, and eliminate all necessary evil”, and the amount of supporters was not small. However, this was purely a stance that empathized Akatsuki, and it did not represent that they supported the demon race. To humans, the demon race was still a scary enemy.

……But……

Ousawa Miu was determined not to ever hesitate and also not to be confused.

This problem has already been resolved. The past Miu was troubled previously about her own position, she did not know how to live, but after being under Akatsuki’s guidance, she finally found her answer. So now it was clear to Miu what she had to do, and how to do it.

That was to believe in Akatsuki. Even if the situation was disadvantageous, it could not shake her own determination.

“——Hey, the “Nine” and “Eleven” over there, come over here a bit.”

Akatsuki’s voice came from within the preparation room, sitting not far away, Haruka and Miu both unanimously turned around.

Both of them hurriedly headed over to Akatsuki, who was sitting by the wall.

“We do not permit you to use this kind of method to call us, I have already mentioned it many times!”

“If you commit it again, don’t blame me if I cut off your tongue!”

The blushing “Nine” and “Eleven” fiercely stared at Akatsuki.

“This is wrong isn’t it? My mouth have saved you two, is this the attitude how you treat your savior?”

“Nnnnn……”

Seeing Akatsuki reveal a strange smile, Miu and Haruka could not help but reluctantly bite their lips.

——That night, the two of them had mistakenly drunk Melissa’s carefully created aphrodisiac. Akatsuki had no solution but to kiss Miu and Haruka’s body. In the end, both of them had an ending that was indescribable.

In order to ensure that he had not missed any locations, Akatsuki had kissed again and again on the two bodies. Until the dawn, Miu and Haruka, who were repeatedly devastated, almost treated Akatsuki as a supreme god.

……That’s not true. Yes, it was only a momentary confusion……!

Miu desperately tried to defend herself. She did not want to imagine the scene, or otherwise the feelings she experienced would emerge again, but why did Akatsuki constantly tease the two of them. Every time Akatsuki mentioned the events of that night, Miu and Haruka could not help but remember the sweet pleasure, and their faces flushed in red. However, the two of them obviously would not forget to scold Akatsuki and vent their depression of Akatsuki seeing their embarrassed appearance.

“There’s nothing to be shy about……Good work to you two.”

“Could your body endure it? If you can’t endure it, remember to tell me.”

After saying this —— If Akatsuki used such a gentle tone to talk about their efforts.

……! I will be ashamed and extremely embarrassed……!”

Just thinking about it was terrifying, the prideful Haruka could possibly faint at the scene. In this regard, Akatsuki’s teasing was perhaps his way of being considerate.

At this moment, Akatsuki put away his taunting expression.

“The organizers have arranged for you two to watch the match at the special VIP box. Normal audience cannot see inside the box. The people who can enter the box are only the country’s representatives, but you two still have to be cautious, do not be careless.”

“What about you? Is there really no problem?

Miu asked.

“Your opponents are your past comrades, so naturally they are very familiar with your tactics and moves. Although you are the one who defeated father, it does not mean that their strength isn’t a concern……In fact, they are all excellent warriors right?”

“That’s correct, these fellows are really strong. However, I understand that better than anyone else, they are not opponents that should be underestimated, so I naturally will not take this lightly.”

The serious Akatsuki suddenly gave off a slight smile.

“They understand me, but I also understand them. At that time, there will naturally be a way.”

“……What types of fighting style do they belong to?”

Akatsuki thought for a while, then he answered Haruka’s question.

“Zechs is a swordman-type character, and like me cannot use magic. Loutier specializes in recovery and support type magic, but her magic gun can display amazing power in mid-range. Listy is a pure magician, her battle method consist of attacking magic.”

“……Yes, that should be it.”

Miu muttered. She had not personally witnessed the trio’s heroic bearing in the battlefield, but had heard of many related stories.

The Rogue Hero’s comrades were just as strong as the Rogue Hero.

“……Are you confident?”

Miu could not conceal her inner fears.

“Of course, but……”

Akatsuki smiled, and said.

“This duel must be won.”

“——What?”

Miu was frozen for a moment, while a smiling Akatsuki stood up from his chair.

“——I’m going now. Just wait, I will make everyone at the scene accept our request for peace.”

### 006. Part 1

This was a street that headed to the nearby forest.

A large horse pulling a four-wheeled wagon was leisurely walking down the lush green countryside road. The horsekeeper that Melissa had arranged was holding carefully onto the reins. Nanase Haruka, who was in the wagon, could not help but think:

……When they were coming, in order to avoid the eyes and ears, they specially chose to walk; however, when they were leaving, they were in a carriage. The before and after treatment were completely different. The wagon was originally used to carry goods, and did not have luxury seats, but this was still more comfortable than walking. In order to avoid a bumpy journey, the wagon was filled with shock-absorbing hay. Under the sun’s exposure, it immediately exuded a pleasant odor.

Haruka, who was sitting with her knees closed on the hay, curiously asked:

“When we were coming, it took a lot of time. I wonder how long it will take for the carriage to reach Galevain.”

The target of the inquiry was obviously Miu, who was sitting not far away with her hands hugging her knees.

However, Miu did not answer. Haruka could only move her body, and approached Miu’s side like a cat.

“Miu, did you hear me?”

“Uwwaahh……What is it?”

Miu, who was startled, hurriedly asked. Haruka could not help but be surprised.

“I’m the one who wants to ask you what it is. Since yesterday, you have been behaving strange.”

“Yes……Sorry……”

Looking at Miu who suddenly bowed her head, Haruka sighed. At the same time, she was aware of Miu’s problems.

……She must have not been able to escape from the results of the duel.

The key of ending that battle was Akatsuki’s kiss.

Nanase Haruka thought. In terms of results, Akatsuki could not have made a better choice.

However, after witnessing the scene where the two of them received everyone’s blessings, Miu’s heart must not feel very well.

……Miu must have liked Akatsuki.

As the daughter of the demon king, Miu understood that she would not be able to receive the same blessings. Within her heart, she must have a sense of guilt for falling in love with Akatsuki and jealousy towards Listy.

……In the end, what did that guy do?

Haruka glanced at the back of the wagon. Akatsuki was using his hands as a pillow, stretching out both his legs, comfortably lying on the straw bed and fast asleep.

You really are relaxed, completely unaware of Miu and my feelings ——

……Wait, what does this have to do with me? Regardless of what that perverted man wants to do with others it’s unrelated to me!

Haruka hurriedly abandoned the idea in her head. What a joke, he is an public enemy of women.

She must not forget what he did to them when they had mistakenly drank the aphrodisiac.

……W…Who cares about him, let’s first comfort Miu.

Thus, Haruka stretched out her hands and rested them on Miu’s shoulders.

“Haruka……”

Miu lifted her head, revealing a puzzled look.

“The peace treaty has just taken a major step forward, how could you show such a painful look. If this sad expression was seen by everyone, wouldn’t it cause unnecessary worry?”

After a short pause.

“If within your heart, you have any troubles, then directly talk about it. In my opinion, you do not have to think twice about your feelings, you should just openly face yourself.”

“Huh ——?”

Facing Miu’s surprised face, Haruka responded with a helpless wry smile. After a period of time, Miu’s expression finally returned to her calm expression.

“That’s true……Thank you, Haruka.”

Miu’s face exposed a relieved smile.

“Okay! Now that it’s decided, then I will bravely express it!”

Haruka pulled Miu and pushed her in front of Akatsuki.

“Wait a minute…….Wuuahh……!”

Miu tripped and her entire body landed onto of Akatsuki.

“Ouch ——! The pain is killing me ——!”

Akatsuki shouted, and his entire body jumped up from the hay.

“S…Sorry……Does it really hurt that much?”

Miu quickly apologized. Akatsuki frowned.

“Renkan Keikikou created an excessive burden to my body. Just by moving it slightly, the entire body will be in pain.”

As a result……

“Just by moving it slightly……”

“Will be in pain……”

Haruka and Miu muttered. They both glanced at each other, then slowly approached Akatsuki.

“What are you two doing? Why do you reveal such a strange smile?”

“Do you have to ask? This is revenge.”

“We will never forget……what you did to us at that time.”

Thus Haruka and Miu stretched out their fingers and poked at Akatsuki’s body.

“Idiot, that is the medical practice for nerves……Ouch! Hey hey hey, don’t play around! It really hurts!” While teasing Akatsuki with their fingertips……

……This type of game was really addictive.

Haruka was secretly laughing in her heart, but she accidentally went overboard.

“Huh?”

Akatsuki suddenly grabbed onto Haruka and Miu’s hands.

“D…Don’t you feel pain?”

Haruka said with a trembling voice.

“Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, I can temporarily make the sense of pain disappear.”

Akatsuki replied.

Miu could not help but reveal a suspicious expression.

“T…Then if Renkan Keikikou was that useful, from the start why ……”

“The true ki that exceeded the limits will cause pain that has no cure, you can only let it heal naturally. Although currently there is no feeling of pain, it is causing a burden on the body, so it cannot be considered an effective treatment.”

Akatsuki stood up from the hay.

Seeing the situation was turning bad, Miu and Haruka hurriedly comforted Akatsuki.

“T…Then there’s no need to force yourself!”

“T…That’s to say, it doesn’t help your body!”

“Relax, there’s no problem.”

Akatsuki revealed a confident smile, his face showed a devilish smile.

“——Teaching you two will not take too much time.”

After saying this, Akatsuki immediately approached the two of them.

Miu and Haruka were respectively being caught by Akatsuki’s left and right arm.

Screaming at the same time ——Ousawa Miu could not help but have personal feelings about it.

She must be sure and remember the good times she spent together with Akatsuki and his temperature.

At this time, Miu recalled the experiences that she had together with Akatsuki at Sherfield.

Miu had met all kinds of people in Sherfield. Besides the country representatives, she had also made many good memories with her encounters with others. Even though she knew the true identity of Miu, she still treated Miu like a mother, Selina. The distinctive Melissa and the sexy and charming Cecily. Without these people’s help and encouragement, there would not be a peace treaty today.

……Alphonse had also admitted our victory at the end.

Miu recalled the previous scene. After the duel was over, Akatsuki headed to the special box. Alphonse directly paid his tributes to Akatsuki, admitted his failure and the two of them shook hands in front of the crowd.

The country representatives had also finalized the next meeting time. At that time, they would see Volk, Listy and the others again. Since Akatsuki achieved the victory, the peace treaty was naturally pushed on schedule and moved to the next phase. As for the matter of the surveillance forces being under attack, they decided to restart the investigation after ten days. Of course, the problem was not completely solved yet. Including the political power of each country and the complex feelings of their citizens, there still existed many obstacles on the road for peace.

However, Miu was not worried.

Because she knew that the surveillance forces being under attack was unrelated to Galevain.

Once the incident was reinvestigated, they would be able to wash off Galevain’s discredit and return justice to the demon race.

Alayzard had finally taken a big step towards genuine peace, and was soon becoming a world without any war and killing.

Everyone was confident about this.

——At least until they returned to Forestnium.

### 007. Part 10

A dark passage.

The candlelight from both sides could barely illuminate the two sides. This was the underground passage of the arena.

The passage that connected the battle stage to the preparation area, and could also access the special box.

There was no other shortcut to head to the special box; everyone must pass through this passage.

An encounter would naturally occur.

Aleclasta’s Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV had a happy smile on his face.

The location was the end of the stairs. Miranda followed at the side.

“Congratulations, Akatsuki. Your performance this time was really remarkable.”

Volk greatly praised Akatsuki who was coming from the other end of the passage.

Only to see Akatsuki stop.

“You flatter me, you even specially came to congratulate my victory.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Unfortunately the thing went contrary to what you expected, letting you down.”

“Oh ho, I don’t understand what you mean.”

Volk revealed a intriguing smile.

——No matter who won the victory of this duel, it would be difficult for Sherfield to escape the blame from the rest of the world.

After Akatsuki had defeated Galious, Sherfield had suddenly become a country that saved the world, achieving a position on the same standing as the powerful Aleclasta and Disdia. It was just a matter of time until the international politics would be dominated by the flourishing Sherfield.

However, Aleclasta and Disdia were not absent during the war against the demon king. Sherfield’s influence growing in the international community was naturally a sight that the two countries did not want to see. In fact, today’s duel was a plan from Aleclasta and Disdia to pull down Sherfield by using the name of the demon race.

Right now the two countries’ plan was crushed by Akatsuki. Akatsuki and Listy had also received blessings from the rest of the world, securing a position of Sherfield bringing Alayzard to peace.

However, Volk did not care. There is plenty of time, what they have later on was time.

In fact what they were concerned about was another matter.

“——Renkan Keikikou is really terrifying. Even the renowned strongest fighter of the human side, Queen Listy, was not a match for it.”

“Indeed, it looks like the legend seems to be true.”

Miranda interjected.

“The legend about it absorbing the opponent’s true ki, and turning the opponent’s strength into your own power……”

“——“

Miranda’s statement made Akatsuki narrow his eyes.

Only to see Volk laugh a few times.

“Probably not many people had noticed it, but I saw it very clearly. After Queen Listy’s final attack touched your body, it immediately disappeared without a trace.”

Just like the magical barrier the superior dimensional being Zahhark had——Miranda laughed.

“The more enemies you kill, the stronger your strength becomes……It really is a devil qigong”.

“Ah ha, I don’t understand what you two are talking about.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and brushed past Volk and Miranda, preparing to go upstairs.

“I know what your aesthetic is, but keeping too many secrets will hurt the females.”

Staring at the back of Akatsuki, Miranda muttered.

“——If Listy knew how he died……”

Akatsuki suddenly stopped.

“……What do you want to say?”

A deep and low tone, with a faint hint of murderous intent. Hearing this, Miranda immediately evaded the subject.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Since you know nothing, then pretend I did not speak. But then again, if you had learnt Renkan Keikikou earlier——“

Miranda paused for a moment.

“At that time perhaps you could have used Leon’s power.”

Akatsuki silently headed towards Miranda.

The two of them started a close confrontation, the other’s breathing could be clearly heard.

“I will not allow you to speak nonsense in front of that person. Even if you are a woman, I will not show mercy.”

“You’re really scary……But you don’t have to force yourself.”

Miranda had a cold smile emerge on her face.

“You did not hesitate and used Renkan Keikikou to surpass your limits and obtained the victory. It should be difficult for the you right now to stand or talk.”

Both sides entered a silence. After a few seconds, Akatsuki slowly turned around and walked up the stairs.

At this moment……

“……Miranda, this is your mistake……”

Although he said this, Volk’s tone did not have any intent to blame her.

“That’s true, maybe it is time for the entire world to know the truth.”

The truth is always cruel.

“However, Akatsuki was quite capable.”

The hero Leon protected Akatsuki and died at the hands of the demon king Galious while the demon race attacked Erdia——This was the world’s understanding of the tragedy.

This was the explanation that Akatsuki, who watched Leon fall into a pool of blood, told Listy and the other rescuers. At that time Galious was not present, and there were no other survivors at the scene, so Akatsuki became the only witness to the death of Leon.

Thus, what Akatsuki said became Alayzard’s history. The hero Leon died at the hands of the demon king to protect Akatsuki.

This was the understanding of the world, and also the statement that was heard publicly.

### 008. Part 2

The heavy silence continued.

Scratching his cheek, Akatsuki looked at the clock hanging on the wall. The time was around half past one in the afternoon, Since Chikage and Kuzuha came, roughly about half an hour had passed.

To tell the truth, at this time right now they should've been attending school.

However, though it was a weekday, Akatsuki and the others were on a break. So as to wrap up the Ranking Tournament, from today onwards JPN Babel had entered spring break.

Ten days. That was the rest time given to the alternate world returnee youngsters who attented school at JPN Babel.

Once it ended, it would be the start of a new school term.

The long-awaited first day of spring break. Even the weather was the best one. Even though Akatsuki was thinking about wrapping the talk up in a flash and brightly go out with everyone . What's the deal with this, ruminated Akatsuki. If Miu keeps silent like this, the mood will become heavier and heavier, and she will miss the chance to start the conversation.

However, although this matter was also related to Akatsuki, in the end, it was Miu's own problem. Therefore he though it was best for Miu to say it with her own words when she herself decided.

......Well, I can at least create a chance.

Making a faint wry smile, Akatsuki made the necessary preparations without Miu knowing.

"——Hyah!?"

Suddenly, Miu screamed in surprise.

What was the best way to talk about her to Chikage and Kuzuha? While fretting about that, suddenly her body shivered. She wondered why, but Miu soon found out the reason.

"Huh——?"

She unconsciously stopped thinking.

Her boob was being rubbed. It was because, before anyone noticed, Akatsuki's left hand had gone around from behind her.

Her left breast changing in shape, Miu looked beside her with eyes of disbelief,

"Hmm? How soft......"

While Akatsuki in question kept calmly rubbing Miu's chest, she tilted her head in wonder,

"With a mood this stiff, I thought your boobs, reading a bit the mood, would also get a little stiff......"

"You dolt—read the mood a bit!"

As Miu screamed, at the same time she hit Akatsuki's face with a backhand blow of her right hand.

Standing up, she crossed her arms hiding her chest to protect it,

"The mood at the time doesn't matter, a girl's boobs are soft!"

Thereupon, Akatsuki, who supposedly received a direct backhand blow, smiling composedly,

"—What. You've come out quickly, haven't you, voice?"

"Huh......?"

Miu involuntarily became dumbfounded. What the heck is Akatsuki saying?

Then, Akatsuki's expression became gentle,

"Since you couldn't start to talk at ease, I've just unknotted your feelings. If you keep worrying forever, you'll make no progress. Izumi and Class Rep decided to come hear your story, and came specifically for that. And yet, if you stay silent, you'll be being rude to them."

"Ah ......"

Miu, coming to a realization, looked at Chikage and Kuzuha sitting on the opposite sofa.

They didn't know how to react to Akatsuki's sudden action. After meeting her eyes, Chikage and Kuzuha revealed troubled smiles. However, they kept saying nothing, since they were waiting for Miu to speak. If they said something, their words would become an urging to Miu.

So that wouldn't happen, they kept waiting for Miu.

That's why,

"Sorry...... Girls ."

To Miu, who involuntarily hung her head down, Chikage directed a gentle smile .

"No need to apologize...... Besides, there's no need to hurry."

The reason why was,

"Since both me and the class rep came here to listen Miu tell us with her own words."

"True...... So, don't think we are forced to hear it."

Said Kuzuha. And, confronting Akatsuki with a chiding tone,

"Ousawa-kun. Although we are grateful, stop behaving like rushing things. Since we'll wait until she readies her heart."

"Yeah, okay. That was my bad......"

Akatsuki shrugged his shoulders, but still showed a satisfied smile.

He put his hands behind the back of his head, and his body once again sunk deep into the couch.

It seemed he didn't intend to say anything more. Akatsuki kept quiet and closed his eyes.

However, Ousawa Miu realized it. Akatsuki's withdrawal just now was not because of Miu's words.

It was because of the words of Chikage and Kuzuha, who believed in Miu. So that Miu wouldn't hesitate like up until now, he checked those two so that their thoughts could be heard.

That was, gentle interference.

....From behind my back, you've given me a push.

Miu remembered. When he asked her if she would open her heart to Chikage and Kuzuha or not, those were Akatsuki's words. Assuming I had to choose, I'll just protect you with all my might—that was what Akatsuki said to her. For this reason, Miu made the decision to report to Chikage and Kuzuha.

I don't want to involve those two, she felt like that. Since my fate is filled with great dangers. Even though both witnessed Phil during the Ranking War and fought, she could always dodge the issue. If she decided to deceive them, in order to make Chikage and Kuzuha not pry anymore into her business, she could make up something.

However, if she did that, both of them would surely notice in the end. That she had deceived them.

When that time came, it would undoubtedly further the distance between them, and that probably would be the end.

Naturally, those two would drift away from Miu.

Since the result of lying—would most likely be that.

...... But.

Miu thought. She certainly didn't want that.

They were the first friends she could ever make. Existences she could call her best friends, she didn't want to lose them.

Perhaps by conveying the truth, Chikage and Kuzuha would possibly drift apart. However, even in that case, she didn't want them to scatter by saying nothing.

So,

"............ Is it right? Chikage-san, Class Rep."

She could ready her heart. Sitting straight in the couch, she stared at those two up front.

I'll tell. Let's pray,

"Though it may become a little long...... Will you hear me? My story"

### 009. Part 2

Akatsuki walked into the living room carrying a tea tray. On the sofa Miu’s eyes were still red.

Chikage and Kuzuha were staying by Miu’s side.

I should give them a bit more time, Akatsuki thought.

…However, determination could possibly be shaken through the passage of time.

Miu and their friendship, at this time it had reached the very peak. So – Now is the best chance.

“- You guys listen carefully.”

Hearing this, the three all unanimously looked at Akatsuki. Akatsuki directly took in the all three of the gazes and slowly said:

“Following this, I have some personal matter to deal with, so I may leave for some time. However, you don’t have to worry, leaving and coming back will all happen at the same instant.”

After noticing the meaning inside Akatsuki’s words, their expressions immediately became serious.

So Akatsuki decided to allow them to make their own choice.

“I will give you guys an hour. If you intend to come, then come find me on the 2nd floor. However, please do not act based on personal feelings, carefully think about it then decide.”

After that, Akatsuki left the living room and returned to his own room. He then spread out the newspaper that he had tucked under his arm. What was greeted by his eyes was the report of the terrorist act on Singapore. Almost all of the Morning News were reports about this incident, and he had seen this news while eating breakfast, so Akatsuki was not unfamiliar with the contents of the report.

, an important clue connecting to his father.

Ousawa Akatsuki understood this. After hearing the report, he was clearly shaken.

His father, who created the world’s most powerful terrorist group .

His brother, who was in the executive team of C.O.C.O.O.N, affiliated with the organization which controlled the world.

To stop the two people standing on this world’s peak was the goal Ousawa Akatsuki had set for himself.

But after calmly considering it, Akatsuki did not think that this attack had any relationship with his father.

“There is an 80% chance that shitty pops is in Africa…no, Amazon, enjoying himself.”

After coldly snorting, Akatsuki threw the newspaper onto the table.

He then sat on the bed, resting his hands on his knees.

“- Just you wait.”

The vaguely discernible, but distant brother.

And the unknown whereabouts father.

Ousawa Akatsuki did not care who starts first, thus he boldly made the declaration:

“After solving the other side’s “missing object”, I can only move forward.”

- It was nearly 30 minutes later that the sound of a gentle knock came from the door of Akatsuki’s room.

“Come in.”

Under Akatsuki’s beckon, entering room were the three girls.

Akatsuki carefully looked. Looking at the ones opposite of him, they did not try to avoid his gaze and the three had a firm expression on their faces.

“…Are you certain?”

Akatsuki asked them as the final confirmation. The three girls all nodded without saying a word.

Looks like they made up their mind. So Ousawa Akatsuki stood up. His face had a hint of a smile.

“Great, then let us prepare to go to Alayzard.”

### 010. Part 2

Inside the kingdom of Sherfield city of Erdia, representatives from various countries were currently sitting at the table located in the middle of the hall.

Sherfield’s representatives were Queen Listy, General Zechs and Elite Executive Loutier.

Aleclasta’s representatives were Pop Volk and his high priest Miranda.

The representatives for Disdia were Emperor Baram and the fourth prince Alphonse. Behind them stood a knight as bodyguard. The knight’s outfit was different from Disdia’s royal knights. It was Listy’s first time seeing this knight.

……Just who is this person?

The armor equipped with several gold decorations looked extremely thick. The full helm made it hard to peep at the expression of the knight. But judging from the knight’s stance, his strength should not be underestimated.

Based on just the point that Baram specially brought this knight with him, this knight must have received Baram’s trust.

—— Aside from that……

There were Akatsuki, Myuu and the female who was called “Haruka” from Galevain.

These 11 people were the participants of this meeting.

……If only I could……

Listy was deeply stressed inside. In fact, she had planned to, before the two countries had came, ask Akatsuki questions, understanding Akatsuki’s motives and intentions, and perhaps she would be able to help Akatsuki during the talks. However, this would have been equal to the act of betraying the other two countries. If what Baram had said was to be confirmed, that Akatsuki had secretly hid the demon king’s daughter, Listy and the others who supported Akatsuki naturally could not continue their support. Thus she could only quietly wait for Baram and Volk to arrive.

The strange thing was that after seeing Akatsuki, Baram and Volk did not reveal a startled look. Therefore Listy was sure that they had already known about the existence of the .

“—— Valkyria.”

Under Listy’s command, the quiet and calm head maid guard nodded her head silently, and together with her numerous subordinates poured tea for the guests from each country.

Akatsuki picked up the teacup and took a sip, then immediately let out a sigh filled with emotions.

“I can’t believe I would still be able to drink the tea you made by yourself, things are really unpredictable. Valkyria, ever since I stripped your maid outfit in the forest before I left, I haven’t heard of your news. How are you these days?”

Akatsuki had a smile on his face and joked around Valkyria who was standing beside him.

Amongst the commotion, Valkyria still remained calm.

“Thanks to you, it was fairly decent. I could not repay you, but I specially added poison on the edge of the cup. It is approximately five times the lethal amount.”

“Buuuuu——!”

Akatsuki suddenly spat out the tea inside his mouth. Valkyria coldly looked at Akatsuki with a trace of disgust.

“It was only a joke, but you actually spat it out. Doing such a thing during a formal diplomatic occasion, don’t you feel that it’s rude?”

“I agree……but telling a joke also depends on the occasion right?”

Although Akatsuki made a fool of himself, it also slightly eased the tension at the scene.

……Valkyria, I really admire you.

Even facing against Akatsuki, who made all females afraid at the very mention of him, Valkyria was still able to take things calmly and sometimes even made Akatsuki suffer; this maid guard should not be underestimated. Hoping that Akatsuki could hold back on his frivolous attitude and make the meeting end in a peaceful atmosphere.

……It is probably difficult though.

Listy thought. Once the meeting began, a menacing Baram and a seemly calm Volk would certainly launch a harsh questioning on Akatsuki. At that time, Listy would not have the power to stop them.

What’s more, Listy was still dwelling upon the truth that Akatsuki had hidden Myuu. She did not have the confidence to remain calm.

Just when everyone’s teacup was poured to 80% full……

“First of all, thank you all for accepting our request and preparing today’s conference.”

Miranda heard this and could not help but laugh.

“Ah — the person that laughed was Miranda right? Can you please not interrupt me?”

“Sorry……”

Miranda had a pleased look while narrowing her eyes.

“Even in such a formal meeting, you still do not change your free——spirited and bold attitude……”

“Yes, of course.”

Akatsuki replied.

“The people here at the scene should know what kind of person I am right? A false attitude and pretentious words mean nothing to me. I am not here today to talk about topics that are important.”

“It’s okay. Today you are a representative of Galevain, your status is equivalent to us. There is naturally no need to make a useless attempt at beautiful rhetorical words and diplomatic language. Everyone here shouldn’t have any objections right?”

Volk said. As the oldest participant and the Pope from Church of Richard, naturally no one objected to Volk’s proposal. After viewing the audience’s silence as agreement, Volk nodded his head with satisfaction.

“We also did not come here to listen to your flowery words — Okay, let’s begin.”

“I’m grateful, so let’s still off with the self——introduction. I am Ousawa Akatsuki, today I came here to ask a favor for all of you, so I came back all the way from my own world to Alayzard again. Afterwards, I somehow became Galevain’s representative, pleased to meet you all.”

Listening to Akatsuki, who was completely fearless, Listy could not help but have personal feelings about it.

The meeting that would decide the fate of Alayzard had entered the prologue.

Akatsuki’s preemptive remarks ignited a fire in the meeting.

“Please let me express my view first. It does not matter whether you have comments, but this meeting is completely under my control. Let’s jump directly to the topic. Galevain hopes to, with Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta, these three countries, form a peace agreement. From now on, it will ban everything related to hostilities including intimidation and provocation. To express your sincerity, immediately order your deployment of troops in Galevain forest border to retreat now.”

Feeling the increasingly tense atmosphere at the scene, Ousawa Miu could not help but think that the battle had just begun.

Then Miu glanced at Akatsuki beside her.

……I trust you.

Akatsuki was solely responsible for the negotiation work. Miu was only using her identity as the demon king’s daughter to witness the progress of the meeting. Peace between humans and Galevain was still a distant dream, but in the following future, signing a peace treaty was essential. Perhaps under Akatsuki’s request, the human forces would temporarily retreat, but there were no guarantees that they would not use some excuses to start a war again. With no guarantee from a peace agreement, the citizens of Galevain would forever live in fear of battle.

……If the excuse to begin the war was me……

Miu could not help but think about that. At that time, she would have to stop the war together with Akatsuki.

Originally, she thought that Akatsuki’s arrogant statement was bound to cause an uproar from everyone at the scene, but she could not imagine that it would actually be completely quiet.

“Ah…… Akatsuki, please wait.”

A calm and elegant tone. The person who was first to break the silence was Aleclasta’s Pope Volk.

“Can you please first explain why the demon king’s daughter is with you, and why you became a representative of the demon race? Just starting off by telling us to withdraw really made me confused.”

“I think you should also understand clearly, the final battle for resisting the demon king was me singly defeating Galious. Before Galious died, he requested me to take care of his daughter; after all, his precious daughter had just become the defeated country’s princess, anybody would be worried, right? Based on humanitarianism, I obviously hope to complete Galious’ final wishes, thus I secretly took the demon king’s daughter to my own world.”

After saying to this point, Akatsuki suddenly stopped.

“Originally I thought I could go back to the peaceful days…… but who knows what kind of idiot who claimed to be a hero suddenly came over.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“—— In the end, I was forced to kill that idiot.”

“You……”

Baram’s face revealed his anger, but Akatsuki had a look showing that he didn’t care.

“Ah right, that idiot seemed to call himself a hero from Disdia. Please, how did you actually confer the title of a hero to that idiot? Disdia will lose their reputation.”

After a short pause……

“Especially because that idiot actually made a contract with the Black mountain’s evil dragon.”

“—— What?”

Baram could not conceal his inner surprise.

“Zahhark was really defeated by you……?”

“What a pity. A superior dimensional being’s ability is indeed strong, but using a human as a medium made it difficult to use its true abilities. According to my calculations, he wasn’t able to even use half of its power.”

Akatsuki sighed.

“Anyhow, the guy called Phil was defeated by me in the end. Once I thought that Alayzard would continue to send soldiers to pursue us, I knew that this is not the way we should go, so I decided to return to Alayzard and clearly explain everything…… Is there any problem up to now?”

At this moment……

“Why——“

A calm and cold tone caught everyone’s attention. The source of the voice was Sherfield’s young queen Listy.

Only to see her stare coldly at Akatsuki.

“……Why did you not tell everyone?”

An exceptionally polite yet extremely cold tone, as if she was talking to the enemy.

This was Listy’s, who suppressed her inner emotions and tried to be as calm as possible, as polite as possible, method to express her words. She quietly waited for Akatsuki’s response with a sharp gaze.

“If you would let everyone know that Galious had entrusted her daughter to you, everyone would be willing to help find the best solution. I really don’t understand why you wanted to make such a ridiculous decision?” Listy had missed Akatsuki more than anyone else, and her touching confession suddenly made the scene fall into silence.

However……

“The best solution……?”

Akatsuki asked Listy.

“Then I’d like to ask, what exactly is the better method?”

“This……”

Listy suddenly had a loss of words, but at the same time, she regained her normal tone.

Returning the demon king’s daughter to the demon race, there was a high chance of her being elected as the new demon king. Being under house arrest was also an excellent option, but there was no guarantee that there would not be dissatisfaction and protest from their citizens. Also, there was a chance that it might lead to the small, but bloodthirsty demon race faction defecting and starting a rebellion to take back the demon king’s daughter.

So……

“Besides bringing the demon king’s daughter to my own world and making her completely disappear with her whereabouts unknown, what other options did I have?” Akatsuki’s statement made Miu feel emotional.

……That’s right.

There was no place for Miu in Alayzard. At that time she could only just follow Akatsuki to an unknown world.

Just at this moment……

“——What do you mean there is no other option? There is at least one option that could solve the problem right?”

Baram arrogantly glared at Akatsuki.

“Just kill the demon king’s daughter, doesn’t that solve everything? Bringing the demon king’s daughter to your world is not the only option, directly killing her is the best approach. In the end you made such a foolish decision, and left a curse making this world once again be shrouded under the shadow of the demon race.”

“——!”

The value of her own existence was being denied severely. Miu’s body could not help but shudder slightly.

Even if it was within her expectations, this heartless and relentless accusation hurt Miu. But —

……Ah.

Beside her, Akatsuki gently patted Miu’s shoulders.

“So what you are saying is that your intentions for sending pursuers was for the peace of Alayzard……?”

Akatsuki coldly stared directly at Baram in front of him.

Ousawa Miu could not help but think of Disdia’s true purpose.

But Akatsuki had not yet mentioned the information obtained from Phil.

……After all, there was no conclusive evidence.

Miu was well aware of it. Impulsive questioning would only become baseless slander, and put one in a more unfavorable situation. Disdia’s main goal was to use Miu as the bait and incite the demon race to start a rebellion and create a new dispute. Afterwards, use their influence from ending the war to become the leader of Alayzard. Knowing this, they could not expose Baram’s lie on the spot, thus Akatsuki decided to approach the question from another angle.

“The king’s life is equal to the life of all citizens. If Galious dies, the demon race also surrenders. This means that the battle had ended, no matter humans or the demon race, both do not need to shed blood pointlessly.”

“Blood pointlessly……? You still dare say such a thing.”

Baram glanced at Listy with one eye.

“Did you forget? Originally when Galious attacked Sherfield’s capital Erdia, besides the princess at that time, Queen Listy, Sherfield’s royalty all died at the hands of the demon race.”

Baram sudden speech made Listy bite her lips tightly and bow her head down in silence.

The tragedy five years ago emerged in her brain.

At that time, she lost her father, her relatives, her country and even lost Leon, and was forced to face despair. Yes, this was an indisputable fact.

……But……

Just when Listy was about to raise her head and speak —

“—— With all due respect. Baram——dono, this is our country’s problem.”

Loutier protested on the sidelines, Zechs also tried not to be outdone by her.

“What Lulu said is true. That day’s pain and anger belong to us.”

Then he coldly glared at Baram:

“ — It cannot become another country’s excuse.”

Listy gave a heartfelt thanks to her two close friends for speaking for her.

The unwelcomed Baram seemed to be somewhat helpless.

“I was only trying to defend for Sherfield’s injustice. If even the home country expresses this, then I, who is part of another country, cannot say anything more.”

“……At that time, I was there.”

Akatsuki muttered. Noticing Akatsuki’s gaze, Listy could not help but think:

Those are the same eyes as her. Akatsuki must have recalled that past.

“If that is the tragedy caused by the war, we cannot and should not blame anyone. If anyone wants to take responsibility for that tragedy, it should be me who killed off Leon.”

“……Enough, Akatsuki. Don’t talk about that matter.”

Listy’s tone was extremely grim.

“I have already said it many times, the you, at that time, had no power to change anything. Leon’s death is not your fault, do not push the responsibility to yourself.”

The hall suddenly plunged into silence.

After a period of time.

“……Looks like we strayed from the point.”

Volk broke the silence.

“Akatsuki, please continue to speak. To prevent us from continuing to send pursuers, you came once again to Alayzard, this point is not hard to understand. But why have you become the demon race’s representative? The demon king Galious died at your hands, why would the demon race accept you to represent them for the talk?”

“The reason is simple, they have no other choice.”

It was a simple elimination method.

“The demon race living in the forest knows that Galious entrusted his daughter to me, and they also followed Galious’s last wards and lived a peaceful life in the forest. What they could not imagine is that your army suddenly attacked them without any warning, causing them to be highly distressed. They also knew that humans would not trust the demon race, so they could only rely on me to convince you to withdraw your troops. To the demon race, this was their last resort.”

“Without warning, now you’re trying to blame us?”

Baram coldly spoke:

“The one who first attacked should be the demon race? Don’t you forget, our surveillance forces that were deployed at the borders of Galevain were completed annihilated by the attacks of the demon race.”

Just when he finished —

“ — We did not attack anyone!”

The owner of this voice got up from her seat.

A closer look revealed that it was the quiet Miu, who had remained silent since the beginning of the talks.

Being separated by Akatsuki’s body, Nanase Haruka looked at Miu, who stood up from her seat.

Ignoring everyone’s gaze, Miu coldly stared at Baram.

……It really is difficult to forgive.

A strategist using despicable means and attempting to destroy their race.

About the problem of how to deal with Akatsuki, Miu’s hidden truth and entering an alternative world — Haruka decided to wait till she would witness the actions of the two before making the final decision. Thus, today she was acting as a third party to observe the talks from aside. Using the information obtained before, as well as the speech provided by everyone, to assess the situation, Galevain being framed should be an indisputable truth. And Disdia’s Baram, who, from the beginning of the talks, had expressed a strong hostility to the demon race, even acting as if he was the victim, wasn’t it a method to get rid of the suspicion. As for the two other countries in the alliance, whether they comply with Disdia, this they do not know.

……If the other two countries also participated in it, the situation was unfavorable to the demon race. Akatsuki believed that Sherfield, who had a shallow relationship with him, should not be involved.

But if the three countries’ leaders had came to a consensus before, humans and demon race’s peace treaty would be difficult to achieve. Akatsuki probably had thought of this point, indicated Miu to return to her seat and slowly spoke:

“About this matter of the attack, is there any conclusive evidence?”

Akatsuki attempted to refute the opposing accusation. At that time Sherfield’s red haired general spoke.

“The ones being attacked were a joint force from our country and Disdia. According to the survivors, it was the demon race’s work. Besides Disdia’s soldiers, our soldiers have also said the same thing.”

At this moment —

“—— That is only “testimony” and not “evidence”.”

Haruka immediately rebutted, bringing the attention of everyone to herself.

……W……What am I doing……?

After seeing the despicable means used to accuse the demon race, Haruka finally could not help but speak. But once the words came out, Haruka regretted immediately. After all, she was not a resident from this world, and should not involve herself with the dispute between the demon race and the humans. However, Akatsuki took things calmly, and did not have any meaning of resentment, so Haruka was a little relieved. It seemed that her speech did not destroy Akatsuki and Miu’s plan.

Not only that, Akatsuki even winked at Haruka, motioning her to speak freely without having to think twice.

…….If that being the case……

Haruka nodded and turned to face the front. At first Haruka only wanted to witness Akatsuki and Miu’s actions and did not want to select a side, but her sense of justice did not allow the opposing side to use baseless evidence to accuse the demon race. This was what Nanase Haruka insisted upon as well as her belief.

“Pardon me for speaking frankly……Aside from the testimony from the survivors, I believe there should be no decisive evidence?”

Then Haruka said a speculation she was almost convinced was true.

“The demon race is the enemy of the humans. This belief is deeply rooted in the hearts of the humans, so naturally they would not consider other possibilities. If the injured soldiers claimed that it was the demon race, people would naturally turn their attacks towards the demon race, completely ignoring the wish to investigate for the truth. After all, the truth of the investigation is equal to protecting the enemy, protecting the demon race, and the person who proposed this idea would even be considered as a traitor of humans and a fellow helper of the demon race.”

Haruka paused for a moment.

“Is it not?”

“ — Please wait a moment.”

A skinny youth suddenly opened his mouth. This youth was none other than the Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse, who was sitting beside Baram. As the prince of the military empire, Alphonse did not carry a sword. He was also wearing an outfit for a civil official. From his body and appearance, his strong point should not be in the battlefield, but his tone still had a touch of dignity.

…… After all, he is also royalty.

No matter how frail he is, he should still be equipped with guts.

Alphonse continued to say:

“We also hope to avoid unnecessary disputes. After a rigorous investigation, we confirmed that it was indeed the crime of the demon race.”

“On what basis?”

“According to the footprints on the battlefield, the enemy’s weapons and the magic residue, etc. These all point to the same conclusion, the demon race is related to the attack.”

“That is the truth.”

Sherfield’s high class elves also agreed with Alphonse.

“From the traces made by weapons on the armor, it is confirmed that it is from the special curved sword that the dark elves use. And from the magic residue, we also discovered dark magic that humans cannot use.”

Haruka nodded.

“But these things could all be fake right?”

“……You mean that we forged false evidence?”

Alphonse narrowed his eyes, revealing an unfriendly gaze. Haruka gently shook her head.

“I am just asking whether there is a possibility, and did not mean to accuse anyone.”

“This……”

Loutier pondered but could not answer. Haruka took her actions as a yes.

“In short, you do not hold any conclusive evidence, only rely on a few people’s testimony and wishfully attacked.”

It was a powerful accusation. Just when Haruka felt satisfied……

“Oh — what’s the problem about it?”

A gloomy and calm voice mixed with a tint of laughter coldly rejected Haruka’s predictions.

The owner of the voice was none other than Aleclasta’s talented female — the high priest Miranda. Her eyes seemed to reflect the world’s abyss. Haruka felt that she was nearly sucked into it.

Haruka did not know her. Today was their first time meeting each other.

But……

……This person, seemed to be like……

A cold chill encroached on her forehand. Haruka suddenly sensed a familiar gaze.

However, she quickly put this idea behind her.

“……What does that phrase mean? It was reasonable to make fakes?”

“Of course not. I only confirmed the part that is wishful thinking.”

Miranda answered.

“Even if there is the possibility of creating fakes, only people standing on the side of the demon race would make a fuss about fraud. Don’t you forget, the survirors’ testimony clearly stated that the attack force was the demon race. To us, just the testimony is more than sufficient. Moreover, when humans make a judgment, it more or less contains an element of wishful thinking right?” Because —

“After all, humans are creatures of emotions, Although it is necessary for government officials to suppress their own emotions, and put the country’s interest and the well——being of their citizens as their top priority, but what if you are facing this situation? Facing a situation where your citizens will most likely be killed by the demon race, can you still remain calm?”

“Mmmm……But!”

Even if she was being overwhelmed by Miranda, Haruka still refused to give up.

“That’s right…… what if our positions were swapped?”

Miranda Quenty continued her attack.

“Suppose your friend was suddenly murdered, the evidence all points to the enemy, also there are eyewitness testimony. Under this circumstance, would you still believe the enemy is innocent, ignoring the citizens’ feelings, and search for evidence everywhere?”

“…….Mmmm!”

This was going badly, Haruka thought to herself. Alphonse and Loutier’s argument was based on logic, thus Haruka could refute it using theory. However, Miranda appealed to the emotions. By adding the element of emotion into the debate, it forced Haruka to respect them. As a result, there was no doubt that it would make their opposing actions reasonable and view the attacks from the human to the demon race as legitimate actions.

“Now do you understand? As the leader of many citizens, we were forced to make this decision.”

Miranda gave a shallow smile and expressed her declaration of victory.

At this moment —

“—— Very good!”

A rude and frivolous voice resounded through the scene.

Everyone unanimously turned to look at the owner of the voice.

That was Akatsuki, who was holding his hands behind his head and was at ease.

### 011. Part 2

Although she said it was just a simple dish, the female boss’ dishes that were placed on the table were all made carefully.

For Miu, who was experiencing Sherfield’s local cuisine for the first time, each dish had a refreshing taste.

“How is the taste?”

The thoughtful female boss asked. Miu immediately nodded without hesitation.

“Yes, every dish is very tasty.”

“It really is delicious. Preparing that many dishes in such a short period of time, but the main point is that every dish is extremely tasty, it really isn’t that simple.”

Haruka was also full of praise.

Waving her knife around, Miu glanced at Akatsuki. Akatsuki, who was taking in a big mouthful of meat, revealed a joyful expression. Miu thought to herself that although she had often cook, her dishes had never had this taste. It looked like it should be the female boss’s special flavor formed by her character and her culinary skills. Besides the color, smell and taste, each dish had a sense of intimacy and warmth.

……This is the taste from a mother.

A taste that she would not be able to imitate.

Miu accidently blurted out her true feelings:

“Being able to enjoy such delicious dishes every day, auntie’s family must be very lucky. It really makes one jealous.”

“Really? Thank you, this was the most enjoyable compliment I’ve heard.”

Then she seriously faced Akatsuki.

“……I did not imagine that it would actually turn into this kind of situation.”

“Yes. When I came back, the two sides were at a explosive state.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Is there no information from the People’s Council?”

“Our side only knew about the information of the surveillance forces being wiped out, but this military action did not notify the militia and the council. Listy-sama currently believes that they cannot confirm if it was done by the demon race, they do not have an active attitude for participating in the war. If it was not for the three country military alliance agreement, I believe she had never planned to send forces out.”

The female boss stared at the empty sky.

“Only because Disdia’s attitude for revenge was extremely unyielding, Sherfield was forced to take action. In addition, the surveillance forces included part of Sherfield’s soldiers. Listy-sama could not just observe the situation, as it may lead to discontent within the country.”

So that was what happened, Akatsuki muttered.

“How did the council view this incident?”

“The council’s position was to remain neutral, but it is still sincerely looking forward to determine whether the situation of the surveillance forces being attacked is related to the demon race.”

The female boss’s expression was very bitter.

“After all, this was the peace you and Listy-sama had earned through your hard work. We have already shed too much blood, how can we easily destroy the hard-won peace.”

It really was too much.

“This short period of peace came at the expense of many precious lives.”

The female boss had a sorrowful tone. Miu and the others were suddenly moved, and gently put down the cutlery. Every word she had spoken was sincere and meaningful. Once she thought that there were humans with similar ideas as herself, Miu could not help but be moved.

……If only everybody was just like her……

War would probably never happen again.

Then she saw the female boss lift her head and look at Akatsuki.

“Since you are standing on the demon race’s side, does this mean that the event of being attacked is unrelated to the demon race?”

“At least the demon race currently targeted by the joint forces are innocent.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Currently the three country leaders have decided to temporarily retreat until an impartial third country re-investigates, then they will decide. This means that……the demon race temporarily gained a chance to breath.”

“I see……”

The female boss nodded with a strict expression, then she suddenly revealed a wry smile.

“But to stop the war and join the demon race’s forces, your method of doing things is too extreme.”

“I don’t think so.”

Akatsuki casually replied.

“I only do not like to leave things half-finished.”

“The moment you come back, you turn to this act. Listy-sama must be very angry?”

“Haha. If I could concede, I would, but when I need to be stubborn, I will also be stubborn till the end. For her position, being angry is natural.”

But once that remark had been said……

“——Actually, she worked really hard.”

The female boss quietly said.

“The recent work of transferring power to the People’s Council is gradually on track. The scope we, the committee members, are involved with has gradually increased.”

Saying up till here, the female boss could not help but sigh.

“Seeing that the elections are about to be held, I could not imagine……”

“Sorry, the election is……?”

Miu curiously asked.

“The election is to decide the new representative of Sherfield. Sherfield took great damages during the war against the demon race. As the last member of royalty, that person has decided to bear all the responsibility.”

Akatsuki replaced the female boss to reply.

“In short, it is to abolish the Royalty system, allow Sherfield to become a democratic country where the citizens elect representatives to manage the national policies.”

Ousawa Akatsuki thought back to the past.

What he thought back to was a moment after they recovered the capital Erdia from the demon race’s grasp.

At that time, Sherfield’s king had decided to enter the world, causing the country to be in turmoil. The citizens were all suffering from the threat of war. As the remaining survivor from the royal family, Listy regretted the actions of her father, and began to seriously consider what she could do for the country.

The gentle Sherfield princess finally made two decisions. One was to defeat the demon king Galious, the other was to democratize Sherfield. The people who decide the fate of Sherfield shouldn’t be the king, but the citizens. In order to create a democratic country, Listy brought Akatsuki, Zechs and Loutier to establish the system, creating the People’s Council and the militia ——which were not loyal to the royalty, but a political organization and military that belonged to the people. Currently, the final decision for policies resided at Listy’s hands, but all the policies would have to pass through the People’s Council.

The only area that the People’s Council could not interfere with was matters related to the previous war.

“That person once said, the battle was because of a wrong decision from the royal family.”

“S…So the goal of her becoming the successor of the throne is……”

Akatsuki nodded, confirming Miu’s prediction.

“Besides an armed coup d’etat, only royalty members are able to abolish the monarchy. But it just so happens that the country’s people all love Listy very much……”

That is also saying……

“The purpose of that person taking the throne was to deal with the mess that the royal family had left to their people. As Sherfield’s last queen, it is a responsibility she must take.”

“This……”

After learning the ins and outs of the matter, Miu was dumbfounded.

Miu had abandoned the responsibility of the demon king’s daughter. Of course, this was a decision she was forced to make.

After all, the demon king was dead now, and the demon king’s daughter would only become a source of unrest. That was why Galious had decided to entrust Miu to Akatsuki; and Akatsuki believed that the most appropriate solution was to take Miu away from Alayzard, and return to his own world. Even after they had left Alayzard, Disdia still sent pursuers, attempting to harm Miu. If she had decided to stay in this world, the consequences could have been disastrous.

However, the reason did not change the fact that Miu, as the demon king’s daughter, ran away from her responsibilities. They were both the leaders of their countries. Listy decided to face the responsibility and up till now, continued to fight restlessly. The gap between the two was clear to see.

Ignoring the transfixed Miu, Haruka quietly asked.

“Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really not have any regrets? Even knowing how much effort Queen Listy has given for the country, you still want to have a duel with her?”

“To prevent the battle between humans and the demon race, and promoting a peaceful coexistence between the two sides, I have no other choice.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Also, this is not only for the demon race. For the sake of that person, I must stop this war.”

Is it not?

“To prevent her, who absolutely hates wars, from being forced to go down this path, I must stop the war, and stop the tears from her that will flow down because of a war.”

“……”

Facing Akatsuki’s passionate speech, everyone fell into silence.

In Miu’s heart, there was a bit of self-loathing.

……Really now, what was I thinking in the end……

Even though she knew she shouldn’t have this thought, once Miu heard that Akatsuki was willing to fight for Listy, she felt a bit bitter. Including the sense of self-loathing, it made Miu feel even more painful.

“——If you say so, then what do you plan to do?”

Haruka asked a question towards Akatsuki.

“I think you should also know right? In order to reach a peaceful agreement, the battle happening in three days must be won. But in case you win, and the impartial third-country investigation results prove that the attack was unrelated to the demon race, humans and the demon race will successfully sign a peace treaty……At that moment, Sherfield will definitely be in a dilemma.”

“Are you referring to the domestic and foreign hostile forces that disagree with the peace treaty? Of course I understand this.”

Akatsuki gave off a hmmph, then revealed a confident smile.

“Disdia’s fourth prince isn’t a simple character to deal with, but I have my own plan.”

### 012. Part 2

A few minutes later, the fateful moment had finally come.

People from all over the world gave off a thunderous applause, congratulating themselves for becoming a witness to history.

Under the music and the cheers from the audience, the first one to enter was the trio who represented the Alliance.

That is also Sherfield’s world-renowned heroes ——Listy and the others.

The audience immediately responded with a warm applause and welcomed the trio to the stage.

——Next——

The demon race’s representative appeared from the other tunnel.

In order to prevent the war, a hero who returned once again to Alayzard.

At the same time, he abandoned humanity and was a traitor who joined the demon race’s formation.

Cheers and curses appeared in the air, the entire arena was in chaos. However, after Akatsuki appeared, both sides of the audience quieted down.

This was a duel between the Rogue Hero and Listy, Zechs and Loutier, but the audience could not see the silhouette of the rogue hero.

His hair color and eyes were still the same dark black color, but the person in front of the audience was not the familiar Akatsuki they knew.

He was wearing an evil and dark battle dress, and was armed with a black demon sword.

Akatsuki, who had parted with them for a while, seemed to have returned as the second coming of the demon king.

### 013. Part 2

Ten days later, the reinvestigation of the incident about the surveillance forces did not restart.

On the day of the meeting, Akatsuki, who represented the Galevain, did not attend, but sent a letter instead.

The recipient of this letter was Disdia’s Baram Dy Alon Disdia.

The letter expressed Galevain’s decision as well as the response for attacking Galevain.

In short, it was a war letter.

The letter’s content completely denied the earlier peace negotiations; however, Baram remained impassive as if everything was within his expectations.

Even if he was not spectating at the scene, no matter which side had obtained the final victory.

Baram had already knew that peace was an impossible dream.

However, on the signature of the letter, it made Baram discover that.

The name that was written in a foreign font was Ousawa Akatsuki.

This means that he had officially become Galevain’s representative.

The legend of Alayzard’s strongest demon king was about to begin.

## References

- ↑ Pronounced 'mew'.

- ↑ She says "you two", but I think that in English that sounds a bit too impolite

- ↑ Does someone know how to add the nuance that her mouth is open (i.e. with her teeth showing)? (Grin, I suppose?)

- ↑ Temporary Name

- ↑ Sound of door opening(ガチャ)

- ↑ ロドリゲス Not sure who the LN is referring for this.

- ↑ Both should be Muscular Video Game Characters

- ↑ I'm assuming it means that it should originally cover 75% of her bust, but Miu's boobs were too big so it could only cover 50%.

- ↑ Means the top employee, usually getting the most sales

- ↑ Probably needs a new term, in Chinese, a person’s 小兄弟 is basically little brother, but it is a slang for dick.

- ↑ アルフォソス テセ ルブラ ディスディア (Alphonse’s full name)

- ↑ ガキィィィィィィィソ clashing sound between the swords

- ↑ ちつ Laser shooting sound

### 014. Part 3

After that, Miu told Chikage and Kuzuha about her background.

From herself being a resident of a world called Alayzard, to her position as the Demon King's daughter, as well as the details of how, having a relationship of enmity with Akatsuki, both of them came around to this world. And from how, since she came to this world, she posed as Akatsuki's sister, to Phil Barnett's true identity and his hidden objective.

Once the whole story was over—before they knew, the sunlight that came from the window was going down.

Looking at the clock, Miu realized. Since she started her story, a full three hours had passed.

So, in order to take a break from the conversation, on Akatsuki's suggestion they had a temporary recess.

On the table before them, everyone's teacups had already become empty,

"I ...... I'll brew some more tea."

Saying that, Miu placed the cups on a tray, and flew into the kitchen.

She placed the four sets of tea cups and saucers in the sink and placed a kettle filled with water over the fire of the stove. Finally, Miu let out a big sigh.

The water that flew from the faucet was making circular ripples in the stainless steel sink.

Like that, Miu listened for a while to the sound of running water.

And then,

"—Hey, thanks for your work."

Suddenly, someone called out to her. Looking back, there was Akatsuki, leaning on the wall at the entrance of the kitchen, with a gentle look on his face.

"Yeah......"

Miu quietly nodded and turned back to the sink. After that, she started washing the teacups, gently sliding the sponge soaked in detergent.

Then, Akatsuki, without saying a word, stepped up to Miu. And,

"Ah......"

While quietly washing the cups, Miu's vision suddenly darkened. She had been embraced. It seems her head was embraced from the side. Miu had stopped her hands, and with a little troubled tone,

"That's dangerous...... What if I break a cup?"

"Relax. There's no way I'll let a girl I'm hugging get injured."

That joking tone gave her comfort.

"You did your best......"

"...... Yeah."

Before Akatsuki's voice tinged with warmth compared, she couldn't help but let out a quivering nod.

Miu softly closed her eyes on Akatsuki's chest. She leaned on him as if entrusting him with her body.

By receiving Akatsuki's gentleness, Miu knew to what extent he was at a loss wondering about whether to convey the truth to Chikage and Kuzuha or not. Because of that, Miu meekly fawned on that gentleness.

There's no turning back. Since I've told everything to those two.

From now on, all depends on Chikage and Kuzuha's judgement.

Whether they would keep fostering friendship like until now, or else they end up as enemies.

"I wonder if I have sufficiently explained myself......"

"Yup, there's no doubt about that."

He patted her back, as if saying she didn't need to worry.

Then, Akatsuki put both hands on Miu's shoulders, and gently pushed away her body.

"—Well, since I'll brew the tea, you should go back first."

"Eh, but......"

Miu's face clouded. Akatsuki, why don't we listen together to Chikage and Kuzuha's answer?

To Miu, who looked up with uneasiness, Akatsuki showed a gentle face,

"When I called them, I was asked something by Izumi and Class Rep. But after listening to your story, they still don't know what answer give to you. That is, since they'll give you a thoroughly thought out answer... That answer, they want you to hear it first."

What to do?

"However, if you say you want me to hear it with you—Do you mind if I'm present?"

The decision Miu made after pondering for a while, Akatsuki respected it without complaint.

As a result—Akatsuki was currently left alone in the kitchen.

Having the water in the kettle already boiled, he was now cooling it down to a suitable temperature.

Warming the cups and the tip of the teapot with hot water, Akatsuki was counting.

The gradually decreasing figures were a countdown until the moment of his arrival.

And, it happened when he got to just under 10. A single voice raised from the living room.

"————————"

It was a cry. What the trembling voice conveyed was a wailing of overflowing in-endurable feelings.

Akatsuki knew who was the owner of the voice. And also why she was crying.

So, Akatsuki didn't move from that place.

Ousawa Akatsuki knew how to react to a girl's tears.

In this case, if he reacted, then those were tears of sadness.

Had that kind of tears been shed, Akatsuki would have immediately rushed to the living room.

However — These tears were different.

The ones who had to react to these tears were the two people at her side.

So,

"...... That's good."

Akatsuki showed a satisfied smile. Then, as if he had remembered something,

"—Tch, how bad. Since it arrived sooner than expected, I lost count."

Distracted by the situation there, maybe the water had cooled a bit too much.

Scratching his cheek in annoyance, Ousawa Akatsuki showed a disappointing wry smile.

"Well, isn't it fine? Rather than warm, it may be better to a body that has cooled down by crying."

### 015. Part 3

“In the end, what am I doing…”

Looking at the cement wall with the door sign inscribed with “Ousawa”, Nanase Haruka could not help but quietly complain.

Today was the first day of spring break, but JPN Babel high school division Student Council Members, including Haruka, had to deal with the aftermath of the school ranking tournament. This also included re-examining the school’s security system. However, after meeting with Kubota Kaito in the school, Haruka had suddenly discovered that things weren’t that simple.

Kubota brought the new AD – Arms Device and handed it to Haruka.

A mysterious figure had taken advantage of the ranking tournament and invaded JPN Babel, causing a number of students and staff members to be injured.

Thanks to Akatsuki stepping forward, they successfully resolved the crisis, but no one could guarantee that this situation would not happen again. It was possible that there might be a more severe situation in the future; after all, Babel was a remarkable goal for terrorists. To prevent this situation from happening again, delegates at the C.O.C.O.O.N summit had reached an agreement, and took measures to prevent the possible terrorist attacks, that is the AD upgrade program.

Not only would the new AD be able to materialize a weapon, it could also instantly switch into the battle uniform mode based on the user’s instructions. However, the battle uniform mode was only limited to clothing made from the special telepathic stone’s fibers – such as the school gym uniforms. Thus the school had decided to catch up during the spring break, before the new year started, and initiate a uniform design plan.

As the new AD was completed, the school immediately started a synchronization test for new uniforms and the new AD, and the chosen tester was Haruka. Babel’s best scientist’s, Kubota’s, masterpiece would naturally have no possibility of error and the test was well within everyone’s expectation, obtaining words of success beforehand.

Thus, the new AD and new uniform design plan had closed – until now it had gone fairly smoothly.

…The real problem had yet to come.

Just when Haruka was about to return to the Student Council Office, Kubota took a new AD and ordered Haruka to give this AD to Akatsuki, to replace the missing AD he had lost when fighting against the mysterious dragon.

Why me? Haruka could not help but complain. But it was strange as Haruka did not have any ideas to refuse.

Haruka did not say anything and accepted the AD from Kubota. Actually she could have asked others to deliver the AD to Akatsuki, after all she was a member of the high school division Student Council Member of JPN Babel, and had assistants to help deal with chores. What was strange was that Haruka never thought of entrusting this matter to someone else.

This was the reason why Haruka appeared in front of Akatsuki’s home.

… I’m unwilling to admit it.

Nanase Haruka thought. During the ranking tournament – No, it should be before the ranking tournament, she was very conscious of Akatsuki’s presence. Why? She did not know and did not want to know. So Haruka had already been hovering near Akatsuki’s home for nearly an hour and was still unwilling to press the doorbell.

… People who do not understand the circumstances must have treated me as a suspicious person.

What the hell! A member of JPN Babel Disciplinary Committee will actually look like a suspicious individual in the eyes of others!? Just what is Ousawa Akatsuki, Just what from that guy makes me hesitant, and even be treated as a suspicious character? Thus Haruka took a deep breath and in her heart, made up her mind –

There is no need to hesitate, just relax and do it. Press the doorbell, give out her identity, then hand over the AD to Akatsuki and that’s it. Simple, isn’t it?

But just when Haruka was about to press the doorbell…

“ – Isn’t this the Vice President?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

A sudden sound came from behind, and Haruka was suddenly shocked to a certain extent.

Turning around, a youth appeared in her sight. Nanase Haruka was not unfamiliar with the youth - the other was the class’s famous truancy king.

“Kaidou Motoharu… Why are you here?”

“Akatsuki is my “best friend”, so occasionally visiting shouldn’t be too overboard right?”

Kaidou shrugged.

“So why are you standing in front of Akatsuki’s home?”

“I…I have come to give something to him.”

After saying this, Haruka suddenly thought she was in trouble.

“…It can’t be that you actually saw it.”

“Ah? Saw what?”

Seeing Kaidou’s puzzled look, Haruka was relieved. It looked like he did not notice that she was hovering in front of the door, while she was thinking embarrassedly.

Thank goodness. If that embarrassed look was seen by others, she must have fainted on the spot.

So Haruka pretended to be calm and said:

“Nothing, I have just arrived recently.”

“Really. But I probably arrived 30 minutes ago and saw you standing in front of the door.”

As Kaidou’s nonchalant response entered her ears, Nanase Haruka suddenly felt dizzy. Although she was not shocked to that extent, but she almost lost consciousness, her face became more red and flushed.

“W…Why did you not say anything?”

“It could not be helped, the changes in the expression of the vice president were really interesting.”

“Y…You, why can’t you pretend you didn’t see it? You’re really not considerate at all!”

Just when Haruka was about to scold Kaidou.

A sharp sound suddenly appeared at the scene.

“This sound… It can’t be a dimensional transfer?”

Haruka immediately looked at the direction of the sound.

Near the second floor of Ousawa’s home space started to appear distorted. It could not be mistaken, this was the sign for dimensional transfer. Someone was being summoned to an alternative world.

At this moment –

“- Damn, there was still this trick!”

Kaidou, whose face was becoming pale, immediately sprung forward. The door did not seem to be locked, seeing as Kaidou easily opened the entrance door and went straight into the house.

“W…Wait a minute!”

Haruka, who was behind a step, hurriedly tried to catch up.

A blinding flash occupied the room.

Sitting on the bed, four people were holding hands forming a circle. The one who was commanding was Akatsuki, who was among the four people.

“Very good…slowly take deep breaths and imagine Alayzard’s scene in your head.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu beside him, who was the center of the light.

As a resident of Alayzard, Miu had access to direct them to that world.

As long as Akatsuki followed the essentials of the , and used Renkan Keikikou to inject ki into Miu’s body, he could produce the current scenario. In short, the key to opening the dimensional movement. After that, Miu just had to concentrate and they would be able to use the created when she entered this world to return to Alayzard.

Besides Miu, Akatsuki also injected ki into Chikage and Kuzuha’s body and at the same allowed the ki to form a circular orbit. Before, when Akatsuki had brought Miu through the , she had also used these two techniques.

As a result, all four of the people gained the ability to go through dimensions.

“Okay, then let’s go!”

Akatsuki gave out the order, and the four bodies released a dazzling light, completing the preparation for dimensional transfer to the alternative world.

At this time –

Two shadows came in from the door. Taking a single glance, Akatsuki immediately identified the shadows that were respectively Kaidou Motoharu and Nanase Haruka. The two people were probably just visiting, noticed the signs of dimensional transfer outside of the house, and hurriedly rushed in.

Ousawa Akatsuki showed an evil smile.

“Specially came to send us off? Must be hard to both of you. There’s no need to worry, we’ll return immediately.”

“Huh…? Kaidou? And vice president?”

As Akatsuki’s words entered her ears, Miu subconsciously turned and looked behind.

What happened next was completely outside of Akatsuki’s expectations.

Kaidou, with a speed that seemed to be fast enough to leave an afterimage, waved his right hand.

Akatsuki clearly noticed that Miu’s arm was wrapped by a thin chain.

“Hey Hey…”

Akatsuki’s tone showed some displeasure.

“Sorry Akatsuki. This is my first time saying this – Oops, my hand slipped.”

Kaidou revealed a cunning smile. At this moment, the light from the four bodies moved through the chain and onto Kaidou. Kaidou’s body also started to glow, completing the preparation for dimensional movement.

At this moment –

“Are you all crazy?”

Attempting to prevent Kaidou, Haruki held onto Kaidou’s arm. As a result, she was also surrounded by a strong dazzling light.

“Oh… Even the vice president is coming along for the ride.”

Seeing this, Chikage could not help but shake her head, sighing.

“What a mess…”

Kuzuha helplessly sighed.

The dimensional movement was about to begin. Now they could only bring the two to the alternative world as well.

“That’s enough, it’s not like we are going to a picnic.”

Just when Akatsuki muttered this…

A dazzling white light engulfed everything.

### 016. Part 3

Noticing that everyone’s attention was focused on him, Akatsuki could not help but think:

Right now here is the main event.

……Eh?

Akatsuki suddenly took a glance at Miu.

Miu’s sorrowful face, which was staring at Akatsuki, seemed to represent that she did not understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s previous phrase. Thus Akatsuki gently smiled and motioned Miu to not worry.

“——!”

Through this, it made the sad looking Miu suddenly open up, and show full confidence towards Akatsuki. Thus Akatsuki faced the front, and saw the smiling Miranda hurriedly speak:

“——Akatsuki, do you empathize with our troubles?”

“Of course. Since you hold evidence, it can’t be helped.”

“……Everybody heard this clearly.”

Baram said it in a deep tone.

“This is a formal diplomatic talk, even if we mistakenly included emotions in our speech, it cannot be cancelled afterwards.”

“……”

Noticing that Akatsuki remained silent, Baram laughed.

“Just say what your opinion is, remaining silent will be considered as agreement.”

“...…If you say so, then there’s no helping it. Okay, so it’s this.” Akatsuki shrugged.

“What does this mean? Did you give up on the peace agreement?” Facing Listy’s suspicion, Akatsuki shook his head.

“Give up? I did not mean to say I give up……Is there anything wrong with this?”

“There is nothing wrong. Just by seeing you judge and accept that our surveillance forces were attacked by the demon race, our attacks have also gained legitimacy, so there is naturally no reason for us to retreat. Under these circumstances, do you think there is space for negotiation?”

“Of course not.”

Baram replaced Akatsuki to answer Volk’s question, then he turned to face Akatsuki.

“He has already admitted that our attack to the demon race is justified revenge.”

But……

“That’s correct, I admit that.”

Akatsuki attitude was still frivolous.

He announced to the crowd loudly.

“I recognize, and accept your argument that the demon race is the culprit behind the attacks on the surveillance forces.”

So—now it’s our turn.

“Galevain respects and accepts your country’s stance and judgment; after all, besides the testimony, you also hold relevant evidence. But do not be mistaken, the truth isn’t this, the demon race have never attacked the human surveillance forces. About this point, we also have relevant testimony and we reasonably suspect that the evidence you found are fakes made by the real culprit.”

“W……What did you say?”

Facing Akatsuki’s explanation, Baram could not help but reveal a surprised look, as if he did not understand the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. So Akatsuki gave out a slight smile and loudly requested:

“Now it is your turn to respect and understand our stance. We are troubled because we were wrongly accused, and hope you will be able to immediately retreat, this is our stance.”

“Ah……”

The moment Miu understood and exclaimed——

“——That is a lie!”

Baram slammed his hands onto the table, and angrily stood up. His chair fell down behind him and created a loud sound. Under Baram’s menacing eyes, Akatsuki still had a nonchalant look.

“While we are not able to agree with your stance, we are still willing to respect it. So I will not request that you agree with us, but at least respect our stance.”

“A mere defeated country wishes to have equal footing with us? Don’t expect that if you respect our stance, we must respect your stance!”

“Huh, did you forget? Didn’t grandpa Volk just say this? “Your status is equivalent to us, there is naturally no need to make a useless attempt at beautiful rhetorical words and diplomatic language.” If our status is equal, then it is natural to ask for the same in return!”

“Ohoh, you’re really something.”

Volk, who was placed on the spot by Akatsuki, gently smiled, and stroked his long white beard.

Baram spat out.

“That was Pope Volk’s opinion, I did not promise that.”

“Then why did you not speak at that time? “If you have an opinion, speak quickly” , “Silence represents agreement”, I wonder who said these two phrases.”

“Mmmm……”

Baram was angry to the extent where his cheeks turned red. Seeing this, Miranda could not help but cover her mouth and laugh, her shoulder even shook slightly, with an overjoyed look.

However, Akatsuki did not intend to easily let go of Baram.

“This is a formal meeting, so all the speeches “cannot be cancelled”. This phrase was your excuse that you used in the beginning in order to put me in a difficult position. Now you can’t even hold your own, it can’t be that you would pretend that you never said it right? I should hope that, the Great Disdia Emperor, would use just a dirty trick right?”

His honey tongue really made an awe-inspiring appearance.

Noticing that everybody remained silent, Akatsuki revealed a proud smile.

He then said:

“——Look, didn’t I say it already? This meeting was completely under my control.”

“……!”

Under Akatsuki’s superb conversation skills, he gave no room for rebuttal for Baram who wanted to eliminate the demon race.

However, the battle of politics was just about to begin.

“——Akatsuki-dono, please listen to me.

Alphonse suddenly spoke.

“Volk-sama did indeed mention about having the “same status”, but it should only represent only the representatives and not the relations between countries.”

“Oh……”

Although Alphonse’s eyes were filled with provocation, Akatsuki had a good impression of him.

Up till now, the developments from the peace talks, Baram’s previous careless remarks had forced his country to express disagreement with Galevain’s request, Disdia’s position and influence would also be affected. So Alphonse attempted to help his father take back the disadvantage. As a prince of his country, it was not only his responsibility but also his duty. However, Akatsuki would not be lenient because of this.

“So that is your explanation, but I believe that it should also include equality between the nations. Anyways, I respected your stances, then can you please respect mine?”

Once they accepted the opposing stances, it would mean that even if their opinions did not match, they could only interpret it by themselves. In short, Alphonse’s dissent would not have any effect. However, Alphonse readily accepted Akatsuki’s proposition.

“I see……If we accept your stance, what request do you have?”

“Immediately recall the troops that surround the forest.”

Akatsuki replied without hesitation.

“We have already accepted your stance of performing a siege, now it is your turn to show sincerity and recall your troops.”

“The cause of the attack was because our country and Sherfield’s joint forces came under attack, how would you deal with this matter? Right now both sides are sticking to their own positions, and both sides of argument are lacking evidence, and cannot accurately tell the truth. But our surveillance forces being crushed is an indisputable fact. Even if we currently do not hold real evidence, it does not deny the possibility that the demon race was involved in it.”

Alphonse’s conversational skills were also quite clever. Akatsuki spat out in his heart.

……Amazing.

The reason behind why both sides were deadlocked was because they continued to stand for their own side’s legitimate reasons.

However, Alphonse actually admitted that both sides were lacking conclusive evidence, and at the same time, Akatsuki’s opinion was only baseless speculation. Once they pulled out the emotions of both sides, it left only the truth. In reality, compared to the proposition of demon race believing they were being framed, it was clear that “Our monitoring forces have been attacked by the demon race and were completely wiped out” was more realistic.

……What should I do?

Although they could continue their stance of being misunderstood, there were many weak arguments, and sooner or later, they would be overwhelmed by the other side. Thus, Akatsuki decided to change the course.

“In order to prove that we are being framed, Galevain hopes to quickly investigate the truth of this matter. However, Galevain will not accept the truth you investigated, and at the same time, you will not accept the truth Galevain investigated. Is this correct?”

“Yes.”

Alphonse nodded. Akatsuki revealed a satisfied smile.

“Why not let the Maritime Trade Country — Ayersmarina act as a fair and impartial third party, and under witness from both sides re-investigate. I personally feel that it is an appropriate method, what do you think of it?”

Only in the situation where it did not involve both sides’ interest, it could clarify the truth. Since the culprit was not Galevain, the truth was in their favor.

“……”

Alphonse considered for a moment.

“——This proposal is indeed appropriate.”

Then he quietly said:

“……I do not know what Sherfield thinks, Queen Listy?”

“Ah……That’s fine.”

After Listy expressed her agreement, Alphonse gaze shifted to the other side.

“Volk-sama, is Aleclasta also in favor of this proposal?”

“Yes, there are no objections. The truth is that the forces that were wiped out are from Sherfield and Disdia. I am generally following the friendship of our three country alliance, so I sent troops to participate in retaliation. As long as your country and Sherfield accept, Aleclasta will naturally have no reasons to refuse.”

“Very well, then let’s leave it as that.”

Akatsuki revealed a satisfied smile.

“——However……Akatsuki-dono.”

Alphonse coldly spoke:

“In principle, we cannot let all the troops retreat from the forest. The alternative plan was to leave the surveillance forces, I believe there are no objections from Galevain’s side.”

“Geez, you really calculated it well.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“The amount of surveillance forces are the same as before?”

“No. Since they were able to eliminate our troops in one night, this means that we cannot underestimate the other party. To prevent the same tragedy from occurring, we must increase the amount of forces.”

Alphonse apparently tried to fight for more favorable conditions, but Akatsuki replied quickly.

“Ah…Okay, that’s fine.”

“……Do you not need to confirm the number of troops that we increased?”

Akatsuki attitude was very simple, and instead made Alphonse feel a bit surprised.

Only for him to see Akatsuki smile.

“Never mind, I believe you. After all you do not wish to break the consensus both parties had managed to build right?”

“……That is true.”

At the same time he saw Alphonse gave a wry smile, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…At least we came up with a conclusion.

They at least successfully managed to remove the siege around the force. Moreover, Alphonse was a negotiation expert; if it had continued, there was no guarantee that Akatsuki would not suffer losses.

“——Otou-sama, what do you think?”

Alphonse asked for Baram’s opinion. Baram obviously did not accept this conclusion, but he could not express an objection; after all, his careless remarks made them fall under unfavorable conditions. It was thanks to Alphonse that they managed to turn the tide and barely regained their pride, so why would Baram let down his son’s efforts. Besides, this conclusion had obtained the agreement of Volk and Listy. If he was to object at this point, he would undoubtedly disgrace himself.

“……I understand, then let us do this.”

After saying this, Alphonse stared at Akatsuki as if he was seeking for Akatsuki’s consent.

Akatsuki accepted Alphonse’s gaze and quietly nodded.

……Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse.

After his three brothers died in the battle against the demon race, Alphonse had become the sole heir of Disdia.

The frail and weak Alphonse could not be like his father and brothers and storm the battle, but he was the indispensable strategist beside his father, and helped his father to deal with politics. As a prince in a military country that had never killed on the battlefield, Alphonse was called by many citizens as the , but the display he showed in the debate was extraordinary. He not only made the surveillance forces stay at the forest with a legitimate reason, he even obtained agreement from the participants to increase the strength of their forces, helping his father and at the same time Disdia regain their pride.

……He sure has character.

Alphonse did not hesitate to accept the fair and impartial third party proposal to investigate the truth, which meant that Disdia did not seem to care if the truth was to be made public.

Is it because they have confidence in their own legitimacy? Or is it——

……Another conspiracy?

Not through violent coercion, but bribing with money? However, Alphonse did not seem to be that type of person. At least when he was facing Akatsuki, his eyes were extremely honest.

…Forget it.

Even if he really had little tricks, he would not be able to escape from Akatsuki. There was no need to waste his time on him.

They had managed the break through the first hurdle, but there were still more things for Akatsuki to deal with. The tension they had till now was finally resolved.

……Now they had to deal with the tension in the future.

At this moment——

“……I’m willing to accept the request of withdrawing my army and only leaving surveillance forces in the forest.”

Baram quietly said.

“But this does not represent that Disdia is willing to sign an equal peace treaty with Galevain. The demon race and Disdia’s national powers are too different, they will never be able to be equals.”

Hearing this, Akatsuki was actually secretly delighted.

One of the most important keys to the peace negotiation was to lure the militarist Disdia to say the phrase just now. He did not think that Baram would actually say it himself. Ousawa Akatsuki of course did not miss this opportunity.

“National powers are too different……What does this phrase mean?”

“Is there any more to say!”

Baram’s said with a firm tone.

“Military Strength is equal to National Power. Once war breaks out again, Disdia will be easily able to annihilate Galevain!”

“Easily? You talk big.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly.

“Listen carefully, if war breaks out again, I will be standing on Galevain’s side this time.”

### 017. Part 3

After finishing their meal.

Miu prepared to get up and help the female boss clean up the dishes on the table.

“It’s okay, just sit down. Cleaning the dishes has always been my job.”

The female bossed smiled and declined Miu’s act of kindness. Miu could only obediently sit back down.

“——Oh, yes, auntie. Is it okay if I say hello at the back of the store?”

Akatsuki suddenly remembered something and asked.

The reply from the female boss came back from the kitchen.

“Of course, there’s no problem. You haven’t met each other for a long time, so there must be a lot to say. Take it slowly, there’s no need to rush.”

“Thanks……You guys should also come.”

Akatsuki left his seat, went through the kitchen door and walked towards the back door of the restaurant.

Miu and Haruka glanced at each other, and could only follow.

Opening the back door, Akatsuki walked outside. What he saw was a family vegetable garden.

The ten square meter vegetable garden was organized neatly. It was covered with various natural vegetables on top of Sherfield’s fertile land. The vegetables that were used in the restaurant probably came from this location. But if you looked closely, there wasn’t a person in sight at the vegetable garden.

“There isn’t even a person here, who are you going to greet?”

Haruka frowned, but Akatsuki only said “Come here”, and walked to the other side of the vegetable garden. Behind the fence was a large forest. Akatsuki pushed open the wooden door of the fence and entered the forest. Miu followed him into the forest and stood next to Akatsuki.

“This is……a grave……?”

Seeing three large boulders acting as a gravestone side by side. The furthest boulder was a different color than the other two boulders in front, it should be a person who had recently died.

“——!”

The gravestone was inscribed with the word “Leon”. Miu suddenly turned pale.

“Could it……”

Miu stared at Akatsuki. Only to see Akatsuki nod, his eyes remaining at the gravestone.

“Here is Sherfield’s true hero, and also Leon’s home. This is a private family cemetery. There is no need to go to the cemetery near the castle to pay respect to the dead.”

“Could it be that auntie is……”

Miu turned and looked back at the back door. The female boss, who treated them earlier, was located near the back door and inside the kitchen.

“She is called Selina Aceperio……and is Leon’s mother.”

Replying to Miu’s question, Akatsuki suddenly sat down.

“Sorry……Compared to here, the cemetery’s level of alert is too high, there is no way to have a good chat with you.”

Akatsuki’s face revealed a solitary smile.

“The idiot that destroyed the tomb was already defeated by me. Valkyria also said that they will help rebuild your grave, you can relax.”

Akatsuki said towards Leon’s grave. Although Ousawa Miu heard this, she did not understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s words. When she regained consciousness, she noticed that she was sitting down on the ground, completely powerless, and even standing up was difficult for her.

The hero Leon ——The person who killed him was none other than the demon king, who was also Miu’s father, Galious.

……Could it be……

Under the situation where she had no knowledge of this, she enjoyed Leon’s mother’s elaborate dishes.

What should I do? Her chest was clutched together, making it hard for her to breathe. This unpleasant feeling must have come from the guilt within her heart.

Miu wrapped her arms around her chest, and tightly held onto her trembling body.

However, her body still did not listen to her, and began to shake.

“——Calm down, don’t get overly excited.”

Just before Miu was about to be swallowed by the sense of guilt, Akatsuki put his arm around her shoulder. He gently and firmly pushed Miu into his arms.

“Ah……”

Only by doing this, Miu’s body remembered how to breathe.

The moment the oxygen entered her lungs, her body was shrouded with an unbearable chill.

“There is no need to feel guilty, after all, I did not tell you in advance and brought you to this place.”

Akatsuki apologized.

“However, if I had told you auntie’s identity in advance, you would probably not eat at all, and it would maybe turn auntie’s wishes of not having war with the demon race turn into a fake lie.”

But……

“I only wanted you to taste auntie’s dishes, listen to her voice. Within your knowledge, perhaps humans are only a crowd of selfish animals who randomly try to find a reason to eliminate the demon race, but within this pack of selfish animals, there are still people like auntie, who loves peace, is kind and honest.”

“……”

Miu was speechless, but she still nodded towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki accepted Miu, accepted the truth that he killed the demon king Galious. Knowing that Miu views him as the murderer of her father, he was still considerate to her, even willing become Miu’s place to stay, and allowing Miu’s wandering heart find a place she could call a home. Now he had also come forward to help the demon race from the threat of a war.

Listy was also the same. She did not avoid her responsibility as the royal family. Even since the end of the war until now, she was still fighting for her ideals. That being the case, Miu should also accept the truth that she was the demon king’s daughter, and bear responsibility for the deaths that her father had caused. Even if these sacrifices were the product of the war, it was the price they had to pay in order to create a world where the demon race could live in peace, Miu also had no excuse to avoid her responsibility.

“……Thank you, I am much better now.”

Miu slowly stood up.

Then she walked towards the kitchen, planning to take up her own responsibilities.

“It was me who first brought you here, I’ll accompany you.”

Akatsuki immediately followed, but Miu shook her head.

“Please, let me go by myself.”

Ousawa Miu recalled the phrase she had said earlier.

“Being able to enjoy such delicious dishes every day, auntie’s family must be very lucky, it really makes one jealous.”

Those were her feelings that escaped when she had no knowledge of the situation, there were absolutely no evil intentions. Even if it was because she did not know the situation, that was not an excuse to forgive it.

Ousawa Miu——No, Myuu knew about Leon’s life very clearly. During the battle, he had lost his father and his sister. From an identity of a civilian and joining the army, he made numerous contributions and finally became a knight. Beside Leon’s grave were two more tombstones, this must be his father and sister’s final resting place. Selina already could not let her family members enjoy the meals she had personally made.

Standing in front of the backdoor, Miu gently turned the handle and quietly pushed open the door.

After entering the kitchen, Selina, who was standing before the sink and washing the dishes, noticed Miu’s existence.

“Yes? Is there a problem?”

“I……”

Miu attempted to speak, but she did not know what to say.

“I……”

Her inner emotions surged out, but Ousawa Miu could not find the appropriate words. Out of desperation, tears began to emerge from her eyes.

……No, she absolutely could not cry.

Crying at such a time is undoubtedly a despicable act. Miu bit her lower lip tightly and fought back the tears.

She was not qualified to cry for Selina and Leon. If, at this important moment, she begins to cry, it will no doubt make her seem like a pitiful victim.

Therefore Ousawa Miu must not cry, but she also did not know how to begin.

“I……I……”

Miu closed her eyes, desperately searching for the appropriate words in her head.

“——It’s okay.”

A gentle voice entered her ears. She opened her eyes and saw Selina standing in front of her. Selina’s face had a calm smile.

“I am a committee member for Sherfield, how would I not know who you are?” Selina’s remark made Miu widen her eyes.

“Why……? Then how would……”

“Well, I operate a restaurant, so naturally I will encounter all sorts of guests.”

Selina explained.

“Honest guests, cunning guests, guests that attempt to deceive others, gullible guests. Even guests that are kind-hearted, but after a few cups of millet wine, they will go into a drunk-frenzy, and become touchy with the young female guests……After being in touch with many people, I naturally can distinguish what kind of people are trustworthy, and what kind of people I must not trust.”

So.

“From the moment I saw you, your eyes told me everything. That’s right, you are a trustworthy person.”

“But, I……”

“That war stole away my husband and my two children, but you also lost your parents as well. And you should understand what Leon had done right? Maybe he, too, had killed your loved ones, friends and companions on the battlefield.”

“……”

Miu was silent.

“Whether it was humans or the demon race, losing the closest people would still make us feel sad, feel painful, and produce the mentality of hating wars.”

Selina tightly hugged Miu, she whispered in her ear.

“It must have been difficult for you……”

“……!”

The moment this phrase entered her ears, Miu felt that her entire body trembled.

The suppressed feeling overflowed and burst out. Tears began to appear from her eyes.

Miu was still fighting back against the tears. Selina gently patted her back.

“It’s okay. Right now you have Akatsuki beside you, there is nothing to worry about.”

Because……

“That child may be a bit perverted, but he is a person you can trust. He must have thought of a plan to solve this problem. Besides, you have lived with that child for a long time, you should also know about that ridiculous aesthetic he insist upon right?”

“Yes……”

Miu wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I believe in him……If I had not met that person, I would not be standing here right now.”

“…I see, so you are already fine.”

Selina narrowed her eyes.

“Quickly stop the senseless war together with that guy.”

“…Yes.”

Miu firmly nodded, then headed towards the back door, preparing to call Akatsuki and Haruka.

“After the issue has been settled, come over and have a seat again.”

Selina’s gentle voice came from behind her.

“Next time come at the operation hours. I will bring out my skills and entertain you nicely.”

“Yes……After we prevent this war and resolve the conflict with the humans and demon race……”

Ousawa Miu turned her head back, smiled and made a promise with Selina.

“I will come back with that person, and enjoy auntie Selina’s handmade dishes!”

### 018. Part 3

The upcoming contestants stood on the stage and confronted each other.

Akatsuki’s appearance made Listy El Da Sherfield frown.

“Where did you obtain such a weird and enccentric costume and weapon?”

“You’re talking about this? The clothes was when I was shopping, and bought from an antique shop. The boss said that this was the battle outfit of the ancient demon king, but it is only a replica and not the real thing. Since I am representing the demon race in this fight, I have to consider my outfit a bit right. As for the weapon, it came from my world.”

Akatsuki looked at the black great sword in his hands, while his face exposed a strange smile. This appearance made Listy sigh. It looked like Akatsuki was determined that they will have to have a showdown.

“——In short, a real demon king.”

Suddenly someone interrupted from the sidelines. Looking carefully, it was Alphonse. As the proposer of this duel, Alphonse naturally had to take up the role of the host. He grunted disapprovingly.

“If you were using the identity of the “Rogue Hero” to participate, perhaps you might have the support of the audience. Akatsuki-dono, but this time you miscalculated. Dressing up as the demon race to participate will only arouse resentment of the people.”

“Whether it is a miscalculation, you’ll know later.”

“I can’t wait to see……Queen Listy, can we begin?”

“……Yes, please.”

Facing Alphonse’s inquiry, Listy nodded. Looking at Alphonse, who forced her to this position, Listy thought: No matter who wins or loses in this duel, Disdia would obtain the largest benefits. Alphonse’s inner feelings naturally went without saying.

……If you think that the situation is completely under control, then you could be wrong.

Facing this duel, Listy and the others had never given up hope.

They had already devised a tactic, allowing the spectators to give an advantage to the disgraced.

Thus ——Alphonse, using a solemn tone, used the sound amplification magic to warn the arena.

“——Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby announce the duel between Queen Listy, General Zechs and Elite Executive Loutier and Akatsuki-dono is about to begin.”

A thunderous applause and cheers suddenly burst throughout the arena. After the cheers had subsided slightly, Alphonse began to explain the rules of the duel. No time limit, when one side loses their ability to fight or surrenders, then the duel is considered to have ended. Meanwhile, the organizers placed a special barrier, making the battle space limited to the battle stage and the air surrounding it. No matter how intense their offense and defense was, it would not affect the audience viewing from the sidelines.

In addition ——

“The battle space will turn any physical harm and automatically turn it into mental damage. This is a measure to ensure the safety of the participants, while at the same time allowing the two sides to fight without care, utilizing their true strength.”

Finally, he had to add one more sentence.

“——Also, this is a special reminder. Akatsuki-dono represents Galevain to negotiate with the Alliance, hoping that both sides will be able to reach a peace agreement. At the same time, if the agreement is threatened, he will not hesitate and join the demon race’s formation. In order to prove that Akatsuki-dono has the strength to control the signing, we have specially sent out our strongest battle strength, which is Queen Listy, General Zecha and the Elite Executive Loutier, to have a showdown with Akatsuki-dono. This is the origin of the duel. I have specially explained the and hope that you have all listened."

After hearing this, the crowd suddenly burst out with relentless accusations and insults.

“This is just simply a show to pave way for a peace agreement!”

“I don’t believe that you will actually fight for real!”

Queen Listy bit her lower lips tightly.

Although it was within their expectations, what they heard was still pretty harsh.

The criticism from the audience was inevitable. For those conservatives who did not wish to sign an agreement with the demon race, this duel should have never been held. But on the other hand, there are still many voices who are against war.

Both sides immediately insulted each other, and the arena suddenly plunged into chaos.

“——Quiet!”

Alphonse shouted through the sound amplification magic, and the audience fell into silence.

“Queen Listy and the others are under a formal invitation by Disdia and Aleclasta to become the contestants of this duel. Any remarks that belittle the duel or Queen Listy and the others will be treated as a rebellion.”

Alphonse strictly looked at Queen Listy’s eyes. She could not help but snort in her mind.

……He really knows how to talk.

On the surface, Alphonse was trying to defend Listy from injustice, but realistically it was a trap to legalize the duel and force Sherfield into a disadvantageous spot.

……Fine. Even if you treat me heartlessly, don’t blame me if I treat you unfairly.

Listy had made up her mind and decided to go through with their established plan. Thus, Listy winked at Zechs and Loutier.

Just when both of them nodded, Alphonse finally revealed his hidden fangs.

“It is undeniable that this duel is a battle between past comrades, so it is no wonder that everyone believes that this is just a show to pave way for the peace agreement. In fact, under the barrier which turns physical damage to mental damage, neither side needs to take it easy, and based on the nature of the duel itself, even if they do not have a final victor, Akatsuki-dono will also have proved his strength.”

The strategist, who was added to his strategy, laughed, and smiled happily.

“However, this way you will lose the people’s trust in this duel. Anyone doubting the result of the competition is not what we as country leaders wish to see. Since the result of the duel is an important reference to determine whether we have peace or not, we naturally hope that the results of this battle and the decision for the future are not based on child’s play. Thus, in the name of Disdia empire’s fourth prince Alphonse Tese Rubura Disdia I hereby announce ——“

After a short pause ——

“——This duel will not have the option of a tie. No matter how much time it takes, the results of the duel will decide the fate of humanity.”

“P…Prince Alphonse ——!”

Queen Listy was shocked, but her voice was overshadowed by the cheers of the audience. Yes. Alphonse’s announcement had won the applause of every audience.

“Queen Listy, is there something wrong……?”

Alphonse removed the sound amplication magic. His face was wearing a proud smile. Seeing this, Listy could not help but tightly bite her lower lip.

For Listy who was forced into a desperate situation, the only way out was a tie. On one hand, Akatsuki, who was seeking peace, would have shown his strength, while Sherfield also would not have to end up taking responsibility for the results of either the war or the peace. More importantly, Listy and the others would not lose, so they could still continue their relationship with the other two countries. Although a tie might be ridiculed as a show, everyone in Alayzard knew the relationship between Akatsuki and them. As long as they began using their full powers and competed, even taking into account their former friendship, and battled, at least they would be understood by the audience. Even if it caused a strong rebound from the group who did not wish for peace, it would be better than becoming an enemy of all of the citizens. Although Listy did not mention this plan to Akatsuki, she believed that Akatsuki’s goal was the same.

……To think that the situation evolved into this……!

The audience’s emotions had already been ignited, the plan of a tie game was naturally aborted. Since they did not want to have a duel with a tie ending, they should have mentioned it when developing the rules, but Alphonse picked the beginning of the duel to announce it with sensitive timing. It also revealed an unsual message. When the three country alliance decided that Listy and the others would face Akatsuki, they should have predicted that every country’s audience could possibly think that this was just a show. Alphonse’s act was difficult to understand—Why? After noticing Alphonse’s goal, Listy could not help but bite her lips tightly and clench her fist.

……It can’t be wrong.

Alphonse deliberately left the path of a tie game; naturally, Listy would seize this only hope. After confirming that Listy fell for the bait, Alphonse took advantage of the duel that was about to begin and made a critical point about how there must be a conclusion, also finding a sound reason to block off their only path. All this action was to place Sherfield in a disadvantageous spot. In fact, this proved that Alphonse’s plan was quite successful. Listy did not have any time to prepare another plan.

After Alphonse took the advantage, he did not forget to add a comment that caught them off guard.

“Queen Listy, for Sherfield’s reputation, please do your best.”

Why?

“In case of a defeat, it is unlikely to shut everybody’s mouth.”

“……!”

Listy could not help but shiver.

Alphonse’s meaning could not be any clearer. If Listy and the others lost, even if they lost after using all their power, they could not escape the suspicion of fraud.

Once similar rumors have sprouted, it is bound to discredit Sherfield’s reputation. At that time, not only will they be isolated from the international community, the domestic opposition will also take the opportunity to seize power, causing the country to fall apart.

Akatsuki, who was standing on the demon race’s side, had no other options besides winning. After all, Akatsuki’s defeat would mean the demise of the demon race. However, Listy was also the same. Whether they win or lose, they could not avoid the criticism of the world. If they lose they could still obtain a reputation for trying to eliminate wars, but this option was blocked off by Alphonse. Strictly speaking, Listy and the others’s retreat had been completely sealed off.

……Looks like there is no other choice.

Thus Listy tried to motivate herself within her heart.

Besides winning, there was no other path to take.

### 019. Part 4

War should have ended.

On the world called Alayzard, the war between humans and demons had continued for a long time.

Then, a single young man summoned from an alternate world put an end to it by felling the Demon King.

The name of the young man was — Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, when he first was summoned, Akatsuki didn't have any kind of power. Like that, Akatsuki obtained strength, grew to be called a hero, and managed to defeat Garius, who was feared as the most powerful Demon King in history, due to having a single chance.

When Akatsuki was summoned, there was already a hero in Alayzard.

The knight of the sorcery kingdom of Sherfied, Leon Aceperio.

That Leon, who should be called the symbol of hope, died an early noble death.

What's more—he protected Akatsuki from the killer dagger of the Demon King Garius. To Akatsuki, it was the death of the first true best friend he had made in the alternate world.

Hope was lost. Furthermore, having lost even the kingdom capital Erdia, the people of Alayzard, fallen into despair, naturally directed the blame towards Akatsuki. Subjected to relentless slander, Akatsuki concealed his whereabouts soon after that. And as result, Akatsuki drew even more criticism upon himself.

Everyone, with things like 'That guy has run away' and 'He's a bastard', one after another branded Akatsuki as a coward.

—However, Akatsuki had not run away.

He went alone to , the world gods live in, and risking his life he mastered the "Renkan Keikikou", which let him manipulate at will the ki inside his body. Then Akatsuki rushed a strategy to recover the capital, rescuing princess Risty, who had fallen into a predicament. Repelling the Demon king's army, he led the liberation army to victory.

Suddenly, Akatsuki had become Sherfied's true hero. And thence a miracle happened.

By overcoming numerous ordeals, a multitude of hardships and a large number of adversities, before he knew Akatsuki came to be called a hero. And yet, Akatsuki was still hated by the devoted people who mourned the dead Leon. As a result, they branded Akatsuki with the stigma of "Rogue Hero".

Nevertheless, Akatsuki, content with shouldering that stigma, after a long journey succeeded in killing the Demon King Garius. And the peace the people of Alayzard had been waiting for a long time arrived at last.

It was as expected.

"Akatsuki......"

The young queen of Sherfied, Alayzard's sorcery kingdom, whispered that name.

Risty El Da Sherfied. She, who traveled with Akatsuki through various places of Alayzard, was one of the heroes that kept fighting in order to defeat the Demon King Garius.

Risty remembered what Akatsuki often said during the final stage of the trip to defeat Demon King Garius.

—To bring about true peace to Alayzard, it's essential to overthrow the Demon king.

For this reason, Akatsuki single-handedly defeated the Demon King Garius.

From the praising and envies of being the hero who defeated the Demon king, to the schemes and plots to make use of such a hero, till the hatred of the faction that resented the "Rogue hero" who caused the death of the hero Leon.

Shouldering alone anything and everything, Akatsuki returned to his own world. That was what Ousawa Akatsuki thought the best choice.

Of course, Risty and her comrades, Zecks and Ruthie, stopped Akatsuki. Why should only Akatsuki act as if he got the short end of the stick?

However, they ended up being told by Akatsuki. Think about what's the best choice to Alayzard. And also, there are some people in my own world I have to stop— telling them that, Akatsuki's decision was firm and unwavering. Because of that, Risty's group was unable to say anything more.

—And, giving their farewells to Akatsuki when he returned to his own world, Risty's group was entrusted with the mission of turning the peace that came by overthrowing the Demon King into true peace. What especially concerned Akatsuki was how to face the Demons after the demise of Demon King Garius. Joining hands in friendship was impossible, but he wanted at least that from now on they would stop quarreling. Otherwise, who knows till when war will continue, that was what Akatsuki frequently said when he was travelling.

Risty agreed with that idea. Of course, the sentiment of unforgiveness against the Demons remained firmly rooted inside the people. To tell the truth, Risty was the same. Leon wasn't the only one who died in the raid of the Demon King's army to the capital five years ago. Starting from her parents the King and the Queen, all members of the royal family but Risty died. She couldn't forgive them for that.

—However, now Risty had become the Queen of Sherfied. If Risty kept hating the Demons and warring against them, not just Sherfied's soldiers, even the masses would become exposed to danger. Wars are, above all, fights between nations. The responsibility is entirely shouldered by their Kings. The beings known as Kings, come the time, must die in exchange for the lives of all the people in the kingdom. And seeing that that Demon King Garius had passed away, the war between humans and Demons had ended.

...... Despite that.

Grumbling a bit inside her heart, Risty slowly raised her head to look in front of her.

Right now, before Risty, there were the backs of many soldiers.

It was the army of the kingdom of Sherfied.

And at her right were deployed the troops of the mechanical militarist nation, the empire of Disdia.

On the other side, at her left, were deployed the troops of the religious country, the Holy Empire of Arekrasta.

The troops of the three countries, right now, as allied armies, were grouped in a single formation.

Anyone who stood on that place would focus on the same thing Risty did.

That is, a deep forest that stretched along a certain national border.

Beyond that point lay the Demon country of Galevain.

Even though Demon king Garius had died, a lot of Demons lived in Galevain.

They had stopped warring against humans, rejected war, and chose to quietly live a peaceful life in the depths of the forest.

—That was what they had thought.

However, just recently the situation abruptly changed.

The surveillance troops of Sherfied and Disdia deployed along Galevain's border to observe the movements of the Demons were annihilated overnight.

While they were camping, they were attacked taking advantage of the darkness of the night. From the testimony of a soldier that barely survived, all of the current situation was determined. He said—that they were attacked by demons.

"—You don't look well."

Casually, Risty looked at the young man standing beside her, who threw those words to her.

The one who told her that while focusing not here, but only in the forest at the front, was the proud kingdom of Sherfied's general, Zecks Doltrake.

"If the Queen shows such a bewildered countenance, the soldiers will feel uneasy. It's not too late. How about I fetch you an escort and you return to Erdia?"

Even while he was addressing the Queen, his tone held a bit of severity.

After all, to Risty, Zecks was someone who surpassed the relationship between a Queen and a General.

There were two people aside from Risty who traveled with Akatsuki in order to overthrow the Demon king.

One of them was the high elf Ruthie Trum. After the journey, she became Sherfied's chief of Spiritual Affairs who sustained Risty's statecraft.

And the other one was this Zecks.

They, who rode past numerous hardships, to Risty, though surely they were her retainers, in fact they were undoubtedly true friends. Risty understood Zecks's words were said out of concern for her wellbeing. For that reason,

"...... Sorry. I did not notice that I had made such a face. I'll improve my countenance as much as you like. So, please—let me stay here."

Muttering an apology, she looked up front with a resolute expression.

Risty El Da Sherfied knew it.

What would start from now on at this place, she knew it.

For that reason, overcoming Zecks, Rushie and the grand chamberlain Walkyuria's opposition, Risty stood at this place.

War.

That's right...... Risty felt it once again.

From now on, the war between humans and Demons would start once more.

They couldn't grant the wish Akatsuki entrusted to them.

Apart from the option of war, they couldn't make another choice.

That being the case—at least she had to properly observe the start and the end.

And, at noon, when the sun approached its highest point.

The three kingdoms allied army started the charge in silence.

Their target, the place where many Demons reside—the Wandering Forest.

Still, there was something they must not forget.

In this war there's no Demon king.

In this war there's no hero.

In that case, this war's ending has been decided—

Since then, I have always been thinking.

We—where did we go wrong?

### 020. Part 4

The forest was currently playing a pleasant melody.

A gentle breeze softly blew and made the leaves inside the forest play a note of greenery.

Ousawa Akatsuki was lying on the ground, listening to the melody of the forest.

His thoughts gradually became clear and allowed him to understand the current situation.

“…Looks like it was a success.”

Looking at the interlacing leaves in the sky, Akatsuki slowly lifted his body. His cheeks still remained a little itchy. Probably during the time when he was unconscious, the swaying grass was blown under the gentle breeze and constantly stroke his cheek? After confirming that the others were nearby, Akatsuki finally felt relieved, then stood up and looked around.

“Here…does not seem to be Sherfield’s forest.”

Akatsuki eyebrows slightly creased after he noticed he was in an unexpected location.

The scene of the forest was different from Sherfield. Even the type of vegetation was completely different.

“- Oh wow, this is Alayzard?”

A familiar voice came from behind. Akatsuki turned around and noticed a young man leisurely raising his head and looking at the sky.

This young man was none other than Kaidou. Kaidou used the fact that the dimensional transfer was located at Ousawa house and predicted that this was the alternative world that Akatsuki was summoned to before. Even though he was in a rush, he could still make a calm judgment. Akatsuki had a sense of admiration, but, at the same time, he also felt a burst of frustration.

“You really are bored, you have nothing to do so you came here to enjoy the fun?”

“It looks like you were about to cause a big deal, so I did not even think about it and – Huh, looks like they woke up.”

Kaidou did not finish his sentence, but Miu and the others had all stood up from the ground. Perhaps they were not completely conscious, seeing Miu continued to kneel, raised her head confusedly and looked at Akatsuki.

“…Was it a success?”

“Yes, but it was not the expected location.”

Akatsuki extended his right hand and pulled Miu up from the ground.

Miu stared around and immediately noticed something wrong.

“This here is…”

“Do you know what place is this?’

“Yes… This here should be Geirupein’s forest, I can’t be wrong.”

Miu’s answer made Akatsuki had a doubt. When he was coming back from Alayzard, Akatsuki used Sherfield’s . Since he was going through the same dimensional hole to return to Alayzard, accordingly, he should have been within Sherfield’s territory.

…Oh well, thinking too much is useless.

Anyways, the purpose of this trip was to return to Alayzard, so, strictly speaking, it could be considered as a success. Although their current location differed from their original expectations, this was only a small problem that they needed to handle.

“- Excuse me, Ousawa-kun.”

Kuzuha gently tugged on Akatsuki’s sleeves.

“What should we do with the two of them?”

A helpless tone. Kuzuha’s gaze fell onto the two uninvited guests.

On the side, Chikage also seemed to look very awkward.

“Especially the vice president, from just now she had this face…”

She did not finish, but the time bomb already detonated.

“ – Ousawa Akatsuki!”

A roar filled with killing intent entered their ears, Chikage could not help but shrug, as if she had already expected this.

An angry Haruka strode directly to Akatsuki and launched an attack.

“Just what is this? You. Give me an explanation!”

“Well…”

Akatsuki scratched his cheek, looking extremely helpless.

“Anyways, why did you come to my home? It can’t be that you specifically came to find me right?”

“D…Don’t you misunderstand! I only came at the request of Professor Kubota to deliver the new AD to you!”

A flushed Haruka pulled out a wristband.

“Doesn’t that mean you specifically came to find me? Why do you not admit it.”

After Akatsuki accepted the AD…

“Huh…? Is there only one?”

“This AD was created based on the wave form of your abilities, even if it is just one, you can still summon your weapon and – “

Numerous light particles suddenly appeared, and Haruka’s clothing immediately changed into the battle mode uniforms.

“To prevent the sudden situation of the ranking tournament from happening again, from now on, the users will be able to use the AD to change their clothings. The new uniform will also be created through the telepathic stone fibers, and will change based on the user’s needs.”

The new AD and the change in clothing should only be given to students in general after the spring break. Professor Kubota only gave a new AD to Akatsuki because Akatsuki’s AD was accidently damaged when fighting against the evil dragon Zahark.

“I have explained the reason I came to find you clearly, now it is your turn to answer my question.”

“Uh…It will be a long story…”

After wearing the new AD on his wrist, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…What should I do now?

Chikage and Kuzuha already knew Miu’s secret, and accepted Miu’s identity, but Haruka and Kaidou were different. If they found out Miu’s secret, there was no guarantee it would not complicate the matter after returning to the real world.

…Kaidou was still relatively easy to talk with, but the vice president might be difficult.

It was only because she was also the JPN Babel High School Division Vice President.

Commanding and controlling JPN Babel’s C.O.C.O.O.N was no other than the High School Division Student Council President Hikami Kyouya.

This represents that in JPN Babel school, the High School Division Student Council had the highest authority.

Nanase Haruka was part of the Student Council. If she thought that Miu’s real identity could not be ignored, it meant that JPN Babel – or even C.O.C.O.O.N - would not tolerate for Miu.

On official records, there had never been an alternative world resident who visited that world. If Miu’s identity was exposed to the public, the school and C.O.C.O.O.N would absolutely not let her go easily.

Perhaps feeling the hesitation inside Akatsuki, there was a trace of concern in Miu’s gaze towards Akatsuki. So Akatsuki smiled and motioned Miu that there was no need to worry.

Not only did Haruka and Kaidou see the instant of the dimensional movement, they even came together to Alayzard. There was no situation more tragic than the current situation.

However, Akatsuki could not pity himself. He had never tried to escape from reality, and was always actively facing the situation, attempting to find the most suitable solution. Since the instant of dimensional movement was seen by the two, this meant that Akatsuki must explain the current situation to the two of them. Isn’t the current situation the best opportunity to explain it to them?

…And crisis could also be a turning point.

Although Haruka’s personality was meticulously attentive, she also harbored a sense of justice, and could be moved based on her emotions. As long as they managed to invoke her sense of justice and compassion, it would mean Miu would get a strong helper. And the best method to do so was to allow her to witness the actions that Akatsuki and Miu decided to complete in Alayzard.

…Even if the plan was to fail, he still had other methods.

In the worst case, Miu’s existence would catch the attention of Babel and C.O.C.O.O.N. At that time, he would only need to defeat any assassins who attempted to cause trouble to Miu, and eventually he would be connected to C.O.C.O.O.N.

Therefore, Akatsuki concluded that everything was under his control. He placed his hands onto the shoulders of Haruka.

“Okay, I’m willing to explain the entire situation clearly. However, I have one condition, that is, you must act together with us until the matter ends.”

“Y…Your smile seems to be mischievous.”

Just as Haruka shuddered, she felt a sense of trouble…

From the other side of the forest came a shrill scream.

“- !”

Everyone’s face immediately changed colors. The shrill scream obviously came from a child’s mouth. Everyone on the scene had the same idea, and all took a step. All of them were breathless, and silently rushed to the scene where the screams came from.

After a few minutes, the crowd quietly arrived at the source of the sound.

Akatsuki lowered himself and hid in the bushes to observe the situation.

“That is…”

Six soldiers entered their view. Seeing the soldiers’ armor and the gold shiny emblem on their chest, Akatsuki could not help but have his doubts – Just what is happening? But before he found the answer, there were more important things to deal with. Thus, Akatsuki looked around, looking for the child who had issued the scream.

“ – Damn it, be a little more honest!”

A soldier gave out a verbal intimidation.

Then they saw him roughly grabbing onto a thin arm, dragging a young body.

“-!”

The scene in front of Miu made her hold her breath.

The person that the six soldiers had arrested was a young female from the dark elf race.

The girl’s facial features were distorted with fear, and her body was constantly struggling and attempting to escape from the grasp of the soldier.

“- I say, Aki, what should we do now?”

Kaidou silent asked. The scene in front of his eyes made him unable to make the correct judgments, so he only raised this superficial issue. After all, he was a first time visitor to Alayzard, it was a completely unknown world. Not to mention Kaidou and Haruka, who were oblivious to Alayzard, even Chikage and Kuzuha, who had some idea of this world, did not know how to face the situation. Thus Akatsuki gave a slight smile.

“That goes without saying right?”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly got up.

“But…”

Miu’s gaze wandered between Akatsuki and the soldiers, as if she was a bit worried.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Listen carefully okay? It is enough with just me. Just stand by here and wait for my signal, do not act rashly.”

So Akatsuki marched quickly through the trees to the other side.

He merged with the nature and even the sounds of his breath and footsteps were concealed.

Akatsuki appeared next to the ignorant soldiers.

Akatsuki appearance was so sudden that the soldiers, who were not prepared psychologically, looked at Akatsuki in horror.

“Where did you come out from…?’

Everyone had a surprised look.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“You guys are the regular army right? Since you do not know me, it means that you should be a newly established platoon. Okay, who’s the captain?”

Akatsuki’s tone was very frivolous, as if he ignored the presence of the six soldiers. The color of one of the soldiers changed.

“Answer the question! Who on earth are you?”

Then he extended his right hand and attempted to grab Akatsuki’s arm.

“…Oh.”

Akatsuki gently dodged and got rid of the soldier’s grasp. The soldier’s body suddenly flipped in the original place in a circle and fell flat onto the ground. The hard armor hit the ground and made a crisp sound.

As the other soldiers saw this, their faces instantly turned pale.

“A…Are you trying to die!”

“Freeze!”

Two soldiers immediately pulled out the swords from their waists, but Akatsuki had long passed through the side of the two soldiers.

“- Your actions are too slow.”

The moment he passed through them, Akatsuki used a speed that was hardly recognizable to the human eye and lifted his knife hand, and cut towards the soldier’s neck.

The two soldiers immediately lost consciousness and toppled down powerlessly. After hearing the sound of the two hitting the ground, Akatsuki asked again:

“I’ll ask again, who is the captain?”

Out of the three soldiers, one of them came forward.

“- I am the captain.”

His armor seemed to be exceptionally heavy. This meant that the wearer was a knight.

Even facing Akatsuki with his unfathomable strength, he did not reveal the slightest fear.

“Now you should answer the question. Who on earth…Ah!”

The determined expression suddenly turned into a surprise. To describe it using words, it should be the so-called transfixed look.

“Akatsuki-dono…? How is this possible? Didn’t you return to your original world?”

“Thank god, looks like I finally met someone who knows me.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“- If you know me, then you should also know my aesthetics right?”

Akatsuki looked at the young girl from the dark elf race, and his smile faded.

“Looks like there is a woman…no, looks like there is a girl crying, did I see wrong?”

Facing Akatsuki’s atmosphere, the captain could not help but take a few steps back.

“But…she is the remains of the demon race…”

“So you will also ruthlessly kill the defenseless little girl? During the period of my absence, did the Sherfield army fall to such a point, it really makes me sad.”

Akatsuki pushed off the captain, went to the young girl from the dark elf race, and then he crouched down in front of the girl. The two gazes met in midair. Akatsuki slowly extended his right hand, trying to stroke the girl’s hair.

But the girl was afraid to the point where she closed her eyes and subconsciously shrinked back.

“…”

Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes. It looked like she was quite afraid of humans. So Akatsuki gently placed his palm onto the girl’s head and stroked back and forth.

“…?”

After some time, the young girl from the dark elf race timidly opened her two eyes, but there was still a trace of alarm in her gaze towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki slightly smiled and wiped away the girl’s tears with his fingertips.

“Don’t cry, no one will hurt you here.”

“A…Akatsuki-dono, we are just…”

The captain attempted to give a reasonable explanation for their actions.

With his back facing the captain, he did not turn around and spoke:

“- There must be a reason for this to happen, I did not mean to blame you.”

Akatsuki turned around and coldly looked at the captain in front of him.

“Tell me, do not miss any small details. After I returned to my own world, what happened to Alayzard?”

### 021. Part 4

Listy heard this clearly, everyone almost gasped simultaneously.

Then it hit her, that was Akatsuki’s real purpose.

……You’re serious, Akatsuki.

Akatsuki had already been mentally prepared, even if he had to become enemies with his past comrades, he would still fight for the demon race.

“Hmmph……Don’t think that just by adding one more person, you will be able to compete with Disdia’s forces.”

Baram could not conceal his rage, but Akatsuki still had a frivolous appearance.

“Are you serious now?”

Akatsuki laughed.

“Did you carefully consider the consequences of becoming my enemy?”

“What did you say……?”

Through Akatsuki’s reminder, Baram’s face suddenly became pale.

……It looked like Baram had already noticed it.

Listy thought. Taking into the account of risk involved by making Akatsuki their enemy, Baram’s reaction was not surprising. After all, their opponent was a hero that had defeated Alayzard’s strongest demon king – Galious. There would absolutely be psychological impact on their soldiers. Even if he was called the “Rogue Hero”, countries all over the world, including Sherfield, had many Akatsuki supporters. Especially soldiers from the battlefield—Akatsuki, who had led the battle, was definitely their hero. These people had witnessed Akatsuki’s performance on the battlefield and they naturally understood Akatsuki’s combat prowess. When Galious was still alive, he had the title of Alayzard’s strongest and undefeatable demon king, but in the end, he still lost to Akatsuki. Once the soldiers understood that they were going to fight against the invincible Akatsuki, there was bound to be panic. This was also the reason why Baram had sent his strongest assassin to defeat Akatsuki. He did not think that Phil Barnett would lose and even the Evil Dragon Zahhark would be defeated by Akatsuki. This proved that Akatsuki’s combat abilities far surpassed Baram’s imagination.

“But……If we really began to fight, victory will still belong to us.”

Baram continue to persist, but the expression on his face was very pained. However, what he said was accurate. If it was in a frontal confrontation, the chances of Disdia winning were not low. No matter how powerful Akatsuki was, he was still only a human, how could he face the hundreds of thousands of human troops? But this would already not be a military action to eliminate the demon race, and rather a devastating war filled with corpses, even if they managed to win, the damages and impact they had to face were difficult to estimate. Although Disdia’s national power was enormous, it had already been exhausted through the battles over the years against the demon king Galious, and had yet to recover completely. Thus if war did set off again, there was no guarantee that the country would not be shaken. As the ruler of Disdia, it was impossible for Baram to not understand these principles.

……And……

Listy thought. Although the odds of winning a frontal confrontation were not low, but……

……The military conflict was not everything about the war.

“As long as war starts, victory will belong to the humans? This may not be the case.”

As if he also understood this concept, Akatsuki looked around at the crowd.

“Disdia, who lost many brave and fierce princes, is only relying on the prestige of the current emperor to maintain everything. Through the symbol and absolute authority of the Pope, the religious country Aleclasta. The only survivor of royalty who became the Queen, and after taking back the capital they rose up to fight against the demon king Galious, the country Sherfield. These three countries’ leaders are irreplaceable able people. Just by defeating the “King” or taking over a “capital”, cutting down the wishes and hope of the people, everything will be settled. The most simple example is when I defeated Galious, the battle between the humans and demon race also came to an end.”

Exactly. There are many methods to win a war, it is not necessarily about just fighting with the enemy forces.

“Meaning that once the two sides fight against each other, you will not hesitate to kill me?”

Volk narrowed his eyes and stared at Akatsuki.

Only to see Akatsuki shrug.

“I don’t want to do that either. But if you are going to become my enemy, harm my comrades, then I have no other choice. This is called karma.”

However……

“Taking you guys as the hostage is also an excellent idea. Just like you had planned to take the demon king’s daughter as a hostage.”

Therefore——

“Consider it carefully. If there really is no room for negotiation and no room for peace talks, this castle’s hall may instantly turn into a battlefield.”

The scene was suddenly enveloped in cold atmosphere.

But——

“Oh no, Akatsuki……How can you randomly scare people?”

Miranda’s smile warmed up the atmosphere of the scene.

“These talks were requested by you. If you were to cause trouble in the middle of the talks, you would only agitate the feelings that human have on the demon race. I believe that it should not be the ending that you, who wish for peace, hope for?”

“Haha, looks like I can’t hide it from you.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled.

“However……Akatsuki.”

Volk interfered from the sidelines:

“You seem to place a deep hope on the peace treaty between the demon race and the humans, but what about the feelings of the people?”

After all……

“Humans and demon race have a history of conflict, and it flows deeply. Up till now, both sides are still in the situation of mutual hostility. How could they forgive and forget about the past and peacefully live together?” Listy expressed agreement in her heart. Unless they obtained the support from their people, the peace treaty was only just a formality. However, Akatsuki shook his head as if he was not worried about this point.

“A peace treaty is different than an alliance. It will not force demon race and humans to live together. It simply is a non-aggression agreement in order to avoid the reoccurrence of similar conflict.”

“……Non-aggression? Meaning that we will live in peace by not interfering with each other?”

Listy asked and Akatsuki simply said “Yes” and nodded.

“The demon race only wishes to live their lives in peace. If both sides do not approach each other, then naturally conflicts will not arise. There has never been a similar agreement in the past between the humans and the demon race. The people from both sides were living in fear of a war erupting any moment. But once the peace treaty is signed, at least there will be a protection formally, which will also effectively eliminate the fears within the people’s hearts.”

The scene fell into silence. Everybody was considering the feasibility of a peace treaty in their hearts.

……It was not unreasonable.

Listy thought. As long as they both do not interfere with each other, peace between the two sides is not impossible.

At this moment……

“Ah, so that was what it is……This consideration indeed makes sense.”

Volk muttered and expressed his support.

“What? Pope Volk!”

A shocked Baram stared at Volk.

“Don’t tell me you actually believe in his nonsense?”

“Nonsense? It may not be. The long war has just ended, and there is no one that hopes for a war to start again. Truthfully, the battle has continued for too long, it is to the extent that there are some children that have never known what peace is. Since returning to our calm and peaceful lives is the hopes of people, a non-aggression agreement is a viable option……Queen Listy, what do you think?”

“……Yes, our country is also tired of the atmosphere caused by the war.”

The attack this time was caused by our country’s military, the militia stayed within the country to help out with post-war reconstruction work. Listy understood the people hated war, thus she decided to make this decision. If it can completely eliminate war, then everything is good.

And……

……As a result, they will not have to fight against Akatsuki.

“Right now only Disdia has not expressed their opinions, how is it?”

Alphonse replaced Baram to answer Pope’s question.

“Akatsuki-dono’s proposal is indeed attractive, but there are still two problems.”

“Ah……Then please say it.”

Under Volk’s indication, Alphonse nodded.

“First is the attack on our surveillance forces. If it was really the work of the demon race, Disdia will once again take action against Galevain, and at that time, the so-called peace treaty will be gone.”

“That is justifiable, after all the premise of the peace treaty was that the attacks on the surveillance forces were unrelated to the demon race. Akatsuki, you should have no objections?”

“Yes, that is natural.”

Akatsuki nodded, then Alphonse continued to speak:

“The following is the second problem. Besides that the matter about our surveillance forces being unrelated to the demon race, there is also the premise where Akatsuki must show strength capable of resisting against us. After all, Akatsuki-dono has only given a one-sided statement. At the same time, we have no confirm the legitimacy of the empty talk. In order to prove the legitimacy of the peace treaty, I would wish for Akatsuki-dono to prove his strength.”

“Ohoh……Really you.”

Volk narrowed his eyes, laughing very happily.

“Akatsuki, what do you say? Is Alphonse’s request reasonable?”

“I have no opinions about it, I am always ready to take on the challenge.”

Akatsuki replied.

“——However, how should I prove my strength?”

“About this……As long as you are able to win over our current strongest fighting forces, it should be okay. This should be the most direct and easiest way of proving your strength.”

“That is also true. But can you tell me who do you refer to as your “strongest fighting force”?

“Is there any need to say it?”

After Alphonse said this, Listy could clearly see that a cruel smile appeared on his face.

……Could it be?

Listy, who suddenly understood, intended to stop Alphonse from continuing; however, it was unfortunately a step too late.

She saw Alphonse remain calm and composed while saying:

“——Queen Listy, General Zech and Elite Executive Loutier, would you three please go?”

Listy unconsciously bit her lower lips. Zechs and Loutier’s expression was also pale. It seems that the two had also spotted Alphonse’s trap.

She could not allow him to continue to spout out a great deal of nonsense, so Listy attempted the change the topic.

“Alphonse-dono, it is generous how highly you think of us, but we three are not the strongest forces that you speak of, this is just a baseless conjecture. It seems like you have other plans?”

“You consider too much. I do not have any other plans, and the statement about the strongest forces isn’t baseless conjecture. In the past, the three of you have fought together with Akatsuki-dono, and were classified as Great Heroes that saved Alayzard. It is rumored that everyone’s strength is on par with Akatsuki-dono. So our current strongest forces will naturally belong to none other than you three.”

“This……But……”

The situation was rapidly deteriorating. She was quickly trying to think of a plan. Under these dire circumstances, Listy turned and glanced at Loutier, only to discover that she was sweating a lot, as if she also could not think of a strategy.

……What should we do?

If the three of us win, it proves that Akatsuki’s strength was not strong enough to cause fear, and a battle between the humans and the demon race may erupt any moment.

What if the three of us lose?

……The world would believe that the peace treaty was built based on our defeat.

Although residents of Alayzard hate war, the majority of the humans do not wish to coexist peacefully with the demon race. Thus the peace treaty should be constructed based on the premise of all three countries, in order to share the responsibilities of the people’s reactions. Right now Alphonse was actually trying to push the responsibility to Sherfield, making Sherfield become the target of public criticism.

“Alphonse-dono……Please forgive me, but we cannot bear the responsibilities. Whether the peace treaty will successfully be established between our country and Aleclasta with the demon race, this responsibility should not be borne by our country alone.”

“Queen Listy, you worry too much, our country does not mind to allow Sherfield to determine whether the establishment of the peace treaty will be successful, we absolutely did not have the meaning of pushing all the responsibilities to Sherfield——Oto-sama, is this correct?”

“Ah, yes.”

Baram revealed a slight smile.

“Should the signing of the peace treaty be established, let’s let the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Queen Listy and the others to decide. Pope Volk, what is your opinion?”

“Ah……If Disdia has expressed their agreement, Aleclasta naturally do not have any reason to oppose.”

“Pope Volk?”

Facing Listy’s bitter protest, the crafty Volk smiled.

“Queen Listy, we entrust it to you. There is no need to give yourself too much pressure, just take it easy.”

“……!”

Listy bit her lips tightly. Sherfield would replace Aleclasta to bear all the responsibilities, so Volk naturally had no reason to refuse. What about Alphonse’s suggestion? Whether war would break out again or not, their country would still survive. As the leaders of their countries, Volk and Baram’s vision was looking far away, as if they already saw the future after the end of this event. In short, it was the battle of leadership for their military alliance.

……We were set up.

Alphonse, Baram and Volk’s statements were only just an excuse. If Listy and them really lose, humans and the demon race signed a peace treaty, Disdia and Aleclasta would not find out who is guilty and make Sherfield accountable. However, this will be a diplomatic conflict between the nations.

There were a few citizens that would not forgive the tiniest mistakes made by their country’s leader. If they knew that their country’s leader had lost in a duel, and was forced to sign a peace agreement that they are not willing to see, in the eyes of the people, Sherfield would become the culprit for Disdia and Aleclasta’s citizens. The citizen’s hatred will affect the diplomatic measures for the leaders, so Sherfield would undoubtedly draw the short straw compared to the other two countries; Disdia and Aleclasta could also possibly make endless demands to Sherfield.

……And……

Sherfield was certain, Alphonse’s trap was because of their relationship with Akatsuki.

Akatsuki was Sherfield’s hero. Alphonse was trying to test Akatsuki, questioning whether he was willing to speak out on behalf of the demon race and push Sherfield into a dire situation.

……Akatsuki……

Listy used pleading eyes and looked at Akatsuki. Not only did Akatsuki pressure Baram earlier, he was also able to talk back against Alphonse. Perhaps he might have a good plan to reverse the situation.

At the very next moment, to her surprise, Listy heard an incredible statement.

Akatsuki’s remark ——

“——No problem. If it is to bring peace between the two sides, I am willing to do anything.”

A few minutes later, the deceitful peace talks had quietly settled down.

Since Akatsuki had given his approval, Listy and them naturally did not have any reason to refuse.

Considering the preparation time needed, the duel between the three of them and Akatsuki was decided to be set two days later.

Right now, Listy El Da Sherfield was hurriedly heading to the entrance of the castle.

Noticing the back of her target, Listy gave out a loud shout.

“——Wait, Akatsuki!”

The youth in front slowly turned his head.

Seeing Listy’s expression, Akatsuki immediately understood the reasons why she came. He turned and ordered Miu and Haruka.

“Let me speak to her privately, she seems to have something to say.”

“But……”

“Relax, nothing is going to happen.”

Facing a worried Miu, AKatsuki could not help but laugh.

“I’m not saying that you should stay away like a stranger, you should observe from a distance.”

Since Akatsuki said this, Miu could only reluctantly nod, then followed Haruka and left the scene with her. Waiting till the two had walked far away enough, Listy quietly said:

“You are the murderer of her father, but you could actually gain her trust in such a short period of time.”

“This is called a relationship fostered by the life-threatening situations people faced together. Of course, my own charisma is also a reason.”

Akatsuki looked at the Miu who was not so far away. His eyes were very calm.

But Listy’s response was very sharp.

“There is an 80% chance that it was the result of those perverted hands.”

“Haha, you say?”

The slightly smiling Akatsuki shrugged. This reaction immediately made Listy unhappy.

“Not even letting the demon king’s daughter go, isn’t it too hideous to see?”

Complaining at the same time, Listy could not help but feel an outburst of emotions. The conversation they were having right now was the same as the one few years ago when they were travelling around.

……Only that we have changed now.

Listy became the Queen, Akatsuki became the demon race representative. Compared to the relationship they had before, it was undoubtedly a great irony. While they were travelling together, the two of them would always talk about some far-fetched topic, and were always together, but now the scene had only became a distant memory, leaving behind only melancholy and sadness.

“……”

Listy felt a burst of sorrow and grief, and bowed her head in silence.

“——So?”

Akatsuki took the initiative to speak:

“You told me to stop, it should not be to talk about the old days right?”

So Listy slowly looked up.

“……Do you really intend to fight with us?”

She wanted to know why Akatsuki accepted Alphonse’s proposal.

The way the situation had evolved, Akatsuki was no long able to use his past prestige and record to play a fearful role. Alayzard’s fate would depend on the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Listy and her companions. Seeing that, there were only two paths left. One was that the peace treaty would fail to be established, and Galevain would be completely destroyed by the three countries’ joint forces. The other way was that the peace treaty would be successful, and the people who opposed the agreement would place their blame on the defeated Listy and her companions, forcing Sherfield to slowly fall apart. Thus, Listy wanted to make sure which path Akatsuki had decided on in the end.

The result was——

“——Give it your best shot.”

Akatsuki’s answer was surprising.

Listy even wondered if she had heard it wrong.

It really was unbelievable. Listy could understand Akatsuki’s idea of not hoping the war would reignite between the two sides. Truthfully, this was also her desire.

Nobody likes war. Listy really wanted to make an effort for this peace agreement.

But if the signing of the peace treaty involved sacrificing Sherfield, the situation was different. Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and at the same time, she loved this country. To protect her country and her people is absolutely a responsibility that the she, as the Queen, must bear.

……Isn’t it the same for Akatsuki……?

The five years we spent together, during that time, who knows how many times Akatsuki risked his life to fight for Sherfield. Listy believed that Akatsuki still loved Sherfield, but the current him did not hestitate to stand on the side of the demon race, which greatly shook Listy’s belief. Listy could not deny that her heart still had a firm trust for Akatsuki. Therefore, she could not believe that Akatsuki would actually say these kinds of words.

“Did you abandon us and choose the demon race?”

Listy muttered, looking dejected.

Seeing this, Akatsuki was suddenly placed in an awkward situation.

“No, that is not what I mean.”

“Then what does that mean!”

Being overly emotional, Listy could not help but raise her voice. Standing not far away, Miu, Haruka and even Sherfield castle guards all responded with curious eyes, but Listy did not care about the gazes from the others.

Listy did not seem to care about other people’s thoughts; she only wanted to know what Akatsuki was feeling deep down.

“I only do not want to betray myself, betray the people who believe in me.”

Akatsuki’s expression was very calm.

“Actually I could have turned a blind eye to the situation, silently watching the demon race go on a path of destruction. But you know me, do you really think I’m the type of person who would coldly observe on the sidelines?”

“This……!”

Listy was speechless. After all, Akatsuki was not wrong.

Thus Akatsuki continued to speak:

“Do you want the people that trust me, or the people who know me discover that Ousawa Akatsuki only wanted to escape from reality, and was a coward who did not want to face the problem? Sorry, I can’t do that. I take pride in myself that I absolutely will not lie to myself. Yes, I am me, this is also the reason why I, as the Rogue Hero, was able to gain everyone’s trust, there is absolutely no room for negotiations.”

Akatsuki’s expression suddenly turned serious.

“Knowing that currently a handful of females are crying, knowing that in the future, there will be more females that have tears trickling down, are you telling me to stand by the side and do nothing about it? Sorry, that is not my style. So I will fight, and determine who is stronger, to prove that I have not betrayed the trust you all have in me.”

The word “betray” that Akatsuki spoke of made Listy feel emotional.

That is correct. In her heart, Listy felt that Akatsuki betrayed himself. However, Listy, who knew Akatsuki better than everyone, understood that this thought was not fair to Akatsuki. Based on Akatsuki’s personality, it was natural for him to take action during this kind of situation. But what was strange was, as Baram had said, why did she deliberately ignore the possibility that Akatsuki brought Miu away from Alayzard?

The answer was simple, she was unwilling to face—No, it should be unwilling to believe. Listy did want Akatsuki to protect others. She also clearly understood that this emotion was called jealousy.

……What should I do……?

Until now, Listy finally noticed how much Akatsuki had occupied in her heart. That day, when Akatsuki returned to his own world. Up until the final moment with Akatsuki, Listy was still unwilling to say her own feelings.

Truthfully, Listy had hoped that Akatsuki would remain behind, she could have cried and begged Akatsuki to not leave.

However, Listy still decided in the end to see Akatsuki leave. Because she understood that both Akatsuki and herself still had a more important task on hand.

Akatsuki must return to his own world to stop a certain person’s trap. Listy must also lead her country and her citizens, and embark on the road of reconstruction. The warmth of the parting deep kiss was what silently supported Listy in her heart.

“……”

Listy looked at Miu who was not too far away.

Miu’s worried eyes was staring at none other than Akatsuki. The girl beside her was also the same. Listy understood the emotions they have on Akatsuki. After all she is also someone who, even now, had the same feelings inside. Listy could not help but even feel a bit of envy. Miu must have revealed her truest voice in front of Akatsuki, never trying to be brave and hiding. So that is why currently Akatsuki is fighting to protect her.

……I can’t do it.

If you need me, I will immediately come— Those were the words that Akatsuki had left behind before he went away.

But Listy had never called Akatsuki’s name. She attempted to face everything alone, hoping that when they meet again, she will be able to upright face Akatsuki. Listy did not wish to increase Akatsuki’s burden, she wanted to prove herself to Akatsuki. Even without Akatsuki’s help, she would still be able to undertake the task of the Queen alone. To let him know, she had fought in a lonely and solitude environment.

But Listy really did not understand why Akatsuki would become her enemy.

……Is it because I did something wrong?

If Listy, like Miu, asked directly for help from Akatsuki, would Akatsuki immediately stand beside Listy? If she cried in the presence of Akatsuki, or even bawled, would Akatsuki abandon Galevain for Sherfield, abandon Miu for herself?”

……What am I doing?

Listy shook her head, attempting to get rid of the negative thoughts.

“……Are you okay?”

“——!”

Akatsuki extended his hands as if he showed concern. Listy suddenly shrank back and stayed away.

“Ah……”

This type of attitude that refused Akatsuki made Listy freeze for a moment.

It can’t be helped. Besides from Listy and Akatsuki, there were still a few guards at the scene. Not to mention that Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and Akatsuki was the demon race’s representative; the two of them must maintain an appropriate distance. No, strictly speaking, it should be forced to keep their distance.

Seeing Listy slowly speak with a trembling tone.

“……I cannot let you win.”

As Sherfield’s Queen, For her own country’s people, and at the same time for her to obtain the respect of Akatsuki, Listy will not back down down.

“Yes, that is correct.”

Akatsuki nodded and said with a calm tone.

“Sorry…..It must be hard on you these days.”

“……!”

Listy shuddered.

Her suppressed emotions were about to overflow, she could not hold it down any longer.

Thus——

“……Till we meet again, Akatsuki.”

Listy turned around and ran quickly into the depths of the castle, as if she was anxious to escape from Akatsuki.

While panting, Listy was repeatedly thinking of the same question. Why? Why did the situation evolve to this today? Is it because I did not speak truthfully to myself?”

“Why……?”

A cluster of whispers leaked out from her mouth.

Perhaps, this was Listy El Da Sherfield’s truest side.

“Akatsuki……Actually I am not strong at all.”

### 022. Part 4

The faraway sky was gradually being colored by rosy clouds.

As the fiery-red sun released a soft orange light, Akatsuki brought Miu and Haruka to walk around Erdia’s market.

Three days later, they would have to duel. During this period, Akatsuki and the others must stay at Sherfield’s capital Erdia. The current destination for Akatsuki was located at the corner of the market.

“…Is it really here?”

Miu, who was following behind, anxiously said. Whether it was the surrounding buildings or the pedestrians, it was filled with a distinct atmosphere that was different than the lively and bustling main street.

Akatsuki nodded, then casually replied.

“There’s no other way, we cannot let others notice our existence. If we select a normal inn, the news will suddenly spread, so we must find a reliable location.”

“That is true, but……”

Haruka frowned and looked around.

“……The security around this area doesn’t seem to be good.”

“That is true……”

Akatsuki answered with a smile. It couldn’t be helped that Haruka would have this feeling. The three people were currently walking down the famous red light district of Sherfield’s capital Erdia. Only after the sun went down would it reveal its true appearance as the sleepless city.

After walking a lengthy distance, the three of them finally reached their destination. Under the sunset, the alley was lined with white walls, only the black building was particular striking.

“——We’re here, this is it.”

“This is an inn? Although there is a sign hanging above, but……”

Within Miu’s tone, there was some doubt. The dark walls made the sign very eye-catching. On the sign, there was the word “Melissa” written in a golden artistic font. Haruka looked at the entrance of the building, and could not help but express her suspicions.

“The doormen of an inn are always these big block of people?

On the left and right side of the entrance, there stood a muscular and strict black clothed person.

Even the tall and slender Akatsuki seemed extraordinarily small when standing in front of them.

“They are the doorman and bodyguard, this inn’s service is fully complete.”

Akatsuki laughed and directly walked to the two muscular men.

“Good work, is the boss here?”

The black-clothed people coldly stared at Akatsuki.

“——Sorry, it is currently not the operation hours of the store, please come back later at night.”

“I’m not a guest, I only wish to visit old friends.”

Akatsuki shrugged.

“Please inform Melissa.”

“I’m sorry, the boss did not explain that a visitor would be coming today.”

Although the black clothed person was using polite words, his attitude was extremely stern. The two men took half a step forward, their burly body exuding thick killing intent, apparently wanting to intimidate Akatsuki.

However……

“……You two are just newcomers that have only recently started to work right?”

Akatsuki sighed.

“Although following your duties is good……But this type of inflexible mind will easily offend guests.”

Feeling reluctant, Akatsuki could only change his strategy.

“Please convey to Melissa that Akatsuki came. You can even describe a bit of my appearance, I believe that she will immediately let me in. If Melissa says she does not know me, then throwing me out won’t be too late.”

“Sorry, the boss is away.”

The black-clothed people were still unmovable.

“Then find a person who can make decisions. If I really am an old friend of Melissa, then at the time, the ones that are unfortunate will be you guys. For the sake of your living fees, it might be best to ask.”

“……”

The black-clothed people glanced at each other.

Then one black-clothed person entered the door, while the other remained outside.

“……There shouldn’t be an issue right?”

The worried Miu whispered beside Akatsuki’s ear.

“Relax, it was always like this here.”

Akatsuki’s reply made Haruka give a nasty look.

“I bet that they treated you as a dangerous individual who does not look like an old friend of the boss.”

After saying this, a sudden scream came from behind the door.

“——!”

Miu and Haruka simultaneously changed the direction of their gaze. The inn’s heavy doors suddenly burst open and a beautiful woman rushed out in panic.

“——Akatsuki?”

A beaming woman entered their vision. Miu suddenly gasped. Beside her, Haruka also revealed an embarrassed expression. The woman was only wearing shorts, her upper body was completely naked, her appearance very arousing. Although a lock of red hair covered her chest, it still created a considerably exciting visual effect. However, facing the nearly naked beauty, Akatsuki did not budge and raised his hand to greet the other.

“Yo, Cecily, how are you recently?”

“Ahhhhhhhhh! Akatsuki, it really is you!”

The woman named Cecily rushed forward and hugged Akatsuki.

The two round meat balls in front of her chest pressed on Akatsuki. Cecily could not conceal her excitement.

“Didn’t you return to your own world? Why would……?”

“Yes, I did go back. But there was a little private matter that must be handled, so I came back again.”

Akatsuki hands wrapped around Cecily’s waist. His tone was extremely calm.

“To tell you the truth, there is something I wish to ask Melissa……it can’t be that she’s not around right?”

“Melissa went off to buy some stuff, but she should come back soon, come in first before we talk.”

After Cecily answered Akatsuki question, she looked at the stunned Miu and Haruka.

“These two ladies are……?”

“Ah, they are my friends.”

“Oh……They are quite cute, mom will be very happy. Come, let us enter.”

Cecily pulled on Akatsuki’s arm and was about to enter, but the two black-clothed people blocked the path in panic.

“Miss Cecily, please do not randomly bring strangers in.”

“If the boss knows that we let them in, she will scold us.”

“None of your business, quickly move away. Ranke, Somde , you two are still new here, not recognizing is tolerable and forgivable. However, Akatsuki is our benefactor. No one is allowed to be rude to him, or else not just me, but even mother would not let go easily.”

Cecily cuddled beside Akatsuki, and gave off a ferocious stare at the two black-clothed people.

“If you still refuse to let them go, then I could only act and use mother’s authority to fire you two. That way, there is no reason for you to block Akatsuki. How is it, did you make up your mind yet?”

“This……”

The black-clothed people’s awkwardness made Akatsuki smile slightly. He reached his right hand and gently rested his palm on Cecily’s head.

“Don’t make things difficult for them, they are just trying to do their duties.”

“But……”

After appeasing Cecily’s discontent, Akatsuki faced the two black-clothed people.

“Sorry, I did not mean to make things difficult for you. How about this, let one of you follow us to monitor us, this should be okay right?”

“……”

The two black-clothed people fell into silence. They absolutely did not expect that Akatsuki, who pushed them to this state, would think for their sakes. After considering for a moment……

“……Okay, the three of you please enter.”

The black-clothed people finally stepped down and opened up the road.

Behind the door was a dim hallway.

…This building was larger than it seems.

Miu thought while walking down the hallway that this definitely was not an ordinary inn.

However, Miu’s attention was completely focused on Akatsuki and Cecily who were in front.

Cecily linked her arms around Akatsuki’s. The joy from the reunion seemed to make her extremely excited.

……Aren’t they too close now.

A sulking Miu quietly followed behind those two. Melissa wasn’t just the name of the shop, it seemed to also be the name of Cecily’s mother. The purpose of Akatsuki’s trip here seemed to be requesting help from Melissa. Cecily’s appearance was extremely beautiful, so her mother should also be a beauty as well right? Miu finally noticed that the rumors of the Rogue Hero being fond of women were actually true. After walking for some time, Cecily pushed open the doors at the end of the corridor.

“It can’t be.”

The scene that appeared made Miu dumbfounded.

The space at the end of the corridor seemed to be from an entirely different world, a luxurious space that was comparable to a palace hall. The design and style of the walls, floors and ceilings, even the furnishings such as the red carpet, fresh flowers and flower pots were almost all valuable and high-quality items. Even compared to Erdia’s castle, it would not lose.

The three-floor building structure made the interior even more spacious.

“This……”

Facing this extravagant view in front of them, Haruka was also astonished. She could not even speak a single word.

……Wait a minute.

Miu suddenly noticed that the second floor and third floor had several doors. Perhaps it is the guest rooms, Miu thought. What emerged out of her mind were luxurious hotel facilities.

“Everyone, Akatsuki is back!”

Cecily’s voice echoed throughout the building. Then at the next moment.

Gacha Gacha Gacha

The doors on the second and third floor almost all opened at the same time.

“——?”

Miu was suddenly frozen. The people that walked out from the rooms were all young females.

Right now it was probably free time, and everyone was resting in their own room. Some people were wearing loose pajamas, some were wearing sexy lingerie, some were only dressed in a towel, and some were even completely naked as well. The common point between these girls was that they were all pretty and young. Once they saw Akatsuki, they immediately stopped their actions. After a brief silence, someone with a trembling voice took the lead.

“It can’t be……Is it really Akatsuki?”

“Yes, long time no see.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled at the females upstairs in order to greet them.

The atmosphere immediately shook. The females all issued a shrill scream and rushed to Akatsuki, as if they were trying to be the first one there. After a short period of time, Akatsuki was immediately surrounded by over twenty beauties.

“W…What are these people?”

Terrified of the momentum of the female army, Miu took a few steps back. Even if they were completely nude in front of Akatsuki, these young females did not seem to care. Akatsuki turned his head around, and replied to Miu’s question.

“Didn’t I say it before? While I was staying at Alayzard, I once served as a bodyguard at a brothel.”

“Huh……? Then……?”

Miu could not help but viciously try to recall. Before, when she was accompanied by Akatsuki, Chikage and Kuzuha while purchasing lingerie, Akatsuki had a fateful situation where he had to help Miu try out her lingerie.

“So this place is……”

A dizzy Miu took a few steps back, and suddenly bumped into the person behind.

“Ah, sorry……”

The instant she turned around to apologize, Ousawa Miu’s movements stopped.

A hard and firm feeling made Miu think that she had bumped into the black-clothed person who was following behind them. But turning around, the black-clothed person wasn’t at her back.

“Uh……! ?”

The person Miu bumped into was a male even more burly than the black-clothed person, but his body was wearing a big red female dress. He kept a head filled with long black shiny hair. Miu attempted to treat him as a woman, but she was not able to convince her own conscience.

A large and flat round-shaped face, a burly body, even his arms and legs were very thick. He would even win against a giant sumo wrestler’s body, and his eagle-like sharp eyes would absolutely make the children in the world cry. Under the circumstances where she saw this man without warning, Miu was nearly scared to the extent of wetting herself.

“W…Waaaaaaa……”

Miu powerlessly feel onto the floor. Beside her, Haruka seemed to have been shocked to the point where she lost consciousness. The shock caused by this man seemed to make Miu break past her mental limits.

At this moment, Akatsuki, who was behind her, seemed to have made an incredible greeting.

“Hi, Melissa……Long time no see.”

“M…Melissa……?”

Miu was completely surprised and looked at Akatsuki and Melissa.

……It is him?

Sorry, it should be “Zangief” or “Rodriguez” to be correct right? It was completely different from the Melissa Miu had imagined.

Only to see the beast extend his arms and slowly open his thick lips.

A deep, rich voice forced Miu to accept the reality.

“Welcome to the members-only high class brothel “Melissa”.”

### 023. Part 4

Staring at Listy, who returned to her starting position, and preparing to fight, Ousawa Akatsuki suddenly called Alphonse who was about to return to the audience.

“——Hey, Prince Alphonse.”

“Akatsuki-dono, what do you want? It can’t be that you are somewhat dissatisfied with the new rule of no ties in this duel?”

Alphonse turned around with a triumphant expression on his face.

“Of course not, I do not have any comment on the new rules. Although picking this time to announce it is unkind, this is the so-called “politics”, so there is nothing to make a fuss about.”

“Thank you for your understanding, I feel honored. Then……I do not know what Akatsuki-dono wants?”

“About this……”

Akatsuki lifted his head and looked at the special box. The glass had a mirror magic effect, and could not be seen from the outside, but Miu, Haruka, Volk and Miranda were all in the box to witness the duel. After Alphonse returned to the box, the duel would officially begin.

However, the box had clearly one less person, so ——

“——Where’s uncle Baram? I don’t think I’ve seen him today.”

After confirming that he could not feel Baram’s true ki in the arena, Akatsuki asked.

“How do you know……?”

Alphonse was taken aback.

“Last night, my father suddenly fell ill, so he returned to our country this morning. This duel is very important to us, so my father really wanted to witness it, but due to his body not feeling well, he could only just return home first. Before departing, my father also expressed his view that the result of the duel was too clear. Perhaps he believes that Queen Listy will get the final victory.”

After hearing Alphonse’s explanation ——

“Oh, so that’s it……I hope that it is nothing serious.”

“Thank for your blessing, Akatsuki-dono. As for the duel, I will witness the final result instead of my father……Are there any other concerns?”

“No ——Wait, allow me to ask one more question.”

Akatsuki added:

“The barrier that turns physical damage into mental damage……Whose idea was it?”

“Aleclasta’s High priest Miranda proposed it.”

Alphonse replied.

“Queen Listy is the Queen of Sherfield, we cannot have anything happening in this duel……Is there something wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, I was just asking casually.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled, and watched as Alphonse turned around and left. This was basically the barrier within Babel, looks like the two world’s approach is quite similar.

……This also means that he must take out his true power.

Akatsuki took a deep breath and allowed his body’s true ki to flow through his entire body.

After switching to the new AD, he only required one AD and he could summon the demon sword Laevateinn. However, the demon sword in Akatsuki’s hand was the most basic form. Perhaps the second form that showed up previously when he faced Zahhark was just an illusion.

……That’s fine, this time the opponent is not the true enemy.

The AD could summon the most suitable weapon for their user’s abilities. Right now, his opponent was Listy, and since he was fighting in a duel, the basic form of Laevateinn was more than enough. Lifting up his head to see, Listy and the others had already raised their weapons and prepared for the battle.

Zechs was holding a red long sword, Loutier was holding a silver gun and Listy’s weapon was a golden staff.

The trio who had no path to retreat had a sorrowful expression.

Akatsuki could not help but think that both sides could not afford to lose this duel.

Just when the tense atmosphere reached the very peak, the moment when the audience was completely breathless.

The arena gong sounded.

The duel that would decide the fate of humans and the demon race had started.

### 024. Part 5

Akatsuki’s intimidation was extremely effective. The captain obediently explained everything that had happened during the time period.

The content that the captain described was roughly in line with Akatsuki’s speculation.

After understanding the situation of Alayzard, Akatsuki ordered Sherfield’s soldiers to immediately leave the forest.

At first they seemed to find it difficult to let go because Akatsuki was not planning to return with them. The soldiers did not know how to explain to their platoon’s commanding officer. Akatsuki told them report exactly what they had seen, there was no need to hide anything.

In short, while capturing the demon race girl, they were interfered with by Akatsuki.

As the soldiers accepted Akatsuki’s persuasion, they did not ask for Akatsuki to come along, and all of them left the forest sadly.

“Hey - ! I’ve made you guys wait, you can come out now!”

Akatsuki shouted towards the trees.

Miu and the others immediately rose and walked towards Akatsuki.

“-!”

As five strangers suddenly appeared, the young girl from the dark elf race was suddenly shocked, and hurriedly hid behind Akatsuki.

However, the young girl immediately noticed that there was a familiar face amongst the five people and shouted.

“- Princess?”

Miu smiled and nodded. She crouched down and opened her arms.

“Come over here, it’s okay now.”

Seeing this, the young girl immediately rushed out from behind Akatsuki.

“Princess…!”

She threw herself into Miu’s arms.

“It must have been painful… But there’s no need to worry, it’s alright now.”

Miu tightly hugged the skinny body of the young girl and softly stroked the young girl’s back.

Until the young girl regained her calmness.

“Can you tell me your name?”

Facing Miu’s gentle question, the young girl first nodded, then slowly lifted her head and looked at Miu.

“…Riruru.”

The girl’s answer was extremely clear. Miu gently stroked the girl’s head, expressing her appreciation.

“Riruru, did you come to this forest by yourself?”

“…”

The young girl silently nodded.

“Looks like she isn’t a lost child.”

Akatsuki cut in.

“The village where she lives in should be close.”

“Yes. After father’s death, I specially told everyone to hide in this forest.”

Miu nodded, then asked the small elf race girl another question.

“Riruru, do you know how to go back home?”

Riruru nodded, but the gaze she sent to Akatsuki contained a hint of anxiety. She obviously did not think that humans such as Akatsuki were trustworthy objects. Seeing this, Miu could not help but give a slight smile.

“They aren’t bad guys, relax… they are my friends.”

“…”

Riruru stared at Miu, then looked again at Akatsuki. In the end she held on Miu’s hand and dragged her into the depths of the forest. Probably bringing Miu to the current location of the village.

Akatsuki and the others also followed behind.

After walking for a certain distance…

“Akatsuki…”

Chikage whispered earnestly in Akatsuki’s ears.

“Aren’t we going to the location where the demon race village is? The demon race do not know us, so it should be fine, but you are the person who defeated the demon king. Won’t the demon race take advantage of this for revenge?”

Chikage’s fears weren’t without reasons, but…

“About that… it should be fine.”

Akatsuki tone was very cold, as if the matter did not concern him. Kuzuha, who was walking beside him, heard this and suddenly sighed.

“Should? Meaning that there is a possibility of us being attacked by the demon race in the forest?”

She then glanced at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, please stay a bit away from me?”

“Class rep, aren’t you too heartless? But if it really happened, there is no need to worry.”

Ousawa Akatsuki shrugged lightly.

His face revealed a smile filled with ease.

“No matter if it is humans or demon race, I absolutely will not easily let go of those rude individuals that attack from behind.”

After some time, everyone came to a dead end surrounded by a forest.

“Hey Hey, is it really here? After walking in such a big circle, it can’t be that we got lost in the forest, right, Aki?”

“What can complaining to me do? But…It should be here.”

Akatsuki first looked at Riruru who was in front, then he replied Kaidou’s complaints. They saw Riruru raise a hand to the sky, murmuring a few phrases, and suddenly the scenery in front was distorted. The forest in front ot them quickly changed its appearance and revealed an entrance that led further down.

“Illusion… No, it should be using magic to seal the entrance.”

Using the power of magic at a certain location to construct the idea of an entrance, then, after applying a seal, all creatures are unable to enter inside; even if they attempt to walk around the seal, as there is only one correct entrance, they will only end up circling around the seal.

There is only one way to pass through the entrance, that is to lift the seal. After she temporary lifted the seal, Riruru looked back at the crowd.

“This way…”

After saying this, Riruru took the lead and walked on the path past the entrance. Akatsuki and the others glanced at each other, then silently followed behind.

The path after the entrance was fairly decent to walk on with a slight slope uphill. But as they moved further away from the entrance, the uphill slope’s angle was gradually increasing.

Just when they had to look up in order to see the path, Haruka suddenly said:

“Looks like that should be the place.”

Everyone heard Haruka’s mutters. Past the slope, a door constructed by large vines was in their sights. This should be the entrance to the elf village. Before the door stood two guards in an attentive position. After noticing Akatsuki, they immediately lifted their weapons and put on a posture filled with alertness. Seeing this, Riruru immediately ran over to the guards in front of the door.

“I should also go over and explain everyone’s identity.”

After saying this, Miu immediately followed.

Staring at Riruru and Miu’s figure, Chikage could not help but scratch her cheeks.

“It seems that it will be more appropriate if we remain in this place.”

“…Hope that Ousawa-kun does not die here.”

After hearing Kuzuha’s muttering, Akatsuki could not help but laugh.

“If I die, you guys will not be able to return to the original world.”

Although Akatsuki’s tone was relaxed, everyone else was shocked. After noticing everyone’s reaction, Akatsuki seemed to be a bit surprised.

“Is it not? This time we were not “summoned”, and it was utilizing my Renkan Keikikou to pass through the “dimension hole” to come over here. We will have to use the same method when going back too.”

In short, Akatsuki and the others did not follow the normal procedures to come over to Alayzard.

“But you can rest assured, I will not die alone while leaving you guys here.”

“That’s right, Aki will indeed not die in this place.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s confident smile, Kaidou brightened up. The dialogue between the two seemed to gain the acceptance within the female members.

“…Seems like they finally finished explaining.”

Miu, who was standing on top of the slope and explaining the situation to the guards, beckoned everyone.

Akatsuki and the others immediately climbed the slope seeing this. At this moment, Miu suddenly revealed an apologetic look.

“Sorry, I’ve made everyone wait. To explain the reason why everyone came took a lot of time.”

“It can’t be helped. Suddenly a bunch of strangers appeared, anyone would not easily allow them to pass.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“What about now? Is it finished yet?”

“Yes, we have already obtained permission to enter the village.”

Miu finally exposed a smile here.

“This is also the first time for you to enter the elf’s village right?”

After taking a few steps towards the door, Miu suddenly turned around and faced everyone with open arms.

“Welcome to our Forest Village – Forestnium.”

### 025. Part 5

After handing Miu, who could hardly stand, and the unconscious Haruka to Cecily, Akatsuki entered the innermost room under Melissa’s leadership.

“Here is still as empty as before.”

Entering the room he hadn’t seen for a while, Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

For a private room of a high class brothel boss, the room’s furnishings were very simple, there were no extra decorations whatsoever. This was Melissa’s belief and also one of the reasons why Akatsuki trusted Melissa.

“If you can’t get used to it, then please return.”

Melissa gave off a hmmph, then dragged her heavy body and sat on the couch.

The person in charge of a special industry usually enjoys comparing their place, comparing the price, comparing costumes, but the amount of money Melissa had on her was considerably little. The hard-earned money was mostly spent on the store, the girls of the shop and the staff workers. He understood more than anyone that providing the utmost service to their guests was the only way to sustain their services. At the same time, Melissa was also the leader of the brothel guild. This kind of stoic management method could not avoid clashes from the other industries. However, Melissa continued to stick to her belief, and there was no room for compromise. As a result, it made the other industries rebound back and caused the development of a fierce brawl. Akatsuki and Melissa met during that time, and the two of them were sympathetic and appreciative of each other. Thus, Akatsuki served as the store’s bodyguard, and forced the other guild to disappear from Sherfield.

“Seeing that you are still the same makes me less worried. Are the people from the store still okay?”

Akatsuki sat on the sofa across from Melissa.

“You aren’t coming here to specifically have a chat right?”

Melissa’s sharp gaze shot towards Akatsuki.

“Suddenly coming back is fine, but this time you even stood on the side of the demon race.”

“You are well informed.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled.

“The guild has also obtained the information?”

“No single matter that appears in this city or country can escape my eyes.”

Melissa replied.

“Queen Listy just recently gave an emergency order to the ministers and the People’s Council, and at the same time, gave instructions to all the personnel within Sherfield. In order to assess how much damage it would cause to Sherfield, Queen Listy and the Council reached an agreement, and decided to release the current status to the country. That is also saying, your duel with Queen Listy for the peace treaty of the human and demon race will be formally published tomorrow morning to Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta’s people. At that time, it is bound to cause an uproar.”

“I see……As I expected.”

The development of the situation was within his expectations; Akatsuki could not help but give a slight smile.

Whether it was war or peace, there will be both support and opposition. Instead of quietly carrying it under the table, and waiting until it was over to publish the results, why not just make it public at the very beginning in order to reduce the strength of the rebound at the final stage.

……No one is willing to be kept in the dark.

At the same time, the goal of informing Disdia and Aleclasta’s people about this matter was primarily to announce that this was a decision made under the three countries’ agreement.

Listy’s intention was extremely clear; despite the limited effect, she would still make the two countries share the responsibility.

“Besides that, there is probably no other way. The duel at that time should also be shown to the public.”

“Quite likely. Witnessing the results of the duel to make the people accept the outcome.”

Melissa replied.

“Free entrance tickets should be sent throughout the world within these two days. At that moment, under every country’s civilians, it will decide on the fate of humans and the demon race. However, Queen Listy insisted that you acted as the demon race representative and set up the peace agreement, the main reason was to prevent the outbreak of war. Looks like she doesn’t want to ruin your image.”

“That idiot, wouldn’t this make it even more difficult for her? If you need to ruin it, then do so, anyways I don’t care.”

Akatsuki was a “Rogue Hero”; even if he was to be cursed by people throughout the world, he would not feel the pain. However, for the peace between the two sides, before the signing of the treaty, they must still try and obtain the support of their citizens.

……The part about the duel was just about this.

Akatsuki stuck out his upper body.

“——You should know about the surveillance forces in Galevain being attacked right? Did you hear any rumors about it? The point about the demon race being the culprit, how high is the possibility?”

“That information is rather complicated, but the highest credibility information is still the official statement saying that it is the demon race’s activity. However, there is also rumor saying that it was a self-conspiracy made by the developed militaristic Disdia in order to promote their weapons.”

“Ah……It really is this.”

Akatsuki looked up at the ceiling. Truthfully, Melissa’s statement coincides with Akatsuki’s predictions.

When Phil Barnett attacked, he had generously acknowledged that Disdia was planning to use Miu to start a new war. Of course, this was under the premise that Phil’s statement was credible.

“However, you joining the demon race’s camp, persuading the three countries to retreat their forces from Galevain forest, also changed people’s view of the incident. Perhaps in the near future, I will be able to get new information.”

Well, what about now?

“If you decide to hide here until the day of the duel, I will not kick you out. After all, I owe you one, and the girls in the shop must also be very happy. Just live in the room from before. The furnishings are still the same as before, there are no changes whatsoever.”

“Sorry to bother you……By the way, I want to ask you for something.”

Akatsuki said.

“I’m looking for an item, would you know where I can buy it?”

After saying this, Akatsuki pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over to the leaning Melissa.

After opening the paper, Melissa suddenly narrowed his eyes.

“It really is a considerably special antique. Isn’t it for children? It has no practical value by itself, and has long been discontinued. What do you need this kind of thing for?”

“About this……Just treat it as some kind of guarantee. Where can I find it?”

“I know an antique dealer that sells these specialized items. You should be able to find it in his shop. Unfortunately, that antique dealer is hostile to the people from the guild, so I probably can’t help much.”

Melissa attempted to conceal his displeasure, but Akatsuki actually smiled.

“No problem, I will directly find him.”

I don’t mind.

“Where is the antique dealer’s shop? I plan to resolve this matter by today.”

After Akatsuki and Melissa left the hall, Miu and Haruka finally woke up. Under Cecily’s guidance, the two of them entered the attic that they would normally not use.

“This was the room that Akatsuki used when he served as the bodyguard.”

Cecily gave off a slightly wry smile.

“Although I called it a room, but originally it was a warehouse.”

“S…Sorry to bother…”

Miu followed Cecily into the room and looked around. In a corner of the room was a wooden table and a chair. In the middle, there was a large bed. What Cecily had said was correct, the innermost wall had an old dresser that could already not be used.

Although no one was using this room, there was not even a hint of dust.

“It was cleaned very well.”

Once Haruka’s muttered words entered her ears, Cecily suddenly stood up with pride.

“Of course. This was Akatsuki’s room……We will maintain its original appearance.”

“I see……”

Hearing Cecily’s emotional speech, Miu suddenly looked up at the ceiling.

The scenery of the sky entered her vision. There was no window below the attic roof, but directly above the bed, there was a skylight. Cecily quickly noticed Miu’s gaze.

“Isn’t the skylight on the roof nice? Akatsuki really likes skylights. In order to watch the stars before he sleeps, he specially moved the bed from the wall to underneath the skylight.”

“Can’t believe that person also has a romantic side, it really is surprising.”

Haruka, who was surprised, sat down on the bed. She lifted her head and watched the red sunset.

Miu also followed and sat down on the bed.

Cecily looked at the two of them.

“Are you two going to stay here tonight?”

“Ah, Yes……It seems that that person has this intention.”

“Then just sleep here. The bed is big enough, three people sleeping together isn’t a problem.” Cecily had a matter of fact look on her face. Miu and Haruka eyes suddenly turned into two black dots.

“W…Wait a minute, why do we have to sleep together with that person?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“Of course there is a huge problem! How could we possibly sleep together with that sexual harassment machine!”

Haruka protested loudly, Miu also nodded.

This made Cecily a bit puzzled.

“Huh……? Aren’t you two his women?”

“ “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” ”

Miu and Haruka denied it in unison.

“——You’ve at least been in bed with him right?”

“ “NO!” ”

Both of them stood up and loudly denied it while blushing. Looks like it was a misunderstanding. Only to see Cecily reveal a sympathetic gaze.

“How sad……You two are even so cute, but it looks like Akatsuki actually does not treat you two as women.”

“T…This is unrelated to whether we have female charms!”

“T…That is correct! It was us who refused him!”

Miu and Haruka desperately tried to explain.

“Refuse? Why?”

While speaking, Cecily suddenly showed off an breathtaking and sexy expression.

Witnessing Cecily’s attractive expression, Miu suddenly gasped.

……W…What happened?

Miu suddenly felt her body become hot. Even if they were both female, she could not resist Cecily’s charm.

The question about whether they had been in bed with Akatsuki, it made Miu’s body react even more.

A closer look showed that even Haruka was completely red, and her body was involuntarily trembling slightly.

“~~~!”

In order to suppress her trembling body, Miu wrapped her arms and embraced herself.

“Sorry, we do not need this kind of thing.”

“Really? As women, you should know how that wonderful feeling is.”

Cecily’s face had an enchanting smile.

“You two have been with Akatsuki for so long, but you really did not feel a man’s charm from him?”

“T…This…I…”

Seeing Miu’s embarrassed and hesitant appearance, Cecily already knew that she had said what was within Miu’s heart.

“The answer should be yes right? I guess that you two must secretly imagine being wrapped in his arms right? That must be……the long awaited scene you two hope for.”

“…T…There isn’t such a thing!”

“No, there must be. Anyways, you two are also females who are in puberty……”

Miu and Haruka attempted to avoid Cecily’s gaze, but they could not do it. The two of them were deeply attracted to Cecily’s eyes, so they could only stand still, completely immobilized.

Cecily began to slowly move towards the two——

“Being attracted to a strong male is always a woman’s instinct, there is nothing to be shy about.” Come.

“Be honest with your own desires, you two are absolutely more of a woman than you had imagined.”

Cecily extended her hands towards the two of them——

“——Stop playing with the two innocent girls, Cecily.”

A deep rich voice suddenly came. The burly Melissa was leaning on the entrance of the door.

“Are you planning to go see people like this? Quickly go and prepare.”

Even though the person being named was Cecily, Haruka still involuntarily stepped back a few steps. Perhaps because the experience of being scared to the extent of unconsciousness was still fresh, her body immediately reacted defensively. She only saw Cecily reluctantly say “Okayyyyyy——“, her face had returned to normal.

“Sorry, you two. If it wasn’t because you said bad things about Akatsuki behind his back, I would not have deliberately teased you.”

Cecily stuck out her tongue. Her hands rested on the shoulders of Miu and Haruka and she whispered.

“However, when you’re following Akatsuki, it’s best not to suppress your own emotions. Otherwise, you might regret it in the future——That person is the best example.”

“Ah……?”

Cecily’s tone was extremely serious, but Miu did not understand and subconsciously asked.

However, Cecily had already turned around and walked straight out of the room. Melissa sighed, and slowly walked towards the two of them.

Only to see Miu timidly ask.

“Uh…Has the conversation between you two already ended? That person……”

“Akatsuki went to find something and wanted me to take care of you two. Is there any problem?”

“No……!”

Melissa’s eyes flashed. Miu hurriedly avoided his gaze.

“Akatsuki has already told me clearly about your reasons for coming. Staying here isn’t a problem, but your identities cannot be exposed, so be sure to follow the rules of this shop during your stay.”

“Y…Yes……”

“U…Understood……”

Fearing the oppressive pressure that was generated by Melissa’s huge body, Miu and Haruka could only obediently nod. Only to see Melissa hand over the two soft cloths that were hanging on his arm to the two of them.

“T…This is……?”

Haruka was slightly surprised, then she slowly spread open the soft cloth, and suddenly issued a shrill scream.

“W…What the hell is this!”

“……This is just an ordinary camisole cutie, the reaction doesn’t have to be so exaggerated.”

Miu and Haruka had never seen such sensational, revealing and sexy lingerie, but Melissa seemed to have a nonchalant look.

“Take off your clothes and switch to this set of lingerie. After you’re ready, immediately come down. Starting today, you will work in this shop, your salary will be directly used to pay for the cost of accommodation.”

“W…Work? I…We can’t do it……!”

A panicked Miu repeatedly shook her head.

“Relax, I won’t ask you to receive the guests.”

Melissa slowly said.

“However, cooking, laundry, cleaning and like works shouldn’t be difficult for you two right? Or did you think that you would not have to pay, and intend to freeload while hiding here?”

“B…But……For cooking and laundry work, there isn’t a need to wear this breezy clothing right?”

Haruka’s rebuttal instantly aroused Melissa’s disapproval.

“Could it be that you plan on continuing to wear that distinctive clothing and dangling around the shop? What if a guest or a person from the same industry notices it? At that time, the people that will be unfortunate wouldn’t be just you two, even me and the other girls inside my shop would also be pulled in, don’t you even have a little bit of guilt?”

“I…I did not mean this……”

“The duel is in three days. If you two do not need to go to the toilet, shower, wash clothes and completely do not leave the room even one step within these three days, then I don’t have any say……How is it?”

“T…That is probably a bit difficult……”

“Anyways, how could you do things if you are just hiding in the room? Even though the risks are shared between us, you are only going to hole up here and enjoy?”

“……”

Miu and Haruka glanced at each other, completely unable to say a word. At this moment, Melissa dragged his huge body towards the door, and looked disdainfully at them before leaving the room.

“Hurry up and change into the clothes and help. Once I count to 100, you must show up, or else I will make you two wear even more revealing clothes.”

After saying this, Melissa directly left the attic.

“——!”

Under Melissa’s abuse of authority, Miu and Haruka hurriedly removed their clothes.

### 026. Part 5

——The symbolic duel began the moment the gong sounded

Akatsuki pushed off with both feet, and the very first step he advanced out was already increased to his maximum speed.

The side with more people absolutely had a big advantage in battle. However, where there is an excess amount, it will also become fatal.

The duel had just started, and the opponent had already taken the first action. The disconnected trio did not know what to do, this poor communication was undoubtedly the cause of confusion. Seeing Akatsuki approaching at a lightning speed, but——

“——You hope for too much!”

Zechs immediately stepped forward. The distance between the two quickly shortened. In the center of the stage, a melee combat broke out. Akatsuki and Zechs’s showdown was the first time the two of them dueled each other.

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!”

“Oooooooooooooooooo!”

The moment when the screams from both of them surged through the air.

Clangggggggggg

The black demon sword and the crimson long sword clashed against each other, producing a sharp high pitched metallic sound.

Akatsuki and Zechs were facing each other, their respective breathing sounds could be heard.

“Heh……Perverted swordman, after obtaining the title of a general, looks like you did not lose your skills.”

“You’re not bad either, perverted hero.”

Using a flowing movement, Zechs’s crimson long sword swept through, but it was barely dodged by Akatsuki pushing off with both feet.

“Sorry, the opponent I’m looking for is not you.”

Seeing Akatsuki twist his body and dodge to this side, he suddenly threw Zechs to the back of his head. Akatsuki’s target was only one, that is Queen Listy. This duel was one against three, but as long as he defeated Listy, it was equal to deciding the outcome.

The Queen’s defeat symbolizes the defeat of the country. Listy had already entered the magic chant stage, and had unfolded multiple heavily constructed magic circles in front of her. However, Akatsuki’s speed was beyond that, and as long as he continued to sprint forward, he could subdue Listy before the magic was activated.

“Akatsuki, I won’t let you go that easily.”

A beautiful elf stood in front of Akatsuki. This elf was none other than Loutier. She raised her long gun and aimed at Akatsuki, and pulled the trigger without hesitation. However, what came out from the muzzle was not bullets, but a blue and white light laser. Akatsuki immediately took a big step to the side, but Loutier had already anticipated Akatsuki’s action, and another wave of laser was headed towards Akatsuki.

“Chitsu ——”

Facing a barrage of lasers, Akatsuki could only try and avoid or use the black demon sword to block the beam, and approach Loutier from another direction.

Only to see Akatsuki swing his sword continuously at the ground in front of Loutier.

“——Ah?”

The rising dust obscured their sight. Loutier was slightly surprised. At this moment, Akatsuki had already jumped into the air, passed through Loutier and even passed through Listy.

At the moment he landed, Akatsuki immediately took action.

Listy had her back to Akatsuki, while Loutier was currently struggling with the dust. And to activate magic, Listy had to put her full attention into the chant. Everything was within Akatsuki’s expectation. Akatsuki approached Listy from the back without hesitation.

“Since there is a barrier, don’t blame me for being rude.”

After saying this, the black demon sword immediately and mercilessly slashed towards Listy. The blade barely entered Listy’s shoulder blade. However, Listy did not fall to the ground.

The moment Akatsuki found his chance to slash, the black demon sword’s offensive was blocked off.

By another crimson long sword.

“……Don’t underestimate us.”

Using a speed beyond Akatsuki and following him from behind, Zechs coldly spoke.

“Do you think that this type of children’s play will be able to defeat us?”

At this moment Listy also slowly turned around.

A cold expression that did not have the slightest warmth.

“……”

Listy silently stretched out her hands towards Akatsuki.

A red light relentlessly headed towards Akatsuki. This was the directional explosive flame magic Listy specialized in.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh——!”

After the explosive bang, Akatsuki was thrown into the air. After twisting his body while he was in danger, he did land safely.

However, Akatsuki’s body was filled with an unbearable burning sensation. For safety reasons, this duel used a barrier that would turn all physical damage into mental damage, and the mode of how the mental damage showed up was a sense of pain. The difference was that the sense of pain was not on the body, but on the mind. In short, the damage did not communicate with the body, but directly affected the brain.

Actually, before the attack, Akatsuki had already used the power of Renkan Keikikou and activated a defense aura against magic.

The past Akatsuki had also used a similar method, against Onizuka Kenya and Uesaki Ryouhei’s fire magic.

“Fuuuu……It really is as amazing as before.”

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed then looked at the three past companions who he had fought together with.

“True peace, this kind of thing really isn’t obtained so easily.”

The battle restarted. Before Akatsuki was able to launch his second offensive, Loutier took action first.

Seeing her activating several magic circles, it should be that she took advantage of the break in order to chant.

At this moment, Listy, Zechs and Loutier’s bodies were enveloped in three colors of light.

……So it’s that move.

Akatsuki knew what the three colors of light represented. This was the magic Loutier specialized in—— A priest’s supportive magic that increases combat capabilities. The red light represents attack, the blue light represents defense and the green light represents mobility. This supportive magic had the same effect as Akatsuki using Renkan Keikikou and activating his body’s true ki to improve his physical abilities.

“……”

Zechs and Loutier advanced towards Akatsuki without speaking.

Zechs was holding a long sword, and Loutier had released a wind blade magic to turn her gun into a gunblade. The duel entered a melee combat phase, both side were shortening the distance between them. Seeing that they only require half a step and they would have entered Akatsuki’s attack range, Zechs and Loutier suddenly vanished. High speed movement. However, Akatsuki’s reaction was also very fast. Only to see his stature fall slightly and reversing the demon sword in order to protect his back, a large metal clashing sound suddenly came from the scene. After neutralizing Zechs and Loutier’s attack from behind, Akatsuki followed through and swung the sword, and successfully pushed both of them back.

“——Eat this!”

Akatsuki raised his sword and hacked at them twice. A shockwave was released towards the two of them. Zechs and Louter respectively used their weapons to negate the shockwave, but Akatsuki took advantage of this gap in order to rush forward.

His target was Zechs. The black demon sword that targeted the red hair swordman swept into a flurry. Akatsuki’s body movements were using a concept of a “circle”, plus each sword strike’s speed and strength did not follow any rules, making it difficult for others to perceive. When he was facing Phil Barnett, Akatsuki also used the same sword technique, making the other side suffer terribly.

Akatsuki wished for a quick battle and resolving Zechs as soon as possible. However, the sound of the demon sword infused with true ki sweeping through the air and a metallic sound produced after the weapons collided, was colliding against each other in midair at an alarming speed. That’s right, Zechs successfully blocked Akatsuki’s rain of sword strikes.

“The power was still as amazing as before. But……If this is your fastest speed, then it is more than enough to block your fierce strikes.”

Speaking at the same time, Zechs blocked Akatsuki’s slash once again.

“Continuous slashes that corner the opponent should be something like this!”

Zechs changed from defense to attack, and launched a series of counterattacks.

Under Zechs’s suppression, Akatsuki was forced to become defensive.

“Oooo……Damn…….!”

Zechs’s attacks were extremely swift. Akatsuki’s naked eye could not follow it, he could only rely on his intuition.

Seeing Zechs’s attacks become more and more swift, the flurry of sword images gradually produced afterimages.

“That fellow……W…Wait a minute, Woooooooooh!”

In a critical situation, Akatsuki hurriedly stepped backwards. Just at that moment, a laser light pierced the sky right in front of his eyes. Luckily Akatsuki’s reaction was quick, or else his brain would have burned two tiny holes. Looking carefully, it turned out that Loutier had decided to join the fray.

“That was close……”

Akatsuki could not help but feel relieved.

“——Is this the time to rest?”

Zechs’s slash flowed through.

……If I block this sword, it is equal to giving a chance for Lulu to aim at me……Damn!

After observing the entire arena’s situation, Akatsuki immediately made a decision. He activated Renkan Keikikou and jumped into the air in one breath.

This jump was no trivial matter, it was at least ten meters high. However, in midair, Akatsuki could see carefully. Not so far away, Listy had already activated a magic circle. After confirming Listy had finished the chant, Akatsuki muttered to himself.

“This is bad……”

“——Come forth, Lightning of Punishment!”

From the air above the arena came a thunderous roar. Akatsuki did not even think and raised the demon sword and swung it towards the sky. A slash that infused all his strength suddenly split the fallen lightning into half, but things did not end here.

The split lightning was heading towards Zechs and Loutier on the ground.

“Ah ha, Take this!”

An offensive that gives them back a taste of their own medicine. However, Zechs and Loutier’s reaction was quite calm.

He saw Zechs catching the lightning with his sword, and allowing the sword blade to add the properties of lightning element.

Loutier raised her magic gun in her hand and absorbed the fallen lightning into the gun’s muzzle.

“Ahhhh……”

Seeing the two of them easily resolve the offensive of the falling lightning, Akatsuki, who was stranded in midair, scratched his cheeks. At this moment, Zechs and Loutier both pushed off. Their body soared into the sky and reached the same height as Akatsuki in one breath, then they simultaneously attacked. Akatsuki used the demon sword and kicks to counter the two offensives, and displayed an impressive midair battle.

“——“

At this moment, Loutier used Akatsuki’s pressure from his kick and subtly opened up a distance.

At the same time, the magic gun’s muzzle was aimed at Akatsuki, and released the previously absorbed lightning.

……I can’t avoid it!

Akatsuki could only release the demon sword in his hand, and use the demon sword as a lightning rod and escape from the immediate crisis.

However, Zechs’s crimson long sword also swept through the air at this instant.

“You actually threw away your weapon, what kind of idea are you thinking of!”

“That goes without saying right? This kind of idea!”

Just when he finished talking, Akatsuki slipped his palms together and abruptly clamped onto Zechs’s long sword.

“What——!”

Zechs was completely surprised. Without missing his chance, Akatsuki immediately raised his leg and kicked at the frozen Zechs, then he opened up his palms and aimed at the falling Zechs and Loutier, who attempted to rescue him.

“——Eat this!”

Both his palms produced ki bombs, and threw them at the two of them.

The air bomb successfully hit the targets, producing a large explosive sound and a dazzling flash. Amongst the smoke, Zechs and Loutier were both falling towards the ground, Akatsuki stretched out his right hand and firmly caught the falling demon sword.

“Renkan Keikikou isn’t only about manipulating the body’s true ki, you were too careless.”

Akatsuki looked at the falling Zechs and Loutier. His face revealed a proud smile.

At this moment, he noticed Listy had disappeared and subconsciously looked above.

Found her. Staying still in midair, Listy raised her magic staff and aimed at Akatsuki.

In front of the staff appeared several layers of magic circles.

“Did you think I can only use long-range attacks……?” After a short pause ——

“——Akatsuki, you were too careless.”

After saying this, an enormous compressed air bomb was shot forth at an alarming speed.

“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh——“

The compressed air bomb released by Listy had surpassed the speed of sound barrier and pressed onto Akatsuki all the way to the ground.

The arena was suddenly enveloped by an earth-shattering explosion.

### 027. Part 6

A superb view was located in front of everyone.

The village that Akatsuki and the others entered was a space that integrated nature and urban environment.

“So beautiful…”

The scene in front of their eyes was just so spectacular, Haruka’s reaction was like a baby who was experiencing things for the first time.

But no one laughed at Haruka’s reaction, because everyone also felt the same way. After personally witnessing this superb view, anyone would be at a loss for words, and would only be filled with admiration and emotion.

In front of them was a huge sacred tree. Along the exterior of the sacred tree, it formed the walls of a living space. At certain intervals, the branches would divide the living space into numerous floors, splitting the scattered houses. The sacred tree’s height could not be underestimated. In the situation where one was standing on the ground, they were not able to see the top of the tree. This was the inaccessible and unshakable capital of the demon race within the forest – Forestnium.

Then an old dark elf came in front of Akatsuki and the others.

He should be quite old with a thin physique, his back was bent down quite a bit. His snowy white long brows covered both his eyes, and you could not tell the expression on his face.

“Welcome honored guest, we are looking forward to having you here.”

“Urumu…!”

Miu had an especially excited tone, it seemed that she knew the other person.

“So the chief here was you, Urumu…!”

“Yes, long time no see princess.”

Urumu feebly smiled. His gaze fell upon Akatsuki, and his left brow slightly moved.

“Is this – Akatsuki-dono?”

Akatsuki could feel the killing intent coming from all directions. Urumu was not simply confirming his name.

As the chief in charge of the demon race’s capital, he was asking if Akatsuki was the killer of the Demon King.

However, Akatsuki accepted Urumu’s gaze.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“W…Wait, Urumu! He just…”

Miu hurriedly jumped in between Urumu and Akatsuki.

Only to see Urumu laughing.

“Princess-sama, you can rest assured, I did not mean to hurt him. Everyone understood Galious-sama’s will, so you do not have to mind it, princess.”

After saying this, Urumu turned his back towards the crowd.

“Here is not a suitable location to have a conversation, please come with me.”

So Urumu slowly walked forward.

Following behind Urumu, Akatsuki did not forget to look around.

Forestnium was home to many demon race, they all had different sorts of gazes facing towards Akatsuki and the others. Some were suspicion, some were curiosity and some were showing an indifferent attitude.

…That seems to be quite off.

Akatsuki suddenly had his doubt; the demon race’s reaction was too calm. The Demon King’s daughter and the enemy of the Demon King appeared at the same time, the residents should either express a more enthusiastic or hostile attitude. It should not be this indifferent attitude.

Urumu seemed to have noticed Akatsuki’s inner doubts.

“The residents here all hate wars, so they drew the line between Galious-sama’s companions. After Galious-sama’s death, the war also ended. At that time, numerous brethren moved over here and selected a quiet peaceful life.”

“I see.”

After Urumu mentioned this, Akatsuki remembered what Miu had told them before. After Galious’s death, before Miu decided to follow Akatsuki to the alternative world, she had ordered the remaining demon race to forget everything and return to Galevain forest and continue their peaceful lives.

These demon race should be the survivors of that event? Galious had already passed away, their battle had also finished.

Till now, the demon race still faithfully listened to Galious and Miu’s orders.

Urumu brought everyone to his own home located in the middle floors of the sacred tree.

It was a room filled with the aroma of fresh wood.

Under the motions of Urumu, Akatsuki and the others sat down on the cushion composed of vegetation.

“Please…”

A dark elf woman was currently making tea for everyone. Her actions and posture were very elegant. She should be part of Urumu’s family.

After receiving the teacup, Chikage could not help but say the common feelings that others, besides Miu and Akatsuki, had.

“I originally thought that the demon race were bloodthirsty monsters filled with numerous claws and sharp teeth. I can’t believe that there are almost no differences from human appearance.”

Chikage probably recalled about the demon race she had seen after entering the demon race’s village. A part of the demon race had tails and ears of a beast, but there were some that were no different from a human’s appearance. Hearing this, Akatsuki suddenly chuckled.

“That’s right. Aside from beastmen, that includes werewolves, they usually just look like humans.”

“So why do the humans in this world fear the demon race and even made them the enemy?”

Kuzuha’s question hit the core of the problem. Akatsuki nodded and quietly explained the problem in Alayzard.

“In short, it is just racial discrimination that was formed after having fears about a strong race.”

Humans will not discriminate against animals, but will discriminate against humans that look similar to them.

Different skin colors, different eye colors, different hair colors, different beliefs. Excluding others had always been part of humans’ characteristics. Even in the world that Akatsuki and the others came from, similar things also occurred constantly.

Unreasonable exclusion and persecution, this was already present in the dark side of every human world.

At this moment, Kaidou suddenly thought of something.

“That can’t be right, Aki? Then aren’t they the victims? In the end, you stood beside the humans that discriminated against the demon race and eliminated the Demon King who fought for the demon race, and you proudly claim to be an hero? What kind of truth is this?”

Kaidou’s speech made everyone gasp. In fact his views were the same feelings that everyone was sharing, but no one blamed Akatsuki; After all, at the stage when they just came to the alternative world, the summoned teenager would not have any power. If they wanted to return to the original world, they must try and survive. After coming to the alternative world, the teenagers must first give up on things called justice and morals, they will have to eventually face the harsh situation in an unfamiliar world, in order to survive, and also to find a way to return to the original world. These children did not have any choice. Even so, Ousawa Akatsuki did not want to make any excuses to defend himself.

“I have never claimed to be a hero, but your views are not unreasonable.”

“Humans treated us as a evil existence, we also stood up against the oppression of humans. This was a result of the conflicting relations with each other. But…”

Urumu suddenly paused for a moment, then he continued to explain the historical grievances and errors between Alayzard’s human and the demon races.

“We are not qualified to be called the victims. Even in the ancient times, we have treated the weak humans as slaves, causing the hatred of demon race in humans and hurting the opportunities for the demon race. Yes, we and the humans could be destined to not coexist, there is an firm opposition that came from a long time. This is not the question of who is right and who is wrong, both only wanted to protect their own homeland, protect their families, so they fight… Demon race and humans, they are just like two parallel lines that will forever not intersect.”

Urumu sighed, his face had a smile filled with solitude.

Kuzuha could not resist and asked:

“The demon race and humans have never had a time where they peacefully coexisted?”

“It is said that in the ancient times, the demon race and humans have indeed peacefully coexisted together, but right now… I’m afraid it won’t be easy…”

Urumu suddenly lifted his head, and he stared at Akatsuki.

“Nevertheless, amongst the humans who viewed us as an evil existence and would even cruelly kill our race who did not have the slightest intentions to fight, Akatsuki was extraordinarily different. He absolutely did not want to harm, but only wanted the world to have a peaceful life, upholding peace for us. Thus, Akatsuki, who stood on the front lines, and risked his life to fight against Galious-sama, is a noble man of integrity. Under his influences, many humans, including Sherfield’s, all avoided unnecessary killing and fights.”

Urumu’s kind words entered their ears, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou all widened their eyes.

Noticing that all four of their gazes fell onto him, Akatsuki only said “Don’t you guys misunderstand.” Then sighed.

“Grandpa, you exaggerated it too much. I did not feel that I was so great.”

“But after defeating father and immediately ending the battle, the person who prevented unnecessary killings of the demon race and persuaded the leaders to lay down their weapons was none other than you. You changed Sherfield, and also changed this entire world…”

Miu’s eyes were showing sincerity.

“Even if it was not because of father’s will, I am willing to accompany you by your side.”

“Perhaps Galious-sama already knew that besides Akatsuki-dono, no one else could defeat him. No, perhaps dying to Akatsuki-dono was the wish of Galious-sama, so that’s why he left his will to the princess and told her to live with the person who defeated him…”

Here, Urumu formally faced Akatsuki.

At the same time he slowly bowed his head to show gratitude.

“Akatsuki-dono never killed our fellow brethren, and also fought fairly against Galious-sama in a duel. When Galious-sama was alive, he always praised your chivalrous spirit. Till now, you have also kept your promise and took care of Galious’s beloved daughter. Please allow me to replace the dead demon king, to give you our utmost and sincere thanks.”

### 028. Part 6

A breeze within Forestnium brought in a surge of sweet aroma.

It should be a product of the forest’s grassy smell merging with the air.

The gently blowing breeze was no doubt a cool and comfortable gift that the nature gives to all things.

Within this forest, the demon race was raising livestock or planting rice, living a life without wars. Right now in Forestnium’s city square, there stood a tall and slender female Izumi Chikage. As Chikage closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, a faint light appeared in front of her outstretched palms. Unfortunately this only lasted a few seconds, then the light faded.

“……Looks like it still doesn’t work.”

Chikage shook her head and sighed.

“——Still cannot use magic?”

A flat tone suddenly appeared from behind her.

“Yes.” Chikage turned around and saw Doumoto Kuzuha, who was behind her, shrug helplessly.

“Today is already the third day, looks like we still need a little more time.”

“I’ve also just tried it as well, the results were still the same.”

Kuzuha, who was sitting on the floor, moved her line of sight downwards. A dark elf girl was currently leaning against Kuzuha’s lap and sleeping, Kuzuha gently stroke the girl’s hair. Under these circumstances, Chikage could not help but narrow her eyes.

“……It seems like she likes you.”

“Yes……”

Kuzuha stared at the sleeping Riruru. Her expression was somewhat confused.

“I’ve never touched such a small child before. I do not know what to do.”

“Just act naturally, just like now. Intentionally trying to please the kids could easily lead to unnecessary resentment.”

“I’m so sorry……I was born in the way where no one likes me.”

“I did not mean this……”

Chikage shook her head with a wry smile.

“Class rep, showing your truest side won the goodwill of Riruru, this is also the best way to get along. And once you win the trust of a child, it is equivalent to have won the trust of an adult.” Chikage looked down at herself. The clothes she was wearing were exactly the same style as Miu. This clothing was particularly lent to Chikage by a women in the village, and Kuzuha also had one but with a smaller size.

“At the beginning, everyone only accepted us because we were Miu’s friends. But this relationship is too weak, we still had to think of a way to win everybody’s trust.”

Saying up to here, Chikage turned back and look back at the city square.

“…But having such a good relationship seems to be too exaggerated.”

A slightly smiling Chikage stared at the village children playing around with Kaidou.

“Kaidou, it’s your turn to be “it”!”

“You must count to 100, you can’t cheat! Or else you will have to recount again!”

Although the children’s tone was quite rude, but Kaidou didn’t seem to care.

“Cheat? Don’t joke around. Facing you little brats and I still have to cheat? In just a few moments, you’ll be found by me.”

This sentence seemed to enrage a few of the girls.

“Kaidou, you can’t take it easy on the girls, or else we won’t play!”

“Okay Okay……Then let’s begin!”

While Kaidou began to count, the village children suddenly screamed out and dispersed in all directions. Chikage seeing this, could not help but sigh.

“Playing hide and seek with the village children every day, he really doesn’t get bored. It really makes one impressed.”

After saying this, Chikage suddenly remembered something.

“Class rep, did you know? I’ve heard that some of the forces surrounding this forest seemed to have started to retreat.”

“I’m not too sure about that, who said it?”

“The investigation team just came back, I’ve heard them say it. Looks like Akatsuki’s actions seem to be working quite well.”

“Yes……That’s good.”

Kuzuha was relieved, and she gazed at the distant sky.

Standing beside her, Chikage also looked up at the blue sky.

“I wonder what their circumstances are, but……”

Chikage’s tone seemed to be filled with confidence.

“War will certainly not break out between the human and demon races.”

“……100. Hahaha, you guys acknowledge your fate now!”

Kaidou, who had finishing counting to 100, began to search for the whereabouts of the children.

At this moment——

“——“

Kaidou glanced at Chikage and Kuzuha. But he did not greet the two of them, but quietly continued to move forward.

Walking at the same time, Kaidou Motoharu muttered to himself. His expression was extremely serious, but his voice was as quiet as a mouse.

“……It’s not time to relax yet.”

### 029. Part 6

“H…How is this possible?”

Miu, who was staying at the VIP special room and watching the duel, was completely surprised.

An incredible phenomenon appeared on the arena. Staring at the smoke rising slowly from the stage, Miu muttered to herself.

“Wind-based and Fire-based magic could actually combine with each other……”

“——Because Sherfield is a country that is comprised of an alliance of the four spirits of fire, water, earth and water.”

Valkyria, who was responsible for receiving the VIP, answered Miu’s question.

“As the legitimate heir to the throne, Listy-sama could borrow various spirits’ power. Not only can she freely manipulate the conflicting elements of fire and water or earth and wind, she could also combine the two and create a greater effect.”

“This is really incredible……”

Haruka could not conceal her inner surprise.

Only to see Miranda smile.

“I understand your surprise, but the facts speak for themselves, so you can only just believe it. It isn’t just for show that Sherfield is called as Alayzard’s magic country right?”

“And Queen Listy is also a magic genius within the history of the royal family. Just that her magic talent——“

Volk reminisced about the past.

“——only opened up after contracting with the spirits and after her father’s death.”

However……

“Looks like Akatsuki is in a struggle.”

Within the battle space, Listy was slowly falling to the ground.

Zechs and Loutier, who had temporarily retreated under Akatsuki’s ki bomb attack, also stood up from the ground.

Looks like Loutier’s combat supportive magic dramatically increased the defense of the trio.

“……Why does he not use hard ki?”

Haruka’s tone was slightly emotional.

“Just relying on his physical body and weapon against multiple enemies would make him fall into a passive situation. Why not use hard ki to block off the opponent’s attack, then use the demon sword to unleash a counterattack.”

At this moment——

“——Sorry to disturb you, but that is impossible.”

Valkyria rejected Haruka’s idea.

“Akatsuki-sama’s hard ki is not almighty, it cannot block off all attacks. If he had used his body and forcibly received Zechs-sama’s sword, even under hard ki’s effect, it will probably still end up in a fate where he is decapitated……But under the special barrier, it should not cause any substantial harm.”

After Miu heard, this, she muttered.

“……Sherfield’s crimson sword king.”

“Yes. I believe you can also see it, Zechs-sama’s sword technique is slightly better.”

“……A magician without any system restriction, a swordsman with higher technique, plus a priest who has combat abilities casting combat supportive magic……This is simply an unwinnable battle!”

Haruka could not help but help Akatsuki say that it’s unfair.

“——About this fact, I believe that Akatsuki-dono already knew about it.”

Alphonse, who had remained silent, smiled while he spoke.

“I have already said this before, Sherfield’s top three are all battlefield heroes, each of their strengths is not weaker than Akatsuki-dono. This point was long recognized by everybody, and it is also a premise for establishing this duel. In short, this is the inevitable result, there should be no surprise. However, you believe that this is an unfair battle, this indirectly means that you believe someone is cheating, this is a rather serious accusation and could not be ignored.”

“……”

Miu could not help but bite her lower lip.

“Myuu-dono what is your opinion?”

Alphonse looked at Miu. His face exposed a confident smile.

Thus, Ousawa Miu looked at Alphonse and responded loudly:

“No opinion, after all we agreed to the conditions of this duel.”

“But……”

Facing the worried Haruka, Miu shook her head.

“There won’t be any problems, Haruka.”

Then she also revealed a confident smile, showing Ousawa Miu’s determined faith.

This was trust.

“——The person we trusted will not be taken down so easily.”

After saying this, the raging fire was instantly extinguished in the stage.

“——!”

That happened so suddenly, causing a commotion within the audience.

Seeing a familiar figure appeared from the grey-black smoke, Ousawa Miu could not help but reveal a pleased smile.

On the other end of her gaze was a youth standing in black clothing.

After using one leg to sweep away the remaining embers, Ousawa Akatsuki smiled and looked at Listy and the others.

“Why do you have an expression like you’ve seen a ghost? It can’t be that you think it will be that easy to defeat me right?”

“……Still refuse to surrender? I advise you not to be stubborn. Although your body did not have any physical damage, an unbearable pain is inevitable. Right now you probably have troubles to even walk.”

Listy paused for a moment.

“I beg you Akatsuki……Surrender.”

It was almost a pleading tone.

“——Surrender?”

Akatsuki was surprised, Zechs also lifted his long sword onto his shoulder.

“You should have also played around enough now Akatsuki.”

A serious and strict tone.

“Your strength really should not be underestimated, but just by your power, it is impossible to defeat us.”

Loutier, who was looking dignified, also followed and spoke:

“Even after being attacked by Listy’s magic attack, you have not received any substantial damage. Just the offensive and defensive earlier, it also proved that after Zechs and I teamed up, we could barely match up against you. You have shown sufficient strength already.”

However……

“If you still are not willing to stop and continue to fight, the situation will only become more disadvantageous to you. The audience’s eyes are sharp, at that time, they will notice that the strength of Akatsuki is not sufficient to threaten us. The peace you are hoping for is bound to become an empty talk that will never be realized.”

“I beg you, Akatsuki……”

Facing Listy’s pleading, Akatsuki helplessly sighed.

“You already believe that you are the winner and now begin psychological warfare? Can’t believe that the day I have been looked down upon has occurred.”

“Meaning that you still wish to continue to fight?”

Zechs frowned, but Akatsuki nodded nonchalantly.

“The earlier explosive flame magic was just right, it helped me warm up……So if you really want to force me to surrender——“

Akatsuki smiled.

“Just using your mouth is not enough, convince me using your strength.”

After Listy remained silent for a while.

“Fine……”

The trio’s expressions suddenly changed. They pushed back their old friendship to the back of their head. Compared to the trio’s harsh expressions, Akatsuki’s smile even appeared to be more brilliant.

Only to see him announce loudly to the audience.

“Come——Let’s begin the second round!”

### 030. Part 7

Inside the depth of Forestnium’s sacred tree, there was an area that had particularly fresh air and a pleasant scenery.

The beautiful colors formed by the intertwining blues and greens came from the crystal clear spring water.

Ousawa Miu was currently naked in the hot spring.

Izumi Chikage, Doumoto Kuzuha and Nanase Haruka were also at the scene.

The four females were currently cleaning their bodies at the bath. Under Urumu’s recommendation, the four females entered the hot spring deep within the forest, in order to wash off the smell from the outside world and avoid disturbing the elves inside the forest.

Although the temperature for the hot spring was not too hot, the four females did not feel the cold at all. The moderate temperature actually made all of them feel refreshed.

“…”

Miu used her hands to scoop up the spring water and gently allowed it to slide down her body.

…This battle seems to be inevitable…

Once Miu thought of this, she bit her lower lip tightly. Previously at Urumu’s home, Miu obtained information about the human army suddenly entering the forest a few days ago. The army belonged to Disdia, Aleclasta and Sherfield, or otherwise the three great countries that formed an alliance to defeat her father Galious. According to Akatsuki’s information from the soldiers who tried to kidnap Riruru, Disdia and Sherfied forces that were stationed at the Galevain forest had received devastating attacks from the demon race, prompting the three countries to use their military. Luckily Forestnium’s concept was to use a magic seal to prevent invaders from the outside, so the human forces could currently only stay at the borders of the forest and could not overstep them.

…But…

Urumu clearly expressed that the demon race in Forestnium had never attacked the human surveillance forces.

Miu also remembered Akatsuki’s muttering.

- This is the key to the entire situation.

If it was a simple mistake of the humans, as long as they make things clear, there is the possibility that the human forces would retreat.

But what if someone deliberately created this conflict, and their final goal was to use the conflict and completely wipe out the demon race?

Akatsuki’s hypothesis wasn’t unreasonable. Within the humans, there are many bloodthirsty individuals.

… And this is the most likely hypothesis.

Eliminating the demon race - Phil Barnett, who tried to capture Miu, also mentioned a similar topic as well. If their plan had failed, switching to another was a natural approach. It could be that the original plan was to have both sides work simultaneously.

But then again, even inside the demon race, there were still forces that wanted revenge against the humans.

It was said that the main battling forces of the demon race had left Galevain, and had set up a new village elsewhere. This attack may be their work. However, the residents in Forestnium all hated conflict, so they shouldn’t be willing to drive these peaceful brethren into a merciless war.

…We must find a way.

This war was highly probable due to Miu, thus Miu secretly swore in her heart that she must protect everyone.

At this moment, a pair of arms suddenly came from behind, wrapped around her and graciously grabbed onto Miu’s boobs.

“Waaa ahah ah ! W…What are you doing!”

Miu screamed and turned to stare at Akatsuki behind her.

“…Huh?”

Only to see that the figure that entered her eyes was not Akatsuki, so Miu hesitated.

The person who hugged Miu from behind was a female that was currently taking a bath with her – Izumi Chikage.

Chikage’s face exposed a mischievous smile.

“Ah~? Who did you think it was just now?”

This sentence made Miu suddenly blush with shame, she even forgot that her twin valleys were in Chikage’s hands.

“W…What do you mean?”

Seeing Miu hurriedly make up an excuse for herself, Chikage whispered in a low voice beside her ear.

A devil’s whisper, but it was nothing but the correct answer.

“- You treated me as Akatsuki, didn’t you?”

“N…No I didn’t !”

Ignoring Miu’s excuse, Chikage narrowed her eyes.

“People often say that people would get accustomed to their habits, this can also count as a type of reaction as well.”

“What do you mean people would get accustomed to their habits? He has never done such a thing to me!”

Miu’s disturbed appearance made Chikage feel a bit surprised.

“It can’t be? You guys are not really brother and sister. A single male and female living under one roof, how is it possible that nothing has happened?”

And…

“During the time when you informed us about your secret, didn’t you allow him fondle your boobs as well?”

“T…That’s his problem okay!”

After refusing loudly, Miu sighed.

“Really now, why do you have to do this?”

Miu did not understand, so Chikage answered quietly:

“- Because aren’t you trying to solve the problem yourself again.”

Miu hearing this, widened her eyes and looked at Chikage. Only to see Chikage smile slightly.

“Although this is your problem, you are not alone. There are others beside you like Akatsuki and us, there is no need for you to bear all the pressure and responsibility.”

“-What Izumi said was correct.”

Another person’s voice suddenly came. Miu turned around and Doumoto Kuzuha was standing beside her.

“Class rep…”

“People who are willing to give you a hand isn’t just Ousawa-kun, or we would not be standing here too. Don’t try and be a hero okay? Perhaps there are limits to our strength, but it should still come in handy.”

Inside her usual flat tone Kuzuha’s passion could be heard.

…So that’s it… Ah, that is true.

Miu was somewhat ashamed, and unconsciously wanted to apologize, but immediately changed her mind. After all, the feelings she should express right now were definitely not apologetic.

“Chikage, Class rep, thank you.”

Ousawa Miu slightly smiled, and graciously expressed her inner feelings.

At the same time, she accepted her two friends’ kindness.

“Having your words made me feel assured.”

When Chikage and Kuzuha heard this, their face also revealed a happy smile. This suddenly granted courage to Miu – After solving this problem, she should solve the other problem.

“Chikage, can you release your hands from my boobs?’

“Ahha, I forgot.”

Although she said that, Chikage did not have any idea to let go.

“Ch…Chikage…”

Miu twisted her body nonstop, her tone was somewhat embarrassed.

…What should she do now?

Miu, who was not good at dealing with this type of scene, did not know how to express her inner unhappiness. If the other was Akatsuki, she could directly punch him, but the other was a female like her and was also one of her best friends.

…Ah, I seem to remember that Chikage likes females.

Miu could not help but recall the past event of Chikage having a tryst with another female in the sport gym warehouse. Based on that scene, Chikage’s current actions were not surprising. But just thinking about that past event did not seem to change anything. And Chikage’s fingers were gently squeezing as if she was checking the size of her boobs.

“Miu, your boobs seem to have become bigger again. Did you tell Akatsuki to massage them every night?”

“D…Don’t talk nonsense! No way, how could it be every night?”

Miu angrily denied, but Kuzuha managed to catch the misinterpretation of her words.

“So it’s not every night, meaning that occasionally he would massage them?”

“Ooooooooo-“

Miu suddenly became speechless. In fact, Miu and Akatsuki did not have the type of relationship that Chikage and Kuzuha thought, but if you ask whether Miu liked Akatsuki, the answer was a definite yes. Although they did not have any affection between men and women, Akatsuki suddenly touching Miu’s boobs was an undeniable truth, so she could not explain it immediately. At this moment, Chikage whispered into Miu’s ears again.

“- How does it feel when Akatsuki helps you massage your boobs?”

“F…Feel…”

Miu suddenly shivered, her brain also reacted the same way. Under Chikage’s question, it stimulated her past memories. Being groped by Chikage, Miu only felt that it was itchy, but after changing the person to Akatsuki, the feeling was completely different.

…That person…

Miu recalled the sweet pleasure that was created when Akatsuki touched her boobs. Just remembering the feelings made her body unbearably hot. Under the guidance of Akatsuki, her body senses would rise up to a completely different level, that feeling would deprive Miu of her ability to resist, and was undoubtedly the most gentle touch.

The feeling that Ousawa Miu had felt, Chikage’s question suddenly made her feel embarrassed.

“S…Spare me please.”

This tiny and fine whisper was the biggest act of resistance for a female in love.

### 031. Part 7

The time when Sherfield’s nightlife was coming to the end……

Haruka and Miu, who had been busy for the entire night returned to the attic.

“……Finally finished.”

A worn-out Haruka muttered, and powerlessly lay on the bed. Although Haruka and Miu’s work had ended, the brothel still had not closed. The nightclub’s operation hours had always been from midnight to until the sun has risen; it was the industry’s unwritten rule. However, since Haruka and Miu both were busy from evening till now, Melissa specially allowed them to rest upstairs.

“……Manual work really isn’t easy.”

Haruka expressed her feelings. At JPN Babel school, Haruka, who was the vice president and the disciplinary committee chairman, was also extremely busy everyday, but this was after all only mental work, and was completely different than the manual work she did today. After an entire night of practice, Haruka finally understood that the seemingly easy household chores were in fact not as easy as she had imagined.

“Are you alright……?”

Facing Miu’s concern, Haruka could only barely turn her head around, her body completely unable to move.

“Your stamina is really good……”

Haruka could not help but feel admiration. For the entire night, both were cooking, doing laundry or sweeping together. Miu’s hands and legs were extremely well-executed, her movements were swift. This left a deep impression on others. If just comparing the workload between the two of them, Miu was definitely far ahead.

After being praised by Haruka, Miu suddenly felt embarrassed.

“R…Really? I only did chores every day, so I was probably used to it.”

“What? That guy threw all the chores to you?”

If Akatsuki treated Miu as a maid, this was a problem that could not be ignored.

Only to see Miu frantically wave her hands in denial.

“No, it was something I wanted to do. Since I was being cared for by that person, I should at least do something in return.”

“I see……If it’s like that, then it’s still okay.”

Haruka sighed, then slowly sat up on the bed.

Seeing Miu who was sitting on a chair, Haruka could not help but have personal feelings.

……She really is beautiful.

After removing the ponytail, her soft and smooth long hair spilled downwards. Coupled with the black and red camisole, it further emphasized her enchanting sexiness and charm; it was nothing like the Miu at the Babel school. Since they were working at a brothel, makeup was naturally the most basic courtesy.

Under the assistance of the other ladies, Miu had also applied a thin layer of makeup, but this instead made her young appearance more mature.

……But the main point was her boobs……

Although Haruka was confident about her own figure, she could only be put into shame.

The camisole was originally a 3/4 cup size design, but Miu’s boobs were just too overwhelming, forcing it to become a 1/2 cup size. Coupled with the small strap that was supposed to stick to the chest, it was also pushed open due to the huge boobs. Even Haruka, who was the same gender, was embarrassingly staring at Miu’s boobs.

At this time, Miu seemed to have noticed Haruka’s gaze.

“D…Don’t keep staring at me……”

Miu twisted her body in shame.

“Sorry, I did not mean to. Only that you are too beautiful so it was difficult to not look a few more times.”

“How can it be……Vice president is also very beautiful.”

Miu sat beside Haruka, and indicated for her to look at the corner.

Turning her head around, she noticed that the mirror at the corner reflected her and Miu’s appearance.

Nanase Haruka carefully looked at the herself who had applied makeup and was wearing a black camisole. The people in the mirror were her and Miu who had turned into a prostitutes, teasing men’s lust, and were existences waiting to be conquered by men.

“——“

Although both of their appearances looked incredibly obscene, they were also exceedingly glamorous.

Haruka could not help but feel goosebumps. The her in the mirror was more beautiful than any moment in the past.

……Wait, what am I doing!

Haruka hurriedly shook her head, attempting to get rid of the random thoughts she had. That was really risky. The surrounding environment was filled with makeup and scantily dressed prostitutes. It paralyzed her own feelings, but thinking carefully, this appearance was really disgraceful. Haruka could not imagine how the ladies at the store could wear this type of clothing.

……Still have to dress up as this appearance to continue work tomorrow.

“Ahhh, the thought of it gives me a headache……”

Helplessly, Haruka could not help but moan and sighed.

“Uh……Sorry.”

Miu bowed her head, her face was very apologetic.

“This is all my fault, I should not have involved vice president.”

“This……I did not mean that way……”

Strictly speaking, she had meant that she would have complained anyways. Haruka could not help but feel a bit embarrassed.

“However, I am still glad, especially that vice president came forward during the peace talk, and spoke for us.”

Miu lifted her head, exposing a happy smile, then she turned around and faced Haruka.

“Thank you, vice president. Even if that person’s battle is over, this incident probably will not end that quickly, but I will still try and end this as soon as possible and let vice president return to her own world. Until the end of the incident, can vice president temporarily bear with it?”

Nanase Haruka stared at Miu, and noticed that her shoulders were slightly trembling.

……She must be very upset.

If the peace agreement was broken, humans and the demon race will explode into a full out war, and the sacrifices on both sides will be absolutely difficult to predict. Even if Miu was confident about both sides having peace, it was difficult to ignore the pressure after the breakdown of negotiations. In addition, Miu must be worried about the situation in Forestnium, and could not wait to immediately head back. However, Miu’s inner anxiety was never expressed out. When both of them were working at the store, Miu did not once complain about this and that. She maintained a cheerful and positive attitude, and faced every single task. As the demon king’s daughter, Miu’s life must have not been very well, she may have experienced various bitterness and pain that was unknown to others.

As JPN Babel school’s vice president, Haruka still had not made up her conclusion, and was currently observing. However, Nanase Haruka understood clearly, her heart was facing towards Miu’s side, so she decided to be loyal to her own feelings.

“——Of course there’s no problem.”

Haruka’s tone was very calm, so Miu slowly looked up.

Facing the uneasy Miu, Haruka responded with a gentle smile.

“No one dragged me into this, it was me who dived in myself. And I have already decided, no matter what happens, I will witness it to the very last minute.”

Haruka paused for a moment——

“So I decided to help you achieve your goal.”

“R…Really? I’m very grateful, vice president!”

The overjoyed Miu hurriedly expressed her inner gratitude, but Haruka put a finger gently on Miu’s lips.

“Just call me Haruka, vice president is too long-winded.”

At this time, Miu finally revealed her smile. The corners of her eyes were leaking slight tears of joy.

“Yes……Thank you, Haruka.”

Haruka nodded, and the topic between the two of them ended.

Just when Haruka was about to open another topic, an idea suddenly flashed through her brain.

“Since we talked so long, I’m a bit thirsty.”

“Just let me go downstairs and get the drinks, I also wanted something to drink as well.”

Miu immediately got up.

“The table had a teapot and cups, inside should be boiled water.”

Under Haruka’s indication, Miu picked up the crystal bottle, opened the bottle and took a sniff.

“It isn’t boiled water……There is a indescribable sweet scent, just like fruits……No, it should be the scent of flowers.”

“Is it Fruit wine?”

“Just smelling it seems that there is no alcohol in it, it probably is a juice with added extracts of flowers.”

“Then let’s just drink this. The store hasn’t closed yet, we should not trouble the others.”

“That’s true……please drink.”

After accepting the cup carrying an unknown liquid from Miu’s hand, Haruka took a sniff.

“It really smells like the fragrance of flowers.”

Then she gave it a sip. The scented liquid gently slid down her through, it should be a juice from blueberries or strawberries, etc. The sweet and sour taste was extremely attractive and the taste entered Haruka’s dry throat.

“Hey, this is pretty good. There is no alcohol in it, and it seems like a rich fruit juice.”

“This is really good to drink……I like this taste.”

Haruka and Miu both drained the liquid in the cup in one go.

“Fuuuu……Shall we have another cup?”

“Yes…I also want another cup.”

Miu took the crystal bottle, and after pouring the liquid into Haruka’s cup, she also helped herself to another.

“That’s right, we should still request them to prepare another room for us.”

Haruka lifted the cup to the front of her chest, then she suddenly remembered one thing.

“Even if you kill me, I do not wish to sleep together with that person. This is a major crisis to our chastity.”

“And we also need a change of clothes……we cannot keep wearing the store uniforms.”

Miu chimed in.

“That’s right. If our appearance was seen by him, who knows what he would do.”

Haruka and Miu both looked at each other, then unanimously nodded. After a short silence, the two girls could not help it but laughed.

Following this, Haruka and Miu both raised their cups, and gently clinked them in midair.

The girls’ cheers seemed to be blessing their new friendship.

The two of them once again drained the liquid within the cup.

In the middle of night, Akatsuki finally finished the matter he had.

The antique shop that Melissa had talked about was easily found, but the owner went out, so Akatsuki could only wait at the shop, but once he waited, he had to wait till the middle of the night.

“Wasted so much of my time.”

However, at least he found the thing he was looking for.

Everything’s in place now, Akatsuki thought.

……And now he found another interesting thing.

Bowing his hand and holding two paper bags, Akatsuki gently smiled. After returning to the brothel, Akatsuki immediately headed to the 3rd floor, but at the staircase, he met Cecily who was walking down.

Cecily, who was wearing a pure white nightgown, exuded a unique temperament that only prostitutes have. Compared to her look in the evening, there was a strong contrast. After seeing Akatsuki, Cecily was little relieved.

“Thank god, you finally came back. How come you came back so late, it made me worried.”

“Sorry, the two of them didn’t cause any trouble right?”

Akatsuki pulled out an apple from a paper bag and handed it to Cecily.

“That’s right, shouldn’t it be busy right now? Why do you still have time to walk around?”

“As the number one card of our shop, do I look like I have nothing to do?”

Cecily joked around with Akatsuki, then she took a bite from the apple.

“The guest has a peculiarity, he must wait until near the end of the hour before his body would react. Right now he should be sitting on the bed naked, waiting for his little brother to wake up.”

“The world really is filled with wonders.”

Akatsuki could not help but smile slightly.

“——Ah! It is not time to chat right now, quickly follow me!”

Cecily grabbed onto Akatsuki’s arm, and went up the stairs to the attic.

“Why are you so nervous? What happened to the two of them?”

“You’ll known when you see it……Okay, quickly come in.”

After Cecily pushed open the door, Akatsuki went into the room, and a sudden burst of a flower fragrance entered his nose. He noticed that the room was filled with a strange sweet smell, Akatsuki frowned.

“What just happened……”

After a grunting sound, Akatsuki’s gaze fell onto the center of the room.

The moonlight penetrating from the skylight, as if it was a spotlight, illuminated the bed in the center of the room.

Miu and Haruka were lying on the bed writhing their bodies. There was even an attractive sound coming from their mouths.

“……”

Akatsuki did not say anything, and slowly walked towards the side of the bed.

Carefully looking at the two of them, he said with emotion:

“What are you two doing?”

After noticing that Akatsuki was looking at her, Miu with her flirtatious expression thought——

At least you came back.

But……

……Ah, This is bad……Still haven’t changed clothes……!

Miu suddenly remembered, she and Haruka were still wearing that sexy and sensational camisole. Once she thought that her own nearly fully nude appearance had been seen by Akatsuki, Miu could not help but blush.

However, this is not the time for her to be embarrassed. Her entire body was hot and had intolerable itches, almost as if she could not control herself. Miu vaguely knew the reason behind this, it must be that the bottle of juice was a bit strange. Beside her, Haruka was also the same as Miu, she could not help but constantly twist her body; this was the best evidence. It can’t be wrong, the fruit juice must have added something else.

Akatsuki scratched the back of his head, then he began to converse with Cecily.

“……When did this happen?”

“I also don’t know. Approximately 5 minutes ago, I was bringing over some clean clothes during my break at work, and they were already like this.”

“What did they do? How did they become like this?”

“Looks like they drank mama’s Romantic Night Juice on the table.”

“Wait wait, isn’t Melissa’s Romantic Night Juice known as the “As long as a virgin women drink, their lewd nature will immediately be exposed” aphrodisiac?”

“……L…Lewd nature?”

“T…This is a joke right?”

When Akatsuki’s statement entered their ears, Miu and Haruka could not help but break out in cold sweat.

However, reality speaks louder than words, forcing them to believe it.

——Actually, they wanted to wait until Akatsuki arrived before talking about it. At first, in order to suppress their heating body, they could only try to hold back their sense of shame, and attempted to comfort themselves.

The result was a unbearable intense pleasure, and eventually they had to abandon this approach. Then both of them attempted to comfort each other, but the slightest touch on each other’s body would bring both of them into the upmost pleasure, they simply couldn’t continue it. Just as they entered into a dilemma, their bodies would become more and more hot, their consciousness would become more and more misty, until finally they could only lie on the bed and frequently gasp, unable to do anything at all.

They only saw Cecily reveal a pained expression.

“Usually, it is drank by first diluting it with water, but they both seem to have drunk the original mixture, and they also completely chugged the entire bottle at once.”

“Overdose……There won’t be problems right?”

“When mama is concocting the aphrodisiac, she will not use any ingredients that harm the body, so there is no worry. Only that the effects are several times stronger, so I’m afraid it will continue for some time.” What to do?

“I know a trustworthy secret doctor, but they insisted that they do not have to see the doctor. How is it, should I find the secret doctor?”

Akatsuki thought for a while.

“……No need. First, I do not wish to bother you again, secondly, their identities have to remain secret, and cannot be found out by others.”

Akatsuki looked at the two people on the bed.

“You two must have considered this point, so you insisted on waiting till I came back right?”

“……!”

Miu nodded. The signing of the peace agreement was the ultimate goal of this movement, all the negative effects should be avoided. And Akatsuki had previously used Renkan Keikikou to remove the deadly poison from Zahhark. At that time, he not only dispelled his own body’s poison, but even resolved the inhaled toxins from Miu’s body.

Thus Akatsuki turned and said to Cecily:

“Leave this to me. If you don’t go back, the customer may have to perform a fully nude show.”

“Oh……? Okay, if you say so……If you need any help, don’t forget to notify us.”

“Yes, thanks.”

Akatsuki raised his right hand, and signaled his thanks to the leaving Cecily.

The attic entered into a state of silence.

Akatsuki slowly sat on the chair beside the bed.

“Looking at your troubled appearance……So you want to know about your own true nature?”

“T…That’s not it……”

The heat in their body was unbearable. A crying Miu used a moaning tone to defend herself.

“At that time we only wanted to drink water……Table had a bottle…... Want to say people downstair are all busy, so we do not want to trouble others……This outfit was worn because of Melissa……”

“Actually you don’t have to say anything, I can probably guess what happened. You see, how great this is.”

“Don’t blame her……In fact, it’s all my fault.”

There were a few tears coming from the corner of Haruka’s eyes.

“At first I was the one who saw the bottle……AH! The one who wanted to drink the juice was also me……”

“No, blame me instead. If it wasn’t me who said it was juice inside……AH!”

“You would actually shield each other……Looks like during the time I wasn’t here, your relationship has rapidly progressed.”

Akatsuki suddenly put away his smile.

“——Fine. Even though you didn’t mean it, I’ll help you two relax a bit.”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly approached the two of them.

“……W…Why do you have to climb into the bed?”

“Silly kids, of course it is to help you remove the poison.”

“……W…Why are you removing our clothes?”

“Silly kids, of course it is to help you two relax a bit.”

“B…But! Can’t Renkan Keikikou control our true ki through clothing? If you only have to activate the true ki within our bodies, even if we are wearing clothes, it shouldn’t matter right?”

Miu’s eyes were almost pleading, but Akatsuki only helplessly scratched the back of his head.

“Yes, that’s true, but the best way is still to use the body’s immunity and resilience to neutralize the toxin. It’s not that I can not activate your bodies’ true ki, but extracting the aphrodisiac out of your body in one go, it will equal to removing the feeling you have right now several times. Not only will it cause a burden on the body, in severe cases, it may even burn out the nervous system or cause a heart attack.”

After saying this, Akatsuki suddenly smiled. It was a beaming smile.

“So I have a more efficient and safe method.”

“……”

Bad, the current situation at hand is definitely bad!

Ousawa Miu understood better than anyone else, in this situation, Akatsuki will absolutely not be lenient.

……What can I do? If I do not find a way, we will end up having a miserable fate……!

Storm out of here? But the body cannot use any power, even lifting up their body is a problem.

“W…What do you want to do……?”

Haruka nervously asked. Akatsuki sighed, then stared at an empty spot.

“Do you know what moles represent?”

“……?”

Ignoring the confused pair, Akatsuki tirelessly talked.

“A mole is a product of rich pigment cells formed together. At the same time, it is a location where true ki can easily hold up. This naturally also includes the aphrodisiac ingredients.”

Understood?

“Just by sucking out the stagnant true ki, it will naturally activate the true ki to flow, at the same time, allowing the aphrodisiac ingredients to be brought out of the body. It is no doubt the best plan to achieve both.” Okay.

“……I have said enough to understand, now you should have understood.”

Akatsuki solemnly declared to both Miu and Haruka.

“Listen carefully, right now I will locate all the moles on your body, any piece of the skin, any corner, and not sparing any areas. Whether it is the boobs, or the buttocks, or even the inner parts of your thighs are all important locations to find the moles. Once I found the moles, even if it grew at the private parts, I will also suck out the stagnant true ki and the aphrodisiac ingredients out. That’s right, using my mouth.”

Then he deliberately pulled a long face.

“But the moment when I suck out the aphrodisiac, a sense of pleasure that would be enough to shatter your chastity and values would dominate your minds. But you do not have to worry, once I suck twice or thrice, no matter what fear, shame, or even your pointless modesty, all would be thrown into the back of your head.”

Ousawa Akatsuki revealed a compassionate expression.

“To race against time, you two would have to go in turns. The stimulation of continuous sucking would be too strong, you would not be able to resist it. Now get back the spirit you had earlier of encourage each other, and bravely hang on until the end. I will later use all my concentration to search for the moles on your bodies, and would not be able to remember every location of the mole. The same location may be possibly sucked twice, so you have to bear with it.”

“Huh, W…Wait a minute……”

“S…Shouldn’t there be another method?”

Miu and Haruka desperately resisted, but Akatsuki exposed a malicious smile.

“——Very sorry, this is the only way.”

A clear-cut response.

“And you two have been shedding painful tears, it made me distressed so I must immediately relieve you two.”

“T…This feeling is indeed painful, but it absolutely is not sorrowful tears!”

Haruka hurriedly denied. Akatsuki, seeing this, deliberately pressed the corner of her eyes.

“Why pretend? Your expressions have already been so sad, there’s no need to act strong.”

“Do not continue to pretend! You obviously know everything!”

Facing Miu’s protests, Akatsuki quietly nodded.

“Yes, I really understood your pain.”

No one can stop Akatsuki. Filled with many emotions, the rogue hero had already prepared for his attack. Ousawa Akatsuki’s aesthetics, ACTIVE!

“——Do not be nervous, I’ll make you two relax a bit.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s demonic palms heading towards them, Miu desperated struggled in the bed, attempting to escape her expected danger.

But her shoulder was pressed down by Akatsuki. The moment Akatsuki’s palm touched her body, Miu felt a shock surge through her body.

“Ah——Ahhhhhhhhh!?”

After shouting, her tense body suddenly slumped down.

Akatsuki immediately pulled the two straps down both sides of Miu and directly removed it.

“Ah……….Nnnn!”

The cloth of the camisole only gently grazed her boobs, but that was enough to make Miu nearly unable to resist it.

Right now, Miu’s voluptuous boobs were naked in front of Akatsuki. Her sweaty skin was bathed under the moonlight, and released a touch of brilliance. Miu could only tightly bite her lower lip to resist the pleasure coming from her boobs.

……Nnnn, just touching the cold air……

It really was impossible to believe it. To Miu, the flow of the air was currently equivalent to a passionate caress.

However, Akatsuki did not have any intention of stopping there.

“Your first location has been decided.”

Akatsuki bowed her head and stared at Miu.

“I’ll begin on the mole between the boobs.”

“H…How is it possible for there to be a mole……”

Miu hurriedly denied.

“If I say there is, then there is one.”

Akatsuki’s tone was completely certain, but Miu could not help but have doubts. Even Miu, herself, did not know that there was a mole in that secret place of hers, how would Akatsuki know?

“——I saw it at when I was helping you try out lingerie previously at the lingerie shop.”

Under these chaotic circumstances, he could still be that leisurely and carefree! Miu could not help but want to rebuke, but she was unable to say a single word. Her body completely could not use power, so it was left to Akatsuki’s mercy.

“A…Ahhh……Ahhhhhhhhhh!”

Even lying on the bed, Miu’s large boobs would not be hanging down to the left and right side. Akatsuki hands could only enter the cleavage, and pushed out the soft white meat balls to the side, revealing the rarely exposed white chest.

“See, there it is……”

Akatsuki’s deep voice made Miu shudder.

……Ah, it really came……

Lifting her head, Akatsuki’s face was slowly approaching her chest, the two lips were even entering the depths of the cleavage and gently sucking Ousawa Miu’s mole.

“Ah……?”

At that instant, the surrounding sounds suddenly disappeared, even the pleasure that troubled Miu evaporated.

……Huh……? Once was enough to heal it?

Miu froze for a moment, after the feeling of nothingness lasted for a few seconds.

The situation suddenly had a major change.

“Nnnn, a…A…Ahhhhhhhhh——!”

A high-pitched scream. The word “pleasure” already could not be used to describe this unknown feeling that clashed within Miu’s body. Miu unconsciously hugged onto Akatsuki, attempting to find a point where she could use some strength for her uncontrollable body. Seeing her hands wrapped around Akatsuki’s body, her legs clenched onto Akatsuki’s waist, as if saying that she would not let go. However, the trembling within her body did not stop, but instead she enjoyed an endless torrent of pleasure. The unforgettable pleasure was deeply engraved into her heart. Ousawa Miu only noticed now that it could only temporarily remove the feelings, the reason behind is the stormy pleasure had already gone beyond the limits of her perceiving it. Now under Akatsuki’s stimulus, her sensitivity had increased dramatically. Now, Miu’s body only truly understood what a supreme pleasure is.

……So that’s it……

Ousawa Miu already knew that her body was completely opened by Akatsuki, it was no longer the original her. Miu’s body had already remembered this more intense, deeper pleasure.

……W…What can I do……If this continues on……

Just when her sense of shame emerged in her heart, another large wave of pleasure engulfed her.

This fearful sweet pleasure made Miu’s body tremble constantly. Her huge boobs were also producing seismic waves on the surface.

“A…Ahhhhhhhhh……Fuuuu! E….EhhhAhhhhhhh!”

While she was moaning sweetly, Ousawa Miu had to face the reality in front of her eyes. What Akatsuki said was correct, in this world, there exists a pleasure that is beyond common sense and concept. Today, Miu’s misty eyes were looking at Akatsuki who brought her to this unknown new world. Only to see Akatsuki reveal a calm smile.

“You’ve worked hard, the first location has ended.”

“——!”

Miu gasped. Yes, things haven’t ended yet, it has only just begun.

……The same experience……has to be repeated several times right……?

The situation is not good. If it continues on, her body will have problems. Even a resigned sigh would become a sweet moan.

While her body was being cradled by pleasure, the confused Miu suddenly remembered one thing.

……Right, the next turn is Haruka.

At least there was a temporary break. At the beginning, Miu hated that she could not end everything instantly. But right now, Miu sincerely hoped that Akatsuki could use a bit more time on Haruka’s body, delaying her turn—the longer, the better.

Her entire body being dominated by pleasure, Nanase Haruka clearly heard her own heartbeat.

In her confused state, her mind pictured Miu after being sucked by Akatsuki, she could not help but moan and hum emotionally.

Her flirtatious expression and her wriggling body.

Seeing all this, Haruka could not help but tremble slightly.

……I will also become like this......?

Haruka clearly understood that in order to extract the ingredients of the aphrodisiac, this was a method that she had to do, but she could not suppress the fear in her heart. In fact, during the situation when Miu and her were comforting each other, Haruka had already achieved an unprecedented pleasure. If now she would go through Akatsuki’s catalyst, who knows what will become of her in the end.

But her entire body was filled with a sweet fragrance. Not only did it strip away Nanase Haruka’s thinking abilities, it even made her indulge in a dream-like kingdom of pleasure.

“——Kept you waiting, vice president. Next is your turn.”

Akatsuki slowly climbed up.

“During the glimpse at Forestnium……If I remember correctly, the inside of your left thigh had a mole right?”

“……!”

Haruka bit her lower lip, and shyly looked away. What Akatsuki said was correct, Haruka also knew that there was a mole there. This moment of silence undoubtedly represented that she admitted it.

Thus Akatsuki touched Haruka’s knees.

……! He only touched my knees, why is……!

Why is there such a strong feeling? Ignoring Haruka’s surprise, Akatsuki slowly separated her legs. Haruka attempted to clamp her legs tightly, to defend her very last line of defense, but her legs continued to open more and more, as if she did not even mean to resist.

“A…Ahhhhhhh……”

A powerless moan came out from Haruka’s mouth. She had never known that she could actually issue such a weak and such an ecstatic sound. Her legs were quickly separated completely by Akatsuki. Haruka did not have the ability to resist.

Right now, she was showing an unimaginably lewd posture. Even she did not know herself, and was lying completely naked in front of Akatsuki. This was a whole new side to Nanase Haruka.

“Okay, let’s begin.”

Akatsuki’s face slowly entered the depths of Haruka’s legs, a private place that did not allow outsiders to infringe upon. Right now this holy area was being invaded slowly by Akatsuki.

“D…Don’t look……”

Nanase Haruka knew what state her panties were in, and also understood what this state represented.

However, Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sorry, I can’t close my eyes. If I did it in the wrong spot, it is equal to doing nothing. You should be able to understand right?”

“……!”

Haruka tightly bit her lower lip and closed both her eyes. Since she could not escape from Akatsuki’s eyesight, then she could only choose to pretend to not see anything. Then Haruka stretched out both her heads against Akatsuki’s head, attempting to block Akatsuki from entering further. However, Haruka’s resistance was far too weak, it basically could not prevent Akatsuki’s slow invasion.

……If this continues, doesn’t it look like……

It looks like she actively requested Akatsuki to enter. Haruka’s true meaning was to resist Akatsuki, but this was only her method of attempting to persuade herself, but it was not what she truly felt. In fact, even Akatsuki’s breath already made Haruka enter ecstasy.

“Nnnn……Fuuuu!Ahhhhhhhhh……!”

While she quietly moaned, Haruka clearly felt that the feeling within her body was gradually warming up. Her belly felt a bit hot, it must be the temperature from Akatsuki.

“Found it……”

Akatsuki’s voice entered her ears. Haruka could not help but gasp, then the next moment, Haruka, who had her eyes closed, only felt an empty feeling.

“Huh……?”

Haruka could not help but open her eyes. Her field of vision was still completely blank.

Then Haruka remembered, before Miu, who had her boobs kissed by Akatsuki, also had a brief empty feeling before she issued out waves of ecstasy.

……Could it be?

At this moment, an unimaginable powerful pleasure engulfed Nanase Haruka.

“~~~~Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!”

Nanase Haruka could not help but open her mouth. She opened her throat but was almost unable to make the slightest sound. Her entire body’s pores seemed to be filled with a sweet pleasure. Haruka unconsciously clinged onto Akatsuki’s head. She only wanted to find a location where she could use some strength, but instead made Akatsuki’s face enter her private spot, causing an even more intense pleasure.

“I…Iiiiiiiiii Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Nanase Haruka cried out aloud. Her upper body arched upwards, and her figure violently trembled.

This pleasure was able to deprive her of all her thinking abilities and even make her forget who she was.

Under Akatsuki’s guidance, Nanase Haruka stepped into an ecstasy level where people can forget about themselves.

“Fuuuu……Fuuuuu……Nnnnn!”

After a period of time, the residual pleasures in her body were completely used up, bringing Haruka back to the real world.

Her field of vision gradually became clearer.

“Ahhhhh……”

Haruka’s throat let out a meaningless moan. Akatsuki quietly stared at the completely spaced out Haruka.

“Good work, Rest for a bit.”

Akatsuki’s deep, gentle voice entered her ears, and spread slowly throughout her body.

Nanase Haruka was immersed in sweet happiness and slowly closed her eyes.

Ousawa Akatsuki looked at the Miu and Haruka, who were both in trance, and contentedly announced to the two of them:

“Listen carefully. That was just the first time, so I specifically gave some mercy, in case you couldn’t bear it. Next I won’t take it easy, so it will absolutely be more intense than just now. Your bodies shouldn’t have recovered yet, so you could only endure it.”

Miu and Haruka did not even have the strength to answer.

The night had just began for the two of them.

Several days later, some customers who visited Melissa’s brothel on that day all mentioned one thing in unison.

That night at the attic, time to time, came moans and cries that did not exist in this world.

Until the gray dawn sky had appeared, the sweet sounds never ended.

### 032. Part 7

At the same time, Forestnium’s atmosphere was calm as usual.

The deep forest was filled with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, nobody noticed the change of a quiet attack.

——Nobody except for Kaidou Motoharu.

“Looks like they really came……”

“Kaidou, what’s wrong?”

The demon race children that were playing with everyone looked suspiciously at Kaidou.

Only to see Kaidou gazing into the depths of the forest.

“We’re not playing hide and seek anymore, we’ll change it into a race.”

The sudden announcement immediately aroused the children’s protest.

“Why?”

“You don’t want to be it, so you don’t want to play? Why would there be such a thing……Kaidou?”

The demon race children immediately stopped protesting because they noticed that the cheerful smile that appeared on Kaidou’s face earlier had already disappeared.

“Behave now and listen. After I shout out, everyone is to immediately run back to their home, then listen to the adults’ instructions. If your parents are not at home, or you’ve accidentally got lost, then hide in a secretive place, a place that is not so easily found, okay? At that time, I’ll come for you guys.”

Kaidou slightly smiled.

“Okay……It’s time now, RUN!”

Under Kaidou’s order, all the children immediately rushed away with all their strength.

At this moment, Kuzuha and Chikage also came to Kaidou’s side.

“——What is it?”

“Nothing, it seems that there are uninvited guests.”

Facing Kuzuha’s question, Kaidou helplessly scratched the back of his head. After Chikage heard this, she could not help but narrow her eyes.

“It can’t be right? The enemy should not be able to break the concept magic barrier.”

“That’s true, but……”

Kaidou had not finished speaking when a youth from the village rushed towards them.

“What happened? Why did you tell the children to go home?”

“You’ve appeared right on time. Help me tell uncle Urumu that the enemies have come.”

After he said this, the intruders suddenly appeared from within the forest.

Three knights wearing blue armor. You could tell from a glance that they were not Galevain’s residents.

The helmets were full-face ones, so it was impossible to recognize their appearance.

“Already pulled out your sword? I hate people who are impatient.”

Kaidou turned around and faced the knights. The youth behind him could not conceal his inner surprise.

“How is this possible? The concept magic barrier has not disappeared yet!”

“They have probably drilled a few holes in it. What are you waiting for? Quickly go and notify the elder.”

At the same time, Kaidou also gave some orders.

“Immediately evacuate all people without fighting abilities, we will stay here and delay them.”

“O…Okay!”

The youth nodded and bolted towards the sacred tree.

“There are only three opponents, it shouldn’t be too hard for us.”

Using AD and summoning a long bow, Chikage spoke nonchalantly.

Kuzuha also summoned a large hammer, but she was not as optimistic.

“Did you forget? The peace agreement was our goal, and the opponent sacrificed their own surveillance troops and is also a strategist that created an excuse to attack the demon race. If we kill these three men, won’t we let these people have more of a reason to attack the demon race?”

“That’s correct, this is a little bit of trouble.”

Kaidou also placed his focus onto his AD.

The materialized weapon was an iron knuckle. Kaidou smashed his fists together, and the knucles suddenly issued a crisp metallic collision sound.

“Looks like we can only teach them a lesson, then force them to retreat.”

Thus, Kaidou rushed towards the enemy. After locking onto the middle knight, Kaidou increased his speed. A few arrows passed through Kaidou’s side, aiming for the enemies in front. This was, of course, a cover attack from Chikage.

The three knights either used the long sword to swipe off the arrows, or used a shield to protect themselves. These actions could be said to show all their flaws.

Following this, Kaidou immediately thrust his right fist towards the knight in the center.

“——“

After a muffled bang, the knight in the center had collapsed.

The knight on the right prepared to attack Kaidou, but after a large sound, he fell onto the ground.

It turned out that he had received an attack on the head from Kuzuha’s large hammer.

“Hey Hey Hey, relax a bit, you’ll kill someone.”

“Don’t worry, I know what is appropriate.”

“Really?”

Kaidou seemed to be skeptical of Kuzuha, so while he kicked out towards the third enemy, he did not forget to ask Kuzuha. This kick hit the side of the head of the knight, and he lost consciousness on the spot. He saw the knight fall onto ground kneeling, and powerlessly lie on the ground.

“That’s strange, all of them were instantly defeated.”

Chikage put down her bow. Kaidou looked at the knights who had fallen onto the ground, he could not help but feel a bit puzzled.

……Strange, it shouldn’t be that simple.

Forestnium’s barrier that was formed through concept magic should have been impenetrable, it was almost regarded as an art in terms of barrier. These knights had the ability to pass through the barrier and appear in the forest, so logically, their strength should be quite powerful.

However, Kaidou’s suspicion was quickly answered, the fallen knights all stood up.

“It can’t be right, these three are tough individuals that can’t be knocked down? Give me a break.”

“This really can be nerve-racking. If we continue to fight, we cannot guarantee that we will not harm their lives.”

Kuzuha gave off a wry smile, but Kaidou only helplessly sighed.

“Looks like we can only strip them of their mobility……Althought, the method for doing so is a bit cruel.”

Kaidou swept down a knight that was about to stand up, then thrust his hand onto the right leg of the knight.

With a “pa-cha” sound, the joints of the knight’s right leg were snapped by Kaidou. Without hesitation and swiftly.

The knight was wearing a thick and heavy armor. This way he definitely could not stand up. Then the unthinkable happened. After his right leg joints were snapped, the knight did not even utter a single sound.

Even with a broken leg, he still stood up from the ground.

“A…Are there problems in their head……?”

Chikage’s tone seemed like she had seen a ghost. Kaidou suddenly understood.

……So that’s what happened.

They probably used drugs or magic to eliminate their sense of pain. And the knights had never spoken. Probably their personalities had been wiped, turning them into weapons whose purpose was to kill. Kaidou understood clearly that there was only one method to stop these zombie killing machines.

“——I’ll stay here and hold them, you two should go back and help the villagers to evacuate.”

“Wait a minute, are you going to deal with these three knights alone?”

Kuzuha could not help but raised her voice.

“Don’t argue with me. Listen carefully, normal weapons are ineffective against them, can you two use magic?”

“No.”

“Same here……But.”

Kuzuha asked Kaidou back.

“You should be the same too right?”

“Yes, so I can only think of a way to stall for time. Those children should not have ran very far. You should hurry up and catch up to them. And, the enemy may not only be these three fellows here.”

After Kuzuha and Chikage heard this, they realized the severity of the situation.

Kaidou did not forget to remind them again.

“Bring the children and head to a safe location and take refuge. After I finish with this, I will also immediately head over.”

Kuzuha and Chikage nodded.

“Okay, we’ll leave this up to you.”

“After the evacuation is complete, we will immediately come back to support you.”

Both of them turned around and swiftly left the scene. After Kuzuha and Chikage’s figures disappeared into the forest, Kaidou turned around to face the knights in front.

“Okay now, all of you come out.”

Kaidou, staring at the depths of the forest, laughed.

Knights that were wearing armor came out of the forest one after another. The total amount numbered over twenty.

Kaidou smiled slightly. There was not the slightest fear in his face.

“……Do you know why I sent them away?”

Kaidou removed the materialization of his weapon, and even placed the AD on the ground. At this moment, his wrist suddenly glowed, and a tiny magic circle appeared at the same time. Countless light particles appeared around his body as if removing the AD had lifted his restriction. Kaidou’s clothes immediately changed. He did not need the assistance from AD and could summon out his battle gear from his consciousness. Then Kaidou activated multiple magic circles, and launched countless magic attacks. Facing these undying enemies, Kaidou Motoharu released his true power.

Which was also the true power of the strongest terrorist organization——“Scarlet Dusk”

“Of course killing you might be a bit troublesome……”

Kaidou smiled.

“But what if I blow you apart to the extent there are not even scraps left——Then I just need to find a random excuse to pass right?”

After leaving the enemies to Kaidou, Doumoto Kuzuha and Chikage arrived at the residential areas of the sacred tree together.

The information about the enemy’s attack had spread through the village. Urgent cries and screams from the local residents were heard everywhere.

“Those who can fight, take up your weapons, the others are to immediately evacuate to a safe refuge.”

“The men who do not have a weapon should help the elders and the children to evacuate! You actions have to be faster!”

A single young male from the demon race raised up his weapon and was about to rush forward——

“——Wait, you can’t participate in the battle!”

Kuzuha hurriedly blocked them, Chikage also followed from the side.

“Right now Miu……No, Myuu is involved with talks between the humans. If you are to participate in the battle, it will only waste all their efforts.”

“But……”

“Take your weapons and protect the people without any combat abilities. If the enemy really comes——“

Kuzuha said.

“We will take care of them. Izumi and I are not people from Galevain, so even if they seek responsibility, it will not be blamed on the demon race.”

“That’s right.”

Chikage smiled. The young male holding the weapon pondered for a while, then nodded.

“We will head up to the front and help. We must complete the preparations for evacuation as soon as possible.”

“Wait, go pick up the orphans first!”

“? What do you mean?”

Another youth’s statement caught the attention of Kuzuha. The person was out of breath and it was evident he was anxious.

“It is the children who lost their parents in the war. They live at the bottom floor’s orphanage. Normally the villagers will take turns to take care of them. However, the situation is too chaotic right now, everyone is trying to escape with lives, there is no time to take into account the orphans.”

“Okay, I’ll go to bring the orphans. Izumi, I’ll leave this to you.”

“No problem. Class rep, be careful.”

“Yes, you too.”

Kuzuha nodded towards Chikage. After asking the exact location of the orphanage, she immediately rushed down to the lower floor of the sacred tree. Avoid dodging the crowd of people trying to evacuate, she reached the lower floor of the sacred tree in a few minutes. Kuzuha looked around and found that the lower floor was completely quiet. It seemed like there were no residents who hadn’t left.

However, Doumoto Kuzuha did not slow down her pace.

“——“

A sound came from the direction of the orphanage.

Screams. Kuzuha pushed forward and increased her speed. Suddenly she saw that a female beastman holding many children was preparing to flee the scene and ——a knight was standing in front of them.

……Sure enough, they infiltrated from somewhere else.

The knight raised his sword high up in the air, and was prepared to harm the defenseless woman and children.

Seeing that it was an emergency, Kuzuha immediately placed her focus onto her AD, summoned a large hammer, and smashed it towards the ground. The powerful impact surged through the earth and created multiple rocks headed towards the knight.

But——

“——“

The knight gently raised the long sword in his hand and easily handled Kuzuha’s attacks.

This was enough. Kuzuha deliberately raised up dust, stood in the middle between the knight and the children and motioned for the female beastman to leave quickly.

“Leave this to me, hurry and take the children away!”

“Ah…Yes……!”

The female beastman woke up and nodded. She hurriedly took the children and fled the scene. However, there was a child that remained on the spot and refused to leave. It was the dark elf girl Riruru.

“Kuzuha……”

Riruru revealed a worried expression, but Kuzuha smiled slightly.

“I’m fine……Quickly go away!”

It was the first time Kuzuha used this commanding tone to talk with Riruru. Riruru was surprised, and lifted her body and hurriedly chased after the orphans who left earlier.

Kuzuha once again faced the knight.

After confirming that Riruru’s footstep sounds were becoming further away——

“……You will not let go of even those small children?”

“……”

The knight wearing the armor did not respond, but silently raised his sword. Seeing this, Kuzuha also tightly gripped the hammer’s wooden handle and charged forward towards the knight. When the distance to the knight was only a few steps, she jumped and used all her power to swing the hammer down, but it was easily blocked off by the knight.

“——!”

Kuzuha, who was surprised, hurriedly flipped around and took her distance.

……This person is strong……!

Kuzuha could not help but swallow. The enemy did not only block off Kuzuha’s attack, but he did not even put Kuzuha’s attack within his mind. This strength was incomparable to the other knights. And the armor was also different from the other knights. Not only was there an elegant gold color on the side, it also looked exceptionally heavy.

……Phil Barnett……No, it should be the same level as Ousawa-kun.

Kuzuha understood that she could not win against this knight, but her strong sense of responsibility forced her to remain here.

……At least I need to buy a bit of time.

After making up her mind, Kuzuha bit her lips. At this moment, the knight swung his long sword towards the ground, creating an explosive sound and impact.

A power that surpassed Kuzuha surged through the ground and directly headed to Kuzuha.

“Kuuu……”

Right now she still could not use magic. At this crisis, Kuzuha also lifted the hammer and smashed it towards the ground, attempting to cancel the impact of her opponent. The two powers rushed forward and met in the middle.

However, the two surges of power did not get cancelled, there was not even a chance to compete against each other.

The impact created by the knight easily swallowed up the impact produced from Kuzuha’s hammer.

“Ah——Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”

Once Kuzuha understood that she was in a bad situation, it was already too late. The strong impact instantly swallowed Kuzuha’s petite body and continued to explode outwards. The impact even threw Kuzuha back dozens of meters.

“……Kuuuu, Ah……Nnnn……”

Lying on the ground, Kuzuha tried to maintain her consciousness.

An unbearable pain came from her entire body. Kuzuha could not help but make painful moans, but she still tried to muster her remaining strength and attempted to climb back up from the ground.

“Huh——?”

Doumoto Kuzuha widened her eyes. A dark elf girl was currently lying down beside her.

“Ri……Ruru……?”

Her fuzzy sight gazed upon the motionless girl.

……W…Why……

Why is Riruru still here? Shouldn’t she have caught up to the other children and escaped far away? However, the truth was at hand, and it did not allow Kuzuha to doubt at all.

There was only one possibility, that is Riruru did not escape. She originally planned to follow the others and leave this place, but she stopped on the way. Why? Kuzuha could not help but think.

……Could it be……She was worried about me……?

Kuzuha unconsciously moved her body and lifted up Riruru’s tiny body.

“Riruru, Get a hold of yourself! Riruru—— Please speak!”

But Riruru did not respond. No matter how Kuzuha called Riruru’s name, the girl in front of her eyes continued to keep her eyes closed. Even painful groans could not be heard.

At this moment, a dark shadow appeared in front of Kuzuha. Lifting up her head, the enemy was right in front of her. The knight ignored the badly bruised Kuzuha as well as the motionless Riruru.

“……Where is the elder?”

A flat and cold tone.

……The enemy’s target is uncle Urumu……?

After knowing the enemy’s target, Doumoto Kuzuha bowed her head to think, measuring her own physical condition and the gap in strength between the two of them in her heart. After a thorough consideration, the conclusion she drew up was that she could not fight again. Thus, Kuzuha decided to respond to the opponent’s question——With hostile eyes.

“I don’t know. But even if I knew, I would not tell you……!”

Doumoto Kuzuha expressed that she was not going to yield. The reaction of the knight was very simple, she saw him lift up his sword.

“——It’s about time to stop, young man.”

A hoarse voice prevented the knight’s action. Kuzuha subconsciously looked at the direction of the voice.

Urumu was standing in front of her eyes.

“Run away, uncle Urumu……The enemy is after you!”

Kuzuha screamed loudly, but Urumu only smiled.

“Ohhho……Then isn’t it just right?”

Then he slowly walked towards the knight.

“Why……?”

Kuzuha muttered, unable to understand the intentions of Urumu.

Only to see Urumu’s wrinkled face reveal a hint of a smile.

“Because you are all princess’s friends, I cannot allow you to be involved in the dispute between humans and the demon race……Isn’t it right, Disdia’s knight?”

Urumu had long seen past the identity of the knight.

“Since your target is me, please go ahead. But for the sake of my own life, could you please let her go? She is only a guest that accidently came here, and is not a resident of Galevain.”

“……”

The knight did not answer, but silently walked towards Urumu.

“S…Stop……”

Carrying Riruru, Kuzuha’s voice was very weak.

She could not stop anything. She could not stop time, stop the knight, or stop the tragedy.

The knight slowly raised his sword, but Urumu was perfectly calm.

A hearty laugh would come once in a while from his mouth.

At the very last moment, he finally stared at Kuzuha.

“——Please take care of the princess, Kuzuha-dono.”

After he said this, the knight’s long sword suddenly used an earth-shattering posture and directly slashed downwards towards Urumu’s body.

### 033. Part 8

Kuzuha, who was fooling around with Chikage on Miu, suddenly felt a stranger’s gaze.

Turning around, she noticed that there was a female hiding behind the bushes on the shore, constantly peeping at the three of them bathing.

The girl was none other than the dark elf Riruru. After noticing Kuzuha’s gaze, Riruru hurriedly hid behind the bushes.

However, she quickly stuck her head out again and looked from afar at Chikage.

“…”

“Uh…”

Facing the silent Riruru, Chikage was thinking of strategies in her head. Since they had noticed her presense, it was best not to ignore it. Not to mention that from her appearance that there were some issues, but as she was still wary about Chikage and Kuzuha, she was hesitant to come close.

…She probably came because of Ousawa.

So Kuzuha attempted to tell Miu.

“Ehhh ahhh, Chikage… Uuu…Stop quickly or I’ll get angry…. Ahhhhhhh!”

“Ohohhhh… It’s not impossible to make me stop, but you first have to tell how Akatsuki dotes on you.”

The conversation between the two exuded a pink atmosphere, as if they had not noticed the pair of eyes from the shore.

…What a pain.

Kuzuha was weak against the pair of puppy eyes children have when they are begging for something. However, Kuzuha, while immersed in the hot spring, still slowly headed towards Riruru. The distance between the two had to be just right; if it was too close, Riruru might have ran away in fear. Thus Kuzuha had to take extra care when moving forward and avoid entering the safety area of Riruru.

“!”

Perhaps she calculated wrong. Riruru’s figure immediately disappeared amongst the bushes and escaped into the depths of the forest. Seeing this, Kuzuha could not help but shake her head while having a wry smile on her face. Looks like she wasn’t the material to coax children.

Just when Kuzuha felt helpless and turned around, preparing to head back to Miu and Chikage, the sound of footsteps seemed to suddenly appear from the ground behind her. Looking back, she was surprised to see Riruru sticking her head from the previous bush, looking around. Kuzuha slightly smiled and extended her arms to the shore.

“…Do you want to come together?”

“…”

Not surprisingly, Riruru remained silent, but at least she did not turn around and flee.

After some time, she gently nodded and immediately took off her clothing.

…This child is not tall enough, I’m afraid that she cannot touch the bottom.

The hot spring’s depth was approximately the height of Riruru. So Kuzuha extended her arms and held Riruru from under her armpits, then she hugged her in front of her chest. Riruru’s thin arms also wrapped around Kuzuha’s neck, as if she was showing trust in Kuzuha.

“Are you not afraid…?”

Afraid of Kuzuha or afraid of the hot spring. Kuzuha’s question was ambigious.

“…Yes.”

Although her voice was weak, Riruru did nod. Kuzuha gave a slight smile.

At the time when she was hugging onto Riruru and headed to the direction of Miu and Chikage, Kuzuha could not help but think:

…She is still only a child.

Even the young and immature Riruru was forced to face the threat of war. Through the touch from her arms, it was undoubtedly a child’s life and temperature. Kuzuha recalled the moment when she was summoned to an alternative world, she had lost something similar, and could only watch as the life in her arms disappeared. That experience left scars within Kuzuha’s heart, and perhaps it would not heal through the rest of her life. Doumoto Kuzuha once regretted, but that regret had also made her become stronger, so this time she decided to come forward –

To protect her friends and protect the people who are important to her friends.

“-Huh?”

Chikage, who was hugging Miu from behind, suddenly became aware of the two people’s existence.

She looked at Kuzuha, then at Riruru, and her face immediately showed a surprised smile.

“I really could not imagine it, class rep also has times when she becomes the big sister.”

“…Yes.”

Doumoto Kuzuha was a student who had skipped grades in JPN Babel. Although she was in the high school division, the students in her class were older than her by a few years. Chikage’s teasing wasn’t unreasonable, so Kuzuha who could not make an excuse could only give a wry smile.

“S…Sa…Save me, class rep! Quickly tell Chikage to stop!”

Miu, who was red to the neck, hurriedly ask for assistance from Kuzuha.

Originally, Kuzuha had wanted to go to the rescue for Miu, but the scene in front her eyes had changed her idea. Each time Miu attempted to escape from Chikage’s grasp, a certain huge object would sway around in front of Kuzuha.

That’s right. Miu’s huge and voluptuous boobs pierced through Kuzuha. Although Kuzuha was a young student who had skipped grades, her physical development was already behind by a large amount, and now in front of her was someone showing off her brilliant figure. Miu really had guts. Even if Kuzuha had a good temper, she was extremely annoyed and was angry deep inside.

The truth is cruel, even on a battlefield there are no eternal friends. So Kuzuha whispered into Riruru’s ears and they both faced Miu.

“Uhhh…?”

Facing Miu’s surprised and puzzled look, Riruru responded with her innocent eyes.

“…Princess-sama, is the boob massage by Akatsuki comfortable?”

“Ah…?”

At that moment, Miu did not understand the meaning behind Riruru’s words.

Then they saw Miu’s eyes blink a few times, and her cheeks gradually flushed.

“Waaaa-! What are you doing! Class rep, you shouldn't teach strange stuff to children!”

The quiet hot spring suddenly entered a large commotion.

### 034. Part 8

In Sherfield’s arena, the battle was still ongoing.

The trio had the advantage, but Zechs Doltrake was suspicious.

……That’s strange……

The duel had already reached this stage, the trio had already grasped the initiative. Through Listy and Loutier’s cooperation, and the offensive they launched from close, medium and large range, it had almost forced Akatsuki into a severe situation multiple times. Unfortunately, everything failed at the end, allowing Akatsuki to break through the pinch. This had happened throughout the hour, and the battle was still at a stalemate.

……After noticing that there was no winning in a frontal attack, he decided to implement a defensive strategy and continued to avoid the situation?

“Be a bit more serious, you coward!”

A merciless shout. In fact, since the duel had entered the so-called second round, Akatsuki had kept on using passive defensive tactics, and the sounds of boos from the audience had never been broken. However, Akatsuki did not mind, and calmly avoided the opponent’s attack.

“Three against one and still cannot win, you guys are too weak!”

As a result, the trio from Sherfield could not avoid the insults from the audience as either. Zechs could not help but think within his heart.

……The situation is turning bad.

If they continued to let Akatsuki delay the duel, the audience would think that the two groups were secretly going easy. If there was a suspicion that the duel was faked, it would mean that the trio from Sherfield who faced Akatsuki would be loathed by everyone. Zechs could not help but glance towards Listy, only to see Listy nod. Seems like they had made up their mind. Seeing this, Loutier also responded with understanding eyes.

Only to see Akatsuki, who was fighting the trio, smile.

“Hey, don’t just use your eyes to talk, let me participate as well.”

“Okay, let me tell you then.”

Zechs coldly answered.

“——The next strike will finish the duel.”

After saying this, the surrounding space around Zechs and Akatsuki suddenly turned dark.

“What……?”

Akatsuki unconsciously lifted his head and looked at the sky. Zechs jumped back a certain distance, then lifted his head and looked at the object that Akatsuki was staring at. The object that appeared above the stage seemed like a burning rocky mountain. It was also one of Listy’s so-called combination magics that used a combination of fire and earth elements, and one of the most powerful type as well.

“When have you guys start preparing for this type of insane magic……?”

“——For some time already.”

Facing Akatsuki’s question, Listy’s tone was very calm.

“Before, when I was activating magic, I have been secretly cancelling the magic circle and chant……How is this, did you completely not notice it?”

Next she will just have to aim at Akatsuki and let the rocky mountain fall down. The destructive power was undisputable, but Akatsuki could also avoid it, thus Zechs specially called Loutier.

“——Lulu, are you ready?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

After receiving Loutier’s response, Zechs pushed off to the sky. Loutier raised her magic gun, aimed at Zechs, and pulled the trigger. Loutier’s intention was not to attack Zechs, but to add a supportive wind magic and allow Zechs to achieve a greater flying ability. After obtaining the help of the wind magic, Zechs reached directly above the huge rocky mountain. Then he raised up his crimson sword and stared at Akatsuki on the ground.

“——Let’s see where you can run!”

After saying this, Zechs swung his crimson sword, aiming at the rocky mountain, and furiously hacked it.

The huge burning rocky mountain was hacked into multiple pieces.

“It’s finished now, Akatsuki ——“

The crimson sword was raised up high in the air and swung down at a amazing speed.

The multiple burning rock pieces fell towards the ground at the same time, as if it was a powerful meteor shower.

The intense impact and the high temperate flames mercilessly devoured Akatsuki.

——It was too tragic.

The audience all had this idea emerge at the same time. Everyone believed that the outcome of the duel must have been decided.

However, the audience did not know that the ultimate technique which the trio had shown off was originally intended to defeat the demon king Galious. But Galious had been unexpectedly defeated by Akatsuki alone, so the destructive ultimate technique had been sealed since then. The trio did not think that the first victim of this ultimate technique would actually be Akatsuki; the pain and struggle could naturally be imagined.

After a period of time, the flames on the stage disappeared. The flames created by the explosion depleted the oxygen around Akatsuki. Although the black smoke temporarily obscured the sight of the audience, after a while it slowly began to dissipate.

The audience at the scene witnessed the results of the trio’s amazing magic attack.

Countless rocks had fallen from the sky, and the stage was filled with large and small craters.

The raging fire even burnt the ground on the stage to black.

Even suffering a powerful attack that could almost destroy the heavens and the earth, a youth was still standing in front of the audience. At this moment, the audience could not help but respond with warm applauses and cheers.

The target of these applause and cheers was, of course, Akatsuki with a confident smile.

The merciless boos instantly changed into passionate cheers. After obtaining the support of the audience, Akatsuki could not help but think that:

Everything is finally in place for this duel.

Thus he faced Listy and the others that were standing nearby.

“Your final trump card was defeated by me, it’s about time to end this right?”

Only to see Listy staring blankly at Akatsuki.

“What did you just do……Akatsuki?”

Staring at Akatsuki, her tone was filled with surprise.

“Even after such a serious attack, how could you be possibly unharmed……?”

“You guys have an trump card, but I too also have a secret weapon.”

After a short pause.

“And just now it was only the defensive secret weapon…… Understood?”

Saying this at the same time, Akatsuki used the secret weapon he had hidden for a long time. Strictly speaking, it was the offensive secret weapon.

……I really did not want to do this.

However, in order to win, Akatsuki did not have another choice. He could only use one of the ultimate techniques in Renkan Keikikou.

Akatsuki first stopped the materialization of the black demon sword. Then he let the true ki within his body flow at a high speed and compressed it.

After repeating the same action over and over again, Akatsuki’s body gradually started to emit a bluish-white light.

Normally Akatsuki would only use the flow of the true ki and increase his body’s physical abilities.

However, this would only stimulate the potential within his body. In short, the maximum limit his body could carry would determine the improvement of his body from the true ki. However, if he kept compressing and cycling the true ki, he could increase the amount of true ki indefinitely.

Allowing the user to obtain a power surpassing the limits of his body. Of course, doing so was not without a cost. The user’s body would have to bear a burden and pressure to surpass his limits.

“Woooooooooooooooooooo!”

A powerful pressure swept through his entire body. Akatsuki could not help but let out a painful roar. Even so, he did not plan to give up.

“Tchh ——Don’t think it’ll go so easily!”

Zechs understood the situation was bad and immediately rushed forward. He instantly reduced the distance and swung his crimson sword to attack Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki, who continued to accumulate the true ki, did not give any signs of evading.

“Ah ——!”

Zechs was completely surprised. Akatsuki blocked off the sword’s attack and was doing it unarmed.

“……You’ve waited for too long.”

Using his left thumb and index finger to grip onto the crimson sword blade, Akatsuki slowly spoke.

The true ki was rapidly flowing throughout his body and emitted a stunning sound.

“It’s over, Zechs.”

“……!”

Seeing that the signs were wrong, Zechs hurriedly backed off, but he could not escape the pursuit of Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s right hand touched Zech’s forehead and the fist continued forward.

“Kuuuuu……!”

Zech’s brain was affected by a violent shaking. Although he was still conscious, he could not stand up from the ground.

“I did not use my full strength, so your consciousness should still be clear.”

Akatsuki slowly spoke.

“However, your true ki within your body has been disrupted, so you will not be able to move within a short time.”

“How is this possible……”

Zechs was completely shocked. He knew that at the moment Akatsuki disrupted his true ki, his body must be in a completely stationary state in order to meet the other’s breathing and the speed of the flow of the true ki, and at an exact time and location inject a powerful true ki.

“The me right now has long surpassed the limits you know……Didn’t I say it already? This is my secret weapon.”

After saying this, Akatsuki walked towards Listy and Loutier.

Listy immediately activate magic circles around her.

In order to buy time for Listy to activate a powerful magic, Loutier stood in front of Akatsuki.

“The outcome hasn’t been decided……”

A white light concentrated in front of the magic gun, accumulating the power of a laser. After compressing it, a searing light was shot forward from the muzzle. The power and speed were several times higher, making it completely indefensible. However, Akatsuki did not dodge or dash off. The powerful laser hit the target and caused a loud bang.

But……

“How could it be……”

Loutier could not help but widen her eyes, completely surprised.

The laser did not hit Akatsuki. No, strictly speaking, before it hit Akatsuki, it was bounced off by the true ki surrounding Akatsuki’s entire body.

The laser which deviated from its target could only destroy the walls of the stage.

At this moment, Akatsuki’s body flashed and at a lightning speed, he reached Loutier.

“Lulu……Let me listen to your cute voice.”

Thus Akatsuki gently bit the sharp ears Loutier had, as an elf.

Ears are the most sensitive location to an elf. Akatsuki’s true ki passed through the ears and endlessly entered Loutier’s body.

“Ahhhh…Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Loutier’s entire body trembled, let out a seductive voice and powerlessly fell onto the ground.

After contently looking at Loutier who was trembling on the ground ——

“——Now it’s only you left.”

Akatsuki took a step forward and slowly walked towards Listy.

“Nnnnn……”

Listy could not conceal her inner anxiety. She had not finished her magic chant, and it required some time before it could activate. Akatsuki was not an ordinary enemy, so normal magic could not defeat him, and the magic power is proportional to the time it takes to prepare. The stronger the magic, the more time it will take to prepare. With Listy’s strength, she could definitely and forcibly activate the magic before the chant was over; however, the power would naturally be reduced, and might not be enough to defeat Akatsuki. However, if she continued to chant the magic, there was no doubt that Akatsuki could do whatever he wanted. Whether she should continue to chant the magic knowing that it may be too late, or take the risk and reduce the power to forcibly activate the magic? Listy now faced a dilemma.

“Oh, you decided to continue to chant?”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

Listy slowly spoke:

“I think you should also understand, while chanting magic, the magic circles also have the effect of a protective barrier. And the effect is proportional to the power of the magic, providing the caster a powerful defense.”

Listy, who was surrounded by magic circles in a ball shape, did not forget to add one more thing.

“And the defense of the protective barrier is different than the attack magic, during the chant, it has the strongest ——“

After saying half of her words, Listy could not continue to go on.

The reason was Akatsuki. She saw him simply raise his two hands and enter into Listy’s protective barrier.

“——Heeh!”

The two hands pulled back powerfully, and the magic suddenly vanished in a flash.

“Ah ——“

Listy was shocked, but immediately regained her calm and continued to chant. Looking at Listy, who closed her eyes and concentrated on the spell words, Akatsuki’s expression was very calm.

“I understand that you wish to protect Sherfield, but you have done more than enough.”

Ousawa Akatsuki suddenly took Listy in his arms and forcibly took her lips.

“——!”

Listy was surprised and unconsciously opened her eyes. This time it was Akatsuki’s turn to close his eyes.

He greedily sucked on Listy’s soft and bouncy lips.

“Mmmmmm, Ha……Y…Youuuu……Mmmmmm~~! ? “

Listy attempted to escape, but whatever she tried to do, she could not escape from the grasp of Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s two hands were wrapped around Listy’s back and the back of her head, saying that he was unwilling to let her go.

“Mmmmmmm….Ahhhhh…….Wooooo……!”

Listy pounded on Akatsuki’s chest, her body desperately struggling. However, Akatsuki did not budge and instead tightened his arms around Listy’s body. As if to prove through action that his strength completely surpassed Listy, and telling her to give up on the unnecessary struggle. Finally, Akatsuki gently pulled Listy from the waist towards him.

“Fuuuuuu…ah ah ahh……”

Listy’s upper body was slightly tilted back, her mouth even emitted seductive moans. Akatsuki’s tongue immediately entered Listy’s mouth, and sent his true ki within Listy’s body.

“Mmmmmm~~~?”

After she gasped, Listy trembled slightly. After her tight body had slowly become powerless, Ousawa Akatsuki finally left Listy’s lips.

The violent sucking and the intense kiss stripped away Listy’s actions and her ability to think.

Listy’s body trembled slightly, and the tight muscles slowly calmed down.

“Ah……Fuuuu….Ahhh……”

Listy gradually lost the ability to resist. The arm that was caught by Akatsuki was slowly lowered, the other arm that was pummeling Akatsuki also powerlessly rested on Akatsuki’s chest.

After a period of time, Listy’s body became abnormally gentle.

This was the appearance when the female had given up resistance and surrendered to the male.

The hand that Akatsuki used to lift Listy from the back gradually moved downwards.

Listy’s enchanting and slim waist twisted gently, as if she quite enjoyed the joy brought through Akatsuki’s caress.

Their passionate kiss was not over. After the oxygen was depleted in her lungs, Listy’s hazy expression brought forth a hot look. This was undoubtedly the world’s most beautiful hypoxia. Listy’s tightly closed eyes opened. Her silky eyes were extremely hot and sexy, as if she was completely conquered. Only when Akatsuki saw this, did he leave Listy’s lips.

“……Ah……”

Listy gently called out, with a little regret and dismay in her tone.

Akatsuki again tenderly kissed Listy’s lips, only then did it relax her body.

“Ahhhh……”

Her soft and weak body staggered and was about to fall down. Before Listy fell to the ground, Akatsuki immediately stretched out his arm and held onto Listy’s soft waist.

The two of them were naturally standing side by side.

Ousawa Akatsuki looked around the surroundings. The entire arena was completely silent. The audience’s gaze was concentrated onto the two of them. Thus in front of all the audience, Akatsuki made a gesture.

His left hand was wrapped around Listy’s waist, his right hand was raised up high.

His face revealed a hint of smile.

“I surrender……I cannot fight with this person anymore.”

Ousawa Akatsuki declared his defeat. An outcome that was completely unexpected.

Yet no one protested, and no one shouted.

After a brief silence, the arena was enveloped by resounding cheers and applause.

### 035. Part 9

From a distance not too far away in the hot spring, Nanase Haruka was currently observing the state between Miu and the others. Seeing the display of friendship through joking around, Haruka could not help but have personal feelings about it.

Before being summoned to an alternative world, she, too, had friends that she could laugh and play with. However, after being summoned to the alternative world, she came to the self-govern area and after becoming a member of Babel’s students, she did not have a chance to fool around with friends. Also, her abilities were confirmed shortly after entering the school, so she was directly recommended by Hikami Kyouya to become part of the Student Council. Kyouya, Ryouhei and Minami were obviously irreplaceable friends; however, the relationship between them was closer to having mutual respect between comrades. Their daily meetings were strictly for official matters, and privately there were no relationships between them. She had originally thought that she would be able to establish a good relationship with Minami as they were both females, but Minami belonged to the type that do not interact well, so she had never attempted to forge a relationship and Haruka, herself, did not take the initiative to approach her. Thus, the scene of seeing Miu and the others playing around made Haruka extremely envious. She admired this type of friendship where one can ignore their own image and fully express themselves.

-Her brain had only just surfaced this idea, but in the next second, it really became true.

Suddenly someone was hugging Haruka from behind and playing with her boobs.

“~~~!”

Haruka absolutely had not imagined that she would become a target for the attacks and almost screamed out loud. However, she still decided to be patient. If she was the first to panic, wouldn’t it mean that Chikage, who did the sneak attack, and Miu and Kuzuha, who were in the sidelines, would see a joke? Although the sneak attack from behind was rather sudden, Haruka clearly understand that this was an intimate bond between girls.

…I also really…

The long forgotten emotions surged out once again. Haruka felt somewhat overjoyed, but perhaps also a little hurt. But it shouldn’t be a big deal if it happens once in a while, so she let herself relax a bit.

So Haruka gently held onto the hand that was touching her boobs.

“Really now, why are you still playing this kind of children’s game?”

While pretending to scold, Haruka turned around to face Chikage behind her.

But the person standing behind her was none other than a stark-naked Akatsuki.

“Ah……?”

Nanase Haruka’s world stopped moving in an instant, the cruel reality was completely above her mental limits. Although the safety measures for her train of thought sprung up, Haruka was still able to clearly hear Akatsuki’s somewhat helpless voice.

“I really am serious about it, but you actually treated it as child’s play.”

That being the case…

“So I guess I can only act as you like, and immediately enter into adult mode.”

“Waaaaahhhh -”

Haruka’s shrill screams instantly overshadowed the sound of Akatsuki’s voice.

Unfortunately this did not change the cruel reality. Haruka was desperately struggling within Akatsuki’s arms.

“O…Ousawa Akatsuki, what are you doing!”

“At first I saw that you were gazing at those fellows with a lonely and envious look. It made me unable to resist so I wanted to help you out.”

“T…That’s not your problem!”

“Vice president, why so polite? This is what you say yourself.”

Akatsuki willfully played with Haruka’s boobs. There was a wicked smile plastered on his face.

“So I’ll let you experience how strong I am with adult mode on. At that time you will understand that you are a child that still knows nothing.”

Thus –

“A…Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…”

With her whole body trembling with anger, Haruka clearly heard a sound within her brain that told her something inside her had snapped.

Haruka could not bear it any longer.

She fully concentrated and was going to activate a wind magic filled with killing intent – Only to receive a shock that she could not conceal afterwards.

“What just happened? Why can’t I use magic?”

The sight of Haruka’s astonished appearance made Akatsuki remember one thing.

“The dimensional transfer just ended not so long ago, the soul and body are currently in an unstable state. It requires a few days worth of time to adapt to the new world. During this transition period, the consciousness’s frequency cannot be contacted, so you will naturally not be able to use magic.”

“T…That can’t be…”

Haruka could not help but give out a moan of despair, but Akatsuki revealed a confident smile.

“There is nothing bad about it, just let me bring you to a place more amazing than magic, the adult’s world.”

Just at this moment…

“- Even if you can’t use magic, you can at least still summon your weapon.”

A cold voice came from behind them, and Miu’s magic staff pierced through the skies and hit Akatsuki’s head. After a muffled bang, Akatsuki’s entire body flew away.

Afterwards was the time where the females at the scene launched into talks about severely punishing Akatsuki.

“Really now…”

After hastily dressing, an angry and ashamed Haruka glanced at Akatsuki.

“What kind of things are installed within your head?”

“Isn’t it normal? Seeing a few girls playing around in the water, isn’t it normal for a man to want to play together with them?”

Akatsuki slowly spoke, but Haruka was suddenly angry to the extent that you could even see the veins being exposed.

“A normal man would only just THINK about it, who would be like you and actually DO it!”

“V…Vice president, don’t be so emotional…there is still a child here…”

Miu hurriedly jumped in to resolve the dispute.

A closer look showed that Riruru was currently using her pure and innocent eyes to look at Haruka.

“Mmmm…”

Haruka could only helplessly suppress her inner anger, then she used an incredulous gaze and stared at Miu and the others.

“This person saw everything about your youth, do you not care about it at all?” Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha all looked at each other.

“About that… We are already immune to it.” “Yes, it is basically still within the acceptable range.” “Compared to the treatment we suffered before, this is only a trivial matter.”

“T…Trivial matter…?”

The three responses were beyong Haruka’s expectations. She could not help but widen her eyes. Their naked appearance was completely seen by Akatsuki, but the three reactions were respectively “already immune”, “within acceptable range” and even “a trivial matter”, isn’t this too abnormal?

…Could it be that I am the one with problems?

Akatsuki grinned and patted on Haruka’s shoulders.

“Relax, you’ll get used to it sooner or later.”

“I don’t want to get used to it!”

After Haruka flung away Akatsuki’s hand from her shoulder, she coldly stared at him.

She could not help but sternly ask:

“Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really not know anything?”

Does he not know what he is doing? Or did he not even understand about his current situation?

Strictly speaking, this is not a normal situation.

Whether it was about activating a dimensional transfer himself, going to an alternative world, or even Miu’s true identity as a resident of Alayzard, all these were major issues that could not be ignored, but it was also an important truth.

As a member of Babel’s Student Council, Haruka had the responsibilities and obligations to report this entire thing to the higher ups.

…But the result…

Nanase Haruka was sure that at that time Akatsuki and Miu would absolutely bear criminal liability.

Just the fact of concealing the truth was already a major issue, not to mention the unfavorable enemy that invaded the school area during the ranking tournament and caused the JPN Babel school to fall into a great crisis. Even if the penalty for the crime wasn’t death, imprisonment would probably be inevitable. Akatsuki’s amazing ability was favored by the school, but once he would take the attitude of resisting, it would most likely end up with having lifetime imprisonment.

…But the biggest problem still resided about her.

Haruka glanced at Miu. There had been multiple cases of being summoned to an alternative world, but this was the first time that someone had come from an alternative world to their world. If Miu’s true identity was revealed to the public, the school would have to adopt special measures to manage more strictly. Miu’s fate could easily be imagined.

…What should I do?

Considering it from the perspective of Miu, it really was understandable. After all, Miu did not have many options to choose from, and in the end, she finally selected Akatsuki. It was all because of a forced plan. That’s right, Miu did not have any paths she could go. If this path was cut apart, Miu’s future would only remain hopelessness and death.

“…”

Nanase Haruka was not ignorant to the entire case and about Miu’s difficulties. The current her did not know whether she should select her reasoning or her feelings. Haruka knew that her face did not look good because of the internal struggle that made her upset. She did not know what decision to make.

At this time…

“- You are very hesitant right?”

A calm and steady tone. Looking up, a perfectly calm Akatsuki was staring at her.

“I’m grateful. Actually, from your standpoint, there is only one correct answer, but if you are showing a hesitant attitude, it means that you are a kind-hearted person.”

“I….I am not…”

Am not hesistant – she could not say the entire sentence.

Haruka had to admit that she was in a dilemma.

“As you are currently undecided, there is no rush to come out with a conclusion.”

After saying this, Akatsuki put his arm around Miu’s shoulders.

“After witnessing what this fellow and I are going to do in this world, then you can tell me your final answer.”

Akatsuki’s suggestion made Haruka contemplate.

After some time…

“…Okay, that’s what I’ll do.”

Haruka finally made a decision. Even if she had to report to the higher up about Miu and Akatsuki, she must first return to the original world.

That being the case, why not witness the actions of the two before making her final decision.

“Okay, then we got a deal.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled, and was seemingly satisfied with Haruka’s answer.

“Now let’s talk about the plan for the future.”

According to Ousawa Akatsuki’s argument, the pressing matter was to think of a plan to lift the human army’s siege.

“Theoretically, as long as we request a negotiation with Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta, these three countries, and describe and explain the entire issue during the meeting, the leaders of the three countries should come to an understanding.”

Akatsuki said. In fact, Urumu had requested Akatsuki to take on the role of negotiating; after all, besides Akatsuki, they would not find another person that could make the three country alliance army remove the siege.

“But considering the current tension, the negotiations should best be carried out secretively. So I decided to split everyone into two groups and select the required personnel for negotiations. The remaining people will stay here and prevent enemy attacks.”

After confirming Miu and the others expressing their agreement, Akatsuki began dividing the roles.

“The candidates that are participating in the negotiations will be me, the witness Miu and vice president.”

“Me…?”

Haruka was unexpectedly surprised. Akatsuki nodded as if it was obvious.

“Besides Miu and I, you are the most suitable candidate.”

This time Akatsuki and the others must enter the enemy camp, and when they need to retreat, they might not be able to do so. To prevent this, they must take necessary measures.

Haruka’s speciality of wind magic has excellent mobility. Although currently she is still affected by the dimensional transfer and temporarily unable to use it, there was a time limit for being affected and she would quickly recover. Then, if they really encountered an emergency situation, she could just flee together with Miu, who was equally adept in wind magic, and the enemy would only be able to watch them escape.

“Not to mention that didn’t you want to witness our actions in this world? That being the case, naturally the position is yours.”

“…Yes, that makes sense.”

After obtaining the consent of Haruka, Akatsuki turned to face Miu.

“What about you? Any objections?”

“Ah… No objections.”

Miu nodded, her expression was very calm as if she had already made her resolve.

And it is almost a resolve made from emotions.

…It’s no wonder…

Miu, as the Demon King’s daughter, was faced again with a situation that could explode any time, so naturally she could not relax. An attitude that is expecting the worst isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can also sometimes make one lose their usual calmness, making it difficult to make the right judgments. Thus Akatsuki selected Haruka to follow them. Chikage and Kuzuha’s attitudes were similar to Miu’s; if talks were to break down, Haruka was the best candidate to pull the impulsive Miu away and swiftly escape the situation.

“So that’s it for the matter, Chikage and class rep will temporary stand by here.”

“No problem, Class rep and I will obediently stay here and look after the house.”

Ignoring Chikage’s joke, Kuzuha, who was hugging Riruru, stared at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, how high do you think is the possibility for the enemy to attack?”

“About this…”

Kuzuha’s question was extremely serious. Akatsuki also retracted his frivolous look.

“Based on the two points that the enemy army has never attacked and the attempt to capture Riruru, the probability of the concept magic seal being removed isn’t very high. However, a low probability doesn’t mean it is impossible, so do not relax your alertness.”

That is why Ousawa Akatsuki would split their forces into two paths, at the same time, leaving “him” behind.

“-So that’s it for the matter. Kaidou, you’re also responsible for protecting this place.”

After saying this –

“Hey Hey… Aki, are you too heartless? You’re leaving me alone again?”

Kaidou appeared from under the shade of a nearby tree. He sounded extremely unhappy. “Even if you’re issuing orders in front of everyone, you also did not ask for my opinion, that’s not right is it?”

Kaidou’s complaints entered his ears, but Akatsuki suddenly disagreed.

“I say Kaidou, considering the problem of combat distribution, the only one able to replace me is only you – “

“Wait, Wait up, Aki! This kind of talk between men should be said somewhere else!”

Kaidou swiftly stretched out his hand, covered Akatsuki’s mouth, and forcefully pulled him under the tree’s shades.

After many difficulties and finally being released, Akatsuki angrily asked:

“What are you doing?”

“That’s my question, Aki!”

Kaidou lowered his voice.

“You even want me, who loves peace and is a low exposure character, to replace Ousawa Akatsuki, who singly defeated a superior dimensional being monster, did you lose your head? What if vice president treated your joke seriously, wouldn’t I have to say goodbye to my quiet and low exposure school life?”

“You’re the one who lost your head, if you obediently stay here then aren’t there no problems? Why did you say so much this and that? Anyways, you were the one who insisted on following us at first, it’s not like I owe you something.”

“Do you really want to calculate everything so clearly now? During the ranking tournament, I wonder who forcibly shoved the fellow called Onizuka to me? Aki, this is the way you repay me now?”

“Even if I owed you once, it already cancelled out when you invaded my personal privacy, now we both don’t owe each other.”

Akatsuki and Kaidou hit their foreheads together and began a fierce dispute. At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly sighed.

“If I let vice president replace you and stay here, she would never stand on our side. After returning to the original world, she would immediately report it to the school, and then your school life would also be in jeopardy. It’s not like you don’t understand vice president’s personality. She has the personality that would not negotiate. Do you really think that she would really hide everything?”

“Whoa… you also think this way?”

Kaidou could not help but reveal a look of disgust. Seeing this, Akatsuki immediately added another phrase:

“Exactly. If the school knew that you went once again to an alternative world, they will certainly begin a rigorous questioning and investigation. At that time you won’t be able to hide any secrets. Especially people who deliberately conceal their strength will be plucked out by the school.”

“Don’t scare me okay? I don’t have any remarkable strength, so it shouldn’t catch the school’s attention.”

“Ah, it isn’t that easy, because I might tattletale? For example – “

Seeing Kaidou try to act brave, Akatsuki suddenly gave out a smile.

“For example, let’s say that you are a person from - or something similar”

Akatsuki said this softly and gently in exchange for Kaidou’s silence.

After a moment….

“Ahhahahahahaha.”

“Hahahahahahaha!”

Both of them laughed out loud simultaneously – Afterwards, Akatsuki and Kaidou’s foreheads collided fiercely once again.

“Damn Aki, don’t go overboard! You can eat a meal randomly, but you can’t just spout out rubbish randomly! Are you trying to ruin my life?”

“Quiet down! It was you who insisted on jumping onto this ship, so you should just obediently listen!” Under the shade of the trees, neither of them wanted to back off in their battle of words. After a few minutes, the conversation ended with Akatsuki wrapping an arm across Kaidou’s shoulder, and they returned together to the side of Miu and the others. Akatsuki’s face was still revealing a winner’s smile.

“There are good news to announce to everyone. Kaidou decided to stay behind.”

“…Hahaha… Everyone… Pleased – To – Meet – You –“

Kaidou’s smile was extremely stiff, and his face was obviously showing discontent.

“Uh… Thank you, Kaidou.”

Miu held onto Kaidou’s hands.

“During the period we are not here, it’s up to you here.”

Then she bowed down respectfully. Kaidou could only sigh and expose a helpless smile.

“Okay, okay, just don’t expect too much.”

Facing the helpless Kaidou, Miu’s smile was even more brilliant.

“There is one thing I want to ask.”

Miu held his hands tightly, then added some more strength to it.

“Before, once that guy called your name, you immediately came out from the bushes, right?”

Her smile was becoming more and more deep.

“- Kaidou-kun, how long had you been hiding there?”

Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka almost immediately surrounded him at the same time, and excluded Akatsuki.

Looks like it is about to rain, Akatsuki, who was looking at the sky, thought to himself.

…A rain of blood.

However, Kaidou did not notice their killing intent, and revealed a thieving smile.

“You completely did not notice it right? Actually, when Akatsuki took off his clothes and took part in the “Young Hot Girls Playing in the Water Secretively Chapter” that moment – ”

Akatsuki’s weather forecast was quite accurate, it really did rain at their location.

However, before the rain of blood appeared, a heavy rain of fist blows appeared on the peeking demon from the females.

### 036. Part 9

“I can’t believe it……”

Akatsuki’s action made Alphonse, who watched the duel from the special box, completely shocked.

It might seem like a simple kiss, but it implied a far greater meaning.

One side was the youth who bore the responsibility of the previous hero’s death, climbed all the way from the depths of despair and become the Rogue Hero everyone knew about, and finally defeated the demon king and became a hero that saved the world. On the other side was a Queen whot had experienced the blow of her country being destroyed, and with the hero obtained back their homeland and aimed to defeat the demon king. These heroes in everyone eyes were almost like a prince and a princess from a fairy tale who won the world’s admiration and love. Alayzard’s residents had wished from the bottom of their hearts that they would become married; after all their happiness symbolized the end of the war and the coming of the peace, so it was undoubtedly everyone’s wish for the future. Although the happy ending that everyone had hoped for was destroyed when Akatsuki returned to his own world, Akatsuki had now once again come back to Alayzard and stood in front of everyone.

——And in this case, Akatsuki, wearing the demon king outfit, was playing a very crucial role.

The scene of Akatsuki, who was wearing the demon king outfit, and Listy standing next to each other seemed to symbolize the peace between the humans and the demon race.

Every audience member at the scene was a witness to history.

……At this rate, nothing can be done.

Alphonse had arranged many individuals to specially discredit the duel and frame Sherfield’s trio for faking the duel, and thus provoke the audience’s emotions. However, in the face of the thunderous cheers from the audience, those individuals seemed to be extraordinarily small. Although Akatsuki declared his own defeat, there was ample evidence that his strength was above the trio from Sherfield. Under the catalyst of this happy ending, the signing of the peace treaty would not be blamed upon Listy and Sherfield by everyone. Even if everyone wanted to say something, they could only just send their heartfelt blessings. In short, Akatsuki achieved the final victory, but Listy and the trio were not defeated.

……Impressive, he actually had the ability to perfectly convey and perform the draw that was excluded from the rules.

Alphonse Tese Rubura Disdia was completely defeated.

His strategy could be said to have been completely neutralized.

“So this is the strength of the Rogue Hero?......What a disorderly fellow.”

With a wry smile, Alphonse could only accept his defeat.

Also in the special box seats, Ousawa Miu looked intently at the arena stage.

“……”

Staring at Akatsuki, who was waving to the audience, and Listy, who was being held on at the waist, Miu did not notice that on her own face emerged a hint of loneliness.

Akatsuki and Listy were standing in front of Miu’s eyes, and accepting the world’s blessings.

At this moment, Miu suddenly noticed that Akatsuki and Listy’s gazes did not fall at the same place. Akatsuki was busily addressing the audience, but Listy, who was beside him, had been staring at Akatsuki’s face.

Tears emerged from her eyes.

Ousawa Miu thought, Akatsuki will immediately wipe off Listy’s tears.

……That was correct.

This was a matter of fact; Miu, herself, also understood this. Only Listy was worthy of Akatsuki. The other half of a hero should not be the daughter of a demon king.

But a princess who defeated the demon king alongside the hero.

### 037. Prologue - The Signal of the End of Peace

### Part 1

Soft sunlight filtered in.

The rays of the sun spread their comfortable warmth, announcing the coming of spring. Gentle wind blew into the room from an open window, making the white lace curtain flutter lightly.

A self-governed region established to manage the returnees from alternate worlds. On the sky of the giant manmade island built by refilling a portion of Tokyo Bay, the cloudless weather gave the feeling of spring.

However, in contrast with the comfortable weather, a heavy atmosphere enshrouded the Ousawa residence.

The reason was the silence that fell into the living room a little while before.

...... Good grief.

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed in his mind. Right now inside the room, there were four people including Akatsuki.

Akatsuki and Miu, who live in this house.

Also their friends Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

“........................”

Akatsuki, leisurely laying back on the couch, looked at the girl sitting beside him.

The name of the girl prone to cast her eyes down was Ousawa Miu. The name belonged to Akatsuki’s little sister.

However—the girl that was now over there wasn’t Akatsuki’s little sister.

Akatsuki was summoned to the alternate world Alayzard, as a result of his hardships became a hero, and defeated the Demon King Garius — From Garius, right before his death, he was entrusted with his only daughter.

Myuu . That's her true name.

And after the Demon King Garius died, judging that she was in danger, Akatsuki brought her back to this world. Bestowing her with the name of his sister who was no longer around, they started living together. Meanwhile they attended school at the Babel organization, which had been established with the aim to manage and train the boys and girls who returned from alternate worlds.

Yet, that didn't mean all problems were solved. If those around them got hold of her being an inhabitant of an alternate world, it would be problematic, and from the start they had a relationship of being a hero and the daughter of the Demon King. To Miu, Akatsuki was her father's enemy. Properly speaking, he was the target of a hatred that absolutely could not be forgiven.

—Living together despite that, while learning about each other, in time trust sprouted between them. Then a pursuer was sent from Alayzard and attacked Miu.

Phil Burnet. He was a human of this world summoned to Alayzard, ironically to be the youth that was to become the next hero after Akatsuki. At JPN Babel, which Akatsuki and Miu attended—there, during the Ranking Tournament, a death match against Phil ensued. Despite Phil having formed a contract with the Evil Dragon Zahark, a lifeform from a higher plane, Akatsuki still defeated him. Furthermore, during the battle, even though Miu gave up her own life so as not to involve the people around her, Akatsuki's strong persuasive skills freed her from her despair. In the end, the trust between them became deeper.

—But in contrast, this most likely caused others to notice that Miu held some sort of secret.

Especially, the ones who were in their same team at the ranking tournament, Chikage and Kuzuha, as they in fact engaged in combat against Phil, they knew that Phil's goal was Miu. At least to these two, due to the facts stated above, it was impossible to keep the secret from them.

Because of that, at the end of the Ranking tournament, after coming back home from the seaside park.

Akatsuki made Miu make a decision. Whether or not to disclose her secret to Chikage and Kuzuha.

Thereupon, after a struggle Miu made a decision. To reveal her secret to those two.

For that reason, Akatsuki got in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha. In order to confirm their intentions.

—Don't tell anyone. It's a life or death matter. Miu's hidden secret is that big, so it's serious. Even so, it may be you want to hear about it.

You will hear Miu's secret from Miu herself.—

To Akatsuki's question "What will you do?", both Chikage and Kuzuha sent the same answer.

An immediate reply. Both of them said just the words "I'll come."

The next day, just a bit after noon, Chikage and Kuzuha turned up at the Ousawa home.

—And so, we arrive at the current situation.

### Part 2

The heavy silence continued.

Scratching his cheek, Akatsuki looked at the clock hanging on the wall. The time was around half past one in the afternoon, Since Chikage and Kuzuha came, roughly about half an hour had passed.

To tell the truth, at this time right now they should've been attending school.

However, though it was a weekday, Akatsuki and the others were on a break. So as to wrap up the Ranking Tournament, from today onwards JPN Babel had entered spring break.

Ten days. That was the rest time given to the alternate world returnee youngsters who attented school at JPN Babel.

Once it ended, it would be the start of a new school term.

The long-awaited first day of spring break. Even the weather was the best one. Even though Akatsuki was thinking about wrapping the talk up in a flash and brightly go out with everyone . What's the deal with this, ruminated Akatsuki. If Miu keeps silent like this, the mood will become heavier and heavier, and she will miss the chance to start the conversation.

However, although this matter was also related to Akatsuki, in the end, it was Miu's own problem. Therefore he though it was best for Miu to say it with her own words when she herself decided.

......Well, I can at least create a chance.

Making a faint wry smile, Akatsuki made the necessary preparations without Miu knowing.

"——Hyah!?"

Suddenly, Miu screamed in surprise.

What was the best way to talk about her to Chikage and Kuzuha? While fretting about that, suddenly her body shivered. She wondered why, but Miu soon found out the reason.

"Huh——?"

She unconsciously stopped thinking.

Her boob was being rubbed. It was because, before anyone noticed, Akatsuki's left hand had gone around from behind her.

Her left breast changing in shape, Miu looked beside her with eyes of disbelief,

"Hmm? How soft......"

While Akatsuki in question kept calmly rubbing Miu's chest, she tilted her head in wonder,

"With a mood this stiff, I thought your boobs, reading a bit the mood, would also get a little stiff......"

"You dolt—read the mood a bit!"

As Miu screamed, at the same time she hit Akatsuki's face with a backhand blow of her right hand.

Standing up, she crossed her arms hiding her chest to protect it,

"The mood at the time doesn't matter, a girl's boobs are soft!"

Thereupon, Akatsuki, who supposedly received a direct backhand blow, smiling composedly,

"—What. You've come out quickly, haven't you, voice?"

"Huh......?"

Miu involuntarily became dumbfounded. What the heck is Akatsuki saying?

Then, Akatsuki's expression became gentle,

"Since you couldn't start to talk at ease, I've just unknotted your feelings. If you keep worrying forever, you'll make no progress. Izumi and Class Rep decided to come hear your story, and came specifically for that. And yet, if you stay silent, you'll be being rude to them."

"Ah ......"

Miu, coming to a realization, looked at Chikage and Kuzuha sitting on the opposite sofa.

They didn't know how to react to Akatsuki's sudden action. After meeting her eyes, Chikage and Kuzuha revealed troubled smiles. However, they kept saying nothing, since they were waiting for Miu to speak. If they said something, their words would become an urging to Miu.

So that wouldn't happen, they kept waiting for Miu.

That's why,

"Sorry...... Girls ."

To Miu, who involuntarily hung her head down, Chikage directed a gentle smile .

"No need to apologize...... Besides, there's no need to hurry."

The reason why was,

"Since both me and the class rep came here to listen Miu tell us with her own words."

"True...... So, don't think we are forced to hear it."

Said Kuzuha. And, confronting Akatsuki with a chiding tone,

"Ousawa-kun. Although we are grateful, stop behaving like rushing things. Since we'll wait until she readies her heart."

"Yeah, okay. That was my bad......"

Akatsuki shrugged his shoulders, but still showed a satisfied smile.

He put his hands behind the back of his head, and his body once again sunk deep into the couch.

It seemed he didn't intend to say anything more. Akatsuki kept quiet and closed his eyes.

However, Ousawa Miu realized it. Akatsuki's withdrawal just now was not because of Miu's words.

It was because of the words of Chikage and Kuzuha, who believed in Miu. So that Miu wouldn't hesitate like up until now, he checked those two so that their thoughts could be heard.

That was, gentle interference.

....From behind my back, you've given me a push.

Miu remembered. When he asked her if she would open her heart to Chikage and Kuzuha or not, those were Akatsuki's words. Assuming I had to choose, I'll just protect you with all my might—that was what Akatsuki said to her. For this reason, Miu made the decision to report to Chikage and Kuzuha.

I don't want to involve those two, she felt like that. Since my fate is filled with great dangers. Even though both witnessed Phil during the Ranking War and fought, she could always dodge the issue. If she decided to deceive them, in order to make Chikage and Kuzuha not pry anymore into her business, she could make up something.

However, if she did that, both of them would surely notice in the end. That she had deceived them.

When that time came, it would undoubtedly further the distance between them, and that probably would be the end.

Naturally, those two would drift away from Miu.

Since the result of lying—would most likely be that.

...... But.

Miu thought. She certainly didn't want that.

They were the first friends she could ever make. Existences she could call her best friends, she didn't want to lose them.

Perhaps by conveying the truth, Chikage and Kuzuha would possibly drift apart. However, even in that case, she didn't want them to scatter by saying nothing.

So,

"............ Is it right? Chikage-san, Class Rep."

She could ready her heart. Sitting straight in the couch, she stared at those two up front.

I'll tell. Let's pray,

"Though it may become a little long...... Will you hear me? My story"

### Part 3

After that, Miu told Chikage and Kuzuha about her background.

From herself being a resident of a world called Alayzard, to her position as the Demon King's daughter, as well as the details of how, having a relationship of enmity with Akatsuki, both of them came around to this world. And from how, since she came to this world, she posed as Akatsuki's sister, to Phil Barnett's true identity and his hidden objective.

Once the whole story was over—before they knew, the sunlight that came from the window was going down.

Looking at the clock, Miu realized. Since she started her story, a full three hours had passed.

So, in order to take a break from the conversation, on Akatsuki's suggestion they had a temporary recess.

On the table before them, everyone's teacups had already become empty,

"I ...... I'll brew some more tea."

Saying that, Miu placed the cups on a tray, and flew into the kitchen.

She placed the four sets of tea cups and saucers in the sink and placed a kettle filled with water over the fire of the stove. Finally, Miu let out a big sigh.

The water that flew from the faucet was making circular ripples in the stainless steel sink.

Like that, Miu listened for a while to the sound of running water.

And then,

"—Hey, thanks for your work."

Suddenly, someone called out to her. Looking back, there was Akatsuki, leaning on the wall at the entrance of the kitchen, with a gentle look on his face.

"Yeah......"

Miu quietly nodded and turned back to the sink. After that, she started washing the teacups, gently sliding the sponge soaked in detergent.

Then, Akatsuki, without saying a word, stepped up to Miu. And,

"Ah......"

While quietly washing the cups, Miu's vision suddenly darkened. She had been embraced. It seems her head was embraced from the side. Miu had stopped her hands, and with a little troubled tone,

"That's dangerous...... What if I break a cup?"

"Relax. There's no way I'll let a girl I'm hugging get injured."

That joking tone gave her comfort.

"You did your best......"

"...... Yeah."

Before Akatsuki's voice tinged with warmth compared, she couldn't help but let out a quivering nod.

Miu softly closed her eyes on Akatsuki's chest. She leaned on him as if entrusting him with her body.

By receiving Akatsuki's gentleness, Miu knew to what extent he was at a loss wondering about whether to convey the truth to Chikage and Kuzuha or not. Because of that, Miu meekly fawned on that gentleness.

There's no turning back. Since I've told everything to those two.

From now on, all depends on Chikage and Kuzuha's judgement.

Whether they would keep fostering friendship like until now, or else they end up as enemies.

"I wonder if I have sufficiently explained myself......"

"Yup, there's no doubt about that."

He patted her back, as if saying she didn't need to worry.

Then, Akatsuki put both hands on Miu's shoulders, and gently pushed away her body.

"—Well, since I'll brew the tea, you should go back first."

"Eh, but......"

Miu's face clouded. Akatsuki, why don't we listen together to Chikage and Kuzuha's answer?

To Miu, who looked up with uneasiness, Akatsuki showed a gentle face,

"When I called them, I was asked something by Izumi and Class Rep. But after listening to your story, they still don't know what answer give to you. That is, since they'll give you a thoroughly thought out answer... That answer, they want you to hear it first."

What to do?

"However, if you say you want me to hear it with you—Do you mind if I'm present?"

The decision Miu made after pondering for a while, Akatsuki respected it without complaint.

As a result—Akatsuki was currently left alone in the kitchen.

Having the water in the kettle already boiled, he was now cooling it down to a suitable temperature.

Warming the cups and the tip of the teapot with hot water, Akatsuki was counting.

The gradually decreasing figures were a countdown until the moment of his arrival.

And, it happened when he got to just under 10. A single voice raised from the living room.

"————————"

It was a cry. What the trembling voice conveyed was a wailing of overflowing in-endurable feelings.

Akatsuki knew who was the owner of the voice. And also why she was crying.

So, Akatsuki didn't move from that place.

Ousawa Akatsuki knew how to react to a girl's tears.

In this case, if he reacted, then those were tears of sadness.

Had that kind of tears been shed, Akatsuki would have immediately rushed to the living room.

However — These tears were different.

The ones who had to react to these tears were the two people at her side.

So,

"...... That's good."

Akatsuki showed a satisfied smile. Then, as if he had remembered something,

"—Tch, how bad. Since it arrived sooner than expected, I lost count."

Distracted by the situation there, maybe the water had cooled a bit too much.

Scratching his cheek in annoyance, Ousawa Akatsuki showed a disappointing wry smile.

"Well, isn't it fine? Rather than warm, it may be better to a body that has cooled down by crying."

### Part 4

War should have ended.

On the world called Alayzard, the war between humans and demons had continued for a long time.

Then, a single young man summoned from an alternate world put an end to it by felling the Demon King.

The name of the young man was — Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, when he first was summoned, Akatsuki didn't have any kind of power. Like that, Akatsuki obtained strength, grew to be called a hero, and managed to defeat Garius, who was feared as the most powerful Demon King in history, due to having a single chance.

When Akatsuki was summoned, there was already a hero in Alayzard.

The knight of the sorcery kingdom of Sherfied, Leon Aceperio.

That Leon, who should be called the symbol of hope, died an early noble death.

What's more—he protected Akatsuki from the killer dagger of the Demon King Garius. To Akatsuki, it was the death of the first true best friend he had made in the alternate world.

Hope was lost. Furthermore, having lost even the kingdom capital Erdia, the people of Alayzard, fallen into despair, naturally directed the blame towards Akatsuki. Subjected to relentless slander, Akatsuki concealed his whereabouts soon after that. And as result, Akatsuki drew even more criticism upon himself.

Everyone, with things like 'That guy has run away' and 'He's a bastard', one after another branded Akatsuki as a coward.

—However, Akatsuki had not run away.

He went alone to , the world gods live in, and risking his life he mastered the "Renkan Keikikou", which let him manipulate at will the ki inside his body. Then Akatsuki rushed a strategy to recover the capital, rescuing princess Risty, who had fallen into a predicament. Repelling the Demon king's army, he led the liberation army to victory.

Suddenly, Akatsuki had become Sherfied's true hero. And thence a miracle happened.

By overcoming numerous ordeals, a multitude of hardships and a large number of adversities, before he knew Akatsuki came to be called a hero. And yet, Akatsuki was still hated by the devoted people who mourned the dead Leon. As a result, they branded Akatsuki with the stigma of "Rogue Hero".

Nevertheless, Akatsuki, content with shouldering that stigma, after a long journey succeeded in killing the Demon King Garius. And the peace the people of Alayzard had been waiting for a long time arrived at last.

It was as expected.

"Akatsuki......"

The young queen of Sherfied, Alayzard's sorcery kingdom, whispered that name.

Risty El Da Sherfied. She, who traveled with Akatsuki through various places of Alayzard, was one of the heroes that kept fighting in order to defeat the Demon King Garius.

Risty remembered what Akatsuki often said during the final stage of the trip to defeat Demon King Garius.

—To bring about true peace to Alayzard, it's essential to overthrow the Demon king.

For this reason, Akatsuki single-handedly defeated the Demon King Garius.

From the praising and envies of being the hero who defeated the Demon king, to the schemes and plots to make use of such a hero, till the hatred of the faction that resented the "Rogue hero" who caused the death of the hero Leon.

Shouldering alone anything and everything, Akatsuki returned to his own world. That was what Ousawa Akatsuki thought the best choice.

Of course, Risty and her comrades, Zecks and Ruthie, stopped Akatsuki. Why should only Akatsuki act as if he got the short end of the stick?

However, they ended up being told by Akatsuki. Think about what's the best choice to Alayzard. And also, there are some people in my own world I have to stop— telling them that, Akatsuki's decision was firm and unwavering. Because of that, Risty's group was unable to say anything more.

—And, giving their farewells to Akatsuki when he returned to his own world, Risty's group was entrusted with the mission of turning the peace that came by overthrowing the Demon King into true peace. What especially concerned Akatsuki was how to face the Demons after the demise of Demon King Garius. Joining hands in friendship was impossible, but he wanted at least that from now on they would stop quarreling. Otherwise, who knows till when war will continue, that was what Akatsuki frequently said when he was travelling.

Risty agreed with that idea. Of course, the sentiment of unforgiveness against the Demons remained firmly rooted inside the people. To tell the truth, Risty was the same. Leon wasn't the only one who died in the raid of the Demon King's army to the capital five years ago. Starting from her parents the King and the Queen, all members of the royal family but Risty died. She couldn't forgive them for that.

—However, now Risty had become the Queen of Sherfied. If Risty kept hating the Demons and warring against them, not just Sherfied's soldiers, even the masses would become exposed to danger. Wars are, above all, fights between nations. The responsibility is entirely shouldered by their Kings. The beings known as Kings, come the time, must die in exchange for the lives of all the people in the kingdom. And seeing that that Demon King Garius had passed away, the war between humans and Demons had ended.

...... Despite that.

Grumbling a bit inside her heart, Risty slowly raised her head to look in front of her.

Right now, before Risty, there were the backs of many soldiers.

It was the army of the kingdom of Sherfied.

And at her right were deployed the troops of the mechanical militarist nation, the empire of Disdia.

On the other side, at her left, were deployed the troops of the religious country, the Holy Empire of Arekrasta.

The troops of the three countries, right now, as allied armies, were grouped in a single formation.

Anyone who stood on that place would focus on the same thing Risty did.

That is, a deep forest that stretched along a certain national border.

Beyond that point lay the Demon country of Galevain.

Even though Demon king Garius had died, a lot of Demons lived in Galevain.

They had stopped warring against humans, rejected war, and chose to quietly live a peaceful life in the depths of the forest.

—That was what they had thought.

However, just recently the situation abruptly changed.

The surveillance troops of Sherfied and Disdia deployed along Galevain's border to observe the movements of the Demons were annihilated overnight.

While they were camping, they were attacked taking advantage of the darkness of the night. From the testimony of a soldier that barely survived, all of the current situation was determined. He said—that they were attacked by demons.

"—You don't look well."

Casually, Risty looked at the young man standing beside her, who threw those words to her.

The one who told her that while focusing not here, but only in the forest at the front, was the proud kingdom of Sherfied's general, Zecks Doltrake.

"If the Queen shows such a bewildered countenance, the soldiers will feel uneasy. It's not too late. How about I fetch you an escort and you return to Erdia?"

Even while he was addressing the Queen, his tone held a bit of severity.

After all, to Risty, Zecks was someone who surpassed the relationship between a Queen and a General.

There were two people aside from Risty who traveled with Akatsuki in order to overthrow the Demon king.

One of them was the high elf Ruthie Trum. After the journey, she became Sherfied's chief of Spiritual Affairs who sustained Risty's statecraft.

And the other one was this Zecks.

They, who rode past numerous hardships, to Risty, though surely they were her retainers, in fact they were undoubtedly true friends. Risty understood Zecks's words were said out of concern for her wellbeing. For that reason,

"...... Sorry. I did not notice that I had made such a face. I'll improve my countenance as much as you like. So, please—let me stay here."

Muttering an apology, she looked up front with a resolute expression.

Risty El Da Sherfied knew it.

What would start from now on at this place, she knew it.

For that reason, overcoming Zecks, Rushie and the grand chamberlain Walkyuria's opposition, Risty stood at this place.

War.

That's right...... Risty felt it once again.

From now on, the war between humans and Demons would start once more.

They couldn't grant the wish Akatsuki entrusted to them.

Apart from the option of war, they couldn't make another choice.

That being the case—at least she had to properly observe the start and the end.

And, at noon, when the sun approached its highest point.

The three kingdoms allied army started the charge in silence.

Their target, the place where many Demons reside—the Wandering Forest.

Still, there was something they must not forget.

In this war there's no Demon king.

In this war there's no hero.

In that case, this war's ending has been decided—

Since then, I have always been thinking.

We—where did we go wrong?

### 038. Chapter 1 - A Comfortable and Pleasant Alternative World Trip

### Part 1

Printed text that could arouse the reader’s emotions completely occupied the cover.

The attractive headlines conveyed the authors’ stubbornness and passion.

Daily Sports News. The front page covers that reported everyday sports competition in the world all had a similar paragraph of text.

“Oh, they actually published it! Ahh~ which one should I choose?”

Kaidou Motoharu, who had entered the convenience store, stood beside the counter looking at the goods from the newspaper shelves. He finally selected the Daily Super Sports News with a fiery style. After paying, Kaidou took the newspaper and energetically walked out of the convenience store.

This was the Daily Super Sports News’ cover headline.

After the headline, there was a report regarding the terrorist group ’s destruction of Singapore’s unfinished Babel. However, the destruction of Babel was only used as bait to attract terrorist groups. The United Nations also issued a press release, confirming that the real Babel was still safe and sound.

To construct the high-rise Babel required the use of a special magic. The construction period could not be compared with a normal building. If they carried out a large scale construction at the predetermined location, it would become an easy target for terrorist attacks, thus a fake Babel was naturally needed. Even for the fake Babel, the protective measures could not be sloppy; as Babel was a important facility for C.O.C.O.O.N., a weak protection would inevitably reveal the authenticity of the building. Therefore, there had never been a record of Babel suffering an attack during construction.

“—This record was finally broken by us.”

After reading the report, Kaidou folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. He then took out his phone, selected a number from his contact list, and pressed the dial button.

“…What’s the matter?”

After the phone call connected, a girl’s dull and indifferent voice came from the other end of the phone.

Kaidou could not help but give a wry smile.

“There’s no need to be so cold right, I haven’t offended you. Meme, are you currently free to talk?”

“No, please keep it short.”

The girl’s reaction suddenly made Kaidou crack a smile. Although she said that it is inconvenient, she would still chat for an awfully long time. Even her appearance of being indifferent was just to hide her warm-heartedness.

At this moment…

“…I can see your face revealing a strangely annoying smile, can I hang the phone call now?”

“No way, you can even see this? This is only a phone call, but you still keep a stiff attitude!?”

Kaidou patted his face and retracted his frivolous look.

“Meme, Actually I have something to ask you, the all-knowing person. After yesterday’s mission in Singapore, didn’t I return back earlier? So I want to know the aftermath of the event.”

In short –

“- Who was the last to stay?”

Through the phone call, Kaidou Motoharu asked his companions - members - a question.

After receiving the notice from their commander, Kaidou and several others had flown to Singapore from various locations in the world to meet up, and together destroy the fake Babel’s construction. Yes, they knew from the beginning that it wasn’t the real Babel.

Even though it was a fake Babel, its protective measures and the hardness of the building were no different from the real Babel.

Therefore, the mission of destroying the fake Babel was ultimately the best field exercise.

All these efforts were to destroy the real Babel.

This mission had nearly full attendance, except for one person. That’s right, the only absentee was the boss. Even receiving the commander’s notice, founder still used the excuse of “The great Amazon is calling me>, and directly expressed his willingness to not participate.

This was not an excuse for shirking, currently he should be in the Amazon lands alone.

After the mission for destroying the fake Babel had ended, Kaidou immediately left Singapore. Because it was the commander’s request to monitor Akatsuki’s movements.

“I did not stay till the very last moment, and am unclear about the situation. Commander also seems to have left the scene early.”

“- But you should have “seen” it right?”

Kaidou chuckled with an appearance filled with confidence.

’s mission mode had always been meeting up and disbanding at the location. After the mission was completed, it was up to the individual to decide their next action; the organization would not interfere. Thus, the past Kaidou was never interested in the after-actions of other members. However, the situation this time was different. Before Kaidou and the others started the mission, they had received information about a few C.O.C.O.O.N members trying to use this chance to eradicate . Thus, when Kaidou left Singapore, there were still various bloodthirsty members staying behind. C.O.C.O.O.N viewed as a thorn, and at the same time, also viewed C.O.C.O.O.N as a pest. Both camps had the goal of getting rid of the other.

“… The C.O.C.O.O.N responsible for India and China Babel seemed to take advantage of the summit and went to Singapore to investigate, as a result there was a conflict with Luka and Claire.”

“Oh wow, they really fought against C.O.C.O.O.N.?”

In his excitement, Kaidou could not help but raise his voice. This was confidential information that would not appear in the news media or on the internet.

All the news media were subjected to strict controls and would block any unfavorable news about C.O.C.O.O.N. It was evident that C.O.C.O.O.N had a large influence.

“So…Who won?”

Compared to Kaidou, who was jumping up with joy, the tone on the other end of the phone seemed to be extraordinarily calm.

“Both sides fought for a while, and in the end there was no victor. It seems that the battle was too intense and attracted a large crowd of media and onlookers, so it ended abruptedly.”

“What… So boring.”

With his expectations dashed, Kaidou hid his inner disappointment.

Although C.O.C.O.O.N controlled the world’s media, they could not stop the chatter between individuals. Neither C.O.C.O.O.N nor wished to reveal their secrets in front of the world.

“Since you were looking forward to it, why did you not stay in the first place? You seem to like standing at the sidelines and observing.”

The tone on the other end of the phone seemed to disapprove, but Kaidou smiled slightly, and did not mind.

“That’s okay. Fighting is the greatest “stage”, but I still prefer to be the audience. This is also the reason why I wanted to be close to that guy.”

“So you deliberately live in the self-governed area and even became a Babel student? But you cannot ignore the commander’s summons; it must be hard to hide this kind of thing.”

“Ahah, there is a trick for it.”

Kaidou was slightly arrogant. The self-governed area always had strict control measures for the alternative world returnees.

However, these measures all follow certain rules.

“As long as you understand the rules under the “frame”, you will naturally find a loophole.”

“Just as they say a good swimmer drowning in shallow water, don’t overdo it.”

“Rest assured, this kind of sneaky act is not difficult for me.”

“…There’s no difference between you and a cockroach.”

After saying this, the other side hung up the phone.

“Huh? Hey…Hey…Hey…? Meme? Really, she does not even give me time to say thanks.”

Kaidou sighed, put away his cell phone and leisurely walked towards the residential areas.

Currently Kaidou’s position was the self-govern area’s 3rd residential area. Approximately 40% of JPN Babel students lived here. Kaidou’s own apartment also belonged to the 3rd residential area.

But Kaidou’s direction was opposite of his own apartment. The buildings on both sides of the road were almost all single-family houses. Kaidou walked leisurely in the quiet residential area.

After walking for a while –

“Oh! Here it is, that’s the place.”

The building that Kaidou had set as his goal appeared in his sight. It was the living place of his recently met “Best Friend”.

“Why not use the rare spring break to increase our friendship. Aki, you must be looking forward to it too right?” Muttering to himself, Kaidou suddenly widened his eyes.

“Oh, looks like someone was here first.”

Kaidou scratched his cheek, looking awkwardly. In front of Akatsuki’s doorstep stood a familiar girl.

“Geez, what just happened?”

Kaidou carefully looked at the girl in front of him. Even during spring break, the girl was still wearing the school uniform.

The Student Council and Disciplinary Officer‘s armband was sparkling.

Yes, the girl was JPN Babel High school division Vice president – Nanase Haruka.

### Part 2

Akatsuki walked into the living room carrying a tea tray. On the sofa Miu’s eyes were still red.

Chikage and Kuzuha were staying by Miu’s side.

I should give them a bit more time, Akatsuki thought.

…However, determination could possibly be shaken through the passage of time.

Miu and their friendship, at this time it had reached the very peak. So – Now is the best chance.

“- You guys listen carefully.”

Hearing this, the three all unanimously looked at Akatsuki. Akatsuki directly took in the all three of the gazes and slowly said:

“Following this, I have some personal matter to deal with, so I may leave for some time. However, you don’t have to worry, leaving and coming back will all happen at the same instant.”

After noticing the meaning inside Akatsuki’s words, their expressions immediately became serious.

So Akatsuki decided to allow them to make their own choice.

“I will give you guys an hour. If you intend to come, then come find me on the 2nd floor. However, please do not act based on personal feelings, carefully think about it then decide.”

After that, Akatsuki left the living room and returned to his own room. He then spread out the newspaper that he had tucked under his arm. What was greeted by his eyes was the report of the terrorist act on Singapore. Almost all of the Morning News were reports about this incident, and he had seen this news while eating breakfast, so Akatsuki was not unfamiliar with the contents of the report.

, an important clue connecting to his father.

Ousawa Akatsuki understood this. After hearing the report, he was clearly shaken.

His father, who created the world’s most powerful terrorist group .

His brother, who was in the executive team of C.O.C.O.O.N, affiliated with the organization which controlled the world.

To stop the two people standing on this world’s peak was the goal Ousawa Akatsuki had set for himself.

But after calmly considering it, Akatsuki did not think that this attack had any relationship with his father.

“There is an 80% chance that shitty pops is in Africa…no, Amazon, enjoying himself.”

After coldly snorting, Akatsuki threw the newspaper onto the table.

He then sat on the bed, resting his hands on his knees.

“- Just you wait.”

The vaguely discernible, but distant brother.

And the unknown whereabouts father.

Ousawa Akatsuki did not care who starts first, thus he boldly made the declaration:

“After solving the other side’s “missing object”, I can only move forward.”

- It was nearly 30 minutes later that the sound of a gentle knock came from the door of Akatsuki’s room.

“Come in.”

Under Akatsuki’s beckon, entering room were the three girls.

Akatsuki carefully looked. Looking at the ones opposite of him, they did not try to avoid his gaze and the three had a firm expression on their faces.

“…Are you certain?”

Akatsuki asked them as the final confirmation. The three girls all nodded without saying a word.

Looks like they made up their mind. So Ousawa Akatsuki stood up. His face had a hint of a smile.

“Great, then let us prepare to go to Alayzard.”

### Part 3

“In the end, what am I doing…”

Looking at the cement wall with the door sign inscribed with “Ousawa”, Nanase Haruka could not help but quietly complain.

Today was the first day of spring break, but JPN Babel high school division Student Council Members, including Haruka, had to deal with the aftermath of the school ranking tournament. This also included re-examining the school’s security system. However, after meeting with Kubota Kaito in the school, Haruka had suddenly discovered that things weren’t that simple.

Kubota brought the new AD – Arms Device and handed it to Haruka.

A mysterious figure had taken advantage of the ranking tournament and invaded JPN Babel, causing a number of students and staff members to be injured.

Thanks to Akatsuki stepping forward, they successfully resolved the crisis, but no one could guarantee that this situation would not happen again. It was possible that there might be a more severe situation in the future; after all, Babel was a remarkable goal for terrorists. To prevent this situation from happening again, delegates at the C.O.C.O.O.N summit had reached an agreement, and took measures to prevent the possible terrorist attacks, that is the AD upgrade program.

Not only would the new AD be able to materialize a weapon, it could also instantly switch into the battle uniform mode based on the user’s instructions. However, the battle uniform mode was only limited to clothing made from the special telepathic stone’s fibers – such as the school gym uniforms. Thus the school had decided to catch up during the spring break, before the new year started, and initiate a uniform design plan.

As the new AD was completed, the school immediately started a synchronization test for new uniforms and the new AD, and the chosen tester was Haruka. Babel’s best scientist’s, Kubota’s, masterpiece would naturally have no possibility of error and the test was well within everyone’s expectation, obtaining words of success beforehand.

Thus, the new AD and new uniform design plan had closed – until now it had gone fairly smoothly.

…The real problem had yet to come.

Just when Haruka was about to return to the Student Council Office, Kubota took a new AD and ordered Haruka to give this AD to Akatsuki, to replace the missing AD he had lost when fighting against the mysterious dragon.

Why me? Haruka could not help but complain. But it was strange as Haruka did not have any ideas to refuse.

Haruka did not say anything and accepted the AD from Kubota. Actually she could have asked others to deliver the AD to Akatsuki, after all she was a member of the high school division Student Council Member of JPN Babel, and had assistants to help deal with chores. What was strange was that Haruka never thought of entrusting this matter to someone else.

This was the reason why Haruka appeared in front of Akatsuki’s home.

… I’m unwilling to admit it.

Nanase Haruka thought. During the ranking tournament – No, it should be before the ranking tournament, she was very conscious of Akatsuki’s presence. Why? She did not know and did not want to know. So Haruka had already been hovering near Akatsuki’s home for nearly an hour and was still unwilling to press the doorbell.

… People who do not understand the circumstances must have treated me as a suspicious person.

What the hell! A member of JPN Babel Disciplinary Committee will actually look like a suspicious individual in the eyes of others!? Just what is Ousawa Akatsuki, Just what from that guy makes me hesitant, and even be treated as a suspicious character? Thus Haruka took a deep breath and in her heart, made up her mind –

There is no need to hesitate, just relax and do it. Press the doorbell, give out her identity, then hand over the AD to Akatsuki and that’s it. Simple, isn’t it?

But just when Haruka was about to press the doorbell…

“ – Isn’t this the Vice President?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

A sudden sound came from behind, and Haruka was suddenly shocked to a certain extent.

Turning around, a youth appeared in her sight. Nanase Haruka was not unfamiliar with the youth - the other was the class’s famous truancy king.

“Kaidou Motoharu… Why are you here?”

“Akatsuki is my “best friend”, so occasionally visiting shouldn’t be too overboard right?”

Kaidou shrugged.

“So why are you standing in front of Akatsuki’s home?”

“I…I have come to give something to him.”

After saying this, Haruka suddenly thought she was in trouble.

“…It can’t be that you actually saw it.”

“Ah? Saw what?”

Seeing Kaidou’s puzzled look, Haruka was relieved. It looked like he did not notice that she was hovering in front of the door, while she was thinking embarrassedly.

Thank goodness. If that embarrassed look was seen by others, she must have fainted on the spot.

So Haruka pretended to be calm and said:

“Nothing, I have just arrived recently.”

“Really. But I probably arrived 30 minutes ago and saw you standing in front of the door.”

As Kaidou’s nonchalant response entered her ears, Nanase Haruka suddenly felt dizzy. Although she was not shocked to that extent, but she almost lost consciousness, her face became more red and flushed.

“W…Why did you not say anything?”

“It could not be helped, the changes in the expression of the vice president were really interesting.”

“Y…You, why can’t you pretend you didn’t see it? You’re really not considerate at all!”

Just when Haruka was about to scold Kaidou.

A sharp sound suddenly appeared at the scene.

“This sound… It can’t be a dimensional transfer?”

Haruka immediately looked at the direction of the sound.

Near the second floor of Ousawa’s home space started to appear distorted. It could not be mistaken, this was the sign for dimensional transfer. Someone was being summoned to an alternative world.

At this moment –

“- Damn, there was still this trick!”

Kaidou, whose face was becoming pale, immediately sprung forward. The door did not seem to be locked, seeing as Kaidou easily opened the entrance door and went straight into the house.

“W…Wait a minute!”

Haruka, who was behind a step, hurriedly tried to catch up.

A blinding flash occupied the room.

Sitting on the bed, four people were holding hands forming a circle. The one who was commanding was Akatsuki, who was among the four people.

“Very good…slowly take deep breaths and imagine Alayzard’s scene in your head.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu beside him, who was the center of the light.

As a resident of Alayzard, Miu had access to direct them to that world.

As long as Akatsuki followed the essentials of the , and used Renkan Keikikou to inject ki into Miu’s body, he could produce the current scenario. In short, the key to opening the dimensional movement. After that, Miu just had to concentrate and they would be able to use the created when she entered this world to return to Alayzard.

Besides Miu, Akatsuki also injected ki into Chikage and Kuzuha’s body and at the same allowed the ki to form a circular orbit. Before, when Akatsuki had brought Miu through the , she had also used these two techniques.

As a result, all four of the people gained the ability to go through dimensions.

“Okay, then let’s go!”

Akatsuki gave out the order, and the four bodies released a dazzling light, completing the preparation for dimensional transfer to the alternative world.

At this time –

Two shadows came in from the door. Taking a single glance, Akatsuki immediately identified the shadows that were respectively Kaidou Motoharu and Nanase Haruka. The two people were probably just visiting, noticed the signs of dimensional transfer outside of the house, and hurriedly rushed in.

Ousawa Akatsuki showed an evil smile.

“Specially came to send us off? Must be hard to both of you. There’s no need to worry, we’ll return immediately.”

“Huh…? Kaidou? And vice president?”

As Akatsuki’s words entered her ears, Miu subconsciously turned and looked behind.

What happened next was completely outside of Akatsuki’s expectations.

Kaidou, with a speed that seemed to be fast enough to leave an afterimage, waved his right hand.

Akatsuki clearly noticed that Miu’s arm was wrapped by a thin chain.

“Hey Hey…”

Akatsuki’s tone showed some displeasure.

“Sorry Akatsuki. This is my first time saying this – Oops, my hand slipped.”

Kaidou revealed a cunning smile. At this moment, the light from the four bodies moved through the chain and onto Kaidou. Kaidou’s body also started to glow, completing the preparation for dimensional movement.

At this moment –

“Are you all crazy?”

Attempting to prevent Kaidou, Haruki held onto Kaidou’s arm. As a result, she was also surrounded by a strong dazzling light.

“Oh… Even the vice president is coming along for the ride.”

Seeing this, Chikage could not help but shake her head, sighing.

“What a mess…”

Kuzuha helplessly sighed.

The dimensional movement was about to begin. Now they could only bring the two to the alternative world as well.

“That’s enough, it’s not like we are going to a picnic.”

Just when Akatsuki muttered this…

A dazzling white light engulfed everything.

### Part 4

The forest was currently playing a pleasant melody.

A gentle breeze softly blew and made the leaves inside the forest play a note of greenery.

Ousawa Akatsuki was lying on the ground, listening to the melody of the forest.

His thoughts gradually became clear and allowed him to understand the current situation.

“…Looks like it was a success.”

Looking at the interlacing leaves in the sky, Akatsuki slowly lifted his body. His cheeks still remained a little itchy. Probably during the time when he was unconscious, the swaying grass was blown under the gentle breeze and constantly stroke his cheek? After confirming that the others were nearby, Akatsuki finally felt relieved, then stood up and looked around.

“Here…does not seem to be Sherfield’s forest.”

Akatsuki eyebrows slightly creased after he noticed he was in an unexpected location.

The scene of the forest was different from Sherfield. Even the type of vegetation was completely different.

“- Oh wow, this is Alayzard?”

A familiar voice came from behind. Akatsuki turned around and noticed a young man leisurely raising his head and looking at the sky.

This young man was none other than Kaidou. Kaidou used the fact that the dimensional transfer was located at Ousawa house and predicted that this was the alternative world that Akatsuki was summoned to before. Even though he was in a rush, he could still make a calm judgment. Akatsuki had a sense of admiration, but, at the same time, he also felt a burst of frustration.

“You really are bored, you have nothing to do so you came here to enjoy the fun?”

“It looks like you were about to cause a big deal, so I did not even think about it and – Huh, looks like they woke up.”

Kaidou did not finish his sentence, but Miu and the others had all stood up from the ground. Perhaps they were not completely conscious, seeing Miu continued to kneel, raised her head confusedly and looked at Akatsuki.

“…Was it a success?”

“Yes, but it was not the expected location.”

Akatsuki extended his right hand and pulled Miu up from the ground.

Miu stared around and immediately noticed something wrong.

“This here is…”

“Do you know what place is this?’

“Yes… This here should be Geirupein’s forest, I can’t be wrong.”

Miu’s answer made Akatsuki had a doubt. When he was coming back from Alayzard, Akatsuki used Sherfield’s . Since he was going through the same dimensional hole to return to Alayzard, accordingly, he should have been within Sherfield’s territory.

…Oh well, thinking too much is useless.

Anyways, the purpose of this trip was to return to Alayzard, so, strictly speaking, it could be considered as a success. Although their current location differed from their original expectations, this was only a small problem that they needed to handle.

“- Excuse me, Ousawa-kun.”

Kuzuha gently tugged on Akatsuki’s sleeves.

“What should we do with the two of them?”

A helpless tone. Kuzuha’s gaze fell onto the two uninvited guests.

On the side, Chikage also seemed to look very awkward.

“Especially the vice president, from just now she had this face…”

She did not finish, but the time bomb already detonated.

“ – Ousawa Akatsuki!”

A roar filled with killing intent entered their ears, Chikage could not help but shrug, as if she had already expected this.

An angry Haruka strode directly to Akatsuki and launched an attack.

“Just what is this? You. Give me an explanation!”

“Well…”

Akatsuki scratched his cheek, looking extremely helpless.

“Anyways, why did you come to my home? It can’t be that you specifically came to find me right?”

“D…Don’t you misunderstand! I only came at the request of Professor Kubota to deliver the new AD to you!”

A flushed Haruka pulled out a wristband.

“Doesn’t that mean you specifically came to find me? Why do you not admit it.”

After Akatsuki accepted the AD…

“Huh…? Is there only one?”

“This AD was created based on the wave form of your abilities, even if it is just one, you can still summon your weapon and – “

Numerous light particles suddenly appeared, and Haruka’s clothing immediately changed into the battle mode uniforms.

“To prevent the sudden situation of the ranking tournament from happening again, from now on, the users will be able to use the AD to change their clothings. The new uniform will also be created through the telepathic stone fibers, and will change based on the user’s needs.”

The new AD and the change in clothing should only be given to students in general after the spring break. Professor Kubota only gave a new AD to Akatsuki because Akatsuki’s AD was accidently damaged when fighting against the evil dragon Zahark.

“I have explained the reason I came to find you clearly, now it is your turn to answer my question.”

“Uh…It will be a long story…”

After wearing the new AD on his wrist, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…What should I do now?

Chikage and Kuzuha already knew Miu’s secret, and accepted Miu’s identity, but Haruka and Kaidou were different. If they found out Miu’s secret, there was no guarantee it would not complicate the matter after returning to the real world.

…Kaidou was still relatively easy to talk with, but the vice president might be difficult.

It was only because she was also the JPN Babel High School Division Vice President.

Commanding and controlling JPN Babel’s C.O.C.O.O.N was no other than the High School Division Student Council President Hikami Kyouya.

This represents that in JPN Babel school, the High School Division Student Council had the highest authority.

Nanase Haruka was part of the Student Council. If she thought that Miu’s real identity could not be ignored, it meant that JPN Babel – or even C.O.C.O.O.N - would not tolerate for Miu.

On official records, there had never been an alternative world resident who visited that world. If Miu’s identity was exposed to the public, the school and C.O.C.O.O.N would absolutely not let her go easily.

Perhaps feeling the hesitation inside Akatsuki, there was a trace of concern in Miu’s gaze towards Akatsuki. So Akatsuki smiled and motioned Miu that there was no need to worry.

Not only did Haruka and Kaidou see the instant of the dimensional movement, they even came together to Alayzard. There was no situation more tragic than the current situation.

However, Akatsuki could not pity himself. He had never tried to escape from reality, and was always actively facing the situation, attempting to find the most suitable solution. Since the instant of dimensional movement was seen by the two, this meant that Akatsuki must explain the current situation to the two of them. Isn’t the current situation the best opportunity to explain it to them?

…And crisis could also be a turning point.

Although Haruka’s personality was meticulously attentive, she also harbored a sense of justice, and could be moved based on her emotions. As long as they managed to invoke her sense of justice and compassion, it would mean Miu would get a strong helper. And the best method to do so was to allow her to witness the actions that Akatsuki and Miu decided to complete in Alayzard.

…Even if the plan was to fail, he still had other methods.

In the worst case, Miu’s existence would catch the attention of Babel and C.O.C.O.O.N. At that time, he would only need to defeat any assassins who attempted to cause trouble to Miu, and eventually he would be connected to C.O.C.O.O.N.

Therefore, Akatsuki concluded that everything was under his control. He placed his hands onto the shoulders of Haruka.

“Okay, I’m willing to explain the entire situation clearly. However, I have one condition, that is, you must act together with us until the matter ends.”

“Y…Your smile seems to be mischievous.”

Just as Haruka shuddered, she felt a sense of trouble…

From the other side of the forest came a shrill scream.

“- !”

Everyone’s face immediately changed colors. The shrill scream obviously came from a child’s mouth. Everyone on the scene had the same idea, and all took a step. All of them were breathless, and silently rushed to the scene where the screams came from.

After a few minutes, the crowd quietly arrived at the source of the sound.

Akatsuki lowered himself and hid in the bushes to observe the situation.

“That is…”

Six soldiers entered their view. Seeing the soldiers’ armor and the gold shiny emblem on their chest, Akatsuki could not help but have his doubts – Just what is happening? But before he found the answer, there were more important things to deal with. Thus, Akatsuki looked around, looking for the child who had issued the scream.

“ – Damn it, be a little more honest!”

A soldier gave out a verbal intimidation.

Then they saw him roughly grabbing onto a thin arm, dragging a young body.

“-!”

The scene in front of Miu made her hold her breath.

The person that the six soldiers had arrested was a young female from the dark elf race.

The girl’s facial features were distorted with fear, and her body was constantly struggling and attempting to escape from the grasp of the soldier.

“- I say, Aki, what should we do now?”

Kaidou silent asked. The scene in front of his eyes made him unable to make the correct judgments, so he only raised this superficial issue. After all, he was a first time visitor to Alayzard, it was a completely unknown world. Not to mention Kaidou and Haruka, who were oblivious to Alayzard, even Chikage and Kuzuha, who had some idea of this world, did not know how to face the situation. Thus Akatsuki gave a slight smile.

“That goes without saying right?”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly got up.

“But…”

Miu’s gaze wandered between Akatsuki and the soldiers, as if she was a bit worried.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Listen carefully okay? It is enough with just me. Just stand by here and wait for my signal, do not act rashly.”

So Akatsuki marched quickly through the trees to the other side.

He merged with the nature and even the sounds of his breath and footsteps were concealed.

Akatsuki appeared next to the ignorant soldiers.

Akatsuki appearance was so sudden that the soldiers, who were not prepared psychologically, looked at Akatsuki in horror.

“Where did you come out from…?’

Everyone had a surprised look.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“You guys are the regular army right? Since you do not know me, it means that you should be a newly established platoon. Okay, who’s the captain?”

Akatsuki’s tone was very frivolous, as if he ignored the presence of the six soldiers. The color of one of the soldiers changed.

“Answer the question! Who on earth are you?”

Then he extended his right hand and attempted to grab Akatsuki’s arm.

“…Oh.”

Akatsuki gently dodged and got rid of the soldier’s grasp. The soldier’s body suddenly flipped in the original place in a circle and fell flat onto the ground. The hard armor hit the ground and made a crisp sound.

As the other soldiers saw this, their faces instantly turned pale.

“A…Are you trying to die!”

“Freeze!”

Two soldiers immediately pulled out the swords from their waists, but Akatsuki had long passed through the side of the two soldiers.

“- Your actions are too slow.”

The moment he passed through them, Akatsuki used a speed that was hardly recognizable to the human eye and lifted his knife hand, and cut towards the soldier’s neck.

The two soldiers immediately lost consciousness and toppled down powerlessly. After hearing the sound of the two hitting the ground, Akatsuki asked again:

“I’ll ask again, who is the captain?”

Out of the three soldiers, one of them came forward.

“- I am the captain.”

His armor seemed to be exceptionally heavy. This meant that the wearer was a knight.

Even facing Akatsuki with his unfathomable strength, he did not reveal the slightest fear.

“Now you should answer the question. Who on earth…Ah!”

The determined expression suddenly turned into a surprise. To describe it using words, it should be the so-called transfixed look.

“Akatsuki-dono…? How is this possible? Didn’t you return to your original world?”

“Thank god, looks like I finally met someone who knows me.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“- If you know me, then you should also know my aesthetics right?”

Akatsuki looked at the young girl from the dark elf race, and his smile faded.

“Looks like there is a woman…no, looks like there is a girl crying, did I see wrong?”

Facing Akatsuki’s atmosphere, the captain could not help but take a few steps back.

“But…she is the remains of the demon race…”

“So you will also ruthlessly kill the defenseless little girl? During the period of my absence, did the Sherfield army fall to such a point, it really makes me sad.”

Akatsuki pushed off the captain, went to the young girl from the dark elf race, and then he crouched down in front of the girl. The two gazes met in midair. Akatsuki slowly extended his right hand, trying to stroke the girl’s hair.

But the girl was afraid to the point where she closed her eyes and subconsciously shrinked back.

“…”

Akatsuki could not help but narrow his eyes. It looked like she was quite afraid of humans. So Akatsuki gently placed his palm onto the girl’s head and stroked back and forth.

“…?”

After some time, the young girl from the dark elf race timidly opened her two eyes, but there was still a trace of alarm in her gaze towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki slightly smiled and wiped away the girl’s tears with his fingertips.

“Don’t cry, no one will hurt you here.”

“A…Akatsuki-dono, we are just…”

The captain attempted to give a reasonable explanation for their actions.

With his back facing the captain, he did not turn around and spoke:

“- There must be a reason for this to happen, I did not mean to blame you.”

Akatsuki turned around and coldly looked at the captain in front of him.

“Tell me, do not miss any small details. After I returned to my own world, what happened to Alayzard?”

### Part 5

Akatsuki’s intimidation was extremely effective. The captain obediently explained everything that had happened during the time period.

The content that the captain described was roughly in line with Akatsuki’s speculation.

After understanding the situation of Alayzard, Akatsuki ordered Sherfield’s soldiers to immediately leave the forest.

At first they seemed to find it difficult to let go because Akatsuki was not planning to return with them. The soldiers did not know how to explain to their platoon’s commanding officer. Akatsuki told them report exactly what they had seen, there was no need to hide anything.

In short, while capturing the demon race girl, they were interfered with by Akatsuki.

As the soldiers accepted Akatsuki’s persuasion, they did not ask for Akatsuki to come along, and all of them left the forest sadly.

“Hey - ! I’ve made you guys wait, you can come out now!”

Akatsuki shouted towards the trees.

Miu and the others immediately rose and walked towards Akatsuki.

“-!”

As five strangers suddenly appeared, the young girl from the dark elf race was suddenly shocked, and hurriedly hid behind Akatsuki.

However, the young girl immediately noticed that there was a familiar face amongst the five people and shouted.

“- Princess?”

Miu smiled and nodded. She crouched down and opened her arms.

“Come over here, it’s okay now.”

Seeing this, the young girl immediately rushed out from behind Akatsuki.

“Princess…!”

She threw herself into Miu’s arms.

“It must have been painful… But there’s no need to worry, it’s alright now.”

Miu tightly hugged the skinny body of the young girl and softly stroked the young girl’s back.

Until the young girl regained her calmness.

“Can you tell me your name?”

Facing Miu’s gentle question, the young girl first nodded, then slowly lifted her head and looked at Miu.

“…Riruru.”

The girl’s answer was extremely clear. Miu gently stroked the girl’s head, expressing her appreciation.

“Riruru, did you come to this forest by yourself?”

“…”

The young girl silently nodded.

“Looks like she isn’t a lost child.”

Akatsuki cut in.

“The village where she lives in should be close.”

“Yes. After father’s death, I specially told everyone to hide in this forest.”

Miu nodded, then asked the small elf race girl another question.

“Riruru, do you know how to go back home?”

Riruru nodded, but the gaze she sent to Akatsuki contained a hint of anxiety. She obviously did not think that humans such as Akatsuki were trustworthy objects. Seeing this, Miu could not help but give a slight smile.

“They aren’t bad guys, relax… they are my friends.”

“…”

Riruru stared at Miu, then looked again at Akatsuki. In the end she held on Miu’s hand and dragged her into the depths of the forest. Probably bringing Miu to the current location of the village.

Akatsuki and the others also followed behind.

After walking for a certain distance…

“Akatsuki…”

Chikage whispered earnestly in Akatsuki’s ears.

“Aren’t we going to the location where the demon race village is? The demon race do not know us, so it should be fine, but you are the person who defeated the demon king. Won’t the demon race take advantage of this for revenge?”

Chikage’s fears weren’t without reasons, but…

“About that… it should be fine.”

Akatsuki tone was very cold, as if the matter did not concern him. Kuzuha, who was walking beside him, heard this and suddenly sighed.

“Should? Meaning that there is a possibility of us being attacked by the demon race in the forest?”

She then glanced at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, please stay a bit away from me?”

“Class rep, aren’t you too heartless? But if it really happened, there is no need to worry.”

Ousawa Akatsuki shrugged lightly.

His face revealed a smile filled with ease.

“No matter if it is humans or demon race, I absolutely will not easily let go of those rude individuals that attack from behind.”

After some time, everyone came to a dead end surrounded by a forest.

“Hey Hey, is it really here? After walking in such a big circle, it can’t be that we got lost in the forest, right, Aki?”

“What can complaining to me do? But…It should be here.”

Akatsuki first looked at Riruru who was in front, then he replied Kaidou’s complaints. They saw Riruru raise a hand to the sky, murmuring a few phrases, and suddenly the scenery in front was distorted. The forest in front ot them quickly changed its appearance and revealed an entrance that led further down.

“Illusion… No, it should be using magic to seal the entrance.”

Using the power of magic at a certain location to construct the idea of an entrance, then, after applying a seal, all creatures are unable to enter inside; even if they attempt to walk around the seal, as there is only one correct entrance, they will only end up circling around the seal.

There is only one way to pass through the entrance, that is to lift the seal. After she temporary lifted the seal, Riruru looked back at the crowd.

“This way…”

After saying this, Riruru took the lead and walked on the path past the entrance. Akatsuki and the others glanced at each other, then silently followed behind.

The path after the entrance was fairly decent to walk on with a slight slope uphill. But as they moved further away from the entrance, the uphill slope’s angle was gradually increasing.

Just when they had to look up in order to see the path, Haruka suddenly said:

“Looks like that should be the place.”

Everyone heard Haruka’s mutters. Past the slope, a door constructed by large vines was in their sights. This should be the entrance to the elf village. Before the door stood two guards in an attentive position. After noticing Akatsuki, they immediately lifted their weapons and put on a posture filled with alertness. Seeing this, Riruru immediately ran over to the guards in front of the door.

“I should also go over and explain everyone’s identity.”

After saying this, Miu immediately followed.

Staring at Riruru and Miu’s figure, Chikage could not help but scratch her cheeks.

“It seems that it will be more appropriate if we remain in this place.”

“…Hope that Ousawa-kun does not die here.”

After hearing Kuzuha’s muttering, Akatsuki could not help but laugh.

“If I die, you guys will not be able to return to the original world.”

Although Akatsuki’s tone was relaxed, everyone else was shocked. After noticing everyone’s reaction, Akatsuki seemed to be a bit surprised.

“Is it not? This time we were not “summoned”, and it was utilizing my Renkan Keikikou to pass through the “dimension hole” to come over here. We will have to use the same method when going back too.”

In short, Akatsuki and the others did not follow the normal procedures to come over to Alayzard.

“But you can rest assured, I will not die alone while leaving you guys here.”

“That’s right, Aki will indeed not die in this place.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s confident smile, Kaidou brightened up. The dialogue between the two seemed to gain the acceptance within the female members.

“…Seems like they finally finished explaining.”

Miu, who was standing on top of the slope and explaining the situation to the guards, beckoned everyone.

Akatsuki and the others immediately climbed the slope seeing this. At this moment, Miu suddenly revealed an apologetic look.

“Sorry, I’ve made everyone wait. To explain the reason why everyone came took a lot of time.”

“It can’t be helped. Suddenly a bunch of strangers appeared, anyone would not easily allow them to pass.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“What about now? Is it finished yet?”

“Yes, we have already obtained permission to enter the village.”

Miu finally exposed a smile here.

“This is also the first time for you to enter the elf’s village right?”

After taking a few steps towards the door, Miu suddenly turned around and faced everyone with open arms.

“Welcome to our Forest Village – Forestnium.”

### Part 6

A superb view was located in front of everyone.

The village that Akatsuki and the others entered was a space that integrated nature and urban environment.

“So beautiful…”

The scene in front of their eyes was just so spectacular, Haruka’s reaction was like a baby who was experiencing things for the first time.

But no one laughed at Haruka’s reaction, because everyone also felt the same way. After personally witnessing this superb view, anyone would be at a loss for words, and would only be filled with admiration and emotion.

In front of them was a huge sacred tree. Along the exterior of the sacred tree, it formed the walls of a living space. At certain intervals, the branches would divide the living space into numerous floors, splitting the scattered houses. The sacred tree’s height could not be underestimated. In the situation where one was standing on the ground, they were not able to see the top of the tree. This was the inaccessible and unshakable capital of the demon race within the forest – Forestnium.

Then an old dark elf came in front of Akatsuki and the others.

He should be quite old with a thin physique, his back was bent down quite a bit. His snowy white long brows covered both his eyes, and you could not tell the expression on his face.

“Welcome honored guest, we are looking forward to having you here.”

“Urumu…!”

Miu had an especially excited tone, it seemed that she knew the other person.

“So the chief here was you, Urumu…!”

“Yes, long time no see princess.”

Urumu feebly smiled. His gaze fell upon Akatsuki, and his left brow slightly moved.

“Is this – Akatsuki-dono?”

Akatsuki could feel the killing intent coming from all directions. Urumu was not simply confirming his name.

As the chief in charge of the demon race’s capital, he was asking if Akatsuki was the killer of the Demon King.

However, Akatsuki accepted Urumu’s gaze.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“W…Wait, Urumu! He just…”

Miu hurriedly jumped in between Urumu and Akatsuki.

Only to see Urumu laughing.

“Princess-sama, you can rest assured, I did not mean to hurt him. Everyone understood Galious-sama’s will, so you do not have to mind it, princess.”

After saying this, Urumu turned his back towards the crowd.

“Here is not a suitable location to have a conversation, please come with me.”

So Urumu slowly walked forward.

Following behind Urumu, Akatsuki did not forget to look around.

Forestnium was home to many demon race, they all had different sorts of gazes facing towards Akatsuki and the others. Some were suspicion, some were curiosity and some were showing an indifferent attitude.

…That seems to be quite off.

Akatsuki suddenly had his doubt; the demon race’s reaction was too calm. The Demon King’s daughter and the enemy of the Demon King appeared at the same time, the residents should either express a more enthusiastic or hostile attitude. It should not be this indifferent attitude.

Urumu seemed to have noticed Akatsuki’s inner doubts.

“The residents here all hate wars, so they drew the line between Galious-sama’s companions. After Galious-sama’s death, the war also ended. At that time, numerous brethren moved over here and selected a quiet peaceful life.”

“I see.”

After Urumu mentioned this, Akatsuki remembered what Miu had told them before. After Galious’s death, before Miu decided to follow Akatsuki to the alternative world, she had ordered the remaining demon race to forget everything and return to Galevain forest and continue their peaceful lives.

These demon race should be the survivors of that event? Galious had already passed away, their battle had also finished.

Till now, the demon race still faithfully listened to Galious and Miu’s orders.

Urumu brought everyone to his own home located in the middle floors of the sacred tree.

It was a room filled with the aroma of fresh wood.

Under the motions of Urumu, Akatsuki and the others sat down on the cushion composed of vegetation.

“Please…”

A dark elf woman was currently making tea for everyone. Her actions and posture were very elegant. She should be part of Urumu’s family.

After receiving the teacup, Chikage could not help but say the common feelings that others, besides Miu and Akatsuki, had.

“I originally thought that the demon race were bloodthirsty monsters filled with numerous claws and sharp teeth. I can’t believe that there are almost no differences from human appearance.”

Chikage probably recalled about the demon race she had seen after entering the demon race’s village. A part of the demon race had tails and ears of a beast, but there were some that were no different from a human’s appearance. Hearing this, Akatsuki suddenly chuckled.

“That’s right. Aside from beastmen, that includes werewolves, they usually just look like humans.”

“So why do the humans in this world fear the demon race and even made them the enemy?”

Kuzuha’s question hit the core of the problem. Akatsuki nodded and quietly explained the problem in Alayzard.

“In short, it is just racial discrimination that was formed after having fears about a strong race.”

Humans will not discriminate against animals, but will discriminate against humans that look similar to them.

Different skin colors, different eye colors, different hair colors, different beliefs. Excluding others had always been part of humans’ characteristics. Even in the world that Akatsuki and the others came from, similar things also occurred constantly.

Unreasonable exclusion and persecution, this was already present in the dark side of every human world.

At this moment, Kaidou suddenly thought of something.

“That can’t be right, Aki? Then aren’t they the victims? In the end, you stood beside the humans that discriminated against the demon race and eliminated the Demon King who fought for the demon race, and you proudly claim to be an hero? What kind of truth is this?”

Kaidou’s speech made everyone gasp. In fact his views were the same feelings that everyone was sharing, but no one blamed Akatsuki; After all, at the stage when they just came to the alternative world, the summoned teenager would not have any power. If they wanted to return to the original world, they must try and survive. After coming to the alternative world, the teenagers must first give up on things called justice and morals, they will have to eventually face the harsh situation in an unfamiliar world, in order to survive, and also to find a way to return to the original world. These children did not have any choice. Even so, Ousawa Akatsuki did not want to make any excuses to defend himself.

“I have never claimed to be a hero, but your views are not unreasonable.”

“Humans treated us as a evil existence, we also stood up against the oppression of humans. This was a result of the conflicting relations with each other. But…”

Urumu suddenly paused for a moment, then he continued to explain the historical grievances and errors between Alayzard’s human and the demon races.

“We are not qualified to be called the victims. Even in the ancient times, we have treated the weak humans as slaves, causing the hatred of demon race in humans and hurting the opportunities for the demon race. Yes, we and the humans could be destined to not coexist, there is an firm opposition that came from a long time. This is not the question of who is right and who is wrong, both only wanted to protect their own homeland, protect their families, so they fight… Demon race and humans, they are just like two parallel lines that will forever not intersect.”

Urumu sighed, his face had a smile filled with solitude.

Kuzuha could not resist and asked:

“The demon race and humans have never had a time where they peacefully coexisted?”

“It is said that in the ancient times, the demon race and humans have indeed peacefully coexisted together, but right now… I’m afraid it won’t be easy…”

Urumu suddenly lifted his head, and he stared at Akatsuki.

“Nevertheless, amongst the humans who viewed us as an evil existence and would even cruelly kill our race who did not have the slightest intentions to fight, Akatsuki was extraordinarily different. He absolutely did not want to harm, but only wanted the world to have a peaceful life, upholding peace for us. Thus, Akatsuki, who stood on the front lines, and risked his life to fight against Galious-sama, is a noble man of integrity. Under his influences, many humans, including Sherfield’s, all avoided unnecessary killing and fights.”

Urumu’s kind words entered their ears, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou all widened their eyes.

Noticing that all four of their gazes fell onto him, Akatsuki only said “Don’t you guys misunderstand.” Then sighed.

“Grandpa, you exaggerated it too much. I did not feel that I was so great.”

“But after defeating father and immediately ending the battle, the person who prevented unnecessary killings of the demon race and persuaded the leaders to lay down their weapons was none other than you. You changed Sherfield, and also changed this entire world…”

Miu’s eyes were showing sincerity.

“Even if it was not because of father’s will, I am willing to accompany you by your side.”

“Perhaps Galious-sama already knew that besides Akatsuki-dono, no one else could defeat him. No, perhaps dying to Akatsuki-dono was the wish of Galious-sama, so that’s why he left his will to the princess and told her to live with the person who defeated him…”

Here, Urumu formally faced Akatsuki.

At the same time he slowly bowed his head to show gratitude.

“Akatsuki-dono never killed our fellow brethren, and also fought fairly against Galious-sama in a duel. When Galious-sama was alive, he always praised your chivalrous spirit. Till now, you have also kept your promise and took care of Galious’s beloved daughter. Please allow me to replace the dead demon king, to give you our utmost and sincere thanks.”

### Part 7

Inside the depth of Forestnium’s sacred tree, there was an area that had particularly fresh air and a pleasant scenery.

The beautiful colors formed by the intertwining blues and greens came from the crystal clear spring water.

Ousawa Miu was currently naked in the hot spring.

Izumi Chikage, Doumoto Kuzuha and Nanase Haruka were also at the scene.

The four females were currently cleaning their bodies at the bath. Under Urumu’s recommendation, the four females entered the hot spring deep within the forest, in order to wash off the smell from the outside world and avoid disturbing the elves inside the forest.

Although the temperature for the hot spring was not too hot, the four females did not feel the cold at all. The moderate temperature actually made all of them feel refreshed.

“…”

Miu used her hands to scoop up the spring water and gently allowed it to slide down her body.

…This battle seems to be inevitable…

Once Miu thought of this, she bit her lower lip tightly. Previously at Urumu’s home, Miu obtained information about the human army suddenly entering the forest a few days ago. The army belonged to Disdia, Aleclasta and Sherfield, or otherwise the three great countries that formed an alliance to defeat her father Galious. According to Akatsuki’s information from the soldiers who tried to kidnap Riruru, Disdia and Sherfied forces that were stationed at the Galevain forest had received devastating attacks from the demon race, prompting the three countries to use their military. Luckily Forestnium’s concept was to use a magic seal to prevent invaders from the outside, so the human forces could currently only stay at the borders of the forest and could not overstep them.

…But…

Urumu clearly expressed that the demon race in Forestnium had never attacked the human surveillance forces.

Miu also remembered Akatsuki’s muttering.

- This is the key to the entire situation.

If it was a simple mistake of the humans, as long as they make things clear, there is the possibility that the human forces would retreat.

But what if someone deliberately created this conflict, and their final goal was to use the conflict and completely wipe out the demon race?

Akatsuki’s hypothesis wasn’t unreasonable. Within the humans, there are many bloodthirsty individuals.

… And this is the most likely hypothesis.

Eliminating the demon race - Phil Barnett, who tried to capture Miu, also mentioned a similar topic as well. If their plan had failed, switching to another was a natural approach. It could be that the original plan was to have both sides work simultaneously.

But then again, even inside the demon race, there were still forces that wanted revenge against the humans.

It was said that the main battling forces of the demon race had left Galevain, and had set up a new village elsewhere. This attack may be their work. However, the residents in Forestnium all hated conflict, so they shouldn’t be willing to drive these peaceful brethren into a merciless war.

…We must find a way.

This war was highly probable due to Miu, thus Miu secretly swore in her heart that she must protect everyone.

At this moment, a pair of arms suddenly came from behind, wrapped around her and graciously grabbed onto Miu’s boobs.

“Waaa ahah ah ! W…What are you doing!”

Miu screamed and turned to stare at Akatsuki behind her.

“…Huh?”

Only to see that the figure that entered her eyes was not Akatsuki, so Miu hesitated.

The person who hugged Miu from behind was a female that was currently taking a bath with her – Izumi Chikage.

Chikage’s face exposed a mischievous smile.

“Ah~? Who did you think it was just now?”

This sentence made Miu suddenly blush with shame, she even forgot that her twin valleys were in Chikage’s hands.

“W…What do you mean?”

Seeing Miu hurriedly make up an excuse for herself, Chikage whispered in a low voice beside her ear.

A devil’s whisper, but it was nothing but the correct answer.

“- You treated me as Akatsuki, didn’t you?”

“N…No I didn’t !”

Ignoring Miu’s excuse, Chikage narrowed her eyes.

“People often say that people would get accustomed to their habits, this can also count as a type of reaction as well.”

“What do you mean people would get accustomed to their habits? He has never done such a thing to me!”

Miu’s disturbed appearance made Chikage feel a bit surprised.

“It can’t be? You guys are not really brother and sister. A single male and female living under one roof, how is it possible that nothing has happened?”

And…

“During the time when you informed us about your secret, didn’t you allow him fondle your boobs as well?”

“T…That’s his problem okay!”

After refusing loudly, Miu sighed.

“Really now, why do you have to do this?”

Miu did not understand, so Chikage answered quietly:

“- Because aren’t you trying to solve the problem yourself again.”

Miu hearing this, widened her eyes and looked at Chikage. Only to see Chikage smile slightly.

“Although this is your problem, you are not alone. There are others beside you like Akatsuki and us, there is no need for you to bear all the pressure and responsibility.”

“-What Izumi said was correct.”

Another person’s voice suddenly came. Miu turned around and Doumoto Kuzuha was standing beside her.

“Class rep…”

“People who are willing to give you a hand isn’t just Ousawa-kun, or we would not be standing here too. Don’t try and be a hero okay? Perhaps there are limits to our strength, but it should still come in handy.”

Inside her usual flat tone Kuzuha’s passion could be heard.

…So that’s it… Ah, that is true.

Miu was somewhat ashamed, and unconsciously wanted to apologize, but immediately changed her mind. After all, the feelings she should express right now were definitely not apologetic.

“Chikage, Class rep, thank you.”

Ousawa Miu slightly smiled, and graciously expressed her inner feelings.

At the same time, she accepted her two friends’ kindness.

“Having your words made me feel assured.”

When Chikage and Kuzuha heard this, their face also revealed a happy smile. This suddenly granted courage to Miu – After solving this problem, she should solve the other problem.

“Chikage, can you release your hands from my boobs?’

“Ahha, I forgot.”

Although she said that, Chikage did not have any idea to let go.

“Ch…Chikage…”

Miu twisted her body nonstop, her tone was somewhat embarrassed.

…What should she do now?

Miu, who was not good at dealing with this type of scene, did not know how to express her inner unhappiness. If the other was Akatsuki, she could directly punch him, but the other was a female like her and was also one of her best friends.

…Ah, I seem to remember that Chikage likes females.

Miu could not help but recall the past event of Chikage having a tryst with another female in the sport gym warehouse. Based on that scene, Chikage’s current actions were not surprising. But just thinking about that past event did not seem to change anything. And Chikage’s fingers were gently squeezing as if she was checking the size of her boobs.

“Miu, your boobs seem to have become bigger again. Did you tell Akatsuki to massage them every night?”

“D…Don’t talk nonsense! No way, how could it be every night?”

Miu angrily denied, but Kuzuha managed to catch the misinterpretation of her words.

“So it’s not every night, meaning that occasionally he would massage them?”

“Ooooooooo-“

Miu suddenly became speechless. In fact, Miu and Akatsuki did not have the type of relationship that Chikage and Kuzuha thought, but if you ask whether Miu liked Akatsuki, the answer was a definite yes. Although they did not have any affection between men and women, Akatsuki suddenly touching Miu’s boobs was an undeniable truth, so she could not explain it immediately. At this moment, Chikage whispered into Miu’s ears again.

“- How does it feel when Akatsuki helps you massage your boobs?”

“F…Feel…”

Miu suddenly shivered, her brain also reacted the same way. Under Chikage’s question, it stimulated her past memories. Being groped by Chikage, Miu only felt that it was itchy, but after changing the person to Akatsuki, the feeling was completely different.

…That person…

Miu recalled the sweet pleasure that was created when Akatsuki touched her boobs. Just remembering the feelings made her body unbearably hot. Under the guidance of Akatsuki, her body senses would rise up to a completely different level, that feeling would deprive Miu of her ability to resist, and was undoubtedly the most gentle touch.

The feeling that Ousawa Miu had felt, Chikage’s question suddenly made her feel embarrassed.

“S…Spare me please.”

This tiny and fine whisper was the biggest act of resistance for a female in love.

### Part 8

Kuzuha, who was fooling around with Chikage on Miu, suddenly felt a stranger’s gaze.

Turning around, she noticed that there was a female hiding behind the bushes on the shore, constantly peeping at the three of them bathing.

The girl was none other than the dark elf Riruru. After noticing Kuzuha’s gaze, Riruru hurriedly hid behind the bushes.

However, she quickly stuck her head out again and looked from afar at Chikage.

“…”

“Uh…”

Facing the silent Riruru, Chikage was thinking of strategies in her head. Since they had noticed her presense, it was best not to ignore it. Not to mention that from her appearance that there were some issues, but as she was still wary about Chikage and Kuzuha, she was hesitant to come close.

…She probably came because of Ousawa.

So Kuzuha attempted to tell Miu.

“Ehhh ahhh, Chikage… Uuu…Stop quickly or I’ll get angry…. Ahhhhhhh!”

“Ohohhhh… It’s not impossible to make me stop, but you first have to tell how Akatsuki dotes on you.”

The conversation between the two exuded a pink atmosphere, as if they had not noticed the pair of eyes from the shore.

…What a pain.

Kuzuha was weak against the pair of puppy eyes children have when they are begging for something. However, Kuzuha, while immersed in the hot spring, still slowly headed towards Riruru. The distance between the two had to be just right; if it was too close, Riruru might have ran away in fear. Thus Kuzuha had to take extra care when moving forward and avoid entering the safety area of Riruru.

“!”

Perhaps she calculated wrong. Riruru’s figure immediately disappeared amongst the bushes and escaped into the depths of the forest. Seeing this, Kuzuha could not help but shake her head while having a wry smile on her face. Looks like she wasn’t the material to coax children.

Just when Kuzuha felt helpless and turned around, preparing to head back to Miu and Chikage, the sound of footsteps seemed to suddenly appear from the ground behind her. Looking back, she was surprised to see Riruru sticking her head from the previous bush, looking around. Kuzuha slightly smiled and extended her arms to the shore.

“…Do you want to come together?”

“…”

Not surprisingly, Riruru remained silent, but at least she did not turn around and flee.

After some time, she gently nodded and immediately took off her clothing.

…This child is not tall enough, I’m afraid that she cannot touch the bottom.

The hot spring’s depth was approximately the height of Riruru. So Kuzuha extended her arms and held Riruru from under her armpits, then she hugged her in front of her chest. Riruru’s thin arms also wrapped around Kuzuha’s neck, as if she was showing trust in Kuzuha.

“Are you not afraid…?”

Afraid of Kuzuha or afraid of the hot spring. Kuzuha’s question was ambigious.

“…Yes.”

Although her voice was weak, Riruru did nod. Kuzuha gave a slight smile.

At the time when she was hugging onto Riruru and headed to the direction of Miu and Chikage, Kuzuha could not help but think:

…She is still only a child.

Even the young and immature Riruru was forced to face the threat of war. Through the touch from her arms, it was undoubtedly a child’s life and temperature. Kuzuha recalled the moment when she was summoned to an alternative world, she had lost something similar, and could only watch as the life in her arms disappeared. That experience left scars within Kuzuha’s heart, and perhaps it would not heal through the rest of her life. Doumoto Kuzuha once regretted, but that regret had also made her become stronger, so this time she decided to come forward –

To protect her friends and protect the people who are important to her friends.

“-Huh?”

Chikage, who was hugging Miu from behind, suddenly became aware of the two people’s existence.

She looked at Kuzuha, then at Riruru, and her face immediately showed a surprised smile.

“I really could not imagine it, class rep also has times when she becomes the big sister.”

“…Yes.”

Doumoto Kuzuha was a student who had skipped grades in JPN Babel. Although she was in the high school division, the students in her class were older than her by a few years. Chikage’s teasing wasn’t unreasonable, so Kuzuha who could not make an excuse could only give a wry smile.

“S…Sa…Save me, class rep! Quickly tell Chikage to stop!”

Miu, who was red to the neck, hurriedly ask for assistance from Kuzuha.

Originally, Kuzuha had wanted to go to the rescue for Miu, but the scene in front her eyes had changed her idea. Each time Miu attempted to escape from Chikage’s grasp, a certain huge object would sway around in front of Kuzuha.

That’s right. Miu’s huge and voluptuous boobs pierced through Kuzuha. Although Kuzuha was a young student who had skipped grades, her physical development was already behind by a large amount, and now in front of her was someone showing off her brilliant figure. Miu really had guts. Even if Kuzuha had a good temper, she was extremely annoyed and was angry deep inside.

The truth is cruel, even on a battlefield there are no eternal friends. So Kuzuha whispered into Riruru’s ears and they both faced Miu.

“Uhhh…?”

Facing Miu’s surprised and puzzled look, Riruru responded with her innocent eyes.

“…Princess-sama, is the boob massage by Akatsuki comfortable?”

“Ah…?”

At that moment, Miu did not understand the meaning behind Riruru’s words.

Then they saw Miu’s eyes blink a few times, and her cheeks gradually flushed.

“Waaaa-! What are you doing! Class rep, you shouldn't teach strange stuff to children!”

The quiet hot spring suddenly entered a large commotion.

### Part 9

From a distance not too far away in the hot spring, Nanase Haruka was currently observing the state between Miu and the others. Seeing the display of friendship through joking around, Haruka could not help but have personal feelings about it.

Before being summoned to an alternative world, she, too, had friends that she could laugh and play with. However, after being summoned to the alternative world, she came to the self-govern area and after becoming a member of Babel’s students, she did not have a chance to fool around with friends. Also, her abilities were confirmed shortly after entering the school, so she was directly recommended by Hikami Kyouya to become part of the Student Council. Kyouya, Ryouhei and Minami were obviously irreplaceable friends; however, the relationship between them was closer to having mutual respect between comrades. Their daily meetings were strictly for official matters, and privately there were no relationships between them. She had originally thought that she would be able to establish a good relationship with Minami as they were both females, but Minami belonged to the type that do not interact well, so she had never attempted to forge a relationship and Haruka, herself, did not take the initiative to approach her. Thus, the scene of seeing Miu and the others playing around made Haruka extremely envious. She admired this type of friendship where one can ignore their own image and fully express themselves.

-Her brain had only just surfaced this idea, but in the next second, it really became true.

Suddenly someone was hugging Haruka from behind and playing with her boobs.

“~~~!”

Haruka absolutely had not imagined that she would become a target for the attacks and almost screamed out loud. However, she still decided to be patient. If she was the first to panic, wouldn’t it mean that Chikage, who did the sneak attack, and Miu and Kuzuha, who were in the sidelines, would see a joke? Although the sneak attack from behind was rather sudden, Haruka clearly understand that this was an intimate bond between girls.

…I also really…

The long forgotten emotions surged out once again. Haruka felt somewhat overjoyed, but perhaps also a little hurt. But it shouldn’t be a big deal if it happens once in a while, so she let herself relax a bit.

So Haruka gently held onto the hand that was touching her boobs.

“Really now, why are you still playing this kind of children’s game?”

While pretending to scold, Haruka turned around to face Chikage behind her.

But the person standing behind her was none other than a stark-naked Akatsuki.

“Ah……?”

Nanase Haruka’s world stopped moving in an instant, the cruel reality was completely above her mental limits. Although the safety measures for her train of thought sprung up, Haruka was still able to clearly hear Akatsuki’s somewhat helpless voice.

“I really am serious about it, but you actually treated it as child’s play.”

That being the case…

“So I guess I can only act as you like, and immediately enter into adult mode.”

“Waaaaahhhh -”

Haruka’s shrill screams instantly overshadowed the sound of Akatsuki’s voice.

Unfortunately this did not change the cruel reality. Haruka was desperately struggling within Akatsuki’s arms.

“O…Ousawa Akatsuki, what are you doing!”

“At first I saw that you were gazing at those fellows with a lonely and envious look. It made me unable to resist so I wanted to help you out.”

“T…That’s not your problem!”

“Vice president, why so polite? This is what you say yourself.”

Akatsuki willfully played with Haruka’s boobs. There was a wicked smile plastered on his face.

“So I’ll let you experience how strong I am with adult mode on. At that time you will understand that you are a child that still knows nothing.”

Thus –

“A…Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…”

With her whole body trembling with anger, Haruka clearly heard a sound within her brain that told her something inside her had snapped.

Haruka could not bear it any longer.

She fully concentrated and was going to activate a wind magic filled with killing intent – Only to receive a shock that she could not conceal afterwards.

“What just happened? Why can’t I use magic?”

The sight of Haruka’s astonished appearance made Akatsuki remember one thing.

“The dimensional transfer just ended not so long ago, the soul and body are currently in an unstable state. It requires a few days worth of time to adapt to the new world. During this transition period, the consciousness’s frequency cannot be contacted, so you will naturally not be able to use magic.”

“T…That can’t be…”

Haruka could not help but give out a moan of despair, but Akatsuki revealed a confident smile.

“There is nothing bad about it, just let me bring you to a place more amazing than magic, the adult’s world.”

Just at this moment…

“- Even if you can’t use magic, you can at least still summon your weapon.”

A cold voice came from behind them, and Miu’s magic staff pierced through the skies and hit Akatsuki’s head. After a muffled bang, Akatsuki’s entire body flew away.

Afterwards was the time where the females at the scene launched into talks about severely punishing Akatsuki.

“Really now…”

After hastily dressing, an angry and ashamed Haruka glanced at Akatsuki.

“What kind of things are installed within your head?”

“Isn’t it normal? Seeing a few girls playing around in the water, isn’t it normal for a man to want to play together with them?”

Akatsuki slowly spoke, but Haruka was suddenly angry to the extent that you could even see the veins being exposed.

“A normal man would only just THINK about it, who would be like you and actually DO it!”

“V…Vice president, don’t be so emotional…there is still a child here…”

Miu hurriedly jumped in to resolve the dispute.

A closer look showed that Riruru was currently using her pure and innocent eyes to look at Haruka.

“Mmmm…”

Haruka could only helplessly suppress her inner anger, then she used an incredulous gaze and stared at Miu and the others.

“This person saw everything about your youth, do you not care about it at all?” Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha all looked at each other.

“About that… We are already immune to it.” “Yes, it is basically still within the acceptable range.” “Compared to the treatment we suffered before, this is only a trivial matter.”

“T…Trivial matter…?”

The three responses were beyong Haruka’s expectations. She could not help but widen her eyes. Their naked appearance was completely seen by Akatsuki, but the three reactions were respectively “already immune”, “within acceptable range” and even “a trivial matter”, isn’t this too abnormal?

…Could it be that I am the one with problems?

Akatsuki grinned and patted on Haruka’s shoulders.

“Relax, you’ll get used to it sooner or later.”

“I don’t want to get used to it!”

After Haruka flung away Akatsuki’s hand from her shoulder, she coldly stared at him.

She could not help but sternly ask:

“Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really not know anything?”

Does he not know what he is doing? Or did he not even understand about his current situation?

Strictly speaking, this is not a normal situation.

Whether it was about activating a dimensional transfer himself, going to an alternative world, or even Miu’s true identity as a resident of Alayzard, all these were major issues that could not be ignored, but it was also an important truth.

As a member of Babel’s Student Council, Haruka had the responsibilities and obligations to report this entire thing to the higher ups.

…But the result…

Nanase Haruka was sure that at that time Akatsuki and Miu would absolutely bear criminal liability.

Just the fact of concealing the truth was already a major issue, not to mention the unfavorable enemy that invaded the school area during the ranking tournament and caused the JPN Babel school to fall into a great crisis. Even if the penalty for the crime wasn’t death, imprisonment would probably be inevitable. Akatsuki’s amazing ability was favored by the school, but once he would take the attitude of resisting, it would most likely end up with having lifetime imprisonment.

…But the biggest problem still resided about her.

Haruka glanced at Miu. There had been multiple cases of being summoned to an alternative world, but this was the first time that someone had come from an alternative world to their world. If Miu’s true identity was revealed to the public, the school would have to adopt special measures to manage more strictly. Miu’s fate could easily be imagined.

…What should I do?

Considering it from the perspective of Miu, it really was understandable. After all, Miu did not have many options to choose from, and in the end, she finally selected Akatsuki. It was all because of a forced plan. That’s right, Miu did not have any paths she could go. If this path was cut apart, Miu’s future would only remain hopelessness and death.

“…”

Nanase Haruka was not ignorant to the entire case and about Miu’s difficulties. The current her did not know whether she should select her reasoning or her feelings. Haruka knew that her face did not look good because of the internal struggle that made her upset. She did not know what decision to make.

At this time…

“- You are very hesitant right?”

A calm and steady tone. Looking up, a perfectly calm Akatsuki was staring at her.

“I’m grateful. Actually, from your standpoint, there is only one correct answer, but if you are showing a hesitant attitude, it means that you are a kind-hearted person.”

“I….I am not…”

Am not hesistant – she could not say the entire sentence.

Haruka had to admit that she was in a dilemma.

“As you are currently undecided, there is no rush to come out with a conclusion.”

After saying this, Akatsuki put his arm around Miu’s shoulders.

“After witnessing what this fellow and I are going to do in this world, then you can tell me your final answer.”

Akatsuki’s suggestion made Haruka contemplate.

After some time…

“…Okay, that’s what I’ll do.”

Haruka finally made a decision. Even if she had to report to the higher up about Miu and Akatsuki, she must first return to the original world.

That being the case, why not witness the actions of the two before making her final decision.

“Okay, then we got a deal.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled, and was seemingly satisfied with Haruka’s answer.

“Now let’s talk about the plan for the future.”

According to Ousawa Akatsuki’s argument, the pressing matter was to think of a plan to lift the human army’s siege.

“Theoretically, as long as we request a negotiation with Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta, these three countries, and describe and explain the entire issue during the meeting, the leaders of the three countries should come to an understanding.”

Akatsuki said. In fact, Urumu had requested Akatsuki to take on the role of negotiating; after all, besides Akatsuki, they would not find another person that could make the three country alliance army remove the siege.

“But considering the current tension, the negotiations should best be carried out secretively. So I decided to split everyone into two groups and select the required personnel for negotiations. The remaining people will stay here and prevent enemy attacks.”

After confirming Miu and the others expressing their agreement, Akatsuki began dividing the roles.

“The candidates that are participating in the negotiations will be me, the witness Miu and vice president.”

“Me…?”

Haruka was unexpectedly surprised. Akatsuki nodded as if it was obvious.

“Besides Miu and I, you are the most suitable candidate.”

This time Akatsuki and the others must enter the enemy camp, and when they need to retreat, they might not be able to do so. To prevent this, they must take necessary measures.

Haruka’s speciality of wind magic has excellent mobility. Although currently she is still affected by the dimensional transfer and temporarily unable to use it, there was a time limit for being affected and she would quickly recover. Then, if they really encountered an emergency situation, she could just flee together with Miu, who was equally adept in wind magic, and the enemy would only be able to watch them escape.

“Not to mention that didn’t you want to witness our actions in this world? That being the case, naturally the position is yours.”

“…Yes, that makes sense.”

After obtaining the consent of Haruka, Akatsuki turned to face Miu.

“What about you? Any objections?”

“Ah… No objections.”

Miu nodded, her expression was very calm as if she had already made her resolve.

And it is almost a resolve made from emotions.

…It’s no wonder…

Miu, as the Demon King’s daughter, was faced again with a situation that could explode any time, so naturally she could not relax. An attitude that is expecting the worst isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can also sometimes make one lose their usual calmness, making it difficult to make the right judgments. Thus Akatsuki selected Haruka to follow them. Chikage and Kuzuha’s attitudes were similar to Miu’s; if talks were to break down, Haruka was the best candidate to pull the impulsive Miu away and swiftly escape the situation.

“So that’s it for the matter, Chikage and class rep will temporary stand by here.”

“No problem, Class rep and I will obediently stay here and look after the house.”

Ignoring Chikage’s joke, Kuzuha, who was hugging Riruru, stared at Akatsuki.

“…Ousawa-kun, how high do you think is the possibility for the enemy to attack?”

“About this…”

Kuzuha’s question was extremely serious. Akatsuki also retracted his frivolous look.

“Based on the two points that the enemy army has never attacked and the attempt to capture Riruru, the probability of the concept magic seal being removed isn’t very high. However, a low probability doesn’t mean it is impossible, so do not relax your alertness.”

That is why Ousawa Akatsuki would split their forces into two paths, at the same time, leaving “him” behind.

“-So that’s it for the matter. Kaidou, you’re also responsible for protecting this place.”

After saying this –

“Hey Hey… Aki, are you too heartless? You’re leaving me alone again?”

Kaidou appeared from under the shade of a nearby tree. He sounded extremely unhappy. “Even if you’re issuing orders in front of everyone, you also did not ask for my opinion, that’s not right is it?”

Kaidou’s complaints entered his ears, but Akatsuki suddenly disagreed.

“I say Kaidou, considering the problem of combat distribution, the only one able to replace me is only you – “

“Wait, Wait up, Aki! This kind of talk between men should be said somewhere else!”

Kaidou swiftly stretched out his hand, covered Akatsuki’s mouth, and forcefully pulled him under the tree’s shades.

After many difficulties and finally being released, Akatsuki angrily asked:

“What are you doing?”

“That’s my question, Aki!”

Kaidou lowered his voice.

“You even want me, who loves peace and is a low exposure character, to replace Ousawa Akatsuki, who singly defeated a superior dimensional being monster, did you lose your head? What if vice president treated your joke seriously, wouldn’t I have to say goodbye to my quiet and low exposure school life?”

“You’re the one who lost your head, if you obediently stay here then aren’t there no problems? Why did you say so much this and that? Anyways, you were the one who insisted on following us at first, it’s not like I owe you something.”

“Do you really want to calculate everything so clearly now? During the ranking tournament, I wonder who forcibly shoved the fellow called Onizuka to me? Aki, this is the way you repay me now?”

“Even if I owed you once, it already cancelled out when you invaded my personal privacy, now we both don’t owe each other.”

Akatsuki and Kaidou hit their foreheads together and began a fierce dispute. At this moment, Akatsuki suddenly sighed.

“If I let vice president replace you and stay here, she would never stand on our side. After returning to the original world, she would immediately report it to the school, and then your school life would also be in jeopardy. It’s not like you don’t understand vice president’s personality. She has the personality that would not negotiate. Do you really think that she would really hide everything?”

“Whoa… you also think this way?”

Kaidou could not help but reveal a look of disgust. Seeing this, Akatsuki immediately added another phrase:

“Exactly. If the school knew that you went once again to an alternative world, they will certainly begin a rigorous questioning and investigation. At that time you won’t be able to hide any secrets. Especially people who deliberately conceal their strength will be plucked out by the school.”

“Don’t scare me okay? I don’t have any remarkable strength, so it shouldn’t catch the school’s attention.”

“Ah, it isn’t that easy, because I might tattletale? For example – “

Seeing Kaidou try to act brave, Akatsuki suddenly gave out a smile.

“For example, let’s say that you are a person from - or something similar”

Akatsuki said this softly and gently in exchange for Kaidou’s silence.

After a moment….

“Ahhahahahahaha.”

“Hahahahahahaha!”

Both of them laughed out loud simultaneously – Afterwards, Akatsuki and Kaidou’s foreheads collided fiercely once again.

“Damn Aki, don’t go overboard! You can eat a meal randomly, but you can’t just spout out rubbish randomly! Are you trying to ruin my life?”

“Quiet down! It was you who insisted on jumping onto this ship, so you should just obediently listen!” Under the shade of the trees, neither of them wanted to back off in their battle of words. After a few minutes, the conversation ended with Akatsuki wrapping an arm across Kaidou’s shoulder, and they returned together to the side of Miu and the others. Akatsuki’s face was still revealing a winner’s smile.

“There are good news to announce to everyone. Kaidou decided to stay behind.”

“…Hahaha… Everyone… Pleased – To – Meet – You –“

Kaidou’s smile was extremely stiff, and his face was obviously showing discontent.

“Uh… Thank you, Kaidou.”

Miu held onto Kaidou’s hands.

“During the period we are not here, it’s up to you here.”

Then she bowed down respectfully. Kaidou could only sigh and expose a helpless smile.

“Okay, okay, just don’t expect too much.”

Facing the helpless Kaidou, Miu’s smile was even more brilliant.

“There is one thing I want to ask.”

Miu held his hands tightly, then added some more strength to it.

“Before, once that guy called your name, you immediately came out from the bushes, right?”

Her smile was becoming more and more deep.

“- Kaidou-kun, how long had you been hiding there?”

Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka almost immediately surrounded him at the same time, and excluded Akatsuki.

Looks like it is about to rain, Akatsuki, who was looking at the sky, thought to himself.

…A rain of blood.

However, Kaidou did not notice their killing intent, and revealed a thieving smile.

“You completely did not notice it right? Actually, when Akatsuki took off his clothes and took part in the “Young Hot Girls Playing in the Water Secretively Chapter” that moment – ”

Akatsuki’s weather forecast was quite accurate, it really did rain at their location.

However, before the rain of blood appeared, a heavy rain of fist blows appeared on the peeking demon from the females.

### 039. Chapter 2 - Brushing Past the Idea of Peace

### Part 1

A splendorous and majestic corridor.

The marble floors were covered by red carpets. This was Sherfield Kingdom’s city of Erdia.

Listy was currently hurriedly running down the corridor.

Around a step to the right and left beside her, Zechs and Loutier were following her closely.

“……Is this message really true?”

Listy turned her head and asked — | “Yes.” Responded Loutier, who was following behind her, nodding her head.

“At that time I was away from the city dealing with official matters, so I cannot confirm the authenticity of the message; however, according to the soldiers responsible for reception and the maids, it should not be wrong.”

“It can’t be……”

Zechs muttered to himself with a tone of disbelief.

“Can it be that the report from the investigation team is true……?”

“……Tch!”

Listy bit on her lower lip tightly and sped up the pace.

—— Akatsuki had returned to Alayzard.

Listy and Zechs had gotten this report from their subordinates at three country alliance army headquarters near Galevain forest.

The investigation team captain had been quite excited. During the report, there were parts that were incoherent as if he had fallen into slight confusion.

Faced with this incredible intelligence, Listy did not know what judgment to make. According to Zechs and Loutier, people who returned to the original world from the alternative world could possibly pass through the and once again return to Alayzard. However, the news of Akatsuki returning was too sudden. It could be possible that the captain saw incorrectly, or perhaps it was an illusion created with magic. Thus Listy did not put this information into her heart. But an emergency contact that came from Sherfield changed everything. A person calling themselves as the demon race representative delivered a mail requesting to have talks with Listy.

The location specified for the talks was Sherfield’s city of Erdia. A copy with similar contents was delivered to Disdia and Aleclasta at the same time. Listy immediately contacted the two countries’ leaders to confirm that Disdia and Aleclasta had received the same letter. As for whether they should accept the request of the letter, the opinions of Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta differed.

Emperor Baram from Disdia seemed to think that this letter was the demon race’s trap and they should not accept the request in the letter.

Pope Volk from Aleclasta seemed to be have an attitude of consent. After all, if they could reduce the amount of unnecessary killing and sacrifice, it fell in line with the holy teaching and values of Church of Richard.

As for Listy, she was stuck between two alternatives. Basically, she agreed with Aleclasta’s stand, and she did not wish to increase the casualties. However, the demon race elimination this time was from the joint forces of Disdia and Sherfield. On behalf of the dead citizens, it was the responsibility of Listy as a queen to make sure justice was served.

Therefore, towards the request of the demon race, Listy was current having a reserved attitude; but the situation had changed significantly this morning. The person claiming to be the demon race representative suddenly appeared at Sherfield’s castle. This was simply a reckless act. Listy could only feel a sense of dizziness and decided to refuse the request.

—— But she did not do so.

One of the demon race representatives turned out to be Akatsuki.

“That idiot……!”

Muttering at the same time, the end of the corridor reflected upon Listy’s eyes.

The corner that was at the end of the corridor led up to the doors of the hall. Listy did not show any signs of slowing down and hurriedly extended her hand to open the heavy doors.

What was reflected in her eyes was the familiar hall, as well as the magnificent square table in the middle of the room.

And……

“——Hi, your actions were pretty fast.”

A single youth was leisurely sitting on a chair.

Listy only stopped where she was.

He was still the same as back then, whether it was his figure, or the messy shoulder——length hair and the confident look.

The familiar Ousawa Akatsuki was in front of them.

“——!”

Listy wanted to rush towards him immediately, but she suppressed her inner impulses.

Akatsuki’s return should be worth a grand celebreation. Listy had often fantasized about the reunion of Akatsuki and herself, she even thought of the things she wanted to say as well. But the current situation did not allow her to do so.

Listy carefully looked at Akatsuki and the females beside Akatsuki.

One of them was unfamiliar. From the female’s heroic and tall appearance, she should be a knight or something similar. Although Listy was very concerned about the relationship between the female and Akatsuki, it was not the time to ask for the female’s identity.

Because there was a greater and more troublesome problem in front of them. Listy’s gaze slowly shifted to the other female. Listy El Da Sherfield recognized that female, including her appearance, name and even her identity. Therefore, Listy’s opening question was not to question the female, but Akatsuki.

“Why……!”

A hoarse voice filled with a tone of resentment, Listy hurriedly attempted to confirm the truth in front of her eyes.

Why is the Demon King’s daughter Myuu, whose whereabouts were unknown, beside Akatsuki.

“Why……Akatsuki!”

Listy’s stern questioning was questioning Akatsuki, but at the same time questioning herself.

The reunion that I was looking forward to between Akatsuki and I, why did it eventually come to this sort of situation?

### Part 2

Inside the kingdom of Sherfield city of Erdia, representatives from various countries were currently sitting at the table located in the middle of the hall.

Sherfield’s representatives were Queen Listy, General Zechs and Elite Executive Loutier.

Aleclasta’s representatives were Pop Volk and his high priest Miranda.

The representatives for Disdia were Emperor Baram and the fourth prince Alphonse. Behind them stood a knight as bodyguard. The knight’s outfit was different from Disdia’s royal knights. It was Listy’s first time seeing this knight.

……Just who is this person?

The armor equipped with several gold decorations looked extremely thick. The full helm made it hard to peep at the expression of the knight. But judging from the knight’s stance, his strength should not be underestimated.

Based on just the point that Baram specially brought this knight with him, this knight must have received Baram’s trust.

—— Aside from that……

There were Akatsuki, Myuu and the female who was called “Haruka” from Galevain.

These 11 people were the participants of this meeting.

……If only I could……

Listy was deeply stressed inside. In fact, she had planned to, before the two countries had came, ask Akatsuki questions, understanding Akatsuki’s motives and intentions, and perhaps she would be able to help Akatsuki during the talks. However, this would have been equal to the act of betraying the other two countries. If what Baram had said was to be confirmed, that Akatsuki had secretly hid the demon king’s daughter, Listy and the others who supported Akatsuki naturally could not continue their support. Thus she could only quietly wait for Baram and Volk to arrive.

The strange thing was that after seeing Akatsuki, Baram and Volk did not reveal a startled look. Therefore Listy was sure that they had already known about the existence of the .

“—— Valkyria.”

Under Listy’s command, the quiet and calm head maid guard nodded her head silently, and together with her numerous subordinates poured tea for the guests from each country.

Akatsuki picked up the teacup and took a sip, then immediately let out a sigh filled with emotions.

“I can’t believe I would still be able to drink the tea you made by yourself, things are really unpredictable. Valkyria, ever since I stripped your maid outfit in the forest before I left, I haven’t heard of your news. How are you these days?”

Akatsuki had a smile on his face and joked around Valkyria who was standing beside him.

Amongst the commotion, Valkyria still remained calm.

“Thanks to you, it was fairly decent. I could not repay you, but I specially added poison on the edge of the cup. It is approximately five times the lethal amount.”

“Buuuuu——!”

Akatsuki suddenly spat out the tea inside his mouth. Valkyria coldly looked at Akatsuki with a trace of disgust.

“It was only a joke, but you actually spat it out. Doing such a thing during a formal diplomatic occasion, don’t you feel that it’s rude?”

“I agree……but telling a joke also depends on the occasion right?”

Although Akatsuki made a fool of himself, it also slightly eased the tension at the scene.

……Valkyria, I really admire you.

Even facing against Akatsuki, who made all females afraid at the very mention of him, Valkyria was still able to take things calmly and sometimes even made Akatsuki suffer; this maid guard should not be underestimated. Hoping that Akatsuki could hold back on his frivolous attitude and make the meeting end in a peaceful atmosphere.

……It is probably difficult though.

Listy thought. Once the meeting began, a menacing Baram and a seemly calm Volk would certainly launch a harsh questioning on Akatsuki. At that time, Listy would not have the power to stop them.

What’s more, Listy was still dwelling upon the truth that Akatsuki had hidden Myuu. She did not have the confidence to remain calm.

Just when everyone’s teacup was poured to 80% full……

“First of all, thank you all for accepting our request and preparing today’s conference.”

Miranda heard this and could not help but laugh.

“Ah — the person that laughed was Miranda right? Can you please not interrupt me?”

“Sorry……”

Miranda had a pleased look while narrowing her eyes.

“Even in such a formal meeting, you still do not change your free——spirited and bold attitude……”

“Yes, of course.”

Akatsuki replied.

“The people here at the scene should know what kind of person I am right? A false attitude and pretentious words mean nothing to me. I am not here today to talk about topics that are important.”

“It’s okay. Today you are a representative of Galevain, your status is equivalent to us. There is naturally no need to make a useless attempt at beautiful rhetorical words and diplomatic language. Everyone here shouldn’t have any objections right?”

Volk said. As the oldest participant and the Pope from Church of Richard, naturally no one objected to Volk’s proposal. After viewing the audience’s silence as agreement, Volk nodded his head with satisfaction.

“We also did not come here to listen to your flowery words — Okay, let’s begin.”

“I’m grateful, so let’s still off with the self——introduction. I am Ousawa Akatsuki, today I came here to ask a favor for all of you, so I came back all the way from my own world to Alayzard again. Afterwards, I somehow became Galevain’s representative, pleased to meet you all.”

Listening to Akatsuki, who was completely fearless, Listy could not help but have personal feelings about it.

The meeting that would decide the fate of Alayzard had entered the prologue.

Akatsuki’s preemptive remarks ignited a fire in the meeting.

“Please let me express my view first. It does not matter whether you have comments, but this meeting is completely under my control. Let’s jump directly to the topic. Galevain hopes to, with Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta, these three countries, form a peace agreement. From now on, it will ban everything related to hostilities including intimidation and provocation. To express your sincerity, immediately order your deployment of troops in Galevain forest border to retreat now.”

Feeling the increasingly tense atmosphere at the scene, Ousawa Miu could not help but think that the battle had just begun.

Then Miu glanced at Akatsuki beside her.

……I trust you.

Akatsuki was solely responsible for the negotiation work. Miu was only using her identity as the demon king’s daughter to witness the progress of the meeting. Peace between humans and Galevain was still a distant dream, but in the following future, signing a peace treaty was essential. Perhaps under Akatsuki’s request, the human forces would temporarily retreat, but there were no guarantees that they would not use some excuses to start a war again. With no guarantee from a peace agreement, the citizens of Galevain would forever live in fear of battle.

……If the excuse to begin the war was me……

Miu could not help but think about that. At that time, she would have to stop the war together with Akatsuki.

Originally, she thought that Akatsuki’s arrogant statement was bound to cause an uproar from everyone at the scene, but she could not imagine that it would actually be completely quiet.

“Ah…… Akatsuki, please wait.”

A calm and elegant tone. The person who was first to break the silence was Aleclasta’s Pope Volk.

“Can you please first explain why the demon king’s daughter is with you, and why you became a representative of the demon race? Just starting off by telling us to withdraw really made me confused.”

“I think you should also understand clearly, the final battle for resisting the demon king was me singly defeating Galious. Before Galious died, he requested me to take care of his daughter; after all, his precious daughter had just become the defeated country’s princess, anybody would be worried, right? Based on humanitarianism, I obviously hope to complete Galious’ final wishes, thus I secretly took the demon king’s daughter to my own world.”

After saying to this point, Akatsuki suddenly stopped.

“Originally I thought I could go back to the peaceful days…… but who knows what kind of idiot who claimed to be a hero suddenly came over.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“—— In the end, I was forced to kill that idiot.”

“You……”

Baram’s face revealed his anger, but Akatsuki had a look showing that he didn’t care.

“Ah right, that idiot seemed to call himself a hero from Disdia. Please, how did you actually confer the title of a hero to that idiot? Disdia will lose their reputation.”

After a short pause……

“Especially because that idiot actually made a contract with the Black mountain’s evil dragon.”

“—— What?”

Baram could not conceal his inner surprise.

“Zahhark was really defeated by you……?”

“What a pity. A superior dimensional being’s ability is indeed strong, but using a human as a medium made it difficult to use its true abilities. According to my calculations, he wasn’t able to even use half of its power.”

Akatsuki sighed.

“Anyhow, the guy called Phil was defeated by me in the end. Once I thought that Alayzard would continue to send soldiers to pursue us, I knew that this is not the way we should go, so I decided to return to Alayzard and clearly explain everything…… Is there any problem up to now?”

At this moment……

“Why——“

A calm and cold tone caught everyone’s attention. The source of the voice was Sherfield’s young queen Listy.

Only to see her stare coldly at Akatsuki.

“……Why did you not tell everyone?”

An exceptionally polite yet extremely cold tone, as if she was talking to the enemy.

This was Listy’s, who suppressed her inner emotions and tried to be as calm as possible, as polite as possible, method to express her words. She quietly waited for Akatsuki’s response with a sharp gaze.

“If you would let everyone know that Galious had entrusted her daughter to you, everyone would be willing to help find the best solution. I really don’t understand why you wanted to make such a ridiculous decision?” Listy had missed Akatsuki more than anyone else, and her touching confession suddenly made the scene fall into silence.

However……

“The best solution……?”

Akatsuki asked Listy.

“Then I’d like to ask, what exactly is the better method?”

“This……”

Listy suddenly had a loss of words, but at the same time, she regained her normal tone.

Returning the demon king’s daughter to the demon race, there was a high chance of her being elected as the new demon king. Being under house arrest was also an excellent option, but there was no guarantee that there would not be dissatisfaction and protest from their citizens. Also, there was a chance that it might lead to the small, but bloodthirsty demon race faction defecting and starting a rebellion to take back the demon king’s daughter.

So……

“Besides bringing the demon king’s daughter to my own world and making her completely disappear with her whereabouts unknown, what other options did I have?” Akatsuki’s statement made Miu feel emotional.

……That’s right.

There was no place for Miu in Alayzard. At that time she could only just follow Akatsuki to an unknown world.

Just at this moment……

“——What do you mean there is no other option? There is at least one option that could solve the problem right?”

Baram arrogantly glared at Akatsuki.

“Just kill the demon king’s daughter, doesn’t that solve everything? Bringing the demon king’s daughter to your world is not the only option, directly killing her is the best approach. In the end you made such a foolish decision, and left a curse making this world once again be shrouded under the shadow of the demon race.”

“——!”

The value of her own existence was being denied severely. Miu’s body could not help but shudder slightly.

Even if it was within her expectations, this heartless and relentless accusation hurt Miu. But —

……Ah.

Beside her, Akatsuki gently patted Miu’s shoulders.

“So what you are saying is that your intentions for sending pursuers was for the peace of Alayzard……?”

Akatsuki coldly stared directly at Baram in front of him.

Ousawa Miu could not help but think of Disdia’s true purpose.

But Akatsuki had not yet mentioned the information obtained from Phil.

……After all, there was no conclusive evidence.

Miu was well aware of it. Impulsive questioning would only become baseless slander, and put one in a more unfavorable situation. Disdia’s main goal was to use Miu as the bait and incite the demon race to start a rebellion and create a new dispute. Afterwards, use their influence from ending the war to become the leader of Alayzard. Knowing this, they could not expose Baram’s lie on the spot, thus Akatsuki decided to approach the question from another angle.

“The king’s life is equal to the life of all citizens. If Galious dies, the demon race also surrenders. This means that the battle had ended, no matter humans or the demon race, both do not need to shed blood pointlessly.”

“Blood pointlessly……? You still dare say such a thing.”

Baram glanced at Listy with one eye.

“Did you forget? Originally when Galious attacked Sherfield’s capital Erdia, besides the princess at that time, Queen Listy, Sherfield’s royalty all died at the hands of the demon race.”

Baram sudden speech made Listy bite her lips tightly and bow her head down in silence.

The tragedy five years ago emerged in her brain.

At that time, she lost her father, her relatives, her country and even lost Leon, and was forced to face despair. Yes, this was an indisputable fact.

……But……

Just when Listy was about to raise her head and speak —

“—— With all due respect. Baram——dono, this is our country’s problem.”

Loutier protested on the sidelines, Zechs also tried not to be outdone by her.

“What Lulu said is true. That day’s pain and anger belong to us.”

Then he coldly glared at Baram:

“ — It cannot become another country’s excuse.”

Listy gave a heartfelt thanks to her two close friends for speaking for her.

The unwelcomed Baram seemed to be somewhat helpless.

“I was only trying to defend for Sherfield’s injustice. If even the home country expresses this, then I, who is part of another country, cannot say anything more.”

“……At that time, I was there.”

Akatsuki muttered. Noticing Akatsuki’s gaze, Listy could not help but think:

Those are the same eyes as her. Akatsuki must have recalled that past.

“If that is the tragedy caused by the war, we cannot and should not blame anyone. If anyone wants to take responsibility for that tragedy, it should be me who killed off Leon.”

“……Enough, Akatsuki. Don’t talk about that matter.”

Listy’s tone was extremely grim.

“I have already said it many times, the you, at that time, had no power to change anything. Leon’s death is not your fault, do not push the responsibility to yourself.”

The hall suddenly plunged into silence.

After a period of time.

“……Looks like we strayed from the point.”

Volk broke the silence.

“Akatsuki, please continue to speak. To prevent us from continuing to send pursuers, you came once again to Alayzard, this point is not hard to understand. But why have you become the demon race’s representative? The demon king Galious died at your hands, why would the demon race accept you to represent them for the talk?”

“The reason is simple, they have no other choice.”

It was a simple elimination method.

“The demon race living in the forest knows that Galious entrusted his daughter to me, and they also followed Galious’s last wards and lived a peaceful life in the forest. What they could not imagine is that your army suddenly attacked them without any warning, causing them to be highly distressed. They also knew that humans would not trust the demon race, so they could only rely on me to convince you to withdraw your troops. To the demon race, this was their last resort.”

“Without warning, now you’re trying to blame us?”

Baram coldly spoke:

“The one who first attacked should be the demon race? Don’t you forget, our surveillance forces that were deployed at the borders of Galevain were completed annihilated by the attacks of the demon race.”

Just when he finished —

“ — We did not attack anyone!”

The owner of this voice got up from her seat.

A closer look revealed that it was the quiet Miu, who had remained silent since the beginning of the talks.

Being separated by Akatsuki’s body, Nanase Haruka looked at Miu, who stood up from her seat.

Ignoring everyone’s gaze, Miu coldly stared at Baram.

……It really is difficult to forgive.

A strategist using despicable means and attempting to destroy their race.

About the problem of how to deal with Akatsuki, Miu’s hidden truth and entering an alternative world — Haruka decided to wait till she would witness the actions of the two before making the final decision. Thus, today she was acting as a third party to observe the talks from aside. Using the information obtained before, as well as the speech provided by everyone, to assess the situation, Galevain being framed should be an indisputable truth. And Disdia’s Baram, who, from the beginning of the talks, had expressed a strong hostility to the demon race, even acting as if he was the victim, wasn’t it a method to get rid of the suspicion. As for the two other countries in the alliance, whether they comply with Disdia, this they do not know.

……If the other two countries also participated in it, the situation was unfavorable to the demon race. Akatsuki believed that Sherfield, who had a shallow relationship with him, should not be involved.

But if the three countries’ leaders had came to a consensus before, humans and demon race’s peace treaty would be difficult to achieve. Akatsuki probably had thought of this point, indicated Miu to return to her seat and slowly spoke:

“About this matter of the attack, is there any conclusive evidence?”

Akatsuki attempted to refute the opposing accusation. At that time Sherfield’s red haired general spoke.

“The ones being attacked were a joint force from our country and Disdia. According to the survivors, it was the demon race’s work. Besides Disdia’s soldiers, our soldiers have also said the same thing.”

At this moment —

“—— That is only “testimony” and not “evidence”.”

Haruka immediately rebutted, bringing the attention of everyone to herself.

……W……What am I doing……?

After seeing the despicable means used to accuse the demon race, Haruka finally could not help but speak. But once the words came out, Haruka regretted immediately. After all, she was not a resident from this world, and should not involve herself with the dispute between the demon race and the humans. However, Akatsuki took things calmly, and did not have any meaning of resentment, so Haruka was a little relieved. It seemed that her speech did not destroy Akatsuki and Miu’s plan.

Not only that, Akatsuki even winked at Haruka, motioning her to speak freely without having to think twice.

…….If that being the case……

Haruka nodded and turned to face the front. At first Haruka only wanted to witness Akatsuki and Miu’s actions and did not want to select a side, but her sense of justice did not allow the opposing side to use baseless evidence to accuse the demon race. This was what Nanase Haruka insisted upon as well as her belief.

“Pardon me for speaking frankly……Aside from the testimony from the survivors, I believe there should be no decisive evidence?”

Then Haruka said a speculation she was almost convinced was true.

“The demon race is the enemy of the humans. This belief is deeply rooted in the hearts of the humans, so naturally they would not consider other possibilities. If the injured soldiers claimed that it was the demon race, people would naturally turn their attacks towards the demon race, completely ignoring the wish to investigate for the truth. After all, the truth of the investigation is equal to protecting the enemy, protecting the demon race, and the person who proposed this idea would even be considered as a traitor of humans and a fellow helper of the demon race.”

Haruka paused for a moment.

“Is it not?”

“ — Please wait a moment.”

A skinny youth suddenly opened his mouth. This youth was none other than the Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse, who was sitting beside Baram. As the prince of the military empire, Alphonse did not carry a sword. He was also wearing an outfit for a civil official. From his body and appearance, his strong point should not be in the battlefield, but his tone still had a touch of dignity.

…… After all, he is also royalty.

No matter how frail he is, he should still be equipped with guts.

Alphonse continued to say:

“We also hope to avoid unnecessary disputes. After a rigorous investigation, we confirmed that it was indeed the crime of the demon race.”

“On what basis?”

“According to the footprints on the battlefield, the enemy’s weapons and the magic residue, etc. These all point to the same conclusion, the demon race is related to the attack.”

“That is the truth.”

Sherfield’s high class elves also agreed with Alphonse.

“From the traces made by weapons on the armor, it is confirmed that it is from the special curved sword that the dark elves use. And from the magic residue, we also discovered dark magic that humans cannot use.”

Haruka nodded.

“But these things could all be fake right?”

“……You mean that we forged false evidence?”

Alphonse narrowed his eyes, revealing an unfriendly gaze. Haruka gently shook her head.

“I am just asking whether there is a possibility, and did not mean to accuse anyone.”

“This……”

Loutier pondered but could not answer. Haruka took her actions as a yes.

“In short, you do not hold any conclusive evidence, only rely on a few people’s testimony and wishfully attacked.”

It was a powerful accusation. Just when Haruka felt satisfied……

“Oh — what’s the problem about it?”

A gloomy and calm voice mixed with a tint of laughter coldly rejected Haruka’s predictions.

The owner of the voice was none other than Aleclasta’s talented female — the high priest Miranda. Her eyes seemed to reflect the world’s abyss. Haruka felt that she was nearly sucked into it.

Haruka did not know her. Today was their first time meeting each other.

But……

……This person, seemed to be like……

A cold chill encroached on her forehand. Haruka suddenly sensed a familiar gaze.

However, she quickly put this idea behind her.

“……What does that phrase mean? It was reasonable to make fakes?”

“Of course not. I only confirmed the part that is wishful thinking.”

Miranda answered.

“Even if there is the possibility of creating fakes, only people standing on the side of the demon race would make a fuss about fraud. Don’t you forget, the survirors’ testimony clearly stated that the attack force was the demon race. To us, just the testimony is more than sufficient. Moreover, when humans make a judgment, it more or less contains an element of wishful thinking right?” Because —

“After all, humans are creatures of emotions, Although it is necessary for government officials to suppress their own emotions, and put the country’s interest and the well——being of their citizens as their top priority, but what if you are facing this situation? Facing a situation where your citizens will most likely be killed by the demon race, can you still remain calm?”

“Mmmm……But!”

Even if she was being overwhelmed by Miranda, Haruka still refused to give up.

“That’s right…… what if our positions were swapped?”

Miranda Quenty continued her attack.

“Suppose your friend was suddenly murdered, the evidence all points to the enemy, also there are eyewitness testimony. Under this circumstance, would you still believe the enemy is innocent, ignoring the citizens’ feelings, and search for evidence everywhere?”

“…….Mmmm!”

This was going badly, Haruka thought to herself. Alphonse and Loutier’s argument was based on logic, thus Haruka could refute it using theory. However, Miranda appealed to the emotions. By adding the element of emotion into the debate, it forced Haruka to respect them. As a result, there was no doubt that it would make their opposing actions reasonable and view the attacks from the human to the demon race as legitimate actions.

“Now do you understand? As the leader of many citizens, we were forced to make this decision.”

Miranda gave a shallow smile and expressed her declaration of victory.

At this moment —

“—— Very good!”

A rude and frivolous voice resounded through the scene.

Everyone unanimously turned to look at the owner of the voice.

That was Akatsuki, who was holding his hands behind his head and was at ease.

### Part 3

Noticing that everyone’s attention was focused on him, Akatsuki could not help but think:

Right now here is the main event.

……Eh?

Akatsuki suddenly took a glance at Miu.

Miu’s sorrowful face, which was staring at Akatsuki, seemed to represent that she did not understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s previous phrase. Thus Akatsuki gently smiled and motioned Miu to not worry.

“——!”

Through this, it made the sad looking Miu suddenly open up, and show full confidence towards Akatsuki. Thus Akatsuki faced the front, and saw the smiling Miranda hurriedly speak:

“——Akatsuki, do you empathize with our troubles?”

“Of course. Since you hold evidence, it can’t be helped.”

“……Everybody heard this clearly.”

Baram said it in a deep tone.

“This is a formal diplomatic talk, even if we mistakenly included emotions in our speech, it cannot be cancelled afterwards.”

“……”

Noticing that Akatsuki remained silent, Baram laughed.

“Just say what your opinion is, remaining silent will be considered as agreement.”

“...…If you say so, then there’s no helping it. Okay, so it’s this.” Akatsuki shrugged.

“What does this mean? Did you give up on the peace agreement?” Facing Listy’s suspicion, Akatsuki shook his head.

“Give up? I did not mean to say I give up……Is there anything wrong with this?”

“There is nothing wrong. Just by seeing you judge and accept that our surveillance forces were attacked by the demon race, our attacks have also gained legitimacy, so there is naturally no reason for us to retreat. Under these circumstances, do you think there is space for negotiation?”

“Of course not.”

Baram replaced Akatsuki to answer Volk’s question, then he turned to face Akatsuki.

“He has already admitted that our attack to the demon race is justified revenge.”

But……

“That’s correct, I admit that.”

Akatsuki attitude was still frivolous.

He announced to the crowd loudly.

“I recognize, and accept your argument that the demon race is the culprit behind the attacks on the surveillance forces.”

So—now it’s our turn.

“Galevain respects and accepts your country’s stance and judgment; after all, besides the testimony, you also hold relevant evidence. But do not be mistaken, the truth isn’t this, the demon race have never attacked the human surveillance forces. About this point, we also have relevant testimony and we reasonably suspect that the evidence you found are fakes made by the real culprit.”

“W……What did you say?”

Facing Akatsuki’s explanation, Baram could not help but reveal a surprised look, as if he did not understand the meaning behind Akatsuki’s words. So Akatsuki gave out a slight smile and loudly requested:

“Now it is your turn to respect and understand our stance. We are troubled because we were wrongly accused, and hope you will be able to immediately retreat, this is our stance.”

“Ah……”

The moment Miu understood and exclaimed——

“——That is a lie!”

Baram slammed his hands onto the table, and angrily stood up. His chair fell down behind him and created a loud sound. Under Baram’s menacing eyes, Akatsuki still had a nonchalant look.

“While we are not able to agree with your stance, we are still willing to respect it. So I will not request that you agree with us, but at least respect our stance.”

“A mere defeated country wishes to have equal footing with us? Don’t expect that if you respect our stance, we must respect your stance!”

“Huh, did you forget? Didn’t grandpa Volk just say this? “Your status is equivalent to us, there is naturally no need to make a useless attempt at beautiful rhetorical words and diplomatic language.” If our status is equal, then it is natural to ask for the same in return!”

“Ohoh, you’re really something.”

Volk, who was placed on the spot by Akatsuki, gently smiled, and stroked his long white beard.

Baram spat out.

“That was Pope Volk’s opinion, I did not promise that.”

“Then why did you not speak at that time? “If you have an opinion, speak quickly” , “Silence represents agreement”, I wonder who said these two phrases.”

“Mmmm……”

Baram was angry to the extent where his cheeks turned red. Seeing this, Miranda could not help but cover her mouth and laugh, her shoulder even shook slightly, with an overjoyed look.

However, Akatsuki did not intend to easily let go of Baram.

“This is a formal meeting, so all the speeches “cannot be cancelled”. This phrase was your excuse that you used in the beginning in order to put me in a difficult position. Now you can’t even hold your own, it can’t be that you would pretend that you never said it right? I should hope that, the Great Disdia Emperor, would use just a dirty trick right?”

His honey tongue really made an awe-inspiring appearance.

Noticing that everybody remained silent, Akatsuki revealed a proud smile.

He then said:

“——Look, didn’t I say it already? This meeting was completely under my control.”

“……!”

Under Akatsuki’s superb conversation skills, he gave no room for rebuttal for Baram who wanted to eliminate the demon race.

However, the battle of politics was just about to begin.

“——Akatsuki-dono, please listen to me.

Alphonse suddenly spoke.

“Volk-sama did indeed mention about having the “same status”, but it should only represent only the representatives and not the relations between countries.”

“Oh……”

Although Alphonse’s eyes were filled with provocation, Akatsuki had a good impression of him.

Up till now, the developments from the peace talks, Baram’s previous careless remarks had forced his country to express disagreement with Galevain’s request, Disdia’s position and influence would also be affected. So Alphonse attempted to help his father take back the disadvantage. As a prince of his country, it was not only his responsibility but also his duty. However, Akatsuki would not be lenient because of this.

“So that is your explanation, but I believe that it should also include equality between the nations. Anyways, I respected your stances, then can you please respect mine?”

Once they accepted the opposing stances, it would mean that even if their opinions did not match, they could only interpret it by themselves. In short, Alphonse’s dissent would not have any effect. However, Alphonse readily accepted Akatsuki’s proposition.

“I see……If we accept your stance, what request do you have?”

“Immediately recall the troops that surround the forest.”

Akatsuki replied without hesitation.

“We have already accepted your stance of performing a siege, now it is your turn to show sincerity and recall your troops.”

“The cause of the attack was because our country and Sherfield’s joint forces came under attack, how would you deal with this matter? Right now both sides are sticking to their own positions, and both sides of argument are lacking evidence, and cannot accurately tell the truth. But our surveillance forces being crushed is an indisputable fact. Even if we currently do not hold real evidence, it does not deny the possibility that the demon race was involved in it.”

Alphonse’s conversational skills were also quite clever. Akatsuki spat out in his heart.

……Amazing.

The reason behind why both sides were deadlocked was because they continued to stand for their own side’s legitimate reasons.

However, Alphonse actually admitted that both sides were lacking conclusive evidence, and at the same time, Akatsuki’s opinion was only baseless speculation. Once they pulled out the emotions of both sides, it left only the truth. In reality, compared to the proposition of demon race believing they were being framed, it was clear that “Our monitoring forces have been attacked by the demon race and were completely wiped out” was more realistic.

……What should I do?

Although they could continue their stance of being misunderstood, there were many weak arguments, and sooner or later, they would be overwhelmed by the other side. Thus, Akatsuki decided to change the course.

“In order to prove that we are being framed, Galevain hopes to quickly investigate the truth of this matter. However, Galevain will not accept the truth you investigated, and at the same time, you will not accept the truth Galevain investigated. Is this correct?”

“Yes.”

Alphonse nodded. Akatsuki revealed a satisfied smile.

“Why not let the Maritime Trade Country — Ayersmarina act as a fair and impartial third party, and under witness from both sides re-investigate. I personally feel that it is an appropriate method, what do you think of it?”

Only in the situation where it did not involve both sides’ interest, it could clarify the truth. Since the culprit was not Galevain, the truth was in their favor.

“……”

Alphonse considered for a moment.

“——This proposal is indeed appropriate.”

Then he quietly said:

“……I do not know what Sherfield thinks, Queen Listy?”

“Ah……That’s fine.”

After Listy expressed her agreement, Alphonse gaze shifted to the other side.

“Volk-sama, is Aleclasta also in favor of this proposal?”

“Yes, there are no objections. The truth is that the forces that were wiped out are from Sherfield and Disdia. I am generally following the friendship of our three country alliance, so I sent troops to participate in retaliation. As long as your country and Sherfield accept, Aleclasta will naturally have no reasons to refuse.”

“Very well, then let’s leave it as that.”

Akatsuki revealed a satisfied smile.

“——However……Akatsuki-dono.”

Alphonse coldly spoke:

“In principle, we cannot let all the troops retreat from the forest. The alternative plan was to leave the surveillance forces, I believe there are no objections from Galevain’s side.”

“Geez, you really calculated it well.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

“The amount of surveillance forces are the same as before?”

“No. Since they were able to eliminate our troops in one night, this means that we cannot underestimate the other party. To prevent the same tragedy from occurring, we must increase the amount of forces.”

Alphonse apparently tried to fight for more favorable conditions, but Akatsuki replied quickly.

“Ah…Okay, that’s fine.”

“……Do you not need to confirm the number of troops that we increased?”

Akatsuki attitude was very simple, and instead made Alphonse feel a bit surprised.

Only for him to see Akatsuki smile.

“Never mind, I believe you. After all you do not wish to break the consensus both parties had managed to build right?”

“……That is true.”

At the same time he saw Alphonse gave a wry smile, Akatsuki thought to himself.

…At least we came up with a conclusion.

They at least successfully managed to remove the siege around the force. Moreover, Alphonse was a negotiation expert; if it had continued, there was no guarantee that Akatsuki would not suffer losses.

“——Otou-sama, what do you think?”

Alphonse asked for Baram’s opinion. Baram obviously did not accept this conclusion, but he could not express an objection; after all, his careless remarks made them fall under unfavorable conditions. It was thanks to Alphonse that they managed to turn the tide and barely regained their pride, so why would Baram let down his son’s efforts. Besides, this conclusion had obtained the agreement of Volk and Listy. If he was to object at this point, he would undoubtedly disgrace himself.

“……I understand, then let us do this.”

After saying this, Alphonse stared at Akatsuki as if he was seeking for Akatsuki’s consent.

Akatsuki accepted Alphonse’s gaze and quietly nodded.

……Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse.

After his three brothers died in the battle against the demon race, Alphonse had become the sole heir of Disdia.

The frail and weak Alphonse could not be like his father and brothers and storm the battle, but he was the indispensable strategist beside his father, and helped his father to deal with politics. As a prince in a military country that had never killed on the battlefield, Alphonse was called by many citizens as the , but the display he showed in the debate was extraordinary. He not only made the surveillance forces stay at the forest with a legitimate reason, he even obtained agreement from the participants to increase the strength of their forces, helping his father and at the same time Disdia regain their pride.

……He sure has character.

Alphonse did not hesitate to accept the fair and impartial third party proposal to investigate the truth, which meant that Disdia did not seem to care if the truth was to be made public.

Is it because they have confidence in their own legitimacy? Or is it——

……Another conspiracy?

Not through violent coercion, but bribing with money? However, Alphonse did not seem to be that type of person. At least when he was facing Akatsuki, his eyes were extremely honest.

…Forget it.

Even if he really had little tricks, he would not be able to escape from Akatsuki. There was no need to waste his time on him.

They had managed the break through the first hurdle, but there were still more things for Akatsuki to deal with. The tension they had till now was finally resolved.

……Now they had to deal with the tension in the future.

At this moment——

“……I’m willing to accept the request of withdrawing my army and only leaving surveillance forces in the forest.”

Baram quietly said.

“But this does not represent that Disdia is willing to sign an equal peace treaty with Galevain. The demon race and Disdia’s national powers are too different, they will never be able to be equals.”

Hearing this, Akatsuki was actually secretly delighted.

One of the most important keys to the peace negotiation was to lure the militarist Disdia to say the phrase just now. He did not think that Baram would actually say it himself. Ousawa Akatsuki of course did not miss this opportunity.

“National powers are too different……What does this phrase mean?”

“Is there any more to say!”

Baram’s said with a firm tone.

“Military Strength is equal to National Power. Once war breaks out again, Disdia will be easily able to annihilate Galevain!”

“Easily? You talk big.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly.

“Listen carefully, if war breaks out again, I will be standing on Galevain’s side this time.”

### Part 4

Listy heard this clearly, everyone almost gasped simultaneously.

Then it hit her, that was Akatsuki’s real purpose.

……You’re serious, Akatsuki.

Akatsuki had already been mentally prepared, even if he had to become enemies with his past comrades, he would still fight for the demon race.

“Hmmph……Don’t think that just by adding one more person, you will be able to compete with Disdia’s forces.”

Baram could not conceal his rage, but Akatsuki still had a frivolous appearance.

“Are you serious now?”

Akatsuki laughed.

“Did you carefully consider the consequences of becoming my enemy?”

“What did you say……?”

Through Akatsuki’s reminder, Baram’s face suddenly became pale.

……It looked like Baram had already noticed it.

Listy thought. Taking into the account of risk involved by making Akatsuki their enemy, Baram’s reaction was not surprising. After all, their opponent was a hero that had defeated Alayzard’s strongest demon king – Galious. There would absolutely be psychological impact on their soldiers. Even if he was called the “Rogue Hero”, countries all over the world, including Sherfield, had many Akatsuki supporters. Especially soldiers from the battlefield—Akatsuki, who had led the battle, was definitely their hero. These people had witnessed Akatsuki’s performance on the battlefield and they naturally understood Akatsuki’s combat prowess. When Galious was still alive, he had the title of Alayzard’s strongest and undefeatable demon king, but in the end, he still lost to Akatsuki. Once the soldiers understood that they were going to fight against the invincible Akatsuki, there was bound to be panic. This was also the reason why Baram had sent his strongest assassin to defeat Akatsuki. He did not think that Phil Barnett would lose and even the Evil Dragon Zahhark would be defeated by Akatsuki. This proved that Akatsuki’s combat abilities far surpassed Baram’s imagination.

“But……If we really began to fight, victory will still belong to us.”

Baram continue to persist, but the expression on his face was very pained. However, what he said was accurate. If it was in a frontal confrontation, the chances of Disdia winning were not low. No matter how powerful Akatsuki was, he was still only a human, how could he face the hundreds of thousands of human troops? But this would already not be a military action to eliminate the demon race, and rather a devastating war filled with corpses, even if they managed to win, the damages and impact they had to face were difficult to estimate. Although Disdia’s national power was enormous, it had already been exhausted through the battles over the years against the demon king Galious, and had yet to recover completely. Thus if war did set off again, there was no guarantee that the country would not be shaken. As the ruler of Disdia, it was impossible for Baram to not understand these principles.

……And……

Listy thought. Although the odds of winning a frontal confrontation were not low, but……

……The military conflict was not everything about the war.

“As long as war starts, victory will belong to the humans? This may not be the case.”

As if he also understood this concept, Akatsuki looked around at the crowd.

“Disdia, who lost many brave and fierce princes, is only relying on the prestige of the current emperor to maintain everything. Through the symbol and absolute authority of the Pope, the religious country Aleclasta. The only survivor of royalty who became the Queen, and after taking back the capital they rose up to fight against the demon king Galious, the country Sherfield. These three countries’ leaders are irreplaceable able people. Just by defeating the “King” or taking over a “capital”, cutting down the wishes and hope of the people, everything will be settled. The most simple example is when I defeated Galious, the battle between the humans and demon race also came to an end.”

Exactly. There are many methods to win a war, it is not necessarily about just fighting with the enemy forces.

“Meaning that once the two sides fight against each other, you will not hesitate to kill me?”

Volk narrowed his eyes and stared at Akatsuki.

Only to see Akatsuki shrug.

“I don’t want to do that either. But if you are going to become my enemy, harm my comrades, then I have no other choice. This is called karma.”

However……

“Taking you guys as the hostage is also an excellent idea. Just like you had planned to take the demon king’s daughter as a hostage.”

Therefore——

“Consider it carefully. If there really is no room for negotiation and no room for peace talks, this castle’s hall may instantly turn into a battlefield.”

The scene was suddenly enveloped in cold atmosphere.

But——

“Oh no, Akatsuki……How can you randomly scare people?”

Miranda’s smile warmed up the atmosphere of the scene.

“These talks were requested by you. If you were to cause trouble in the middle of the talks, you would only agitate the feelings that human have on the demon race. I believe that it should not be the ending that you, who wish for peace, hope for?”

“Haha, looks like I can’t hide it from you.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled.

“However……Akatsuki.”

Volk interfered from the sidelines:

“You seem to place a deep hope on the peace treaty between the demon race and the humans, but what about the feelings of the people?”

After all……

“Humans and demon race have a history of conflict, and it flows deeply. Up till now, both sides are still in the situation of mutual hostility. How could they forgive and forget about the past and peacefully live together?” Listy expressed agreement in her heart. Unless they obtained the support from their people, the peace treaty was only just a formality. However, Akatsuki shook his head as if he was not worried about this point.

“A peace treaty is different than an alliance. It will not force demon race and humans to live together. It simply is a non-aggression agreement in order to avoid the reoccurrence of similar conflict.”

“……Non-aggression? Meaning that we will live in peace by not interfering with each other?”

Listy asked and Akatsuki simply said “Yes” and nodded.

“The demon race only wishes to live their lives in peace. If both sides do not approach each other, then naturally conflicts will not arise. There has never been a similar agreement in the past between the humans and the demon race. The people from both sides were living in fear of a war erupting any moment. But once the peace treaty is signed, at least there will be a protection formally, which will also effectively eliminate the fears within the people’s hearts.”

The scene fell into silence. Everybody was considering the feasibility of a peace treaty in their hearts.

……It was not unreasonable.

Listy thought. As long as they both do not interfere with each other, peace between the two sides is not impossible.

At this moment……

“Ah, so that was what it is……This consideration indeed makes sense.”

Volk muttered and expressed his support.

“What? Pope Volk!”

A shocked Baram stared at Volk.

“Don’t tell me you actually believe in his nonsense?”

“Nonsense? It may not be. The long war has just ended, and there is no one that hopes for a war to start again. Truthfully, the battle has continued for too long, it is to the extent that there are some children that have never known what peace is. Since returning to our calm and peaceful lives is the hopes of people, a non-aggression agreement is a viable option……Queen Listy, what do you think?”

“……Yes, our country is also tired of the atmosphere caused by the war.”

The attack this time was caused by our country’s military, the militia stayed within the country to help out with post-war reconstruction work. Listy understood the people hated war, thus she decided to make this decision. If it can completely eliminate war, then everything is good.

And……

……As a result, they will not have to fight against Akatsuki.

“Right now only Disdia has not expressed their opinions, how is it?”

Alphonse replaced Baram to answer Pope’s question.

“Akatsuki-dono’s proposal is indeed attractive, but there are still two problems.”

“Ah……Then please say it.”

Under Volk’s indication, Alphonse nodded.

“First is the attack on our surveillance forces. If it was really the work of the demon race, Disdia will once again take action against Galevain, and at that time, the so-called peace treaty will be gone.”

“That is justifiable, after all the premise of the peace treaty was that the attacks on the surveillance forces were unrelated to the demon race. Akatsuki, you should have no objections?”

“Yes, that is natural.”

Akatsuki nodded, then Alphonse continued to speak:

“The following is the second problem. Besides that the matter about our surveillance forces being unrelated to the demon race, there is also the premise where Akatsuki must show strength capable of resisting against us. After all, Akatsuki-dono has only given a one-sided statement. At the same time, we have no confirm the legitimacy of the empty talk. In order to prove the legitimacy of the peace treaty, I would wish for Akatsuki-dono to prove his strength.”

“Ohoh……Really you.”

Volk narrowed his eyes, laughing very happily.

“Akatsuki, what do you say? Is Alphonse’s request reasonable?”

“I have no opinions about it, I am always ready to take on the challenge.”

Akatsuki replied.

“——However, how should I prove my strength?”

“About this……As long as you are able to win over our current strongest fighting forces, it should be okay. This should be the most direct and easiest way of proving your strength.”

“That is also true. But can you tell me who do you refer to as your “strongest fighting force”?

“Is there any need to say it?”

After Alphonse said this, Listy could clearly see that a cruel smile appeared on his face.

……Could it be?

Listy, who suddenly understood, intended to stop Alphonse from continuing; however, it was unfortunately a step too late.

She saw Alphonse remain calm and composed while saying:

“——Queen Listy, General Zech and Elite Executive Loutier, would you three please go?”

Listy unconsciously bit her lower lips. Zechs and Loutier’s expression was also pale. It seems that the two had also spotted Alphonse’s trap.

She could not allow him to continue to spout out a great deal of nonsense, so Listy attempted the change the topic.

“Alphonse-dono, it is generous how highly you think of us, but we three are not the strongest forces that you speak of, this is just a baseless conjecture. It seems like you have other plans?”

“You consider too much. I do not have any other plans, and the statement about the strongest forces isn’t baseless conjecture. In the past, the three of you have fought together with Akatsuki-dono, and were classified as Great Heroes that saved Alayzard. It is rumored that everyone’s strength is on par with Akatsuki-dono. So our current strongest forces will naturally belong to none other than you three.”

“This……But……”

The situation was rapidly deteriorating. She was quickly trying to think of a plan. Under these dire circumstances, Listy turned and glanced at Loutier, only to discover that she was sweating a lot, as if she also could not think of a strategy.

……What should we do?

If the three of us win, it proves that Akatsuki’s strength was not strong enough to cause fear, and a battle between the humans and the demon race may erupt any moment.

What if the three of us lose?

……The world would believe that the peace treaty was built based on our defeat.

Although residents of Alayzard hate war, the majority of the humans do not wish to coexist peacefully with the demon race. Thus the peace treaty should be constructed based on the premise of all three countries, in order to share the responsibilities of the people’s reactions. Right now Alphonse was actually trying to push the responsibility to Sherfield, making Sherfield become the target of public criticism.

“Alphonse-dono……Please forgive me, but we cannot bear the responsibilities. Whether the peace treaty will successfully be established between our country and Aleclasta with the demon race, this responsibility should not be borne by our country alone.”

“Queen Listy, you worry too much, our country does not mind to allow Sherfield to determine whether the establishment of the peace treaty will be successful, we absolutely did not have the meaning of pushing all the responsibilities to Sherfield——Oto-sama, is this correct?”

“Ah, yes.”

Baram revealed a slight smile.

“Should the signing of the peace treaty be established, let’s let the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Queen Listy and the others to decide. Pope Volk, what is your opinion?”

“Ah……If Disdia has expressed their agreement, Aleclasta naturally do not have any reason to oppose.”

“Pope Volk?”

Facing Listy’s bitter protest, the crafty Volk smiled.

“Queen Listy, we entrust it to you. There is no need to give yourself too much pressure, just take it easy.”

“……!”

Listy bit her lips tightly. Sherfield would replace Aleclasta to bear all the responsibilities, so Volk naturally had no reason to refuse. What about Alphonse’s suggestion? Whether war would break out again or not, their country would still survive. As the leaders of their countries, Volk and Baram’s vision was looking far away, as if they already saw the future after the end of this event. In short, it was the battle of leadership for their military alliance.

……We were set up.

Alphonse, Baram and Volk’s statements were only just an excuse. If Listy and them really lose, humans and the demon race signed a peace treaty, Disdia and Aleclasta would not find out who is guilty and make Sherfield accountable. However, this will be a diplomatic conflict between the nations.

There were a few citizens that would not forgive the tiniest mistakes made by their country’s leader. If they knew that their country’s leader had lost in a duel, and was forced to sign a peace agreement that they are not willing to see, in the eyes of the people, Sherfield would become the culprit for Disdia and Aleclasta’s citizens. The citizen’s hatred will affect the diplomatic measures for the leaders, so Sherfield would undoubtedly draw the short straw compared to the other two countries; Disdia and Aleclasta could also possibly make endless demands to Sherfield.

……And……

Sherfield was certain, Alphonse’s trap was because of their relationship with Akatsuki.

Akatsuki was Sherfield’s hero. Alphonse was trying to test Akatsuki, questioning whether he was willing to speak out on behalf of the demon race and push Sherfield into a dire situation.

……Akatsuki……

Listy used pleading eyes and looked at Akatsuki. Not only did Akatsuki pressure Baram earlier, he was also able to talk back against Alphonse. Perhaps he might have a good plan to reverse the situation.

At the very next moment, to her surprise, Listy heard an incredible statement.

Akatsuki’s remark ——

“——No problem. If it is to bring peace between the two sides, I am willing to do anything.”

A few minutes later, the deceitful peace talks had quietly settled down.

Since Akatsuki had given his approval, Listy and them naturally did not have any reason to refuse.

Considering the preparation time needed, the duel between the three of them and Akatsuki was decided to be set two days later.

Right now, Listy El Da Sherfield was hurriedly heading to the entrance of the castle.

Noticing the back of her target, Listy gave out a loud shout.

“——Wait, Akatsuki!”

The youth in front slowly turned his head.

Seeing Listy’s expression, Akatsuki immediately understood the reasons why she came. He turned and ordered Miu and Haruka.

“Let me speak to her privately, she seems to have something to say.”

“But……”

“Relax, nothing is going to happen.”

Facing a worried Miu, AKatsuki could not help but laugh.

“I’m not saying that you should stay away like a stranger, you should observe from a distance.”

Since Akatsuki said this, Miu could only reluctantly nod, then followed Haruka and left the scene with her. Waiting till the two had walked far away enough, Listy quietly said:

“You are the murderer of her father, but you could actually gain her trust in such a short period of time.”

“This is called a relationship fostered by the life-threatening situations people faced together. Of course, my own charisma is also a reason.”

Akatsuki looked at the Miu who was not so far away. His eyes were very calm.

But Listy’s response was very sharp.

“There is an 80% chance that it was the result of those perverted hands.”

“Haha, you say?”

The slightly smiling Akatsuki shrugged. This reaction immediately made Listy unhappy.

“Not even letting the demon king’s daughter go, isn’t it too hideous to see?”

Complaining at the same time, Listy could not help but feel an outburst of emotions. The conversation they were having right now was the same as the one few years ago when they were travelling around.

……Only that we have changed now.

Listy became the Queen, Akatsuki became the demon race representative. Compared to the relationship they had before, it was undoubtedly a great irony. While they were travelling together, the two of them would always talk about some far-fetched topic, and were always together, but now the scene had only became a distant memory, leaving behind only melancholy and sadness.

“……”

Listy felt a burst of sorrow and grief, and bowed her head in silence.

“——So?”

Akatsuki took the initiative to speak:

“You told me to stop, it should not be to talk about the old days right?”

So Listy slowly looked up.

“……Do you really intend to fight with us?”

She wanted to know why Akatsuki accepted Alphonse’s proposal.

The way the situation had evolved, Akatsuki was no long able to use his past prestige and record to play a fearful role. Alayzard’s fate would depend on the results of the duel between Akatsuki and Listy and her companions. Seeing that, there were only two paths left. One was that the peace treaty would fail to be established, and Galevain would be completely destroyed by the three countries’ joint forces. The other way was that the peace treaty would be successful, and the people who opposed the agreement would place their blame on the defeated Listy and her companions, forcing Sherfield to slowly fall apart. Thus, Listy wanted to make sure which path Akatsuki had decided on in the end.

The result was——

“——Give it your best shot.”

Akatsuki’s answer was surprising.

Listy even wondered if she had heard it wrong.

It really was unbelievable. Listy could understand Akatsuki’s idea of not hoping the war would reignite between the two sides. Truthfully, this was also her desire.

Nobody likes war. Listy really wanted to make an effort for this peace agreement.

But if the signing of the peace treaty involved sacrificing Sherfield, the situation was different. Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and at the same time, she loved this country. To protect her country and her people is absolutely a responsibility that the she, as the Queen, must bear.

……Isn’t it the same for Akatsuki……?

The five years we spent together, during that time, who knows how many times Akatsuki risked his life to fight for Sherfield. Listy believed that Akatsuki still loved Sherfield, but the current him did not hestitate to stand on the side of the demon race, which greatly shook Listy’s belief. Listy could not deny that her heart still had a firm trust for Akatsuki. Therefore, she could not believe that Akatsuki would actually say these kinds of words.

“Did you abandon us and choose the demon race?”

Listy muttered, looking dejected.

Seeing this, Akatsuki was suddenly placed in an awkward situation.

“No, that is not what I mean.”

“Then what does that mean!”

Being overly emotional, Listy could not help but raise her voice. Standing not far away, Miu, Haruka and even Sherfield castle guards all responded with curious eyes, but Listy did not care about the gazes from the others.

Listy did not seem to care about other people’s thoughts; she only wanted to know what Akatsuki was feeling deep down.

“I only do not want to betray myself, betray the people who believe in me.”

Akatsuki’s expression was very calm.

“Actually I could have turned a blind eye to the situation, silently watching the demon race go on a path of destruction. But you know me, do you really think I’m the type of person who would coldly observe on the sidelines?”

“This……!”

Listy was speechless. After all, Akatsuki was not wrong.

Thus Akatsuki continued to speak:

“Do you want the people that trust me, or the people who know me discover that Ousawa Akatsuki only wanted to escape from reality, and was a coward who did not want to face the problem? Sorry, I can’t do that. I take pride in myself that I absolutely will not lie to myself. Yes, I am me, this is also the reason why I, as the Rogue Hero, was able to gain everyone’s trust, there is absolutely no room for negotiations.”

Akatsuki’s expression suddenly turned serious.

“Knowing that currently a handful of females are crying, knowing that in the future, there will be more females that have tears trickling down, are you telling me to stand by the side and do nothing about it? Sorry, that is not my style. So I will fight, and determine who is stronger, to prove that I have not betrayed the trust you all have in me.”

The word “betray” that Akatsuki spoke of made Listy feel emotional.

That is correct. In her heart, Listy felt that Akatsuki betrayed himself. However, Listy, who knew Akatsuki better than everyone, understood that this thought was not fair to Akatsuki. Based on Akatsuki’s personality, it was natural for him to take action during this kind of situation. But what was strange was, as Baram had said, why did she deliberately ignore the possibility that Akatsuki brought Miu away from Alayzard?

The answer was simple, she was unwilling to face—No, it should be unwilling to believe. Listy did want Akatsuki to protect others. She also clearly understood that this emotion was called jealousy.

……What should I do……?

Until now, Listy finally noticed how much Akatsuki had occupied in her heart. That day, when Akatsuki returned to his own world. Up until the final moment with Akatsuki, Listy was still unwilling to say her own feelings.

Truthfully, Listy had hoped that Akatsuki would remain behind, she could have cried and begged Akatsuki to not leave.

However, Listy still decided in the end to see Akatsuki leave. Because she understood that both Akatsuki and herself still had a more important task on hand.

Akatsuki must return to his own world to stop a certain person’s trap. Listy must also lead her country and her citizens, and embark on the road of reconstruction. The warmth of the parting deep kiss was what silently supported Listy in her heart.

“……”

Listy looked at Miu who was not too far away.

Miu’s worried eyes was staring at none other than Akatsuki. The girl beside her was also the same. Listy understood the emotions they have on Akatsuki. After all she is also someone who, even now, had the same feelings inside. Listy could not help but even feel a bit of envy. Miu must have revealed her truest voice in front of Akatsuki, never trying to be brave and hiding. So that is why currently Akatsuki is fighting to protect her.

……I can’t do it.

If you need me, I will immediately come— Those were the words that Akatsuki had left behind before he went away.

But Listy had never called Akatsuki’s name. She attempted to face everything alone, hoping that when they meet again, she will be able to upright face Akatsuki. Listy did not wish to increase Akatsuki’s burden, she wanted to prove herself to Akatsuki. Even without Akatsuki’s help, she would still be able to undertake the task of the Queen alone. To let him know, she had fought in a lonely and solitude environment.

But Listy really did not understand why Akatsuki would become her enemy.

……Is it because I did something wrong?

If Listy, like Miu, asked directly for help from Akatsuki, would Akatsuki immediately stand beside Listy? If she cried in the presence of Akatsuki, or even bawled, would Akatsuki abandon Galevain for Sherfield, abandon Miu for herself?”

……What am I doing?

Listy shook her head, attempting to get rid of the negative thoughts.

“……Are you okay?”

“——!”

Akatsuki extended his hands as if he showed concern. Listy suddenly shrank back and stayed away.

“Ah……”

This type of attitude that refused Akatsuki made Listy freeze for a moment.

It can’t be helped. Besides from Listy and Akatsuki, there were still a few guards at the scene. Not to mention that Listy was Sherfield’s Queen, and Akatsuki was the demon race’s representative; the two of them must maintain an appropriate distance. No, strictly speaking, it should be forced to keep their distance.

Seeing Listy slowly speak with a trembling tone.

“……I cannot let you win.”

As Sherfield’s Queen, For her own country’s people, and at the same time for her to obtain the respect of Akatsuki, Listy will not back down down.

“Yes, that is correct.”

Akatsuki nodded and said with a calm tone.

“Sorry…..It must be hard on you these days.”

“……!”

Listy shuddered.

Her suppressed emotions were about to overflow, she could not hold it down any longer.

Thus——

“……Till we meet again, Akatsuki.”

Listy turned around and ran quickly into the depths of the castle, as if she was anxious to escape from Akatsuki.

While panting, Listy was repeatedly thinking of the same question. Why? Why did the situation evolve to this today? Is it because I did not speak truthfully to myself?”

“Why……?”

A cluster of whispers leaked out from her mouth.

Perhaps, this was Listy El Da Sherfield’s truest side.

“Akatsuki……Actually I am not strong at all.”

### 040. Chapter 3 - The Unchanging Truth

### Part 1

After Akatsuki ended the conversation and left Sherfield Castle.

The trio went together to the market within Sherfield’s capital Erdia.

“Waaaaaa……”

Among the crowd, Miu constantly looked around, and was unable to conceal her surprise.

The battle had just ended, the people’s minds and bodies had still not yet recovered from the war, but there were smiles among the pedestrians, and the market on the side of the road was even bustling with vitality.

“There’s so many people, is there a festival being organized?”

“No, it is that lively almost every day.”

Akatsuki said beside her.

“This could be called Sherfield’s cargo distribution center. Naturally it will gather merchants and goods from all over the world.”

“Isn’t it not appropriate for us to walk openly in the crowded streets?

Haruka revealed an incredulous look.

“Aren’t you the hero of this country? Everybody should know you right? If others notice you, wouldn’t it seem as if we were seeking for trouble?”

Haruka’s warning wasn’t unreasonable; in fact, Miu also felt the same way. If everyone discovered that their hero Akatsuki was walking together with the demon king’s daughter, it was bound to set off an uproar. To all the leaders of the world, the information of Miu and Akatsuki showing up together was absolutely a big problem that could not be ignored.

Although Sherfield’s citizens might not recognize Miu, but nothing is impossible. There was no guarantee that there are no exceptions to the situation.

This also meant that the possibility they would be recognized wasn’t zero. Once they would be recognized, things would become trouble. It might even cause panic at that time.

“Relax, we won’t be recognized.”

Akatsuki seemed to smile carelessly.

“You see, isn’t there no one that pays attention to us in this street?”

That was true. Even while walking among the crowd of people, there really was no one that noticed Miu and the others.

Miu and Haruka were considered to be foreigners, so perhaps they could be passable; but the citizens on the streets actually did not notice Akatsuki’s existence. This was really strange.

This was Sherfield’s capital, which was also right inside of Erdia. Akatsuki had lived in Sherfield for many years, so he had become part of the locals. Not to mention that Akatsuki was the hero everyone knew about. According to this, he should have been in the spotlight at any location. The passersby would not ignore him. Perhaps noticing Miu’s suspicion, Akatsuki laughed.

“The reason is simple, I hid my true ki. Even if others were able to see me, they wouldn't notice my presence. It is the same as being invisible.”

Besides that……

“I also controlled your true ki, to avoid others noticing the demon king’s daughter appeared in Erdia’s market. So hold onto my hand tightly and do not let go.”

“Yes…”

A slightly flushed Miu nodded her head.

“Vice president, what about you? My other hand is still free.”

“There’s no need, nobody in this world knows me.”

Facing Akatsuki’s taunt, Haruka coldly replied with a “Hmmph”, and immediately looked away. Akatsuki shrugged and continued to walk forward. After some time……

“——We’re here, this is the place.”

Under Akatsuki’s instruction, Miu and Haruka both stopped. Here was an intersection of a small alley and the main road. In the alley, there was a restaurant. Haruka looked up at the sign hanging on the outside.

“ “Mountain Cat Cabin ” ……The place you wanted to visit is here?”

“Yes. I have already promised the boss, if I were to visit Sherfield, I must eat a meal here.”

Akatsuki replied faintly.

“But it is hanging a sign saying it is currently preparing, and if we were to be recognized ……” Miu could not conceal the restlessness inside her heart.

“Rest assured, nothing will happen. Okay, let’s go.”

Thus, Akatsuki pulled Miu’s hand and forcibly dragged her inside.

After entering the restaurant, what appeared in their vision was the small shop front.

On top of the store were a few tables of differing sizes. The walls made of stone bricks were covered with posters and flyers. Installed on the ceiling was a huge fan, which helped circulate the air inside.

This restaurant, Mountain Cat Cabin, served Sherfield’s local cuisine. When he was staying in Alayzard before, Akatsuki often came together with Listy, Zechs and Loutier and dined here. To Akatsuki, the furnishment in the store was undoubtedly a view from the past. He narrowed his eyes and felt the endless emotions while looking around the store.

……This place was the same as before.

An inexplicable nostalgia swept over him.

“There seems to be no one in the store, can we really come in?”

“That’s strange, there should be people here at this time.”

Facing Haruka’s question, Akatsuki could not help but scratch his head.

“Hey——! Auntie, are you here?”

Akatsuki raised his voice and called out a few times.

“……Coming, who is it?”

From the kitchen, a female voice came over.

“It can’t be that I forgot to hang the sign……I’m really sorry, we are currently preparing, can you please come back a little later?’

“Why do you treat me as an outsider? Auntie, it can’t be that you forgot my voice right?”

Akatsuki smiled while he talked.

A few minutes later, a woman stuck her head outside of the kitchen.

Seeing Akatsuki, her expression gradually changed, from surprise to joy.

“Hey Hey——Isn’t it Akatsuki? I really wondered who it was!”

The female boss wiped her hands on her apron, then hurriedly ran over.

“Long time no see, Auntie. Are you still okay these days?”

“Couldn’t be better, Auntie’s body is extremely healthy.”

The female boss issued a hearty laugh. Then her gaze fell upon Miu and Haruka.

“Even bringing along two cute girls? You really have guts, aren’t you afraid that Listy-sama would get angry?”

“Too late, I was just scolded by her.”

Akatsuki gave a wry smile while he shook his head. The female boss narrowed her eyes.

“You don’t even tell me when you’re coming, it really surprised me. Everybody should stand here and talk, come and find a seat and relax! I’ll prepare something for everybody to drink!”

After saying this, the female boss immediately turned and headed to the kitchen. Then Akatsuki yelled at the female boss.

“Can we get something to eat first, I’m starving.”

“Why is that isn’t a problem? However, most of the ingredients are not prepared yet. I can, at most, only make some simple dishes, is that okay?”

“Of course, auntie’s dishes will not lose to the hotel cuisine.”

“Your really know how to sweet-talk……Okay, I’ll go prepare it now.”

The female boss slightly smiled and entered the kitchen.

“She’s really kind……”

This was Miu’s first impression towards the female boss.

“Is she?” Akatsuki laughed and randomly picked a chair to sit down.

“Not only does auntie manage this shop alone, she is also a committee member of the People’s Council. She is passionate and enjoys helping others. It is almost impossible to find a resident in Erdia who does not know auntie. Before, I, along with Listy and the others, was always taken care of by auntie.”

A bustling sound came from the kitchen, probably because she was currently preparing dishes.

“Right, why did you suddenly come over today? Didn’t you return back to your own world?”

Facing the female boss’s question, Akatsuki casually replied.

“The people here found out that I secretly brought the demon king’s daughter back to my own world. Disdia even sent pursuers, which troubled me. So I simply returned to Alayzard and explained it to the Queen, Emperor and Pope of the three country alliance, hoping that they would not bother me again, and by the way, asked them to stop their aggressive actions towards the demon race.”

Immediately after Akatsuki finished speaking, the sound of kitchen pots and pans falling to the ground rang out.

“W…What did you say……?”

The female boss stuck her head outside of the kitchen. She had both a surprised and a puzzled expression.

Akatsuki shrugged, revealing an innocent smile.

“Haha……Isn’t it like my style?”

### Part 2

Although she said it was just a simple dish, the female boss’ dishes that were placed on the table were all made carefully.

For Miu, who was experiencing Sherfield’s local cuisine for the first time, each dish had a refreshing taste.

“How is the taste?”

The thoughtful female boss asked. Miu immediately nodded without hesitation.

“Yes, every dish is very tasty.”

“It really is delicious. Preparing that many dishes in such a short period of time, but the main point is that every dish is extremely tasty, it really isn’t that simple.”

Haruka was also full of praise.

Waving her knife around, Miu glanced at Akatsuki. Akatsuki, who was taking in a big mouthful of meat, revealed a joyful expression. Miu thought to herself that although she had often cook, her dishes had never had this taste. It looked like it should be the female boss’s special flavor formed by her character and her culinary skills. Besides the color, smell and taste, each dish had a sense of intimacy and warmth.

……This is the taste from a mother.

A taste that she would not be able to imitate.

Miu accidently blurted out her true feelings:

“Being able to enjoy such delicious dishes every day, auntie’s family must be very lucky. It really makes one jealous.”

“Really? Thank you, this was the most enjoyable compliment I’ve heard.”

Then she seriously faced Akatsuki.

“……I did not imagine that it would actually turn into this kind of situation.”

“Yes. When I came back, the two sides were at a explosive state.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Is there no information from the People’s Council?”

“Our side only knew about the information of the surveillance forces being wiped out, but this military action did not notify the militia and the council. Listy-sama currently believes that they cannot confirm if it was done by the demon race, they do not have an active attitude for participating in the war. If it was not for the three country military alliance agreement, I believe she had never planned to send forces out.”

The female boss stared at the empty sky.

“Only because Disdia’s attitude for revenge was extremely unyielding, Sherfield was forced to take action. In addition, the surveillance forces included part of Sherfield’s soldiers. Listy-sama could not just observe the situation, as it may lead to discontent within the country.”

So that was what happened, Akatsuki muttered.

“How did the council view this incident?”

“The council’s position was to remain neutral, but it is still sincerely looking forward to determine whether the situation of the surveillance forces being attacked is related to the demon race.”

The female boss’s expression was very bitter.

“After all, this was the peace you and Listy-sama had earned through your hard work. We have already shed too much blood, how can we easily destroy the hard-won peace.”

It really was too much.

“This short period of peace came at the expense of many precious lives.”

The female boss had a sorrowful tone. Miu and the others were suddenly moved, and gently put down the cutlery. Every word she had spoken was sincere and meaningful. Once she thought that there were humans with similar ideas as herself, Miu could not help but be moved.

……If only everybody was just like her……

War would probably never happen again.

Then she saw the female boss lift her head and look at Akatsuki.

“Since you are standing on the demon race’s side, does this mean that the event of being attacked is unrelated to the demon race?”

“At least the demon race currently targeted by the joint forces are innocent.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Currently the three country leaders have decided to temporarily retreat until an impartial third country re-investigates, then they will decide. This means that……the demon race temporarily gained a chance to breath.”

“I see……”

The female boss nodded with a strict expression, then she suddenly revealed a wry smile.

“But to stop the war and join the demon race’s forces, your method of doing things is too extreme.”

“I don’t think so.”

Akatsuki casually replied.

“I only do not like to leave things half-finished.”

“The moment you come back, you turn to this act. Listy-sama must be very angry?”

“Haha. If I could concede, I would, but when I need to be stubborn, I will also be stubborn till the end. For her position, being angry is natural.”

But once that remark had been said……

“——Actually, she worked really hard.”

The female boss quietly said.

“The recent work of transferring power to the People’s Council is gradually on track. The scope we, the committee members, are involved with has gradually increased.”

Saying up till here, the female boss could not help but sigh.

“Seeing that the elections are about to be held, I could not imagine……”

“Sorry, the election is……?”

Miu curiously asked.

“The election is to decide the new representative of Sherfield. Sherfield took great damages during the war against the demon race. As the last member of royalty, that person has decided to bear all the responsibility.”

Akatsuki replaced the female boss to reply.

“In short, it is to abolish the Royalty system, allow Sherfield to become a democratic country where the citizens elect representatives to manage the national policies.”

Ousawa Akatsuki thought back to the past.

What he thought back to was a moment after they recovered the capital Erdia from the demon race’s grasp.

At that time, Sherfield’s king had decided to enter the world, causing the country to be in turmoil. The citizens were all suffering from the threat of war. As the remaining survivor from the royal family, Listy regretted the actions of her father, and began to seriously consider what she could do for the country.

The gentle Sherfield princess finally made two decisions. One was to defeat the demon king Galious, the other was to democratize Sherfield. The people who decide the fate of Sherfield shouldn’t be the king, but the citizens. In order to create a democratic country, Listy brought Akatsuki, Zechs and Loutier to establish the system, creating the People’s Council and the militia ——which were not loyal to the royalty, but a political organization and military that belonged to the people. Currently, the final decision for policies resided at Listy’s hands, but all the policies would have to pass through the People’s Council.

The only area that the People’s Council could not interfere with was matters related to the previous war.

“That person once said, the battle was because of a wrong decision from the royal family.”

“S…So the goal of her becoming the successor of the throne is……”

Akatsuki nodded, confirming Miu’s prediction.

“Besides an armed coup d’etat, only royalty members are able to abolish the monarchy. But it just so happens that the country’s people all love Listy very much……”

That is also saying……

“The purpose of that person taking the throne was to deal with the mess that the royal family had left to their people. As Sherfield’s last queen, it is a responsibility she must take.”

“This……”

After learning the ins and outs of the matter, Miu was dumbfounded.

Miu had abandoned the responsibility of the demon king’s daughter. Of course, this was a decision she was forced to make.

After all, the demon king was dead now, and the demon king’s daughter would only become a source of unrest. That was why Galious had decided to entrust Miu to Akatsuki; and Akatsuki believed that the most appropriate solution was to take Miu away from Alayzard, and return to his own world. Even after they had left Alayzard, Disdia still sent pursuers, attempting to harm Miu. If she had decided to stay in this world, the consequences could have been disastrous.

However, the reason did not change the fact that Miu, as the demon king’s daughter, ran away from her responsibilities. They were both the leaders of their countries. Listy decided to face the responsibility and up till now, continued to fight restlessly. The gap between the two was clear to see.

Ignoring the transfixed Miu, Haruka quietly asked.

“Ousawa Akatsuki, do you really not have any regrets? Even knowing how much effort Queen Listy has given for the country, you still want to have a duel with her?”

“To prevent the battle between humans and the demon race, and promoting a peaceful coexistence between the two sides, I have no other choice.”

Akatsuki replied.

“Also, this is not only for the demon race. For the sake of that person, I must stop this war.”

Is it not?

“To prevent her, who absolutely hates wars, from being forced to go down this path, I must stop the war, and stop the tears from her that will flow down because of a war.”

“……”

Facing Akatsuki’s passionate speech, everyone fell into silence.

In Miu’s heart, there was a bit of self-loathing.

……Really now, what was I thinking in the end……

Even though she knew she shouldn’t have this thought, once Miu heard that Akatsuki was willing to fight for Listy, she felt a bit bitter. Including the sense of self-loathing, it made Miu feel even more painful.

“——If you say so, then what do you plan to do?”

Haruka asked a question towards Akatsuki.

“I think you should also know right? In order to reach a peaceful agreement, the battle happening in three days must be won. But in case you win, and the impartial third-country investigation results prove that the attack was unrelated to the demon race, humans and the demon race will successfully sign a peace treaty……At that moment, Sherfield will definitely be in a dilemma.”

“Are you referring to the domestic and foreign hostile forces that disagree with the peace treaty? Of course I understand this.”

Akatsuki gave off a hmmph, then revealed a confident smile.

“Disdia’s fourth prince isn’t a simple character to deal with, but I have my own plan.”

### Part 3

After finishing their meal.

Miu prepared to get up and help the female boss clean up the dishes on the table.

“It’s okay, just sit down. Cleaning the dishes has always been my job.”

The female bossed smiled and declined Miu’s act of kindness. Miu could only obediently sit back down.

“——Oh, yes, auntie. Is it okay if I say hello at the back of the store?”

Akatsuki suddenly remembered something and asked.

The reply from the female boss came back from the kitchen.

“Of course, there’s no problem. You haven’t met each other for a long time, so there must be a lot to say. Take it slowly, there’s no need to rush.”

“Thanks……You guys should also come.”

Akatsuki left his seat, went through the kitchen door and walked towards the back door of the restaurant.

Miu and Haruka glanced at each other, and could only follow.

Opening the back door, Akatsuki walked outside. What he saw was a family vegetable garden.

The ten square meter vegetable garden was organized neatly. It was covered with various natural vegetables on top of Sherfield’s fertile land. The vegetables that were used in the restaurant probably came from this location. But if you looked closely, there wasn’t a person in sight at the vegetable garden.

“There isn’t even a person here, who are you going to greet?”

Haruka frowned, but Akatsuki only said “Come here”, and walked to the other side of the vegetable garden. Behind the fence was a large forest. Akatsuki pushed open the wooden door of the fence and entered the forest. Miu followed him into the forest and stood next to Akatsuki.

“This is……a grave……?”

Seeing three large boulders acting as a gravestone side by side. The furthest boulder was a different color than the other two boulders in front, it should be a person who had recently died.

“——!”

The gravestone was inscribed with the word “Leon”. Miu suddenly turned pale.

“Could it……”

Miu stared at Akatsuki. Only to see Akatsuki nod, his eyes remaining at the gravestone.

“Here is Sherfield’s true hero, and also Leon’s home. This is a private family cemetery. There is no need to go to the cemetery near the castle to pay respect to the dead.”

“Could it be that auntie is……”

Miu turned and looked back at the back door. The female boss, who treated them earlier, was located near the back door and inside the kitchen.

“She is called Selina Aceperio……and is Leon’s mother.”

Replying to Miu’s question, Akatsuki suddenly sat down.

“Sorry……Compared to here, the cemetery’s level of alert is too high, there is no way to have a good chat with you.”

Akatsuki’s face revealed a solitary smile.

“The idiot that destroyed the tomb was already defeated by me. Valkyria also said that they will help rebuild your grave, you can relax.”

Akatsuki said towards Leon’s grave. Although Ousawa Miu heard this, she did not understand the meaning of Akatsuki’s words. When she regained consciousness, she noticed that she was sitting down on the ground, completely powerless, and even standing up was difficult for her.

The hero Leon ——The person who killed him was none other than the demon king, who was also Miu’s father, Galious.

……Could it be……

Under the situation where she had no knowledge of this, she enjoyed Leon’s mother’s elaborate dishes.

What should I do? Her chest was clutched together, making it hard for her to breathe. This unpleasant feeling must have come from the guilt within her heart.

Miu wrapped her arms around her chest, and tightly held onto her trembling body.

However, her body still did not listen to her, and began to shake.

“——Calm down, don’t get overly excited.”

Just before Miu was about to be swallowed by the sense of guilt, Akatsuki put his arm around her shoulder. He gently and firmly pushed Miu into his arms.

“Ah……”

Only by doing this, Miu’s body remembered how to breathe.

The moment the oxygen entered her lungs, her body was shrouded with an unbearable chill.

“There is no need to feel guilty, after all, I did not tell you in advance and brought you to this place.”

Akatsuki apologized.

“However, if I had told you auntie’s identity in advance, you would probably not eat at all, and it would maybe turn auntie’s wishes of not having war with the demon race turn into a fake lie.”

But……

“I only wanted you to taste auntie’s dishes, listen to her voice. Within your knowledge, perhaps humans are only a crowd of selfish animals who randomly try to find a reason to eliminate the demon race, but within this pack of selfish animals, there are still people like auntie, who loves peace, is kind and honest.”

“……”

Miu was speechless, but she still nodded towards Akatsuki. Akatsuki accepted Miu, accepted the truth that he killed the demon king Galious. Knowing that Miu views him as the murderer of her father, he was still considerate to her, even willing become Miu’s place to stay, and allowing Miu’s wandering heart find a place she could call a home. Now he had also come forward to help the demon race from the threat of a war.

Listy was also the same. She did not avoid her responsibility as the royal family. Even since the end of the war until now, she was still fighting for her ideals. That being the case, Miu should also accept the truth that she was the demon king’s daughter, and bear responsibility for the deaths that her father had caused. Even if these sacrifices were the product of the war, it was the price they had to pay in order to create a world where the demon race could live in peace, Miu also had no excuse to avoid her responsibility.

“……Thank you, I am much better now.”

Miu slowly stood up.

Then she walked towards the kitchen, planning to take up her own responsibilities.

“It was me who first brought you here, I’ll accompany you.”

Akatsuki immediately followed, but Miu shook her head.

“Please, let me go by myself.”

Ousawa Miu recalled the phrase she had said earlier.

“Being able to enjoy such delicious dishes every day, auntie’s family must be very lucky, it really makes one jealous.”

Those were her feelings that escaped when she had no knowledge of the situation, there were absolutely no evil intentions. Even if it was because she did not know the situation, that was not an excuse to forgive it.

Ousawa Miu——No, Myuu knew about Leon’s life very clearly. During the battle, he had lost his father and his sister. From an identity of a civilian and joining the army, he made numerous contributions and finally became a knight. Beside Leon’s grave were two more tombstones, this must be his father and sister’s final resting place. Selina already could not let her family members enjoy the meals she had personally made.

Standing in front of the backdoor, Miu gently turned the handle and quietly pushed open the door.

After entering the kitchen, Selina, who was standing before the sink and washing the dishes, noticed Miu’s existence.

“Yes? Is there a problem?”

“I……”

Miu attempted to speak, but she did not know what to say.

“I……”

Her inner emotions surged out, but Ousawa Miu could not find the appropriate words. Out of desperation, tears began to emerge from her eyes.

……No, she absolutely could not cry.

Crying at such a time is undoubtedly a despicable act. Miu bit her lower lip tightly and fought back the tears.

She was not qualified to cry for Selina and Leon. If, at this important moment, she begins to cry, it will no doubt make her seem like a pitiful victim.

Therefore Ousawa Miu must not cry, but she also did not know how to begin.

“I……I……”

Miu closed her eyes, desperately searching for the appropriate words in her head.

“——It’s okay.”

A gentle voice entered her ears. She opened her eyes and saw Selina standing in front of her. Selina’s face had a calm smile.

“I am a committee member for Sherfield, how would I not know who you are?” Selina’s remark made Miu widen her eyes.

“Why……? Then how would……”

“Well, I operate a restaurant, so naturally I will encounter all sorts of guests.”

Selina explained.

“Honest guests, cunning guests, guests that attempt to deceive others, gullible guests. Even guests that are kind-hearted, but after a few cups of millet wine, they will go into a drunk-frenzy, and become touchy with the young female guests……After being in touch with many people, I naturally can distinguish what kind of people are trustworthy, and what kind of people I must not trust.”

So.

“From the moment I saw you, your eyes told me everything. That’s right, you are a trustworthy person.”

“But, I……”

“That war stole away my husband and my two children, but you also lost your parents as well. And you should understand what Leon had done right? Maybe he, too, had killed your loved ones, friends and companions on the battlefield.”

“……”

Miu was silent.

“Whether it was humans or the demon race, losing the closest people would still make us feel sad, feel painful, and produce the mentality of hating wars.”

Selina tightly hugged Miu, she whispered in her ear.

“It must have been difficult for you……”

“……!”

The moment this phrase entered her ears, Miu felt that her entire body trembled.

The suppressed feeling overflowed and burst out. Tears began to appear from her eyes.

Miu was still fighting back against the tears. Selina gently patted her back.

“It’s okay. Right now you have Akatsuki beside you, there is nothing to worry about.”

Because……

“That child may be a bit perverted, but he is a person you can trust. He must have thought of a plan to solve this problem. Besides, you have lived with that child for a long time, you should also know about that ridiculous aesthetic he insist upon right?”

“Yes……”

Miu wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I believe in him……If I had not met that person, I would not be standing here right now.”

“…I see, so you are already fine.”

Selina narrowed her eyes.

“Quickly stop the senseless war together with that guy.”

“…Yes.”

Miu firmly nodded, then headed towards the back door, preparing to call Akatsuki and Haruka.

“After the issue has been settled, come over and have a seat again.”

Selina’s gentle voice came from behind her.

“Next time come at the operation hours. I will bring out my skills and entertain you nicely.”

“Yes……After we prevent this war and resolve the conflict with the humans and demon race……”

Ousawa Miu turned her head back, smiled and made a promise with Selina.

“I will come back with that person, and enjoy auntie Selina’s handmade dishes!”

### Part 4

The faraway sky was gradually being colored by rosy clouds.

As the fiery-red sun released a soft orange light, Akatsuki brought Miu and Haruka to walk around Erdia’s market.

Three days later, they would have to duel. During this period, Akatsuki and the others must stay at Sherfield’s capital Erdia. The current destination for Akatsuki was located at the corner of the market.

“…Is it really here?”

Miu, who was following behind, anxiously said. Whether it was the surrounding buildings or the pedestrians, it was filled with a distinct atmosphere that was different than the lively and bustling main street.

Akatsuki nodded, then casually replied.

“There’s no other way, we cannot let others notice our existence. If we select a normal inn, the news will suddenly spread, so we must find a reliable location.”

“That is true, but……”

Haruka frowned and looked around.

“……The security around this area doesn’t seem to be good.”

“That is true……”

Akatsuki answered with a smile. It couldn’t be helped that Haruka would have this feeling. The three people were currently walking down the famous red light district of Sherfield’s capital Erdia. Only after the sun went down would it reveal its true appearance as the sleepless city.

After walking a lengthy distance, the three of them finally reached their destination. Under the sunset, the alley was lined with white walls, only the black building was particular striking.

“——We’re here, this is it.”

“This is an inn? Although there is a sign hanging above, but……”

Within Miu’s tone, there was some doubt. The dark walls made the sign very eye-catching. On the sign, there was the word “Melissa” written in a golden artistic font. Haruka looked at the entrance of the building, and could not help but express her suspicions.

“The doormen of an inn are always these big block of people?

On the left and right side of the entrance, there stood a muscular and strict black clothed person.

Even the tall and slender Akatsuki seemed extraordinarily small when standing in front of them.

“They are the doorman and bodyguard, this inn’s service is fully complete.”

Akatsuki laughed and directly walked to the two muscular men.

“Good work, is the boss here?”

The black-clothed people coldly stared at Akatsuki.

“——Sorry, it is currently not the operation hours of the store, please come back later at night.”

“I’m not a guest, I only wish to visit old friends.”

Akatsuki shrugged.

“Please inform Melissa.”

“I’m sorry, the boss did not explain that a visitor would be coming today.”

Although the black clothed person was using polite words, his attitude was extremely stern. The two men took half a step forward, their burly body exuding thick killing intent, apparently wanting to intimidate Akatsuki.

However……

“……You two are just newcomers that have only recently started to work right?”

Akatsuki sighed.

“Although following your duties is good……But this type of inflexible mind will easily offend guests.”

Feeling reluctant, Akatsuki could only change his strategy.

“Please convey to Melissa that Akatsuki came. You can even describe a bit of my appearance, I believe that she will immediately let me in. If Melissa says she does not know me, then throwing me out won’t be too late.”

“Sorry, the boss is away.”

The black-clothed people were still unmovable.

“Then find a person who can make decisions. If I really am an old friend of Melissa, then at the time, the ones that are unfortunate will be you guys. For the sake of your living fees, it might be best to ask.”

“……”

The black-clothed people glanced at each other.

Then one black-clothed person entered the door, while the other remained outside.

“……There shouldn’t be an issue right?”

The worried Miu whispered beside Akatsuki’s ear.

“Relax, it was always like this here.”

Akatsuki’s reply made Haruka give a nasty look.

“I bet that they treated you as a dangerous individual who does not look like an old friend of the boss.”

After saying this, a sudden scream came from behind the door.

“——!”

Miu and Haruka simultaneously changed the direction of their gaze. The inn’s heavy doors suddenly burst open and a beautiful woman rushed out in panic.

“——Akatsuki?”

A beaming woman entered their vision. Miu suddenly gasped. Beside her, Haruka also revealed an embarrassed expression. The woman was only wearing shorts, her upper body was completely naked, her appearance very arousing. Although a lock of red hair covered her chest, it still created a considerably exciting visual effect. However, facing the nearly naked beauty, Akatsuki did not budge and raised his hand to greet the other.

“Yo, Cecily, how are you recently?”

“Ahhhhhhhhh! Akatsuki, it really is you!”

The woman named Cecily rushed forward and hugged Akatsuki.

The two round meat balls in front of her chest pressed on Akatsuki. Cecily could not conceal her excitement.

“Didn’t you return to your own world? Why would……?”

“Yes, I did go back. But there was a little private matter that must be handled, so I came back again.”

Akatsuki hands wrapped around Cecily’s waist. His tone was extremely calm.

“To tell you the truth, there is something I wish to ask Melissa……it can’t be that she’s not around right?”

“Melissa went off to buy some stuff, but she should come back soon, come in first before we talk.”

After Cecily answered Akatsuki question, she looked at the stunned Miu and Haruka.

“These two ladies are……?”

“Ah, they are my friends.”

“Oh……They are quite cute, mom will be very happy. Come, let us enter.”

Cecily pulled on Akatsuki’s arm and was about to enter, but the two black-clothed people blocked the path in panic.

“Miss Cecily, please do not randomly bring strangers in.”

“If the boss knows that we let them in, she will scold us.”

“None of your business, quickly move away. Ranke, Somde , you two are still new here, not recognizing is tolerable and forgivable. However, Akatsuki is our benefactor. No one is allowed to be rude to him, or else not just me, but even mother would not let go easily.”

Cecily cuddled beside Akatsuki, and gave off a ferocious stare at the two black-clothed people.

“If you still refuse to let them go, then I could only act and use mother’s authority to fire you two. That way, there is no reason for you to block Akatsuki. How is it, did you make up your mind yet?”

“This……”

The black-clothed people’s awkwardness made Akatsuki smile slightly. He reached his right hand and gently rested his palm on Cecily’s head.

“Don’t make things difficult for them, they are just trying to do their duties.”

“But……”

After appeasing Cecily’s discontent, Akatsuki faced the two black-clothed people.

“Sorry, I did not mean to make things difficult for you. How about this, let one of you follow us to monitor us, this should be okay right?”

“……”

The two black-clothed people fell into silence. They absolutely did not expect that Akatsuki, who pushed them to this state, would think for their sakes. After considering for a moment……

“……Okay, the three of you please enter.”

The black-clothed people finally stepped down and opened up the road.

Behind the door was a dim hallway.

…This building was larger than it seems.

Miu thought while walking down the hallway that this definitely was not an ordinary inn.

However, Miu’s attention was completely focused on Akatsuki and Cecily who were in front.

Cecily linked her arms around Akatsuki’s. The joy from the reunion seemed to make her extremely excited.

……Aren’t they too close now.

A sulking Miu quietly followed behind those two. Melissa wasn’t just the name of the shop, it seemed to also be the name of Cecily’s mother. The purpose of Akatsuki’s trip here seemed to be requesting help from Melissa. Cecily’s appearance was extremely beautiful, so her mother should also be a beauty as well right? Miu finally noticed that the rumors of the Rogue Hero being fond of women were actually true. After walking for some time, Cecily pushed open the doors at the end of the corridor.

“It can’t be.”

The scene that appeared made Miu dumbfounded.

The space at the end of the corridor seemed to be from an entirely different world, a luxurious space that was comparable to a palace hall. The design and style of the walls, floors and ceilings, even the furnishings such as the red carpet, fresh flowers and flower pots were almost all valuable and high-quality items. Even compared to Erdia’s castle, it would not lose.

The three-floor building structure made the interior even more spacious.

“This……”

Facing this extravagant view in front of them, Haruka was also astonished. She could not even speak a single word.

……Wait a minute.

Miu suddenly noticed that the second floor and third floor had several doors. Perhaps it is the guest rooms, Miu thought. What emerged out of her mind were luxurious hotel facilities.

“Everyone, Akatsuki is back!”

Cecily’s voice echoed throughout the building. Then at the next moment.

Gacha Gacha Gacha

The doors on the second and third floor almost all opened at the same time.

“——?”

Miu was suddenly frozen. The people that walked out from the rooms were all young females.

Right now it was probably free time, and everyone was resting in their own room. Some people were wearing loose pajamas, some were wearing sexy lingerie, some were only dressed in a towel, and some were even completely naked as well. The common point between these girls was that they were all pretty and young. Once they saw Akatsuki, they immediately stopped their actions. After a brief silence, someone with a trembling voice took the lead.

“It can’t be……Is it really Akatsuki?”

“Yes, long time no see.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled at the females upstairs in order to greet them.

The atmosphere immediately shook. The females all issued a shrill scream and rushed to Akatsuki, as if they were trying to be the first one there. After a short period of time, Akatsuki was immediately surrounded by over twenty beauties.

“W…What are these people?”

Terrified of the momentum of the female army, Miu took a few steps back. Even if they were completely nude in front of Akatsuki, these young females did not seem to care. Akatsuki turned his head around, and replied to Miu’s question.

“Didn’t I say it before? While I was staying at Alayzard, I once served as a bodyguard at a brothel.”

“Huh……? Then……?”

Miu could not help but viciously try to recall. Before, when she was accompanied by Akatsuki, Chikage and Kuzuha while purchasing lingerie, Akatsuki had a fateful situation where he had to help Miu try out her lingerie.

“So this place is……”

A dizzy Miu took a few steps back, and suddenly bumped into the person behind.

“Ah, sorry……”

The instant she turned around to apologize, Ousawa Miu’s movements stopped.

A hard and firm feeling made Miu think that she had bumped into the black-clothed person who was following behind them. But turning around, the black-clothed person wasn’t at her back.

“Uh……! ?”

The person Miu bumped into was a male even more burly than the black-clothed person, but his body was wearing a big red female dress. He kept a head filled with long black shiny hair. Miu attempted to treat him as a woman, but she was not able to convince her own conscience.

A large and flat round-shaped face, a burly body, even his arms and legs were very thick. He would even win against a giant sumo wrestler’s body, and his eagle-like sharp eyes would absolutely make the children in the world cry. Under the circumstances where she saw this man without warning, Miu was nearly scared to the extent of wetting herself.

“W…Waaaaaaa……”

Miu powerlessly feel onto the floor. Beside her, Haruka seemed to have been shocked to the point where she lost consciousness. The shock caused by this man seemed to make Miu break past her mental limits.

At this moment, Akatsuki, who was behind her, seemed to have made an incredible greeting.

“Hi, Melissa……Long time no see.”

“M…Melissa……?”

Miu was completely surprised and looked at Akatsuki and Melissa.

……It is him?

Sorry, it should be “Zangief” or “Rodriguez” to be correct right? It was completely different from the Melissa Miu had imagined.

Only to see the beast extend his arms and slowly open his thick lips.

A deep, rich voice forced Miu to accept the reality.

“Welcome to the members-only high class brothel “Melissa”.”

### Part 5

After handing Miu, who could hardly stand, and the unconscious Haruka to Cecily, Akatsuki entered the innermost room under Melissa’s leadership.

“Here is still as empty as before.”

Entering the room he hadn’t seen for a while, Akatsuki gave a wry smile.

For a private room of a high class brothel boss, the room’s furnishings were very simple, there were no extra decorations whatsoever. This was Melissa’s belief and also one of the reasons why Akatsuki trusted Melissa.

“If you can’t get used to it, then please return.”

Melissa gave off a hmmph, then dragged her heavy body and sat on the couch.

The person in charge of a special industry usually enjoys comparing their place, comparing the price, comparing costumes, but the amount of money Melissa had on her was considerably little. The hard-earned money was mostly spent on the store, the girls of the shop and the staff workers. He understood more than anyone that providing the utmost service to their guests was the only way to sustain their services. At the same time, Melissa was also the leader of the brothel guild. This kind of stoic management method could not avoid clashes from the other industries. However, Melissa continued to stick to her belief, and there was no room for compromise. As a result, it made the other industries rebound back and caused the development of a fierce brawl. Akatsuki and Melissa met during that time, and the two of them were sympathetic and appreciative of each other. Thus, Akatsuki served as the store’s bodyguard, and forced the other guild to disappear from Sherfield.

“Seeing that you are still the same makes me less worried. Are the people from the store still okay?”

Akatsuki sat on the sofa across from Melissa.

“You aren’t coming here to specifically have a chat right?”

Melissa’s sharp gaze shot towards Akatsuki.

“Suddenly coming back is fine, but this time you even stood on the side of the demon race.”

“You are well informed.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled.

“The guild has also obtained the information?”

“No single matter that appears in this city or country can escape my eyes.”

Melissa replied.

“Queen Listy just recently gave an emergency order to the ministers and the People’s Council, and at the same time, gave instructions to all the personnel within Sherfield. In order to assess how much damage it would cause to Sherfield, Queen Listy and the Council reached an agreement, and decided to release the current status to the country. That is also saying, your duel with Queen Listy for the peace treaty of the human and demon race will be formally published tomorrow morning to Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta’s people. At that time, it is bound to cause an uproar.”

“I see……As I expected.”

The development of the situation was within his expectations; Akatsuki could not help but give a slight smile.

Whether it was war or peace, there will be both support and opposition. Instead of quietly carrying it under the table, and waiting until it was over to publish the results, why not just make it public at the very beginning in order to reduce the strength of the rebound at the final stage.

……No one is willing to be kept in the dark.

At the same time, the goal of informing Disdia and Aleclasta’s people about this matter was primarily to announce that this was a decision made under the three countries’ agreement.

Listy’s intention was extremely clear; despite the limited effect, she would still make the two countries share the responsibility.

“Besides that, there is probably no other way. The duel at that time should also be shown to the public.”

“Quite likely. Witnessing the results of the duel to make the people accept the outcome.”

Melissa replied.

“Free entrance tickets should be sent throughout the world within these two days. At that moment, under every country’s civilians, it will decide on the fate of humans and the demon race. However, Queen Listy insisted that you acted as the demon race representative and set up the peace agreement, the main reason was to prevent the outbreak of war. Looks like she doesn’t want to ruin your image.”

“That idiot, wouldn’t this make it even more difficult for her? If you need to ruin it, then do so, anyways I don’t care.”

Akatsuki was a “Rogue Hero”; even if he was to be cursed by people throughout the world, he would not feel the pain. However, for the peace between the two sides, before the signing of the treaty, they must still try and obtain the support of their citizens.

……The part about the duel was just about this.

Akatsuki stuck out his upper body.

“——You should know about the surveillance forces in Galevain being attacked right? Did you hear any rumors about it? The point about the demon race being the culprit, how high is the possibility?”

“That information is rather complicated, but the highest credibility information is still the official statement saying that it is the demon race’s activity. However, there is also rumor saying that it was a self-conspiracy made by the developed militaristic Disdia in order to promote their weapons.”

“Ah……It really is this.”

Akatsuki looked up at the ceiling. Truthfully, Melissa’s statement coincides with Akatsuki’s predictions.

When Phil Barnett attacked, he had generously acknowledged that Disdia was planning to use Miu to start a new war. Of course, this was under the premise that Phil’s statement was credible.

“However, you joining the demon race’s camp, persuading the three countries to retreat their forces from Galevain forest, also changed people’s view of the incident. Perhaps in the near future, I will be able to get new information.”

Well, what about now?

“If you decide to hide here until the day of the duel, I will not kick you out. After all, I owe you one, and the girls in the shop must also be very happy. Just live in the room from before. The furnishings are still the same as before, there are no changes whatsoever.”

“Sorry to bother you……By the way, I want to ask you for something.”

Akatsuki said.

“I’m looking for an item, would you know where I can buy it?”

After saying this, Akatsuki pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over to the leaning Melissa.

After opening the paper, Melissa suddenly narrowed his eyes.

“It really is a considerably special antique. Isn’t it for children? It has no practical value by itself, and has long been discontinued. What do you need this kind of thing for?”

“About this……Just treat it as some kind of guarantee. Where can I find it?”

“I know an antique dealer that sells these specialized items. You should be able to find it in his shop. Unfortunately, that antique dealer is hostile to the people from the guild, so I probably can’t help much.”

Melissa attempted to conceal his displeasure, but Akatsuki actually smiled.

“No problem, I will directly find him.”

I don’t mind.

“Where is the antique dealer’s shop? I plan to resolve this matter by today.”

After Akatsuki and Melissa left the hall, Miu and Haruka finally woke up. Under Cecily’s guidance, the two of them entered the attic that they would normally not use.

“This was the room that Akatsuki used when he served as the bodyguard.”

Cecily gave off a slightly wry smile.

“Although I called it a room, but originally it was a warehouse.”

“S…Sorry to bother…”

Miu followed Cecily into the room and looked around. In a corner of the room was a wooden table and a chair. In the middle, there was a large bed. What Cecily had said was correct, the innermost wall had an old dresser that could already not be used.

Although no one was using this room, there was not even a hint of dust.

“It was cleaned very well.”

Once Haruka’s muttered words entered her ears, Cecily suddenly stood up with pride.

“Of course. This was Akatsuki’s room……We will maintain its original appearance.”

“I see……”

Hearing Cecily’s emotional speech, Miu suddenly looked up at the ceiling.

The scenery of the sky entered her vision. There was no window below the attic roof, but directly above the bed, there was a skylight. Cecily quickly noticed Miu’s gaze.

“Isn’t the skylight on the roof nice? Akatsuki really likes skylights. In order to watch the stars before he sleeps, he specially moved the bed from the wall to underneath the skylight.”

“Can’t believe that person also has a romantic side, it really is surprising.”

Haruka, who was surprised, sat down on the bed. She lifted her head and watched the red sunset.

Miu also followed and sat down on the bed.

Cecily looked at the two of them.

“Are you two going to stay here tonight?”

“Ah, Yes……It seems that that person has this intention.”

“Then just sleep here. The bed is big enough, three people sleeping together isn’t a problem.” Cecily had a matter of fact look on her face. Miu and Haruka eyes suddenly turned into two black dots.

“W…Wait a minute, why do we have to sleep together with that person?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“Of course there is a huge problem! How could we possibly sleep together with that sexual harassment machine!”

Haruka protested loudly, Miu also nodded.

This made Cecily a bit puzzled.

“Huh……? Aren’t you two his women?”

“ “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” ”

Miu and Haruka denied it in unison.

“——You’ve at least been in bed with him right?”

“ “NO!” ”

Both of them stood up and loudly denied it while blushing. Looks like it was a misunderstanding. Only to see Cecily reveal a sympathetic gaze.

“How sad……You two are even so cute, but it looks like Akatsuki actually does not treat you two as women.”

“T…This is unrelated to whether we have female charms!”

“T…That is correct! It was us who refused him!”

Miu and Haruka desperately tried to explain.

“Refuse? Why?”

While speaking, Cecily suddenly showed off an breathtaking and sexy expression.

Witnessing Cecily’s attractive expression, Miu suddenly gasped.

……W…What happened?

Miu suddenly felt her body become hot. Even if they were both female, she could not resist Cecily’s charm.

The question about whether they had been in bed with Akatsuki, it made Miu’s body react even more.

A closer look showed that even Haruka was completely red, and her body was involuntarily trembling slightly.

“~~~!”

In order to suppress her trembling body, Miu wrapped her arms and embraced herself.

“Sorry, we do not need this kind of thing.”

“Really? As women, you should know how that wonderful feeling is.”

Cecily’s face had an enchanting smile.

“You two have been with Akatsuki for so long, but you really did not feel a man’s charm from him?”

“T…This…I…”

Seeing Miu’s embarrassed and hesitant appearance, Cecily already knew that she had said what was within Miu’s heart.

“The answer should be yes right? I guess that you two must secretly imagine being wrapped in his arms right? That must be……the long awaited scene you two hope for.”

“…T…There isn’t such a thing!”

“No, there must be. Anyways, you two are also females who are in puberty……”

Miu and Haruka attempted to avoid Cecily’s gaze, but they could not do it. The two of them were deeply attracted to Cecily’s eyes, so they could only stand still, completely immobilized.

Cecily began to slowly move towards the two——

“Being attracted to a strong male is always a woman’s instinct, there is nothing to be shy about.” Come.

“Be honest with your own desires, you two are absolutely more of a woman than you had imagined.”

Cecily extended her hands towards the two of them——

“——Stop playing with the two innocent girls, Cecily.”

A deep rich voice suddenly came. The burly Melissa was leaning on the entrance of the door.

“Are you planning to go see people like this? Quickly go and prepare.”

Even though the person being named was Cecily, Haruka still involuntarily stepped back a few steps. Perhaps because the experience of being scared to the extent of unconsciousness was still fresh, her body immediately reacted defensively. She only saw Cecily reluctantly say “Okayyyyyy——“, her face had returned to normal.

“Sorry, you two. If it wasn’t because you said bad things about Akatsuki behind his back, I would not have deliberately teased you.”

Cecily stuck out her tongue. Her hands rested on the shoulders of Miu and Haruka and she whispered.

“However, when you’re following Akatsuki, it’s best not to suppress your own emotions. Otherwise, you might regret it in the future——That person is the best example.”

“Ah……?”

Cecily’s tone was extremely serious, but Miu did not understand and subconsciously asked.

However, Cecily had already turned around and walked straight out of the room. Melissa sighed, and slowly walked towards the two of them.

Only to see Miu timidly ask.

“Uh…Has the conversation between you two already ended? That person……”

“Akatsuki went to find something and wanted me to take care of you two. Is there any problem?”

“No……!”

Melissa’s eyes flashed. Miu hurriedly avoided his gaze.

“Akatsuki has already told me clearly about your reasons for coming. Staying here isn’t a problem, but your identities cannot be exposed, so be sure to follow the rules of this shop during your stay.”

“Y…Yes……”

“U…Understood……”

Fearing the oppressive pressure that was generated by Melissa’s huge body, Miu and Haruka could only obediently nod. Only to see Melissa hand over the two soft cloths that were hanging on his arm to the two of them.

“T…This is……?”

Haruka was slightly surprised, then she slowly spread open the soft cloth, and suddenly issued a shrill scream.

“W…What the hell is this!”

“……This is just an ordinary camisole cutie, the reaction doesn’t have to be so exaggerated.”

Miu and Haruka had never seen such sensational, revealing and sexy lingerie, but Melissa seemed to have a nonchalant look.

“Take off your clothes and switch to this set of lingerie. After you’re ready, immediately come down. Starting today, you will work in this shop, your salary will be directly used to pay for the cost of accommodation.”

“W…Work? I…We can’t do it……!”

A panicked Miu repeatedly shook her head.

“Relax, I won’t ask you to receive the guests.”

Melissa slowly said.

“However, cooking, laundry, cleaning and like works shouldn’t be difficult for you two right? Or did you think that you would not have to pay, and intend to freeload while hiding here?”

“B…But……For cooking and laundry work, there isn’t a need to wear this breezy clothing right?”

Haruka’s rebuttal instantly aroused Melissa’s disapproval.

“Could it be that you plan on continuing to wear that distinctive clothing and dangling around the shop? What if a guest or a person from the same industry notices it? At that time, the people that will be unfortunate wouldn’t be just you two, even me and the other girls inside my shop would also be pulled in, don’t you even have a little bit of guilt?”

“I…I did not mean this……”

“The duel is in three days. If you two do not need to go to the toilet, shower, wash clothes and completely do not leave the room even one step within these three days, then I don’t have any say……How is it?”

“T…That is probably a bit difficult……”

“Anyways, how could you do things if you are just hiding in the room? Even though the risks are shared between us, you are only going to hole up here and enjoy?”

“……”

Miu and Haruka glanced at each other, completely unable to say a word. At this moment, Melissa dragged his huge body towards the door, and looked disdainfully at them before leaving the room.

“Hurry up and change into the clothes and help. Once I count to 100, you must show up, or else I will make you two wear even more revealing clothes.”

After saying this, Melissa directly left the attic.

“——!”

Under Melissa’s abuse of authority, Miu and Haruka hurriedly removed their clothes.

### Part 6

A breeze within Forestnium brought in a surge of sweet aroma.

It should be a product of the forest’s grassy smell merging with the air.

The gently blowing breeze was no doubt a cool and comfortable gift that the nature gives to all things.

Within this forest, the demon race was raising livestock or planting rice, living a life without wars. Right now in Forestnium’s city square, there stood a tall and slender female Izumi Chikage. As Chikage closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, a faint light appeared in front of her outstretched palms. Unfortunately this only lasted a few seconds, then the light faded.

“……Looks like it still doesn’t work.”

Chikage shook her head and sighed.

“——Still cannot use magic?”

A flat tone suddenly appeared from behind her.

“Yes.” Chikage turned around and saw Doumoto Kuzuha, who was behind her, shrug helplessly.

“Today is already the third day, looks like we still need a little more time.”

“I’ve also just tried it as well, the results were still the same.”

Kuzuha, who was sitting on the floor, moved her line of sight downwards. A dark elf girl was currently leaning against Kuzuha’s lap and sleeping, Kuzuha gently stroke the girl’s hair. Under these circumstances, Chikage could not help but narrow her eyes.

“……It seems like she likes you.”

“Yes……”

Kuzuha stared at the sleeping Riruru. Her expression was somewhat confused.

“I’ve never touched such a small child before. I do not know what to do.”

“Just act naturally, just like now. Intentionally trying to please the kids could easily lead to unnecessary resentment.”

“I’m so sorry……I was born in the way where no one likes me.”

“I did not mean this……”

Chikage shook her head with a wry smile.

“Class rep, showing your truest side won the goodwill of Riruru, this is also the best way to get along. And once you win the trust of a child, it is equivalent to have won the trust of an adult.” Chikage looked down at herself. The clothes she was wearing were exactly the same style as Miu. This clothing was particularly lent to Chikage by a women in the village, and Kuzuha also had one but with a smaller size.

“At the beginning, everyone only accepted us because we were Miu’s friends. But this relationship is too weak, we still had to think of a way to win everybody’s trust.”

Saying up to here, Chikage turned back and look back at the city square.

“…But having such a good relationship seems to be too exaggerated.”

A slightly smiling Chikage stared at the village children playing around with Kaidou.

“Kaidou, it’s your turn to be “it”!”

“You must count to 100, you can’t cheat! Or else you will have to recount again!”

Although the children’s tone was quite rude, but Kaidou didn’t seem to care.

“Cheat? Don’t joke around. Facing you little brats and I still have to cheat? In just a few moments, you’ll be found by me.”

This sentence seemed to enrage a few of the girls.

“Kaidou, you can’t take it easy on the girls, or else we won’t play!”

“Okay Okay……Then let’s begin!”

While Kaidou began to count, the village children suddenly screamed out and dispersed in all directions. Chikage seeing this, could not help but sigh.

“Playing hide and seek with the village children every day, he really doesn’t get bored. It really makes one impressed.”

After saying this, Chikage suddenly remembered something.

“Class rep, did you know? I’ve heard that some of the forces surrounding this forest seemed to have started to retreat.”

“I’m not too sure about that, who said it?”

“The investigation team just came back, I’ve heard them say it. Looks like Akatsuki’s actions seem to be working quite well.”

“Yes……That’s good.”

Kuzuha was relieved, and she gazed at the distant sky.

Standing beside her, Chikage also looked up at the blue sky.

“I wonder what their circumstances are, but……”

Chikage’s tone seemed to be filled with confidence.

“War will certainly not break out between the human and demon races.”

“……100. Hahaha, you guys acknowledge your fate now!”

Kaidou, who had finishing counting to 100, began to search for the whereabouts of the children.

At this moment——

“——“

Kaidou glanced at Chikage and Kuzuha. But he did not greet the two of them, but quietly continued to move forward.

Walking at the same time, Kaidou Motoharu muttered to himself. His expression was extremely serious, but his voice was as quiet as a mouse.

“……It’s not time to relax yet.”

### Part 7

The time when Sherfield’s nightlife was coming to the end……

Haruka and Miu, who had been busy for the entire night returned to the attic.

“……Finally finished.”

A worn-out Haruka muttered, and powerlessly lay on the bed. Although Haruka and Miu’s work had ended, the brothel still had not closed. The nightclub’s operation hours had always been from midnight to until the sun has risen; it was the industry’s unwritten rule. However, since Haruka and Miu both were busy from evening till now, Melissa specially allowed them to rest upstairs.

“……Manual work really isn’t easy.”

Haruka expressed her feelings. At JPN Babel school, Haruka, who was the vice president and the disciplinary committee chairman, was also extremely busy everyday, but this was after all only mental work, and was completely different than the manual work she did today. After an entire night of practice, Haruka finally understood that the seemingly easy household chores were in fact not as easy as she had imagined.

“Are you alright……?”

Facing Miu’s concern, Haruka could only barely turn her head around, her body completely unable to move.

“Your stamina is really good……”

Haruka could not help but feel admiration. For the entire night, both were cooking, doing laundry or sweeping together. Miu’s hands and legs were extremely well-executed, her movements were swift. This left a deep impression on others. If just comparing the workload between the two of them, Miu was definitely far ahead.

After being praised by Haruka, Miu suddenly felt embarrassed.

“R…Really? I only did chores every day, so I was probably used to it.”

“What? That guy threw all the chores to you?”

If Akatsuki treated Miu as a maid, this was a problem that could not be ignored.

Only to see Miu frantically wave her hands in denial.

“No, it was something I wanted to do. Since I was being cared for by that person, I should at least do something in return.”

“I see……If it’s like that, then it’s still okay.”

Haruka sighed, then slowly sat up on the bed.

Seeing Miu who was sitting on a chair, Haruka could not help but have personal feelings.

……She really is beautiful.

After removing the ponytail, her soft and smooth long hair spilled downwards. Coupled with the black and red camisole, it further emphasized her enchanting sexiness and charm; it was nothing like the Miu at the Babel school. Since they were working at a brothel, makeup was naturally the most basic courtesy.

Under the assistance of the other ladies, Miu had also applied a thin layer of makeup, but this instead made her young appearance more mature.

……But the main point was her boobs……

Although Haruka was confident about her own figure, she could only be put into shame.

The camisole was originally a 3/4 cup size design, but Miu’s boobs were just too overwhelming, forcing it to become a 1/2 cup size. Coupled with the small strap that was supposed to stick to the chest, it was also pushed open due to the huge boobs. Even Haruka, who was the same gender, was embarrassingly staring at Miu’s boobs.

At this time, Miu seemed to have noticed Haruka’s gaze.

“D…Don’t keep staring at me……”

Miu twisted her body in shame.

“Sorry, I did not mean to. Only that you are too beautiful so it was difficult to not look a few more times.”

“How can it be……Vice president is also very beautiful.”

Miu sat beside Haruka, and indicated for her to look at the corner.

Turning her head around, she noticed that the mirror at the corner reflected her and Miu’s appearance.

Nanase Haruka carefully looked at the herself who had applied makeup and was wearing a black camisole. The people in the mirror were her and Miu who had turned into a prostitutes, teasing men’s lust, and were existences waiting to be conquered by men.

“——“

Although both of their appearances looked incredibly obscene, they were also exceedingly glamorous.

Haruka could not help but feel goosebumps. The her in the mirror was more beautiful than any moment in the past.

……Wait, what am I doing!

Haruka hurriedly shook her head, attempting to get rid of the random thoughts she had. That was really risky. The surrounding environment was filled with makeup and scantily dressed prostitutes. It paralyzed her own feelings, but thinking carefully, this appearance was really disgraceful. Haruka could not imagine how the ladies at the store could wear this type of clothing.

……Still have to dress up as this appearance to continue work tomorrow.

“Ahhh, the thought of it gives me a headache……”

Helplessly, Haruka could not help but moan and sighed.

“Uh……Sorry.”

Miu bowed her head, her face was very apologetic.

“This is all my fault, I should not have involved vice president.”

“This……I did not mean that way……”

Strictly speaking, she had meant that she would have complained anyways. Haruka could not help but feel a bit embarrassed.

“However, I am still glad, especially that vice president came forward during the peace talk, and spoke for us.”

Miu lifted her head, exposing a happy smile, then she turned around and faced Haruka.

“Thank you, vice president. Even if that person’s battle is over, this incident probably will not end that quickly, but I will still try and end this as soon as possible and let vice president return to her own world. Until the end of the incident, can vice president temporarily bear with it?”

Nanase Haruka stared at Miu, and noticed that her shoulders were slightly trembling.

……She must be very upset.

If the peace agreement was broken, humans and the demon race will explode into a full out war, and the sacrifices on both sides will be absolutely difficult to predict. Even if Miu was confident about both sides having peace, it was difficult to ignore the pressure after the breakdown of negotiations. In addition, Miu must be worried about the situation in Forestnium, and could not wait to immediately head back. However, Miu’s inner anxiety was never expressed out. When both of them were working at the store, Miu did not once complain about this and that. She maintained a cheerful and positive attitude, and faced every single task. As the demon king’s daughter, Miu’s life must have not been very well, she may have experienced various bitterness and pain that was unknown to others.

As JPN Babel school’s vice president, Haruka still had not made up her conclusion, and was currently observing. However, Nanase Haruka understood clearly, her heart was facing towards Miu’s side, so she decided to be loyal to her own feelings.

“——Of course there’s no problem.”

Haruka’s tone was very calm, so Miu slowly looked up.

Facing the uneasy Miu, Haruka responded with a gentle smile.

“No one dragged me into this, it was me who dived in myself. And I have already decided, no matter what happens, I will witness it to the very last minute.”

Haruka paused for a moment——

“So I decided to help you achieve your goal.”

“R…Really? I’m very grateful, vice president!”

The overjoyed Miu hurriedly expressed her inner gratitude, but Haruka put a finger gently on Miu’s lips.

“Just call me Haruka, vice president is too long-winded.”

At this time, Miu finally revealed her smile. The corners of her eyes were leaking slight tears of joy.

“Yes……Thank you, Haruka.”

Haruka nodded, and the topic between the two of them ended.

Just when Haruka was about to open another topic, an idea suddenly flashed through her brain.

“Since we talked so long, I’m a bit thirsty.”

“Just let me go downstairs and get the drinks, I also wanted something to drink as well.”

Miu immediately got up.

“The table had a teapot and cups, inside should be boiled water.”

Under Haruka’s indication, Miu picked up the crystal bottle, opened the bottle and took a sniff.

“It isn’t boiled water……There is a indescribable sweet scent, just like fruits……No, it should be the scent of flowers.”

“Is it Fruit wine?”

“Just smelling it seems that there is no alcohol in it, it probably is a juice with added extracts of flowers.”

“Then let’s just drink this. The store hasn’t closed yet, we should not trouble the others.”

“That’s true……please drink.”

After accepting the cup carrying an unknown liquid from Miu’s hand, Haruka took a sniff.

“It really smells like the fragrance of flowers.”

Then she gave it a sip. The scented liquid gently slid down her through, it should be a juice from blueberries or strawberries, etc. The sweet and sour taste was extremely attractive and the taste entered Haruka’s dry throat.

“Hey, this is pretty good. There is no alcohol in it, and it seems like a rich fruit juice.”

“This is really good to drink……I like this taste.”

Haruka and Miu both drained the liquid in the cup in one go.

“Fuuuu……Shall we have another cup?”

“Yes…I also want another cup.”

Miu took the crystal bottle, and after pouring the liquid into Haruka’s cup, she also helped herself to another.

“That’s right, we should still request them to prepare another room for us.”

Haruka lifted the cup to the front of her chest, then she suddenly remembered one thing.

“Even if you kill me, I do not wish to sleep together with that person. This is a major crisis to our chastity.”

“And we also need a change of clothes……we cannot keep wearing the store uniforms.”

Miu chimed in.

“That’s right. If our appearance was seen by him, who knows what he would do.”

Haruka and Miu both looked at each other, then unanimously nodded. After a short silence, the two girls could not help it but laughed.

Following this, Haruka and Miu both raised their cups, and gently clinked them in midair.

The girls’ cheers seemed to be blessing their new friendship.

The two of them once again drained the liquid within the cup.

In the middle of night, Akatsuki finally finished the matter he had.

The antique shop that Melissa had talked about was easily found, but the owner went out, so Akatsuki could only wait at the shop, but once he waited, he had to wait till the middle of the night.

“Wasted so much of my time.”

However, at least he found the thing he was looking for.

Everything’s in place now, Akatsuki thought.

……And now he found another interesting thing.

Bowing his hand and holding two paper bags, Akatsuki gently smiled. After returning to the brothel, Akatsuki immediately headed to the 3rd floor, but at the staircase, he met Cecily who was walking down.

Cecily, who was wearing a pure white nightgown, exuded a unique temperament that only prostitutes have. Compared to her look in the evening, there was a strong contrast. After seeing Akatsuki, Cecily was little relieved.

“Thank god, you finally came back. How come you came back so late, it made me worried.”

“Sorry, the two of them didn’t cause any trouble right?”

Akatsuki pulled out an apple from a paper bag and handed it to Cecily.

“That’s right, shouldn’t it be busy right now? Why do you still have time to walk around?”

“As the number one card of our shop, do I look like I have nothing to do?”

Cecily joked around with Akatsuki, then she took a bite from the apple.

“The guest has a peculiarity, he must wait until near the end of the hour before his body would react. Right now he should be sitting on the bed naked, waiting for his little brother to wake up.”

“The world really is filled with wonders.”

Akatsuki could not help but smile slightly.

“——Ah! It is not time to chat right now, quickly follow me!”

Cecily grabbed onto Akatsuki’s arm, and went up the stairs to the attic.

“Why are you so nervous? What happened to the two of them?”

“You’ll known when you see it……Okay, quickly come in.”

After Cecily pushed open the door, Akatsuki went into the room, and a sudden burst of a flower fragrance entered his nose. He noticed that the room was filled with a strange sweet smell, Akatsuki frowned.

“What just happened……”

After a grunting sound, Akatsuki’s gaze fell onto the center of the room.

The moonlight penetrating from the skylight, as if it was a spotlight, illuminated the bed in the center of the room.

Miu and Haruka were lying on the bed writhing their bodies. There was even an attractive sound coming from their mouths.

“……”

Akatsuki did not say anything, and slowly walked towards the side of the bed.

Carefully looking at the two of them, he said with emotion:

“What are you two doing?”

After noticing that Akatsuki was looking at her, Miu with her flirtatious expression thought——

At least you came back.

But……

……Ah, This is bad……Still haven’t changed clothes……!

Miu suddenly remembered, she and Haruka were still wearing that sexy and sensational camisole. Once she thought that her own nearly fully nude appearance had been seen by Akatsuki, Miu could not help but blush.

However, this is not the time for her to be embarrassed. Her entire body was hot and had intolerable itches, almost as if she could not control herself. Miu vaguely knew the reason behind this, it must be that the bottle of juice was a bit strange. Beside her, Haruka was also the same as Miu, she could not help but constantly twist her body; this was the best evidence. It can’t be wrong, the fruit juice must have added something else.

Akatsuki scratched the back of his head, then he began to converse with Cecily.

“……When did this happen?”

“I also don’t know. Approximately 5 minutes ago, I was bringing over some clean clothes during my break at work, and they were already like this.”

“What did they do? How did they become like this?”

“Looks like they drank mama’s Romantic Night Juice on the table.”

“Wait wait, isn’t Melissa’s Romantic Night Juice known as the “As long as a virgin women drink, their lewd nature will immediately be exposed” aphrodisiac?”

“……L…Lewd nature?”

“T…This is a joke right?”

When Akatsuki’s statement entered their ears, Miu and Haruka could not help but break out in cold sweat.

However, reality speaks louder than words, forcing them to believe it.

——Actually, they wanted to wait until Akatsuki arrived before talking about it. At first, in order to suppress their heating body, they could only try to hold back their sense of shame, and attempted to comfort themselves.

The result was a unbearable intense pleasure, and eventually they had to abandon this approach. Then both of them attempted to comfort each other, but the slightest touch on each other’s body would bring both of them into the upmost pleasure, they simply couldn’t continue it. Just as they entered into a dilemma, their bodies would become more and more hot, their consciousness would become more and more misty, until finally they could only lie on the bed and frequently gasp, unable to do anything at all.

They only saw Cecily reveal a pained expression.

“Usually, it is drank by first diluting it with water, but they both seem to have drunk the original mixture, and they also completely chugged the entire bottle at once.”

“Overdose……There won’t be problems right?”

“When mama is concocting the aphrodisiac, she will not use any ingredients that harm the body, so there is no worry. Only that the effects are several times stronger, so I’m afraid it will continue for some time.” What to do?

“I know a trustworthy secret doctor, but they insisted that they do not have to see the doctor. How is it, should I find the secret doctor?”

Akatsuki thought for a while.

“……No need. First, I do not wish to bother you again, secondly, their identities have to remain secret, and cannot be found out by others.”

Akatsuki looked at the two people on the bed.

“You two must have considered this point, so you insisted on waiting till I came back right?”

“……!”

Miu nodded. The signing of the peace agreement was the ultimate goal of this movement, all the negative effects should be avoided. And Akatsuki had previously used Renkan Keikikou to remove the deadly poison from Zahhark. At that time, he not only dispelled his own body’s poison, but even resolved the inhaled toxins from Miu’s body.

Thus Akatsuki turned and said to Cecily:

“Leave this to me. If you don’t go back, the customer may have to perform a fully nude show.”

“Oh……? Okay, if you say so……If you need any help, don’t forget to notify us.”

“Yes, thanks.”

Akatsuki raised his right hand, and signaled his thanks to the leaving Cecily.

The attic entered into a state of silence.

Akatsuki slowly sat on the chair beside the bed.

“Looking at your troubled appearance……So you want to know about your own true nature?”

“T…That’s not it……”

The heat in their body was unbearable. A crying Miu used a moaning tone to defend herself.

“At that time we only wanted to drink water……Table had a bottle…... Want to say people downstair are all busy, so we do not want to trouble others……This outfit was worn because of Melissa……”

“Actually you don’t have to say anything, I can probably guess what happened. You see, how great this is.”

“Don’t blame her……In fact, it’s all my fault.”

There were a few tears coming from the corner of Haruka’s eyes.

“At first I was the one who saw the bottle……AH! The one who wanted to drink the juice was also me……”

“No, blame me instead. If it wasn’t me who said it was juice inside……AH!”

“You would actually shield each other……Looks like during the time I wasn’t here, your relationship has rapidly progressed.”

Akatsuki suddenly put away his smile.

“——Fine. Even though you didn’t mean it, I’ll help you two relax a bit.”

After saying this, Akatsuki slowly approached the two of them.

“……W…Why do you have to climb into the bed?”

“Silly kids, of course it is to help you remove the poison.”

“……W…Why are you removing our clothes?”

“Silly kids, of course it is to help you two relax a bit.”

“B…But! Can’t Renkan Keikikou control our true ki through clothing? If you only have to activate the true ki within our bodies, even if we are wearing clothes, it shouldn’t matter right?”

Miu’s eyes were almost pleading, but Akatsuki only helplessly scratched the back of his head.

“Yes, that’s true, but the best way is still to use the body’s immunity and resilience to neutralize the toxin. It’s not that I can not activate your bodies’ true ki, but extracting the aphrodisiac out of your body in one go, it will equal to removing the feeling you have right now several times. Not only will it cause a burden on the body, in severe cases, it may even burn out the nervous system or cause a heart attack.”

After saying this, Akatsuki suddenly smiled. It was a beaming smile.

“So I have a more efficient and safe method.”

“……”

Bad, the current situation at hand is definitely bad!

Ousawa Miu understood better than anyone else, in this situation, Akatsuki will absolutely not be lenient.

……What can I do? If I do not find a way, we will end up having a miserable fate……!

Storm out of here? But the body cannot use any power, even lifting up their body is a problem.

“W…What do you want to do……?”

Haruka nervously asked. Akatsuki sighed, then stared at an empty spot.

“Do you know what moles represent?”

“……?”

Ignoring the confused pair, Akatsuki tirelessly talked.

“A mole is a product of rich pigment cells formed together. At the same time, it is a location where true ki can easily hold up. This naturally also includes the aphrodisiac ingredients.”

Understood?

“Just by sucking out the stagnant true ki, it will naturally activate the true ki to flow, at the same time, allowing the aphrodisiac ingredients to be brought out of the body. It is no doubt the best plan to achieve both.” Okay.

“……I have said enough to understand, now you should have understood.”

Akatsuki solemnly declared to both Miu and Haruka.

“Listen carefully, right now I will locate all the moles on your body, any piece of the skin, any corner, and not sparing any areas. Whether it is the boobs, or the buttocks, or even the inner parts of your thighs are all important locations to find the moles. Once I found the moles, even if it grew at the private parts, I will also suck out the stagnant true ki and the aphrodisiac ingredients out. That’s right, using my mouth.”

Then he deliberately pulled a long face.

“But the moment when I suck out the aphrodisiac, a sense of pleasure that would be enough to shatter your chastity and values would dominate your minds. But you do not have to worry, once I suck twice or thrice, no matter what fear, shame, or even your pointless modesty, all would be thrown into the back of your head.”

Ousawa Akatsuki revealed a compassionate expression.

“To race against time, you two would have to go in turns. The stimulation of continuous sucking would be too strong, you would not be able to resist it. Now get back the spirit you had earlier of encourage each other, and bravely hang on until the end. I will later use all my concentration to search for the moles on your bodies, and would not be able to remember every location of the mole. The same location may be possibly sucked twice, so you have to bear with it.”

“Huh, W…Wait a minute……”

“S…Shouldn’t there be another method?”

Miu and Haruka desperately resisted, but Akatsuki exposed a malicious smile.

“——Very sorry, this is the only way.”

A clear-cut response.

“And you two have been shedding painful tears, it made me distressed so I must immediately relieve you two.”

“T…This feeling is indeed painful, but it absolutely is not sorrowful tears!”

Haruka hurriedly denied. Akatsuki, seeing this, deliberately pressed the corner of her eyes.

“Why pretend? Your expressions have already been so sad, there’s no need to act strong.”

“Do not continue to pretend! You obviously know everything!”

Facing Miu’s protests, Akatsuki quietly nodded.

“Yes, I really understood your pain.”

No one can stop Akatsuki. Filled with many emotions, the rogue hero had already prepared for his attack. Ousawa Akatsuki’s aesthetics, ACTIVE!

“——Do not be nervous, I’ll make you two relax a bit.”

Seeing Akatsuki’s demonic palms heading towards them, Miu desperated struggled in the bed, attempting to escape her expected danger.

But her shoulder was pressed down by Akatsuki. The moment Akatsuki’s palm touched her body, Miu felt a shock surge through her body.

“Ah——Ahhhhhhhhh!?”

After shouting, her tense body suddenly slumped down.

Akatsuki immediately pulled the two straps down both sides of Miu and directly removed it.

“Ah……….Nnnn!”

The cloth of the camisole only gently grazed her boobs, but that was enough to make Miu nearly unable to resist it.

Right now, Miu’s voluptuous boobs were naked in front of Akatsuki. Her sweaty skin was bathed under the moonlight, and released a touch of brilliance. Miu could only tightly bite her lower lip to resist the pleasure coming from her boobs.

……Nnnn, just touching the cold air……

It really was impossible to believe it. To Miu, the flow of the air was currently equivalent to a passionate caress.

However, Akatsuki did not have any intention of stopping there.

“Your first location has been decided.”

Akatsuki bowed her head and stared at Miu.

“I’ll begin on the mole between the boobs.”

“H…How is it possible for there to be a mole……”

Miu hurriedly denied.

“If I say there is, then there is one.”

Akatsuki’s tone was completely certain, but Miu could not help but have doubts. Even Miu, herself, did not know that there was a mole in that secret place of hers, how would Akatsuki know?

“——I saw it at when I was helping you try out lingerie previously at the lingerie shop.”

Under these chaotic circumstances, he could still be that leisurely and carefree! Miu could not help but want to rebuke, but she was unable to say a single word. Her body completely could not use power, so it was left to Akatsuki’s mercy.

“A…Ahhh……Ahhhhhhhhhh!”

Even lying on the bed, Miu’s large boobs would not be hanging down to the left and right side. Akatsuki hands could only enter the cleavage, and pushed out the soft white meat balls to the side, revealing the rarely exposed white chest.

“See, there it is……”

Akatsuki’s deep voice made Miu shudder.

……Ah, it really came……

Lifting her head, Akatsuki’s face was slowly approaching her chest, the two lips were even entering the depths of the cleavage and gently sucking Ousawa Miu’s mole.

“Ah……?”

At that instant, the surrounding sounds suddenly disappeared, even the pleasure that troubled Miu evaporated.

……Huh……? Once was enough to heal it?

Miu froze for a moment, after the feeling of nothingness lasted for a few seconds.

The situation suddenly had a major change.

“Nnnn, a…A…Ahhhhhhhhh——!”

A high-pitched scream. The word “pleasure” already could not be used to describe this unknown feeling that clashed within Miu’s body. Miu unconsciously hugged onto Akatsuki, attempting to find a point where she could use some strength for her uncontrollable body. Seeing her hands wrapped around Akatsuki’s body, her legs clenched onto Akatsuki’s waist, as if saying that she would not let go. However, the trembling within her body did not stop, but instead she enjoyed an endless torrent of pleasure. The unforgettable pleasure was deeply engraved into her heart. Ousawa Miu only noticed now that it could only temporarily remove the feelings, the reason behind is the stormy pleasure had already gone beyond the limits of her perceiving it. Now under Akatsuki’s stimulus, her sensitivity had increased dramatically. Now, Miu’s body only truly understood what a supreme pleasure is.

……So that’s it……

Ousawa Miu already knew that her body was completely opened by Akatsuki, it was no longer the original her. Miu’s body had already remembered this more intense, deeper pleasure.

……W…What can I do……If this continues on……

Just when her sense of shame emerged in her heart, another large wave of pleasure engulfed her.

This fearful sweet pleasure made Miu’s body tremble constantly. Her huge boobs were also producing seismic waves on the surface.

“A…Ahhhhhhhhh……Fuuuu! E….EhhhAhhhhhhh!”

While she was moaning sweetly, Ousawa Miu had to face the reality in front of her eyes. What Akatsuki said was correct, in this world, there exists a pleasure that is beyond common sense and concept. Today, Miu’s misty eyes were looking at Akatsuki who brought her to this unknown new world. Only to see Akatsuki reveal a calm smile.

“You’ve worked hard, the first location has ended.”

“——!”

Miu gasped. Yes, things haven’t ended yet, it has only just begun.

……The same experience……has to be repeated several times right……?

The situation is not good. If it continues on, her body will have problems. Even a resigned sigh would become a sweet moan.

While her body was being cradled by pleasure, the confused Miu suddenly remembered one thing.

……Right, the next turn is Haruka.

At least there was a temporary break. At the beginning, Miu hated that she could not end everything instantly. But right now, Miu sincerely hoped that Akatsuki could use a bit more time on Haruka’s body, delaying her turn—the longer, the better.

Her entire body being dominated by pleasure, Nanase Haruka clearly heard her own heartbeat.

In her confused state, her mind pictured Miu after being sucked by Akatsuki, she could not help but moan and hum emotionally.

Her flirtatious expression and her wriggling body.

Seeing all this, Haruka could not help but tremble slightly.

……I will also become like this......?

Haruka clearly understood that in order to extract the ingredients of the aphrodisiac, this was a method that she had to do, but she could not suppress the fear in her heart. In fact, during the situation when Miu and her were comforting each other, Haruka had already achieved an unprecedented pleasure. If now she would go through Akatsuki’s catalyst, who knows what will become of her in the end.

But her entire body was filled with a sweet fragrance. Not only did it strip away Nanase Haruka’s thinking abilities, it even made her indulge in a dream-like kingdom of pleasure.

“——Kept you waiting, vice president. Next is your turn.”

Akatsuki slowly climbed up.

“During the glimpse at Forestnium……If I remember correctly, the inside of your left thigh had a mole right?”

“……!”

Haruka bit her lower lip, and shyly looked away. What Akatsuki said was correct, Haruka also knew that there was a mole there. This moment of silence undoubtedly represented that she admitted it.

Thus Akatsuki touched Haruka’s knees.

……! He only touched my knees, why is……!

Why is there such a strong feeling? Ignoring Haruka’s surprise, Akatsuki slowly separated her legs. Haruka attempted to clamp her legs tightly, to defend her very last line of defense, but her legs continued to open more and more, as if she did not even mean to resist.

“A…Ahhhhhhh……”

A powerless moan came out from Haruka’s mouth. She had never known that she could actually issue such a weak and such an ecstatic sound. Her legs were quickly separated completely by Akatsuki. Haruka did not have the ability to resist.

Right now, she was showing an unimaginably lewd posture. Even she did not know herself, and was lying completely naked in front of Akatsuki. This was a whole new side to Nanase Haruka.

“Okay, let’s begin.”

Akatsuki’s face slowly entered the depths of Haruka’s legs, a private place that did not allow outsiders to infringe upon. Right now this holy area was being invaded slowly by Akatsuki.

“D…Don’t look……”

Nanase Haruka knew what state her panties were in, and also understood what this state represented.

However, Akatsuki shook his head.

“Sorry, I can’t close my eyes. If I did it in the wrong spot, it is equal to doing nothing. You should be able to understand right?”

“……!”

Haruka tightly bit her lower lip and closed both her eyes. Since she could not escape from Akatsuki’s eyesight, then she could only choose to pretend to not see anything. Then Haruka stretched out both her heads against Akatsuki’s head, attempting to block Akatsuki from entering further. However, Haruka’s resistance was far too weak, it basically could not prevent Akatsuki’s slow invasion.

……If this continues, doesn’t it look like……

It looks like she actively requested Akatsuki to enter. Haruka’s true meaning was to resist Akatsuki, but this was only her method of attempting to persuade herself, but it was not what she truly felt. In fact, even Akatsuki’s breath already made Haruka enter ecstasy.

“Nnnn……Fuuuu!Ahhhhhhhhh……!”

While she quietly moaned, Haruka clearly felt that the feeling within her body was gradually warming up. Her belly felt a bit hot, it must be the temperature from Akatsuki.

“Found it……”

Akatsuki’s voice entered her ears. Haruka could not help but gasp, then the next moment, Haruka, who had her eyes closed, only felt an empty feeling.

“Huh……?”

Haruka could not help but open her eyes. Her field of vision was still completely blank.

Then Haruka remembered, before Miu, who had her boobs kissed by Akatsuki, also had a brief empty feeling before she issued out waves of ecstasy.

……Could it be?

At this moment, an unimaginable powerful pleasure engulfed Nanase Haruka.

“~~~~Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!”

Nanase Haruka could not help but open her mouth. She opened her throat but was almost unable to make the slightest sound. Her entire body’s pores seemed to be filled with a sweet pleasure. Haruka unconsciously clinged onto Akatsuki’s head. She only wanted to find a location where she could use some strength, but instead made Akatsuki’s face enter her private spot, causing an even more intense pleasure.

“I…Iiiiiiiiii Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Nanase Haruka cried out aloud. Her upper body arched upwards, and her figure violently trembled.

This pleasure was able to deprive her of all her thinking abilities and even make her forget who she was.

Under Akatsuki’s guidance, Nanase Haruka stepped into an ecstasy level where people can forget about themselves.

“Fuuuu……Fuuuuu……Nnnnn!”

After a period of time, the residual pleasures in her body were completely used up, bringing Haruka back to the real world.

Her field of vision gradually became clearer.

“Ahhhhh……”

Haruka’s throat let out a meaningless moan. Akatsuki quietly stared at the completely spaced out Haruka.

“Good work, Rest for a bit.”

Akatsuki’s deep, gentle voice entered her ears, and spread slowly throughout her body.

Nanase Haruka was immersed in sweet happiness and slowly closed her eyes.

Ousawa Akatsuki looked at the Miu and Haruka, who were both in trance, and contentedly announced to the two of them:

“Listen carefully. That was just the first time, so I specifically gave some mercy, in case you couldn’t bear it. Next I won’t take it easy, so it will absolutely be more intense than just now. Your bodies shouldn’t have recovered yet, so you could only endure it.”

Miu and Haruka did not even have the strength to answer.

The night had just began for the two of them.

Several days later, some customers who visited Melissa’s brothel on that day all mentioned one thing in unison.

That night at the attic, time to time, came moans and cries that did not exist in this world.

Until the gray dawn sky had appeared, the sweet sounds never ended.

### 041. Chapter 4 - Absolutely Won't Concede

## Chapter 4 - Absolutely won't Concede

### Part 1

As if there was a singing sound that was coming from the shaking of the atmosphere and the low deep sound from the shaking of the earth.

This sound was not formed by a natural phenomenon.

But was the sound issued from countless individuals concentrating at the same location.

Excited. The magician country Sherfield’s royal arena was enveloped by a mist of hot air. The hot air diffused and spread outwards, even the west side preparation room that was divided by thick stone walls could hear the noisiness. The audience stands should have been packed tightly from a long time ago. Hearing the distant noise, Ousawa Miu’s hands were clasped over her chest. She knew that this was a duel that was open to the public, but……

……She did not think that it would actually attract so many people.

The day after the talks had ended, which is two days ago, the three country’s leader officially announced the news about the duel.

In addition to the home country crowd of Sherfield, there was an unusual amount of audience from Disdia and Aleclasta.

“There’s no problem right……”

Humans have always considered the powerful demon race as an object of fear. Right now the arena had an influx of large amount of spectators, and it was obvious that they came due to the contestants. The hero who defeated the demon king Galious and his comrades, these people were all great heroes within their hearts. One of the reasons is obviously not because they defeated the demon king, but the fact that they had helped many individuals throughout their travels, and leaving many popular stories. As long as they met people being abused while on their travels, whether it was to cure people who were suffering from diseases and hunger, or even to help out people who lived in pain due to mountain thieves and pirates, they would always actively intervene, and helped solve the problems of the kind citizens, earning the crowd’s trust and respect. Although a small number of people were shocked by the title of “Rogue Hero”, it did not shake the crowd’s belief in them. The heroic deeds of the four people were even heard of by Miu, who was living in Galevain forest. Thus, the news that these four people would once again show up immediately captured spectators throughout the world. Although Akatsuki joined the demon race’s formation, opinions put his method as “Creating peace, and eliminate all necessary evil”, and the amount of supporters was not small. However, this was purely a stance that empathized Akatsuki, and it did not represent that they supported the demon race. To humans, the demon race was still a scary enemy.

……But……

Ousawa Miu was determined not to ever hesitate and also not to be confused.

This problem has already been resolved. The past Miu was troubled previously about her own position, she did not know how to live, but after being under Akatsuki’s guidance, she finally found her answer. So now it was clear to Miu what she had to do, and how to do it.

That was to believe in Akatsuki. Even if the situation was disadvantageous, it could not shake her own determination.

“——Hey, the “Nine” and “Eleven” over there, come over here a bit.”

Akatsuki’s voice came from within the preparation room, sitting not far away, Haruka and Miu both unanimously turned around.

Both of them hurriedly headed over to Akatsuki, who was sitting by the wall.

“We do not permit you to use this kind of method to call us, I have already mentioned it many times!”

“If you commit it again, don’t blame me if I cut off your tongue!”

The blushing “Nine” and “Eleven” fiercely stared at Akatsuki.

“This is wrong isn’t it? My mouth have saved you two, is this the attitude how you treat your savior?”

“Nnnnn……”

Seeing Akatsuki reveal a strange smile, Miu and Haruka could not help but reluctantly bite their lips.

——That night, the two of them had mistakenly drunk Melissa’s carefully created aphrodisiac. Akatsuki had no solution but to kiss Miu and Haruka’s body. In the end, both of them had an ending that was indescribable.

In order to ensure that he had not missed any locations, Akatsuki had kissed again and again on the two bodies. Until the dawn, Miu and Haruka, who were repeatedly devastated, almost treated Akatsuki as a supreme god.

……That’s not true. Yes, it was only a momentary confusion……!

Miu desperately tried to defend herself. She did not want to imagine the scene, or otherwise the feelings she experienced would emerge again, but why did Akatsuki constantly tease the two of them. Every time Akatsuki mentioned the events of that night, Miu and Haruka could not help but remember the sweet pleasure, and their faces flushed in red. However, the two of them obviously would not forget to scold Akatsuki and vent their depression of Akatsuki seeing their embarrassed appearance.

“There’s nothing to be shy about……Good work to you two.”

“Could your body endure it? If you can’t endure it, remember to tell me.”

After saying this —— If Akatsuki used such a gentle tone to talk about their efforts.

……! I will be ashamed and extremely embarrassed……!”

Just thinking about it was terrifying, the prideful Haruka could possibly faint at the scene. In this regard, Akatsuki’s teasing was perhaps his way of being considerate.

At this moment, Akatsuki put away his taunting expression.

“The organizers have arranged for you two to watch the match at the special VIP box. Normal audience cannot see inside the box. The people who can enter the box are only the country’s representatives, but you two still have to be cautious, do not be careless.”

“What about you? Is there really no problem?

Miu asked.

“Your opponents are your past comrades, so naturally they are very familiar with your tactics and moves. Although you are the one who defeated father, it does not mean that their strength isn’t a concern……In fact, they are all excellent warriors right?”

“That’s correct, these fellows are really strong. However, I understand that better than anyone else, they are not opponents that should be underestimated, so I naturally will not take this lightly.”

The serious Akatsuki suddenly gave off a slight smile.

“They understand me, but I also understand them. At that time, there will naturally be a way.”

“……What types of fighting style do they belong to?”

Akatsuki thought for a while, then he answered Haruka’s question.

“Zechs is a swordman-type character, and like me cannot use magic. Loutier specializes in recovery and support type magic, but her magic gun can display amazing power in mid-range. Listy is a pure magician, her battle method consist of attacking magic.”

“……Yes, that should be it.”

Miu muttered. She had not personally witnessed the trio’s heroic bearing in the battlefield, but had heard of many related stories.

The Rogue Hero’s comrades were just as strong as the Rogue Hero.

“……Are you confident?”

Miu could not conceal her inner fears.

“Of course, but……”

Akatsuki smiled, and said.

“This duel must be won.”

“——What?”

Miu was frozen for a moment, while a smiling Akatsuki stood up from his chair.

“——I’m going now. Just wait, I will make everyone at the scene accept our request for peace.”

### Part 2

A few minutes later, the fateful moment had finally come.

People from all over the world gave off a thunderous applause, congratulating themselves for becoming a witness to history.

Under the music and the cheers from the audience, the first one to enter was the trio who represented the Alliance.

That is also Sherfield’s world-renowned heroes ——Listy and the others.

The audience immediately responded with a warm applause and welcomed the trio to the stage.

——Next——

The demon race’s representative appeared from the other tunnel.

In order to prevent the war, a hero who returned once again to Alayzard.

At the same time, he abandoned humanity and was a traitor who joined the demon race’s formation.

Cheers and curses appeared in the air, the entire arena was in chaos. However, after Akatsuki appeared, both sides of the audience quieted down.

This was a duel between the Rogue Hero and Listy, Zechs and Loutier, but the audience could not see the silhouette of the rogue hero.

His hair color and eyes were still the same dark black color, but the person in front of the audience was not the familiar Akatsuki they knew.

He was wearing an evil and dark battle dress, and was armed with a black demon sword.

Akatsuki, who had parted with them for a while, seemed to have returned as the second coming of the demon king.

### Part 3

The upcoming contestants stood on the stage and confronted each other.

Akatsuki’s appearance made Listy El Da Sherfield frown.

“Where did you obtain such a weird and enccentric costume and weapon?”

“You’re talking about this? The clothes was when I was shopping, and bought from an antique shop. The boss said that this was the battle outfit of the ancient demon king, but it is only a replica and not the real thing. Since I am representing the demon race in this fight, I have to consider my outfit a bit right. As for the weapon, it came from my world.”

Akatsuki looked at the black great sword in his hands, while his face exposed a strange smile. This appearance made Listy sigh. It looked like Akatsuki was determined that they will have to have a showdown.

“——In short, a real demon king.”

Suddenly someone interrupted from the sidelines. Looking carefully, it was Alphonse. As the proposer of this duel, Alphonse naturally had to take up the role of the host. He grunted disapprovingly.

“If you were using the identity of the “Rogue Hero” to participate, perhaps you might have the support of the audience. Akatsuki-dono, but this time you miscalculated. Dressing up as the demon race to participate will only arouse resentment of the people.”

“Whether it is a miscalculation, you’ll know later.”

“I can’t wait to see……Queen Listy, can we begin?”

“……Yes, please.”

Facing Alphonse’s inquiry, Listy nodded. Looking at Alphonse, who forced her to this position, Listy thought: No matter who wins or loses in this duel, Disdia would obtain the largest benefits. Alphonse’s inner feelings naturally went without saying.

……If you think that the situation is completely under control, then you could be wrong.

Facing this duel, Listy and the others had never given up hope.

They had already devised a tactic, allowing the spectators to give an advantage to the disgraced.

Thus ——Alphonse, using a solemn tone, used the sound amplification magic to warn the arena.

“——Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby announce the duel between Queen Listy, General Zechs and Elite Executive Loutier and Akatsuki-dono is about to begin.”

A thunderous applause and cheers suddenly burst throughout the arena. After the cheers had subsided slightly, Alphonse began to explain the rules of the duel. No time limit, when one side loses their ability to fight or surrenders, then the duel is considered to have ended. Meanwhile, the organizers placed a special barrier, making the battle space limited to the battle stage and the air surrounding it. No matter how intense their offense and defense was, it would not affect the audience viewing from the sidelines.

In addition ——

“The battle space will turn any physical harm and automatically turn it into mental damage. This is a measure to ensure the safety of the participants, while at the same time allowing the two sides to fight without care, utilizing their true strength.”

Finally, he had to add one more sentence.

“——Also, this is a special reminder. Akatsuki-dono represents Galevain to negotiate with the Alliance, hoping that both sides will be able to reach a peace agreement. At the same time, if the agreement is threatened, he will not hesitate and join the demon race’s formation. In order to prove that Akatsuki-dono has the strength to control the signing, we have specially sent out our strongest battle strength, which is Queen Listy, General Zecha and the Elite Executive Loutier, to have a showdown with Akatsuki-dono. This is the origin of the duel. I have specially explained the and hope that you have all listened."

After hearing this, the crowd suddenly burst out with relentless accusations and insults.

“This is just simply a show to pave way for a peace agreement!”

“I don’t believe that you will actually fight for real!”

Queen Listy bit her lower lips tightly.

Although it was within their expectations, what they heard was still pretty harsh.

The criticism from the audience was inevitable. For those conservatives who did not wish to sign an agreement with the demon race, this duel should have never been held. But on the other hand, there are still many voices who are against war.

Both sides immediately insulted each other, and the arena suddenly plunged into chaos.

“——Quiet!”

Alphonse shouted through the sound amplification magic, and the audience fell into silence.

“Queen Listy and the others are under a formal invitation by Disdia and Aleclasta to become the contestants of this duel. Any remarks that belittle the duel or Queen Listy and the others will be treated as a rebellion.”

Alphonse strictly looked at Queen Listy’s eyes. She could not help but snort in her mind.

……He really knows how to talk.

On the surface, Alphonse was trying to defend Listy from injustice, but realistically it was a trap to legalize the duel and force Sherfield into a disadvantageous spot.

……Fine. Even if you treat me heartlessly, don’t blame me if I treat you unfairly.

Listy had made up her mind and decided to go through with their established plan. Thus, Listy winked at Zechs and Loutier.

Just when both of them nodded, Alphonse finally revealed his hidden fangs.

“It is undeniable that this duel is a battle between past comrades, so it is no wonder that everyone believes that this is just a show to pave way for the peace agreement. In fact, under the barrier which turns physical damage to mental damage, neither side needs to take it easy, and based on the nature of the duel itself, even if they do not have a final victor, Akatsuki-dono will also have proved his strength.”

The strategist, who was added to his strategy, laughed, and smiled happily.

“However, this way you will lose the people’s trust in this duel. Anyone doubting the result of the competition is not what we as country leaders wish to see. Since the result of the duel is an important reference to determine whether we have peace or not, we naturally hope that the results of this battle and the decision for the future are not based on child’s play. Thus, in the name of Disdia empire’s fourth prince Alphonse Tese Rubura Disdia I hereby announce ——“

After a short pause ——

“——This duel will not have the option of a tie. No matter how much time it takes, the results of the duel will decide the fate of humanity.”

“P…Prince Alphonse ——!”

Queen Listy was shocked, but her voice was overshadowed by the cheers of the audience. Yes. Alphonse’s announcement had won the applause of every audience.

“Queen Listy, is there something wrong……?”

Alphonse removed the sound amplication magic. His face was wearing a proud smile. Seeing this, Listy could not help but tightly bite her lower lip.

For Listy who was forced into a desperate situation, the only way out was a tie. On one hand, Akatsuki, who was seeking peace, would have shown his strength, while Sherfield also would not have to end up taking responsibility for the results of either the war or the peace. More importantly, Listy and the others would not lose, so they could still continue their relationship with the other two countries. Although a tie might be ridiculed as a show, everyone in Alayzard knew the relationship between Akatsuki and them. As long as they began using their full powers and competed, even taking into account their former friendship, and battled, at least they would be understood by the audience. Even if it caused a strong rebound from the group who did not wish for peace, it would be better than becoming an enemy of all of the citizens. Although Listy did not mention this plan to Akatsuki, she believed that Akatsuki’s goal was the same.

……To think that the situation evolved into this……!

The audience’s emotions had already been ignited, the plan of a tie game was naturally aborted. Since they did not want to have a duel with a tie ending, they should have mentioned it when developing the rules, but Alphonse picked the beginning of the duel to announce it with sensitive timing. It also revealed an unsual message. When the three country alliance decided that Listy and the others would face Akatsuki, they should have predicted that every country’s audience could possibly think that this was just a show. Alphonse’s act was difficult to understand—Why? After noticing Alphonse’s goal, Listy could not help but bite her lips tightly and clench her fist.

……It can’t be wrong.

Alphonse deliberately left the path of a tie game; naturally, Listy would seize this only hope. After confirming that Listy fell for the bait, Alphonse took advantage of the duel that was about to begin and made a critical point about how there must be a conclusion, also finding a sound reason to block off their only path. All this action was to place Sherfield in a disadvantageous spot. In fact, this proved that Alphonse’s plan was quite successful. Listy did not have any time to prepare another plan.

After Alphonse took the advantage, he did not forget to add a comment that caught them off guard.

“Queen Listy, for Sherfield’s reputation, please do your best.”

Why?

“In case of a defeat, it is unlikely to shut everybody’s mouth.”

“……!”

Listy could not help but shiver.

Alphonse’s meaning could not be any clearer. If Listy and the others lost, even if they lost after using all their power, they could not escape the suspicion of fraud.

Once similar rumors have sprouted, it is bound to discredit Sherfield’s reputation. At that time, not only will they be isolated from the international community, the domestic opposition will also take the opportunity to seize power, causing the country to fall apart.

Akatsuki, who was standing on the demon race’s side, had no other options besides winning. After all, Akatsuki’s defeat would mean the demise of the demon race. However, Listy was also the same. Whether they win or lose, they could not avoid the criticism of the world. If they lose they could still obtain a reputation for trying to eliminate wars, but this option was blocked off by Alphonse. Strictly speaking, Listy and the others’s retreat had been completely sealed off.

……Looks like there is no other choice.

Thus Listy tried to motivate herself within her heart.

Besides winning, there was no other path to take.

### Part 4

Staring at Listy, who returned to her starting position, and preparing to fight, Ousawa Akatsuki suddenly called Alphonse who was about to return to the audience.

“——Hey, Prince Alphonse.”

“Akatsuki-dono, what do you want? It can’t be that you are somewhat dissatisfied with the new rule of no ties in this duel?”

Alphonse turned around with a triumphant expression on his face.

“Of course not, I do not have any comment on the new rules. Although picking this time to announce it is unkind, this is the so-called “politics”, so there is nothing to make a fuss about.”

“Thank you for your understanding, I feel honored. Then……I do not know what Akatsuki-dono wants?”

“About this……”

Akatsuki lifted his head and looked at the special box. The glass had a mirror magic effect, and could not be seen from the outside, but Miu, Haruka, Volk and Miranda were all in the box to witness the duel. After Alphonse returned to the box, the duel would officially begin.

However, the box had clearly one less person, so ——

“——Where’s uncle Baram? I don’t think I’ve seen him today.”

After confirming that he could not feel Baram’s true ki in the arena, Akatsuki asked.

“How do you know……?”

Alphonse was taken aback.

“Last night, my father suddenly fell ill, so he returned to our country this morning. This duel is very important to us, so my father really wanted to witness it, but due to his body not feeling well, he could only just return home first. Before departing, my father also expressed his view that the result of the duel was too clear. Perhaps he believes that Queen Listy will get the final victory.”

After hearing Alphonse’s explanation ——

“Oh, so that’s it……I hope that it is nothing serious.”

“Thank for your blessing, Akatsuki-dono. As for the duel, I will witness the final result instead of my father……Are there any other concerns?”

“No ——Wait, allow me to ask one more question.”

Akatsuki added:

“The barrier that turns physical damage into mental damage……Whose idea was it?”

“Aleclasta’s High priest Miranda proposed it.”

Alphonse replied.

“Queen Listy is the Queen of Sherfield, we cannot have anything happening in this duel……Is there something wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, I was just asking casually.”

Akatsuki slightly smiled, and watched as Alphonse turned around and left. This was basically the barrier within Babel, looks like the two world’s approach is quite similar.

……This also means that he must take out his true power.

Akatsuki took a deep breath and allowed his body’s true ki to flow through his entire body.

After switching to the new AD, he only required one AD and he could summon the demon sword Laevateinn. However, the demon sword in Akatsuki’s hand was the most basic form. Perhaps the second form that showed up previously when he faced Zahhark was just an illusion.

……That’s fine, this time the opponent is not the true enemy.

The AD could summon the most suitable weapon for their user’s abilities. Right now, his opponent was Listy, and since he was fighting in a duel, the basic form of Laevateinn was more than enough. Lifting up his head to see, Listy and the others had already raised their weapons and prepared for the battle.

Zechs was holding a red long sword, Loutier was holding a silver gun and Listy’s weapon was a golden staff.

The trio who had no path to retreat had a sorrowful expression.

Akatsuki could not help but think that both sides could not afford to lose this duel.

Just when the tense atmosphere reached the very peak, the moment when the audience was completely breathless.

The arena gong sounded.

The duel that would decide the fate of humans and the demon race had started.

### Part 5

——The symbolic duel began the moment the gong sounded

Akatsuki pushed off with both feet, and the very first step he advanced out was already increased to his maximum speed.

The side with more people absolutely had a big advantage in battle. However, where there is an excess amount, it will also become fatal.

The duel had just started, and the opponent had already taken the first action. The disconnected trio did not know what to do, this poor communication was undoubtedly the cause of confusion. Seeing Akatsuki approaching at a lightning speed, but——

“——You hope for too much!”

Zechs immediately stepped forward. The distance between the two quickly shortened. In the center of the stage, a melee combat broke out. Akatsuki and Zechs’s showdown was the first time the two of them dueled each other.

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!”

“Oooooooooooooooooo!”

The moment when the screams from both of them surged through the air.

Clangggggggggg

The black demon sword and the crimson long sword clashed against each other, producing a sharp high pitched metallic sound.

Akatsuki and Zechs were facing each other, their respective breathing sounds could be heard.

“Heh……Perverted swordman, after obtaining the title of a general, looks like you did not lose your skills.”

“You’re not bad either, perverted hero.”

Using a flowing movement, Zechs’s crimson long sword swept through, but it was barely dodged by Akatsuki pushing off with both feet.

“Sorry, the opponent I’m looking for is not you.”

Seeing Akatsuki twist his body and dodge to this side, he suddenly threw Zechs to the back of his head. Akatsuki’s target was only one, that is Queen Listy. This duel was one against three, but as long as he defeated Listy, it was equal to deciding the outcome.

The Queen’s defeat symbolizes the defeat of the country. Listy had already entered the magic chant stage, and had unfolded multiple heavily constructed magic circles in front of her. However, Akatsuki’s speed was beyond that, and as long as he continued to sprint forward, he could subdue Listy before the magic was activated.

“Akatsuki, I won’t let you go that easily.”

A beautiful elf stood in front of Akatsuki. This elf was none other than Loutier. She raised her long gun and aimed at Akatsuki, and pulled the trigger without hesitation. However, what came out from the muzzle was not bullets, but a blue and white light laser. Akatsuki immediately took a big step to the side, but Loutier had already anticipated Akatsuki’s action, and another wave of laser was headed towards Akatsuki.

“Chitsu ——”

Facing a barrage of lasers, Akatsuki could only try and avoid or use the black demon sword to block the beam, and approach Loutier from another direction.

Only to see Akatsuki swing his sword continuously at the ground in front of Loutier.

“——Ah?”

The rising dust obscured their sight. Loutier was slightly surprised. At this moment, Akatsuki had already jumped into the air, passed through Loutier and even passed through Listy.

At the moment he landed, Akatsuki immediately took action.

Listy had her back to Akatsuki, while Loutier was currently struggling with the dust. And to activate magic, Listy had to put her full attention into the chant. Everything was within Akatsuki’s expectation. Akatsuki approached Listy from the back without hesitation.

“Since there is a barrier, don’t blame me for being rude.”

After saying this, the black demon sword immediately and mercilessly slashed towards Listy. The blade barely entered Listy’s shoulder blade. However, Listy did not fall to the ground.

The moment Akatsuki found his chance to slash, the black demon sword’s offensive was blocked off.

By another crimson long sword.

“……Don’t underestimate us.”

Using a speed beyond Akatsuki and following him from behind, Zechs coldly spoke.

“Do you think that this type of children’s play will be able to defeat us?”

At this moment Listy also slowly turned around.

A cold expression that did not have the slightest warmth.

“……”

Listy silently stretched out her hands towards Akatsuki.

A red light relentlessly headed towards Akatsuki. This was the directional explosive flame magic Listy specialized in.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh——!”

After the explosive bang, Akatsuki was thrown into the air. After twisting his body while he was in danger, he did land safely.

However, Akatsuki’s body was filled with an unbearable burning sensation. For safety reasons, this duel used a barrier that would turn all physical damage into mental damage, and the mode of how the mental damage showed up was a sense of pain. The difference was that the sense of pain was not on the body, but on the mind. In short, the damage did not communicate with the body, but directly affected the brain.

Actually, before the attack, Akatsuki had already used the power of Renkan Keikikou and activated a defense aura against magic.

The past Akatsuki had also used a similar method, against Onizuka Kenya and Uesaki Ryouhei’s fire magic.

“Fuuuu……It really is as amazing as before.”

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed then looked at the three past companions who he had fought together with.

“True peace, this kind of thing really isn’t obtained so easily.”

The battle restarted. Before Akatsuki was able to launch his second offensive, Loutier took action first.

Seeing her activating several magic circles, it should be that she took advantage of the break in order to chant.

At this moment, Listy, Zechs and Loutier’s bodies were enveloped in three colors of light.

……So it’s that move.

Akatsuki knew what the three colors of light represented. This was the magic Loutier specialized in—— A priest’s supportive magic that increases combat capabilities. The red light represents attack, the blue light represents defense and the green light represents mobility. This supportive magic had the same effect as Akatsuki using Renkan Keikikou and activating his body’s true ki to improve his physical abilities.

“……”

Zechs and Loutier advanced towards Akatsuki without speaking.

Zechs was holding a long sword, and Loutier had released a wind blade magic to turn her gun into a gunblade. The duel entered a melee combat phase, both side were shortening the distance between them. Seeing that they only require half a step and they would have entered Akatsuki’s attack range, Zechs and Loutier suddenly vanished. High speed movement. However, Akatsuki’s reaction was also very fast. Only to see his stature fall slightly and reversing the demon sword in order to protect his back, a large metal clashing sound suddenly came from the scene. After neutralizing Zechs and Loutier’s attack from behind, Akatsuki followed through and swung the sword, and successfully pushed both of them back.

“——Eat this!”

Akatsuki raised his sword and hacked at them twice. A shockwave was released towards the two of them. Zechs and Louter respectively used their weapons to negate the shockwave, but Akatsuki took advantage of this gap in order to rush forward.

His target was Zechs. The black demon sword that targeted the red hair swordman swept into a flurry. Akatsuki’s body movements were using a concept of a “circle”, plus each sword strike’s speed and strength did not follow any rules, making it difficult for others to perceive. When he was facing Phil Barnett, Akatsuki also used the same sword technique, making the other side suffer terribly.

Akatsuki wished for a quick battle and resolving Zechs as soon as possible. However, the sound of the demon sword infused with true ki sweeping through the air and a metallic sound produced after the weapons collided, was colliding against each other in midair at an alarming speed. That’s right, Zechs successfully blocked Akatsuki’s rain of sword strikes.

“The power was still as amazing as before. But……If this is your fastest speed, then it is more than enough to block your fierce strikes.”

Speaking at the same time, Zechs blocked Akatsuki’s slash once again.

“Continuous slashes that corner the opponent should be something like this!”

Zechs changed from defense to attack, and launched a series of counterattacks.

Under Zechs’s suppression, Akatsuki was forced to become defensive.

“Oooo……Damn…….!”

Zechs’s attacks were extremely swift. Akatsuki’s naked eye could not follow it, he could only rely on his intuition.

Seeing Zechs’s attacks become more and more swift, the flurry of sword images gradually produced afterimages.

“That fellow……W…Wait a minute, Woooooooooh!”

In a critical situation, Akatsuki hurriedly stepped backwards. Just at that moment, a laser light pierced the sky right in front of his eyes. Luckily Akatsuki’s reaction was quick, or else his brain would have burned two tiny holes. Looking carefully, it turned out that Loutier had decided to join the fray.

“That was close……”

Akatsuki could not help but feel relieved.

“——Is this the time to rest?”

Zechs’s slash flowed through.

……If I block this sword, it is equal to giving a chance for Lulu to aim at me……Damn!

After observing the entire arena’s situation, Akatsuki immediately made a decision. He activated Renkan Keikikou and jumped into the air in one breath.

This jump was no trivial matter, it was at least ten meters high. However, in midair, Akatsuki could see carefully. Not so far away, Listy had already activated a magic circle. After confirming Listy had finished the chant, Akatsuki muttered to himself.

“This is bad……”

“——Come forth, Lightning of Punishment!”

From the air above the arena came a thunderous roar. Akatsuki did not even think and raised the demon sword and swung it towards the sky. A slash that infused all his strength suddenly split the fallen lightning into half, but things did not end here.

The split lightning was heading towards Zechs and Loutier on the ground.

“Ah ha, Take this!”

An offensive that gives them back a taste of their own medicine. However, Zechs and Loutier’s reaction was quite calm.

He saw Zechs catching the lightning with his sword, and allowing the sword blade to add the properties of lightning element.

Loutier raised her magic gun in her hand and absorbed the fallen lightning into the gun’s muzzle.

“Ahhhh……”

Seeing the two of them easily resolve the offensive of the falling lightning, Akatsuki, who was stranded in midair, scratched his cheeks. At this moment, Zechs and Loutier both pushed off. Their body soared into the sky and reached the same height as Akatsuki in one breath, then they simultaneously attacked. Akatsuki used the demon sword and kicks to counter the two offensives, and displayed an impressive midair battle.

“——“

At this moment, Loutier used Akatsuki’s pressure from his kick and subtly opened up a distance.

At the same time, the magic gun’s muzzle was aimed at Akatsuki, and released the previously absorbed lightning.

……I can’t avoid it!

Akatsuki could only release the demon sword in his hand, and use the demon sword as a lightning rod and escape from the immediate crisis.

However, Zechs’s crimson long sword also swept through the air at this instant.

“You actually threw away your weapon, what kind of idea are you thinking of!”

“That goes without saying right? This kind of idea!”

Just when he finished talking, Akatsuki slipped his palms together and abruptly clamped onto Zechs’s long sword.

“What——!”

Zechs was completely surprised. Without missing his chance, Akatsuki immediately raised his leg and kicked at the frozen Zechs, then he opened up his palms and aimed at the falling Zechs and Loutier, who attempted to rescue him.

“——Eat this!”

Both his palms produced ki bombs, and threw them at the two of them.

The air bomb successfully hit the targets, producing a large explosive sound and a dazzling flash. Amongst the smoke, Zechs and Loutier were both falling towards the ground, Akatsuki stretched out his right hand and firmly caught the falling demon sword.

“Renkan Keikikou isn’t only about manipulating the body’s true ki, you were too careless.”

Akatsuki looked at the falling Zechs and Loutier. His face revealed a proud smile.

At this moment, he noticed Listy had disappeared and subconsciously looked above.

Found her. Staying still in midair, Listy raised her magic staff and aimed at Akatsuki.

In front of the staff appeared several layers of magic circles.

“Did you think I can only use long-range attacks……?” After a short pause ——

“——Akatsuki, you were too careless.”

After saying this, an enormous compressed air bomb was shot forth at an alarming speed.

“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh——“

The compressed air bomb released by Listy had surpassed the speed of sound barrier and pressed onto Akatsuki all the way to the ground.

The arena was suddenly enveloped by an earth-shattering explosion.

### Part 6

“H…How is this possible?”

Miu, who was staying at the VIP special room and watching the duel, was completely surprised.

An incredible phenomenon appeared on the arena. Staring at the smoke rising slowly from the stage, Miu muttered to herself.

“Wind-based and Fire-based magic could actually combine with each other……”

“——Because Sherfield is a country that is comprised of an alliance of the four spirits of fire, water, earth and water.”

Valkyria, who was responsible for receiving the VIP, answered Miu’s question.

“As the legitimate heir to the throne, Listy-sama could borrow various spirits’ power. Not only can she freely manipulate the conflicting elements of fire and water or earth and wind, she could also combine the two and create a greater effect.”

“This is really incredible……”

Haruka could not conceal her inner surprise.

Only to see Miranda smile.

“I understand your surprise, but the facts speak for themselves, so you can only just believe it. It isn’t just for show that Sherfield is called as Alayzard’s magic country right?”

“And Queen Listy is also a magic genius within the history of the royal family. Just that her magic talent——“

Volk reminisced about the past.

“——only opened up after contracting with the spirits and after her father’s death.”

However……

“Looks like Akatsuki is in a struggle.”

Within the battle space, Listy was slowly falling to the ground.

Zechs and Loutier, who had temporarily retreated under Akatsuki’s ki bomb attack, also stood up from the ground.

Looks like Loutier’s combat supportive magic dramatically increased the defense of the trio.

“……Why does he not use hard ki?”

Haruka’s tone was slightly emotional.

“Just relying on his physical body and weapon against multiple enemies would make him fall into a passive situation. Why not use hard ki to block off the opponent’s attack, then use the demon sword to unleash a counterattack.”

At this moment——

“——Sorry to disturb you, but that is impossible.”

Valkyria rejected Haruka’s idea.

“Akatsuki-sama’s hard ki is not almighty, it cannot block off all attacks. If he had used his body and forcibly received Zechs-sama’s sword, even under hard ki’s effect, it will probably still end up in a fate where he is decapitated……But under the special barrier, it should not cause any substantial harm.”

After Miu heard, this, she muttered.

“……Sherfield’s crimson sword king.”

“Yes. I believe you can also see it, Zechs-sama’s sword technique is slightly better.”

“……A magician without any system restriction, a swordsman with higher technique, plus a priest who has combat abilities casting combat supportive magic……This is simply an unwinnable battle!”

Haruka could not help but help Akatsuki say that it’s unfair.

“——About this fact, I believe that Akatsuki-dono already knew about it.”

Alphonse, who had remained silent, smiled while he spoke.

“I have already said this before, Sherfield’s top three are all battlefield heroes, each of their strengths is not weaker than Akatsuki-dono. This point was long recognized by everybody, and it is also a premise for establishing this duel. In short, this is the inevitable result, there should be no surprise. However, you believe that this is an unfair battle, this indirectly means that you believe someone is cheating, this is a rather serious accusation and could not be ignored.”

“……”

Miu could not help but bite her lower lip.

“Myuu-dono what is your opinion?”

Alphonse looked at Miu. His face exposed a confident smile.

Thus, Ousawa Miu looked at Alphonse and responded loudly:

“No opinion, after all we agreed to the conditions of this duel.”

“But……”

Facing the worried Haruka, Miu shook her head.

“There won’t be any problems, Haruka.”

Then she also revealed a confident smile, showing Ousawa Miu’s determined faith.

This was trust.

“——The person we trusted will not be taken down so easily.”

After saying this, the raging fire was instantly extinguished in the stage.

“——!”

That happened so suddenly, causing a commotion within the audience.

Seeing a familiar figure appeared from the grey-black smoke, Ousawa Miu could not help but reveal a pleased smile.

On the other end of her gaze was a youth standing in black clothing.

After using one leg to sweep away the remaining embers, Ousawa Akatsuki smiled and looked at Listy and the others.

“Why do you have an expression like you’ve seen a ghost? It can’t be that you think it will be that easy to defeat me right?”

“……Still refuse to surrender? I advise you not to be stubborn. Although your body did not have any physical damage, an unbearable pain is inevitable. Right now you probably have troubles to even walk.”

Listy paused for a moment.

“I beg you Akatsuki……Surrender.”

It was almost a pleading tone.

“——Surrender?”

Akatsuki was surprised, Zechs also lifted his long sword onto his shoulder.

“You should have also played around enough now Akatsuki.”

A serious and strict tone.

“Your strength really should not be underestimated, but just by your power, it is impossible to defeat us.”

Loutier, who was looking dignified, also followed and spoke:

“Even after being attacked by Listy’s magic attack, you have not received any substantial damage. Just the offensive and defensive earlier, it also proved that after Zechs and I teamed up, we could barely match up against you. You have shown sufficient strength already.”

However……

“If you still are not willing to stop and continue to fight, the situation will only become more disadvantageous to you. The audience’s eyes are sharp, at that time, they will notice that the strength of Akatsuki is not sufficient to threaten us. The peace you are hoping for is bound to become an empty talk that will never be realized.”

“I beg you, Akatsuki……”

Facing Listy’s pleading, Akatsuki helplessly sighed.

“You already believe that you are the winner and now begin psychological warfare? Can’t believe that the day I have been looked down upon has occurred.”

“Meaning that you still wish to continue to fight?”

Zechs frowned, but Akatsuki nodded nonchalantly.

“The earlier explosive flame magic was just right, it helped me warm up……So if you really want to force me to surrender——“

Akatsuki smiled.

“Just using your mouth is not enough, convince me using your strength.”

After Listy remained silent for a while.

“Fine……”

The trio’s expressions suddenly changed. They pushed back their old friendship to the back of their head. Compared to the trio’s harsh expressions, Akatsuki’s smile even appeared to be more brilliant.

Only to see him announce loudly to the audience.

“Come——Let’s begin the second round!”

### Part 7

At the same time, Forestnium’s atmosphere was calm as usual.

The deep forest was filled with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, nobody noticed the change of a quiet attack.

——Nobody except for Kaidou Motoharu.

“Looks like they really came……”

“Kaidou, what’s wrong?”

The demon race children that were playing with everyone looked suspiciously at Kaidou.

Only to see Kaidou gazing into the depths of the forest.

“We’re not playing hide and seek anymore, we’ll change it into a race.”

The sudden announcement immediately aroused the children’s protest.

“Why?”

“You don’t want to be it, so you don’t want to play? Why would there be such a thing……Kaidou?”

The demon race children immediately stopped protesting because they noticed that the cheerful smile that appeared on Kaidou’s face earlier had already disappeared.

“Behave now and listen. After I shout out, everyone is to immediately run back to their home, then listen to the adults’ instructions. If your parents are not at home, or you’ve accidentally got lost, then hide in a secretive place, a place that is not so easily found, okay? At that time, I’ll come for you guys.”

Kaidou slightly smiled.

“Okay……It’s time now, RUN!”

Under Kaidou’s order, all the children immediately rushed away with all their strength.

At this moment, Kuzuha and Chikage also came to Kaidou’s side.

“——What is it?”

“Nothing, it seems that there are uninvited guests.”

Facing Kuzuha’s question, Kaidou helplessly scratched the back of his head. After Chikage heard this, she could not help but narrow her eyes.

“It can’t be right? The enemy should not be able to break the concept magic barrier.”

“That’s true, but……”

Kaidou had not finished speaking when a youth from the village rushed towards them.

“What happened? Why did you tell the children to go home?”

“You’ve appeared right on time. Help me tell uncle Urumu that the enemies have come.”

After he said this, the intruders suddenly appeared from within the forest.

Three knights wearing blue armor. You could tell from a glance that they were not Galevain’s residents.

The helmets were full-face ones, so it was impossible to recognize their appearance.

“Already pulled out your sword? I hate people who are impatient.”

Kaidou turned around and faced the knights. The youth behind him could not conceal his inner surprise.

“How is this possible? The concept magic barrier has not disappeared yet!”

“They have probably drilled a few holes in it. What are you waiting for? Quickly go and notify the elder.”

At the same time, Kaidou also gave some orders.

“Immediately evacuate all people without fighting abilities, we will stay here and delay them.”

“O…Okay!”

The youth nodded and bolted towards the sacred tree.

“There are only three opponents, it shouldn’t be too hard for us.”

Using AD and summoning a long bow, Chikage spoke nonchalantly.

Kuzuha also summoned a large hammer, but she was not as optimistic.

“Did you forget? The peace agreement was our goal, and the opponent sacrificed their own surveillance troops and is also a strategist that created an excuse to attack the demon race. If we kill these three men, won’t we let these people have more of a reason to attack the demon race?”

“That’s correct, this is a little bit of trouble.”

Kaidou also placed his focus onto his AD.

The materialized weapon was an iron knuckle. Kaidou smashed his fists together, and the knucles suddenly issued a crisp metallic collision sound.

“Looks like we can only teach them a lesson, then force them to retreat.”

Thus, Kaidou rushed towards the enemy. After locking onto the middle knight, Kaidou increased his speed. A few arrows passed through Kaidou’s side, aiming for the enemies in front. This was, of course, a cover attack from Chikage.

The three knights either used the long sword to swipe off the arrows, or used a shield to protect themselves. These actions could be said to show all their flaws.

Following this, Kaidou immediately thrust his right fist towards the knight in the center.

“——“

After a muffled bang, the knight in the center had collapsed.

The knight on the right prepared to attack Kaidou, but after a large sound, he fell onto the ground.

It turned out that he had received an attack on the head from Kuzuha’s large hammer.

“Hey Hey Hey, relax a bit, you’ll kill someone.”

“Don’t worry, I know what is appropriate.”

“Really?”

Kaidou seemed to be skeptical of Kuzuha, so while he kicked out towards the third enemy, he did not forget to ask Kuzuha. This kick hit the side of the head of the knight, and he lost consciousness on the spot. He saw the knight fall onto ground kneeling, and powerlessly lie on the ground.

“That’s strange, all of them were instantly defeated.”

Chikage put down her bow. Kaidou looked at the knights who had fallen onto the ground, he could not help but feel a bit puzzled.

……Strange, it shouldn’t be that simple.

Forestnium’s barrier that was formed through concept magic should have been impenetrable, it was almost regarded as an art in terms of barrier. These knights had the ability to pass through the barrier and appear in the forest, so logically, their strength should be quite powerful.

However, Kaidou’s suspicion was quickly answered, the fallen knights all stood up.

“It can’t be right, these three are tough individuals that can’t be knocked down? Give me a break.”

“This really can be nerve-racking. If we continue to fight, we cannot guarantee that we will not harm their lives.”

Kuzuha gave off a wry smile, but Kaidou only helplessly sighed.

“Looks like we can only strip them of their mobility……Althought, the method for doing so is a bit cruel.”

Kaidou swept down a knight that was about to stand up, then thrust his hand onto the right leg of the knight.

With a “pa-cha” sound, the joints of the knight’s right leg were snapped by Kaidou. Without hesitation and swiftly.

The knight was wearing a thick and heavy armor. This way he definitely could not stand up. Then the unthinkable happened. After his right leg joints were snapped, the knight did not even utter a single sound.

Even with a broken leg, he still stood up from the ground.

“A…Are there problems in their head……?”

Chikage’s tone seemed like she had seen a ghost. Kaidou suddenly understood.

……So that’s what happened.

They probably used drugs or magic to eliminate their sense of pain. And the knights had never spoken. Probably their personalities had been wiped, turning them into weapons whose purpose was to kill. Kaidou understood clearly that there was only one method to stop these zombie killing machines.

“——I’ll stay here and hold them, you two should go back and help the villagers to evacuate.”

“Wait a minute, are you going to deal with these three knights alone?”

Kuzuha could not help but raised her voice.

“Don’t argue with me. Listen carefully, normal weapons are ineffective against them, can you two use magic?”

“No.”

“Same here……But.”

Kuzuha asked Kaidou back.

“You should be the same too right?”

“Yes, so I can only think of a way to stall for time. Those children should not have ran very far. You should hurry up and catch up to them. And, the enemy may not only be these three fellows here.”

After Kuzuha and Chikage heard this, they realized the severity of the situation.

Kaidou did not forget to remind them again.

“Bring the children and head to a safe location and take refuge. After I finish with this, I will also immediately head over.”

Kuzuha and Chikage nodded.

“Okay, we’ll leave this up to you.”

“After the evacuation is complete, we will immediately come back to support you.”

Both of them turned around and swiftly left the scene. After Kuzuha and Chikage’s figures disappeared into the forest, Kaidou turned around to face the knights in front.

“Okay now, all of you come out.”

Kaidou, staring at the depths of the forest, laughed.

Knights that were wearing armor came out of the forest one after another. The total amount numbered over twenty.

Kaidou smiled slightly. There was not the slightest fear in his face.

“……Do you know why I sent them away?”

Kaidou removed the materialization of his weapon, and even placed the AD on the ground. At this moment, his wrist suddenly glowed, and a tiny magic circle appeared at the same time. Countless light particles appeared around his body as if removing the AD had lifted his restriction. Kaidou’s clothes immediately changed. He did not need the assistance from AD and could summon out his battle gear from his consciousness. Then Kaidou activated multiple magic circles, and launched countless magic attacks. Facing these undying enemies, Kaidou Motoharu released his true power.

Which was also the true power of the strongest terrorist organization——“Scarlet Dusk”

“Of course killing you might be a bit troublesome……”

Kaidou smiled.

“But what if I blow you apart to the extent there are not even scraps left——Then I just need to find a random excuse to pass right?”

After leaving the enemies to Kaidou, Doumoto Kuzuha and Chikage arrived at the residential areas of the sacred tree together.

The information about the enemy’s attack had spread through the village. Urgent cries and screams from the local residents were heard everywhere.

“Those who can fight, take up your weapons, the others are to immediately evacuate to a safe refuge.”

“The men who do not have a weapon should help the elders and the children to evacuate! You actions have to be faster!”

A single young male from the demon race raised up his weapon and was about to rush forward——

“——Wait, you can’t participate in the battle!”

Kuzuha hurriedly blocked them, Chikage also followed from the side.

“Right now Miu……No, Myuu is involved with talks between the humans. If you are to participate in the battle, it will only waste all their efforts.”

“But……”

“Take your weapons and protect the people without any combat abilities. If the enemy really comes——“

Kuzuha said.

“We will take care of them. Izumi and I are not people from Galevain, so even if they seek responsibility, it will not be blamed on the demon race.”

“That’s right.”

Chikage smiled. The young male holding the weapon pondered for a while, then nodded.

“We will head up to the front and help. We must complete the preparations for evacuation as soon as possible.”

“Wait, go pick up the orphans first!”

“? What do you mean?”

Another youth’s statement caught the attention of Kuzuha. The person was out of breath and it was evident he was anxious.

“It is the children who lost their parents in the war. They live at the bottom floor’s orphanage. Normally the villagers will take turns to take care of them. However, the situation is too chaotic right now, everyone is trying to escape with lives, there is no time to take into account the orphans.”

“Okay, I’ll go to bring the orphans. Izumi, I’ll leave this to you.”

“No problem. Class rep, be careful.”

“Yes, you too.”

Kuzuha nodded towards Chikage. After asking the exact location of the orphanage, she immediately rushed down to the lower floor of the sacred tree. Avoid dodging the crowd of people trying to evacuate, she reached the lower floor of the sacred tree in a few minutes. Kuzuha looked around and found that the lower floor was completely quiet. It seemed like there were no residents who hadn’t left.

However, Doumoto Kuzuha did not slow down her pace.

“——“

A sound came from the direction of the orphanage.

Screams. Kuzuha pushed forward and increased her speed. Suddenly she saw that a female beastman holding many children was preparing to flee the scene and ——a knight was standing in front of them.

……Sure enough, they infiltrated from somewhere else.

The knight raised his sword high up in the air, and was prepared to harm the defenseless woman and children.

Seeing that it was an emergency, Kuzuha immediately placed her focus onto her AD, summoned a large hammer, and smashed it towards the ground. The powerful impact surged through the earth and created multiple rocks headed towards the knight.

But——

“——“

The knight gently raised the long sword in his hand and easily handled Kuzuha’s attacks.

This was enough. Kuzuha deliberately raised up dust, stood in the middle between the knight and the children and motioned for the female beastman to leave quickly.

“Leave this to me, hurry and take the children away!”

“Ah…Yes……!”

The female beastman woke up and nodded. She hurriedly took the children and fled the scene. However, there was a child that remained on the spot and refused to leave. It was the dark elf girl Riruru.

“Kuzuha……”

Riruru revealed a worried expression, but Kuzuha smiled slightly.

“I’m fine……Quickly go away!”

It was the first time Kuzuha used this commanding tone to talk with Riruru. Riruru was surprised, and lifted her body and hurriedly chased after the orphans who left earlier.

Kuzuha once again faced the knight.

After confirming that Riruru’s footstep sounds were becoming further away——

“……You will not let go of even those small children?”

“……”

The knight wearing the armor did not respond, but silently raised his sword. Seeing this, Kuzuha also tightly gripped the hammer’s wooden handle and charged forward towards the knight. When the distance to the knight was only a few steps, she jumped and used all her power to swing the hammer down, but it was easily blocked off by the knight.

“——!”

Kuzuha, who was surprised, hurriedly flipped around and took her distance.

……This person is strong……!

Kuzuha could not help but swallow. The enemy did not only block off Kuzuha’s attack, but he did not even put Kuzuha’s attack within his mind. This strength was incomparable to the other knights. And the armor was also different from the other knights. Not only was there an elegant gold color on the side, it also looked exceptionally heavy.

……Phil Barnett……No, it should be the same level as Ousawa-kun.

Kuzuha understood that she could not win against this knight, but her strong sense of responsibility forced her to remain here.

……At least I need to buy a bit of time.

After making up her mind, Kuzuha bit her lips. At this moment, the knight swung his long sword towards the ground, creating an explosive sound and impact.

A power that surpassed Kuzuha surged through the ground and directly headed to Kuzuha.

“Kuuu……”

Right now she still could not use magic. At this crisis, Kuzuha also lifted the hammer and smashed it towards the ground, attempting to cancel the impact of her opponent. The two powers rushed forward and met in the middle.

However, the two surges of power did not get cancelled, there was not even a chance to compete against each other.

The impact created by the knight easily swallowed up the impact produced from Kuzuha’s hammer.

“Ah——Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”

Once Kuzuha understood that she was in a bad situation, it was already too late. The strong impact instantly swallowed Kuzuha’s petite body and continued to explode outwards. The impact even threw Kuzuha back dozens of meters.

“……Kuuuu, Ah……Nnnn……”

Lying on the ground, Kuzuha tried to maintain her consciousness.

An unbearable pain came from her entire body. Kuzuha could not help but make painful moans, but she still tried to muster her remaining strength and attempted to climb back up from the ground.

“Huh——?”

Doumoto Kuzuha widened her eyes. A dark elf girl was currently lying down beside her.

“Ri……Ruru……?”

Her fuzzy sight gazed upon the motionless girl.

……W…Why……

Why is Riruru still here? Shouldn’t she have caught up to the other children and escaped far away? However, the truth was at hand, and it did not allow Kuzuha to doubt at all.

There was only one possibility, that is Riruru did not escape. She originally planned to follow the others and leave this place, but she stopped on the way. Why? Kuzuha could not help but think.

……Could it be……She was worried about me……?

Kuzuha unconsciously moved her body and lifted up Riruru’s tiny body.

“Riruru, Get a hold of yourself! Riruru—— Please speak!”

But Riruru did not respond. No matter how Kuzuha called Riruru’s name, the girl in front of her eyes continued to keep her eyes closed. Even painful groans could not be heard.

At this moment, a dark shadow appeared in front of Kuzuha. Lifting up her head, the enemy was right in front of her. The knight ignored the badly bruised Kuzuha as well as the motionless Riruru.

“……Where is the elder?”

A flat and cold tone.

……The enemy’s target is uncle Urumu……?

After knowing the enemy’s target, Doumoto Kuzuha bowed her head to think, measuring her own physical condition and the gap in strength between the two of them in her heart. After a thorough consideration, the conclusion she drew up was that she could not fight again. Thus, Kuzuha decided to respond to the opponent’s question——With hostile eyes.

“I don’t know. But even if I knew, I would not tell you……!”

Doumoto Kuzuha expressed that she was not going to yield. The reaction of the knight was very simple, she saw him lift up his sword.

“——It’s about time to stop, young man.”

A hoarse voice prevented the knight’s action. Kuzuha subconsciously looked at the direction of the voice.

Urumu was standing in front of her eyes.

“Run away, uncle Urumu……The enemy is after you!”

Kuzuha screamed loudly, but Urumu only smiled.

“Ohhho……Then isn’t it just right?”

Then he slowly walked towards the knight.

“Why……?”

Kuzuha muttered, unable to understand the intentions of Urumu.

Only to see Urumu’s wrinkled face reveal a hint of a smile.

“Because you are all princess’s friends, I cannot allow you to be involved in the dispute between humans and the demon race……Isn’t it right, Disdia’s knight?”

Urumu had long seen past the identity of the knight.

“Since your target is me, please go ahead. But for the sake of my own life, could you please let her go? She is only a guest that accidently came here, and is not a resident of Galevain.”

“……”

The knight did not answer, but silently walked towards Urumu.

“S…Stop……”

Carrying Riruru, Kuzuha’s voice was very weak.

She could not stop anything. She could not stop time, stop the knight, or stop the tragedy.

The knight slowly raised his sword, but Urumu was perfectly calm.

A hearty laugh would come once in a while from his mouth.

At the very last moment, he finally stared at Kuzuha.

“——Please take care of the princess, Kuzuha-dono.”

After he said this, the knight’s long sword suddenly used an earth-shattering posture and directly slashed downwards towards Urumu’s body.

### Part 8

In Sherfield’s arena, the battle was still ongoing.

The trio had the advantage, but Zechs Doltrake was suspicious.

……That’s strange……

The duel had already reached this stage, the trio had already grasped the initiative. Through Listy and Loutier’s cooperation, and the offensive they launched from close, medium and large range, it had almost forced Akatsuki into a severe situation multiple times. Unfortunately, everything failed at the end, allowing Akatsuki to break through the pinch. This had happened throughout the hour, and the battle was still at a stalemate.

……After noticing that there was no winning in a frontal attack, he decided to implement a defensive strategy and continued to avoid the situation?

“Be a bit more serious, you coward!”

A merciless shout. In fact, since the duel had entered the so-called second round, Akatsuki had kept on using passive defensive tactics, and the sounds of boos from the audience had never been broken. However, Akatsuki did not mind, and calmly avoided the opponent’s attack.

“Three against one and still cannot win, you guys are too weak!”

As a result, the trio from Sherfield could not avoid the insults from the audience as either. Zechs could not help but think within his heart.

……The situation is turning bad.

If they continued to let Akatsuki delay the duel, the audience would think that the two groups were secretly going easy. If there was a suspicion that the duel was faked, it would mean that the trio from Sherfield who faced Akatsuki would be loathed by everyone. Zechs could not help but glance towards Listy, only to see Listy nod. Seems like they had made up their mind. Seeing this, Loutier also responded with understanding eyes.

Only to see Akatsuki, who was fighting the trio, smile.

“Hey, don’t just use your eyes to talk, let me participate as well.”

“Okay, let me tell you then.”

Zechs coldly answered.

“——The next strike will finish the duel.”

After saying this, the surrounding space around Zechs and Akatsuki suddenly turned dark.

“What……?”

Akatsuki unconsciously lifted his head and looked at the sky. Zechs jumped back a certain distance, then lifted his head and looked at the object that Akatsuki was staring at. The object that appeared above the stage seemed like a burning rocky mountain. It was also one of Listy’s so-called combination magics that used a combination of fire and earth elements, and one of the most powerful type as well.

“When have you guys start preparing for this type of insane magic……?”

“——For some time already.”

Facing Akatsuki’s question, Listy’s tone was very calm.

“Before, when I was activating magic, I have been secretly cancelling the magic circle and chant……How is this, did you completely not notice it?”

Next she will just have to aim at Akatsuki and let the rocky mountain fall down. The destructive power was undisputable, but Akatsuki could also avoid it, thus Zechs specially called Loutier.

“——Lulu, are you ready?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

After receiving Loutier’s response, Zechs pushed off to the sky. Loutier raised her magic gun, aimed at Zechs, and pulled the trigger. Loutier’s intention was not to attack Zechs, but to add a supportive wind magic and allow Zechs to achieve a greater flying ability. After obtaining the help of the wind magic, Zechs reached directly above the huge rocky mountain. Then he raised up his crimson sword and stared at Akatsuki on the ground.

“——Let’s see where you can run!”

After saying this, Zechs swung his crimson sword, aiming at the rocky mountain, and furiously hacked it.

The huge burning rocky mountain was hacked into multiple pieces.

“It’s finished now, Akatsuki ——“

The crimson sword was raised up high in the air and swung down at a amazing speed.

The multiple burning rock pieces fell towards the ground at the same time, as if it was a powerful meteor shower.

The intense impact and the high temperate flames mercilessly devoured Akatsuki.

——It was too tragic.

The audience all had this idea emerge at the same time. Everyone believed that the outcome of the duel must have been decided.

However, the audience did not know that the ultimate technique which the trio had shown off was originally intended to defeat the demon king Galious. But Galious had been unexpectedly defeated by Akatsuki alone, so the destructive ultimate technique had been sealed since then. The trio did not think that the first victim of this ultimate technique would actually be Akatsuki; the pain and struggle could naturally be imagined.

After a period of time, the flames on the stage disappeared. The flames created by the explosion depleted the oxygen around Akatsuki. Although the black smoke temporarily obscured the sight of the audience, after a while it slowly began to dissipate.

The audience at the scene witnessed the results of the trio’s amazing magic attack.

Countless rocks had fallen from the sky, and the stage was filled with large and small craters.

The raging fire even burnt the ground on the stage to black.

Even suffering a powerful attack that could almost destroy the heavens and the earth, a youth was still standing in front of the audience. At this moment, the audience could not help but respond with warm applauses and cheers.

The target of these applause and cheers was, of course, Akatsuki with a confident smile.

The merciless boos instantly changed into passionate cheers. After obtaining the support of the audience, Akatsuki could not help but think that:

Everything is finally in place for this duel.

Thus he faced Listy and the others that were standing nearby.

“Your final trump card was defeated by me, it’s about time to end this right?”

Only to see Listy staring blankly at Akatsuki.

“What did you just do……Akatsuki?”

Staring at Akatsuki, her tone was filled with surprise.

“Even after such a serious attack, how could you be possibly unharmed……?”

“You guys have an trump card, but I too also have a secret weapon.”

After a short pause.

“And just now it was only the defensive secret weapon…… Understood?”

Saying this at the same time, Akatsuki used the secret weapon he had hidden for a long time. Strictly speaking, it was the offensive secret weapon.

……I really did not want to do this.

However, in order to win, Akatsuki did not have another choice. He could only use one of the ultimate techniques in Renkan Keikikou.

Akatsuki first stopped the materialization of the black demon sword. Then he let the true ki within his body flow at a high speed and compressed it.

After repeating the same action over and over again, Akatsuki’s body gradually started to emit a bluish-white light.

Normally Akatsuki would only use the flow of the true ki and increase his body’s physical abilities.

However, this would only stimulate the potential within his body. In short, the maximum limit his body could carry would determine the improvement of his body from the true ki. However, if he kept compressing and cycling the true ki, he could increase the amount of true ki indefinitely.

Allowing the user to obtain a power surpassing the limits of his body. Of course, doing so was not without a cost. The user’s body would have to bear a burden and pressure to surpass his limits.

“Woooooooooooooooooooo!”

A powerful pressure swept through his entire body. Akatsuki could not help but let out a painful roar. Even so, he did not plan to give up.

“Tchh ——Don’t think it’ll go so easily!”

Zechs understood the situation was bad and immediately rushed forward. He instantly reduced the distance and swung his crimson sword to attack Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki, who continued to accumulate the true ki, did not give any signs of evading.

“Ah ——!”

Zechs was completely surprised. Akatsuki blocked off the sword’s attack and was doing it unarmed.

“……You’ve waited for too long.”

Using his left thumb and index finger to grip onto the crimson sword blade, Akatsuki slowly spoke.

The true ki was rapidly flowing throughout his body and emitted a stunning sound.

“It’s over, Zechs.”

“……!”

Seeing that the signs were wrong, Zechs hurriedly backed off, but he could not escape the pursuit of Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s right hand touched Zech’s forehead and the fist continued forward.

“Kuuuuu……!”

Zech’s brain was affected by a violent shaking. Although he was still conscious, he could not stand up from the ground.

“I did not use my full strength, so your consciousness should still be clear.”

Akatsuki slowly spoke.

“However, your true ki within your body has been disrupted, so you will not be able to move within a short time.”

“How is this possible……”

Zechs was completely shocked. He knew that at the moment Akatsuki disrupted his true ki, his body must be in a completely stationary state in order to meet the other’s breathing and the speed of the flow of the true ki, and at an exact time and location inject a powerful true ki.

“The me right now has long surpassed the limits you know……Didn’t I say it already? This is my secret weapon.”

After saying this, Akatsuki walked towards Listy and Loutier.

Listy immediately activate magic circles around her.

In order to buy time for Listy to activate a powerful magic, Loutier stood in front of Akatsuki.

“The outcome hasn’t been decided……”

A white light concentrated in front of the magic gun, accumulating the power of a laser. After compressing it, a searing light was shot forward from the muzzle. The power and speed were several times higher, making it completely indefensible. However, Akatsuki did not dodge or dash off. The powerful laser hit the target and caused a loud bang.

But……

“How could it be……”

Loutier could not help but widen her eyes, completely surprised.

The laser did not hit Akatsuki. No, strictly speaking, before it hit Akatsuki, it was bounced off by the true ki surrounding Akatsuki’s entire body.

The laser which deviated from its target could only destroy the walls of the stage.

At this moment, Akatsuki’s body flashed and at a lightning speed, he reached Loutier.

“Lulu……Let me listen to your cute voice.”

Thus Akatsuki gently bit the sharp ears Loutier had, as an elf.

Ears are the most sensitive location to an elf. Akatsuki’s true ki passed through the ears and endlessly entered Loutier’s body.

“Ahhhh…Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Loutier’s entire body trembled, let out a seductive voice and powerlessly fell onto the ground.

After contently looking at Loutier who was trembling on the ground ——

“——Now it’s only you left.”

Akatsuki took a step forward and slowly walked towards Listy.

“Nnnnn……”

Listy could not conceal her inner anxiety. She had not finished her magic chant, and it required some time before it could activate. Akatsuki was not an ordinary enemy, so normal magic could not defeat him, and the magic power is proportional to the time it takes to prepare. The stronger the magic, the more time it will take to prepare. With Listy’s strength, she could definitely and forcibly activate the magic before the chant was over; however, the power would naturally be reduced, and might not be enough to defeat Akatsuki. However, if she continued to chant the magic, there was no doubt that Akatsuki could do whatever he wanted. Whether she should continue to chant the magic knowing that it may be too late, or take the risk and reduce the power to forcibly activate the magic? Listy now faced a dilemma.

“Oh, you decided to continue to chant?”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

Listy slowly spoke:

“I think you should also understand, while chanting magic, the magic circles also have the effect of a protective barrier. And the effect is proportional to the power of the magic, providing the caster a powerful defense.”

Listy, who was surrounded by magic circles in a ball shape, did not forget to add one more thing.

“And the defense of the protective barrier is different than the attack magic, during the chant, it has the strongest ——“

After saying half of her words, Listy could not continue to go on.

The reason was Akatsuki. She saw him simply raise his two hands and enter into Listy’s protective barrier.

“——Heeh!”

The two hands pulled back powerfully, and the magic suddenly vanished in a flash.

“Ah ——“

Listy was shocked, but immediately regained her calm and continued to chant. Looking at Listy, who closed her eyes and concentrated on the spell words, Akatsuki’s expression was very calm.

“I understand that you wish to protect Sherfield, but you have done more than enough.”

Ousawa Akatsuki suddenly took Listy in his arms and forcibly took her lips.

“——!”

Listy was surprised and unconsciously opened her eyes. This time it was Akatsuki’s turn to close his eyes.

He greedily sucked on Listy’s soft and bouncy lips.

“Mmmmmm, Ha……Y…Youuuu……Mmmmmm~~! ? “

Listy attempted to escape, but whatever she tried to do, she could not escape from the grasp of Akatsuki.

Akatsuki’s two hands were wrapped around Listy’s back and the back of her head, saying that he was unwilling to let her go.

“Mmmmmmm….Ahhhhh…….Wooooo……!”

Listy pounded on Akatsuki’s chest, her body desperately struggling. However, Akatsuki did not budge and instead tightened his arms around Listy’s body. As if to prove through action that his strength completely surpassed Listy, and telling her to give up on the unnecessary struggle. Finally, Akatsuki gently pulled Listy from the waist towards him.

“Fuuuuuu…ah ah ahh……”

Listy’s upper body was slightly tilted back, her mouth even emitted seductive moans. Akatsuki’s tongue immediately entered Listy’s mouth, and sent his true ki within Listy’s body.

“Mmmmmm~~~?”

After she gasped, Listy trembled slightly. After her tight body had slowly become powerless, Ousawa Akatsuki finally left Listy’s lips.

The violent sucking and the intense kiss stripped away Listy’s actions and her ability to think.

Listy’s body trembled slightly, and the tight muscles slowly calmed down.

“Ah……Fuuuu….Ahhh……”

Listy gradually lost the ability to resist. The arm that was caught by Akatsuki was slowly lowered, the other arm that was pummeling Akatsuki also powerlessly rested on Akatsuki’s chest.

After a period of time, Listy’s body became abnormally gentle.

This was the appearance when the female had given up resistance and surrendered to the male.

The hand that Akatsuki used to lift Listy from the back gradually moved downwards.

Listy’s enchanting and slim waist twisted gently, as if she quite enjoyed the joy brought through Akatsuki’s caress.

Their passionate kiss was not over. After the oxygen was depleted in her lungs, Listy’s hazy expression brought forth a hot look. This was undoubtedly the world’s most beautiful hypoxia. Listy’s tightly closed eyes opened. Her silky eyes were extremely hot and sexy, as if she was completely conquered. Only when Akatsuki saw this, did he leave Listy’s lips.

“……Ah……”

Listy gently called out, with a little regret and dismay in her tone.

Akatsuki again tenderly kissed Listy’s lips, only then did it relax her body.

“Ahhhh……”

Her soft and weak body staggered and was about to fall down. Before Listy fell to the ground, Akatsuki immediately stretched out his arm and held onto Listy’s soft waist.

The two of them were naturally standing side by side.

Ousawa Akatsuki looked around the surroundings. The entire arena was completely silent. The audience’s gaze was concentrated onto the two of them. Thus in front of all the audience, Akatsuki made a gesture.

His left hand was wrapped around Listy’s waist, his right hand was raised up high.

His face revealed a hint of smile.

“I surrender……I cannot fight with this person anymore.”

Ousawa Akatsuki declared his defeat. An outcome that was completely unexpected.

Yet no one protested, and no one shouted.

After a brief silence, the arena was enveloped by resounding cheers and applause.

### Part 9

“I can’t believe it……”

Akatsuki’s action made Alphonse, who watched the duel from the special box, completely shocked.

It might seem like a simple kiss, but it implied a far greater meaning.

One side was the youth who bore the responsibility of the previous hero’s death, climbed all the way from the depths of despair and become the Rogue Hero everyone knew about, and finally defeated the demon king and became a hero that saved the world. On the other side was a Queen whot had experienced the blow of her country being destroyed, and with the hero obtained back their homeland and aimed to defeat the demon king. These heroes in everyone eyes were almost like a prince and a princess from a fairy tale who won the world’s admiration and love. Alayzard’s residents had wished from the bottom of their hearts that they would become married; after all their happiness symbolized the end of the war and the coming of the peace, so it was undoubtedly everyone’s wish for the future. Although the happy ending that everyone had hoped for was destroyed when Akatsuki returned to his own world, Akatsuki had now once again come back to Alayzard and stood in front of everyone.

——And in this case, Akatsuki, wearing the demon king outfit, was playing a very crucial role.

The scene of Akatsuki, who was wearing the demon king outfit, and Listy standing next to each other seemed to symbolize the peace between the humans and the demon race.

Every audience member at the scene was a witness to history.

……At this rate, nothing can be done.

Alphonse had arranged many individuals to specially discredit the duel and frame Sherfield’s trio for faking the duel, and thus provoke the audience’s emotions. However, in the face of the thunderous cheers from the audience, those individuals seemed to be extraordinarily small. Although Akatsuki declared his own defeat, there was ample evidence that his strength was above the trio from Sherfield. Under the catalyst of this happy ending, the signing of the peace treaty would not be blamed upon Listy and Sherfield by everyone. Even if everyone wanted to say something, they could only just send their heartfelt blessings. In short, Akatsuki achieved the final victory, but Listy and the trio were not defeated.

……Impressive, he actually had the ability to perfectly convey and perform the draw that was excluded from the rules.

Alphonse Tese Rubura Disdia was completely defeated.

His strategy could be said to have been completely neutralized.

“So this is the strength of the Rogue Hero?......What a disorderly fellow.”

With a wry smile, Alphonse could only accept his defeat.

Also in the special box seats, Ousawa Miu looked intently at the arena stage.

“……”

Staring at Akatsuki, who was waving to the audience, and Listy, who was being held on at the waist, Miu did not notice that on her own face emerged a hint of loneliness.

Akatsuki and Listy were standing in front of Miu’s eyes, and accepting the world’s blessings.

At this moment, Miu suddenly noticed that Akatsuki and Listy’s gazes did not fall at the same place. Akatsuki was busily addressing the audience, but Listy, who was beside him, had been staring at Akatsuki’s face.

Tears emerged from her eyes.

Ousawa Miu thought, Akatsuki will immediately wipe off Listy’s tears.

……That was correct.

This was a matter of fact; Miu, herself, also understood this. Only Listy was worthy of Akatsuki. The other half of a hero should not be the daughter of a demon king.

But a princess who defeated the demon king alongside the hero.

### Part 10

A dark passage.

The candlelight from both sides could barely illuminate the two sides. This was the underground passage of the arena.

The passage that connected the battle stage to the preparation area, and could also access the special box.

There was no other shortcut to head to the special box; everyone must pass through this passage.

An encounter would naturally occur.

Aleclasta’s Pope Volk Rem Aleclasta IV had a happy smile on his face.

The location was the end of the stairs. Miranda followed at the side.

“Congratulations, Akatsuki. Your performance this time was really remarkable.”

Volk greatly praised Akatsuki who was coming from the other end of the passage.

Only to see Akatsuki stop.

“You flatter me, you even specially came to congratulate my victory.”

Akatsuki smiled.

“Unfortunately the thing went contrary to what you expected, letting you down.”

“Oh ho, I don’t understand what you mean.”

Volk revealed a intriguing smile.

——No matter who won the victory of this duel, it would be difficult for Sherfield to escape the blame from the rest of the world.

After Akatsuki had defeated Galious, Sherfield had suddenly become a country that saved the world, achieving a position on the same standing as the powerful Aleclasta and Disdia. It was just a matter of time until the international politics would be dominated by the flourishing Sherfield.

However, Aleclasta and Disdia were not absent during the war against the demon king. Sherfield’s influence growing in the international community was naturally a sight that the two countries did not want to see. In fact, today’s duel was a plan from Aleclasta and Disdia to pull down Sherfield by using the name of the demon race.

Right now the two countries’ plan was crushed by Akatsuki. Akatsuki and Listy had also received blessings from the rest of the world, securing a position of Sherfield bringing Alayzard to peace.

However, Volk did not care. There is plenty of time, what they have later on was time.

In fact what they were concerned about was another matter.

“——Renkan Keikikou is really terrifying. Even the renowned strongest fighter of the human side, Queen Listy, was not a match for it.”

“Indeed, it looks like the legend seems to be true.”

Miranda interjected.

“The legend about it absorbing the opponent’s true ki, and turning the opponent’s strength into your own power……”

“——“

Miranda’s statement made Akatsuki narrow his eyes.

Only to see Volk laugh a few times.

“Probably not many people had noticed it, but I saw it very clearly. After Queen Listy’s final attack touched your body, it immediately disappeared without a trace.”

Just like the magical barrier the superior dimensional being Zahhark had——Miranda laughed.

“The more enemies you kill, the stronger your strength becomes……It really is a devil qigong”.

“Ah ha, I don’t understand what you two are talking about.”

Akatsuki smiled slightly, and brushed past Volk and Miranda, preparing to go upstairs.

“I know what your aesthetic is, but keeping too many secrets will hurt the females.”

Staring at the back of Akatsuki, Miranda muttered.

“——If Listy knew how he died……”

Akatsuki suddenly stopped.

“……What do you want to say?”

A deep and low tone, with a faint hint of murderous intent. Hearing this, Miranda immediately evaded the subject.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Since you know nothing, then pretend I did not speak. But then again, if you had learnt Renkan Keikikou earlier——“

Miranda paused for a moment.

“At that time perhaps you could have used Leon’s power.”

Akatsuki silently headed towards Miranda.

The two of them started a close confrontation, the other’s breathing could be clearly heard.

“I will not allow you to speak nonsense in front of that person. Even if you are a woman, I will not show mercy.”

“You’re really scary……But you don’t have to force yourself.”

Miranda had a cold smile emerge on her face.

“You did not hesitate and used Renkan Keikikou to surpass your limits and obtained the victory. It should be difficult for the you right now to stand or talk.”

Both sides entered a silence. After a few seconds, Akatsuki slowly turned around and walked up the stairs.

At this moment……

“……Miranda, this is your mistake……”

Although he said this, Volk’s tone did not have any intent to blame her.

“That’s true, maybe it is time for the entire world to know the truth.”

The truth is always cruel.

“However, Akatsuki was quite capable.”

The hero Leon protected Akatsuki and died at the hands of the demon king Galious while the demon race attacked Erdia——This was the world’s understanding of the tragedy.

This was the explanation that Akatsuki, who watched Leon fall into a pool of blood, told Listy and the other rescuers. At that time Galious was not present, and there were no other survivors at the scene, so Akatsuki became the only witness to the death of Leon.

Thus, what Akatsuki said became Alayzard’s history. The hero Leon died at the hands of the demon king to protect Akatsuki.

This was the understanding of the world, and also the statement that was heard publicly.

### 042. Epilogue - Respective Decision

### Part 1

This was a street that headed to the nearby forest.

A large horse pulling a four-wheeled wagon was leisurely walking down the lush green countryside road. The horsekeeper that Melissa had arranged was holding carefully onto the reins. Nanase Haruka, who was in the wagon, could not help but think:

……When they were coming, in order to avoid the eyes and ears, they specially chose to walk; however, when they were leaving, they were in a carriage. The before and after treatment were completely different. The wagon was originally used to carry goods, and did not have luxury seats, but this was still more comfortable than walking. In order to avoid a bumpy journey, the wagon was filled with shock-absorbing hay. Under the sun’s exposure, it immediately exuded a pleasant odor.

Haruka, who was sitting with her knees closed on the hay, curiously asked:

“When we were coming, it took a lot of time. I wonder how long it will take for the carriage to reach Galevain.”

The target of the inquiry was obviously Miu, who was sitting not far away with her hands hugging her knees.

However, Miu did not answer. Haruka could only move her body, and approached Miu’s side like a cat.

“Miu, did you hear me?”

“Uwwaahh……What is it?”

Miu, who was startled, hurriedly asked. Haruka could not help but be surprised.

“I’m the one who wants to ask you what it is. Since yesterday, you have been behaving strange.”

“Yes……Sorry……”

Looking at Miu who suddenly bowed her head, Haruka sighed. At the same time, she was aware of Miu’s problems.

……She must have not been able to escape from the results of the duel.

The key of ending that battle was Akatsuki’s kiss.

Nanase Haruka thought. In terms of results, Akatsuki could not have made a better choice.

However, after witnessing the scene where the two of them received everyone’s blessings, Miu’s heart must not feel very well.

……Miu must have liked Akatsuki.

As the daughter of the demon king, Miu understood that she would not be able to receive the same blessings. Within her heart, she must have a sense of guilt for falling in love with Akatsuki and jealousy towards Listy.

……In the end, what did that guy do?

Haruka glanced at the back of the wagon. Akatsuki was using his hands as a pillow, stretching out both his legs, comfortably lying on the straw bed and fast asleep.

You really are relaxed, completely unaware of Miu and my feelings ——

……Wait, what does this have to do with me? Regardless of what that perverted man wants to do with others it’s unrelated to me!

Haruka hurriedly abandoned the idea in her head. What a joke, he is an public enemy of women.

She must not forget what he did to them when they had mistakenly drank the aphrodisiac.

……W…Who cares about him, let’s first comfort Miu.

Thus, Haruka stretched out her hands and rested them on Miu’s shoulders.

“Haruka……”

Miu lifted her head, revealing a puzzled look.

“The peace treaty has just taken a major step forward, how could you show such a painful look. If this sad expression was seen by everyone, wouldn’t it cause unnecessary worry?”

After a short pause.

“If within your heart, you have any troubles, then directly talk about it. In my opinion, you do not have to think twice about your feelings, you should just openly face yourself.”

“Huh ——?”

Facing Miu’s surprised face, Haruka responded with a helpless wry smile. After a period of time, Miu’s expression finally returned to her calm expression.

“That’s true……Thank you, Haruka.”

Miu’s face exposed a relieved smile.

“Okay! Now that it’s decided, then I will bravely express it!”

Haruka pulled Miu and pushed her in front of Akatsuki.

“Wait a minute…….Wuuahh……!”

Miu tripped and her entire body landed onto of Akatsuki.

“Ouch ——! The pain is killing me ——!”

Akatsuki shouted, and his entire body jumped up from the hay.

“S…Sorry……Does it really hurt that much?”

Miu quickly apologized. Akatsuki frowned.

“Renkan Keikikou created an excessive burden to my body. Just by moving it slightly, the entire body will be in pain.”

As a result……

“Just by moving it slightly……”

“Will be in pain……”

Haruka and Miu muttered. They both glanced at each other, then slowly approached Akatsuki.

“What are you two doing? Why do you reveal such a strange smile?”

“Do you have to ask? This is revenge.”

“We will never forget……what you did to us at that time.”

Thus Haruka and Miu stretched out their fingers and poked at Akatsuki’s body.

“Idiot, that is the medical practice for nerves……Ouch! Hey hey hey, don’t play around! It really hurts!” While teasing Akatsuki with their fingertips……

……This type of game was really addictive.

Haruka was secretly laughing in her heart, but she accidentally went overboard.

“Huh?”

Akatsuki suddenly grabbed onto Haruka and Miu’s hands.

“D…Don’t you feel pain?”

Haruka said with a trembling voice.

“Under the effects of Renkan Keikikou, I can temporarily make the sense of pain disappear.”

Akatsuki replied.

Miu could not help but reveal a suspicious expression.

“T…Then if Renkan Keikikou was that useful, from the start why ……”

“The true ki that exceeded the limits will cause pain that has no cure, you can only let it heal naturally. Although currently there is no feeling of pain, it is causing a burden on the body, so it cannot be considered an effective treatment.”

Akatsuki stood up from the hay.

Seeing the situation was turning bad, Miu and Haruka hurriedly comforted Akatsuki.

“T…Then there’s no need to force yourself!”

“T…That’s to say, it doesn’t help your body!”

“Relax, there’s no problem.”

Akatsuki revealed a confident smile, his face showed a devilish smile.

“——Teaching you two will not take too much time.”

After saying this, Akatsuki immediately approached the two of them.

Miu and Haruka were respectively being caught by Akatsuki’s left and right arm.

Screaming at the same time ——Ousawa Miu could not help but have personal feelings about it.

She must be sure and remember the good times she spent together with Akatsuki and his temperature.

At this time, Miu recalled the experiences that she had together with Akatsuki at Sherfield.

Miu had met all kinds of people in Sherfield. Besides the country representatives, she had also made many good memories with her encounters with others. Even though she knew the true identity of Miu, she still treated Miu like a mother, Selina. The distinctive Melissa and the sexy and charming Cecily. Without these people’s help and encouragement, there would not be a peace treaty today.

……Alphonse had also admitted our victory at the end.

Miu recalled the previous scene. After the duel was over, Akatsuki headed to the special box. Alphonse directly paid his tributes to Akatsuki, admitted his failure and the two of them shook hands in front of the crowd.

The country representatives had also finalized the next meeting time. At that time, they would see Volk, Listy and the others again. Since Akatsuki achieved the victory, the peace treaty was naturally pushed on schedule and moved to the next phase. As for the matter of the surveillance forces being under attack, they decided to restart the investigation after ten days. Of course, the problem was not completely solved yet. Including the political power of each country and the complex feelings of their citizens, there still existed many obstacles on the road for peace.

However, Miu was not worried.

Because she knew that the surveillance forces being under attack was unrelated to Galevain.

Once the incident was reinvestigated, they would be able to wash off Galevain’s discredit and return justice to the demon race.

Alayzard had finally taken a big step towards genuine peace, and was soon becoming a world without any war and killing.

Everyone was confident about this.

——At least until they returned to Forestnium.

### Part 2

Ten days later, the reinvestigation of the incident about the surveillance forces did not restart.

On the day of the meeting, Akatsuki, who represented the Galevain, did not attend, but sent a letter instead.

The recipient of this letter was Disdia’s Baram Dy Alon Disdia.

The letter expressed Galevain’s decision as well as the response for attacking Galevain.

In short, it was a war letter.

The letter’s content completely denied the earlier peace negotiations; however, Baram remained impassive as if everything was within his expectations.

Even if he was not spectating at the scene, no matter which side had obtained the final victory.

Baram had already knew that peace was an impossible dream.

However, on the signature of the letter, it made Baram discover that.

The name that was written in a foreign font was Ousawa Akatsuki.

This means that he had officially become Galevain’s representative.

The legend of Alayzard’s strongest demon king was about to begin.

## 05. Volume 5 ( Full Text )

### 001. Part 1

Blowing sand and dust was flying outside the window.

The sand obscured the view, which signified the start of the storm.

The strong winds rattled the window, yet inside the room there wasn't the slightest amount of noise.

Disdiya's Imperial palace stood in the heart of a desert. The palace's main body was specially designed to not be affected by sandstorms. Without the slightest gap between the external and internal walls of the city, even the faintest noise from the outside was almost completely cut off.

As a result, anyone in the Imperial palace couldn't hear the roaring in the village.

"- Father, what is meaning of this!"

Disdiya's IV Prince Alphonse was enraged.

Right now he was in the Emperor's throne room. Alphonse was questioning the person sitting on the throne.

Baram Dy Alon Disdiya

But ......

"............."

Baram not only remained silent, but he didn't even look at Alphonse.

So Alphonse spoke again with a clear tone expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Why ... ... Why would you ignore the resolution, and aim to attack the Wandering forest!”

After the fight between Akatsuki, Listy and the others ended, Alphonse was dispatched to investigate the nation's border. En route he learned about Galevain formally declaring war on Disdiya.

The cause of the declaration of war was Disdiya's unauthorized invasion of the Wandering forest, a clear a hostile action.

After receiving the report, Alphonse almost suspected it was false. Sherfied held a meeting with the four-nations, although it wasn't an official conference it at least was an international meeting involving the leaders of the four countries.

The meeting concluded with an agreement between the leaders of the four countries -- Its binding nature was on an international level.

Furthermore, Akatsuki had demonstrated his strength and received international public opinion support.

In accordance with the conference agreement, Alayzard would re-investigate the attack against the surveillance force by Galevain, expanding the investigation in order to uncover the actual facts and make them ​​public. However, Disdiya disregarded the agreement made by the four countries, and at this point in time was on track to attack the demons. This undoubtedly will attract criticism from international public opinion, and bring about domestic people's doubts and worry. Although the majority of people hate or even fear Demons they still hoped a devastating war between the two could be avoided.

The biggest problem, however lied in the fact that they were launching an attack on the eve of the re-investigation into the events which Galevain was initially blamed for.

Attacking at this sensitive point in time will inevitably lead the people to think Disdiya was trying to destroy evidence, and the attack against surveillance force by Galevain was actually Disdiya's doing.

However Alphonse did not believe that, he believed Disdiya was innocent.

The results his investigations along the border seemed to indicate his opinion was correct.

However...... who issued the investigation order......

Alphonse silently gazed at his father, Baram.

He wanted Baram to personally confirm it.

"A few people...... believe that the attack on the surveillance forces was in fact carried out by our country's military -– In order to stimulate the weapons and ammunition trade by directing this farce."

Alphonse tone was full of doubt, and he hoped his father will deny it.

"Father ...... the attack on the surveillance forces wasn't done by your orders, right?"

"...... No."

Baram shook his head, meaning that he had nothing to do with it.

However this wasn't the answer Alphonse wanted. Baram's eyes were still staring at the void, trying his best to avoid making eye contact with Alphonse. Such a perfunctory reply didn't satisfy Alphonse, instead made him doubt Baram in his heart.

"Why must we invade the Wandering forest!? Sherfied and Aleclasta and our country have a military alliance, so long as our country sends a request both countries will not sit by and do nothing. However, if this aggressive action was initiated by our country alone, our country would shoulder the responsibility of the war alone. Not to mention the agreement was made by the four countries, Galevain along with the human world -- In other words, Alayzard's peace agreement will be torn up with any military action, and will force our country to face condemnation from around the world. Your Father should understand that!"

Compared to the very impassioned Alphonse, Baram's response was very cold.

"..... The world's condemnation."

Until now, Baram looked straight ahead, but now he took a look at Alphonse.

"-- It seems you don't know anything."

"Of course I know very well. Father's decision was a big mistake!"

After a bitter retort, Alphonse turned around at once, and was about to leave the throne room.

Then Baram's voice came from behind.

"Where are you going?"

"Sherfied. I can order our military to cease their fire, but this may not be enough to appease Galevain and Akatsuki-dono. Queen Listy can stop Akatsuki-dono because of their personal friendship. There is no other person who can avert this war."

"So ...... seems there is no other choice."

Baram's voice trailed off, the doors to the throne room were abruptly opened.

Several soldiers filed in from the door.

They were the Royal Knights -- Baram's personal guards.

Alphonse found himself immediately surrounded.

"...... Father, what does this mean?"

"It means what you think it means."

Baram said,

"This is the point of no return, your actions will only prevent our country and our people from justice. From now on, you are no longer the director state affairs for Disdiya. I must detain you until I remove the order."

"Nonsense ...... Isn't the fall of countries because of unrighteousness men, right Father?"

Alphonse tried to approach Baram, but unfortunately he could not do so.

A Royal knight stood in the middle of the two, the rest of the knights have stepped forward to subdue Alphonse. Baram, gazed quietly at the scene, and coldly ordered:

"Away."

"This is wrong ...... Father, please reconsider!"

Several Knight's were dragging Alphonse out of the throne room, Alphonse still wouldn't not give up as he turned around -–

And shouted towards the doors that were slowly closing:

"You can turn back now. It's not too late ...... I beg you, Father!"

However, Alphonse's cries of grief did not reach Baram's ears.

After a loud noise, the thick doors closed completely.

### 002. Part 1

The forest seemed to be crying.

There was no wind, but yet the leaves still swayed as if in sorrow.

Hearing a far off commotion Akatsuki promptly returned to Forestnium.

What received Akatsuki was an eerie silence, as if Disdia’s attack had never happened. Then within the demon race, it was not calm, the air was filled with a tight atmosphere, representing that this tiny village had already become prepared for war.

"......."

Just as he passed the entrance into the village Akatsuki was stopped suddenly by two familiar faces.

Izumi Chikage and Nanase Haruka -- They were responsible for protecting their companions.

“——Akatsuki, you’ve returned.”

Chikage, who took the lead to speak, had a very calm tone. Akatsuki nodded in response and said,

“I forced the incoming soldiers to retreat. There should be no immediate threats..... How are things on your side?”

"We haven't even spotted so much as an enemy shadow, but we're still on high alert."

Chikage casually shrugged, on the other hand, Haruka lowered her head to look at her feet.

“The Concept Magic Barrier has been thoroughly reinforced, the enemy should not be able to easily enter.”

The three of them suddenly became speechless.

The reason why Akatsuki declared war on Disdia was because he suspected the movement of the armor knights, because he suspected they were dispatched by Disdia to attack Forestnium.

With the presence of Kaidou and the other members of Akatsuki's group from the other world, they were able to keep the damage done substantially lower than if the villagers had been without their presence. Which was an accomplishment in of it's own. But in their eyes it had not been enough. They had not done enough. And that was why so many lay injured while only seeking shelter from the battle, just like young Riruru.

Urumu was the leader of the village, who had unfortunately lost his life in the enemy’s attack. He died at the hands of the golden knight, who was by far and wide the most powerful of all the 20 or so invaders.

As the village leader Urumu was the one to maintain the barrier of Forestnium. Who knows how the enemy found out this information, but it was apparent that the golden knight came charging for Urumu.

Although meeting a strong enemy, due to Urumu’s sacrifice, among this attack, he was the only one that died. Urumu had set a magic within his body, the magic’s activation condition was his own death.

The moment Urumu died at the hands of the enemy, the magic within his body instantly activated, and transferred the invaders to outside of the village, at the same time, it enhanced the Concept Magic Barrier, to completely prevent foreign enemies from entering. Since the golden knight and the other Disdia soldiers were all sent to a distant location, it ended that day’s tragedy.

Half a day later, Akatsuki and the others returned from Sherfield.

“Time really flies, 20 days had already passed instantly.”

This also represents that Akatsuki, under Miu’s support, had become the demon race’s representative, it had already been 10 days since he had formally declared war on Disdia. These 10 days, Akatsuki had only constantly repelled the invading army of Disdia and did not attack Disdia’s territory. There was obviously a reason for him to utilize such passive tactics.

To blindly defeat Baram while angered; it will not achieve the outcome that Akatsuki desired.

……However, it was almost time.

These 10 days, Disdia had launched a total of 4 attacks, and each time, it was repelled by Akatsuki. As the amount of failures increased, the number of people trying to invade also gradually increased, today, they had even sent an army with tens of thousands of people. Just by looking at the situation, the next attack could possibly evolve into a large-scale conflict.

Presumably they next time the troops are sent out, it was the decisive moment using all their strength.

“——Is there any news that came from Melissa?”

Akatsuki suddenly mentioned the leader of the brothel guild. Before formally declaring the war, Akatsuki had privately asked “her” to find out information about various countries if it was possible, and regularly compile a written report once it was complete.

“There is.” Haruka nodded, and replied to Akatsuki’s inquiry.

“After this military action failed, Disdia had already officially requested help, they wanted Sherfield and Aleclasta, based on their military alliance, to send troops to battle, but since Sherfield and Disdia both had their surveillance forces attacked, it is difficult for them to refuse Disdia’s request.”

“Stalling until now before they were forced into joining the war, the fellow is already amazing.”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, and tried to figure out Listy’s situation.

While before, during the four countries’ meeting period had reached the conclusion of a duel, Listy was already in a dilemma.

So Akatsuki, after a fierce battle, had voluntarily resigned, and used a deep kiss to end the duel, and had also allowed Listy to save some face. However, Baram overthrew the decision of the four country’s talks, and decided to launch attacks by himself, which had suddenly caused all the hard work Akatsuki had done go down the drain.

Thus, Akatsuki had no other choice, and could only go down the remaining path in front of his eyes. Galevain was a demon race’s country, if he had seeked help from Listy, it would undoubtedly trap Sherfield for injustice; However, if the situation had turned into a war between Galevain and Disdia, due to the constraints of the military alliance, Sherfield will have to send troops as support, at that time, Akatsuki and Listy will be forced to fight each other on the battle field.

So if we had to express Galevain’s stance, currently it was a pressing matter.

Galevain’s only enemy is Disdia, and there was no intention to turn the other 2 countries into enemies ——Under these circumstances, it was likely that the immediate situation will become a joint force of Disdia and Sherfield together resisting Galevain, it was important to indicate this stance. If they do not make any representations, and fought Sherfield and Disdia without care, the meaning of this entire body was completely off. Whether was it for Listy or for Sherfield, this option will cause the least harm to them.

Thus Akatsuki inquired Haruka about this key information.

“Meaning that Meliisa had already understood the inside of “that matter”?”

“Yes, almost all of it.”

Haruka answered.

“Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse, due to taking an opposed stance to this attack, had been arrested. He should currently be under house arrest.”

“I see, then there is nothing to worry about.”

Alphonse, who was a military-level that specialized in strategy, was already gone, the chances of Galevain winning the war naturally increased dramatically.

Aside from winning the victory in front of their eyes, it also includes diplomatic conciliation after the war.

Thus, Ousawa Akatsuki formally issued commands to Chikage and Haruka.

“Based on the information provided by Melissa, the next battle would probably the main forces from both sides, at that time, I hope that you two will also participate.”

“No problem, I have already been prepared.”

Chikage nodded, her attitude was very firm.

The two of them had already overcome the unstable state caused by the dimensional transfer, and successfully linked back the consciousness channel for magic. In short, Chikage and Haruka had already recovered their original fighting strength.

“I don’t have any opinion.”

Haruka continued to speak.

“Ignoring the result of the duel that was decided in the meeting between the four countries, Disdia’s attack should be punished.”

“I’m grateful. However, I would still like to remind the two of you, don’t try to force yourself.”

Akatsuki’s tone was very serious. Chikage and Haruka nodded, and their eyes revealed a firm gaze.

Looks like the two of them know the seriousness of the situation, there should not let their emotions affect them.

“How is the other people’s situation?”

“Miu is currently speaking with the young people inside the village.”

Haruka answered.

“They still refuse to admit that you are the demon race’s representative, Miu is currently trying to promote you, hoping that they will reconsider.”

That can’t be helped.

“After all, the moment the peace agreement had collapsed, you were no longer an agent for the demon race. And now you suddenly claim that you are the demon race’s representative, it's no wonder that there will be rejections from numerous demons… Even if this was Miu’s decision, the situation is still the same.”

“I see……But that matter, only that fellow can manage and deal with it.”

Akatsuki replied.

The youths of the demon race do not trust Akatsuki, just because Akatsuki is a human.

If Akatsuki had directly conversed with the youths of the demon race, there will be a larger rejection effect.

Thus, this situation can only be given to Miu to manage.

“As for Kaidou, he seemed to be happily taking care of the children inside the village.”

Haruka continued to speak:

“Many children are very close to him, with his care, it had undoubtedly helped many mothers inside the village a big favor. And since there is still fear within everybody’s hearts about the attack before, Kaidou Motoharu’s liveliness will undoubtedly help a lot to lead the children out of this fear.”

“Is it……Can’t believe there is a situation that he would also be useful.”

“Yes, I was also taken aback.”

“The two of you really have cruel mouths.”

Listening to the comments of Akatsuki and Haruka to Kaidou, Chikage could not help but show a wry smile.

“……As for class rep……”

Chikage lowered the volume, with an hesitant expression.

“She is still waiting at the side of Riruru, and whatever we say, she is still refusing to leave.”

### 003. Part 1

The holy religious country of Aleclasta was founded based on the teachings of the Church of Richard.

Its capital wasn't located on the ground, rather it floated high in the clouds, the city of Aslanda.

In the innermost part of the island was the headquarters of the Church of Richard.

However opposite of the ornate cathedral, engraved with its teaching, lied a secret space that only a small number of the senior clergy knew of.

It was an open air garden filled with countless flowers in full bloom.

Yet for all it's beauty only a chosen few were able to step foot into this secret garden.

The view from there was like the perspective of a God looking down on the earth, Alayzard.

In the center of the garden was a white table.

The top two of the Church were sitting there side by side.

"Well, it seems to be finally entering the main battle...... much faster than expected," muttered Pope Volk, and after sipping his cup of tea, "And how is the current situation?"

"Conceivably not wanting to repeat the same mistakes that cost them the last war. Disdiya mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, and at the moment only a small handful of troops are left to guard the most significant checkpoints along its border. It appears they are determined to win."

The second-in-command in the Church -– the Archbishop Miranda answered with a smile. She quickly added,

"Sherfied is following the same strategy as last time in deploying its troops with only tens of thousands of mobilized. However, excluding General Zechs, their Secretary of affairs Loutier and Queen Listy are also taking part in the military campaign this time around."

"Hmm...... then on that point, Sherfied is also bringing out its full strength."

Volk lightly squeezed his long beard looking very pleased,

"Is the battlefield still the central plains surrounding the Wandering forest?"

"-- No, it seems to be the neighboring Grand Canyon of Gorudono this time."

Miranda pointed out the rocky terrain along the eastern part of the Wandering forest was the battlefield.

The armies will probably have to advance along the bottom of the canyon. However with the intricate channels of the ravine, and the towering almost vertical rock face on both sides of the road attacking through this route will be extremely restricted. Disdiya will be forced to divide up its large army into several small squadrons.

"This has to be a tactic of Akatsuki's to lure the enemy...... but how can Emperor Baram allow himself to fall this easily into his trap?"

"It's probably because Forestnium is still enshrouded by that powerful barrier."

Miranda replied and,

"With it, it is impossible to invade Forestnium. Disdiya can only target their new Demon King, Akatsuki. In that event Akatsuki has chosen Gorudono as the battlefield, and Disdiya can do nothing but comply."

"But still, it's the perfect place for ambushes or guerrilla warfare. It will be too easy to fall into a trap. Additionally the most crucial factor is the narrowness of the road. It is unsuitable for their army movements. Up to now Disdiya easily had the numerical advantage in the open plains, and so far their army was no match for Akatsuki. Now that the battlefield has moved away from the plains into the canyon, wouldn't it give them even less of a chance of winning?"

"I believe Emperor Baram also concurs with that, and is still confident there is a good chance of winning."

The reason was very simple.

"All of Akatsuki's actions have proven one thing so far. The purpose of this war is to facilitate a peace agreement, and he will unlikely kill any of Disdiya's soldiers during the battle."

Baram must have calculated a scheme to beat him at his own game. Since his opponent had no intentions of killing, even if the battlefield's topography was very disadvantageous to his side, until the end he can exploit human wave tactics(tl note -- google) to obtain victory.

"Oh, so then......Akatsuki is going to fight alone this time?"

"No. He seems to be fighting alongside his comrades."

The Church of Richard wasn't only this country's religion, but its followers were in nearly every corner of Alayzard. Which of course includes Disdiya and Sherfied as well. On the battlefield there were no lack of believers in the Church of Richard, thus Aleclasta was able to grasp in real time the situation.

Miranda with a laugh,

"Not his so-called comrades that live in Galevain, but his personal friends. If I'm right then they're people Akatsuki brought from his own world."

"Ah...... come to think of it there was an unfamiliar girl at the peace agreement and at the duel with him."

"Yes, besides that young girl there seems to be several others like her."

"If Akatsuki is letting them fight their strength must not be underestimated."

No matter which side, Disdiya or Akatsuki, they were both prepared for an all-out decisive battle. Then Volk spoke in a teasing tone:

"Say Miranda, which side do you think has a greater chance of winning?"

"That goes without saying, no? Your Holiness should also be well aware."

After she said that, out of corners of Miranda's mouth emerged a deep cold smile.

Which side will win this war? Such a thing was a matter of course.

It was not Galevain even with Akatsuki's support. It was not Disdiya, and further it was not Sherfied.

That's right, the real winner will be Aleclasta. The same Aleclasta who took the wait and see approach towards Disdiya's request for cooperation in the war. On the surface they were abiding with the teachings of Church of Richard to avoid meaningless disputes as much as possible.

In fact, this decision fully highlighted the wily old Pope Volk.

If Disdiya wins, Aleclasta was fully prepared to denounce their victory because it was not in line with international justice. It was not only Sherfied that commissioned a third party to re-investigate the annihilation of the surveillance forces. Aleclasta had already obtained their report that hinted at a possible coverup. Even if it was pure speculation of a third country it was enough to change the direction of international public opinion. Not to mention that there were many believers of Church of Richard in Disdiya. The will of the people for a long time now has been under the control of Aleclasta.

In contrast, if Akatsuki and his companions gained the upper hand, Aleclasta was prepared to step in at the appropriate time to support Disdiya, and even go as far as to play the role of the peacemaker. Once the mediation was successful, the world's perception would have dramatically changed in their favor.

True peace won't be brought about to all the people of Alayzard by the former Hero. It won't be by the militaristic nation that was trying to strike down the demonic race, and neither will it be the non-committal magical country.

Rather it will be through the implementation of an anti-war doctrine that Aleclasta held from start to finish.

"Well...... this war will let the people see their respective future."

The Pope of the Church of Richard Volk Rem Aleclasta IV exposed a proud smile,

"I truly wonder, how many people truly realize the significance of this war."

### 004. Part 1

At that time -- it was all a blur.

The tragedy had already occurred. It was hopeless a situation, and there was nothing that could change it. And when he took action he picked the worst option.

His wishes weren't transmitted, his feelings wouldn't reach, all his words turned into meaningless cries. Before he had noticed he already clasped the sword lying on the ground, and started running.

There was no feeling. Even through it penetrated his armor --- even though it went through his heart.

Its just that...... in that moment, certainly his hands were trembling.

-- After that.

He fell to the ground together with him.

By the time he opened his eyes, he discovered him already dead.

Although he was still stunned he gradually understood.

Just now, he killed a person for the first time. And it was someone he called his best friend.

Instinctively he knew that he himself --- Ousawa Akatsuki had committed a "sin."

And --

"...... I wonder if I should thank you."

There was another party at the scene of the crime.

Akatsuki sat expressionless on the ground as the man spoke in a quiet voice:

"Let's hear your name, boy......"

However, Akatsuki returned only silence.

And remained silent, soon after the man gave up on getting an answer. The man turned around and slowly began to walk.

As the man was about to leave.

"......Why not kill me?"

Akatsuki asked the question with his head slumped down, however the man did not look back.

"The reason is because you are not my enemy for now at least. Neither emotional, situational, or ability wise......"

"......!"

The mans words caused Akatsuki to bite his lower lip.

It should be noted that at this stage of the game he was just a weak outsider in this war.

Therefore he firmly closed his fists, even thought they were still trembling. Still unwilling to give up Akatsuki asked,

"...... You really don't intend to stop this war?"

"No. Both sides have shed too much blood already. No one can stop this war anymore."

The Man asserts,

"Sherfied has fallen... ... Next will be Disdiya and Aleclasta."

"Is that so......"

Even when such a tragedy occurred, even though we all hoped for same thing, genuine peace, everyone will still say the same thing as him. Still, if you say there was no choice but to fight then by all means......

"It's Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki......?"

"Ousawa Akatsuki...... it's my name."

Akatsuki announced. And keep in mind,

"It will do well to remember that name. In the near future, without fail I will stand before you."

He paused for a moment.

"When the time comes I will defeat you...... Demon King Galious!"

--- Akatsuki was left alone slumped over as Demon King Galious went away.

The sky began to rain, as if mourning the tragedy.

Even so Ousawa Akatsuki did not get up, and quietly let the raindrops pour down on him.

After that an unknown amount of time passed.

Until he heard the sound of footsteps trampling through puddles coming his way.

From the sound, it was only one person. Akatsuki understood who it probably was without even looking up.

He could say with confidence who it was since it was in his expectation.

"......Akatsuki."

Someone called his name. But still Akatsuki never raised his head.

He did not need to look because it was definitely -- Listy. And then the footsteps suddenly stopped. Listy probably saw it.

The tragic ending.

Therefore, Akatsuki and Listy stayed glued to their spots unable to say a word for a while.

The two were separated by some distance and between them......

The dead body of Leon Esuperio lying quietly.

### 005. Part 1

In the dim light of night only quiet footsteps were heard.

The stillness engulfed the cathedral that Church of Richard boasts.

Milanda Quenty was idly walking through the empty corridors, a peaceful smile appeared on her face. Soon after she arrived before a massive set of doors. On the other side of those doors was a spacious hall, standing in the middle was the legacy of olden times passed down through the church -- the .

"Miranda-sama, at such time, is something the matter?"

Once the female bishop in charge of managing the Gate noticed Miranda, she promptly called out to her.

Miranda calmly answered,

"Yes. On instructions from his Holiness...... I've come see a little lower."

Which meant -- she had to depart from the capital of Aleclasta, Aslanda the floating city in the sky.

The female bishop understood the meaning of the words and lowered her head respectfully, then opened the door to the Gate. Miranda slowly made her way into the room. The heavy sound of door closing behind her echoed. She kept strolling ahead -- and stopped in the depths of the hall.

She looked up at the huge circle-formed object before her. Countless sacred colored glass stones encircled an inner like mirror surface, that clearly projected any images before it. Miranda looked at herself reflected in the with a delighted expression.

"-- Akatsuki-kun was seriously injured. Those girls also learned the awful truth."

Milanda Quenty mouth formed an ice-cold smile,

"This world because of those girls, how will it all change?... ... I'm really looking forward to it."

After talking to herself -- She slowly passed through .

### 006. Part 1

When Akatsuki opened his eyes there wasn't a soul in sight in the treatment room of Forestnium. Ousawa Akatsuki felt it was just a little bit disappointing.

He was expecting at the same time he woke up a girl would be lying in his arms -- then he planned to massage her ample breasts and perfectly round butt to his heart's content.

"Where did all the breasts and butts go? Aaaah, my hands feel so empty."

Then the door to the entrance opened.

"Suddenly waking up and started looking for women?...... You're more energetic than I thought, Akki."

With a wry smile Kaidou entered the room.

"This should be part where you say thank you, right? For rushing you half-dead on my back all the way back here. Come, let me hear it: 'thank you very much for saving me, Kaidou-sama.'"

To Kaidou's frivolous speech, Akatsuki abruptly laughed.

"You have my thanks, but only to the level of I would tell someone "Sankyu." And this favor of yours wouldn't by chance have anything to do with a certain someone not being able to return to their original world if I died, am I right -- Kaidou-sama (sarcastic)."

"Uhhh, that's pretty awful, to come straight out...... and suspect someone of their kindness."

"It's not awful. It's just my natural tsundere-ness."

Watching Akatsuki act as if nothing ever happened, Kaidou couldn't help but sigh.

"Ah, I guess that's fine. Anyway...... I also heard an interesting story."

Kaidou smiled,

"As it turns out that Knight in golden armor was Akki's best friend whom you killed a long time ago. No wonder your behavior in the middle of fight was so unusual. It never occurred to me that you'd be the sort of person to botch things up because of sentiment. Unexpectedly, you have a really big heart, Akki."

"...... That Lulu has a really big mouth."

Akatsuki couldn't help shake his head with a wry smile.

"-- How much did you hear?"

"For the time being, I'll just give you the gist of what we know of the tragedy five years ago. It was a real tearjerker...... a best friend driven mad, a beloved woman, a country on the verge of ruin, and for the sake of it all you chose to sacrifice yourself. Tell me the truth Akki, are you a masochist?"

But well --

"There's actually very few girls who won't eat that up. In fact, it seems they all have fallen madly in love with you, Akki. So much so that guy snuck off without telling anyone. Ah well, I suppose things are going to be a little troublesome because of it now."

"It's not surprising that not one hasn't. I mean -- are there any new changes?"

Akatsuki asked Kaidou. Even though Akatsuki was unconscious for a period of time, Forestnium should of still been protected by the newly formed barrier cast by Urumu's concept magic. So he was under the impression that the situation was still at a stalemate.

Then Kaidou nodded "Ah,"

"Akki, your sister -- well, not your real sisters. At any rate, she decided to make a move on her own and got caught by Disdiya. And now those young fellows of the village have begun to make noise to go rescue her. So Izumi, Doumoto and the Vice-President are desperately trying to persuade them from acting so rashly."

"...... I see."

Akatsuki was able to grasp the situation to some extent. From what Kaidou said, even if they were to know of the past truth he didn't think that Miu would jeopardize herself so recklessly. She should of properly learned her lesson from the whole Phil Burnett episode. That being the case, this was likely a trap or there would of been some sort of threat made from Disdiya's side. Nevertheless this cannot be ignored, and must be dealt with immediately.

"-- How long has it been since that guy got captured?"

"Not too long ago. There is this villager Kurt...... it seems Urumu was his grandfather. When things happen that fellow was at the scene. Somehow he got away and staggered back to the village clutching a stomach wound. It was because of him we know this much. Right now that High Elf from Sherfied is tending to him. However from the looks of him, it will be a while before he can move --"

"-- No, there is no longer anything wrong with me."

A voice suddenly interrupted Kaidou from the entrance. On closer look there were bandages wrapped around his abdomen and chest, Kurt was barely able to stay standing in the doorway.

Then he slowly dragged his body closer to them.

"Hey hey, are you okay?"

"As I already explained there is nothing wrong."

Leaving that aside, Kurt coldly stared at Kaidou,

"If you don't mind -- could you leave us for a moment?"

"Even if I say I mind, are you going to throw me out?...... That look in your eyes."

'Ah well' Kaidou shrugged his shoulder and,

"Well that's fine, I only came to visit Akki anyway. So I already finished my business."

As Kaidou was making his way out of the treatment room from behind him,

"Before you go, let me hear your thoughts...... Kaidou."

Akatsuki laughed. That's right, he knew what Kaidou was really after.

Kaidou came to see him after hearing Leon was the armor Knight, who inflicted the serious injury to him, and that Miu had been taken hostage by Disdiya just to see what kind of reaction he would make.

"So how about it -- did you get the answer you wanted?"

"I already gave you my thoughts, that was 'you're more energetic than I thought.'"

Kaidou looked back to show off his devious smile.

"If I can find my answer...... Akki, it will all depend on what you show me next. Don't let me down."

Otherwise,

"I will end this foolhardy war."

After saying so, Kaidou walk straight out of the medical facilities. Akatsuki on the other hand, watched him leave as a peaceful smile emerged on his face. Then declared,

"There is no need to worry -- I already know this it not your fight."

### 007. Part 1

There was air which was fresh and pure.

All the life inhabiting the forest was being healed wrapped in such an atmosphere.

That had finally returned to the Wandering forest.

In the center of the eternal forest was the village of Forestnium.

And in -- a quiet remote corner stood two gravestones.

One was for the Patriarch Urumu who unfortunately died in the raid by Leon, and the other armor Knights.

And the other grave was to mourn the great Demon King -- Galious.

-- After Galious was defeated by Akatsuki many of the clansman who fought at his side gave up on the war, and moved to Forestnium to live.

Although of human origin, Galious fought for the sake of all Demons until his last breath. His spirit was revered from the bottom of their hearts, because of such they wanted to set up a monument for him when they came here. However the residents of Forestnium hated the war. They chose to take a different path than the pro-war faction that followed Galious, and feared building a grandiose tomb would lead to needless disputes. Thus it was constructed on the outskirts of the village only known to some.

"It's all over."

Squatting before the two gravestones Ousawa Miu quietly said.

She went on to report to the two who were resting peacefully.

The fighting between Humans and Demons had spanned a long time.

And now Alayzard's chain of hatred and strife disputes were finally marked by a period.

-- Five days have passed in the blink of an eye, since the deathmatch between Akatsuki and Leon.

Their one on one duel lowered the curtain on the war between the Galivain and Disdiya. And although there were some unresolved problems the post-war process was advancing comparatively smoothly.

It was because the cease-fire negotiations only had three people participate, Akatsuki, Listy, and Alphonse.

To leave room to manoeuvre a peace treaty Akatsuki never killed a single Disdiya soldier during the war.

Listy fully understood Akatsuki intentions.

And their philosophy coincided with Prince Alphonse's efforts to stop his own country from sinking even deeper.

So under arbitration of Sherfied, Galivain and Disdiya sat down to sign a formal truce.

The matter of annihilation of the surveillance forces which started the war was the first topic. In consideration of fostering friendship between the three countries, and not creating anymore grudges, it was mutually decided it was done by an unknown perpetrator. As for the non-aggression peace treaty it was concluded and signed three days after the end of the match.

The peace that Galivain, Galious and Urumu dreamed of finally arrived.

After the report was completed Miu's eyes stayed fixed on the two gravestones.

Galious chose to go to war against humans, while Urumu refused to fight even at the end.

The two's ideas couldn't run more counter to each other. However, it was Urumu's grandson Kurt at the time who decided to have him buried next to Galious.

He thought even though they took different paths the two believed in the same future.

Ousawa Miu was very thankful for Kurt's thoughtfulness. In the future more people will visit her fathers grave along with Urumu's. She was sure her father wouldn't feel lonely. And on other hand, after his comrades, who have taken refuge in other places, learn of the end of the war they will also comeback to Forestnium.

After this it can begin. In the direction Galious and Urumu had hope for, the rebirth of Galivain.

"............ Nn."

Miu gave a small nod.

And then her head turned slightly to the right and up.

She had came there together with someone else -- Ousawa Akatsuki was standing at her side.

He was staring at Galious and Urumu's graves with a serious expression.

Miu couldn't help but think he also wanted to speak with them, the same as her. Then -- Akatsuki closed his eyes, and silently said a short prayer.

After she saw Akatsuki open his eyes Miu stood up.

"There is still some time...... no need to hurry."

After hearing Akatsuki's voice Miu lightly shook her head.

"It's okay. I have already told them they don't have to worry about Galivain's future."

She had said her goodbyes to both of them. And after the signing ceremony of the peace treaty in Sherfied, Akatsuki and Miu already fulfilled their promise to Selina, and tasted some her home cooking at her restaurant. So there was nothing left to regret as she planned to return to that other world.

The world where Ousawa Akatsuki -- and Ousawa Miu lived.

"...... Are you sure?"

Akatsuki asked again.

Kurt and the other people in the village wanted Miu to stay in Forestnium. Now that all the fighting was at an end Miu would no longer need to be forced into exile to another world.

But, Miu tactfully declined the villagers suggestion.

She did however accept their good intentions behind it.

There was no hesitation, because she had already made up her mind.

"Umm well...... I no longer belong here."

Miu gazed at the youth standing before the eyes.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- she belonged nowhere but with him. She would absolutely not lose sight of that.

So she herself had already decided to live with him.

Then,

"No matter what, I have to return to my own world."

"Huh ......?"

Akatsuki's sudden statement left Miu to stare blankly. That sort of thing should of been understood by everyone? However, Akatsuki continued,

"...... There is still things I have to finish over there."

And so,

"If you are willing to entrust your fate to me -- I'll take you back with me."

"--------"

Miu can't help but opened her eyes wide, because she understood what Akatsuki was saying.

-- That day in front of her dying father those were the words he said to her.

Akatsuki was re-enacting the scene once more at the place her father's soul was resting. She was on the verge of tears. In her heart she was happy -- but also sad.

So Ousawa Miu quietly waited for Akatsuki's last question. Akatsuki stretched out his right hand, and asked whether she was prepared to take his hand.

The answer was obvious -- and had been decided a long time ago.

So to the right hand of Akatsuki's that had been put forth.

"EH --?"

However Miu didn't take his hand.

Akatsuki had already pulled her over, and tightly embraced her. His arm was around her lower back.

It was the evolution of the form since that day.

As if a symbol of their relationship, but also represented a major step forward.

Then Akatsuki said with a strong voice,

"Galious, I'm taking your daughter. She will always -- remain by my side."

As Miu heard those words in Akatsuki's arm her heart involuntarily jumped.

Before when they exchanged oaths it was a mutually compromise, but now it was beyond that. The question and answer relationship was a thing of the past.

Ousawa Miu understood her present self didn't need to say anything.

"............"

So Miu remained silent, and gently rested her cheek on Akatsuki's chest and closed her eyes. Of her own will she entrusted all of herself to him.

As she looked at her father, Galious's gravestone she definitely felt the place she belonged...... with Akatsuki. Her Father had hoped Miu would find happiness in the future, and she felt she certainly had.

### 008. Part 10

-- It was just an earth puppet made to look like Akatsuki on top of the cliff.

The information shocked all the troops in the Gorudono Grand Canyon. The enemy had lost sight of their primary objective, shaking the morale of the soldiers. Even as far away as the southern channel, Loutier Trum was greatly affected.

"Akatsuki is missing......?"

Loutier glared at the small girl she was facing off against, and wrinkled her brows --

"Nope, I'm right here."

A familiar sounding voice reached her ear.

"----------!"

Loutier failed to react right away to the significant change in the situation.

The surrounding soldiers of Sherfied all fainted together, softly they fell to ground. Now it was Loutier Trum's turn to be surprised.

"You, when did you......"

It wasn't a word but a fearless smile that answered her trembling comment.

He was in front of her eyes, before she was even aware -- Ousawa Akatsuki was calmly standing next to that young girl.

### 009. Part 10

"...... Ah."

All eyes were drawn to Miu, however being called out so bluntly she wasn't able answer right away.

That Leon was slaughtering Demons, Miu knew a little.

But she did not know the cause or the background of the whole thing.

In truth, the facts she didn't know hit her like rogue wave. Miu's brain was thrown into disorder, her thoughts couldn't catch up right away.

So after much thought, she slowly began speak to everyone,

"......I'm sorry...... I only know a few details already in the story just now."

She lowered her head after saying so.

"And all I heard from my Father after he returned from Sherfied was he defeated Leon-san."

"I see...... This was my wrongdoing. Even under normal circumstances, this must be painful to be reminded of the past."

Loutier said apologetically, Miu shook her head as to say 'its okay.'

Miu doesn't know why her Father, Galious protected Leon and made himself the scapegoat. She never heard either.

After her father lost the duel and entrusted her to Akatsuki was the same.

Things ended at that time without a chance to talk things through, her father had already stopped breathing.

"-- That is all I know about what really happened five years ago."

Loutier summed up,

"The only people that knew are Akatsuki, Zechs and myself...... and one more."

"Another person? Doesn't Queen Listy not know?"

Haruka couldn't help but frown, Loutier nodded "Yes."

"It's just as you said, Listy doesn't know. The truth of this matter is enough to shake the country. For that person's safety, their identity cannot be revealed."

"............"

Loutier's words involuntarily made Miu stare blankly.

Because there was one person who crossed her mind. It was just a guess, but it was more like conviction.

......She must be the one...... I'm certain.

In Ousawa Miu mind echoed that gentle voice.

"...... This war has taken my husband and my children."

Even so, that friendly shop owner was able to accept her.

Leon's mother -- Selina Esuperio.

That's right. At that time she had even said to Miu,

'-- And you should also know about my son, right?'

Miu never asked what exactly those words meant, she assumed they were pointing to Leon being a hero.

But rather she alluding to fact that Miu was a demon, and should of been aware of what Leon had done.

...... So that was the reason......

Ousawa Miu finally understood why.

Why Selina hated war so much. Why she was able to be so friendly with Miu. It was all because she understood better than anyone how many lives were lost and how many of their families were destroyed. The true nature of war -- grief.

War always gives rise to hatred which can lead to madness. This type of uncontrollable hatred will eventually trigger a negative chain reaction. That was why Selina supported Akatsuki and Miu's plan to stop human aggression towards the Demons. In an effort to prevent it from boiling over into another war breaking out.

-- But now, Akatsuki was seriously wounded because of the past tragedy.

However, Miu still hadn't forgotten what Selina expected of her.

'Stop this war with Akatsuki, and then come back here to eat some of my homemade cooking.'

Break this chain of hatred -- and settle the tragedy of the past.

...... Right.

Miu raised her head, her innermost thoughts have changed into a oath. Ousawa Miu stared straight ahead,

"Thank you Loutier-san for telling me the truth."

In order to stop the war, Akatsuki told Miu not to take part in the battle.

But that was also useless. Even not part of front line there were ways to help.

Miu was certain her power was needed to stop this war.

...... It's not too late......

Ousawa Miu clenched her fists. Akatsuki already used his power -- now it was her turn to do something for everyone.

### 010. Part 10

A life or death crisis had befallen both of them.

The deaths of Miu and Listy were already a foregone conclusion. As they each faced their final moments the same feeling emerged in their hearts.

It was about a certain youth, and how they given all their heart to him.

Even at the end they continued to believe in him.

And the next second -- Miu and Listy were being embraced closely by powerful arms.

The same time that they reached that feeling two loud bangs resounded one after another.

"...... Eh?"

The two girls couldn't help but open their eyes, and stared blankly at each other.

They were at two different places and now were face to face.

And it wasn't the dungeon or Emperor Baram's office, but an entirely different location.

As for the strong arm around their waists, Miu and Listy were sure they knew who's it was.

So they slowly looked up.

What they saw was a young man with a fearless smile on his face standing there holding them at his left and right side -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Ha -- I just love this feeling. The moment when you reverse a hopeless situation."

Akatsuki declared triumphantly.

"...... Absurd."

"Exactly...... what is this?"

From the front came a voice that stunned two people. They were Baram then Leon. Akatsuki somehow announced to them, apparently he had something to do with those loud rumbles, but he was too far away. The blank look in their eyes was caused by them being completely unable to sallow what had just happened.

But the confusion Miu and Listy had in Akatsuki's arms was the same.

So to the four, Akatsuki explained the trick behind the successful reversal.

"After the initial peace negotiation I bought something interesting from an antique shop in Erudia."

Just a little something?

"-- A long time ago, there was a magic talisman sold as means to take care of children."

### 011. Part 11

Akatsuki was spotted in the southern route.

The news immediately reached Baram's ears, who was with Disdiya's main force.

"Swordsmen and magical squads, head for the south!"

The Royal Knight's standing next to Baram gave the orders. It was a reasonable assessment.

"Hold -- That won't be necessary."

However, Baram indifferently withdrew their orders and --

"Command the artillery to fire on the North."

"......Huh? But the enemy's magic has caused a sharp rise in oxygen concentration of the northern channel. Once the shelling hits the region it might trigger large scale explosions."

"Yes, that is what I'm hoping for. That Akatsuki guy has appeared in the south. That means it will take that guy some time to reach the Northern channel for support. This is our best chance to wipe out the enemy in the north."

"But the damage to our army...... at the very least let me send a messenger, so they can set up a protective barrier -–"

"No, doing so might alert the enemy. Just because the enemy does not want to kill. You must not forgot the very nature of war. Listen well, war is cruel, and part of that is some sacrifices are inevitable."

Baram Dy Alon Disdia very calmly said,

"After the explosions and the landslides stabilize command the rear forces to move in -- OPEN FIRE!"

Emperor Baram ordered the the dozens of artillery to fire, simultaneously.

A few seconds later --

Explosions razed the northern route, the ensuing shock waves caused every inch of Gorudono Grand Canyon to quake.

### 012. Part 11

The heavy atmosphere wasn't caused by superficial words, but the weight of the truth.

Zechs put everything out in the open about the truth of the tragedy five years ago. Listy heard all his words, however she still was able to completely accept the hard truths right away. There were still things she needed to hear by all means. Therefore, a little doubtful it took a few moments for her to get the first question out.

"...... How come you never told me?"

"Well, that was because of Akatsuki...... you should be able to understand, right?"

Like a sigh, Zechs said his name,

"That guy didn't seem to want to tell you...... and asked us not to."

To prevent the cruel truth from ever hurting Listy.

"For my sake? He said that, right?"

Listy stared into Zechs's eyes. She was frankly grateful to Akatsuki and Zechs for their consideration. But still in these five years -- there was probably an opportunity to tell her truth before now.

At first Akatsuki went to seek help from Zechs, then the both of them went to find Loutier, and then the three consulted with Listy's father. A natural progression seeing as he was the former King of Sherfied. At least Listy thought so. Unfortunately the possibility of her learning the truth before now was virtually zero.

For the country, but also for Listy's sake her father probably choose to conceal the truth. Maybe even imposed a gag on Zechs and Loutier.

But five years ago -- father the King, and the rest of the royal family were murdered. Even if there wasn't a formal coronation ceremony, Listy had become the next leader of Sherfied.

"As the Queen of this country, I should of been informed about this national tragedy...... as well as the right to know about father's death."

"Yes...... You're right."

Zechs nodded,

"However -- Akatsuki also has his rights."

"Akatsuki's rights?"

Listy couldn't help but ask. Zechs nodded "Uh huh", and answered.

"Yes, Akatsuki also had the right to do it for your sake!"

And at last Listy El Da Sherfied heard the final truth.

"In fact...... Lulu and I wanted to report the truth about Leon to you."

Zechs sighed,

"We at that time were a knight and a officer of this country, and there was an obligated to report this critical information which could influence the country to you, the princess...... And we absolutely thought it wasn't fair for Akatsuki to suffer through all those public incrimination for causing the Hero's death."

"In that case...... then why?"

"Because Akatsuki begged us with all he had not to say a word to you."

That day five years ago, Listy was forced to abandon the capital city of Erudia, exiled to a foreign country to live on as the last member of the royal family of Sherfied. It could be said her life was thrust to the depths of despair, however she was not lost in self-pity, because in Listy was the responsibility of a Princess.

What was still left in her spirit was the need to move towards retaking the capital city of Erudia.

"At that point in time, there was no guarantee that telling you the truth wouldn't have cause your mental state to collapsed entirely."

And it was also the same for the people of Sherfied. Almost all of their royal family was killed overnight, their castle and their capital falling to the demons were already a big enough blow to them. Moreover, if they knew it was all an act of the Hero that they all believed in. The country of Sherfied would of fell to ruin.

So Akatsuki said to Zechs. When all was said and done I am one person, an outsider compared to Listy and the other surviving people of Sherfied. Who should be given priority was obvious.

Thus Akatsuki chose to conceal the truth deep inside himself, and repeated the same words over and over.

Leon died -- to protect him.

As a result, it was decided that Leon died to save Akatsuki from Demon King Galious. With the honor of Hero Leon intact, and the hope of regaining the capital in her heart -- Listy was barely able to keep her sanity.

However, in exchange for hiding the truth Akatsuki sacrificed his reputation.

"At that time Lulu and I's reaction was just like yours now, and not entirely convinced. I even told that guy to his face...... he was in the wrong."

Zechs paused.

"Then that guy said "Still...... I do not want to see anymore of her tears," and smiled with his face in tatters. He bared with the infamy and its hardship without saying one word of complaint. Listy, how could we have told you?"

"......Zechs."

The red-headed general's voice trembled, Listy didn't have any words either. She finally understood that Zechs and the others chose to remain silent after a very serious struggle. More than anything else was -- the tragic determination of Akatsuki's deeply moved her. And,

"In order to stop a woman's tears, even at the expense of hell -- That guy's aesthetics were born at that time."

What Zechs really spoke of was the beginning of the hagure aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki. Even if the world casts him aside as long as it can reduce the sorrow of the woman a little he wouldn't mind a bit. If it was essential to hide the cruel truth, then what harm was there in telling a lie. So,

"The first time Akatsuki fought for Sherfied...... was not when he freed the capital."

In the same manner Zechs reported the truth about Leon.

Which was to slowly reveal the -- unknown truth about Ousawa Akatsuki.

"That day five years ago, that guy alone protected you and this country."

### 013. Part 11

"...... Disposable transfer seal?"

Inside the "Wildcat Pavilion" at the farther most table from the door two women were disusing topics revolving around Akatsuki, and what he entrusted Melissa to look for.

To Melissa seated opposite her, Selina Esuperio asked,

"What would Akatsuki do with such a thing?"

"He said he was buying it for insurance. I'm not sure."

Melissa said and,

"They were used as a precaution against children getting lost or in the worst case from being kidnapped. Once a talisman was affixed to a child, if their conscious strongly felt their life was in danger they would automatically be transferred to their parents side. Even though it is placed on the outside the magic pattern merges with the body without leaving a mark."

"Umm, so now that you mention it. I'm a little impressed, but......"

Selina couldn't recall of ever hearing of them,

"I didn't see any places selling them. If there so useful, then there should be a demand."

"That can't be helped. As a talisman for self-defense...... there is a fatal flaw."

And Melissa replied,

"When the transfer occurs -- anyone near the children will also be sent back. The kidnappers would be sent back with the child to their parents side, resulting in a considerably serious problem. Since then production has stopped. Depending on how they're used the consequences could be disastrous."

And so,

"Nowadays...... except for a very select antique shops that kind of thing should be impossible to find."

### 014. Part 12

The area around the intense explosions was scorched black, the force of impact caused the nearby walls to cave in. Immense boulders crashed to the ground stirring up a sand cloud that wrapped around the whole area, masking the entire length of the north channel.

-- And when the sand cloud dispersed the tragic reality of war appeared.

It was quiet, as if formerly fierce battle never occurred. All that was left was a mass of rubble. Nobody was able to respond in time to the sudden explosion or to the collapse. The girl was focused on the tens of thousands of troops, while Disdiya's soldiers were desperately fighting with the girl. No matter which side, they both were caught surprised and crushed under the rock slide.

Even though the north route was buried in rubble the war was still not over.

"Hey -- Do we start looking?"

When the sand cloud settled Disidiy\'s soldiers on the back line begun to search the scene.

Their priority certainly wasn't searching for their own survivors, but to confirm the death of the enemy. They used their earth magic to rapidly clear away the rubble. And after a little while they found her.

"Found her -- She's here!"

Under the piles of rubble they were amazed to find the girl lying there unmoving. The girl's body was covered in mud, however there was no blood on her clothes. It seemed she escaped the worst death scenario and wasn't crushed to death by the falling rocks, but still she wasn't lucky enough to survive the bombardment. However for the sake of caution, one of the soldiers reach out to check her pulse and confirm her fate. When he touched the nape of her neck, the girl's body instantly disintegrated, and turned it into a pile of dirt.

"Eh........!

The soldiers were stunned and didn't understand what just had happened, however they did not have time to think about it.

Suddenly a column of water gushed out from beneath ground and transmogrified into a huge dragon swallowing all the soldiers in the immediate area.

"Th-that is impossible......"

The soldiers fortunate enough to escape the attack clearly saw that same girl riding on the water dragon's back.

"Sorry -- I wont be brought down that easily by you."

"How, how is......"

The soldiers who witnessed the girl's wry smile could hardly believe their eyes. They were incapable of defeating the enemy. That inescapable fact stupefied each and every one of the soldiers. A deep sense of despair also set in. The reason was simple, the enemy was not alone anymore. On the water dragon's back sat at least twenty girls. If those twenty girls were just comrades who rushed over to help, Disdiya's soldiers wouldn't have been as surprised. But the problem was -- not only did the girls on the water dragon's back all dress the same, they all looked exactly alike.

-- What did all that mean?

The first girl who turned into a pile of dirt said it all.

"All that effort to take down just one, but it was just......"

But, there was no answer, more they didn't want to give an answer. Because they did not want to admit it.

After spending several long hours, and at the expense of countless fellow soldiers being struck down by the enemy. It was just an imitation made from the ground.

### 015. Part 12

At the same time -- in Gorudono Grand Canyon.

Ousawa Akatsuki's similar explanation had come to an end.

"That seal...... when exactly did you......?"

Miu still had some disbelief, however with a big smile Akatsuki answered her question,

"One was when I sucked a mole, and the other was during a kiss. You both were so entranced I secretly placed the seal on."

"Y-you actually did that then......!"

In his arm, Listy's face turned read as she remembered. Then the next moment,

"Don't talk such nonsense! At the peace negotiations you already knew all of this was going to happen!?"

Not wanting to admit the situation Baram loudly refuted in anger.

"Hey, knock it off. I'm not a fortune teller...... I can't foresee the future."

And Akatsuki with a shrug,

"-- But, it's not like I didn't plan for the worst. God knows, if anyone would target these guys while I wasn't around. And if they did it's not like I would decide to crush any fool that thought to end this war that way. Ah, did I say something like that before?"

At the peace negotiations he declared in front of everyone.

"Although you think you were acting out of free will -- All of this was me leading you along."

Now all the major players have gathered together.

At last everything can be settled.

The final climax was about to kick off.

While holding the two girls in his arms, Akatsuki exposed a pleased smile.

At the same time Ousawa Akatsuki formally declared --

"Okay now -- let us end to this war."

And then -- the final fight to decide the future of Alayzard began.

The people in control of the fate were the new Demon King and the previous Hero. That was Akatsuki and Leon.

Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

This was presently his responsibly to bear because of his past with Leon. If that was the case the future rested on his shoulders.

"--------"

Leon was the first to strike.

He sprinted towards Akatsuki like he was shot out of a cannon, and instantly pulled out the sword hanging from his waist.

Seeing that Akatsuki immediately let go of Miu and Listy in his arms.

"Stand back a little -- I must be the one to deal with him."

After he softly told them Akatsuki took a step forward.

From the AD on his right wrist black particles were being emitted condensing into a black Demon sword. And the next moment,

Giiiiiiiiiiiiitsuiin!

A violent ear-piercing noise radiated as the two swords were stopped midair.

### 016. Part 13

"That was a masterpiece of yours I take it."

After learning of the situation to the north, Loutier looked at the girl standing next to the Akatsuki.

The petite girl nodded to confirmed her speculation.

"Yes...... that was my magic which created the "puppet." I used one of her hairs as a medium to make to her the master. That way it will move according to her will, but also allows her to use her magic through the medium."

After learning the secret, Loutier muttered:

"Then -- All of the girls."

That was to say, that girl Haruka fighting in the central route was also merely a puppet. Loutier thought it had to be the case.

"Yes...... the real girls are safe far away from here."

The girl then place her hand on her chest and revealed she was a puppet herself.

......No wonder her strength was below expectations.

Loutier finally understood why when compared to the girls in central and north channel, the girl sitting on the back of that lion was clearly inferior. But it was only natural, after all she had to maintain the shape of Akatsuki's elaborate earth puppet the whole time, and also create a puppet for other girls as well as one for herself. However, the twenty girls on the water dragon's back shouldn't all be puppets able to use magic. No matter how abundant her magic was, there should be limit to the amount of puppets she can maintain at the same time. So there should be only one real puppet, and the rest were just camouflage to distract the enemy.

"Yup, I think you should already be aware that we really don't intend to kill anyone in this war."

Akatsuki broke the silence with his smile, and slowly started to explain the truth behind this battle.

"You know me -- how could I let a woman face such danger instead of going myself?"

After hearing what Akatsuki said, Loutier could not help but feel the same way. That certainly might be true. Also earlier when she heard that a girl charged in alone, it didn't seem at all like Akatsuki's style.

Her inner doubt at long last was answered.

Then......

...... Why did Akatsuki appear here?

The girl said that a hair was used as a medium in the puppets so that the magical power of that person could pass through. And that it was her earth magic that created them, but Akatsuki cannot use magic. Even if his Ki was in the hair for example, its very essence was different from the magic. Theoretically it should be impossible to create a puppet

In other words -- that was not a puppet in front of her, but Akatsuki himself.

However, the girl was still just a puppet there was no need for Akatsuki to protect her. In that case, what reason did he have to be here? The key to ending this war was stopping Baram. Then shouldn't he be targeting Disdiya's main unit, and not here. But he choose not to do that, and now was in south which was not as strategically important.

"-- Is it really that big of a mystery why I'm here?"

It seemed that he read Loutier's mind.

"Do you still not get it, Lulu?...... Think about what is right here."

Then Akatsuki smiled and said, "Then let me tell you" while laughing. When he finished talking, Akatsuki silhouette suddenly vanished.

"--------!"

Loutier tried to take up a stance as she panicked. Akatsuki appeared silently beside her, and place his hand on her shoulder.

"My target, Lulu...... is you."

The instant that sentence passed her ears, Loutier felt a slight prick on the neck. Her consciousness was immediately wrapped in a dark vortex.

### 017. Part 13

The sure-fire victory they held in their hands returned to a toss up, however Leon wasn't the least bit anxious.

Leon listened meticulously to the all the fine noises from the metallic crashes in the background as he swung down his sword at high speed.

The melody of metal hitting played without interruption from the two sides strikes.

The eye couldn't take it all in the level of speed as the intense offense and defense of Leon's changed.

...... Is this really the sword of a person who had no power to speak of five years ago?

The fight during the day he also felt the same surprise.

Once he thought calmly, the strength of the present Akatsuki certainly exceeded his own during his lifetime.

But that was not important. If Akatsuki's renkan keikikou can give its user power beyond the normal limits, then his new life himself had long since moved beyond human limits. Originally, he couldn't use all his power because his body wouldn't have been able to take the burden. But surpassing the limits of one's body didn't come without a price. The Leon of now was unable to use the elements of magic. The reason was simple, the dead cannot borrow the power of spirits. However Akatsuki was the same since he had no magical abilities. It seems that Akatsuki's transcending the limits of a human beings put him in a category a step across from humans comparatively to his own --

...... This is my win Akatsuki.

Once a person's condition gets too bad death was an absolute. When that occurs for the living there was no way to overcome their condition making them easy to kill. And now that he had already died once there was no such thing as getting tired.

Leon was unaffected by using power beyond human limits, however for Akatsuki he must contend with the burden and the fight fatigue. For him a living being that was an inescapable fate.

So Leon thought it was a certainly his win in the end.

But ......

...... Do you intend to defeat me before reaching your limit......?

While matching his sword with Akatsuki, Leon couldn't help thinking.

The fast and heavy sword strikes of Akatsuki continuously forced him to make instantaneous judgments.

Just like the principle behind Renkan Keikikou to make use of circular flow the sword strikes followed the same pattern.

However, when up against linear attacks, a group of circular movements had a weak point. To string everything together in a series of attacks required a lot of useless motion.

That created a chance Leon was going to exploit. By striking at the small pause between two attacks it will destroy Akatsuki's entire rhythm.

"-- You're a fool if you think this is all I have. Try it, you can't reach me even a little bit!"

In addition to the flurry of his sword, both Akatsuki's legs, knees, and elbows were incorporated into his attacks.

Moreover until then he stayed on the flat plane moving front, back, left, and right. But now he freely spun vertically increasing the variation all at once.

No gaps in his combos could be found.

As he spun for a roundhouse kick his black sword seamlessly came in to behead.

The slanted downward swing from the shoulder capitalized on the rotation from the kick.

The attacks came in towards Leon one after another. If the sword was stopped, his hands and feet would come in to cover.

Strong. Leon secretly applauded in his mind, but still he was able to block one by one Akatsuki's three-dimensional attacks. The only threat was the Demon sword if he could chop off his head. After all, renkan keikikou couldn't disrupt the Ki in his body since he was already dead. So the kicks and punches were only be a physical blow. However with his physical abilities far beyond human limits it wouldn't cause him any harm not even destroy his stance.

In short, most of the attacks against Leon would be in vain. And Leon believed Akatsuki realized that himself.

Yet......

...... That expression is really an eyesore......

Leon wasn't mistaken, that was a definite smile that emerged on Akatsuki's face.

Even while knowing his attacks were ineffective, he continued to release another set of invigorated strikes.

"The confusion and hesitation during the day seems to have completely disappeared."

"Ah yeah...... thanks to you."

Akatsuki's words had a harsh ring to them.

But what was said next -- made it look like Leon didn't understand.

"You said say it?...... that you would defeat me."

"...... What?"

Leon subconsciously asked a rhetorical question, he did not forget that Akatsuki once said something like that.

In the fight during the day, Akatsuki uttered those words before the final strike. Then he used renkan keikikou to exceed his limits. There was no hesitation when he played his final trump card.

Akatsuki made every effort to take down Leon -- So that should of been everything.

However, what Akatsuki just said went against what Leon's perception. The way Akatsuki sounded it was enough for him now in his present condition to beat Leon.

Then now, what did all this mean? -- The answer dawned on Leon, and he was furious.

"Akatsuki, you.....!"

And Leon roared,

"You deliberately let me run through your left chest -- just to recreate that scene from five years ago!"

### 018. Part 14

Akatsuki had made a move.

Without damaging Loutier a light chop deprived her of consciousness. He took the unconsciousness high elf lightly into his arms, and then looked to Kuzuha.

"Well then Class Rep...... just as planned, take Lulu back with you to Forestnium as quickly as possible."

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly said,

"This guy is a priestess that specializes in high level recovery magic. Lulu will surely be able to heal Riruru."

"Un, no problem......"

Kuzuha's puppet crumbled as she nodded, and transmogrified into a lion golem.

This was definitely the fastest way to carry her back to Forestnium.

-- The ultimate goal of this battle was to have her treat the seriously injured Riruru. This the was a promise to Kuzuha, also Akatsuki's own desire. That was why, this particular battle plan was drawn up. The plan was to pin down Disdiya in both the central and north channel by deliberately picking that conspicuous location to attract their attention. He even let Kuzuha storm into the Sherfied camp alone. All of her actions were to lure out the Chief Executive of Sherfied and then capture her.

Akatsuki laid the unconscious Loutier on the earth golem lion's back.

"Be careful on the way back...... this guy is a cherished companion of mine."

The Lion nodded as to convey its understanding. Then turned around to hurry back down the south channel she came from. At that rate she should reach Forestnium in no time.

Therefore Akatsuki thought to himself that he accomplished one of the goals of the operation.

"Well, I guess its about time for me to act."

After muttering, Akatsuki jumped. The second objective -- was to devastate Disdiya's army.

Akatsuki jumped around seven or eight meters back and forth between the rock walls until he reach the precipice. Then immediately headed in the direction of the central channel.

"-- Vice president!"

After hearing him call out to her, Haruka turned back while still floating mid-air a little ways away.

Akatsuki nodded -- indicating the first phase of the operation was successful.

"----"

Her face lightened momentarily as she returned a nod. She altered her active magic in place in the central route. She lowered the protective wind cushion on the rock walls before casting it anew. Haruka then left her post at the central route, and flew to the northern route ready to support Chikage in her battle. So far, it was all going accordingly to their original plan.

However, there were still soldiers remaining in a central route. But who was going to deal with residual enemies? That answer was obvious. Therefore, Akatsuki Ousawa jumped down from the top of the cliff.

He landed at the bottom of the ravine with a loud bang -- In the middle of the central route.

"Ah------!"

It was like the heaven God general descend. The soldiers one by one flinched and retreated backwards, unable to hide their inner fear.

Akatsuki informed them with a fearless smile.

"Eh, what are you hiding for?...... The Demon King you guys are looking for is right in front your face."

After saying so, he took a step forward.

"Akatsukiiiiiiii --"

The thunderous shout to Akatsuki descended behind him from Zechs Doltrake. He found this place after he destroyed the earth puppet of Akatsuki from atop the cliff, and jump down right after. However, Akatsuki didn't look back.

-- Then.

A high-pitched metallic sound screeched as Zechs's blade was stopped before it hit Akatsuki's body. Between the two, a young man stepped in dividing them.

"-- Eh!"

Zechs quickly jumped back, opening up some distance.

The young man took up a defense posture as he crossed knuckle armor on both hands.

"Aha... you see that Akki? Not just anybody can appear at a crucial moment like that."

"Surely you jest. Up until now, what have you been doing, eating or sleeping? Huh, so it is possible for you to put in some work."

"Gee thanks. That habit of yours, really. Akki you don't have to go Tsundere."

"Hey, Kaidou --"

He informed Kaidou who was joking around, while looking straight ahead in a serious tone.

"-- I will leave this guy to you."

"Ah, no problem."

After the short conversation ended, there backs where facing each other.

Akatsuki summoned his black Demon sword, and took a step forward.

To Disdiya's tens of thousands of soldiers he loudly announced:

"Time is of the essence, so I'll make this quick. Are you ready -- because I wait for no man."

### 019. Part 14

To how angry Leon was Akatsuki smiled, he wasn't in the least concerned. And calmly,

"Naturally -- what other reason would there be?"

That was so to speak a type of ceremony to eliminate the deep confusion and hesitation Akatsuki had.

"If I didn't pay back my debt in full from that time, how could I ever put my all into this fight?"

He knew it was unavoidable that he would face Leon as an enemy. It was meaningless to settle things if it didn't start from there. That was the reason Akatsuki used renkan keikikou at the time to push himself beyond his limits. Even with the heavy internal burden it puts on the body when he pushed his Ki to the critical limit it also greatly improved his power to heal external wounds. At that time the real focus was to defend himself not to attack. If not -- when the left side of his chest was pierced Akatsuki's heart would of stopped, bringing about an instant death.

However since his self healing power had been raised to the limit his heart was still able to beat. However the damage caused it slowed down to the point that Akatsuki barely survived.

His only...... miscalculation was that Listy was there to witness the scene.

"I'm sorry if I caused a misunderstanding...... but this way, soon you can have peace of mind."

And Akatsuki said,

"The me standing here now -- is undeniably able to defeat you."

He then held out his left palm towards Leon. Countless balls of light were released towards him. It was a continuous stream of energy bombs. Then Leon coldly grunted,

"Relying on this stuff --"

Leon used the sword in his right hand cut the energy bombs, or if needed brushed them aside with his left. The area was suddenly filled with a chain of explosions without leaving a scratch on him.

Then --

"...... Guh?"

One of Leon's arms intended to send another energy bomb away, instead it knocked him backwards without exploding. It was as if among the countless bombs a heavy iron ball was mixed in.

"Don't think you can push aside all of the energy bombs...... the Ki can also be condensed." (note -- energy = Ki. Energy bombs sounds better then Ki bombs.)

Akatsuki explained with a marginal expression, before he took advantage of the chaos to close the distance. As he went Leon prepared for the strike of the black demon sword, and knocked it back. However, it didn't matter. Akatsuki kept on attacking without allowing for a moments rest.

Some of the attacks were blocked by Leon, others were dodged, or certain ones were back stepped. Still, Akatsuki thought it was good. Every time he attacked it represented an unloading of his heart.

On behalf of his own growth.

...... My friend, can you see it!

Five years ago all my attacks fell short of reaching you, Leon. However, it was different now.

My sword is different from before, right? Have you ever seen punches and kicks like these?

These earth-shattering combos -- were impossible for me in the past.

Do you understand? All of this is the power I obtained after losing you. I had no other choice but to kill you in order for you to stop. From that abyss of despair this is the power. So please know. You have to understand me.

And see now -- how much stronger I have become.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAaaa--!"

Akatsuki let out a roar, and unleashed a storm of attacks. Leon's conscience was blinded by his hatred of Demons forcing Akatsuki to make the painful choice of killing him.

And now the two were fighting each other as enemies.

Still......

Leon was a close friend of Akatsuki's. Therefore he must be the one to stop Leon, and defeat Leon.

This time from the front. To see himself if his power -- could reach.

-- Akatsuki abruptly changed his tactics. He abandoned using his knees and legs to attack. Instead he focused on footwork and fine movements.

He took his speed up two gears, maybe even three.

"This ......!"

Whiling moving at high speed he heard Leon's confused voice.

As he spoke the syllables of that word reached his ears at different locations. Along with the ultra high-speed Akatsuki inter-weaved sudden stops. The extreme drop in speed was to produce afterimages of Akatsuki. Leon's attacks couldn't touch him at all. Against Phil Barnett Akatsuki simply used this speed to confuse him, but now it was different. He was going to completely combine attack and defense, while he forcibly deprived his opponent of any notion of attacking.

"Well --!"

Leon was backed into a defensive fight. So at once he took advantage of his new physical abilities from being dead, and escaped into the air.

It was a sound decision. Akatsuki's high speed movements and sudden stops required footholds to apply force.

However, in the air he could restore the situation back to equal. But,

"-- Don't even think about it."

Akatsuki's speed surpassed Leon's arriving to the highest point in the air first. His back faced towards the ground before reversing to drive a kick down on Leon. Along with the Gaaakyi sound, Leon was slammed to the ground.

"......?"

Immediately Leon got back to his feet, and looked up at the sky. However Akatsuki was no where in sight.

"What are you looking at? I'm right here."

Akatsuki's voice came from behind Leon. If that was five years ago he would of never been able to mount an attack from behind Leon's back. Leon turned to look --

"Prepare yourself -- this duel is over."

Akatsuki boldly declared the winner, as he went to make his next move.

However, Leon didn't try to move.

"It is so......"

Suddenly, he regained the composure in his voice,

"Certainly, the next move is the end -- for you."

Just when Leon told him so.

"----!?"

Akatsuki was overcome by a rapid dizziness, and fell to one knee.

"What...... when did you.....?"

All his strength seemed to have left his body. His breathing fell into complete disorder, and it wasn't possible to stand back up.

..... Hah..... What could this be......?

An abnormal change had arisen in Akatsuki's body. It wasn't just shortness of breath his heart beat slowed dramatically. Rather than slowed it was more like couldn't beat.

"Ha! -- Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaa."

Leon laughed his head off like he had gone mad.

"That's not good, Akatsuki...... I was resurrected from a forbidden curse. How many times do you think you touched me directly?"

Leon smiled because as he said so, black smoke began to rise out from his whole body.

"The power that resurrected me is equivalent to "death" itself. You didn't notice, but as you touched me your body was slowly being eroded by death."

".....! So that is how it is......!"

After he said so, Akatsuki clicked his tongue in his mind.

If it was some sort of poison he could use renkan keikikou to purify it in his body, but very concept of "death" was directly eating away Akatsuki's flesh and life. This had nothing to do with his life span. Simply as of now Akatsuki's life force was reduced to almost to zero.

But -- Ousawa Akatsuki wasn't afraid of his immediate crisis, after all, the outcome remained to be seen. If he could offer up a final attack he will be able to end the duel.

Therefore Akatsuki stared straight at his enemy who was arrogantly declaring the end.

His eyes were focused on where he had to reach -- Leon Esuperio. Over there was the goal.

I will make it.

As he thought so, he mustered up his remaining power into his feet to stand up.

-- A scorching pain travel though his body from behind. Akatsuki's legs couldn't help but give way, and this time he helplessly fell to both knees on the ground.

"Ga -- ah.....!?"

The black magic sword fell from his hand, and as soon as it touched the ground disappeared.

Ousawa Akatsuki slowly turned to look. He clearly felt the last bit of strength rapidly leave his body.

And while his vision was fading he confirmed a figure of a person. Akatsuki wasn't trying to be inattentive of his surroundings, however his awareness became a little vague as his life force was waning.

As a result, it was not possible for him to react.

"-- Who said the fate of this war could be decided on a one to one duel?"

Baram Dy Alon Disdiya said as he looked down at Akatsuki.

Under the moonlight the sword in his hand was sparkling. At that moment Akatsuki thought -- he was as good as dead.

"Gah--!?

A short groan was raised by Emperor Baram as he widened his eyes.

A straight red line was traced from his shoulder to his waist, a large amount of blood spouted.

"N-no, it's not possible...... why......"

He manged to squeeze out his voice, unable to accept what had happened to him.

Slowly Baram's body tumbled to the ground.

And after a brief twitch he no longer moved.

For the reigning Emperor of the mighty military Empire that was his -- unexpected last moment.

### 020. Part 15

The sounds of weapons clashing and cry's of Disdiya's soldiers continuously began to grow in the background.

"...... And now."

Kaidou Motoharu focused all his attention to the front again, staring into Zechs's eyes.

"You prefer to have a showdown with Akki, huh? Unfortunately, I can't allow that."

"Ha", then he smiled,

"Too bad, now its my turn -- Whoa!"

Kaidou didn't have time to finish speaking. He had to quickly twist his head to the side. The crimson blade went past the tip of his nose, severing several of the hairs covering his forehead.

"Eeeh, scary...... You should at least wait until I'm done talking, okay?"

"You're just a puppet, anyway. I don't have time to waste on you."

Zechs coldly snorted, "punpun" Kaidou waved his head angrily.

"Gimme a break, I am the real thing! You almost cut off my head. I would of died!"

Kuzuha's power was limited, she could only have three active puppets at one time. Therefore Akatsuki assigned them to Haruka, Chikage and to Kuzuha herself. Naturally, Kaidou was left out and had to go into battle with his real flesh and blood body.

"If your afraid to die...... you had better withdraw quickly."

Zechs indifferently said so,

"Otherwise, I'm not going go to easy on you -- Gah!"

However, it wasn't possible for him to say his whole piece, because Kaidou beat him to the punch. Even if his body had on a layer of armor, it failed to stop the heavy blow sending him skidding backwards for some distance.

"Arrgghhhh, are you kidding me? Your the one who complained about my sneak attack when you where talking. Ahhh, why am I'm talking so carefree --"

Kaidou laughed.

"--Oh, you didn't take me seriously, did you?"

"I don't know who's more contemptuous ... ... Unarmed and you still want to go toe to toe with me?"

As saying so, Zechs lifted the crimson sword once again. Kaidou upon seeing this, couldn't help but sigh:

"There's nothing that can be done...... because I was entrusted by the people."

His expression became serious.

"And was responsible for protecting the children. I was careless and let one of the children get hurt. Once is enough for this type of lesson, there wont be a second time."

"I see...... since neither one of us is going to back down. It can not be helped then."

Zechs seemed to have resolved himself,

"I do not have time to fight with anybody other than Akatsuki -- prepare yourself."

As soon as he finished saying so he stabbed towards Kaidou.

"Ah...... Tch!"

Kaidou was dodging left and right, barely escaping the continuous slashes.

Zechs's assault was rather sharp, forcing him to use his AD summon knuckles to defend. He was able to stop the first attack on Akatsuki because it was an attack at his back so Zechs wasn't giving it his all. He was also reminded that Zechs announced his presence aloud to Akatsuki was all the more proof.

But that wasn't the case now, every sword strike had in it his best effort. And this was far from a favorable situation, since they were only separated by no more than an arms length.

"Your good at running away...... it's top notch."

"Well, it's not like I want to die."

Zechs sarcastically praise him, while Kaidou's answer was also very frivolous.

Although Zechs's sword was sharp his intent was not to kill Kaidou.

...... Amazing.

Kaidou couldn't help but fell admiration. Even if his slash were to hit, it probably wouldn't draw blood. At best he would suffer a fracture or lose consciousness.

Western-style swords have an edge on both sides, so there was no so-called back of the knife. Making it impossible not to cut the enemy, but Zechs had the skill of a master -- thus avoiding a killing blow. If Kaidou stopped dodging, Zechs was sure to sever only his consciousness with a blow. Under these circumstances, it might be more dangerous if he were to avoided the attack unskillfully.

Naturally with his knuckle armor he should attack with his fists, and avoid kicking as much as possible.

...... But I can't lie down here......

After all, Akatsuki left the mission of handling Zechs to me.

And I took on this myself, and I should at least contribute a little.

Therefore Kaido Motoharu went on a counterattack. Simultaneously,

"Gah--!"

Suddenly, Zechs's body was blown back from a powerful impact felt on his side from the empty space.

After landing awkwardly, Zechs stared at him.

"An invisible attack...... Physical magic?"

"What do you think?"

Kaidou smiled nonchalantly.

"Don't worry too much. When you figure it out, you would've already been defeated by me."

Just as he finished speaking, Kaidou carried out a long range attack.

A series of invisible attacks came upper and lower, front and back, and left and right, in all directions. However,

"Tch......!"

Zechs swung his sword, used nimble footwork, and twisted his body to avoid Kaidou's offensive.

"Oh, amazing!...... you really did that, eh."

He most likely did that by observing Kaidou's breathing and line of sight to predict the direction to some degree and the timing of the attacks. Kaidou had heartfelt praise for him. It must been his way of compensating for his handicap of not being able to use magic.

"With that move you would be able to deal with most opponents. It is definitely more than enough and to spare."

Kaidou laughed, but unfortunately he was not most opponents.

"It's regrettable -- but I have already encountered a fellow that could read breathing and sight to predict attacks."

Kaidou changed the way he attacked to a tactic specifically designed to combat people like him. To put it bluntly, it was to alter your own breathing and used your line of sight as a feint to deceive the enemy.

His new approach was effective. Zechs's body was left open to a barrage of attacks, gradually slowing him down.

"......Ga... ... ahhh!?"

"Wow...... you were able to avoid some of those shots, huh. Is that like some sort of sixth sense gained from all your experience?"

However the situation developed to this point, Kaidou had gained the upper hand. Although Zechs's swordsmanship was unrivaled, his weak point was his inability to use magic. Where Kaidou was concerned, there was already nothing for him to fear from Zechs.

......He seems to be a friend of Akatsuki's so it would be best to knock him out quickly.

Right when Kaidou was ready to give the final blow –-

"-- Don't underestimate me."

A low voice accompanied by high-pitched sonic boom was heard by Kaidou.

Not good!

Kaidou subconsciously dodged to the right, the rock behind him was suddenly split in two. The cross section was cut to a shine. Kaidou distorted his face as he squeamishly and unintentionally let out a "Ga".

"It's unfortunate...... but as a swordsmen, I also have a long range invisible attack."

After fixing his sword stance, Zechs coldly reported.

Kaidou understood that just a moment ago, he used a lightning fast sword slash indiscernible to the naked eye. The high-pitched sonic boom was a by product of the sword taking the shape of wind and exceeding the speed of sound.

"Lets try it, your attack and my sword -- Which will be faster?"

Zechs raised his sword again.

"Eh...... The situation has reversed?"

Confused, Kaidou scratched his cheek, and felt a wet sensation on the tip his index finger.

On closer look, it was a bright red liquid -- blood.

"Oh......"

Kaidou abruptly narrowed his eyes, harboring a dangerous color in his pupils.

He laughed.

"Quite interesting -- Well then, I'll play seriously with you."

### 021. Part 15

Akatsuki heard a trembling voice.

"Why did you intervene ......!"

The one speaking was clearly trying to restrain their overflowing emotions.

And then Akatsuki raised his head. In front of him -- the sword in Leon's hand was being reflected.

"It was the Demon King...... who killed my father and sister. I must to be the one to kill the Demon King."

"...... Leon......"

Ousawa Akatsuki was never aware of what Leon promised. Only that he always went to visited his father and sister's graves to make a vow. He had to personally defeat Galious -- no matter the means, fair or foul.

His dearest wish was once within sight, however Akatsuki robbed him of it at the last minute. So now Leon longed to kill Akatsuki -- the new Demon King with his own hands to fulfill his hearts desire.

And now when his object of hatred was nearly taken away by Baram it was likely Leon reacted.

However -- when Baram died his body began to collapse.

The power of the forbidden spell was bestowing Leon with existence, however after the caster dies he would would return to nothingness. The dark aura of the death that was the source of his existence was leaking out from his whole body. Still the tragic Hero still wasn't about to give up. However, his mind had broken completely,

"I'm going to kill the Demon King ......! And anyone who tries to stop me ...... anyone......!"

He was incoherently muttering the same thing over again, while taking one step at a time closer to Akatsuki.

"Ku......!"

The situation was anything but reassuring...... and Akatsuki's instinctively made a grim expression.

At that time -- two girls jumped in front of Akatsuki protect him. It was Miu and Listy.

"I will not let you kill this person -- Absolutely not."

"Please, I'm begging you, Leon...... you need to make peace with it!"

However, their voices couldn't reach Leon. He was already taken prisoner by his hatred.

They were standing in front of Leon -- however for now both of their responses were too tepid.

Mere verbal persuasion wasn't enough to stop Leon.

"Do not...... get in my waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy-!"

Together with this roar, Leon raised his sword from some distance apart.

....... This can't get worse!

Upon seeing that Akatsuki's heart immediately sank.

It was an attack out of desperation in which Leon offered all of his own existence.

Akatsuki could tell, since he did the same earlier when he launched a offensive against Leon. All of the deep seated hatred that Leon held were put into this last strike. Miu and Listy had no means to defend themselves against it. And if the three took a direct hit they would be done for.

But --

...... I won't let you have your way!

No matter what happens to himself, Miu and Listy didn't deserve to die here. So Akatsuki summoned up all the strength he had left in his body to protect those two irreplaceable girls.

Everything -- was released.

At the same time the new model of AD also reacted. It materialized the most appropriate weapon for its wearer. And now what was the most appropriate for Akatsuki was -- the second form of his black demon sword Lævateinn.

Then Akatsuki ran out from between Miu and Listy, who were trying to protect him. However Leon was outside the range of the black sword, and he had no time to close the distance.

So Akatsuki lifted up the black magic sword, and wedge it straight down.

Lævateinn pierced the air -- before striking into the earth's surface.

The most powerful shock wave he could muster tore through the ground headed towards Leon.

### 022. Part 16

Zechs Doltrake clearly felt the significant change in atmosphere.

The reason was obvious. The youth before him was suddenly emitting a intense aura.

......A prolonged fighting was...... very disadvantageous for me.

Zechs didn't understand the true character of the enemy's attack. Therefore he couldn't fully anticipate the enemy's next attack. But, it was impossible for the opposite party to dodge his supersonic sword strike. His best chance would be a preemptive attack before his opponent could do anything.

...... That said, I don't want to accidentally kill him.

Zechs tightly gripped the handle of the sword, the blade faintly shined crimson. It's the shine of a magic sword. Once he brandishes the sword now it will cut the enemy -- Zechs's will was in direct action to other party's spirit, that was being aimed at him.

The attack will penetrate through all magical defensive barriers. Since Zechs was unable to use magic this was the reason why he won fame throughout Alayzard as the Crimson Sword King.

So -- the first to act will be the victor.

"Take this--!"

Along with the shout, he swung the crimson long sword. In an instant the force emitted would reach the other party, and his consciousness would be severed --

But......

"Giiiiiiin!"

There was a harsh metallic crash, Zechs sword was stuck mid-air.

"------Eh?"

Zechs was surprised. His sword had been stopped before the attack was released. His right hand strongly felt a reaction, the feeling of being blocked.

And the next moment --

"Gah...... This is......?"

He lost all control over his body, and collapsed to the ground. Then he noticed the abnormal condition of his body and what had actually happened. An invisible attack hit him. In addition to the one that caught his sword -- the true character was not physical magic.

"This is...... a chain?"

"--Correct answer!"

As he said so, the young man snapped his fingers.

The object coiled around Zechs's body became visible, a silver chain.

"Not too bad -- For your country, you wanted to win at any cost just to fight Akki."

The young man laughed as he said so. Zechs couldn't believe what he just heard.

"After all, you intend to lose to Akki on purpose, right?"

"............!"

Zechs was left speechless, because nobody knew of his plan. He never said one word of it to anyone.

As a General of Sherfied, he has always been a spiritual pillar for the soldiers. If he were defeated, the soldiers would have definitely lost their confidence. Then his defeat could have been used as an excuse for Sherfied's retreat. At the same time would also prove Akatsuki's power. Akatsuki planned to show off his overwhelming power to Disdiya forcing them to agree to a cease-fire, and sending them back to the peace treaty negotiations table. Zechs's plan was undeniably secretly helping Akatsuki.

It was the reason he persisted on a showdown with Akatsuki.

"But now you don't have to go through all the trouble. The Queen's right hand, the high elf, is now our prisoner. This alone constitutes sufficient grounds for a retreat."

"Don't tell me...... that bastard already knew what I was thinking?"

"It might not of been like that. Otherwise I wouldn't have been left to deal with you."

After a short pause.

"-- I see, so you have come here."

Just as he finished speaking, the youth jumped back several steps at once.

Then, innumerable wind blades pierced the place where the youth previously stood.

"No way......!"

The Zechs looked up at the sky. Just to check who it was that flown here from the south route by magic. He was amazed to find it was Listy with her magical wand in hand.

"You idiot......! What are you doing here!"

Anxious and irritation filled Zechs's heart as he criticized Listy, who landed right in front of him.

"I was going to ask you what you were doing! Did I not tell you? Not to overdo it!"

Listy mercilessly scolded Zechs. The young man who he was fighting with had already disappeared. Listy looked around anyway just to make sure the enemy left, and wasn't somewhere overlooking Zechs.

"Let me see now, how I can help you with this chain--"

"Ahhh, I'm sorry...... it's impossible to break the chain."

Suddenly, a voice of the young man rang out of thin air.

Zechs listened to the young man speak along with Listy.

"But don't worry, given a little time it will fade away."

Well......

"Oh, by the time the chain disappears the fighting should be over."

### 023. Part 17

After Nanase Haruka left the fighting quickly came to an end in the central channel.

Ousawa Akatsuki ran through the lot in merely ten minutes.

Seeing the disparity of power between the two sides, the remnants of the Disdiyan army temporary retreated.

Within that short period of time, Akatsuki succeeded in suppressing most of the central channel.

"Hmm, what to do now......"

Akatsuki had his over his shoulders, as he thought to himself.

The remainder of the Disdiya's forces were in the north route and back with the main unit. Should he go straight to the north to support Chikage, or directly rush into the their main force to end this war as soon as possible?

...... As a precaution I had better take a look at the situation in the north.

Ousawa Akatsuki make his decision on the spot and put it straight into action.

"Oh wow, this is amazing eh--"

A carefree voice came from behind. Looking back, Kaidou was standing there with his hands joined together behind his head. He was looking at countless soldiers, who fainted after they were blown away into the right and left rock walls.

"I wish I did it as flashy. Not only are they all consciousness, they are littered everywhere. I can't get through except where Akki has passed. Is this the matchless skill of Moses?"

"Nah, this was nothing...... I just ran through."

Akatsuki laughed.

"--Did you settle it?"

"Ah, that redheaded general wont be able to move for a while. Not long after that Queen arrived to pick him up. It shouldn't be too much longer before they leave the battlefield."

"......I see."

Since Zechs and Listy were together there was nothing to worry about. If it was only one person, it was hard to say if they would act on impulse, but since its two people then things were different. After all, one person's selfishness would also trouble the other, consequently they would be less likely to jeopardized the other. So as long as the two of them were together, it can be expected that they would curve each others reckless behavior.

......There won't be a need them to fight any further......

So from this point on it will be Akatsuki's fight.

"Okay, let's go."

As he said that Akatsuki was ready to go when an intense bang with a fierce roar shook Gorudono Grand Canyon. The repetitive deep bass was blasting the atmosphere.

"Akki this is......"

"Ah, the north -- I'm going."

After the brief conversation, Akatsuki and Kaidou took turns kicking off the footholds on the left and right sides of the mountain walls. At the top of the cliff they left as fast as they could to the north channel.

After Akatsuki and Kaidou arrived at the scene, they looked down from cliffs they were standing overlooking the bottom of valley in the north route. The fighting had ended, there were no signs of the puppets that Haruka and Chikage were manipulating.

Or any traces of Disdiya's soldiers that were fighting.

With the exception of one person -- a knight in golden armor was standing there.

......That surely was the guy......

Akatsuki knew who he was by his appearance. Undoubtedly he was the knight that was beside Alphonse and Baram at the peace negotiations.

"Akki, that's the guy."

In a quiet voice Kaidou called out. Akatsuki was already told everything.

That was the knight who was the originator of the tragedy in Forestnium. Then it seemed the knight heard Kaidou's voice as he raised his head to looked to the top of the cliff. With the height difference of several tens of meters separating them they were able to recognize each other.

Even so -- a clash was inevitable.

"...... I finally found you."

Akatsuki clenched his fists.

...... It was you ... you ...!

The one who killed Urumu, and wounded Riruru. Who made Miu and Kuzuha cry. Who put Sherfied, Listy, and the others in this predicament. The peace that we all aimed for -- it was all trampled by his cowardly actions.

"Kaidou...... Don't lay a finger on him."

A low voice that naturally came out, then Akatsuki drew his magical black sword, and took a step forward.

"I'll smash the bastard."

And at the same time as he said so he kick off the ground towards the bottom of the ravine.

While nosediving at the armor Knight, Akatsuki raised the black sword.

Without any petty tricks. He increased his body's physical strength through renkan keikikou, and used the momentum of the fall to form an attack at the maximum limit of his power.

Gravity accelerated the fall, the distance between him and armor Knight shortened in one breath.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh--!"

Akatsuki put everything he had in the sword strike.

However, the Knight took up a stance intending to take the attack head on.

-- He just casually raised his sword with one hand, and swung it horizontally.

"Gakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!"

After the deafening noise of the impact the earth was depressed around the armor Knight. The destructive power in Akatsuki's slash was obviousness, based on the aftermath it gave birth to.

But......

"With one hand, huh......"

After their swords crossed, Akatsuki stared at armor Knight.

He thought that no one would have been able to stop that attack, but the Knight block it easily.

Akatsuki heard how powerful the enemy was from Kaidou and Kuzuha. Therefore he did not think he would beat him with one blow. However, Akatsuki was using both hands while he only used one to wield a sword that blocked him. Besides withstanding the power in the strike, he even resisted the fall and did not move an inch. These signs prove one thing, the other party knows full well about the power of his renkan keikikou.

"..........."

The armor Knight silently waved his sword tossing both Akatsuki along with his sword back. Akatsuki regained his balance in the air, smoothly landing on the ground.

At the same time, the ground where he landed was destroyed by the armor Knight's wave shot from his sword slash. He used his magic sword to fend off the attack, then he sent out a shock wave to disperse the sand cloud that filled the air. Followed by a dash cutting the distance, and stabbed at the knight. However, it was also blocked easily by the Knight.

"-- Take this!"

As the blades hit Akatsuki used them as a fulcrum, lifting his body to the side allowing his right leg to he kicked out.

Hitting the side of the armor Knight's head.

"Bakii" along with the sound of hitting metal the armor Knight staggered to his left. The shock wave caused by the kick should of penetrated the armor, and surly rocked his brain. Akatsuki was confident it was a solid hit.

How...... he started to say, but Akatsuki swallowed his words. The armor Knight not only did not fall, but instead reached out and grabbed Akatsuki's right foot slamming him into the ground.

"Gaaaaah"

The strong impact felt on his back caused him to momentary stop breathing, followed by an intense pain. However, there was no time to rest, because the armor Knight swung his sword straight down at his lower body.

"--Damn!"

Akatsuki avoided it by rolling to the side, he barely escaped the danger. Taking advantage of force to stand up to swing the demon sword horizontally.

The resulting rush of air shot out, but it missed the target because the Knight had disappeared. Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

He found the enemy standing in a small cave half way up the rock wall.

"Son of a......"

Akatsuki glared at the armor Knight who in-turn responded by taking action. He turned his back to Akatsuki, and slashed at the rock wall. After a shrill sound, a huge v-shaped crack quickly spread on the wall. After a moment of silence, the cave's ceiling began to give way above the Knight's head accompanied with a bang similar to sound of an earthquake. In face of the rapidly approaching rockslide the armor Knight raised his sword continuously hacking apart the rocks.

The falling rocks where turned into countless smaller ones and poured down on Akatsuki.

However......

"--Hey, Did you read this from a textbook?"

Akatsuki laughed as he looked up at the falling rocks.

He jumped up with his magic sword in hand, and crushed the rocks coming at him. While he look for other rocks to grab a foothold to slowly climb up. Just as Akatsuki cut through an enormous rock -- the armor Knight suddenly attacked from the front.

"Another textbook move!"

This attack came as no surprise to Akatsuki. He received the attack with his demon sword. The two of them used the falling rocks around them to get footholds on. Using the rocks the battlefield became three-dimensional as they freely tried to cut each other.

The roar of the rock's crashing into the ground one after another was the BGM, while their swords crossed over and over again.

-- Akatsuki's attacks began to gradually overwhelm the armor Knight.

"Is this all you have? Come at me again!"

Akatsuki's sword strikes were holding the armor Knight at bay. At first the Knight's strength greatly puzzled him, but it was well within the range he could cope with. The other could only use his one sword to attack, while Akatsuki could still use both his hands and feet to fight. As formidable of an enemy he was, it was difficult for him to fight against Akatsuki's ever changing patterns of attacks.

It was just --

......Strange ......?

Akatsuki suddenly had a indescribable feeling. He always felt that something was amiss -- but didn't know what it was. His heart started to beat faster and faster, a sinking feeling came over him. Like the time when Phil Barnett turned his body into the evil dragon Zahark. The same sense of impending crisis.

Just when two swords crossed once again.

......! Is this guy --!

After he become aware of this feeling, Akatsuki could not help but hesitate.

However, right this moment he was in the middle of a battle and it was beyond his control at this point.

"Woo oh oh oh oh --!"

With a roar the black demon sword was forcibly swung, the armor Knight was tossed backward along with Akatsuki. The Knight straightened his stance mid-air avoiding the falling rocks, then rushed to get the ground one step faster than Akatsuki.

Akatsuki chased after him. The two men returned their fight back to the ground.

### 024. Part 17

Akatsuki started running immediately after sending out the shock wave.

He had decided from the beginning when he defeated Leon it was going to be from the front.

And -- rather than with his sword, he was going to settle it with his own fist.

So Ousawa Akatsuki clenched his right fist, then pivoted on his right foot as hard as he could.

His toe, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints all twisted in order. All the muscles between his toe to his fist added to the rotational energy.

And finally inside his body he condensed his Ki with renkan keikikou as it followed the same route to his fist.

"U ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo o ora a a a a a a a ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ahhh!"

With the roaring sound and all his might he drove his right fist into the left side of Leon's chest.

### 025. Part 18

Standing on top of a cliff Kaidou Motoharu was watching the fight between Akatsuki and the armor Knight.

After they resumed their fight on the ground it only intensified.

Judging from both sides, attacks and defense, that he saw, Kaidou calmly believed Akatsuki had the edge.

But......

...... His fighting style seemed to have changed......?

From where he was, Kaidou could see Akatsuki continuing to wave his Demon sword. But something didn't feel right to Kaidou about the way he was moving his body. Kaidou had witnessed several of his fights up till now including the one at JPN Babel school's ranking tournament when Akatsuki and the others were ambushed by three of the student council members, excluding Hikami Kyoya. And then the fight with the high dimensional dragon. Even in that one, Akatsuki won in the end.

But he did not notice until a little while ago, that Akatsuki now was showing less confidence and ease with his body.

And now that they were back on the ground -- he wasn't acting like his usual self.

...... That bastard in the armor was indeed a powerful enemy sure, but –-

Kaidou couldn't help but suspiciously say:

"Come on Akki...... this is nothing like your usual style."

### 026. Part 18

The force of the impact was like a sharp blade that pierced through Leon's chest out through the back.

Whether it was because Akatsuki sent out that attack, or that Leon received it they both stood without moving with there body pose as it was. After some time -- it was Leon who moved first.

He fell forward. He slowly lost all the power he had before.

Akatsuki moved his arm under his shoulder to hold him upright.

"My fist is a lot heavier than before, right?"

Along with a quiet smile Akatsuki said,

"During these past five years...... I have experienced a lot of ups and downs."

When he asked the reason Leon was so strong five years ago and got an answer he was unable to argue against it. Nor could he find the opportunity to speak his own answer.

However, it was possible for him to say it now. The power generated by hatred was certainly formidable. Nevertheless,

"The power of trying to protect something -- is quite considerable. Don't you agree?"

"So you're now...... fighting in order to protect this world."

Leon gave a weak smile. However,

"That's a very nice notion, but I never thought that once."

And Akatsuki slowly closed his eyes,

"What I'm protecting are these women right before your eyes -- it's just my aesthetic not to see them cry."

"Fu... ... HA HA HA... ... I see, that's how it is."

Leon happily laughed, and from the bottom of his heart,

"In that case, then I will watch closely from the other side -- If the reason you turned the entire world against you was unexpectedly to stop a woman's tears. I'd like to see if that naive ideal can continue indefinitely."

And as he finished saying so -- Leon's body suddenly crumpled into grains of sand, and disappeared as the wind spread it along.

Akatsuki tightly clenched his right hand into a fist.

Tightly he held onto some of the remnants left behind by his best friend blowing in the wind.

"No problem, I won't disappoint you -- As long as I'm still me, I will surely keep it up until my last moment."

After he muttered, Akatsuki suddenly turned around.

And slowly started walking on certain footsteps.

Off into the distance to where the two girls -- Miu and Listy were.

### 027. Part 19

"Gaaaaaa --!"

After blocking a flurry of slashes Akatsuki jumped back, putting space between them.

He stared at the armor Knight in front of him, trying to calmly judged the situation.

......That bastard was gradually getting used to my attacks.

Even thought Akatsuki was the first to familiarize himself with other's movements, now he was gradually picking up on Akatsuki's patterns. The reasons were obvious enough, Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

......There's no other way than.

Akatsuki secretly made a wry smile in his mind, and also a decision. So he looked at the armor Knight before quietly telling him:

"Apparently, as it stands now I can't beat you --"

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. And,

"For me to defeat you...... I just need to become stronger."

At the same time he said so his body began to emit a dazzling light.

Overflowing from his body was a torrent of Ki.

This was the same move Akatsuki used during the duel with Listy and the others, using renkan keikikou he was able to exceed the limits of his body. Taking into account the condition he would be in following the battle Akatsuki didn't plan of using this in the first place, because of great burden it puts on the body. However the immediate situation left him no other choice.

"This is the only way to defeat you."

The powerful Ki gushed out from his whole body as Akatsuki faintly smiled. And,

"Ready --"

Akatsuki bent his knees and lowered his waist, sprinting ahead like a shooting star rapidly approaching the armor Knight. Godspeed was the only way to describe it. The distance was shorten in an instant. He was holding the demon sword up high as he swung it straight down.

A strike that could kill in one hit.

Then, in the middle of his swing.

"......Do you really want to do that?"

Ousawa Akatsuki clearly heard the armor Knight's voice.

"-- That person is watching."

"--?"

The Knight's sudden words stopped him for a moment at which he stared blankly. At the same time gave him a chance to look out from the corner of his eye to see "that person." His hesitation left the black sword immobile half way in the air.

"Damn --!"

Akatsuki realized he was still in the middle of swinging down the black demon sword, however the armor Knight showed no signs moving.

And then -- the shadows of two people interlaced them.

### 028. Part 2

The huge room was not empty, yet it was still enveloped in a breathtaking silence.

Being surrounded by the heavy atmosphere was Sherfield Kingdom’s Queen Listy’s office.

The magnificent office desk was positioned next to the window side.

Listy was sitting on the chair and carefully read the letter that was sent by Disdia.

On the other side of the desk, two loyal comrades that have fought together with her through life and death, Zechs Doltrake and Loutier Trum, who surpassed the relationship of Queen and Vassal, was standing there.

Until after Listy had finished reading the letter, then Loutier broke the silence.

“Listy……What did Emperor Baram say?”

“Almost the same as what I imagined. Based on the agreement of the Military Alliance, please send troops as soon as possible, and fight together with Disdia against Galevain……”

“About the actions of Disdia’s forces invading the forest, how did Baram explain?”

Zechs interfered. The most difficult situation currently was that Disdia had ignored the conclusion decided in the four country’s meeting, and sent out troops to attack Galevain. In the past, Sherfield had repeatedly refused the demands of fighting together with Disdia, all in order to clarify the true intent of Baram.

Thus, Listy read out the contents of the letter that Disdia replied with:

“——This time, the conflict that erupted between the demon race, the reason was because the surveillance forces had mistakenly entered the village of the demon race, as a result, they were under attack by the demon race, and was helplessly forced into taking actions to fight back.”

Listy read up to her, then angrily turned the letter into a paper ball.

“This battle that was suddenly started had cause damage to both sides, at the same time, it led to Galevain declaring war, I, as a representative of Disdia, can only express by regret……!”

Then, she threw the letter with Baram’s signature aside.

“That muscle-idiot, actually wanted to rationalize this act of aggression?”

Zechs’s surprise further aroused the flame of anger inside Listy.

“Outrageous……It is too much!”

“Since things have developed to this point, aside from rationalizing Disdia’s actions, Emperor Baram had no other path to take.

Loutier concluded.

“Denying the legitimacy of Akatsuki declaring war, would be the only reasonable excuse for Disdia to take military action, at the same time, it can create an image of them being the victim to win the world’s sympathy.”

“Furthermore, they could accuse Sherfield and Aleclesta, who have the an alliance relationship, by saying that the two countries are reluctant to send troops to assistance Disdia on preventing the invasion, whether such acts are contrary to their morals……!”

Listy bit her lip angrily.

For the people who knew the truth, Baram’s excuse was just simply nonsense.

But this was also common sense. In the political arena, the truth was often covered by what was called common sense.

During the four countries’ talks, Akatsuki, who forcibly pushed for the peace agreement, was the best example.

Aleclesta, who believed in the Erdia Church, had always believed peace was the most important, it was naturally understandable for them to take a stance of not wanting to be involved in the war; However, Sherfield and Disdia’s surveillance forces were both victims of the attack, their positional was naturally different than Aleclesta. Since war had already broken out for ten days, but Sherfield had not sent any troops to participate in the war, the conservatives inside the country had been issuing screams of injustice. Sherfield’s democrats had already stepped on tract and the Queen’s authority was greatly reduced, if Listy continued to maintain the stance of waiting, it was possible that before the monarchy system was abolished, Sherfield would have already been split into two countries.

……If Akatsuki had asked us for help……

The conclusion of the four countries’ talks had an international binding power. As long as Galevain had gone through formal diplomatic channels to charge Disdia their attack actions, perhaps Sherfield would be able to help.

Of course, Listy understood the reason why Akatsuki did not do so. In case Galevain seeked assistance from Sherfield, then it will undoubtedly pull Sherfield into the firing line, right where Baram wanted it to be. Thus, Akatsuki could only declare himself as the Demon King and singly declare war on Disdia. This was not only just to defend Galevain, but at the same time, to protect Sherfield.

Thus, Listy had made up her mind, saying that they must repay Akatsuki’s kindness.

“Zechs, is the investigation report from Ayersmarina out yet?”

The efforts that Akatsuki had made in the meeting had caused the three countries to agree on reinvestigating the attacks towards the surveillance forces. In the end, Disdia invaded and Galevain formally declared war, causing the action of investigating the truth to be temporarily stalled.

However, Listy had gone through private relationships to request Ayersmarina’s professionals to reinvestigate the truth. As long as the covered truth was revealed, perhaps they will be able to break through the deadlock in front of their eyes.

Compared to Listy’s expectations, Zechs could only let out a helpless sigh.

“Yes, it indeed came out……However, it is simply a progress report.”

After a short pause——

“Based on the current investigation results, the murderer was indeed the demon race, there is no room for doubt.”

“Nnnn……”

Listy gave a downcast glance, and it was hard to conceal her inner disappointment. However, Zechs added another sentence:

“However, the investigation officer also expressed that the entire affair was overly perfect, and that revealed a bit of unnaturalness.”

“……What does that mean?”

“Within the world, there is no situation that is perfect, more or less, there will be flaws.”

Loutier replied.

“But this affair was quite perfect, it was perfect to an incredible extent, and there was not the slightest flaws.”

It was apparent that it was a deliberate camouflage.

“If we had found out about this in our first investigation……”

Loutier bowed her head down and stared at the ground, and had an guilty expression.

However, Listy shook her head.

“Saying this right now will not help the situation. Under this kind of situation, anyone will also believe that it was the act of the demon race. At that time, we could not stand on the side of Galevain, and the so called camouflage is also only a hypothesis, and it is not an actual evidence, right?”

“Yes, right now, there is no evidence of the murderer pretending to be the demon race and attacking the surveillance forces……”

Zechs interjected.

“If both sides had not declared war yet, the current findings will also help Akatsuki to turn over the tables. But since the situation have developed this far, I’m afraid that……”

“……”

Listy bit her lips resentfully.

She wanted to help Akatsuki, but she did not know where to start.

It was unlikely for Akatsuki, who was requesting for peace, to rush into war without a plan.

The current situation, must be within Akatsuki’s calculations.

Listy El Da Sherfield frowned and tried hard to think.

In the letter, Disdia had requested Sherfield to participate in the attack the following day. Considering the time to prepare the forces and the time to move, at the very latest, they would have to reply in the evening.

However, this was not yet the time to give up. As long as there was still some time, they must continue to think and try to find the answer.

Think quickly.

Think about what in the war, has Akatsuki seen?

### 029. Part 2

The air was stretched taut.

A silence that would make anyone hold their breath filled the air. The tension was caused by the upcoming battle that would decide the future of Alayzard. Blind to the heavy atmosphere around him, Ousawa Akatsuki stood atop a towering cliff. Dressed in clothes fit for a Demon King he was overlooking the soon to be battlefield of Gorudono Grand Canyon. On the other side of his field of view was Disdiya and Sherfied's allied armies starting to move into formation.

Akatsuki couldn't help but show a fearless smile while staring at such a situation.

"Disdiya about 700,000 maybe even 800,000 troops, while I count only several tens of thousand for Sherfied. I don't want to be hurtful, but unexpectedly the calculating Baram had the audacity to lead his army here."

He laughed,

"Is that all... ... If you plan on killing me you should of brought another million and then maybe you could of tried your luck."

Between the the allied forces and Akatsuki there was a total of three channels. One in the center, one to the north, and one to the south.

The necessary preparations were already in place. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou had taken up their positions a long time ago. The four were fully aware of the battle plan, and also understood there was no need to rigidly adhere to their positions.

Akatsuki believed since it was those four they would be able to successfully accomplish their tasks.

Therefore Ousawa Akatsuki grandly declared the war had begun.

"Come, your enemy -- the Demon King is standing right here."

### 030. Part 2

On the pretext of a prisoner of war Loutier Trum was brought to Forestnium. However, the real reason she was brought to the village was to treat the injured Riruru. After she learned of Akatsuki's intention she immediately agreed to help.

Loutier not only excelled at the high priest's system of healing magic, but was also adept in recovery magic. Not long after the medical treatment Riruru regained consciousness.

"......Thank God.", Kuzuha.

Loutier's vision was focused on the girl known as Kuzuha embracing Riruru with tears in her eyes. She couldn't help thinking: that this girl and Riruru were particularly close. And perhaps she felt some sort of responsibility for Riruru's injury.

So...... Akatsuki went out of the way especially for this girl......

Loutier was convinced that was the reason why Kuzuha was charged with bringing herself here. As a result, he arranged it so Kuzuha would be responsible for the southern route, and then ordered her to attack Sherfied's camp. All of it was to allow Kuzuba use her own power to help Riruru. Then,

"Umm, thank you."

A girl bowed to Loutier. It was the daughter of the Demon King Galious -- Miu.

"There isn't anyone in Forestnium who can manipulate recovery magic... ... I really appreciate your help."

"No, there isn't anything to be grateful for...... because I wanted to help."

After a few words of humility, Loutier looked at Miu.

"You...... didn't take part in the battle."

Loutier did not mean to fault Miu, she just wanted to check the facts.

"Yes...... that person wouldn't let me fight. As for the real reason...... I'm not sure."

"Is that so?"

While returning a nod, Loutier secretly guessed as to the motive.

Most likely Akatsuki only allowed people from the other world to participate, shielding Miu and Galivein. No doubt, he was still holding out hope for a true peace.

...... In that case, then presently what can I do for him?

As Loutier asked herself that question --

The door to the medical room was flung open.

Invariably everyone focused their attention on the door.

"Emergency! We need the that High Elf-neechan brought over here now!"

The youth that barged in face was pale -- over his shoulder was Akatsuki covered blood. Already unconscious, it was apparent that his condition was critical.

At the sight Loutier gasped, and at the same time Miu's knees gave way as she sunk to the floor. A ghastly pale complexion took over her face. Unable to believe what was before her eyes, her voice trembled,

"Him...... how could that person become...... like this."

Haruka and Chikage entered the treatment room right behind Kaidou, and mournfully began to answer her question,

"......It was the work of the armor knight of Disdiya."

"The same one that murdered Urumu-san...... even our puppets were defeated with one blow."

"The story can wait til after...... is there any way we can treat him!?"

"Leave it to me -- quickly, lie him down on a bed!"

Kaidou's tone was urgent, while Loutier nodded and began to give instructions.

The wound was to his left chest. A sharp cut went straight through his chest out the back. There was most likely damage to his heart and major arteries. It wouldn't have been strange for a person to instantly die from this wound. Yet Akatsuki was still alive, probably thanks to Renkan Keikikou. Akatsuki had once explained that Ki circulates much the same way as blood flows in the body, perhaps the flow of Ki in his body acted on behalf of his severed vascular system and damaged heart to transport the needed oxygen and nutrients. But even if that were the case it can't continue for too long.

...... Damage of this level is very troublesome...... still somehow......

Loutier focused her consciousness, and began to chant the highest incantation of recovery magic that she was able to use. Admittedly solely relying on her magic may not be enough, however by adding in power of Renkan Keikikou self-healing there may be some hope.

...... Please, this has to succeed......!

The magic formation unfolded, a dazzling light rapidly spread out in the room.

Once the recovery magic was invoked it wrapped around Akatsuki when --

The white healing glow suddenly faded away.

Ousawa Miu had watched on in blank amazement.

After the light had subsided, her eyes were drawn to the wound on Akatsuki's chest that didn't heal.

"This......?"

"Wh-What just happened? The magic seemed to be repelled......? "

Haruka looked to the confound Loutier for an explanation. However Loutier furrowed her brows and bitterly,

"The recovery magic...... for some reason was nullified."

It was probably --

"I believe that during the duel at the peace negotiations he was able to stop our final magical attack. I think that this is the same principle, similar to a how a Higher life form possess an absolute barrier. It could be that when Akatsuki was near death his instinct for self-preservation took over regardless of his will."

"Is there...... no other way to heal him?"

While holding Riruru, Kuzuha sorrowfully asked. However,

"The only way to break an absolute barrier of a Higher life form is to borrowed the power of a high ranking Spirit or God."

Loutier said while looking very pale.

"What was used earlier was the highest level of recovery magic that I can use. If that was useless...... then I am at wit's end."

"If so, then is there a way to indirectly apply recovery magic to the wound?"

Chikage mentioned an idea that she learned in the battle against Zahhak.

"Since the barrier repelled the direct magic, wouldn't indirectly applying it do the same thing?"

"It would be difficult...... but perhaps it is feasible to apply it. Anyway, it wouldn't make sense to indirectly apply recovery magic, since it won't have any significant effect. Regardless in the end, it would be considered an direct action effecting his body."

"Arrrrgh...... I can't take it. My head hurts."

After listening to the story, Kaidou scratched his head as he let out a sigh of frustration. After he looked around the crowd,

"Does that mean -- we can only look on helplessly as Akki dies?"

Everyone couldn't help but looked at each other, unable to say a word.

It is because no one was able to come up with an idea.

Akatsuki was right now alone fighting against death, using Renkan Keikikou to self-heal the mortal wound to his left chest. At the moment he resembled a candle in the wind, struggling between life and death.

Miu eyes were glued to Akatsuki laying in the bed. Akatsuki has always told her to 'Believe in me' and now her trust in him still hasn't changed. Akatsuki will surely be saved and firmly believes it to be so.

Most likely the others feel that way too.

After all, how many times has she been protected because of Akatsuki's strength.

"............"

Miu strongly told herself.

Once again she has to believe in him, while silently praying that that person -- survives. However,

...... I also want to do something for him......!

Miu doesn't want to be just be protected by that person, hiding under Akatsuki's protective umbrella.

Therefore Miu desperately racked her brains. Akatsuki was trying to use his power to heal himself. If there was no way to help him directly, then at the very least she could support him from the sidelines. There must be something that we can do. I absolutely will never give it up. Then,

"......Ah."

Ousawa Miu had a revelation. A possibility, well more of a gamble. Therefore, Miu stood up,

"Loutier-san...... after I signal, please recite the spell for recovery magic one more time."

"Although it isn't a problem -- Did you have an idea?"

"Yeah. I think it's worth a try."

Miu nodded, and walked over to Akatsuki's bedside.

"-- However, the target for the magic is me."

As soon as she said so, Miu strongly bite down on her lip. A small cut formed on her lip and began to bleed a little.

Ousawa Miu reviewed her hypothesis in her head. Akatsuki was unconsciously using Renkan Keikikou to heal his wounds. In addition to Ki circulating inside his body he probably was taking in the surrounding Ki drifting in the air. Then by using the recovery magic on herself it can be converted with the Ki inside her body. She thought then it might be able to be passed to Akatsuki.

Of course, Miu was unable to manipulate Renkan Keikikou. It was impossible for her to refine the Ki inside her body. However, the physical body of a living creature wasn't made of magic. The fact was recovery magic doesn't directly heal an injury, rather the magic is poured into the body and then converted into recovery energy. Then by -- using Miu as a medium it may be possible to pass that recovery energy to Akatsuki's body. That then could substantially promote Akatsuki's self-healing ability.

So Miu punctured her lip to focus the effects of magic there. And if the wound of Miu's and the wound of Akatsuki's overlapped, the recovery energy gathering in the her lip could then flow into his body through his left chest.

"I understand."

After hearing of Miu's plan. Loutier once again recited the recovery magic.

Miu also moved closer to Akatsuki.

Then she slowly brought her lips towards the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

She closed her eyes as she lightly kissed the wound -- When she did Ousawa Miu strongly wished.

...... Please...... let us lend you a helping hand.

As Miu sensed the taste of the blood, Miu and Akatsuki were enveloped in a white light.

A healing light.

"----"

After a while -- Miu released her lips from his chest. The room was absolutely silent, when somebody let out a murmur.

"The wound...... disappeared."

It was the miracle that they were hoping for.

Loutier was the first to break the silence. Her hand gently touched his left chest, soon after she released her breath. Then turned around to looked at everyone on the verge of tears and a small smile,

"It's all right...... the wound was healed. Now we can only believe Akatsuki's vitality."

As soon as she said so happy cheers swept across the room.

They were celebrating the moment from the bottom of their heart.

### 031. Part 2

-- Just after the peace negotiations and the duel ended with Akatsuki in the arena.

The fierce fighting had come to a close. Listy went back to the east side waiting room, the exactly opposite side to Akatsuki's. She was there all alone. Zechs and Loutier were in the infirmary receiving treatment for the disrupted ki within their bodies.

"............"

Listy silently sat on a bench against the wall. Her fingers trembled as she went to touch her lips. Thereupon, she clearly felt a trace of Akatsuki's warmth still on her lips.

"......!"

Listy felt her face turning red, in a panic she closed her hands and placed them on top of her thighs. Akatsuki kissed her -- it was different from the surprise kiss he gave her when he returned to his own world. It was a real kiss. Akatsuki almost demanded it, and deprived her of the lips aggressively, but still she accepted the kiss from him. Tens of thousands of spectators were witnesses.

The cheers and applause from the audience as they gave their blessing to Akatsuki and herself still reverberated in her ears.

"I hate this...... what should I do......"

Listy felt faint. Then,

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

A voice suddenly came. Startled, her eyes reflexively stared at the waiting room's entrance.

"Akatsuki -- Why are you here?"

"Why here...... I just want to see you again."

'Is there something wrong with that?' Akatsuki's broad smile seemed to say.

Then, he came into the room and sat down next to Listy on the bench.

"W-Wait a moment...... a place like this, what if you were seen by someone --"

Akatsuki and Listy were on friendly terms despite fighting each other in the duel. She acted as a representative of the Tripartite alliance, while Akatsuki was the representative on behalf of Galevain. Although the outcome of duel was decided, it just meant the peace negotiations could shift into the next phase. However, at this sensitive time period it was just the two of them alone, it will be hard to stop any gossip from spreading.

To begin with all the entrances in the arena were heavily guarded, including this one. However, Akatsuki nonchalantly,

"What does it matter? The duel is over. If it's against the rules for the winner to visit the loser, then it isn't a problem. Since it was you guys who had won."

"But...... The real "winner" should have been you."

It was Alphonse stratagem that forced him to take part in the duel against the trio from Sherfied. She only thought that her winning would lead to them falling into his trap.

However, Akatsuki turned his overwhelming disadvantage on its head, and ultimately won the final victory.

To Listy's sulky voice, Akatsuki only smiled,

"Wrong. The real winner was not me, rather it was ours –- you guys and me."

As he said so he glanced at Listy, Sherfied's Queen involuntarily averted eyes from him in shame.

...... I hate this...... what am I to do......!

Her cheeks became flush, and her ears were burning hot. Well, there was no helping it. That kiss during the duel was still fresh in her memory. Then she saw Akatsuki smile wryly, as if he read Listy's thoughts,

"Though I understand your feelings...... you don't have to force such an atmosphere."

"Eh? -- me. I never, umm...... had such an intention at all!"

Listy hanged her completely red face down and,

"If you came all this way to tease me, you should be satisfied now, right? Please leave the room at once. The peace negotiations just reached a consensus if someone bumps into you and I sharing a room...... that type of misunderstanding wouldn't be funny."

"Your thinking too much. Its not like you did something to feel ashamed over."

After saying so, Akatsuki showed a big grin,

"Or is it that -- you want to give it a try?"

"I want to... ... EH?"

Listy started to repeat his words in hope of asking Akatsuki what he meant, but then it hit her what she said and what it all meant. After that she shifted her whole body over a little on the bench, trying to get some distance from him. But she could not escape. Akatsuki easily stretched out his hand and grabbed hold of Listy's wrist. With a laugh,

"I guess it goes without saying...... Of course the thing to be ashamed over then."

He barely said so, as Akatsuki immediately printed his lips on hers. There was no chance for Listy to resist.

"Mmm --!...... No... Ah, mmm...... mmmhhrmm ~ ~!"

Listy made an effort to escape from Akatsuki's lips, but it wasn't possible. Akatsuki's left hand already wrapped around her back, gently embracing her closely. She had no say in letting it go.

...... I hate this...... how can this be......?

Listy was at a loss. Although she intended to resist, but for some reason was not able to.

Then she fully realized that she no longer had the will to defy Akatsuki since the kiss a while ago. She was completely at his mercy.

Against Akatsuki's tongue trying to enter her mouth, Listy's lips meekly obeyed.

Her lips slightly opened, and Akatsuki went straight in. Inside there was nowhere to hide, as their tongues intertwined and rubbed against each other.

"...... Mrrmm, Chu...... chu, mm...... ugh."

A sweet voice leaked from her mouth, adding to her feeling of embarrassment. It only made Listy's heart beat faster, almost uncontrollably.

And the depths of her body began to burn up.

She felt it, and there was nothing she could do. In this semi-public place, her lips were forcibly taken away by a man –-

...... What do I want......

On that fact, Listy got the feeling she was trembling to the core of her body. So much she thought it was shameless. However, before she knew it even such thoughts disappeared from her mind. She was pushed down on the bench and subconsciously wrapped her arms around Akatsuki's neck blindly kissing him, already forgetting about a woman's modesty. She was now engrossed to the point she almost couldn't breathe.

Before long -- the lack of oxygen in her lungs caused her consciousness to wane. Akatsuki quietly parted from her lips. Listy slowly opened her eyes, staring into Akatsuki's gentle face.

"...... Is this fine?"

A gentle question was posed. However there was not enough time for Listy to answer, his hands were already on top of her clothes. Still Listy didn't resist, since Akatsuki's deep kiss at the beginning the word "resistance" was wiped from Listy's mind. While she let out a passionate sigh, her clothes were opened from the front. To make it easier to move in combat she wasn't wearing any underwear. Everything from her breasts to her waist was completely bare.

"...... Ah."

Her fervent skin was exposed to the outside air, and in full view of Akatsuki's eyes an indescribable tingling ran throughout her body. When Akatsuki saw such a Listy he quietly said,

"For a long time...... I've always wanted you."

Those words were the most important key to her. Listy had desired for a long time now for him to say that.

The remaining traces of power completely left her body, only adding its softness.

Akatsuki was also prepared to accept to her.

He tenderly pressed up against her. Listy slowly closed her eyes.

-- But, nothing happened beyond this point.

"Eh......?"

Akatsuki's warmth and weight disappeared, Listy couldn't help but open her eyes.

Inside the waiting room there was only one person, Listy.

"Akatsuki......?"

Listy involuntarily stood up from the bench.

Thereupon the tips of her toes felt something wet and slippery to the touch. Listy's eyes turned to the floor.

There -- collapsed on the floor was Akatsuki covered in blood.

### 032. Part 2

After confirming Kaidou had completely left......

Kurt lowered his head, and bowed to Akatsuki to apologize.

"I'm very sorry Akatsuki-dono -- I was not enough to protect Myuu-sama."

"You don't need to apologize. I don't think you would take the risk of having that guy leave Forestnium...... most likely it was all her decision, right?"

And Akatsuki added,

"Tell me -- what exactly happened?"

Because of Akatsuki's request, Kurt began to describe how things played out. Including how Disdiya threatened to burn the wandering forest. Furthermore, how they deceived Miu by using Listy's name to lure her away from the barrier into the forest. And then who abducted Miu -- Leon.

"...... So it went like that."

Akatsuki coldly snorted after hearing what he said. That bastard. Using forbidden magic to revive Leon was already going to far, but now Disdiya had the gall to use such a despicable tactic. Well, this was probably good. If that was how they intend to act, there won't be any more mercy. I'll destroy them until it becomes impossible for them to undertake such actions again.

"Nevertheless --"

Akatsuki slightly muttered to himself,

"Ahhh, that idiot...... she still does as she pleases, and again planned on sacrificing herself."

After a slightly wry smile, he let out a helpless sigh.

"That comment -- I can not let slide, Akatsuki-dono."

Kurt's attitude until then completely changed. As he glared at Akatsuki, he lowered his voice and,

"I'm very grateful to you for how you protected and supported Myuu-sama until now. However, you do not truly understand who she is. Not only this time, but for awhile now Myuu-sama has been taking into consideration the big picture -- to the point where it is almost crushing her true self. She acted thinking it was in best interest for everyone. You have been by her side for awhile now, don't tell me you never question why she was talking like that?"

In the tone that was condemning Akatsuki,

"To think Myuu-sama is considered an idiot by you, who doesn't understand her difficulties. When in fact -–"

Kurt then started to help him along,

"-- Have you ever heard what they all used to say about her behind her back?"

Akatsuki answered Kurt's question before he answered it himself.

This was Ousawa Miu's dark secret.

"It was a shame she was not born a man, right?"

When he heard Akatsuki's answer, Kurt couldn't hide the shock on his face.

It was too unbelievable.

"It couldn't be that -- Myuu-sama talked about it with you before?"

"No, that guy never mention anything...... Oh well, I just figured that's how it was."

-- Galious had an overwhelming power and charisma that enabled him to become the Demon King while being a former human.

In this era of war, the tribes would have certainly hoped for Galious to have a son who would inherited all his innate characteristics, and then lead the next generation of tribes as their Demon King.

But contrary to their wishes, Galious's heir was a girl. The tribes naturally had no say in choosing the child's gender, without any better options they accepted the fact. However there were still those who felt greatly dissatisfied. Only adding to their regret was that Miu possessed a high natural talent for magic leading them to think if only she had been born to a man.

Unfortunately -- it was impossible for Miu to not notice what they all really wanted.

So Miu thought to deliberately changed the way she spoke to pander to everyone's expectations, adopting a masculine tone. Still, because she was still a girl at heart she couldn't bring herself to use the masculine "ore," her absolute limit was to use the schoolboy "boku" to address herself. As she got older her outward appearance began to look more and more like a human, which only added to her sense of distress.

"If you were aware...... then why didn't you say something to her?"

Kurt angrily griped to Akatsuki,

"Since she gave up her identity as the Demon King's daughter, and began a new life in the different world it wasn't necessary to be bound by the past. At least with you it was possible for Myuu-sama to become an ordinary girl --"

"Perhaps that is true...... but I have no right to correct that guy's manner of speaking, or to order her to use a feminine tone either," Akatsuki countered,

"So in order to cater to everyone that guy forced herself to speak like a man, and now because I sensed something was troubling her I have to make her use a feminine tone? Was that pretty much what you said. Well then that's just superposing a lie with another lie, and wouldn't bring out her true self. That guy is repressed enough already. Do you have the heart to let her continue to play a role for someone and not be her own self?"

Akatsuki had decided to wait until Miu raised the matter on her own initiative.

There was no immediate hurry, letting nature slowly take its course was fine.

After all, it was not only the true side that made her up. Even that false identity she lived under was part of Miu.

Ousawa Akatsuki unconditionally accepted all of Miu.

Whether it was happiness, sadness, her fake or real face, everything.

Akatsuki looked at Kurt and smiled,

"You don't have to worry...... I have it all clearly in mind."

Both Miu's feelings, and what Galious believed he would do. Therefore -- Ousawa Akatsuki promised,

"I will rescue that guy, and bring true peace to Alayzard."

### 033. Part 2

A few minutes later --

Akatsuki and Miu headed towards a certain place.

It was the place where they all arrived in Alayzard.

In a corner of the Wandering forest.

A was created there when they traveled from his original world to Alayzard.

Normally when a person was summoned to another world to return to their original world it was necessary for them to pass through the . However, Akatsuki and others this time used a special method to come to Alayzard, so to return naturally meant they must follow the same method.

After walking through the forest for a little while Akatsuki and Miu reached their destination.

Their companions as well as the others who wanted to see them off had been waiting for a long time.

"...... It looks like everyone's here."

Akatsuki looked around to confirm his companions who came with him to Alayzard were there.

Kuzuha was there, but Riruru was refusing to let her go. Kaidou was surrounded by the children of Forestnium.

Chikage and Haruka were standing next the two from Sherfied, Zechs and Loutier. From the looks of it they were talking about something. And understandably -- there wasn't anyone from Disdiya or Aleclasta.

The war had just ended, and even with peace treaty in place the rift between all the countries couldn't be completely removed so soon. In addition, as part of the non-aggression treaty with Galivain, Sherfied, Disdiya and Aleclasta had agreed humans won't enter the Wandering forest without first obtaining permission. Otherwise it would be a violation of the treaty. Zechs and Loutier were friends with Akatsuki, so naturally had been given special permission to enter the forest.

"Oh...... It's Akatsuki and the Princess!"

Suddenly, one of the children following Kaidou around noticed them. And,

"Hime-sama --!" (note = Princess)

Just like that Miu was surrounded.

"Everyone came to...... thank you."

Miu held the kids in her arms with a big hug.

Some were smiling, while others were crying no matter she gave them all hugs one after another.

Akatsuki gently ruffled the kids hair, as he slowly made his way through the crowd over to Zechs and Loutier.

"Well then...... I guess we'll take our leave."

Haruka and Chikage notice him coming their way, and tactfully backed away.

After Zechs saw Haruka and Chikage backs trail off he turned to face Akatsuki.

"About that matter you asked me about...... somehow it is working out well."

Zechs said so with a calm expression, while Akatsuki's turned serious after listening to him and,

"I see -- That's good if it stays a secret forever."

The matter Akatsuki requested from Zechs was regarding Leon. He wanted to prevent as much as possible Leon's mother Selina from finding out the truth of what occurred. Five years ago, Leon's misfortune was what he invited on himself, but this was someone else's maliciousness that was using him in their plans.

In order to hide the fact, Disdiya used a forbidden spell to revive him, Sherfied and Disdiya have issued gag orders on everyone involved from their two countries. After all, the truth of the tragedy five years ago, and the truth of this matter would likely cast a shadow on the peace Alayzard had just obtained. But still, the door was still open when it comes to people. People by their nature were prone to gossip. So, there was no guarantee rumors weren't going to be spread.

But ......

"It's probably going to be okay. We have taken the initiative to release some of our own rumors, saying the armor Knight was someone who looked quite similar to Leon to control the information."

Loutier added,

"And Selina had resigned from her position on the People's Council this morning, and she doesn't intend on taking part in the upcoming national elections. It is unlikely she will learn the truth of this matter."

As long as they don't caught in their lies Selina would never learn of the real facts.

The only way -- to uphold this peace was by deceiving the world.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki didn't mind at all. As long as he can stop a woman's tears, it will justify the means.

That was just his aesthetics. If it was necessary lie, Akatsuki wouldn't hesitate to carry it through until the end.

He doesn't expect everyone to live happily ever after, that sort of ideal was nothing more than lip service.

As long as the people of this world can live for today, and embrace hope for tomorrow without anymore tears -- he thought that was true peace.

"-- By the way."

And Akatsuki said,

"Where is your former Queen? I haven't seen her around anywhere."

"She headed into the forest a little while ago alone."

And Zechs pointed to a group of trees behind him.

"After so much trouble she was able to meet with you again, and now has to say goodbye again. Most likely their are all sorts of mixed feelings in her heart...... On top of that, everything with Leon was a large blow to her."

"...... Hmm."

Come to of think of it after the duel ended with Leon, Listy just rushed over with Miu to give me a hug together. Afterwards, everyone was so pressed for time with the cease-fire negotiations that we almost had no conversations.

"-- Akatsuki, please go find her."

Then, Loutier in a quiet voice went on to subtly inform him of the feelings of one girl,

"Listy is surely waiting...... for you."

"............ Ah."

Akatsuki nodded before he began to head off.

"Oya, Akki...... we should be getting back soon!"

Kaidou called out to Akatsuki, and when he looked back at him,

"Even though I'm quite laid back, I can still began to feel a bit of homesickness!"

The moment he finished saying so -- Kaidou's body began to shine.

It was a sign of a dimension shift. The people nearby started to clamor, but Kaidou smiled wryly,

"Take it easy. I still can't go back home like this...... right, Akki?"

"Ah well -- in theory that's true."

Akatsuki returned a nod.

When they came to Alayzard Miu was used as a intermediary, since her unique characteristic of being a resident of that world would direct them as they crossed through the in Akatsuki's room. In order carry out a dimensional shift of more than one person, he used renkan keikikou to pour everyone's Ki into each other merging them together so to speak as one.

So -- to return the process was the reverse.

A had already existed here. Now all that was needed was as an intermediary that could link them to the former world to make the dimensional shift possible. After that Akatsuki could distribute the Ki into everyone to return with Miu.

But, when they came to this world the only inhabitant was Miu. The other five including Akatsuki carried out the dimensional shift as one person with use of his Renkan Keikikou.

In other words, it was necessary for all five to act as the intermediary to return.

"Kaidou is only one-fifth of the intermediary needed to return. Unless the remaining four people concentrate at the same time, and I merge our Ki's together it is not possible to carry out the dimensional shift."

Akatsuki explained to the three, Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka. And,

"Try to imagine our world, for instance what you want to do after you return..... by doing so, is an easy way to create a connection to our world through your consciousness."

"What you want to do after you return......"

Haruka mimed his words before,

"Now that you mention it...... there's the follow-up work after the ranking tournament as well as preparing for the new term. There must be a lot of things to be tidied up after what happened. Strictly speaking, It's not want I want to do, but what I have to do."

"As for us, it was decided yesterday with Miu and Class Rep -- right?"

To what Chikage said with a laugh, Kuzuha gave her a small nod "Nn", and then while looking at Miu,

"We are going to stay the night at Ousawa-san's home."

As soon as she said so their three bodies began to shine. Now the only one left was Akatsuki, but --

"I hate to do this, but..... you will have to wait for me a little."

Akatsuki smiled and quickly walked towards the thicket that was pointed out. Whiling laughing,

"Apparently over there...... some fellow is probably waiting on me."

### 034. Part 20

Listy by chance happen to get there at that precise moment.

After the chain binding Zechs disappeared. Drawn by the sounds of an intense fight, she headed north. Allowing her to see with her own eyes Akatsuki and Knight in golden armor -- at the exact second the outcome of a battle occurred.

"................"

Listy stood there mesmerized, she almost couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The armor Knight's sword -- ran through the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

While Black Sword of Akatsuki's had stopped only several centimeters above the knight's helmet.

A fraction of a second was the difference that divided victory or defeat.

That tragic millisecond lead to his loss.

The Knight pull his sword out from Akatsuki's chest. His body slowly fell towards the ground, as if it was a slow motion replay -- then the Knight drove a kick to the center of his body. All power left Akatsuki's body as he topple over backwards. Listy clearly saw the whole spectacle step by step.

"-----------!"

Listy was too busy to dwell on it, as she immediately used her flying magic. Before Listy even noticed she was heading to the bottom valley towards Akatsuki at maximum speed. From the war standpoint, Sherfied's Queen should have been unimaginably far away from the this place. But she completely lost the ability to think of anything -- other than that of Akatsuki.

"Stop it...... Don't hurt him any further!"

In a moment, Listy got between the armor Knight and the fallen Akatsuki.

Fresh blood was gushing out his back through the hole in his chest, and spreading out on the ground. Without the slightest hesitation she held her wand out towards him.

Disdiya's armor Knight's eyes turned hostile.

...... Lulu's recovery magic should be able cure him, somehow......

The anxiousness inside Listy's heart grew the more she started to think of way to save Akatsuki. Loutier was taken away by Akatsuki's companion. As long as I carry him to the Demon's village, then perhaps there was a shred of hope. However, now was not the time to fight the armor Knight. What was important was to find a way to get out of here as fast as possible. She looked over the Knight's armor from head to toe for a flaw, desperately trying to think of a way get away with Akatsuki.

But -- at this time.

Listy still hadn't sorted out her anxiety, but the situation suddenly changed.

"Paquin" a crisp metallic noise rang out. The armor Knight's helmet was split in two and fell. Even though Akatsuki's slash never hit the powerful Ki around the blade had cut the helmet.

-- And.

At that moment -- the curtain on the biggest tragedy of this war was raised.

"......Lies ......"

Listy El Da Sherfied stood there dumbfounded.

The armor Knight's true identity was seen for the first time. His face was very familiar to her.

So she lightly called out the name of the armor Knight.

"Le... on......"

She was shaking as she said his name.

The Golden armor Knight was -- Leon Esuperio, who gave a her a peaceful smile.

The evidence was starring her in the face. There was no way it was a different person, unmistakeably it was that person in question.

Leon looked down at Akatsuki's face lying on the ground behind Listy.

"What happened Akatsuki -- that wasn't like you."

He said while laughing, and exposed a mocking grin.

"Five years ago -- when you killed me you did it without the slightest hesitation."

"What......?"

Listy couldn't understand right away the meaning what Leon said.

Akatsuki was hovering before the gates of life and death, and the long dead Leon was standing before her eyes. Just one of those things was already enough to caused havoc in her mind. Nevertheless...... Leon now added that astonishing revelation, it was even more unacceptable. All together, it was beyond the scope of what Listy was able to comprehend.

Akatsuki -- killed Leon.

Putting aside Listy and the mess that her mind was in, the cruelty of situation did not stop there. On the contrary, it continued to proceed. Leon slowly moved forward, it was not necessary to think about what he intended to do. He was going to finish off the enemy -– end Akatsuki's life.

"-----! STOP!"

Along with her heartbreaking voice, Listy hurried to hold back Leon. She attempted to restrain him with her magic somehow. She focused her consciousness, however his feet didn't stop moving. The state her mind was in, there was no way for her to concentrate enough to use magic to stop Leon.

-- However, another person moved on her behalf.

It was Sherfied's pride, the person known as the Crimson sword king, Zechs Doltrake.

Zechs jumped in to protect Akatsuki and Listy.

"Stop -- Leon."

As he quietly said so, Zechs drew his crimson sword, and with no hesitation pointed it at Leon.

...... Why......?

His behavior only confused her more. How can he be so calm right now? It was as if Leon being the enemy was natural.

But -- the confrontation between the two did not last long.

"Uh-oh...... Seriously, give me a break."

A familiar voice called out from behind. Listy turned back to look, at that moment a young man was standing there. It was same young man that overwhelmed Zechs. He had Akatsuki over his shoulder as he also said "not good."

"Sorry, I know you three are busy over there, and I know it's rude to interrupt old friends catching up, but I need to speed things along. If this guy over here dies, I wont be able to go back my former world anymore."

"Ah...... your one of Akatsuki's companions."

And Leon narrowed his eyes,

"-- Do you think you can walk away?"

Just when Leon was about to take a step, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"-!"

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

While carrying Akatsuki the young man grinned, an overwhelming aura enveloped the whole area around them.

It was an aura of death -- the young man laughed a few times "Fufufu."

"Don't be so fast to act. Ah, I'm a pacifist, and basically just an onlooker on the sidelines. Umm, probably that's true..... but If Akki dies, then I'll properly be your opponent at that time."

So --

"You best begin to pray, and hope that Akki survives...... I'm not like Akki, and I'm sorry to say I don't have any attachment to this world. Frankly, if you force my hand -- I'll crush you without a care."

After that, the young man with Akatsuki disappeared without a trace.

"Hmm... did he escape? Akatsuki's friend is quick on his feet."

After seeing that, "ha" Leon laughed to himself.

Then turned away from Listy and Zechs, and started to slowly walk towards Disdiya's main force.

"......!"

There was no way that she was going to let him leave like that. She still had so many questions for Leon and wanted his answers. Why are you here? What did you mean Akatsuki killed you? Therefore Listy tried to call out to him and stop him from slipping away.

"Don't -- It's useless Listy."

Zechs grabbed her shoulder.

"No, let me go......! Zechs why? Don't you care at all?"

Listy's disheveled hair covered her face as she cried out hysterically,

"Why? I don't get it! Tell me...... Leooooooon！"

But, nobody responded to her question.

Leon's back just got smaller and smaller the farther away he went.

In the end, she didn't learn a single thing -- and was left standing there.

### 035. Part 3

A strong shock-wave swept across the battlefield.

Total annihilation, an unrivaled shock-wave emanated from Akatsuki's Demon Sword.

He focused on a full critical attack, the shock-wave radiated out in every direction leveling Disdiya's vanguard army situated above the surrounding plains of the "Wandering forest".

Despite the devastation, the Disdiya army wasn't thinking about withdrawal.

"Do not be afraid! Swordsman squadron 2, attack! Tank unit, launch --!"

At the forefront of the division a young commander gave the orders, and then suddenly bursts of gunshots rang out on the battlefield.

Disdiya's prided tank unit, which looked like armored beasts, one after another issued a terrifying ROAR.

But --

"This is just child's play against me!"

Facing the high-speed artillery shells, Akatsuki screamed.

Akatsuki could have sidestepped or used his demon sword to cut the shells in half, that much wasn't a problem for him.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki actually abandoned those options.

His Ki passed through his feet, and building up "Renkan Keikikou" he spun his sword at a high-speed circular orbit striking the shells, redirecting them back into the sky. The shells then rained down right in front of the swordsman squadron intending to join in on the assault. The bursting shells caused the earth to shake, and sent sand flying up to the sky obscuring the battlefield.

But Disdiya's soldiers break through the smoke and dust, and bravely continued the assault.

But --

"No, he disappeared? How is it possible!"

"He didn't escape, right?"

Disdiya's soldiers fell into confusion.

Akatsuki sat and waited, as he overlook the soldiers.

"Do I look like a coward who would run away to you?"

"Th-there above us!"

One of the soldiers noticed Akatsuki, but unfortunately he was a step too late.

Jumping in the air Akatsuki easily crossed over the front line, approaching the commander.

Seeing this, the members of long bow squadron immediately lifted their bows. While the swordsman squadron predicted the trajectory of Akatsuki's descent, and readied their attack the moment he landed.

However, Akatsuki was unperturbed. He stretched out his left hand and aimed at the feet of soldiers. Then suddenly a huge ball of light came out from Akatsuki's left hand -- he utilized "Renkan Keikikou" to refined the "Ki" within his body with the surrounding atmosphere to create an "energy bomb". BANG! It was aimed well below Akatsuki's position, and the power indirectly hit dozens of soldiers within Disdiya army, suddenly sending them flying.

Allowing Akatsuki to cleanly descend to the now unoccupied ground.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki didn't land, but rose slightly.

"Urrrrroooooooooohhhhhhh!"

Using the momentum from the fall he stabbed the black into the ground.

The 's blade was already filled with Akatsuki's "Ki".

The moment the sword stuck the earth a shock wave engulfed the whole area, as if a large explosion occurred.

After a short while the impulsion calm down, and the sand cloud gradually cleared up to reveal --

Only a single person standing in the heart of the explosion, unfazed by the impact.

It was just him alone Ousawa Akatsuki.

"H...how is this possible ......?"

After witnessing Akatsuki's astonishing power, the dazed young commander almost couldn't believe his own eyes.

When the explosion occurred he immediately created a wall with earth magic, barely escaping.

Although he escape from any physical injury, mentally he suffered a heavy blow. He commanded more than 10,000 soldiers and all were defeated as if a mountain collapsed on them. Even the bombardment of the Tank Squadron was unable to defeat Akatsuki. It was certainly understandable for him to be terrified to his core.

"Why...... How can one man have this much power. This is......"

"-- Why you say?"

The commander muttered to himself. Akatsuki glared at him from the corner of his eye, and clenched his teeth and shouted loudly:

"Don't you even realize at this point -- It's over for you!"

Akatsuki dashed out.

Surrounded by an innumerable amount of soldiers, the commander was panicking and struggling to keep it together.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help but recall of a time when he was trying to attain a higher level of strength, and when he asked the same question about power before to someone.

It was about five years ago, around the time when he was first summoned to Alayzard.

He was being protect by Sherfied, and living in Erdia castle as a guest.

After receiving swordsmanship training in the palace courtyard. Akatsuki asked a similar question to Sherfied's -- No, Alayzard's proud "Hero."

Leon · Esuperio.

### 036. Part 3

The current scene was filled with a faint light.

It was more gentle and brighter than the sun’s rays, it was the inner qigong that was generated from Renkan Keikikou.

Akatsuki was currently activating the true ki inside his body to increase the healing abilities. The target was the dark elf race girl that was lying on a bed unconscious, which is also Riruru who was injured heavily during the attack of Disdia.

Most of the injuries from the wounded people were fractures or scratches that came from falls when they were fleeing, only Riruru’s body had no obvious outer wounds. After her head received a terrible blow, Riruru has still yet to regain her consciousness.

Truthfully, if it was just based on the effects, then recovery magic would still be the best.

However, because of recovery magic’s special properties, only a few people can use this type of magic, and unluckily within Galevain’s residents, there were no recovery magic users, Chikage, Kuzuha and his other companions also do not have this ability, so they could only rely on Akatsuki to use inner qigong to treat the injured.

“……”

“Absolute focus brings absolute silence.” Akatsuki stretched out his hand and placed it on top of Riruru’s petite forehead, and send the healing true ki into her body. After some time, Riruru’s pale face gradually restored some color.

“……Right now I can only do this much.”

Akatsuki took back his hand from Riruru’s forehead. The unconscious Riruru had already not been eating for several days, her bodily strength was greatly reduced, and she must accept inner qigong treatment every day.

“——Is it over?”

A calm inquiry came from behind. Akatsuki replied and slowly turned around.

Beside Riruru’s bed, sat a girl with petite figure and had her arms around her knees.

It was Doumoto Kuzuha.

“Izumi was worried about you. If this continues on, it is possible that even you would not last.”

Akatsuki slowly walked over and sat down beside Kuzuha.

“I’ve heard that you do not have much of an appetite these days, you do not even have a good rest at night right?”

“……”

Kuzuha did not reply Akatsuki’s question

She was only staring silently at the unconscious Riruru.

Looking at Kuzuha’s expression on her face, Akatsuki could not help but have personal feelings. Although Kuzuha’s age was still small, she was still a returnee that was once summoned to an alternative world, even if she was not accustomed to others dying, but she should still have some degree of immunity. If he did not remember incorrectly, Kuzuha had been involved in a war between humans at a Alternative World called Kristya, and the result was that she failed to protect the people that she wanted to protect —— No matter how many times you experience it, this heartbreaking pain was still unbearable. Although the two of them had not met for long, but to Kuzuha, Riruru was absolutely a target that she wanted to protect.

“……Sorry, causing everybody to worry about me. However, I just cannot let this go……”

Kuzuha clenched her fists, her voice was very dry.

“If only I was a little stronger, then perhaps I could have protected Riruru……This thought has been lingering around……”

“I can understand how you feel, but you do not have to feel such remorse.”

Akatsuki slightly deepened his tone.

“……You do not understand.”

Kuzuha muttered.

“There is no need to feel remorse due to your own powerlessness? Although it seems thoughtful, but deep down it was a very cruel way to say it. These arrogant lines, only the truly strong people are able to say it. Most people would always just regret about their own , to strong people like you that would win regardless of strong enemies or difficulties, how would you understand the weak’s ——“

Once she had said half, Kuzuha immediately noticed that she was wrong.

She raised her head and looked at Akatsuki with frightened eyes, pale faces and her voice was even trembling slightly.

“Sorry……I actually placed all my anger on you……What am I doing……”

“Don’t mind it, it’s okay……I understand.”

Akatsuki revealed a calm smile, and gentled hugged Kuzuha’s shoulders.

Kuzuha was still apologizing to Akatsuki constantly.

Until the very moment, Kuzuha finally remembered that Akatsuki really did understand her feelings right now.

——The past Akatsuki also cursed his own incompetence and powerlessness, and in the end, he finally became the strong person right now.

“Besides, the enemy that attacked Urumu and Riruru has strength that was comparable to mine right? If you really have the power to defeat him, then you would not be staying here.”

Akatsuki gave off a wry smile. He stared at Kuzuha who raised her head to look at him.

If Kuzuha really had this power, she would have long been incorporated into the A-class in JPN Babel, and even became a member of the Student Council, at that time, she would naturally have a distinctly different encounter with the B-class Akatsuki and Miu, the possibility of them becoming friends will not be too high.

“It is because you are the current class rep, so that’s why you would know us. And you’ve already tried your best, if you ask for too much, it is equal to deny our encounter and our current relationship.”

Don’t be mistaken.

“The reason why Riruru was injured was not because of your own power. If you were not there, Riruru would probably already be killed, and the other children will also probably not be able to escape.”

Listen up.

“Who says that you cannot protect anyone? You not only protected Riruru, but also protect the other children.”

“……!”

Akatsuki’s consolation suddenly made Kuzuha break into tears.

The petite body did not hesitate to throw herself into Akatsuki’s arms.

Akatsuki gently stroked the weak and slender back of Kuzuha, and with a gentle tone.

“It had been hard for you, feel free to cry. Let me take on the burden of your pain and sorrow.”

There was nothing to worry about.

“This time, it’s my turn. Before you saved Riruru, now it’s my turn to save her. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely wake up her consciousness, and give you back a Riruru that is alive and kicking.

“……Y…You really mean it……?”

Kuzuha, who was upholding tears, raised her head. Akatsuki firmly nodded.

“Of course that is true. However, right now I require your strength, class rep. Are you willing to fight side by side with me once again?”

Kuzuha thought for a moment, and immediately, she calmly and resolutely nodded.

Akatsuki tried to wipe of Kuzuha’s tears, and said out an oath that came from within his heart.

“Class rep……The person that made you cry was me, and the fellow who was wearing the Disdia armor. Don’t worry, I will take responsibility of you till the very end, at the same time, I will make sure that guy is responsible as well.”

### 037. Part 3

Meanwhile, Emperor Baram issued his commands through the use sound amplification magic.

"I, Baram Dy Alon Disdiya hereby order -- All soldiers to begin the military onslaught!"

After receiving the command Disdiya's army sprang into action.

Their vanguards were the first to advance along the central path.

Tens of thousands of soldiers quickly made their way through the small ridge recess on the rugged ground. But their onrush was immediately halted.

Out of nowhere resonated a voice.

"-- I advise you to turn back at once."

The incoming voice was clearly transmitted to the soldier's ears.

"Or else you WILL get hurt."

However, not even one soldier paid head to such a request. 'Whoosh' they all continued on at full speed.

"I'm sorry...... but you were warned."

The voice came from the sky.

"There -- above us."

One of the soldiers yelled out. The squadron immediately focused their attention towards the sky. Floating in mid air was a girl that had several layers of magic already well underway. And the next moment, an intense sandstorm enveloped the area.

"Attack formations! This storm is nothing to us!"

One of Disdiya's soldiers shouted as he lowered his stance.

"Yeah...... I also think that this level of attack is weak."

The girl coldly stated. In fact, the sandstorm was just a front, the soldiers soon understood what the girl meant. Disdiya's soldiers invariably stopped as painful cries disseminated all around.

"Wah... ... My eyes... ...!"

The naturally rocky terrain at the bottom of the canyon made it impossible to move without opening their eyes. However even if they opened their eyes slightly the incoming sand particles would enter their eyelids blinding them. The soldiers were forced into a painstaking situation.

If they closed their eyes they couldn't see the road, however if they open their eyes they can't see anything. The march was completely stopped, but still the soldiers refused to give up.

"Bear with it... ... This magic can't last forever!"

"Archers aim at the sky. I don't care if your eyes are closed just shoot!"

"Magicians move to the front! Create a barrier to stop the sandstorm!"

The solder's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he also made proper judgment. He saw that the sand filling the sky was entering their guns jamming the bolts making them useless. Additionally he took into account that the arrows would easily be affected by the wind, making it impossible hit what they were aiming at. Rather he had them indiscriminately fire a volley to threaten and restrict their target. At the same time he had the idea to use the attack to call forth the magicians, but not to attack. With such poor visibility using magic was quite dangerous. One mistake could have sent the rock walls falling down on them causing massive casualties.

However, the situation did not improve. Although the barrier blocked the sandstorm from reaching them. Sand was already in their eyes making it hard to see. Yet Disdiya's vanguards weren't discouraged. Even if the speed was greatly reduced, they were still able to resume their march.

"-- Much earlier than expected, but I knew this method alone would only go so far."

Even with the loud sandstorm the girls voice was exceptionally clear.

"Your magicians should have been used to defend from the rear. Sending them to the front was your undoing."

The wind carried the girl's voice to ear's of the tens of thousands of soldiers along the central path. Then suddenly a huge wind storm surpassing one hundred meters per second uprooted Disdiya's soldiers from behind.

### 038. Part 3

Akatsuki's condition gradually stabilized.

Although everyone obtained some relief, no one was willing to leave the treatment room. Riruru's care was entrusted to the woman in charge of the village's orphanage. Miu suddenly spoke up,

"Umm, Kaidou-san..."

With a tone full of doubts,

"For that person to be so seriously hurt...... how strong was the armor Knight, really?"

Her question caused everyone to move their gazes to Kaidou.

-- She heard from Kuzuha that the puppet strategy worked perfectly against Disdiya's army.

From the start of battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon it looked like the allied armies would suffer a crushing defeat. So Miu wanted to know the truth behind what happened from the person who was watching it directly in the field, Kaidou.

"Hmm...... the armor Knight is certainly strong, but the situation is somewhat complicated."

Kaidou answered,

"I have no way to know him by his looks, but it seems that guy in the golden armor -- is known as Leon."

"-- Impossible!"

After she heard his reply, Loutier immediately stood up knocking over the chair she was sitting on.

Out of all the people present she knew the whole situation better than anyone, and what Kaidou alleged was impossible,

"Leon died five years ago...... how can he be alive?"

Everyone fell silent. They were all more or less informed of what happened back then. The story of the Hero Leon was well known in Alayzard. It was tale about the Hero who laid down his life in order to protect Akatsuki. However,

"I'm sorry but it was your General and Queen called him Leon, not me."

Kaidou continued,

"If that really is case then it was those two who mistook him. However the three of them were having a looooong chat in front of me. Ah well, before I had to interrupt them."

"Then -- it might be a safe bet that it's the same Leon-san who died five years ago."

Haruka asserted, but for that possibility,

"But still it really is hard to believe that he came back after five years, and more turned into an enemy. And now wants to face off against Ousawa Akatsuki?"

A dead Hero becoming the enemy -- this statement was undoubtedly contradictory.

However --

"What if the person who brought Leon back is controlling his mind?"

"............"

After Loutier heard that possibility she fell silent and dropped her head, unable to reject the theory.

"It seems like...... you have some sort of clue."

In a monotone voice, Kuzuha softly uttered.

Loutier eventually began to speak,

"Not too long ago...... Leon's tomb inside Sherfied castle's cemetery was destroyed by an unknown person. Although there was no direct evidence the most likely culprit was Phil Barnett. It seemed that the youth came from the same world as you. In a bid to be recognized as the the new Hero of Alayzard he return to your world...... Still, I heard that you guys together with Akatsuki defeated him, even though he contracted with Zahhaku."

"Well...... Akatsuki virtually did everything alone."

Chikage said with a wry smile. After that her face immediately sank,

"That is to say -- there is a possibility that when Phil destroyed Leon-san's tomb he also took his remains, something like that?"

"Perhaps, but that is all just pure speculation. Also Disdiya is the Empire of the desert which happens excell in art of body preservation using the magic including mummification. It is said that some of their Royal families know of a forbidden spell that can recall the soul of the dead and bring a person back to life. Although that is just unconfirmed rumors, but that spell really does exist --"

"That means that they revived Leon-san to manipulate him."

Haruka couldn't hide her disgust.

"That's way too despicable!"

"I'm not too sure about all that."

While Haruka was trembling with anger, a voice came from the side. It was Kaidou the only one who was there and seen what happened.

Kaidou turned towards Loutier to look her in the eyes.

"That guy Leon said...... it was Akki that killed him."

"No way......?"

"That sort of answer......"

After hearing what Kaidou said, practically everyone had an expression that said it was unbelievable. That was only natural. It was well know fact that Leon died in order to protect Akatsuki. Only after that Akatsuki obtained his present strength. Supposing what Kaidou said was true, everything will topple from its foundation.

But compared to shock when Loutier learned that Leon was still alive, she seemed particularly calm now.

"It appears as though you know something...... could we slowly hear it?"

The truth will get out -- Kaidou explained:

"Sooner or later we will find out if Leon is dead or alive. If it is true then it would be best to hear it directly from Akki, but the situation may change before he regains consciousness...... So, please explain it."

"...... I understand."

After a sigh, Loutier lightly nodded,

"Since things have progressed to this point, Listy probably already learned the truth from Zechs. As Akatsuki friends, perhaps you also have the right to know what happened five years ago -- The truth of the tragedy of Sherfied."

"So then...... it's all true after all?"

To Kaidou's question Loutier nodded "Yes."

"That day it wasn't Galious who killed Leon -- It was Akatsuki."

### 039. Part 3

"------------!?"

The shock woke Listy from her sleep.

"Haa...... Haa......!"

Along with her shortness of breath and dry throat Listy was able let out a noise. Then Listy looked up.

The interior of the room was familiar. It was Listy's office. She was sitting at her desk. She finally understood, it was all just had a dream.

-- After the duel in the arena, Listy indeed returned to the waiting room alone.

And then reflected on the feeling of Akatsuki's kiss.

But everything ended there, Akatsuki never went to Listy's waiting room.

...... To have that kind of dream......!

Listy bit her lower lip, and reminded herself to remain calm.

Akatsuki was absolutely still alive. There was no reason not to believe in him.

...... But that embarrassing dream......

Listy was blushing. A dream was said to be a way to realize a hidden desire. Could it be that her wish was for Akatsuki to do that kind of thing to her? Though she was embarrassed, at the same time she felt a little relieved that it stopped at a kiss. It would of gotten awkward if things went further then just kissing. Anyway......

"No matter how tired I am...... there is no room to doze off at a time like this!"

Listy couldn't help, but shake her head and sigh, but it wasn't a mystery. Since Akatsuki became the new Demon King, and formerly declared war on Disdiya she had almost lived a life of sleepless nights.

She had already found no signs of Zechs in the room, and then Listy suddenly remembered. After hearing the whole story she asked Zechs to leave, because she wanted to be alone for a little bit. As she was thinking of what to do from now on the cumulative fatigue of the past several days finally caught up to her, and she fell asleep.

The facts that came out of Zechs mouth surpassed by far what Listy could ever have imagined.

-- However, after a few hours of sleep for first time in days Listy's head was clear.

Therefore Listy began to face the truth again anew.

First of all -- was the inner darkness Leon had.

He was bound by hatred and then those thoughts drove him mad. In Listy's mind the most appropriately word to express how she felt about the matter would be "regret."

The culprit behind -- the murder of the royal family, both her parents and relatives, was none other than Leon. That cruel fact hit home the hardest. However, Listy had come to terms with the grief of losing her loved ones, even knowing that the real murderer was Leon she won't bring herself to direct her hatred towards him. To begin with it was the royal family who chose the path of war with the demons, without doing that perhaps Leon may not have been driven into a corner.

"But --"

Listy thought even if she could sympathize with him, she still couldn't accept his behavior. Leon lost to his own hatred, caused by the weakness of his mind. Listy won't blame Leon for that weakness, but also can't defend the way he handled it. Leon was not the only one to lose his family because of the war. There were a lot of people in the same circumstances, even Listy was among them. No matter how much sadness and bitterness was in your heart, you should have grit your teeth and looked to the future. To strive to live every day is the responsibility of those who survived. In Leon's case there was a trace of regret in her heart for being so close to him and yet unaware of his suffering.

...... I'm sorry Leon.

Listy had learned the sad truth about her former fiance -- yet she was still able to keep calm.

-- Why? Listy was fully aware of the reason.

There was a definitive answer that all this time hasn't changed.

A dark secret she never told anyone.

For Listy, the Hero Leon was her fiance.

But -- she didn't have any romantic feelings towards him.

-- Of course, it didn't mean she hated him either. Leon was always gentle, had a strong sense of justice, and in everyone's opinion was the prefect person fit to be the Hero. Listy also agreed. There was no way she could hate such a person. In fact she spoke favorably of him.

However, is speaking favorably of someone tantamount to love? The answer is definitely no.

A royal marriage was not the crystallization of love, rather purely an obligation.

All for the purpose of continuing the prosperity of a country. Therefore if Zechs's distinguished military services got him recognized as the Hero, Listy's fiance would have been Zechs instead of Leon.

However, Listy never intended to object to the matter. Since she was born as a member of the royal family, she would carry out her royal obligations. And Listy was determined to act like Leon's lover, all to please the soldiers and the people of her country. So she did what was expected of her.

But.......

One day -- Listy's quiet life encountered a storm.

It was her unexpected run in with Akatsuki.

Even thinking back now, it was still the worst meeting. At that time, Listy was taking a bath, when out of the blue Akatsuki fell on top of her stark-naked. For Listy having been seen by the opposite sex, also having her body touched as well was her first experience. She was angry enough to kill him on the spot, but having learned that Akatsuki was summoned from another world she was able to control her anger somehow. And that was how Akatsuki became a guest of the castle, and began living under the same roof. Everyone within the city walls would take care to treat Listy respectfully, fearing the slightest offense. However, Akatsuki's frivolous attitude and casual tone when interacting no doubt set off a series of exclamation points. In those days, she thought it was almost every day that she would get angry at Akatsuki. However, it was because of his influence she was able to learn how to express her inner emotions, and gradually find her true self. Those days,

....... Life was really enjoyable.

As a princess of a country it was hard for Listy to spread her wings, yet Akatsuki easily freed her from her birdcage. Usually he appeared to be free-spirited, but occasionally when no one was around revealed a look filled with worry that was almost painful. After she discovered an unknown side to Akatsuki, Listy gradually couldn't take her eyes off him.

Then one day, Listy became self aware of her feelings. She liked -- Akatsuki.

However, such thoughts were not allowed. To not let anyone notice her feelings Listy buried them deep in her heart. For people of royal lineage it was a sign of pride to be able to repress your emotions.

In some shape -- her lie was also the same.

Just like how Akatsuki considered herself and Sherfied, and decided to hide the truth about Leon.

Listy also chose to hide her true feelings.

But on that day -- when Galious attacked the capital of Sherfied, Erudia. After she saw Akatsuki run out from the castle, Listy let her feelings override her reason for the first time and promptly chased after him. And through looking everywhere in the rain she found Akatsuki safe and sound, and was immediately relieved from the bottom of her heart.

However, Listy lost too many things that day. Both her parents and relatives, the castle she grew up in, and the country she must defend were lost. And the hope of the country Leon died. It was all too much. The despair pushed Listy to the edge of a complete collapse, but at that moment one thought emerged from the bottom of her heart.

-- I will do anything to not lose Akatsuki.

It was her biggest fear.

She can withstand the loneliness of Akatsuki not being by her side, but not the pain of parting forever. So she rejected Akatsuki.

All for the sake of pushing him to return to his own world faraway from Alayzard.

Listy chose to lie.

-- Its all your fault that any of this ever happened.

### 040. Part 3

After their conversation ended, Kurt had left the treatment room.

He intended to convince the young people of the village to not act on impulse.

Akatsuki thought with just that conversation alone it was not enough for Kurt to completely trust him. However -- at the very least Kurt should be in a position where he would cooperate. So Akatsuki decided to leave his back to Kurt and began to prepare to stand once again on the battlefield. He took hold of his right wrist with his left hand, and tried to grasped it with all his power. The grip strength felt through his palm was inferior compared to normal.

"It's probably only half ... ... That should work."

Akatsuki laughed to himself. It was not the schedule that decided a match, rather it was the myriad of ever-changing factors in the real fight. It was impossible to always be in the absolute best state when preparing to face an enemy.

So Akatsuki resolved himself that he was going to be victorious.

And when Akatsuki got off the bed the door to the medical facilities was flung open like a hot brick, and a group of people rushed in. It was Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka as well as Loutier.

They probably they came running over, since they were all out of breath. Seeing them like that, Akatsuki couldn't help but smirk,

"Yo. What's with all the panic --!"

However, his comment was interrupted. The petite body of Kuzuha had immediately wrapped her arms around Akatsuki's waist.

"We were worried...... really worried about you......!"

While tightly hugging Kuzuha to calm her trembling shoulders, Akatsuki was shaking his head.

"I'm sorry...... this was my fault," Akatsuki said with a wry smile.

Then one after another the other three came closer to his side.

"After hearing from Kaidou you regained consciousness we all came running over as fast as we could."

After she said so, Chikage sighed with a smile on her face,

"It looks like you're almost back to normal."

"Ah yeah, I feel fine."

Akatsuki answered, and then asked,

"How are things on your end? Are those guys in the village still making a fuss?"

"Yeah...... but, it's not like it is unreasonable. We feel the same as them, and are anxious for her to be immediately rescued."

And Haruka said with a pensive look on her face,

"There was just a message sent from Disdiya saying to effect they are holding Miu-san hostage. And unless we promptly lay down our arms and issue our unconditional surrender -- at sunrise they intend to carry out her execution."

"Still, that plot is way too cliche...... Do they think they have already won?"

Akatsuki snorted, before a mocking smile emerged on his face,

"It appears a practical lesson is needed before they can correct their mistakes."

"Akatsuki, are you intending to go to the enemy camp?"

Luckily she arrived with the others in time, Loutier couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Charging in the enemy's camp by yourself isn't a smart move -- Myuu-dono, would want you to reconsider."

"You should know by now trying to stop me is useless...... that guy might be in some dungeon crying alone."

Akatsuki barely finished telling, when -–

"We already know that none of us can stop you."

Kuzuha still clinging to his waist looked up at him,

"But please, let us go together with you to --"

Before she had a chance to finish, Kuzuha abruptly lost all her strength and fell towards Akatsuki. He had put her sleep with a soft chop to the back of her neck.

"Please don't be too offended Class Rep, but I couldn't let you finish what you wanted to say."

During the battle at Gorudono Grand Canyon Kuzuha had pushed herself to the very limit. It was impossible for him to take her along in such a state.

And -- that was also the case for the other three.

"W-wait a minute, Akatsuki! Why --"

Chikage was baffled as she stepped up closer. Akatsuki promptly poked her forehead with his index finger. All the power was drained from her body at once, her eyes slowly shut before losing consciousness.

"You were asking me why I would do such a thing? Well...... it's not like I don't understand you feelings."

Akatsuki gave her a gentle smile and,

"But, in your condition you couldn't even dodge that level of surprise attack. How can I let you follow me to the battlefield?"

Akatsuki laid Kuzuha and Chikage side by side on the floor, and then turned towards the two people who remained -- Nanase Haruka and Loutier Trum. Then,

"I will absolutely accompany you."

Haruka said very firmly,

"That kind of surprise attack won't work on me. Above all, wasn't it you who said I needed witness everything before making my final decision. So no matter what, I will be witness until the end."

"I did say...... I would let you witness until the matter ends. But......"

Akatsuki said, then slowly walked over to Haruka,

"Taking a woman along with me who is not at full fighting strength really isn't my style. And you should witness the whole story of the war, however to keep you safe and to walk out the barrier alone I need to put you to sleep as well."

Akatsuki grabbed her arm at lightning speed, and forcibly pulled her close.

"Wh-what do you think your doing......!"

Completely ignoring the panicking of Haruka, Akatsuki smiled as he softly whispered in her ear,

"Recently there has been a growing trend of ascending to heaven with only the earlobe...... I would hate for you to miss out."

As soon as he finished talking he skillfully bit down on Haruka's ear.

"--!? Fua -- aaaaahhhh!"

After she cried out her body slightly quivered in his in arms. However Akatsuki didn't plan to not stop there, instead he poured even greater amounts of Ki into her until Haruka's consciousness faded far away.

After confirming she could no longer budge --

"I would like to hear what you could make of him coming back."

Akatsuki helped move Haruka over, so that she was laying next to Chikage and Kuzuha.

"Hey Lulu......"

Akatsuki asked over his back while looking at the serene expression on the three's sleeping faces,

"Is there no way we could...... save Leon?"

After a moment of silence.

"Yes...... there is unfortunately."

Loutier sadly answered Akatsuki's question,

"Leon died five years ago. Right now his existence is only temporary because his soul was bound by the forbidden spell cast on him. The only way to save Leon is to let his soul truly rest in peace."

"If that is so...... then I understand. I'm sorry for this. but I'm going to hand these guys over to you."

Akatsuki then stood up,

"Akatsuki...... although your injury was healed, it only closed the wound. It hasn't fully recovered to its former condition."

Knowing there was nothing she could do to stop him, Loutier still gave him her warning.

"And your physical strength has yet to recover...... In this state if you go back out to fight --"

"-- This state? Hey hey, are you not forgetting something, Lulu."

After he said so, Akatsuki turned to face Loutier,

"You already healed my wound, and those guys were so single mindedly thinking of me that that guy has become a hostage in the hands of the enemy."

Ousawa Akatsuki laughed fearlessly, as a reliable aura exuded from his whole body,

"I will clearly say it -- I am the strongest, just not in best condition right now."

Thirty minutes later.

Akatsuki's figure once again appeared at Gorudono Grand Canyon.

Although Akatsuki had been seriously injured he was still alive. As a precaution Disdiya had stationed soldiers to monitor any activity from Galivain. Upon seeing him they immediately went on high alert. However they merely stuck to their positions, and showed no signs of attacking.

Perhaps it was because of the eeriness. Even though location was slightly different the reappearance of Akatsuki still calmly standing on the top of a cliff reminded them of the battle. Therefore, not one of them were able to move. Akatsuki's tactics at that time went completely against their expectations. Now seeing him like that again Disdiya's soldiers couldn't help but be naturally cautious, fearing what surprises he had in store this time. And it was even more unnatural that, Akatsuki being fully aware that Disdiya had taken Miu hostage just stood there motionless. Therefore Disdiya's soldiers tensed their nerves, and strengthened their wariness.

But -- one thing was for sure.

That this time that wasn't an earth puppet, but Akatsuki himself. Even from their distance they could tell from the blueish white aura coming out of Akatsuki's whole body. That was the main reason the soldiers kept observing from a far away place.

Akatsuki openly stood on a cliff as if he was ridiculing their cowardliness.

### 041. Part 3

Hidden in a quiet shaded area in the forest Listy was thinking alone.

She was trying to find a way to put her feelings into words.

Akatsuki was again leaving to return to his own world.

But now that she knows the truth about five years ago certain feelings had been born in Listy.

She couldn't help it -- she was in love with Akatsuki.

...... But --

Five years ago, even though she told him that lie thinking of his well being it didn't change the fact she rejected him.

How on earth could her present self face Akatsuki? And at the last moment tell him 'I've always loved you.' It was too hypocritical.

Even so, she didn't want to separate from him.

She could not suppress her feelings.

"It's already..... impossible."

Listy's voice trembled as she spoke out loud to herself.

Thinking how an unspeakable sadness will take over once Akatsuki leaves, and that no one else but him will be able to stop her tears. However,

"-- I think it's going to work out."

The sudden voice caused Listy's body to shutter, and then she looked back unconsciously.

A young man was standing there with a a confident smile, Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Wh-what are you doing here?..... Wait, how did you know I was here?"

"There was a little something I left behind. So I couldn't go back just yet."

And ......

"As for finding where you were hiding for me, of course, is not an issue. There's no way I could lose track of your Ki."

"......!"

Listy couldn't help but blush.

Even though she already knew about Akatsuki's renkan keikikou, she had completely forgotten how capable it was. None the less his words warmed Listy's heart.

The fact that -- he specially came looking for her was an immense comfort. Seeing how she wasn't going to say anything, Akatsuki come out and asked along with a smile,

"So what's already impossible?"

"No, no, nothing......!"

Listy pretended to be calm, not willing to share her true thoughts.

Even at a time like this she still had to save face, and couldn't help feel somewhat disgusted with herself.

For all that, Listy was just unable to control herself.

And so ......

"How about you? What is it you forget?"

She sent a sidelong glance at Akatsuki as to confirm his intention.

Then,

"Oh, that's right -- I couldn't afford forget this."

Akatsuki said so with a big smile on his whole face.

The next moment -- his hand took hold of Listy's breast.

"EH......?"

She failed to understand what had happened all at once, and suddenly froze in place.

Akatsuki's right hand tightly closed down on Listy's left breast.

His five fingers dug in.

Listy reflexively gave Akatsuki a short right hook to his jaw.

"You filthy pervert......! You do something like that at a time like this!"

Her face was bright red as Listy quickly covered her chest with her left arm.

"No, I just want to see your smile ......"

Akatsuki was completely unapologetic. So,

"There isn't a girl in the world who would smile after having her breast suddenly attacked!"

Listy El Da Sherfied's scream reverberated in the area.

Then from behind Akatsuki -- from those off in the distance,

"Wait a minute, why is everyone suddenly looking at me!? This terrible joke has gone too far!

A scream from a familiar voice was raised.

After hearing that, Akatsuki scratched his battered jaw with his fingertips and,

"...... It looks like there really is one."

"Did you not hear.....! She herself denied it!"

At that moment Listy was convinced Miu must be enduring imaginable hardships being near a man like Akatsuki. To be caught between her embarrassment -- and her feelings for him.

It could be said Akatsuki would do whatever it takes to stop our tears.

He would use a sudden kiss, a massage of the breasts, or a grab of the butt.

And towards himself -- he would not hesitate to lie, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

At that moment, a thought suddenly occurred to her. She still hadn't expressed her thanks to him for what really happened five years ago. So, Listy slightly lowered her head,

"Why do you always..... like that do things other people cannot possibly do?"

She asked the question inside her heart. Then,

"I'm not that great. I'm just doing what I want to do."

Akatsuki easily answered, very straightforward,

"It's just being obedient to my feelings, and honest with myself -- unlike you."

"You.....! It is none of your concern!"

Flushed with anger Listy loudly protested.

Akatsuki didn't need to remind her. Listy knows it best herself, how she always refuses to face her absolute true self.

It would be too painful.

....... But, it can't be done... ... There was no way it can be helped......

Listy was brought up strictly as a member of the royal family under all sorts of rules. That wasn't allowed or this wasn't allowed, in her royal life she wasn't allowed the slightest freedom. Love or even life itself, everything existed in order to meet the expectations of others. Five years ago -- after they liberated the capital with Akatsuki, it was also true. As the only surviving member of the Royal families Listy's obligations were unimaginable. So, after Galious was defeated she was immediately crowned the Queen to fulfill her obligation as the last of the Royalty of Sherfied, and also even that day when Akatsuki was returning to his original world she could only force herself to silently watch him leave.

Her real feelings -- for all her life had to be suppressed.

"I'm sorry, I am such an awkward and strange person."

"No, I didn't mean criticism......"

After he said so, Akatsuki's expression became troubled.

Same as before words contrary to her feelings could not be stopped,

"Are you looking for me to ask you to stay? I'm sorry, but that's not something an awkward woman would say."

While she was saying that in her heart she was screaming. No, that's wrong. It's not at all what I want to say. Even though this is farewell. As expected you look to be having difficulty. I hate this, I don't want to see such a face.

...... What can I do.....?

I very much don't want to to make things difficult, and undoubtedly don't want to be hated.

...... Akatsuki, I beg you......!

Even though I can't be true to myself, and although until the end I was unable to speak my heartfelt words.

"A person like you ......!"

-- But still see the real me.

Please notice.

"The faster you return to your world the better!"

### 042. Part 4

"-- Why am I so strong?"

Esuperio Rushao Leon asked, Akatsuki just nods as to say "Uh huh."

Compared to the out of breath Akatsuki, Leon's composed appearance highlighted even more the power gap between the two.

"You seem to be stronger now then you were before, right?"

"Umm, I guess..... but I really didn't think too much about it."

Leon smiled awkwardly, but Akatsuki was unlikely to give up that easy.

"Then think about it now -- Why are you so strong?"

For about a month now, Akatsuki had been receiving sword training from Leon and Zechs.

After one month of rigorous training he finally managed to grasp the basics of swordsmanship, but it was clear to Akatsuki that even if he continued to train it will be impossible for his sword skills to attain equal footing with Leon and Zechs. General sword training will only increase your general strength. It was insufficient to proceed towards the strongest realm.

In fact, Ousawa Akatsuki's idea was not to become the strongest swordsman, he only wanted obtain enough power to stop his father and brother. The fact was Akatsuki's father and brother were two of the most powerful people in his world.

So ...... I must surpass the realm of the strongest ......

Akatsuki's expression was serious, Leon suddenly somewhat understood.

"Maybe it is..... anger and despair.....?"

While hanging his head Leon muttered, his easy-going face was covered with a layer of haze.

"My father and sister died at the hands of Demons ... ... You might have known that, right?"

"Umm, that was also the reason that you, a commoner, aspired to become a knight."

Leon performed very well on the battlefield and acquired countless achievements, thus obtaining the title of a "knight". Leon's strength was unquestionable, and in Sherfied and throughout Alayzard he was accepted by all the people as a Hero. Everybody thinks that he was the only candidate able to defeat Demon King Galious.

"Is that all... ...? That was the reason you are so strong?"

Leon's answer was apparently not enough to convince Akatsuki.

The pain of losing a loved one really might be able to be converted into a powerful motive to improve oneself, but that did not mean you would be able to ascend to the realm of the strongest. This was Akatsuki's own personal experience, he had suffered even more pain.

Leon wasn't the only one who experienced the loss of a loved one..... Akatsuki lost his little sister. In Alayzard there wasn't a lack of residents who lost one of their friends or a family member, and didn't feel the same pain and grief.

That being the case, then what was the difference between Leon and other people?

"...... The weight must be different..... right?"

Due to Leon's unusually calm tone, Akatsuki couldn't help but look up.

Only to see Leon with a wry smile, as if he saw through Akatsuki's inner doubts.

"If my strength really surpasses others, that must mean my inner pain and grief is greater than others ..... the difference then is home."

Leon's answer left Akatsuki speechless and also surprised. There weren't any rebuttal expressions in the world, whatsoever. This was made painfully clear as he hid behind a wry smile.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking: If that was the case, then what you say to yourself must also drive you to grow stronger as fast as possible.

Otherwise, if Akatsuki's determination was inferior to his father or brother's, that would lead to Akatsuki's strength being much lower than the two of theirs. On the other hand, Akatsuki didn't think that desperation alone was sufficient.

..... Not only do you have ability, you have the faith not to back down.

-- Am I right?

Enough desperation that made it hard to breathe and could overwhelm a person's heart -- Akatsuki had similar experiences.

And their was another. His beloved wife was a demon who died by human hands, which in turn angered him enough to abandon the human race and become a Demon King. Perhaps his heart was the same, also dominated by despair and sadness.

"I say ...... Leon, Eh!"

Akatsuki stared directly at the Hero, as he slowly started to talk,

"Peace between humans and demons..... is it really that far fetched of a dream?"

In order to stop an unreasonable opponent by force your power must be greater than theirs to compel them.

Thus the present Akatsuki was unable to stop his father or brother.

However Leon was different, in that his strength wasn't less than the Demon King's.

The war between humans and Demons was virtually the same, except for minor racial difference.

Leon was the hope of mankind, Galious was the King of the Demons, those two were the same in that they each lost a loved one. If those two leaders could find a way to compromise, then perhaps they can succeed in stopping this senseless war.

However, Leon slowly shook his head.

"Unlikely, after all the two sides have shed too much blood. And if ...... I let off the murderer who killed my father and sister, I certainly can not forgive myself."

The reason is very simple.

"I've already been to both of their graves, as well as in front of mother, and pledged that I would defeat the Demons."

"But they are also desperate and just trying to survive. If it is as you say, and desire gives birth to strength, then isn't this war just two sides of a desperate race? Really is there no other solution?"

Leon showed a faint smile, his expression is very calm.

"Akatsuki, you really are kind, it's no wonder the princess has a crush on you."

Akatsuki hearing those words couldn't help but awkwardly scratch the back of his head.

"The princess is good to me, but it's only because I come from a different world, and that is relatively rare that's all."

"No such thing, you have a particular charm about you that wins the favor of others. Zechs and Loutier became good friends with you so quickly, and you even became popular with the maids in the city."

"It happened, right? It seems that I am actually hated by Listy...... "

"Can it be that you're thinking too much of it?"

"Otherwise, why didn't anyone believe me? I still got into so much trouble."

Akatsuki looked helplessly.

"I obviously apologized for that so many times."

"Haha..... her first impression of you really was the worst."

Leon laughed.

"Who told you that she was in the bath when I suddenly dropped from the sky?"

"The summoning time and place is not up to me, yet I got blamed."

Akatsuki answered roughly.

"One second I was just about to lie down on my bed, and the next I suddenly appeared in a different world in a huge luxurious bathroom with my whole body pressing down on top of the Princess's body ... ... You absolutely are incapable of understanding how I felt."

The biggest problem was that both of us were without a stitch of clothing, which further increased our embarrassment. Akatsuki completely didn't know how to explain the awkward situation. As a result he was considered a suspicious person, so Listy loudly screamed and sent several magic attacks his way as he tried to escape in a panic. However when the maids heard the commotion they came running and Valkyria abruptly hit him on the head, knocking him out cold on the spot. Once he opened his eyes again, he was surprised to find himself actually imprisoned in a dark Dungeon for not just one day but two. Finally, it was found out that this was a big misunderstanding, clearing Akatsuki of any wrongdoing.

"Listy by nature is conservative and usually changes clothes alone with no maids present in order to not show off her bare body..... so her fright at that time, of course, is predictable."

Leon smiled and continued.

"She's never been seen naked before by a man, and that was probably the first time she ever saw a naked man too."

"Therefore I apologized to her."

"Actually I don't blame you. After all the summoning of a person from a different world is the desire of the world, and isn't something that can be controlled."

Just as Leon finished, the clock tower bell rang out.

"-- Oh, Akatsuki, I have to go."

"Ah ...... you have to go help your mother open shop?"

Leon's mother Selina managed the "Wildcat Pavilion" restaurant in town. Even though he was a "Hero" now, Leon was still set on going to the restaurant to lend a hand.

"Can't do anything about it, because it's only me..... and mom left."

Everyone in the city knows Leon valueed his time with his mother Selina above all else. Therefore no one bothered Leon while he enjoyed his mother and son time.

Naturally Akatsuki was the same, so he quietly watched as Leon left.

Then Leon abruptly stopped and looked back at Akatsuki.

It seemed that he suddenly remembered something.

"Don't worry too much Akatsuki. Even without the gift of magic like Zechs, you can become an excellent swordsman, and you will get stronger than you are now."

"How can you be so sure?"

Akatsuki frowned skeptically at Leon's argument, but Leon understood and smiled.

"Certainly, because you are actually somewhat similar to me."

### 043. Part 4

Sherfield Kingdom’s Great General Zechs Doltrake.

He, who is commanding the country’s army and the militia, had outstanding sword techniques, and was known as the .

When he came out of Listy’s office, it was already sunset.

After leaving Listy’s office, Zechs immediately headed towards the military meeting room for the forces of the country. After reaching his destination, he pushed open the heavy stone doors and went into the military meeting room. Under the rays of the sunset, the person that was waiting for Zechs in the military meeting room was a knight in his prime age with a burly body. Grant Bangert. Among the 5 lieutenants, he was the one that was trusted by Zechs the most.

“……Looks like they have a conclusion.” When Zechs entered through the door, Grant immediately stood up from his chair.

Seeing Zechs nod, he casually replied back.

There was no need for Zechs to explain, Grant was already understood.

“Is this battle still unavoidable?”

“Listy does not want to send the troops, but……”

Zechs said:

“But time is running out, and it beyond the control for Listy to say no. She probably already guessed the purpose of Akatsuki, but after all that, it is only a speculation. In the end, we will only be able to ask why on the battlefield.”

This was the decision that Listy had made after all that pondering. However, she did not intend to have a direct conflict against Akatsuki, sending out troops is only simply for support. Akatsuki, representing Galevain, had sent out a declaration of war towards Disdia, meaning that this war was directed at Disdia, Galevain had no reason to view Sherfield as an enemy —— This was already greatly accommodating for Sherfield.

That being the case, Sherfield definitely cannot fail to live up to Akatsuki’s plans.

“The forces will be launching at sunrise tomorrow, please inform the others for me.”

“Understood……This time, will Queen Listy also follow the army’s expedition?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Just as a precaution, she would also bring Lulu with her.”

“I see……It must be hard for her Majesty.”

Grant quietly lowered his eyelids. The incident about the surveillance forces being attacked had forced Sherfield to send out troops, Grant could understand the inner struggle within Listy.

……Not to mention, the enemy this time is Akatsuki again……

The duel before had already caused much struggle for Listy, since they will meet Akatsuki in the battlefield, the inner troubles within Listy was easy to imagine. Of course, Zechs and Loutier’s mood weren’t exceptionally good as well.

But as long as they send troops to participate in the battle, it is equal to have fulfilled the obligation of military allies, even if it was only rear support. Also, participating in the battle wasn’t without any benefits, after all, if the situation deteriorates, only the forces on the battlefield would be able to prevent the tragedy.

Disdia certainly did not have any wish to prevent the tragedy, and also did not have any expectations from Aleclasta.

Therefore, this work will naturally fall onto Sherfield.

……If there was really anything just in case……

Zechs secretly thought. Truthfully, he had a plan to avoid Akatsuki and Sherfield to be forced into a lose-lose situation, but he did not mention this plan in front of Listy.

And Zechs was quite sure, at that time, Disdia will absolutely have no objections. However, this plan could be only used on the battlefield, thus Zechs Doltrakes formally issued these orders:

“Relay it over. If we really meet on the battlefield, I will be the one to deal with Akatsuki.”

### 044. Part 4

"Wow......the Vice president is really amazing."

Chikage Izumi was in charge of guarding the north path. When she saw how the battle was progressing in central path she couldn't help but leak a voice of admiration for her.

Launching a long range spell at the magicians hiding in the back normally would be very troublesome. However, Haruka took advantage of the soil with the sandstorm to lure the magicians to front completely exposing them to the threat of fire. Then she used a powerful storm to blow them away from behind. Still before the attack even started she made air cushion along the rocky wall. This way the enemy that was flung aside at most would just be knocked out and in now way endangering their lives.

"...... However this is no time to praise her."

Chikage turned back to the front. Making use of her AD she summoned a longbow and shot countless water arrows at the tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers coming towards her.

"Arrows alone apparently isn't enough ... ..."

Chikage focused her consciousness, a huge magic formation appeared in front of her. The dry valley moments ago was engulfed in a flood of muddy water sweeping away the numerous soldiers.

"Rest assured you won't drown. The flood created by my magic was designed so as long the water was in contact with the skin it will allow for oxygen to enter your body without the need for your lungs."

And the flood itself also cushions the soldiers from crashing into the rock wall preventing any serious damage.

...... But then again.

Considering the magic's power and the results, Izumi Chikage can't help but think: regardless if it was Haruka or herself their magical power had significantly increased. For a while after they came to Alayzard everyone had lost their ability to use magic. It was because the dimensional shift caused their consciousness channel between the body and soul to become unstable, not allowing for a smooth to link to construct magic.

Izumi Chikage was reminded of when she was first summoned to another world and how it took a while for her magic to awaken. Perhaps this situation was the same as last time, and her soul and body were in a precarious state. But perhaps because of the second visit to a different world Chikage and Haruka's magical abilities have recovered and now was a lot stronger than it was before.

And it was not just in terms of brute force, but also things like flexibility and configuration. That was why her flood was able to have "oxygen infiltration" and "protective cushion" attributes added.

......If I had this power earlier.

Back in JPN Babel, when the cockatrice training program went berserk or when Phil Barnett I would not have ended up blindly thrashed. Also when I was first summoned to the alternate world Banrakua, I could have been able to do more. Even if it wasn't something outrageous like defeating a Demon King and redeeming the entire world like Akatsuki.

However Izumi Chikage doesn't care how she had gained her new power.

Since she met Akatsuki and Miu she wanted to get stronger.

So that she was no longer be a burden to the others. Enough power to fight alongside Akatsuki. Enough power to protect Miu and Kuzuha her best friends. Now Chikage could raise her head high, because she was standing together with them facing the enemy.

"...... It makes me happy."

She had a dazzling quiet smile as she once again faced forward.

After the flood waters receded, the bottom of the canyon was clearly visible. And on the valley floor were standing several huge rock walls -- from behind those barriers countless Disdiya's soldiers jumped out.

The armed soldiers thrust out at Chikage at full speed.

But, they only ran a few steps before they all clasped over forward.

"Wh-what's happening......?"

Seeing their sudden loss of balance and puzzled looks, Chikage smiled as she explained their inner doubts,

"My bad -- I slightly increased the density of oxygen, that's all."

If you inhale concentrated oxygen it will cause severe dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Not only will you be unable to walk, it will also be difficult to concentrate in order to use magic.

-- In the fight against Zahhaku, she removed the hydrogen from the water causing the density of the oxygen in the area to raise allowing it to immediately detonate.

This attack used the same principle.

After she extracted the oxygen she condensed it increasing the concentration around the target.

But it was not as simple as replacing the hydrogen with oxygen. If you assume the hydrogen extraction was the "point", then whole area was the "space", and the difficultly in control was incomparably larger. Moreover, if the oxygen density was too low it will not be effective, and if it was too high it will cause permanent damage to the body.

Only through the complete mastering of her own power was it possible to realize this higher dimensional magic.

Suppressing her ego, Chikage said with a smile,

"-- Well, I think you will get used to after a while."

The smile on her face suddenly turned into a wry smile,

"However, I'm sorry to say...... I can't give you that time to adapt."

As she finished, a large amount of water once again emerge out of thin air mercilessly flushed away Disdiya's soldiers in the torrent.

### 045. Part 4

Sherfied's army had completely withdrew from the battlefield on the grounds that their top commanding officer Loutier was taken prisoner of war.

After returning to the royal castle Listy immediately summoned Zechs to her office.

"What was that all about...... Akatsuki was the one who killed Leon!"

Listy pressed upon one of her most trusted comrades seeking the truth.

At the battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon Listy witnessed an unbelievable spectacle. Akatsuki was mortally wounded in an instant -- and Disdiya's armor Knight turned out to be Leon. Since the scene unfolded in the northern route the Sherfied soldiers stationed to the south didn't witness the events. Which could be said was a great fortune amidst all the misfortune. If it was seen by anyone else, Sherfied would have been thrown into chaos.

Listy bit her lower lip, she could only think of one thing.

......Please Akatsuki...... you have to be okay......

Akatsuki's wound was very serious, but there was still his Renkan Keikikou and Loutier was taken there. Anyway right now, all she can do was believe that Akatsuki was safe. Therefore, Listy began to think about another problem.

The person who stabbed Akatsuki through his chest turned out to be the long since dead Leon.

And was what Leon unbelievable declared really -- the truth?

So Listy need to ask Zechs. At that time Zechs stopped her from calling out to Leon, it looked like he clearly knew something. She needed to make sure,

"Is it true......? The one who killed Leon, really wasn't Galious?"

"Ah well, it's true...... five years ago Akatsuki told me himself."

"What was that......"

Zechs bitter expression said it all, however Listy still wasn't able to accept this fact.

That story was just too absurd, how could Akatsuki kill Leon? But thinking it over, why the need to tell such a blatant lie. Also it was undeniable that the way Zechs and Leon spoke to each other was hostile.

"Tell me this first, Zechs...... who besides you and Akatsuki knew about it?"

Listy said, while concealing her inner horror,

"-- Does even Lulu know......?"

"Uh...... she also knows."

Listy was stunned at Zechs's admission.

And gradually -- that surprise turned into an indescribable sense of anger.

"For all these years, you all have been hiding it from me......!"

Akatsuki, Zechs, Loutier, and Listy traveled all around the world together. Their relationship couldn't be expressed as easy as mere companions. Comrade-in-arms -- no, it was closer to that of a family. Yet, now Listy found out she was only person not to know the secret, as if she was never a true companion to the other three.

Then, did all these feeling over five years mean nothing? The one who failed know anything was her, don't tell me Akatsuki and the others pretend to have a relationship with me just to fool me?

...... That was all too much......!

Listy didn't care that Zechs and Loutier failed to report the one who most likely destroyed Leon's tomb was Phil Barnett. There was no clear physical evidence, and at the time she herself lacked the cool headedness to make the right decisions. And although on the surface Zechs and Loutier's relationship to her were as subjects of the Queen, in all actually they were close friends on an equal footing. She had explicitly conveyed to them, as long as it was the best course of action for the country, they could make the most appropriate judgment on their own without needing to report everything to her. And if her judgment was ever wrong, she even wanted them to stop her.

But this time it was a completely different story.

Listy bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the sorrow of being completely kept in the dark for so many years from crushing her. So Listy reflected on the facts at hand anew.

-- First, Leon had passed away five years ago. That was an indisputable fact, Listy personally confirmed it.

After all, after the tragedy the very first on the scene was none other than herself.

Now Leon appeared again on behalf of the person who resurrected him.

It's probably...... the work of Disdiya......

It was said that Disdiya since ancient times has handed down forbidden spells, and among them include a way to recall the souls of the dead. The reason Phil destroyed Leon's tomb could have been to take his remains all along. It was such an unbelievable evil atrocity that runs completely contrary to the moral ethics of mankind, and if it was true it won't be possible to simply forgive.

-- But before that, there are other things to deal with.

That was right. Listy El Da Sherfied must learn the truth. So,

"Tell me, Zechs -- I want to know what really happened five years ago."

Zechs stared straight ahead, before letting out a deep breath. He then lowered his head and quietly,

"...... I don't even know where to start."

"From the start to finish without leaving one word out."

"Yeah, Let it be...... right from the beginning."

Zechs down in thought, seemed to be in doubt as to where to begin to explain the whole thing.

"Five years ago -- the true purpose of Galious's attack on Erdia was not to invade."

Zechs slowly began to untie the knots to the truth.

"It was in retaliation for Leon's actions -- All of the attacks were for sole purpose of killing Leon."

### 046. Part 4

Even now Listy felt ill about it.

Those words that came out of her mouth must of torn apart Akatsuki's heart.

But at that time Listy wholeheartedly only hoped for him not face any more danger.

She thought as long as she explicitly rejected him, he would return to his own world. So when Akatsuki disappeared Listy's heart was filled with regret that they parted because of a misconception. It was sad but.

If it meant he would be safe and sound then Listy didn't mind.

-- However Akatsuki never returned to his own world.

He went to alone. Putting his life on the line to obtain enough power to protect everything. Therefore, when Listy was fighting to free the Royal capital, and had found herself backed into a wall. She unconsciously prepared for certain death.

At that moment a familiar back suddenly appeared in front of her. Even now she remembers it clearly.

His body had been trained to the point he was almost a different person with an overwhelming power lurking inside. To achieve such results within such a short time, the extent of how much blood and sweat Akatsuki put in was evident.

Mere words weren't sufficient to describe how she felt.

For the first time she knew what it was like to have a feeling beyond description, even with all the words in the world.

After that of course she apologized to Akatsuki for the terrible words she had said to him. He just smiled and said he didn't take it to heart. Nevertheless for rejecting him in the worst way possible Listy felt she lost the right to express her true feelings to him. So until the end -- even after Akatsuki defeated Galious and was on his way to return to his original world. She kept her feelings buried, and never expressed them.

...... However......

Listy wasn't willing to betray her feelings any longer, and was unable to keep calm. Because was it not? Akatsuki the one, who she wanted to protect at all costs, and on that day five years ago he protected her and safeguarded her country all alone.

If not for Akatsuki neither herself nor Sherfied would still exist now.

Before she was barely able to suppress her feelings for Akatsuki.

However now, after learning the truth from Zechs the levee burst in Listy's heart.

The feelings she had been holding back for so long began to overflow and couldn't be stopped. So,

"...... Un."

Listy nodded and stood up from her chair. She made up her mind. It was just him protecting her so far, now it was her turn to do something for him.

...... Because I don't want to regret anything else.

She believed that Akatsuki was absolutely alright. None the less the present situation was greatly unfavorable to him. In any case, no matter what she will protect him.

As the Queen of Sherfied, Listy had her responsibilities and obligations. With both sides at war priority had to be given to one or the other. Listy must pick between protecting Akatsuki or Sherfied.

But, was that really so? Akatsuki has not given up. Furthermore he hasn't given up on Galevain or Sherfied, and hasn't given up on true peace. That being the case, how can she give up so easily?

This time it was her turn protect Akatsuki, while he tries to safeguard everything.

"---------"

Listy threw open the door to her work room, and quickly walked down the long corridor.

"Listy-sama...... Pardon me, is there anything you need?"

A maid was waiting outside the room, Listy smiled only for a moment,

"Inform Valkyria to gather all members of the Council of Ministers -- I would like to convene an ad hoc committee."

After Sherfied's Queen announced such, she continued straight down the corridor. Listy El Da Sherfied was no longer hesitating, or going to cower. She likes Akatsuki, but also loves this country.

She wasn't going to betray her feelings another time.

Although there was not much time left -- Let's start with the attitude of never giving up.

### 047. Part 4

The Kingdom of Sherfied capital city of Erudia.

In the middle of town near the castle there was a restaurant that continued to provide unchanging taste to its customers.

The lone female owner took care of everything, from tending to guests to cooking, for the restaurant named for her hometown, the "Wildcat Pavilion."

"Yesssss, thank you very much. Take care on your way home."

After nightfall the restaurant abruptly transformed into something similar to a tavern serving alcohol to its customers. The owner just saw off her last group of customers.

At last her full day of hard work had come to an end. It was well past the original business hours. But, satisfied with her diligent service the female owner -- Selina Esuperio let out one big sigh,

"...... I can finally rest," she said.

After that she went back into kitchen, and was about to put out the fire to the stove.

When the door to the shop opened, and a customer walked in. Selina stuck her head out from the kitchen look.

"Oh...... this is indeed a very rare visitor we have here."

Selina was only slightly surprised for a moment, before a deep smile emerged on her face.

Who walked in was a burly man. He had a large face, his body was enormous, and his limbs were particularly strong. However behind such a man was a woman wearing a long red dress. The pair certainly scared a lot of people walking on the road. Then, the man looked directly at Selina with his piercing eyes,

"I came to get something to eat."

"You are just like Akatsuki...... couldn't you pick decent business hours to show up?"

Selina couldn't help but shake her head.

"My profession is rather special. I can't just visit so easy while other guests are eating."

She said, the Madam of the prostitution guild -- Melissa then exposed an impatient look,

"Does this restaurant always make their guests wait forever to be seated? Really inconsiderate."

"Oh, I'm sorry this is a little shop that always lets its guests to choose a seat to their liking. It is quite different from a upscale brothel that has to thoroughly lead their clients."

And Selina,

"That said, it is now long past business hours...... I can only put together a simple dish with leftovers. If you don't mind?"

"Just as well, anything would be good as long as it is served quickly."

So Melissa moved towards the empty seats in back of the restaurant.

"However --"

"I know...... you would like a generous helping, right?"

Selina said while making a wry smile as she went into the kitchen. With not much to work with, a short time to prepare an ample meal, and moreover an obnoxious guest who doesn't have the courtesy to not show up after closing.

And if they were ordinary, she would casually dispense with them nice and quick.

...... But that won't do. I need to show off my skills.

Selina smiled. It was a rare visit from an old friend, of course, she would have to put out something with her own special skills. And so -- she was going to satisfy her guest's every demand.

Before Melissa was able to finish her first cup of beer Selina had brought over five dishes on top of a platter. Each one was distinct from one another as she place them on the table. And with a face was full of confidence,

"How is it, good?"

"Well...... it's not bad."

Although Melissa's evaluation was curt, Selina felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Just now that was the highest compliment she had ever given her after all these long years of friendship. So Selina pulled up the chair opposite her, and looked at Melissa wolf down her food,

"-- So? What business brings you here today?"

Melissa was not one of her regulars, and without warning she came in today. There must be some other purpose for her visit. Then,

"No reason...... I just thought to occasionally come and see you."

After saying that much, Melissa continued to quietly eat her meal. Selina thought it was nice of her to consider her, but knew her purpose was not to simply visit a friend.

-- I already know that Akatsuki was seriously injured on the battlefield, and Miu was taken hostage by Disdiya.

And today all the customers while eating their meal could talk about nothing but the decisive battle at Gorudono Canyon. Naturally, this was Disdiya leaking intelligence that was advantageous to them.

Therefore Selina Esuperio was very grateful for the thoughtfulness of her friend. After Akatsuki visited the restaurant the other day, he probably spent those several days until the duel with Listy laying low at her brothel. Akatsuki had once said if you ever wanted to know something for certain Melissa would know everything said in the city, and turn to her for help if not sure.

And perhaps during their stay she learned of Akatsuki and Miu visiting her restaurant.

-- After the sun comes out tomorrow. The war will probably have ended.

Selina thought it would be probably hard for her to sleep tonight. She no longer had a family anymore, and didn't have someone to comfort her to lessen her anxiety.

Therefore she thought who was it that came to see her, and it was a terribly blunt old friend.

"...... I'm really worried about those children."

Selina muttered, not looking for an answer. Then Melissa suddenly put down the knife and fork,

"Rest easy. I'll tell you the latest information that came to my place. Akatsuki was safe and sound, and had just made an appearance at Gorudono Grand Canyon."

"Really......?"

She asked anxiously, and Melissa gave her a confident nod.

"Of course. And you should believe in him just like those girls...... that this long overdue ending is at hand."

And Melissa said in a manner that was quite certain,

"At the very least Akatsuki -- hasn't given up the fight."

### 048. Part 4

After Listy finished shouting the forest immediately became silent.

While breathing heavily, Listy could only look down at the ground.

She was too afraid to look up.

Even more now she didn't want to see the what kind of face Akatsuki was making.

Caught up in her rampaging emotions she blurted out those words, and it was too late for Listy to regret. The silence was frightening, and made her feel she was suffocating.

-- And shortly after Akatsuki finally responded.

What did he say? She was overcome with fear, and couldn't help guarding herself and tightly shutting her eyes. However -- because of that Listy didn't heard a word of what he said.

Rather she heard the sound of footsteps stepping on the grass gradually fade away.

"...... Huh?"

Instinctively she looked up, and then opened her eyes.

Akatsuki's back was moving away leaving Listy behind where she stood.

Abandoned -- the thought surfaced in her mind that took all the strength from her whole body. Listy couldn't stop herself from falling to the ground on her knees.

"A....."

She attempted to call out to him, but the words wouldn't come out.

Just before she had told him to hurry off to his own world, so now Listy had no right to detain him.

"........................"

In front of the vacant Listy, Akatsuki's shadow disappeared behind the trees. It was the worst possible farewell it could of been.

"Wait...... don't go......"

However, it was in very feeble voice in which nobody could hear. And -- eventually the situation reach a point to where Listy was completely abandoned.

Then shouts of joy were being carried over from the other side of the thicket.

And a resounding high-pitched sound came.

As well as white light from the gaps within the trees was transmitted.

Listy understood what was going on.

Akatsuki was about to return to his own world.

...... Not like this......!

If I run after him now I might still be in time. However, Listy was nailed in place, motionless. In her head she knew she must go after Akatsuki, but her legs wouldn't move at all. The link between her consciousness and body was completely severed.

"No..... Don't Akatsuki......!"

As it was Akatsuki was going to leave. However, there was no way for Listy's voice to reach him.

The sound of crossing over worlds was too loud causing her to feel it was too cruel.

It swallowed her shouts. Although she was wishing so strongly, none the less her feeling didn't reach.

-- However, Listy kept shouting.

Without wiping them she let the tears rolled down her cheeks. Listy was doing her utmost to express her heartfelt wishes.

Do not leave me -- do not leave me alone here.

Didn't he tell me once? So long as I call out your name without fail you will come running.

Therefore I'm calling your name. I need your help now. So stay, don't go.

Listy El Da Sherfied thought strongly, and await expectantly for a miracle to occur.

...... It won't come. Its not possible for me......!

About to be swallowed up in her overflowing thoughts.

Her heart -- was about to be plunged into a pool of stagnant water.

It was at that time --

Listy suddenly appeared in Akatsuki's arm.

### 049. Part 5

-- Ousawa Akatsuki's consciousness returned to the present.

The battlefield was riddled with smoke, not a trace of the enemy troops remained.

Akatsuki alone repelled Disdiya's tens of thousands of troops.

If he immediately chased after them he could completely wipe out the enemy, however Akatsuki didn't intended on do that.

He decided to let the surviving soldiers take their wounded comrades, and clear out.

"Well... ... It's about time to return."

Akatsuki put the on his shoulder. Miu and the others were in Forestnium waiting for Akatsuki to return. Although they come to trust in Akatsuki's strength, however because the delay they will undoubtedly be a little worried.

Thus Ousawa Akatsuki turned around to take measure of the battlefield and the path that lay before him.

"............"

The impact of the battle turned the wilderness into a mess. Debris littered the ground with broken swords, armor, big iron tanks, and blood was smeared on Disdiya's flag.

The present scene was a relating of what had previously occurred here, an earthshaking war.

This war was provoked by none other than himself, however Ousawa Akatsuki had no regrets. The moment the four-party talks ended, and everyone returned to Forestnium no other options existed. No matter what Miu, Chikage, Kuzuha even Haruka and Kaidou supported Akatsuki's decision. Therefore Akatsuki became the newly-appointed Demon King, and officially declared war against Disdiya.

"..... True peace."

Akatsuki muttered.

Before now, he had no idea how many people attempted to bring true peace to Alayzard, fought blood-soaked battles, but no one had succeeded in achieving that dream. Those people also included the Hero Leon and the Demon King Galious.

The "Rogue Hero" Akatsuki and Listy fought bravely, but in the end it was still a failure.

However Ousawa Akatsuki decided he will never abandon his oath, and pledged to overcome that cruel fate.

Therefore, he cannot be defeated at any cost, because if history proved anything.

-- Even if the Demon King was defeated afterwards was still the same, peace may not arrive in this world.

Since ancient times stories have been handed down, foretelling of the Demon King's death as the symbol that marks the end of suffering and the arrival of happiness.

People around the world would rejoiced at the upcoming peace with smiles on their faces.

However that big happy ending was actually camera selectivity, actuality was built on the premise above.

While the ending credits of that movie rolls of the screen, the leading male and female are smiling and holding up their hands together, gazing at the sky --

However for leading actor and actress in the real world, the fact was when the flames of war ceased there were a thousands and one things to do in the extremely broken world left behind.

The satire was everyone deliberately ignored the facts before their eyes, and became intoxicated with the idea that defeating the Demon King meant victory.

Joyful tears would blurred out their field of vision, brushing aside this frame from the movie to never be seen.

Consequently Akatsuki gazed at the scene before him.

Images from video games didn't do justice to the real situation.

Ousawa Akatsuki's present picture will be firmly engraved in his heart.

After overthrowing the Demon King, mankind will only get a false HAPPY END.

I cannot give up here.

Because for me -- there are still many things left to do.

### 050. Part 5

In the ancient forest city, Forestnium, Galevain’s resident’s refuge.

Directly in the center stood a Sacred Tree that was a few hundred meters tall. As the symbol of Forestnium, the Sacred Tree’s trunk was divided into several floors, each floors has its own stairs, becoming a large living space.

Under the pitch-black color of the night, Ousawa Miu’s figure appeared at the top floor of the Sacred Tree.

Miu’s goal was to shower. The tangled roots of the Sacred Tree was spread throughout a wide area, aside for the underground water, there was even a natural hot spring that seep through the tree trunk through a pipe and was pushed upwards. Thus, at the very end of the pipe, which is also the top floor, the villagers used the Sacred Tree’s naturally formed holes to create a hot spring.

However, Miu was not at ease while bathing.

Just when Miu was about to push open the door to the hot spring, someone called her name from behind.

Currently —— she was even surrounded by several people.

The other party was numerous youths that lived in Forestnium, but Miu did not feel any fear, her face did not reveal any suspicious look either, after all, in the past few days, similar situations have occurred several times.

10 days ago, Miu made a decision ——The youths in front of her was currently protesting against Miu’s decision and had gathered here.

“Myuu-sama, this is no small matter —— please reconsider it!”

The other party’s tone carried dissatisfaction and disapproval entered Ousawa Miu’s ears, who had her back facing the door towards the hot spring.

“Declaring war to Disdia is taken for granted, after all, they killed off Elder Urumu, Galevain’s soldiers will not forgive this despicable act. But——Why do you recognize that person as our representative?”

“I have already clearly explained it. After Urumu’s unfortunate death, everybody wished for me to make a decision for Galevain’s fate, and this is the conclusion that I came up with…… after discussing it with that person.”

Miu’s attitude was extremely calm, but her answer caused discontent among the youths.

“We indeed requested Myuu-sama to decide Galevain’s fate, but Myuu’s sama’s decision was completely unexpected!”

“At first, pushing him to be the representative of Galevain was simply for a peace agreement. Since the peace agreement ended in failure, his mission is already over.”

The youth’s appeal entered her ears, Miu could not help but have feelings about it. These youths was caught up in loss and was anxious about the future of Galevain.

During the period of the peace agreement negotiations, Forestnium was suddenly attacked and the responsibility clearly lies on the other side. However, Disdia is a militant country, the residents in Forestnium simply could not compete with the powerful military strength the other side has. Thus, the request from the youths was clearly self-contradictory.

“However, without that person’s help, this battle ——we have no chance of winning.”

You should all understand this point, Miu suddenly paused for a moment.

“At present, the enemy still have not found the method to enter Forestnium; however, the enhanced barrier, that came in exchange of Urumu’s life, is not permanent. When the barrier effect disappears ——do you think just us alone can defend Forestnium?”

Miu’s words were justified, the youths at the scene all froze for a moment, but they quickly recovered and continued their aggressive tone as before.

“At that time, it should be fine if we can just invite that person to fight together with us.”

“That’s correct. He is an integral part of our combat power, but there is no need for him to become our leader.”

It was a rather selfish way of saying it, they just wanted to use Akatsuki’s power. However, Miu did not blame them, because they did not know where they were wrong. Inside the hearts of these youths, it was strongly dominated by anxiety, and they had long lost the ability to determine what was right and what was wrong.

Because of this, they hope that Miu would become the spiritual pillar for everyone. The Demon King Galious had used his overwhelming power to rival the humans. As the daughter of Galious, Miu undoubtedly was the only hope for lighting up their will to fight inside the residents, who were in the brink of despair. Ousawa Miu thought, if she was to become the new leader of Galevain, the ouths in front of her would definitely become warriors in the front lines.

……But.

Once they enter the battlefield, what was waiting for them eventually was the fate of death. This was not the outcome everybody would like to see. Thus, when her father was still alive, he had clearly expressed that he will be the last Demon King, and at the same time, he entrusted the safety of Miu, happiness of the demon race and their future to Akatsuki.

For both sides, Miu’s existence would only cause Alayzard to be caught up in a never-ending war and deaths. After understanding Galious’s intentions, Akatsuki decided to bring Miu with him back to his own world. Even if Miu’s identity was to cause a huge uproar, but since Alayzard would not easily let Miu go, Akatsuki still did not regret his decision at that time. He even returned to Alayzard again in order to stand up for Miu and Galevain.

However, the youths in front of her do not appreciate it and even question the actions of Akatsuki.

“Why are you not willing to accept that person? Is it because he was the Hero that defeated my father?”

“That is also one of the reasons, but the matter isn’t that simple.”

“He is a human, and not one of the residents of Galevain.”

“In the time of crisis, how can we allow him to become the leader of the demon race?”

Facing the barrages of accusations, Miu let out a rebuttal that made everyone speechless.

“If that’s the case—— then why were you all willing to allow father to become the king?”

That shouldn’t have forgotten about it, right?

“Father was also a human…… just like him.”

Miu’s words were all true, everybody suddenly quieted down.

At this moment.

“Myuu-sama, what we are concerned about is not his race.”

The youths surrounding Miu automatically headed left and right and allowed a path. One young man slowly walked forward, the other people all had trust and expectations towards him.

“Kurt……”

After the young man had walked up in front of her, Miu silently called out his name. This tall and slender dark elf was the grandson of Urumu. You could only see Kurt look at Miu who was in front of him.

“We simply only wanted revenge, towards the people who murdered my grandfather……to have a fight to death with the murderer who killed the village elder. But he forbids us to fight the enemy on the battlefield.”

Kurt slowly said out everybody’s feelings.

“We also have the right to fight on the battlefield, but as a result, that right was deprived from us. The future of Galevain that we placed into Myuu’s hands had simply become his reason and excuse. Myuu believes that he is the new representative of Galevain, thus, he believes that he has earned all the support from the citizens of Galevain. Thus, he ignores our opinion to fight and fights alone in the battlefield with the enemy.”

This was the point that Kurt and the other youths were not able to accept.

“……The elder died in the hands of the enemy, we also do not have the right to head to the battlefield……How should we vent for the wronged heroic soul of my grandfather and our inner anger?”

“……”

Myuu quietly listened to Kurt’s request, she also understood the inner anger within Kurt’s heart. Even if she was to speak, she could not allow them to join the battle, or the efforts they did up till now will all vanish into thin air.

“Please believe that person, believe in the one that me and my father both trusted. He must have his own concerns for not letting you all into the battlefield.”

Miu’s explanation was immediately caused a refute by the youths.

“Trust? How can a person, who does not put our views and thoughts into the matter, earn our trust?”

“And he does not plan on attacking Disdia, he might have planned on never to start a war in the very beginning. Does he want to quell everybody’s anger by just simply casually fighting a few battles?”

Kurt’s words immediately won everybody’s agreement.

“He is an outsider, he has no qualifications to lead us. This is our battle and is not something we can leave it to others!”

Akatsuki is not to be trusted, this was the consensus of the youths at the scene.

“I see……”

Miu muttered and looked down to the ground.

“——It seems that I have no choice but to tell the truth.”

After raising her head, Miu used her sharp eyes to stare at everybody.

Awed by the prowess of Miu, the youths at the scene were all afraid of speaking up, but Miu could only apologize to Akatsuki in her heart.

……Sorry. I know that this is a secret that can not be told to the public, but……

However, Miu could not longer hold it in and decided to say the secret in her heart.

“Why did that person officially declare war on Disdia? Yes, it is to persuade all of you, who are seeking a battle! Based on the situation at that time, it would inevitably lead to a devastating war unilaterally. And reporting the atrocities of Disdia, utilizing the international media to force both sides to achieve a peace agreement will not happen because you all will not be able to accept it. After all, for the current you, Disdia’s actions is inexcusable.”

Akatsuki did not deliberately ignore Kurt’s and the other’s feelings. In fact, it was the exact opposite. It was because he is able to understand their feelings so he had used his official declaration as a well to express their anger.

“However, Disdia’s interior will also remain the same. If Disdia really wishes to accept the peace agreement, then they would not have attacked Forestnium during the meeting. In order words, if we had continued to stick with the peace agreement route, both sides will only achieve peace on the surface, but in truth, the current situation will be no different than right now.”

But——

“Even so, that person is still reluctant to give up easily. Even though he knew that the current situation was extremely dangerous, that person still believed that true peace will come to this world. This is the reason why he is reluctant to hurt the enemy. Although Galevain is the side that officially declared war, but as long as it follows the policy of not hurting the enemy, the other side will eventually notice that Galevain did not have the goal of wiping out Disdida when it waged the war.”

After continuing to weaken the enemy’s troops and causing the enemy to gradually end up at a disadvantage, stopping the war will naturally appear in the mind of the other side. And because Disdia is not the country that declared war, it will not take the initiative to propose a truce. After all to Disdia, stopping the war is the equivalent of losing, it will be undoubtedly the same as if it had declared that it had lost to the world.

However, if Galevain was the one that proposed to stop, Disdia will consider it. At that time, Akatsuki’s policy of not killing will play a large and key role. Even if Disdia persistently refuse to compromise, you could still use diplomatic means to persuade Sherfield and Aleclasta to come forward. At that time, due to the situation of their alliance, Disdia will not be able to just say out their own opinion. This way the two countries will come forward to talk and at the same time, Disdia will be able to keep their pride.

But doing so is not without any risk.

Thus, Akatsuki had left a path to retreat.

“Why do you think that person is willing to become the Demon King?”

Miu revealed a tearful expression and said out Ousawa Akatsuki’s consideration.

“If the situation does not develop as what was expected, that person intends to bear all the responsibility. <After the peace agreement was destroyed, the enraged Rogue Hero, with his powerful strength, threatened the peaceful demon race to push him into becoming the new Demon King. At the same time, without the agreement of the people in the race, he had declared war to Disdia>. Do you understand it now? If I……The Demon King Galious’s daughter stood up as the representative of Galevain, it will undoubtedly become the excuse that Disdia use to destroy Galevain. In order to prevent this tragedy from occurring, that person had positioned the war as his own independent judgment and is unrelated to Galevain.

Also, there was actually another purpose of Akatsuki to become the Demon King.

Once the two sides had entered a state of war, the previous Demon King’s daughter, in other words Miu, would become the number one enemy target. Phil Barnett or Zahhark’s assassination was the best evidence.

So Akatsuki could only claim the title of the Demon King, in order to attract the enemy’s attention and also become the top target the enemy wishes to get rid of.

In addition——

“Is it really true that not attacking Disdia means that he does not wish to fight this war?”

That was false.

“That person only does not wish for the tragedy of Urumu to be staged again, so he insisted on staying at Forestnium. No matter what actions the enemy takes, he would be able to react immediately.”

Kurt and the others was extremely unhappy based on the attitude of Akatsuki trying to reduce the military actions.

This was all because Akatsuki had made the decision to care about the safety concerns of the villagers.

“As for the purpose not to allow us to participate in the war……”

Facing the surprised Kurt, Myuu attempted to suppress her own emotions.

“If you were to appear onto the battlefield, won’t the idea about saying that you were threatened will instantly be destroyed?”

Perhaps they could claim that they were afraid of Akatsuki to the outside, thus Galevain’s citizens could not participate in the battle: However, once they become the captives of Disdia, the other party could use torture, drugs or even magic to understand the truth of the situation. At that time, all their efforts will be wasted.

Thus Akatsuki made a decision.

“Not only all of you, that person will not even let me go onto the battlefield.”

Miu recalled the expression that Akatsuki had at that time, and could not hold back her tears.

She cried. Even though Akatsuki was all doing this for the sake of Miu and these youths——

“ ……Did you know? That person actually apologized to me!”

Miu’s cries echoed through the huge space.

After learning the truth, the reactions of all the youths were all the same.

They could only stand still and could not say a single word.

They could only see the emotional outburst of Miu as her chest dramatically moved up and down, and as she let out the sounds for shortness of breath.

After a brief silence.

“Why……Why does he not tell us?”

Kurt looked at the ground and murmured to himself.

Miu breathed in and slowly said:

“Because this secret must not be revealed to the others, otherwise true peace will never come. This is the reason why that person does not tell everybody the truth. He can only keep the secret and allow the secret to become a secret forever……”

However, Kurt’s misunderstanding of Akatsuki was too biased, thus Miu could not help it.

However, Miu does not regret her decision. After all, inside Kurt and the other youths’ eyes, she could no longer she the suspicion and distrust towards Miu and Akatsuki.

“I will say it once again——Please believe him, believe in the one that me and my father both trusted. “

Kurt and the other youths did not responded to the request of Miu, but they all silently nodded.

“Thank you……”

Miu’s face emerged a hint of a smile.

She could finally manage to show a slight smile.

After wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes, Ousawa Miu had felt many emotions.

Father, herself and Akatsuki. Urumu, and the inhabitants of Forestnium.

After a long period of time, everybody’s ideas and thoughts were finally one.

### 051. Part 5

The Disdiyan empire's Emperor Baram was station with the main unit where all the soldiers originally branched off from. He was surveying the battle in the center and north route. Even though both armies were in a bitter battle, Baram's expression remained calm firmly believing everything was going his way.

Magic consumes a lot of energy. And unlike Akatsuki, who has an endless supply of Ki within his body or can replenished it from everything around him, their magic attacks can't go on indefinitely. Furthermore both of them are taking preconditions not to harm any of Disdiya's solders. Naturally, this takes a lot more effort than just going all out. Most likely they were not going to be able to keep this up much longer.

......Such foolish mimicry.

Baram starred off into the distance at the overhanging cliff were Akatsuki was calmly standing.

In order to realize your worthless ideals, you even involved other people in this messy business.

It's best to keep those eyes wide open -- so you can watch as those two girls die for you.

Balam grunted coldly.

"Your Majesty, there are still many troops than haven't attacked yet. Do you want me to attack from the south?"

The commander of the Royal Knights standing beside him raised a suggestion.

However, Baram shook his head.

"Out of the three routes the south is the most narrow and intricate. We would have to divide our troops up too much causing us lose our superiority. It is not necessary to devote soldiers there. I will leave the south to Sherfied. My army will concentrate on the central and north route only. Send out the order, no matter how fierce their attacks are there is no need to fear. The enemy has no intentions of killing anyone. We will use this to give those who can no longer fight a chance to fall back and recover before being sent back out to the battlefield."

Then he declared in a lower voice.

"Take your time, there's no need to rush. We are fighting a war of attrition, step by step we will force them into a dead end."

### 052. Part 5

At that time, the Hero Leon Esuperio kept a dark secret.

The first to accidentally stumble upon the secret -- was none other than Akatsuki.

Within his heart and soul Akatsuki just wanted to become stronger, so he secretly shadowed Leon. It resulted in Akatsuki discovering the startling "truth" before anyone else.

Usually when Akatsuki and Leon trained together they didn't do anything special. However, he believed the reason why Leon was so much stronger must be some kind of ritual he does alone. But Leon was the Hero, which greatly limited his opportunities to do so. At most, he had a set day in which he returned to help his mother Selina with the restaurant.

That was Leon's private time, so no one chose to disturb him. Still, Akatsuki decided to secretly track him back to the "Wildcat Pavilion."

-- But contrary to Akatsuki's expectations, Leon really had quietly returned to the restaurant to help his mother.

Secretly hiding out behind the restaurant Akatsuki had a view of kitchen. He watched as Leon helped his mother with the cooking. Then after they closed the restaurant the two of them sat down to a meal. It was the very picture of a mother and son having a happy dinner.

So Akatsuki also once concluded that spending time with his mother Selina, and that wanting to protect his family was the secret to Leon's strength.

The sun had set and the darkness had already set in, Akatsuki was ready to head back to the castle when --

The back door suddenly opened and Leon came out of the restaurant.

From the shadows Akatsuki could clearly see a sword in Leon's hand. He was sure Leon was off to go train alone. Leon had stopped before his father and sister's grave for a moment before heading off into the forest.

The thought of becoming as strong as Leon -- or at least catch up a little to his level welled up.

Again, Akatsuki followed after Leon. However, tracking him through the woods at night proved difficult. Not long after he lost sight of Leon.

But -- if he turned back here, he might never learn of Leon's secret. Akatsuki refused to give up. As before this late at night the forest was empty, still he desperately kept looking for Leon's whereabouts. And by chance he caught a glimpse of Leon stepping into a magic circle on the ground, and then disappearing in an instant. Akatsuki knew of the existence of the , and guessed that the magic had the same kind of effect. If he followed suit he might be able to catch up to Leon. But, if he messed it up somehow, most likely he would never return. Akatsuki had to chose whether to remain there or to chase after.

-- If he turned back that might of been his last chance.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki made his decision. After all, waiting there would get him nothing.

And If he really wanted to get stronger he needed to follow after Leon to see what his special training really was.

So Akatsuki slowly stepped into the magic circle.

And in the next moment he stood in an unfamiliar place.

Even in the pitch black, Akatsuki understood that this forest was different from the one in Sherfied.

After confirming the existence of a magic circle to return, Akatsuki let out a sigh of relief before setting out in search of Leon.

Soon after he heard the sound of fighting far off in the distance.

Akatsuki started running towards where the noise originated from.

And -- what he saw was the brutal "Truth."

### 053. Part 5

The mood inside the room was exceptionally heavy.

The stillness of the forest after nightfall made it feel like time was a stand still.

Currently they were waiting in Forestnium for Akatsuki to recover.

Disdiya right now was probably basking in their defeating Akatsuki, Ousawa Miu thought. They were probably convinced of their victory, and were probably letting down their guard. However, even if they seized the opportunity and launch a surprise attack she was afraid that it wouldn't turn around the situation.

....... And if we move...... we must be absolutely certain not to fail.

Miu already decided to no longer only depend on Akatsuki, but taking action in this situation was also not sensible. And if that operation failed, then Akatsuki would be exposed to even greater danger. Things were bad enough as it stands, we can't afford to make it worse.

Therefore, after thinking it over Miu calmly concluded the best way to change their overwhelming disadvantage was to show that Akatsuki was still alive and well. Let the whole world know the new Demon King possessed a strong body, even after receiving a fatal wound he remained as strong as ever.

Fortunately, there was still a little time. As of now the enemy does not have an effective means to attack. Urumu sacrificed himself in exchange for strengthening the conceptual barrier still in place. In case they have a method to break through the barrier, they will take full advantage of Akatsuki's injury to attack sooner than later.

So Miu decided to wait for Akatsuki -- for moment when the young man everyone believed in was restored.

"............"

Kaidou was the only who headed out a just a while ago. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka, and Loutier all stayed in the treatment center with Miu, quietly waiting for Akatsuki to wake up.

Until a few moments ago the room was filled with chatter, but before they knew it went silent. After all the reason they all stayed was to wait for Akatsuki to recover, not to chat about meaningless topics.

Naturally since no one choose to talk time passed very slowly.

Then -- at the door of the medical facility suddenly came a light knock.

"-- Who is it?"

Miu stood up to ask, immediately from outside the door came a familiar voice.

"It's Kurt...... I'm sorry to bother you at a time like this, but can I have a moment of your time, Myuu-sama?"

"It's okay. Come in."

With Miu's consent the door was quietly opened, Kurt appeared in the darkness. However, he didn't try to step foot in the room.

"What happened...... no, something must be on your mind if you went looking for me, right?"

"............"

Kurt silently looked at the other four people present except Miu.

Most likely because he didn't want to be heard by others.

"......It seems it would be better to talk outside."

Sensing Kurt's intention, Miu made a move to the door. However, at the entrance he shook his head.

"No, it would be better to talk indoors...... since there is no moon tonight." (Tl note -- double entendre -- moon is one of characters in Akatsuki)

After saying so, he presented an envelope to Miu.

"Not too long ago this was found outside the village by one of the patrolling guards. Please forgive me, on the side of caution I have already opened it to confirm the contents in the envelope."

It was an official document with the wax seal broken, what was pressed into it was the emblem of Disdiya.

"............"

Miu silently opened the envelope and read the letter inside. And,

"--------------------!"

The message Disdiya sent made Miu slightly shiver. The wording was arrogant, but the content was even more inexcusable. However, Miu quickly regained her composure. The others must never know of this. Then,

"Myuu-sama... ... We also received this envelope."

Kurt passed her another envelope. On a closer look it had the emblem of Sherfied. She opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter.

"............"

Then she quietly folded the letter back up and put it back into the envelope.

"-- Miu, is there a problem?"

Chikage's voice suddenly came from behind. Miu turned towards her and smiled back,

"No, its nothing. The villagers are...... just a little uneasy."

She said up to there, then Miu's eyes turned to the back of the room.

Only for a moment, she just watched Akatsuki continue to sleep on the bed. And said,

"I will go reassure the villagers -- I will be back soon."

### 054. Part 5

Through specific locations in Alayzard it was possible to instantly travel all over the world by means of spatial transfer.

It was done by using the relics the Church of Richard created to spread its teachings from time immemorial the .

In the middle of the night Listy passed through the , and appeared in the Palace of the Disdiya. Her purpose was to visit Emperor Baram -- to conduct a confidential meeting with him.

As she was being guided by a Royal Knight through the final long corridor Listy took a deep breath.

...... This crucial moment rests with me.

In order to stop Disdiya's military aggression from getting out of hand, Listy must take action alone.

-- Originally, with the war approaching an end there was no need for Baram to accept her request to a private meeting. Sherfied and Disdiya's military alliance for a long time now existed in name only. After all, he had been repeatedly acting on his own authority practically from the start of the war with Sherfied having absolutely no opinions on the matter.

However, Listy succeeded in forcing Baram to accept her proposal to talk -- once the matter of Leon was raised.

Perhaps it was within Baram's calculations that Listy would bring up the matter concerning Leon. Most assuredly he knows of Leon's past regular massacring of Demons, and probably knew in great detail about the tragedy five years ago. And if Sherfied publicly denounced Disdiya for reviving Leon with forbidden magic Baram wouldn't hesitate to make public the truth about the tragedy, and even the atrocities Leon committed.

The cruel truth had enough power to cause Sherfied to collapse internally, while Disdiya would only suffer minor damage. Leon's condition was only because of the power of the forbidden spell. Once they cancel the spell he would return to being nothing but a corpse in sense getting rid of all the evidence. If that happened, Sherfied will be accused of making baseless slander, and instead give Disdiya an excuse to attack them. Listy had no way to work around all that -- that was all true until now.

-- A little while ago the situation picked up. The whispers of the new Demon King having died from his wounds were put to rest when Akatsuki unexpectedly appeared at Gorudono Grand Canyon. As Listy speculated, Akatsuki was live.

And the only one who could contend against him from Disdiya was Leon. In other words Disdiya could no longer afford to remove the spell binding Leon. Since it was now impossible to destroy the evidence, Sherfied's allegations could not be denied.

As far things were concerned for Sherfied or Disdiya the risks were the same. Once both sides exposed each others old wounds, it will come to a mutual destruction end.

...... However, that was still good.

Precisely because this situation could lead to each others ruin, it was possible to tell the level of resolution of the other party. There was no hesitation at any cost -- to achieve her objective in mind. And,

"-- We're here."

The Royal Knight led Listy down the corridor before stopping in front of the door. Soon after turned around,

"Please enter -- Lord Baram is waiting inside."

"...... Thank you."

After she expressed her gratitude to the Royal Knight, Listy took a deep breath, then pushed open the door and went inside.

She was greeted by a room filled with silence. This was the first time she had entered the Emperor of Disdiya's office. It was more simple and plain than she could of imagined causing her to be mildly surprised.

However, Listy quickly changed her thinking, because she found Baram siting at his desk near the back of the room sending a stern look her way.

"First let me thank you for setting aside your valuable time to meet with me -- Your Majesty Baram."

"Since time is precious let's not waste it on unnecessary formalities."

Baram replied and,

"I do ask that you get right to your business -- it shouldn't be hard to imagine."

"Well then, right to it --"

After she said so, Listy moved away from the doorway closer to his desk to face him.

"I am here to get Your Majesty to agree to a cease fire with Galivain, and to sign a peace treaty. Although it is presumptuous of me, I ask that Sherfied assume the role of arbitrator."

"Hmph...... My, Disdiya's victory is close at hand. What kind of benefit is there for us in a cease-fire and a peace treaty?"

"What benefit is there? I think Your Majesty already knows --"

Listy narrowed her eyes,

"If Disdiya is willing to accept the ceasefire and peace treaty, then regarding use of forbidden magic to revive Leon Esuperio...... my country will keep silent on the matter."

".............."

Baram silently thought it over, while Listy went to press him for an answer.

"Whatever the reason may be, the fact is your country ignored the resolution made at the peace negotiations by attacking Galivain. The invasion of the wandering forest, better the despicable conduct you used to lure the former Demon King's daughter into a trap has in all likelihood already negatively affected any soldier who was familiar with the situation. Are you not uneasy that will spread? Even if you truly win the war, when these series of events get out it will be difficult to avoid criticism from home and abroad......"

Moreover, with the war drawing to a close his situation was not superior as Baram said. Disdiya may not be able to win. That was because -- Akatsuki was still alive.

"If the truth gets out at this critical moment...... the morale of the soldiers on the front line would be completely crushed. Leon's resurrection is obviously inhumane and ethically unforgivable. When your sense of justice loses its legitimacy, no matter how noble your army is it will be reduced to a mob."

Please Your Majesty reconsider,

"It is not too late. Please accept this cease fire."

### 055. Part 5

In the glow of the dimensional shift.

"Huh ......?"

Nestled in his arm, Akatsuki looked at the dumbstruck Listy.

Sure enough she did cry, as I thought she would. So he decided to enlighten her.

"I had a transfer seal left...... it would of gone to waste, so I had to simply find a way to use up."

At that time -- under the guise of forgetting something he took the opportunity when he touched Listy's breast.

Which all lead to the present situation. The answer was obvious. The thought of separating from Akatsuki to Listy was so painful to the same extent as dying. The best proof -- was the way she was crying now.

So again, there was nothing to worry about. If it was all in order to stop her tears Ousawa Akatsuki was willing to pay any price.

"I'm sorry, Zechs and Lulu...... I taking this guy."

He told the two who came to see them off through the dimension shift.

"I can't leave a woman who is crying like that. It goes against my aesthetics."

Then, some unexpected words were returned from the other side, Zechs and Loutier.

"Hun..... you had that particular quirk from the beginning. Just get lost already."

"Please leave the rest to us. We'll mange to take of Sherfied."

Their words were told along with a smile, and finally Listy was able to understand what was happening.

"Akatsuki..... everyone...... but I...... I......"

Listy looked up at Akatsuki, and hesitantly wanted to say something.

"Don't worry. Even though you didn't say it, you want to come with me."

Ousawa Akatsuki told her there was no need for any more words. Because --

"I'll decided to take you, to take your awkward personality, and to accept all of you already."

Those words of Akatsuki's were sufficient to respond to her feelings in Listy's mind.

"..................!"

She tightly embraced Akatsuki with tears flowing from her eyes.

No longer awkward -- she just wanted to never part.

So, Akatsuki put some power in his arm around Listy's waist, and strongly drew her close. She didn't put up any resistance. And while being wrapped in the same brightness he magnificently declared,

"Now -- let's all head home."

"Hey...... are you serious Ousawa Akatsuki!?"

Haruka questioned, as the others turned their eyes towards him in surprise.

Only one person -- looked perfectly calm as if it had been expected, Miu. After she made eye contact with Akatsuki, Miu floated a smile on her face,

"I knew...... after all, there was no way you could leave behind a woman who was crying."

Miu gently nestled up against Akatsuki's side.

"Since that -- wouldn't be the same Ousawa Akatsuki I know."

After hearing her words –-

"Haha...... it's just like that."

And Akatsuki with a big grin,

"Well okay -- back to our world."

At the same time he said so everything in their field of vision turned into a bright white.

The brightness was caused by the dimensional shift revolving around Akatsuki and others at his side.

### 056. Part 6

After knowing Akatsuki’s intentions, Kurt and the other youths returned to the residential area located at the middle floors.

After watching the crowd leave, Miu was finally able to enter the bath. However, only to see her subconsciously sigh as she walked into the changing room and pulled the doorknob.

“……No, no.”

Noticing that she had almost relaxed her guard, Miu hurriedly shook her head. Galevain and Disdia was currently in a state of war, she must maintain a high degree of vigilance, any negligence could possibly lead to irreversible consequences.

……I must pull myself together……

Although it was voluntary, but after becoming the new Demon King, Akatsuki had arranged all the small and large battles by himself. As the former Demon King’s daughter, Miu also wanted to help make a contribution to everyone, that is to become the pillar inside the minds of the Forestnium residents. Thus, facing the hot-blooded youths like Kurt, Miu had to firmly continue the stance of trusting Akatsuki; in front of the other residents that were afraid of the battle, Miu had to keep smiling and give them confidence and courage. This was Miu’s duty, and also the only thing she could do.

“Yes……”

Miu nodded, and once again regained her mentality. Then she began to remove her clothing.

The bath was made using the Sacred Tree’s trunks, the surrounding furnishings were also made of wood. Just when Miu was prepared to place her clothes into the naturally formed cabinet by the trunk, the corner of her eyes suddenly noticed an unusual object.

Inside the neatly organized cabinet, one of the cabinet had clothes placed in it, representing that someone had already entered the bath. Miu was slightly surprised, aside from her, she could not think of anyone else in the village that would visit the Sacred Tree’s bath in the middle of the night.

Who is it? Just when her heart apologized, Miu stretched out her hand to take out the clothing from inside the cabinet.

“Huh……Isn’t this……”

Miu could not help but widen her eyes. The clothes inside the cabinet was an replicate of the black battle costume that the ancient Demon King wore. Within Alayzard, there is also only one person who would wear this type of outfit.

Miu look at the door leading to the bath, thinking that the youth on the other side of the door —— Akatsuki.

“……If it’s for a bit, then it’s fine.”

After Miu muttered an excuse for herself, she tightly hugged the black battle clothes in her arms. As she closed her eyes, her naked skin felt the warmth that Akatsuki had left on the clothing. Ousawa Miu firmly believes that this must be the remains of the “Heat” from the battle Akatsuki had during the day.

“Ah……”

Thinking up to here, Miu suddenly felt that her heart was beating rapidly, and it was gradually beating faster.

……What should I do……Even though I know I shouldn’t……But……

Miu’s gaze stared directly at the door leading to the bath.

——Ever since Akatsuki had become the new representative for Galevain, 10 days had already passed since he had officially declared war towards Disdia. During this period of time, Miu and Akatsuki had never been together to the extent that they did not even have the chance to talk.

No matter what, they had to worry about the other people’s feelings. After all, not every Forestnium residents gladly accepted the fact about Akatsuki being the demon race representative, Kurt was the best example. In case the side that opposes it sees Miu walk closely together with Akatsuki, it might create a stimulus to them, causing a misunderstanding even to Miu, and believing that Miu and Akatsuki had a secret between them that they could not share with anyone else. Once those people believe that Miu’s judgment was based on her own emotions, it would bound to cause them to be dissatisfied and unease.

Currently, Galevain is facing the strongest country in Alayzard, everybody must be united, and it cannot be divided.

Thus, Miu could only keep a distance from Akatsuki if it was possible.

But……

……If it was right now……

The next battle will probably be the battle between the main forces. Akatsuki and his comrades will be facing the most dangerous situation.

Greeting Akatsuki and wishing him a safe return, shouldn’t be too overboard, right.

Thus, Miu placed Akatsuki’s battle costume back into the cabinet and slowly stretched out her right hand.

The exit of the bath was right in front of her eyes, but Miu did not plan to leave, and instead gently lifted the lock towards the exit. Ka-cha, the door to the bath was locked by Miu.

The space inside the bath was completely isolated, Miu and Akatsuki was inside a secret room alone.

“……!”

Miu swallowed her saliva, then picked up her towel and wrapped it around her body and stretched out her right hand towards the entrance of the bath.

Here is a space that was as wide as a cave.

From the ceiling to the floor, even the surrounding walls were formed by the huge tree trunk.

Standing on the wooden floor with bare feet was extremely comfortable, Miu passed through the white water vapor and headed slowly to the depths of the bath. After some time, the sound of flowing water entered her ears. Following the duct pipe that extends from the Sacred Tree, it draws out the natural hot spring water from underground, forming a large steaming hot bath on the uppermost area of the Sacred Tree.

A young youth was currently immersed inside the naturally formed bath.

His elbow rested on the side of the bath. The person that was leisurely enjoying the natural hot spring was the completely naked Akatsuki.

Miu suddenly stopped her footsteps and Akatsuki slowly turned around, as if he had long been aware of the existence of Miu.

“Hi……How is it? What are you standing there?

Akatsuki’s tone was extremely calm, as if Miu’s appearance was natural.

“This isn’t when you should say “How is it”……You can’t be pretending to be a fool, right?”

Miu sighed. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and she unconsciously pressed the towel onto her body.

“This is… the woman’s bath.”

That’s right. This is a woman’s bath, the bath on top of the Sacred Tree is not a mixed bath. The male’s bath was located on the other side of the Sacred Tree, it was separated by the woman’s tree by the tree trunk.

But she only saw Akatsuki smile.

“You’re really stupid……What’s the point of bathing in the male’s bath?”

“The purpose of taking a bath is naturally relaxing yourself, but a male bathing in the woman’s bath is a serious violation of the rules.”

After a short pause, Miu spoke again:

“If Kurt and the others discovered it, it wouldn’t be just scolding a few times and it’ll be okay.”

“If I was sneaking around and peeking, then that’s fine. But I am taking a bath without hiding anything. What is there to be angry?”

And, Akatsuki continued to speak:

“If I chose the male bath, I will bound to encounter a lot of people who dislike me. Especially since the final battle is approaching, it is best not to intentionally stimulate those people, right? So I took advantage of the midnight time, where no one will be here, and ran off to the woman’s bath to shower.”

“How can you just make your own decision……”

“Sorry, this isn’t my own decision. In fact, I had already obtained the approval of all the females in the village through Izumi.”

“What? Really?”

Miu was surprised, she had never heard of it. Could it be that Chikage forgot to tell her? No, the cautious Chikage will naturally not make such a mistake.

……It must have been purpose, really now Chikage.

Chikage must have known that Miu had not being alone together with Akatsuki for a while. If they were to talk while avoiding other people’s eyes and ears, the female bath was the most suitable place.

Thus, Miu felt somewhat thankful to Chikage’s intimate arrangement. However, she would still have to complain to Chikage the next time she saw her.

“When you were looking at the Black battle outfit in the cabinet, you should have already guessed that I was inside bathing, right?”

“Nnnnn……That’s……”

Miu was speechless, but Akatsuki just smiled.

“That’s right. Okay, quickly enter now, be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Yes……”

In fact, Miu only wanted to bless Akatsuki for a safe return, aside from that, she had no other intentions. Only that Akatsuki’s attitude was overly open, as if he did not care about breaking into the woman’s bath, Miu suddenly did not know how to say it.

Miu could only stiffly nod and sat on the edge of the bath. She then picked up a wooden barrel, fetched some water and poured it over her entire body from her shoulders. Then, she slowly entered the bath.

“Hey hey hey, who would enter the bath with a towel?”

Akatsuki suddenly stretched out his hand and stripped off Miu’s towel that was around her body.

“UWAHHHHHH——!”

Miu turned pale and hurriedly sunk into the water, her two hands unconsciously covered the private parts around her chest and legs.

“You, what are you doing!”

“You can’t enter the bath with a towel. It can’t be that you do not know even the basic courtesies to a public bath?”

“Nnnn”

After being scolded by Akatsuki, Miu, who felt unwilling, revealed grudging eyes.

……You do not know how much courage I mustered in order to overcome my inner shame to come here……!

Miu, who was completely red, bit tightly on her lower lip, Akatsuki could not help but reveal a wry smile.

“I won’t eat people, why did you hide so far away? Even though you knew I was in the bath, but you still came in, you must have been looking for me, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct, but……”

“Then come over.”

Before she finished speaking, Akatsuki caught Miu’s wrist.

“No, don’t be like this……I will be completely seen!”

“Okay, okay, it’s fine if I don’t look.”

Miu was forcibly pulled by Akatsuki and completely could not resist. Only seeing Miu spin half a circle by Akatsuki and letting her had her back towards Akatsuki as she sat between Akatsuki’s legs.

“Ah……”

“It’s okay if it’s like this, right? This way I can barely see anything.”

“Yes……It’s okay……”

Akatsuki’s voice came from behind and entered her ears, Miu embarrassedly nodded. This was like the principle of how a lamp could shine faraway, but not nearby. If Miu had her back facing Akatsuki, her inner embarrassment also naturally decreased.

And……

……This kind of thing……looks like a couple……

Suddenly, an inexplicable shyness appeared. Only seeing Miu bow down her head, her expression revealing a tiny bit of shyness and coyness.

“So……What were you finding me for?”

“Ah……This……”

She had nearly forgot that she had specially came to thank Akatsuki for everything he did and wish for him to have a safe return.

And the sudden situation was completely out of Miu’s expectations.

……Ah……My boobs are actually floating in the water……!

Her voluptuous boobs were floating in the bath. For Miu, this was a common situation. The problem is that Akatsuki’s action of forcibly pulling Miu next to him had caused many ripples. Under the ripples, her left and right boobs were swaying at irregular angles.

The boobs that were swaying left and right had created an erotic image, as if she was seducing Akatsuki.

“……Ah? What is it?”

“N…Nothing……!”

Miu hurriedly shook her head and as a result, created larger ripples.

Right now was not the time to wish for Akatsuki’s safe return.

……What should I do……If he sees this……

At the beginning of when they were bathing together, Akatsuki’s reckless actions had already shocked Miu. Under this situation where she constantly stimulated , it was undoubtedly courting her own destruction. Thus Miu shrank her back and tried to cover her boobs by hiding it under the water.

“……Right, there was something I was curious about.”

Akatsuki suddenly spoke.

“You are a mixed between a dark elf and a human?”

“T…That’s right. My mother was a dark elf……so I am considered half-elf.”

Miu replied in an embarrassed manner.

“However, you appearance looks exactly like a human, there is no traces of the elf’s special characteristics of pointed ears.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu.

“Galious also said that you looked similar to him……But shouldn’t an average half elf generally favor the elf-race’s lineage?”

“Actually when I was small, I looked more like a elf race child.”

Miu mentioned her own childhood.

“When I was small, I looked like the current Riruru.”

Miu had inherited the dark elf’s special characteristics of dark colored skin and a pair of pointed ears from her mother. But perhaps Miu was a special half-elf, as her age increased, her father’s lineage gradually became more clear and overshadowed her mother’s lineage.

“It was probably during the 4 or 5 years at puberty. My body gradually grew and my appearance became more and more like a human.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Am I strange?”

“Not at all. You are you, there is nothing strange at all. Isn’t it?”

“……Yes.”

Akatsuki’s confirmation made Miu felt extremely pleased. She nodded and revealed a hint of a smile.

At that time, Akatsuki spoke again:

“So……What were you finding me for?”

Under Akatsuki’s reminder, Miu finally remembered her purpose for coming her.

But the current priority was to cover her boobs that were swaying from the ripples. Thus, Miu could not say it out.

“I……I came to help you wash your back.”

Miu blurted the excuse that flashed through her and Akatsuki immediately revealed an comfortable smile.

“Huh……So you also have a gentle side, I really couldn’t tell. Then okay, I’ll be relying on you.”

Thus Akatsuki immediately stood up from the hot water and turned to have his back face Miu and sat down on the floor. Seeing this, Miu could not help but be relieved.

……Thank god……at least he would finally not be able to take a glance.

After the crisis ended, Miu also left the bath and slowly walked towards Akatsuki.

She kneeled down towards Akatsuki’s back.

“Then I’ll use this.”

Miu picked up the towel that was draped on Akatsuki’s shoulder. And at the same time, picked up a black fruit from the wall that was the size of a baseball. This fruit was called Seiruyu, the liquid inside had the effect of cleansing, just like a natural soap. Miu rubbed the towel with the liquid from Seiruyu.

“Then…..I’ll wash now.”

With a slightly nervous tone, Miu slowly began to wash Akatsuki’s back.

At the same time when the soapy bubbles towel moved back and forth across Akatsuki’s back, Miu did not forget to ask Akatsuki where it needs to be pressed harder. Until after she had finished washing his back, she then used a bucket of water and slowly washed away the bubbles.

At this moment, Ousawa Miu carefully looked at Akatsuki.

A wide and thick back.

After looking at it carefully at a close range, she only noticed that Akatsuki’s body was extremely muscular. While thinking that this muscular body had protected her numerous times before, Miu could not help but have mixed feelings.

“……”

After she recovered, Miu was suddenly in shock as her own cheek was planted against Akatsuki and her huge boobs were even tightly pressed onto Akatsuki’s back. But what was strange was that Miu was not embarrassed at all.

“……What is it?”

Akatsuki inquired with his back facing Miu, his tone was extremely calm.

“……The next battle, it should determine the outcome of the war, right?”

Using these words as the opening, Miu naturally poured out her own expectations and wish.

“I hope that you can safely return ——I only wanted to say this to you.”

“……I see.”

Akatsuki’s tone was also extremely calm

“There is nothing to worry about, I will definitely come back alive. If you really have to pray ——“

He paused for a moment.

“——Why not pray for the day where true peace will arrive.”

After a long silence, Miu quietly left Akatsuki’s back.

“Okay, now it is my turn to wash your back.”

Although he had just finished saying this, Akatsuki suddenly turned around.

“UWAHHHHHHHHH ——!”

Miu was shocked and hurriedly turned her back towards Akatsuki, she managed to avoid her naked appearance being seen by Akatsuki and also avoided Akatsuki’s naked appearance to being seen by her.

“You…Why do you suddenly turn around?”

“Normally, you would turn, right? Wouldn’t the difficulty be too high if I had to wash your back while facing away from you?”

Akatsuki shook his head and gave a wry smile.

“This……No thanks, I can wash myself.”

Miu strongly declined Akatsuki’s proposal, and her inner heart felt an incomparable fear. Akatsuki, who specializes in Renkan Keikikou, could freely control everybody’s inner ki. If she let him wash her back, it was basically a suicidal action.

“Why are you being so polite? When the girls under Melissa received my back washing service, every one of them became extremely beautiful. The only drawback was that ——“

“There is no need for you to say, I already know! It must have felt too good so that they were not even able to walk steadily, right?”

“Huh, you sure are very clear about it.”

Akatsuki’s nonchalantly response entered her ears, Ousawa Miu could not help but remember the painful memories. Before when Miu was buying lingerie on the streets, Akatsuki had willfully played with her boobs under the guise of trying it out. This time, Miu would not let Akatsuki succeed.

However, Akatsuki clearly did not take Miu’s resistance seriously.

“That being the case, there is no need to dwell on it. Okay, let’s begin.”

“W…Wait ——AHHHHHHHH!”

Akatsuki’s palm had just been placed on her back, but Miu issued out a seductive cry. The slippery feeling seems to have brought forth an incomparable numbness, Akatsuki’s palm was filled with the liquid from Seiruyu.

……W…What should I do……!

Her body did not have any strength. Akatsuki’s gentle touch was enough to make Miu’s legs limp. And Miu could not turn around to stop Akatsuki, otherwise her naked appearance will be completely seen by Akatsuki.

“W…Why are you using your hands……No, don’t be like this……At least use a towel……”

The irresistible pleasure made Miu tremble. It was already dangerous for Akatsuki to directly touch her, plus the slippery feeling from the soap bubbles was enough to make Miu lose consciousness.

But……

“How can I help the girls wash with a towel? That’s too unromantic.”

Ignoring Miu’s protests, Akatsuki continued to use his own hands to wash Miu’s back. Through Akatsuki’s palms, Miu could carefully feel the true ki slowly entering her body, just like a feeling of warmness spreading slowly through her body.

“AH……KU……EHHHH, NNn……AHHHH!”

Miu tightly bit her lips and desperately resisted, but she still issued out strange noises.

Miu had to admit that the situation in front of her now, her own body was really more sensitive than before.

……It must be because of the ……aphrodisiac being sucked out from her body last time……

Ousawa Miu remembered back when they were at Melissa’s brothel, the healing method to suppress the overwhelming pleasure. Miu’s body and soul was gentlely torn and completely enjoyed the thrill of being conquered. That’s right, the impression of that was still impressive and it was impossible to forget. Miu knew that her own body had been completely developed by Akatsuki, and it had pushed open the forbidden doors and entered a new realm. Ousawa Miu already could not go back.

“Okay, raise your hands……”

“——Ah! AHHHHHH!”

Akatsuki’s hands suddenly passed through her arms. At the same time Miu exclaimed, her body became unusually stiff. Akatsuki’s ten fingers flew and moved back and forth from below her arms, but Miu did not feel embarrassed. She could not have believed that she was that sensitive below her arms. This sweet pleasure was too intense and had completely stripped Miu from her embarrassment. While she was hazy, Miu’s heart only had one idea.

Akatsuki’s stroking was too comfortable.

“Ahhh……”

At the same time Miu let out a seductive cry, Miu’s entire body became limp and lied on Akatsuki’s arms. She greedily felt Akatsuki’s temperature.

The tiny actions had made Miu’s entire body tremble and revel in the pleasure.

And the event wasn’t over yet. Akatsuki’s hands began to move forward slowly.

“Ah……No……Let me wash myself……”

While her back rubbed back and forth against Akatsuki’s chest, Miu could not believe that she would release such an intractable seductive sound. However, this was only verbal resistance, Akatsuki certainly did not have any plans to stop.

“Why are you so courtesy? There is nothing in the world that could make you more beautiful than my hands.”

Akatsuki’s tone was gentle but at the same time, cruel. He easily rejected Miu’s feeble resistance.

……Ah.

Ousawa Miu watched Akatsuki’s palm devour her own boobs.

The next second.

“Ah ——AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Under Akatsuki’s hug, Miu’s body suddenly trembled with excitement. This unusual stimulation made Miu’s heart afraid, but Miu’s body betrayed her own heart. The constant pleasure from Akatsuki’s palms that were on top of her boobs caused her to tremble, as if waves were continuously hitting the shores. The white pieces of meat that were overflowing from Akatsuki’s fingers also exuded an erotic atmosphere.

The tip gradually shrank and let out a few bubbles.

……Ah……The feeling of bubbles sliding down.

Under the effects of gravity, the bubbles in front of her chest flowed slowly down her white skin, bringing Miu an indescribable pleasure.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH….Eh, fu……AHH!”

Even the sound from her nose was becoming more erotic. While she was revelling in the pleasure, Miu could not help but think:

……What should I do?

Akatsuki’s palms had brought Miu an unprecedented pleasure, Miu was about to lose control. The strong and powerful arms tightly wrapped around Miu’s body, this kind of feeling as if she was conquered brought Miu extreme joy. Her body was gradually accepting the pleasure of being conquered, her defense was collapsing step by step, and finally declared surrender. The past feeling of pleasure had made Miu lose consciousness, but now she was still able to remain awake. This made her face the brutal facts.

Ousawa Miu had become more erotic than before.

At this moment.

“Speaking of which, I tasted humans and elf ears, but I have never tasted a half-elf.”

While her entire body was enveloped by a sweet pleasure, Miu could clearly hear Akatsuki’s own mutter. Akatsuki’s finger tips stroke back and forth along Miu’s ears, and her ears could clearly feel the hot breath from Akatsuki.

“N…No……I can’t hold it ……”

The intense pleasure attacked her heart, Miu suddenly begun to cry. She already could not deal with the immediate pleasure, but yet Akatsuki brought forth another intense pleasure. However, Miu was certain, Akatsuki will not stop there and she was gradually looking forward to the further pleasures.

“Ah……Fu……Ku……AHHHHH!”

After she swallowed the accumulated saliva, Miu turned her head and stared at Akatsuki behind her.

Akatsuki’s mouth and his white teeth. Ousawa Miu could clearly see, Akatsuki’s teeth gently bit her own ears.

“——!”

This time, Miu’s eyes finally rolled around and she lost consciousness.

### 057. Part 6

After a while the battle at the Grand Canyon turned into a stalemate.

Disdiya continued to attack, while Galevain continued to defend.

From the start of the war, both sides have been maintaining one attack and one guard quota.

-- However its been three hours since the fighting began, and this equilibrium was beginning to collapse.

Disdiya's soldiers were gradually braking through Galevain's defensive perimeter set up in the central and northern channel.

"......Sure enough, our numerical advantage is going to be the tie-breaker."

The whole of Gorudono Grand Canyon had yet to completely turn into a battlefield. The south route had not let become a fight.

Sherfied's army was set up in formation around the circumference the south channel. Listy was closely monitoring the activity in the central and north channel.

In the central route, there was the girl who introduced herself as Haruka. She attended the peace agreement and the duel with Akatsuki. And in the northern route, there was a girl they seen for the first time -- perhaps she was also a companion of Akatsuki's like Haruka. Both of them alone were respectively holding off the invasions of tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers.

"Those two's power appears to be comparable with us."

"Yes...... and there tactics were able to hold up until now, it is really remarkable."

Standing on the left and right were Loutier and Zechs, who calmly praised the power of those two girls.

But......

Listy thought: it won't be long before they were overpowered the way things were going. Zechs and Loutier didn't say it, but in their heads they must have the same view.

In fact the performance of the two was absolutely worthy of praise. After all those two alone faced tens of thousands which already wasn't easy, not to mention they also stopped the enemy's attack without killing any of the soldiers. The difficulty of this task was absolutely beyond anyone's imagination.

However, it was impossible for this to continue for eternity.

They appeared to be weary, yet somehow they were still managing to maintain the equilibrium. The moment when that collapses it will only take a split second for Disdiya take hold of this war.

...... But why was Akatsuki not taking any action......?

Listy was watching him just stand here on top of the cliff.

She believed Akatsuki was already aware of the situation and how detrimental it was to Galevain.

However, since the beginning he remained motionless.

Perhaps this was all part of his plan and then when the time comes -- Listy thought so when.

Suddenly, the Sherfied front line burst into an uproar.

"-- What's going on?"

Zechs returned to the troops under his command in order to report back, but a knight loudly answered first in a perplexed voice.

"It's the enemy, the enemy is attacking! A single attacker came through the southern route, and is engaging with our army!"

"No way......!?"

More than surprised, Listy subconsciously looked up at the distant cliff.

However, Akatsuki was standing atop the cliff not moving same as before.

It was an unexpected situation. Other than the Akatsuki, she never thought there was a second person who would be this reckless.

What genuinely surprised Listy was not that a single person attack them, rather it was that unbelievably Akatsuki targeted the Sherfied army.

"There is only one of them? Is this idiot trying to end his life!"

Trying to verify the situation, Zechs raised his voice, almost to a roar.

"It is a child! A small and thin girl riding on the back of a lion, no that is a huge Golem!"

"A girl......?"

"-- This is strange."

Listy couldn't help but frown, beside her Loutier immediately pointed out the unnaturalness of the situation. Everyone thought that the person who matched Akatsuki's degree reckless had to be a warrior much of the same mold as him.

"She is biding her time at the back of the army, but to assign a small girl to infiltrate the enemy ranks......?"

"Yes, it really doesn't seem like Akatsuki's style."

Maybe that little girl's strength was on par with other two girls defending the other routes. But according to common sense, it was impossible that Akatsuki would leave a little girl to take such a risk. This surely must be part of some plan. However, with all the fighting going on, it was tough to determine Akatsuki's true intention.

"It seems there is no other choice but to directly ask her...... the reason."

"I have the same feeling."

Zechs and Loutier spoke as they stepped forward.

Since the other took the initiative to provoke the war, Sherfied had to keep up rear support.

"Listy, I'll be right back. I'll go have a little chat with that idiot somehow -– even if by force."

"Yes...... I'll leave it to you. Use your own discretion, and do not push yourself too hard."

After returning a nod, Zechs set his sight on Loutier.

"Lulu, that little girl came to challenge you."

"Yes, I am the one responsible for the southern route."

"Very good -- Well then, I will leave it to you grant her Majesty protection."

"Yes, sir."

After the able-bodied second lieutenant nodded, Zechs and Loutier began to run.

As she watched the backs of those two of them leave, Listy El Da Sherfied softly spoke.

"...... Both of you please be careful."

While gazing into the distance she lightly prayed.

"I believe in you -- Akatsuki."

### 058. Part 6

Suddenly Loutier Trum stopped her story there without a word

She was hesitating as to whether she should continue.

But, they knew nothing of the truth. Loutier couldn't afford to stop.

"Can you please continue -- What in the world did Ousawa Akatsuki see?"

Haruka asked on behalf of everyone, Loutier dropped her head and stared at the floor.

After a moment of silence she started to talk again.

Ever so slowly -- she told them the true starting point.

"He saw Leon...... massacring defenseless Demons."

### 059. Part 6

Miu exited the medical facilities, and immediately took to the air using her wind magic along with Kurt, who was waiting in the nearby forest. The moment they got far enough away the door opened again.

Chikage and Kuzuha appeared from behind the door. They noticed how Miu's face didn't look quite right, worried they decided to follow after her.

...... I'm sorry.

After losing sight of the medical facilities the two stopped to take measure of their surroundings. Miu looked back one last time before setting off.

After that they quickly reached Forestnium's border.

"-- Do you really intend on going?"

On Miu's right side, one step behind Kurt spoke up.

"Yes. Kurt, you also saw that letter, and should be able to understand the seriousness. We have to move now, even if that person hasn't recovered. Otherwise -- We will all lose."

Written in the letter from Disdiya was,

'If you do not surrender before sunrise, the wandering forest will be set on fire.'

Their official document was a means to threaten them. The barrier would protect Forestnium from any harm caused by the fire, however the forest outside the barrier would be burnt to ashes.

There along with the forest -- the people of Forestnium would share the same fate. For generations it has been preached into them to have a symbiotic relationship with the forest.

Once the Forest was devastated by the fire it could never be restored. Even if new green buds were to form the forest wouldn't take on the same shape. The fact was burning the forest was synonymous with destroying the country in which Miu pledged her life to protect. Moreover the forest was home to many animals, when the fire breaks out those animals will naturally flee deeper into the forest. Since outside of the forest they would only be turned into prey, and only in the forest was there enough food for them to live. But also those driven deeper in could be obstructed by the barrier around Forestnium. In the end the animals had nowhere to go, and will be surrounded by the flames, and burned alive.

...... I will never let them do such a thing......

That said, it was still possible that it was all purely a threat. The burning of the forest would be an effective means to compel Galevian to surrender. However, in the war so far Disdiya hadn't taken such measures.

That means either the time for that hadn't arrived yet, or more likely they don't want to so.

If it comes down to burning the forest, and the massive killing of animals the matter wouldn't be considered a small thing. Even if it was for subduing Demons it will give rise to public criticism. However it can't be taken as a simple threat either. Disdiya had already disregarded the conclusion from the peace negotiations and forced this state of war. Even going as far as to use forbidden magic to revive Leon, unconcerned with challenging the laws of nature. With reasoning like that becoming the butt of public criticism for destroying the Demon's forest wouldn't be all that surprising. So,

...... We must protect this forest......

Miu can't help but speed up the pace. Her target was not Disdiya's garrison stationed at the outskirts of the forest, rather a place with a like-minded ally.

Listy El Da Sherfied.

The sender of the other envelope delivered to Forestnium. In her letter she wanted to somehow fix the worsening situation, and hoped to privately engage in talks with Miu.

Ousawa Miu was completely aware that Listy thinks the same way about Akatsuki as she does.

That was why she believed in only her. The current situation could be said to be very detrimental. Still, if this war was going to be stopped, Listy had no choice but to join forces with her.

Perhaps this was their last hope. Miu felt she found the thing she was able to do herself at last.

This was her battle.

Therefore, she went to the meeting place Listy specified, in the corner of the Wandering forest. It was the same place where Miu and the others originally came to Alayzard, and meet Riruru as well as a scouting party from Sherfied.

If they elected to meet outside of the forest it was extremely possible she would of been spotted by Disdiya's soldiers. So the forest was the safest place to meet. Then from behind Kurt advised her in cautious tone,

"Though Sherfied's offer in the letter was certainly attractive...... it was possible it was all a trap."

"Un...... that's right."

Miu understood that. Therefore she didn't take Chikage and the others. She had thought just in case it was a trap by Disdiya, Kuzuha could of have made a puppet of Miu to attend in her stead. But if Listy really does appear at the agreed meeting place the fake might upset her for not believing in the exchange. Not only losing the opportunity to talk openly to each other, moreover the last hope will be lost at the moment.

So, Miu must go there in person.

"Whatever the case may be...... it seems your set on going."

Knowing Miu was going to stand firm, a sigh escaped from Kurt. And,

"At least allow me accompany you as your escort."

"I appreciate your kindness, but...... that won't be necessary."

Miu stopped to look up at Kurt's face,

"If it's really someone other than Queen Listy an escort won't be unnecessary. It would be just two people falling into Disdiya's trap instead of one."

The worst possibility was she would be killed. It was enough for just her to take such a risk. Besides the sender specifically called out Miu, meaning she was the one they wanted. If anything, her going could buy a little bit of time for Galevian, and also give Akatsuki more time to recover.

However, Kurt refused to budge,

"Queen Listy should have also brought along a guard, right? If this really is a trap, than when compared to just Myuu-sama the odds of two people escaping is higher. Also it would be better to deal with a surprise attack."

His tone became more serious as,

"If I let you go there all alone...... how could I ever face that young man again."

Akatsuki fought for Galevian without saying a word. Such thoughts of Akatsuki were greatly appreciated, and he himself felt the same as Miu in wanting to use his power to help that man.

Inside Kurt's eyes, Miu saw an unshakable determination and,

"I understand... ... Then let's go together."

A clear nod was returned by Kurt. She couldn't bring herself to say only she will go alone, since Kurt held the same thoughts as her. So the two of them started walking again.

They passed through the barrier protecting Forestnium -- into the pitch black woods.

### 060. Part 6

It was hard to grasp the flow in time in such an environment.

Isolated from the outside world, and enclosed in a quiet dungeon cell.

Those were the conditions Miu was enduring during her captivity.

...... What time is it now......?

After Miranda left the solitary cell she felt a considerable amount of time had passed. Her public execution was scheduled for sunrise. Considering when she left Forestnium there was already a touch of the marble white color of the night sky on the horizon. In other words Miu's time was running out.

However, Ousawa Miu had no regrets. The thought of dying was certainly scary, but there were things worth sacrificing her life for -- at least she definitely thought so.

-- When Phil Burnett attempted to take Miu as a tool to completely destroy the Demons.

If at that time it had gone his way it would of caused a devastating tragedy. After all, the Demon King's daughter was quite a valuable hostage. But now it was different, Galivain had chosen a new Demon King -- Akatsuki. Miu had already conveyed her real intentions to the young people of village. Even if she were to unfortunately lose her life, they were willing to work alongside him.

So for that reason Miu was able to run the risk of being taken hostage when she arrived at the meeting place.

But -- Miu thought that didn't mean she had given up. The reason why she let herself become a Disdiya hostage was because there was no other way to buy more time.

Ousawa Miu knows her life was very important, because she was living proof that her father, Galious continued to live on. For father, and also for herself she couldn't afford to die here.

...... I will never forget what you told me......

A certain youth holding a place in her heart came to mind. The place where she felt she belonged -- recalling how Akatsuki took the trouble to tell her so. Recalling how he took the trouble to teach her to never give up until the bitter end. So Ousawa Miu won't give up anymore.

She must find a way to survive, and help those that lent a hand to her -- together with Akatsuki.

So Miu started to look around and confirmed the situation she was in.

...... The biggest problem was the anti-magic barrier......

The place she was being held was meant to hold criminals. Naturally measures were taken to counter magic. Although Miu only saw two guards there must be other guards stationed throughout the dungeon. And she was chained to the wall, it was nearly impossible to escape on her own.

...... However, there was still a chance......

Miu was supposed to be executed in front of a crowd the people in Disdiya. When the time comes they will have to transport her from the dungeon. Of course, they know that will be her only opportunity to escape, and were sure to take the utmost precautions when escorting her to her sentence.

But that was her only chance, Miu had no more choices.

When the moment comes she can only try and escape with all her power -- with her life at stake.

It was when Miu firmly swore that in her mind the door to her cell suddenly opened.

And the person who entered was knight in Golden Armor -- Leon.

"Why are you here?...... There should be a little more time before sunrise."

Seeing her perplexed face made Leon smile.

"I am aware of that. I just wanted to check how the dungeoner was doing...... can I trouble you two to step out for a little?"

Alongside the gentle voice was a certain pressure.

The two soldiers standing guard looked at each other, and then reluctantly left the cell.

Waiting until the cell door completely closed -–

"At sunrise at your public execution -- I will be the one to chop off your head."

After saying so, Leon slowly walked closer to Miu.

Miu silently glared, but Leon floated a calm smile,

"The look in your eyes tells me you have no intention to die here......"

Leon was now standing right in front of Miu,

"However from now on, I will always be at your side. I advise you to give up on the idea of managing an escape."

"..............!"

She knew they would take steps, but she never anticipated it this early or with such thoroughness. Mortified, Miu bite her lower lip, however Leon had mixed emotions and,

"Very soon this longstanding war raged within Alayzard will be marked by a period. It is unfortunate that Galious is not in this world anymore -- no matter, there is a new Demon King. After I kill you, and defeat Akatsuki for good. My war will also finally be over."

Miu listened as Leon spoke with such conviction. Kaidou had said he wasn't so sure that Leon was being manipulated. It seems it was his own willpower to try and kill Akatsuki and myself, and at the same time bring destruction to the Demons. At that time five years ago and now it was the same -- madness.

Even more so now, there was no way Miu could back down.

"It's still too early...... we haven't lost yet."

Miu squeezed out her voice as she spoke.

"Your still holding such unrealistic expectations for Akatsuki? You know, right now we in the dungeon underneath the palace of Disdiyan empire, while Akatsuki is now...... at Gorudono Grand Canyon."

Upon hearing those words, Miu couldn't help but widen her eyes in surprise. It was the long overdue moment she was wishing for. Her face immediately showed the relief she had from the bottom of heart and,

"Thankfully...... he finally woke up."

"To be honest, even I was very surprised that he survived that injury but...... he just regained consciousness, and has been delayed several steps."

And Leon laughed,

"To get to where you are by sunrise he has to in one breath defeat the forces left at Gorudono, the garrisons along the border, and the knights at the Imperial Palace. It is almost an impossible task."

And......

"Even if Akatsuki makes it to your jail cell -- I will kill you early right where you stand."

Just resign yourself to your fate -- was what Leon's words were meant to convey to her, but the look in Miu's eyes remained steadfast and unwavering. Then,

"Those eyes...... I've seen them before somewhere......"

When Leon looked at Miu he suddenly noticed something.

So Ousawa Miu answered his question for him, and reminded him of the past truth.

"Have you forgotten? We've have met once before long ago."

Yes.

"In that place five years ago that day that you died."

Leon couldn't help but stare. His mind was interconnected between the present and past.

"You were...... no way, that child at that time?"

Miu just nodded to affirm Leon's speculation. It was just like that. Leon grabbed a dark elf child, and before her eyes tried to use her once as a way to kill her Father, Galious.

It was not surprising that Leon wouldn't recognize her. Miu's appearance had greatly changed in those five years. In actuality, even Akatsuki was not yet aware of this astonishing fact.

Although her Father, Galious had never mentioned the incident, following the story she heard from Loutier it was a real eye opener for her.

She was sure that was the reason why -- her father did not reveal the truth that day. It was not as simple as Akatsuki killing Leon to save a mere demon child, but the valuable life of his only daughter. Galious didn't reveal the truth in order to give Sherfied one last chance out of their predicament. Perhaps that was his way in repaying the debt he owed Akatsuki.

And also that -- was the real reason he could entrusted her to Akatsuki.

At that time Miu lost consciousness after she was taken hostage by Leon. Therefore up to now, she thought that Leon was beaten by her father. However, she understood that wasn't the case after hearing the truth from Loutier.

At the same time, she finally understood why her father after he returned from Sherfied would tell her those words.

-- If that human really does defeat me, I want you to live with him.

From the beginning "that human" was referring to Akatsuki. Even before Akatsuki had become the "Rogue Hero," Galious had already made his decision.

After Leon heard the whole thing –-

"I see...... history really does repeat itself."

Leon's surprised expression gradually turned into a pleasantly surprised smile.

"Certainly the situation is almost the same. You were a hostage, and I was trying to kill the Demon King."

In addition --

"...... And that includes the part where Listy was about to die."

"Wait...... wh-what does that mean?"

For the first time Miu was alarmed, Leon showed a pleasant smile as if enjoying it and,

"Right now, Listy has come to the Imperial Palace to persuade Emperor Baram to consent to a cease-fire. The meeting is just like ours here. It's behind closed doors with no other people around. Even if something unexpected were to happen some excuse could easily be made."

That was why Leon was there talking to her.

"I heard the stories about Akatsuki after I died. That guy can make a one in ten thousand possibility into reality, and may even be able to reverse this situation."

But --

"Last time it is possible for him to kill me, and then save you and Listy...... but this time it won't go so smoothly. I will kill you, while Emperor Baram will be responsible for killing Listy. With two enemies in separate locations it is impossible to beat us at the same time. Even if he really does break into the Palace, he only has the time to save one of you. That guy will have to make a choice between you and Listy."

"To manufacture such a situation, you expressly came all the way to the dungeon......?"

Her words and expression were filled with anger.

"What's the matter? Do you not believe in Akatsuki?"

Leon laughed and,

"But then again, the possibility of him coming to help you appears to be higher. Since he doesn't know Listy is here or what situation she's in...... It seems she will be on the other side a little earlier than you."

"...... Listy-san will be fine. She is much stronger than me, and would never have an accident."

Miu's tone showed her belief in that like-minded girl.

During the duel with Akatsuki she showed that her strength was the real thing. Therefore, there was no doubt.

"Since she dared to come alone to a hostile environment. That would mean...... there was no possibility of failure."

### 061. Part 6

And now -- the brightness had disappeared from the wandering forest.

From where Akatsuki and others were standing not a trace of them could be found.

"They're gone......"

And Zechs sighed,

"You also wanted to go with them, right Lulu?"

She turned her line of sight away, and half jokingly,

"That's so, isn't it?..... but I still have a lot of work in this world."

Loutier said with a small smile.

Akatsuki and also Listy had completed what they each had to do. So now it was her turn.

"And --"

Loutier changed the conviction in her heart into a smile, and said while looking up at the empty sky,

"If we truly did to start to shed tears of sadness -- Akatsuki would surly come running back again."

### 062. Part 7

——20 Minutes later.

Ousawa Akatsuki was currently at the top of the Sacred Tree in Forestnium

This was the highest point in the forest, in the daytime, you could even see the opposite horizons.

However right now it is late at night, what was in front of him was darkness.

Akatsuki quietly stared at the object hidden in the darkness.

Then at this moment ——

“You actually hid here worrying……Akki, you really seem like a boy in puberty.

Suddenly a lazy voice came from behind him. Akatsuki did not even have to turn around and could guess who it was, so he only smiled slightly.

“I only just showered, so I came to feel the breeze.”

“Just showered……Right, just now I met the vice president down there.

Kaidou said.

“Vice President’s face was flushed with an indignant and disturbed expression. Do you know why she was like that?”

“About that……I’m not sure.”

Akatsuki vaguely responded.

Under Akatsuki’s biting attack, Miu’s consciousness flew away. After a period of time, Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka noticed that Miu had not come back and went to the bath to look. However, the bath’s entrance was locked from the inside, so the three of them could not enter and could only stand outside and wait. At this moment, the entrance’s door suddenly opened from the side, Akatsuki appeared in front of the trio —— However, completely nude. Haruka immediately screamed and escaped, Akatsuki could only request Chikage and Kuzuha to take care of Miu. Miu, who had lost consciousness, had a mouthwatering smile. Kuzuha could not help but take a glance at Akatsuki and Akatsuki did not mind Kuzuha’s reactions.

……During this time, this person was too stiff, she needed to relax.

Miu was the former Demon King, Galious’s, daughter. Strictly speaking, she is also the princess of Galevain. Miu, who knew her identity and responsibilities clearly, had to play the role of a leader in front of the Forestnium residents and attempted to become everybody’s pillar.

However, under this kind of state where she was overly nervous, she had accumulated a lot of pressure over the ten days. Thus, Akatsuki wanted to help Miu relax and have a good rest. This is why Akatsuki requested Chikage to use the woman’s bath. The current Miu had given her all to do everything she could do and only AKatuski could dispel the inner tension of Miu.

Finally, Akatsuki’s plans were successful, but Miu’s reactions were bigger than what he had expected.

……I can’t believe that the effects of biting her ear would be that exaggerated, this is a great discovery.

Ousawa Akatsuki thought: Next time punishing Miu, biting her ears is not a bad choice.

At this moment, Kaidou walked next to Akatsuki and stared at the same darkness.

“——The next time, it is the final battle, what are the odds of winning?”

A smile emerged on his face.

“No matter what, we will still need to be careful. If we want this and that, in the end, we may not get anything.”

Kaidou’s warning was exchanged with Akatsuki’s snort.

“Stop it okay? We are preparing to finish the goal that had never been completing since ancient times, if we are not a bit greedy, then how can we face ourselves?”

Akatsuki revealed an arrogant expression.

“Winning and signing a peace treaty after the battle, all of it are goals that I want to achieve. If we declare that we are going to lose in the very beginning, then nothing really happens.”

Akatsuki did not want it to be restored to original state, but rather wants to have peace as well.

“Kaidou, I’ll need your help. I’m expecting your performance, my best friend.”

“Best friend? These words are really nice……Fine, who told me I was worthless when I defended and allowed the enemies to take advantage of it? I can only take this opportunity to wash away my bad name.”

Kaidou gave a slight smile.

“But then again, wars could only have victory and defeat, the idea is simple……However, a peace treaty is different.”

Saying up to here, Kaidou suddenly concealed his smiling expression.

“Can you really see the path that leads to the future?”

“A peace treaty has huge repercussions, it is indeed a thorny issue.”

But also because of this, so that there is value to it.

“I will just do it……The last time I visited Sherfield, I already laid down the seeds, at that time, there should be a way.”

Ousawa Akatsuki revealed a confident smile.

He stared into the distance and attempted to stretch his hand into the darkness, in order to find the dawn of peace.

### 063. Part 7

After she received the task of standing off against the lone female attacker, Loutier used flight magic so she could rush to the front line as soon as possible.

Before the campaign began Sherfied's officers and soldiers received orders to avoid combat as much as possible. This command was in line with Akatsuki's 'I do not want anyone unfortunate sacrifices in the war' wish.

-- However avoid fighting didn't mean they shouldn't retaliate if attacked, and let them onslaught us.

Since Akatsuki was willing to let this girl alone challenge an enemy's camp, he must have recognized her strength. Therefore an ordinary soldier would be no match for her. Out of Sherfied's faction probably only Listy, Zechs or Loutier could compete with her.

Therefore Loutier Trum used her flight magic. She used a different principle of wind magic to move forward. The auxiliary magic used didn't catch the wind, but rather split the atmosphere in front of her allowing her to rush to the destination without any resistance.

Soon after, the front line came into view.

The soldiers had descended into chaos.

A huge lion huge was running amok, back and forth breaking apart the formation with a small girl on its back. Seeing this Loutier immediately stopped mid-air, and raised her magic gun to the ready.

"Everyone move away from the target! I'm going to fire!"

After receiving Loutier's instructions the Sherfied soldiers scattered in all directions at once, leaving all but one in the empty space. She aimed at the small assailant left in the center and fired.

An ear piercing high-frequency laser beam rang out out of the blue, impartially hitting the target in front of her -- then the huge lion ahead made a beeline for her.

This of course was a warning shot meant to intimidate the other party, but it didn't stop the little girl and the lion.

The lion dashed diagonally forward then jumped atop the steep rock wall. Taking a horizontal posture towards Loutier, and darted away.

......The girl and the lion have no intention of involving the other soldiers......?

If she stayed in the canyon mixed in with the other soldiers, naturally Loutier couldn't keep on shooting.

Yet the girl deliberately chose the hard road. Loutier was free to keep shooting at her several more times. The girl moved up and down along the rock face, dodging the incoming shells while continuing to outflank her.

"Uhh... ... There's no way."

Seeing that her shots couldn't stop the girl, Loutier focused her mind.

The magic formation unfolded as she unleashed her magic. Only this was not a magic attack.

What she chanted was a defensive barrier of the highest level.

Moreover it was not used to protect herself.

The barrier was stretch out in front of the lion that was continuing to scamper away. And the next moment -- A loud bang echoed. The lion collided with the transparent wall, not visible to the eye.

The girl that was riding on the back of the lion was thrown into the air because of the momentum.

"-- Argh"

Still, the girl adjusted her posture in the air, and prepared to landed on the ground. Just after she landed the Sherfied soldiers encircled her. Loutier slowly descended from the sky in front of the girl. The girl was petite. In contrast with her giant lion sidekick made her seem even more immature and delicate.

......It seemed a like overkill......

Filled with anticipation of meeting the small girl in the front of her, Loutier can't help but smile. This girl alone rushed into the enemy's camp, so she believed that her strength must equal the other two girls defending the central and north path, or maybe even have more ability than them. It seemed that Loutier overestimated her strength. Although the average soldier would be no match for this girl, she wouldn't pose much of a threat to Loutier.

"Are you a fellow of Akatsuki's? You alone jumped into the enemy's camp, you must be up to something. Its a pity but I can't let you plan to succeed."

Loutier composed herself as she told her quietly.

"If you have a letter or message from Akatsuki, please hand it to me directly. I can pass it on, and please get out of here at once. Like Akatsuki as well as your other two fellows attitudes towards the coalition forces, we have no intention of hurting you."

At this time, the girl looked carefully at Loutier.

"Pointed ears, silver hair, plus a magic gun -- Are you Loutier-san?"

"Yes, I am."

Surely she must heard what she looks like from Akatsuki. Perhaps this girl was trying to confirmed whether to trust us. It would have been better if he passed on his message himself, but -- the girls next words were the exact opposite of what Loutier expected.

"If you know Ousawa-kun then you know how he acts, and I'm sorry but I can't walk away from this."

The reason was simple, the girl goes on to say:

"Because we are just like you -- and to us, there are things which are non-negotiable."

### 064. Part 7

The scene was impossible to believe.

There were Demons running in every which direction trying to flee, blood-curdling screams could be heard as Leon hunted them down one by one, none escaped, although Demons physical and magic abilities were superior to humans there were some who can't fight, like the very young and elderly. However Leon showed no mercy, regardless of whether they resisted or not. He just ruthlessly, and impartially single mindedly continued to kill.

Akatsuki reflexively began to run out to try and stop Leon's atrocities. But when he grabbed Leon's shoulder, Leon cried out "Stand back its dangerous." Immediately after, Akatsuki received a blow to a vital point and fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

And -- When Akatsuki opened his eyes next.

Leon was there on one knee making sure Akatsuki was okay.

Akatsuki couldn't help but gasp, Leon floated an expression of relief.

Leon's face was dyed red with blood. On the ground behind him laid countless mutilated Demon corpses.

Leon laughed, with his usual smile.

It's safe now Akatsuki.

-- The hatred over the death of Leon's family become his resolve to be a knight, and at the same time let him continue killing Demons. And as the result it made him a Hero. Whenever he killed a Demon, Leon gained the admiration and applause of the world. Before long -- it was impossible for him to stop.

His raison d'etre as a Hero became wiping out all of the Demons. Leon's eyes just saw red, so much so even the elderly, women and children were not spared.

When the family oriented kind-hearted upstanding youth -- lost his heart he plunged into an abyss. Akatsuki naturally tried to dissuade Leon. He tried let Leon know this kind of slaughter was no different than murder, and that his father and sister's soul would not be happy with such acts. However, Akatsuki's words fell on deaf ears. Leon just said it was a matter of Alayzard -- and that Akatsuki was merely an outsider who doesn't have a say.

In the end he clear-cut told Akatsuki to head to the deepest part of Sherfied's northern forest where the was, and as quickly as possible return to his own world.

-- Akatsuki decided to return to the Sherfied. He felt he didn't have the power to stop Leon by himself. So he turned to another close friend for help, Zechs.

Asking -- to stop Leon.

### 065. Part 7

The agreed meeting place was shrouded in a suffocating silence.

"This should be the place......"

Miu muttered while looking around. In her heart she question the authenticity of that letter.

Whoever called her out here was late in showing themselves. Miu was extremely worried.

The letter had been placed in a conspicuous place outside of the village. It was reasonable to expect that the sender would have arrived first at the agreed place, and for them to be waiting for us to approach. However, there wasn't a soul in sight. Could it be that --

"-- Someone is coming."

Hearing Kurts voice, Miu immediately turned to look.

On the other side of the forest a Sherfied soldier appeared.

"Thank God...... that letter was real."

Miu couldn't help but let out her relief, but Kurt looked sour.

"No -- Regrettably this is a trap."

When he finished saying that, he was holding the pike he had on his back in his hands.

Then from out of the forest -- several Sherfied soldiers appeared. It looked as if they were crawling out from the deep darkness. In each of their hands was either a sword or an axe.

"Eh......"

Miu was involuntarily stunned. Of course, the possibility of this being a trap was taken into consideration.

It was just that she thought Disdiya would be the one to spring it.

...... Sherfied also uses these kind of despicable tactics......!

She was betrayed by someone whom she believed in -- that shock stuck at Miu's heart. But, Kurt stepped forward to protect Miu with hardly any agitation, and at once focused his mind to launch the magic spell. Then,

"Haaaaaaaa -- !"

After letting out his fighting spirit Kurt brandished his pike. At the same time with his burst of magic he wrapped up the wind into a whirlwind. The encompassing Sherfied soldiers all crashed into the trunks of the tress, and tumbled to the ground.

"Myuu-sama, now get out of --"

Halfway through Kurt was struck speechless because the knocked down soldiers began to get up. Faced with enemies he can't beat, Kurt's face hardened.

"This...... is just like that time when that armor knight of Disdiya attacked the village."

"It appears it was like that......"

While a little faint, Miu was convinced. This was a trap set up by Disdiya.

"Such elaborate mimicry...... to go as far as putting on Sherfied armor."

She said so regrettably, while biting on her lower lip.

"-- No, that was their own armor."

She suddenly heard a strange voice. Miu looked back, and couldn't help but gasp.

Having appeared from the darkness was a golden Knight.

He took off his helmet revealing the true identity of the Knight, who wander out aimlessly. Miu was dazed, as she let out the name of that person,

"Leon Esuperio......!"

When Leon heard that, he suddenly had a hauntingly serene smile on his face,

"Do you remember the incident that started this war? These are monitoring force that were annihilated."

"Eh......?"

For a moment, Miu could not understand the meaning of Leon's words.

However before Miu had a chance to respond -- a figure ran our from her side.

"-- Kurt!?"

Kurt heard Miu's appeal for him to control himself.

However, he didn't stop. There was no way he would. The man in front his eyes was the one who killed the nonresistant paternal grandfather. And now, he planed to harm Miu. No matter how cool-headed Kurt usually was, he was unable to just let him walk away. So Kurt sprinted, shortening the distance to Leon in one breath,

"Accept your death, monster --!"

He pulled forth all the power from his feelings inside him, and concentrated it into the pike in his hands stabbing it forward at the his enemy.

But -- the tip of the pike did not reach, because it was taken. Leon nonchalantly held up his left hand...... and caught the pike with his index finger and middle finger. Then revealed a smile full of contempt,

"Unfortunately -- your hatred was not strong enough."

Then simultaneously, a light flashed vertically. Leon had counterattacked with his sword.

"Gaaa -!"

Kurt immediately thought to move back a few steps, but his evasion was too late.

Leon's sword cut through his pike, inflicting a deep wound on his body.

"Gu......!"

Kurt's face distorted from the sudden sharp pain coming from his abdomen, powerless he was forced to one knee. Then,

"Your reaction wasn't bad...... though it was a little slow."

After Leon indifferently evaluated, he prepared the finishing blow. He raised the sword above his head, only for a moment did it stay mid air -- Leon's sword went straight down, when a strong force pushed Kurt to the side. A sudden gust similar to magic used to fly brought him into the air.

"-- Myuu-sama?"

High speed winds had blown him high up into the sky. For a split second he clearly saw it.

Miu was standing there with her magic wand raised facing him, and then she made a soft smile. Her lips then quietly moved as if saying something to herself, when --

At almost the same time, the handle of Leon's sword struck her in the pit of the stomach.

Her wand fell from her hand, disappearing into nothingness. Miu lost consciousness and slumped over to the ground. Then the ground before his eyes rapidly got farther away, Kurt was longer able see what was happening.

"Myuu-sama......! Gukkusoooooo!"

Kurt's sorrow filled shout was drowned out by the wind magic engulfing him.

Only the soft sound of a gust of wind quietly ran through the dark night sky.

### 066. Part 7

Even with Listy's pressing Baram for a decision he remained silent. Even so, Listy continued to wait. She already said what she wanted to say. Now, all she could do was wait for the other side to answer.

After a little more time.

"-- Towards your proposal from your country, Disdiya replies as follows."

Baram slowly opened before stating his decision and,

"As for continuation of the war -- Disdiya does not accept the cease fire or the peace treaty."

Listy heard what was said, but couldn't help ask in a more serious tone,

"Even if I make the truth public...... you are fine with that?"

"Even if we choose to concede it will not change the fact that Leon Esuperio existed. Under such circumstances if we conclude a peace treaty there is no doubt that Galivain will seize our weakness, and plant the seeds of destruction in the future. It is impossible for Disdiya to accept with these adverse conditions. In other words, the tradeoff is only unilateral coercive. It won't do us any good."

And Baram continued,

"In case the truth really gets announced to the world -- it will leave our side with no way out. Without a retreat route we can do nothing but believe in our justice, and fight to the end. No cease fire or peace treaty will be possible. At that time Disdiya may be on a path to destruction, but at the same time Sherfied and Galivain will also be compromised."

But......

"If everyone shuts their eyes to the truth, even if it is an open secret the only country to perish will be Galivain. Then, considering both sides isn't the answer clear."

"What makes you think our country will remain silent?"

"That is so, but the matter of Leon Esuperio is a very inconvenient truth for Sherfied. If the secret gets out it could affect the survival of your country. Soon your country will abolish its monarchy, and be reborn as a new nation with the national election. It's your long-cherished wish."

He took a breath,

"-- I personally do no think you have the courage crush your wish or the resolve to destroy your country."

"............"

When Baram's statement which was closer to a threat reached her ears, Listy was immediately at a loss for words. Before long,

"Certainly...... I cannot sacrifice Sherfied."

Listy said, nevertheless she was unwilling to give up,

"Please let me hear it one more last time. The cease-fire and the peace --"

"Impossible -- Disdiya will never take that path."

"...... It looks that way."

So she said then the next moment -- Listy took out the magic wand hidden behind her back.

And turned the tip of the wand towards Baram.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

Baram crinkled his eyebrows.

"Since it is hopeless to convince you verbally, there is no choice but...... to resort to force."

Listy said, she felt it was better to make the first move. Because,

"Even if I insisted on making the secret public Your Majesty probably had planned on killing me, no?"

"Oho...... your going to kill me?"

"No. I have no intentions of killing Your Majesty. I simply want you to disappear with me for a little while. In your absence Disdiya will have to tentatively pass the title of Emperor over to your sole heir Alphonse-dono."

-- Listy already had her spy in Disdiya make contact with Alphonse to gain his consent.

"Alphonse-dono was in favor of the cease-fire and the peace treaty that I proposed...... he felt it was the only way for Disdiya not to walk on the road to ruin."

"I see...... you anticipated all this from the beginning."

And Baram snorted,

"Although the meeting was kept in strictest confidence there were still a small number of witnesses. Like the knight who guided you here. The Queen of country sneaking into another country's palace in the dead of night outraged enough to kill their Emperor -- this is quite a serious diplomatic incident, even offering your life may not be enough to apologize. Do you have the heart to pull all of Sherfied into your selfish sense of justice?"

Then Listy laughed -- and with an extremely confident smile,

"There is nothing to worry over. The Kingdom of Sherfied doesn't have to take any responsibility whatsoever."

The reason was very simple.

"Because...... the country doesn't exist anymore."

Before coming here Listy convened an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers.

The topic at hand was her plan of attack -- and Listy's revocation of the throne.

She explained how she would abduct Empire Baram allowing for Alphonse and Galivain to sign a peace treaty. Naturally Listy's proposal was opposed by all the ministers. Some suggested that Listy carry out her plan whiling remaining Queen making it an official decision of Sherfied. She was grateful for their goodwill, but she flagrantly rejected that proposal. Sacrificing herself alone was enough, she couldn't drag the Kingdom of Sherfied down with her.

-- So now Listy wasn't the Queen, rather an ordinary girl.

"In order to realize a cease-fire and peace treaty, even at the expense Sherfied interests the truth should also be made public –- to bring an end to the abuse of power by Royalty I expressed my wish for an legislative assembly. I also believe you should take steps towards converting to a democracy, and dismiss the authority of the King."

"What utter foolishness...... to even think such nonsense."

Baram stood up from his chair and,

"Even if you are the former Queen of Sherfied you must also shoulder part of the responsibility. The new King should --"

"I am sorry. My removal was just decided a little while ago. The country of Sherfied at present is in a state of confusion with its leaders. I ask Your Majesty to please wait -- umm, several months until the national elections are over."

And Listy with an composed air,

"And the throne won't be restored to me. As a traitor to my country I will be deprived the position of Queen. I believe very soon, Sherfied will be sending an official letter explaining this matter, as well as seeking your assistance in apprehending the fugitive, the former Queen. There might also be a clause stating something like in no way are they shielding the former Queen from punishment. And if found in your country's borders, Disdiya is free to punish me by the laws of your country."

That was of course just lip service, but it was within reason.

Covering up the truth which what looks like reason -- was Emperor Baram's modus operandi.

"Now do you understand? I have had nothing to do with Sherfied. If Sherfied must take responsibility for this matter it will be minimal. After all, I just lost my throne -- in my deranged state I snuck into this place in order to realize my self-righteous ideals. How is that, does it explain my audacious behavior in trying to kidnap Your Majesty?"

Listy smiled.

"Your Majesty was right. I don't have the courage to involve Sherfied --"

Listy's smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a look of righteousness to clearly declare,

"Do not underestimate me -- if its about my crown and my life I have the resolve."

### 067. Part 7

"-- Upon restoring peace to the world the Hero returns to his world with the two princesses."

It was said in a joking manner in a place inside the Empire of Aleclasta.

The most beautiful blooming flowers that could be imagined were enclosed in that place, the sky garden of the Church of Richard.

Inside there was a view a God would have while looking down on mother earth.

The Archbishop and the Pope of the Church of Richard were witness to everything, and had been quietly laughing.

"Hehe...... It's almost like a fairy tale."

"Indeed it is...... and they all lived happily ever after."

To Miranda's words Volk chuckled lightly, and also gave generous praise to Akatsuki's feats.

Certainly with this the war between humans and Demons was at an end.

True peace came to Alayzard, and you might say that was good. But,

"Baram-dono..... was really pitiful. Other countries aside, to not even have his own son Alphonse-dono understood his hardships, and his real intentions of the war. As it is, it will remain a misunderstanding."

Paused for a moment.

"When in fact -- he simply did it in consideration of Disdiya's future."

In Alayzard the Empire of Disdiya had the largest military.

Although the mighty military was worthy of pride the reality for the people was quite harsh.

The majority of the country was covered with sand, even their valuable oases and greenery were gradually being swallowed by the desert. That encroaching barren land won't produce any crops.

Residents living in the coastal areas facing the sea can fish for a living, but their catches were decreasing year by year.

In contrast to crops which can be cultivated by a person's hand, fisherman can't increase production with manpower.

Of course, Alphonse held key positions in the country, and would of been aware of the economic side of things. But, since he doesn't want to fight he must attempted to resolve this issue by political power and both foreign and domestic trade.

Baram on the other hand, wished to incorporate Galivain into its territory. That country holds a wealth of natural resources in its forest, which would seem like an utopia so far as Disdiya was concerned. In order to solve their country's economic problems, and also acquire the legitimacy to occupy Galivain, Disdiya had to be the one to defeat Demon King Galious.

Phil Burnett -- was ordered to make the contract with the evil dragon Zahhak for that purpose.

And then holding the dominance at the International Conference Baram could promote Disdiya's status, and strengthen his own authority to get what he needed.

However, the existence of the Rogue Hero dampened the Baram's plans.

Akatsuki actions saved Sherfied, and ushered in a new era of peace for Alayzard.

But from a different point of view -- Akatsuki took away the only hope Disdiya had.

-- Therefore Baram this time he had to see things to the end.

To him this war was the last hope -- and also his biggest gamble.

Even if his name were to become smeared as an invader, everything was for sake of Disdiya. Their new Emperor, Alphonse will soon be able to realize this.

And to what extent his father Baram's seemingly crazy actions were in fact in consideration of the country.

"Oh well, the results would of been the same even if he won." said Volk.

If Disdiya had won, Aleclasta would have denounced their invasion.

As they sought territorial expansion, Aleclasta also had something they desired. That was talent. When talented people come together a country's skillsets increase, and those skillsets can be turn into money allowing for that country's finances to become increasingly rich.

Disdiya's current power managed to hold up entirely thanks to the charisma of Baram. A scholar such as Alphonse that doesn't want to fight can't replace Baram as the new Emperor of a military nation. In the future, the country will end up falling into serious political instability. At that time, many people will make the decision to leave their homes in pursuit of a more stable life in another country. Among those refugees will naturally be the mechanical engineers Disdiya prides over.

Such anxiety and despair for the future will hold true towards the upcoming national elections in the newly transformed country of Sherfied, and unfortunately those refugees and Sherfied's own people won't support it.

However, there was Aleclasta, and the teachings of the Church of Richard in which so many people throughout Alayzard put their faith in.

"Let us rescue those poor lost lambs."

The refugees from Disdiya, and the people from Sherfied insecure about the change in their country will be welcomed with open arms in Aleclasta. It would be the highest form of humanitarian aid, but also sows the feeling of indebtedness to Aleclasta from the two countries. Moreover the Church of Richard will acquire a large amount of new believers, and will also strengthen their influence further. In short, Aleclasta got the biggest gains without any fighting.

"-- Oh, and speaking of misunderstanding......"

Miranda suddenly remembered one thing, and couldn't help reveal a playful smile,

"Pertaining to matter of the resurrection of Leon-kun...... Sherfied seems to think it was all Emperor Baram's doing."

"As if...... never mind. No need for unnecessary complications. Besides the dead cannot tell stories, actually it saves some trouble."

Volk deepened his smile while stroking his beard.

The act of bringing back Leon with the forbidden spell was certainly done by Baram.

However, the one who had stolen Leon's remains was not Baram. Phil Barnett destroyed his tomb simply to vent his anger. At that period of time, Baram simply wished for Miu to be brought back to Alayzard as soon as possible. Phil held an abnormal amount of hatred for the former Hero, so the two had no reason to take away his remains.

Then -- in the end who arranged to hand over the remains to Baram?

After Phil destroyed Leon's tomb of Leon, and in the short time before Sherfied noticed someone did steal the remains.

Having been aware of the whole situation, but still continued to watch carefully, who exactly would obtain the most profit? Nobody knows who -- with the exception of the person himself.

Volk Rem Aleclasta IV smiled pleased with himself,

"Thank you Akatsuki for saving Alayzard."

Now it was just waiting for the right time to announce the truth to world, and how much.

The truth of tragedy in Sherfied that occurred five years ago.

The results of the investigation on the attack on the surveillance forces.

As well as the amazing fact Leon Esuperio took part in this war.

That much alone should be enough to ruin Sherfied and Disdiya.

No matter how much Akatsuki desired, all of it won't be kept hidden.

Even with many lies piled on top of each other to cover up the truth, to the people who know the truth, they can easily break such fragile lies.

Just at that time,

"...... I'm sorry for disturbing you."

And the young female bishop stepped forward with a respectful tone,

"A letter was just received addressed to Volk-sama."

"Oh..... it was specially delivered here?"

Miranda said somewhat surprised.

A mountain of various letters arrive every day for Volk the Pope of the Church of Richard.

Letters from influential people of countries to any such believers that were present in Alayzard seeking nothing more than to enlist help from Volk, or hoping to get a return reply in his own handwriting were endless. Of course, most of them had no value whatsoever in reading. So, the Archbishop Miranda instructed them to sorted based on the sender's identity and status. Miranda then inspects those letters herself that will be handed over to Volk. Letters address to Miranda herself were entrusted to her subordinates to sift through before reaching her then Volk.

This letter however was expressly rushed over because it was addressed to the sky garden which was restricted to only a few people.

"It appears to be a very urgent -- Do you know who the sender was?

"Yes, its...... Akatsuki-dono."

"Hoo, didn't he already return to his own world?... ... This is certainly interesting."

'Fu' Volked laughed as he took the letter from the female bishop.

"Thank you for your hard work. You may go now."

After his words, the female bishop bowed respectfully before quickly leaving the sky garden.

And then Volk cut the seal with the letter opener given with the letter.

However, inside there wasn't a letter only one card. And,

".............................."

After he read it there was a long silence.

No emotions could be read from Volk's expression.

"..... It seems what's written is no trivial matter."

To Miranda's words Volk slid the card crossed the table looking ashen.

Only two lines were written on the card.

To the Supreme Pontiff, the people turn to, should not be too high handed with the truth.

The holy doctrines of the Church of Richard -- won't hold up well with truth of your nephew, I humbly believe.

Miranda can't help but narrow her eyes.

"So..... Akatsuki-kun knew of 'his' true identity......"

"He already returned to his own world...... it can't be a simple bluff."

His usual composed tone was gone, as Volk snorted. That indirect advice Akatsuki gave after he left Alayzard was certainly intended to curb Aleclasta from publishing the truth. At the same time, strongly warned Volk that even if he wasn't in this world he could crush Aleclasta's plans.

"This can be trouble, how are you going..... -- Your Holiness?"

In the middle of Miranda talking Volk stood up, and without hiding the disgust in his voice,

"Even if the truth is not made public...... the demise of Disdiya is just around the corner. There is no loss to us."

After making that parting remark, Volk didn't say anything further. The sky garden was left behind in silence.

### 068. Part 8

In the central route Disdiya's soldiers were gradually pushing up the invasion line.

Facing such a situation Nanase Haruka made a somewhat grave expression.

...... I'm practically being beaten back by them.

The battle in the central channel has been going on for three hours. Haruka was still using magic to attack, while the enemy has been readjusting their countermeasures to it.

Disdiya's soldiers were used to the terrain, since the majority of their country was a desert, and their military was mostly comprised of earth magic users. Haruka's wind magic was on the opposite end of the spectrum. So to speak, they have the worst relationship compatibility with each other. The wind created by her magic was just obstructed by an object they created with their earth magic. The fight began with a sandstorm, strictly speaking this was only meant as a surprise attack. In fact the magical ability of Disdiya to manipulate sand was greater than Haruka's, so long ago her sandstorm magic became ineffective.

The situation grew into a test of who can hold out the longest. She started out with all kinds of various magics to attack, but the enemy quickly adapted to it then started to use their magic to strike back. For some time now both sides have been going all out with their offensives. Haruka needed to break out from this pattern to once more push them back. Through changing her magic with even more different permutations and combinations she could buy more time.

...... At least the number of soldiers were substantially reduced.

However, Disdiya was capable sending the soldiers on the front lines to back in order to rest. Then replaced them with fresh soldiers who could still fight. If it continues like this they will breakthrough Haruka's defensive perimeter when she exhaust's her stamina.

But -- Nanase Haruka was undaunted. She turned her head and glanced up at Akatsuki standing on the cliff.

...... I believe in you.

She thought the strategy he came up with beforehand was worthy of trust. Therefore, all she had to do was defend the battlefield until her physical strength and energy runs out.

That was what she secretly swore in her heart as she turned her head back forward. Then suddenly out of the corner of her eye was a shadow.

"-- Huh?"

Unlike the rest of Disdiya's soldiers at the bottom of a ravine he was running on top of the cliffs.

...... When on earth did he appear?

Nanase Haruka was unable to hide her inner agitation. She knew the identity of that person. He was the Crimson sword king of Sherfied and his target was obvious. He was running on top the cliffs headed for Akatsuki. She had seen his strength in action during the duel.

She knew that the present situation was very dangerous, but had to keep her emotions in check.

"Come down here and face me!"

Haruka immediately concentrated her mind unleashing a magic formation, an intense tornado was created out of the wind. The tornado ran along the mountain walls keeping parallel with the horizon meant to hit Zechs.

### 069. Part 8

"-- Hearing such a story so suddenly did you believe him, Zechs?"

Listy raised a legitimate question, to that Zechs nodded "Yes" without hesitation.

Reminded of the past, Zechs revealed his reason,

"In fact I also...... saw it with my own eyes."

-- Even after he was discovered by Akatsuki, Leon continued to massacre Demons.

At first Zechs thought Akatsuki was playing some sort of joke.

But the look in Akatsuki's eyes told him this wasn't a lie.

In the end Zechs decided to keep this from Leon for now, and rather go to the location Akatsuki described.

To see it for himself, Zechs brought along a magic tool to detect the magical energy of Demons, and a magic tool for teleportation. Using them he was able to find the place in Galevian where Leon was massacring the Demons.

"...... Do you remember? The rumors about Leon's past how he slaughtered Demons."

Listy responded to Zechs with a nod "Yeah".

"But that was just......"

"Yeah, that's right. In wars it is a common psychological tactic to spread rumors to disparage the enemy's Hero...... I thought just like everyone it was a totally unsubstantiated rumor the Demons spread."

However -- those rumors bared the horrible truth.

After that Zechs also tried to persuade Leon many times to stop. But Leon did not have the ears to hear it. He insisted that his mission as a Hero was to defeat the Demon King, and the annihilation of the Demon race. Therefore Akatsuki and Zechs were forced to request help from Loutier to figure out a method to prevent Leon from acting. In the end they turned to Listy's father -- the former King of Sherfied, and petitioned him to order the arrest of Leon.

But --

"-- His Majesty the King did not agree."

"Father......? Eh...... Why?

"Leon's prestige as a Hero was already too well known throughout Alayzard, and arresting him would take irrefutable evidence."

With no less than that, the truth would never be made public. If his crimes were brought to light, all of Sherfied would be condemned.

As a result, they found themselves in a situation where they could do nothing but wait.

However, the situation only got worse. Leon's madness intensified to the point that even Zechs couldn't of imagined.

-- The late King maintained a passive approach towards the war with the Demons.

In that context, Leon becoming a Hero was to be more of a deterrent. If needed he was to suppress conflicts with any Demons and Galious. The former King assumed Leon would to be in some form a symbol of peace for Alayzard. And for a long period of time didn't have Sherfied participate in any military actions against Demons.

Such a compassionate King was revered not only from this own people, but from Royalty and nobles from other countries. However -- for Leon hell bent on annihilating Demons the King's presence was nothing more than a major obstacle.

"So Leon...... secretly began plot the conspiracy."

"Conspiracy ...?"

Listy couldn't help but ask, Zechs nodded "Yes."

After a slight silence, he began to speak of Leon Esuperio's real objective.

"-- The assassination of Sherfied's royal family."

### 070. Part 8

The emergency convening of the Council of Ministers of the Sherfied Kingdom was well underway.

Since Listy ascended to the throne this was the most chaotic, and urgent meeting.

Almost all of the Ministers strongly opposed Listy's proposal.

However, Listy wasn't willing to make any concessions. She described the present situation while explaining the best path her country should take. Her unwavering determination impressed upon the Ministers, until finally they accepted her proposal. Listy El Da Sherfied laid out her convictions.

...... This way Sherfied will be safe.

But it was not over yet. Listy left the conference room alone at a quick pace to allow the Ministers to discuss the details. There was a person waiting outside in corridor for her, Grand Chamberlain Valkyria.

Listy passed by her side, as Valkyria followed her one step behind,

"...... Did the Council of Ministers progress smoothly?"

"A consensus has been reached. The next step is to stop this war."

And Listy,

"Was Zechs not informed......?"

"Yes. In accordance with Listy-sama's wishes he is waiting elsewhere. Zechs-sama has no knowledge of the Council of Ministers."

Valkyria spoke of it indifferently, Listy said "Then, it is good." with a smile. Although it was difficult, she cannot afford to enlighten Zechs as to her plan. He was someone indispensable for this country.

"Time is running out, we need to quickly move to the next phase. First we must contact Galevain's former Princess...... and hope she willing to listen to us."

"On that matter --"

Suddenly, Valkyria voice stiffened. Listy knew by that itself something was wrong. She stopped,

"...... What happened?"

"A little while ago we received information that former Princess Myuu-sama had been caught by Disdiya."

"No way...... how can that be?"

Currently a powerful barrier was in place around Forestnium.

No matter who it was or how many, no one was able to break through that barrier produced from concept magic.

"According to the spy in Disdiya's ranks, Myuu-sama was apparently tricked......it seems they deceived her by using Listy-sama's name as a decoy to lure her outside of the barrier in hopes to negotiate with you."

"Who ever heard of such a thing!?"

Listy was trembling with anger. First they turned their backs on the peace agreement to launch an attack, and now they resorted to such a cowardly lie to deceive. To what ends will Disdiya go. Is there no justice?

...... But -

Apart from angry, Listy felt very confused. Why would Miu accept such a request?

Even though Listy planned on contacting her in the future, she thought it was going to be difficult for Miu to trust her. She must of been aware that there was an extremely high chance of being a trap. But, she still went -- Why?

Then Listy remembered the girl at Akatsuki's side who firmly believed that peace will eventually arrive.

...... Does that mean that girl --

Listy could only conclude one thing, and gasped.

Miu didn't believe in such a request, but trusted in Listy.

Akatsuki was now injured, and thought that only Listy could stop this war.

And even while knowing it could be a trap she decided to expose herself. She was willing to sacrifice herself for a glimmer of hope of achieving peace.

All for the sake of saving Akatsuki, and the people of Galevain.

Listy couldn't help think about how she should act now. Miu had already put her life on the line, then it was only natural for her to work just as hard. Miu wasn't the only one who's thoughts were on Akatsuki.

"-- Now that their former princess Myuu had been caught. How is Galevain reacting?"

"They are keeping quiet...... I can't make out anything abnormal."

"...... I see."

Then looking at things that way, Akatsuki was definitely alive.

If Akatsuki was dead, Miu would have been the last hope for Galevain. Then they most certainly would have taken action immediately when she fall into enemy hands. Since they were able to stay calm, then some kind of hope still exists for them.

And --

Precisely because Akatsuki was still alive...... That girl would run the risk of going outside the barrier.

Knowing that was already sufficient for her to make her move.

So Listy won't stop, and steps bravely forward.

"Valkyria -- I would like to somehow get in touch with prince Alphonse currently under house arrest. Try to get one of our informants in Disdiya to send a message to the Prince."

### 071. Part 8

Hearing how Miu believed in Listy, Leon silently closed his eyes.

"In that case -–" he started by saying,

"If you believe Listy won't die here. That means I have no choice but to take your life."

After saying so, Leon's right hand started to release some kind of black smoke.

The waves of dark color circulating absolutely horrified Miu.

"This is the ability I received after being resurrected. The power to manipulate "Death." With this I can use any dead body to raid Forestnium with me. Just like the dead soldiers who attacked you in the forest."

"Dead soldiers...... So, because of that......!"

Miu realized the reason why Forestnium was able to be attacked that started the war.

The concept barrier was intended to guard against an enemy invasion, but it was limited to the living. Therefore, the resurrected Leon and the dead soldiers he controlled were able to pass through the barrier. And why the barrier that Urumu offered his life to create was to protect the village from malicious presences. All to stop Leon from attacking Forestnium.

So then those soldiers before in the forest really were the monitoring force of Sherfied. Then, Leon while laughing,

"If I use a living person -- they become a living corpse. They look exactly the same exactly, and keep their own consciousness, but as long as I wish it they will turn into a real corpse."

"Then give it a try......! Once I'm dead there will be nothing holding everyone back from fighting you."

"You still don't understand. You will be the same as you were alive, and also have your own consciousness. Akatsuki won't simply see it as you're already dead. Disdiya will not accept a cease-fire and peace treaty, and holding you hostage won't be necessary. As long as the public thinks you are alive at your execution it is fine. Exactly what is dead or alive, at this point."

Leon smiled and,

"Now I can kill you here, and at sunrise I can chop off your head in front of everyone...... I get to kill the Demon King's daughter twice. Galious killed my father and sister snatching away two lives. In a way it is the same number of lives. And I'm looking forward to...... if Akatsuki can come and save you before your scheduled execution time, but to find out your already dead. I want to know what kind of face he will make."

"Let me end this here...... he will absolutely take revenge for me!"

"Is it? After I'm defeated all the living corpses I made will inevitably turn into a life less corpse. Killing me would be the same as killing you. Do you think the Akatsuki has it within himself to do that?"

Miu didn't know how to answer Leon's question. She didn't want to show any weakness in front of Leon, but deep down she wanted Akatsuki to be unable to do it as proof of his feelings for her. But of course, she could never say that to Leon.

Unable to respond Miu could only bite her lower lip. Then,

"Even you are hesitating. There's no need to question what Akatsuki would do. When I fought him originally at Gorudono Grand Canyon he was already confused as what to do. This time that hesitation will bring about his death."

And Leon's tone was frivolous, as if sneering at Miu,

"Have a little peace of mind...... death is very peaceful."

After he said so, his right hand covered with the aura of death slowly moved towards her neck.

"Ku......u......u......!"

In an attempt to escape somehow, Miu desperately struggled. But both her hands were chained to the wall behind her. There was no way to escape. And finally,

"-- As far as that goes from a little while ago, do you still believe Listy will win...... and that she is really safe?"

"Wh-what do you mean......?"

"Since Listy came prepared -- Do you think Emperor Baram wouldn't do the same?"

Miu had suspiciously asked, while Leon informed her,

"It is regrettable -- but also around this time he should be disposing of Listy."

### 072. Part 8

After Volk completely disappeared the sky garden once again became calm --

"Hah -- ahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

She could no longer contain it, as Miranda Quenty burst into laughter.

It was the best. Sure enough Akatsuki should not be reckoned with. He had said at the peace negotiations "All of this was under my control" meaning he would be responsible until the end. Could it be from the outset he sensed Aleclasta's plans? No, if that was the case then he wouldn't of let us off so easy before returning to his world. Perhaps, Akatsuki merely believed Aleclasta was pulling the strings behind the scenes.

That said, Miranda never dreamed Akatsuki would play that card.

...... The world can't afford to know of "his" true identity.

The Pope of the Church of Richard, Volk Rem Aleclasta IV, was Alayzard's highest authority, and on official records doesn't have a nephew. To be precise it was erased. That nephew's existence was the biggest stain on the Church of Richard.

The man eloped with a dark Elf, and after the unnatural death of his wife he discarded his human identity.

The person who became the Demon King unexpectedly turned out to be a relative of the current Pope -- which could never be revealed to outsiders.

"..... I wonder where Akatsuki-kun leaned of this secret?"

Galious unlikely revealed his identity himself. If any of the Demon tribes had known about him being a close relative of highest authority of the human race it would of been absolutely impossible to gain the Demon's trust, and even become the Demon King. Maybe even Miu doesn't know of this big secret, otherwise she would of run away from her clansmen back when she received such relentless criticism.

The only possibility could be when Akatsuki left for the .

After the tragedy five years ago, he went in search of power in the world of the Gods, and must have obtained some information.

"It is a pity...... If his "consciousness" was read one more time, then maybe the truth could be understood."

Miranda said so, while looking at her right. Only a few people know of her special ability to read someone's consciousness through touch.

After the tragedy in Sherfied five years ago, and Listy had to abandoned the capital Akatsuki followed her to Aleclasta. Caught between disappointment and frustration he was absent minded when Miranda secretly read his consciousness, and came to know the truth about Leon. At the same time discovered how much he regretted from the bottom of the heart having killed Leon.

-- However, she didn't get any information on Akatsuki's original world. It seemed her ability was limited to only read the thoughts of things associated with Alayzard.

Strictly speaking, the was a different world apart from Alayzard, and naturally wouldn't be able to read any of his memories from that time. But if she couldn't find the secret from his memories that would mean Akatsuki discovered Galious's true identity in the .

"Well, that's probably fine...... at least I found something much more interesting."

Miranda said so with a cold smile that would cause person to shiver. Miranda Quenty recalled when she visited Disdiya's prisoner. Unconsciousness in the dungeon cell she read Miu's 'consciousness' -- from which obtained some information.

Miu at that time was intently worried about Akatsuki's injury.

As a result Miranda was able to get invaluable information. Akatsuki was unconsciously protecting himself with the absolute barrier of Zahark's, repelling any form of recovery magic from coming near the wound.

Miranda believed it was absolutely impossible to use recovery magic indirectly to heal that type of injury. She was certain the absolute barrier of Zahark's was nullified in that situation, because of interference from a higher dimensional power.

"Listy-san having been transferred back at the same time..... could not be just a coincidence."

There must be some sort of force behind it, otherwise things wouldn't have played out so conveniently. Therefore, Miranda Quenty made the conclusion,

"As I thought -- she is definitely an ultra dimensional being."

### 073. Part 9

Even after Zechs discovered the tornado quickly approaching he didn't stop.

He chose to intercept it rather than dodge. Pulling out his crimson long sword from its sheath, in a flash he slashed vertically. The wind created from the edge of blade bisected the approaching tornado from top to bottom. As Haruka watched it happen, she readied a second wave as fast as she could.

"-- Too slow."

There wasn't enough time for her to use magic again. She could only watch as Zechs jumped onto the cliff.

On the other side of the cliff stood a youth. That youth was none other than Ousawa Akatsuki smiling confidently. As soon as Zechs landed he dashed towards Akatsuki.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

He shorten the distance in an instant, wielding the crimson sword he sliced straight down.

No tricks, he just swung straight down from overhead. However -- Akatsuki didn't move.

"--------------------!"

A hairs breath away Zechs had stopped his blade.

Confronted with Zechs slash, Akatsuki didn't move a muscle, he didn't even bat an eyelash.

-- But this wasn't from an absolute confidence he could react in time.

Of course, this was also not a situation in which he was convinced Zechs would stop his sword either.

"What...... the......"

Zechs mumbled as he groaned, then he turned his right wrist sideways smashing the sword hilt into Akatsuki's head. Straightway he collapsed over -- the split second he hit the ground his body broke apart into countless fragments.

It was an earth puppet. Unlike ordinary Golems, its makeup was fundamentally different as it focused on toughness.

The elaborate puppet's color and texture were flawless, it look no different from Akatsuki himself.

...... What the hell, since when?

Zeks Doltrake now believed since the beginning of the fight, from the moment the two forces crossed swords it was just a puppet standing there. Then that means -- Akatsuki didn't intend to fight from the start? No, there was no way he would have run away.

"That bastard......!"

Zechs looked back at the battlefield behind him.

There was no doubt, at this very moment -- Akatsuki was ​​somewhere on the battlefield.

### 074. Part 9

"The massacring of Demon tribes...... was the first step in the plot to assassinate Sherfied's royal family."

Loutier had her eyes cast-down, slowly revealing the past truth.

"On the one hand Leon was able to release some of his inner hatred -- on the other he was able to provoke Garlious."

It went all according to plan. Furious over the slayings, Galious personally invaded the Imperial City of Erudia to kill Leon. However, he could of never imagined that his vengeance was lending a hand to Leon's conspiracy.

And -- that day five years ago the royal family, with the exception of Listy, were all killed.

In all appearance it was raid by the Demons, but actuality it was very different.

Leon orchestrated so that the assassin guild would kill the royal family.

-- How would things advance from that?

If the people of Sherfied lost all of their royalty overnight. Who would they turn to rely on first?

The answer was obvious, the Hero.

After the King was lost, Listy's fiancee Leon would be able to become the Hero of tragedy. In his hands would be a justifiable reason to eradicate all of the Demons.

Still even the assassination guild flinched when it received a request to annihilate the royal family. However their leader was willing to bet big that Leon would be the next King. Afterwards they would be granted free rein from Leon. So -- the assassination guild stained their hands with the blood of the royal family.

"Akatsuki having learnt the truth .... slipped out of Erudia Castle amidst the confusion caused by the attack by the Demon King's army to find Leon. Akatsuki just so happened to arrive when Leon was holding hostage a Demon child facing off against Galious, ordering him to throw down his weapons."

"......Ah, my God."

Loutier heard Kuzuha gasp.

But Loutier thought the real tragedy was about to start.

So she slowly revealed the truth of the past,

"However, things didn't go as Leon planed. He didn't calculate that Akatsuki would pursue him outside of the city's walls. Not only that, but that Listy would chase after Akatsuki."

For that reason only, Listy was able to escape from the evil hands of the assassination guild.

However, Leon received a report through communication magic that Listy's assassination had failed. He once again ordered the assassination guild to chase after her and finish the job. And until he got the report from the assassination of Listy, Leon was going to hold the Demon child hostage forcing Galious not to move.

"I see...... that way he could shift the blame for deaths of the royal family to the Demon King."

Loutier nodded "Yes" to confirm Kaidou's speculation.

"Just as the assassination guild caught up to Listy, and was waiting on Leon's instructions when......"

Loutier took a breath.

"-- Akatsuki picked a sword off the ground, and rushed towards Leon."

The result of Akatsuki stopping Leon's rampage was also him killing his best friend. After learning of Leon's death the assassination guild immediately fled. While Galious took the Demon child and left. After some time, Listy had come running to the scene of the tragedy.

Then afterwards, Listy and the others were forced to abandon the capital, fleeing to Aleclasta. Galious then showed himself at the ruins of Erudia Castle to announce to the world that the royal family had been killed, and the sole survivor Listy was exiled to another country. And from then on Erudia -- was officially part of Demon territory.

"Wait...... how did that come about!?"

Chikage couldn't help but insert her question,

"What he said didn't make it clear that Sherfied's Royal family wasn't killed by the Demon King's hands...... Why did Miu's father take the blame for Leon?"

"As to Galious real motive...... we have no idea."

Loutier shook her head,

"Maybe it was to show off his power to the other countries, or maybe......"

As she said so, Loutier stared at one of girls.

"You know the reason -- Myuu-dono."

### 075. Part 9

After being knocked out by the hilt of Leon's sword, with great difficulty she managed to regain consciousness when--

As soon as Ousawa Miu identified where she was, her breath was immediately taken away.

And before her eyes stood an unimaginable person.

She was locked inside an isolation cell, both her hands were stretched out and chained to the wall as if she was a criminal about to be executed.

The women in front of her reached out her hand to touch Miu's cheek to confirm if she was awake.

"Ara...... looks like your waking up."

The woman said with an ice-cold smile.

"How can you be in...... here......"

Miu was at a loss, as she tried to ask her question. Standing there was Aleclasta's number 2.

The young Archbishop of the Church of Richard -- Miranda Quenty.

What was this all about? Hasn't Aleclasta always adopted a neutral stance towards the war?

And yet Miranda was clearly standing there. Does that mean they are no longer remaining neutral?

...... This can't be because I got caught......?

Just thinking that sent chills down her spine. Akatsuki had sustained serious injuries, and she was taken hostage trying to buy some more time for him. In Aleclasta eyes the situation looked like it has shifted in Disdiya's favor, so they had no other option but to renounce their neutrality and join Disdiya's side. If that was the case, then Miu's action set in motion the downfall of Galivain. However -- it was at that time,

"Miranda-dono this should of been satisfactory to confirm the authenticity of the hostages, I presume."

A voice suddenly came from the other side of the iron bar window. On closer look it was from a Disdiya soldier, presumably was there to keep watch or something. There were two guards each standing on one side of the door to cell carrying weapons. One of them looked somewhat impatient,

"Were you able to believe it now? We have arrested Galious's daughter."

"Ah well, that is her. It was well worth the effort in convincing Your Majesty Baram."

Miranda said, and stepped away from Miu,

"Because of Forestnium's powerful barrier I initially struggled to believe that suddenly the Demon King's daughter was apprehend while the barrier was still in place. But...... it appears the news was true."

Miranda made a small laugh as she said,

"I wonder...... What kind of hand did Your Majesty Baram play?"

"That...... is not a question we know how to answer. If you want to know you will have to ask someone higher up, I'm sorry.-- Regardless, with this the war will end with our complete victory." (tl note - means they don't know anything, so ask someone who would)

Said a Disdiya soldier.

"From now on -- what does Aleclasta intend to do?"

"Well now, I wonder...... that's not a question I can answer."

Miranda while deepening the smile, she used their own words against them,

"If you want to know. I'm sorry your going to have to ask someone higher up."

"......!"

The only person above Miranda was Pope Volk. For a mere foot soldiers of Disdiya how could they ever consult with him face to face. Knowing they were being made fun of the soldiers depressingly sank into silence.

Over hearing their conversation Miu couldn't help thinking: they were already discussing how to handle things after the war.

Disdiya had disregarded the peace negotiations, and took it upon themselves to start the war. Aleclasta maintaining their neutral stance had always been troubling for them. The Church of Richard has a huge influence over their country, and depending on how Aleclasta acts the future of Disdiya could be greatly affected. Even the soldiers on the ground, who don't understand diplomatic struggle between the leaders of the two countries, could feel the uneasiness.

Miranda began to leisurely walk out of the dungeon cell as if laughing at the impatience of the two soldiers.

Then she stopped at the doorway to look back at Miu and softly spoke,

"It is disappointing...... that the future you wanted cannot be realized."

"............"

Miu bowed her head in silence, Miranda looked at her reaction and also kept silent. Then Miranda continued towards the exit without waiting for an answer.

"...... It's not over yet......"

No one heard her voice as Miu softly whispered.

It was still too early to give up. After all there was still -- Akatsuki.

However the tears running down her cheeks spoke otherwise.

She had become a hostage and could be killed at any time.

The future that herself and Akatsuki believed in had been rejected by Miranda.

And the cruel reality was Akatsuki wasn't there to wipe away her tears yet.

Her tears contain all sorts of feelings jumbled up -- but she remained resolute in her faith.

At that moment -- everything began to change.

-- And at present.

Miu had fallen into Disdiya's trap and taken hostage.

After hearing the news Listy sprang into action.

In addition, the last side was keeping ominously silent with some sort of sinister design.

Still, this war was beginning to move to a conclusion.

At that time......

A youth slowly opened his eyes.

"...... You were crying."

The youth muttered while staring at the ceiling. He seemed to have a dream, but couldn't remember what it was about. But the youth was sure of one thing -- somewhere there was girl he knew very well who was crying.

He couldn't let that girl continue to cry, so the youth raised himself up off the bed. The left side of chest felt a little itchy, then he noticed the piercing wound had already healed. It was impossible for Renkan keikikou to completely erase the wound. It must of been the work of recovery magic. Therefore, Ousawa Akatsuki floated a fearless smile, he seemed to understand what happened while he was comatose.

So he announced –-

"Well -- It's about time for me to make my move."

### 076. Part 9

Listy El Da Sherfied eyes slightly widened.

She just played her final trump card, and yet Baram composure wasn't disturbed one bit.

"It's a fairly perfect plan...... but that's only if you can capture me."

That wasn't a foregone conclusion.

"No matter how fast you can chant your magic, it's not faster than my sword."

Baram referred to the sword at his waist.

In the current situation rather than Listy -- he had the upper hand.

But......

"-- If its just that, there's no need to worry."

And Listy went on to explain,

"The magic chant was already completed before I walked into this castle. I have canceled the magic circle so there is no need to say anything."

Listy hadn't neglected to come prepared. The situation was developing as she predicted. Her magic was in a stand by state in case something unexpected happened so she could activate it at any time.

"Your Majesty is the emperor of the military nation of Disdiya and your skill with the sword is outstanding. Although I heard that...... Do you want to give it a try? Which is really faster my magic or your sword."

After she said that, the atmosphere in the room became still as death.

-- And the next second.

Emperor Baram grabbed the handle of his sword at the exact same time Listy activated her magic.

Listy created a lightning strike in the system of wind magic, as long as it hit Baram, his whole body would be paralyzed -- But,

"--!? Kyaa ~aa ~aaa!"

Her magic was invoke momentary, but it was Listy who the fell to ground screaming.

Listy awkwardly rolled to the side to conceal the horror in her heart.

...... Could it be...... an anti-magic barrier......?

The possibility of defense measures in the Emperor's office came as no surprise to Listy. She even considered a sudden surprise attack. So she had set up an invisible barrier of her own protecting her. Of course, she took into account the possibility of an anti-magic barrier. However, the moment she passed through the barrier to enter the office her barrier and lightning magic should have been canceled out by Baram's anti-magic barrier. Precisely because that was not the case, she felt secure she could use magic.

"...... Your too imprudent."

And then Baram drew the sword out from his waist,

"The anti-magic barrier in this room will only respond to attack magic, and reflects it back to the caster. Anyone -- foolish enough to try and harm the Emperor will be easily caught."

"Gah......!"

It was a disastrous miscalculation. Listy was struggling to get back up, when Baram came over to kick her from the side. A powerful force hit her body, however there was no pain. When the lightning strike backfired her senses were temporarily paralyzed.

Baram trampled down on Listy's chest as she laid face up on the floor.

"If you were smart you would of used a magic with a wide range that would of take out yourself and me at the same time. Perhaps then there was a chance of success... ... Even if you talk big, in fact you don't have the resolution to die with me."

"...... Ugh......uh!"

Although physically she felt no pain, after having her lungs compressed it made it difficult to breathe.

Baram looked down at Listy's face distorting in pain.

With an underhand grip on his sword Emperor Baram exposed a cruel smile and,

"Now then -- since you are no longer the Queen, just a traitor. I can kill you without any problems."

### 077. Part 9

"Right on cue ......"

In Akatsuki's world there was a person who exposed the same smile as Miranda.

It was JPN Babel's high school student council president -- Hikami Kyouya, and the person in charge of Japan from COCOON.

The whole picture of Alayzard was in his hands.

It was certain with this. Miu was a special existence.

Although currently things were in unstable state, the incident with Zahark proved everything.

Miu demonstrated the power of an ultra dimensional being when she tried to help Akatsuki.

From then after Akatsuki received divine protection and the benefits of her power.

...... Maybe Akatsuki really can oppose this world......

"Unfortunately, you don't deserve to possess this power."

Since the key to activating Miu's power lies in Akatsuki -- everything will be alright, because there was nothing easier than exploiting a person's feelings.

Kyouya thought the goddess of fate was finally willing to stand at his side.

"This is not good...... my heart is beating too fast."

It was spring break for JPN Babel, and no one else was in the student council room as Kyouya was muttering to himself.

He was telling himself to calm down.

This was a golden opportunity he absolutely couldn't mess up.

Now was the time to start the preparations. It was necessary to first acquire everything needed for the plan.

COCOON was bound by the "Y plan," Crimson Twilight was erratic, and Akatsuki was in the dark.

I will transcend all of them.

At that moment -- I will have harnessed Miu's power, and ascended to a height that no man can reach. To the domain where only an existence known as a "God" can reach.

"Ousawa-kun, I bet you want to immediately...... settle things with your brother and father."

He disdainfully thought of the stepping stone in his way of becoming a God. Then Hikami Kyouya laughed,

"But before that, I ask you to dance with me. Our bet will be this world -- as well as her fate."

### 078. Prologue - Everyone's Goal we Hope

### Part 1

Blowing sand and dust was flying outside the window.

The sand obscured the view, which signified the start of the storm.

The strong winds rattled the window, yet inside the room there wasn't the slightest amount of noise.

Disdiya's Imperial palace stood in the heart of a desert. The palace's main body was specially designed to not be affected by sandstorms. Without the slightest gap between the external and internal walls of the city, even the faintest noise from the outside was almost completely cut off.

As a result, anyone in the Imperial palace couldn't hear the roaring in the village.

"- Father, what is meaning of this!"

Disdiya's IV Prince Alphonse was enraged.

Right now he was in the Emperor's throne room. Alphonse was questioning the person sitting on the throne.

Baram Dy Alon Disdiya

But ......

"............."

Baram not only remained silent, but he didn't even look at Alphonse.

So Alphonse spoke again with a clear tone expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Why ... ... Why would you ignore the resolution, and aim to attack the Wandering forest!”

After the fight between Akatsuki, Listy and the others ended, Alphonse was dispatched to investigate the nation's border. En route he learned about Galevain formally declaring war on Disdiya.

The cause of the declaration of war was Disdiya's unauthorized invasion of the Wandering forest, a clear a hostile action.

After receiving the report, Alphonse almost suspected it was false. Sherfied held a meeting with the four-nations, although it wasn't an official conference it at least was an international meeting involving the leaders of the four countries.

The meeting concluded with an agreement between the leaders of the four countries -- Its binding nature was on an international level.

Furthermore, Akatsuki had demonstrated his strength and received international public opinion support.

In accordance with the conference agreement, Alayzard would re-investigate the attack against the surveillance force by Galevain, expanding the investigation in order to uncover the actual facts and make them ​​public. However, Disdiya disregarded the agreement made by the four countries, and at this point in time was on track to attack the demons. This undoubtedly will attract criticism from international public opinion, and bring about domestic people's doubts and worry. Although the majority of people hate or even fear Demons they still hoped a devastating war between the two could be avoided.

The biggest problem, however lied in the fact that they were launching an attack on the eve of the re-investigation into the events which Galevain was initially blamed for.

Attacking at this sensitive point in time will inevitably lead the people to think Disdiya was trying to destroy evidence, and the attack against surveillance force by Galevain was actually Disdiya's doing.

However Alphonse did not believe that, he believed Disdiya was innocent.

The results his investigations along the border seemed to indicate his opinion was correct.

However...... who issued the investigation order......

Alphonse silently gazed at his father, Baram.

He wanted Baram to personally confirm it.

"A few people...... believe that the attack on the surveillance forces was in fact carried out by our country's military -– In order to stimulate the weapons and ammunition trade by directing this farce."

Alphonse tone was full of doubt, and he hoped his father will deny it.

"Father ...... the attack on the surveillance forces wasn't done by your orders, right?"

"...... No."

Baram shook his head, meaning that he had nothing to do with it.

However this wasn't the answer Alphonse wanted. Baram's eyes were still staring at the void, trying his best to avoid making eye contact with Alphonse. Such a perfunctory reply didn't satisfy Alphonse, instead made him doubt Baram in his heart.

"Why must we invade the Wandering forest!? Sherfied and Aleclasta and our country have a military alliance, so long as our country sends a request both countries will not sit by and do nothing. However, if this aggressive action was initiated by our country alone, our country would shoulder the responsibility of the war alone. Not to mention the agreement was made by the four countries, Galevain along with the human world -- In other words, Alayzard's peace agreement will be torn up with any military action, and will force our country to face condemnation from around the world. Your Father should understand that!"

Compared to the very impassioned Alphonse, Baram's response was very cold.

"..... The world's condemnation."

Until now, Baram looked straight ahead, but now he took a look at Alphonse.

"-- It seems you don't know anything."

"Of course I know very well. Father's decision was a big mistake!"

After a bitter retort, Alphonse turned around at once, and was about to leave the throne room.

Then Baram's voice came from behind.

"Where are you going?"

"Sherfied. I can order our military to cease their fire, but this may not be enough to appease Galevain and Akatsuki-dono. Queen Listy can stop Akatsuki-dono because of their personal friendship. There is no other person who can avert this war."

"So ...... seems there is no other choice."

Baram's voice trailed off, the doors to the throne room were abruptly opened.

Several soldiers filed in from the door.

They were the Royal Knights -- Baram's personal guards.

Alphonse found himself immediately surrounded.

"...... Father, what does this mean?"

"It means what you think it means."

Baram said,

"This is the point of no return, your actions will only prevent our country and our people from justice. From now on, you are no longer the director state affairs for Disdiya. I must detain you until I remove the order."

"Nonsense ...... Isn't the fall of countries because of unrighteousness men, right Father?"

Alphonse tried to approach Baram, but unfortunately he could not do so.

A Royal knight stood in the middle of the two, the rest of the knights have stepped forward to subdue Alphonse. Baram, gazed quietly at the scene, and coldly ordered:

"Away."

"This is wrong ...... Father, please reconsider!"

Several Knight's were dragging Alphonse out of the throne room, Alphonse still wouldn't not give up as he turned around -–

And shouted towards the doors that were slowly closing:

"You can turn back now. It's not too late ...... I beg you, Father!"

However, Alphonse's cries of grief did not reach Baram's ears.

After a loud noise, the thick doors closed completely.

### Part 2

"It's not too late ......?"

After the throne room calmed down, Baram had muttered.

At the same time, in his heart he thought over Alphonse's advice.

However, Baram still believed he made the right decision.

"It was too late now..... and there was no turning back."

After a short pause --

"Whether it is for ourselves...... or for all of Alayzard."

### Part 3

A strong shock-wave swept across the battlefield.

Total annihilation, an unrivaled shock-wave emanated from Akatsuki's Demon Sword.

He focused on a full critical attack, the shock-wave radiated out in every direction leveling Disdiya's vanguard army situated above the surrounding plains of the "Wandering forest".

Despite the devastation, the Disdiya army wasn't thinking about withdrawal.

"Do not be afraid! Swordsman squadron 2, attack! Tank unit, launch --!"

At the forefront of the division a young commander gave the orders, and then suddenly bursts of gunshots rang out on the battlefield.

Disdiya's prided tank unit, which looked like armored beasts, one after another issued a terrifying ROAR.

But --

"This is just child's play against me!"

Facing the high-speed artillery shells, Akatsuki screamed.

Akatsuki could have sidestepped or used his demon sword to cut the shells in half, that much wasn't a problem for him.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki actually abandoned those options.

His Ki passed through his feet, and building up "Renkan Keikikou" he spun his sword at a high-speed circular orbit striking the shells, redirecting them back into the sky. The shells then rained down right in front of the swordsman squadron intending to join in on the assault. The bursting shells caused the earth to shake, and sent sand flying up to the sky obscuring the battlefield.

But Disdiya's soldiers break through the smoke and dust, and bravely continued the assault.

But --

"No, he disappeared? How is it possible!"

"He didn't escape, right?"

Disdiya's soldiers fell into confusion.

Akatsuki sat and waited, as he overlook the soldiers.

"Do I look like a coward who would run away to you?"

"Th-there above us!"

One of the soldiers noticed Akatsuki, but unfortunately he was a step too late.

Jumping in the air Akatsuki easily crossed over the front line, approaching the commander.

Seeing this, the members of long bow squadron immediately lifted their bows. While the swordsman squadron predicted the trajectory of Akatsuki's descent, and readied their attack the moment he landed.

However, Akatsuki was unperturbed. He stretched out his left hand and aimed at the feet of soldiers. Then suddenly a huge ball of light came out from Akatsuki's left hand -- he utilized "Renkan Keikikou" to refined the "Ki" within his body with the surrounding atmosphere to create an "energy bomb". BANG! It was aimed well below Akatsuki's position, and the power indirectly hit dozens of soldiers within Disdiya army, suddenly sending them flying.

Allowing Akatsuki to cleanly descend to the now unoccupied ground.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki didn't land, but rose slightly.

"Urrrrroooooooooohhhhhhh!"

Using the momentum from the fall he stabbed the black into the ground.

The 's blade was already filled with Akatsuki's "Ki".

The moment the sword stuck the earth a shock wave engulfed the whole area, as if a large explosion occurred.

After a short while the impulsion calm down, and the sand cloud gradually cleared up to reveal --

Only a single person standing in the heart of the explosion, unfazed by the impact.

It was just him alone Ousawa Akatsuki.

"H...how is this possible ......?"

After witnessing Akatsuki's astonishing power, the dazed young commander almost couldn't believe his own eyes.

When the explosion occurred he immediately created a wall with earth magic, barely escaping.

Although he escape from any physical injury, mentally he suffered a heavy blow. He commanded more than 10,000 soldiers and all were defeated as if a mountain collapsed on them. Even the bombardment of the Tank Squadron was unable to defeat Akatsuki. It was certainly understandable for him to be terrified to his core.

"Why...... How can one man have this much power. This is......"

"-- Why you say?"

The commander muttered to himself. Akatsuki glared at him from the corner of his eye, and clenched his teeth and shouted loudly:

"Don't you even realize at this point -- It's over for you!"

Akatsuki dashed out.

Surrounded by an innumerable amount of soldiers, the commander was panicking and struggling to keep it together.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help but recall of a time when he was trying to attain a higher level of strength, and when he asked the same question about power before to someone.

It was about five years ago, around the time when he was first summoned to Alayzard.

He was being protect by Sherfied, and living in Erdia castle as a guest.

After receiving swordsmanship training in the palace courtyard. Akatsuki asked a similar question to Sherfied's -- No, Alayzard's proud "Hero."

Leon · Esuperio.

### Part 4

"-- Why am I so strong?"

Esuperio Rushao Leon asked, Akatsuki just nods as to say "Uh huh."

Compared to the out of breath Akatsuki, Leon's composed appearance highlighted even more the power gap between the two.

"You seem to be stronger now then you were before, right?"

"Umm, I guess..... but I really didn't think too much about it."

Leon smiled awkwardly, but Akatsuki was unlikely to give up that easy.

"Then think about it now -- Why are you so strong?"

For about a month now, Akatsuki had been receiving sword training from Leon and Zechs.

After one month of rigorous training he finally managed to grasp the basics of swordsmanship, but it was clear to Akatsuki that even if he continued to train it will be impossible for his sword skills to attain equal footing with Leon and Zechs. General sword training will only increase your general strength. It was insufficient to proceed towards the strongest realm.

In fact, Ousawa Akatsuki's idea was not to become the strongest swordsman, he only wanted obtain enough power to stop his father and brother. The fact was Akatsuki's father and brother were two of the most powerful people in his world.

So ...... I must surpass the realm of the strongest ......

Akatsuki's expression was serious, Leon suddenly somewhat understood.

"Maybe it is..... anger and despair.....?"

While hanging his head Leon muttered, his easy-going face was covered with a layer of haze.

"My father and sister died at the hands of Demons ... ... You might have known that, right?"

"Umm, that was also the reason that you, a commoner, aspired to become a knight."

Leon performed very well on the battlefield and acquired countless achievements, thus obtaining the title of a "knight". Leon's strength was unquestionable, and in Sherfied and throughout Alayzard he was accepted by all the people as a Hero. Everybody thinks that he was the only candidate able to defeat Demon King Galious.

"Is that all... ...? That was the reason you are so strong?"

Leon's answer was apparently not enough to convince Akatsuki.

The pain of losing a loved one really might be able to be converted into a powerful motive to improve oneself, but that did not mean you would be able to ascend to the realm of the strongest. This was Akatsuki's own personal experience, he had suffered even more pain.

Leon wasn't the only one who experienced the loss of a loved one..... Akatsuki lost his little sister. In Alayzard there wasn't a lack of residents who lost one of their friends or a family member, and didn't feel the same pain and grief.

That being the case, then what was the difference between Leon and other people?

"...... The weight must be different..... right?"

Due to Leon's unusually calm tone, Akatsuki couldn't help but look up.

Only to see Leon with a wry smile, as if he saw through Akatsuki's inner doubts.

"If my strength really surpasses others, that must mean my inner pain and grief is greater than others ..... the difference then is home."

Leon's answer left Akatsuki speechless and also surprised. There weren't any rebuttal expressions in the world, whatsoever. This was made painfully clear as he hid behind a wry smile.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking: If that was the case, then what you say to yourself must also drive you to grow stronger as fast as possible.

Otherwise, if Akatsuki's determination was inferior to his father or brother's, that would lead to Akatsuki's strength being much lower than the two of theirs. On the other hand, Akatsuki didn't think that desperation alone was sufficient.

..... Not only do you have ability, you have the faith not to back down.

-- Am I right?

Enough desperation that made it hard to breathe and could overwhelm a person's heart -- Akatsuki had similar experiences.

And their was another. His beloved wife was a demon who died by human hands, which in turn angered him enough to abandon the human race and become a Demon King. Perhaps his heart was the same, also dominated by despair and sadness.

"I say ...... Leon, Eh!"

Akatsuki stared directly at the Hero, as he slowly started to talk,

"Peace between humans and demons..... is it really that far fetched of a dream?"

In order to stop an unreasonable opponent by force your power must be greater than theirs to compel them.

Thus the present Akatsuki was unable to stop his father or brother.

However Leon was different, in that his strength wasn't less than the Demon King's.

The war between humans and Demons was virtually the same, except for minor racial difference.

Leon was the hope of mankind, Galious was the King of the Demons, those two were the same in that they each lost a loved one. If those two leaders could find a way to compromise, then perhaps they can succeed in stopping this senseless war.

However, Leon slowly shook his head.

"Unlikely, after all the two sides have shed too much blood. And if ...... I let off the murderer who killed my father and sister, I certainly can not forgive myself."

The reason is very simple.

"I've already been to both of their graves, as well as in front of mother, and pledged that I would defeat the Demons."

"But they are also desperate and just trying to survive. If it is as you say, and desire gives birth to strength, then isn't this war just two sides of a desperate race? Really is there no other solution?"

Leon showed a faint smile, his expression is very calm.

"Akatsuki, you really are kind, it's no wonder the princess has a crush on you."

Akatsuki hearing those words couldn't help but awkwardly scratch the back of his head.

"The princess is good to me, but it's only because I come from a different world, and that is relatively rare that's all."

"No such thing, you have a particular charm about you that wins the favor of others. Zechs and Loutier became good friends with you so quickly, and you even became popular with the maids in the city."

"It happened, right? It seems that I am actually hated by Listy...... "

"Can it be that you're thinking too much of it?"

"Otherwise, why didn't anyone believe me? I still got into so much trouble."

Akatsuki looked helplessly.

"I obviously apologized for that so many times."

"Haha..... her first impression of you really was the worst."

Leon laughed.

"Who told you that she was in the bath when I suddenly dropped from the sky?"

"The summoning time and place is not up to me, yet I got blamed."

Akatsuki answered roughly.

"One second I was just about to lie down on my bed, and the next I suddenly appeared in a different world in a huge luxurious bathroom with my whole body pressing down on top of the Princess's body ... ... You absolutely are incapable of understanding how I felt."

The biggest problem was that both of us were without a stitch of clothing, which further increased our embarrassment. Akatsuki completely didn't know how to explain the awkward situation. As a result he was considered a suspicious person, so Listy loudly screamed and sent several magic attacks his way as he tried to escape in a panic. However when the maids heard the commotion they came running and Valkyria abruptly hit him on the head, knocking him out cold on the spot. Once he opened his eyes again, he was surprised to find himself actually imprisoned in a dark Dungeon for not just one day but two. Finally, it was found out that this was a big misunderstanding, clearing Akatsuki of any wrongdoing.

"Listy by nature is conservative and usually changes clothes alone with no maids present in order to not show off her bare body..... so her fright at that time, of course, is predictable."

Leon smiled and continued.

"She's never been seen naked before by a man, and that was probably the first time she ever saw a naked man too."

"Therefore I apologized to her."

"Actually I don't blame you. After all the summoning of a person from a different world is the desire of the world, and isn't something that can be controlled."

Just as Leon finished, the clock tower bell rang out.

"-- Oh, Akatsuki, I have to go."

"Ah ...... you have to go help your mother open shop?"

Leon's mother Selina managed the "Wildcat Pavilion" restaurant in town. Even though he was a "Hero" now, Leon was still set on going to the restaurant to lend a hand.

"Can't do anything about it, because it's only me..... and mom left."

Everyone in the city knows Leon valueed his time with his mother Selina above all else. Therefore no one bothered Leon while he enjoyed his mother and son time.

Naturally Akatsuki was the same, so he quietly watched as Leon left.

Then Leon abruptly stopped and looked back at Akatsuki.

It seemed that he suddenly remembered something.

"Don't worry too much Akatsuki. Even without the gift of magic like Zechs, you can become an excellent swordsman, and you will get stronger than you are now."

"How can you be so sure?"

Akatsuki frowned skeptically at Leon's argument, but Leon understood and smiled.

"Certainly, because you are actually somewhat similar to me."

### Part 5

-- Ousawa Akatsuki's consciousness returned to the present.

The battlefield was riddled with smoke, not a trace of the enemy troops remained.

Akatsuki alone repelled Disdiya's tens of thousands of troops.

If he immediately chased after them he could completely wipe out the enemy, however Akatsuki didn't intended on do that.

He decided to let the surviving soldiers take their wounded comrades, and clear out.

"Well... ... It's about time to return."

Akatsuki put the on his shoulder. Miu and the others were in Forestnium waiting for Akatsuki to return. Although they come to trust in Akatsuki's strength, however because the delay they will undoubtedly be a little worried.

Thus Ousawa Akatsuki turned around to take measure of the battlefield and the path that lay before him.

"............"

The impact of the battle turned the wilderness into a mess. Debris littered the ground with broken swords, armor, big iron tanks, and blood was smeared on Disdiya's flag.

The present scene was a relating of what had previously occurred here, an earthshaking war.

This war was provoked by none other than himself, however Ousawa Akatsuki had no regrets. The moment the four-party talks ended, and everyone returned to Forestnium no other options existed. No matter what Miu, Chikage, Kuzuha even Haruka and Kaidou supported Akatsuki's decision. Therefore Akatsuki became the newly-appointed Demon King, and officially declared war against Disdiya.

"..... True peace."

Akatsuki muttered.

Before now, he had no idea how many people attempted to bring true peace to Alayzard, fought blood-soaked battles, but no one had succeeded in achieving that dream. Those people also included the Hero Leon and the Demon King Galious.

The "Rogue Hero" Akatsuki and Listy fought bravely, but in the end it was still a failure.

However Ousawa Akatsuki decided he will never abandon his oath, and pledged to overcome that cruel fate.

Therefore, he cannot be defeated at any cost, because if history proved anything.

-- Even if the Demon King was defeated afterwards was still the same, peace may not arrive in this world.

Since ancient times stories have been handed down, foretelling of the Demon King's death as the symbol that marks the end of suffering and the arrival of happiness.

People around the world would rejoiced at the upcoming peace with smiles on their faces.

However that big happy ending was actually camera selectivity, actuality was built on the premise above.

While the ending credits of that movie rolls of the screen, the leading male and female are smiling and holding up their hands together, gazing at the sky --

However for leading actor and actress in the real world, the fact was when the flames of war ceased there were a thousands and one things to do in the extremely broken world left behind.

The satire was everyone deliberately ignored the facts before their eyes, and became intoxicated with the idea that defeating the Demon King meant victory.

Joyful tears would blurred out their field of vision, brushing aside this frame from the movie to never be seen.

Consequently Akatsuki gazed at the scene before him.

Images from video games didn't do justice to the real situation.

Ousawa Akatsuki's present picture will be firmly engraved in his heart.

After overthrowing the Demon King, mankind will only get a false HAPPY END.

I cannot give up here.

Because for me -- there are still many things left to do.

### 079. Chapter 1 - Within the Unavoidable Fate

### Part 1

The forest seemed to be crying.

There was no wind, but yet the leaves still swayed as if in sorrow.

Hearing a far off commotion Akatsuki promptly returned to Forestnium.

What received Akatsuki was an eerie silence, as if Disdia’s attack had never happened. Then within the demon race, it was not calm, the air was filled with a tight atmosphere, representing that this tiny village had already become prepared for war.

"......."

Just as he passed the entrance into the village Akatsuki was stopped suddenly by two familiar faces.

Izumi Chikage and Nanase Haruka -- They were responsible for protecting their companions.

“——Akatsuki, you’ve returned.”

Chikage, who took the lead to speak, had a very calm tone. Akatsuki nodded in response and said,

“I forced the incoming soldiers to retreat. There should be no immediate threats..... How are things on your side?”

"We haven't even spotted so much as an enemy shadow, but we're still on high alert."

Chikage casually shrugged, on the other hand, Haruka lowered her head to look at her feet.

“The Concept Magic Barrier has been thoroughly reinforced, the enemy should not be able to easily enter.”

The three of them suddenly became speechless.

The reason why Akatsuki declared war on Disdia was because he suspected the movement of the armor knights, because he suspected they were dispatched by Disdia to attack Forestnium.

With the presence of Kaidou and the other members of Akatsuki's group from the other world, they were able to keep the damage done substantially lower than if the villagers had been without their presence. Which was an accomplishment in of it's own. But in their eyes it had not been enough. They had not done enough. And that was why so many lay injured while only seeking shelter from the battle, just like young Riruru.

Urumu was the leader of the village, who had unfortunately lost his life in the enemy’s attack. He died at the hands of the golden knight, who was by far and wide the most powerful of all the 20 or so invaders.

As the village leader Urumu was the one to maintain the barrier of Forestnium. Who knows how the enemy found out this information, but it was apparent that the golden knight came charging for Urumu.

Although meeting a strong enemy, due to Urumu’s sacrifice, among this attack, he was the only one that died. Urumu had set a magic within his body, the magic’s activation condition was his own death.

The moment Urumu died at the hands of the enemy, the magic within his body instantly activated, and transferred the invaders to outside of the village, at the same time, it enhanced the Concept Magic Barrier, to completely prevent foreign enemies from entering. Since the golden knight and the other Disdia soldiers were all sent to a distant location, it ended that day’s tragedy.

Half a day later, Akatsuki and the others returned from Sherfield.

“Time really flies, 20 days had already passed instantly.”

This also represents that Akatsuki, under Miu’s support, had become the demon race’s representative, it had already been 10 days since he had formally declared war on Disdia. These 10 days, Akatsuki had only constantly repelled the invading army of Disdia and did not attack Disdia’s territory. There was obviously a reason for him to utilize such passive tactics.

To blindly defeat Baram while angered; it will not achieve the outcome that Akatsuki desired.

……However, it was almost time.

These 10 days, Disdia had launched a total of 4 attacks, and each time, it was repelled by Akatsuki. As the amount of failures increased, the number of people trying to invade also gradually increased, today, they had even sent an army with tens of thousands of people. Just by looking at the situation, the next attack could possibly evolve into a large-scale conflict.

Presumably they next time the troops are sent out, it was the decisive moment using all their strength.

“——Is there any news that came from Melissa?”

Akatsuki suddenly mentioned the leader of the brothel guild. Before formally declaring the war, Akatsuki had privately asked “her” to find out information about various countries if it was possible, and regularly compile a written report once it was complete.

“There is.” Haruka nodded, and replied to Akatsuki’s inquiry.

“After this military action failed, Disdia had already officially requested help, they wanted Sherfield and Aleclasta, based on their military alliance, to send troops to battle, but since Sherfield and Disdia both had their surveillance forces attacked, it is difficult for them to refuse Disdia’s request.”

“Stalling until now before they were forced into joining the war, the fellow is already amazing.”

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes, and tried to figure out Listy’s situation.

While before, during the four countries’ meeting period had reached the conclusion of a duel, Listy was already in a dilemma.

So Akatsuki, after a fierce battle, had voluntarily resigned, and used a deep kiss to end the duel, and had also allowed Listy to save some face. However, Baram overthrew the decision of the four country’s talks, and decided to launch attacks by himself, which had suddenly caused all the hard work Akatsuki had done go down the drain.

Thus, Akatsuki had no other choice, and could only go down the remaining path in front of his eyes. Galevain was a demon race’s country, if he had seeked help from Listy, it would undoubtedly trap Sherfield for injustice; However, if the situation had turned into a war between Galevain and Disdia, due to the constraints of the military alliance, Sherfield will have to send troops as support, at that time, Akatsuki and Listy will be forced to fight each other on the battle field.

So if we had to express Galevain’s stance, currently it was a pressing matter.

Galevain’s only enemy is Disdia, and there was no intention to turn the other 2 countries into enemies ——Under these circumstances, it was likely that the immediate situation will become a joint force of Disdia and Sherfield together resisting Galevain, it was important to indicate this stance. If they do not make any representations, and fought Sherfield and Disdia without care, the meaning of this entire body was completely off. Whether was it for Listy or for Sherfield, this option will cause the least harm to them.

Thus Akatsuki inquired Haruka about this key information.

“Meaning that Meliisa had already understood the inside of “that matter”?”

“Yes, almost all of it.”

Haruka answered.

“Disdia’s fourth prince Alphonse, due to taking an opposed stance to this attack, had been arrested. He should currently be under house arrest.”

“I see, then there is nothing to worry about.”

Alphonse, who was a military-level that specialized in strategy, was already gone, the chances of Galevain winning the war naturally increased dramatically.

Aside from winning the victory in front of their eyes, it also includes diplomatic conciliation after the war.

Thus, Ousawa Akatsuki formally issued commands to Chikage and Haruka.

“Based on the information provided by Melissa, the next battle would probably the main forces from both sides, at that time, I hope that you two will also participate.”

“No problem, I have already been prepared.”

Chikage nodded, her attitude was very firm.

The two of them had already overcome the unstable state caused by the dimensional transfer, and successfully linked back the consciousness channel for magic. In short, Chikage and Haruka had already recovered their original fighting strength.

“I don’t have any opinion.”

Haruka continued to speak.

“Ignoring the result of the duel that was decided in the meeting between the four countries, Disdia’s attack should be punished.”

“I’m grateful. However, I would still like to remind the two of you, don’t try to force yourself.”

Akatsuki’s tone was very serious. Chikage and Haruka nodded, and their eyes revealed a firm gaze.

Looks like the two of them know the seriousness of the situation, there should not let their emotions affect them.

“How is the other people’s situation?”

“Miu is currently speaking with the young people inside the village.”

Haruka answered.

“They still refuse to admit that you are the demon race’s representative, Miu is currently trying to promote you, hoping that they will reconsider.”

That can’t be helped.

“After all, the moment the peace agreement had collapsed, you were no longer an agent for the demon race. And now you suddenly claim that you are the demon race’s representative, it's no wonder that there will be rejections from numerous demons… Even if this was Miu’s decision, the situation is still the same.”

“I see……But that matter, only that fellow can manage and deal with it.”

Akatsuki replied.

The youths of the demon race do not trust Akatsuki, just because Akatsuki is a human.

If Akatsuki had directly conversed with the youths of the demon race, there will be a larger rejection effect.

Thus, this situation can only be given to Miu to manage.

“As for Kaidou, he seemed to be happily taking care of the children inside the village.”

Haruka continued to speak:

“Many children are very close to him, with his care, it had undoubtedly helped many mothers inside the village a big favor. And since there is still fear within everybody’s hearts about the attack before, Kaidou Motoharu’s liveliness will undoubtedly help a lot to lead the children out of this fear.”

“Is it……Can’t believe there is a situation that he would also be useful.”

“Yes, I was also taken aback.”

“The two of you really have cruel mouths.”

Listening to the comments of Akatsuki and Haruka to Kaidou, Chikage could not help but show a wry smile.

“……As for class rep……”

Chikage lowered the volume, with an hesitant expression.

“She is still waiting at the side of Riruru, and whatever we say, she is still refusing to leave.”

### Part 2

The huge room was not empty, yet it was still enveloped in a breathtaking silence.

Being surrounded by the heavy atmosphere was Sherfield Kingdom’s Queen Listy’s office.

The magnificent office desk was positioned next to the window side.

Listy was sitting on the chair and carefully read the letter that was sent by Disdia.

On the other side of the desk, two loyal comrades that have fought together with her through life and death, Zechs Doltrake and Loutier Trum, who surpassed the relationship of Queen and Vassal, was standing there.

Until after Listy had finished reading the letter, then Loutier broke the silence.

“Listy……What did Emperor Baram say?”

“Almost the same as what I imagined. Based on the agreement of the Military Alliance, please send troops as soon as possible, and fight together with Disdia against Galevain……”

“About the actions of Disdia’s forces invading the forest, how did Baram explain?”

Zechs interfered. The most difficult situation currently was that Disdia had ignored the conclusion decided in the four country’s meeting, and sent out troops to attack Galevain. In the past, Sherfield had repeatedly refused the demands of fighting together with Disdia, all in order to clarify the true intent of Baram.

Thus, Listy read out the contents of the letter that Disdia replied with:

“——This time, the conflict that erupted between the demon race, the reason was because the surveillance forces had mistakenly entered the village of the demon race, as a result, they were under attack by the demon race, and was helplessly forced into taking actions to fight back.”

Listy read up to her, then angrily turned the letter into a paper ball.

“This battle that was suddenly started had cause damage to both sides, at the same time, it led to Galevain declaring war, I, as a representative of Disdia, can only express by regret……!”

Then, she threw the letter with Baram’s signature aside.

“That muscle-idiot, actually wanted to rationalize this act of aggression?”

Zechs’s surprise further aroused the flame of anger inside Listy.

“Outrageous……It is too much!”

“Since things have developed to this point, aside from rationalizing Disdia’s actions, Emperor Baram had no other path to take.

Loutier concluded.

“Denying the legitimacy of Akatsuki declaring war, would be the only reasonable excuse for Disdia to take military action, at the same time, it can create an image of them being the victim to win the world’s sympathy.”

“Furthermore, they could accuse Sherfield and Aleclesta, who have the an alliance relationship, by saying that the two countries are reluctant to send troops to assistance Disdia on preventing the invasion, whether such acts are contrary to their morals……!”

Listy bit her lip angrily.

For the people who knew the truth, Baram’s excuse was just simply nonsense.

But this was also common sense. In the political arena, the truth was often covered by what was called common sense.

During the four countries’ talks, Akatsuki, who forcibly pushed for the peace agreement, was the best example.

Aleclesta, who believed in the Erdia Church, had always believed peace was the most important, it was naturally understandable for them to take a stance of not wanting to be involved in the war; However, Sherfield and Disdia’s surveillance forces were both victims of the attack, their positional was naturally different than Aleclesta. Since war had already broken out for ten days, but Sherfield had not sent any troops to participate in the war, the conservatives inside the country had been issuing screams of injustice. Sherfield’s democrats had already stepped on tract and the Queen’s authority was greatly reduced, if Listy continued to maintain the stance of waiting, it was possible that before the monarchy system was abolished, Sherfield would have already been split into two countries.

……If Akatsuki had asked us for help……

The conclusion of the four countries’ talks had an international binding power. As long as Galevain had gone through formal diplomatic channels to charge Disdia their attack actions, perhaps Sherfield would be able to help.

Of course, Listy understood the reason why Akatsuki did not do so. In case Galevain seeked assistance from Sherfield, then it will undoubtedly pull Sherfield into the firing line, right where Baram wanted it to be. Thus, Akatsuki could only declare himself as the Demon King and singly declare war on Disdia. This was not only just to defend Galevain, but at the same time, to protect Sherfield.

Thus, Listy had made up her mind, saying that they must repay Akatsuki’s kindness.

“Zechs, is the investigation report from Ayersmarina out yet?”

The efforts that Akatsuki had made in the meeting had caused the three countries to agree on reinvestigating the attacks towards the surveillance forces. In the end, Disdia invaded and Galevain formally declared war, causing the action of investigating the truth to be temporarily stalled.

However, Listy had gone through private relationships to request Ayersmarina’s professionals to reinvestigate the truth. As long as the covered truth was revealed, perhaps they will be able to break through the deadlock in front of their eyes.

Compared to Listy’s expectations, Zechs could only let out a helpless sigh.

“Yes, it indeed came out……However, it is simply a progress report.”

After a short pause——

“Based on the current investigation results, the murderer was indeed the demon race, there is no room for doubt.”

“Nnnn……”

Listy gave a downcast glance, and it was hard to conceal her inner disappointment. However, Zechs added another sentence:

“However, the investigation officer also expressed that the entire affair was overly perfect, and that revealed a bit of unnaturalness.”

“……What does that mean?”

“Within the world, there is no situation that is perfect, more or less, there will be flaws.”

Loutier replied.

“But this affair was quite perfect, it was perfect to an incredible extent, and there was not the slightest flaws.”

It was apparent that it was a deliberate camouflage.

“If we had found out about this in our first investigation……”

Loutier bowed her head down and stared at the ground, and had an guilty expression.

However, Listy shook her head.

“Saying this right now will not help the situation. Under this kind of situation, anyone will also believe that it was the act of the demon race. At that time, we could not stand on the side of Galevain, and the so called camouflage is also only a hypothesis, and it is not an actual evidence, right?”

“Yes, right now, there is no evidence of the murderer pretending to be the demon race and attacking the surveillance forces……”

Zechs interjected.

“If both sides had not declared war yet, the current findings will also help Akatsuki to turn over the tables. But since the situation have developed this far, I’m afraid that……”

“……”

Listy bit her lips resentfully.

She wanted to help Akatsuki, but she did not know where to start.

It was unlikely for Akatsuki, who was requesting for peace, to rush into war without a plan.

The current situation, must be within Akatsuki’s calculations.

Listy El Da Sherfield frowned and tried hard to think.

In the letter, Disdia had requested Sherfield to participate in the attack the following day. Considering the time to prepare the forces and the time to move, at the very latest, they would have to reply in the evening.

However, this was not yet the time to give up. As long as there was still some time, they must continue to think and try to find the answer.

Think quickly.

Think about what in the war, has Akatsuki seen?

### Part 3

The current scene was filled with a faint light.

It was more gentle and brighter than the sun’s rays, it was the inner qigong that was generated from Renkan Keikikou.

Akatsuki was currently activating the true ki inside his body to increase the healing abilities. The target was the dark elf race girl that was lying on a bed unconscious, which is also Riruru who was injured heavily during the attack of Disdia.

Most of the injuries from the wounded people were fractures or scratches that came from falls when they were fleeing, only Riruru’s body had no obvious outer wounds. After her head received a terrible blow, Riruru has still yet to regain her consciousness.

Truthfully, if it was just based on the effects, then recovery magic would still be the best.

However, because of recovery magic’s special properties, only a few people can use this type of magic, and unluckily within Galevain’s residents, there were no recovery magic users, Chikage, Kuzuha and his other companions also do not have this ability, so they could only rely on Akatsuki to use inner qigong to treat the injured.

“……”

“Absolute focus brings absolute silence.” Akatsuki stretched out his hand and placed it on top of Riruru’s petite forehead, and send the healing true ki into her body. After some time, Riruru’s pale face gradually restored some color.

“……Right now I can only do this much.”

Akatsuki took back his hand from Riruru’s forehead. The unconscious Riruru had already not been eating for several days, her bodily strength was greatly reduced, and she must accept inner qigong treatment every day.

“——Is it over?”

A calm inquiry came from behind. Akatsuki replied and slowly turned around.

Beside Riruru’s bed, sat a girl with petite figure and had her arms around her knees.

It was Doumoto Kuzuha.

“Izumi was worried about you. If this continues on, it is possible that even you would not last.”

Akatsuki slowly walked over and sat down beside Kuzuha.

“I’ve heard that you do not have much of an appetite these days, you do not even have a good rest at night right?”

“……”

Kuzuha did not reply Akatsuki’s question

She was only staring silently at the unconscious Riruru.

Looking at Kuzuha’s expression on her face, Akatsuki could not help but have personal feelings. Although Kuzuha’s age was still small, she was still a returnee that was once summoned to an alternative world, even if she was not accustomed to others dying, but she should still have some degree of immunity. If he did not remember incorrectly, Kuzuha had been involved in a war between humans at a Alternative World called Kristya, and the result was that she failed to protect the people that she wanted to protect —— No matter how many times you experience it, this heartbreaking pain was still unbearable. Although the two of them had not met for long, but to Kuzuha, Riruru was absolutely a target that she wanted to protect.

“……Sorry, causing everybody to worry about me. However, I just cannot let this go……”

Kuzuha clenched her fists, her voice was very dry.

“If only I was a little stronger, then perhaps I could have protected Riruru……This thought has been lingering around……”

“I can understand how you feel, but you do not have to feel such remorse.”

Akatsuki slightly deepened his tone.

“……You do not understand.”

Kuzuha muttered.

“There is no need to feel remorse due to your own powerlessness? Although it seems thoughtful, but deep down it was a very cruel way to say it. These arrogant lines, only the truly strong people are able to say it. Most people would always just regret about their own , to strong people like you that would win regardless of strong enemies or difficulties, how would you understand the weak’s ——“

Once she had said half, Kuzuha immediately noticed that she was wrong.

She raised her head and looked at Akatsuki with frightened eyes, pale faces and her voice was even trembling slightly.

“Sorry……I actually placed all my anger on you……What am I doing……”

“Don’t mind it, it’s okay……I understand.”

Akatsuki revealed a calm smile, and gentled hugged Kuzuha’s shoulders.

Kuzuha was still apologizing to Akatsuki constantly.

Until the very moment, Kuzuha finally remembered that Akatsuki really did understand her feelings right now.

——The past Akatsuki also cursed his own incompetence and powerlessness, and in the end, he finally became the strong person right now.

“Besides, the enemy that attacked Urumu and Riruru has strength that was comparable to mine right? If you really have the power to defeat him, then you would not be staying here.”

Akatsuki gave off a wry smile. He stared at Kuzuha who raised her head to look at him.

If Kuzuha really had this power, she would have long been incorporated into the A-class in JPN Babel, and even became a member of the Student Council, at that time, she would naturally have a distinctly different encounter with the B-class Akatsuki and Miu, the possibility of them becoming friends will not be too high.

“It is because you are the current class rep, so that’s why you would know us. And you’ve already tried your best, if you ask for too much, it is equal to deny our encounter and our current relationship.”

Don’t be mistaken.

“The reason why Riruru was injured was not because of your own power. If you were not there, Riruru would probably already be killed, and the other children will also probably not be able to escape.”

Listen up.

“Who says that you cannot protect anyone? You not only protected Riruru, but also protect the other children.”

“……!”

Akatsuki’s consolation suddenly made Kuzuha break into tears.

The petite body did not hesitate to throw herself into Akatsuki’s arms.

Akatsuki gently stroked the weak and slender back of Kuzuha, and with a gentle tone.

“It had been hard for you, feel free to cry. Let me take on the burden of your pain and sorrow.”

There was nothing to worry about.

“This time, it’s my turn. Before you saved Riruru, now it’s my turn to save her. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely wake up her consciousness, and give you back a Riruru that is alive and kicking.

“……Y…You really mean it……?”

Kuzuha, who was upholding tears, raised her head. Akatsuki firmly nodded.

“Of course that is true. However, right now I require your strength, class rep. Are you willing to fight side by side with me once again?”

Kuzuha thought for a moment, and immediately, she calmly and resolutely nodded.

Akatsuki tried to wipe of Kuzuha’s tears, and said out an oath that came from within his heart.

“Class rep……The person that made you cry was me, and the fellow who was wearing the Disdia armor. Don’t worry, I will take responsibility of you till the very end, at the same time, I will make sure that guy is responsible as well.”

### Part 4

Sherfield Kingdom’s Great General Zechs Doltrake.

He, who is commanding the country’s army and the militia, had outstanding sword techniques, and was known as the .

When he came out of Listy’s office, it was already sunset.

After leaving Listy’s office, Zechs immediately headed towards the military meeting room for the forces of the country. After reaching his destination, he pushed open the heavy stone doors and went into the military meeting room. Under the rays of the sunset, the person that was waiting for Zechs in the military meeting room was a knight in his prime age with a burly body. Grant Bangert. Among the 5 lieutenants, he was the one that was trusted by Zechs the most.

“……Looks like they have a conclusion.” When Zechs entered through the door, Grant immediately stood up from his chair.

Seeing Zechs nod, he casually replied back.

There was no need for Zechs to explain, Grant was already understood.

“Is this battle still unavoidable?”

“Listy does not want to send the troops, but……”

Zechs said:

“But time is running out, and it beyond the control for Listy to say no. She probably already guessed the purpose of Akatsuki, but after all that, it is only a speculation. In the end, we will only be able to ask why on the battlefield.”

This was the decision that Listy had made after all that pondering. However, she did not intend to have a direct conflict against Akatsuki, sending out troops is only simply for support. Akatsuki, representing Galevain, had sent out a declaration of war towards Disdia, meaning that this war was directed at Disdia, Galevain had no reason to view Sherfield as an enemy —— This was already greatly accommodating for Sherfield.

That being the case, Sherfield definitely cannot fail to live up to Akatsuki’s plans.

“The forces will be launching at sunrise tomorrow, please inform the others for me.”

“Understood……This time, will Queen Listy also follow the army’s expedition?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Just as a precaution, she would also bring Lulu with her.”

“I see……It must be hard for her Majesty.”

Grant quietly lowered his eyelids. The incident about the surveillance forces being attacked had forced Sherfield to send out troops, Grant could understand the inner struggle within Listy.

……Not to mention, the enemy this time is Akatsuki again……

The duel before had already caused much struggle for Listy, since they will meet Akatsuki in the battlefield, the inner troubles within Listy was easy to imagine. Of course, Zechs and Loutier’s mood weren’t exceptionally good as well.

But as long as they send troops to participate in the battle, it is equal to have fulfilled the obligation of military allies, even if it was only rear support. Also, participating in the battle wasn’t without any benefits, after all, if the situation deteriorates, only the forces on the battlefield would be able to prevent the tragedy.

Disdia certainly did not have any wish to prevent the tragedy, and also did not have any expectations from Aleclasta.

Therefore, this work will naturally fall onto Sherfield.

……If there was really anything just in case……

Zechs secretly thought. Truthfully, he had a plan to avoid Akatsuki and Sherfield to be forced into a lose-lose situation, but he did not mention this plan in front of Listy.

And Zechs was quite sure, at that time, Disdia will absolutely have no objections. However, this plan could be only used on the battlefield, thus Zechs Doltrakes formally issued these orders:

“Relay it over. If we really meet on the battlefield, I will be the one to deal with Akatsuki.”

### Part 5

In the ancient forest city, Forestnium, Galevain’s resident’s refuge.

Directly in the center stood a Sacred Tree that was a few hundred meters tall. As the symbol of Forestnium, the Sacred Tree’s trunk was divided into several floors, each floors has its own stairs, becoming a large living space.

Under the pitch-black color of the night, Ousawa Miu’s figure appeared at the top floor of the Sacred Tree.

Miu’s goal was to shower. The tangled roots of the Sacred Tree was spread throughout a wide area, aside for the underground water, there was even a natural hot spring that seep through the tree trunk through a pipe and was pushed upwards. Thus, at the very end of the pipe, which is also the top floor, the villagers used the Sacred Tree’s naturally formed holes to create a hot spring.

However, Miu was not at ease while bathing.

Just when Miu was about to push open the door to the hot spring, someone called her name from behind.

Currently —— she was even surrounded by several people.

The other party was numerous youths that lived in Forestnium, but Miu did not feel any fear, her face did not reveal any suspicious look either, after all, in the past few days, similar situations have occurred several times.

10 days ago, Miu made a decision ——The youths in front of her was currently protesting against Miu’s decision and had gathered here.

“Myuu-sama, this is no small matter —— please reconsider it!”

The other party’s tone carried dissatisfaction and disapproval entered Ousawa Miu’s ears, who had her back facing the door towards the hot spring.

“Declaring war to Disdia is taken for granted, after all, they killed off Elder Urumu, Galevain’s soldiers will not forgive this despicable act. But——Why do you recognize that person as our representative?”

“I have already clearly explained it. After Urumu’s unfortunate death, everybody wished for me to make a decision for Galevain’s fate, and this is the conclusion that I came up with…… after discussing it with that person.”

Miu’s attitude was extremely calm, but her answer caused discontent among the youths.

“We indeed requested Myuu-sama to decide Galevain’s fate, but Myuu’s sama’s decision was completely unexpected!”

“At first, pushing him to be the representative of Galevain was simply for a peace agreement. Since the peace agreement ended in failure, his mission is already over.”

The youth’s appeal entered her ears, Miu could not help but have feelings about it. These youths was caught up in loss and was anxious about the future of Galevain.

During the period of the peace agreement negotiations, Forestnium was suddenly attacked and the responsibility clearly lies on the other side. However, Disdia is a militant country, the residents in Forestnium simply could not compete with the powerful military strength the other side has. Thus, the request from the youths was clearly self-contradictory.

“However, without that person’s help, this battle ——we have no chance of winning.”

You should all understand this point, Miu suddenly paused for a moment.

“At present, the enemy still have not found the method to enter Forestnium; however, the enhanced barrier, that came in exchange of Urumu’s life, is not permanent. When the barrier effect disappears ——do you think just us alone can defend Forestnium?”

Miu’s words were justified, the youths at the scene all froze for a moment, but they quickly recovered and continued their aggressive tone as before.

“At that time, it should be fine if we can just invite that person to fight together with us.”

“That’s correct. He is an integral part of our combat power, but there is no need for him to become our leader.”

It was a rather selfish way of saying it, they just wanted to use Akatsuki’s power. However, Miu did not blame them, because they did not know where they were wrong. Inside the hearts of these youths, it was strongly dominated by anxiety, and they had long lost the ability to determine what was right and what was wrong.

Because of this, they hope that Miu would become the spiritual pillar for everyone. The Demon King Galious had used his overwhelming power to rival the humans. As the daughter of Galious, Miu undoubtedly was the only hope for lighting up their will to fight inside the residents, who were in the brink of despair. Ousawa Miu thought, if she was to become the new leader of Galevain, the ouths in front of her would definitely become warriors in the front lines.

……But.

Once they enter the battlefield, what was waiting for them eventually was the fate of death. This was not the outcome everybody would like to see. Thus, when her father was still alive, he had clearly expressed that he will be the last Demon King, and at the same time, he entrusted the safety of Miu, happiness of the demon race and their future to Akatsuki.

For both sides, Miu’s existence would only cause Alayzard to be caught up in a never-ending war and deaths. After understanding Galious’s intentions, Akatsuki decided to bring Miu with him back to his own world. Even if Miu’s identity was to cause a huge uproar, but since Alayzard would not easily let Miu go, Akatsuki still did not regret his decision at that time. He even returned to Alayzard again in order to stand up for Miu and Galevain.

However, the youths in front of her do not appreciate it and even question the actions of Akatsuki.

“Why are you not willing to accept that person? Is it because he was the Hero that defeated my father?”

“That is also one of the reasons, but the matter isn’t that simple.”

“He is a human, and not one of the residents of Galevain.”

“In the time of crisis, how can we allow him to become the leader of the demon race?”

Facing the barrages of accusations, Miu let out a rebuttal that made everyone speechless.

“If that’s the case—— then why were you all willing to allow father to become the king?”

That shouldn’t have forgotten about it, right?

“Father was also a human…… just like him.”

Miu’s words were all true, everybody suddenly quieted down.

At this moment.

“Myuu-sama, what we are concerned about is not his race.”

The youths surrounding Miu automatically headed left and right and allowed a path. One young man slowly walked forward, the other people all had trust and expectations towards him.

“Kurt……”

After the young man had walked up in front of her, Miu silently called out his name. This tall and slender dark elf was the grandson of Urumu. You could only see Kurt look at Miu who was in front of him.

“We simply only wanted revenge, towards the people who murdered my grandfather……to have a fight to death with the murderer who killed the village elder. But he forbids us to fight the enemy on the battlefield.”

Kurt slowly said out everybody’s feelings.

“We also have the right to fight on the battlefield, but as a result, that right was deprived from us. The future of Galevain that we placed into Myuu’s hands had simply become his reason and excuse. Myuu believes that he is the new representative of Galevain, thus, he believes that he has earned all the support from the citizens of Galevain. Thus, he ignores our opinion to fight and fights alone in the battlefield with the enemy.”

This was the point that Kurt and the other youths were not able to accept.

“……The elder died in the hands of the enemy, we also do not have the right to head to the battlefield……How should we vent for the wronged heroic soul of my grandfather and our inner anger?”

“……”

Myuu quietly listened to Kurt’s request, she also understood the inner anger within Kurt’s heart. Even if she was to speak, she could not allow them to join the battle, or the efforts they did up till now will all vanish into thin air.

“Please believe that person, believe in the one that me and my father both trusted. He must have his own concerns for not letting you all into the battlefield.”

Miu’s explanation was immediately caused a refute by the youths.

“Trust? How can a person, who does not put our views and thoughts into the matter, earn our trust?”

“And he does not plan on attacking Disdia, he might have planned on never to start a war in the very beginning. Does he want to quell everybody’s anger by just simply casually fighting a few battles?”

Kurt’s words immediately won everybody’s agreement.

“He is an outsider, he has no qualifications to lead us. This is our battle and is not something we can leave it to others!”

Akatsuki is not to be trusted, this was the consensus of the youths at the scene.

“I see……”

Miu muttered and looked down to the ground.

“——It seems that I have no choice but to tell the truth.”

After raising her head, Miu used her sharp eyes to stare at everybody.

Awed by the prowess of Miu, the youths at the scene were all afraid of speaking up, but Miu could only apologize to Akatsuki in her heart.

……Sorry. I know that this is a secret that can not be told to the public, but……

However, Miu could not longer hold it in and decided to say the secret in her heart.

“Why did that person officially declare war on Disdia? Yes, it is to persuade all of you, who are seeking a battle! Based on the situation at that time, it would inevitably lead to a devastating war unilaterally. And reporting the atrocities of Disdia, utilizing the international media to force both sides to achieve a peace agreement will not happen because you all will not be able to accept it. After all, for the current you, Disdia’s actions is inexcusable.”

Akatsuki did not deliberately ignore Kurt’s and the other’s feelings. In fact, it was the exact opposite. It was because he is able to understand their feelings so he had used his official declaration as a well to express their anger.

“However, Disdia’s interior will also remain the same. If Disdia really wishes to accept the peace agreement, then they would not have attacked Forestnium during the meeting. In order words, if we had continued to stick with the peace agreement route, both sides will only achieve peace on the surface, but in truth, the current situation will be no different than right now.”

But——

“Even so, that person is still reluctant to give up easily. Even though he knew that the current situation was extremely dangerous, that person still believed that true peace will come to this world. This is the reason why he is reluctant to hurt the enemy. Although Galevain is the side that officially declared war, but as long as it follows the policy of not hurting the enemy, the other side will eventually notice that Galevain did not have the goal of wiping out Disdida when it waged the war.”

After continuing to weaken the enemy’s troops and causing the enemy to gradually end up at a disadvantage, stopping the war will naturally appear in the mind of the other side. And because Disdia is not the country that declared war, it will not take the initiative to propose a truce. After all to Disdia, stopping the war is the equivalent of losing, it will be undoubtedly the same as if it had declared that it had lost to the world.

However, if Galevain was the one that proposed to stop, Disdia will consider it. At that time, Akatsuki’s policy of not killing will play a large and key role. Even if Disdia persistently refuse to compromise, you could still use diplomatic means to persuade Sherfield and Aleclasta to come forward. At that time, due to the situation of their alliance, Disdia will not be able to just say out their own opinion. This way the two countries will come forward to talk and at the same time, Disdia will be able to keep their pride.

But doing so is not without any risk.

Thus, Akatsuki had left a path to retreat.

“Why do you think that person is willing to become the Demon King?”

Miu revealed a tearful expression and said out Ousawa Akatsuki’s consideration.

“If the situation does not develop as what was expected, that person intends to bear all the responsibility. <After the peace agreement was destroyed, the enraged Rogue Hero, with his powerful strength, threatened the peaceful demon race to push him into becoming the new Demon King. At the same time, without the agreement of the people in the race, he had declared war to Disdia>. Do you understand it now? If I……The Demon King Galious’s daughter stood up as the representative of Galevain, it will undoubtedly become the excuse that Disdia use to destroy Galevain. In order to prevent this tragedy from occurring, that person had positioned the war as his own independent judgment and is unrelated to Galevain.

Also, there was actually another purpose of Akatsuki to become the Demon King.

Once the two sides had entered a state of war, the previous Demon King’s daughter, in other words Miu, would become the number one enemy target. Phil Barnett or Zahhark’s assassination was the best evidence.

So Akatsuki could only claim the title of the Demon King, in order to attract the enemy’s attention and also become the top target the enemy wishes to get rid of.

In addition——

“Is it really true that not attacking Disdia means that he does not wish to fight this war?”

That was false.

“That person only does not wish for the tragedy of Urumu to be staged again, so he insisted on staying at Forestnium. No matter what actions the enemy takes, he would be able to react immediately.”

Kurt and the others was extremely unhappy based on the attitude of Akatsuki trying to reduce the military actions.

This was all because Akatsuki had made the decision to care about the safety concerns of the villagers.

“As for the purpose not to allow us to participate in the war……”

Facing the surprised Kurt, Myuu attempted to suppress her own emotions.

“If you were to appear onto the battlefield, won’t the idea about saying that you were threatened will instantly be destroyed?”

Perhaps they could claim that they were afraid of Akatsuki to the outside, thus Galevain’s citizens could not participate in the battle: However, once they become the captives of Disdia, the other party could use torture, drugs or even magic to understand the truth of the situation. At that time, all their efforts will be wasted.

Thus Akatsuki made a decision.

“Not only all of you, that person will not even let me go onto the battlefield.”

Miu recalled the expression that Akatsuki had at that time, and could not hold back her tears.

She cried. Even though Akatsuki was all doing this for the sake of Miu and these youths——

“ ……Did you know? That person actually apologized to me!”

Miu’s cries echoed through the huge space.

After learning the truth, the reactions of all the youths were all the same.

They could only stand still and could not say a single word.

They could only see the emotional outburst of Miu as her chest dramatically moved up and down, and as she let out the sounds for shortness of breath.

After a brief silence.

“Why……Why does he not tell us?”

Kurt looked at the ground and murmured to himself.

Miu breathed in and slowly said:

“Because this secret must not be revealed to the others, otherwise true peace will never come. This is the reason why that person does not tell everybody the truth. He can only keep the secret and allow the secret to become a secret forever……”

However, Kurt’s misunderstanding of Akatsuki was too biased, thus Miu could not help it.

However, Miu does not regret her decision. After all, inside Kurt and the other youths’ eyes, she could no longer she the suspicion and distrust towards Miu and Akatsuki.

“I will say it once again——Please believe him, believe in the one that me and my father both trusted. “

Kurt and the other youths did not responded to the request of Miu, but they all silently nodded.

“Thank you……”

Miu’s face emerged a hint of a smile.

She could finally manage to show a slight smile.

After wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes, Ousawa Miu had felt many emotions.

Father, herself and Akatsuki. Urumu, and the inhabitants of Forestnium.

After a long period of time, everybody’s ideas and thoughts were finally one.

### Part 6

After knowing Akatsuki’s intentions, Kurt and the other youths returned to the residential area located at the middle floors.

After watching the crowd leave, Miu was finally able to enter the bath. However, only to see her subconsciously sigh as she walked into the changing room and pulled the doorknob.

“……No, no.”

Noticing that she had almost relaxed her guard, Miu hurriedly shook her head. Galevain and Disdia was currently in a state of war, she must maintain a high degree of vigilance, any negligence could possibly lead to irreversible consequences.

……I must pull myself together……

Although it was voluntary, but after becoming the new Demon King, Akatsuki had arranged all the small and large battles by himself. As the former Demon King’s daughter, Miu also wanted to help make a contribution to everyone, that is to become the pillar inside the minds of the Forestnium residents. Thus, facing the hot-blooded youths like Kurt, Miu had to firmly continue the stance of trusting Akatsuki; in front of the other residents that were afraid of the battle, Miu had to keep smiling and give them confidence and courage. This was Miu’s duty, and also the only thing she could do.

“Yes……”

Miu nodded, and once again regained her mentality. Then she began to remove her clothing.

The bath was made using the Sacred Tree’s trunks, the surrounding furnishings were also made of wood. Just when Miu was prepared to place her clothes into the naturally formed cabinet by the trunk, the corner of her eyes suddenly noticed an unusual object.

Inside the neatly organized cabinet, one of the cabinet had clothes placed in it, representing that someone had already entered the bath. Miu was slightly surprised, aside from her, she could not think of anyone else in the village that would visit the Sacred Tree’s bath in the middle of the night.

Who is it? Just when her heart apologized, Miu stretched out her hand to take out the clothing from inside the cabinet.

“Huh……Isn’t this……”

Miu could not help but widen her eyes. The clothes inside the cabinet was an replicate of the black battle costume that the ancient Demon King wore. Within Alayzard, there is also only one person who would wear this type of outfit.

Miu look at the door leading to the bath, thinking that the youth on the other side of the door —— Akatsuki.

“……If it’s for a bit, then it’s fine.”

After Miu muttered an excuse for herself, she tightly hugged the black battle clothes in her arms. As she closed her eyes, her naked skin felt the warmth that Akatsuki had left on the clothing. Ousawa Miu firmly believes that this must be the remains of the “Heat” from the battle Akatsuki had during the day.

“Ah……”

Thinking up to here, Miu suddenly felt that her heart was beating rapidly, and it was gradually beating faster.

……What should I do……Even though I know I shouldn’t……But……

Miu’s gaze stared directly at the door leading to the bath.

——Ever since Akatsuki had become the new representative for Galevain, 10 days had already passed since he had officially declared war towards Disdia. During this period of time, Miu and Akatsuki had never been together to the extent that they did not even have the chance to talk.

No matter what, they had to worry about the other people’s feelings. After all, not every Forestnium residents gladly accepted the fact about Akatsuki being the demon race representative, Kurt was the best example. In case the side that opposes it sees Miu walk closely together with Akatsuki, it might create a stimulus to them, causing a misunderstanding even to Miu, and believing that Miu and Akatsuki had a secret between them that they could not share with anyone else. Once those people believe that Miu’s judgment was based on her own emotions, it would bound to cause them to be dissatisfied and unease.

Currently, Galevain is facing the strongest country in Alayzard, everybody must be united, and it cannot be divided.

Thus, Miu could only keep a distance from Akatsuki if it was possible.

But……

……If it was right now……

The next battle will probably be the battle between the main forces. Akatsuki and his comrades will be facing the most dangerous situation.

Greeting Akatsuki and wishing him a safe return, shouldn’t be too overboard, right.

Thus, Miu placed Akatsuki’s battle costume back into the cabinet and slowly stretched out her right hand.

The exit of the bath was right in front of her eyes, but Miu did not plan to leave, and instead gently lifted the lock towards the exit. Ka-cha, the door to the bath was locked by Miu.

The space inside the bath was completely isolated, Miu and Akatsuki was inside a secret room alone.

“……!”

Miu swallowed her saliva, then picked up her towel and wrapped it around her body and stretched out her right hand towards the entrance of the bath.

Here is a space that was as wide as a cave.

From the ceiling to the floor, even the surrounding walls were formed by the huge tree trunk.

Standing on the wooden floor with bare feet was extremely comfortable, Miu passed through the white water vapor and headed slowly to the depths of the bath. After some time, the sound of flowing water entered her ears. Following the duct pipe that extends from the Sacred Tree, it draws out the natural hot spring water from underground, forming a large steaming hot bath on the uppermost area of the Sacred Tree.

A young youth was currently immersed inside the naturally formed bath.

His elbow rested on the side of the bath. The person that was leisurely enjoying the natural hot spring was the completely naked Akatsuki.

Miu suddenly stopped her footsteps and Akatsuki slowly turned around, as if he had long been aware of the existence of Miu.

“Hi……How is it? What are you standing there?

Akatsuki’s tone was extremely calm, as if Miu’s appearance was natural.

“This isn’t when you should say “How is it”……You can’t be pretending to be a fool, right?”

Miu sighed. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and she unconsciously pressed the towel onto her body.

“This is… the woman’s bath.”

That’s right. This is a woman’s bath, the bath on top of the Sacred Tree is not a mixed bath. The male’s bath was located on the other side of the Sacred Tree, it was separated by the woman’s tree by the tree trunk.

But she only saw Akatsuki smile.

“You’re really stupid……What’s the point of bathing in the male’s bath?”

“The purpose of taking a bath is naturally relaxing yourself, but a male bathing in the woman’s bath is a serious violation of the rules.”

After a short pause, Miu spoke again:

“If Kurt and the others discovered it, it wouldn’t be just scolding a few times and it’ll be okay.”

“If I was sneaking around and peeking, then that’s fine. But I am taking a bath without hiding anything. What is there to be angry?”

And, Akatsuki continued to speak:

“If I chose the male bath, I will bound to encounter a lot of people who dislike me. Especially since the final battle is approaching, it is best not to intentionally stimulate those people, right? So I took advantage of the midnight time, where no one will be here, and ran off to the woman’s bath to shower.”

“How can you just make your own decision……”

“Sorry, this isn’t my own decision. In fact, I had already obtained the approval of all the females in the village through Izumi.”

“What? Really?”

Miu was surprised, she had never heard of it. Could it be that Chikage forgot to tell her? No, the cautious Chikage will naturally not make such a mistake.

……It must have been purpose, really now Chikage.

Chikage must have known that Miu had not being alone together with Akatsuki for a while. If they were to talk while avoiding other people’s eyes and ears, the female bath was the most suitable place.

Thus, Miu felt somewhat thankful to Chikage’s intimate arrangement. However, she would still have to complain to Chikage the next time she saw her.

“When you were looking at the Black battle outfit in the cabinet, you should have already guessed that I was inside bathing, right?”

“Nnnnn……That’s……”

Miu was speechless, but Akatsuki just smiled.

“That’s right. Okay, quickly enter now, be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Yes……”

In fact, Miu only wanted to bless Akatsuki for a safe return, aside from that, she had no other intentions. Only that Akatsuki’s attitude was overly open, as if he did not care about breaking into the woman’s bath, Miu suddenly did not know how to say it.

Miu could only stiffly nod and sat on the edge of the bath. She then picked up a wooden barrel, fetched some water and poured it over her entire body from her shoulders. Then, she slowly entered the bath.

“Hey hey hey, who would enter the bath with a towel?”

Akatsuki suddenly stretched out his hand and stripped off Miu’s towel that was around her body.

“UWAHHHHHH——!”

Miu turned pale and hurriedly sunk into the water, her two hands unconsciously covered the private parts around her chest and legs.

“You, what are you doing!”

“You can’t enter the bath with a towel. It can’t be that you do not know even the basic courtesies to a public bath?”

“Nnnn”

After being scolded by Akatsuki, Miu, who felt unwilling, revealed grudging eyes.

……You do not know how much courage I mustered in order to overcome my inner shame to come here……!

Miu, who was completely red, bit tightly on her lower lip, Akatsuki could not help but reveal a wry smile.

“I won’t eat people, why did you hide so far away? Even though you knew I was in the bath, but you still came in, you must have been looking for me, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct, but……”

“Then come over.”

Before she finished speaking, Akatsuki caught Miu’s wrist.

“No, don’t be like this……I will be completely seen!”

“Okay, okay, it’s fine if I don’t look.”

Miu was forcibly pulled by Akatsuki and completely could not resist. Only seeing Miu spin half a circle by Akatsuki and letting her had her back towards Akatsuki as she sat between Akatsuki’s legs.

“Ah……”

“It’s okay if it’s like this, right? This way I can barely see anything.”

“Yes……It’s okay……”

Akatsuki’s voice came from behind and entered her ears, Miu embarrassedly nodded. This was like the principle of how a lamp could shine faraway, but not nearby. If Miu had her back facing Akatsuki, her inner embarrassment also naturally decreased.

And……

……This kind of thing……looks like a couple……

Suddenly, an inexplicable shyness appeared. Only seeing Miu bow down her head, her expression revealing a tiny bit of shyness and coyness.

“So……What were you finding me for?”

“Ah……This……”

She had nearly forgot that she had specially came to thank Akatsuki for everything he did and wish for him to have a safe return.

And the sudden situation was completely out of Miu’s expectations.

……Ah……My boobs are actually floating in the water……!

Her voluptuous boobs were floating in the bath. For Miu, this was a common situation. The problem is that Akatsuki’s action of forcibly pulling Miu next to him had caused many ripples. Under the ripples, her left and right boobs were swaying at irregular angles.

The boobs that were swaying left and right had created an erotic image, as if she was seducing Akatsuki.

“……Ah? What is it?”

“N…Nothing……!”

Miu hurriedly shook her head and as a result, created larger ripples.

Right now was not the time to wish for Akatsuki’s safe return.

……What should I do……If he sees this……

At the beginning of when they were bathing together, Akatsuki’s reckless actions had already shocked Miu. Under this situation where she constantly stimulated , it was undoubtedly courting her own destruction. Thus Miu shrank her back and tried to cover her boobs by hiding it under the water.

“……Right, there was something I was curious about.”

Akatsuki suddenly spoke.

“You are a mixed between a dark elf and a human?”

“T…That’s right. My mother was a dark elf……so I am considered half-elf.”

Miu replied in an embarrassed manner.

“However, you appearance looks exactly like a human, there is no traces of the elf’s special characteristics of pointed ears.”

Akatsuki looked at Miu.

“Galious also said that you looked similar to him……But shouldn’t an average half elf generally favor the elf-race’s lineage?”

“Actually when I was small, I looked more like a elf race child.”

Miu mentioned her own childhood.

“When I was small, I looked like the current Riruru.”

Miu had inherited the dark elf’s special characteristics of dark colored skin and a pair of pointed ears from her mother. But perhaps Miu was a special half-elf, as her age increased, her father’s lineage gradually became more clear and overshadowed her mother’s lineage.

“It was probably during the 4 or 5 years at puberty. My body gradually grew and my appearance became more and more like a human.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Am I strange?”

“Not at all. You are you, there is nothing strange at all. Isn’t it?”

“……Yes.”

Akatsuki’s confirmation made Miu felt extremely pleased. She nodded and revealed a hint of a smile.

At that time, Akatsuki spoke again:

“So……What were you finding me for?”

Under Akatsuki’s reminder, Miu finally remembered her purpose for coming her.

But the current priority was to cover her boobs that were swaying from the ripples. Thus, Miu could not say it out.

“I……I came to help you wash your back.”

Miu blurted the excuse that flashed through her and Akatsuki immediately revealed an comfortable smile.

“Huh……So you also have a gentle side, I really couldn’t tell. Then okay, I’ll be relying on you.”

Thus Akatsuki immediately stood up from the hot water and turned to have his back face Miu and sat down on the floor. Seeing this, Miu could not help but be relieved.

……Thank god……at least he would finally not be able to take a glance.

After the crisis ended, Miu also left the bath and slowly walked towards Akatsuki.

She kneeled down towards Akatsuki’s back.

“Then I’ll use this.”

Miu picked up the towel that was draped on Akatsuki’s shoulder. And at the same time, picked up a black fruit from the wall that was the size of a baseball. This fruit was called Seiruyu, the liquid inside had the effect of cleansing, just like a natural soap. Miu rubbed the towel with the liquid from Seiruyu.

“Then…..I’ll wash now.”

With a slightly nervous tone, Miu slowly began to wash Akatsuki’s back.

At the same time when the soapy bubbles towel moved back and forth across Akatsuki’s back, Miu did not forget to ask Akatsuki where it needs to be pressed harder. Until after she had finished washing his back, she then used a bucket of water and slowly washed away the bubbles.

At this moment, Ousawa Miu carefully looked at Akatsuki.

A wide and thick back.

After looking at it carefully at a close range, she only noticed that Akatsuki’s body was extremely muscular. While thinking that this muscular body had protected her numerous times before, Miu could not help but have mixed feelings.

“……”

After she recovered, Miu was suddenly in shock as her own cheek was planted against Akatsuki and her huge boobs were even tightly pressed onto Akatsuki’s back. But what was strange was that Miu was not embarrassed at all.

“……What is it?”

Akatsuki inquired with his back facing Miu, his tone was extremely calm.

“……The next battle, it should determine the outcome of the war, right?”

Using these words as the opening, Miu naturally poured out her own expectations and wish.

“I hope that you can safely return ——I only wanted to say this to you.”

“……I see.”

Akatsuki’s tone was also extremely calm

“There is nothing to worry about, I will definitely come back alive. If you really have to pray ——“

He paused for a moment.

“——Why not pray for the day where true peace will arrive.”

After a long silence, Miu quietly left Akatsuki’s back.

“Okay, now it is my turn to wash your back.”

Although he had just finished saying this, Akatsuki suddenly turned around.

“UWAHHHHHHHHH ——!”

Miu was shocked and hurriedly turned her back towards Akatsuki, she managed to avoid her naked appearance being seen by Akatsuki and also avoided Akatsuki’s naked appearance to being seen by her.

“You…Why do you suddenly turn around?”

“Normally, you would turn, right? Wouldn’t the difficulty be too high if I had to wash your back while facing away from you?”

Akatsuki shook his head and gave a wry smile.

“This……No thanks, I can wash myself.”

Miu strongly declined Akatsuki’s proposal, and her inner heart felt an incomparable fear. Akatsuki, who specializes in Renkan Keikikou, could freely control everybody’s inner ki. If she let him wash her back, it was basically a suicidal action.

“Why are you being so polite? When the girls under Melissa received my back washing service, every one of them became extremely beautiful. The only drawback was that ——“

“There is no need for you to say, I already know! It must have felt too good so that they were not even able to walk steadily, right?”

“Huh, you sure are very clear about it.”

Akatsuki’s nonchalantly response entered her ears, Ousawa Miu could not help but remember the painful memories. Before when Miu was buying lingerie on the streets, Akatsuki had willfully played with her boobs under the guise of trying it out. This time, Miu would not let Akatsuki succeed.

However, Akatsuki clearly did not take Miu’s resistance seriously.

“That being the case, there is no need to dwell on it. Okay, let’s begin.”

“W…Wait ——AHHHHHHHH!”

Akatsuki’s palm had just been placed on her back, but Miu issued out a seductive cry. The slippery feeling seems to have brought forth an incomparable numbness, Akatsuki’s palm was filled with the liquid from Seiruyu.

……W…What should I do……!

Her body did not have any strength. Akatsuki’s gentle touch was enough to make Miu’s legs limp. And Miu could not turn around to stop Akatsuki, otherwise her naked appearance will be completely seen by Akatsuki.

“W…Why are you using your hands……No, don’t be like this……At least use a towel……”

The irresistible pleasure made Miu tremble. It was already dangerous for Akatsuki to directly touch her, plus the slippery feeling from the soap bubbles was enough to make Miu lose consciousness.

But……

“How can I help the girls wash with a towel? That’s too unromantic.”

Ignoring Miu’s protests, Akatsuki continued to use his own hands to wash Miu’s back. Through Akatsuki’s palms, Miu could carefully feel the true ki slowly entering her body, just like a feeling of warmness spreading slowly through her body.

“AH……KU……EHHHH, NNn……AHHHH!”

Miu tightly bit her lips and desperately resisted, but she still issued out strange noises.

Miu had to admit that the situation in front of her now, her own body was really more sensitive than before.

……It must be because of the ……aphrodisiac being sucked out from her body last time……

Ousawa Miu remembered back when they were at Melissa’s brothel, the healing method to suppress the overwhelming pleasure. Miu’s body and soul was gentlely torn and completely enjoyed the thrill of being conquered. That’s right, the impression of that was still impressive and it was impossible to forget. Miu knew that her own body had been completely developed by Akatsuki, and it had pushed open the forbidden doors and entered a new realm. Ousawa Miu already could not go back.

“Okay, raise your hands……”

“——Ah! AHHHHHH!”

Akatsuki’s hands suddenly passed through her arms. At the same time Miu exclaimed, her body became unusually stiff. Akatsuki’s ten fingers flew and moved back and forth from below her arms, but Miu did not feel embarrassed. She could not have believed that she was that sensitive below her arms. This sweet pleasure was too intense and had completely stripped Miu from her embarrassment. While she was hazy, Miu’s heart only had one idea.

Akatsuki’s stroking was too comfortable.

“Ahhh……”

At the same time Miu let out a seductive cry, Miu’s entire body became limp and lied on Akatsuki’s arms. She greedily felt Akatsuki’s temperature.

The tiny actions had made Miu’s entire body tremble and revel in the pleasure.

And the event wasn’t over yet. Akatsuki’s hands began to move forward slowly.

“Ah……No……Let me wash myself……”

While her back rubbed back and forth against Akatsuki’s chest, Miu could not believe that she would release such an intractable seductive sound. However, this was only verbal resistance, Akatsuki certainly did not have any plans to stop.

“Why are you so courtesy? There is nothing in the world that could make you more beautiful than my hands.”

Akatsuki’s tone was gentle but at the same time, cruel. He easily rejected Miu’s feeble resistance.

……Ah.

Ousawa Miu watched Akatsuki’s palm devour her own boobs.

The next second.

“Ah ——AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Under Akatsuki’s hug, Miu’s body suddenly trembled with excitement. This unusual stimulation made Miu’s heart afraid, but Miu’s body betrayed her own heart. The constant pleasure from Akatsuki’s palms that were on top of her boobs caused her to tremble, as if waves were continuously hitting the shores. The white pieces of meat that were overflowing from Akatsuki’s fingers also exuded an erotic atmosphere.

The tip gradually shrank and let out a few bubbles.

……Ah……The feeling of bubbles sliding down.

Under the effects of gravity, the bubbles in front of her chest flowed slowly down her white skin, bringing Miu an indescribable pleasure.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH….Eh, fu……AHH!”

Even the sound from her nose was becoming more erotic. While she was revelling in the pleasure, Miu could not help but think:

……What should I do?

Akatsuki’s palms had brought Miu an unprecedented pleasure, Miu was about to lose control. The strong and powerful arms tightly wrapped around Miu’s body, this kind of feeling as if she was conquered brought Miu extreme joy. Her body was gradually accepting the pleasure of being conquered, her defense was collapsing step by step, and finally declared surrender. The past feeling of pleasure had made Miu lose consciousness, but now she was still able to remain awake. This made her face the brutal facts.

Ousawa Miu had become more erotic than before.

At this moment.

“Speaking of which, I tasted humans and elf ears, but I have never tasted a half-elf.”

While her entire body was enveloped by a sweet pleasure, Miu could clearly hear Akatsuki’s own mutter. Akatsuki’s finger tips stroke back and forth along Miu’s ears, and her ears could clearly feel the hot breath from Akatsuki.

“N…No……I can’t hold it ……”

The intense pleasure attacked her heart, Miu suddenly begun to cry. She already could not deal with the immediate pleasure, but yet Akatsuki brought forth another intense pleasure. However, Miu was certain, Akatsuki will not stop there and she was gradually looking forward to the further pleasures.

“Ah……Fu……Ku……AHHHHH!”

After she swallowed the accumulated saliva, Miu turned her head and stared at Akatsuki behind her.

Akatsuki’s mouth and his white teeth. Ousawa Miu could clearly see, Akatsuki’s teeth gently bit her own ears.

“——!”

This time, Miu’s eyes finally rolled around and she lost consciousness.

### Part 7

——20 Minutes later.

Ousawa Akatsuki was currently at the top of the Sacred Tree in Forestnium

This was the highest point in the forest, in the daytime, you could even see the opposite horizons.

However right now it is late at night, what was in front of him was darkness.

Akatsuki quietly stared at the object hidden in the darkness.

Then at this moment ——

“You actually hid here worrying……Akki, you really seem like a boy in puberty.

Suddenly a lazy voice came from behind him. Akatsuki did not even have to turn around and could guess who it was, so he only smiled slightly.

“I only just showered, so I came to feel the breeze.”

“Just showered……Right, just now I met the vice president down there.

Kaidou said.

“Vice President’s face was flushed with an indignant and disturbed expression. Do you know why she was like that?”

“About that……I’m not sure.”

Akatsuki vaguely responded.

Under Akatsuki’s biting attack, Miu’s consciousness flew away. After a period of time, Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka noticed that Miu had not come back and went to the bath to look. However, the bath’s entrance was locked from the inside, so the three of them could not enter and could only stand outside and wait. At this moment, the entrance’s door suddenly opened from the side, Akatsuki appeared in front of the trio —— However, completely nude. Haruka immediately screamed and escaped, Akatsuki could only request Chikage and Kuzuha to take care of Miu. Miu, who had lost consciousness, had a mouthwatering smile. Kuzuha could not help but take a glance at Akatsuki and Akatsuki did not mind Kuzuha’s reactions.

……During this time, this person was too stiff, she needed to relax.

Miu was the former Demon King, Galious’s, daughter. Strictly speaking, she is also the princess of Galevain. Miu, who knew her identity and responsibilities clearly, had to play the role of a leader in front of the Forestnium residents and attempted to become everybody’s pillar.

However, under this kind of state where she was overly nervous, she had accumulated a lot of pressure over the ten days. Thus, Akatsuki wanted to help Miu relax and have a good rest. This is why Akatsuki requested Chikage to use the woman’s bath. The current Miu had given her all to do everything she could do and only AKatuski could dispel the inner tension of Miu.

Finally, Akatsuki’s plans were successful, but Miu’s reactions were bigger than what he had expected.

……I can’t believe that the effects of biting her ear would be that exaggerated, this is a great discovery.

Ousawa Akatsuki thought: Next time punishing Miu, biting her ears is not a bad choice.

At this moment, Kaidou walked next to Akatsuki and stared at the same darkness.

“——The next time, it is the final battle, what are the odds of winning?”

A smile emerged on his face.

“No matter what, we will still need to be careful. If we want this and that, in the end, we may not get anything.”

Kaidou’s warning was exchanged with Akatsuki’s snort.

“Stop it okay? We are preparing to finish the goal that had never been completing since ancient times, if we are not a bit greedy, then how can we face ourselves?”

Akatsuki revealed an arrogant expression.

“Winning and signing a peace treaty after the battle, all of it are goals that I want to achieve. If we declare that we are going to lose in the very beginning, then nothing really happens.”

Akatsuki did not want it to be restored to original state, but rather wants to have peace as well.

“Kaidou, I’ll need your help. I’m expecting your performance, my best friend.”

“Best friend? These words are really nice……Fine, who told me I was worthless when I defended and allowed the enemies to take advantage of it? I can only take this opportunity to wash away my bad name.”

Kaidou gave a slight smile.

“But then again, wars could only have victory and defeat, the idea is simple……However, a peace treaty is different.”

Saying up to here, Kaidou suddenly concealed his smiling expression.

“Can you really see the path that leads to the future?”

“A peace treaty has huge repercussions, it is indeed a thorny issue.”

But also because of this, so that there is value to it.

“I will just do it……The last time I visited Sherfield, I already laid down the seeds, at that time, there should be a way.”

Ousawa Akatsuki revealed a confident smile.

He stared into the distance and attempted to stretch his hand into the darkness, in order to find the dawn of peace.

### 080. Chapter 2 - A War where a Hero Doesn't Exist

### Part 1

The holy religious country of Aleclasta was founded based on the teachings of the Church of Richard.

Its capital wasn't located on the ground, rather it floated high in the clouds, the city of Aslanda.

In the innermost part of the island was the headquarters of the Church of Richard.

However opposite of the ornate cathedral, engraved with its teaching, lied a secret space that only a small number of the senior clergy knew of.

It was an open air garden filled with countless flowers in full bloom.

Yet for all it's beauty only a chosen few were able to step foot into this secret garden.

The view from there was like the perspective of a God looking down on the earth, Alayzard.

In the center of the garden was a white table.

The top two of the Church were sitting there side by side.

"Well, it seems to be finally entering the main battle...... much faster than expected," muttered Pope Volk, and after sipping his cup of tea, "And how is the current situation?"

"Conceivably not wanting to repeat the same mistakes that cost them the last war. Disdiya mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, and at the moment only a small handful of troops are left to guard the most significant checkpoints along its border. It appears they are determined to win."

The second-in-command in the Church -– the Archbishop Miranda answered with a smile. She quickly added,

"Sherfied is following the same strategy as last time in deploying its troops with only tens of thousands of mobilized. However, excluding General Zechs, their Secretary of affairs Loutier and Queen Listy are also taking part in the military campaign this time around."

"Hmm...... then on that point, Sherfied is also bringing out its full strength."

Volk lightly squeezed his long beard looking very pleased,

"Is the battlefield still the central plains surrounding the Wandering forest?"

"-- No, it seems to be the neighboring Grand Canyon of Gorudono this time."

Miranda pointed out the rocky terrain along the eastern part of the Wandering forest was the battlefield.

The armies will probably have to advance along the bottom of the canyon. However with the intricate channels of the ravine, and the towering almost vertical rock face on both sides of the road attacking through this route will be extremely restricted. Disdiya will be forced to divide up its large army into several small squadrons.

"This has to be a tactic of Akatsuki's to lure the enemy...... but how can Emperor Baram allow himself to fall this easily into his trap?"

"It's probably because Forestnium is still enshrouded by that powerful barrier."

Miranda replied and,

"With it, it is impossible to invade Forestnium. Disdiya can only target their new Demon King, Akatsuki. In that event Akatsuki has chosen Gorudono as the battlefield, and Disdiya can do nothing but comply."

"But still, it's the perfect place for ambushes or guerrilla warfare. It will be too easy to fall into a trap. Additionally the most crucial factor is the narrowness of the road. It is unsuitable for their army movements. Up to now Disdiya easily had the numerical advantage in the open plains, and so far their army was no match for Akatsuki. Now that the battlefield has moved away from the plains into the canyon, wouldn't it give them even less of a chance of winning?"

"I believe Emperor Baram also concurs with that, and is still confident there is a good chance of winning."

The reason was very simple.

"All of Akatsuki's actions have proven one thing so far. The purpose of this war is to facilitate a peace agreement, and he will unlikely kill any of Disdiya's soldiers during the battle."

Baram must have calculated a scheme to beat him at his own game. Since his opponent had no intentions of killing, even if the battlefield's topography was very disadvantageous to his side, until the end he can exploit human wave tactics(tl note -- google) to obtain victory.

"Oh, so then......Akatsuki is going to fight alone this time?"

"No. He seems to be fighting alongside his comrades."

The Church of Richard wasn't only this country's religion, but its followers were in nearly every corner of Alayzard. Which of course includes Disdiya and Sherfied as well. On the battlefield there were no lack of believers in the Church of Richard, thus Aleclasta was able to grasp in real time the situation.

Miranda with a laugh,

"Not his so-called comrades that live in Galevain, but his personal friends. If I'm right then they're people Akatsuki brought from his own world."

"Ah...... come to think of it there was an unfamiliar girl at the peace agreement and at the duel with him."

"Yes, besides that young girl there seems to be several others like her."

"If Akatsuki is letting them fight their strength must not be underestimated."

No matter which side, Disdiya or Akatsuki, they were both prepared for an all-out decisive battle. Then Volk spoke in a teasing tone:

"Say Miranda, which side do you think has a greater chance of winning?"

"That goes without saying, no? Your Holiness should also be well aware."

After she said that, out of corners of Miranda's mouth emerged a deep cold smile.

Which side will win this war? Such a thing was a matter of course.

It was not Galevain even with Akatsuki's support. It was not Disdiya, and further it was not Sherfied.

That's right, the real winner will be Aleclasta. The same Aleclasta who took the wait and see approach towards Disdiya's request for cooperation in the war. On the surface they were abiding with the teachings of Church of Richard to avoid meaningless disputes as much as possible.

In fact, this decision fully highlighted the wily old Pope Volk.

If Disdiya wins, Aleclasta was fully prepared to denounce their victory because it was not in line with international justice. It was not only Sherfied that commissioned a third party to re-investigate the annihilation of the surveillance forces. Aleclasta had already obtained their report that hinted at a possible coverup. Even if it was pure speculation of a third country it was enough to change the direction of international public opinion. Not to mention that there were many believers of Church of Richard in Disdiya. The will of the people for a long time now has been under the control of Aleclasta.

In contrast, if Akatsuki and his companions gained the upper hand, Aleclasta was prepared to step in at the appropriate time to support Disdiya, and even go as far as to play the role of the peacemaker. Once the mediation was successful, the world's perception would have dramatically changed in their favor.

True peace won't be brought about to all the people of Alayzard by the former Hero. It won't be by the militaristic nation that was trying to strike down the demonic race, and neither will it be the non-committal magical country.

Rather it will be through the implementation of an anti-war doctrine that Aleclasta held from start to finish.

"Well...... this war will let the people see their respective future."

The Pope of the Church of Richard Volk Rem Aleclasta IV exposed a proud smile,

"I truly wonder, how many people truly realize the significance of this war."

### Part 2

The air was stretched taut.

A silence that would make anyone hold their breath filled the air. The tension was caused by the upcoming battle that would decide the future of Alayzard. Blind to the heavy atmosphere around him, Ousawa Akatsuki stood atop a towering cliff. Dressed in clothes fit for a Demon King he was overlooking the soon to be battlefield of Gorudono Grand Canyon. On the other side of his field of view was Disdiya and Sherfied's allied armies starting to move into formation.

Akatsuki couldn't help but show a fearless smile while staring at such a situation.

"Disdiya about 700,000 maybe even 800,000 troops, while I count only several tens of thousand for Sherfied. I don't want to be hurtful, but unexpectedly the calculating Baram had the audacity to lead his army here."

He laughed,

"Is that all... ... If you plan on killing me you should of brought another million and then maybe you could of tried your luck."

Between the the allied forces and Akatsuki there was a total of three channels. One in the center, one to the north, and one to the south.

The necessary preparations were already in place. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou had taken up their positions a long time ago. The four were fully aware of the battle plan, and also understood there was no need to rigidly adhere to their positions.

Akatsuki believed since it was those four they would be able to successfully accomplish their tasks.

Therefore Ousawa Akatsuki grandly declared the war had begun.

"Come, your enemy -- the Demon King is standing right here."

### Part 3

Meanwhile, Emperor Baram issued his commands through the use sound amplification magic.

"I, Baram Dy Alon Disdiya hereby order -- All soldiers to begin the military onslaught!"

After receiving the command Disdiya's army sprang into action.

Their vanguards were the first to advance along the central path.

Tens of thousands of soldiers quickly made their way through the small ridge recess on the rugged ground. But their onrush was immediately halted.

Out of nowhere resonated a voice.

"-- I advise you to turn back at once."

The incoming voice was clearly transmitted to the soldier's ears.

"Or else you WILL get hurt."

However, not even one soldier paid head to such a request. 'Whoosh' they all continued on at full speed.

"I'm sorry...... but you were warned."

The voice came from the sky.

"There -- above us."

One of the soldiers yelled out. The squadron immediately focused their attention towards the sky. Floating in mid air was a girl that had several layers of magic already well underway. And the next moment, an intense sandstorm enveloped the area.

"Attack formations! This storm is nothing to us!"

One of Disdiya's soldiers shouted as he lowered his stance.

"Yeah...... I also think that this level of attack is weak."

The girl coldly stated. In fact, the sandstorm was just a front, the soldiers soon understood what the girl meant. Disdiya's soldiers invariably stopped as painful cries disseminated all around.

"Wah... ... My eyes... ...!"

The naturally rocky terrain at the bottom of the canyon made it impossible to move without opening their eyes. However even if they opened their eyes slightly the incoming sand particles would enter their eyelids blinding them. The soldiers were forced into a painstaking situation.

If they closed their eyes they couldn't see the road, however if they open their eyes they can't see anything. The march was completely stopped, but still the soldiers refused to give up.

"Bear with it... ... This magic can't last forever!"

"Archers aim at the sky. I don't care if your eyes are closed just shoot!"

"Magicians move to the front! Create a barrier to stop the sandstorm!"

The solder's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he also made proper judgment. He saw that the sand filling the sky was entering their guns jamming the bolts making them useless. Additionally he took into account that the arrows would easily be affected by the wind, making it impossible hit what they were aiming at. Rather he had them indiscriminately fire a volley to threaten and restrict their target. At the same time he had the idea to use the attack to call forth the magicians, but not to attack. With such poor visibility using magic was quite dangerous. One mistake could have sent the rock walls falling down on them causing massive casualties.

However, the situation did not improve. Although the barrier blocked the sandstorm from reaching them. Sand was already in their eyes making it hard to see. Yet Disdiya's vanguards weren't discouraged. Even if the speed was greatly reduced, they were still able to resume their march.

"-- Much earlier than expected, but I knew this method alone would only go so far."

Even with the loud sandstorm the girls voice was exceptionally clear.

"Your magicians should have been used to defend from the rear. Sending them to the front was your undoing."

The wind carried the girl's voice to ear's of the tens of thousands of soldiers along the central path. Then suddenly a huge wind storm surpassing one hundred meters per second uprooted Disdiya's soldiers from behind.

### Part 4

"Wow......the Vice president is really amazing."

Chikage Izumi was in charge of guarding the north path. When she saw how the battle was progressing in central path she couldn't help but leak a voice of admiration for her.

Launching a long range spell at the magicians hiding in the back normally would be very troublesome. However, Haruka took advantage of the soil with the sandstorm to lure the magicians to front completely exposing them to the threat of fire. Then she used a powerful storm to blow them away from behind. Still before the attack even started she made air cushion along the rocky wall. This way the enemy that was flung aside at most would just be knocked out and in now way endangering their lives.

"...... However this is no time to praise her."

Chikage turned back to the front. Making use of her AD she summoned a longbow and shot countless water arrows at the tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers coming towards her.

"Arrows alone apparently isn't enough ... ..."

Chikage focused her consciousness, a huge magic formation appeared in front of her. The dry valley moments ago was engulfed in a flood of muddy water sweeping away the numerous soldiers.

"Rest assured you won't drown. The flood created by my magic was designed so as long the water was in contact with the skin it will allow for oxygen to enter your body without the need for your lungs."

And the flood itself also cushions the soldiers from crashing into the rock wall preventing any serious damage.

...... But then again.

Considering the magic's power and the results, Izumi Chikage can't help but think: regardless if it was Haruka or herself their magical power had significantly increased. For a while after they came to Alayzard everyone had lost their ability to use magic. It was because the dimensional shift caused their consciousness channel between the body and soul to become unstable, not allowing for a smooth to link to construct magic.

Izumi Chikage was reminded of when she was first summoned to another world and how it took a while for her magic to awaken. Perhaps this situation was the same as last time, and her soul and body were in a precarious state. But perhaps because of the second visit to a different world Chikage and Haruka's magical abilities have recovered and now was a lot stronger than it was before.

And it was not just in terms of brute force, but also things like flexibility and configuration. That was why her flood was able to have "oxygen infiltration" and "protective cushion" attributes added.

......If I had this power earlier.

Back in JPN Babel, when the cockatrice training program went berserk or when Phil Barnett I would not have ended up blindly thrashed. Also when I was first summoned to the alternate world Banrakua, I could have been able to do more. Even if it wasn't something outrageous like defeating a Demon King and redeeming the entire world like Akatsuki.

However Izumi Chikage doesn't care how she had gained her new power.

Since she met Akatsuki and Miu she wanted to get stronger.

So that she was no longer be a burden to the others. Enough power to fight alongside Akatsuki. Enough power to protect Miu and Kuzuha her best friends. Now Chikage could raise her head high, because she was standing together with them facing the enemy.

"...... It makes me happy."

She had a dazzling quiet smile as she once again faced forward.

After the flood waters receded, the bottom of the canyon was clearly visible. And on the valley floor were standing several huge rock walls -- from behind those barriers countless Disdiya's soldiers jumped out.

The armed soldiers thrust out at Chikage at full speed.

But, they only ran a few steps before they all clasped over forward.

"Wh-what's happening......?"

Seeing their sudden loss of balance and puzzled looks, Chikage smiled as she explained their inner doubts,

"My bad -- I slightly increased the density of oxygen, that's all."

If you inhale concentrated oxygen it will cause severe dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Not only will you be unable to walk, it will also be difficult to concentrate in order to use magic.

-- In the fight against Zahhaku, she removed the hydrogen from the water causing the density of the oxygen in the area to raise allowing it to immediately detonate.

This attack used the same principle.

After she extracted the oxygen she condensed it increasing the concentration around the target.

But it was not as simple as replacing the hydrogen with oxygen. If you assume the hydrogen extraction was the "point", then whole area was the "space", and the difficultly in control was incomparably larger. Moreover, if the oxygen density was too low it will not be effective, and if it was too high it will cause permanent damage to the body.

Only through the complete mastering of her own power was it possible to realize this higher dimensional magic.

Suppressing her ego, Chikage said with a smile,

"-- Well, I think you will get used to after a while."

The smile on her face suddenly turned into a wry smile,

"However, I'm sorry to say...... I can't give you that time to adapt."

As she finished, a large amount of water once again emerge out of thin air mercilessly flushed away Disdiya's soldiers in the torrent.

### Part 5

The Disdiyan empire's Emperor Baram was station with the main unit where all the soldiers originally branched off from. He was surveying the battle in the center and north route. Even though both armies were in a bitter battle, Baram's expression remained calm firmly believing everything was going his way.

Magic consumes a lot of energy. And unlike Akatsuki, who has an endless supply of Ki within his body or can replenished it from everything around him, their magic attacks can't go on indefinitely. Furthermore both of them are taking preconditions not to harm any of Disdiya's solders. Naturally, this takes a lot more effort than just going all out. Most likely they were not going to be able to keep this up much longer.

......Such foolish mimicry.

Baram starred off into the distance at the overhanging cliff were Akatsuki was calmly standing.

In order to realize your worthless ideals, you even involved other people in this messy business.

It's best to keep those eyes wide open -- so you can watch as those two girls die for you.

Balam grunted coldly.

"Your Majesty, there are still many troops than haven't attacked yet. Do you want me to attack from the south?"

The commander of the Royal Knights standing beside him raised a suggestion.

However, Baram shook his head.

"Out of the three routes the south is the most narrow and intricate. We would have to divide our troops up too much causing us lose our superiority. It is not necessary to devote soldiers there. I will leave the south to Sherfied. My army will concentrate on the central and north route only. Send out the order, no matter how fierce their attacks are there is no need to fear. The enemy has no intentions of killing anyone. We will use this to give those who can no longer fight a chance to fall back and recover before being sent back out to the battlefield."

Then he declared in a lower voice.

"Take your time, there's no need to rush. We are fighting a war of attrition, step by step we will force them into a dead end."

### Part 6

After a while the battle at the Grand Canyon turned into a stalemate.

Disdiya continued to attack, while Galevain continued to defend.

From the start of the war, both sides have been maintaining one attack and one guard quota.

-- However its been three hours since the fighting began, and this equilibrium was beginning to collapse.

Disdiya's soldiers were gradually braking through Galevain's defensive perimeter set up in the central and northern channel.

"......Sure enough, our numerical advantage is going to be the tie-breaker."

The whole of Gorudono Grand Canyon had yet to completely turn into a battlefield. The south route had not let become a fight.

Sherfied's army was set up in formation around the circumference the south channel. Listy was closely monitoring the activity in the central and north channel.

In the central route, there was the girl who introduced herself as Haruka. She attended the peace agreement and the duel with Akatsuki. And in the northern route, there was a girl they seen for the first time -- perhaps she was also a companion of Akatsuki's like Haruka. Both of them alone were respectively holding off the invasions of tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers.

"Those two's power appears to be comparable with us."

"Yes...... and there tactics were able to hold up until now, it is really remarkable."

Standing on the left and right were Loutier and Zechs, who calmly praised the power of those two girls.

But......

Listy thought: it won't be long before they were overpowered the way things were going. Zechs and Loutier didn't say it, but in their heads they must have the same view.

In fact the performance of the two was absolutely worthy of praise. After all those two alone faced tens of thousands which already wasn't easy, not to mention they also stopped the enemy's attack without killing any of the soldiers. The difficulty of this task was absolutely beyond anyone's imagination.

However, it was impossible for this to continue for eternity.

They appeared to be weary, yet somehow they were still managing to maintain the equilibrium. The moment when that collapses it will only take a split second for Disdiya take hold of this war.

...... But why was Akatsuki not taking any action......?

Listy was watching him just stand here on top of the cliff.

She believed Akatsuki was already aware of the situation and how detrimental it was to Galevain.

However, since the beginning he remained motionless.

Perhaps this was all part of his plan and then when the time comes -- Listy thought so when.

Suddenly, the Sherfied front line burst into an uproar.

"-- What's going on?"

Zechs returned to the troops under his command in order to report back, but a knight loudly answered first in a perplexed voice.

"It's the enemy, the enemy is attacking! A single attacker came through the southern route, and is engaging with our army!"

"No way......!?"

More than surprised, Listy subconsciously looked up at the distant cliff.

However, Akatsuki was standing atop the cliff not moving same as before.

It was an unexpected situation. Other than the Akatsuki, she never thought there was a second person who would be this reckless.

What genuinely surprised Listy was not that a single person attack them, rather it was that unbelievably Akatsuki targeted the Sherfied army.

"There is only one of them? Is this idiot trying to end his life!"

Trying to verify the situation, Zechs raised his voice, almost to a roar.

"It is a child! A small and thin girl riding on the back of a lion, no that is a huge Golem!"

"A girl......?"

"-- This is strange."

Listy couldn't help but frown, beside her Loutier immediately pointed out the unnaturalness of the situation. Everyone thought that the person who matched Akatsuki's degree reckless had to be a warrior much of the same mold as him.

"She is biding her time at the back of the army, but to assign a small girl to infiltrate the enemy ranks......?"

"Yes, it really doesn't seem like Akatsuki's style."

Maybe that little girl's strength was on par with other two girls defending the other routes. But according to common sense, it was impossible that Akatsuki would leave a little girl to take such a risk. This surely must be part of some plan. However, with all the fighting going on, it was tough to determine Akatsuki's true intention.

"It seems there is no other choice but to directly ask her...... the reason."

"I have the same feeling."

Zechs and Loutier spoke as they stepped forward.

Since the other took the initiative to provoke the war, Sherfied had to keep up rear support.

"Listy, I'll be right back. I'll go have a little chat with that idiot somehow -– even if by force."

"Yes...... I'll leave it to you. Use your own discretion, and do not push yourself too hard."

After returning a nod, Zechs set his sight on Loutier.

"Lulu, that little girl came to challenge you."

"Yes, I am the one responsible for the southern route."

"Very good -- Well then, I will leave it to you grant her Majesty protection."

"Yes, sir."

After the able-bodied second lieutenant nodded, Zechs and Loutier began to run.

As she watched the backs of those two of them leave, Listy El Da Sherfied softly spoke.

"...... Both of you please be careful."

While gazing into the distance she lightly prayed.

"I believe in you -- Akatsuki."

### Part 7

After she received the task of standing off against the lone female attacker, Loutier used flight magic so she could rush to the front line as soon as possible.

Before the campaign began Sherfied's officers and soldiers received orders to avoid combat as much as possible. This command was in line with Akatsuki's 'I do not want anyone unfortunate sacrifices in the war' wish.

-- However avoid fighting didn't mean they shouldn't retaliate if attacked, and let them onslaught us.

Since Akatsuki was willing to let this girl alone challenge an enemy's camp, he must have recognized her strength. Therefore an ordinary soldier would be no match for her. Out of Sherfied's faction probably only Listy, Zechs or Loutier could compete with her.

Therefore Loutier Trum used her flight magic. She used a different principle of wind magic to move forward. The auxiliary magic used didn't catch the wind, but rather split the atmosphere in front of her allowing her to rush to the destination without any resistance.

Soon after, the front line came into view.

The soldiers had descended into chaos.

A huge lion huge was running amok, back and forth breaking apart the formation with a small girl on its back. Seeing this Loutier immediately stopped mid-air, and raised her magic gun to the ready.

"Everyone move away from the target! I'm going to fire!"

After receiving Loutier's instructions the Sherfied soldiers scattered in all directions at once, leaving all but one in the empty space. She aimed at the small assailant left in the center and fired.

An ear piercing high-frequency laser beam rang out out of the blue, impartially hitting the target in front of her -- then the huge lion ahead made a beeline for her.

This of course was a warning shot meant to intimidate the other party, but it didn't stop the little girl and the lion.

The lion dashed diagonally forward then jumped atop the steep rock wall. Taking a horizontal posture towards Loutier, and darted away.

......The girl and the lion have no intention of involving the other soldiers......?

If she stayed in the canyon mixed in with the other soldiers, naturally Loutier couldn't keep on shooting.

Yet the girl deliberately chose the hard road. Loutier was free to keep shooting at her several more times. The girl moved up and down along the rock face, dodging the incoming shells while continuing to outflank her.

"Uhh... ... There's no way."

Seeing that her shots couldn't stop the girl, Loutier focused her mind.

The magic formation unfolded as she unleashed her magic. Only this was not a magic attack.

What she chanted was a defensive barrier of the highest level.

Moreover it was not used to protect herself.

The barrier was stretch out in front of the lion that was continuing to scamper away. And the next moment -- A loud bang echoed. The lion collided with the transparent wall, not visible to the eye.

The girl that was riding on the back of the lion was thrown into the air because of the momentum.

"-- Argh"

Still, the girl adjusted her posture in the air, and prepared to landed on the ground. Just after she landed the Sherfied soldiers encircled her. Loutier slowly descended from the sky in front of the girl. The girl was petite. In contrast with her giant lion sidekick made her seem even more immature and delicate.

......It seemed a like overkill......

Filled with anticipation of meeting the small girl in the front of her, Loutier can't help but smile. This girl alone rushed into the enemy's camp, so she believed that her strength must equal the other two girls defending the central and north path, or maybe even have more ability than them. It seemed that Loutier overestimated her strength. Although the average soldier would be no match for this girl, she wouldn't pose much of a threat to Loutier.

"Are you a fellow of Akatsuki's? You alone jumped into the enemy's camp, you must be up to something. Its a pity but I can't let you plan to succeed."

Loutier composed herself as she told her quietly.

"If you have a letter or message from Akatsuki, please hand it to me directly. I can pass it on, and please get out of here at once. Like Akatsuki as well as your other two fellows attitudes towards the coalition forces, we have no intention of hurting you."

At this time, the girl looked carefully at Loutier.

"Pointed ears, silver hair, plus a magic gun -- Are you Loutier-san?"

"Yes, I am."

Surely she must heard what she looks like from Akatsuki. Perhaps this girl was trying to confirmed whether to trust us. It would have been better if he passed on his message himself, but -- the girls next words were the exact opposite of what Loutier expected.

"If you know Ousawa-kun then you know how he acts, and I'm sorry but I can't walk away from this."

The reason was simple, the girl goes on to say:

"Because we are just like you -- and to us, there are things which are non-negotiable."

### Part 8

In the central route Disdiya's soldiers were gradually pushing up the invasion line.

Facing such a situation Nanase Haruka made a somewhat grave expression.

...... I'm practically being beaten back by them.

The battle in the central channel has been going on for three hours. Haruka was still using magic to attack, while the enemy has been readjusting their countermeasures to it.

Disdiya's soldiers were used to the terrain, since the majority of their country was a desert, and their military was mostly comprised of earth magic users. Haruka's wind magic was on the opposite end of the spectrum. So to speak, they have the worst relationship compatibility with each other. The wind created by her magic was just obstructed by an object they created with their earth magic. The fight began with a sandstorm, strictly speaking this was only meant as a surprise attack. In fact the magical ability of Disdiya to manipulate sand was greater than Haruka's, so long ago her sandstorm magic became ineffective.

The situation grew into a test of who can hold out the longest. She started out with all kinds of various magics to attack, but the enemy quickly adapted to it then started to use their magic to strike back. For some time now both sides have been going all out with their offensives. Haruka needed to break out from this pattern to once more push them back. Through changing her magic with even more different permutations and combinations she could buy more time.

...... At least the number of soldiers were substantially reduced.

However, Disdiya was capable sending the soldiers on the front lines to back in order to rest. Then replaced them with fresh soldiers who could still fight. If it continues like this they will breakthrough Haruka's defensive perimeter when she exhaust's her stamina.

But -- Nanase Haruka was undaunted. She turned her head and glanced up at Akatsuki standing on the cliff.

...... I believe in you.

She thought the strategy he came up with beforehand was worthy of trust. Therefore, all she had to do was defend the battlefield until her physical strength and energy runs out.

That was what she secretly swore in her heart as she turned her head back forward. Then suddenly out of the corner of her eye was a shadow.

"-- Huh?"

Unlike the rest of Disdiya's soldiers at the bottom of a ravine he was running on top of the cliffs.

...... When on earth did he appear?

Nanase Haruka was unable to hide her inner agitation. She knew the identity of that person. He was the Crimson sword king of Sherfied and his target was obvious. He was running on top the cliffs headed for Akatsuki. She had seen his strength in action during the duel.

She knew that the present situation was very dangerous, but had to keep her emotions in check.

"Come down here and face me!"

Haruka immediately concentrated her mind unleashing a magic formation, an intense tornado was created out of the wind. The tornado ran along the mountain walls keeping parallel with the horizon meant to hit Zechs.

### Part 9

Even after Zechs discovered the tornado quickly approaching he didn't stop.

He chose to intercept it rather than dodge. Pulling out his crimson long sword from its sheath, in a flash he slashed vertically. The wind created from the edge of blade bisected the approaching tornado from top to bottom. As Haruka watched it happen, she readied a second wave as fast as she could.

"-- Too slow."

There wasn't enough time for her to use magic again. She could only watch as Zechs jumped onto the cliff.

On the other side of the cliff stood a youth. That youth was none other than Ousawa Akatsuki smiling confidently. As soon as Zechs landed he dashed towards Akatsuki.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

He shorten the distance in an instant, wielding the crimson sword he sliced straight down.

No tricks, he just swung straight down from overhead. However -- Akatsuki didn't move.

"--------------------!"

A hairs breath away Zechs had stopped his blade.

Confronted with Zechs slash, Akatsuki didn't move a muscle, he didn't even bat an eyelash.

-- But this wasn't from an absolute confidence he could react in time.

Of course, this was also not a situation in which he was convinced Zechs would stop his sword either.

"What...... the......"

Zechs mumbled as he groaned, then he turned his right wrist sideways smashing the sword hilt into Akatsuki's head. Straightway he collapsed over -- the split second he hit the ground his body broke apart into countless fragments.

It was an earth puppet. Unlike ordinary Golems, its makeup was fundamentally different as it focused on toughness.

The elaborate puppet's color and texture were flawless, it look no different from Akatsuki himself.

...... What the hell, since when?

Zeks Doltrake now believed since the beginning of the fight, from the moment the two forces crossed swords it was just a puppet standing there. Then that means -- Akatsuki didn't intend to fight from the start? No, there was no way he would have run away.

"That bastard......!"

Zechs looked back at the battlefield behind him.

There was no doubt, at this very moment -- Akatsuki was ​​somewhere on the battlefield.

### Part 10

-- It was just an earth puppet made to look like Akatsuki on top of the cliff.

The information shocked all the troops in the Gorudono Grand Canyon. The enemy had lost sight of their primary objective, shaking the morale of the soldiers. Even as far away as the southern channel, Loutier Trum was greatly affected.

"Akatsuki is missing......?"

Loutier glared at the small girl she was facing off against, and wrinkled her brows --

"Nope, I'm right here."

A familiar sounding voice reached her ear.

"----------!"

Loutier failed to react right away to the significant change in the situation.

The surrounding soldiers of Sherfied all fainted together, softly they fell to ground. Now it was Loutier Trum's turn to be surprised.

"You, when did you......"

It wasn't a word but a fearless smile that answered her trembling comment.

He was in front of her eyes, before she was even aware -- Ousawa Akatsuki was calmly standing next to that young girl.

### Part 11

Akatsuki was spotted in the southern route.

The news immediately reached Baram's ears, who was with Disdiya's main force.

"Swordsmen and magical squads, head for the south!"

The Royal Knight's standing next to Baram gave the orders. It was a reasonable assessment.

"Hold -- That won't be necessary."

However, Baram indifferently withdrew their orders and --

"Command the artillery to fire on the North."

"......Huh? But the enemy's magic has caused a sharp rise in oxygen concentration of the northern channel. Once the shelling hits the region it might trigger large scale explosions."

"Yes, that is what I'm hoping for. That Akatsuki guy has appeared in the south. That means it will take that guy some time to reach the Northern channel for support. This is our best chance to wipe out the enemy in the north."

"But the damage to our army...... at the very least let me send a messenger, so they can set up a protective barrier -–"

"No, doing so might alert the enemy. Just because the enemy does not want to kill. You must not forgot the very nature of war. Listen well, war is cruel, and part of that is some sacrifices are inevitable."

Baram Dy Alon Disdia very calmly said,

"After the explosions and the landslides stabilize command the rear forces to move in -- OPEN FIRE!"

Emperor Baram ordered the the dozens of artillery to fire, simultaneously.

A few seconds later --

Explosions razed the northern route, the ensuing shock waves caused every inch of Gorudono Grand Canyon to quake.

### Part 12

The area around the intense explosions was scorched black, the force of impact caused the nearby walls to cave in. Immense boulders crashed to the ground stirring up a sand cloud that wrapped around the whole area, masking the entire length of the north channel.

-- And when the sand cloud dispersed the tragic reality of war appeared.

It was quiet, as if formerly fierce battle never occurred. All that was left was a mass of rubble. Nobody was able to respond in time to the sudden explosion or to the collapse. The girl was focused on the tens of thousands of troops, while Disdiya's soldiers were desperately fighting with the girl. No matter which side, they both were caught surprised and crushed under the rock slide.

Even though the north route was buried in rubble the war was still not over.

"Hey -- Do we start looking?"

When the sand cloud settled Disidiy\'s soldiers on the back line begun to search the scene.

Their priority certainly wasn't searching for their own survivors, but to confirm the death of the enemy. They used their earth magic to rapidly clear away the rubble. And after a little while they found her.

"Found her -- She's here!"

Under the piles of rubble they were amazed to find the girl lying there unmoving. The girl's body was covered in mud, however there was no blood on her clothes. It seemed she escaped the worst death scenario and wasn't crushed to death by the falling rocks, but still she wasn't lucky enough to survive the bombardment. However for the sake of caution, one of the soldiers reach out to check her pulse and confirm her fate. When he touched the nape of her neck, the girl's body instantly disintegrated, and turned it into a pile of dirt.

"Eh........!

The soldiers were stunned and didn't understand what just had happened, however they did not have time to think about it.

Suddenly a column of water gushed out from beneath ground and transmogrified into a huge dragon swallowing all the soldiers in the immediate area.

"Th-that is impossible......"

The soldiers fortunate enough to escape the attack clearly saw that same girl riding on the water dragon's back.

"Sorry -- I wont be brought down that easily by you."

"How, how is......"

The soldiers who witnessed the girl's wry smile could hardly believe their eyes. They were incapable of defeating the enemy. That inescapable fact stupefied each and every one of the soldiers. A deep sense of despair also set in. The reason was simple, the enemy was not alone anymore. On the water dragon's back sat at least twenty girls. If those twenty girls were just comrades who rushed over to help, Disdiya's soldiers wouldn't have been as surprised. But the problem was -- not only did the girls on the water dragon's back all dress the same, they all looked exactly alike.

-- What did all that mean?

The first girl who turned into a pile of dirt said it all.

"All that effort to take down just one, but it was just......"

But, there was no answer, more they didn't want to give an answer. Because they did not want to admit it.

After spending several long hours, and at the expense of countless fellow soldiers being struck down by the enemy. It was just an imitation made from the ground.

### Part 13

"That was a masterpiece of yours I take it."

After learning of the situation to the north, Loutier looked at the girl standing next to the Akatsuki.

The petite girl nodded to confirmed her speculation.

"Yes...... that was my magic which created the "puppet." I used one of her hairs as a medium to make to her the master. That way it will move according to her will, but also allows her to use her magic through the medium."

After learning the secret, Loutier muttered:

"Then -- All of the girls."

That was to say, that girl Haruka fighting in the central route was also merely a puppet. Loutier thought it had to be the case.

"Yes...... the real girls are safe far away from here."

The girl then place her hand on her chest and revealed she was a puppet herself.

......No wonder her strength was below expectations.

Loutier finally understood why when compared to the girls in central and north channel, the girl sitting on the back of that lion was clearly inferior. But it was only natural, after all she had to maintain the shape of Akatsuki's elaborate earth puppet the whole time, and also create a puppet for other girls as well as one for herself. However, the twenty girls on the water dragon's back shouldn't all be puppets able to use magic. No matter how abundant her magic was, there should be limit to the amount of puppets she can maintain at the same time. So there should be only one real puppet, and the rest were just camouflage to distract the enemy.

"Yup, I think you should already be aware that we really don't intend to kill anyone in this war."

Akatsuki broke the silence with his smile, and slowly started to explain the truth behind this battle.

"You know me -- how could I let a woman face such danger instead of going myself?"

After hearing what Akatsuki said, Loutier could not help but feel the same way. That certainly might be true. Also earlier when she heard that a girl charged in alone, it didn't seem at all like Akatsuki's style.

Her inner doubt at long last was answered.

Then......

...... Why did Akatsuki appear here?

The girl said that a hair was used as a medium in the puppets so that the magical power of that person could pass through. And that it was her earth magic that created them, but Akatsuki cannot use magic. Even if his Ki was in the hair for example, its very essence was different from the magic. Theoretically it should be impossible to create a puppet

In other words -- that was not a puppet in front of her, but Akatsuki himself.

However, the girl was still just a puppet there was no need for Akatsuki to protect her. In that case, what reason did he have to be here? The key to ending this war was stopping Baram. Then shouldn't he be targeting Disdiya's main unit, and not here. But he choose not to do that, and now was in south which was not as strategically important.

"-- Is it really that big of a mystery why I'm here?"

It seemed that he read Loutier's mind.

"Do you still not get it, Lulu?...... Think about what is right here."

Then Akatsuki smiled and said, "Then let me tell you" while laughing. When he finished talking, Akatsuki silhouette suddenly vanished.

"--------!"

Loutier tried to take up a stance as she panicked. Akatsuki appeared silently beside her, and place his hand on her shoulder.

"My target, Lulu...... is you."

The instant that sentence passed her ears, Loutier felt a slight prick on the neck. Her consciousness was immediately wrapped in a dark vortex.

### Part 14

Akatsuki had made a move.

Without damaging Loutier a light chop deprived her of consciousness. He took the unconsciousness high elf lightly into his arms, and then looked to Kuzuha.

"Well then Class Rep...... just as planned, take Lulu back with you to Forestnium as quickly as possible."

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly said,

"This guy is a priestess that specializes in high level recovery magic. Lulu will surely be able to heal Riruru."

"Un, no problem......"

Kuzuha's puppet crumbled as she nodded, and transmogrified into a lion golem.

This was definitely the fastest way to carry her back to Forestnium.

-- The ultimate goal of this battle was to have her treat the seriously injured Riruru. This the was a promise to Kuzuha, also Akatsuki's own desire. That was why, this particular battle plan was drawn up. The plan was to pin down Disdiya in both the central and north channel by deliberately picking that conspicuous location to attract their attention. He even let Kuzuha storm into the Sherfied camp alone. All of her actions were to lure out the Chief Executive of Sherfied and then capture her.

Akatsuki laid the unconscious Loutier on the earth golem lion's back.

"Be careful on the way back...... this guy is a cherished companion of mine."

The Lion nodded as to convey its understanding. Then turned around to hurry back down the south channel she came from. At that rate she should reach Forestnium in no time.

Therefore Akatsuki thought to himself that he accomplished one of the goals of the operation.

"Well, I guess its about time for me to act."

After muttering, Akatsuki jumped. The second objective -- was to devastate Disdiya's army.

Akatsuki jumped around seven or eight meters back and forth between the rock walls until he reach the precipice. Then immediately headed in the direction of the central channel.

"-- Vice president!"

After hearing him call out to her, Haruka turned back while still floating mid-air a little ways away.

Akatsuki nodded -- indicating the first phase of the operation was successful.

"----"

Her face lightened momentarily as she returned a nod. She altered her active magic in place in the central route. She lowered the protective wind cushion on the rock walls before casting it anew. Haruka then left her post at the central route, and flew to the northern route ready to support Chikage in her battle. So far, it was all going accordingly to their original plan.

However, there were still soldiers remaining in a central route. But who was going to deal with residual enemies? That answer was obvious. Therefore, Akatsuki Ousawa jumped down from the top of the cliff.

He landed at the bottom of the ravine with a loud bang -- In the middle of the central route.

"Ah------!"

It was like the heaven God general descend. The soldiers one by one flinched and retreated backwards, unable to hide their inner fear.

Akatsuki informed them with a fearless smile.

"Eh, what are you hiding for?...... The Demon King you guys are looking for is right in front your face."

After saying so, he took a step forward.

"Akatsukiiiiiiii --"

The thunderous shout to Akatsuki descended behind him from Zechs Doltrake. He found this place after he destroyed the earth puppet of Akatsuki from atop the cliff, and jump down right after. However, Akatsuki didn't look back.

-- Then.

A high-pitched metallic sound screeched as Zechs's blade was stopped before it hit Akatsuki's body. Between the two, a young man stepped in dividing them.

"-- Eh!"

Zechs quickly jumped back, opening up some distance.

The young man took up a defense posture as he crossed knuckle armor on both hands.

"Aha... you see that Akki? Not just anybody can appear at a crucial moment like that."

"Surely you jest. Up until now, what have you been doing, eating or sleeping? Huh, so it is possible for you to put in some work."

"Gee thanks. That habit of yours, really. Akki you don't have to go Tsundere."

"Hey, Kaidou --"

He informed Kaidou who was joking around, while looking straight ahead in a serious tone.

"-- I will leave this guy to you."

"Ah, no problem."

After the short conversation ended, there backs where facing each other.

Akatsuki summoned his black Demon sword, and took a step forward.

To Disdiya's tens of thousands of soldiers he loudly announced:

"Time is of the essence, so I'll make this quick. Are you ready -- because I wait for no man."

### Part 15

The sounds of weapons clashing and cry's of Disdiya's soldiers continuously began to grow in the background.

"...... And now."

Kaidou Motoharu focused all his attention to the front again, staring into Zechs's eyes.

"You prefer to have a showdown with Akki, huh? Unfortunately, I can't allow that."

"Ha", then he smiled,

"Too bad, now its my turn -- Whoa!"

Kaidou didn't have time to finish speaking. He had to quickly twist his head to the side. The crimson blade went past the tip of his nose, severing several of the hairs covering his forehead.

"Eeeh, scary...... You should at least wait until I'm done talking, okay?"

"You're just a puppet, anyway. I don't have time to waste on you."

Zechs coldly snorted, "punpun" Kaidou waved his head angrily.

"Gimme a break, I am the real thing! You almost cut off my head. I would of died!"

Kuzuha's power was limited, she could only have three active puppets at one time. Therefore Akatsuki assigned them to Haruka, Chikage and to Kuzuha herself. Naturally, Kaidou was left out and had to go into battle with his real flesh and blood body.

"If your afraid to die...... you had better withdraw quickly."

Zechs indifferently said so,

"Otherwise, I'm not going go to easy on you -- Gah!"

However, it wasn't possible for him to say his whole piece, because Kaidou beat him to the punch. Even if his body had on a layer of armor, it failed to stop the heavy blow sending him skidding backwards for some distance.

"Arrgghhhh, are you kidding me? Your the one who complained about my sneak attack when you where talking. Ahhh, why am I'm talking so carefree --"

Kaidou laughed.

"--Oh, you didn't take me seriously, did you?"

"I don't know who's more contemptuous ... ... Unarmed and you still want to go toe to toe with me?"

As saying so, Zechs lifted the crimson sword once again. Kaidou upon seeing this, couldn't help but sigh:

"There's nothing that can be done...... because I was entrusted by the people."

His expression became serious.

"And was responsible for protecting the children. I was careless and let one of the children get hurt. Once is enough for this type of lesson, there wont be a second time."

"I see...... since neither one of us is going to back down. It can not be helped then."

Zechs seemed to have resolved himself,

"I do not have time to fight with anybody other than Akatsuki -- prepare yourself."

As soon as he finished saying so he stabbed towards Kaidou.

"Ah...... Tch!"

Kaidou was dodging left and right, barely escaping the continuous slashes.

Zechs's assault was rather sharp, forcing him to use his AD summon knuckles to defend. He was able to stop the first attack on Akatsuki because it was an attack at his back so Zechs wasn't giving it his all. He was also reminded that Zechs announced his presence aloud to Akatsuki was all the more proof.

But that wasn't the case now, every sword strike had in it his best effort. And this was far from a favorable situation, since they were only separated by no more than an arms length.

"Your good at running away...... it's top notch."

"Well, it's not like I want to die."

Zechs sarcastically praise him, while Kaidou's answer was also very frivolous.

Although Zechs's sword was sharp his intent was not to kill Kaidou.

...... Amazing.

Kaidou couldn't help but fell admiration. Even if his slash were to hit, it probably wouldn't draw blood. At best he would suffer a fracture or lose consciousness.

Western-style swords have an edge on both sides, so there was no so-called back of the knife. Making it impossible not to cut the enemy, but Zechs had the skill of a master -- thus avoiding a killing blow. If Kaidou stopped dodging, Zechs was sure to sever only his consciousness with a blow. Under these circumstances, it might be more dangerous if he were to avoided the attack unskillfully.

Naturally with his knuckle armor he should attack with his fists, and avoid kicking as much as possible.

...... But I can't lie down here......

After all, Akatsuki left the mission of handling Zechs to me.

And I took on this myself, and I should at least contribute a little.

Therefore Kaido Motoharu went on a counterattack. Simultaneously,

"Gah--!"

Suddenly, Zechs's body was blown back from a powerful impact felt on his side from the empty space.

After landing awkwardly, Zechs stared at him.

"An invisible attack...... Physical magic?"

"What do you think?"

Kaidou smiled nonchalantly.

"Don't worry too much. When you figure it out, you would've already been defeated by me."

Just as he finished speaking, Kaidou carried out a long range attack.

A series of invisible attacks came upper and lower, front and back, and left and right, in all directions. However,

"Tch......!"

Zechs swung his sword, used nimble footwork, and twisted his body to avoid Kaidou's offensive.

"Oh, amazing!...... you really did that, eh."

He most likely did that by observing Kaidou's breathing and line of sight to predict the direction to some degree and the timing of the attacks. Kaidou had heartfelt praise for him. It must been his way of compensating for his handicap of not being able to use magic.

"With that move you would be able to deal with most opponents. It is definitely more than enough and to spare."

Kaidou laughed, but unfortunately he was not most opponents.

"It's regrettable -- but I have already encountered a fellow that could read breathing and sight to predict attacks."

Kaidou changed the way he attacked to a tactic specifically designed to combat people like him. To put it bluntly, it was to alter your own breathing and used your line of sight as a feint to deceive the enemy.

His new approach was effective. Zechs's body was left open to a barrage of attacks, gradually slowing him down.

"......Ga... ... ahhh!?"

"Wow...... you were able to avoid some of those shots, huh. Is that like some sort of sixth sense gained from all your experience?"

However the situation developed to this point, Kaidou had gained the upper hand. Although Zechs's swordsmanship was unrivaled, his weak point was his inability to use magic. Where Kaidou was concerned, there was already nothing for him to fear from Zechs.

......He seems to be a friend of Akatsuki's so it would be best to knock him out quickly.

Right when Kaidou was ready to give the final blow –-

"-- Don't underestimate me."

A low voice accompanied by high-pitched sonic boom was heard by Kaidou.

Not good!

Kaidou subconsciously dodged to the right, the rock behind him was suddenly split in two. The cross section was cut to a shine. Kaidou distorted his face as he squeamishly and unintentionally let out a "Ga".

"It's unfortunate...... but as a swordsmen, I also have a long range invisible attack."

After fixing his sword stance, Zechs coldly reported.

Kaidou understood that just a moment ago, he used a lightning fast sword slash indiscernible to the naked eye. The high-pitched sonic boom was a by product of the sword taking the shape of wind and exceeding the speed of sound.

"Lets try it, your attack and my sword -- Which will be faster?"

Zechs raised his sword again.

"Eh...... The situation has reversed?"

Confused, Kaidou scratched his cheek, and felt a wet sensation on the tip his index finger.

On closer look, it was a bright red liquid -- blood.

"Oh......"

Kaidou abruptly narrowed his eyes, harboring a dangerous color in his pupils.

He laughed.

"Quite interesting -- Well then, I'll play seriously with you."

### Part 16

Zechs Doltrake clearly felt the significant change in atmosphere.

The reason was obvious. The youth before him was suddenly emitting a intense aura.

......A prolonged fighting was...... very disadvantageous for me.

Zechs didn't understand the true character of the enemy's attack. Therefore he couldn't fully anticipate the enemy's next attack. But, it was impossible for the opposite party to dodge his supersonic sword strike. His best chance would be a preemptive attack before his opponent could do anything.

...... That said, I don't want to accidentally kill him.

Zechs tightly gripped the handle of the sword, the blade faintly shined crimson. It's the shine of a magic sword. Once he brandishes the sword now it will cut the enemy -- Zechs's will was in direct action to other party's spirit, that was being aimed at him.

The attack will penetrate through all magical defensive barriers. Since Zechs was unable to use magic this was the reason why he won fame throughout Alayzard as the Crimson Sword King.

So -- the first to act will be the victor.

"Take this--!"

Along with the shout, he swung the crimson long sword. In an instant the force emitted would reach the other party, and his consciousness would be severed --

But......

"Giiiiiiin!"

There was a harsh metallic crash, Zechs sword was stuck mid-air.

"------Eh?"

Zechs was surprised. His sword had been stopped before the attack was released. His right hand strongly felt a reaction, the feeling of being blocked.

And the next moment --

"Gah...... This is......?"

He lost all control over his body, and collapsed to the ground. Then he noticed the abnormal condition of his body and what had actually happened. An invisible attack hit him. In addition to the one that caught his sword -- the true character was not physical magic.

"This is...... a chain?"

"--Correct answer!"

As he said so, the young man snapped his fingers.

The object coiled around Zechs's body became visible, a silver chain.

"Not too bad -- For your country, you wanted to win at any cost just to fight Akki."

The young man laughed as he said so. Zechs couldn't believe what he just heard.

"After all, you intend to lose to Akki on purpose, right?"

"............!"

Zechs was left speechless, because nobody knew of his plan. He never said one word of it to anyone.

As a General of Sherfied, he has always been a spiritual pillar for the soldiers. If he were defeated, the soldiers would have definitely lost their confidence. Then his defeat could have been used as an excuse for Sherfied's retreat. At the same time would also prove Akatsuki's power. Akatsuki planned to show off his overwhelming power to Disdiya forcing them to agree to a cease-fire, and sending them back to the peace treaty negotiations table. Zechs's plan was undeniably secretly helping Akatsuki.

It was the reason he persisted on a showdown with Akatsuki.

"But now you don't have to go through all the trouble. The Queen's right hand, the high elf, is now our prisoner. This alone constitutes sufficient grounds for a retreat."

"Don't tell me...... that bastard already knew what I was thinking?"

"It might not of been like that. Otherwise I wouldn't have been left to deal with you."

After a short pause.

"-- I see, so you have come here."

Just as he finished speaking, the youth jumped back several steps at once.

Then, innumerable wind blades pierced the place where the youth previously stood.

"No way......!"

The Zechs looked up at the sky. Just to check who it was that flown here from the south route by magic. He was amazed to find it was Listy with her magical wand in hand.

"You idiot......! What are you doing here!"

Anxious and irritation filled Zechs's heart as he criticized Listy, who landed right in front of him.

"I was going to ask you what you were doing! Did I not tell you? Not to overdo it!"

Listy mercilessly scolded Zechs. The young man who he was fighting with had already disappeared. Listy looked around anyway just to make sure the enemy left, and wasn't somewhere overlooking Zechs.

"Let me see now, how I can help you with this chain--"

"Ahhh, I'm sorry...... it's impossible to break the chain."

Suddenly, a voice of the young man rang out of thin air.

Zechs listened to the young man speak along with Listy.

"But don't worry, given a little time it will fade away."

Well......

"Oh, by the time the chain disappears the fighting should be over."

### Part 17

After Nanase Haruka left the fighting quickly came to an end in the central channel.

Ousawa Akatsuki ran through the lot in merely ten minutes.

Seeing the disparity of power between the two sides, the remnants of the Disdiyan army temporary retreated.

Within that short period of time, Akatsuki succeeded in suppressing most of the central channel.

"Hmm, what to do now......"

Akatsuki had his over his shoulders, as he thought to himself.

The remainder of the Disdiya's forces were in the north route and back with the main unit. Should he go straight to the north to support Chikage, or directly rush into the their main force to end this war as soon as possible?

...... As a precaution I had better take a look at the situation in the north.

Ousawa Akatsuki make his decision on the spot and put it straight into action.

"Oh wow, this is amazing eh--"

A carefree voice came from behind. Looking back, Kaidou was standing there with his hands joined together behind his head. He was looking at countless soldiers, who fainted after they were blown away into the right and left rock walls.

"I wish I did it as flashy. Not only are they all consciousness, they are littered everywhere. I can't get through except where Akki has passed. Is this the matchless skill of Moses?"

"Nah, this was nothing...... I just ran through."

Akatsuki laughed.

"--Did you settle it?"

"Ah, that redheaded general wont be able to move for a while. Not long after that Queen arrived to pick him up. It shouldn't be too much longer before they leave the battlefield."

"......I see."

Since Zechs and Listy were together there was nothing to worry about. If it was only one person, it was hard to say if they would act on impulse, but since its two people then things were different. After all, one person's selfishness would also trouble the other, consequently they would be less likely to jeopardized the other. So as long as the two of them were together, it can be expected that they would curve each others reckless behavior.

......There won't be a need them to fight any further......

So from this point on it will be Akatsuki's fight.

"Okay, let's go."

As he said that Akatsuki was ready to go when an intense bang with a fierce roar shook Gorudono Grand Canyon. The repetitive deep bass was blasting the atmosphere.

"Akki this is......"

"Ah, the north -- I'm going."

After the brief conversation, Akatsuki and Kaidou took turns kicking off the footholds on the left and right sides of the mountain walls. At the top of the cliff they left as fast as they could to the north channel.

After Akatsuki and Kaidou arrived at the scene, they looked down from cliffs they were standing overlooking the bottom of valley in the north route. The fighting had ended, there were no signs of the puppets that Haruka and Chikage were manipulating.

Or any traces of Disdiya's soldiers that were fighting.

With the exception of one person -- a knight in golden armor was standing there.

......That surely was the guy......

Akatsuki knew who he was by his appearance. Undoubtedly he was the knight that was beside Alphonse and Baram at the peace negotiations.

"Akki, that's the guy."

In a quiet voice Kaidou called out. Akatsuki was already told everything.

That was the knight who was the originator of the tragedy in Forestnium. Then it seemed the knight heard Kaidou's voice as he raised his head to looked to the top of the cliff. With the height difference of several tens of meters separating them they were able to recognize each other.

Even so -- a clash was inevitable.

"...... I finally found you."

Akatsuki clenched his fists.

...... It was you ... you ...!

The one who killed Urumu, and wounded Riruru. Who made Miu and Kuzuha cry. Who put Sherfied, Listy, and the others in this predicament. The peace that we all aimed for -- it was all trampled by his cowardly actions.

"Kaidou...... Don't lay a finger on him."

A low voice that naturally came out, then Akatsuki drew his magical black sword, and took a step forward.

"I'll smash the bastard."

And at the same time as he said so he kick off the ground towards the bottom of the ravine.

While nosediving at the armor Knight, Akatsuki raised the black sword.

Without any petty tricks. He increased his body's physical strength through renkan keikikou, and used the momentum of the fall to form an attack at the maximum limit of his power.

Gravity accelerated the fall, the distance between him and armor Knight shortened in one breath.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh--!"

Akatsuki put everything he had in the sword strike.

However, the Knight took up a stance intending to take the attack head on.

-- He just casually raised his sword with one hand, and swung it horizontally.

"Gakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!"

After the deafening noise of the impact the earth was depressed around the armor Knight. The destructive power in Akatsuki's slash was obviousness, based on the aftermath it gave birth to.

But......

"With one hand, huh......"

After their swords crossed, Akatsuki stared at armor Knight.

He thought that no one would have been able to stop that attack, but the Knight block it easily.

Akatsuki heard how powerful the enemy was from Kaidou and Kuzuha. Therefore he did not think he would beat him with one blow. However, Akatsuki was using both hands while he only used one to wield a sword that blocked him. Besides withstanding the power in the strike, he even resisted the fall and did not move an inch. These signs prove one thing, the other party knows full well about the power of his renkan keikikou.

"..........."

The armor Knight silently waved his sword tossing both Akatsuki along with his sword back. Akatsuki regained his balance in the air, smoothly landing on the ground.

At the same time, the ground where he landed was destroyed by the armor Knight's wave shot from his sword slash. He used his magic sword to fend off the attack, then he sent out a shock wave to disperse the sand cloud that filled the air. Followed by a dash cutting the distance, and stabbed at the knight. However, it was also blocked easily by the Knight.

"-- Take this!"

As the blades hit Akatsuki used them as a fulcrum, lifting his body to the side allowing his right leg to he kicked out.

Hitting the side of the armor Knight's head.

"Bakii" along with the sound of hitting metal the armor Knight staggered to his left. The shock wave caused by the kick should of penetrated the armor, and surly rocked his brain. Akatsuki was confident it was a solid hit.

How...... he started to say, but Akatsuki swallowed his words. The armor Knight not only did not fall, but instead reached out and grabbed Akatsuki's right foot slamming him into the ground.

"Gaaaaah"

The strong impact felt on his back caused him to momentary stop breathing, followed by an intense pain. However, there was no time to rest, because the armor Knight swung his sword straight down at his lower body.

"--Damn!"

Akatsuki avoided it by rolling to the side, he barely escaped the danger. Taking advantage of force to stand up to swing the demon sword horizontally.

The resulting rush of air shot out, but it missed the target because the Knight had disappeared. Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

He found the enemy standing in a small cave half way up the rock wall.

"Son of a......"

Akatsuki glared at the armor Knight who in-turn responded by taking action. He turned his back to Akatsuki, and slashed at the rock wall. After a shrill sound, a huge v-shaped crack quickly spread on the wall. After a moment of silence, the cave's ceiling began to give way above the Knight's head accompanied with a bang similar to sound of an earthquake. In face of the rapidly approaching rockslide the armor Knight raised his sword continuously hacking apart the rocks.

The falling rocks where turned into countless smaller ones and poured down on Akatsuki.

However......

"--Hey, Did you read this from a textbook?"

Akatsuki laughed as he looked up at the falling rocks.

He jumped up with his magic sword in hand, and crushed the rocks coming at him. While he look for other rocks to grab a foothold to slowly climb up. Just as Akatsuki cut through an enormous rock -- the armor Knight suddenly attacked from the front.

"Another textbook move!"

This attack came as no surprise to Akatsuki. He received the attack with his demon sword. The two of them used the falling rocks around them to get footholds on. Using the rocks the battlefield became three-dimensional as they freely tried to cut each other.

The roar of the rock's crashing into the ground one after another was the BGM, while their swords crossed over and over again.

-- Akatsuki's attacks began to gradually overwhelm the armor Knight.

"Is this all you have? Come at me again!"

Akatsuki's sword strikes were holding the armor Knight at bay. At first the Knight's strength greatly puzzled him, but it was well within the range he could cope with. The other could only use his one sword to attack, while Akatsuki could still use both his hands and feet to fight. As formidable of an enemy he was, it was difficult for him to fight against Akatsuki's ever changing patterns of attacks.

It was just --

......Strange ......?

Akatsuki suddenly had a indescribable feeling. He always felt that something was amiss -- but didn't know what it was. His heart started to beat faster and faster, a sinking feeling came over him. Like the time when Phil Barnett turned his body into the evil dragon Zahark. The same sense of impending crisis.

Just when two swords crossed once again.

......! Is this guy --!

After he become aware of this feeling, Akatsuki could not help but hesitate.

However, right this moment he was in the middle of a battle and it was beyond his control at this point.

"Woo oh oh oh oh --!"

With a roar the black demon sword was forcibly swung, the armor Knight was tossed backward along with Akatsuki. The Knight straightened his stance mid-air avoiding the falling rocks, then rushed to get the ground one step faster than Akatsuki.

Akatsuki chased after him. The two men returned their fight back to the ground.

### Part 18

Standing on top of a cliff Kaidou Motoharu was watching the fight between Akatsuki and the armor Knight.

After they resumed their fight on the ground it only intensified.

Judging from both sides, attacks and defense, that he saw, Kaidou calmly believed Akatsuki had the edge.

But......

...... His fighting style seemed to have changed......?

From where he was, Kaidou could see Akatsuki continuing to wave his Demon sword. But something didn't feel right to Kaidou about the way he was moving his body. Kaidou had witnessed several of his fights up till now including the one at JPN Babel school's ranking tournament when Akatsuki and the others were ambushed by three of the student council members, excluding Hikami Kyoya. And then the fight with the high dimensional dragon. Even in that one, Akatsuki won in the end.

But he did not notice until a little while ago, that Akatsuki now was showing less confidence and ease with his body.

And now that they were back on the ground -- he wasn't acting like his usual self.

...... That bastard in the armor was indeed a powerful enemy sure, but –-

Kaidou couldn't help but suspiciously say:

"Come on Akki...... this is nothing like your usual style."

### Part 19

"Gaaaaaa --!"

After blocking a flurry of slashes Akatsuki jumped back, putting space between them.

He stared at the armor Knight in front of him, trying to calmly judged the situation.

......That bastard was gradually getting used to my attacks.

Even thought Akatsuki was the first to familiarize himself with other's movements, now he was gradually picking up on Akatsuki's patterns. The reasons were obvious enough, Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

......There's no other way than.

Akatsuki secretly made a wry smile in his mind, and also a decision. So he looked at the armor Knight before quietly telling him:

"Apparently, as it stands now I can't beat you --"

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. And,

"For me to defeat you...... I just need to become stronger."

At the same time he said so his body began to emit a dazzling light.

Overflowing from his body was a torrent of Ki.

This was the same move Akatsuki used during the duel with Listy and the others, using renkan keikikou he was able to exceed the limits of his body. Taking into account the condition he would be in following the battle Akatsuki didn't plan of using this in the first place, because of great burden it puts on the body. However the immediate situation left him no other choice.

"This is the only way to defeat you."

The powerful Ki gushed out from his whole body as Akatsuki faintly smiled. And,

"Ready --"

Akatsuki bent his knees and lowered his waist, sprinting ahead like a shooting star rapidly approaching the armor Knight. Godspeed was the only way to describe it. The distance was shorten in an instant. He was holding the demon sword up high as he swung it straight down.

A strike that could kill in one hit.

Then, in the middle of his swing.

"......Do you really want to do that?"

Ousawa Akatsuki clearly heard the armor Knight's voice.

"-- That person is watching."

"--?"

The Knight's sudden words stopped him for a moment at which he stared blankly. At the same time gave him a chance to look out from the corner of his eye to see "that person." His hesitation left the black sword immobile half way in the air.

"Damn --!"

Akatsuki realized he was still in the middle of swinging down the black demon sword, however the armor Knight showed no signs moving.

And then -- the shadows of two people interlaced them.

### Part 20

Listy by chance happen to get there at that precise moment.

After the chain binding Zechs disappeared. Drawn by the sounds of an intense fight, she headed north. Allowing her to see with her own eyes Akatsuki and Knight in golden armor -- at the exact second the outcome of a battle occurred.

"................"

Listy stood there mesmerized, she almost couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The armor Knight's sword -- ran through the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

While Black Sword of Akatsuki's had stopped only several centimeters above the knight's helmet.

A fraction of a second was the difference that divided victory or defeat.

That tragic millisecond lead to his loss.

The Knight pull his sword out from Akatsuki's chest. His body slowly fell towards the ground, as if it was a slow motion replay -- then the Knight drove a kick to the center of his body. All power left Akatsuki's body as he topple over backwards. Listy clearly saw the whole spectacle step by step.

"-----------!"

Listy was too busy to dwell on it, as she immediately used her flying magic. Before Listy even noticed she was heading to the bottom valley towards Akatsuki at maximum speed. From the war standpoint, Sherfied's Queen should have been unimaginably far away from the this place. But she completely lost the ability to think of anything -- other than that of Akatsuki.

"Stop it...... Don't hurt him any further!"

In a moment, Listy got between the armor Knight and the fallen Akatsuki.

Fresh blood was gushing out his back through the hole in his chest, and spreading out on the ground. Without the slightest hesitation she held her wand out towards him.

Disdiya's armor Knight's eyes turned hostile.

...... Lulu's recovery magic should be able cure him, somehow......

The anxiousness inside Listy's heart grew the more she started to think of way to save Akatsuki. Loutier was taken away by Akatsuki's companion. As long as I carry him to the Demon's village, then perhaps there was a shred of hope. However, now was not the time to fight the armor Knight. What was important was to find a way to get out of here as fast as possible. She looked over the Knight's armor from head to toe for a flaw, desperately trying to think of a way get away with Akatsuki.

But -- at this time.

Listy still hadn't sorted out her anxiety, but the situation suddenly changed.

"Paquin" a crisp metallic noise rang out. The armor Knight's helmet was split in two and fell. Even though Akatsuki's slash never hit the powerful Ki around the blade had cut the helmet.

-- And.

At that moment -- the curtain on the biggest tragedy of this war was raised.

"......Lies ......"

Listy El Da Sherfied stood there dumbfounded.

The armor Knight's true identity was seen for the first time. His face was very familiar to her.

So she lightly called out the name of the armor Knight.

"Le... on......"

She was shaking as she said his name.

The Golden armor Knight was -- Leon Esuperio, who gave a her a peaceful smile.

The evidence was starring her in the face. There was no way it was a different person, unmistakeably it was that person in question.

Leon looked down at Akatsuki's face lying on the ground behind Listy.

"What happened Akatsuki -- that wasn't like you."

He said while laughing, and exposed a mocking grin.

"Five years ago -- when you killed me you did it without the slightest hesitation."

"What......?"

Listy couldn't understand right away the meaning what Leon said.

Akatsuki was hovering before the gates of life and death, and the long dead Leon was standing before her eyes. Just one of those things was already enough to caused havoc in her mind. Nevertheless...... Leon now added that astonishing revelation, it was even more unacceptable. All together, it was beyond the scope of what Listy was able to comprehend.

Akatsuki -- killed Leon.

Putting aside Listy and the mess that her mind was in, the cruelty of situation did not stop there. On the contrary, it continued to proceed. Leon slowly moved forward, it was not necessary to think about what he intended to do. He was going to finish off the enemy -– end Akatsuki's life.

"-----! STOP!"

Along with her heartbreaking voice, Listy hurried to hold back Leon. She attempted to restrain him with her magic somehow. She focused her consciousness, however his feet didn't stop moving. The state her mind was in, there was no way for her to concentrate enough to use magic to stop Leon.

-- However, another person moved on her behalf.

It was Sherfied's pride, the person known as the Crimson sword king, Zechs Doltrake.

Zechs jumped in to protect Akatsuki and Listy.

"Stop -- Leon."

As he quietly said so, Zechs drew his crimson sword, and with no hesitation pointed it at Leon.

...... Why......?

His behavior only confused her more. How can he be so calm right now? It was as if Leon being the enemy was natural.

But -- the confrontation between the two did not last long.

"Uh-oh...... Seriously, give me a break."

A familiar voice called out from behind. Listy turned back to look, at that moment a young man was standing there. It was same young man that overwhelmed Zechs. He had Akatsuki over his shoulder as he also said "not good."

"Sorry, I know you three are busy over there, and I know it's rude to interrupt old friends catching up, but I need to speed things along. If this guy over here dies, I wont be able to go back my former world anymore."

"Ah...... your one of Akatsuki's companions."

And Leon narrowed his eyes,

"-- Do you think you can walk away?"

Just when Leon was about to take a step, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"-!"

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

While carrying Akatsuki the young man grinned, an overwhelming aura enveloped the whole area around them.

It was an aura of death -- the young man laughed a few times "Fufufu."

"Don't be so fast to act. Ah, I'm a pacifist, and basically just an onlooker on the sidelines. Umm, probably that's true..... but If Akki dies, then I'll properly be your opponent at that time."

So --

"You best begin to pray, and hope that Akki survives...... I'm not like Akki, and I'm sorry to say I don't have any attachment to this world. Frankly, if you force my hand -- I'll crush you without a care."

After that, the young man with Akatsuki disappeared without a trace.

"Hmm... did he escape? Akatsuki's friend is quick on his feet."

After seeing that, "ha" Leon laughed to himself.

Then turned away from Listy and Zechs, and started to slowly walk towards Disdiya's main force.

"......!"

There was no way that she was going to let him leave like that. She still had so many questions for Leon and wanted his answers. Why are you here? What did you mean Akatsuki killed you? Therefore Listy tried to call out to him and stop him from slipping away.

"Don't -- It's useless Listy."

Zechs grabbed her shoulder.

"No, let me go......! Zechs why? Don't you care at all?"

Listy's disheveled hair covered her face as she cried out hysterically,

"Why? I don't get it! Tell me...... Leooooooon！"

But, nobody responded to her question.

Leon's back just got smaller and smaller the farther away he went.

In the end, she didn't learn a single thing -- and was left standing there.

### Part 21

The decisive battle at Gorudono Grand Canyon came to a close.

Akatsuki was critically injured -- From Disdiya's standpoint they believed their original goal was accomplished. Without a means to break through the strengthen barrier around Forestnium continuing to stay here would be useless. So Emperor Baram immediately issued the orders to withdraw.

-- The sword of Disdiya defeated the new Demon King.

The outcome of the battle was immediately spread to every corner of Alayzard.

### 081. Chapter 3 - Opening the Door to the Truth

### Part 1

At that time -- it was all a blur.

The tragedy had already occurred. It was hopeless a situation, and there was nothing that could change it. And when he took action he picked the worst option.

His wishes weren't transmitted, his feelings wouldn't reach, all his words turned into meaningless cries. Before he had noticed he already clasped the sword lying on the ground, and started running.

There was no feeling. Even through it penetrated his armor --- even though it went through his heart.

Its just that...... in that moment, certainly his hands were trembling.

-- After that.

He fell to the ground together with him.

By the time he opened his eyes, he discovered him already dead.

Although he was still stunned he gradually understood.

Just now, he killed a person for the first time. And it was someone he called his best friend.

Instinctively he knew that he himself --- Ousawa Akatsuki had committed a "sin."

And --

"...... I wonder if I should thank you."

There was another party at the scene of the crime.

Akatsuki sat expressionless on the ground as the man spoke in a quiet voice:

"Let's hear your name, boy......"

However, Akatsuki returned only silence.

And remained silent, soon after the man gave up on getting an answer. The man turned around and slowly began to walk.

As the man was about to leave.

"......Why not kill me?"

Akatsuki asked the question with his head slumped down, however the man did not look back.

"The reason is because you are not my enemy for now at least. Neither emotional, situational, or ability wise......"

"......!"

The mans words caused Akatsuki to bite his lower lip.

It should be noted that at this stage of the game he was just a weak outsider in this war.

Therefore he firmly closed his fists, even thought they were still trembling. Still unwilling to give up Akatsuki asked,

"...... You really don't intend to stop this war?"

"No. Both sides have shed too much blood already. No one can stop this war anymore."

The Man asserts,

"Sherfied has fallen... ... Next will be Disdiya and Aleclasta."

"Is that so......"

Even when such a tragedy occurred, even though we all hoped for same thing, genuine peace, everyone will still say the same thing as him. Still, if you say there was no choice but to fight then by all means......

"It's Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki......?"

"Ousawa Akatsuki...... it's my name."

Akatsuki announced. And keep in mind,

"It will do well to remember that name. In the near future, without fail I will stand before you."

He paused for a moment.

"When the time comes I will defeat you...... Demon King Galious!"

--- Akatsuki was left alone slumped over as Demon King Galious went away.

The sky began to rain, as if mourning the tragedy.

Even so Ousawa Akatsuki did not get up, and quietly let the raindrops pour down on him.

After that an unknown amount of time passed.

Until he heard the sound of footsteps trampling through puddles coming his way.

From the sound, it was only one person. Akatsuki understood who it probably was without even looking up.

He could say with confidence who it was since it was in his expectation.

"......Akatsuki."

Someone called his name. But still Akatsuki never raised his head.

He did not need to look because it was definitely -- Listy. And then the footsteps suddenly stopped. Listy probably saw it.

The tragic ending.

Therefore, Akatsuki and Listy stayed glued to their spots unable to say a word for a while.

The two were separated by some distance and between them......

The dead body of Leon Esuperio lying quietly.

### Part 2

On the pretext of a prisoner of war Loutier Trum was brought to Forestnium. However, the real reason she was brought to the village was to treat the injured Riruru. After she learned of Akatsuki's intention she immediately agreed to help.

Loutier not only excelled at the high priest's system of healing magic, but was also adept in recovery magic. Not long after the medical treatment Riruru regained consciousness.

"......Thank God.", Kuzuha.

Loutier's vision was focused on the girl known as Kuzuha embracing Riruru with tears in her eyes. She couldn't help thinking: that this girl and Riruru were particularly close. And perhaps she felt some sort of responsibility for Riruru's injury.

So...... Akatsuki went out of the way especially for this girl......

Loutier was convinced that was the reason why Kuzuha was charged with bringing herself here. As a result, he arranged it so Kuzuha would be responsible for the southern route, and then ordered her to attack Sherfied's camp. All of it was to allow Kuzuba use her own power to help Riruru. Then,

"Umm, thank you."

A girl bowed to Loutier. It was the daughter of the Demon King Galious -- Miu.

"There isn't anyone in Forestnium who can manipulate recovery magic... ... I really appreciate your help."

"No, there isn't anything to be grateful for...... because I wanted to help."

After a few words of humility, Loutier looked at Miu.

"You...... didn't take part in the battle."

Loutier did not mean to fault Miu, she just wanted to check the facts.

"Yes...... that person wouldn't let me fight. As for the real reason...... I'm not sure."

"Is that so?"

While returning a nod, Loutier secretly guessed as to the motive.

Most likely Akatsuki only allowed people from the other world to participate, shielding Miu and Galivein. No doubt, he was still holding out hope for a true peace.

...... In that case, then presently what can I do for him?

As Loutier asked herself that question --

The door to the medical room was flung open.

Invariably everyone focused their attention on the door.

"Emergency! We need the that High Elf-neechan brought over here now!"

The youth that barged in face was pale -- over his shoulder was Akatsuki covered blood. Already unconscious, it was apparent that his condition was critical.

At the sight Loutier gasped, and at the same time Miu's knees gave way as she sunk to the floor. A ghastly pale complexion took over her face. Unable to believe what was before her eyes, her voice trembled,

"Him...... how could that person become...... like this."

Haruka and Chikage entered the treatment room right behind Kaidou, and mournfully began to answer her question,

"......It was the work of the armor knight of Disdiya."

"The same one that murdered Urumu-san...... even our puppets were defeated with one blow."

"The story can wait til after...... is there any way we can treat him!?"

"Leave it to me -- quickly, lie him down on a bed!"

Kaidou's tone was urgent, while Loutier nodded and began to give instructions.

The wound was to his left chest. A sharp cut went straight through his chest out the back. There was most likely damage to his heart and major arteries. It wouldn't have been strange for a person to instantly die from this wound. Yet Akatsuki was still alive, probably thanks to Renkan Keikikou. Akatsuki had once explained that Ki circulates much the same way as blood flows in the body, perhaps the flow of Ki in his body acted on behalf of his severed vascular system and damaged heart to transport the needed oxygen and nutrients. But even if that were the case it can't continue for too long.

...... Damage of this level is very troublesome...... still somehow......

Loutier focused her consciousness, and began to chant the highest incantation of recovery magic that she was able to use. Admittedly solely relying on her magic may not be enough, however by adding in power of Renkan Keikikou self-healing there may be some hope.

...... Please, this has to succeed......!

The magic formation unfolded, a dazzling light rapidly spread out in the room.

Once the recovery magic was invoked it wrapped around Akatsuki when --

The white healing glow suddenly faded away.

Ousawa Miu had watched on in blank amazement.

After the light had subsided, her eyes were drawn to the wound on Akatsuki's chest that didn't heal.

"This......?"

"Wh-What just happened? The magic seemed to be repelled......? "

Haruka looked to the confound Loutier for an explanation. However Loutier furrowed her brows and bitterly,

"The recovery magic...... for some reason was nullified."

It was probably --

"I believe that during the duel at the peace negotiations he was able to stop our final magical attack. I think that this is the same principle, similar to a how a Higher life form possess an absolute barrier. It could be that when Akatsuki was near death his instinct for self-preservation took over regardless of his will."

"Is there...... no other way to heal him?"

While holding Riruru, Kuzuha sorrowfully asked. However,

"The only way to break an absolute barrier of a Higher life form is to borrowed the power of a high ranking Spirit or God."

Loutier said while looking very pale.

"What was used earlier was the highest level of recovery magic that I can use. If that was useless...... then I am at wit's end."

"If so, then is there a way to indirectly apply recovery magic to the wound?"

Chikage mentioned an idea that she learned in the battle against Zahhak.

"Since the barrier repelled the direct magic, wouldn't indirectly applying it do the same thing?"

"It would be difficult...... but perhaps it is feasible to apply it. Anyway, it wouldn't make sense to indirectly apply recovery magic, since it won't have any significant effect. Regardless in the end, it would be considered an direct action effecting his body."

"Arrrrgh...... I can't take it. My head hurts."

After listening to the story, Kaidou scratched his head as he let out a sigh of frustration. After he looked around the crowd,

"Does that mean -- we can only look on helplessly as Akki dies?"

Everyone couldn't help but looked at each other, unable to say a word.

It is because no one was able to come up with an idea.

Akatsuki was right now alone fighting against death, using Renkan Keikikou to self-heal the mortal wound to his left chest. At the moment he resembled a candle in the wind, struggling between life and death.

Miu eyes were glued to Akatsuki laying in the bed. Akatsuki has always told her to 'Believe in me' and now her trust in him still hasn't changed. Akatsuki will surely be saved and firmly believes it to be so.

Most likely the others feel that way too.

After all, how many times has she been protected because of Akatsuki's strength.

"............"

Miu strongly told herself.

Once again she has to believe in him, while silently praying that that person -- survives. However,

...... I also want to do something for him......!

Miu doesn't want to be just be protected by that person, hiding under Akatsuki's protective umbrella.

Therefore Miu desperately racked her brains. Akatsuki was trying to use his power to heal himself. If there was no way to help him directly, then at the very least she could support him from the sidelines. There must be something that we can do. I absolutely will never give it up. Then,

"......Ah."

Ousawa Miu had a revelation. A possibility, well more of a gamble. Therefore, Miu stood up,

"Loutier-san...... after I signal, please recite the spell for recovery magic one more time."

"Although it isn't a problem -- Did you have an idea?"

"Yeah. I think it's worth a try."

Miu nodded, and walked over to Akatsuki's bedside.

"-- However, the target for the magic is me."

As soon as she said so, Miu strongly bite down on her lip. A small cut formed on her lip and began to bleed a little.

Ousawa Miu reviewed her hypothesis in her head. Akatsuki was unconsciously using Renkan Keikikou to heal his wounds. In addition to Ki circulating inside his body he probably was taking in the surrounding Ki drifting in the air. Then by using the recovery magic on herself it can be converted with the Ki inside her body. She thought then it might be able to be passed to Akatsuki.

Of course, Miu was unable to manipulate Renkan Keikikou. It was impossible for her to refine the Ki inside her body. However, the physical body of a living creature wasn't made of magic. The fact was recovery magic doesn't directly heal an injury, rather the magic is poured into the body and then converted into recovery energy. Then by -- using Miu as a medium it may be possible to pass that recovery energy to Akatsuki's body. That then could substantially promote Akatsuki's self-healing ability.

So Miu punctured her lip to focus the effects of magic there. And if the wound of Miu's and the wound of Akatsuki's overlapped, the recovery energy gathering in the her lip could then flow into his body through his left chest.

"I understand."

After hearing of Miu's plan. Loutier once again recited the recovery magic.

Miu also moved closer to Akatsuki.

Then she slowly brought her lips towards the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

She closed her eyes as she lightly kissed the wound -- When she did Ousawa Miu strongly wished.

...... Please...... let us lend you a helping hand.

As Miu sensed the taste of the blood, Miu and Akatsuki were enveloped in a white light.

A healing light.

"----"

After a while -- Miu released her lips from his chest. The room was absolutely silent, when somebody let out a murmur.

"The wound...... disappeared."

It was the miracle that they were hoping for.

Loutier was the first to break the silence. Her hand gently touched his left chest, soon after she released her breath. Then turned around to looked at everyone on the verge of tears and a small smile,

"It's all right...... the wound was healed. Now we can only believe Akatsuki's vitality."

As soon as she said so happy cheers swept across the room.

They were celebrating the moment from the bottom of their heart.

### Part 3

Akatsuki's condition gradually stabilized.

Although everyone obtained some relief, no one was willing to leave the treatment room. Riruru's care was entrusted to the woman in charge of the village's orphanage. Miu suddenly spoke up,

"Umm, Kaidou-san..."

With a tone full of doubts,

"For that person to be so seriously hurt...... how strong was the armor Knight, really?"

Her question caused everyone to move their gazes to Kaidou.

-- She heard from Kuzuha that the puppet strategy worked perfectly against Disdiya's army.

From the start of battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon it looked like the allied armies would suffer a crushing defeat. So Miu wanted to know the truth behind what happened from the person who was watching it directly in the field, Kaidou.

"Hmm...... the armor Knight is certainly strong, but the situation is somewhat complicated."

Kaidou answered,

"I have no way to know him by his looks, but it seems that guy in the golden armor -- is known as Leon."

"-- Impossible!"

After she heard his reply, Loutier immediately stood up knocking over the chair she was sitting on.

Out of all the people present she knew the whole situation better than anyone, and what Kaidou alleged was impossible,

"Leon died five years ago...... how can he be alive?"

Everyone fell silent. They were all more or less informed of what happened back then. The story of the Hero Leon was well known in Alayzard. It was tale about the Hero who laid down his life in order to protect Akatsuki. However,

"I'm sorry but it was your General and Queen called him Leon, not me."

Kaidou continued,

"If that really is case then it was those two who mistook him. However the three of them were having a looooong chat in front of me. Ah well, before I had to interrupt them."

"Then -- it might be a safe bet that it's the same Leon-san who died five years ago."

Haruka asserted, but for that possibility,

"But still it really is hard to believe that he came back after five years, and more turned into an enemy. And now wants to face off against Ousawa Akatsuki?"

A dead Hero becoming the enemy -- this statement was undoubtedly contradictory.

However --

"What if the person who brought Leon back is controlling his mind?"

"............"

After Loutier heard that possibility she fell silent and dropped her head, unable to reject the theory.

"It seems like...... you have some sort of clue."

In a monotone voice, Kuzuha softly uttered.

Loutier eventually began to speak,

"Not too long ago...... Leon's tomb inside Sherfied castle's cemetery was destroyed by an unknown person. Although there was no direct evidence the most likely culprit was Phil Barnett. It seemed that the youth came from the same world as you. In a bid to be recognized as the the new Hero of Alayzard he return to your world...... Still, I heard that you guys together with Akatsuki defeated him, even though he contracted with Zahhaku."

"Well...... Akatsuki virtually did everything alone."

Chikage said with a wry smile. After that her face immediately sank,

"That is to say -- there is a possibility that when Phil destroyed Leon-san's tomb he also took his remains, something like that?"

"Perhaps, but that is all just pure speculation. Also Disdiya is the Empire of the desert which happens excell in art of body preservation using the magic including mummification. It is said that some of their Royal families know of a forbidden spell that can recall the soul of the dead and bring a person back to life. Although that is just unconfirmed rumors, but that spell really does exist --"

"That means that they revived Leon-san to manipulate him."

Haruka couldn't hide her disgust.

"That's way too despicable!"

"I'm not too sure about all that."

While Haruka was trembling with anger, a voice came from the side. It was Kaidou the only one who was there and seen what happened.

Kaidou turned towards Loutier to look her in the eyes.

"That guy Leon said...... it was Akki that killed him."

"No way......?"

"That sort of answer......"

After hearing what Kaidou said, practically everyone had an expression that said it was unbelievable. That was only natural. It was well know fact that Leon died in order to protect Akatsuki. Only after that Akatsuki obtained his present strength. Supposing what Kaidou said was true, everything will topple from its foundation.

But compared to shock when Loutier learned that Leon was still alive, she seemed particularly calm now.

"It appears as though you know something...... could we slowly hear it?"

The truth will get out -- Kaidou explained:

"Sooner or later we will find out if Leon is dead or alive. If it is true then it would be best to hear it directly from Akki, but the situation may change before he regains consciousness...... So, please explain it."

"...... I understand."

After a sigh, Loutier lightly nodded,

"Since things have progressed to this point, Listy probably already learned the truth from Zechs. As Akatsuki friends, perhaps you also have the right to know what happened five years ago -- The truth of the tragedy of Sherfied."

"So then...... it's all true after all?"

To Kaidou's question Loutier nodded "Yes."

"That day it wasn't Galious who killed Leon -- It was Akatsuki."

### Part 4

Sherfied's army had completely withdrew from the battlefield on the grounds that their top commanding officer Loutier was taken prisoner of war.

After returning to the royal castle Listy immediately summoned Zechs to her office.

"What was that all about...... Akatsuki was the one who killed Leon!"

Listy pressed upon one of her most trusted comrades seeking the truth.

At the battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon Listy witnessed an unbelievable spectacle. Akatsuki was mortally wounded in an instant -- and Disdiya's armor Knight turned out to be Leon. Since the scene unfolded in the northern route the Sherfied soldiers stationed to the south didn't witness the events. Which could be said was a great fortune amidst all the misfortune. If it was seen by anyone else, Sherfied would have been thrown into chaos.

Listy bit her lower lip, she could only think of one thing.

......Please Akatsuki...... you have to be okay......

Akatsuki's wound was very serious, but there was still his Renkan Keikikou and Loutier was taken there. Anyway right now, all she can do was believe that Akatsuki was safe. Therefore, Listy began to think about another problem.

The person who stabbed Akatsuki through his chest turned out to be the long since dead Leon.

And was what Leon unbelievable declared really -- the truth?

So Listy need to ask Zechs. At that time Zechs stopped her from calling out to Leon, it looked like he clearly knew something. She needed to make sure,

"Is it true......? The one who killed Leon, really wasn't Galious?"

"Ah well, it's true...... five years ago Akatsuki told me himself."

"What was that......"

Zechs bitter expression said it all, however Listy still wasn't able to accept this fact.

That story was just too absurd, how could Akatsuki kill Leon? But thinking it over, why the need to tell such a blatant lie. Also it was undeniable that the way Zechs and Leon spoke to each other was hostile.

"Tell me this first, Zechs...... who besides you and Akatsuki knew about it?"

Listy said, while concealing her inner horror,

"-- Does even Lulu know......?"

"Uh...... she also knows."

Listy was stunned at Zechs's admission.

And gradually -- that surprise turned into an indescribable sense of anger.

"For all these years, you all have been hiding it from me......!"

Akatsuki, Zechs, Loutier, and Listy traveled all around the world together. Their relationship couldn't be expressed as easy as mere companions. Comrade-in-arms -- no, it was closer to that of a family. Yet, now Listy found out she was only person not to know the secret, as if she was never a true companion to the other three.

Then, did all these feeling over five years mean nothing? The one who failed know anything was her, don't tell me Akatsuki and the others pretend to have a relationship with me just to fool me?

...... That was all too much......!

Listy didn't care that Zechs and Loutier failed to report the one who most likely destroyed Leon's tomb was Phil Barnett. There was no clear physical evidence, and at the time she herself lacked the cool headedness to make the right decisions. And although on the surface Zechs and Loutier's relationship to her were as subjects of the Queen, in all actually they were close friends on an equal footing. She had explicitly conveyed to them, as long as it was the best course of action for the country, they could make the most appropriate judgment on their own without needing to report everything to her. And if her judgment was ever wrong, she even wanted them to stop her.

But this time it was a completely different story.

Listy bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the sorrow of being completely kept in the dark for so many years from crushing her. So Listy reflected on the facts at hand anew.

-- First, Leon had passed away five years ago. That was an indisputable fact, Listy personally confirmed it.

After all, after the tragedy the very first on the scene was none other than herself.

Now Leon appeared again on behalf of the person who resurrected him.

It's probably...... the work of Disdiya......

It was said that Disdiya since ancient times has handed down forbidden spells, and among them include a way to recall the souls of the dead. The reason Phil destroyed Leon's tomb could have been to take his remains all along. It was such an unbelievable evil atrocity that runs completely contrary to the moral ethics of mankind, and if it was true it won't be possible to simply forgive.

-- But before that, there are other things to deal with.

That was right. Listy El Da Sherfied must learn the truth. So,

"Tell me, Zechs -- I want to know what really happened five years ago."

Zechs stared straight ahead, before letting out a deep breath. He then lowered his head and quietly,

"...... I don't even know where to start."

"From the start to finish without leaving one word out."

"Yeah, Let it be...... right from the beginning."

Zechs down in thought, seemed to be in doubt as to where to begin to explain the whole thing.

"Five years ago -- the true purpose of Galious's attack on Erdia was not to invade."

Zechs slowly began to untie the knots to the truth.

"It was in retaliation for Leon's actions -- All of the attacks were for sole purpose of killing Leon."

### Part 5

At that time, the Hero Leon Esuperio kept a dark secret.

The first to accidentally stumble upon the secret -- was none other than Akatsuki.

Within his heart and soul Akatsuki just wanted to become stronger, so he secretly shadowed Leon. It resulted in Akatsuki discovering the startling "truth" before anyone else.

Usually when Akatsuki and Leon trained together they didn't do anything special. However, he believed the reason why Leon was so much stronger must be some kind of ritual he does alone. But Leon was the Hero, which greatly limited his opportunities to do so. At most, he had a set day in which he returned to help his mother Selina with the restaurant.

That was Leon's private time, so no one chose to disturb him. Still, Akatsuki decided to secretly track him back to the "Wildcat Pavilion."

-- But contrary to Akatsuki's expectations, Leon really had quietly returned to the restaurant to help his mother.

Secretly hiding out behind the restaurant Akatsuki had a view of kitchen. He watched as Leon helped his mother with the cooking. Then after they closed the restaurant the two of them sat down to a meal. It was the very picture of a mother and son having a happy dinner.

So Akatsuki also once concluded that spending time with his mother Selina, and that wanting to protect his family was the secret to Leon's strength.

The sun had set and the darkness had already set in, Akatsuki was ready to head back to the castle when --

The back door suddenly opened and Leon came out of the restaurant.

From the shadows Akatsuki could clearly see a sword in Leon's hand. He was sure Leon was off to go train alone. Leon had stopped before his father and sister's grave for a moment before heading off into the forest.

The thought of becoming as strong as Leon -- or at least catch up a little to his level welled up.

Again, Akatsuki followed after Leon. However, tracking him through the woods at night proved difficult. Not long after he lost sight of Leon.

But -- if he turned back here, he might never learn of Leon's secret. Akatsuki refused to give up. As before this late at night the forest was empty, still he desperately kept looking for Leon's whereabouts. And by chance he caught a glimpse of Leon stepping into a magic circle on the ground, and then disappearing in an instant. Akatsuki knew of the existence of the , and guessed that the magic had the same kind of effect. If he followed suit he might be able to catch up to Leon. But, if he messed it up somehow, most likely he would never return. Akatsuki had to chose whether to remain there or to chase after.

-- If he turned back that might of been his last chance.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki made his decision. After all, waiting there would get him nothing.

And If he really wanted to get stronger he needed to follow after Leon to see what his special training really was.

So Akatsuki slowly stepped into the magic circle.

And in the next moment he stood in an unfamiliar place.

Even in the pitch black, Akatsuki understood that this forest was different from the one in Sherfied.

After confirming the existence of a magic circle to return, Akatsuki let out a sigh of relief before setting out in search of Leon.

Soon after he heard the sound of fighting far off in the distance.

Akatsuki started running towards where the noise originated from.

And -- what he saw was the brutal "Truth."

### Part 6

Suddenly Loutier Trum stopped her story there without a word

She was hesitating as to whether she should continue.

But, they knew nothing of the truth. Loutier couldn't afford to stop.

"Can you please continue -- What in the world did Ousawa Akatsuki see?"

Haruka asked on behalf of everyone, Loutier dropped her head and stared at the floor.

After a moment of silence she started to talk again.

Ever so slowly -- she told them the true starting point.

"He saw Leon...... massacring defenseless Demons."

### Part 7

The scene was impossible to believe.

There were Demons running in every which direction trying to flee, blood-curdling screams could be heard as Leon hunted them down one by one, none escaped, although Demons physical and magic abilities were superior to humans there were some who can't fight, like the very young and elderly. However Leon showed no mercy, regardless of whether they resisted or not. He just ruthlessly, and impartially single mindedly continued to kill.

Akatsuki reflexively began to run out to try and stop Leon's atrocities. But when he grabbed Leon's shoulder, Leon cried out "Stand back its dangerous." Immediately after, Akatsuki received a blow to a vital point and fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

And -- When Akatsuki opened his eyes next.

Leon was there on one knee making sure Akatsuki was okay.

Akatsuki couldn't help but gasp, Leon floated an expression of relief.

Leon's face was dyed red with blood. On the ground behind him laid countless mutilated Demon corpses.

Leon laughed, with his usual smile.

It's safe now Akatsuki.

-- The hatred over the death of Leon's family become his resolve to be a knight, and at the same time let him continue killing Demons. And as the result it made him a Hero. Whenever he killed a Demon, Leon gained the admiration and applause of the world. Before long -- it was impossible for him to stop.

His raison d'etre as a Hero became wiping out all of the Demons. Leon's eyes just saw red, so much so even the elderly, women and children were not spared.

When the family oriented kind-hearted upstanding youth -- lost his heart he plunged into an abyss. Akatsuki naturally tried to dissuade Leon. He tried let Leon know this kind of slaughter was no different than murder, and that his father and sister's soul would not be happy with such acts. However, Akatsuki's words fell on deaf ears. Leon just said it was a matter of Alayzard -- and that Akatsuki was merely an outsider who doesn't have a say.

In the end he clear-cut told Akatsuki to head to the deepest part of Sherfied's northern forest where the was, and as quickly as possible return to his own world.

-- Akatsuki decided to return to the Sherfied. He felt he didn't have the power to stop Leon by himself. So he turned to another close friend for help, Zechs.

Asking -- to stop Leon.

### Part 8

"-- Hearing such a story so suddenly did you believe him, Zechs?"

Listy raised a legitimate question, to that Zechs nodded "Yes" without hesitation.

Reminded of the past, Zechs revealed his reason,

"In fact I also...... saw it with my own eyes."

-- Even after he was discovered by Akatsuki, Leon continued to massacre Demons.

At first Zechs thought Akatsuki was playing some sort of joke.

But the look in Akatsuki's eyes told him this wasn't a lie.

In the end Zechs decided to keep this from Leon for now, and rather go to the location Akatsuki described.

To see it for himself, Zechs brought along a magic tool to detect the magical energy of Demons, and a magic tool for teleportation. Using them he was able to find the place in Galevian where Leon was massacring the Demons.

"...... Do you remember? The rumors about Leon's past how he slaughtered Demons."

Listy responded to Zechs with a nod "Yeah".

"But that was just......"

"Yeah, that's right. In wars it is a common psychological tactic to spread rumors to disparage the enemy's Hero...... I thought just like everyone it was a totally unsubstantiated rumor the Demons spread."

However -- those rumors bared the horrible truth.

After that Zechs also tried to persuade Leon many times to stop. But Leon did not have the ears to hear it. He insisted that his mission as a Hero was to defeat the Demon King, and the annihilation of the Demon race. Therefore Akatsuki and Zechs were forced to request help from Loutier to figure out a method to prevent Leon from acting. In the end they turned to Listy's father -- the former King of Sherfied, and petitioned him to order the arrest of Leon.

But --

"-- His Majesty the King did not agree."

"Father......? Eh...... Why?

"Leon's prestige as a Hero was already too well known throughout Alayzard, and arresting him would take irrefutable evidence."

With no less than that, the truth would never be made public. If his crimes were brought to light, all of Sherfied would be condemned.

As a result, they found themselves in a situation where they could do nothing but wait.

However, the situation only got worse. Leon's madness intensified to the point that even Zechs couldn't of imagined.

-- The late King maintained a passive approach towards the war with the Demons.

In that context, Leon becoming a Hero was to be more of a deterrent. If needed he was to suppress conflicts with any Demons and Galious. The former King assumed Leon would to be in some form a symbol of peace for Alayzard. And for a long period of time didn't have Sherfied participate in any military actions against Demons.

Such a compassionate King was revered not only from this own people, but from Royalty and nobles from other countries. However -- for Leon hell bent on annihilating Demons the King's presence was nothing more than a major obstacle.

"So Leon...... secretly began plot the conspiracy."

"Conspiracy ...?"

Listy couldn't help but ask, Zechs nodded "Yes."

After a slight silence, he began to speak of Leon Esuperio's real objective.

"-- The assassination of Sherfied's royal family."

### Part 9

"The massacring of Demon tribes...... was the first step in the plot to assassinate Sherfied's royal family."

Loutier had her eyes cast-down, slowly revealing the past truth.

"On the one hand Leon was able to release some of his inner hatred -- on the other he was able to provoke Garlious."

It went all according to plan. Furious over the slayings, Galious personally invaded the Imperial City of Erudia to kill Leon. However, he could of never imagined that his vengeance was lending a hand to Leon's conspiracy.

And -- that day five years ago the royal family, with the exception of Listy, were all killed.

In all appearance it was raid by the Demons, but actuality it was very different.

Leon orchestrated so that the assassin guild would kill the royal family.

-- How would things advance from that?

If the people of Sherfied lost all of their royalty overnight. Who would they turn to rely on first?

The answer was obvious, the Hero.

After the King was lost, Listy's fiancee Leon would be able to become the Hero of tragedy. In his hands would be a justifiable reason to eradicate all of the Demons.

Still even the assassination guild flinched when it received a request to annihilate the royal family. However their leader was willing to bet big that Leon would be the next King. Afterwards they would be granted free rein from Leon. So -- the assassination guild stained their hands with the blood of the royal family.

"Akatsuki having learnt the truth .... slipped out of Erudia Castle amidst the confusion caused by the attack by the Demon King's army to find Leon. Akatsuki just so happened to arrive when Leon was holding hostage a Demon child facing off against Galious, ordering him to throw down his weapons."

"......Ah, my God."

Loutier heard Kuzuha gasp.

But Loutier thought the real tragedy was about to start.

So she slowly revealed the truth of the past,

"However, things didn't go as Leon planed. He didn't calculate that Akatsuki would pursue him outside of the city's walls. Not only that, but that Listy would chase after Akatsuki."

For that reason only, Listy was able to escape from the evil hands of the assassination guild.

However, Leon received a report through communication magic that Listy's assassination had failed. He once again ordered the assassination guild to chase after her and finish the job. And until he got the report from the assassination of Listy, Leon was going to hold the Demon child hostage forcing Galious not to move.

"I see...... that way he could shift the blame for deaths of the royal family to the Demon King."

Loutier nodded "Yes" to confirm Kaidou's speculation.

"Just as the assassination guild caught up to Listy, and was waiting on Leon's instructions when......"

Loutier took a breath.

"-- Akatsuki picked a sword off the ground, and rushed towards Leon."

The result of Akatsuki stopping Leon's rampage was also him killing his best friend. After learning of Leon's death the assassination guild immediately fled. While Galious took the Demon child and left. After some time, Listy had come running to the scene of the tragedy.

Then afterwards, Listy and the others were forced to abandon the capital, fleeing to Aleclasta. Galious then showed himself at the ruins of Erudia Castle to announce to the world that the royal family had been killed, and the sole survivor Listy was exiled to another country. And from then on Erudia -- was officially part of Demon territory.

"Wait...... how did that come about!?"

Chikage couldn't help but insert her question,

"What he said didn't make it clear that Sherfied's Royal family wasn't killed by the Demon King's hands...... Why did Miu's father take the blame for Leon?"

"As to Galious real motive...... we have no idea."

Loutier shook her head,

"Maybe it was to show off his power to the other countries, or maybe......"

As she said so, Loutier stared at one of girls.

"You know the reason -- Myuu-dono."

### Part 10

"...... Ah."

All eyes were drawn to Miu, however being called out so bluntly she wasn't able answer right away.

That Leon was slaughtering Demons, Miu knew a little.

But she did not know the cause or the background of the whole thing.

In truth, the facts she didn't know hit her like rogue wave. Miu's brain was thrown into disorder, her thoughts couldn't catch up right away.

So after much thought, she slowly began speak to everyone,

"......I'm sorry...... I only know a few details already in the story just now."

She lowered her head after saying so.

"And all I heard from my Father after he returned from Sherfied was he defeated Leon-san."

"I see...... This was my wrongdoing. Even under normal circumstances, this must be painful to be reminded of the past."

Loutier said apologetically, Miu shook her head as to say 'its okay.'

Miu doesn't know why her Father, Galious protected Leon and made himself the scapegoat. She never heard either.

After her father lost the duel and entrusted her to Akatsuki was the same.

Things ended at that time without a chance to talk things through, her father had already stopped breathing.

"-- That is all I know about what really happened five years ago."

Loutier summed up,

"The only people that knew are Akatsuki, Zechs and myself...... and one more."

"Another person? Doesn't Queen Listy not know?"

Haruka couldn't help but frown, Loutier nodded "Yes."

"It's just as you said, Listy doesn't know. The truth of this matter is enough to shake the country. For that person's safety, their identity cannot be revealed."

"............"

Loutier's words involuntarily made Miu stare blankly.

Because there was one person who crossed her mind. It was just a guess, but it was more like conviction.

......She must be the one...... I'm certain.

In Ousawa Miu mind echoed that gentle voice.

"...... This war has taken my husband and my children."

Even so, that friendly shop owner was able to accept her.

Leon's mother -- Selina Esuperio.

That's right. At that time she had even said to Miu,

'-- And you should also know about my son, right?'

Miu never asked what exactly those words meant, she assumed they were pointing to Leon being a hero.

But rather she alluding to fact that Miu was a demon, and should of been aware of what Leon had done.

...... So that was the reason......

Ousawa Miu finally understood why.

Why Selina hated war so much. Why she was able to be so friendly with Miu. It was all because she understood better than anyone how many lives were lost and how many of their families were destroyed. The true nature of war -- grief.

War always gives rise to hatred which can lead to madness. This type of uncontrollable hatred will eventually trigger a negative chain reaction. That was why Selina supported Akatsuki and Miu's plan to stop human aggression towards the Demons. In an effort to prevent it from boiling over into another war breaking out.

-- But now, Akatsuki was seriously wounded because of the past tragedy.

However, Miu still hadn't forgotten what Selina expected of her.

'Stop this war with Akatsuki, and then come back here to eat some of my homemade cooking.'

Break this chain of hatred -- and settle the tragedy of the past.

...... Right.

Miu raised her head, her innermost thoughts have changed into a oath. Ousawa Miu stared straight ahead,

"Thank you Loutier-san for telling me the truth."

In order to stop the war, Akatsuki told Miu not to take part in the battle.

But that was also useless. Even not part of front line there were ways to help.

Miu was certain her power was needed to stop this war.

...... It's not too late......

Ousawa Miu clenched her fists. Akatsuki already used his power -- now it was her turn to do something for everyone.

### Part 11

The heavy atmosphere wasn't caused by superficial words, but the weight of the truth.

Zechs put everything out in the open about the truth of the tragedy five years ago. Listy heard all his words, however she still was able to completely accept the hard truths right away. There were still things she needed to hear by all means. Therefore, a little doubtful it took a few moments for her to get the first question out.

"...... How come you never told me?"

"Well, that was because of Akatsuki...... you should be able to understand, right?"

Like a sigh, Zechs said his name,

"That guy didn't seem to want to tell you...... and asked us not to."

To prevent the cruel truth from ever hurting Listy.

"For my sake? He said that, right?"

Listy stared into Zechs's eyes. She was frankly grateful to Akatsuki and Zechs for their consideration. But still in these five years -- there was probably an opportunity to tell her truth before now.

At first Akatsuki went to seek help from Zechs, then the both of them went to find Loutier, and then the three consulted with Listy's father. A natural progression seeing as he was the former King of Sherfied. At least Listy thought so. Unfortunately the possibility of her learning the truth before now was virtually zero.

For the country, but also for Listy's sake her father probably choose to conceal the truth. Maybe even imposed a gag on Zechs and Loutier.

But five years ago -- father the King, and the rest of the royal family were murdered. Even if there wasn't a formal coronation ceremony, Listy had become the next leader of Sherfied.

"As the Queen of this country, I should of been informed about this national tragedy...... as well as the right to know about father's death."

"Yes...... You're right."

Zechs nodded,

"However -- Akatsuki also has his rights."

"Akatsuki's rights?"

Listy couldn't help but ask. Zechs nodded "Uh huh", and answered.

"Yes, Akatsuki also had the right to do it for your sake!"

And at last Listy El Da Sherfied heard the final truth.

"In fact...... Lulu and I wanted to report the truth about Leon to you."

Zechs sighed,

"We at that time were a knight and a officer of this country, and there was an obligated to report this critical information which could influence the country to you, the princess...... And we absolutely thought it wasn't fair for Akatsuki to suffer through all those public incrimination for causing the Hero's death."

"In that case...... then why?"

"Because Akatsuki begged us with all he had not to say a word to you."

That day five years ago, Listy was forced to abandon the capital city of Erudia, exiled to a foreign country to live on as the last member of the royal family of Sherfied. It could be said her life was thrust to the depths of despair, however she was not lost in self-pity, because in Listy was the responsibility of a Princess.

What was still left in her spirit was the need to move towards retaking the capital city of Erudia.

"At that point in time, there was no guarantee that telling you the truth wouldn't have cause your mental state to collapsed entirely."

And it was also the same for the people of Sherfied. Almost all of their royal family was killed overnight, their castle and their capital falling to the demons were already a big enough blow to them. Moreover, if they knew it was all an act of the Hero that they all believed in. The country of Sherfied would of fell to ruin.

So Akatsuki said to Zechs. When all was said and done I am one person, an outsider compared to Listy and the other surviving people of Sherfied. Who should be given priority was obvious.

Thus Akatsuki chose to conceal the truth deep inside himself, and repeated the same words over and over.

Leon died -- to protect him.

As a result, it was decided that Leon died to save Akatsuki from Demon King Galious. With the honor of Hero Leon intact, and the hope of regaining the capital in her heart -- Listy was barely able to keep her sanity.

However, in exchange for hiding the truth Akatsuki sacrificed his reputation.

"At that time Lulu and I's reaction was just like yours now, and not entirely convinced. I even told that guy to his face...... he was in the wrong."

Zechs paused.

"Then that guy said "Still...... I do not want to see anymore of her tears," and smiled with his face in tatters. He bared with the infamy and its hardship without saying one word of complaint. Listy, how could we have told you?"

"......Zechs."

The red-headed general's voice trembled, Listy didn't have any words either. She finally understood that Zechs and the others chose to remain silent after a very serious struggle. More than anything else was -- the tragic determination of Akatsuki's deeply moved her. And,

"In order to stop a woman's tears, even at the expense of hell -- That guy's aesthetics were born at that time."

What Zechs really spoke of was the beginning of the hagure aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki. Even if the world casts him aside as long as it can reduce the sorrow of the woman a little he wouldn't mind a bit. If it was essential to hide the cruel truth, then what harm was there in telling a lie. So,

"The first time Akatsuki fought for Sherfied...... was not when he freed the capital."

In the same manner Zechs reported the truth about Leon.

Which was to slowly reveal the -- unknown truth about Ousawa Akatsuki.

"That day five years ago, that guy alone protected you and this country."

### 082. Chapter 4 - Maidens Make Their Move

### Part 1

In the dim light of night only quiet footsteps were heard.

The stillness engulfed the cathedral that Church of Richard boasts.

Milanda Quenty was idly walking through the empty corridors, a peaceful smile appeared on her face. Soon after she arrived before a massive set of doors. On the other side of those doors was a spacious hall, standing in the middle was the legacy of olden times passed down through the church -- the .

"Miranda-sama, at such time, is something the matter?"

Once the female bishop in charge of managing the Gate noticed Miranda, she promptly called out to her.

Miranda calmly answered,

"Yes. On instructions from his Holiness...... I've come see a little lower."

Which meant -- she had to depart from the capital of Aleclasta, Aslanda the floating city in the sky.

The female bishop understood the meaning of the words and lowered her head respectfully, then opened the door to the Gate. Miranda slowly made her way into the room. The heavy sound of door closing behind her echoed. She kept strolling ahead -- and stopped in the depths of the hall.

She looked up at the huge circle-formed object before her. Countless sacred colored glass stones encircled an inner like mirror surface, that clearly projected any images before it. Miranda looked at herself reflected in the with a delighted expression.

"-- Akatsuki-kun was seriously injured. Those girls also learned the awful truth."

Milanda Quenty mouth formed an ice-cold smile,

"This world because of those girls, how will it all change?... ... I'm really looking forward to it."

After talking to herself -- She slowly passed through .

### Part 2

-- Just after the peace negotiations and the duel ended with Akatsuki in the arena.

The fierce fighting had come to a close. Listy went back to the east side waiting room, the exactly opposite side to Akatsuki's. She was there all alone. Zechs and Loutier were in the infirmary receiving treatment for the disrupted ki within their bodies.

"............"

Listy silently sat on a bench against the wall. Her fingers trembled as she went to touch her lips. Thereupon, she clearly felt a trace of Akatsuki's warmth still on her lips.

"......!"

Listy felt her face turning red, in a panic she closed her hands and placed them on top of her thighs. Akatsuki kissed her -- it was different from the surprise kiss he gave her when he returned to his own world. It was a real kiss. Akatsuki almost demanded it, and deprived her of the lips aggressively, but still she accepted the kiss from him. Tens of thousands of spectators were witnesses.

The cheers and applause from the audience as they gave their blessing to Akatsuki and herself still reverberated in her ears.

"I hate this...... what should I do......"

Listy felt faint. Then,

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

A voice suddenly came. Startled, her eyes reflexively stared at the waiting room's entrance.

"Akatsuki -- Why are you here?"

"Why here...... I just want to see you again."

'Is there something wrong with that?' Akatsuki's broad smile seemed to say.

Then, he came into the room and sat down next to Listy on the bench.

"W-Wait a moment...... a place like this, what if you were seen by someone --"

Akatsuki and Listy were on friendly terms despite fighting each other in the duel. She acted as a representative of the Tripartite alliance, while Akatsuki was the representative on behalf of Galevain. Although the outcome of duel was decided, it just meant the peace negotiations could shift into the next phase. However, at this sensitive time period it was just the two of them alone, it will be hard to stop any gossip from spreading.

To begin with all the entrances in the arena were heavily guarded, including this one. However, Akatsuki nonchalantly,

"What does it matter? The duel is over. If it's against the rules for the winner to visit the loser, then it isn't a problem. Since it was you guys who had won."

"But...... The real "winner" should have been you."

It was Alphonse stratagem that forced him to take part in the duel against the trio from Sherfied. She only thought that her winning would lead to them falling into his trap.

However, Akatsuki turned his overwhelming disadvantage on its head, and ultimately won the final victory.

To Listy's sulky voice, Akatsuki only smiled,

"Wrong. The real winner was not me, rather it was ours –- you guys and me."

As he said so he glanced at Listy, Sherfied's Queen involuntarily averted eyes from him in shame.

...... I hate this...... what am I to do......!

Her cheeks became flush, and her ears were burning hot. Well, there was no helping it. That kiss during the duel was still fresh in her memory. Then she saw Akatsuki smile wryly, as if he read Listy's thoughts,

"Though I understand your feelings...... you don't have to force such an atmosphere."

"Eh? -- me. I never, umm...... had such an intention at all!"

Listy hanged her completely red face down and,

"If you came all this way to tease me, you should be satisfied now, right? Please leave the room at once. The peace negotiations just reached a consensus if someone bumps into you and I sharing a room...... that type of misunderstanding wouldn't be funny."

"Your thinking too much. Its not like you did something to feel ashamed over."

After saying so, Akatsuki showed a big grin,

"Or is it that -- you want to give it a try?"

"I want to... ... EH?"

Listy started to repeat his words in hope of asking Akatsuki what he meant, but then it hit her what she said and what it all meant. After that she shifted her whole body over a little on the bench, trying to get some distance from him. But she could not escape. Akatsuki easily stretched out his hand and grabbed hold of Listy's wrist. With a laugh,

"I guess it goes without saying...... Of course the thing to be ashamed over then."

He barely said so, as Akatsuki immediately printed his lips on hers. There was no chance for Listy to resist.

"Mmm --!...... No... Ah, mmm...... mmmhhrmm ~ ~!"

Listy made an effort to escape from Akatsuki's lips, but it wasn't possible. Akatsuki's left hand already wrapped around her back, gently embracing her closely. She had no say in letting it go.

...... I hate this...... how can this be......?

Listy was at a loss. Although she intended to resist, but for some reason was not able to.

Then she fully realized that she no longer had the will to defy Akatsuki since the kiss a while ago. She was completely at his mercy.

Against Akatsuki's tongue trying to enter her mouth, Listy's lips meekly obeyed.

Her lips slightly opened, and Akatsuki went straight in. Inside there was nowhere to hide, as their tongues intertwined and rubbed against each other.

"...... Mrrmm, Chu...... chu, mm...... ugh."

A sweet voice leaked from her mouth, adding to her feeling of embarrassment. It only made Listy's heart beat faster, almost uncontrollably.

And the depths of her body began to burn up.

She felt it, and there was nothing she could do. In this semi-public place, her lips were forcibly taken away by a man –-

...... What do I want......

On that fact, Listy got the feeling she was trembling to the core of her body. So much she thought it was shameless. However, before she knew it even such thoughts disappeared from her mind. She was pushed down on the bench and subconsciously wrapped her arms around Akatsuki's neck blindly kissing him, already forgetting about a woman's modesty. She was now engrossed to the point she almost couldn't breathe.

Before long -- the lack of oxygen in her lungs caused her consciousness to wane. Akatsuki quietly parted from her lips. Listy slowly opened her eyes, staring into Akatsuki's gentle face.

"...... Is this fine?"

A gentle question was posed. However there was not enough time for Listy to answer, his hands were already on top of her clothes. Still Listy didn't resist, since Akatsuki's deep kiss at the beginning the word "resistance" was wiped from Listy's mind. While she let out a passionate sigh, her clothes were opened from the front. To make it easier to move in combat she wasn't wearing any underwear. Everything from her breasts to her waist was completely bare.

"...... Ah."

Her fervent skin was exposed to the outside air, and in full view of Akatsuki's eyes an indescribable tingling ran throughout her body. When Akatsuki saw such a Listy he quietly said,

"For a long time...... I've always wanted you."

Those words were the most important key to her. Listy had desired for a long time now for him to say that.

The remaining traces of power completely left her body, only adding its softness.

Akatsuki was also prepared to accept to her.

He tenderly pressed up against her. Listy slowly closed her eyes.

-- But, nothing happened beyond this point.

"Eh......?"

Akatsuki's warmth and weight disappeared, Listy couldn't help but open her eyes.

Inside the waiting room there was only one person, Listy.

"Akatsuki......?"

Listy involuntarily stood up from the bench.

Thereupon the tips of her toes felt something wet and slippery to the touch. Listy's eyes turned to the floor.

There -- collapsed on the floor was Akatsuki covered in blood.

### Part 3

"------------!?"

The shock woke Listy from her sleep.

"Haa...... Haa......!"

Along with her shortness of breath and dry throat Listy was able let out a noise. Then Listy looked up.

The interior of the room was familiar. It was Listy's office. She was sitting at her desk. She finally understood, it was all just had a dream.

-- After the duel in the arena, Listy indeed returned to the waiting room alone.

And then reflected on the feeling of Akatsuki's kiss.

But everything ended there, Akatsuki never went to Listy's waiting room.

...... To have that kind of dream......!

Listy bit her lower lip, and reminded herself to remain calm.

Akatsuki was absolutely still alive. There was no reason not to believe in him.

...... But that embarrassing dream......

Listy was blushing. A dream was said to be a way to realize a hidden desire. Could it be that her wish was for Akatsuki to do that kind of thing to her? Though she was embarrassed, at the same time she felt a little relieved that it stopped at a kiss. It would of gotten awkward if things went further then just kissing. Anyway......

"No matter how tired I am...... there is no room to doze off at a time like this!"

Listy couldn't help, but shake her head and sigh, but it wasn't a mystery. Since Akatsuki became the new Demon King, and formerly declared war on Disdiya she had almost lived a life of sleepless nights.

She had already found no signs of Zechs in the room, and then Listy suddenly remembered. After hearing the whole story she asked Zechs to leave, because she wanted to be alone for a little bit. As she was thinking of what to do from now on the cumulative fatigue of the past several days finally caught up to her, and she fell asleep.

The facts that came out of Zechs mouth surpassed by far what Listy could ever have imagined.

-- However, after a few hours of sleep for first time in days Listy's head was clear.

Therefore Listy began to face the truth again anew.

First of all -- was the inner darkness Leon had.

He was bound by hatred and then those thoughts drove him mad. In Listy's mind the most appropriately word to express how she felt about the matter would be "regret."

The culprit behind -- the murder of the royal family, both her parents and relatives, was none other than Leon. That cruel fact hit home the hardest. However, Listy had come to terms with the grief of losing her loved ones, even knowing that the real murderer was Leon she won't bring herself to direct her hatred towards him. To begin with it was the royal family who chose the path of war with the demons, without doing that perhaps Leon may not have been driven into a corner.

"But --"

Listy thought even if she could sympathize with him, she still couldn't accept his behavior. Leon lost to his own hatred, caused by the weakness of his mind. Listy won't blame Leon for that weakness, but also can't defend the way he handled it. Leon was not the only one to lose his family because of the war. There were a lot of people in the same circumstances, even Listy was among them. No matter how much sadness and bitterness was in your heart, you should have grit your teeth and looked to the future. To strive to live every day is the responsibility of those who survived. In Leon's case there was a trace of regret in her heart for being so close to him and yet unaware of his suffering.

...... I'm sorry Leon.

Listy had learned the sad truth about her former fiance -- yet she was still able to keep calm.

-- Why? Listy was fully aware of the reason.

There was a definitive answer that all this time hasn't changed.

A dark secret she never told anyone.

For Listy, the Hero Leon was her fiance.

But -- she didn't have any romantic feelings towards him.

-- Of course, it didn't mean she hated him either. Leon was always gentle, had a strong sense of justice, and in everyone's opinion was the prefect person fit to be the Hero. Listy also agreed. There was no way she could hate such a person. In fact she spoke favorably of him.

However, is speaking favorably of someone tantamount to love? The answer is definitely no.

A royal marriage was not the crystallization of love, rather purely an obligation.

All for the purpose of continuing the prosperity of a country. Therefore if Zechs's distinguished military services got him recognized as the Hero, Listy's fiance would have been Zechs instead of Leon.

However, Listy never intended to object to the matter. Since she was born as a member of the royal family, she would carry out her royal obligations. And Listy was determined to act like Leon's lover, all to please the soldiers and the people of her country. So she did what was expected of her.

But.......

One day -- Listy's quiet life encountered a storm.

It was her unexpected run in with Akatsuki.

Even thinking back now, it was still the worst meeting. At that time, Listy was taking a bath, when out of the blue Akatsuki fell on top of her stark-naked. For Listy having been seen by the opposite sex, also having her body touched as well was her first experience. She was angry enough to kill him on the spot, but having learned that Akatsuki was summoned from another world she was able to control her anger somehow. And that was how Akatsuki became a guest of the castle, and began living under the same roof. Everyone within the city walls would take care to treat Listy respectfully, fearing the slightest offense. However, Akatsuki's frivolous attitude and casual tone when interacting no doubt set off a series of exclamation points. In those days, she thought it was almost every day that she would get angry at Akatsuki. However, it was because of his influence she was able to learn how to express her inner emotions, and gradually find her true self. Those days,

....... Life was really enjoyable.

As a princess of a country it was hard for Listy to spread her wings, yet Akatsuki easily freed her from her birdcage. Usually he appeared to be free-spirited, but occasionally when no one was around revealed a look filled with worry that was almost painful. After she discovered an unknown side to Akatsuki, Listy gradually couldn't take her eyes off him.

Then one day, Listy became self aware of her feelings. She liked -- Akatsuki.

However, such thoughts were not allowed. To not let anyone notice her feelings Listy buried them deep in her heart. For people of royal lineage it was a sign of pride to be able to repress your emotions.

In some shape -- her lie was also the same.

Just like how Akatsuki considered herself and Sherfied, and decided to hide the truth about Leon.

Listy also chose to hide her true feelings.

But on that day -- when Galious attacked the capital of Sherfied, Erudia. After she saw Akatsuki run out from the castle, Listy let her feelings override her reason for the first time and promptly chased after him. And through looking everywhere in the rain she found Akatsuki safe and sound, and was immediately relieved from the bottom of her heart.

However, Listy lost too many things that day. Both her parents and relatives, the castle she grew up in, and the country she must defend were lost. And the hope of the country Leon died. It was all too much. The despair pushed Listy to the edge of a complete collapse, but at that moment one thought emerged from the bottom of her heart.

-- I will do anything to not lose Akatsuki.

It was her biggest fear.

She can withstand the loneliness of Akatsuki not being by her side, but not the pain of parting forever. So she rejected Akatsuki.

All for the sake of pushing him to return to his own world faraway from Alayzard.

Listy chose to lie.

-- Its all your fault that any of this ever happened.

### Part 4

Even now Listy felt ill about it.

Those words that came out of her mouth must of torn apart Akatsuki's heart.

But at that time Listy wholeheartedly only hoped for him not face any more danger.

She thought as long as she explicitly rejected him, he would return to his own world. So when Akatsuki disappeared Listy's heart was filled with regret that they parted because of a misconception. It was sad but.

If it meant he would be safe and sound then Listy didn't mind.

-- However Akatsuki never returned to his own world.

He went to alone. Putting his life on the line to obtain enough power to protect everything. Therefore, when Listy was fighting to free the Royal capital, and had found herself backed into a wall. She unconsciously prepared for certain death.

At that moment a familiar back suddenly appeared in front of her. Even now she remembers it clearly.

His body had been trained to the point he was almost a different person with an overwhelming power lurking inside. To achieve such results within such a short time, the extent of how much blood and sweat Akatsuki put in was evident.

Mere words weren't sufficient to describe how she felt.

For the first time she knew what it was like to have a feeling beyond description, even with all the words in the world.

After that of course she apologized to Akatsuki for the terrible words she had said to him. He just smiled and said he didn't take it to heart. Nevertheless for rejecting him in the worst way possible Listy felt she lost the right to express her true feelings to him. So until the end -- even after Akatsuki defeated Galious and was on his way to return to his original world. She kept her feelings buried, and never expressed them.

...... However......

Listy wasn't willing to betray her feelings any longer, and was unable to keep calm. Because was it not? Akatsuki the one, who she wanted to protect at all costs, and on that day five years ago he protected her and safeguarded her country all alone.

If not for Akatsuki neither herself nor Sherfied would still exist now.

Before she was barely able to suppress her feelings for Akatsuki.

However now, after learning the truth from Zechs the levee burst in Listy's heart.

The feelings she had been holding back for so long began to overflow and couldn't be stopped. So,

"...... Un."

Listy nodded and stood up from her chair. She made up her mind. It was just him protecting her so far, now it was her turn to do something for him.

...... Because I don't want to regret anything else.

She believed that Akatsuki was absolutely alright. None the less the present situation was greatly unfavorable to him. In any case, no matter what she will protect him.

As the Queen of Sherfied, Listy had her responsibilities and obligations. With both sides at war priority had to be given to one or the other. Listy must pick between protecting Akatsuki or Sherfied.

But, was that really so? Akatsuki has not given up. Furthermore he hasn't given up on Galevain or Sherfied, and hasn't given up on true peace. That being the case, how can she give up so easily?

This time it was her turn protect Akatsuki, while he tries to safeguard everything.

"---------"

Listy threw open the door to her work room, and quickly walked down the long corridor.

"Listy-sama...... Pardon me, is there anything you need?"

A maid was waiting outside the room, Listy smiled only for a moment,

"Inform Valkyria to gather all members of the Council of Ministers -- I would like to convene an ad hoc committee."

After Sherfied's Queen announced such, she continued straight down the corridor. Listy El Da Sherfied was no longer hesitating, or going to cower. She likes Akatsuki, but also loves this country.

She wasn't going to betray her feelings another time.

Although there was not much time left -- Let's start with the attitude of never giving up.

### Part 5

The mood inside the room was exceptionally heavy.

The stillness of the forest after nightfall made it feel like time was a stand still.

Currently they were waiting in Forestnium for Akatsuki to recover.

Disdiya right now was probably basking in their defeating Akatsuki, Ousawa Miu thought. They were probably convinced of their victory, and were probably letting down their guard. However, even if they seized the opportunity and launch a surprise attack she was afraid that it wouldn't turn around the situation.

....... And if we move...... we must be absolutely certain not to fail.

Miu already decided to no longer only depend on Akatsuki, but taking action in this situation was also not sensible. And if that operation failed, then Akatsuki would be exposed to even greater danger. Things were bad enough as it stands, we can't afford to make it worse.

Therefore, after thinking it over Miu calmly concluded the best way to change their overwhelming disadvantage was to show that Akatsuki was still alive and well. Let the whole world know the new Demon King possessed a strong body, even after receiving a fatal wound he remained as strong as ever.

Fortunately, there was still a little time. As of now the enemy does not have an effective means to attack. Urumu sacrificed himself in exchange for strengthening the conceptual barrier still in place. In case they have a method to break through the barrier, they will take full advantage of Akatsuki's injury to attack sooner than later.

So Miu decided to wait for Akatsuki -- for moment when the young man everyone believed in was restored.

"............"

Kaidou was the only who headed out a just a while ago. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka, and Loutier all stayed in the treatment center with Miu, quietly waiting for Akatsuki to wake up.

Until a few moments ago the room was filled with chatter, but before they knew it went silent. After all the reason they all stayed was to wait for Akatsuki to recover, not to chat about meaningless topics.

Naturally since no one choose to talk time passed very slowly.

Then -- at the door of the medical facility suddenly came a light knock.

"-- Who is it?"

Miu stood up to ask, immediately from outside the door came a familiar voice.

"It's Kurt...... I'm sorry to bother you at a time like this, but can I have a moment of your time, Myuu-sama?"

"It's okay. Come in."

With Miu's consent the door was quietly opened, Kurt appeared in the darkness. However, he didn't try to step foot in the room.

"What happened...... no, something must be on your mind if you went looking for me, right?"

"............"

Kurt silently looked at the other four people present except Miu.

Most likely because he didn't want to be heard by others.

"......It seems it would be better to talk outside."

Sensing Kurt's intention, Miu made a move to the door. However, at the entrance he shook his head.

"No, it would be better to talk indoors...... since there is no moon tonight." (Tl note -- double entendre -- moon is one of characters in Akatsuki)

After saying so, he presented an envelope to Miu.

"Not too long ago this was found outside the village by one of the patrolling guards. Please forgive me, on the side of caution I have already opened it to confirm the contents in the envelope."

It was an official document with the wax seal broken, what was pressed into it was the emblem of Disdiya.

"............"

Miu silently opened the envelope and read the letter inside. And,

"--------------------!"

The message Disdiya sent made Miu slightly shiver. The wording was arrogant, but the content was even more inexcusable. However, Miu quickly regained her composure. The others must never know of this. Then,

"Myuu-sama... ... We also received this envelope."

Kurt passed her another envelope. On a closer look it had the emblem of Sherfied. She opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter.

"............"

Then she quietly folded the letter back up and put it back into the envelope.

"-- Miu, is there a problem?"

Chikage's voice suddenly came from behind. Miu turned towards her and smiled back,

"No, its nothing. The villagers are...... just a little uneasy."

She said up to there, then Miu's eyes turned to the back of the room.

Only for a moment, she just watched Akatsuki continue to sleep on the bed. And said,

"I will go reassure the villagers -- I will be back soon."

### Part 6

Miu exited the medical facilities, and immediately took to the air using her wind magic along with Kurt, who was waiting in the nearby forest. The moment they got far enough away the door opened again.

Chikage and Kuzuha appeared from behind the door. They noticed how Miu's face didn't look quite right, worried they decided to follow after her.

...... I'm sorry.

After losing sight of the medical facilities the two stopped to take measure of their surroundings. Miu looked back one last time before setting off.

After that they quickly reached Forestnium's border.

"-- Do you really intend on going?"

On Miu's right side, one step behind Kurt spoke up.

"Yes. Kurt, you also saw that letter, and should be able to understand the seriousness. We have to move now, even if that person hasn't recovered. Otherwise -- We will all lose."

Written in the letter from Disdiya was,

'If you do not surrender before sunrise, the wandering forest will be set on fire.'

Their official document was a means to threaten them. The barrier would protect Forestnium from any harm caused by the fire, however the forest outside the barrier would be burnt to ashes.

There along with the forest -- the people of Forestnium would share the same fate. For generations it has been preached into them to have a symbiotic relationship with the forest.

Once the Forest was devastated by the fire it could never be restored. Even if new green buds were to form the forest wouldn't take on the same shape. The fact was burning the forest was synonymous with destroying the country in which Miu pledged her life to protect. Moreover the forest was home to many animals, when the fire breaks out those animals will naturally flee deeper into the forest. Since outside of the forest they would only be turned into prey, and only in the forest was there enough food for them to live. But also those driven deeper in could be obstructed by the barrier around Forestnium. In the end the animals had nowhere to go, and will be surrounded by the flames, and burned alive.

...... I will never let them do such a thing......

That said, it was still possible that it was all purely a threat. The burning of the forest would be an effective means to compel Galevian to surrender. However, in the war so far Disdiya hadn't taken such measures.

That means either the time for that hadn't arrived yet, or more likely they don't want to so.

If it comes down to burning the forest, and the massive killing of animals the matter wouldn't be considered a small thing. Even if it was for subduing Demons it will give rise to public criticism. However it can't be taken as a simple threat either. Disdiya had already disregarded the conclusion from the peace negotiations and forced this state of war. Even going as far as to use forbidden magic to revive Leon, unconcerned with challenging the laws of nature. With reasoning like that becoming the butt of public criticism for destroying the Demon's forest wouldn't be all that surprising. So,

...... We must protect this forest......

Miu can't help but speed up the pace. Her target was not Disdiya's garrison stationed at the outskirts of the forest, rather a place with a like-minded ally.

Listy El Da Sherfied.

The sender of the other envelope delivered to Forestnium. In her letter she wanted to somehow fix the worsening situation, and hoped to privately engage in talks with Miu.

Ousawa Miu was completely aware that Listy thinks the same way about Akatsuki as she does.

That was why she believed in only her. The current situation could be said to be very detrimental. Still, if this war was going to be stopped, Listy had no choice but to join forces with her.

Perhaps this was their last hope. Miu felt she found the thing she was able to do herself at last.

This was her battle.

Therefore, she went to the meeting place Listy specified, in the corner of the Wandering forest. It was the same place where Miu and the others originally came to Alayzard, and meet Riruru as well as a scouting party from Sherfied.

If they elected to meet outside of the forest it was extremely possible she would of been spotted by Disdiya's soldiers. So the forest was the safest place to meet. Then from behind Kurt advised her in cautious tone,

"Though Sherfied's offer in the letter was certainly attractive...... it was possible it was all a trap."

"Un...... that's right."

Miu understood that. Therefore she didn't take Chikage and the others. She had thought just in case it was a trap by Disdiya, Kuzuha could of have made a puppet of Miu to attend in her stead. But if Listy really does appear at the agreed meeting place the fake might upset her for not believing in the exchange. Not only losing the opportunity to talk openly to each other, moreover the last hope will be lost at the moment.

So, Miu must go there in person.

"Whatever the case may be...... it seems your set on going."

Knowing Miu was going to stand firm, a sigh escaped from Kurt. And,

"At least allow me accompany you as your escort."

"I appreciate your kindness, but...... that won't be necessary."

Miu stopped to look up at Kurt's face,

"If it's really someone other than Queen Listy an escort won't be unnecessary. It would be just two people falling into Disdiya's trap instead of one."

The worst possibility was she would be killed. It was enough for just her to take such a risk. Besides the sender specifically called out Miu, meaning she was the one they wanted. If anything, her going could buy a little bit of time for Galevian, and also give Akatsuki more time to recover.

However, Kurt refused to budge,

"Queen Listy should have also brought along a guard, right? If this really is a trap, than when compared to just Myuu-sama the odds of two people escaping is higher. Also it would be better to deal with a surprise attack."

His tone became more serious as,

"If I let you go there all alone...... how could I ever face that young man again."

Akatsuki fought for Galevian without saying a word. Such thoughts of Akatsuki were greatly appreciated, and he himself felt the same as Miu in wanting to use his power to help that man.

Inside Kurt's eyes, Miu saw an unshakable determination and,

"I understand... ... Then let's go together."

A clear nod was returned by Kurt. She couldn't bring herself to say only she will go alone, since Kurt held the same thoughts as her. So the two of them started walking again.

They passed through the barrier protecting Forestnium -- into the pitch black woods.

### Part 7

The agreed meeting place was shrouded in a suffocating silence.

"This should be the place......"

Miu muttered while looking around. In her heart she question the authenticity of that letter.

Whoever called her out here was late in showing themselves. Miu was extremely worried.

The letter had been placed in a conspicuous place outside of the village. It was reasonable to expect that the sender would have arrived first at the agreed place, and for them to be waiting for us to approach. However, there wasn't a soul in sight. Could it be that --

"-- Someone is coming."

Hearing Kurts voice, Miu immediately turned to look.

On the other side of the forest a Sherfied soldier appeared.

"Thank God...... that letter was real."

Miu couldn't help but let out her relief, but Kurt looked sour.

"No -- Regrettably this is a trap."

When he finished saying that, he was holding the pike he had on his back in his hands.

Then from out of the forest -- several Sherfied soldiers appeared. It looked as if they were crawling out from the deep darkness. In each of their hands was either a sword or an axe.

"Eh......"

Miu was involuntarily stunned. Of course, the possibility of this being a trap was taken into consideration.

It was just that she thought Disdiya would be the one to spring it.

...... Sherfied also uses these kind of despicable tactics......!

She was betrayed by someone whom she believed in -- that shock stuck at Miu's heart. But, Kurt stepped forward to protect Miu with hardly any agitation, and at once focused his mind to launch the magic spell. Then,

"Haaaaaaaa -- !"

After letting out his fighting spirit Kurt brandished his pike. At the same time with his burst of magic he wrapped up the wind into a whirlwind. The encompassing Sherfied soldiers all crashed into the trunks of the tress, and tumbled to the ground.

"Myuu-sama, now get out of --"

Halfway through Kurt was struck speechless because the knocked down soldiers began to get up. Faced with enemies he can't beat, Kurt's face hardened.

"This...... is just like that time when that armor knight of Disdiya attacked the village."

"It appears it was like that......"

While a little faint, Miu was convinced. This was a trap set up by Disdiya.

"Such elaborate mimicry...... to go as far as putting on Sherfied armor."

She said so regrettably, while biting on her lower lip.

"-- No, that was their own armor."

She suddenly heard a strange voice. Miu looked back, and couldn't help but gasp.

Having appeared from the darkness was a golden Knight.

He took off his helmet revealing the true identity of the Knight, who wander out aimlessly. Miu was dazed, as she let out the name of that person,

"Leon Esuperio......!"

When Leon heard that, he suddenly had a hauntingly serene smile on his face,

"Do you remember the incident that started this war? These are monitoring force that were annihilated."

"Eh......?"

For a moment, Miu could not understand the meaning of Leon's words.

However before Miu had a chance to respond -- a figure ran our from her side.

"-- Kurt!?"

Kurt heard Miu's appeal for him to control himself.

However, he didn't stop. There was no way he would. The man in front his eyes was the one who killed the nonresistant paternal grandfather. And now, he planed to harm Miu. No matter how cool-headed Kurt usually was, he was unable to just let him walk away. So Kurt sprinted, shortening the distance to Leon in one breath,

"Accept your death, monster --!"

He pulled forth all the power from his feelings inside him, and concentrated it into the pike in his hands stabbing it forward at the his enemy.

But -- the tip of the pike did not reach, because it was taken. Leon nonchalantly held up his left hand...... and caught the pike with his index finger and middle finger. Then revealed a smile full of contempt,

"Unfortunately -- your hatred was not strong enough."

Then simultaneously, a light flashed vertically. Leon had counterattacked with his sword.

"Gaaa -!"

Kurt immediately thought to move back a few steps, but his evasion was too late.

Leon's sword cut through his pike, inflicting a deep wound on his body.

"Gu......!"

Kurt's face distorted from the sudden sharp pain coming from his abdomen, powerless he was forced to one knee. Then,

"Your reaction wasn't bad...... though it was a little slow."

After Leon indifferently evaluated, he prepared the finishing blow. He raised the sword above his head, only for a moment did it stay mid air -- Leon's sword went straight down, when a strong force pushed Kurt to the side. A sudden gust similar to magic used to fly brought him into the air.

"-- Myuu-sama?"

High speed winds had blown him high up into the sky. For a split second he clearly saw it.

Miu was standing there with her magic wand raised facing him, and then she made a soft smile. Her lips then quietly moved as if saying something to herself, when --

At almost the same time, the handle of Leon's sword struck her in the pit of the stomach.

Her wand fell from her hand, disappearing into nothingness. Miu lost consciousness and slumped over to the ground. Then the ground before his eyes rapidly got farther away, Kurt was longer able see what was happening.

"Myuu-sama......! Gukkusoooooo!"

Kurt's sorrow filled shout was drowned out by the wind magic engulfing him.

Only the soft sound of a gust of wind quietly ran through the dark night sky.

### Part 8

The emergency convening of the Council of Ministers of the Sherfied Kingdom was well underway.

Since Listy ascended to the throne this was the most chaotic, and urgent meeting.

Almost all of the Ministers strongly opposed Listy's proposal.

However, Listy wasn't willing to make any concessions. She described the present situation while explaining the best path her country should take. Her unwavering determination impressed upon the Ministers, until finally they accepted her proposal. Listy El Da Sherfied laid out her convictions.

...... This way Sherfied will be safe.

But it was not over yet. Listy left the conference room alone at a quick pace to allow the Ministers to discuss the details. There was a person waiting outside in corridor for her, Grand Chamberlain Valkyria.

Listy passed by her side, as Valkyria followed her one step behind,

"...... Did the Council of Ministers progress smoothly?"

"A consensus has been reached. The next step is to stop this war."

And Listy,

"Was Zechs not informed......?"

"Yes. In accordance with Listy-sama's wishes he is waiting elsewhere. Zechs-sama has no knowledge of the Council of Ministers."

Valkyria spoke of it indifferently, Listy said "Then, it is good." with a smile. Although it was difficult, she cannot afford to enlighten Zechs as to her plan. He was someone indispensable for this country.

"Time is running out, we need to quickly move to the next phase. First we must contact Galevain's former Princess...... and hope she willing to listen to us."

"On that matter --"

Suddenly, Valkyria voice stiffened. Listy knew by that itself something was wrong. She stopped,

"...... What happened?"

"A little while ago we received information that former Princess Myuu-sama had been caught by Disdiya."

"No way...... how can that be?"

Currently a powerful barrier was in place around Forestnium.

No matter who it was or how many, no one was able to break through that barrier produced from concept magic.

"According to the spy in Disdiya's ranks, Myuu-sama was apparently tricked......it seems they deceived her by using Listy-sama's name as a decoy to lure her outside of the barrier in hopes to negotiate with you."

"Who ever heard of such a thing!?"

Listy was trembling with anger. First they turned their backs on the peace agreement to launch an attack, and now they resorted to such a cowardly lie to deceive. To what ends will Disdiya go. Is there no justice?

...... But -

Apart from angry, Listy felt very confused. Why would Miu accept such a request?

Even though Listy planned on contacting her in the future, she thought it was going to be difficult for Miu to trust her. She must of been aware that there was an extremely high chance of being a trap. But, she still went -- Why?

Then Listy remembered the girl at Akatsuki's side who firmly believed that peace will eventually arrive.

...... Does that mean that girl --

Listy could only conclude one thing, and gasped.

Miu didn't believe in such a request, but trusted in Listy.

Akatsuki was now injured, and thought that only Listy could stop this war.

And even while knowing it could be a trap she decided to expose herself. She was willing to sacrifice herself for a glimmer of hope of achieving peace.

All for the sake of saving Akatsuki, and the people of Galevain.

Listy couldn't help think about how she should act now. Miu had already put her life on the line, then it was only natural for her to work just as hard. Miu wasn't the only one who's thoughts were on Akatsuki.

"-- Now that their former princess Myuu had been caught. How is Galevain reacting?"

"They are keeping quiet...... I can't make out anything abnormal."

"...... I see."

Then looking at things that way, Akatsuki was definitely alive.

If Akatsuki was dead, Miu would have been the last hope for Galevain. Then they most certainly would have taken action immediately when she fall into enemy hands. Since they were able to stay calm, then some kind of hope still exists for them.

And --

Precisely because Akatsuki was still alive...... That girl would run the risk of going outside the barrier.

Knowing that was already sufficient for her to make her move.

So Listy won't stop, and steps bravely forward.

"Valkyria -- I would like to somehow get in touch with prince Alphonse currently under house arrest. Try to get one of our informants in Disdiya to send a message to the Prince."

### Part 9

After being knocked out by the hilt of Leon's sword, with great difficulty she managed to regain consciousness when--

As soon as Ousawa Miu identified where she was, her breath was immediately taken away.

And before her eyes stood an unimaginable person.

She was locked inside an isolation cell, both her hands were stretched out and chained to the wall as if she was a criminal about to be executed.

The women in front of her reached out her hand to touch Miu's cheek to confirm if she was awake.

"Ara...... looks like your waking up."

The woman said with an ice-cold smile.

"How can you be in...... here......"

Miu was at a loss, as she tried to ask her question. Standing there was Aleclasta's number 2.

The young Archbishop of the Church of Richard -- Miranda Quenty.

What was this all about? Hasn't Aleclasta always adopted a neutral stance towards the war?

And yet Miranda was clearly standing there. Does that mean they are no longer remaining neutral?

...... This can't be because I got caught......?

Just thinking that sent chills down her spine. Akatsuki had sustained serious injuries, and she was taken hostage trying to buy some more time for him. In Aleclasta eyes the situation looked like it has shifted in Disdiya's favor, so they had no other option but to renounce their neutrality and join Disdiya's side. If that was the case, then Miu's action set in motion the downfall of Galivain. However -- it was at that time,

"Miranda-dono this should of been satisfactory to confirm the authenticity of the hostages, I presume."

A voice suddenly came from the other side of the iron bar window. On closer look it was from a Disdiya soldier, presumably was there to keep watch or something. There were two guards each standing on one side of the door to cell carrying weapons. One of them looked somewhat impatient,

"Were you able to believe it now? We have arrested Galious's daughter."

"Ah well, that is her. It was well worth the effort in convincing Your Majesty Baram."

Miranda said, and stepped away from Miu,

"Because of Forestnium's powerful barrier I initially struggled to believe that suddenly the Demon King's daughter was apprehend while the barrier was still in place. But...... it appears the news was true."

Miranda made a small laugh as she said,

"I wonder...... What kind of hand did Your Majesty Baram play?"

"That...... is not a question we know how to answer. If you want to know you will have to ask someone higher up, I'm sorry.-- Regardless, with this the war will end with our complete victory." (tl note - means they don't know anything, so ask someone who would)

Said a Disdiya soldier.

"From now on -- what does Aleclasta intend to do?"

"Well now, I wonder...... that's not a question I can answer."

Miranda while deepening the smile, she used their own words against them,

"If you want to know. I'm sorry your going to have to ask someone higher up."

"......!"

The only person above Miranda was Pope Volk. For a mere foot soldiers of Disdiya how could they ever consult with him face to face. Knowing they were being made fun of the soldiers depressingly sank into silence.

Over hearing their conversation Miu couldn't help thinking: they were already discussing how to handle things after the war.

Disdiya had disregarded the peace negotiations, and took it upon themselves to start the war. Aleclasta maintaining their neutral stance had always been troubling for them. The Church of Richard has a huge influence over their country, and depending on how Aleclasta acts the future of Disdiya could be greatly affected. Even the soldiers on the ground, who don't understand diplomatic struggle between the leaders of the two countries, could feel the uneasiness.

Miranda began to leisurely walk out of the dungeon cell as if laughing at the impatience of the two soldiers.

Then she stopped at the doorway to look back at Miu and softly spoke,

"It is disappointing...... that the future you wanted cannot be realized."

"............"

Miu bowed her head in silence, Miranda looked at her reaction and also kept silent. Then Miranda continued towards the exit without waiting for an answer.

"...... It's not over yet......"

No one heard her voice as Miu softly whispered.

It was still too early to give up. After all there was still -- Akatsuki.

However the tears running down her cheeks spoke otherwise.

She had become a hostage and could be killed at any time.

The future that herself and Akatsuki believed in had been rejected by Miranda.

And the cruel reality was Akatsuki wasn't there to wipe away her tears yet.

Her tears contain all sorts of feelings jumbled up -- but she remained resolute in her faith.

At that moment -- everything began to change.

-- And at present.

Miu had fallen into Disdiya's trap and taken hostage.

After hearing the news Listy sprang into action.

In addition, the last side was keeping ominously silent with some sort of sinister design.

Still, this war was beginning to move to a conclusion.

At that time......

A youth slowly opened his eyes.

"...... You were crying."

The youth muttered while staring at the ceiling. He seemed to have a dream, but couldn't remember what it was about. But the youth was sure of one thing -- somewhere there was girl he knew very well who was crying.

He couldn't let that girl continue to cry, so the youth raised himself up off the bed. The left side of chest felt a little itchy, then he noticed the piercing wound had already healed. It was impossible for Renkan keikikou to completely erase the wound. It must of been the work of recovery magic. Therefore, Ousawa Akatsuki floated a fearless smile, he seemed to understand what happened while he was comatose.

So he announced –-

"Well -- It's about time for me to make my move."

### 083. Chapter 5 - Just Wanted to Tell You

### Part 1

When Akatsuki opened his eyes there wasn't a soul in sight in the treatment room of Forestnium. Ousawa Akatsuki felt it was just a little bit disappointing.

He was expecting at the same time he woke up a girl would be lying in his arms -- then he planned to massage her ample breasts and perfectly round butt to his heart's content.

"Where did all the breasts and butts go? Aaaah, my hands feel so empty."

Then the door to the entrance opened.

"Suddenly waking up and started looking for women?...... You're more energetic than I thought, Akki."

With a wry smile Kaidou entered the room.

"This should be part where you say thank you, right? For rushing you half-dead on my back all the way back here. Come, let me hear it: 'thank you very much for saving me, Kaidou-sama.'"

To Kaidou's frivolous speech, Akatsuki abruptly laughed.

"You have my thanks, but only to the level of I would tell someone "Sankyu." And this favor of yours wouldn't by chance have anything to do with a certain someone not being able to return to their original world if I died, am I right -- Kaidou-sama (sarcastic)."

"Uhhh, that's pretty awful, to come straight out...... and suspect someone of their kindness."

"It's not awful. It's just my natural tsundere-ness."

Watching Akatsuki act as if nothing ever happened, Kaidou couldn't help but sigh.

"Ah, I guess that's fine. Anyway...... I also heard an interesting story."

Kaidou smiled,

"As it turns out that Knight in golden armor was Akki's best friend whom you killed a long time ago. No wonder your behavior in the middle of fight was so unusual. It never occurred to me that you'd be the sort of person to botch things up because of sentiment. Unexpectedly, you have a really big heart, Akki."

"...... That Lulu has a really big mouth."

Akatsuki couldn't help shake his head with a wry smile.

"-- How much did you hear?"

"For the time being, I'll just give you the gist of what we know of the tragedy five years ago. It was a real tearjerker...... a best friend driven mad, a beloved woman, a country on the verge of ruin, and for the sake of it all you chose to sacrifice yourself. Tell me the truth Akki, are you a masochist?"

But well --

"There's actually very few girls who won't eat that up. In fact, it seems they all have fallen madly in love with you, Akki. So much so that guy snuck off without telling anyone. Ah well, I suppose things are going to be a little troublesome because of it now."

"It's not surprising that not one hasn't. I mean -- are there any new changes?"

Akatsuki asked Kaidou. Even though Akatsuki was unconscious for a period of time, Forestnium should of still been protected by the newly formed barrier cast by Urumu's concept magic. So he was under the impression that the situation was still at a stalemate.

Then Kaidou nodded "Ah,"

"Akki, your sister -- well, not your real sisters. At any rate, she decided to make a move on her own and got caught by Disdiya. And now those young fellows of the village have begun to make noise to go rescue her. So Izumi, Doumoto and the Vice-President are desperately trying to persuade them from acting so rashly."

"...... I see."

Akatsuki was able to grasp the situation to some extent. From what Kaidou said, even if they were to know of the past truth he didn't think that Miu would jeopardize herself so recklessly. She should of properly learned her lesson from the whole Phil Burnett episode. That being the case, this was likely a trap or there would of been some sort of threat made from Disdiya's side. Nevertheless this cannot be ignored, and must be dealt with immediately.

"-- How long has it been since that guy got captured?"

"Not too long ago. There is this villager Kurt...... it seems Urumu was his grandfather. When things happen that fellow was at the scene. Somehow he got away and staggered back to the village clutching a stomach wound. It was because of him we know this much. Right now that High Elf from Sherfied is tending to him. However from the looks of him, it will be a while before he can move --"

"-- No, there is no longer anything wrong with me."

A voice suddenly interrupted Kaidou from the entrance. On closer look there were bandages wrapped around his abdomen and chest, Kurt was barely able to stay standing in the doorway.

Then he slowly dragged his body closer to them.

"Hey hey, are you okay?"

"As I already explained there is nothing wrong."

Leaving that aside, Kurt coldly stared at Kaidou,

"If you don't mind -- could you leave us for a moment?"

"Even if I say I mind, are you going to throw me out?...... That look in your eyes."

'Ah well' Kaidou shrugged his shoulder and,

"Well that's fine, I only came to visit Akki anyway. So I already finished my business."

As Kaidou was making his way out of the treatment room from behind him,

"Before you go, let me hear your thoughts...... Kaidou."

Akatsuki laughed. That's right, he knew what Kaidou was really after.

Kaidou came to see him after hearing Leon was the armor Knight, who inflicted the serious injury to him, and that Miu had been taken hostage by Disdiya just to see what kind of reaction he would make.

"So how about it -- did you get the answer you wanted?"

"I already gave you my thoughts, that was 'you're more energetic than I thought.'"

Kaidou looked back to show off his devious smile.

"If I can find my answer...... Akki, it will all depend on what you show me next. Don't let me down."

Otherwise,

"I will end this foolhardy war."

After saying so, Kaidou walk straight out of the medical facilities. Akatsuki on the other hand, watched him leave as a peaceful smile emerged on his face. Then declared,

"There is no need to worry -- I already know this it not your fight."

### Part 2

After confirming Kaidou had completely left......

Kurt lowered his head, and bowed to Akatsuki to apologize.

"I'm very sorry Akatsuki-dono -- I was not enough to protect Myuu-sama."

"You don't need to apologize. I don't think you would take the risk of having that guy leave Forestnium...... most likely it was all her decision, right?"

And Akatsuki added,

"Tell me -- what exactly happened?"

Because of Akatsuki's request, Kurt began to describe how things played out. Including how Disdiya threatened to burn the wandering forest. Furthermore, how they deceived Miu by using Listy's name to lure her away from the barrier into the forest. And then who abducted Miu -- Leon.

"...... So it went like that."

Akatsuki coldly snorted after hearing what he said. That bastard. Using forbidden magic to revive Leon was already going to far, but now Disdiya had the gall to use such a despicable tactic. Well, this was probably good. If that was how they intend to act, there won't be any more mercy. I'll destroy them until it becomes impossible for them to undertake such actions again.

"Nevertheless --"

Akatsuki slightly muttered to himself,

"Ahhh, that idiot...... she still does as she pleases, and again planned on sacrificing herself."

After a slightly wry smile, he let out a helpless sigh.

"That comment -- I can not let slide, Akatsuki-dono."

Kurt's attitude until then completely changed. As he glared at Akatsuki, he lowered his voice and,

"I'm very grateful to you for how you protected and supported Myuu-sama until now. However, you do not truly understand who she is. Not only this time, but for awhile now Myuu-sama has been taking into consideration the big picture -- to the point where it is almost crushing her true self. She acted thinking it was in best interest for everyone. You have been by her side for awhile now, don't tell me you never question why she was talking like that?"

In the tone that was condemning Akatsuki,

"To think Myuu-sama is considered an idiot by you, who doesn't understand her difficulties. When in fact -–"

Kurt then started to help him along,

"-- Have you ever heard what they all used to say about her behind her back?"

Akatsuki answered Kurt's question before he answered it himself.

This was Ousawa Miu's dark secret.

"It was a shame she was not born a man, right?"

When he heard Akatsuki's answer, Kurt couldn't hide the shock on his face.

It was too unbelievable.

"It couldn't be that -- Myuu-sama talked about it with you before?"

"No, that guy never mention anything...... Oh well, I just figured that's how it was."

-- Galious had an overwhelming power and charisma that enabled him to become the Demon King while being a former human.

In this era of war, the tribes would have certainly hoped for Galious to have a son who would inherited all his innate characteristics, and then lead the next generation of tribes as their Demon King.

But contrary to their wishes, Galious's heir was a girl. The tribes naturally had no say in choosing the child's gender, without any better options they accepted the fact. However there were still those who felt greatly dissatisfied. Only adding to their regret was that Miu possessed a high natural talent for magic leading them to think if only she had been born to a man.

Unfortunately -- it was impossible for Miu to not notice what they all really wanted.

So Miu thought to deliberately changed the way she spoke to pander to everyone's expectations, adopting a masculine tone. Still, because she was still a girl at heart she couldn't bring herself to use the masculine "ore," her absolute limit was to use the schoolboy "boku" to address herself. As she got older her outward appearance began to look more and more like a human, which only added to her sense of distress.

"If you were aware...... then why didn't you say something to her?"

Kurt angrily griped to Akatsuki,

"Since she gave up her identity as the Demon King's daughter, and began a new life in the different world it wasn't necessary to be bound by the past. At least with you it was possible for Myuu-sama to become an ordinary girl --"

"Perhaps that is true...... but I have no right to correct that guy's manner of speaking, or to order her to use a feminine tone either," Akatsuki countered,

"So in order to cater to everyone that guy forced herself to speak like a man, and now because I sensed something was troubling her I have to make her use a feminine tone? Was that pretty much what you said. Well then that's just superposing a lie with another lie, and wouldn't bring out her true self. That guy is repressed enough already. Do you have the heart to let her continue to play a role for someone and not be her own self?"

Akatsuki had decided to wait until Miu raised the matter on her own initiative.

There was no immediate hurry, letting nature slowly take its course was fine.

After all, it was not only the true side that made her up. Even that false identity she lived under was part of Miu.

Ousawa Akatsuki unconditionally accepted all of Miu.

Whether it was happiness, sadness, her fake or real face, everything.

Akatsuki looked at Kurt and smiled,

"You don't have to worry...... I have it all clearly in mind."

Both Miu's feelings, and what Galious believed he would do. Therefore -- Ousawa Akatsuki promised,

"I will rescue that guy, and bring true peace to Alayzard."

### Part 3

After their conversation ended, Kurt had left the treatment room.

He intended to convince the young people of the village to not act on impulse.

Akatsuki thought with just that conversation alone it was not enough for Kurt to completely trust him. However -- at the very least Kurt should be in a position where he would cooperate. So Akatsuki decided to leave his back to Kurt and began to prepare to stand once again on the battlefield. He took hold of his right wrist with his left hand, and tried to grasped it with all his power. The grip strength felt through his palm was inferior compared to normal.

"It's probably only half ... ... That should work."

Akatsuki laughed to himself. It was not the schedule that decided a match, rather it was the myriad of ever-changing factors in the real fight. It was impossible to always be in the absolute best state when preparing to face an enemy.

So Akatsuki resolved himself that he was going to be victorious.

And when Akatsuki got off the bed the door to the medical facilities was flung open like a hot brick, and a group of people rushed in. It was Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka as well as Loutier.

They probably they came running over, since they were all out of breath. Seeing them like that, Akatsuki couldn't help but smirk,

"Yo. What's with all the panic --!"

However, his comment was interrupted. The petite body of Kuzuha had immediately wrapped her arms around Akatsuki's waist.

"We were worried...... really worried about you......!"

While tightly hugging Kuzuha to calm her trembling shoulders, Akatsuki was shaking his head.

"I'm sorry...... this was my fault," Akatsuki said with a wry smile.

Then one after another the other three came closer to his side.

"After hearing from Kaidou you regained consciousness we all came running over as fast as we could."

After she said so, Chikage sighed with a smile on her face,

"It looks like you're almost back to normal."

"Ah yeah, I feel fine."

Akatsuki answered, and then asked,

"How are things on your end? Are those guys in the village still making a fuss?"

"Yeah...... but, it's not like it is unreasonable. We feel the same as them, and are anxious for her to be immediately rescued."

And Haruka said with a pensive look on her face,

"There was just a message sent from Disdiya saying to effect they are holding Miu-san hostage. And unless we promptly lay down our arms and issue our unconditional surrender -- at sunrise they intend to carry out her execution."

"Still, that plot is way too cliche...... Do they think they have already won?"

Akatsuki snorted, before a mocking smile emerged on his face,

"It appears a practical lesson is needed before they can correct their mistakes."

"Akatsuki, are you intending to go to the enemy camp?"

Luckily she arrived with the others in time, Loutier couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Charging in the enemy's camp by yourself isn't a smart move -- Myuu-dono, would want you to reconsider."

"You should know by now trying to stop me is useless...... that guy might be in some dungeon crying alone."

Akatsuki barely finished telling, when -–

"We already know that none of us can stop you."

Kuzuha still clinging to his waist looked up at him,

"But please, let us go together with you to --"

Before she had a chance to finish, Kuzuha abruptly lost all her strength and fell towards Akatsuki. He had put her sleep with a soft chop to the back of her neck.

"Please don't be too offended Class Rep, but I couldn't let you finish what you wanted to say."

During the battle at Gorudono Grand Canyon Kuzuha had pushed herself to the very limit. It was impossible for him to take her along in such a state.

And -- that was also the case for the other three.

"W-wait a minute, Akatsuki! Why --"

Chikage was baffled as she stepped up closer. Akatsuki promptly poked her forehead with his index finger. All the power was drained from her body at once, her eyes slowly shut before losing consciousness.

"You were asking me why I would do such a thing? Well...... it's not like I don't understand you feelings."

Akatsuki gave her a gentle smile and,

"But, in your condition you couldn't even dodge that level of surprise attack. How can I let you follow me to the battlefield?"

Akatsuki laid Kuzuha and Chikage side by side on the floor, and then turned towards the two people who remained -- Nanase Haruka and Loutier Trum. Then,

"I will absolutely accompany you."

Haruka said very firmly,

"That kind of surprise attack won't work on me. Above all, wasn't it you who said I needed witness everything before making my final decision. So no matter what, I will be witness until the end."

"I did say...... I would let you witness until the matter ends. But......"

Akatsuki said, then slowly walked over to Haruka,

"Taking a woman along with me who is not at full fighting strength really isn't my style. And you should witness the whole story of the war, however to keep you safe and to walk out the barrier alone I need to put you to sleep as well."

Akatsuki grabbed her arm at lightning speed, and forcibly pulled her close.

"Wh-what do you think your doing......!"

Completely ignoring the panicking of Haruka, Akatsuki smiled as he softly whispered in her ear,

"Recently there has been a growing trend of ascending to heaven with only the earlobe...... I would hate for you to miss out."

As soon as he finished talking he skillfully bit down on Haruka's ear.

"--!? Fua -- aaaaahhhh!"

After she cried out her body slightly quivered in his in arms. However Akatsuki didn't plan to not stop there, instead he poured even greater amounts of Ki into her until Haruka's consciousness faded far away.

After confirming she could no longer budge --

"I would like to hear what you could make of him coming back."

Akatsuki helped move Haruka over, so that she was laying next to Chikage and Kuzuha.

"Hey Lulu......"

Akatsuki asked over his back while looking at the serene expression on the three's sleeping faces,

"Is there no way we could...... save Leon?"

After a moment of silence.

"Yes...... there is unfortunately."

Loutier sadly answered Akatsuki's question,

"Leon died five years ago. Right now his existence is only temporary because his soul was bound by the forbidden spell cast on him. The only way to save Leon is to let his soul truly rest in peace."

"If that is so...... then I understand. I'm sorry for this. but I'm going to hand these guys over to you."

Akatsuki then stood up,

"Akatsuki...... although your injury was healed, it only closed the wound. It hasn't fully recovered to its former condition."

Knowing there was nothing she could do to stop him, Loutier still gave him her warning.

"And your physical strength has yet to recover...... In this state if you go back out to fight --"

"-- This state? Hey hey, are you not forgetting something, Lulu."

After he said so, Akatsuki turned to face Loutier,

"You already healed my wound, and those guys were so single mindedly thinking of me that that guy has become a hostage in the hands of the enemy."

Ousawa Akatsuki laughed fearlessly, as a reliable aura exuded from his whole body,

"I will clearly say it -- I am the strongest, just not in best condition right now."

Thirty minutes later.

Akatsuki's figure once again appeared at Gorudono Grand Canyon.

Although Akatsuki had been seriously injured he was still alive. As a precaution Disdiya had stationed soldiers to monitor any activity from Galivain. Upon seeing him they immediately went on high alert. However they merely stuck to their positions, and showed no signs of attacking.

Perhaps it was because of the eeriness. Even though location was slightly different the reappearance of Akatsuki still calmly standing on the top of a cliff reminded them of the battle. Therefore, not one of them were able to move. Akatsuki's tactics at that time went completely against their expectations. Now seeing him like that again Disdiya's soldiers couldn't help but be naturally cautious, fearing what surprises he had in store this time. And it was even more unnatural that, Akatsuki being fully aware that Disdiya had taken Miu hostage just stood there motionless. Therefore Disdiya's soldiers tensed their nerves, and strengthened their wariness.

But -- one thing was for sure.

That this time that wasn't an earth puppet, but Akatsuki himself. Even from their distance they could tell from the blueish white aura coming out of Akatsuki's whole body. That was the main reason the soldiers kept observing from a far away place.

Akatsuki openly stood on a cliff as if he was ridiculing their cowardliness.

### Part 4

The Kingdom of Sherfied capital city of Erudia.

In the middle of town near the castle there was a restaurant that continued to provide unchanging taste to its customers.

The lone female owner took care of everything, from tending to guests to cooking, for the restaurant named for her hometown, the "Wildcat Pavilion."

"Yesssss, thank you very much. Take care on your way home."

After nightfall the restaurant abruptly transformed into something similar to a tavern serving alcohol to its customers. The owner just saw off her last group of customers.

At last her full day of hard work had come to an end. It was well past the original business hours. But, satisfied with her diligent service the female owner -- Selina Esuperio let out one big sigh,

"...... I can finally rest," she said.

After that she went back into kitchen, and was about to put out the fire to the stove.

When the door to the shop opened, and a customer walked in. Selina stuck her head out from the kitchen look.

"Oh...... this is indeed a very rare visitor we have here."

Selina was only slightly surprised for a moment, before a deep smile emerged on her face.

Who walked in was a burly man. He had a large face, his body was enormous, and his limbs were particularly strong. However behind such a man was a woman wearing a long red dress. The pair certainly scared a lot of people walking on the road. Then, the man looked directly at Selina with his piercing eyes,

"I came to get something to eat."

"You are just like Akatsuki...... couldn't you pick decent business hours to show up?"

Selina couldn't help but shake her head.

"My profession is rather special. I can't just visit so easy while other guests are eating."

She said, the Madam of the prostitution guild -- Melissa then exposed an impatient look,

"Does this restaurant always make their guests wait forever to be seated? Really inconsiderate."

"Oh, I'm sorry this is a little shop that always lets its guests to choose a seat to their liking. It is quite different from a upscale brothel that has to thoroughly lead their clients."

And Selina,

"That said, it is now long past business hours...... I can only put together a simple dish with leftovers. If you don't mind?"

"Just as well, anything would be good as long as it is served quickly."

So Melissa moved towards the empty seats in back of the restaurant.

"However --"

"I know...... you would like a generous helping, right?"

Selina said while making a wry smile as she went into the kitchen. With not much to work with, a short time to prepare an ample meal, and moreover an obnoxious guest who doesn't have the courtesy to not show up after closing.

And if they were ordinary, she would casually dispense with them nice and quick.

...... But that won't do. I need to show off my skills.

Selina smiled. It was a rare visit from an old friend, of course, she would have to put out something with her own special skills. And so -- she was going to satisfy her guest's every demand.

Before Melissa was able to finish her first cup of beer Selina had brought over five dishes on top of a platter. Each one was distinct from one another as she place them on the table. And with a face was full of confidence,

"How is it, good?"

"Well...... it's not bad."

Although Melissa's evaluation was curt, Selina felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Just now that was the highest compliment she had ever given her after all these long years of friendship. So Selina pulled up the chair opposite her, and looked at Melissa wolf down her food,

"-- So? What business brings you here today?"

Melissa was not one of her regulars, and without warning she came in today. There must be some other purpose for her visit. Then,

"No reason...... I just thought to occasionally come and see you."

After saying that much, Melissa continued to quietly eat her meal. Selina thought it was nice of her to consider her, but knew her purpose was not to simply visit a friend.

-- I already know that Akatsuki was seriously injured on the battlefield, and Miu was taken hostage by Disdiya.

And today all the customers while eating their meal could talk about nothing but the decisive battle at Gorudono Canyon. Naturally, this was Disdiya leaking intelligence that was advantageous to them.

Therefore Selina Esuperio was very grateful for the thoughtfulness of her friend. After Akatsuki visited the restaurant the other day, he probably spent those several days until the duel with Listy laying low at her brothel. Akatsuki had once said if you ever wanted to know something for certain Melissa would know everything said in the city, and turn to her for help if not sure.

And perhaps during their stay she learned of Akatsuki and Miu visiting her restaurant.

-- After the sun comes out tomorrow. The war will probably have ended.

Selina thought it would be probably hard for her to sleep tonight. She no longer had a family anymore, and didn't have someone to comfort her to lessen her anxiety.

Therefore she thought who was it that came to see her, and it was a terribly blunt old friend.

"...... I'm really worried about those children."

Selina muttered, not looking for an answer. Then Melissa suddenly put down the knife and fork,

"Rest easy. I'll tell you the latest information that came to my place. Akatsuki was safe and sound, and had just made an appearance at Gorudono Grand Canyon."

"Really......?"

She asked anxiously, and Melissa gave her a confident nod.

"Of course. And you should believe in him just like those girls...... that this long overdue ending is at hand."

And Melissa said in a manner that was quite certain,

"At the very least Akatsuki -- hasn't given up the fight."

### Part 5

Through specific locations in Alayzard it was possible to instantly travel all over the world by means of spatial transfer.

It was done by using the relics the Church of Richard created to spread its teachings from time immemorial the .

In the middle of the night Listy passed through the , and appeared in the Palace of the Disdiya. Her purpose was to visit Emperor Baram -- to conduct a confidential meeting with him.

As she was being guided by a Royal Knight through the final long corridor Listy took a deep breath.

...... This crucial moment rests with me.

In order to stop Disdiya's military aggression from getting out of hand, Listy must take action alone.

-- Originally, with the war approaching an end there was no need for Baram to accept her request to a private meeting. Sherfied and Disdiya's military alliance for a long time now existed in name only. After all, he had been repeatedly acting on his own authority practically from the start of the war with Sherfied having absolutely no opinions on the matter.

However, Listy succeeded in forcing Baram to accept her proposal to talk -- once the matter of Leon was raised.

Perhaps it was within Baram's calculations that Listy would bring up the matter concerning Leon. Most assuredly he knows of Leon's past regular massacring of Demons, and probably knew in great detail about the tragedy five years ago. And if Sherfied publicly denounced Disdiya for reviving Leon with forbidden magic Baram wouldn't hesitate to make public the truth about the tragedy, and even the atrocities Leon committed.

The cruel truth had enough power to cause Sherfied to collapse internally, while Disdiya would only suffer minor damage. Leon's condition was only because of the power of the forbidden spell. Once they cancel the spell he would return to being nothing but a corpse in sense getting rid of all the evidence. If that happened, Sherfied will be accused of making baseless slander, and instead give Disdiya an excuse to attack them. Listy had no way to work around all that -- that was all true until now.

-- A little while ago the situation picked up. The whispers of the new Demon King having died from his wounds were put to rest when Akatsuki unexpectedly appeared at Gorudono Grand Canyon. As Listy speculated, Akatsuki was live.

And the only one who could contend against him from Disdiya was Leon. In other words Disdiya could no longer afford to remove the spell binding Leon. Since it was now impossible to destroy the evidence, Sherfied's allegations could not be denied.

As far things were concerned for Sherfied or Disdiya the risks were the same. Once both sides exposed each others old wounds, it will come to a mutual destruction end.

...... However, that was still good.

Precisely because this situation could lead to each others ruin, it was possible to tell the level of resolution of the other party. There was no hesitation at any cost -- to achieve her objective in mind. And,

"-- We're here."

The Royal Knight led Listy down the corridor before stopping in front of the door. Soon after turned around,

"Please enter -- Lord Baram is waiting inside."

"...... Thank you."

After she expressed her gratitude to the Royal Knight, Listy took a deep breath, then pushed open the door and went inside.

She was greeted by a room filled with silence. This was the first time she had entered the Emperor of Disdiya's office. It was more simple and plain than she could of imagined causing her to be mildly surprised.

However, Listy quickly changed her thinking, because she found Baram siting at his desk near the back of the room sending a stern look her way.

"First let me thank you for setting aside your valuable time to meet with me -- Your Majesty Baram."

"Since time is precious let's not waste it on unnecessary formalities."

Baram replied and,

"I do ask that you get right to your business -- it shouldn't be hard to imagine."

"Well then, right to it --"

After she said so, Listy moved away from the doorway closer to his desk to face him.

"I am here to get Your Majesty to agree to a cease fire with Galivain, and to sign a peace treaty. Although it is presumptuous of me, I ask that Sherfied assume the role of arbitrator."

"Hmph...... My, Disdiya's victory is close at hand. What kind of benefit is there for us in a cease-fire and a peace treaty?"

"What benefit is there? I think Your Majesty already knows --"

Listy narrowed her eyes,

"If Disdiya is willing to accept the ceasefire and peace treaty, then regarding use of forbidden magic to revive Leon Esuperio...... my country will keep silent on the matter."

".............."

Baram silently thought it over, while Listy went to press him for an answer.

"Whatever the reason may be, the fact is your country ignored the resolution made at the peace negotiations by attacking Galivain. The invasion of the wandering forest, better the despicable conduct you used to lure the former Demon King's daughter into a trap has in all likelihood already negatively affected any soldier who was familiar with the situation. Are you not uneasy that will spread? Even if you truly win the war, when these series of events get out it will be difficult to avoid criticism from home and abroad......"

Moreover, with the war drawing to a close his situation was not superior as Baram said. Disdiya may not be able to win. That was because -- Akatsuki was still alive.

"If the truth gets out at this critical moment...... the morale of the soldiers on the front line would be completely crushed. Leon's resurrection is obviously inhumane and ethically unforgivable. When your sense of justice loses its legitimacy, no matter how noble your army is it will be reduced to a mob."

Please Your Majesty reconsider,

"It is not too late. Please accept this cease fire."

### Part 6

It was hard to grasp the flow in time in such an environment.

Isolated from the outside world, and enclosed in a quiet dungeon cell.

Those were the conditions Miu was enduring during her captivity.

...... What time is it now......?

After Miranda left the solitary cell she felt a considerable amount of time had passed. Her public execution was scheduled for sunrise. Considering when she left Forestnium there was already a touch of the marble white color of the night sky on the horizon. In other words Miu's time was running out.

However, Ousawa Miu had no regrets. The thought of dying was certainly scary, but there were things worth sacrificing her life for -- at least she definitely thought so.

-- When Phil Burnett attempted to take Miu as a tool to completely destroy the Demons.

If at that time it had gone his way it would of caused a devastating tragedy. After all, the Demon King's daughter was quite a valuable hostage. But now it was different, Galivain had chosen a new Demon King -- Akatsuki. Miu had already conveyed her real intentions to the young people of village. Even if she were to unfortunately lose her life, they were willing to work alongside him.

So for that reason Miu was able to run the risk of being taken hostage when she arrived at the meeting place.

But -- Miu thought that didn't mean she had given up. The reason why she let herself become a Disdiya hostage was because there was no other way to buy more time.

Ousawa Miu knows her life was very important, because she was living proof that her father, Galious continued to live on. For father, and also for herself she couldn't afford to die here.

...... I will never forget what you told me......

A certain youth holding a place in her heart came to mind. The place where she felt she belonged -- recalling how Akatsuki took the trouble to tell her so. Recalling how he took the trouble to teach her to never give up until the bitter end. So Ousawa Miu won't give up anymore.

She must find a way to survive, and help those that lent a hand to her -- together with Akatsuki.

So Miu started to look around and confirmed the situation she was in.

...... The biggest problem was the anti-magic barrier......

The place she was being held was meant to hold criminals. Naturally measures were taken to counter magic. Although Miu only saw two guards there must be other guards stationed throughout the dungeon. And she was chained to the wall, it was nearly impossible to escape on her own.

...... However, there was still a chance......

Miu was supposed to be executed in front of a crowd the people in Disdiya. When the time comes they will have to transport her from the dungeon. Of course, they know that will be her only opportunity to escape, and were sure to take the utmost precautions when escorting her to her sentence.

But that was her only chance, Miu had no more choices.

When the moment comes she can only try and escape with all her power -- with her life at stake.

It was when Miu firmly swore that in her mind the door to her cell suddenly opened.

And the person who entered was knight in Golden Armor -- Leon.

"Why are you here?...... There should be a little more time before sunrise."

Seeing her perplexed face made Leon smile.

"I am aware of that. I just wanted to check how the dungeoner was doing...... can I trouble you two to step out for a little?"

Alongside the gentle voice was a certain pressure.

The two soldiers standing guard looked at each other, and then reluctantly left the cell.

Waiting until the cell door completely closed -–

"At sunrise at your public execution -- I will be the one to chop off your head."

After saying so, Leon slowly walked closer to Miu.

Miu silently glared, but Leon floated a calm smile,

"The look in your eyes tells me you have no intention to die here......"

Leon was now standing right in front of Miu,

"However from now on, I will always be at your side. I advise you to give up on the idea of managing an escape."

"..............!"

She knew they would take steps, but she never anticipated it this early or with such thoroughness. Mortified, Miu bite her lower lip, however Leon had mixed emotions and,

"Very soon this longstanding war raged within Alayzard will be marked by a period. It is unfortunate that Galious is not in this world anymore -- no matter, there is a new Demon King. After I kill you, and defeat Akatsuki for good. My war will also finally be over."

Miu listened as Leon spoke with such conviction. Kaidou had said he wasn't so sure that Leon was being manipulated. It seems it was his own willpower to try and kill Akatsuki and myself, and at the same time bring destruction to the Demons. At that time five years ago and now it was the same -- madness.

Even more so now, there was no way Miu could back down.

"It's still too early...... we haven't lost yet."

Miu squeezed out her voice as she spoke.

"Your still holding such unrealistic expectations for Akatsuki? You know, right now we in the dungeon underneath the palace of Disdiyan empire, while Akatsuki is now...... at Gorudono Grand Canyon."

Upon hearing those words, Miu couldn't help but widen her eyes in surprise. It was the long overdue moment she was wishing for. Her face immediately showed the relief she had from the bottom of heart and,

"Thankfully...... he finally woke up."

"To be honest, even I was very surprised that he survived that injury but...... he just regained consciousness, and has been delayed several steps."

And Leon laughed,

"To get to where you are by sunrise he has to in one breath defeat the forces left at Gorudono, the garrisons along the border, and the knights at the Imperial Palace. It is almost an impossible task."

And......

"Even if Akatsuki makes it to your jail cell -- I will kill you early right where you stand."

Just resign yourself to your fate -- was what Leon's words were meant to convey to her, but the look in Miu's eyes remained steadfast and unwavering. Then,

"Those eyes...... I've seen them before somewhere......"

When Leon looked at Miu he suddenly noticed something.

So Ousawa Miu answered his question for him, and reminded him of the past truth.

"Have you forgotten? We've have met once before long ago."

Yes.

"In that place five years ago that day that you died."

Leon couldn't help but stare. His mind was interconnected between the present and past.

"You were...... no way, that child at that time?"

Miu just nodded to affirm Leon's speculation. It was just like that. Leon grabbed a dark elf child, and before her eyes tried to use her once as a way to kill her Father, Galious.

It was not surprising that Leon wouldn't recognize her. Miu's appearance had greatly changed in those five years. In actuality, even Akatsuki was not yet aware of this astonishing fact.

Although her Father, Galious had never mentioned the incident, following the story she heard from Loutier it was a real eye opener for her.

She was sure that was the reason why -- her father did not reveal the truth that day. It was not as simple as Akatsuki killing Leon to save a mere demon child, but the valuable life of his only daughter. Galious didn't reveal the truth in order to give Sherfied one last chance out of their predicament. Perhaps that was his way in repaying the debt he owed Akatsuki.

And also that -- was the real reason he could entrusted her to Akatsuki.

At that time Miu lost consciousness after she was taken hostage by Leon. Therefore up to now, she thought that Leon was beaten by her father. However, she understood that wasn't the case after hearing the truth from Loutier.

At the same time, she finally understood why her father after he returned from Sherfied would tell her those words.

-- If that human really does defeat me, I want you to live with him.

From the beginning "that human" was referring to Akatsuki. Even before Akatsuki had become the "Rogue Hero," Galious had already made his decision.

After Leon heard the whole thing –-

"I see...... history really does repeat itself."

Leon's surprised expression gradually turned into a pleasantly surprised smile.

"Certainly the situation is almost the same. You were a hostage, and I was trying to kill the Demon King."

In addition --

"...... And that includes the part where Listy was about to die."

"Wait...... wh-what does that mean?"

For the first time Miu was alarmed, Leon showed a pleasant smile as if enjoying it and,

"Right now, Listy has come to the Imperial Palace to persuade Emperor Baram to consent to a cease-fire. The meeting is just like ours here. It's behind closed doors with no other people around. Even if something unexpected were to happen some excuse could easily be made."

That was why Leon was there talking to her.

"I heard the stories about Akatsuki after I died. That guy can make a one in ten thousand possibility into reality, and may even be able to reverse this situation."

But --

"Last time it is possible for him to kill me, and then save you and Listy...... but this time it won't go so smoothly. I will kill you, while Emperor Baram will be responsible for killing Listy. With two enemies in separate locations it is impossible to beat us at the same time. Even if he really does break into the Palace, he only has the time to save one of you. That guy will have to make a choice between you and Listy."

"To manufacture such a situation, you expressly came all the way to the dungeon......?"

Her words and expression were filled with anger.

"What's the matter? Do you not believe in Akatsuki?"

Leon laughed and,

"But then again, the possibility of him coming to help you appears to be higher. Since he doesn't know Listy is here or what situation she's in...... It seems she will be on the other side a little earlier than you."

"...... Listy-san will be fine. She is much stronger than me, and would never have an accident."

Miu's tone showed her belief in that like-minded girl.

During the duel with Akatsuki she showed that her strength was the real thing. Therefore, there was no doubt.

"Since she dared to come alone to a hostile environment. That would mean...... there was no possibility of failure."

### Part 7

Even with Listy's pressing Baram for a decision he remained silent. Even so, Listy continued to wait. She already said what she wanted to say. Now, all she could do was wait for the other side to answer.

After a little more time.

"-- Towards your proposal from your country, Disdiya replies as follows."

Baram slowly opened before stating his decision and,

"As for continuation of the war -- Disdiya does not accept the cease fire or the peace treaty."

Listy heard what was said, but couldn't help ask in a more serious tone,

"Even if I make the truth public...... you are fine with that?"

"Even if we choose to concede it will not change the fact that Leon Esuperio existed. Under such circumstances if we conclude a peace treaty there is no doubt that Galivain will seize our weakness, and plant the seeds of destruction in the future. It is impossible for Disdiya to accept with these adverse conditions. In other words, the tradeoff is only unilateral coercive. It won't do us any good."

And Baram continued,

"In case the truth really gets announced to the world -- it will leave our side with no way out. Without a retreat route we can do nothing but believe in our justice, and fight to the end. No cease fire or peace treaty will be possible. At that time Disdiya may be on a path to destruction, but at the same time Sherfied and Galivain will also be compromised."

But......

"If everyone shuts their eyes to the truth, even if it is an open secret the only country to perish will be Galivain. Then, considering both sides isn't the answer clear."

"What makes you think our country will remain silent?"

"That is so, but the matter of Leon Esuperio is a very inconvenient truth for Sherfied. If the secret gets out it could affect the survival of your country. Soon your country will abolish its monarchy, and be reborn as a new nation with the national election. It's your long-cherished wish."

He took a breath,

"-- I personally do no think you have the courage crush your wish or the resolve to destroy your country."

"............"

When Baram's statement which was closer to a threat reached her ears, Listy was immediately at a loss for words. Before long,

"Certainly...... I cannot sacrifice Sherfied."

Listy said, nevertheless she was unwilling to give up,

"Please let me hear it one more last time. The cease-fire and the peace --"

"Impossible -- Disdiya will never take that path."

"...... It looks that way."

So she said then the next moment -- Listy took out the magic wand hidden behind her back.

And turned the tip of the wand towards Baram.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

Baram crinkled his eyebrows.

"Since it is hopeless to convince you verbally, there is no choice but...... to resort to force."

Listy said, she felt it was better to make the first move. Because,

"Even if I insisted on making the secret public Your Majesty probably had planned on killing me, no?"

"Oho...... your going to kill me?"

"No. I have no intentions of killing Your Majesty. I simply want you to disappear with me for a little while. In your absence Disdiya will have to tentatively pass the title of Emperor over to your sole heir Alphonse-dono."

-- Listy already had her spy in Disdiya make contact with Alphonse to gain his consent.

"Alphonse-dono was in favor of the cease-fire and the peace treaty that I proposed...... he felt it was the only way for Disdiya not to walk on the road to ruin."

"I see...... you anticipated all this from the beginning."

And Baram snorted,

"Although the meeting was kept in strictest confidence there were still a small number of witnesses. Like the knight who guided you here. The Queen of country sneaking into another country's palace in the dead of night outraged enough to kill their Emperor -- this is quite a serious diplomatic incident, even offering your life may not be enough to apologize. Do you have the heart to pull all of Sherfied into your selfish sense of justice?"

Then Listy laughed -- and with an extremely confident smile,

"There is nothing to worry over. The Kingdom of Sherfied doesn't have to take any responsibility whatsoever."

The reason was very simple.

"Because...... the country doesn't exist anymore."

Before coming here Listy convened an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers.

The topic at hand was her plan of attack -- and Listy's revocation of the throne.

She explained how she would abduct Empire Baram allowing for Alphonse and Galivain to sign a peace treaty. Naturally Listy's proposal was opposed by all the ministers. Some suggested that Listy carry out her plan whiling remaining Queen making it an official decision of Sherfied. She was grateful for their goodwill, but she flagrantly rejected that proposal. Sacrificing herself alone was enough, she couldn't drag the Kingdom of Sherfied down with her.

-- So now Listy wasn't the Queen, rather an ordinary girl.

"In order to realize a cease-fire and peace treaty, even at the expense Sherfied interests the truth should also be made public –- to bring an end to the abuse of power by Royalty I expressed my wish for an legislative assembly. I also believe you should take steps towards converting to a democracy, and dismiss the authority of the King."

"What utter foolishness...... to even think such nonsense."

Baram stood up from his chair and,

"Even if you are the former Queen of Sherfied you must also shoulder part of the responsibility. The new King should --"

"I am sorry. My removal was just decided a little while ago. The country of Sherfied at present is in a state of confusion with its leaders. I ask Your Majesty to please wait -- umm, several months until the national elections are over."

And Listy with an composed air,

"And the throne won't be restored to me. As a traitor to my country I will be deprived the position of Queen. I believe very soon, Sherfied will be sending an official letter explaining this matter, as well as seeking your assistance in apprehending the fugitive, the former Queen. There might also be a clause stating something like in no way are they shielding the former Queen from punishment. And if found in your country's borders, Disdiya is free to punish me by the laws of your country."

That was of course just lip service, but it was within reason.

Covering up the truth which what looks like reason -- was Emperor Baram's modus operandi.

"Now do you understand? I have had nothing to do with Sherfied. If Sherfied must take responsibility for this matter it will be minimal. After all, I just lost my throne -- in my deranged state I snuck into this place in order to realize my self-righteous ideals. How is that, does it explain my audacious behavior in trying to kidnap Your Majesty?"

Listy smiled.

"Your Majesty was right. I don't have the courage to involve Sherfied --"

Listy's smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a look of righteousness to clearly declare,

"Do not underestimate me -- if its about my crown and my life I have the resolve."

### Part 8

Hearing how Miu believed in Listy, Leon silently closed his eyes.

"In that case -–" he started by saying,

"If you believe Listy won't die here. That means I have no choice but to take your life."

After saying so, Leon's right hand started to release some kind of black smoke.

The waves of dark color circulating absolutely horrified Miu.

"This is the ability I received after being resurrected. The power to manipulate "Death." With this I can use any dead body to raid Forestnium with me. Just like the dead soldiers who attacked you in the forest."

"Dead soldiers...... So, because of that......!"

Miu realized the reason why Forestnium was able to be attacked that started the war.

The concept barrier was intended to guard against an enemy invasion, but it was limited to the living. Therefore, the resurrected Leon and the dead soldiers he controlled were able to pass through the barrier. And why the barrier that Urumu offered his life to create was to protect the village from malicious presences. All to stop Leon from attacking Forestnium.

So then those soldiers before in the forest really were the monitoring force of Sherfied. Then, Leon while laughing,

"If I use a living person -- they become a living corpse. They look exactly the same exactly, and keep their own consciousness, but as long as I wish it they will turn into a real corpse."

"Then give it a try......! Once I'm dead there will be nothing holding everyone back from fighting you."

"You still don't understand. You will be the same as you were alive, and also have your own consciousness. Akatsuki won't simply see it as you're already dead. Disdiya will not accept a cease-fire and peace treaty, and holding you hostage won't be necessary. As long as the public thinks you are alive at your execution it is fine. Exactly what is dead or alive, at this point."

Leon smiled and,

"Now I can kill you here, and at sunrise I can chop off your head in front of everyone...... I get to kill the Demon King's daughter twice. Galious killed my father and sister snatching away two lives. In a way it is the same number of lives. And I'm looking forward to...... if Akatsuki can come and save you before your scheduled execution time, but to find out your already dead. I want to know what kind of face he will make."

"Let me end this here...... he will absolutely take revenge for me!"

"Is it? After I'm defeated all the living corpses I made will inevitably turn into a life less corpse. Killing me would be the same as killing you. Do you think the Akatsuki has it within himself to do that?"

Miu didn't know how to answer Leon's question. She didn't want to show any weakness in front of Leon, but deep down she wanted Akatsuki to be unable to do it as proof of his feelings for her. But of course, she could never say that to Leon.

Unable to respond Miu could only bite her lower lip. Then,

"Even you are hesitating. There's no need to question what Akatsuki would do. When I fought him originally at Gorudono Grand Canyon he was already confused as what to do. This time that hesitation will bring about his death."

And Leon's tone was frivolous, as if sneering at Miu,

"Have a little peace of mind...... death is very peaceful."

After he said so, his right hand covered with the aura of death slowly moved towards her neck.

"Ku......u......u......!"

In an attempt to escape somehow, Miu desperately struggled. But both her hands were chained to the wall behind her. There was no way to escape. And finally,

"-- As far as that goes from a little while ago, do you still believe Listy will win...... and that she is really safe?"

"Wh-what do you mean......?"

"Since Listy came prepared -- Do you think Emperor Baram wouldn't do the same?"

Miu had suspiciously asked, while Leon informed her,

"It is regrettable -- but also around this time he should be disposing of Listy."

### Part 9

Listy El Da Sherfied eyes slightly widened.

She just played her final trump card, and yet Baram composure wasn't disturbed one bit.

"It's a fairly perfect plan...... but that's only if you can capture me."

That wasn't a foregone conclusion.

"No matter how fast you can chant your magic, it's not faster than my sword."

Baram referred to the sword at his waist.

In the current situation rather than Listy -- he had the upper hand.

But......

"-- If its just that, there's no need to worry."

And Listy went on to explain,

"The magic chant was already completed before I walked into this castle. I have canceled the magic circle so there is no need to say anything."

Listy hadn't neglected to come prepared. The situation was developing as she predicted. Her magic was in a stand by state in case something unexpected happened so she could activate it at any time.

"Your Majesty is the emperor of the military nation of Disdiya and your skill with the sword is outstanding. Although I heard that...... Do you want to give it a try? Which is really faster my magic or your sword."

After she said that, the atmosphere in the room became still as death.

-- And the next second.

Emperor Baram grabbed the handle of his sword at the exact same time Listy activated her magic.

Listy created a lightning strike in the system of wind magic, as long as it hit Baram, his whole body would be paralyzed -- But,

"--!? Kyaa ~aa ~aaa!"

Her magic was invoke momentary, but it was Listy who the fell to ground screaming.

Listy awkwardly rolled to the side to conceal the horror in her heart.

...... Could it be...... an anti-magic barrier......?

The possibility of defense measures in the Emperor's office came as no surprise to Listy. She even considered a sudden surprise attack. So she had set up an invisible barrier of her own protecting her. Of course, she took into account the possibility of an anti-magic barrier. However, the moment she passed through the barrier to enter the office her barrier and lightning magic should have been canceled out by Baram's anti-magic barrier. Precisely because that was not the case, she felt secure she could use magic.

"...... Your too imprudent."

And then Baram drew the sword out from his waist,

"The anti-magic barrier in this room will only respond to attack magic, and reflects it back to the caster. Anyone -- foolish enough to try and harm the Emperor will be easily caught."

"Gah......!"

It was a disastrous miscalculation. Listy was struggling to get back up, when Baram came over to kick her from the side. A powerful force hit her body, however there was no pain. When the lightning strike backfired her senses were temporarily paralyzed.

Baram trampled down on Listy's chest as she laid face up on the floor.

"If you were smart you would of used a magic with a wide range that would of take out yourself and me at the same time. Perhaps then there was a chance of success... ... Even if you talk big, in fact you don't have the resolution to die with me."

"...... Ugh......uh!"

Although physically she felt no pain, after having her lungs compressed it made it difficult to breathe.

Baram looked down at Listy's face distorting in pain.

With an underhand grip on his sword Emperor Baram exposed a cruel smile and,

"Now then -- since you are no longer the Queen, just a traitor. I can kill you without any problems."

### Part 10

A life or death crisis had befallen both of them.

The deaths of Miu and Listy were already a foregone conclusion. As they each faced their final moments the same feeling emerged in their hearts.

It was about a certain youth, and how they given all their heart to him.

Even at the end they continued to believe in him.

And the next second -- Miu and Listy were being embraced closely by powerful arms.

The same time that they reached that feeling two loud bangs resounded one after another.

"...... Eh?"

The two girls couldn't help but open their eyes, and stared blankly at each other.

They were at two different places and now were face to face.

And it wasn't the dungeon or Emperor Baram's office, but an entirely different location.

As for the strong arm around their waists, Miu and Listy were sure they knew who's it was.

So they slowly looked up.

What they saw was a young man with a fearless smile on his face standing there holding them at his left and right side -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Ha -- I just love this feeling. The moment when you reverse a hopeless situation."

Akatsuki declared triumphantly.

"...... Absurd."

"Exactly...... what is this?"

From the front came a voice that stunned two people. They were Baram then Leon. Akatsuki somehow announced to them, apparently he had something to do with those loud rumbles, but he was too far away. The blank look in their eyes was caused by them being completely unable to sallow what had just happened.

But the confusion Miu and Listy had in Akatsuki's arms was the same.

So to the four, Akatsuki explained the trick behind the successful reversal.

"After the initial peace negotiation I bought something interesting from an antique shop in Erudia."

Just a little something?

"-- A long time ago, there was a magic talisman sold as means to take care of children."

### Part 11

"...... Disposable transfer seal?"

Inside the "Wildcat Pavilion" at the farther most table from the door two women were disusing topics revolving around Akatsuki, and what he entrusted Melissa to look for.

To Melissa seated opposite her, Selina Esuperio asked,

"What would Akatsuki do with such a thing?"

"He said he was buying it for insurance. I'm not sure."

Melissa said and,

"They were used as a precaution against children getting lost or in the worst case from being kidnapped. Once a talisman was affixed to a child, if their conscious strongly felt their life was in danger they would automatically be transferred to their parents side. Even though it is placed on the outside the magic pattern merges with the body without leaving a mark."

"Umm, so now that you mention it. I'm a little impressed, but......"

Selina couldn't recall of ever hearing of them,

"I didn't see any places selling them. If there so useful, then there should be a demand."

"That can't be helped. As a talisman for self-defense...... there is a fatal flaw."

And Melissa replied,

"When the transfer occurs -- anyone near the children will also be sent back. The kidnappers would be sent back with the child to their parents side, resulting in a considerably serious problem. Since then production has stopped. Depending on how they're used the consequences could be disastrous."

And so,

"Nowadays...... except for a very select antique shops that kind of thing should be impossible to find."

### Part 12

At the same time -- in Gorudono Grand Canyon.

Ousawa Akatsuki's similar explanation had come to an end.

"That seal...... when exactly did you......?"

Miu still had some disbelief, however with a big smile Akatsuki answered her question,

"One was when I sucked a mole, and the other was during a kiss. You both were so entranced I secretly placed the seal on."

"Y-you actually did that then......!"

In his arm, Listy's face turned read as she remembered. Then the next moment,

"Don't talk such nonsense! At the peace negotiations you already knew all of this was going to happen!?"

Not wanting to admit the situation Baram loudly refuted in anger.

"Hey, knock it off. I'm not a fortune teller...... I can't foresee the future."

And Akatsuki with a shrug,

"-- But, it's not like I didn't plan for the worst. God knows, if anyone would target these guys while I wasn't around. And if they did it's not like I would decide to crush any fool that thought to end this war that way. Ah, did I say something like that before?"

At the peace negotiations he declared in front of everyone.

"Although you think you were acting out of free will -- All of this was me leading you along."

Now all the major players have gathered together.

At last everything can be settled.

The final climax was about to kick off.

While holding the two girls in his arms, Akatsuki exposed a pleased smile.

At the same time Ousawa Akatsuki formally declared --

"Okay now -- let us end to this war."

And then -- the final fight to decide the future of Alayzard began.

The people in control of the fate were the new Demon King and the previous Hero. That was Akatsuki and Leon.

Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

This was presently his responsibly to bear because of his past with Leon. If that was the case the future rested on his shoulders.

"--------"

Leon was the first to strike.

He sprinted towards Akatsuki like he was shot out of a cannon, and instantly pulled out the sword hanging from his waist.

Seeing that Akatsuki immediately let go of Miu and Listy in his arms.

"Stand back a little -- I must be the one to deal with him."

After he softly told them Akatsuki took a step forward.

From the AD on his right wrist black particles were being emitted condensing into a black Demon sword. And the next moment,

Giiiiiiiiiiiiitsuiin!

A violent ear-piercing noise radiated as the two swords were stopped midair.

### Part 13

The sure-fire victory they held in their hands returned to a toss up, however Leon wasn't the least bit anxious.

Leon listened meticulously to the all the fine noises from the metallic crashes in the background as he swung down his sword at high speed.

The melody of metal hitting played without interruption from the two sides strikes.

The eye couldn't take it all in the level of speed as the intense offense and defense of Leon's changed.

...... Is this really the sword of a person who had no power to speak of five years ago?

The fight during the day he also felt the same surprise.

Once he thought calmly, the strength of the present Akatsuki certainly exceeded his own during his lifetime.

But that was not important. If Akatsuki's renkan keikikou can give its user power beyond the normal limits, then his new life himself had long since moved beyond human limits. Originally, he couldn't use all his power because his body wouldn't have been able to take the burden. But surpassing the limits of one's body didn't come without a price. The Leon of now was unable to use the elements of magic. The reason was simple, the dead cannot borrow the power of spirits. However Akatsuki was the same since he had no magical abilities. It seems that Akatsuki's transcending the limits of a human beings put him in a category a step across from humans comparatively to his own --

...... This is my win Akatsuki.

Once a person's condition gets too bad death was an absolute. When that occurs for the living there was no way to overcome their condition making them easy to kill. And now that he had already died once there was no such thing as getting tired.

Leon was unaffected by using power beyond human limits, however for Akatsuki he must contend with the burden and the fight fatigue. For him a living being that was an inescapable fate.

So Leon thought it was a certainly his win in the end.

But ......

...... Do you intend to defeat me before reaching your limit......?

While matching his sword with Akatsuki, Leon couldn't help thinking.

The fast and heavy sword strikes of Akatsuki continuously forced him to make instantaneous judgments.

Just like the principle behind Renkan Keikikou to make use of circular flow the sword strikes followed the same pattern.

However, when up against linear attacks, a group of circular movements had a weak point. To string everything together in a series of attacks required a lot of useless motion.

That created a chance Leon was going to exploit. By striking at the small pause between two attacks it will destroy Akatsuki's entire rhythm.

"-- You're a fool if you think this is all I have. Try it, you can't reach me even a little bit!"

In addition to the flurry of his sword, both Akatsuki's legs, knees, and elbows were incorporated into his attacks.

Moreover until then he stayed on the flat plane moving front, back, left, and right. But now he freely spun vertically increasing the variation all at once.

No gaps in his combos could be found.

As he spun for a roundhouse kick his black sword seamlessly came in to behead.

The slanted downward swing from the shoulder capitalized on the rotation from the kick.

The attacks came in towards Leon one after another. If the sword was stopped, his hands and feet would come in to cover.

Strong. Leon secretly applauded in his mind, but still he was able to block one by one Akatsuki's three-dimensional attacks. The only threat was the Demon sword if he could chop off his head. After all, renkan keikikou couldn't disrupt the Ki in his body since he was already dead. So the kicks and punches were only be a physical blow. However with his physical abilities far beyond human limits it wouldn't cause him any harm not even destroy his stance.

In short, most of the attacks against Leon would be in vain. And Leon believed Akatsuki realized that himself.

Yet......

...... That expression is really an eyesore......

Leon wasn't mistaken, that was a definite smile that emerged on Akatsuki's face.

Even while knowing his attacks were ineffective, he continued to release another set of invigorated strikes.

"The confusion and hesitation during the day seems to have completely disappeared."

"Ah yeah...... thanks to you."

Akatsuki's words had a harsh ring to them.

But what was said next -- made it look like Leon didn't understand.

"You said say it?...... that you would defeat me."

"...... What?"

Leon subconsciously asked a rhetorical question, he did not forget that Akatsuki once said something like that.

In the fight during the day, Akatsuki uttered those words before the final strike. Then he used renkan keikikou to exceed his limits. There was no hesitation when he played his final trump card.

Akatsuki made every effort to take down Leon -- So that should of been everything.

However, what Akatsuki just said went against what Leon's perception. The way Akatsuki sounded it was enough for him now in his present condition to beat Leon.

Then now, what did all this mean? -- The answer dawned on Leon, and he was furious.

"Akatsuki, you.....!"

And Leon roared,

"You deliberately let me run through your left chest -- just to recreate that scene from five years ago!"

### Part 14

To how angry Leon was Akatsuki smiled, he wasn't in the least concerned. And calmly,

"Naturally -- what other reason would there be?"

That was so to speak a type of ceremony to eliminate the deep confusion and hesitation Akatsuki had.

"If I didn't pay back my debt in full from that time, how could I ever put my all into this fight?"

He knew it was unavoidable that he would face Leon as an enemy. It was meaningless to settle things if it didn't start from there. That was the reason Akatsuki used renkan keikikou at the time to push himself beyond his limits. Even with the heavy internal burden it puts on the body when he pushed his Ki to the critical limit it also greatly improved his power to heal external wounds. At that time the real focus was to defend himself not to attack. If not -- when the left side of his chest was pierced Akatsuki's heart would of stopped, bringing about an instant death.

However since his self healing power had been raised to the limit his heart was still able to beat. However the damage caused it slowed down to the point that Akatsuki barely survived.

His only...... miscalculation was that Listy was there to witness the scene.

"I'm sorry if I caused a misunderstanding...... but this way, soon you can have peace of mind."

And Akatsuki said,

"The me standing here now -- is undeniably able to defeat you."

He then held out his left palm towards Leon. Countless balls of light were released towards him. It was a continuous stream of energy bombs. Then Leon coldly grunted,

"Relying on this stuff --"

Leon used the sword in his right hand cut the energy bombs, or if needed brushed them aside with his left. The area was suddenly filled with a chain of explosions without leaving a scratch on him.

Then --

"...... Guh?"

One of Leon's arms intended to send another energy bomb away, instead it knocked him backwards without exploding. It was as if among the countless bombs a heavy iron ball was mixed in.

"Don't think you can push aside all of the energy bombs...... the Ki can also be condensed." (note -- energy = Ki. Energy bombs sounds better then Ki bombs.)

Akatsuki explained with a marginal expression, before he took advantage of the chaos to close the distance. As he went Leon prepared for the strike of the black demon sword, and knocked it back. However, it didn't matter. Akatsuki kept on attacking without allowing for a moments rest.

Some of the attacks were blocked by Leon, others were dodged, or certain ones were back stepped. Still, Akatsuki thought it was good. Every time he attacked it represented an unloading of his heart.

On behalf of his own growth.

...... My friend, can you see it!

Five years ago all my attacks fell short of reaching you, Leon. However, it was different now.

My sword is different from before, right? Have you ever seen punches and kicks like these?

These earth-shattering combos -- were impossible for me in the past.

Do you understand? All of this is the power I obtained after losing you. I had no other choice but to kill you in order for you to stop. From that abyss of despair this is the power. So please know. You have to understand me.

And see now -- how much stronger I have become.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAaaa--!"

Akatsuki let out a roar, and unleashed a storm of attacks. Leon's conscience was blinded by his hatred of Demons forcing Akatsuki to make the painful choice of killing him.

And now the two were fighting each other as enemies.

Still......

Leon was a close friend of Akatsuki's. Therefore he must be the one to stop Leon, and defeat Leon.

This time from the front. To see himself if his power -- could reach.

-- Akatsuki abruptly changed his tactics. He abandoned using his knees and legs to attack. Instead he focused on footwork and fine movements.

He took his speed up two gears, maybe even three.

"This ......!"

Whiling moving at high speed he heard Leon's confused voice.

As he spoke the syllables of that word reached his ears at different locations. Along with the ultra high-speed Akatsuki inter-weaved sudden stops. The extreme drop in speed was to produce afterimages of Akatsuki. Leon's attacks couldn't touch him at all. Against Phil Barnett Akatsuki simply used this speed to confuse him, but now it was different. He was going to completely combine attack and defense, while he forcibly deprived his opponent of any notion of attacking.

"Well --!"

Leon was backed into a defensive fight. So at once he took advantage of his new physical abilities from being dead, and escaped into the air.

It was a sound decision. Akatsuki's high speed movements and sudden stops required footholds to apply force.

However, in the air he could restore the situation back to equal. But,

"-- Don't even think about it."

Akatsuki's speed surpassed Leon's arriving to the highest point in the air first. His back faced towards the ground before reversing to drive a kick down on Leon. Along with the Gaaakyi sound, Leon was slammed to the ground.

"......?"

Immediately Leon got back to his feet, and looked up at the sky. However Akatsuki was no where in sight.

"What are you looking at? I'm right here."

Akatsuki's voice came from behind Leon. If that was five years ago he would of never been able to mount an attack from behind Leon's back. Leon turned to look --

"Prepare yourself -- this duel is over."

Akatsuki boldly declared the winner, as he went to make his next move.

However, Leon didn't try to move.

"It is so......"

Suddenly, he regained the composure in his voice,

"Certainly, the next move is the end -- for you."

Just when Leon told him so.

"----!?"

Akatsuki was overcome by a rapid dizziness, and fell to one knee.

"What...... when did you.....?"

All his strength seemed to have left his body. His breathing fell into complete disorder, and it wasn't possible to stand back up.

..... Hah..... What could this be......?

An abnormal change had arisen in Akatsuki's body. It wasn't just shortness of breath his heart beat slowed dramatically. Rather than slowed it was more like couldn't beat.

"Ha! -- Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaa."

Leon laughed his head off like he had gone mad.

"That's not good, Akatsuki...... I was resurrected from a forbidden curse. How many times do you think you touched me directly?"

Leon smiled because as he said so, black smoke began to rise out from his whole body.

"The power that resurrected me is equivalent to "death" itself. You didn't notice, but as you touched me your body was slowly being eroded by death."

".....! So that is how it is......!"

After he said so, Akatsuki clicked his tongue in his mind.

If it was some sort of poison he could use renkan keikikou to purify it in his body, but very concept of "death" was directly eating away Akatsuki's flesh and life. This had nothing to do with his life span. Simply as of now Akatsuki's life force was reduced to almost to zero.

But -- Ousawa Akatsuki wasn't afraid of his immediate crisis, after all, the outcome remained to be seen. If he could offer up a final attack he will be able to end the duel.

Therefore Akatsuki stared straight at his enemy who was arrogantly declaring the end.

His eyes were focused on where he had to reach -- Leon Esuperio. Over there was the goal.

I will make it.

As he thought so, he mustered up his remaining power into his feet to stand up.

-- A scorching pain travel though his body from behind. Akatsuki's legs couldn't help but give way, and this time he helplessly fell to both knees on the ground.

"Ga -- ah.....!?"

The black magic sword fell from his hand, and as soon as it touched the ground disappeared.

Ousawa Akatsuki slowly turned to look. He clearly felt the last bit of strength rapidly leave his body.

And while his vision was fading he confirmed a figure of a person. Akatsuki wasn't trying to be inattentive of his surroundings, however his awareness became a little vague as his life force was waning.

As a result, it was not possible for him to react.

"-- Who said the fate of this war could be decided on a one to one duel?"

Baram Dy Alon Disdiya said as he looked down at Akatsuki.

Under the moonlight the sword in his hand was sparkling. At that moment Akatsuki thought -- he was as good as dead.

"Gah--!?

A short groan was raised by Emperor Baram as he widened his eyes.

A straight red line was traced from his shoulder to his waist, a large amount of blood spouted.

"N-no, it's not possible...... why......"

He manged to squeeze out his voice, unable to accept what had happened to him.

Slowly Baram's body tumbled to the ground.

And after a brief twitch he no longer moved.

For the reigning Emperor of the mighty military Empire that was his -- unexpected last moment.

### Part 15

Akatsuki heard a trembling voice.

"Why did you intervene ......!"

The one speaking was clearly trying to restrain their overflowing emotions.

And then Akatsuki raised his head. In front of him -- the sword in Leon's hand was being reflected.

"It was the Demon King...... who killed my father and sister. I must to be the one to kill the Demon King."

"...... Leon......"

Ousawa Akatsuki was never aware of what Leon promised. Only that he always went to visited his father and sister's graves to make a vow. He had to personally defeat Galious -- no matter the means, fair or foul.

His dearest wish was once within sight, however Akatsuki robbed him of it at the last minute. So now Leon longed to kill Akatsuki -- the new Demon King with his own hands to fulfill his hearts desire.

And now when his object of hatred was nearly taken away by Baram it was likely Leon reacted.

However -- when Baram died his body began to collapse.

The power of the forbidden spell was bestowing Leon with existence, however after the caster dies he would would return to nothingness. The dark aura of the death that was the source of his existence was leaking out from his whole body. Still the tragic Hero still wasn't about to give up. However, his mind had broken completely,

"I'm going to kill the Demon King ......! And anyone who tries to stop me ...... anyone......!"

He was incoherently muttering the same thing over again, while taking one step at a time closer to Akatsuki.

"Ku......!"

The situation was anything but reassuring...... and Akatsuki's instinctively made a grim expression.

At that time -- two girls jumped in front of Akatsuki protect him. It was Miu and Listy.

"I will not let you kill this person -- Absolutely not."

"Please, I'm begging you, Leon...... you need to make peace with it!"

However, their voices couldn't reach Leon. He was already taken prisoner by his hatred.

They were standing in front of Leon -- however for now both of their responses were too tepid.

Mere verbal persuasion wasn't enough to stop Leon.

"Do not...... get in my waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy-!"

Together with this roar, Leon raised his sword from some distance apart.

....... This can't get worse!

Upon seeing that Akatsuki's heart immediately sank.

It was an attack out of desperation in which Leon offered all of his own existence.

Akatsuki could tell, since he did the same earlier when he launched a offensive against Leon. All of the deep seated hatred that Leon held were put into this last strike. Miu and Listy had no means to defend themselves against it. And if the three took a direct hit they would be done for.

But --

...... I won't let you have your way!

No matter what happens to himself, Miu and Listy didn't deserve to die here. So Akatsuki summoned up all the strength he had left in his body to protect those two irreplaceable girls.

Everything -- was released.

At the same time the new model of AD also reacted. It materialized the most appropriate weapon for its wearer. And now what was the most appropriate for Akatsuki was -- the second form of his black demon sword Lævateinn.

Then Akatsuki ran out from between Miu and Listy, who were trying to protect him. However Leon was outside the range of the black sword, and he had no time to close the distance.

So Akatsuki lifted up the black magic sword, and wedge it straight down.

Lævateinn pierced the air -- before striking into the earth's surface.

The most powerful shock wave he could muster tore through the ground headed towards Leon.

### Part 16

There was a tremendous explosion.

In the northern route of Gorudono Grand Canyon Leon was on the end, which was blown off from one end to the another.

"Nu uhh uhh uhh ah ah ah ah ah ahhh!"

However, Leon still persisted with his sword in hand after taking that shock wave from Akatsuki. Leon was shaky on his legs, almost about to collapse.

"Not yet... ... It's not over yet......!"

Leon said so, as he raised his head.

He caught sight of Akatsuki -- approaching before his eyes.

### Part 17

Akatsuki started running immediately after sending out the shock wave.

He had decided from the beginning when he defeated Leon it was going to be from the front.

And -- rather than with his sword, he was going to settle it with his own fist.

So Ousawa Akatsuki clenched his right fist, then pivoted on his right foot as hard as he could.

His toe, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints all twisted in order. All the muscles between his toe to his fist added to the rotational energy.

And finally inside his body he condensed his Ki with renkan keikikou as it followed the same route to his fist.

"U ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo ōo o ora a a a a a a a ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ahhh!"

With the roaring sound and all his might he drove his right fist into the left side of Leon's chest.

### Part 18

The force of the impact was like a sharp blade that pierced through Leon's chest out through the back.

Whether it was because Akatsuki sent out that attack, or that Leon received it they both stood without moving with there body pose as it was. After some time -- it was Leon who moved first.

He fell forward. He slowly lost all the power he had before.

Akatsuki moved his arm under his shoulder to hold him upright.

"My fist is a lot heavier than before, right?"

Along with a quiet smile Akatsuki said,

"During these past five years...... I have experienced a lot of ups and downs."

When he asked the reason Leon was so strong five years ago and got an answer he was unable to argue against it. Nor could he find the opportunity to speak his own answer.

However, it was possible for him to say it now. The power generated by hatred was certainly formidable. Nevertheless,

"The power of trying to protect something -- is quite considerable. Don't you agree?"

"So you're now...... fighting in order to protect this world."

Leon gave a weak smile. However,

"That's a very nice notion, but I never thought that once."

And Akatsuki slowly closed his eyes,

"What I'm protecting are these women right before your eyes -- it's just my aesthetic not to see them cry."

"Fu... ... HA HA HA... ... I see, that's how it is."

Leon happily laughed, and from the bottom of his heart,

"In that case, then I will watch closely from the other side -- If the reason you turned the entire world against you was unexpectedly to stop a woman's tears. I'd like to see if that naive ideal can continue indefinitely."

And as he finished saying so -- Leon's body suddenly crumpled into grains of sand, and disappeared as the wind spread it along.

Akatsuki tightly clenched his right hand into a fist.

Tightly he held onto some of the remnants left behind by his best friend blowing in the wind.

"No problem, I won't disappoint you -- As long as I'm still me, I will surely keep it up until my last moment."

After he muttered, Akatsuki suddenly turned around.

And slowly started walking on certain footsteps.

Off into the distance to where the two girls -- Miu and Listy were.

### 084. Epilogue - Preparations for the Future

### Part 1

There was air which was fresh and pure.

All the life inhabiting the forest was being healed wrapped in such an atmosphere.

That had finally returned to the Wandering forest.

In the center of the eternal forest was the village of Forestnium.

And in -- a quiet remote corner stood two gravestones.

One was for the Patriarch Urumu who unfortunately died in the raid by Leon, and the other armor Knights.

And the other grave was to mourn the great Demon King -- Galious.

-- After Galious was defeated by Akatsuki many of the clansman who fought at his side gave up on the war, and moved to Forestnium to live.

Although of human origin, Galious fought for the sake of all Demons until his last breath. His spirit was revered from the bottom of their hearts, because of such they wanted to set up a monument for him when they came here. However the residents of Forestnium hated the war. They chose to take a different path than the pro-war faction that followed Galious, and feared building a grandiose tomb would lead to needless disputes. Thus it was constructed on the outskirts of the village only known to some.

"It's all over."

Squatting before the two gravestones Ousawa Miu quietly said.

She went on to report to the two who were resting peacefully.

The fighting between Humans and Demons had spanned a long time.

And now Alayzard's chain of hatred and strife disputes were finally marked by a period.

-- Five days have passed in the blink of an eye, since the deathmatch between Akatsuki and Leon.

Their one on one duel lowered the curtain on the war between the Galivain and Disdiya. And although there were some unresolved problems the post-war process was advancing comparatively smoothly.

It was because the cease-fire negotiations only had three people participate, Akatsuki, Listy, and Alphonse.

To leave room to manoeuvre a peace treaty Akatsuki never killed a single Disdiya soldier during the war.

Listy fully understood Akatsuki intentions.

And their philosophy coincided with Prince Alphonse's efforts to stop his own country from sinking even deeper.

So under arbitration of Sherfied, Galivain and Disdiya sat down to sign a formal truce.

The matter of annihilation of the surveillance forces which started the war was the first topic. In consideration of fostering friendship between the three countries, and not creating anymore grudges, it was mutually decided it was done by an unknown perpetrator. As for the non-aggression peace treaty it was concluded and signed three days after the end of the match.

The peace that Galivain, Galious and Urumu dreamed of finally arrived.

After the report was completed Miu's eyes stayed fixed on the two gravestones.

Galious chose to go to war against humans, while Urumu refused to fight even at the end.

The two's ideas couldn't run more counter to each other. However, it was Urumu's grandson Kurt at the time who decided to have him buried next to Galious.

He thought even though they took different paths the two believed in the same future.

Ousawa Miu was very thankful for Kurt's thoughtfulness. In the future more people will visit her fathers grave along with Urumu's. She was sure her father wouldn't feel lonely. And on other hand, after his comrades, who have taken refuge in other places, learn of the end of the war they will also comeback to Forestnium.

After this it can begin. In the direction Galious and Urumu had hope for, the rebirth of Galivain.

"............ Nn."

Miu gave a small nod.

And then her head turned slightly to the right and up.

She had came there together with someone else -- Ousawa Akatsuki was standing at her side.

He was staring at Galious and Urumu's graves with a serious expression.

Miu couldn't help but think he also wanted to speak with them, the same as her. Then -- Akatsuki closed his eyes, and silently said a short prayer.

After she saw Akatsuki open his eyes Miu stood up.

"There is still some time...... no need to hurry."

After hearing Akatsuki's voice Miu lightly shook her head.

"It's okay. I have already told them they don't have to worry about Galivain's future."

She had said her goodbyes to both of them. And after the signing ceremony of the peace treaty in Sherfied, Akatsuki and Miu already fulfilled their promise to Selina, and tasted some her home cooking at her restaurant. So there was nothing left to regret as she planned to return to that other world.

The world where Ousawa Akatsuki -- and Ousawa Miu lived.

"...... Are you sure?"

Akatsuki asked again.

Kurt and the other people in the village wanted Miu to stay in Forestnium. Now that all the fighting was at an end Miu would no longer need to be forced into exile to another world.

But, Miu tactfully declined the villagers suggestion.

She did however accept their good intentions behind it.

There was no hesitation, because she had already made up her mind.

"Umm well...... I no longer belong here."

Miu gazed at the youth standing before the eyes.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- she belonged nowhere but with him. She would absolutely not lose sight of that.

So she herself had already decided to live with him.

Then,

"No matter what, I have to return to my own world."

"Huh ......?"

Akatsuki's sudden statement left Miu to stare blankly. That sort of thing should of been understood by everyone? However, Akatsuki continued,

"...... There is still things I have to finish over there."

And so,

"If you are willing to entrust your fate to me -- I'll take you back with me."

"--------"

Miu can't help but opened her eyes wide, because she understood what Akatsuki was saying.

-- That day in front of her dying father those were the words he said to her.

Akatsuki was re-enacting the scene once more at the place her father's soul was resting. She was on the verge of tears. In her heart she was happy -- but also sad.

So Ousawa Miu quietly waited for Akatsuki's last question. Akatsuki stretched out his right hand, and asked whether she was prepared to take his hand.

The answer was obvious -- and had been decided a long time ago.

So to the right hand of Akatsuki's that had been put forth.

"EH --?"

However Miu didn't take his hand.

Akatsuki had already pulled her over, and tightly embraced her. His arm was around her lower back.

It was the evolution of the form since that day.

As if a symbol of their relationship, but also represented a major step forward.

Then Akatsuki said with a strong voice,

"Galious, I'm taking your daughter. She will always -- remain by my side."

As Miu heard those words in Akatsuki's arm her heart involuntarily jumped.

Before when they exchanged oaths it was a mutually compromise, but now it was beyond that. The question and answer relationship was a thing of the past.

Ousawa Miu understood her present self didn't need to say anything.

"............"

So Miu remained silent, and gently rested her cheek on Akatsuki's chest and closed her eyes. Of her own will she entrusted all of herself to him.

As she looked at her father, Galious's gravestone she definitely felt the place she belonged...... with Akatsuki. Her Father had hoped Miu would find happiness in the future, and she felt she certainly had.

### Part 2

A few minutes later --

Akatsuki and Miu headed towards a certain place.

It was the place where they all arrived in Alayzard.

In a corner of the Wandering forest.

A was created there when they traveled from his original world to Alayzard.

Normally when a person was summoned to another world to return to their original world it was necessary for them to pass through the . However, Akatsuki and others this time used a special method to come to Alayzard, so to return naturally meant they must follow the same method.

After walking through the forest for a little while Akatsuki and Miu reached their destination.

Their companions as well as the others who wanted to see them off had been waiting for a long time.

"...... It looks like everyone's here."

Akatsuki looked around to confirm his companions who came with him to Alayzard were there.

Kuzuha was there, but Riruru was refusing to let her go. Kaidou was surrounded by the children of Forestnium.

Chikage and Haruka were standing next the two from Sherfied, Zechs and Loutier. From the looks of it they were talking about something. And understandably -- there wasn't anyone from Disdiya or Aleclasta.

The war had just ended, and even with peace treaty in place the rift between all the countries couldn't be completely removed so soon. In addition, as part of the non-aggression treaty with Galivain, Sherfied, Disdiya and Aleclasta had agreed humans won't enter the Wandering forest without first obtaining permission. Otherwise it would be a violation of the treaty. Zechs and Loutier were friends with Akatsuki, so naturally had been given special permission to enter the forest.

"Oh...... It's Akatsuki and the Princess!"

Suddenly, one of the children following Kaidou around noticed them. And,

"Hime-sama --!" (note = Princess)

Just like that Miu was surrounded.

"Everyone came to...... thank you."

Miu held the kids in her arms with a big hug.

Some were smiling, while others were crying no matter she gave them all hugs one after another.

Akatsuki gently ruffled the kids hair, as he slowly made his way through the crowd over to Zechs and Loutier.

"Well then...... I guess we'll take our leave."

Haruka and Chikage notice him coming their way, and tactfully backed away.

After Zechs saw Haruka and Chikage backs trail off he turned to face Akatsuki.

"About that matter you asked me about...... somehow it is working out well."

Zechs said so with a calm expression, while Akatsuki's turned serious after listening to him and,

"I see -- That's good if it stays a secret forever."

The matter Akatsuki requested from Zechs was regarding Leon. He wanted to prevent as much as possible Leon's mother Selina from finding out the truth of what occurred. Five years ago, Leon's misfortune was what he invited on himself, but this was someone else's maliciousness that was using him in their plans.

In order to hide the fact, Disdiya used a forbidden spell to revive him, Sherfied and Disdiya have issued gag orders on everyone involved from their two countries. After all, the truth of the tragedy five years ago, and the truth of this matter would likely cast a shadow on the peace Alayzard had just obtained. But still, the door was still open when it comes to people. People by their nature were prone to gossip. So, there was no guarantee rumors weren't going to be spread.

But ......

"It's probably going to be okay. We have taken the initiative to release some of our own rumors, saying the armor Knight was someone who looked quite similar to Leon to control the information."

Loutier added,

"And Selina had resigned from her position on the People's Council this morning, and she doesn't intend on taking part in the upcoming national elections. It is unlikely she will learn the truth of this matter."

As long as they don't caught in their lies Selina would never learn of the real facts.

The only way -- to uphold this peace was by deceiving the world.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki didn't mind at all. As long as he can stop a woman's tears, it will justify the means.

That was just his aesthetics. If it was necessary lie, Akatsuki wouldn't hesitate to carry it through until the end.

He doesn't expect everyone to live happily ever after, that sort of ideal was nothing more than lip service.

As long as the people of this world can live for today, and embrace hope for tomorrow without anymore tears -- he thought that was true peace.

"-- By the way."

And Akatsuki said,

"Where is your former Queen? I haven't seen her around anywhere."

"She headed into the forest a little while ago alone."

And Zechs pointed to a group of trees behind him.

"After so much trouble she was able to meet with you again, and now has to say goodbye again. Most likely their are all sorts of mixed feelings in her heart...... On top of that, everything with Leon was a large blow to her."

"...... Hmm."

Come to of think of it after the duel ended with Leon, Listy just rushed over with Miu to give me a hug together. Afterwards, everyone was so pressed for time with the cease-fire negotiations that we almost had no conversations.

"-- Akatsuki, please go find her."

Then, Loutier in a quiet voice went on to subtly inform him of the feelings of one girl,

"Listy is surely waiting...... for you."

"............ Ah."

Akatsuki nodded before he began to head off.

"Oya, Akki...... we should be getting back soon!"

Kaidou called out to Akatsuki, and when he looked back at him,

"Even though I'm quite laid back, I can still began to feel a bit of homesickness!"

The moment he finished saying so -- Kaidou's body began to shine.

It was a sign of a dimension shift. The people nearby started to clamor, but Kaidou smiled wryly,

"Take it easy. I still can't go back home like this...... right, Akki?"

"Ah well -- in theory that's true."

Akatsuki returned a nod.

When they came to Alayzard Miu was used as a intermediary, since her unique characteristic of being a resident of that world would direct them as they crossed through the in Akatsuki's room. In order carry out a dimensional shift of more than one person, he used renkan keikikou to pour everyone's Ki into each other merging them together so to speak as one.

So -- to return the process was the reverse.

A had already existed here. Now all that was needed was as an intermediary that could link them to the former world to make the dimensional shift possible. After that Akatsuki could distribute the Ki into everyone to return with Miu.

But, when they came to this world the only inhabitant was Miu. The other five including Akatsuki carried out the dimensional shift as one person with use of his Renkan Keikikou.

In other words, it was necessary for all five to act as the intermediary to return.

"Kaidou is only one-fifth of the intermediary needed to return. Unless the remaining four people concentrate at the same time, and I merge our Ki's together it is not possible to carry out the dimensional shift."

Akatsuki explained to the three, Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka. And,

"Try to imagine our world, for instance what you want to do after you return..... by doing so, is an easy way to create a connection to our world through your consciousness."

"What you want to do after you return......"

Haruka mimed his words before,

"Now that you mention it...... there's the follow-up work after the ranking tournament as well as preparing for the new term. There must be a lot of things to be tidied up after what happened. Strictly speaking, It's not want I want to do, but what I have to do."

"As for us, it was decided yesterday with Miu and Class Rep -- right?"

To what Chikage said with a laugh, Kuzuha gave her a small nod "Nn", and then while looking at Miu,

"We are going to stay the night at Ousawa-san's home."

As soon as she said so their three bodies began to shine. Now the only one left was Akatsuki, but --

"I hate to do this, but..... you will have to wait for me a little."

Akatsuki smiled and quickly walked towards the thicket that was pointed out. Whiling laughing,

"Apparently over there...... some fellow is probably waiting on me."

### Part 3

Hidden in a quiet shaded area in the forest Listy was thinking alone.

She was trying to find a way to put her feelings into words.

Akatsuki was again leaving to return to his own world.

But now that she knows the truth about five years ago certain feelings had been born in Listy.

She couldn't help it -- she was in love with Akatsuki.

...... But --

Five years ago, even though she told him that lie thinking of his well being it didn't change the fact she rejected him.

How on earth could her present self face Akatsuki? And at the last moment tell him 'I've always loved you.' It was too hypocritical.

Even so, she didn't want to separate from him.

She could not suppress her feelings.

"It's already..... impossible."

Listy's voice trembled as she spoke out loud to herself.

Thinking how an unspeakable sadness will take over once Akatsuki leaves, and that no one else but him will be able to stop her tears. However,

"-- I think it's going to work out."

The sudden voice caused Listy's body to shutter, and then she looked back unconsciously.

A young man was standing there with a a confident smile, Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Wh-what are you doing here?..... Wait, how did you know I was here?"

"There was a little something I left behind. So I couldn't go back just yet."

And ......

"As for finding where you were hiding for me, of course, is not an issue. There's no way I could lose track of your Ki."

"......!"

Listy couldn't help but blush.

Even though she already knew about Akatsuki's renkan keikikou, she had completely forgotten how capable it was. None the less his words warmed Listy's heart.

The fact that -- he specially came looking for her was an immense comfort. Seeing how she wasn't going to say anything, Akatsuki come out and asked along with a smile,

"So what's already impossible?"

"No, no, nothing......!"

Listy pretended to be calm, not willing to share her true thoughts.

Even at a time like this she still had to save face, and couldn't help feel somewhat disgusted with herself.

For all that, Listy was just unable to control herself.

And so ......

"How about you? What is it you forget?"

She sent a sidelong glance at Akatsuki as to confirm his intention.

Then,

"Oh, that's right -- I couldn't afford forget this."

Akatsuki said so with a big smile on his whole face.

The next moment -- his hand took hold of Listy's breast.

"EH......?"

She failed to understand what had happened all at once, and suddenly froze in place.

Akatsuki's right hand tightly closed down on Listy's left breast.

His five fingers dug in.

Listy reflexively gave Akatsuki a short right hook to his jaw.

"You filthy pervert......! You do something like that at a time like this!"

Her face was bright red as Listy quickly covered her chest with her left arm.

"No, I just want to see your smile ......"

Akatsuki was completely unapologetic. So,

"There isn't a girl in the world who would smile after having her breast suddenly attacked!"

Listy El Da Sherfied's scream reverberated in the area.

Then from behind Akatsuki -- from those off in the distance,

"Wait a minute, why is everyone suddenly looking at me!? This terrible joke has gone too far!

A scream from a familiar voice was raised.

After hearing that, Akatsuki scratched his battered jaw with his fingertips and,

"...... It looks like there really is one."

"Did you not hear.....! She herself denied it!"

At that moment Listy was convinced Miu must be enduring imaginable hardships being near a man like Akatsuki. To be caught between her embarrassment -- and her feelings for him.

It could be said Akatsuki would do whatever it takes to stop our tears.

He would use a sudden kiss, a massage of the breasts, or a grab of the butt.

And towards himself -- he would not hesitate to lie, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

At that moment, a thought suddenly occurred to her. She still hadn't expressed her thanks to him for what really happened five years ago. So, Listy slightly lowered her head,

"Why do you always..... like that do things other people cannot possibly do?"

She asked the question inside her heart. Then,

"I'm not that great. I'm just doing what I want to do."

Akatsuki easily answered, very straightforward,

"It's just being obedient to my feelings, and honest with myself -- unlike you."

"You.....! It is none of your concern!"

Flushed with anger Listy loudly protested.

Akatsuki didn't need to remind her. Listy knows it best herself, how she always refuses to face her absolute true self.

It would be too painful.

....... But, it can't be done... ... There was no way it can be helped......

Listy was brought up strictly as a member of the royal family under all sorts of rules. That wasn't allowed or this wasn't allowed, in her royal life she wasn't allowed the slightest freedom. Love or even life itself, everything existed in order to meet the expectations of others. Five years ago -- after they liberated the capital with Akatsuki, it was also true. As the only surviving member of the Royal families Listy's obligations were unimaginable. So, after Galious was defeated she was immediately crowned the Queen to fulfill her obligation as the last of the Royalty of Sherfied, and also even that day when Akatsuki was returning to his original world she could only force herself to silently watch him leave.

Her real feelings -- for all her life had to be suppressed.

"I'm sorry, I am such an awkward and strange person."

"No, I didn't mean criticism......"

After he said so, Akatsuki's expression became troubled.

Same as before words contrary to her feelings could not be stopped,

"Are you looking for me to ask you to stay? I'm sorry, but that's not something an awkward woman would say."

While she was saying that in her heart she was screaming. No, that's wrong. It's not at all what I want to say. Even though this is farewell. As expected you look to be having difficulty. I hate this, I don't want to see such a face.

...... What can I do.....?

I very much don't want to to make things difficult, and undoubtedly don't want to be hated.

...... Akatsuki, I beg you......!

Even though I can't be true to myself, and although until the end I was unable to speak my heartfelt words.

"A person like you ......!"

-- But still see the real me.

Please notice.

"The faster you return to your world the better!"

### Part 4

After Listy finished shouting the forest immediately became silent.

While breathing heavily, Listy could only look down at the ground.

She was too afraid to look up.

Even more now she didn't want to see the what kind of face Akatsuki was making.

Caught up in her rampaging emotions she blurted out those words, and it was too late for Listy to regret. The silence was frightening, and made her feel she was suffocating.

-- And shortly after Akatsuki finally responded.

What did he say? She was overcome with fear, and couldn't help guarding herself and tightly shutting her eyes. However -- because of that Listy didn't heard a word of what he said.

Rather she heard the sound of footsteps stepping on the grass gradually fade away.

"...... Huh?"

Instinctively she looked up, and then opened her eyes.

Akatsuki's back was moving away leaving Listy behind where she stood.

Abandoned -- the thought surfaced in her mind that took all the strength from her whole body. Listy couldn't stop herself from falling to the ground on her knees.

"A....."

She attempted to call out to him, but the words wouldn't come out.

Just before she had told him to hurry off to his own world, so now Listy had no right to detain him.

"........................"

In front of the vacant Listy, Akatsuki's shadow disappeared behind the trees. It was the worst possible farewell it could of been.

"Wait...... don't go......"

However, it was in very feeble voice in which nobody could hear. And -- eventually the situation reach a point to where Listy was completely abandoned.

Then shouts of joy were being carried over from the other side of the thicket.

And a resounding high-pitched sound came.

As well as white light from the gaps within the trees was transmitted.

Listy understood what was going on.

Akatsuki was about to return to his own world.

...... Not like this......!

If I run after him now I might still be in time. However, Listy was nailed in place, motionless. In her head she knew she must go after Akatsuki, but her legs wouldn't move at all. The link between her consciousness and body was completely severed.

"No..... Don't Akatsuki......!"

As it was Akatsuki was going to leave. However, there was no way for Listy's voice to reach him.

The sound of crossing over worlds was too loud causing her to feel it was too cruel.

It swallowed her shouts. Although she was wishing so strongly, none the less her feeling didn't reach.

-- However, Listy kept shouting.

Without wiping them she let the tears rolled down her cheeks. Listy was doing her utmost to express her heartfelt wishes.

Do not leave me -- do not leave me alone here.

Didn't he tell me once? So long as I call out your name without fail you will come running.

Therefore I'm calling your name. I need your help now. So stay, don't go.

Listy El Da Sherfied thought strongly, and await expectantly for a miracle to occur.

...... It won't come. Its not possible for me......!

About to be swallowed up in her overflowing thoughts.

Her heart -- was about to be plunged into a pool of stagnant water.

It was at that time --

Listy suddenly appeared in Akatsuki's arm.

### Part 5

In the glow of the dimensional shift.

"Huh ......?"

Nestled in his arm, Akatsuki looked at the dumbstruck Listy.

Sure enough she did cry, as I thought she would. So he decided to enlighten her.

"I had a transfer seal left...... it would of gone to waste, so I had to simply find a way to use up."

At that time -- under the guise of forgetting something he took the opportunity when he touched Listy's breast.

Which all lead to the present situation. The answer was obvious. The thought of separating from Akatsuki to Listy was so painful to the same extent as dying. The best proof -- was the way she was crying now.

So again, there was nothing to worry about. If it was all in order to stop her tears Ousawa Akatsuki was willing to pay any price.

"I'm sorry, Zechs and Lulu...... I taking this guy."

He told the two who came to see them off through the dimension shift.

"I can't leave a woman who is crying like that. It goes against my aesthetics."

Then, some unexpected words were returned from the other side, Zechs and Loutier.

"Hun..... you had that particular quirk from the beginning. Just get lost already."

"Please leave the rest to us. We'll mange to take of Sherfied."

Their words were told along with a smile, and finally Listy was able to understand what was happening.

"Akatsuki..... everyone...... but I...... I......"

Listy looked up at Akatsuki, and hesitantly wanted to say something.

"Don't worry. Even though you didn't say it, you want to come with me."

Ousawa Akatsuki told her there was no need for any more words. Because --

"I'll decided to take you, to take your awkward personality, and to accept all of you already."

Those words of Akatsuki's were sufficient to respond to her feelings in Listy's mind.

"..................!"

She tightly embraced Akatsuki with tears flowing from her eyes.

No longer awkward -- she just wanted to never part.

So, Akatsuki put some power in his arm around Listy's waist, and strongly drew her close. She didn't put up any resistance. And while being wrapped in the same brightness he magnificently declared,

"Now -- let's all head home."

"Hey...... are you serious Ousawa Akatsuki!?"

Haruka questioned, as the others turned their eyes towards him in surprise.

Only one person -- looked perfectly calm as if it had been expected, Miu. After she made eye contact with Akatsuki, Miu floated a smile on her face,

"I knew...... after all, there was no way you could leave behind a woman who was crying."

Miu gently nestled up against Akatsuki's side.

"Since that -- wouldn't be the same Ousawa Akatsuki I know."

After hearing her words –-

"Haha...... it's just like that."

And Akatsuki with a big grin,

"Well okay -- back to our world."

At the same time he said so everything in their field of vision turned into a bright white.

The brightness was caused by the dimensional shift revolving around Akatsuki and others at his side.

### Part 6

And now -- the brightness had disappeared from the wandering forest.

From where Akatsuki and others were standing not a trace of them could be found.

"They're gone......"

And Zechs sighed,

"You also wanted to go with them, right Lulu?"

She turned her line of sight away, and half jokingly,

"That's so, isn't it?..... but I still have a lot of work in this world."

Loutier said with a small smile.

Akatsuki and also Listy had completed what they each had to do. So now it was her turn.

"And --"

Loutier changed the conviction in her heart into a smile, and said while looking up at the empty sky,

"If we truly did to start to shed tears of sadness -- Akatsuki would surly come running back again."

### Part 7

"-- Upon restoring peace to the world the Hero returns to his world with the two princesses."

It was said in a joking manner in a place inside the Empire of Aleclasta.

The most beautiful blooming flowers that could be imagined were enclosed in that place, the sky garden of the Church of Richard.

Inside there was a view a God would have while looking down on mother earth.

The Archbishop and the Pope of the Church of Richard were witness to everything, and had been quietly laughing.

"Hehe...... It's almost like a fairy tale."

"Indeed it is...... and they all lived happily ever after."

To Miranda's words Volk chuckled lightly, and also gave generous praise to Akatsuki's feats.

Certainly with this the war between humans and Demons was at an end.

True peace came to Alayzard, and you might say that was good. But,

"Baram-dono..... was really pitiful. Other countries aside, to not even have his own son Alphonse-dono understood his hardships, and his real intentions of the war. As it is, it will remain a misunderstanding."

Paused for a moment.

"When in fact -- he simply did it in consideration of Disdiya's future."

In Alayzard the Empire of Disdiya had the largest military.

Although the mighty military was worthy of pride the reality for the people was quite harsh.

The majority of the country was covered with sand, even their valuable oases and greenery were gradually being swallowed by the desert. That encroaching barren land won't produce any crops.

Residents living in the coastal areas facing the sea can fish for a living, but their catches were decreasing year by year.

In contrast to crops which can be cultivated by a person's hand, fisherman can't increase production with manpower.

Of course, Alphonse held key positions in the country, and would of been aware of the economic side of things. But, since he doesn't want to fight he must attempted to resolve this issue by political power and both foreign and domestic trade.

Baram on the other hand, wished to incorporate Galivain into its territory. That country holds a wealth of natural resources in its forest, which would seem like an utopia so far as Disdiya was concerned. In order to solve their country's economic problems, and also acquire the legitimacy to occupy Galivain, Disdiya had to be the one to defeat Demon King Galious.

Phil Burnett -- was ordered to make the contract with the evil dragon Zahhak for that purpose.

And then holding the dominance at the International Conference Baram could promote Disdiya's status, and strengthen his own authority to get what he needed.

However, the existence of the Rogue Hero dampened the Baram's plans.

Akatsuki actions saved Sherfied, and ushered in a new era of peace for Alayzard.

But from a different point of view -- Akatsuki took away the only hope Disdiya had.

-- Therefore Baram this time he had to see things to the end.

To him this war was the last hope -- and also his biggest gamble.

Even if his name were to become smeared as an invader, everything was for sake of Disdiya. Their new Emperor, Alphonse will soon be able to realize this.

And to what extent his father Baram's seemingly crazy actions were in fact in consideration of the country.

"Oh well, the results would of been the same even if he won." said Volk.

If Disdiya had won, Aleclasta would have denounced their invasion.

As they sought territorial expansion, Aleclasta also had something they desired. That was talent. When talented people come together a country's skillsets increase, and those skillsets can be turn into money allowing for that country's finances to become increasingly rich.

Disdiya's current power managed to hold up entirely thanks to the charisma of Baram. A scholar such as Alphonse that doesn't want to fight can't replace Baram as the new Emperor of a military nation. In the future, the country will end up falling into serious political instability. At that time, many people will make the decision to leave their homes in pursuit of a more stable life in another country. Among those refugees will naturally be the mechanical engineers Disdiya prides over.

Such anxiety and despair for the future will hold true towards the upcoming national elections in the newly transformed country of Sherfied, and unfortunately those refugees and Sherfied's own people won't support it.

However, there was Aleclasta, and the teachings of the Church of Richard in which so many people throughout Alayzard put their faith in.

"Let us rescue those poor lost lambs."

The refugees from Disdiya, and the people from Sherfied insecure about the change in their country will be welcomed with open arms in Aleclasta. It would be the highest form of humanitarian aid, but also sows the feeling of indebtedness to Aleclasta from the two countries. Moreover the Church of Richard will acquire a large amount of new believers, and will also strengthen their influence further. In short, Aleclasta got the biggest gains without any fighting.

"-- Oh, and speaking of misunderstanding......"

Miranda suddenly remembered one thing, and couldn't help reveal a playful smile,

"Pertaining to matter of the resurrection of Leon-kun...... Sherfied seems to think it was all Emperor Baram's doing."

"As if...... never mind. No need for unnecessary complications. Besides the dead cannot tell stories, actually it saves some trouble."

Volk deepened his smile while stroking his beard.

The act of bringing back Leon with the forbidden spell was certainly done by Baram.

However, the one who had stolen Leon's remains was not Baram. Phil Barnett destroyed his tomb simply to vent his anger. At that period of time, Baram simply wished for Miu to be brought back to Alayzard as soon as possible. Phil held an abnormal amount of hatred for the former Hero, so the two had no reason to take away his remains.

Then -- in the end who arranged to hand over the remains to Baram?

After Phil destroyed Leon's tomb of Leon, and in the short time before Sherfied noticed someone did steal the remains.

Having been aware of the whole situation, but still continued to watch carefully, who exactly would obtain the most profit? Nobody knows who -- with the exception of the person himself.

Volk Rem Aleclasta IV smiled pleased with himself,

"Thank you Akatsuki for saving Alayzard."

Now it was just waiting for the right time to announce the truth to world, and how much.

The truth of tragedy in Sherfied that occurred five years ago.

The results of the investigation on the attack on the surveillance forces.

As well as the amazing fact Leon Esuperio took part in this war.

That much alone should be enough to ruin Sherfied and Disdiya.

No matter how much Akatsuki desired, all of it won't be kept hidden.

Even with many lies piled on top of each other to cover up the truth, to the people who know the truth, they can easily break such fragile lies.

Just at that time,

"...... I'm sorry for disturbing you."

And the young female bishop stepped forward with a respectful tone,

"A letter was just received addressed to Volk-sama."

"Oh..... it was specially delivered here?"

Miranda said somewhat surprised.

A mountain of various letters arrive every day for Volk the Pope of the Church of Richard.

Letters from influential people of countries to any such believers that were present in Alayzard seeking nothing more than to enlist help from Volk, or hoping to get a return reply in his own handwriting were endless. Of course, most of them had no value whatsoever in reading. So, the Archbishop Miranda instructed them to sorted based on the sender's identity and status. Miranda then inspects those letters herself that will be handed over to Volk. Letters address to Miranda herself were entrusted to her subordinates to sift through before reaching her then Volk.

This letter however was expressly rushed over because it was addressed to the sky garden which was restricted to only a few people.

"It appears to be a very urgent -- Do you know who the sender was?

"Yes, its...... Akatsuki-dono."

"Hoo, didn't he already return to his own world?... ... This is certainly interesting."

'Fu' Volked laughed as he took the letter from the female bishop.

"Thank you for your hard work. You may go now."

After his words, the female bishop bowed respectfully before quickly leaving the sky garden.

And then Volk cut the seal with the letter opener given with the letter.

However, inside there wasn't a letter only one card. And,

".............................."

After he read it there was a long silence.

No emotions could be read from Volk's expression.

"..... It seems what's written is no trivial matter."

To Miranda's words Volk slid the card crossed the table looking ashen.

Only two lines were written on the card.

To the Supreme Pontiff, the people turn to, should not be too high handed with the truth.

The holy doctrines of the Church of Richard -- won't hold up well with truth of your nephew, I humbly believe.

Miranda can't help but narrow her eyes.

"So..... Akatsuki-kun knew of 'his' true identity......"

"He already returned to his own world...... it can't be a simple bluff."

His usual composed tone was gone, as Volk snorted. That indirect advice Akatsuki gave after he left Alayzard was certainly intended to curb Aleclasta from publishing the truth. At the same time, strongly warned Volk that even if he wasn't in this world he could crush Aleclasta's plans.

"This can be trouble, how are you going..... -- Your Holiness?"

In the middle of Miranda talking Volk stood up, and without hiding the disgust in his voice,

"Even if the truth is not made public...... the demise of Disdiya is just around the corner. There is no loss to us."

After making that parting remark, Volk didn't say anything further. The sky garden was left behind in silence.

### Part 8

After Volk completely disappeared the sky garden once again became calm --

"Hah -- ahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

She could no longer contain it, as Miranda Quenty burst into laughter.

It was the best. Sure enough Akatsuki should not be reckoned with. He had said at the peace negotiations "All of this was under my control" meaning he would be responsible until the end. Could it be from the outset he sensed Aleclasta's plans? No, if that was the case then he wouldn't of let us off so easy before returning to his world. Perhaps, Akatsuki merely believed Aleclasta was pulling the strings behind the scenes.

That said, Miranda never dreamed Akatsuki would play that card.

...... The world can't afford to know of "his" true identity.

The Pope of the Church of Richard, Volk Rem Aleclasta IV, was Alayzard's highest authority, and on official records doesn't have a nephew. To be precise it was erased. That nephew's existence was the biggest stain on the Church of Richard.

The man eloped with a dark Elf, and after the unnatural death of his wife he discarded his human identity.

The person who became the Demon King unexpectedly turned out to be a relative of the current Pope -- which could never be revealed to outsiders.

"..... I wonder where Akatsuki-kun leaned of this secret?"

Galious unlikely revealed his identity himself. If any of the Demon tribes had known about him being a close relative of highest authority of the human race it would of been absolutely impossible to gain the Demon's trust, and even become the Demon King. Maybe even Miu doesn't know of this big secret, otherwise she would of run away from her clansmen back when she received such relentless criticism.

The only possibility could be when Akatsuki left for the .

After the tragedy five years ago, he went in search of power in the world of the Gods, and must have obtained some information.

"It is a pity...... If his "consciousness" was read one more time, then maybe the truth could be understood."

Miranda said so, while looking at her right. Only a few people know of her special ability to read someone's consciousness through touch.

After the tragedy in Sherfied five years ago, and Listy had to abandoned the capital Akatsuki followed her to Aleclasta. Caught between disappointment and frustration he was absent minded when Miranda secretly read his consciousness, and came to know the truth about Leon. At the same time discovered how much he regretted from the bottom of the heart having killed Leon.

-- However, she didn't get any information on Akatsuki's original world. It seemed her ability was limited to only read the thoughts of things associated with Alayzard.

Strictly speaking, the was a different world apart from Alayzard, and naturally wouldn't be able to read any of his memories from that time. But if she couldn't find the secret from his memories that would mean Akatsuki discovered Galious's true identity in the .

"Well, that's probably fine...... at least I found something much more interesting."

Miranda said so with a cold smile that would cause person to shiver. Miranda Quenty recalled when she visited Disdiya's prisoner. Unconsciousness in the dungeon cell she read Miu's 'consciousness' -- from which obtained some information.

Miu at that time was intently worried about Akatsuki's injury.

As a result Miranda was able to get invaluable information. Akatsuki was unconsciously protecting himself with the absolute barrier of Zahark's, repelling any form of recovery magic from coming near the wound.

Miranda believed it was absolutely impossible to use recovery magic indirectly to heal that type of injury. She was certain the absolute barrier of Zahark's was nullified in that situation, because of interference from a higher dimensional power.

"Listy-san having been transferred back at the same time..... could not be just a coincidence."

There must be some sort of force behind it, otherwise things wouldn't have played out so conveniently. Therefore, Miranda Quenty made the conclusion,

"As I thought -- she is definitely an ultra dimensional being."

### Part 9

"Right on cue ......"

In Akatsuki's world there was a person who exposed the same smile as Miranda.

It was JPN Babel's high school student council president -- Hikami Kyouya, and the person in charge of Japan from COCOON.

The whole picture of Alayzard was in his hands.

It was certain with this. Miu was a special existence.

Although currently things were in unstable state, the incident with Zahark proved everything.

Miu demonstrated the power of an ultra dimensional being when she tried to help Akatsuki.

From then after Akatsuki received divine protection and the benefits of her power.

...... Maybe Akatsuki really can oppose this world......

"Unfortunately, you don't deserve to possess this power."

Since the key to activating Miu's power lies in Akatsuki -- everything will be alright, because there was nothing easier than exploiting a person's feelings.

Kyouya thought the goddess of fate was finally willing to stand at his side.

"This is not good...... my heart is beating too fast."

It was spring break for JPN Babel, and no one else was in the student council room as Kyouya was muttering to himself.

He was telling himself to calm down.

This was a golden opportunity he absolutely couldn't mess up.

Now was the time to start the preparations. It was necessary to first acquire everything needed for the plan.

COCOON was bound by the "Y plan," Crimson Twilight was erratic, and Akatsuki was in the dark.

I will transcend all of them.

At that moment -- I will have harnessed Miu's power, and ascended to a height that no man can reach. To the domain where only an existence known as a "God" can reach.

"Ousawa-kun, I bet you want to immediately...... settle things with your brother and father."

He disdainfully thought of the stepping stone in his way of becoming a God. Then Hikami Kyouya laughed,

"But before that, I ask you to dance with me. Our bet will be this world -- as well as her fate."

## 06. Volume 6

### 001. SPOILER - Summary - SPOILER

Hagure Yuusha Volume 6 Summary

Warning spoilers -

Chapter 1

"The space was dimly lit.

A mechanically driven sound filled the room, to be exact, the main control room of JPN Babel.

Only a few number of administrators were able to access this room, so it was ordinarily empty.

However at the moment, it appeared that there were a few shadows at the controls."

--It starts out with Nanase Haruka, Uesaki Ryouhei, and Aihara Minami in the Student Council room getting ready for the system up. Haruka is worried how to protect Miu and Akatsuki, because the "Apocalypse" server tracts dimensional movement. However Ryouhei notices something strange.

Then Miu, Akatsuki, and Listy leave the house on the motorcycle.

Meanwhile Kadiou is making his report to Crimson Twilight.

Akatsuki leaves the girls, and confronts Kadiou in alley in the shopping district.

After that Akatsuki meets back up with Miu and Listy at the house while the checking out their mugs, a bunny, a cat, and a wolf.

Chapter 2

"The sky was a bright blue.

The prided facilities at JPN Babel were home to very best of health care resources.

The medical tower was whiter than the main campus building -- at the front entrance, Onizuka slowly walked out.

He looked towards the cloudless sky,

"Nice weather...... disgusting." "

-- Onizuka finality gets out the hospital. He had no calls, texts, after three days and leaves hating himself. He gets to his apartment to find a girl in a towel after getting out of the bath. She screams, then later they sit and talk on the couch. She gives her name, Tiana. He tells her get out, but she says no, and that she comfortable. She turns it around and threatens to lie to the police, and say he locked her up in his home ((House arrest) -- term doesn't translate well -- think more in line of sex slave)). Onizuka curses and agrees to let her stay.

No food is left in the home so they go to a Family restaurant. They talk and eventually she tells him she feels that he is secretly a good person.

Onizuka leaves ahead and runs into to two guys from A class bulling someone. Onizuka who for some reason steps in, and gets beat up. Tiana causally meets back up and toys with them. Sirens are heard and everyone runs away. (Note -- that's really it -- no big explanations or revelations.)

Chapter 3

"Perhaps it was because of hunger.

Within the peaceful atmosphere of the room Akatsuki sat up from his bed.

The first thought that came to his mind, was to ask Miu if she also wanted to make something to eat.

As long as Akatsuki took the initiative to ask, not only would Miu not refuse, but she would of been happy to show off her cooking skills.

"...... But."

Akatsuki scratched his head."

-- Akatsuki wakes up hungry for teriyaki in the middle of the night and decides to drive to the convenience store. A beautiful woman happens to walk up to him and says she wants teriyaki too. But, he doesn't bring enough money for two and gives it to her. They go outside to wait for the food to cool. Then he says she has a mans name, to refute being a man she grabs his hand and puts it inside in her bra.

Then the convenience store blows up, and a man runs out carrying a woman over her should. Akatsuki checks the store out and decides to go after them. They woman he was with jumps and the back of his motorcycle and says she wants to go with.

The kidnappers had been surveying the woman they took for a long time because they she was a broker for "P cells." But the kidnappers attacked before the buyers appeared there she was useless to them. Akatsuki was chasing after them, so to lose him the kidnappers tossed her out the van where Akatsuki saves her.

But Akatsuki hadn't gotten revenge for the teriyaki yet (Metaphor for interrupting him from flirting with a beautiful girl.) The kidnappers then see Akatsuki driving over the water, who cuts them off. THey get tossed into the ocean. All the while the beautiful woman was with him, but as he turned around at the last second she was no where to be seen.

Epilogue

"-- I absolutely can't give up

Taking into account the importance of the task, it was the only natural conclusion.

"Ha...... ha...... -- Whew!"

Managing to swim back to shore, Jack sat on the ground repeatedly gasping for breath.

On the verge of lung failure, he avidly tried to adsorb the oxygen in the air."

--The beautiful woman appears before the kidnappers who swam to shore. And knocks them out. She notices the Japanese government at the crash scene. The woman takes out her cell phone and presses the call key. Kaidou was the one who was calling to report they failed in the operation. They joke about Akatsuki, and figure out the p cells are at Jpn babel, and all who was involved.

Later Cecil Endheart is found talking with Gouki Ousawa about having Akatsuki join they, but he sayings hes not involved anymore.

### 002. Prologue - Early Morning Company

## Prologue - You Have Early Morning Company

### Part 1

It's a refreshing warmth.

The bed sheets are absorbing the heat from the sun. Undoubtedly this is the closest thing to human paradise these days.

Wrapped in the warming heat, anyone would wish to indulge themselves in it.

"Ah ......"

Listy ‧ El ‧ Da ‧ Sherfied's awareness is still hazy.

Half asleep and half awake, she feels calm and relaxed.

Listy is continuing to bask in it - sincerely hoping this bliss would never end.

However, past experience clearly tells Listy that this desire can never be achieved.

That is because her chief maid Valkyria will soon awaken Listy.

The meticulous maid has no room for compromises, not only does she completely control Listy's bedtime, but always at the exact same time wakes up the sleeping Listy to the second.

The cold-blooded woman, I wish she'd catch hypo-tension – however is low blood pressure a disease?

At this moment, Valkyria's appearance painfully crosses Listy's still sleepy mind.

"Fufu."

Laughing under her breath, Listy closes her eyes.

...... Wait a minute, not like this.

Continuing to stay in bed under her warm blanket that will surely be ripped opened.

Listy simply grabbed the blanket to cover her head.

Then she shrank her body inside the blanket, thus completing preparations to resist foreign enemies.

Hmmm, see? It is impossible to break through this kind of impenetrable defensive formation.

Bring it on you cold-blooded woman. I will never succumb to threat of force, today I am going to beat you.

In the eyes of others, she clearly gave a "do not disturb" look.

Listy maintained the same posture for several minutes.

After waiting a while for Valkyria's attack, Listy is slightly surprised and pokes her head out from the bedding.

Suddenly a strange room appears before her.

"Huh ......?"

Listy winks her sleepy eyes awake. Where is this place?

"Come to think of it, I came with Akatsuki ... ..."

After muttering, Listy sat up in bed.

She just remembered where she is.

Right, this is Akatsuki's home, and also Akatsuki's world.

Listy's world is the alternate world - Alayzard. Looking around this home there is no doubt that she is in a "different world".

Not long ago, Listy was Alayzard's young Queen from the magical kingdom of Sherfied.

Listy met Akatsuki five years ago, when she was still the Princess of Sherfied.

Akatsuki was summoned from this world to the one called Alayzard. On both occasions he saved Alayzard.

The first time, he became the "rogue hero" after overthrowing the Demon King Garius.

The second time, he became the new Demon King and resolved the extinction crisis the Demons faced, then helped shape a post-war peace.

Listy is well aware of Akatsuki's accomplishments throughout Alayzard and how much of an undertaking it was.

However Akatsuki never boasted about his exploits, or the great effort it took. He considered it to be proper and to be expected as a matter of course.

Listy became fascinated with Akatsuki because of that. When Akatsuki was going to leave Alayzard again, Listy also returned together with him to this world.

Until the last minute, Listy remained reluctant to express her feelings to Akatsuki.

But Akatsuki sensed Listy's desire of not wanting to be split between worlds again.

That is reason why Listy ‧ El ‧ Da ‧ Sherfied is now here.

...... Wrong.

Listy shook her head, and took a deep breath.

She is no longer Sherfied's Queen. Starting today, Listy no longer has to worry about their positions, and can pursue her feelings for Akatsuki. However, this kind of feeling is all new to her, and Listy can't forget her beloved country.

Her new name is Listy • Sherfied. Born in the magical Kingdom of Sherfied, who after coming to this world became just an ordinary girl.

"You say Akatsuki, huh ... ...? ”

After lightly speaking, Listy folded her arms, tightly embracing her pajamas. Listy is wearing Akatsuki's cotton v-neck t-shirt.

Listy didn't expected to actually go to this world, therefore she doesn't have any other clothing at hand and had to borrow one of Akatsuki's t-shirts to use as pajamas.

She hugged her body, Akatsuki's t-shirt fit snugly against her skin just like being held in his arms. Listy can vaguely feel Akatsuki's warmth.

Some time later, Listy gave off a big happy smile. She sat up quietly on the bed.

"Ah ......"

After softly nodding, Listy opened her eyes and slowly got down off the bed.

Then she starts walking towards Akatsuki's room.

Today - starting from today Listy is going to follow her feelings for Akatsuki.

Today Akatsuki's day must start with the sound of Listy's voice.

After making it to the hallway, Listy headed towards Akatsuki's room.

The morning air contained a slight chill tickling her thigh.

This ticklish feeling reminds Listy about her shameless appearance, her lower half was only covered by underwear.

However Listy doesn't stop, instead a smile floats in place.

..... I seem to be more and more open-minded.

Even if Akatsuki saw her appearance now, Listy wouldn't have minded.

This represents the degree of which the distance between Listy and Akatsuki has shortened.

Quietly reaching Akatsuki's room, Listy took a deep breath and leans her hand on door.

Listy doesn't knock on the door, in order to prevent Akatsuki from being awakened by the noise of a knock.

Akatsuki must be awakened by her voice, and not the sound of knocking on the door.

Therefore Listy softly opens the door and enters the room, trying as much as possible to not make a sound.

Inside the room stood a bed. Positive that Akatsuki was lying on the bed, Listy tiptoed to the bed, and carefully took measure of Akatsuki's appearance.

Akatsuki's body is covered by a thin sheet, his robust muscles clearly visible. Akatsuki's chest is faintly moving up and down according to his breathing. It looks to Listy like Akatsuki is sound asleep.

"......"

As Akatsuki's serene sleeping posture came into view, Listy's heart became overwhelmed with happiness, and she couldn't help but softly say:

"Akatsuki...... Thank you for bringing me to this world ......"

As soon as the Akatsuki opened his eyes, Listy found it exceedingly difficult to stay calm.

While taking advantage of the situation she said thank you to him.

- After a period of time ......

Akatsuki was just staring at Listy, and then suddenly she moved closer to him. Her golden hair around her shoulders suddenly poured down onto Akatsuki, almost covering his face. Listy gently pushes aside her long hair with her hand, and slowly moves her lips closer. The goal isn't Akatsuki's lips, but his ear.

As of now Listy doesn't have the courage to kiss Akatsuki.... But –

...... Someday, I will ......

Secretly making up her mind, Listy approaches Akatsuki's ear and whispers.

After all, Akatsuki's day should begin with the sound of her voice.

"Morning Akatsuki. Time to get out of bed."

Responding to Listy's wake up call, Akatsuki slowly opens his eyes.

After finding Listy standing beside the bed... ...

"Oh ...... you specifically came to wake me up?"

Akatsuki smiled and at the same time sat up straight.

The sheets covering his body suddenly fell off Akatsuki's body as he sat up.

As soon as Akatsuki's bare upper body was revealed, Listy's cheeks became bright red and she quickly turned her head to the side.

"It's umm, I'm thankful ...... Huh?"

She stops halfway through, Listy sees something unbelievable.

Listy is involuntarily stunned as to what popped up from under the sheets.

"Er ......? What's wrong?"

Akatsuki had a puzzled look——

The peacefully sleeping Miu was clinging to Akatsuki's body.

### Part 2

Listy's complexion changed immediately.

After all, what's going on? Akatsuki scratched the back of his head.

....This shouldn't be one of those out of date early morning salutes...right?

Akatsuki looked down at his lower body.

Right on cue, his soldier displayed a man's indomitable spirit, that is always ready to go to war.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki unexpectedly doesn't want her to misunderstand, furthermore doesn't think there's anything wrong with it. It's actually more of a natural physiological phenomenon, proof that he is a healthy man and not a taboo. So there is no need to feel ashamed.

Pulling back the bed sheets allowed her to have a good look. After making up his mind, Akatsuki raised his head to look at Listy.

However Listy's eyes didn't drop down to Akatsuki's waist.

Judging from Listy's stiff expression, she apparently seems to have another reason.

Consequently, Akatsuki re-examined the present situation. It wasn't Listy's first time being acquainted with Akatsuki. She knew that Akatsuki doesn't like to wear clothes when sleeping, so there is nothing to make a fuss about.

Miu next to him is clearly wearing pajamas, and her waist is covered with her panties. Although the first few buttons on her pajamas have become untied, it shouldn't surprise Listy to such an extent.

Everything is normal, where is the problem?

Suddenly, A thought crossed through Akatsuki's mind, and his lips immediately revealed a confident smile.

"Haha, I got it! Must be my hair is out of control like a Super Saiyan, right?"

At this time -

"...... Uh? Miu?"

Akatsuki looked at the sleeping girl, at the same time said the girl's name.

"- Ah ...... ah ...... huha Good morning."

After rubbing her eyes, Miu sat up on the bed.

Miu appeared to have an innocent expression and simply kneeled on top the bed. She stretch out both of her hands and slightly bent her back. This posture emphasized her massive boobs even more and caused them to slightly shake. The open pajama buttons further accentuated her figure, giving her astonishing destructive power.

......First thing in the morning to witness such a nosebleed scene......

Akatsuki couldn't help thinking that.

Opening his eyes because of Listy's soft wake up call, closely followed by Miu displaying her impressive boob attack.

Today certainly is my lucky day.

-But that said...why did Miu get into my bed?

From the beginning Miu stayed in the room that Akatsuki's little sister used.

However yesterday after returning from Alayzard, Listy had temporarily moved into that room. With regards to space, two people living in the room is absolutely not a problem. The real problem is the bed. While in Alayzard Miu and Listy could have both slept on the bed, but unfortunately this bed is a lot smaller, so someone would be forced to sleep on the floor. It seems that Miu gave the bed to Listy, forcing her to sleep of the floor. However that kind of thing can't continue. Replacing the single bed with a bunk bed seemed to be top priority.

- Why didn't she suggest that I buy a bunk bed for her earlier?

.....Well, isn't this fine.

No matter what the reason is, it wouldn't change the fact that Miu wanted to sleep in the same bed as Akatsuki.

In that case, Akatsuki naturally doesn't have a reason to refuse.

.....Besides last night nothing should have happened.

If Akatsuki had lost his head while sleeping, and if he did whatever he wanted... ...

For the next three days, I'm afraid Miu will be in a state of heaven the entire time, and not even able to stand up.

Thus Ousawa Akatsuki is now certain about the current situation, that there aren't any problems.

"Akatsuki, take a minute.”

Listy's shoulders trembled.

"Why, how do you want me to dress?”

"I want you to come over here!”

In her rage Listy pinched Akatsuki's ear and dragged him out of the room.

### Part 3

After Akatsuki and Listy left the room, immediately Listy's voice could be heard from outside the door lecturing Akatsuki.

Miu can't help but sigh in relief.

"It's okay ... ..."

Thinking of her disheveled appearance, Miu blushed and quickly fasten her buttons up on her pajamas.

Until now, everything was going smoothly.

--In Ousawa Miu's heart –- lies a little-known secret -- strictly speaking, it should be her secret to happiness, and that is her admiration for Ousawa Akatsuki. No matter what happens she is unable to shake this kind of feeling.

However, the relationship between Miu and Akatsuki is extremely complex.

For Ousawa Miu this is an unfamiliar alternate world. Miu's native world is Alayzard, and her real name is Myuu.

In addition, Miu's status in Alayzard, is the Demon King's beloved only daughter.

Miu's father--is Alayzard Demon King, Garius. That's right, it's the Demon King that Akatsuki overthrew. Exactly, Garius's daughter is Miu.

As for the reason why the Demon King's daughter is living with Akatsuki in this world, Miu certainly has a reason for it. In fact, her father Garius's dying words.

"If a person that can defeat me appears, from that point on, you should follow him and live with him."

Thus Akatsuki brought about her father Garius's last wish.

Akatsuki concealed this from his comrades and secretly brought Miu to this world. At the same time the whereabouts of his little sister were unknown. Allowing Miu to use her name and identity, he helped her start a completely new life in this world.

Yet for Miu, Akatsuki remained a foe who killed her father.

Therefore she can't help but reminisce about past events.

....At first I hated that man to the bone, so much so that I wished to kill him.

However, after living together for some time, Miu gradually loosened the knots in her heart.

The main reason was Akatsuki's never give up attitude. He is brave enough to own the fact he killed Garius, and he accepted the hatred in Miu's heart. Not only did he genuinely accept Miu, furthermore he repeatedly saved Miu from crises and even confronted the assassin from Alayzard. He won't give up on her.

What is most important, Akatsuki claimed that "Miu belongs here".

At that time Miu became aware of her feelings for Akatsuki.

After the two once again returned to Alayzard. In order to save the Demons from crisis, Akatsuki chose to fight his old comrades. After learning that, Miu's feelings for Akatsuki intensified. This feeling called "liking" is almost overflowing from her chest.

"It's known as a crush ... ...? ”

Trying to find the words to describe her feelings, Miu can't help but smile wryly.

--But because of this, she will never give Akatsuki to Listy.

Ousawa Miu is very clear, Listy also holds exactly the same feelings for Akatsuki.

That is also a given. Thinking back on Listy's former position and how see dealt with her bad situation, and how Akatsuki was always at her side, there aren't any reasons for her not to like Akatsuki. Learning this fact a few days ago, surely must have deepened her feelings for Akatsuki. Snuggled against Akatsuki and letting out her tears, she was just like Miu, just like a girl incapable of not liking Akatsuki.

Deciding to bring Listy to this world, was none other than Akatsuki.

However, Mui had no objections to Akatsuki's decision. After all, this is Akatsuki style of doing things, so his decision was a given. Further, if Akatsuki had abandoned Listy while she was weeping like a heartless man, Miu would probably not be so attracted to him.

The most significant point rests with Miu, and how she empathizes with Listy's plight. Although both situations were different, the fact is that their fates to leave their native homes for this world were the same. Now that two people felt the same way for Akatsuki, Miu just wanted to leave the past behind them and get along in this world.

After all, Akatsuki must protect both Miu and Listy, not just one of them.

....If a conflict between us is tantamount to betraying the faith of that person.

That is a situation Miu desperately hopes to avoid.

However Miu cannot watch with folded arms and do nothing. After all Listy has already spent several years together with Akatsuki, but Miu only knew Akatsuki for several months.

Of course, the intensity of feelings and the length of time are unrelated. Miu doesn't think Listy's feelings for Akatsuki are inferior to hers, but as to whether her feelings surpassed Listy's, she doesn't have that kind of self-confidence.

Feelings built over time are very scary. Akatsuki and Listy must have experience many situations together that Miu is unaware of, creating an inseparably close relationship that's difficult for anyone to shake.

Ousawa Miu calmly judged the situation. Perhaps before Listy starts to fight over Akatsuki she could be considered as the ultimate winner, but the present situation is still very unfavorable for her. Since it is this way, now what should she do? The answer is simple, to try hard to catch up at once. In short, it is to compensate for disadvantages in other ways. In order to achieve this goal, Miu secretly made up her mind.

......It doesn't hurt to be daring......!

Love is a war, resorting to force is necessary.

Thus Miu formulated a battle plan. Precisely, the plan was to infiltrate Akatsuki's bed. This battle plan required considerable courage. Past experience told Miu that when Akatsuki is half asleep he was like a dangerous beast, and if by chance history repeats itself again, heaven knows what would happen in the end. As a result, Miu embraced extreme determination to infiltrate Akatsuki's bed, and her heart would also have to be ready to face the worst situation that may occur.

Thankfully Akatsuki was sleeping soundly and was not aware of Miu's infiltration. It can be said that Miu's battle plan was perfectly executed. Unraveling the first few buttons on her pajamas for Akatsuki to see, without a doubt that was just one part of the battle plan.

"Practice makes perfect......"

In fact Miu infiltrated Akatsuki's bed before, and in her room she practiced a few times.

In short, she stationed a mirror in front of her to arrange the perfect posture.

After repeated practice she finally master it, she found a safe boundary between fully clothed and fully exposed and even considered the best time to sneak in. Saying "Oh Oh" or "Oh Oh Oh Oh" both wont do. "Oh Oh Oh" is just right, increasing an "Oh" will be too long, and reducing "Oh" will be too short. This kind of faintly discernible cry can have the biggest impact on him.

The magazines that Chikage often reads also write about how important the above-mentioned behavior is. This outstanding talent can tantalize the highest state of a man.

Miu was satisfied that the battle plan was successful. Listy nagging lecture is the best proof. After listening carefully, it seemed that Listy required Akatsuki to sit seiza on the floor behind the door.

Indeed befitting Sherfied's former Queen, Listy style is really majestic. To her surprise she made the stark-naked Akatsuki kneel on the spot.

But now, Miu finally overcame some disadvantages.

Although the operation succeeded, Miu didn't come out unscathed.

...... Re-really major change......

Miu heard about a man's physiological phenomena in the morning, but today was the first time to see it with her own eyes.

A man's body was mysterious, like the wonders of the world -- while remembering the scene, Miu couldn't refrain from blushing.

Actually Miu didn't have the intention of peeping. The reason why she opened her eyes a little was to keep herself awake, in order to prevent herself from accidentally falling asleep, that's all.

After some time, Miu was gradually becoming accustomed to the darkness under the sheets and she discovered that ominous thing out of the corner of her eye. After identifying the thing's true identity, Miu almost screamed and ran out the door. However for the purpose of sticking to the plan, she forced herself to remain on the battlefield. Fortunately witnessing Akatsuki naked many times in the past to a certain extent also produced immunity. Like the frame of mind of a sniper carrying out a mission who suddenly discovers a viper in his ambush spot, only probably much worse than that.

......Hur-hurry up and forget about that image......!

The plan had barely started when immediately her mood changed. In order to bridge the gap between Listy and herself, the battle plan's next phase must also be carried out. However Miu is confident in herself, after all Listy is unable to face up to her own feelings. At this point, undoubtedly Miu is temporarily in the leading position, but Listy catching up was only a matter of time. Only when both of them are neck and neck, and not until then, will an agreement be proposed to Listy.

An agreement concerning Ousawa Akatsuki.

Miu therefore made up her mind. Through the door came the sound of punches striking the human body. Listy presumably is trying to kill him.

Make steady footsteps and proceed with caution. Love is like a war, at any time there might be an emergency situation.

In order to defend the place where she feels she belongs, this is a must win war.

Ousawa Miu - must go to war!

Hey, What am I in your heart?

Akatsuki, what are you to me?

## 07. Volume 7 ( Full Text )

### 001. Part 1

It is an eerily cold silence.

At night the JPN Babel Student Council room is like a silent world.

In the darkness a silhouette of a person is cast from a single light source.

A square liquid crystal display fills the room with superfluous light.

It is JPN Babel's student council president's, also Japan's COCOON representative's -- Hikami Kyoya's personal computer. Real-time updates are constantly appearing on the screen.

It is current displaying the status of the special autonomous region established in Japan for the people who have returned from the alternate worlds.

At the top of JPN Babel is Kyoya, who is responsible for coordinating all matters in the special autonomous region. Therefore Kyoya must compile the various information related to the special autonomous region.

While Kyoya is looking at the monitor, his smile quietly deepens.

Then he mutters:

"Movement, and I believe he......"

### 002. Part 1

The body naturally becomes flush after getting out of the bath, requiring replenishment for its lost fluids.

Wearing only a bath towel around the neck, with a comfortable pair of shorts suited for relaxing at home.

Ousawa Akatsuki left the changing room to go to the kitchen, where he opened the refrigerator door.

The cool air leaked out and touched his body. While a little chilly it was still comfortable.

"Ah......there it is."

After finding what he was looking for he instinctively smiled.

When he removed it from refrigerator it made a clanking noise in the palm of his hand.

Akatsuki grabbed a couple of bottles of cold milk to relieve his thirst.

He gently shut the refrigerator door behind him, then placed a bottle on the stainless steel kitchen counter. He used his thumb pressure to pop open the cap on the bottle of milk.

The cap bounced up into the air, rotating round and round, while it was dancing Akatsuki started chugging.

It was gone in one gulp.

"Ahh...fua! It simply is delicious."

The bottle just left his lips when he used the right thumb of the hand that was holding the glass to catch the falling cap.

Akatsuki wiped his lips with the back of the hand.

-- Most of the fresh milk on the market is sold in paper cartons and is less expensive than glass bottles of fresh milk, which now have become almost a luxury good. Even so, fresh milk is still being sold in bottles, and did not disappear from the market.

That is because they have an advantage that milk lovers go crazy over.

In a paper carton or poured into a cup, after touching the tip of the tongue a small sense of the milk's taste can be lost.

But bottled milk is different. It's container cool down along with the milk. So the moment the fresh milk touches the lips it is just concentrated pure deliciousness. And the satisfaction of drinking it in one gulp is even more wonderful.

Keeping the carton milk in the refrigerator is the best way to keep the taste of the milk. Same goes for the bottles of fresh milk.

-- Of course, Ousawa's refrigerator is also stocked with cartons of fresh milk. But he can't drink straight out of a carton for fear of the gripes the two girls living would have with him.

Paper cartons are no better at keeping the milk cool than glass bottles, but putting glasses for the milk in the refrigerator seemed to be a little too excessive.

So for Akatsuki, bottles of fresh milk are the perfect choice for combining both flavor and life style.

"If there is a downside......it doesn't hold more."

With a wry smile Akatsuki put the empty bottle into the sink.

He picked up the second bottle, however this time he had no intentions of gulping it down.

Akatsuki only took tiny sips as he savored the fresh milk's flavor. Suddenly the door leading to the living room opened.

".....Ah, did you just get out of the bath?"

A young girl walked into the kitchen, and stood in front of Akatsuki.

### 003. Part 1

Babel was responsible for management of all things related to alternate worlds.

Deep within the campus resides the engineering sector that studies the knowledge and technology of said alternate worlds.

That was where they combine technology from this and different worlds to develop new technologies that was unfathomable by current scientific standards.

The next day after the slumber party at the Ousawa home.

Akatsuki had left the house early in the morning to come to the engineering sector.

The purpose was to get Sleipnir checked out.

"It should be somewhere in this direction ....."

Akatsuki was causally driving down the road into the sector.

He was headed towards Kubota Kaito's workshop that visited once before.

The other day in the middle of the night -- Akatsuki was out driving Sleipnir around town.

When it just so happened that the convenience store he stopped at was robbed. Furthermore the criminals abducted a woman.

Upon arriving at the scene, Akatsuki pursued the getaway car. He eventually caught up with the kidnappers and saved the female hostage. In the process he destroyed their car and tossed several of the kidnappers into the ocean.

However, while pursuing them Akatsuki did the unthinkable. He drove Sleipnir on top of the water, not just the shoal of a beach but over several hundred feet of water.

Sleipnir was able to travel beyond the speed of sound with no obstructions at sea level -- because of those two factors, he achieved the unimaginable.

And Sleipnir lived up to Akatsuki's expectations. The motorcycle ran across the ocean as stable as a Mercedes-Benz driving on an asphalt road, and finally even climbed over the precipice of a cliff.

Akatsuki marveled at the spectacular performance of Sleipnir, deepening his attachment towards it.

After returning home Akatsuki immediately thoroughly washed Sleipnir to avoid any corrosion caused by the seawater.

However, there was a limit to the maintenance that could be done by an amateur.

If you really want what was best for your vehicle, a professional was needed to look at it on a regular basis.

"I won't find a gas station mechanic able to inspect it."

The motorcycle's body was made ​​of orichalcum, and was powered by spirits rather than gasoline.

Only an expert with extraordinary knowledge would be able maintain Sleipnir.

And there was only one person in the special autonomous region that Akatsuki could leave it with.

"...... Ah, I finally made it here."

In front of an Showa era inspired automobile factory, Akatsuki parked Sleipnir.

"No way... there is no one here."

Since it was now spring break for JPN Babel almost no one was on campus. At the entrance he asked the security guards about the circumstances. Apparently there was a large-scale system update tonight, and he had also said there was only a handful of staff members still on campus.

Akatsuki wanted to make sure he wasn't wasting a trip, so he had asked the guard to check the online database to confirm whether or not Kubota was on campus, and for the time being at least he was in his workshop.

"Eh..... Where are you old man?"

Although he was usually in his small workshop working on one of his hobbies, Professor Kubota was also in charge of Babel's special systems, which he designed. It was extremely likely that the Professor was in a conference or conducting some kind of research somewhere else.

Therefore Akatsuki cleared his mind, and searched the surrounding area for signs of life using Renkan Keikikou.

As long as Akatsuki meets with someone once, he will basically never forget their Ki.

"......Good, seems to be no problems."

In front of the workshop Akatsuki was able to sense a familiar Ki, he was convinced Kubota was here.

"Old man, I'm coming in."

Without waiting for a reply, Akatsuki went into the workshop.

Once inside he saw a person he met before. The young man wearing overalls also noticed Akatsuki's presence.

"Oh, Ousawa-san long time no see."

"Hey -- is the old man around?"

"I think he is in the back right now. Is there something you need?"

"Ah, I just wanted to have the old man do some maintenance on Sleipnir."

Akatsuki raised his thumb over his shoulder pointing -- outside the workshop.

"There is something he is working on right now, but I can go ask the old man, okay?"

### 004. Part 1

In the laboratory of Kubota Kaito several hours have passed, since the exercise program started.

However, the fight between Akatsuki and programed Gouki wasn't over yet.

Gouki's strength and toughness were superior to his, while his speed and reaction time was not far off from Akatsuki's. Once he was able to realize this, it was possible for Akatsuki to design an effective fighting strategy.

Although you can't say they were completely evenly matched, but still Akatsuki barely fought to a draw.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki let loose his fighting spirit with a loud roar, and created innumerable amount of huge energy bombs. All of them were released towards Gouki at the same time.

The energy bombs approached Gouki from all directions. He just countered with both of his fists.

The pressure from his fists compressed the air around them into bullets that intercepted Akatsuki's energy bombs.

Scattering the energy bombs into flashes of light.

"Then take this one!"

Akatsuki used the light as cover to instantly close the gap between the two, and without any hesitation he hurled his right fist at him.

"Bakii"

A shock wave rang out as it landed.

But ......

"-- Uhh!"

Akatsuki shook his head immediately.

Gouki's fist pierced through the air, "vuun" sounded as the power shot through the air grazed Akatsuki's cheek.

Akatsuki only felt a slight burning sensation on his cheek. However after waving his fists around Gouki's left his stomach wide open.

Six high-speed punches landed repeatedly.

But as Akatsuki drew back his fist preparing for a finishing blow -- Gouki grabbed his arm.

While thinking he had won, he had already been slammed into the floor.

"Guuuuuh ......!"

There was no time to protect himself from that attack, severe pain ran throughout his whole body.

However, Akatsuki didn't have the chance to even breathe.

By rotating the power in his arm with back of his neck and shoulders he was able to immediately propel himself up to his feet. Narrowly avoiding Gouki's crushing stomp to the top of his head.

He was able to separate several steps away from Gouki.

"Damn ...... this is getting me no where."

Akatsuki bitterly spat out.

Since the fight began, his opponent never let up even for a second.

In a fist fight against someone stronger than yourself any careless mistake can lead to an irreparable end.

Therefore, Akatsuki both physically and mentally accumulated a substantial amount of fatigue.

Meanwhile the other was only a computer created program unaffected in any way.

In addition, Akatsuki hit his opponent many times, and it seemed it didn't cause any real damage to Gouki.

Normally Akatsuki's fists and kicks were sufficient to stop an enemy, but .....

Am I still...... not strong enough to deal with Father?

Akatsuki couldn't help but clench his fists.

"-- In that case, I will have to keep hitting you until it works."

While laughing, Akatsuki once again sprinted towards Gouki.

### 005. Part 1

The space was filled with many people creating an atmosphere full of vigor.

There was food, clothes, travel, and household goods that went beyond the basic elements.

Also it had the everyday "food" available in most markets or shopping centers an ordinary family needed.

There was light music playing in the background as the limited time specials were announced to its shoppers. He was shuttling back and forth through the brouhaha in the store planing tonight's dinner.

In the crowded supermarket Onizuka was slowly carrying his shopping basket.

The menu has been decided that tonight was going to be curry, and tomorrow morning was also going to be curry.

In order to satisfy Tiana's insatiable appetite, he decided to prepare breakfast at the same time to make it easier on him.

It should be fine to just put the left overs in the fridge.

Tiana had every intention of letting Onizuka pick out the dinner for the household. Even thought he loathed the idea, he still went to the store to buy it.

Before he put the curry into the shopping basket, Onizuka checked out the instructions on back of the package.

"...... It seems very troublesome."

After reading the cooking steps, Onizuka slightly knitted his eyebrows.

Onizuka was used to eating fast food packages of curry, but instant curry and curry are different. It was more than just putting the pouch into boiling water for a few minutes.

"Do not underestimate curry. You have to have patience and take it one step at a time to have delicious curry, uh-huh."

Tiana was walking next to Onizuka while waving her index finger from side to side, she knows all too well the details of good curry.

"Ah, okay okay."

Onizuka was already out of patience.

"The question is, which type of curry do I want more......"

The popular preference of curry was nothing more than beef, pork or chicken.

Seafood curry was certainly a choice. However, it was too cumbersome of a food, and obviously not suitable for a beginner.

It would be a better to choose simple meat Curry -- Onizuka thought. He also thought that way because chicken or pork was on sale.

"Pork curry! I want it with streaky pork! Once its cut into bite sizes, then sits in the stew for awhile it becomes so delicious. Oh and it's hard to mess up......"

Tiana then went on and on, describing the taste of plump and tender streaky pork intricate detail.

Just the very mention of food, and Tiana doesn't know how to moderate herself.

Onizuka casually chimed in several times to make it look like he was paying attention.

"All right. Well, since you understand it so much and said its your favorite so many times, you can go to the meat counter and pick it out."

Onizuka then directed Tiana to the deli area.

He watched an ecstatic Tiana leave to the fresh meat section, while Onizuka went to the produce section. He still needed to buy the carrots, onions and potatoes to go in it.

Onizuka got his vinyl bag ready for the vegetables, and then grabbed whatever was on top of the pile -- without even looking once, before he tossed the bag into the shopping basket.

He basically did not care whether the ingredients were fresh or not.

After all, he's not a chef and as long as they don't get sick its fine.

After picking out the necessary vegetables, Onizuka made a u-turn and headed to buy some more coffee since last night he ran out.

"...... Oh, that's right."

Then Onizuka suddenly stopped, he seemed to remember something.

Next to the produce just happened to be where they kept the rice.

The hand-rolled sushi they had yesterday significantly reduce his stock of rice.

After all, he had cooked six cups of rice equivalent to twelve bowls of rice, of which about seventy or eighty percent went to fill Tiana's stomach. And tonight it was curry, a dish that mainly relies on rice again.

"Just in case, I better buy more."

Onizuka picked up a cheap five kg bag of rice.

"..........."

After he thought for a moment, he switched it with a ten kg bag of rice.

The shopping basket instantly weighted more than ten kilograms, he now to struggle to carry it.

"Uhh, this is seriously heavy. Damn......"

Onizuka swore loudly.

He was voluntarily doing something troublesome for others now. And deep down he felt pretty good about it. Maybe he wasn't just thinking about himself anymore, and started to care about someone else's burden?

### 006. Part 1

Occasionally a muffled noise was heard ringing throughout this place.

The deep bass sound could turn your stomach.

With each step it seemed like time slowed down.

"What the....."

While walking in the dim light of the passage a red light illuminated, Onizuka Kenya tried to cover up his astonishment.

Right now he was at the lowest level of JPN Babel.

It was late at night, however he was still on campus headed towards the high-rise of Babel.

The soaring building was very eye-catching, but the underground -- were also a number of basements that all the staff and students were aware of.

And ......

The lower most floor supported all of the tower of Babel, also it symbolized the authority of the COCOON. This wasn't simply referring to the structure of the building, the fact was the lowest floor in Babel was top secret.

However, those were all just rumors, not one person had seen it with their own eyes.

He was in the middle of shopping at the supermarket, until Tiana urgently left because of an important matter.

To put his mind at ease a little Onizuka decided to accompany her, which was why he was walking through this forbidden place.

"Well..... Ken-chan is just an ordinary student, so it is normal for you not to know."

Tiana was walking one step ahead Onizuka as she spoke to him without looking back.

"Whether it's the massive data "Apocalypse" server, the boundary system that covers the majority of the campus, the electricity and water circulation system, and the basic life support/ environmental program, all of these were in one place the so-called "Babel system". You could say this place is like the heart of Babel."

She took a breath.

"Well...... to be accurate it's right above the heart. Only members of COCOON, who are responsible for each Babel, can enter the "Babel system" the lowest floor in the tower. But before entering, you must pass through the strict biometrics as well as the magic certification to enter the basement. It seems that Tsusukara was the only person in COCOON to pass through the biometrics authentication."

"......'It seems'?"

Hearing Onizuka question, Tiana looked over her shoulder.

With a wry smile on her face,

"That is what I had heard. But then again, Tsusukara died during his tenure with COCOON while in charge of Babel, so......"

COCOON was comprised of the world's most powerful people, and the sky high tower of Babel was its symbol.

If COCOON was destroyed, there grand principles would be shattered.

In order to harmonies the world as well as management it, COCOON and Babel must always be at their strongest.

Onizuka then suddenly remembered something.

"Then what about the server rooms and control rooms above ground?"

Onizuka had once altered the training program leading to the incident in the arena with the control room in its warehouse.

If what Tiana said was correct, then there you can control all of the systems. Also if the security program detected the strange operation it should have been also possible to prevent beforehand. Looking at it from the public safety perspective, there should have been no reason the incident should of been able to occur. Even from the technical side there was no problem. The boundary system that changes psychical damage to mental damage was many times more complex.

"That was merely the operating or control system for that one place."

Tiana answered.

"As for here, its more like the "power reactor" for all of systems. But they needs engineers and school personnel other than the COCOON to actually operate the systems. Naturally they can not enter the lowest floor, so they need other places to control the systems. Otherwise each operating system must be controlled by COCOON personally, which would take a long time and be way too troublesome."

"..........."

Tiana's "power reactor" analogy, allowed Onizuka to immediately understand the difference between the two.

During the training program incident, Onizuka changed the level of the program. And then the terrorist Tanaka changed the intensity of the program making it go berserk. The level and the intensity change were all done above ground.

As for the ranking tournament intrusion the other day, when the self proclaimed "Hero" destroyed the boundary system Babel's engineers repaired it. They were able to restore the system because only the above ground system was destroyed and its cable was cut from the system going into the ground. The "power reactor" remained intact.

Onizuka then voiced his only remaining question -- the most pivotal problem.

"...... Since Babel's students and faculty are forbidden from entering the top secret area. Then how come an outsider thinks it will be a breeze to walk right in?"

More importantly --

"What on earth are you planning on doing, Tiana?"

### 007. Part 10

"Cl-Class Rep......settle down a little bit. We can talk this out, you don't have to get so close."

Kuzuha stopped an arms length in front of her, Miu barely squeezed out a small smile. Kuzuha had an ominous glint in her eyes, almost sharp enough to kill a person.

"......Hmph."

She snorted, before shoving Miu's shoulders back, pushing her down to the floor

"That hurts..... What are you doing -- wah, Class Rep! Why are you getting on top of me?"

Miu raised her voice in protest. Kuzuha with an absolutely godlike tone responded:

"Too noisy, shut up! Is it possible to be quite for a bit, you dairy cow!"

After she bitterly spit out the sentence, Kuzuha mercilessly ravaged Miu's breasts.

"There must be something strange, how can they keep getting bigger and bigger? Breasts are no more than lumps of fat. How dare you steal my height. That is unforgivable!"

"Hiaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Class, Class Rep, what the hell are you doing?"

Miu twisted her body desperately to try and escape from Kuzuha's violation.

But, Kuzuha sat straddled on top of her making it impossible for her to run away.

"I just want to recover my height you stole from me. You had better be good for a little while and stop resisting. If not every time we run into each other, either in school or privately, I'll going to call you "Oppai-san"!"

"Awful, your going too far to make fun of someone else's body! You absolutely can't call me Oppai-san, otherwise I'm going to cry!"

The moment Miu began to cried out, suddenly a knock came at the door.

"Hey, just a moment ago did someone mention "cry"?"

"Uwaaaaa! No, no, nobody said such a thing. You must have got it wrong!"

Miu quickly yelled, trying to drive away Akatsuki.

This wasn't a joke. If by any chance Akatsuki saw what was happening in the room, I don't want to think how bad the situation would get.

"Class Rep your acting too abnormal. You have to snap out of it, hey!"

After saying that, Miu turned to Chikage for help.

"What the hell is going on? Chikage-san......is this because of the essential oil?"

"Ah.....well, everyone rarely gets together like this, so I want to use the oil to take the edge off a little and help us share our feelings with each other. I may have mixed a few things in to elevate our moods, improve blood circulation, and dull our thinking, but....."

"That would mean .....? "

"Umm ... Although there is no alcohol in it -- it has a similar effect."

"What similar effect! Can't you see how drunk the Class Rep is?"

Its already reached the level of a drunken frenzy.

"This is your responsibility Chikage-san! Hurry up and do something about it!"

"This unpleasantness.....I'm sorry, Miu."

In comparison to Miu's utter discomfort, Chikage was laughing happily for some reason:

"To tell the truth -- I actually like to watch girls be affectionate with each other."

"I know all about your hobbies, but why did you pick here and now to flare-up?"

Well, Chikage was useless. That means I'm on my own to solve this somehow.

However, Miu was a bit tipsy herself, and urgently needed to find a way to shake her off. However, she doesn't have the power in her hands and feet to push Kuzuha off. Plus with her chest being rubbed by Kuzuha, left her even more powerless.

"Listy-san, Haruka-san! Stop staring over there, and come and help me!"

Listy was still sitting here rocking back and forth, suddenly lifted up her head.

"Your life is none of my business......you dairy cow!"

"Uhh, waaah! I haven't done anything to make to make you this angry! Please let it go, no I'm begging you to!"

When Listy averted her face with a "humph" she had to give up on her, Miu turned her eyes to Haruka as her last hope.

"Oh, I'm sorry ...... this is the first time I've witnessed such an exciting scene, so ......"

Haruka had both hands covering her red face, and secretly glanced through the gaps of the fingers.

"No, no, that's not right! The things we did with that person in brothel was way more provocative than this -- definitely a hundred times more!"

"Ah right, Ousawa Akatsuki has done more exciting to us... ... ～!"

Recalling the events from that night, Haruka suddenly froze, unable to move a single step.

"Ugh ... ... Haruka-san？ Hello? Hey ... ...! Uwa, Uwwaaaaaaaaaaa.....! "

Why?

There are so many good friends around me, but not one was willing to extend a helping hand. How did it end up like this?

.......Ooo, I want to cry .....

The moment that thought flashed in her head there was another knock at the door.

"Hey, did someone just think about crying?"

"AAAAAAAAAAaaghh! No one wants to cry, don't come in here! Please hurry back to your room, okay?"

So ......

After continuous struggling, screaming, and resisting Miu worn herself out, her breathing became more and more ragged.

......Again, let me first start with trying to persuade Class Rep.

Out of the various problems the top priority was to solve the problem before her eyes.

"Umm ...... er, well! Class, Class Rep, can you hear me out...... OK!"

Kuzuha paid no attention to the imploring Miu. She sat astride on Miu's body, not carrying about anything other than massaging Miu's breasts.

"Pl-please calm down and think about, okay? Br-breasts can't possibility absorb another person's height."

".....Not impossible. These are different from an ordinary person's chest. With such amazing boobs, it won't be surprising at all if there a mysterious possibility were to occur."

"O-once again~... ...its, its impossible! UH ... ... y-you don't want to bully my chest... ... I-I should of never compared my chest size to your height. I'm sorry, I say something insensitive... ...C-can you forgive me?"

After Miu sincerely apologized, Kuzuha's tiny hands suddenly stopped massaging her chest.

"............"

"......Err.....Cl-Class Rep?"

Kuzuha fell silent, Miu cautiously called out to her.

Then,

"........Well then call me by my name."

Kuzuha muttered.

"Umm -- Call you what?"

"My......I want you call my name in the same way you address everyone else. As long as you promise to do that, I will forgive you."

"Oh ......"

Those unexpected words caused Miu to suddenly realize.

"......You call Izumi 'Chikage-san', Vice President as 'Haruka-san', and Listy-san, you also called her by her name. Why am I forever 'Class Rep'?"

Kuzuha eyes were brimming with resentment.

"Why.....Why am I the odd man out? Is it because I'm a child compared to everyone?"

"No, of course not...... you got it all wrong."

Miu quickly shook her head, and:

"Actually, I do feel that it is a little formal, but I also think 'Doumoto-san' is even more formal than 'Class Rep'. Its manners to call you 'Kuzuha-san', but strangely it seems like adding a layer between us. 'Kuzuha-chan' well, it would seem like I was treating you as a child, so ...... "

"Then why didn't you not use any honorifics and just call me 'Kuzuha'!"

The drunk little girl got angry, and restarted rubbing Miu's chest.

Miu quickly restrained Kuzuha, "Ah, settle down," then she said:

"I mean....... that person and also Chikage call you Class Rep. What's more is you yourself called me 'Ousawa-san'. It seems like your not fond of other people and don't want to get too close, so......"

So ......

".......I thought it was best not too. "

Kuzuha puffed out her cheeks. Even though it was a sign she was angry face, it was very adorable.

When Miu saw that act, she abruptly came to see the truth.

...... Ah ......

Kuzuha had used an intimate way of speaking before with the same sort of childishness. Miu just didn't recall that affair. At that time when the mature Kuzuha couldn't bear the pressure did she reveal her true nature. Only once before, had Miu been addressed that way.

It was just one time.

"I'm certain that I called you "Miu" once during that affair. It was when the three of us were locked in the sports warehouse resulting in Ousawa-kun teasing that made us pee our pants -– "

"Uwaaaaaaa-! Th-that is a secret we promised never to tell!"

Miu quickly trust out her hands to cover Kuzuha's mouth.

That painful past was forgotten for Kuzuha's sake. Why would she freely reveal that in front of everyone? Since she drunk she may have lost common sense and reason. Then, without any hesitation she brushed off Miu's hands:

"After that......when we return to the arena I tried to address you as Miu, but you still called me Class Rep. Maybe you're the one......that has a problem with me, and hates it when I call you by your first name. So I had to changed back to 'Ousawa-san'."

"So ...... I was....."

Miu let out a quiet sigh, she didn't know Kuzuha's feelings were hurt for such a long time.

For Miu, she found it a little unpleasant to call her with her 'Class rep' title, and always felt somewhat of a distance. However, the thought being over-familiar was even more unpleasant. Therefore, she played it safe and called her 'Class rep' just like everyone else.

But ......

Who could have imagined that Kuzuha thought the same way she did -- no, perhaps she was still on her own.

She felt a distance when everyone called her 'Class Rep', and lonely.

This might be the reason she was sitting on top of Miu and clutching onto her chest.

"......Call me.....Kuzuha......I want you to call me Kuzuha!"

Kuzuha screamed out just like a spoiled child.

Rather than words, Miu respond with a big hug.

A gentle -– but firm hug.

"Ah - ......"

The unexpected hug, suddenly quieted down Kuzuha.

"I'm sorry...... I made you feel lonely and uncomfortable."

Miu whispered gently as she spoke.

"I also very much wanted to address you like that all along........and now I don't have to restrain myself any longer."

Please... ...

I'm going to say, and I will say it properly.

Listen up ... ...

"-- Kuzuha."

"............"

Miu clearly felt the small reaction from the body being held in her arms.

It was like when a puppy that notices it was called out to by its master.

And.

".....Again."

While nestled in Miu's chest, Kuzuha requested.

"Can you say my name one more time -- Miu?"

So ......

"Yeah...... Kuzuha."

Did you hear it?

With a smile Miu gently stroked her little back. Again, Ousawa Miu called Doumoto Kuzuha by her name.

Kuzuha had also called Miu's name out on her own, the same desire Miu had.

Then......

".............................."

"............ Kuzuha?"

Miu suddenly felt a gentle sigh in her arms.

"...... It looks like she's asleep."

Before she was aware of it Chikage was right beside her, and with a gentle smile she brushed away Kuzuha's hair that was sticking to her cheek.

"Class Rep -- wrong, it should be Kuzuha. Seriously, this child suppress her emotions too much......she been building up a lot of pressure. I thought that today's get together was a good chance to relieve a little of her stress, and it went fairly smoothly."

".....Then, the aroma was for that?"

Chikage winks "Well" to Haruka who similarly came to their side.

"The essential oil was only to assist, but its effectiveness seemed to be far too strong. And instead gave Miu a few headaches... ... Oh well, the course of events are not important because it was a happy ending."

"The four of us are about the same age as Akatsuki. I also feel that was was why." Listy said.

"Kuzuha-chan's age differs with us a bit -- so we are especially susceptible. Its not hard to imagine she would feel lonely and uneasy."

"Ah..... right."

Miu slowly set down, trying her best not to wake the peacefully sleeping Kuzuha.

"Everyone, please listen to what I say."

She looked to the other three.

"If no one is against it --"

"-- Oh, that's right."

Chikage intuitively understood her intentions and nodded.

"Even though Kuzuha's behavior was motivated by jealousy, but from now on I also think it would be a good idea called each other their name. Apart from narrowing the distance between us, it also deepen our feelings."

"I have no objections either."

Haruka agreed,

"We have already long since passed the stage to take offense on how we address one another."

"Also me too. If you're all going to call everyone by name, I want to."

Listy also agreed.

"Even though I'm a newcomer to the group....... I also want to become friends quickly with everyone."

"I see... ... That's great!"

Miu got the three's approval, and happily deepened her smile.

"Well then once again -- look after me from now on Chikage-san, Haruka-san, and Listy-san."

Then, she stared at Kuzuha sleeping soundly in her arms.

"My best regards -- Kuzuha."

### 008. Part 10

"Hello, were you waiting long?"

When he saw Haruka, Kyouya to put on a smile.

"Not really. The student council President sure is extremely busy. There was still some work left, and I have been using the time to finish it."

Haruka said, and while standing next to her desk,

"I'm sorry, that the President had to take the time out of his busy schedule to come here."

"No harm. You have something important to tell me?"

At the same time as Kyouya asked that he started to move away from the entrance of the room.

Kyouya took the lead, as Haruka waited for him to pass by before she followed after him. He went to the far end of the room, and sat at the desk for the student council president. Kyouya then urged Haruka, standing across the desk, to continue.

"-- So, what's the urgent matter?"

"Yes ......"

While nodding, Haruka pulled out a prepared envelope.

Then she placed the envelope on the table -- in front of Kyouya.

Written on it were the words "Letter of resignation."

"..... When you mentioned you had something important to discus with me, I had an inking of what you wanted."

Kyouya just sized up Haruka's envelope. He said in a calm tone that beforehand he expected this possibility. He had no intentions of opening the envelope.

"Can I hear the reason?"

Haruka lowered her head, when Kyouya looked up at her to ask.

"I'm sorry ... ...Its purely for personal reasons."

Haruka was looking down at the table, deliberately evading Kyouya's line of sight.

"..... That's regrettable."

Kyouya's response was also very brief.

After a short pause, he continued to say:

"Nanase-kun, you are an excellent Vice President and Chairman of the discipline committee. During this crucial time it is undoubtedly a great loss for the student government -- No, it is a great loss for JPN Babel. Those are my sincere thoughts, and not an exaggeration."

He said that while watching Haruka's expression to see if there was any chance she was willing to reconsider.

Then,

"I'm sorry ... ... I'm very happy being so highly praised by the President and I'm very honored, but......"

Haruka gently shook her head.

"......It seems that you are firm in your resole."

"Yes, this is a decision I made after careful consideration."

Haruka looked Kyouya in the eyes, and firmly expressed her own will.

Her decision to resign was her own choice, and it was also the path she wanted to take.

"......"

After Kyouya heard that, he became silent for a moment.

"Well then I have no choice, but to respect your wishes."

With a wry smile Kyouya picked up Haruka's resignation.

"...... So the folders on the desk are the necessary information for your successor?"

"Yes. The red folder is for the new vice president, and the blue folder is for the new chairman of the discipline committee."

Haruka continued,

"The reason for the two folders is that not necessarily will the successor be the vice president and be the chairman of discipline committee, so ......"

"I'm grateful. You certainly are an excellent talent to the end."

Without a choice Kyouya stood up, he changed his bitter smile into a smile.

"Thank you for your support until today, and all the hard work you put in."

Kyouya stretched out his right hand. It seemed to be a replay of the scenes when Haruka was invited to join the student council.

Then......

"Here....."

Haruka slowly took Kyouya's right hand.

Shaking his hand.

"To be able to work with the president was an honor."

After the farewell handshake was complete.....

"I am going to accept this resignation, however I won't processes his right now."

Kyouya also said,

"As you know, the student council is currently preparing for the upcoming system update tonight. Coupled with the memory seal formalities, you must wait until tomorrow to be formally relieved of your duties."

"Yes, that will be fine "

After Haruka nodded, she picked up the succession folders and return to her desk.

"--Oh, and Nanase-kun."

Kyouya suddenly called out to her.

"Something wrong president?"

Haruka turns back, Kyouya had a wry smile.

"In fact, there is one thing I would like you to. I know tomorrow you will be formally resigning so making such a request is a little awkward, but I hope you don't mind."

"It doesn't matter, is it about confirming the readiness of the system update?"

It was work that can be done in the morning together with Ryohei and Minami.

He took for granted that she would continue to work on that other matter.

The fact was Haruka already made up her mind. After all, the preparation before the update such as the confirmations were already done, also any work related to the end of the semester. She didn't want to delay her resignation any further.

But ......

"No......Ryohei and Minami-kun can handle tomorrow afternoon's unpleasantness."

Kyouya also denied what Haruka was thinking.

"I would like you to do another job ... ... Today is good if you have the time, please?"

"Eh? Currently I have no other prior arrangements. If it is within my abilities, then please tell me what the president wants me to do."

Haruka was puzzled as to what Kyouya intended for her.

"I'm grateful, then I wont stand on ceremony."

Kyouya floated a smile.

Haruka slowly asked what her last "work" was.

### 009. Part 10

At the same time.

Akatsuki's figure vanished from the holographic images that Kubota was watching.

"--Err."

Kubota frowned.

The computer generated Gouki also lost track of Akatsuki in the same way. Then his body was suddenly blown away. After regaining his balance mid-air, he then was smashed into the ground.

"----"

The programed Gouki immediately summoned a Japanese sword.

He quickly look around, and immediately slashed at an empty space--that moment the Japanese sword split in two and the broken piece flew away.

"This is ......"

Who would ever think such a thing would work, the answer is obvious.

In the kaboratory there's only one person.

However, Akatsuki's figure is not visible.

On the screen, Gouki was without a weapon and was being unceasingly pummeled.

From top to bottom, from front to back and side to side, Gouki was not able to respond and received attacks from every angle. They were not only fast but they were heavy, and the attack power of just one couldn't compare to anything till then. Dazzled by the continuous attacks, it was at such a rate that it look like a machine gun hit him.

-- Then a warning message suddenly appear on Kubota's holographic screen.

The damage Gouki was receiving was outside the range the system could handle.

So ......

The end of the battle came very abruptly.

The attacks the system sustain was completely beyond its processing capacity, the exercise system was forced to shut down.

The programed Gouki turned into countless particles of light, and vanished into the void.

Kubota witnessed it all.

".....Is it a "Area"?

While mumbling, the image of laboratory started to change.

The spot where Gouki vanished was flickering.

Just like watching someone's image passing through steam, until a youth appeared.

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly stood in the middle of the laboratory.

### 010. Part 10

After entering the main campus in the tower of Babel the silence made the air feel heavy.

Inside the uninhabited campus only faint lighting was needed for the system update.

The moonlight that passed through the windows was brighter.

Haruka and Miu slowly walked towards the elevator.

Only their footsteps could be heard in the dark and deserted corridor.

They went to the student council's private elevator that has access to the top floor of Babel. Inside the fast rising elevator a weird atmosphere was created in the confined space.

"......"

Haruka and Miu invariably tightly closed their lips not saying a word.

The silence inside only added to the atmosphere in the elevator, but now is not the time to talk or laugh easily. While they waited, and kept waiting they were trying to suppress suffocating tension until the steel doors in front of their eyes automatically opened. After some time, the elevator reached the top floor.

Haruka was the first out of the elevator.

"--This way."

Under Haruka's guidance the two walked down the empty corridors.

Other than Haruka and Miu, the top floor also was naturally uninhabited.

While walking in silence, Haruka couldn't help thinking –- this is a long corridor.

She walked this way almost every day, but today it was exceptionally long.

However, having thought that the corridor soon came to an end.

They arrived at the door to the student council's room.

Haruka stood in front of the door and looked back at Miu:

"...... Are you ready?"

"Uh huh......"

After their final confirmation of their wills, they nodded at each other -- and slowly open the heavy door.

The moment they set foot into the student council room. Haruka thought she had walked into a freezer.

She heard Miu gasped beside her, she might of sensed the same thing.

Of course -- that is not possible.

Because their breath is still transparent and colorless.

The room was just as dark as the corridors, she couldn't help but wonder if anyone was inside.

"--Hey, come in....... I've been waiting for you."

From deep within the darkness in the back of the room where the moonlight through the windows didn't reach Kyouya slowly emerged.

He stopped in front of student council's president desk.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, President...... "

Haruka said, then gave a little nod.

She wanted to switch on the light sensor, however, since this is Kyouya's classroom he must of wanted it dark. She would need his permission, so naturally there was no choice.

...... No signs of life...... besides them.

Haruka thought Kyouya planned to have staff lying in wait in the classroom, then as soon as they entered they would arrest Miu. But judging form the situation at hand, there apparently was no need to be worried.

Also along the way from the elevators she did not feel any other presences either.

"......" "......"

Haruka and Miu remained silent, they only winked at each other.

For now, it seems the worst case scenario was unlikely.

They both slowly walked towards the back of the room.

-- Then Haruka suddenly tripped on something hard on the ground.

"--Ugh!"

Haruka kick out her opposite foot firmly planting it on the floor, avoiding her from stumbling down.

She walked into the room almost every day, naturally she was very familiar with the furnishings inside. And although it was dark inside she did not pay attention to her feet. Perhaps since inside and outside of the room there was no one waiting to ambush them, she let down her guard.

She was really careless she thought, then Haruka's looked to the left staring at what she nearly tripped over -- his body.

".......................EH?"

At that moment, Nanase Haruka stopped thinking.

That was not an object, but its a person.

Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami -- her two best friends were lying in front of her.

### 011. Part 11

Listy took the sleeping Kuzuha from Miu and laid her on her bed, then gently covered her with her quilt.

"Now what? Kuzuha has fallen asleep, should we also go to bed soon?"

Looking back, Chikage was waving her index finger from side to side.

"It's too early right? The late-night revelry has let to begin."

As she said that their faces showed a smile.

"Umm, I thought it's pretty noisy already....... I'm a little tired now."

Miu somewhat disagreed.

"Yeah ......"

Listy felt the same way.

Fooling around with your good friends of course was fun, but now it might be a good time to end things.

"I can't hardly keep my eyes open anymore......"

".......By now it should be considerably late."

Haruka also agreed.

"Oh ... ... Are you sure? That's a pity."

Chikage received passive opposition from everyone else, but then she feigned a mysterious smile.

"-- I wanted to share some good information about Akatsuki."

".................."

Listy, Miu and Haruka immediately fell silent, Chikage deliberately pretended not to notice expressions on their faces.

"This information wouldn't have been suitable for Class Rep to hear. So I thought I'd use this chance to tell everyone now that's she asleep......but forget it. Anyway, everyone is tired and wants to sleep, and it is considerably late so I think best to get some sleep. Ah but, I may end up forgetting exactly what the story was by tomorrow morning, so don't blame me."

After that, Chikage turned her back and looked around. Listy seized the their shoulders, then the trio huddled closely together.

"Suddenly I'm not sleepy." "Did my tiredness fly off somewhere?." "It's a lot earlier than I thought."

The trio separated and returned to Chikage.

Chikage was smiling from ear to ear, then pretend to clear her throat a few times.

"To tell the truth -- Akatsuki is popular among the girls in Babel. Well now, it is at an absurd level."

"Yes, Umm,......? Babel is the school that everyone goes to, right?"

Chikage nods to Listy's question, then let out a "Ah".

"At the entrance examination, for the first time in Babel's history it described Akatsuki as the 'True hero' during his Nolan screening. Followed by passing a special test set up by a member of COCOON, president Hikami. Lastly he fought with the other three student council members including Haruka to a draw. Even though the girls attending Babel have seen many heroes in the alternate worlds they crossed over to, or became heroes themselves, they still have no choice but to view Akatsuki's strength in a new light. Akatsuki's position in their hearts naturally is not an insignificant matter."

"Sure, I have heard similar rumors."

Haruka added,

"Though President Hikami is also considerably popular, but he is, after all, a manager of the world as part of COCOON. Which makes him extremely revered, so the majority are just secret admirers. By comparison –-"

"Yes. Unlike the eminent and unapproachable student council president, Akatsuki is more like idol that's within reach. Besides Akatsuki's looks, the way he turns his nose up to authority is also one of his charms."

Chikage interjected.

"It is said that his outstanding ranking tournament's performance was the decisive blow for many of girls."

"Oh, and at that time ...... I worked hard to help that person."

Miu tries to casually emphasize her position.

However......

"Ah but...... they all see you as Akatsuki's 'Younger sister' not his 'Lover'.

Chikage shook her head with a wry smile,

"Although there are special cases in the special autonomous region that allows brothers and sisters to intermarry. Such cases are very very rare, so they don't see Miu as a rival. On the contrary, they see Akatsuki as the "Elder brother who risked his life to save his little sister". With many, that imagery raised more points."

"Th-that's not right......"

Miu's face cast a shadow.

"In short -- as long as we're around Akatsuki we don't have to worry about other women."

Listy also added:

"Although Akatsuki is certainly a lewd womanizer that's not all there is to him. He is bold, strong, and heroic. I don't know how many women in Alayzard were attracted to his virtues, but I never heard of him relenting."

Akatsuki was just mischievous and doesn't cross the final line of defense.

"Oh dear. You have a point certainly, so there might be no need to worry."

Chikage nodded,

"But what if the other party takes the initiative, would Akatsuki reject it?"

"That......"

Listy found herself at a loss for words.

...... There was the problem.

If tempted from the other party, based on 'not wanting to make a woman look bad' Akatsuki would never reject her.

"There are plenty of aggressive girls in the world. And at first glance even a usually quite cute girl.......can meet someone she likes and then suddenly became a formidable predator."

Chikage words seemed reasonable, as Haruka couldn't help but nod.

"I have so also run into this type of girl in Babel."

"Moreover Akatsuki's rise to popularity happened very quickly. There doesn't seem to be agreement to strictly prohibit snatching him from behind each others backs between the female students."

Chikage sighed.

"Well right now, they are all tripping over each other, and it doesn't appear that any female student has confessed to him. But...... I don't know how long this situation will continue. What if someone suddenly confesses when Akatsuki is in an empty classroom. If that happens things can hardly be controlled....."

"A confession as soon as he enters a classroom."

Chikage returned a wry smile to horrified Miu.

"Don't forget Akatsuki is weak to a woman's tears. If the girl cries in the middle of her confession. How would that turn out?"

"............"

The three were unintentionally lost in thought.

After they imagined the scene in their heads, in unison:

" " "Compromise with them." " "

No way...... It turned out like this even in this world.

Listy couldn't help but bury her head in her hands.

"Eh, is there a need to be so upset?"

Chikage said,

"Listy and Miu are already living together Akatsuki. They must have naturally developed that kind of relationship long ago."

" "Do not!" "

Listy and Miu shouted at the same time.

Though considerably close to such a situation, nevertheless they haven't crossed the final line of defense.

"A young healthy man and two woman living under the same roof ...... What?"

Chikage gave them a suspicious look, then it was Haruka's turn to continue:

"That's too direct, Chikage."

Then she calmly looked Listy and Miu square in the face.

"It must be their beliefs -- peculiar to Alayzard."

"This has nothing to do with religion."

Listy immediately rejected Haruka's misconceptions.

"Separately, we just ......"

At this point, Listy glanced at Miu.

"............"

Lacking the experience the two blushed.

"Just......there is no chance to be alone......"

"Oh... ... If Akatsuki requested, would you refuse?"

"Umm......" "That......"

Listy and Miu were at a loss, because Chikage evidently hit the bull's-eye.

To be nestled in the Akatsuki's arms, to devote themselves to Akatsuki, to become Akatsuki's woman.

It was the future that Listy and Miu dreamt of.

And, it was even the future they were hoping for.

However Listy can't dare to say the phrase 'I want you to embrace me.'. Miu was also probably the same. They still weren't brazen enough -- and can't abandon the trepidation in their hearts.

...... Why was that?

Listy felt a bit frustrated.

If I can't voice it myself, then I wonder If I am able to become Akatsuki's woman?

But .......

Even so, the both of us still hope that Akatsuki would embrace us in his arms. I want to feel that I'm needed by him.

"........................"

Listy and Miu remained silent.

"Well, I can understand the feelings you to have, but ......"

Chikage continued with a bitter smile,

"Just on the basis of having a little bit of an atmosphere, and fact that the both of you are so cute it should be very easy to reach a hand out and grab it."

"But......"

"That sort of thing is a first for us...... we really don't know what to do."

Listy and Miu hesitantly stated, looking very embarrassed.

"Akatsuki is not some super slow male protagonist commonly seen in light novels. Rather I think that he is sensitive to such an atmosphere."

Don't worry Chikage's smile said,

"When the moment comes he will naturally lead you."

"But ... ... what if it doesn't go well, and then I'm hated by him......"

Listy was looking down at the ground while blushing. If she was unable to satisfy Akatsuki, so much so that he loses hope. She's afraid that... she'll never get over it and leave a shadow in her heart forever.

Then Miu suddenly:

"Actually, I always had an idea."

Her tone immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.

"I hope that my first time with that person -- everyone would be together."

That statement unintentionally caused the room to fall silent.

" " "What......?" " "

They all asked the same question at the same time.

Listy was unable to hide the quandary in her heart.

"Er Miu-chan, you...... have always had this thought on your mind?"

"I-It's because......what if I don't know what to do either, at least if we to do it together with everyone then we could all help with ideas. And also ...... I wanna watch Chikage-san, Listy-san, and Haruka-san from the side to learn, and take notes. But I thought that under surface one after another might feel like a ranking and be unpleasant -- so everyone together would be the best way. So that there would be no unfairness, no one would question who was first or who was last."

The redness spreed over Miu's face the more she spoke, while also alternatively covering her mouth with both hands.

Then she sneaked a peek at everyone.

".......Is that no good?"

She asked rather shyly.

"Umm, this ... ... How can I put it?"

Even the very open-minded Chikage didn't know how to answer.

"--Haruka, what do you think?"

"Wah, don't put this on me!"

Haruka quickly waved her hands,

"These are the particular beliefs of Alayzard. You should ask Listy!"

"W-wait a minute! When did I say that? This sort of thing has nothing to do with beliefs!"

"Uh ... ... Did I say something strange?"

Baffled as to why their reactions fell short of her expectations, Miu can't help but reveal a troubled look.

".................."

The three only looked at each other in the eye to achieved a consensus. Chikage with a nod accepted to be the representative:

"I say Miu......that sorta stuff can be learned from DVDs or games that you can get.....okay?"

"But...... umm, by watching that can I learn what that person likes?"

Miu tilted her heard, Haruka mildly apologetic:

"Yes it is so, but we may not be able to please Ousawa Akatsuki ... ..."

"Its all right, as long as I'm not the only one who is embarrassed. I don't care at all."

Miu keeped her composure, while Listy put on a fake smile,

"But that said...... isn't doing that sort of thing with others watching already embarrassing?"

"Yeah, although that is true......whenever that person sees me naked it already is enough to make me want to dig a hole and crawl into."

Miu paused,

"But unable to satisfy the person you like, I think is more embarrassing."

Further.......

"Didn't everyone here vow that no matter what happens we will be together forever?"

And ......

"......And now it turn out like this...... "

Her tone revealed her obvious displeasure,

"Does everyone really find it that awful to be embraced by that person with me so much?"

"Eh......no. Miu-chan, we didn't mean it like that!"

Slow down a minute, Miu is getting mad at us?

Was there any chance that it could be us who were wrong?

Too much chaos was unfolding, Listy's thoughts were in disorder losing all common sense. But then again, why was Miu so persistent about this?

Then Miu continued in a sulky tone:

".......If we all did it together, I feel that Kuzuha would feel very secure."

"Wait! You even intended to involve Kuzuha?"

Listy unintentionally cried out in horror.

"Uh, Well... ... Suddenly the previous thing is not so much of a worry."

Seeing the situation heading into a bad direction, Chikage quickly jumped in to smooth things over.

"Since there is so such uneasiness to create such a special relationship with the Akatsuki, first why don't we get accustomed to said atmosphere."

She though up a good idea to proposes.

"Therefore I suggest a test of courage. Everyone here will take turns sneaking into Akatsuki's room. After climbing into his bed you have to count to one hundred before coming back......How about it?"

" " "Never! " " "

Listy, Miu, and Haruka refused immediately.

"Listy and Haruka are understandable....... but, could you tell me why you also opposed, Miu? Your the one who wanted everyone to do that all together."

Chikage was mystified, Miu bashfully said:

"Because ... ... I don't have confidence in myself."

" " "She still says that!" " "

The three yelled in unison.

"Really ......"

Chikage put her hand to her forehead. It seems she could sense a big headache coming.

"So what about 'making the world your enemy for Akatsuki' or 'prepared to put your life on the line' --"

"Haa ~" Chikage let out hoity-toity sigh. Then looked down on the other three with disdain in her eyes,

"-- After all that, it was only hot air."

To the Chikage's provocation.

"Th-that's not true!" "It, it was not!" "D-Don't spew nonsense!"

Listy and the others loudly refuted at the same time.

"Ah ......"

When she realized what was going on it was already a step too late.

"I know, a little thing like that is nothing for us."

Chikage looked around at everyone with a proud smile.

"For the sake of fairness we should all draw lots. However, if no likes that I can go first since I suggested it -- How does that sound?"

### 012. Part 11

Although she had stopped thinking, Nanase Haruka immediately understood what that scene represented.

They didn't trip, they didn't fall asleep, and they didn't faint. The object she almost tripped over was Ryohei's right leg -- from the knee it was broken in two places. Not just the bone but the entire leg itself.

Both of them were covered in a white powdery substance.

It was frost.

Ryohei and Minami's bodies were frozen.

And......

They -- have been killed.

"H-how can......"

Dumbfounded, Haruka couldn't help muttering.

She had convinced herself that she envisaged all the worst case scenarios.

She even thought about the possibility of being attacked as soon as she opened the door, and even thought of countermeasures for that situation.

But......

Ryohei and Minami -- her two close friends dead was completely beyond Haruka's imagination.

"...... What...... have you."

Haruka could only stare, frozen in place.

-- Still, it was less than a few seconds that Haruka had stopped thinking.

However, it was a opening that could be exploited.

In that split second.

"-?"

Haruka felt a tremendous murderous intent run through her back.

She thought she was dead.

Then suddenly a heavy thud was heard behind her.

"-- Miu!"

Haruka instinctively screamed.

She immediately turned back to look. Miu was lying unconscious on the ground, and her long double ponytail was still floating down to the floor.

"Hmm...... I didn't expect it to go that easy."

Kyouya sneered, it seemed like he was a little disappointed.

"President......!"

Haruka was biting her lower lip as she stared straight at Kyouya.

-- Ryohei and Minami's death, and now Miu's attack cause her to be shaken.

In her mental state she was not in any position to put up any defense, when Kyouya's sudden murderous intent was released.

However, Haruka and Miu were not defenseless.

They had set up an invisible barrier around them.

But, the magical barrier's protection would only be effective against a magical attack. There was no no defense from "murderous intent." Moreover that wasn't just any ordinary murderous intent.

Rather it was from one of the world's strongest in COCOON -- Kyouya unleashed his murderous intent in earnest. Even just standing nearby Haruka thought she was dead.

The impact might not have any effect on the building, but Miu received a direct impact and as expected lost consciousness.

Haruka was now alone to face Kyouya, it became almost impossible for her to move. Still, she desperately began to squeeze out words.

"Why would you do all this......"

"-- In order to realize my ideal."

Kyouya did not hesitate to answer in a cold voice without a trace of emotion.

"However, this is not COCOON's ideal, but my own."

"To achieve that -- it was necessarily to kill Uesaki and Minami?"

Haruka couldn't help but raise her voice.

The fact that her two friends are dead was not easy to accept.

But now was not the time to escape from reality.

So Haruka accepted the facts, and an intense emotion emerged inside her –- anger.

Whatever the reason it was unforgivable.

But......

"......There was no other choice."

Kyouya said while smiling wryly.

"Before you came, Aihara-kun and Ryohei notice that I was moving secretly and came to find me. They wanted to know what I was thinking so I informed about my plans thinking that maybe they would want to help with it. Unexpectedly...... they wanted me to carefully reconsider."

And Kyouya lightly sighed "What a pity,"

"I didn't want to do it this way, but they both refused to quite about it. This plan must absolutely be keep secret from COCOON, any possible risk factors must be eliminated on the spot."

"They were not only your loyal subordinates, but also your best friends...... they could of constituted a risk to achieving your ideal so you had to kill them. This is your so called "no choice"......!"

Her suppressed anger turned into words, that overflowed from Haruka's mouth.

There was no way such simple words, could be used for justification.

After all, her original reason for joining the student council was because she believed in Kyouya's ideal.

But......

"Is it so wrong to prefer one's ideal over their friends?"

Kyouya had an ice-cold smile.

Haruka instinctively swallowed as if she was looking into a dark abyss in his eyes. Suddenly she had a feeling of deja vu from that coldness.

...... Those eyes......

She has seen the same eyes as Kyouya before.

So......

Back when she visited Alayzard with Akatsuki and her other friends.

In the religious kingdom of Aleclasta there was an archbishop in the church of Richard.

...... If she remembers correctly she was called Miranda......

The face that woman had when she crushed Haruka's theory at the peace negotiations.

She always felt she looked like someone very similar.

At last, Haruka understood the answer.

Hikami Kyouya is simply a second Miranda Quenty.

### 013. Part 12

The order for the test of courage was set, and Chikage was unanimously picked first.

It was very late at night and the hallway was silent, she quietly tiptoed towards Akatsuki's room.

She lightly turned the door handle trying to be as quite as possible. Only then did she discovered that the door wasn't locked. It seems that after Akatsuki stole Listy's panties he had entered and immediately locked the door. However later after repeatedly going to check in on them he must of forgot to lock the door.

"......"

Therefore, Chikage erased her footsteps, and sneaked into the room.

The moonlight illuminated the night sky, and indirectly dyed the room with a pale blue light. Chikage slowly made her way step by step.

Towards the back of the room -- there was a bed against the wall. The stage for the test of courage.

"Yet, this is ...... "

Upon approaching the first thing noticeable was the size of Akatsuki's bed.

It was quite considerable, it doesn't appear to be a double.

It might be as large as a queen or even still a king-size bed.

...... A big bed. Even with 'everyone together' it still won't be crowded ......

Was this why Miu was able to say such an astonishing thing?

-- No, that's probably not the case.

Listy and Miu were princesses in Alayzard. Therefore they are probably accustomed to such a big bed. Rather, it might be the normal size of bed for them.

And now there was the owner of this room, a young man quietly breathing in his sleep on the big bed. Looking at his serene sleeping face, Chikage couldn't help but smiled.

"This might be considered a perk......"

For a while, she stared at Akatsuki's sleeping face.

Miu Ousawa, Haruka Nanase, Listy Sherfied, Kuzuha Doumoto.

They were deeply captivated by Akatsuki Ousawa's charm, Chikage Izumi was no exception.

As a girl, this was a very natural reaction.

And being close enough to touch him filled Chikage with a burst of happiness.

"Well.....time to get down to business."

While mumbling, Chikage was prepared to squeeze into Akatsuki's bed when –-

"--Is this a Yobai ?"

His tone hinted at slight smile on his face. However, Chikage wasn't surprised.

There were five girls laughing and giggling in the next room. Akatsuki not being able to sleep can easily be imagined.

".....Waiting until the last minute to speak up, you truly are evil."

She looked at his face before returning a wry smile.

"If I really had an ulterior motive. I would have waited until after you got into my bed before making a sound."

Akatsuki smile had a touch of ridicule.

Chikage floated a smile of consent 'You made your point'.

"Uh, we really did keep you up..... Sorry, seems we made too much noise next door."

"No, it's okay. I don't think you were especially loud -- In the first place, I have been asleep for some time."

Although Akatsuki said that with a smile on his face, but his eyes showed traces of seriousness.

"-How did it go? The 'Things that must be discussed', is it settled?"

He only ask a straightforward question. However, Akatsuki's 'Things that must be discussed' implied many things.

Izumi Chikage could not help thinking that this question covers a full range of topics on various levels.

"Yeah, it was settled...... Kuzuha, Haruka or Listy, everyone became closer, we are now more united than ever."

Chikage intentionally called the three by there names, as a way to show Akatsuki their new sense of bonding.

Through this party, each others relationship became a lot more intimate.

"Oh, I see....that's good news."

While listening to Chikage's report he showed a satisfied smile.

"Thanks for putting together this party. You help everyone develop an impressive sense of team -- Chikage."

Akatsuki had also deliberately referred to Chikage's by her name.

As if the two also developed a new sense of connection with one another.

The surprise attack caught off guard with her name being so easily called, making Chikage's slightly blush. Putting her in a somewhat difficult situation.

"Oh, calling me by my name."

She was pretending to be calm by tempting Akatsuki with a tongue-in-cheek tone response.

"Its something like that. When a girl sneaks into my room in the middle of the night I'm not as tactless to use her surname."

Akatsuki nonchalantly shrugged,

"What's wrong......is this really a Yobai? I accept all comers."

Saying here ......

"--Hmm? Lets see what you got."

Akatsuki eyes rested on what was in her hand. Chikage just simply stated her reason.

"If you've been sleeping. I was going to continue our test of courage, but now your awake. So --"

Chikage smiled and took out a glass bottle and cups.

"Want a cup? I was kicked out by everybody, I say this occasion deserves a drink. I mean there's no alcohol in it, just Oolong tea. So you shouldn't mind having a cup, right?"

"Oh, that's a good idea."

Akatsuki sat up on the bed. The thin fell down exposing his naked torso.

"Ah... ... very sensational picture...... "

"Is it so? Then If i say so myself, your outfit is also rather sexy."

The camisole and hot pants she had on left a lot of skin exposed.

Chikage felt Akatsuki's gaze, giving her a slight titillation.

"Hmm, you finally managed to treat me as a 'woman'?"

"-- Of course, you are sexy woman."

He said without hesitation. Faced with the pick-up line Chikage lightly laughed:

"Come on, here."

"Oh, Sankyu ."

Chikage grabbed Akatsuki's water glass, then picked up the bottle and poured a cup of oolong tea for him.

-- By the way.

Inside his glass already was crushed sleeping pills.

It was a safety measure for just in case. However, it wasn't intended to protect her own chastity.

If Miu and Listy had already had such a relationship with Akatsuki, Chikage naturally wouldn't of taken such countermeasure.

......Stealing a march wouldn't be fair to them.

Chikage smiled wryly in her mind.

Before she set off she incidentally called out to the three others. In case Akatsuki was up, she said she might hang out for a little before returning. And if things took a wrong turn, she was going to scream SOS to let them know and come help.

It's been about seven minutes since she entered and poured him a glass. Akatsuki raised up his cup:

"Then a toast -- to you guys new friendship."

"Well, thank you ... ...Ah, next time we will let you join."

Chikage smiled as she raised her glass. They lightly clanged each others glasses together, Kanpai! . Akatsuki drank the contents in the glass in one breath.

"But then again...... lately, I'll been pushing a lot exhausting things on you."

He said in a hearty tone.

"It's fine. You and Miu are my important friends...... I don't think of it as trouble."

Chikage answered with a smile, but yet Akatsuki's vanished. Instead he made a serious face,

"Ah, that is certainly true -- However, it may not be deserving to called it trouble. But still your forcing yourself a little to remain composed, right?"

Akatsuki said in a low tone, while he stared at Chikage.

"...... What do you mean?"

Chikage smile faded,

"Are you saying that deep down I am reluctant to become yours and Miu's friend?"

"I don't mean it like that, after all, 'reluctant' is a type of 'trouble'."

Akatsuki shook his head to deny it.

"You said Miu and I are your important friends, so you should helping us. But from what I've seen this was not the reason that you are helping us."

"Akatsuki, you mean I'm overdoing it to become your friends?"

"Ah, what it means."

Akatsuki said clearly,

"Maybe you really do consider us as important friends ... ... In my eyes though, this approach only exacerbates that bad habit of yours."

"My bad habit.....?"

Confronted with Chikage's questioning, Akatsuki did not hesitate to answer --

As if to declare,

"In order to play the good classmate, the good friend, the good sister -- your bad habit is to always repress or sacrifice yourself."

### 014. Part 12

"In short, this is a question of priority. Friends are important, but not compared to achieving my ideal. If needed I would sacrifice everything -- not everyone would make the same choice."

Kyouya continued,

"Just like how you gave up your JPN Babel's student council's Vice President responsibility and discipline committee chairman duty to stand by her and Ousawa-kun side......"

"...... President, you already knew Miu's true identity."

Haruka only said she resigned as the Vice President and discipline chairman for personal reasons. Since her primary reason "protecting friends" would be unreasonable, because Babel and COCOON were already protecting alternate world returnees.

In this case however Haruka obviously must protect Miu from Babel and COCOON.

If Haruka revealed her true intentions, they would have been used against Miu in an in-depth investigation. Then also figure out that Haruka was involved in the situation.

...... Wait, maybe......

According to that logic, then it was probably Kyouya who erased the dimensional shift record.

"What are you going to do with her......?"

Haruka asked and,

"Are you going to make her a hostage to force Ousawa Akatsuki to surrender to you--"

"Ousawa-kun? Come on......"

"Ha" Kyouya laughed and,

"His power certainly is attractive and caught my interest. And if it possible I want to obtain it...... however, he is unrelated to my plans, instead it's only a matter of time before he becomes an obstacle."

He looked at the unconscious Miu laying on the floor.

"As for what I'm going to do with her? The answer is simple, she is a necessary piece in achieving my ideal."

"...... Miu is?"

"Yes, she can help me create a true utopia -- a world where the strong and the weak are equal. There would be no difference in treatment nor prejudice. Turning back time to before people were summoned and granted power. So they can enjoy the most basic human rights and freedoms."

"How is that possible......?"

"As long as she is -– with me, nothing is impossible."

Kyouya smiled. All the preparations will be completed soon.

...... This much confidence..... It seems that Miu must have some sort of special ability.

For Kyouya to take such a risk.

Miu must be well worth it.

Worthy of betraying COCOON, besides being from an alternate world.

"-- Nanase-kun, I do want your help, like I said before I admire your abilities. You'll been to an alternate world twice now, you might not even be aware about the new power you obtained. You are now an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight."

"...... You really know everything."

"That's right. I know you went to the alternate world Alayzard, and know her true identity. I also know when Ousawa-kun came back from Alayzard he brought along a new girl. I didn't want you be investigated for your failure to report your duty. I only wanted you to think it over. Your obligations outstanding, to assist all the returnees and keep them from being harmed by the outside world. To achieve this, modest sacrifices are inevitable -- originally you swore allegiance to me, and now that the moment has arrived."

And Kyouya finally said,

"Nanase-kun -- Its time for you to carry out the justice you firmly believe in."

A world where returnees won't have to suffer.

For the Nanase Haruka that was also the utopia she dreamed of.

If as he said modest sacrifices were inevitable. She also would be willing to sacrifice herself.

She couldn't find a mistake with what Kyouya said.

"................"

Haruka's mind was in chaos, and she returned to being silent.

A silence that neither answered with an affirmative or a negative.

So......

Haruka decided to answer with actions instead of words.

She focused her mind on her AD to summon her half-moon sword while transforming her uniform into combat clothes.

"...... Its too bad."

Kyouya without a hint of disappointed on his face.

He was just indifferent.

"In order to protect Ousawa-kun and the others, you prefer to become an enemy of the world? Compared to the well-being of several thousands of people -- no, the billions of people around the world, still you chose only a few people to have happiness."

"In the ideal world the President speaks of even if several billions of people are saved, Miu would not be saved...... and perhaps Listy."

Haruka replied and,

"However Ousawa Akatsuki and our desire for this world, will not only save all those billions of people it will also save Miu and Listy. However sacrificing the President is also a given. We want to create a world in which everyone can happily laughed together, and live together in the same world...... This is Ousawa Akatsuki ideal. I will not give up this world he aims for."

Haruka's tone was resolute.

That was the justice she upholds.

"President Hikami, I will not help you -- nor will Miu!"

Haruka screamed, while finishing her magic release chant letting loose her wind magic.

Her wind tore through the room wiping out everything on its path towards Kyouya.

But......

"I'll say it again."

Kyouya leisurely smiled.

"-- Its too bad, Nanase-kun."

He gently waved his right hand.

The wind created by Haruka suddenly disappeared without a trace.

"Uhh......!"

Haruka couldn't help but lower her head.

-- Back in Alayzard, for some time she was completely unable to use magic, because her consciousness wasn't link with her body. But then, her magic power along with the others increased a lot.

She single-handedly suppressed the enemy's large army at Gorudono Canyon with her new power.

But, she couldn't believe that even with her new power.

....... She was still no threat to Kyouya.

Kyouya just called her "an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight", meaning that after visiting an alternate world twice new powers would be awakened.

She however just awakened to her new powers, and was only at the starting point. In order to harness its full power, extensive training of course was required.

In other words.

There was an overwhelming difference in ability between Kyouya and Haruka.

...... Even so......

Haruka Nanase doesn't care.

From the beginning she never thought she had what it took to beat him.

What Haruka must do now was not defeat Kyouya.

But protect Miu -- right now she needs to try to flee with all her strength, then meet up with Akatsuki and her other friends.

Of course, because of this difference in ability it won't be easily to elude Kyouya. However, if Kyouya showed a slight flaw even momentarily, she would have a chance --

It was possible to use the high-speed of her wind magic to fly away.

So......

The first step in her escape plan was to go all out with one strike.

...... Next...... was the timing......

Haruka began counting down in her mind.

...... 3, 2, 1 --

"-- Zero."

As she said it out loud, countless particles of light appeared in the student council room.

Haruka by using her magic was able to trigger the security system used to stop intruders -- the "guardian beast system."

Both physical and magical attacks were completely ineffective against those guardian beasts.

Then two Gargoyles appeared.

At the same time, Haruka increased her speed with her wind magic.

-- The system reacted because she was not the only one to use magic.

In order to neutralize Haruka's charge, Kyouya must of used his magic.

The two Gargoyles appearing proved it.

Of course, the system will not attack Haruka or Kyouya because they are students in Babel.

The system most likely detected a conflict between two students.

To resolve the conflict the two Gargoyles were summoned in between Haruka and Kyouya

Forming a makeshift wall immune to physical attacks as well as magic attacks.

Haruka seized the opportunity and used the high-speed of her wind magic to charge to Miu's side. And then to simply carry Miu using the momentum created from the wind magic to flee the classroom -- that was Nanase Haruka plan.

However, only one step away from Miu -- no, half a step away......

"It really is too bad. In fact, your timing was perfect."

"-!?"

Suddenly, Kyouya appeared in front of her.

...... Its not possible......!

Haruka couldn't hide her surprise.

The two Gargoyles were in between Haruka and Kyouya.

The shortest distance to Haruka and Miu, Kyouya must first bypass the wall made up of the Gargoyles.

In terms of speed, Haruka believed there was at least a chance of winning.

And for insurance, she created a situation where he would have to travel a longer distant.

But......

"Hah -- Ah Ah Ah Ah!"

Haruka didn't stop there, instead she slashed her half-moon sword at Kyouya.

Intended to stop Kyouya's movement for a second -- creating an opportunity to escape.

Then......

"Kin" an ear-piercing metallic rang.

"...... Huh......!?"

Her half-moon sword shattered into pieces.

It clashed with the absolute zero barrier that Kyouya invented. The barrier defends against all attacks while freezing any object that comes in contact with it.

...... He even used...... such a technique......!

In that moment, Haruka tasted true shock and despair.

Haruka knew about the absolute zero barrier of Kyouya's, because she had seen it once before.

However, creating that absolute defense required a significant amount of time to activate.

Though it was triggered at that instant, Kyouya must of chanted the barrier in advance. The same way they already prepared a battle plan--

Kyouya was also carefully prepared.

He prepared everything to make sure he got Miu at all cost.

"Oh --"

Haruka stared blankly was Kyouya outstretched his palm, and place it right in front of her face.

A combination of blue and white light gathered in his palm.

Haruka had absolutely no way to dodge at that range.

Kyouya sneered at her,

"Goodbye Nanase-kun......"

She was only able to see his lips move.

### 015. Part 13

For a moment, a suffocating silence came over the room.

"Good grief..... Your imagination is rich."

To dispel the awkwardness, Chikage glossed over the atmosphere,

"Also, you said my bad habit was more apparent ... ... Meaning, it's not the first time, huh?"

"Alas.....in the sports warehouse in Babel when you were making out with that other girl, I noticed."

Akatsuki's tone was unchanged,

"Izumi -- you're not fully a lesbian, right?"

"............ You guessed wrong."

Chikage subconsciously looks away from him.

"When I was in Alayzard for a short period of time I was a bodyguard for a brothel. At the end of day a women's behavior comes from heart, or its simply acting. If you don't want my eyes to see through it, you have to steel yourself a great deal more."

Akatsuki recalled that scene,

"When I saw you making out with that girl I could tell you were accustomed to it. But that does not mean you had abundant experience, rather you were passively reacting to her needs. You were playing to meet the expectations she placed on you."

"......So you're saying I put out my hands on the girl just to act like the good guy?"

Chikage stared cross-eyed at Akatsuki.

"Of course not, else I would of said 'You're not a lesbian.' Presumably, its just like before -- you just wanted to be needed by someone, his or her."

He continued,

"Everyone who has been summoned to another world has suffer some degree of trauma. Then after great difficulty finally returning to this world only to be confined to the special autonomous region separating them from their own families. A sense of loneliness would only be natural. I didn't mean to pry into your private life, but perhaps they all were just like you in experiencing a number of things they would rather forget. Something that couldn't be endured alone any more?"

"........................"

Chikage was suddenly speechless.

"A good way to fill the loneliness would be to seek out a person with the same wound, who might heal the pain. And if the other was the same sex it becomes easier to talk about heart troubles. With your cheerful personality, and your liking to take care of others those lonely girls would have gathered, right? It could just be your natural disposition, or you altered yourself to pursue the feeling of being needed by someone. Which I don't know."

Akatsuki continued to say:

"If I'm right, you always listen to their troubles, heal their inner loneliness, but kept your pain and loneliness deep inside your heart. All because you worry that they are holding onto something really painful, and it must be dealt with before it's too late. How can they take into consideration the worries of another? Therefore you sit there and quietly listen to them tell of their troubles, and just play the role. Your only willing to let them unload what's on their mind, willing to give them a warmth, and willing to fix their broken heart. No doubt for those people there isn't any other ideal place to go."

He paused for a moment -

"You -- never noticed that your heart suffering even more from those people's pain and worries."

"..........."

Chikage kept silent in the face of Akatsuki's speculation. Even thought silence was tantamount affirming his words, she had no other choice. Chikage Izumi did not have the words to refute.

"You are trying fill the gap inside some else heart, but it's not easy. In order to meet their needs you have to constantly make changes, even if it is not true to yourself....."

Akatsuki paused here.

"......Listening to someone bare their soul, even if that someone is a girl, your friendship can gradually metamorphosis into love, also isn't strange. At that time, you should of struggled with your true feelings. However -- You still decided to meet the needs of those girls, because they need you to. It was not to fill loneliness in your own heart."

Chikage silently listened to Akatsuki's reasoning, and not contested until now:

"Althought it is quite an interesting story.......it's all in your head. Is there any reliable evidence?"

"We are talking about a person's thoughts and feelings, of course, there is no conclusive physical evidence. But when you take in account previous events, they can be used as a reference."

So Akatsuki revealed his reasoning:

"First, out of all your classmates, the first person you actively spoke to was me and Miu. During my entrance exam, I caused a huge disturbance. The others students would naturally shun us, but you were the only one willing to talk to us."

"I simply did not have the heart to, that's all..... there was no other meaning."

Chikage averted her gaze.

"Is it so? In my eyes, the other students attitudes were normal. Class B already understands what it was like have a problem child, Onizuka. I clashed with the student council president Kyoya Hikami, obviously I was a more troublesome character than Onizuka. Any normal student would not want to get involved with me, yet you tried to advised us 'It's best not get involved with Onizuka' -- however, you were aware that I was probably more of problem child than him."

Why was that?

"The reason was simple, we were newcomers to Babel unfamiliar with the school rules. If you could get close, you would definitely obtain the sense of being needed. So you, called out to us."

"......"

"Conversely, you most likely kept your distance from the people who didn't need you. Therefore when the semester started you would be independent, and alone could help Class Rep. However, after Miu became a mutual friend Class Rep opened her heart troubles to you. With them counting on you naturally your friendship developed rapidly.

"...... Akatsuki."

"The Vice President as well. When she first arrived in Alayzard Haruka insisted on neutrality, and would not listen to our reasoning. So you completely ignored her. However by fighting together in that war, and the matter when I almost lost my life was the turning point for you and Haruka to become close. After coming back to this world from Alayzard, both of yours relationship has improved a lot."

"...... Enough, Akatsuki."

Don't say any more -- Chikage was pleading in her mind to him.

Please don't reveal my weak side.

In the next room we were able to establish a new bond. Wasn't that enough? However, Akatsuki won't stop here. Izumi Chikage knew better than anyone else why that was.

If he choose to stop here, she will continue to wear a mask.

Then one day in the future she will be left with tears of regret.

Akatsuki will stop them now -- her future tears.

So he will continue.

"Next you will continue to be the diplomatic person you were up til now. Maintaining the same distance from everyone equally, and one-sidedly hear their worries. For you, maybe it would be easy to do, but unfortunately the sense of distance will suddenly come back into your life. You have suffered enough for others the rest --"

One breath.

"-- Is ours."

### 016. Part 13

"-!"

At that moment, Haruka Nanase was aware she could not escape death.

She closed her eyes before the oncoming attack would hit her.

She felt a burning sensation rather than a cold one all over her body simultaneously.

Exposed to Kyouya's ice magic her body must of sensed the pain from the ultra-low temperature as a burning sensation. Confronted with the fear of certain death, and the severe pain that will accompany it, her body reflexively stiffened. But -- she didn't feel any other pain after that.

Instead she couldn't catch her breath.

"!!!!"

The pain was different from what she had imagined. She struggle momentarily, widely moving her hands around.

-- A hand forcefully grabbed her.

Then it wrapped around her her waist, and powerfully pulled her close.

"Huh......?"

Haruka was perplexed, and instinctively opened her eyes.

A familiar face appeared before her eyes.

"OUSAWA...... AKATSUKI......?"

This person shouldn't be here, Haruka couldn't help but shout out his name.

"Its all right, vice-president."

Akatsuki told her.

After hearing Akatsuki's voice, and feeling the warmth of his embrace Haruka was sure of one thing.

That it was definitely not a dream.

But...... what on earth was going on? Haruka then suddenly noticed where Akatsuki and herself were. Akatsuki had his arm around her waist, while in his birthday suit.

However, the improper one was Haruka. The reason was simple, they were immersed in hot water and she was familiar with the location.

She was in the Ouswa home's bathroom.

Akatsuki appeared naked in front of eyes, Haruka screamed and desperately tried to escape.

Everything happened too fast.

"......"

Haruka's brain could not keep up, she stood there and repeatably blinked. She completely had no idea how to react.

-- Up till now, she was in JPN Babel's student council room meeting face to face with Kyouya. Why am I in the Ouswa bathroom, no where near were I was?

Then......

"You're shaking... ... What happened?"

The moment she heard Akatsuki's question.

"-!"

Haruka gasped.

She remembered her best friends -- Ryohei and Minami were dead.

And Kyouya's ice-cold eyes.

Also how Miu was laying unconscious, and that she was almost killed.

"...... Me and...... we......"

"Despair" that word echoed in Haruka's mind.

No more words could come out her mouth.

Extreme fear froze her mind and body, chilling her to the bone.

Even though she was in the bathtub filled with hot water, the trembling of the whole body wouldn't stop.

However......

"-- Haruka."

The shout was like a bolt of lightning shot into her ear, while his two hands gripped her shoulders. Akatsuki forcibly pulled back her consciousness.

"You don't have be scared anymore. I'm right here, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore."

"Ah......"

Those words permeated Haruka's heart. The icy tension gradually began to melt away.

Her body slowly regained its warmth.

"Good...... that's it."

Akatsuki gave her a gentle smile.

Seeing his smile, Haruka's intuition told her -–

It was Akatsuki who saved her at that critical moment.

...... But, how?

Before her brain found the answer, Haruka's heart told her; however she never could of expected him to save her, there must of been some way. Haruka started to look at it retro respectively.

Reflecting on how Akatsuki devised a method to help her from a remote place.

The results......

"Oh --"

Nanase Haruka finally remembered.

In the world of Alayzard, that she went too along with the Akatsuki and the others.

Miu and Listy became hostages, and the method by which Akatsuki saved them. They said was,

"Transfer...... seal."

### 017. Part 14

Ousawa Akatsuki said in a very firm tone.

"Even though I think you are happy that you become increasingly better friends me, Miu and CLass Rep. At the same, somewhere in the back of your mind there is an indescribable fear that this genuine friendship will suddenly disappear...... and whether you would withstand the loss. So you proposed this party -- right?"

So ......

"...... Haha, I surrender."

Along with the self-mockery, Chikage through her hands in the air.

"It is as you say Akatsuki. There is a part of me that always wants to be needed by someone. However, doesn't everyone have these kind of thoughts more or less? Furthermore isn't it only natural for friends to accommodate to each other? I don't think there is anything wrong with that."

It should also be understandable to maintain a persistent attitude.

Chikage evasive eyes revealed such a message.

However Akatsuki won't endorse Chikage's excuses.

-- At the sleepover today, Chikage and Miu's bonds with everyone had deepened.

Except, Chikage was still wearing a mask.

Making all that effort totally meaningless. If it wasn't the real Chikage there was no value in the current situation.

However, Chikage smiley face mask was very strong, and won't come off so easily.

Still to have some meaning today's get together.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- can't stop at this point.

"Before Listy returned to the room with all you guys she seemed a little apprehensive, so I played a little prank on her to get her mind off it. If I guessed right......it was because she worried and probably saying 'she will become a burden to everyone', right?"

"Amazing, you completely foresaw that......you really know Listy-san's personality like the back of your hand."

Chikage was trying to pretend to be calm. Akatsuki continued to press on, intending to break that mask of her's.

"-- If that was the case, then you guys probably said something like 'we will never abandon you.'?"

Just as he finished .....

"-!"

Startled, Chikage gasped. Proving that everything he surmised was unmistaken. Then her shoulders started to shake at first followed by her whole body shaking.

Therefore, Akatsuki pressed for an answer.

"However from the outset those words were not for Listy. If today you gave up on has Listy, the moment you became a burden it is likely that you would be abandoned. Your deepest and darkest fear."

"I, I ......"

Chikage said with trembling voice, her face lost its previous confidence.

Her mask -- had been stripped off.

Then Akatsuki lightly touched Chikage's shoulder.

"-?"

Chikage's whole body received a shock.

She looked back at Akatsuki.

Looking back into Chikage's eyes, Akatsuki floated a wry smile on his face.

"When I went to the room before to see if "someone" was crying. Actually, that someone I was concerned about was not Miu or Listy, but you."

While saying that he pulled Chikage over.

"-----Ah!"

Chikage let out a feeble voice. Akatsuki hands wrapped around Chikage's back, and look into her eyes.

"Why is it that you think people don't need you? Is it anxiety? Do you think that if you don't play the good classmate, the good friend, the good sister no one will need you? However, doesn't this mean you don't believe in your friends, and don't trust me and Miu."

"B-because......"

Chikage looked down at the ground.

"A little while ago, you felt it was very painful. With much effort everybody got closer to each other, but you could not open your heart and connect with everyone. For that you hated yourself more than anything."

"B-b-because......!"

Chikage looking up, staring at Akatsuki.

Crying.

"Becoming the person everybody needs, isn't that common desire of everyone ......?"

Chikage said,

"I don't want a person to be all alone ... ... I'm tired of being alone -- I can."

She squeezed out her heartfelt cries.

The root of Chikage Izumi's suffering.

Therefore......

"-- Don't worry, I won't leave you."

While saying, Akatsuki tightly hugged Chikage.

"Haven't you've been by our side all along, and on the other hand...... haven't I always been by your side, isn't that so? Ah, beside me there is Miu, you are not one bit alone. Chikage -- I am the same as you, I want to become the person you need."

"......Akatsuki, you do?"

Chikage raised her voice in surprise. Akatsuki nodded "Ah" and released her.

"Or do you not want me by your side?"

".................."

Chikage was quite for a while. At last,

"......How could... ... I not want that....."

She quietly said with her voice trembling, then embrace Akatsuki on her own.

Therefore, Akatsuki embraced her closely in return.

Her actions signified that Izumi Chikage took off her mask, and a completely new bond was born between the two.

### 018. Part 14

Sometime later they all learned of it.

It was a miraculous reversal at the end of the war by Akatsuki.

Even if they believed that peace would soon be realized, he still did not forget to prepare for the worst. He affixed a seal to Listy during the duel that was used to prove his power.

Miu had a seal affixed the evening after he went into Sherfied looking for an antique shop to buy the seals. They were waiting at the brothel after accidental ingesting too much of an aphrodisiac. They needed Akatsuki to detoxify them.

"Don't tell me...... at that time......"

She knew the answer already.

Prior to the peace agreement, even if Akatsuki was on good terms with the Kingdom of Sherfied it was still enemy territory. So Akatsuki affixed a transfer seal to Haruka, who was accompanying him.

In case of a dangerous situation, he could simultaneously save Miu and Haruka.

...... Then...... I......

Nanase Haruka suddenly realized.

It was not a coincidence that she was saved by Akatsuki just now.

Why -- There was still that feeling.

She will never forget -- that first meeting was the worst.

He did not even try to follow the rules, she was disgusted how he behaved so freewheeling. Every time she saw him, he began to create all kinds of difficulties.

She was always worried about him in the back of her mind, she kept telling herself it was all in her imagination. Since she was unwilling to face the truth, and didn't want to admit it.

She didn't admit it until she went to Alayzard and witnessed Akatsuki implement justice she believed in.

But......

That night in the brothel with Miu -- he entrusted my life.

No, it should be before that.

Nanase Haruka was in Akatsuki's safety net.

So......

"--------"

Haruka collapsed into Akatsuki arms, she was at her limit.

She knew nothing at all, and felt guilty.

She was unable to protect Miu.

And regreted it.

What Kyouya did was outside her assumptions. The death of her best friends Ryohei and Minami greatly unsettled her. She was reluctant to explain everything to Akatsuki. However, Haruka understood she couldn't make an excuse for this. The harsh reality was inescapable.

We all promised. We swore that no matter when, no matter where.

And Miu said she unconditionally believed me, but I .....

"--------"

Haruka broke down into tears.

She was not enough.

Her resolve -- nor her strength.

Nanase Haruka was not able to protect Ousawa Miu.

Her irreplaceable friend was taken from her.

Haruka had lost everything.

### 019. Part 15

She continued to be embraced by Akatsuki for a while.

Chikage had stopped crying, and regained the control of her breathing. Then slowly looked up.

"But Akatsuki, still ....."

"Ah, I understand.......the friendship and feelings between you and those guys....... was not a lie."

Then, Akatsuki in a low tone,

"However... ... you don't need to worry about losing anything ... ... you don't need to hate yourself ... ... I realize.......your feelings......."

The words didn't come out, and he let up on the pressure of his hug.

"A-Akatsuki......?'

Startled, Chikage called out to him, only to hear in return the quiet breathing of someone sleeping.

"Oh ...... "

Izumi Chikage remembered the crushed sleeping pills in his glass. They must have finally taken effect.

......Why the hell did the effects kick in now.....?

She wasn't going to blame him for falling asleep, because it was none other than her own masterpiece. However if he was half asleep for some time now, then absolutely there wouldn't be any lies in his words.

All of that was the truth.

-- Conversely, if Akatsuki was completely clear-headed and if he said the same thing with a serious tone.

She also would have been very happy. But, somewhere deep inside her mind she would have suspected that those words were out of Akatsuki's kindness, and would not have believed in them so firmly without any doubts.

Skeptical that Akatsuki was just like herself, playing a role of the good guy for her. However, it was not so. Although Akatsuki was somewhat heavy as he slumped over in her arms. She was unable to hide her inner joy.

"Thank you, Akatsuki ......"

She whispered that to him to not wake him, but when she planned to lay him on the floor --

"-- Fuaa!"

A sense of pleasure suddenly ran through her, reflexively a sweet voice came out.

After a closer look. Akatsuki's hand was touching her breast, Chikage instinctively smiled wryly to herself.

Even deep asleep he pass up his chance to womanize, as expected Akatsuki was to the letter a big pervert.

But ......

When Akatsuki chest Palms off his upper body cute little sticker, and pull down pants zipper, Chikage wonder and his face was downcast.

Akatsuki's hand on her chest started to strip off her camisole, and when the zipper on her hot pants began to lower the smile disappeared from Chikage's face.

No matter how you look at it, this was too strange.

"W-wait a moment I said, ah...... Akatsuki are you awake?"

Chikage tentatively said, unexpectedly Akatsuki looked up –-

"Ha, your certainly very much awake."

She laughed, then grinned while closing her eyes.

"No way, you wouldn't happen to be half asleep... ... Wow, ah, wait!"

Akatsuki had completely taken off the hot pants. Chikage could not help but burst into shouting, scared.

Her camisole was already discard, leaving her just in her underwear.

Akatsuki was overjoyed with the situation.

"What's wrong? Even thought familiar with woman, but it looks like your not skilled with a man."

"H-hold on Akatsuki ... ... I didn't intend on this ... ... Fuaaa!"

When she turned her back to flee his hand touch her waist giving him a contact point to tamper with the Ki in her body.

At the same time a fire was born in the depths of her body, moreover it began to burn faster and stronger.

When Chikage noticed the fire was a torrent of pleasure, it was too late.

"Ah, Ahhh... ... Fuuuuaaaaaaaaaaa ~ ~ ~!"

It become impossible for Chikage Izumi to resist any longer.

"Why the rush to leave? With all the trouble you went through this is exactly what you need."

Akatsuki had an evil smile,

"If you run away from your feelings now, then nothing will change."

Listen carefully -- Akatsuki in a very serious tone:

"Now what you need most is to experience how much I need you. You may think that I'm a bit heavy-handed, but that's okay. To completely break that obstinate mask of yours a bit of tough love is necessary."

"Ah, this is not good Akatsuki... ... Miu and the others ... ... are going to hear my voice ... ... "

Chikage desperately resisted while raising a sweet voice.

"Why did you try to run? You have someone thinking of you free of charge. You just had to followed your instincts, accepting what that person wants for you would of been better based on that."

A breath,

"Therefore I will firmly engrave it into your mind making it impossible for you to forget that I will stay by your side, and how much I cherish you."

"But, but ... ... Ah! "

An instinctively sweet voice exhaled.

Akatsuki forcefully raised her up by the butt.

And,

"Chikage, I will enlighten you...... to how very much of a woman you are."

He slowly stripped off the her panties, then grabbed her completely exposed butt with the palms of his hands.

Chikage's tampered Ki caused everyone pore on her body to become extremely sensitive leading to --

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"

An unrestrained sweet voice that only a woman could absolutely raise.

### 020. Part 16

The same time.

"I knew it ... ... I told you, we should have stopped them right away."

".....There is no other way. We have to go help her."

The delicate scream was heard from the room next to his compelling them to begin to move. As was Miu and Listy said so.

"Haruka-san, you stay behind and take care of Kuzuha. I fear if she wakes up cannot see any of us around her little heart would break."

"I understand."

Haruka nodded, looking a little stiff,

"Both of you -- be careful."

Nodding in response to Haruka's concern, Miu and Listy walked out of the room.

The both of them rapidly moved though the hallway --

"..........."

They both glanced at each other in front of Akatsuki's room before they kicked open the door and rushed in.

Then on top of the bed the scene reflected in their eyes.

With her panties only lowered to the knees, the nearly-naked Chikage was trembling under the sensual stimulation. As Chikage's whole body was being caressed dexterously by Akatsuki with eyes shut.

The two prepared themselves for a horrible situation before entering the room, but ......

"Uwaa...... just like the situation at that time, almost exactly the same!"

Miu can't help but flinch backwards a few steps.

She was reminded of the first night she came to this world. When she sneaked into Akatsuki's room. Also at that time, she went through a similar snafu because he was half asleep.

-- In the end how did I escape his clutches?

Miu, who remembered such an experience:

"Listy-san, that ....."

She signaled to table next to the bed with her eyes. On the table there was a marble clock. In case the wind magic was poorly manipulated there would be no guarantee that Chikage could be accidentally injured.

A direct physical attack was the most effective method.

But Miu was reluctant to employ her AD and summon her weapon. With all the effort Haruka took to bring the new model ADs over today she doesn't want its first battle to be with a despicable sex maniac.

That's why, the artificial marble clock was the best option.

"Can you please do it? I'll somehow try and act as bait."

Listy understood the intent of such a strategy by Miu,

"O~ke, no problem."

She immediately nodded to confirm.

Then the two of them started walking towards the bed.

"Eh......you two also came to tell Izumi how much you need her?"

Akatsuki in his half asleep state turned to look at the two exposing a duplicitous smile.

For now, they didn't know exactly what he was saying,

"Ah, yeah... ... That's right. Can we also join you?"

The still unclear Miu attracted his attention with her remark while approaching.

Listy stayed in Miu's shadow using her diversion to reach for the marble clock on the bedside table.

"Oh, well, very good. I see -- you two together."

The moment Akatsuki said so,

"Huh?" "Kyaa!"

Akatsuki dragged both of them on the bed. One held under his left arm and the other embraced by his right arm.

Miu and Listy couldn't hide their inner confusion.

Even Miu was still out of his reach, say nothing of Listy who still further, Akatsuki's hands had somehow reached them.

What on earth -- They both thought.

The two suddenly found themselves entangled with a white rope around their waists.

"When did this ......?"

"If you look you'll see it is the bed sheet. Through my renkan keikikou it can be fastened into a rope with my Ki."

Akatsuki to said calmly, Miu turn pale with fright as her strategy clasped do his unexpected behavior.

"This, this was done for ... ...? "

"While Izumi is still out of it. This was the only way pull you guys over here at the same time."

"Wh-what your gonna simultaneous......!"

Listy loudly protested, while he nonchalantly replied:

"That goes without saying? No matter who was the first there would be a sense of unfairness....... Crap, you hurry up and take your clothes."

Miu's pajamas buttons were easily removed compared to a man's shirt. It made taking it off surprising fast.

"Waa -! Li-listy-san run away! It would be a useless death!"

"I am, I know .....! But the rope is tied up so tight, you could never ... ...!"

Next Listy's shirt was unbuttoned one by one starting from top to bottom

Still, the two did not give up desperately resisting.

"Really! You guys came to help, but faster than anyone else you tried to slip away?"

In a criticize voice that was half asleep,

"To think I just manged to stop Chikage from running away, and you two want to spoil it. Do you want to ruin my good deed? No, no."

As he finished .....

"Fuaaaaaaaa~!"

Miu and Listy simultaneously raised a sweet scream.

Everything become pure white in an instant. The two immediately knew they were rapidly rising to the peak.

"A .....aaa, ahhhh ......!" "Fu..... fu, aaaaaaaaaaa......!"

Their bodies trembled because of pleasure. They looked at Akatsuki with incredulity.

-- What hell did he do to us?

Similar situations like this have happened before, but it would not have been this easy. Moreover, she ended up losing all the power in her whole body at once. And the embers of pleasure were likely to cause them to lose consciousness.

"Oh, in the kitchen and on the stairs before I sent Ki into your bodies. Because there was remaining Ki in your body, and I gave you even more Ki here. It would only be natural when they collide with each other it will certainly bring about an explosive pleasure."

With her waning consciousness, she could still hear Akatsuki's dim voice. But they both couldn't understand much of what he just said.

Finally,

"Sorry tp keep you waiting, Izumi ..... Our other two most important friends are already here, you won't be lonely anymore. From now on, I'll let you know how much I really need you."

The second half of what Akatsuki said although it reached their ears, their brains have long ago lost the ability to think.

### 021. Part 17

The number of frail screams from next door has increased.

This was a plot to a horror movie, Nanase Haruka thought.

The victims continue to increase, and the people sent to destroy the kyonshī also become a kyonshī.

Kuzuha's protection was her responsibility.

"However.....the way things are going."

No doubt Chikage had to look on helplessly hiding in the room as Miu and Listy have become Akatsuki's prey.

What should I do? -- Haruka was deep in thought.

"Damn ...... It can't be helped."

After some struggle, Haruka choose the best of both worlds.

So Nanase Haruka headed towards the Akatsuki's room carrying Kuzuha,

And through the open door, she only put her head in to see the situation inside.

"Th-this......!"

Though it was possible to imagine what was going on to some extent, but seeing with her own eyes cause an absurd shock. She was fully aware of what Akatsuki could do, however this degree of exaggeration actually goes far beyond Haruka's imagination.

On the bed were four people with all there limbs intertwined in some sort of complex geometries, like playing a game of twister, or some kind of weird stretching exercises.

"Wh-what can I do......"

Frightened, Haruka sprinted away.

She wanted to pretend she didn't see anything and calmly return to the room, but .....

.......No, I can't run away.

Haruka encouraged herself.

We must help each other, and never abandon each other -- I just promised that to them.

I will not make that oath a lie.

However......

"Kuzuha is still too young. I can't let her witness such a spectacle....."

It can't be helped. She gently leaned Kuzuha on the wall in the hallway careful not to wake her.

"I Nanase Haruka -- from here on out will be your opponent!"

She decided in her mind, and jumped into the battlefield.

"Eh, Haruka......you also came?"

Without a care that Akatsuki noticed her, she took large strides up to bed, planing to avoid the other three, and at the same time as touching him she would unleash her wind magic to blow only him out the window.

But ......

"Its not possible ....."

However, her wind magic was negated. Akatsuki wasn't affected in any way. Haruka dazed stood there for a long while, but immediately understood what happened.

Now, was exactly like the time when Akatsuki was on the verge of in Alayzard. An absolute barrier that cancels all magic.

"Good, very good......you come along too."

While saying so, he reached out to grab her -- Haruka's AD reacted.

"Huh -?"

Haruka's rasied her voice perplexed, as to why her pajamas began to change.

A function of the AD -- was to automatically change into the most suitable clothing.

When she was hiding at a brothel in Alayzard she wore a sensational lace bustier.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Haruka reflexively screamed.

"Hey, Hey, Hey, What time do think it's right now.......If you keep shouting like this you'll wake the neighbors?"

After Akatsuki ridiculed her, he forced Haruka into his arms.

And stuck his lips on her breast.

A vital point Nanase Haruka was there -- one of her eleven moles.

-- Of course, Melissa's aphrodisiac has long ago left her body.

However, Haruka's body remembered the feeling.

She still remembered when her vital points were subjected to repeated attacks, and the supreme pleasure.

After the last of baptism, Haruka body got a comprehensive development.

When Akatsuki once again subjected her to the same stimulus --

"～～～～～～～～！"

Haruka let out a noiseless tender moan.

As for the feeling that developed, the dimension of pleasure she received was not able to be understood by Haruka's brain.

Haruka's whole body stiffen to pleasure with her waist being embraced by Akatsuki.

And, the state of climax continued for a while.

"--！ Ah! Fuaaa... ... Wa... ... Fu... ... Ahhh ....."

After Haruka remembered how to breathe once again, the embers of pleasure spread to every corner like a wave along with the oxygen. Her hands and feet unconsciously trembled, a way of telling how pleased her body was.

-- If nothing else, Haruka's heart has chosen to resign itself to Akatsuki.

Like that night at the brothel -- half way during the detoxification process she submitted to the pleasure.

Haruka resolved herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki when --

"Uh..... Where am I.....?"

Kuzuha suddenly enters the room from the hallway.

"Ah--！"

Haruka instinctively woke up.

She must have been awoken by Haruka's scream when her pajamas changed into the bustier. And after she noticed she was alone, Kuzuha would of came to look for us. Then by chance stumbled into Akatsuki's room.

"Hmm... Where...?"

Kuzuha rubbed her eyes, she still seemed to be sleep.

Perhaps, because of Kuzuha's current state she doesn't realize she was even in Akatsuki's room.

.....No, not good ..... this was far from good....!

Haruka was shivering because of the horror of the rapidly deteriorating situation. However the half asleep Akatsuki obviously doesn't care.

"--！"

"How was it that you were excluded? Come over here, Kuzuha ...... I can teach you through experience."

Out of the question, absolutely can't sit by and let this tragedy occur.

So.....

The delirious Nanase Haruka stretched out her arm. Then readily grabbed the closest hard object.

Akatsuki was hit on the back of his head, knocking him down.

A heavy thud echoed around the house.

### 022. Part 18

A few minutes later –-

".....Th-this terrible test of courage once is already enough."

Haruka was gasping for breath in her skintight corset.

The scene on top of the bed, looked like a field where heaps of corpses were scattered all over.

To think a test of courage would lead to such a tragic outcome, Haruka couldn't help get a headache again.

Miu, Listy, and Chikage were still in a trance, with an expression of ecstasy on their faces.

Akatsuki after being hit on the back of the head with the marble clock was unconscious.

And alongside the four of them was Kuzuha gently sleeping curled up in ball.

"Umm..... Where should I start?"

Haruka was at a loss.

For now, I should dress the naked Miu and the others?

Or first, should I take them back to other room?

Or restrain Akatsuki with something to put an end to the danger?

I wonder, what on earth should I do?

It got pretty sweaty, for the time being I really want to borrow the shower.

"Oh dear......"

In a situation like this, that was the only thing I could say to myself.

So Nanase Haruka sighed.

"The only upside...... might be that our bonds have furthered."

### 023. Part 2

Hikami Kyoya is examining the gathered intelligence.

He is primarily looking at a series of events that took place in the evening two days ago to early morning yesterday.

These are the records of the special antonymous region -- a huge artificial island floating in Tokyo Bay.

That night, Kyoya requested some kind of "substance" to be transported to the special antonymous region.

It is a substance that has manifested in this world, a lower dimension. The substance is from a high-dimensional life form -- the Japanese Government researched and cultured cells under the utmost secrecy.

Kyoya had already obtained them, the so called - or .

He even had to steal to get them.

However, the Japanese government can not condemn Kyoya's act.

After all, COCOON is responsible for co-ordination and management of all technology and abilities learned from alternate worlds.

He was named a permanent member to the new United Nations -- the G7 -- although COCOON assisted in establishing the special antonymous region and Babel in Japan, the Japanese Government isn't allowed to research or develop other world technology.

Therefore the Japanese Government's experiment is in violation of the rules set forth by COCOON.

Basically the shouldn't exist.

Even if they were stolen, it cannot be made public.

"Can't let the cat out of bag, they still have to continue keeping it a secret ... ..."

In order to transport the at any cost, beforehand Kyoya arranged several decoys to distract the enemy.

However many of these decoys were destroyed –- furthermore to maintain the utmost secrecy, only a few had known that they were decoys to begin with.

The Japanese government does not want the existence of to be announced to the world. Therefore recapturing the through any means is to be expected. Kyoya has never denied that the Japanese government's involvement is a possibility.

However the Japanese government's intelligence capability is quite extraordinary to have already locked onto so many decoys.

Even the nearly impossible to expose decoys have been attacked one after another.

In addition, they even attacked anyone potentiality linked to a decoy.

Only individuals or groups on equal footing with COCOON would have the ability to do that.

However COCOON doesn't need act in such a roundabout manner to condemn Kyoya's unauthorized actions. They can directly enforce punitive damages on Kyoya.

More importantly, Kyoya did not yet violate any laws in COCOON's eyes.

After all, Kyoya's "scheme" is predicated on the truth being concealed from COCOON.

This type of feat took considerable skill.

Therefore there may be only one possible answer.

Kyoya firmly believes that -- Crimson Twilight will act.

They should already be aware that Kyoya perpetrated the robbery.

However Hikami Kyoya's smile is still as bright as before.

"I'm very sorry, the have already fallen into my hands."

Kyoya is calmly reflecting over the current situation.

Re-examining all of the chess pieces on the board -- including his own.

In the first place, other than COCOON it is impossible to find out about the current situation.

The top secret research regarding high-dimensional beings betrayed COCOON's overall plan on alternate worlds. Thus it is impossible for the Japanese government to spontaneously confess to their crimes.

Moreover from Crimson Twilight's standpoint, it should be better if Kyoya has the rather than COCOON.

After all, compared to the heavily fortified COCOON headquarters, stealing the from JPN Babel school is much less difficult.

Kyoya is naturally fully prepared and ready at any time for a counterattack.

However, this is an indisputable fact that has already been perceived by the enemy.

It seems that it is necessary to speed up the pace for the whole scheme.

Granted it doesn't hurt to figure out what the problems are. At least the leadership role rests in his own hands.

Basically, there doesn't appear to be any hitches in Kyoya's plan.

Reluctantly saying so, probably only one individual constitutes an element of uncertainty -- and Kyoya is unable to predict the latent nature of that enemy's action.

Kyoya said in a pleasant tone the name of that uncertain element:

"I've got a head start Ousawa-kun ... ... What will you do next?"

Kyoya is smiling from ear to ear gazing at the gauge on the computer screen.

The gauge shows the degree of progress made on his current project.

After obtaining the , officially the scheme enters into its second phase. Also, the second phase is now on the verge of being completed.

According to the original plan, tomorrow the curtain drops on the third phase.

At that time no one will be able to stop Kyoya.

Not even COCOON's strongest -- Michael Arcruid.

Naturally using the same logic, it is possible to stop Kyoya at this stage.

If COCOON finds out about the current situation everything will go up in smoke.

Kyoya will lose all his power and status in COCOON, and maybe even lose his precious life.

Even if he luckily got away with the robbery, from now on he will not be able to do whatever he pleases.

Naturally Kyoya has his reasons for selecting such a risky plan.

That's because of Ousawa Miu.

Kyoya discovered a major "secret" concerning Miu.

The Norn screening named her as the "True Hero" Ousawa Akatsuki's little sister.

However that fabricated identity was merely for her to exist in this world.

Hikami Kyoya is very clear.

Her true identity is that she grew up in a alternate world of Alayzard as the Demon King's daughter -· Myuu.

Many teenagers have been summoned to alternate worlds for more than 30 years now. However, the case of inhabitants from alternate worlds coming to this world has never been officially documented.

A very rare case of tenancy.

Miu is undoubtedly a very rare object to study.

However, that was fundamentally regarded as nothing, after Kyoya become aware of a gargantuan secret.

Let alone Akatsuki, even Miu doesn't realize her secret.

That is -- Ousawa Miu is in fact an ultra high-dimensional being.

Ultra high-dimensional beings have the ability to manipulate all phenomenon. Once you obtain this kind of ability, undoubtedly you can dominate the entire world -- This is what the "Y Plan" entails.

Kyoya has the chance to achieve COCOON's ultimate goal.

A once in a blue moon chance.

Hikami Kyoya will absolutely not miss this opportunity.

To obtain the ultra high-dimensional Miu and grasp the absolute power inside her.

When that moment comes he will transcend everything, becoming an existence on an equal footing with God.

### 024. Part 2

Miu came walking over looking a little embarrassed to be dressed in her pajamas.

For "certain reasons" she was only wearing the top part of her oversized pajamas. Despite her lovely features she still had a hint of childishness left. Her features could be said to be exquisite and possessed a charm that could enchant all men.

Especially -- the very destructive power her boobs posses from their magnitude.

Regardless of whether it was a man or woman, everyone's eyes were drawn in by her boobs.

Originally her pajamas were bought according to the dimensions of her chest, but now the bottom half of the pajamas were too loose.

She had no other options but to give up on the trousers and expose her white thighs.

Miu feared that her appearance was a little too shameful; the hem of her top barely covered anything.

"Excuse me, I came to wash some dishes."

After she said that to Akatsuki, Miu walked over to the sink -- next to him.

In her hand she held a tray loaded with multiple empty glasses and small plates.

Having finished a snack, she probably came to clear away the dishes.

However, whereas before there was only one person living in this house, now there are three: Akatsuki, Miu, and Listy.

Since Akatsuki was standing in the kitchen he could see the plates and cups on the tray -- there should only be enough for to two people. However, the number of plates and glasses on the tray made it look like five people were here.

This means that Akatsuki appeared to have guests.

It was around midnight. Akatsuki just had a nice bath, and Miu was in her pajamas. However, there seemed to be guests in the Ousawa home.

"Hehe, he-heh, hun~"

Miu was cheerfully washing the dishes. After Akatsuki handed over the sink to her, with his fresh milk in hand he retreated out the rear.

However, near the breakfast table he stopped. His eyes were glued to Miu's hips as she leaned in to wash.

Usually after she showered she put on her pajamas without tying up her hair in a double pony tail, and let it hang down naturally. Miu's hair was long enough to reach her knees, just enough to completely cover her butt. Plus the hem from her pajama top allows her the freedom from worrying about someone being able to peep between the exposed gap left from her pajamas.

However today Miu had her hair up, probably because she had visitors over and it would presumably easier to be a good host if she tied up her hair in a double ponytail. She was humming while washes the dishes, and whenever Miu moved her hands her perfectly round butt could be seen swaying side to side.

-- Indescribably erotic.

"It seems that you're having a lot of fun."

"Yeah, I'm very happy. This is my first time hanging out with my friends at home all night."

Miu said, while joyfully laughing "Hehe".

It appeared Ousawa's home had three visitors, Izumi Chikage, Doumoto Kuzuha and Nanase Haruka. They were important friends to both Akatsuki and Miu, and irreplaceable companions.

Even when they returned to the alternate world Alayzard, the girls came with Miu and Akatsuki.

However, their chance to play together and deepen their friendship though those bonds didn't happen. They became friends through fighting together, because they once again visited Alayzard aiming to "end of war between Humans and Demons".

Therefore, Chikage proposed that the trio have a sleep over at Akatsuki's home.

......Thanks to Izumi.

Chikage thought this was a good way for them to work out each others' issues weighing on their minds, and build a better friendship. It was also her idea to invite Haruka. She put forth a lot of effort into it.

Although they had some unpleasant memories, they all now decided to support each other, and help each other to face the challenges ahead. So it was essential to deepen their trust. After this Pajama Party, apart from trio of Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha, they hoped that Haruka and Listy could quickly blend into the group.

So Ousawa Akatsuki said in a bitter tone:

"My only regret, is that I'm excluded."

He wasn't allowed to participate in the five girls' late-night party.

Akatsuki was the odd-man out. Miu smiled, and tried to appease Akatsuki's mood.

"I told you, there is no way. Today is girls' night, boys are not allowed to join in, even if it's you."

"But I also want to become better friends."

Akatsuki drank half of the fresh milk and put the bottle on the breakfast table, and then sneaked around behind Miu.

"-- Like this."

Immediately after he finished speaking, Akatsuki grabbed Miu's butt.

"Ehhh....!"

At once Miu's body shivered, and she released the glass in her hand that she had been washing.

"Oh -- careful."

Akatsuki caught the glass mid-air using his free right hand.

Akatsuki sighed, as he put the glass in the sink.

"Try to be a little more careful, okay? You could have been hurt."

"You're the one who made it dangerous!.... It's all your fault!"

"No way, your back is too appealing."

After a short pause, Akatsuki continued to say:

"Seeing the back side of a woman standing in the kitchen, it would have been impolite not to help."

While keeping his left hand on her butt, he took out his right hand from the bubbles in the sink and took the opportunity to slide it onto Miu's chest.

His aim was her raw bra-less boobs.

And massaged them.

"Umm, wait a minute -- Ahhh!"

Stuck in Akatsuki's arms, Miu tried to struggle while her sensitive breasts were being played with. He originally planned to stop right away, but Miu suddenly stopped resisting. She was halfway through with washing the dishes and her hands were covered in dish soap.

All Miu wanted was to wash her hands, however Akatsuki wouldn't allow her to succeed.

While Akatsuki held Miu, he took a few steps back, making it impossible for her to wash her hands.

Miu reached out her hands as far as they would go only to grab thin air.

"St-stop that ..... Let me wash my hands...... "

Miu looked back at Akatsuki, and said in a sad voice.

So ......

"Eh.....Is that all?"

Akatsuki was slightly dumbfounded.

"I-In this situation ..... is there something else......?"

She wriggled shyly while lowering her red face.

"Since that is all you're concerned about....."

Akatsuki said, then continued his prank.

Then Miu started letting out some lovely reactions. Akatsuki was enjoying the distinct feeling in both his right and left hands that were willfully playing with her breasts and butt.

-- But Akatsuki was somewhat perplexed.

Akatsuki was not trying to comfort her, and certainly not trying to stop her tears.

This was just a simple prank.

So Akatsuki thought that immediately she would have fought back.

.....If you don't resist, how am I going to stop myself?

What is going on? -- Akatsuki couldn't help but wonder.

Normally Miu would have immediately stopped this prank no questions asked, and then washed her hands. Maybe with a spirited fist, an elbow to the kidneys, or a stomp on the foot with her heel.

Also, it would not have been surprising if Miu had taken a bite out of his right hand when Akatsuki reached for her chest.

However, today Miu was somewhat unusual; after finding out she couldn't wash her hands, she just gave in to Akatsuki's prank.

No matter how embarrassing the situation became, she didn't attempt to resist.

--Since the day before yesterday night, Miu started behaving like this.

She was not like her usual self.

I wonder if she ate something bad?

Or,

Does she have a fever?

While massaging Miu's oversized chest that was spilling out from his hand, Akatsuki focused his thoughts.

Through the tips of his fingers and palms he was trying to feel her body's temperature.

"Hmm, feels pretty normal."

"Ah.....Fuuuu.....Ahhh......Fuu.....Ahhh!"

Even while enjoying her reactions, Akatsuki tilted his head.

Miu's body temperature wasn't too high.

But then again, her sensitivity in this place was still the same as before. If Akatsuki's little prank continued, Miu's body would soon produce "another kind of heat".

.....Since she doesn't have a fever, then the only possibility is.....

The day before yesterday Miu's attitude changed a little, what happened?

While avidly enjoying the feel of her soft and elastic boobs, Ousawa Akatsuki started to search his brain for the reason.

### 025. Part 2

"-- Please wait here a minute."

The youth wearing overalls disappeared into the back of the workshop.

However, Akatsuki was not left there all alone.

In fact, before Akatsuki arrived the youth wearing overalls was talking to another person.

So ......

"Yo Akki. Did you specially come here to ask the old man for maintenance? Also, it's unlikely that you did something reckless, right?"

The previous visitor was Kaidou Motoharu. With a friendly smile he raised his right hand as to say hello.

When Akatsuki searched the workshop for Kubota's Ki, he had also sensed Kaidou's.

"You flatter me......"

Akatsuki returned with the same smile.

"The other evening you abducted an underage girl off the street, indeed that is just a little matter."

"A misunderstanding, it really was a misunderstanding. I think the entire world believes the man who followed us is a bigger pervert, right? I walk a pure line."

"So an underage girl forced you into a dark alley, this is your so-called pure line. "

Akatsuki had a conversation with Kaidou in the back alley, and he remembered the appearance of young girl go-getter.

Then.....

"Believe it or not, she is in fact several years older than you or I."

"...... Seriously?"

"Of course it's true. You should know you can't judge a woman's age from her outward appearance. Even you know that, right Akki?"

"Ah, well."

Kaidou's did have a somewhat convincing argument.

But Akatsuki couldn't imagine that that petite girl was actually older than himself.

...... That means, Cecil may be a couple of years younger than me.

Akatsuki recalled an encounter that night with a peerless beauty. The probability was low, but not impossible. Women really are devilish and mysterious creatures.

Akatsuki was lost in thought .....

"-!? Akki are you all alone today? Usually you have several woman attending to you."

"Several woman attending to me? Don't exaggerate so much."

Akatsuki couldn't help but smile while shaking his head.

"Izumi, Class Rep and the Vice President all spent the night at your house. It seems several people had a lot of fun, perhaps they are still in bed right now."

This morning when Akatsuki woke up, he went downstairs and found no one else was up yet. Even after he waited some time, they still didn't get out of bed. Without any other choice he cooked and had breakfast alone. Also before leaving he knock-knocked on their door, but still there was no response.

It seemed like nothing was wrong when he checked their Ki in the room, but just to be sure Akatsuki gently opened the door to confirm they were safe. He was surprised to find everyone lying side by side on the bed. They were all sleeping weirdly with something like a faraway look on their faces, probably because of a happy dream.

"...... It seems the Vice President has already left."

Early in the morning, he thought he sensed Haruka's Ki leaving the house.

And sure enough, when he entered the room Haruka wasn't there.

However, she left a note on the table saying she was otherwise engaged and had to leave early.

On the back of the note she had written "last night was really fun" and "thank you". Akatsuki was very pleased. It looked like Haruka decided to join their group, and last night wasn't all for nothing.

Through last night's party, they hoped to cultivate a strong sense of friendship.

But the last sentence she wrote, "Everyone defended with their lives!" was a little difficult to understand.

After he disentangled Chikage's heart, Akatsuki accidentally fell asleep and had absolutely no idea what happened after.

Maybe all of the girls played some sort of game of chance right after that.

Akatsuki drew two conclusions while looking at Miu's unladylike appearance as she was sleeping.

She must be dreaming about baseball or boxing.

"Oh, your relationship seems to be pretty good."

Kaidou laughed.

"–- And by the way, I just saw the Vice President walked into the school building."

"Hmm ...... so?"

"...... Huh? Akki, isn't your response a little too weak?"

"What do you mean?"

Akatsuki was slow to understand the situation.

"The other day..... when we met in town, you asked me if I was planning on killing the Vice President? and just now I said I saw the Vice President, could it be that you're not worried?"

Kaidou replied.

"...... Ah, now I get it"

Akatsuki said with a wry smile.

"And at that time, I made it clear that I didn't intend on making you into my enemy."

"..... I probably said something like that."

Kaidou thought Akatsuki's reaction was anticlimactic.

"You were actually very direct. Akki at that time..... the murderous intent towards me was really scary. I always thought you were somewhat skeptical of me, but now it seems that you sort of trust me?"

"Your thinking too much. If what you said is true, it is not necessary to worry. And if what you say is a lie, I would just kill you. No problems."

Kaidou dropped his shoulder feeling extremely disappointed, Akatsuki laughed "Oh",

"-- Is it possible that it was just a lie?"

He stared at Kaidou with eyes filled with murderous rage.

But ......

Kaidou lowered his shoulders, dodging Akatsuki's glance while smiling wryly to ward it off.

"Come on Akki, I'm not stupid enough to tell you directly –- Ah!"

While in the middle of talking his cell phone started ringing.

Akatsuki couldn't see the caller ID on the LCD screen.

"Uwa......"

Kaidou had a slightly cramped expression as he glanced at Akatsuki.

"You don't have to worry about me, answer the phone."

Akatsuki motioned to Kaidou to pick up the phone.

The scene from the dark alley repeated itself, except this time the roles were reversed.

"You have a pained look. The caller seems to be a troublesome character."

"Yes, a very troublesome and scary women."

Kaidou roughly replied, and grudgingly pressed the call button.

"...... Hey, it's me. It's okay, you can..... before you called you should have already known where I am, and what is to be done, right? -- EH, What? You are a troublesome and scary woman?"

Kaidou was surprised, and momentarily matched Akatsuki's eyes.

"No, I would never say such a thing... ... Haha... ha..."

Then he turned his back to Akatsuki, letting out some dry laughter.

After Kaidou waved, he stated heading towards the back of Kubota's workshop.

He just watched as Kaidou's back disappeared from the other side of the garage.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help muttering:

"Troublesome and scary woman... ... Sounds like that guy doesn't have it easy."

### 026. Part 2

He completely changed his footwork, rapidly stopping and sprinting continuously.

By alternating between the two within a short distance Akatsuki created afterimages of himself.

Following the series of high speed movements he launched an array of attacks.

"Uuuuuooooooooooooooooo"

The attacks came from both sides, and collided at almost the same time.

They were both in each others range to attack. Akatsuki and Gouki speed was considered unimaginable to others, the kicking and punching speed was a gorgeous feast to eyes.

-- If this was a game, you could analyze the combat algorithm to identify the optimal strategy to fight. But, the creator of Gouki's program didn't standardize his AI.

He was a master swordsman, a world class boxer, even a high level magic user. His attributes were similar to the real Gouki, but his knowledge was no where near the same.

There was no set battle mode, so it freely and irregularly changed.

Coincidentally, Akatsuki fought precisely in the same manner.

He was currently concentrating on finding out a way to effectively strike his opponent, while warding off against those incoming highly destructive attacks.

An incredible amount of consideration was needed every moment just to determine how to avoid the next attack and remain unhurt. In a split second he had to continuously and subjectively make the best choice. But at the same time, Akatsuki still had to think about the other variables.

Gouki was obviously stronger than him -- he had to think about how to fight someone like that.

Unavoidable attacks slowly became dodgeable.

Indefensible attacks were gradually becoming preventable.

Attacks that couldn't hit gradually hit.

His thinking and senses gradually sharpened.

Fancy moves and unnecessary movements gradually faded.

Every attack sublimated into near-perfection.

There were no mistakes. Even if not by much his strength was steadily growing.

By fighting an opponent who surpassed himself, and even if he was risking it all, his present self can do nothing but get stronger.

He attacked and defended, and attacked and defended.

Making effective use of his whole body he developed an unprecedented continuous offensive.

He also used variations of each combinations of faints, a feint for the conscious, a feint for the eyes, and a feint for the subconscious.

By fully understanding his own strengths and weaknesses, he was able to develop new tactics accordingly. He was creating a new way of fighting that exploited his opponent's AI.

Then he started to calmly think --

...... Why?

Akatsuki felt a trace of anxiety.

Albeit a program of a young Gouki it was still a powerful enemy.

He should now be stronger and have reached a new level again.

The other party before him was definitely more talented than Akatsuki.

Perhaps, the same goes for his elder brother Sakuya. However that didn't mean he was reluctant to face them, because of such a power gap. Akatsuki absolutely doesn't want to lose to those two.

And it wasn't always the strongest who wins.

Even if a stronger enemy exists, he will not tolerate defeat or escape.

Above all, fighting only when the other was weaker than yourself was the same as running away.

The founder of the world's most powerful terrorist group -- Crimson Twilight.

The people who manage the world's most powerful army -- COCOON.

When confronting those two enemies, Akatsuki will be forced to challenge opponents of a higher level.

However, he was okay with that. After all, for a chance at wining the only thing needed was the will to fight.

But even so,

...... Why?

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't suppress his inner emotions.

That man in front of his eyes had that much power -- then I wonder why he was unwilling to help Miu?

### 027. Part 2

Some time later......

"Ken-chan, Look, I found some big chunks of streaky pork. SUGOI!"

Tiana had come back with a big smile on her face.

Onizuka looked in her basket filled with chunks of streaky pork, and later found that Tiana munching on something.

"...... Are you eating something?"

"I got a sample of roast beef from that Oba-chan."

Tiana said as pleased as punch.

"Oh, I got a piece for you."

After saying that, Tiana gave him a toothpick with some roast beef stuck to it.

"It's free...... you can eat it. "

Mildly embarrassed Onizuka shook his head to refused, but Tiana wasn't about to let him off so easily.

"I've already got this one, this one is for YOU, Ken-chan."

"...... Tch!"

Having experienced her stubbornness before.

Reluctantly, he took the roast beef from Tiana. But after he chewed on it for a bit.

"...... This isn't roast beef. This is bonito."

The fish station was ahead of the meat station, and they were giving out samples in front of the vendor's booth.

"..........."

After hearing that, Tiana blinked her eyes in surprise.

"Ooooh...... the taste of roast beef and bonito are extremely close."

"You're like a pork curry aficionado, I can't even imagine that you didn't know the difference between the two after eating them."

Just when Onizuka was shaking his head in amazement, suddenly a melody could be heard playing.

"-- A text."

Tiana took out her cell phone and after she read the message......

"--------"

She got really quiet, and exuded grim look completely unlike her usual self.

Onizuka held his breath, it was like the busy supermarket froze for an instant.

Although he tried to asking her "what's the matter," he couldn't get the words out.

Her imposing demeanor completely suppressed him.

After some time......

Tiana slowly put her phone away.

"Oh...... I'm sorry, you were saying something."

At once, she restored her expression even the giant smile on her face, as if nothing happened.

The ice-cold atmosphere just like that was gone.

But......

"Ken-chan, I find it hard to talk about that......"

"......What on earth?"

It was still her usual smile and tone.

But her words were like they came from a totally different person, Onizuka response was short.

Then her natural voice returned to an eerie one:

"I have immediately hurry off somewhere, let me say goodbye here."

The words themselves gave Onizuka a bad premonition.

"......"

Onizuka silently thought -– where you go was your choice, and had nothing to do with me.

Its not like I'm you master and you need to ask permission first. She was just someone who forcibly started to live with him, so its not something he needed to worry about.

"...... What about the curry?"

The shopping basket was already full with the ingredients that Tiana and Onizuka picked out.

They decided to have dinner together, that was why there were so many things.

If it was just Onizuka, he would of simply eat instant curry and not picked out so much.

"It is regrettable that I can't eat Ken-chan's curry, but......"

Tiana's expression looks somewhat lonely, and felt very apologetic.

"The truth is this matter is much more important than food."

-- And the way she said it sounded like she was saying goodbye forever.

### 028. Part 2

The day they first met, Onizuka was still in class A and for an instant she passed by him. That was all it took for him to know she wasn't an ordinary person.

The best proof was the fact she wasn't even enrolled in Babel and yet had knowledge he doesn't. He was fully aware that Tiana has untold secrets, still Onizuka allowed the freeloader to stay with him.

So when they were grocery shopping, and ​​she suddenly told him she had to hurry "somewhere" --

Even if the so-called somewhere was Babel, Onizuka wouldn't say a word.

But ......

If what Tiana said was true, then theoretically it should be impossible for them enter this area. Even one floor below ground it was impossible for an ordinary person to enter.

"It beats me. Actually I'm just following invasion route K-chan supplied. I'm just as confused as Ken-chan on how to get in."

To Onizuka's question, Tiana answered nonchalantly.

"As for my purpose ... ... After all, Ken-chan is an outsider, and doesn't know too much... ... view it as I'm looking for something."

"So who is this go-between, the so-called "K-chan"?"

Inadvertently Tiana blurted out some important information, Onizuka can't help but be surprised.

In fact Onizuka did not mean to pry, he just simply expressed his inner doubts.

What's more he didn't expect Tiana to answer honestly.

He thought she would casually evade the question, or just not tell him anything.

Therefore Onizuka obtained valuable information -- Tiana had at least one comrade.

But ......

"......Outsider? I let said freeloader stay at my house. What do you take me as?"

"Ken-chan is just an ordinary person, I do not want to involve Ken-chan in this."

"..........."

Onizuka fell silent.

In any case, he was also summoned to an alternate world and got special abilities.

Officially, it is for the hope for humanity, but in reality he was being isolated in a special autonomous region.

Tiana unexpectedly called him an "ordinary person".

If she views Onizuka as average, then what is above average?

"I've told you, Ken-chan. It be better for you not to come."

"Even if your going to Babel, I don't care about your reasons."

Onizuka looked up at the dark ceiling.

"This is the last chance to turn back, what are you going to do? This area is top secret, and must be equipped with a lot of security cameras. You do not want get in trouble with the peace preservation corps?"

"Ah, actually that's not a problem. Tonight is a comprehensive system update, all the systems will be temporarily shut down. Don't you find it strange that all the way here there wasn't a single security guard?"

Tiana answered with a smile.

"I didn't think Ken-chan was such an alarmist, and had such little guts."

"AH, you idiot! Remember when you skipped out on the check in the cafeteria, the lunch lady remembered my face! You have already caused me so much trouble. I have to eat lunch there everyday at school and they wouldn't let it slide. I was harmed by you miserably!"

Onizuka snorted.

Having said that, Onizuka could not help thinking --

Even if it is a completely unrelated example, he would still accompany Tiana.

Ever since he met Tiana, Onizuka was slowly accepting his past self that he hated so much. It seems he had been redeemed.

Therefore, when he saw the expression Tiana made after reading the text in the supermarket and when she said, she had tp 'immediately hurry off somewhere.' --

Onizuka suddenly had a premonition that he would never see her again.

...... Damn it!

Onizuka cursed himself in his mind. He really can't make sense of his feelings.

And furthermore he was reluctant to do so.

He simply thought that he couldn't let Tiana go it alone. Onizuka learned that Tiana planned on going to a secret room in Babel when... ...his premonition turned into a conviction.

...... Never mind, I'm thinking to much.

The facts was he inexplicably broke into Babel's underground.

It would be best to help Tiana, and leave here as quick as possible.

Then ......

"--------"

Tiana suddenly stopped.

"Hey, is --"

"--Shhh."

She stopped him him her index finger, before Onizuka could finish his question and then,

"...... There is someone up ahead."

### 029. Part 3

"Well......"

Kyoya muttered to himself while turning off the computer.

When the monitor on his personal computer shut down, the room became wrapped in complete darkness.

The next moment, the sound of the student council room door opening could be heard.

At the same time, the ceiling lights turned on, lighting up the room.

Another member of the student council walked into the room.

It is Uesaki Ryohei, the secretary of the student council.

"Oh, Kyoya you're still here?"

Ryohei noticed Kyoya's presence.

"It's already so late. What are you doing here? At least turn on a light."

"I was just thinking about a few things."

Kyoya replied with the usual smile.

It was like his previously intoxicated with power expression was a lie judging from his ability to immediately appear clam.

Therefore......

"Hmm I see. The student council president indeed works really hard. There are always a lot of things to worry about."

Ryohei shrugged and walked towards his seat. He seemingly accepted what Kyoya said.

Ryohei's response as well as his reaction gave Kyoya a sense of satisfaction.

It also appears that Kyoya didn't look anxious or complacent. He remained as cold as ice, exuding a sense of normalcy.

Even though he is about to realize the ambitions that he had aspired to for many years, there is still no change to his normal calm demeanor.

Then Ryohei suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, that's right. Before the start of the new semester concerning the system update, you're going to ......"

"Naturally it will be conducted as planned."

Kyoya seemingly answered matter of factly--

"-- It will officially launch tomorrow night."

### 030. Part 3

--The morning of that day, Akatsuki went with Miu and Listy to the mall to purchase daily necessities.

Because of a conflict with two juvenile delinquents, Miu was depressed and Listy was crying. Akatsuki gently comforted the girls on the monorail.

However it was in his own special way.

Miu and Listy threw him off the monorail between stations.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help but reflect upon his actions. Indeed three was too many, it should be limited to two.

But ......

......Could it be .....?

When that though crossed Akatsuki's mind, he glanced at something out of the corner of his eyes in the kitchen.

There were dishes drying out next to the sink that caught his eye.

The day before yesterday at the mall they bought three earthenware mugs with molds of animal's faces on them.

A wolf for Akatsuki, a cat for Listy, and of course a rabbit for Miu.

However, Miu's rabbit mug was smashed due to the trouble encountered at the mall. Even if they wanted to buy another one there was no way. The store was out of stock and that was the last rabbit mug. So Akatsuki separated himself from Miu and Listy, and persuaded the shop assistant to give him the contact information for the distributor. Although he had to forcibly purchase it from the warehouse, he bought Miu a brand new rabbit mug.

Akatsuki leaked a wry smile.

When she incidentally found the new rabbit mug on the living room table, Miu's happiness was written all over her face.

Perhaps because of that, Miu has become a little more tolerant of Akatsuki's pranks.

But ......

.....I just wanted to see a happy smile on her face, that was all just to satisfy my own desire.

Well, Miu now looked very pleasing to the eyes, he didn't care so much about the reason.

While countless thoughts popped into his head, Akatsuki unconsciously stopped rubbing Miu's breasts.

"......?"

The somewhat surprised Miu immediately turned around, and silently looked up at Akatsuki.

Her eyes were cloudy, and had a faraway look in them. After having her breasts and butt continuously attacked, Miu showed a small happy smile. But she did not say anything. Whether to continue or to stop is all up to Akatsuki to decide.

......AH, she is too hard headed.

It is good to be happy about the mug, however enduring this embarrassing act as a repayment for such kindness is going too far.

.....How to let her know?

Of course, he could just tell her, but that means that Miu will have to seriously take heed of his words and not disregard them.

It seemed that action was the only way to teach her.

But who is to say that once Akatsuki stopped this prank she would still feel remorseful, and let these strange never-ending special services continue?

Exactly how to do it? The answer was already clear.

...... If turning back is useless, you can only move forward.

Never forget .....

He valued women feelings as the first priority as a hero -- no, as the Rogue hero.

If he took this a little more seriously, Miu immediately would not be able to endure the shamefulness.

Since Miu didn't want to fight back, he could take this opportunity to end the prank.

Then the original relationship between them will be restored. It is a flawless battle plan, almost too perfect.

Akatsuki gently smiled at Miu.

Then.....

"Ah......"

As Miu's expression appeared on her face, she lost all her strength and fell to the floor.

She probably thought Akatsuki intended to give up.

Akatsuki nodded, while showing a compassionate smile.

Mischief was restarted.

"Oh -- It's over now..... Ahhh!"

"Over? Stop talking nonsense. Isn't stopping too unfair to your body?'

Akatsuki laughed and caressed Miu intensely.

Wherever his hands touched he used Renkan Keikikou to refine the Kei in her body, creating a wave of pleasure.

"Mmm ～ ～ ～！"

Her breasts and buttocks were already sensitive, and now her whole body received an enhanced powerful stimulation.

An unbounded expansion of pleasure permeated her whole body.

After a few seconds --

"~Tsun ~tsu.....,fu..... "

Miu just managed to remember to breathe, her whole body was limp and she had lost all of her strength.

So Akatsuki from the top down, untied her pajamas' buttons one by one.

The first one, then the second one all with his teeth. When he opened the third button, her perfectly round boobs could not wait to cast off their shackles and jump out from the pajamas.

However, there was still one button holding her breasts captive.

Under the intense pleasure, Miu's body temperature rapidly rose.

It got so high steam was rising out from her pajamas.

So ......

"Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh......"

After noticing the state her body was in, Miu could't help blushing.

In a moment she could see clearly.

The Kei wave made her chest flush, releasing clouds of vapor. It seemed that her insides rapidly reached their boiling point.

Akatsuki still had her increasingly tender breasts in his hands.

In order to break through Miu's limits, and totally collapse her sense of shame--

Akatsuki was willing to launch a verbal offensive.

"Feeling good enough to smoke? Those truly are some slutty boobs, eh."

"O-only, it's your fault ...... you made my body get hotter and hotter...... I can not control myself ...... so just ...... ah, ahhh!"

Wave after wave of pleasure made Miu feel extremely ashamed, but it was hard to resist those feelings.

So Akatsuki gradually strengthened the offensive, until the adorable Miu rejected those excuses.

Akatsuki thought she couldn't overcome her inner feeling of shame and would eventually fight back, but she laid there weakly paralyzed in his arms. She had no desire to resist.

So ......

"...... Hmm, it seems this is still not enough, must be necessary for more."

Akatsuki was determined.

Currently Miu just passively allowed Akatsuki to manipulate her, but this was not the result he wanted. Now, the intensifying pleasure was only masking Miu's reasoning, and arousing her instinctual desires.

"Ah! You must not... ... if you go any further... ... Ahhh!"

"Do I still have to say it? Of course, this is to punish your slutty boobs, duh."

Still climbing to the highest peak, Miu trembled. Akatsuki's tone was very firm, and hard-nosed.

"Wait and see, I would like to give you a taste of what lies beyond the limits, and suffer the ultimate pleasure."

And now -- A departure bell sounded.

Leaving was the super express train to the ends of paradise via hell, the climax express. The conductor for this train was the Rogue hero.

"Are you ready? Here comes the full course meal -- the infernal massage, lick, suck, poke, twist, pinch, and pull!"

Akatsuki was also ready to use the ultimate weapon -- fresh milk ... ...

Suddenly a figure approached --

"Go to hell alone you pervert !"

When Miu was late in returning, perhaps Listy got worried and came to look for her.

Listy grabbed a nearby frying pan and hit Akatsuki on the back of his head with all her might -- One full swing.

### 031. Part 3

Just as Kaido left, a burly man suddenly appeared in front of Akatsuki. He was wearing oil-stained overalls, and a little stubbly beard with a rough-hewn face.

At first glance he looked to everyone like an obstinate father figure -- Kubota the owner of the workshop.

".....I'm waiting."

Kubota coldly said, before going over to Akatsuki.

Then he went straight to Sleipnir parked outside the workshop.

He was not in a bad mood. Akatsuki knew that Kubota always had this type of attitude.

So Akatsuki nonchalantly followed behind him.

"I'm sorry old man..... Even during spring break, you must be very busy."

"I don't particularly mind. In the first place I handed it over to you, and I suppose I should be in charge of its maintenance."

"Can't thank you enough. I know nothing about machines. I would just have ruined it."

After walking outdoors, Kubota immediately started checking its condition.

First he looked over every inch of Sleipnir with the naked eye.

"...... You seem to treasure this like a baby."

"Would you? I ride up mountains and on top of oceans."

Akatsuki answered.

After all, he came to ask Kubota for maintenance mainly because of driving it on top of the water for quite some time.

Admittedly, it might be difficult say that he believed in Sleipnir's ability to take action, but not enough to cherish it.

But ......

"A professional technician at a glance can see what type of attitude the rider has towards their vehicle. You were a little rough, but not to the point of destroying it."

"Umm, I guess your right."

"The most important thing is that you enjoy the ride. Such intentions are transmitted to the machine. In particular this guy, who picks its owner. At least in my eyes, this ill-tempered and unruly guy is in a fairly good mood today."

"It is?"

"Hmph..... to be able to meet an owner worthy of trust you would also be happy."

Kubota said as he finished the visual inspection.

"There shouldn't be any problems...... but to be prudent I still want to conduct a detailed inspection. And by the way, you should take this opportunity to link with your AD as well. "

"Thanks, but why link with my AD?"

"Vice President Nanase should have given you a new AD, right?"

"Ah, you mean this thing?"

Akatsuki pointed at his wristband.

-- It was the new type AD that Haruka gave him the other day before going to Alayzard.

Originally he needed seven AD's to activate his black magic sword, but now he only needed one.

The new model was originally going to be given out at the end of spring break -- the scheduled start of the new year for the students, but in the fight against Phil/ Zahhaku during the ranking tournament Akatsuki's older model AD broke. So Kubota had the new type of AD delivered to him ahead of schedule.

Kubota confirmed that Akatsuki was wearing the new AD.

"Both the old and new AD use the same telepathic stone as Sleipnir. The biggest difference between the old AD and the new AD is that the latter can lift restrictions according to the user's will, and has a new feature that allows your uniform or other clothes to transform directly into combat clothes."

"I have somewhat heard about that."

Akatsuki looked at the new AD.

"When she handed me this, I remember receiving a similar explanation from Haruka."

"In short, the new model reacts quicker than the old to the user's consciousness."

Kubota added.

"As long as the new AD and Sleipnir's telepathic wave lengths are synchronized to the same frequency, even if both are in separate locations, you can also convey your consciousness through the AD."

"You mean I can remotely control Sleipnir?"

"Yes."

Kubota nodded. Surprised by that, Akatsuki whistled.

"This seems to be quite a useful feature."

But ......

"This ferocious looking motorcycle driving unmanned down the road in the city is sure to terrify anyone passing by on the street. Probably the traffic cops would immediately be called to stop it."

"I can't deny the possibility, but this is a function that in case of an emergency you can call upon the power of this guy to help you weather the storm. At the same time, I believe this guy is happy to have this feature. Either way, it is up to you to determine whether or not is the right occasion to use it."

"Oh ... ... Well, please do that. "

Akatsuki said while looking at Sleipnir.

"If this guy can have greater functionality, naturally it is going to be happier."

At the same time, Akatsuki handed over his AD to Kubota.

"About how long will it take?"

"That depends, however is seems your synchronization is still good, so it shouldn't take that much time. I'll do the adjustment and this guy's maintenance at the same time, but probably won't be done until this evening."

"Well that being the case, I guess I will have to find a place to pass the time."

Akatsuki bowed his head while deep in thought.

"..........."

Suddenly, Kubota looked at Akatsuki, not saying a word.

"......EH? Old man what's wrong? Beating around the bush isn't your style. You're always unfriendly and stern, and do not hesitate to tell it how it is. I don't want to play a guessing game with you."

Akatsuki could not help but frown.

"Since idle is idle......"

Kubota still had on a poker face.

"In the spirit of saving some time why don't you assist me a little -- Ousawa Akatsuki."

### 032. Part 3

Ousawa Miu.

Akatsuki brought her back from the alternate world Akatsuki, rather brought Myuu the Demon King's daughter back.

That name originally belonged to -- Akatsuki's real little sister Ousawa Miu.

Perhaps her fate was not bound by how strong she was. But even if that couldn't be changed, he would at least make it personnel.

If all he could do was be near her side, at the very least he would not let her feel lonely.

Miu wanted to save Sakuya, who was on the verge of losing all control. Gouki's strength at that time would have easily stopped Sakuya -- Akatsuki however had yet to be summoned to an alternate world and could do very little.

Although Sakuya was not part of COCOON at that time, he was already one of the strongest in the world.

Gouki was also one of the strongest in the world, and could have stopped Sakuya.

However, Gouki didn't come back home until it was over.

After all –- Sakuya was stopped from losing all control when Miu broke free from Akatsuki and in front of both Akatsuki and Sakuya's eyes -- she took her own life.

She was unwilling to see her two older brothers endlessly fight over her.

Her final words -- 'This world is wrong.....'

### 033. Part 3

"Well......"

Kaidou Motoharu just sent a text to Tiana and folded his cell phone closed.

At the moment he was at the closest station to JPN Babel.

He was sitting on a platform bench watching the commuters exiting and entering the tram.

The text he sent contained the necessary information on how to take the .

Include with the message was a pdf with blue prints of JPN Babel he covertly made while attending classes. Also included was the best infiltration route, and the most likely place the were being kept. It could be said that Babel's security guards and security system made the campus watertight.

However, it wasn't foolproof. The back up security system had a hole, moreover it was intentional.

Because,

"In the best case...... they can eliminate intruders in one fell swoop."

Babel -- namely COCOON, were most wary of anti-Babel terrorists with special abilities. These terrorists were alternate world returnees who didn't want Babel to manage their lives and preferred to resit the world.

However, only a handful were extremists that take hostile action. Most have chosen to live incognito to escape the reach of Babel, while the extremists were the ones willing to fight on the front lines. After all, Babel or COCOON manages -- rules the world, compared to that power the terrorist's power was far too small. Thus any terrorist actions were limited to guerrilla warfare, such as sabotage or suicide bombers. The best way to lure out these terrorists were to give them an opportunity to attack. For a terrorist this was known as hole.

Then COCOON could eliminate these terrorist they exposed one by one.

Such as Tanaka, who made the training program go out of control.

Or how Phil Burnett took advantage of the undermanned security during the ranking tournament.

"But now, my situation will be very dangerous."

Although Kaidou hadn't let been caught by his short and curlies, he was now up against Hikami Kyouya.

Kyouya was trying to use a long line to catch a big fish -- This was not the first time Kaidou sensed this.

Kaidou tried to keep his free and carefree Babel student lifestyle, he had better bravely jump into the trap...... because the situation had changed.

The calm and collected Hikami Kyouya unexpectedly started to act arbitrary.

If Kyouya was assuming the risk of betraying COCOON, at first glance –-

His goal must be worthy of throwing away being apart of the top of the world -- COCOON.

"Though I hate troublesome things...... I guess I have to take the initiative over there."

It doesn't seem like Hikami Kyouya would betray COCOON, and become an ally of "Crimson Twilight."

A troublesome enemy will be born besides COCOON if "Crimson Twilight" sits back and waits.

It might have been foreseen by their leader Cecil, and was why she ordered Tiana and himself to seize the from Kyouya.

However normally there was no way of knowing where Kyouya was concealing the , or if he even had them. The vast campus had numerous school buildings, furthermore was the gargantuan size of the tower of Babel. Even Kaidou, who was familiar with the campus, couldn't put up a guess to where the were stored.

However their leader Cecil · Endheart inspected Kaidou's floor plans, and after categorically looking over it.

-- She pointed to where the were now being kept in JPN Babel.

That was purely woman's intuition, and there wasn't any corroboration. At first glance it would look like speculation without any basis.

However, that was intuition of the leader of the world's most powerfull terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

"...... Ah, they should be right here."

Kaidou knows that Cecil's intuition had never been wrong before.

That night when the where being delivered, Cecil made it a priority to meet with Akatsuki by chance. She already seemed to know the route was just a decoy.

To be the first to inherit the leadership after the found of the world's most powerfull terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" her strength naturally can not be underestimated.

"Tonight's the......"

Kaidou muttered. The next step in the plan was for Tiana to seize the . Babel was already keeping their eyes on Kaidou, so he will play a diversionary role to scatter the enemy. Kyouya's end game was still unknown. It seemed though the played a very important role in his plan, as long as the were taken from his hands all his plans would be impeded.

On the other hand, if Kyouya had some other goal in mind --

Then at that time......

"Well......it still a good story that ends in murder."

Even if he was up against Hikami Kyouya the result would be the same.

He was only one person, but as long as he teamed with Tiana there was no way they will lose to Kyouya.

While thinking over the odds of success, Kaidou slowly lowered his head.

Since it was the evening, the platform was jam-packed with the after work crowd.

Still sitting on a bench Kaidou Motoharu momentary smiled wryly, but it looked too ghastly to be called bitter smile.

The Monorail Tram also happened to arrive at that same time on the opposite platform.

Kaidou slowly looked up. The shrill look of a terrorist disappeared, replaced by a neutral look.

"......EH? Is that......"

The tram slowly departed. On the other platform among the crowd Kaidou spotted two familiar faces. Even mixed in with the crowd the two striking beautiful young girls attracted his eyes.

Ousawa Miu and Nanase Haruka.

A rather unusual combination. They both had a serious expression, not one found on a holiday outing. They also had several men following a little behind them.

There poise was impeccable, no doubt part of Babel.

Miu and Haruka also seemed to have noticed they were being shadowed.

But they were simply ignoring them.

"Oh, God forbid if I don't already have enough trouble on my plate."

He watched them walk through the ticket gate and start to descend down the escalator. He mumbled as he also took action.

### 034. Part 3

Onizuka looked directly in front of him.

In the dark passageway it wasn't possible to confirm the shadow.

At the end there was probably someone hiding -- right after the bend in a passage.

"..........."

Tiana killed the sound of footsteps, Onizuka followed behind.

After coming to the end, Tiana stuck her head out around the corner to confirm the situation.

"And sure enough, there is a guard, but......"

Tiana was still somewhat surprised.

"The guard has Babel school uniform on, just like Ken-chan's."

"Just like me ... ...a male high school student?"

It was probably someone he knew.

There weren't many students who can appear in this confidential area.

Most likely it was not the Student Council president Hikami Kyoya, but that was also not impossible.

Being part of COCOON Kyoya's face was world-famous, since Tiana didn't recognize him ... ... Then who was it?

......Was it...... secretary Uesaki?

While imagining the possibility that it was Ryohei Uesaki, who is affiliated with Kyoya. Onizuka was able to peer out over Tiana's head to have a look.

"-- EH!?"

He couldn't help but gasp.

Onizuka shrank back right away, to hide his agitation from the other party.

"......Ken-chan!? Is he someone you know?"

Onizuka's reaction was very unnatural, Tiana can't help but question why.

However, her voice didn't register with Onizuka Kenya.

It was not Ryohei Uesaki in the passage ahead.

Still, it was definitely someone Onizuka knew.

....... How did that bastard ended up here .....?

Onizuka was unable to believe what he was seeing was real.

But, it was impossible that he was mistaken.

Even if Onizuka had no interest in other people.....

He remembered his face from the ranking tournament only a few days ago. He will never forget the face that sent him to the medical treatment tower.

There was no need to double check.

The person ahead of them was unquestionably the self proclaimed Hero.

Phil Barnett.

...... How could was that possible? That bastard was done in by Ousawa.....?

He changed himself into higher dimensional being, a huge dragon, and in midst of the fierce fight he was cut in half by Akatsuki. At least that was the story he heard after he awoke in the medical tower.

But Phil was here right now, moreover he was wearing a Babel uniform.

In that case, there was only one possibility to consider.

...... Hikami Kyoya made this guy his pawn.....

Onizuka stood there expressionless.

However -- it was only for a moment. Because ......

"-- Ken-chan."

Tiana suddenly screamed, along with jerking Onizuka's arm back.

Instantly a powerfull shock wave headed towards where he was originally standing.

"Ah ......?"

Tiana supported Onizuka as they forcibly rolled back on the ground, then he realized what happen. An attack invisible to the naked eye was aimed at where he was standing.

He raised his head up, while his attention was on Phil the attack came from behind.

"Its.....its you ... you ...? "

Onizuka Kenya kept standing this time.

It was also a face that Onizuka knew all to well.

But his face was unusually cold, as if it was a completely different person. With a particularly aghast tone Onizuka,

"Are you...... Tanaka ......?"

It was the name of a former classmate.

He was a person whom Onizuka unjustly vented his irritation on.

And the culprit that exploited Onizuka's plan to get revenge on Akatsuki by changing the training program plunging JPN Babel into chaos.

Tanaka slowly started to speak -- in a tone different from what Onizuka remembered. It was inorganic and calm,

"When I heard there was an intruder..... I never thought there was a no way it would be you."

"...... He sounds like a friend of yours, Ken-chan."

Unlike Onizuka, Tiana neatly got to her feet and sighed in relief.

"Although I don't have the qualifications to say so... ... Ken-chan should choose his friend more carefully, uh Huh."

"...... It's none of your business."

Onizuka bitterly remarked to her as he got off the ground.

"-- Oh, did you miss? How useless."

A familiar voice came from behind him. Onizuka did not have to look back to know who it was.

After all, with the noise from that last attack, and in the fist place there was a possibility he was aware of them from the beginning too.

"With only this level of an enemy --"

Phil was interrupted before he could finish.

Because Tiana instantly cut the distant between them and her right fist hit Phil in the gut.

"----------"

The power in the attack caused Phil to slam into the wall behind him.

A loud rumble shook the passageway.

While the reverberations could still be heard after her successful surprise attack she:

"I'm very sorry. You left your body wide open, I could not bear it."

After she finished talking, she immediately turned to face Tanaka next.

"–- Its fine, no need to apologize."

In a sonorous voice, it seemed he wasn't harmed.

Phil Burnett slowly stood up.

"This guy......"

Onizuka involuntarily widened his eyes.

He has seen the extent of his power before.

During the ranking tournament Onizuka fought against Phil, and his level was well above his own.

However, Tiana was powerfull enough to overwhelmed a group of A class students in town. Onizuka knew all to well the formidable power of one of her punches.

It was enough to causally send her opponents through cement walls.

However he received a surprise attack and was calmly standing up.

"What dreadful power. It left several broken ribs, and even some internal bleeding."

Phil smiled, while his whole body began emitting a red phosphorescence glow.

"----"

Upon seeing this, Tiana abruptly narrowed her eyes.

And in a low voice:

"......Oh, I get it."

She paused for a moment.

"It seems -- the have already been transplanted."

"Phoenix ......?"

Upon hearing what Tiana said, Onizuka glared.

He doesn't know whats happening, and doesn't understand how it all lead to this.

However, the word 'Phoenix' actually wasn't so strange.

-- He knew of the biological characteristics that bird.

"There is no way.....he become immortal......that's just too ridiculous."

Standing next to Tiana, Onizuka Kenya asked her in the bitter voice.

But, no one answered his question, furthermore it didn't change their situation.

So ......

...... Damn, why did I choice to go along with her?

Onizuka steeled himself, and everyone else gets ready.

The surrounding atmosphere began to rapidly change.

It was strained almost stifling -- the atmosphere of a battlefield.

No escape.

Phil and Tanaka had them outflank.

In the narrow passage a direct conflict is inevitable.

It wasn't just a fight -- if they wanted to survive.

### 035. Part 4

Plain rice tastes the best immediately after it's cooked.

Regardless eating it as is, enjoying it with a raw egg covered with natto is also very delicious.

Basically there is no substitute for piping hot rice.

However, there are very few cases where such common sense is overturned.

Sushi is one of them.

However, to properly make home-made sushi is not an easy task.

After all, there is a relatively high technical threshold to make sushi, not every housewife has a sushi chef's skill.

Although the bulk of scattered sushi materials can be directly purchased from the supermarket, eggs and peas silk processing still holds a certain degree of difficulty.

The market does sell sushi platters, but they are less appetizing.

Having said that, a relaxing way to enjoy sushi at home still exists.

The answer is ......

"Ah ha ha ~ hand-rolled sushi ~ "

Cheers coming from the living room reached Onizuka Kenya's ears.

Onizuka was standing in the kitchen.

He braved the snowy vapor from the stainless steel stock pot smoke on top of the gas stove.

"Damn... ... Why should I tire myself like a dog? ... ... "

Gazing at the slowly rising steam, Onizuka can't help muttering.

Onizuka is cooking miso soup they way he likes it which is with a clam taste.

Since he lives alone, there is no reason to make miso soup at home when he could always just have instant soup cups.

Not to mention the hand-rolled sushi, Onizuka never even had the idea to eat hand-rolled sushi before.

However, Onizuka is making hand-rolled sushi and miso soup for tonight's dinner.

This is definitely not what Onizuka's menu typically looks like.

There was a certain reason why it had come to this.

"Ken-chan, Ken-chan, I do not want to shake the fan."

An overly familiar voice calls Onizuka with a little bit spoiled tone.

The girl was a freeloader that was temporary living together with Onizuka.

She is Tiana · Randohauze.

"If you insist on eating hand-rolled sushi by all means then just obediently fan it."

That's right!

The whole episode started with Tiana, who was obviously a foreigner, said on a whim "I want to eat good sushi", but then she didn't seem like a foreigner as she started to say "I absolutely must eat sushi with clams and miso soup". This kind of Japanese cuisine is more than what most Japanese adhere to. Onizuka already experienced one of Tiana's outbursts. With her stubborn personality that left no margin for error, no matter how reluctant his heart was Onizuka could only concede.

In the past, it was unthinkable for Onizuka to let a girl lead him around by the nose.

Although he was gradually accepting his fate of being lead around by the nose, Onizuka couldn't help think it was exasperating.

....Ahhhhhhhh....What the hell am I doing? ....

Be that as it may, Onizuka is still somewhat moved.

Even though he hates the hassle more than anything else.

Now he is even willing to cook for someone other than himself.

"I probably took the wrong medicine."

After making the bitter remark, he once more concentrates on the stainless steel pot on a gas stove.

However the time and effort only required a minimum amount of trouble despite being home cooking.

Do-it-yourself sushi is made as follows. First pour the right amount of sweetened vinegar with the boiling rice. Mix unitl it's well-distributed, then add the supermarket bought ready-made sushi, and finally roll it in a layer of nori. As for Onizuka's process for cooking miso soup, next you add the split sand clams to the boiled water, then mixed it with miso soup stock, and at last it is completed.

"Oh, by the way Ken-chan, don't forget to turn off the heat before you add the miso."

"Who do you think you are? Mind your own business, I do not need your meddling."

"Well ... ... This is a little strange to say, but why doesn't this home have a hair dryer?"

Tiana expressed her inner doubts.

Taking advantage of a hair dryer blower feature would reduce the temperature of the rice more efficiently than their fanning.

However, since the day before yesterday the Onizuka's home is without a hairdryer.

The reason is simple ......

"Did you forget? A certain idiot threw it and broke it."

"That is also because some pervert was spying on someone's body."

To Onizuka's displeased voice, Tiana, not to be outdone, immediately retorted with sarcasm.

The now broken hairdryer was cheap anyway, bought when Onizuka first began living in the apartment.

Since it had already been used for a few years, it was nearly at the end of its lifespan.

Then the poor hair dryer was conveniently picked up by Tiana and thrown at Onizuka's forehead. After the hair dryer hit its target, it landed hard on the floor and broke.

Afterwards no matter how many times it is pressed it won't turn on.

"If you cut corners now, the distinctive flavor of the sushi will be greatly affected ... ... Hey! you have to just accept it."

Tiana sighed and continued to fan.

"But having to fan is boring... ... we are space aliens!"

"Stop with these childish antics! Even if you must play, you shouldn't speak into the spinning electric fan so close!"

"This is the lair of the bored devious lion star people!"

"....Okay, okay, I know you're a visitor. I would love to play along with you. Oh, by the way...keep fanning."

A little joking around. This is the first time in his life cooking miso soup.

After some time ......

"Almost right."

After the appropriate amount of time, Onizuka turned off the fire.

Then put the miso seasoning into the pot, stirring it back and forth with chopsticks.

This should be the right recipe. Just to be sure, Onizuka scooped a small amount into the ladle to taste.

The clam's distinctive sweet flavor suddenly spread throughout his mouth.

Its flavor isn't bad. For a beginner it could be considered quite good.

Onizuka stuck his head out from the kitchen, looking towards the living room.

"The miso soup is finished, you over there-"

Only half of the words had to be said.

"Aha, Perfect timing, I just got here a moment ago."

Tiana responds with an innocent smile.

Onizuka's veins suddenly burst out on his temple.

"...... Hey."

"Is there something wrong, Ken-chan? Your appearance is even more ferocious than normal."

"....Where has the vinegar rice gone? "

On the table was an empty platter.

The rice was missing.

Tiana still looked at ease.

"Eh?" Really! did you ask me? I just got here."

"Don't give me that nonsense! One person ate all the vinegar rice! "

"This one... ...the temperature was suitable for the vinegar rice, you must personally eat it to know. "

Tiana sticks her tongue out.

Of course when Tiana offered to help, Onizuka already considered the risk of her eating the vinegar rice.

Therefore Onizuka's solution was to wait until the last moment to bring out the sushi ingredients.

He never imagine that Tiana couldn't wait for all ingredients to be on the table and was capable of wiping out all of the vinegar rice in one breath.

"I'm sorry. I was careless."

"Give me a break! One person eating an amount which is the equivalent to six bowls of steamed rice, still dares to say that was careless?"

The Onizuka household rice cooker could only cook a maximum of three cups of rice.

However, For Tiana's gluttonous stomach clearly three cups of rice was inadequate.

So Onizuka boiled three cups of rice and made Tiana responsible for fanning it, then again quickly prepared three more cups of rice.

Carefully considering all the time needed before it would all have been ready to eat.

Fortunately the sushi material is safe and sound.

Making more vinegar rice shouldn't take too much more time.

"...... Well, you lost."

"Don't be so angry. I know I'm in the wrong, so I left the best part for Ken-chan. "

"The best part? Where is it? I don't see it?"

The platter on the table was completely empty.

There wasn't a trace of the vinegar rice.

Onizuka looked puzzled.

"Really slow, it's here - this · la ~"

Tiana winks her right eye.

At this moment Onizuka finally understood Tiana's meaning.

If you look closely, on Tiana's right cheek is a grain of rice.

Murderous intent burst forth in his mind.

"......"

Onizuka silently reached out–

"What the? It's really strange that you're actually not mad. Yeah. Well, that's good. There's no need to be modest, Don't hesitate to eat it--Huh?"

....He grabbed Tiana's collar and started dragging her.

Through the opened window that was just repaired yesterday, he threw Tiana out onto the veranda.

He shut and locked the windows, and drew back the curtains.

Locking Tiana out of the house.

### 036. Part 4

"Ugh.....careless, I let my guard down."

Listy Sherfied sighed "Whew".

After she made it to the kitchen just in time to stop Akatsuki's disreputable behavior, Listy helped Miu prepare some drinks and snacks. Then they prepared to return to their room on the second floor.

"S-sorry, Listy-san ... ..."

Half way up the stairs, Miu could not help but blush as she turned back to apologize.

Miu evidently heard Listy say "let my guard down" while she was taking to herself.

"Ah, n-not you......I didn't mean to blame you Miu-chan."

Listy quickly shook her head. She wasn't accusing Miu of secretly approaching Akatsuki.

"After all, that big pervert was in the wrong."

She was staring at the back of his head when she said that.

"How can you blame me? The backside of a woman in the kitchen is a man's romantic dream."

After he perceived Listy's less friendly eyes, Akatsuki smiled nonchalantly.

"Tonight......no, from now on when we are in the kitchen you're not allowed in."

Whatever his version of romance was, it was not true romance. The kitchen was for cooking, not flirting ...

Even in their own home they had to watch out for Akatsuki. Listy could not help but sigh, as she walked up the stairs behind Miu.

Miu walked up first holding drinks, while Listy followed holding a wooden tray full of snacks. Naturally they were both taking their time to avoid spilling anything. Then Akatsuki, who was bringing up the rear, suddenly said:

"Hey, Listy what are you wearing.....it looks like my shirt."

With a little sigh he pointed that out.

"The other day, didn't we go and buy you some pajamas? Where are they?

"Umm......"

Oops, he noticed. The awkwardness and embarrassment made Listy's face immediately turn red -- the fact was she liked the pajamas that Akatsuki bought.

Because they were bought just for her and no one else.

Of course, she wore them a few times.

At least that night after going to the mall in the commercial district, Miu and Listy specially wore their new pajamas and staged a fashion show for Akatsuki.

However, wearing his shirts that smelled like him brought Listy an unprecedented sense of security.

For Listy who was raised in Alayzard, this is a strange and unfamiliar world. In her heart she was filled with an indescribable uneasiness. But, when she put on one of his shirts, it was as if Akatsuki was standing beside her, which gave Listy immense courage, allowing her to no longer be afraid of this world.

And today Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka had all come to stay at the Ouswa home.

All those girls had a very close relationship with Akatsuki and Miu.

And Listy believed that they all held some degree of feelings towards Akatsuki, considerably friendly. Because of this constraint, the attitude of the trio towards Akatsuki was also inconveniently positive, but she felt that Ousawa Akatsuki was definitely a romantic interest for them.

Even if they didn't want to be Miu and Listy's enemies, they also hoped Akatsuki would view them in a new light. It's not like Listy didn't understand their feelings. After all Listy had experience being rejected by him once, and Miu held the same feelings.

-- She hoped that Miu will be lenient, and leave a little bit of space in Akatsuki's heart for her.

Listy felt that Chikage was a reliable person that she can depend on in this world, but at the same time she felt a little uneasy about her being a competitor over Akatsuki.

When Akatsuki returned to their world, Miu developed profound feelings for him no less than Listy's, and in a time frame that was a snap of the fingers compared to the years Listy spent with Akatsuki in Alayzard. Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka surely had in the same way built a close relationship with Akatsuki.

Listy could not help thinking –- What about their existence was causing her so much fear?

Perhaps looking though their eyes, she saw how her past self was with Akatsuki. Thinking that, Listy could not help but feel unease. This was not the conclusion she wanted.

However, Listy once again didn't have the courage to declare "I like Akatsuki" to them either.

So as a means to tell the girls through concrete actions her feelings for Akatsuki, Listy chose -- to deliberately wear Akatsuki's shirt in front of them.

### 037. Part 4

Akatsuki's was taken by Kubota to a facility built on the edge of the engineering sector. It had a gigantic open space comparable to the school's arena.

"-- What is this place?"

"Its one of my labs mainly used to test each system."

"Oh ...... after all Old man, your true identity is great professor of Babel."

Akatsuki said, as he looked round.

"..... So, why bring me to such a place? and what do you want me to do?"

"To test a newly developed combat program."

Kubota answered.

"You should have received combat training lessons, right?"

"Well, a couple of times."

Akatsuki said with a wry smile, suddenly remembered something.

"The first class training program went out of control and caused a lot of controversy."

The training program level was significantly increased to the point the students couldn't withstand the power of the summoned chicken snake beast they were to fight against. The program even refused to accept any commands until it finally went on a rampage.

It developed into a seriously dangerous situation as a lot of students fell victim to petrifaction though the cry of the chicken snake beast. When Akatsuki got wind of it in another arena next to that one, he rushed over to defeat the beast.

-- Of course, the person responsible was not the program's designer.

The student terrorist belonged to the same B class as Akatsuki, Tanaka. He intentionally set the program to go out of control.

"-- What do you want me to do exactly? Test a new more stable training program?"

"It is indeed a fighting program, but it has nothing to do with practical combat training used for teaching."

Kubota operated the control panel set in the wall.

"The existing training programs focus on building team chemistry and acquiring practical experience. This new program's purpose is to enhance an individuals fighting capabilities. In order to avoid confusion, just call it an 'exercise program'."

"Hmm...... Okay."

In short, it was a physical education training program, or an exercise program like a sports club training activity.

Although the purpose of both was movement, compared to the former academic course, the latter focus was more on strengthening and developing an individual's ability.

However, Babel always divided them into groups, and the staff was unlikely to force a student to receive training. As long as a student gets enough basic educational subjects credits, their next phase of development was left to the student's discretion.

Therefore Babel school clubs were as varied as any other schools, big and small, liberal arts courses to the physical education clubs, as long as you were student at Babel you could freely sign up and join any club. Of course, not belonging to any club was also allowed. Akatsuki was currently in the go home club.

But the school also opens the training facilities during non-school hours for any students who wanted to enhance their ability to fight and raise their class in the ranking tournament. Kubota had further developed a separate combat program for those individuals.

"-- No way, Are they going to mandatory enforce all students to become stronger from now on?"

The students and the staff in Babel certainly have the possibility of being dispatched as soldiers to the battlefield in case of an emergency.

However recently, COCOON's position as an administrator of the world was rock-solid, and the authority of Babel was also very high, there were now very little wars and conflicts around the world, almost no need to send in troops.

And Babel was an educational institution, not a military force.

At least nominally it was true.

"For a fighter like me, I have no objections. But for some of peaceful students that try to avoid fighting, even they must receive mandatory training?"

Akatsuki's tone revealed an obvious displeasure.

"No, you are mistaken."

The expressionless Kubota shook his head.

"But during the last ranking tournament, didn't an unidentified higher dimension being appear?"

"......Ah."

Akatsuki nodded. Kubota was talking about a young person who was sent after Miu from Alayzard, Phil Barnett. When Phil changed into a dragon he was defeat at the hands of Akatsuki.

"That Dragon, right?"

"Perhaps it was its considerable size, but when they suspended the tournament almost all the students and staff taking refuge saw that dragon flying over head. Although there were no eyewitness that Ousawa Akatsuki took down the dragon, rumors having been running rampant between the students and faculty ....."

Kubota said.

"As a result, a small number of students and staff have put in requests -- hoping to get stronger. Even if they can't defeat a dragon, or reach the same level as the Ousawa Akatsuki, if something happens they don't want to sit on the sidelines and watch."

After a short pause ......

"Do you understand? These people have been inspired by you -- Ousawa Akatsuki."

"Me......?"

"Yes. You were the first person in Babel's history during the Norn screening to be screened as the "True Hero", and you are able to stand toe to toe with the student council, and then during the ranking tournament you defeated a gigantic Dragon. A portion of the schoolgirls sees you as romantic interest, while some people acknowledge your strength and wish to emulate you."

After finishing setting up the controls, Kubota looked at Akatsuki.

"Ready. Come with me, I'll teach you what to do."

"I get that, and I think its an honor to be the motivation for others to become strong, but in my heart I'm not all that happy......"

Akatsuki sighed, then he walk over to Kubota's side.

-- While in Alayzard, Leon was worshiped as the Hero and Akatsuki, the Rogue Hero, was just boy with a sword looking up to him.

...... Headache.

Becoming the target of worship was definitely not a bad thing.

However, the thought of his fighting spirit inspiring everyone, even a pacifist to strive to be like him. In his heart, nevertheless he felt a little sorry.

Akatsuki never claimed to be a Hero, in peacetime he would abandon it and deliberately vilify his own image. However, there will be still many young admirers who would enter the army, and lose their lives on the battlefield.

If you include the people Akatsuki doesn't know, the number should be quite considerable.

Becoming a symbol of hope was the inescapable fate of a Hero.

Due to their existence, the irony was that more people will lose their lives.

"-- I don't know how you will spend your time in this world, or what you will accomplish."

And Kubota said,

"As long as you continue to fight and continue to win, there undoubtedly will be more and more people looking up to you. In fact, you don't have to take responsibility for those people, or be concerned with how it effects the world, but --"

"...... I know."

Akatsuki nodded,

"I still have to be true to myself, and because of that I have no choice. Even if someone was to change because of me, I still can't run away."

In the end, what does it mean to shoulder someone else's feelings......

Ousawa Akatsuki was already somewhat aware.

So he firmly said:

"The only thing I can do for them now is to continue being myself, and live up to their expectations."

### 038. Part 4

After that, Sakuya was chosen to be part of COCOON and became a manager of the world.

As for Gouki he still never came back home.

So ......

"Why ..... What the hell was your reason?"

Fuming with rage Akatsuki gritted his teeth and grabbed Gouki by the collar.

This was obviously an unnecessary move in a fight -– to expose your weaknesses to an enemy was an act of stupidity. If there was such an opportunity it would have been better to launch an attack.

What was more that wasn't his father in front of him. It was just a computer program.

Even so, Akatsuki Ousawa could not help but want to ask to understand.

Then and now, what reason does Gouki have for never being there?

-- Of course, Akatsuki's anger won't reach a computer program.

Gouki lands a hard fist into his diaphragm.

"Guh, uuuhhhhhhhhhhh- ......!"

The shock wave penetrated his body straight out through his back.

Along with the voice of agony, Akatsuki released Gouki's collar.

However, Gouki's attack didn't end there.

The computer program had long ago considered Akatsuki as an evenly matched opponent, and without the slightest hesitation went to pursue and attack. His right foot kicked Akatsuki into the wall, then in a flash ran over to give him a series of attacks.

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~!"

He was unable to dodged the punches to his gut. They were not light by any means, so much so that even making a sound was difficult. Under Gouki's continuous attacks, all Akatsuki could do was grit his teeth and prepare for the worst.

Then .....

The barrage of kicks and punches stopped. Akatsuki was left indented into the wall and unable to move an inch.

In the end -- Gouki put all his power into his right fist and let it loose on Akatsuki face.

BANG! A powerful blast wave that shot into the wall through Akatsuki shook the whole laboratory.

"--------------------------"

".........................."

Gouki turned and walked away.

While Akatsuki crumbled down off the wall to the floor like a broken doll.

### 039. Part 4

As the debug mode Gouki disappeared the exercise program ended.

Because of the special barrier in place all physical damage was converted to mental damage. Even if it was not life-threatening, still the pain felt from the attacks remained. Akatsuki change the flow the Ki inside his body using renkan keikikou to allow his body to recover.

After some time, it recovered to the extent that there wasn't any problem to move around.

"-- Old man, I will be over there shortly."

Akatsuki left the laboratory, and headed to Kubota's workshop.

The sun was gradually setting, lengthening Akatsuki's shadow. It looked like he was chasing his own shadow. After walking for some time......

"......Your back?"

Kubota said while waiting with Sleipnir in front of the workshop.

"How about it --- your impression after trying my exercise program."

"Well...... I did work up a sweat."

Akatsuki smiled.

"For merely killing time its not bad, but I was nearly crushed along with the spare time --"

Akatsuki said while looking down at his fist.

"-- Anyway, I was able to obtain a reward, and I think for anyone trying to get stronger the program isn't that bad."

"Ah...... That's good."

Kubota asked for Akatsuki thoughts, and then changed the subject.

"The maintenance on Sleipnir you asked for and your AD synchronization are complete. Here."

He pick up the AD and threw it towards Akatsuki. He readily caught it with one hand.

"Thanks. This will be a big help."

Akatsuki slipped the AD on his wrist, and tossed the borrowed one back to Kubota.

After Kubota received the AD he turned around and headed to the back.

"I have other things to finish, you better head back quickly. There is a comprehensive system update today. If you are too slow in leaving the campus you will be trapped inside the barrier."

"Eh...... the Old man still has work to do?"

Akatsuki said.

"That was my bad, I would have came back another day when the Old man's talents weren't as needed."

"There is no nothing to worry about. I said system update, but the ones implementing it aren't our engineers. And Hikami Kyouya is overseeing JPN Babel."

Kubota continued,

"In order to facilitate the management and operation of Babel, COCOON needs the most efficient system. However each Babel has very different operational policies drawn up by COCOON, as well as the management of each school. One way or another they are involved in highly classified intelligence, so the system updates have always been handled by COCOON. Then the data and parameters are lowered so that our engineers can manage the system."

"Hmm...... very cautious."

Akatsuki was looking up at the tower of Babel.

"-- In other words, JPN Babel is Hikami Kyouya castle, huh?"

He was looking at the top floor -- the Student Council's room.

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

"..........."

A few days ago, in order to prevent a war between humans and Demons, Akatsuki along with Miu once again visited Alayzard. And when they achieved their goals they returned to this world --

The dimensional shift would have been detected by Babel and recorded on their "Apocalypse" network server. Naturally there was possibility that a system error occurred.

However, there was no response by Babel, who must not let any returnees from alternate worlds slip through.

In other words, someone deleted the record.

"Hikami Kyouya...... did you do a good deed?"

During spring break the school was a ghost town.

A person with proper access to delete a dimensional shift recording from the "Apocalypse" server, which contained highly confidential information on alternate world returnees, would be very limited.

When Akatsuki heard the news from Haruka over the phone, he didn't reveal his inner doubts.

However, if someone entered the server archives and deleted the dimensional shift recording --

The most likely suspect would be Kyouya.

-- Of course, he didn't know what his end game.

That was probably why Haruka said not to be rash.

Even if the perpetrator was someone else, they surly have an ulterior motive.

...... It was probably fine.

Akatsuki turned his back to the tower of Babel.

If they try to harm me or my other companions, Akatsuki will crush them without mercy.

Even if the other person was one of COCOON's managers of the world like -- Hikami Kyouya.

After the end of the battle, they should be able to know the answer.

Not in an exercise program that renders the "past."

Currently, my father and brother are standing at the top of the world –- Its up to me whether or not I have qualifications to confront them.

### 040. Part 4

At the same time......

In the student council room where Haruka had vanished in a bright light in front of him --

Hikami Kyouya maintained a hauntingly quiet smile on his face.

...... Was that a transfer seal she had spoken of? Presumably, that was Ousawa-kun's handy work as a precaution against me, or was it for some other purpose? It seems it was prepared in case an imminent danger were to approach her to activate.

The fact that Haruka failed to escape using it -- must mean she didn't know about the seal.

-- And because of that a potential enemy escaped.

And as a result, my actions will undoubtedly be revealed to Akatsuki.

However -- it didn't matter to Hikami Kyouya.

Because there wasn't any problems.

By the time he learns of the situation, and makes his way to JPN Babel....

All the preparations will have been finalized.

For "Crimson Twilight" they had already invaded the premises, but their opponents have already had the transplanted. They won't be a problem either.

So ......

His gaze moved away from Ousawa Miu lying unconscious on the floor to outside the window.

Hikami Kyouya smiled,

"Now then, all the necessary pieces are in my hands -- Let's assume that this world is already mine."

## References

- ↑ aka Scarlet Dusk

- ↑ temp name

- ↑ temp a nickname like ken-chan is here, oh-chan maybe

- ↑ Miu literately means rabbit

- ↑ ガチンつ Trying to open the door sound

- ↑ Night crawling

- ↑ Japanese slang for thank you in English

- ↑ Cheers!

- ↑ Type of reanimated corpse aka zombie

- ↑ Chicken snake beast

- ↑ Temp Area/ field / domain 領域

### 041. Part 5

"Come on! Ken-chan there's really nothing to be ashamed of ... ..."

Isolated on the veranda, Tiana Randohauze sighed helplessly.

Actually ignoring a grain of rice on a girl's cheek is simply outrageous.

In a way isn't this disrespectful to the farmer?

He should apologize to the farmer.

Frustration aside, Tiana reluctantly took the rice grain off herself, and ate it.

"Fine, now what to do......"

Of course, one way is to break the window, but the window just got fixed and she would also feel somewhat guilty at heart.

-Well, it can be difficult for adolescent boys to act in front of girls.

As a mature woman, I should be lenient and forgive him.

Boil, stir into vinegar after the meal... he probably would have cut it.

Anyway, after he boils some more rice he should cool down a bit. It shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes, I can be patient.

"How should I spend the time waiting?" Tiana looks around the corner.

"Huh? The futon that was hung out during the day was forgotten."

The veranda railing was draped with the futon.

It was the futon that Tiana just bought.

Onizuka usually doesn't have any visitors. Therefore his home isn't equipped to accommodate visitors' needs.

Since Tiana intends to stay there for awhile, she had to purchase a few necessities to be able to live there.

This futon was just used and bought at the store yesterday, and since it was such a beautiful sunny day today, Tiana especially hanged the futon on the porch.

Therefore.....

"Ah, the fluffy baked feeling from the Sun is gone."

Touching the futon draped over the railing, Tiana was unable to hide her disappointment.

However, it can not be helped.

After all, it was all started by Tiana who suddenly said "I want to eat the sushi", while she was forcibly pulling Onizuka out shopping.

After returning home from shopping, Tiana was in good mood and anxiously awaited for the sushi to be made. She had simply forgotten all about the futon hanging on the railing.

"...... Hmm, Come to think of it, I also forgot a very important thing ......"

The puzzled Tiana was about to remember something, she tilted her head–

Suddenly a strong wind blew through the balcony.

This is a commonly seen phenomenon for a spring night.

Tiana was lost in her thoughts, the high winds blew around her side ponytail.

"Ah ......"

The wind gust caused the futon to slowly start to slide off the railing.

The whiteness of the futon in front of her eyes was helplessly falling towards the ground as if it were being swallowed up by the darkness of the night.

However......

"-Oh."

Tiana cried out and quickly stretched out her right hand trying to grab it.

The futon stopped falling.

It was floating in midair for a brief time before it was close enough for Tiana's hands to reach.

Instead of using magic to create a strong wind to blow it up, there seemed to be a thread hooked to it that pulled it up.

The futon is attracted to Tiana's hands, as if by telekinesis.

"That was da-dangerous, because Ken-chan especially bought this futon for me."

Tiana said so while gripping the edge of the futon-

-It wasn't simple magic that Tiana used just now.

Rather those who returned from alternate worlds twice, get a specific ability from the alternate dimension that only they are able to have.

This special abilities included all of the four elements, fire, water, earth, and wind, coupled with elements of light and dark to develop "element magic". Combined with the ability to control space and gravity "physical magic", these returnees have radically different abilities as different as black and white.

This is the concept where a human being gets closer to a higher dimension being.

This differs from the understanding of the common principles of magic. Individuals with these abilities in COCOON and Crimson Twilight are the strongest simply because of this.

They have an overwhelming advantage.

Just when Tiana pulled back the futon-

An electronic sound suddenly rang out from her pocket.

She took out the cell phone while saying, "Yeah, yeah", Tiana pushes the call button.

"Yes, Randohauze."

"Hello there, Tiana you sound energetic."

"Oh, not you leader, what happened?"

"That... ... What do you think?"

A mischievous smile could be felt from the other end of the phone after that little banter.

The other is the leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group Crimson Twilight - Cecil Endheart.

From her tone it seems she is waiting for Tiana to answer.

Therefore Tiana bowed her head. I wonder what,

"Ah ......!"

Tiana is shocked upon realizing what had happened.

"I'm glad, it seems you finally remembered."

The superior tone of Cecil increased her smile.

"No, no, no, I didn't forget. If I remember correctly, it should be called ... ... Yes, !"

"It's the . In addition, you can also go to the meeting place designated earlier now, I was unfortunately slow to anticipate this."

She explained, it was the day before yesterday that Cecil gave her the assignment.

Even if we wanted to remedy it, a degree of damage is already done.

"Umm... ... Leader are you angry?"

"Nope, I'm not angry."

"...... Really?"

"Well ... because like I told you the other day, I gave priority to the "other matter"."

Cecil paused for a moment, then continued to talk:

"You are somewhat more impulsive than some, but you're not a selfish person. At most it's just your instincts telling you how to proceed to the next step. Since the "other matter" is more important, you gave priority to something different than what I asked. It means that you thought that this was the right thing to do. If you gave priority to that request, ignoring what is right in front your eyes, even if you ended up succeeding, I wouldn't have been particularly happy. The reason is simple, because this is not what I particularly enjoy about your style."

That being said, Cecil took a breath and slightly lowered her volume.

"-But then again, your methods still need to be addressed, and cannot be brushed aside."

"That's mean ... ..."

"Hmm. The incident seems to be masterwork of Hikami Kyoya. Not only did he outwit the Japanese government, he even made a fool of COCOON. It's not unexpected that the should already be in his hands."

"The enemy's in fighting may not necessarily be a good thing for the us, but Hikami Kyoya's betrayal seems a little too bold."

"Perhaps Hikami Kyoya believes the have that kind of value. In any event, we can't miss this great opportunity to ... ... Wait, are you interested?"

"Of course. as long the are in Hikami Kyoya's hands, it would be nice if they were taken, right?"

Confronted with Tiana's inquiry, Cecil on the other end of the line returns with an "oh" and nod.

"Kaidou is inside JPN Babel. I can ask him to send the school's layout as well as a plan of approach to you."

Motoharu Kaidou is also one of the members of "Crimson Twilight". When the familiar name hit her ear, Tiana suddenly very much wanted to meet up.

"Oh yeah, Kaido-chan is currently a student JPN Babel."

"That's right, but I don't know whether its fortunate or unfortunate that his identity has already been exposed. Also he has caught the eye of Nanase Haruka, the Vice President of the Student Council and public morals chairman. At most, he can act as a diversion for the enemy."

Cecil concluded.

"Tiana, I entrust the capturing of the to you. I'm merely asking for results I won't pay any attention to your methods, so do whatever you want."

"--How should we handle Hikami Kyoya?"

Suddenly in a low quiet voice Tiana threw out a question.

Then an even colder voice answers the question.

"For that guy to even betray COCOON - who knows what's going to happen? In order to avoid complications, ask him to leave as soon as possible."

".....and never come back?"

"However, he does have some home-court advantage over there. It's not necessary to force him by yourself. After all, the Japanese government researched and cultured the . More then likely there will be some technical problems, plus Hikami Kyoya will unlikely keep them at hand. After obtaining the , if in passing some noise reached COCOON, they will naturally offer to deal with Hikami Kyoya."

"...... Makes sense."

"What's more, if Kaido is at your side, then even if something really goes wrong, as long as it's against Hikami Kyoya, he can be easily beaten if it's two-to-one. That's if it comes down to it -"

At this point, Cecil's tone slightly changed.

"If you feel abduction of the is too difficult, withdrawal won't do any harm. If things get out of control with Hikami Kyoya, any commotion can sink him. He put himself into this situation, so he should know that pretty well. It'll be ready for preventive measures. To sum up, if the need to retreat arises then immediately retreat. You must by all means not miss that opportunity."

"I understand. But on the other hand, if circumstances permit-"

Tiana paused slightly.

"Then I can kill him, right?"

"Its only natural. Those who obstruct our freedom and and the will of the people, should be eradicated."

Even if the other is COCOON, who is positioned at the peak and supervises the world.

We don't have any reasons to make concessions.

There is no reason to retreat, not a tiny bit.

Only those with absolute faith can grasp the truth.

Any person who obstructs our freedom and the will of the people, will not be forgiven.

Because we are "Crimson Twilight".

If my eyes can't see the truth.

Then who will tell me–from now on, what am I supposed to believe?

### 042. Part 5

It is a pathetic story Listy thought.

Her inner anxiety, and lack of self-confidence to not put her courage into words to express her feelings.

Even so, she still desperately insisted on advocating her position.

Her despicable desire to monopolize him. This was not how a dignified Queen should behave, and would put her reputation as Sherfied's "greatest treasure" to shame.

".................."

Listy instinctively stopped on the stairs and looked down at Akatsuki.

"......As long as you're happy, I do not care at all."

Maybe he sensed Listy's embarrassment, Akatsuki seamlessly remarked in passing.

"............Really?"

Listy felt the tenderness in his words and she turned back ahead. Then Akatsuki unabashedly laughed:

"Oh, do you not know? A woman wearing nothing underneath but his t-shirt is also a man's romantic dream. And from this angle -- there is a clear picture of your panties."

"-!"

As expected she could never let her guard down. Listy quickly removed one of her hands from the tray that had the snacks on it, trying to cover her butt.

"All your romance is perverted nonsense!"

She lifted her right foot and was about to kick backwards at that moment.

But ......

"Wow, that was dangerous."

It would have been easily avoided by Akatsuki.

"Ah... ... Wo wo woooooooooo!"

She lost her balance and wobbled on the stairs.

"-- Careful."

Akatsuki stuck out both his hands to support Listy's body -– All ten of his fingers grabbed Listy's butt.

"Eeehhhh! You, you why did you put your hands there!"

"No, this is surly just a reflex......a man's instinct is really scary."

"The really scary thing are the evil thoughts in your head right now!"

Listy was trying to escape from Akatsuki's grasp.

"Hey, don't move around. This is very dangerous."

Akatsuki said so, as he took a few steps forward to right beneath Listy and moved his hands up and down.

"Ah ......"

Listy felt her body float into the air.

He leaned back and used his knee as a fulcrum to lift her up into his arms -- the so-called princess carry.

"You ......! P...put me down!"

Listy instinctively twisted her body bashfully.

"I can't let you down since the staircase is too narrow. The snacks might spill, and that would be bad. So, let me carry you up the stairs. Just make the best of it."

"Umm...... well, okay then."

Listy reluctantly did as he said.

"Listy-san, are you okay?"

Miu stopped ahead of them on the stairs, and anxiously looked back.

"Yeah, I'm fine......it just surprised me, sorry."

A little red in the face Listy nodded.

"Well.....we arrived."

He carried Listy to the second floor, and gently put her down on the floor.

Listy quickly fixed the shirt she was wearing.

"Umm.....Th-Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Hurry back, Izumi and the others are waiting for you."

While saying that Akatsuki opened the door of his room.

"Ah, yes. It's rude to let our guests wait too long."

Miu echoed.

"......I guess it's almost time to conclude things."

Listy muttered. In a very weak voice, that Akatsuki and Miu could barely hear.

"......Listy-san?"

"No, nothing, I'm fine... ... Okay, let's go."

She felt Miu's suspicious glance, and quickly shook her head, exposing a guilty smile.

"Oh...... --- Huh?"

Suddenly, it seemed that Miu had noticed something about her body as she turned around.

To be precise -- about the lower part of her body.

"Eh？ What's the matter, Miu-chan?"

"Umm... ... If I'm wrong, please don't be offended."

Miu looked a little uncomfortable as she responded to Listy cautiously.

"Listy-san, Down there probably......"

"Down there? What's wrong down there?"

Listy, unaware of what happened, looked down at her feet.

"No, umm....I didn't mean that. Down there... ... what are you wearing?"

"...........Eh?"

For a moment she didn't understand what Miu meant.

...... Huh?

And then she finally noticed that her lower body seemed to be exceptionally cool starting from a little while ago. It was exhilarating free, no restraint at all.

So ......

".................."

Listy stood there silently, and slid her hands down Akatsuki's shirt that she was wearing instead of pajamas.

".................."

Her palms slowly moved around, smoothly.

Upon confirming that there was no distinct boundary where the fabric and skin meet --

".................."

An ominous glint was on Listy's face as she jerked her head around.

"Good night! and try not to stay up too late."

Akatsuki said as he was about to enter his room.

He had a bath towel draped over both shoulders, and just a pair of shorts on.

At first glance, there seemed no place to put it.

However in one of the pockets a small piece of pink fabric stuck out. Listy suddenly realized that beyond a doubt, it was when he picked her up for the princess carry -–

But, before Listy could say something, Akatsuki was already in his room.

And "Click" the door was locked.

".................."

Listy stood there in the hallway speechless. Miu also stood beside her awkwardly silent, not knowing what to say next. They both stood there quietly in the hallway.

".................."

Listy silently walked in front of his room.

After knocking the door twice, she then tried to open the door with no regard for an answer.

"Gachin"

However, the door was locked from the inside. It wouldn't budge.

So ......

"......Umm, Listy-san?"

"...................................................Open the door."

After Listy asked in a low voice, she took a deep breath, and with a power that could break the world record for spirometry:

"You, you perverted freak--! Open the door right now!"

Then she started hitting and pounding on the door. Her face turned red as she shouted herself hoarse.

Akatsuki was still unresponsive. Then in an attempt to kick down the door she raised her right leg.

"N-no you can't Listy-san! You will be completely exposed!

Miu yelled aloud in a hurry.

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~!"

Without any other options, she bit down on her lower lip, while bitterly glaring at Akatsuki's door.

It was the middle of the night and at the risk of disturbing the neighbors, Listy Sherfied snapped and shouted:

"Just you wait and see! Tomorrow then, when you walk out of your room it will be your reckoning!"

### 043. Part 5

After roughly explaining to Akatsuki how to use the terminal to control the program, Kubota left the facility.

"It is a really strange development, huh......Exercise Program."

Akatsuki smiled wryly.

Well good. Until Sleipnir's maintenance is complete, he has time to kill, so might as well take this opportunity to move around a little.

Therefore, Akatsuki looked around this place again.

This is a huge space, in addition to the special barrier that converts psychical damage to mental damage the ceilings, walls, and floors also seem to be covered with a barrier that absorbs physical damage and magic. Akatsuki tried to hit a nearby wall.

After a loud bang, he clearly felt his hand hit the wall.

But ......

"Not even a scratch, huh......."

It seems even if he went on a rampage the laboratory would be safe.

Akatsuki's AD is still having its wavelength adjusted, so he is currently wearing another AD provided by Kubota. He put on the new uniform he got from Haruka last night.

He hopes this will be a decent workout –- but it depends on the opponent.

"-- Well, either way, lets get started."

Akatsuki turned to face the Control Panel on the wall.

In Kubota's exercise program, it seems you can select your opponents strength depending on the purpose of the exercise.

The system first measures the persons fighting ability, then change its strength accordingly. On top of that, there are another three modes to choose from.

"NORMAL" the strength of the fighter and opponent are equal. To win the fighter is expected to enhance combat abilities.

"EASY" the strength of the fighter is greater than the opponent. It is usually used for testing weapons or correcting war strategies.

"HARD" the strength of the fighter is weaker than the opponent. The opponent significantly increases its strength for a short period of time.

On default the system automatically choose the appropriate option, but fighter can choose the type of enemy.

Of course, because of Akatsuki's personality, naturally he want to do hard mode, but .....

"Ah, the Old man wanted me to test out the tutorial first. To test out the strength recognition software on a low-level opponent, a warm up then......"

Without a choice, Akatsuki reluctantly pressed the start button on the LCD screen.

Then numerous particles of light began to gather in the center of the laboratory.

The light particles gradually began to take shape, creating a gigantic bird much larger than normal.

He was looking at a cockatrice.

"......Are you kidding me? A cockatrice? This level of a monster is supposed to be a warm up? Skip it. "

Akatsuki disapproved of the cockatrice, and went back to the control panel.

"Oh... ... this one? Nah... ... What about this?"

Akatsuki was still looking at the LCD screen, when the cockatrice suddenly screamed.

Low and heavy footsteps could be heard, the beast was approaching him at an alarming rate.

"-- Noisy."

Akatsuki used his AD to instantly summon a black magical sword -- the .

He swung the sword down behind his back. The flash of his sword, instantly chopped the cockatrice in half.

"....."

It became particles of light and disappeared without a trace.

His AD also respond to Akatsuki intention to fight, and automatically switched his uniform to combat clothes.

"Oh...... these new clothes look just like the Demon King outfit I wore our there."

After countless battles in Alayzard, the AD determined these were the clothes most suitable for Akatsuki.

At the end of the tutorial a messages displayed on the screen.

"Give me a break Old man. This isn't a way to pass the time, its simply a waste of time, okay?"

With a bitter face Akatsuki continued with the control panel. He change the system to hard mode, and now is searching the list of opponents that would seems the most interesting to fight.

Goblin, ogres, orc, cyclops, minotaur, gryphon, cerberus.

The screen showed beasts in the same family as the cockatrice, but.....

"......Not interested."

These monsters levels aren't that much different from the cockatrice.

But still with the level monsters fighting it would be no fun at all. Since you want me to test it out, a strong one would be best.

"Nothing decent, huh......?"

Perhaps further down the list the monsters will be stronger. After thinking that, Akatsuki advanced to bottom of the list.

The last monster was --

"What is this ......UNKNOWN DRAGON?"

Akatsuki moved the cursor over it.

While hovering over the icon the detailed data was displayed, Alayzard's evil dragon Zahark.

"During the ranking tournament he must of secretly captured its data. "

"Hmm", Akatsuki forced a smile.

But according to Kubota, some the teachers and students who witnessed Zahark wanted to get stronger, this is probably why the exercise program was born. It might be significant for them if Zahark were to be listed in the program.

And to Akatsuki, he was definitely a powerful enemy.

Plus in hard mode, Zahark's power undoubtedly will higher now.

"However..... to fight it right here?"

Akatsuki look around to confirm the size of laboratory.

It is a large space, but the space might be a little tight since Zahark was well over twenty meters. If it tried to spread its wings, it simply would not be able to fly around.

For others who wanted to challenge Zahark, the spatial conditions would be very advantageous to them. However in Akatsuki's eyes who wants a good challenge, it totally is not the case.

"That sucks......"

So Akatsuki scroll up the list again, scrolling all the way back to the first page. Until he was pointing the cursor over the Goblin's options.

"Really is useless....."

Akatsuki sighed, and once again moved down the list, returning to Zahark's options.

"Ah... ... what's this all about?"

Akatsuki was stunned for a moment.

He press the menu and nothing happened, Akatsuki pushed it several times, then pushed the right and above options, etc., only to find at the bottom menu option was not Zahark, and there was a new screen never seen before.

"Hey, this is not broke, right?"

While staring at the screen he got an ominous feeling, unexpectedly at the top of the screen it read.

"DEBUG.....What is debug mode？"

It is a special screen only for developers.

It seemed to be because of his indiscriminate actions, unfortunately –- correction, fortunate he hit the jackpot.

By changing the parameters of the program, you can intensity the strength of the program.

"The level limits... ... the difficulty... ... aha, ultimate mode. This looks like fun. "

Akatsuki also search around for some more interesting options, but didn't see any other.

"It seems like a hidden boss and not on the list.....--eh? "

Akatsuki noticed in the lower right corner of the screen in debug mode there was an unnatural data space.

"......"

Nothing was displayed on the screen, but he couldn't look away for some reason. He did wondered why there was such a thing, however it seemed like the space was calling out to him.

Akatsuki subconsciously move the cursor over.

Then he selected the blank space for some reason.

And simultaneously the the blank space now displayed a name.

"G · OUSAWA."

"This is ......"

A little skeptical, Akatsuki pressed the button.

Final confirmation -- YES.

After finally choosing, light particles once again gathered in middle of the laboratory.

Akatsuki's opponent soon appeared before his eyes.

If a person just met Akatsuki for the first time, they might be able to mistake him with this young person. The youth's appearance is almost exactly the same as Akatsuki.

His eye color, physique, hair, and even his fearless smile are a spitting image.

-- However, if you look closely there is little difference between the two.

The youth is slightly taller than Akatsuki, and his hairstyle is different.

Also he has a longer Japanese sword in his hands than Akatsuki.

The youth isn't Akatsuki.

However, it is not a accidental resemblance. Ousawa Akatsuki recognizes the man in front of him.

Akatsuki slowly said:

"Father--"

Exactly.

His opponent was Akatsuki's father -- a young Ousawa Gouki.

### 044. Part 5

Not long after Chikage and Kuzuha had returned to their homes.

Miu Ousawa was greeting a visitor at the door along with with Listy.

It was a teenage girl -- Haruka Nanase, who became a close friend of Miu's.

However, when Haruka once again went to visit the Ouswa home she looked rather gloomy.

Both of them invited her in, while passing through the living room they heard why she was here.

So ......

"The student council president ...... is looking for me?"

Miu heard the situation from Haruka, and puzzled she had unintentionally raised her voice.

Haruka who was sandwiched between Miu and Listy on the sofa made a bitter expression.

"Yes..... He said he had some things that he wanted to talk to you about. I hope you can go to JPN Babel to meet with him."

"That person is a manager of the world, and part of COCOON right?"

Listy made a serious expression.

"Did he discover Miu's true identity?"

"..........."

Miu fell silent after hearing what Listy said.

Listy's speculation was not impossible.

When spring break arrived, Miu and the others went to Alayzard, where they spent about an entire month.

The reason was to stop the war between humans and demons.

After much effort, they finally collectively managed to get a peace treaty signed, and then returned to this world.

However, the reason Miu was prompted to go to Alayzard was because someone was sent after her from Alayzard -- Phil Barnett.

He not only threaten the staff, but destroyed the special barrier system that converts bodily damage into mental damage to infiltrate JPN Babel's ranking tournament. After Akatsuki drove off Phil, and once again saved Miu. Phil then changed into a huge dragon because of a contract he made with the evil dragon Zahhaku in Alayzard. The battle then moved from the training grounds to the city streets where Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and the other student council members fought the dragon.

Akatsuki at the time was poisoned and temporarily unable to fight. When he finally recovered, he rushed over to save Miu and the others. He single handedly defeated Phil in form of a dragon, ending the earth-shattering battle.

-- A month had passed since then.

However, time in this world doesn't pass when you were in an another world.

In this world only about a week has passed since the ranking tournament.

In the middle of the turmoil, JPN Babel learned that Phil Barnett was trying to capture Miu.

Immediately after the incident, Akatsuki and Miu were subjected to questioning from an investigation committee. Miu ultimately got away with the story she made up along with the Akatsuki. But the possibility that Kyouya found some evidence had to be considered.

Of course, Kyouya was in charge of school in JPN Babel and part of COCOON, perhaps he simply wanted to hear it from Miu.

...... What was the President after?

Miu was at a loss as to what to do.

There weren't any problems if it was the latter. All she needed to do was repeat the same story she told to the investigation committee to Kyouya.

However, if Kyouya discovered Miu's true identity .....

That Miu was from an alternate world, she most likely would be arrested.

However there was still the possibility that Kyouya just wanted to hear from Miu, herself. In that case, she was overacting and causing herself unneeded stress that might cause him to become suspicious.

"Haruka-san, do you know what the student President wants of me?"

"I also...... asked why it was so important for the President to meet with you, but...... "

To Miu's question, Haruka gave an apologetic look.

"I have resigned from the student council, and don't know too much. I was only told to try and get you as quickly as possible ..... I'm sorry, I can't be of more help to you."

"Don't say that."

Miu quickly shook her head.

"Haruka-san, because you informed us in advance we now have time to prepare countermeasures."

"Yeah, that's how it is...... Haruka."

Listy nodded, and put her hand on Haruka's shoulder.

"If someone else suddenly came over and questioned Miu she might have exposed her identity and probably would have been taken away on the spot. Fortunately, you are here now and the worst situation can be avoided."

"Ah ......"

Haruka nodded, but still didn't look too happy.

The reason was very simple.

"The people who drove me here are waiting outside. They are the some of the President's most trusted aides and are also looking for you. So we can't hide in here forever."

"...... Uh huh."

Miu nodded.

Kyouya not only assigned Haruka, but as a precaution also assigned other staff members to accompany her. In fact, those staff members had intended to just barge into the Ousawa home. However as courtesy to Haruka, they were temporarily persuaded to wait outside. Therefore Miu didn't have much time to make a decision.

"..........."

Miu took out her cell phone and called Akatsuki.

But it didn't connect. She heard an electronic voice 'the number you are trying to reach is not reachable, please hang up and try again.'

"..... He didn't answer?"

"...... Un."

Listy asked, while Miu just nodded.

She called him several times..... she didn't know if the timing was bad, but untimely she didn't get though to Akatsuki.

"...... I have tried several times, but Ousawa Akatsuki is not picking up."

"Then our only choice is to fend for ourselves."

Back in Alayzard, Miu also came across a similar situation.

During the decisive battle at Gorudono canyon, after Akatsuki sustain severe injuries in the battle with Leon. Miu had to stay in the safety of Forestnium. The patriarch Urumu had placed a conceptual barrier to protect the village. Then Disdiya and Leon sent a letter saying the Wandering forest would be burnt down if she didn't agree to leave Forestnium and become their hostage. Miu had no choice but to do something and ended up become Disdiya's hostage anyway. Fortunately Akatsuki stuck a transfer seal on her body, and was able to rescue Miu in the nick of time. Otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.

...... I do not want to cause any more trouble for that person.

After all, we all decided to work together to support Akatsuki.

So.....

"Umm, Haruka-san ...... "

Ousawa Miu in a quite voice asked .....

Before making the decision she had an important issue.

"In your opinion...... Do you think that person can win against the President?"

### 045. Part 5

The setting sun dyed the sky a fiery red.

The night sky gradually covered the vicinity. This time of the day inspired nostalgic feelings in wandering hearts.

A quite voice could be heard echoing throughout the hallway of JPN Babel's school building.

"Oh...... I'm sorry to hear. Thank you for working so hard."

The owner of that voice -- Uesaki Ryohei quietly pushed the end button on the cell phone.

Ending the call.

Then, he ruminated again the contents of the conversation he had an hour ago.

"......As expected."

Ryohei scratchs the back of his head.

Then Minami standing next to him asks with a wooden expression:

"Ryohei...... are you definite yet?"

"Un, apparently no mistake."

Ryohei suddenly sighed.

"There's nothing we can do about it."

"Ah......"

Minami nodded, and both of them began to slowly walk.

Towards the student council room.

### 046. Part 6

Akatsuki never attempted to open the door, leaving Listy in the hallway sans underwear. She had no choice but to go back to the room where Chikage and the others were waiting.

"Lets go Miu-chan."

"Er, umm......no problem."

Miu nodded with a solemn expression, and cleared throat a few times "Ehem".

"Oh, sorry to keep you waiting ~"

Regaining her composure, Miu spoke while coming inside.

"----------"

Listy followed behind Miu, tightly glued to her back.

Then......

"Oh, welcome back. We waited for you guys."

Chikage said so while greeting them with a smile. She had on a combination of a camisole and frayed hot pants. This was apparently what Chikage wears when she goes to bed.

Next to her Kuzuha had on her pajamas, and Haruka had on her JPN Babel uniform next to her.

"Did something happen just now? I heard a terrible scream."

"I think I heard Ousawa Akatsuki's name -- by any chance did that man do something?"

"No, no, it was nothing....... really it's true."

Miu flailed her hands around as she responded to their questions, trying to attract all of their attention to herself.

"Look, I got you guys some drinks. Everyone must be thirsty, right?"

She put the drinks on the table after saying so.

"-!"

Taking advantage of this chance, Listy casually headed towards her dresser against the wall.

"......"

She pretend as if nothing had happened as she nonchalantly opened her underwear drawer.

After she grabbed a pair of panties she rapidly rolled it into a ball, and pushed the drawer closed.

"-- Oh no, I prepared snacks but I forgot to bring the tray up."

Miu seamlessly created a perfect opportunity for Listy.

So ......

"Oh - that's unfortunate Miu-chan - I can go get it for you - no really - I will do it - I don't mind at all -"

Listy completed the lines they prepared in one breath without stopping for punctuation. Then she immediately left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her she quickly put on the newly acquired underwear, and sighed after finally being able to relax a little. She then picked up the snack tray they left in the hallway.

......One, two, three ......

To not make it look unnatural she calculated in her mind how much time it would take to go the first floor, and head back to the room -–

"Found it. This is it, right Miu-chan?"

She returned to the room while forcing a natural smile on her face.

"W-wow ... ... Thank you Listy-san."

"Ah, don't mention it."

Miu gave her a somewhat stiff smile. Listy then went to sit between Chikage and her.

.......Whew, I somehow got through it.

She now clearly felt the softness of the fabric around her legs, but around her butt she didn't have a similar feeling. She couldn't set aside a lingering feeling as she felt her chest tighten.

"......Huh?"

Chikage remarked. Listy frowned. She noticed Chikage was looking at the hem of Akatsuki's shirt, which she was wearing instead of pajamas, and that her new pair of underwear was partly visible.

.......She has really sharp eyes... ...!

Listy turned pale, a face fit for her hopeless situation.

Although she had barely managed to find the same color panties, Chikage must have noticed the style was different from the ones she wore earlier.

However Chikage,

"Wow......this is delicious. Is this a new item they have at the convenience store?"

Chikage did not mention the change, instead she talked about a entirely different topic.

She definitely noticed -- and was likely to have imagined many things.

Listy was thankful from the bottom of her heart for Chikage's consideration.

So -- in her heart she hoped that these kind of pleasant conversations could go on forever. She thought of how good it would have been if that were possible.

"----"

Listy took a deep breath, and made a serious face.

"...... Please listen to me."

In a quiet......but yet powerful tone she called out to attract everybody's attention.

Waiting until they all focused on her, Listy looked at the three: Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka.

And then asked a question.

"A little while ago, I asked you three something and wanted you to think about when I left the room -- Did all three of you come up with an answer yet?"

### 047. Part 6

"So it turns out like this.....Now I see what Old man Kubota meant."

The time when Akatsuki attempted to tame Sleipnir .....

Kubota said he knew a little bit about Gouki.

.....Oh, that's right

Kubota and Gouki should be about the same age.

Those two people were both around Akatsuki's age, probably the same age of the Gouki standing in front of him, when they were summoned to an alternate world is just getting started. Babel had not been organized yet, and also there weren't that many people who returned from another world. At that time, if those two meet after going through similar circumstances, is would be very natural if they became friends.

"Okay, however that's not why I am here...... "

Akatsuki raised his Black Sword, and took a step forward.

He laughed a little.

"Even if it's just a computer program......I will not miss this opportunity to compete with you! "

With a loud roar, Akatsuki made the first move.

He launch himself forward at full speed.

Closing the distance between the two in no time, then he put all his power into one strike.

But ......

The computer generated Gouki slightly waved his Japanese sword.

"Gakiiiiiin--"

A metallic sound rang out as the Demon sword and Japanese sword slammed together.

"Uhh, Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

Akatsuki's body was sent flying more than a dozen feet backwards.

It was too late for him to adjust his body in the air, he slammed into the wall.

"Gahhh......!"

The strong impact in his back, forced all the oxygen out of his lungs.

He stop breathing for a moment, because of the special barrier there was no possibility that the wall was broken.

However the impact on the human body was not lost. Even so, Akatsuki withstood the pain and got off the ground.

"...... Aha, this is more like it."

Akatsuki laughed fearlessly.

His opponent is one of the most powerful people in the world, and is one of the people Akatsuki must defeat.

Even if this is a hopeless battle, he cannot pass on this a rare fight.

The difficulty of training programs adjusts according to the user's strength, In NORMAL mode the enemies would be evenly matched with the user. However, Gouki is part of debug mode, and appeared as a blank space. It is on a completely different level than the rest.

Then.....the different between himself and his father's power at that time was so much.

Ousawa Akatsuki doesn't actually know how big of a gap in strength there is between him and his father or his brother.

However ......

If he were to able to defeat a young version of his father, it would be tantamount to obtaining the right to challenge those two people.

But on the contrary, if he can't against a virtual opponent, let alone a copy of his father, there is no point. The genuine Gouki would have over many years accumulated much more experience, and is probably a lot stronger.

Plus it is safe to assume that his physical condition is unlikely to decline because of age.

At that very moment Akatsuki thought this was a fight he absolutely can't lose.

-- However, the spectacle that appeared before his eyes was incredible.

The Japanese sword in Gouki's hands disappeared, as if saying it does not need a weapon to face this level an enemy. The computer generated Gouki stood firm with a fearless smile.

"How dare you look down on me ......"

Akatsuki confronted the calm Gouki, unable to hide his inner anger.

"Good, I prefer using my hands anyway... ... Come on!"

He released his magic sword, and walk over to Gouki empty handed. And then at an arm's distance away he stopped.

"I'm a the challenger, so I get the first strike."

After saying that, Akatsuki immediately channeled renkan keikikou.

Concentrating all the kei inside his body into his right fist.

"--Eat my fist, FATHER!"

He drives his right fist into Gouki's face.

"Bakii!"

A dull thud could be heard.

However, even after receiving Akatsuki's fist, Gouki never moved as much as one step from where he was standing.

He stood there grinning at Akatsuki, then in a similar fashion gave Akatsuki a right hook.

"Gah -- Gaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

He felt an acute pain running through his abdomen as he looked down at the ground.

However, he didn't see Gouki standing there.

"Crap -- Above!"

Akatsuki reflexively punches behind himself.

After a muffled bang, he clearly felt the impact of hitting his target.

However his attack didn't land, it was blocked.

Akatsuki turn around after his punch, only to see a furious Gouki with an impending kick awaiting.

He had no time to either defend nor evade.

Gouki's kick landed cleanly, smashing Akatsuki into floor with a vengeance.

### 048. Part 6

Akatsuki seems to have some unknown grudge with COCOON

It's clear from the fact that Akatsuki has repeatedly provoked Kyoya.

Also that Akatsuki feels he must sooner or later defeat Hikami Kyoya.

However COCOON is the manager of this world.

It is fine to challenge him in the ranking tournament, because Babel authorized it as an official fight. However on the other occasions when he challenged Kyoya, I am afraid that can be punishable by the death penalty. Akatsuki also is well aware.

That's why Akatsuki despite all provocations, he will not take the initiative to openly fight him. However it is not because he interested in saving his own neck.

......Perhaps that person.....

Miu thought.

He didn't want to involved her in his dispute, and that's why Akatsuki was being cautious.

However she was not being conceited.

Back in Alayzard before the Demon King Garius died, he entrusted his daughter to the hero Akatsuki.

The Demon King's daughter is Miu.

And the rogue hero Ousawa Akatsuki would keep that promise he made to him.

Since that day, Akatsuki has helped Miu time and time again.

Whether it is when the training program went berserk, or when Phil Barnett/ Zahhaku attacked. He resolve them one after another.

And--

Even still he had to save her from his best friend, the hero Leon Acperio, who was blinded by his hatred of demons. Of course, Akatsuki wasn't the only one who helped Miu at that time.

Listy, Haruka, and Chikage and Kuzuha were involved in the crisis, also Akatsuki without the slightest hesitation moved bravely forward.

I seem to be important to Akatsuki -- Despite the fact she is very happy, she also feels uneasy. If Kyoya hurt everyone, Akatsuki would surely start an all-out war. If that happens, then who will be able to stop Akatsuki.

Perhaps then Akatsuki can't keep his cool, and lets out his animosity and confronts COCOON.

......She only has two options.

Either accept Kyoya's request and go to JPN Babel.

Or refuse Kyoya's request and stay here and wait until Akatsuki returns.

There is no third option.

Its not just about Akatsuki, there are now other people.

The best option for everyone.

That's why she needs to consider the outcome if Kyoya and Akatsuki fight.

After all, choosing to stay here and wait for Akatsuki to return is undoubtedly going to led to a war between the two.

"I --"

Miu still remembers the horror of the icicle that Kyoya made during the entrance examination.

Without particularly concentrating he created a huge icicle in the blink of an eye.

There wasn't a single crack after Akatsuki hit it.

Of course, at that time he was not necessarily that serious either.

But it is the same for Kyoya, hee too was holding back his strength.

Miu believes in Akatsuki's strength, and believes that he will win.

He is stronger and more powerful now than when he confrontation father -- Galious. He has fought several times since then, and anyone can see that Akatsuki got stronger.

So, she doesn't think that Akatsuki will lose.

--However, this is after all just her wishful thinking.

Miu can't just decide this on her own based on her faith in him, she needs to make sure that Akatsuki won't be hurt in the fight with Kyoya.

When Akatsuki was stabbed and seriously injured by Leon, Miu's heart almost broke into pieces.

She suffered an indescribable pain.

.....She thought experiencing this once was enough.

Therefore Miu must eliminate all her emotions, and objectively measure everything.

She must know now, if Ousawa Akatsuki can prevail over one of the strongest in COCOON--Hikami Kyoya.

### 049. Part 6

-- In JPN Babel's student council Uesaki Ryohei serves as a secretary .

When you say "secretary" it refers to writing down the minutes of their meetings, or a person in charge of all the documents.

However, JPN Babel's student council secretary also had another job.

Like Vice President Nanase Haruka who assists the student council president Kyouya, and at the same time serves as the chairman of the discipline committee that the maintained the order and security of the school.

JPN Babel's secretary in addition to transcripts of the student council was also responsible for "information management." A few hours ago, certain information was brought to his attention.

It was data about an unusual event that occurred in this special autonomous region two days ago. It was a report from the that links two or more incidents and accidents together.

The report itself wasn't a problem.

The analysis and details of the accident or incident in the initial investigation and the subsequent investigation were complied into different formats and both showed nothing suspicious.

So naturally this had to do with content.

"The problem is here."

Uesaki Ryohei painfully mutter.

There weren't any problems with the content in the reports.

However, the problem lied in the number on the reports.

Exactly what is the problem?

The file creation date displayed on the screen.

Almost all the written reports were filed today or yesterdays after the events took place.

Only there was an exception -– at midnight the day of the incident. When the highway traffic cameras system failed, and the reports of suspected man-made explosion damaging the tunnel the archive date on that file was three days ago. Which would mean it was created the day before the event occurred.

A very rudimentary mistake was made when someone tried to make a fake report. According to the date on the report the had predicted it would happen.

In fact, it was unnecessary for the to be autonomous. However, this was an error that should never occur.

Inconsistencies in the file creation date and time were held in highest priority to watch out for.

If such a mistake occursed then that leaves only two possibilities.

The person in charge was too careless -–

Or there was a strict order to falsify the prepared data in advance.

A person with any brains would automatically disregard the first possibility, Ryohei naturally was no exception.

After that, a new problem arisen besides determining if the betrayed us.

The report in question, made a reference about quickly blockading a highways around midnight. And that night all the highways in the special autonomous region were sealed off.

However, highways in the special autonomous region were not just simple roads.

They were distribution routes of very significance.

Besides the people in charge of the special autonomous region, COCOON -- namely Kyouya. No one else had the power to block those highways which supply vital goods.

Also in an erroneous report, it mentioned that Kyouya ordered the closure of the highways. Even if this was the acting on their own, specifically stating that COCOON / Kyouya issued the order was undoubtedly asking for trouble.

The only explanation for that erroneous report could be it was all Kyouya's idea.

Just to be sure, Ryohei contacted an acquaintance in the and subsequently confirmed the truth. The name on the account that examined the report that evening turned out to be the corps superintendent general.

As a result, he had a rational reason to believe there was no mistake.

It was because their was absolutely no way the corps superintendent general would have the nerve to betray Kyouya.

...... After all, he was a middle-aged man that Kyouya personally selected to be the superintendent general to be his figurehead. He didn't have any real power.

Then the answer becomes easy.

Kyouya shaped the events that occurred two days ago.

"But Ryohei...... isn't possible this was a secret order from COCOON?"

"Unlikely."

To Minami's possibility Ryohei shook his head.

Denying this possibility.

"If it really was secret order from COCOON, why forge a report? And in first place why publish a highly classified document? After all, a secret operation of COCOON's his high would only be carried out with their personnel."

"Then......"

"Uh huh...... this is an arbitrary decision of Kyouya's."

Mostly likely the superintendent general was called by Kyouya beforehand to make a report in a hurry and panicked. After all, Kyouya was a member of COCOON, and was personally asked and entrusted with an extremely important matter. Because of the tension cause by the urgency not to fail and because of the excitement of gaining a favor from Kyouya the superintendent general presumably lost focus and unknowingly made a mistake. Even the admittedly astute Kyouya miscalculated in the rush.

"...... Does this not need further investigation?"

Minami asked.

"There are several other events related to the highway incident, perhaps......"

"Hmm, there might be a relationship."

Ryohei nodded, and the fact was he was also thinking about such a possibility.

Indeed further investigation may unravel some additional clues and establish a better connection between the incidents, which is likely to clarify the reason behind them. But then, you have to consider the worst case scenario.

"In any case, lets talk to Kyouya first before we explore any deeper than this."

So......

Ryohei and Minami stopped. They have arrived at their destination -- the Student Council room.

Uesaki Ryohei thought -– they had the right to know.

They should know what Kyouya was thinking as well as his plans for the future.

And if Kyouya wasn't taking the right path.

Then this shouldn't fall to other people -- They should stop him.

The reason was very simple.

"We are...... not just Kyouya's subordinates, but his friends."

They opened the door, and walked into the classroom.

To know their best friend's real intentions.

### 050. Part 7

"The thing you asked......?"

Miu wasn't there and had no idea what Listy was talking about. All she could do was stare blankly at her and ask about it.

Once she perceived the seriousness in the atmosphere, Miu no longer pressed the issue. It also seemed that Listy had no intention of repeating herself.

The three girls faces became very serious.

While silently waiting for their answers, Miu turned her gaze towards the three in question who all had serious expressions on their faces.

"-- Ousawa-san, after you left the room to get the drinks, Listy-san asked us something."

On behalf of the other two girls, Kuzuha explained the situation to Miu.

"After leaving Alayzard and coming to live in this world with you and Ousawa-kun -- Listy-san doesn't want her existence to become a burden to the both of you. In the end she wants to enhance her power, or her being here will become a liability. And--"

Kuzuha paused for a moment.

"If she is only going to be a burden, she won't hesitate to return to Alayzard....."

"H-how could you think of doing that!"

Miu watched as Listy panicked and turn away from her.

"......"

Listy remained silent as she dropped her head down with an unusually serious face. Miu fully understood that this was not a joke.

Ah......could it be that.....

Miu suddenly thought back to the conversation they had in the hallway.

It seemed like Listy muttered something like "time to conclude things" before they returned to the room. At the time she thought she misheard her, but apparently that wasn't the case.

However, Ousawa Miu still didn't understand.

"How could you say such a thing? In the park just the other day, didn't we agree from now on to be together forever? And at that time Listy-san agreed, right?"

"Yes, at the time when Miu-chan said that to me...... to be honest, I was really moved. Akatsuki brought me to this world and you were willing to accept me ..... But--"

Listy looked up.

"Because Akatsuki and Miu-chan are too close to me......you may be biased. So I wanted to hear the objective opinions of these three."

"There was no need to go through the trouble......whether it is Chikage-san, Class Rep, or Haruka-san we all hope that you stay!"

Miu couldn't help but raise her voice.

"I thought that's how you'd feel....... emotionally that is, but that's not the answer I want."

Listy showed a lonely smile.

"I don't want a sentimental answer, rather I want everyone to judge if my strength will be any help. In short, when you balance it on a scale -- to which side will it tilt?"

"It's not like --"

Listy didn't have to be concerned about this issue as long as she continued to be near Akatsuki's side. Just like himself -- however, there was not enough time to finish, before Listy cut in.

"I just didn't want to be a burden to everyone."

Listy sighed.

"My coming to this world should have been detected by Babel. If I am unable to explain my presence here, won't it lead to exposing Miu-chan's true identity? It won't just be me who will have to pay the price. I fear that not only will Akatsuki and Miu-chan, but the others will also be in danger. In that case, I might as well--"

"It might be better......if you just go back to Alayzard?"

Miu asked the question with a look of blank amazement, Listy nodded as to say "Yes".

"I already know that creating a hole in the dimension is a way to travel between different worlds. Moreover I'm the same as Miu-chan, as in we are both from Alayzard and our very nature points back there. Just like how everyone came to Alayzard in order to prevent war using the same method I alone can go back to Alayzard."

"It is so, but ......!"

Miu understood her feelings of not wanting to trouble Akatsuki.

And in theory, it won't be impossible for her to go back to Alayzard alone.

But ......

"I'm not going to promise......to let Listy-san return to Alayzard alone."

Ousawa Miu was adamant, and was not going to compromise.

On that day, when the both of them went downtown shopping with Akatsuki, on their way back they stopped off at a park and Listy cried. She snuggled up to Miu's chest, her shoulders were trembling and tears were streaming down her cheeks.

At that time, I said something to Listy.

It was something like, "There is nothing to worry about, because that person is with us -- you will never have to leave".

That's right, I'm certain I said that.

That wasn't said just because it was a spur of the moment kind of thing, absolutely not. Those words were in no way half-hearted.

So......

"......What does everyone else think......?"

Miu looked at Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka. The trust in them could be seen in her eyes.

Even if they thought Listy would only become a burden to everyone –-

She would never leave her.

The first of the three to change her expression was Chikage. Her serious look transformed into a relaxed smile.

"Listy-san, because you asked us so seriously.......and to not be rude, we each considered it seriously for a long time. And then we also exchanged our views with each other, but --"

She paused for a moment.

"-- I'm sorry."

"......"

When she heard Chikage say that, Listy bowed in silence.

"How can......"

It was unbelievable what she just heard. Miu let out a heartbreaking voice.

It was at that time --

...... Ah ......

A small hand grabbed Miu's palms. The small hand didn't come from Listy who was next to her -- but from the person sitting opposite of her, Kuzuha. Looking up, Kuzuha gave her a quiet smile. And the warmth that passed through her hand told her --there was nothing to worry about.

Miu decided to remain silent and leave this matter to her trusted friends.

So ......

"-- Yes, I'm quite sorry."

Haruka said with a stiff face.

"That I worried Listy-san so much, I was waiting until it was all over before telling you..... when we got back Ousawa Akatsuki came to me so we could decide together how to report your presence to Babel. This was my fault."

"I, I didn't mean ... ... I was just afraid that everyone was over straining themselves for me."

Listy was somewhat flustered as she tried to refute Haruka's opinion.

"There's no difference, you felt uneasy and thought you were causing us all trouble. I was one who made you feel that way. It was all because of my incompetence you were so distressed."

"No, you can't say that. The problem was all because of me in the first place."

"If you say that, then isn't it Akatsuki's fault since he brought Miu to this world to begin with? No, it's better to blame Akatsuki for being summoned to Alayzard?"

"Ousawa-kun was born into this world, maybe that itself was the mistake."

"Haha, you're right.......that really was the biggest problem."

Kuzuha's malicious teasing amused Chikage enough to laugh.

"Hey -- Listy-san, do you think the root cause of all the trouble is because you and Miu met Akatsuki? or is the root cause his very existence?

"I, I......"

Confronted with Chikage inquiry, Listy was confused and looked at Miu.

It was not like she didn't want to express her thoughts, it was just that she didn't want to take responsibility in the matter.

Chikage shed her wry smile for a serious one.

"You know Listy-san ......everyone here has helped or burden someone else in some shape or way -- that is, the pluses and minuses on the scales vary depending on each situation. We might be able to help Akatsuki and Miu sometimes, and other times we might become a burden to them. The anxiety that you're feeling doesn't just belong to Listy-san alone. We also feel the same way. Even so, we still want to stay together with each other, contributing as much as possible to Akatsuki and to Miu. We will do whatever we can. I believe Listy-san basically has the same idea ... ... Or am I thinking too much?"

"......No."

Listy shook her head, Chikage suddenly showed a satisfied smile, "that was easy".

"I thought that's how it was. Say, Listy-san in your view you considered yourself a burden and wanted everyone to abandon you. If that's the case then if someone else ever becomes a burden should we abandon them once again? I don't think that's right. Although, under certain circumstances I think it is a necessary evil to cut ties --"

Chikage face was very serious.

"-- However, for Listy-san to completely cut ties on behalf of Miu so she can have a place in this world, and to assist Akatsuki in his ideals. I'm afraid that we need to make the whole world our enemy. This is going to be a daunting task, and will take enormous resolution and awareness. I believe that it is possible for Akatsuki, since I have decide to fight alongside him. For that, absolute trust is necessary."

"Yes......I think so too."

Haruka also nodded and:

"If I continue to stay in Student Council, then I should be able to safely obtain various pieces of useful information. However, this practice of being a double agent really would be impossible with my personality and I feel that I owe the student council more than that. When that time comes I can't guarantee that I won't become a burden to everyone --"

After a short pause ......

"So tomorrow, I have decided to turn in my resignation -- to resolve any doubts in my mind. With that, I will no longer be able to gather information from the Student Council. Admittedly my action is will be detrimental to us, however now I can fight side by side with everyone without any misgivings. I'm sure that I can become a big addition to the team."

"In fact.....you also don't have to worry so much, we figured you would do that."

Kuzuha continued.

"Listy-san is our friend and we want you to stay here with us..... It's that simple. After all, you want to stay with us even if that means becoming an enemy of the entire world, if you can't cherish a person like that than who? Those are the kind of people I want to be friends with, and fight shoulder to shoulder with. This should be a very natural way of thinking."

Then, she turned to look at an empty space, as if remembering a past memory.

"--Ousawa-kun once said 'When a woman wants to cry but is not able to cry, the world is simply wrong'. By the same token, we would find it impossible to smile, if Ousawa-kun and Listy-san cannot smile from the bottom of their hearts in this world. Something must have gone wrong. If Listy-san ends up deciding to return to Alayzard it will undoubtedly take away everyone's smile."

Wasn't that it?

"Because we can't forget the sacrifices Listy-san made for us......"

"But, if......"

"Listy-san intends to temporarily return to Alayzard until Akatsuki and Miu in solve their problems in this world, and then come back?"

Listy tried to rebut Kuzuha's claim, but Chikage saw through her thinking first.

"That certainly might be a way, but so is Listy-san staying with us to support Akatsuki and Miu even if only a little. If we become discouraged or likely to give up, we should all encourage each other, and forge ahead together through any future challenges. Don't you want to do that also?

Chikage continued with a calm smile.

"Listy-san wants us to put emotion aside for the time being, in fact we are eager to confirm your feelings, and not just for Akatsuki's sake. We must know if we are willing to put our lives on the line for each other. I at least can't always hide under Akatsuki's protective umbrella. If Listy-san wishes to stay, and if one of us has a crisis, surely together we can help to alleviate the burden on Akatsuki. There is the possibility of extra points for all of us."

".......I should stay? Is that really okay?"

Listy said with a disbelieving tone.

"I can't think of anything better. Even if Listy-san went back to Alayzard, Ousawa-kun would soon bring you back again. Even if he needs to use unscrupulous means, he won't hesitate."

Kuzuha shrugged.

"Once he decides to do something, no one can change his mind. Listy-san......you should also know his personality, right?"

She said while smiling wryly because:

"I believe this is also the reason why you can't help but fall in love with Ousawa-kun."

".......uh, yeah......!"

Listy nodded while exposing a face that went from crying to smiling.

Upon seeing how fast things got off track, Chikage let out a long sigh.

"-- Ah. Umm, this is our conclusion. What do you think, Miu?"

She responded with a gentle smile.

So ......

"Yeah, thank you ......you guys really are good people."

Miu thanked all three of them from the bottom of her heart.

Then she turned around to Listy sitting next to her, and gently hugged her.

"Miu-chan.....?"

Listy was taken aback.

"I'd like to say it again... ... No, I'll say it a few times, it doesn't matter."

Ousawa Miu's tone was serious.

"Everything will be all right for Listy-san and myself. The same for Chikage-san, Class Rep, Haruka-san -- also that person, because we are all together."

See?

"No matter when, no matter where, we will always be together."

"...... Ah, yes ......together forever ...... sorry ...... I'm sorry ......"

Miu embraced her tighter while gently patting her back. Listy returned the hug.

"Sniff, don't cry so much Listy-san, otherwise --"

Her statement was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.

"...... Huh?"

They were all surprised.

"Ohhh... ... sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."

Akatsuki's voice came through the door.

Miu and the others instinctively looked at each other.

"Uh, is something the matter.....?"

Miu responded on behalf of the others, wanting him to answer from outside the room.

"Ah, it's probably just me being paranoid.....but I feel like someone is crying."

It was just as Miu imagined -– strictly speaking, this should not have come as a surprise.

"-!"

Everyone in the room unintentionally laughed very loudly.

Even Listy who had tears until just a second ago was no exception.

...... Ah.

This was exactly why everyone liked Akatsuki.

Ousawa Miu thought, at this moment, we all are together.

'You're laughing too much, you guys......or is it just my misconception after all?'

Akatsuki said "good night" and was about to leave:

"Not at all......thank you for worrying."

While Miu gently wiped away the tears in the corner of her eyes with a smile, they all spoke at the same time:

"...... Good night."

Miu raised her voice.

At the same time, she added in her heart -- I love you.

### 051. Part 7

Kubota Kaito was watching the spectacle a little ways away.

After returning to the workshop, Kubota monitored the laboratory through a holographic image projected midair while silently doing the maintenance on Sleipnir and linking the AD.

"......"

He even saw Akatsuki accidentally enter into debug mode, Kubota never made a move. After all, Akatsuki choose it on his own.

Even if Akatsuki is at a disadvantage, even if he is in a life-threatening situation, Kubota doesn't have any reasons to stop it.

On the screen, Gouki was just standing there while Akatsuki was laying on the floor. He was slowly rising to his feet. Kubota was watching Akatsuki's expression, it was still composed and he not lost his will to fight.

"......Good."

Kubota muttered.

Not that he had asked him directly, but Kubota Kaito knows what Ousawa Akatsuki's goal is and what he is fighting for.

-- And perhaps what he will do in the future.

That's why, for the possibility of teaching Akatsuki he put in a debug mode.

"The goals you set for yourself and the ideals you set for yourself to live by... ... however only a very small number of people are able to keep that willpower. Ousawa Akatsuki, if you really are unwilling to compromise, if you really are unwilling to back down –-"

Kubota pointed at the screen towards Akatsuki.

"That's a hero's aesthetica, the power to overcome all obstacles. At least that's how the man standing before your eyes did it."

He paused for a moment.

"Gouki's program is based on a tenth of his power during those days. Even if you beat a higher dimensional being during the ranking tournament comparable in strength, maybe even stronger. If you can't win against that Gouki, how can you possibly stand in front of that man now?"

### 052. Part 7

"......"

Haruka after receiving such a serious question from Miu, meditated for a while.

Ousawa Akatsuki and Hikami Kyoya.

Haruka knew both of them, but who on earth is stronger?

For Akatsuki there is no lack of material to base his strength on.

First, outside of the Kubota's workshop she witnessed Akatsuki control Sleipnir beyond the speed of sound.

Then fought one on one with Zahhaku as well as a series of battles in Alayzard.

Akatsuki has demonstrated a tremendous ability to fight.

Haruka has also actually fought with Akatsuki.

They first fought as soon as they met in the student council room, and then on the first night of the ranking tournament. He can't use magic, but his strength is still undeniable.

In addition to hand to hand combat, the level of his swordsmanship is no laughing matter either.

--As for Kyoya?

Haruka has also witness Kyoya fight on several occasions. During combat training along with the other members of the student council, and during a few ranking tournaments. However, he never went all out. Since he is a member of the COCOON he must be really talented, and is basically an unknown.

......Even so, his power was overwhelming.

From those glimpses she can only guess at his true strength.

Haruka tries to imagine the fight between Akatsuki and Kyoya. However they are very different from each other, and can't really be compared. So before making a conclusion, she first put forth her thoughts.

"There are many factors affecting the outcome of a fight. For example the location or time of day will cause different results. Based on what I have seen from Ousawa Akatsuki's past fights, losing really is hard to imagine. But--"

Haruka concluded:

"--If you only compared them in strength, President Hikami is slightly above."

"......"

After hearing Haruka's answer, Miu and Listy fell silent and slightly lowered their heads.

However to Miu's question "Can that person win against the President?" Haruka didn't properly answer it.

Miu didn't feel that she was wrong and comparing them in terms of pure strength it is a simple way to exclude her emotions.

Then Miu slowly raised her head, and looked Haruka in the eyes.

"I understand, Haruka-san. Take me to see the student council President."

"--Miu-chan？"

Listy sitting on the other end of the sofa couldn't help but shout.

Then she stood up from the couch.

"......!"

But she couldn't say anything, because she also understands.

She doesn't know Kyoya's end game, and perhaps he merely wants to hear what happened during the ranking tournament. Therefore, if that's the case, it wouldn't be a problem as long as Miu goes.

But if she refuses the appointment, Kyoya is bound to be suspicious. In that case he will perform an in-depth investigation, and it will inevitablely lead to Akatsuki and Kyoya fighting. Moreover, and it won't be an official duel.

It will be a life-and-death fight, meaning the losing side would die.

It won't necessarily just be Akatsuki, who would be killed.

So Miu has no choice. She slowly got up while smiling.

"Listy-san, continue to stay hidden in the house. Unless that person or I come back, do not come out. Just to be safe, it is best to stay away from the windows."

Haruka stared at Listy, who was biting her lower lip.

Miu came to this world ahead of Listy, and has gradually built up place she feels she belongs. But it is different for Listy.

Of course, Akatsuki and Haruka have already proposed to Listy on how to explain her existence to Babel, while keeping her true identity hidden. Chikage and Kuzuha have also been informed and theoretically it should be sound.

However, the reason why the president wants to interview Miu remains a mystery thus far. The timing of this situation, and Listy's arrival may be the reason.

Haruka couldn't help thinking -- Listy would definitely feel a certain sense of chagrin and regret in her heart.

-- When they left Alayzard to come to this world the dimensional shift would have been detected by JPN Babel and recorded on the "Apocalypse" server.

Miu and Listy are the same as they both are from another world, however Listy's presence here stands out more than Miu's.

Since they don't know Kyoya's end game and Akatsuki is not here, there is no way anyone can say that Listy's presence was not exposed.

And ......

If she decides to stay inside to stall for time, they aids on standing outside will break ins, and then will find Listy here.

Akatsuki would be forced into a no-win situation.

In order to protect Listy, also in order to protect Akatsuki, Miu doesn't have any other choice.

"......"

That's all Haruka's could figure out, and suddenly was sullen and speechless.

"Wait a minute, I want to change my clothes. Not into the old uniform, but the new uniforms I got from you last night."

Miu looked at Haruka.

"Okay then, the new uniform has been designed to be relatively handy. "

The new uniforms can change according to the users will automatically to combat clothes.

At that time regardless of a fight or escape, there would be a much higher success rate.

Miu then left the living room.

Haruka and Listy waited in the living room in silence.

But ......

"-- Umm!"

After hesitating for a while, Haruka suddenly spoke up.

Miu called out half way down the stairs:

"Wait, I want to here the question too."

After Miu came back to, Haruka continue to say:

"--Why do think I was going to ask a question? "

It was like a boulder was putting pressure on her heart when she was asked the question.

Her heart was pounding, resulting in a sense of distance from the others.

"I am part of the student council like Hikami. Maybe I'm just using your concern for Ousawa Akatsuki, and this is all a trick in order to get you to get you there... ... aren't you at least a little skeptical?"

Miu was dumbfounded for a moment, then revealed a gentle smile.

"If that is so, then why would you expose your scheme?"

"This was a desperate move, intended to win your complete trust."

"It is not necessary to say any more, after all, you made your point and now I feel uneasy."

"......"

Miu's face was very clam, but Haruka's face was covered with a layer of haze.

Haruka could not understand, how Miu could readily trust her so much.

Then ......

"Haruka-san...... You are really kind-hearted."

Miu slowly approached her.

After she stood in front of Haruka, her lightly put her hands on Haruka's cheek.

"It is best to take advantage of this opportunity to make one thing clear."

Miu intently stared into Haruka's eyes.

"Nanase Haruka, I completely understand you."

She said in firm and clear tone.

"You believe in yourself more than anyone, you adhere to your own justice, and always carry through to the end. There is no way you would be easily compromised. Even during the situation in Alayzard, you believed in us and fought with all you had. After returning to this world, you dedicated yourself to protecting my new home with all of your heart. And now you are standing in a place I can't even imagine because of Listy and me. Honestly, I can't find any reason to doubt you. So ... ... Please keep this in mind, and never forget."

She paused for a moment.

"No matter what happens, we will always believe in you."

Miu gently embraced Haruka in her arms.

As if trying to convey her thoughts through body warmth --

I will always believe in you.

"......!"

Miu clearly had unconditional trust in her, Haruka can not help but slightly tremble.

Tears almost burst forth from her eyes.

Adhere to your own justice, and choose your own path ......

It really is correct.

How to respond to this should go without saying.

Haruka shouldn't be apprehensive to Miu's words.

And respond to Miu's trust in her--that should be good.

Her tightly wrapped her hands around Miu, and she looked straight ahead at void.

Nanase Haruka must show her resolution.

"Then, I will also protect you."

Her voice was filled with strength.

"-- At any cost."

### 053. Part 7

Surrounded by silence, it was as if the lively commotion of last night's pajama party never happened.

In the Ousawa home only one person remained. Sitting on the sofa in the living room, Listy muttered:

"I see...... this is the first time for me."

Since she followed Akatsuki to this world......

Today was the first time she was left all alone.

...... Very unpleasant.

Anyhow, she still couldn't settle down.

The silence after dusk when the world began to darken brought unspeakable loneliness to Listy.

For Listy, this place was in an unknown country in an unknown world.

Once Akatsuki and her other friends were not around, Listy didn't know what to do.

-- However, now wasn't the time to be complaining.

The reason was very simple.

"Its all my fault......"

Listy muttered.

The reason why Miu and Haruka went to JPN Babel was not entirely for Akatsuki.

It was also because they wanted to keep Listy's existence a secret.

As a result -- intense guilt overwhelmed Listy's heart causing her great suffering.

When she though about how her own existence became a burden to Akatsuki and Miu, Listy was beside herself.

What she wants was to be able to do something for everyone.

She also knows that nothing could be done.

Listy now can only keep silent in order to avoid any more trouble for them. Her powerlessness only added the regrets in her heart. She could no longer withstand the unbearable silence that she brought about.

"......!"

She got up from the sofa and walk out of the living room. Then she walked over to the stairs headed for the second floor.

### 054. Part 8

Akatsuki's appearance caused them to break out into laughter.

It was a a while before they were able to change to other topics.

The heavy atmosphere a little while ago disappeared without a trace. The small room was now brimming with a bright and festive atmosphere.

"Hehe......that was really funny."

At the same time Miu said so she pulled on the neckline of her pajamas, gently fanning herself.

Maybe she got a little too excited and laughed too much, since Miu's body felt hot like she was in an oven. However, it seemed excessive for her body temperature to be this high from just that.

Moreover.

...... Strange ...... Why does it feel as though I'm floating......?

The excitement must be from all these uplifting feelings.

"Hey......this smell is....?"

Suddenly, a sweet fragrance filled the room.

The phytoncide aroma of flowers settled in the air, which had an exceptionally calming effect on the mind.

"Oh, I brought a small bottle of essential oils over today, its aroma is good for relaxation.

Chikage uncovered the mystery behind the aroma.

"They sell this all over the special autonomous region to help with stress. After all, there are a lot of people who found it painful being summoned to a different world. Furthermore when they get back they are forced to live on the artificial island just adding to their stress. There are so many goodies I obtained for relaxation and stress, some of which also have added magical effects. This too is one of them."

"So ......"

Miu took a deep breath, to enjoy the sweet smell.

It was a delightful aroma, but .....

.......it feels like it's getting hotter fast......ah.

Miu untied her pajamas' first and second buttons to let the cool air in, then fanned her chest with the slack, pulling it back and forth.

The air came in contact with her flushed body.

Rather than a feeling like a cooling breeze, it was more like a pleasant tickle.

When Miu looked up, she suddenly noticed that Listy, Kuzuha, and Haruka were all similarly cooling themselves off with their hands or the hems of their pajamas. Out of everyone, Haruka's attire gave the impression that she would be the most uncomfortable.

"Umm Haruka-san, did you not bring pajamas?"

Miu couldn't resist asking her.

"Yes...... but it shouldn't be a problem."

Haruka answered.

"Oh......this might be a good idea."

As she said that, she lifted up her hand with the AD.

Then -- the particles of light changed her uniform into a pair of light pastel colored pajamas.

"Eh? Amazing......how did you do that?"

That was the first time Listy saw an AD transform like that, and she was unable to hide her inner curiosity.

"This is the newly designed school uniform woven from telepathic stone fibers. It functions similarly to our ADs, which can materialize our weapons, since they are made out of the same material. Before I was able to transform my uniform or gym clothes to my combat clothes but...... "

Haruka was explaining the technology of this world.

"Depending on the user's personality traits the AD automatically changes into the most appropriate weapon for the user. By applying this function to the uniforms it now is possible to changed into a wide variety of clothing to suit the time and place......"

"Oh...... It sounds fairly convenient."

Chikage said.

"If I remember correctly, at the end of spring break it will be time for the new term to start. So we should get them then?"

"That is the schedule. However, today I have brought everyone's new uniforms and ADs. Do you want to try it out?"

"I appreciate the thought, but......"

Kuzuha had a somewhat complicated expression.

"I was skipped ahead. The uniforms have to be custom-made for my size......I wonder if it will be all right."

"That's not a problem either."

Haruka smiled.

"Just a moment ago I explained how the new uniform automatically changes to the user's individual characteristics. Of course that also includes size. Probably the only drawback is its durability. Every time you change the telepathic stone fibers wear down."

While saying that Haruka took out the sets of the uniforms and ADs from her knapsack.

"Wow, Thank you Haruka-san ...... "

Next to her Miu received the uniform and AD, then said her thanks.

"Eh.....there's one for me?"

Listy responded with rounded eyes, showing her surprise.

"Yes. It is only natural...... since from now on, you are going to be a fellow companion."

Haruka said with a smile.

"As soon as the admission formalities are completed you are going to be a student the same as us. You just have to wait a little bit before the start of the new term, so please be patient about it."

"Thank you......I am really so happy."

Happy from the bottom of her heart, Listy tightly hugged the uniform handed to her.

"After that, all I have to do is hand Ousawa Akatsuki his uniform. Because of a special exception, he was already given his new model of AD. Can you give him the uniform tomorrow?"

"Not a problem.....Thank you Haruka-san."

Miu took Akatsuki's uniform and put it on top of her dresser in the closet along with hers.

"That......"

When she went to ask if she should put hers away along with the other two, the look in Listy's eyes told her 'don't'! However Listy refused with a gentle smile as she shook her head. Apparently she was very happy to get a uniform, and it seemed like she wanted to embrace it for a while longer.

So Miu consented with a nod, and returned to where she was sitting.

### 055. Part 8

When Miu finally opened her eyes it was already noon.

However, that was not the reason she overslept.

It was because last night's "Test of courage" stimulation was too strong.

When Akatsuki was half asleep, he mercilessly gave the four pleasure until they collapsed from the bliss.

The girls were incapable of resisting, they had no choice but to accept it and fell into a deep sleep.

Only Kuzuha was able to escaped the magic hands of Akatsuki, however it was Chikage that brought the essential oil that led to the drunken deep sleep state. The only exception was Haruka.

Haruka had woken up, and had already left the Ousawa home. She did leave behind a note however.

It said she borrowed the bathroom, and had a prior engagement to get to.

Haruka seemed to have escaped any damage of sexual berserker mode of the half asleep Akatsuki.

Miu herself didn't know how she did it.

......Umm...... I can't remember much of anything......

At that time with Chikage and Listy, Miu's body and mind were completely under the control of the raging storm of pleasure by Akatsuki. After losing consciousness, it was no wonder that she couldn't remember what happened last night.

Akatsuki had already got up before everyone and had gone out. She thought that he mentioned something about needing maintenance for Sleipnir, so now he should be Babel. However, the truth about last night is now more and more of a mystery.

-- However, at the bottom of the note, Haruka wrote "Everyone defended with their lives!" After reading that, Miu was comforted a little. Akatsuki did do other things, however she is afraid to find out exactly what.

"......"

Just when Miu was contemplating.

"......Ousawa-san?"

Suddenly, someone called her name. She turned and looked towards the voice to find it was Kuzuha. Miu quickly regained her awareness.

"Oh, s-sorry. It's nothing, I'm just staring into space....."

Miu had stopped moving her hands. Right now, Miu was combing Kuzuha's hair using a brush.

Because of Akatsuki teasing last night, everybody woke up with a lot of sweat. Like Haruka the first thing they did was have good bath. The four girls divided into two groups, the first was Miu and Kuzuha.

After they bathed, it was Listy and Chikage's turn to use the bathroom. Miu and Kuzuha were fixing their appearance.

.....She called me Ousawa-san, Ah .....

Miu stared at Kuzuha's back sitting in front of her, Miu concealed her inner regret.

After wake up this morning, she had gone back to how she normally calls her name. Apparently, it seem that she doesn't remember a thing from last night.

That was probably impossibility anyway. Kuzuha at that time got fairly drunk off the effects of Chikage's aroma. But, at last Kuzuha, who doesn't let out her feelings, expressed her true feelings. After finally learning her true feelings, she still couldn't do anything.

...... Of course not.

Miu nodded.

"Hey....."

She took the initiative to talk to her irreplaceable friend sitting before her:

"Kuzuha......your hair is very beautiful."

Then,

"Huh--? "

Kuzuha turned her head back to look at Miu.

She had a slightly surprised expression, Miu sat there nonchalantly.

"Are you feeling alright, Kuzuha?"

This was the second time she called her by her first name with a calm tone.

However, since Kuzuha has no recollection of what happened last night, so Miu's move was very abrupt.

Kuzuha's inner desire had unexpectedly come true, and in that moment her cheeks turned red.

"...... No, nothing."

She turned her face forward looking somewhat embarrassed. After seeing such cute behavior, Miu put on a mischievous smile.

"Huh? Kuzuha, somehow your face is all red."

She softly hugged Kuzuha from behind, and lightly tokes her cheek.

Miu actions were implying that she also wants Kuzuha to call her by her name.

Then without a choice Kuzuha sighed.

"Its annoying to say nothing ... ... Miu."

Although the tone somewhat awkward, Kuzuha finally address her as Miu.

Then Miu smiled more brightly and pulled Kuzuha in closer.

No matter how precocious, Kuzuha is still just a kid.

-- And such a cute one at that.

Miu like a spoiled child began to tease Kuzuha.

"One more time Kuzuha ......okay, I want you to call me Miu again."

".....Unpleasant, hurry up and help me with my hair."

"Unless you call me Miu. Come on, hurry up."

"Don't just push someone's head into your chest, okay? You cow."

"Don't be like that! Your response is too cold now!"

Kuzuha said in a awkward way, Miu instinctively raised her voice resentful.

At this time ......

"–-Help, save me!"

The living room door suddenly flung open, and Listy ran in only with a bath towel.

"L-listy-san what happened? "

Miu asked, however Listy only blushed.

"Chikage said she wanted to wash my back, but then –-"

"Oh......""......It's not surprising. "

Both Miu and Kuzuha somewhat understood, as their eyes met for a second.

"There was no need run out so fast, was there?"

Chikage also followed wrapped up in a towel with a wry smile on her face.

After seeing Chikage, Miu can't help thinking--Chikage really had changed a little.

Maybe some weight came off her shoulder's, she looks happier than she was. Thinking back, Chikage has always been considerate of other people's needs. Although her behavior now seems to Miu a little unnatural.

......Must be that person did something.

Miu let out an smile filled with trust.

Akatsuki didn't simply sexual harass everyone last night, rather created a situation in which everyone would have to band together with Chikage, through actions and words to completely free her heart.

The same way that person help Miu up till now.

While she thought "Thank you Akatsuki" in her heart, Miu can't help but say:

"Chikage-san that's no good.....because Listy-san isn't immune to that sort of thing yet."

"From the sound of that sentence, it seems that you have produced immunity, right Miu ....."

Kuzuha said, then......

"Eh--" "Oh ......"

Listy and Chikage both noticed the change in Kuzuha at the same time, and both opened their eyes wide.

Chikage respond immediately.

"You said? Oh ....... "

"..................W-what?"

Chikage now has mischievous smile, as if finding a new toy to play with.

She leaned in close to reduced the height difference to Kuzuha eye level.

"Oh, hello there miss heartless, Kuzuha ..... earlier you called Miu by her first name."

"Uhm..... If you don't mind, can I also call you by your first name."

Kuzuha face turned red as she looked away from the embarrassment.

"Chikage ...... Like that, right?"

But ......

"With this perfunctory tone, how are you going to heal my broken heart?"

"......Then what do you want me to do?"

Kuzuha asked timidly while glancing up at Chikage.

"Well.....call me Chikage-oneechan in a exceptionally cute voice."

".......O-okay. You can get lost right now, stupid."

"Wow, rebellious."

Chikage smiled wryly, then shrugged her shoulders and stood up immediately.

"Listy, we haven't finished washing yet, come back to the bath with me."

"B-but wait..... Chikage？"

Chikage ignored the confused glances from Listy, and grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her out of the living room.

While watching them interacting in their own way, Miu mumbled: "I'm glad ...... "

Letting Chikage organize a sleep over here, really was the right decision. It looks like everyone got closer after all.

The only regret is probably that Akatsuki and Haruka aren't here right now.

Miu really wants to stick out her chest and loudly tell Akatsuki.

We've become really good friends.

But ......

"......I wonder if Haruka is all right?"

Kuzuha heard what Miu muttered, anxiously she said:

"She said she was going to be over latter, but her friendship with the other members of the student council should be deeper than with us. If a student Council Member strongly urge her to stay, I don't know if she'll change her mind....."

"-- Don't worry about it, Kuzuha."

Miu said so in a assertive tone, because she had an absolute confidence.

Last night we promised to support and help each other from now on.

At that time, in Haruka's eyes wasn't a hint of hesitation nor a lie.

### 056. Part 8

A few minutes later -- Haruka walk out of the front door along with Ousawa Miu.

Upon leaving the house, there was a black car from Babel parked in front. After seeing Haruka, the two men got out of the driver seat and the passenger seat.

They were the aids from JPN Babel that Kyoya dispatched.

"We were waiting for you, please this way."

One of them said while holding open the door to the back seat.

"No, we're going to take the monorail back."

Haruka said firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

"You can go back first, I will take Ousawa Miu to the President."

The confined space in the car could be dangerous.

If the student council was aware of Miu's true identity, they could use an odorless and tasteless gas inside the car to knock them out.

"But --"

"--What's the problem?"

The two aids objected, but was turned down by Haruka.

"President Hikami asked that I take Ousawa Miu to the student council, but he did not specify what vehicle must be used."

After coldly saying --

"Come on, let's go."

"Un......"

Haruka takes the nodding Miu's hand, and start walking toward the monorail station.

Then from behind,

"...... Please wait a moment. Let me confirm it with to the president."

One of the aids took out his cell phone, and made a call.

"Huh? There are no bars... ...I can't get a signal, how is that possible?"

"Umm, is it a malfunction? It can't be......there's no one to blame but yourself for not properly maintaining the equipment. Time is precious, we need to get going."

Haruka gloated sarcastically, and began to walk away with Miu leaving the aids.

...... It is the same no matter how many times I try.

Haruka actually released a special type of lightning magic into the air, creating an electromagnetic waves around his body.

It's jamming radius is effective up to one km, all electromagnetic communications are blocked.

As long as the two aids stayed there they would never get through. They only waited for the first call to go through, Haruka and Miu had lost sight of them now. Whatever I choose this, so it is fine.

I've decided to protect Miu.

Haruka's determination can't be swayed.

### 057. Part 8

Listy was not going the room her and Miu's share, rather to the room of the current owner of the Ousawa home -- Akatsuki's.

Standing in front of the door Listy hesitated for a moment.

".........."

After gently turning knob, she opened the door to his room.

She was here along with her other fiends last night to save Chikage.

"Ah......"

Listy was standing in the center of the room, and blushed a little while lightly hugging herself. It is because she recalled last night when Akatsuki was touching her.

Listy could not help but think at that time Haruka never tried and stop Akatsuki –-

What kind of influence do you have on everyone?

If something really bad happens –-

Right now......how can I think of such a thing?

Listy slowly walked to the bed against the wall and sat down on top of it.

She pick up the pillow resting on her lap and wrapped her arms around it.

She tightly hugged the pillow.

Along with the soft feel, she could faintly smell Akatsuki's scent.

"Finally calmed down......"

When she felt a little bit of Akatsuki here, Listy felt relief.

Her entire body relax and she naturally toppled over on top of the bed.

The spring mattress gently supported her body.

"Hurry back ... ... idiot."

After quietly complaining, Listy slowly closed her eyes.

Her cheek pressed up to the pillow is expelled the anxiety in her heart a little.

She could smell Akatsuki's scent as she breathed in, gradually her breathing became lighter and lighter.

Her body gradually warmed as she is slowly sinking into the darkness after closing her eyes.

She immersed herself in this feeling, and lost track of time.

"-- Hey."

After being calling out to, her shoulder were gently shaken a few times.

"Huh......"

Listy slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyelids were heavy it seemed she unconsciously fell asleep.

She looked carefully at the cheeky grin Akatsuki had on before her.

"You were so at ease sleeping in a mans bedroom......I'm gonna have to eat you."

"Food............EH--!?"

Listy had completely awoken, panicking she sprang to her feet.

She saw the marble clock resting on the nightstand, its hand showed she had been asleep for quite some time. Miserable, she originally only wanted to stay for a little while.

"Th-this is......"

Listy's face was flushed red as she tried to collect herself.

"Seeing you sleep so soundly, I really didn't have the heart to wake you."

Akatsuki smiled.

"Since I'm back, you wont need a pillow."

"I-its just, I am......!"

Akatsuki saw through her loneliness at first glance, Listy look very embarrassed.

"Umm... ... why are you all alone? Where did the other one go?"

Akatsuki voice had some displeasure in it, Miu is obviously not home.

Listy said alarmed:

"Y-you got it all wrong! Miu just left with Haruka ... ... "

"The Vice President? Are they out shopping or something?"

Akatsuki nonchalantly asked.

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

--If you nod right now, you will undoubtedly deceive Akatsuki.

"Uh huh ... ... ah, that's right."

Even with extreme disgust in her heart, Listy choose to nod.

Akatsuki is back now, how to explain it to him? Miu and Haruka before leaving had consulted with Listy. Akatsuki clearly holds hostility towards the managers of this world COCOON.

And Hikami Kyouya is part of the COCOON.

Once she reveals his name, there is no guarantee that Akatsuki will not lose his cool. When faced with the formidable opponent sentimentality will undoubtedly lead to defeat. Everyone made up their minds to become the Akatsuki's biggest supporter.

She doesn't want to be protected by Akatsuki forever -- from now on she wants to fight alongside him. However this is not the time for Akatsuki to have a showdown with COCOON.

If it can be avoided, it should be avoided.

"Oh ... ... okay then."

Akatsuki scratched his head, it seemed he accepted Listy's words.

"In that case ... ... Before that one gets back, can you give me a minute? There are some things I want to tell you."

"Yes, of course, but why was so mysterious?"

Its rare for Akatsuki to make such a request.

Actually as long as it was important neither Miu or herself would refuse. By how seriously he requested, this matter should be very important.

Then Akatsuki nodded "Ah", before pausing.

While staring into space with a serious look he continue to say:

"I want to also tell you two about my past."

### 058. Part 9

Haruka's pajamas problems were resolved.

As for the remaining problem --

....... Why is it so hot ......?

Miu simply pulled on the collar of her pajamas, "Patapa" as she vigorously fanned.

Then......

"Ah, after coming here today I've been curious....."

Kuzuha stared straight at Miu.

"Ousawa-san has your chest... ... gotten bigger?"

"Ugh......"

When Miu heard what was said, her hands stopped fanning her chest.

"H-has it? Must just be your imagination, hahaha."

In spite of herself she let out a dry laugh.

"Is it? --Let me see."

Chikage immediately circled behind Miu's back, and with both hands she massaged Miu's breasts.

"Ah ... ...Ch-Chikage-san don't do that!"

Miu instinctively protested.

"Whoa, they really did get bigger......! Considerably larger!"

Chikage said while her hands continued to rub Miu's chest back and forth.

"Compared to when we were in Alayzard the size is completely different than what it was at the hot springs we went to bathe for at least most of the time. You almost can't hold them in your hand anymore. This is called an "unruly" or "uncontrollable" chest."

"S-such praise doesn't make me happy....."

Miu squirmed, trying to break free from Chikage's grasp.

Then Chikage said with a laugh:

"However on the other hand.....it seems it's not just Miu's body that changed.

"W-what does that mean?"

Haruka found Chikage's malicious gaze directed at herself, she suddenly shrank back while blushing.

"The vice-president loves to crack jokes...... you know what I mean."

"Ah, yeah. While in Alayzard the size of my chest did increase a little, and there have been changes in my body's curves......."

Chikage's could resist teasing, but Haruka had honestly confessed to her own changes.

"Yes indeed... ... But then again, I'm not just talking about you two."

Chikage paused for a moment.

"Not to be outdone by both of you, but Class Rep and I have also had changes in our figures. Like the vice-president have become more feminine than I was. As for Class Rep, well it seems that all of us are not quite the same ....."

After seeing all of them sizing up her bodies. Chikage with a mischievous smile watched Kuzuha doing the same beside her.

"Eh, really?"

"......"

Miu involuntarily spoke, causing Kuzuha to fall silent and become disappointed in the thought. It was just as Chikage said, but she does not want to admit though.

Going by Kuzuha's reaction, Miu thought that perhaps she put on a little weight and should apologize.

"No, Class Rep is fine....... Actually I didn't even notice the changes in your body, so you don't need to worry about it."

Miu was trying to comfort her,but it never occurred to her it would have the opposite effect.

"You did not notice at all ...? There is no need to worry ...?"

Along with surprisingly low voice she never heard from her, Kuzuha stared at Miu with murderous intent in her eyes.

"......!"

"Umm...... Cl-Class Rep......?"

Miu timidly asked Kuzuha, who was quietly mumbling to herself with her head down.

Have I inadvertently stepped on a landmine of Kuzuha's?

Then, Kuzuha suddenly looked up and:

"I shrunk! Compared to last year's body measurement I'm even shorter!"

"Oh, is that so ......but there is no need to worry."

Listy tried to comfort Kuzuha.

"With height, there is a certain error margin based on your physical condition for that day."

"...... Five centimeters."

"......What?"

"I shrunk five centimeters. It is completely outside the range of any error margin!"

"Umm, that....."

Feeling the awkwardness Miu's line of sight began to waver.

There was no way that a five centimeter difference could be called an error.

The reason why she failed to notice was probably because they they saw each other every day, and the change was a little bit at a time.

......What do I do?

She couldn't find the words to comfort her. However then, Miu had a flash of inspiration.

"No, it's still fine Class Rep since it's only five centimeters.......because."

She took a breath.

"After I came to this world my bust has increased about ten centimeters!"

"............"

".....Huh?"

She looked back as for some reason Kuzuha fell to the floor.

When Miu caught sight of Kuzuha she could almost see a 'Boom' sound effect left behind. To her side Listy wasn't much better.

"...... Ten centimeters."

"Eh? Li, Listy-san?"

Listy muttered to herself as she held the new uniform closer to her chest and raised her legs up bringing her knees together. The upper half of her body started to involuntary shake and sway.

"Oh, is this what happens when the speaker has no realization of what she is saying? This is scary and cruel....."

Chikage couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Oh well, when it comes down to it, the body of everyone here has changed in some shape or way. I mean there is a common point between all five of us."

"..........."

Chikage's words caused the other four, including Miu to fall silent.

It went without saying what common point the five of them had.

"At the very least we don't have to worry about team chemistry problems."

Chikage made a very bright smile.

"They say when a woman falls in love she becomes the most beautiful. But the truth is that because their female hormones intensify they become more concerned with how others will view them. Therefore when you're beside the person you like, and the person you like is looking at you, you naturally become the most beautiful."

Chikage took a look at Miu's chest.

"In fact massaging your breasts to make them bigger is not an urban legend, and there is a scientific basis for it. By letting the person you like caress your body both the body and the mind will feel an unmatched pleasure. Stimulating the mammary gland to secrete large amounts of female hormones. When that person is looking, the heart's longing for them is even greater and the thought of being touched by them is somewhere in mind. When this deep psychological phenomenon happens regularly it will cause the body to unconsciously react."

"I, I don't want that person to touch any part of me!"

Desperately Miu tried to deny it, but on the other side of her Listy coldly stated:

"...... Liar."

"H-how am I a liar?"

Miu hastily look at her, but Listy deliberately averted her gaze before letting it slip:

"A few days ago on the tram .....and not long ago the kitchen ..... "

"Uwwwaaaaaaaaaaaa."

Miu jumped up to cover Listy's mouth with her hands. "Well well". Upon seeing this, Chikage laughed and came over to smooth things out.

"Actually, what I mean to say is very simple -- and of course, this is a hypothesis only. I think the changes in our bodies come from our subconscious based on the image of ourselves we want Akatsuki to see. Our subconscious projections are actually causing physical changes."

Paused for a moment ......

"Based on that, why don't we just name it the "Ousawa Akatsuki syndrome"."

"..........."

Chikage's naming left the other four speechless.

"What should I do....... it seems like I caught a very serious disease."

Terror struck the room as it fell into absolute silence, only Chikage was overjoyed.

"Calm down, you don't have to fear it so much. It might not be that bad for your body. Perhaps it's just because we are around Akatsuki and it's just a natural change in our bodys' Ki. Just like how Miu from the bottom of her heart hopes that Akatsuki will caressed her breasts. She wants to attract his attention so subconsciously she is making her breasts grow --"

Then Chikage gave an wicked smile to Kuzuha.

"The desire deep inside Class Rep if for Akatsuki to see her as a little sister.....naturally she will gradually shrink."

"-Eh!?"

Kuzuha was already bright red, but now her face become even redder in that moment.

"I, I, Izumi, what do you mean? I don't want that."

"Don't get angry at me this is merely a hypothesis. It also a reasonable explanation for why the Vice-President and I's bodies are becoming more feminine. This mainly comes from our hopes that Akatsuki will see us as true women."

"You don't have the right to decide another person's feelings......I don't feel that way!"

"--Also when you and Akatsuki came back from the Sherfied peace negotiations along with Miu, it seemed to have been the start of the change .....Can you remember what Akatsuki did, or what changed in your heart? Any deep psychological change is an acceptable answer."

"Uhh....."

Haruka found herself at a loss for words. Her face was flushed when she bashfully looked at Miu.

......No, don't look at me! I don't want to be dragged under the water with you!

In her mind Miu screamed.

"So ah ......"

Chikage alternately looked away from Haruka to where Haruka's eyes were pointing, Miu, with a strange grin on her face.

It looks as though she had noticed something was amiss.

......Wah, I'd rather die than say anything......!

Miu tightly pursed her lips, exercising her right to remain silent. Nothing she can say would make her open her mouth.

In any event, it's not possible for anyone to know about the legendary "search for moles" incident that happened at Melissa's brothel.

"Why so nervous?...... I have no intention of getting to the bottom of what happened after the earthenware mug was broken."

Chikage smiled.

"The last one left is just Listy-san."

"Eh.....me?"

Listy stared blankly as Chikage nodded and smiled, and slowly walked over to her side.

"I heard that before Sherfied reclaimed its capital and you were made Queen you used to travel together with Akatsuki. During that time Listy-san was praised as the "Treasure of Sherfied", right?"

"Well ......"

Listy certainly understood what Chikage was hinting at. Chikage smiled, and whispered in her ear:

"You traveled for a long time together, naturally from morning till night. Then, it can't be helped if you become aware..... Listy-san must have been particularly beautiful, right?"

"-!"

Listy suddenly reddened, too embarrassed she buried her face in between her knees.

So ......

After teasing everyone one after another, Chikage was perfectly content and stood up.

"This is only my hypothesis, there is no need to take it too seriously. Maybe the changes in our secondary sex characteristics really has no direct relationship with Akatsuki, nothing else but just that..... Well, I cannot really explain why Class Rep shrunk five centimeters, or why Miu's breasts grew ten centimeters. Perhaps -- Miu's breasts are absorbing all the growth hormone from Class Rep!"

After hearing Chikage's joke, Miu let out a big sigh.

"Come on, how would such a thing be possible. Class Rep, you said it, right? "

"......"

"Cl-Class Rep.....？"

Kuzuha silently stared at Miu, with empty eyes that could cause you to tremble with fear.

"Ah, so actually.....it turned out to be the case ....."

Upon saying that, Kuzuha stood up, and slowly walked towards Miu. It appeared that her body lost all of its spirit. She was swaying from side to side like a walking corpse.

### 059. Part 9

Early in the morning when Haruka Nanase left the Ouswa home she made a promise to herself to return.

On the very top floor of JPN Babel was the student council's room.

Currently there was only Haruka inside.

It was already past noon, as Ryohei and Minami were out for lunch.

Although they both invited Haruka, she had turned them down.

In order to protect Akatsuki, and to protect her other friends Haruka was finally going to fulfill the commitment she made to herself after returning from Alayzard.

On her desk sat a plate with her name and her official position on it.

"-- By doing this..... it will be over."

Haruka said as she shut down her computer.

After she was sure that the computer was completely off, she quietly sighed.

Haruka looked around at the items on her desk --

All this in three days, while performing the duties of the student council, she compiled the data by herself.

Who ever takes over after me, will be able to quickly adapt with these documents and materials.

The documents were printed out put in a folder, a folder was saved on a flash drive, and also there was a system backup on the network server.

"Then ......"

Haruka clutched her left breast.

Her uniform had a breast pocket, in which was an envelope.

In a little while, Kyouya will appear in the student council room.

Over the past few days, Kyouya also seemed particularly busy and she did not have the chance to properly talk with him. But yesterday before she went to the Ouswa home she fortunately met him in the hallway. Kyouya had said when he had time to spare he promised to talk with her.

After Haruka looking at her wrist watch, she slowly stood up from her chair and looked around the room. At the scenery she got so used to seeing.

It is place that Haruka Nanase will cherished forever.

"It's laughable.....me resigning. I am reluctant to leave me this place, but it is for the best."

Haruka said, with a wry smile.

The student council vice-president and the discipline chairman, were the important positions that Haruka Nanase held in JPN Babel.

Before Kyouya was a member of the COCOON, who managed this world, he asked her to join the student council -- Haruka immediately accepted the invitation.

-- The young boys and girls who are summoned to alternate world obtain special abilities when they return.

They are the hope for a better future for mankind, however they possess powerful abilities that some people view as extremely dangerous. Their situation can be said to be very difficult.

No matter how reluctant, alternate world returnees cannot change this fact.

To protect the returnees special institutions exists in each country of the G7, just like the special autonomous region of Babel.

COCOON in essence oversees Babel. COCOON regardless of its age is active in the political arena of each country in the world. Their status in Babel is not just a student, but rather chief executives of the plan for the world.

COCOON provides assistance to administer Babel, and all of them are adults.

-- But, throughout the Babel's all over the world the only exception is JPN Babel. Hikami Kyouya did not have to throw away his status as a student, and conducts the management of the organization as a student council president.

Babel protects practically only boys and girls in their teens.

Moreover, these teenagers were suddenly summoned to alternate worlds with no warning. They had to struggle to survive, and desperately fight to find a way back home. After they barely manage to get back to their original world, they are forced into special autonomous regions.

For physically and mentally immature adolescents this is undoubtedly a cruel fate. Only a person in the same situation can begin to understand their inner pain.

In order prevent those returnees from being hurt any further she wanted a student or staff member with a similar viewpoint in charge of Babel's operation, and he was exactly her idea of the perfect candidate.

So when Kyouya asked her, Haruka did not hesitate to join the student council.

If her own power and effort could help their plight even a little -–

Naturally she put her whole heart and soul into it.

Haruka secretly swore.

In addition to the post of the Vice President, she voluntarily took the initiative to be part of the discipline committee. She does not want to see returnees get lost in their own power, or for them to feel inferior and feel that the future is bleak. In an attempt to reduce fights even a little between students, and as the president of the discipline committee she voluntarily stood on the front lines.

She has never regretted how she got to this point, and that wont ever change even in the future.

Haruka Nanase can only boast about her time spent as a member of the student government.

In fact she will continue to use her power to protect all of the students.

......But ......

Haruka closed her eyes, and silently shook her head.

Now, she wants to protect other people.

Also in her heart, she has a new dream.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- Ousawa Miu -- Listy Sherfied

As well as herself, Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuhais are committed to protecting those three.

She decided to work as one with them, and fight alongside them.

So I don't belong here anymore. After all, concealing Miu and Listy's true identity is in clear violation of policies of Babel and COCOON.

And even if she is on a different path, the members of the student council are still important companions to Haruka. She doesn't want to lie in order to stay near them, that would be tantamount to betraying them.

-- When people in key positions in Babel leave the Office, in order to prevent confidential information from leaking out, magical seals are placed on those memories.

These magical seals can never be removed.

However, Nanase Haruka doesn't care.

When she first joined the student council she was informed on the matter. This way, there will be no doubts of her betraying Kyouya, all of concerns about Haruka would be dealt with.

So in order for her to protect Akatsuki and others with pride it was a necessary step for Haruka.

-- And at last, the moment had finally arrived.

The door to the student council quietly opened.

JPN Babel's student council president, and one of COCOON's supervisors of the world -- Hikami Kyouya walked in.

### 060. Part 9

After receiving a series of attacks from the computer program in the form of Gouki, Akatsuki physical body actually received damage.

However ......

.......I can......hate......！

Akatsuki was crawling across the ground his consciousness was more and more vague.

-- If his consciousness gets any worse, the exercise program should automatically end. Continuing to fight could be life-threatening. He needs to give up his meaningless pride and admitted defeat.

After all, this Gouki is simply the exercise program using an analog that appears to be a person.

It is not a real person.

Still, he has definitely got stronger as he exchanged blows with his sword and fists.

The effectiveness of exercise program is undeniable.

As long as he continues to work hard, someday final victory will be his.

"......this Bull**** doesn't make any sense."

Ousawa Akatsuki sneered while slowly getting up from the ground.

His vision was blurry, he no strength left in his arms or legs.

His injuries were not light, his whole body was screaming from the pain. He was wobbling on his feet to the point of almost falling over.

But, Ousawa Akatsuki will not throw away his pride.

His eyes are looking towards his future self, and can't averted them from his present powerlessness.

Isn't this the same as back then, when he lost his little sister.

He started to recall. What he had lost, and what he had gained.

Back when he lost Leon in Alayzard.

Originally he thought he would fall into a abyss of despair, but yet he had to force himself to obtained power.

He had to master renkan keikikou's power, because he will never let a tragedy like that repeat itself. And yet, if he were to choice to give up now, wouldn't that mean all this effort to this point was meaningless.

So ......

"----"

After noticing Akatsuki got up again, the program created Gouki immediately turned around.

"Very good ... ... Come on."

Akatsuki smiled.

He will never be beaten by his father. Whether it is the person himself, or computer program that was written by using his past data it is the same.

Then wining is the only option.

Here and now, I will win.

But......his whole body is worn out and completely unable to move.

Perhaps due to receiving such serious damage, his brain signals aren't communicating with every nook of his body.

What can he do?

Therefore Akatsuki must try something new for the first time.

He is going to manipulate the Kei in his body, and raise the physical limits of his body. And then send an endless supply of Kei to certain parts of the body. Making it possible to dramatically strengthen that part to fight.

So ......

"Theoretically, its not impossible."

After muttering ......

Ousawa Akatsuki will use renkan keikikou -- to manipulate his "brain".

### 061. Part 9

After the sun set, the night sky was about to fall.

By the time Haruka brought Miu to JPN Babel campus, they were already surrounded by the darkness.

"There seems to be no one here......"

Walking beside her Miu said in an uneasy voice.

Haruka returned "Yes" with a nod.

"Its now spring break, plus the comprehensive systems updated is tonight. Except for a few staff members, no one else is allowed to be in the school."

However, the number of guards increased to be on the safe side in case of terrorism.

However, to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of this opportunity to create chaos, the security level was enhanced.

Moreover not just by increasing the number of guards, but improving the fundamentals.

...... It seems to be starting.

Haruka confirmed the reaction with her wristband that only members of the student government have.

In addition to the boundary system that converts physical damage to mental damage--

Babel currently launch another system designed to confront illegal invaders.

It was named the "guardian beast system" security program.

Like the training program the that summons monsters. Once an unknown power fluctuation is detected or a fight is detected, immediately Guardian beasts are summoned to suppress the situation.

"But for us...... this may not be a good thing."

Haruka continued,

"In case things go wrong -- we would be considered the enemy."

"Ah...... that's right"

After seeing Miu quietly nodded, Haruka once again reminded herself to be on alert.

She couldn't forget where they are, also couldn't forget their next move. This was JPN Babel, an organization that manages all things related to alternate worlds. In case Miu's true identity was exposed, they both would to charged with serious violations of the rules and immediately restrained. Sill it was the worst case scenario, but they must be prepared for it.

If this should happen and their fears become reality. Their only chance was to give it their all at escaping to join up with Akatsuki. Then they could determine what to in the future.

At that time it might be possible to flee to a third world country where Babel doesn't have a special autonomous region -- No, even then getting fake identities to illegally enter may be impossible.

Haruka already contacted Kuzuha and Chikage and informed them on the possibilities. Including of course the worst case scenario.

...... But......

Nanase Haruka couldn't help but thinking that today they are going to be fortunate, and they shouldn't encounter this bad end.

Last night everyone spent the night at the Ousawa home.

At that time everyone had reached a consensus, and decided on the path they wanted to take.

Therefore everyone was already prepared in their hearts.

In case of an emergency, Kuzuha and Chikage will team up and then take action together. There was nothing to worry about.

Besides the student council may not know Miu's true identity.

Perhaps it was all just baseless fear.

So Nanase Haruka spoke her inner desire,

"Let's go and end this quickly...... and return to Ousawa Akatsuki's side."

### 062. Prologue - The Future Cannot be Avoided

## Prologue - The Future cannot be Avoided

### Part 1

It is an eerily cold silence.

At night the JPN Babel Student Council room is like a silent world.

In the darkness a silhouette of a person is cast from a single light source.

A square liquid crystal display fills the room with superfluous light.

It is JPN Babel's student council president's, also Japan's COCOON representative's -- Hikami Kyoya's personal computer. Real-time updates are constantly appearing on the screen.

It is current displaying the status of the special autonomous region established in Japan for the people who have returned from the alternate worlds.

At the top of JPN Babel is Kyoya, who is responsible for coordinating all matters in the special autonomous region. Therefore Kyoya must compile the various information related to the special autonomous region.

While Kyoya is looking at the monitor, his smile quietly deepens.

Then he mutters:

"Movement, and I believe he......"

### Part 2

Hikami Kyoya is examining the gathered intelligence.

He is primarily looking at a series of events that took place in the evening two days ago to early morning yesterday.

These are the records of the special antonymous region -- a huge artificial island floating in Tokyo Bay.

That night, Kyoya requested some kind of "substance" to be transported to the special antonymous region.

It is a substance that has manifested in this world, a lower dimension. The substance is from a high-dimensional life form -- the Japanese Government researched and cultured cells under the utmost secrecy.

Kyoya had already obtained them, the so called - or .

He even had to steal to get them.

However, the Japanese government can not condemn Kyoya's act.

After all, COCOON is responsible for co-ordination and management of all technology and abilities learned from alternate worlds.

He was named a permanent member to the new United Nations -- the G7 -- although COCOON assisted in establishing the special antonymous region and Babel in Japan, the Japanese Government isn't allowed to research or develop other world technology.

Therefore the Japanese Government's experiment is in violation of the rules set forth by COCOON.

Basically the shouldn't exist.

Even if they were stolen, it cannot be made public.

"Can't let the cat out of bag, they still have to continue keeping it a secret ... ..."

In order to transport the at any cost, beforehand Kyoya arranged several decoys to distract the enemy.

However many of these decoys were destroyed –- furthermore to maintain the utmost secrecy, only a few had known that they were decoys to begin with.

The Japanese government does not want the existence of to be announced to the world. Therefore recapturing the through any means is to be expected. Kyoya has never denied that the Japanese government's involvement is a possibility.

However the Japanese government's intelligence capability is quite extraordinary to have already locked onto so many decoys.

Even the nearly impossible to expose decoys have been attacked one after another.

In addition, they even attacked anyone potentiality linked to a decoy.

Only individuals or groups on equal footing with COCOON would have the ability to do that.

However COCOON doesn't need act in such a roundabout manner to condemn Kyoya's unauthorized actions. They can directly enforce punitive damages on Kyoya.

More importantly, Kyoya did not yet violate any laws in COCOON's eyes.

After all, Kyoya's "scheme" is predicated on the truth being concealed from COCOON.

This type of feat took considerable skill.

Therefore there may be only one possible answer.

Kyoya firmly believes that -- Crimson Twilight will act.

They should already be aware that Kyoya perpetrated the robbery.

However Hikami Kyoya's smile is still as bright as before.

"I'm very sorry, the have already fallen into my hands."

Kyoya is calmly reflecting over the current situation.

Re-examining all of the chess pieces on the board -- including his own.

In the first place, other than COCOON it is impossible to find out about the current situation.

The top secret research regarding high-dimensional beings betrayed COCOON's overall plan on alternate worlds. Thus it is impossible for the Japanese government to spontaneously confess to their crimes.

Moreover from Crimson Twilight's standpoint, it should be better if Kyoya has the rather than COCOON.

After all, compared to the heavily fortified COCOON headquarters, stealing the from JPN Babel school is much less difficult.

Kyoya is naturally fully prepared and ready at any time for a counterattack.

However, this is an indisputable fact that has already been perceived by the enemy.

It seems that it is necessary to speed up the pace for the whole scheme.

Granted it doesn't hurt to figure out what the problems are. At least the leadership role rests in his own hands.

Basically, there doesn't appear to be any hitches in Kyoya's plan.

Reluctantly saying so, probably only one individual constitutes an element of uncertainty -- and Kyoya is unable to predict the latent nature of that enemy's action.

Kyoya said in a pleasant tone the name of that uncertain element:

"I've got a head start Ousawa-kun ... ... What will you do next?"

Kyoya is smiling from ear to ear gazing at the gauge on the computer screen.

The gauge shows the degree of progress made on his current project.

After obtaining the , officially the scheme enters into its second phase. Also, the second phase is now on the verge of being completed.

According to the original plan, tomorrow the curtain drops on the third phase.

At that time no one will be able to stop Kyoya.

Not even COCOON's strongest -- Michael Arcruid.

Naturally using the same logic, it is possible to stop Kyoya at this stage.

If COCOON finds out about the current situation everything will go up in smoke.

Kyoya will lose all his power and status in COCOON, and maybe even lose his precious life.

Even if he luckily got away with the robbery, from now on he will not be able to do whatever he pleases.

Naturally Kyoya has his reasons for selecting such a risky plan.

That's because of Ousawa Miu.

Kyoya discovered a major "secret" concerning Miu.

The Norn screening named her as the "True Hero" Ousawa Akatsuki's little sister.

However that fabricated identity was merely for her to exist in this world.

Hikami Kyoya is very clear.

Her true identity is that she grew up in a alternate world of Alayzard as the Demon King's daughter -· Myuu.

Many teenagers have been summoned to alternate worlds for more than 30 years now. However, the case of inhabitants from alternate worlds coming to this world has never been officially documented.

A very rare case of tenancy.

Miu is undoubtedly a very rare object to study.

However, that was fundamentally regarded as nothing, after Kyoya become aware of a gargantuan secret.

Let alone Akatsuki, even Miu doesn't realize her secret.

That is -- Ousawa Miu is in fact an ultra high-dimensional being.

Ultra high-dimensional beings have the ability to manipulate all phenomenon. Once you obtain this kind of ability, undoubtedly you can dominate the entire world -- This is what the "Y Plan" entails.

Kyoya has the chance to achieve COCOON's ultimate goal.

A once in a blue moon chance.

Hikami Kyoya will absolutely not miss this opportunity.

To obtain the ultra high-dimensional Miu and grasp the absolute power inside her.

When that moment comes he will transcend everything, becoming an existence on an equal footing with God.

### Part 3

"Well......"

Kyoya muttered to himself while turning off the computer.

When the monitor on his personal computer shut down, the room became wrapped in complete darkness.

The next moment, the sound of the student council room door opening could be heard.

At the same time, the ceiling lights turned on, lighting up the room.

Another member of the student council walked into the room.

It is Uesaki Ryohei, the secretary of the student council.

"Oh, Kyoya you're still here?"

Ryohei noticed Kyoya's presence.

"It's already so late. What are you doing here? At least turn on a light."

"I was just thinking about a few things."

Kyoya replied with the usual smile.

It was like his previously intoxicated with power expression was a lie judging from his ability to immediately appear clam.

Therefore......

"Hmm I see. The student council president indeed works really hard. There are always a lot of things to worry about."

Ryohei shrugged and walked towards his seat. He seemingly accepted what Kyoya said.

Ryohei's response as well as his reaction gave Kyoya a sense of satisfaction.

It also appears that Kyoya didn't look anxious or complacent. He remained as cold as ice, exuding a sense of normalcy.

Even though he is about to realize the ambitions that he had aspired to for many years, there is still no change to his normal calm demeanor.

Then Ryohei suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, that's right. Before the start of the new semester concerning the system update, you're going to ......"

"Naturally it will be conducted as planned."

Kyoya seemingly answered matter of factly--

"-- It will officially launch tomorrow night."

### Part 4

Plain rice tastes the best immediately after it's cooked.

Regardless eating it as is, enjoying it with a raw egg covered with natto is also very delicious.

Basically there is no substitute for piping hot rice.

However, there are very few cases where such common sense is overturned.

Sushi is one of them.

However, to properly make home-made sushi is not an easy task.

After all, there is a relatively high technical threshold to make sushi, not every housewife has a sushi chef's skill.

Although the bulk of scattered sushi materials can be directly purchased from the supermarket, eggs and peas silk processing still holds a certain degree of difficulty.

The market does sell sushi platters, but they are less appetizing.

Having said that, a relaxing way to enjoy sushi at home still exists.

The answer is ......

"Ah ha ha ~ hand-rolled sushi ~ "

Cheers coming from the living room reached Onizuka Kenya's ears.

Onizuka was standing in the kitchen.

He braved the snowy vapor from the stainless steel stock pot smoke on top of the gas stove.

"Damn... ... Why should I tire myself like a dog? ... ... "

Gazing at the slowly rising steam, Onizuka can't help muttering.

Onizuka is cooking miso soup they way he likes it which is with a clam taste.

Since he lives alone, there is no reason to make miso soup at home when he could always just have instant soup cups.

Not to mention the hand-rolled sushi, Onizuka never even had the idea to eat hand-rolled sushi before.

However, Onizuka is making hand-rolled sushi and miso soup for tonight's dinner.

This is definitely not what Onizuka's menu typically looks like.

There was a certain reason why it had come to this.

"Ken-chan, Ken-chan, I do not want to shake the fan."

An overly familiar voice calls Onizuka with a little bit spoiled tone.

The girl was a freeloader that was temporary living together with Onizuka.

She is Tiana · Randohauze.

"If you insist on eating hand-rolled sushi by all means then just obediently fan it."

That's right!

The whole episode started with Tiana, who was obviously a foreigner, said on a whim "I want to eat good sushi", but then she didn't seem like a foreigner as she started to say "I absolutely must eat sushi with clams and miso soup". This kind of Japanese cuisine is more than what most Japanese adhere to. Onizuka already experienced one of Tiana's outbursts. With her stubborn personality that left no margin for error, no matter how reluctant his heart was Onizuka could only concede.

In the past, it was unthinkable for Onizuka to let a girl lead him around by the nose.

Although he was gradually accepting his fate of being lead around by the nose, Onizuka couldn't help think it was exasperating.

....Ahhhhhhhh....What the hell am I doing? ....

Be that as it may, Onizuka is still somewhat moved.

Even though he hates the hassle more than anything else.

Now he is even willing to cook for someone other than himself.

"I probably took the wrong medicine."

After making the bitter remark, he once more concentrates on the stainless steel pot on a gas stove.

However the time and effort only required a minimum amount of trouble despite being home cooking.

Do-it-yourself sushi is made as follows. First pour the right amount of sweetened vinegar with the boiling rice. Mix unitl it's well-distributed, then add the supermarket bought ready-made sushi, and finally roll it in a layer of nori. As for Onizuka's process for cooking miso soup, next you add the split sand clams to the boiled water, then mixed it with miso soup stock, and at last it is completed.

"Oh, by the way Ken-chan, don't forget to turn off the heat before you add the miso."

"Who do you think you are? Mind your own business, I do not need your meddling."

"Well ... ... This is a little strange to say, but why doesn't this home have a hair dryer?"

Tiana expressed her inner doubts.

Taking advantage of a hair dryer blower feature would reduce the temperature of the rice more efficiently than their fanning.

However, since the day before yesterday the Onizuka's home is without a hairdryer.

The reason is simple ......

"Did you forget? A certain idiot threw it and broke it."

"That is also because some pervert was spying on someone's body."

To Onizuka's displeased voice, Tiana, not to be outdone, immediately retorted with sarcasm.

The now broken hairdryer was cheap anyway, bought when Onizuka first began living in the apartment.

Since it had already been used for a few years, it was nearly at the end of its lifespan.

Then the poor hair dryer was conveniently picked up by Tiana and thrown at Onizuka's forehead. After the hair dryer hit its target, it landed hard on the floor and broke.

Afterwards no matter how many times it is pressed it won't turn on.

"If you cut corners now, the distinctive flavor of the sushi will be greatly affected ... ... Hey! you have to just accept it."

Tiana sighed and continued to fan.

"But having to fan is boring... ... we are space aliens!"

"Stop with these childish antics! Even if you must play, you shouldn't speak into the spinning electric fan so close!"

"This is the lair of the bored devious lion star people!"

"....Okay, okay, I know you're a visitor. I would love to play along with you. Oh, by the way...keep fanning."

A little joking around. This is the first time in his life cooking miso soup.

After some time ......

"Almost right."

After the appropriate amount of time, Onizuka turned off the fire.

Then put the miso seasoning into the pot, stirring it back and forth with chopsticks.

This should be the right recipe. Just to be sure, Onizuka scooped a small amount into the ladle to taste.

The clam's distinctive sweet flavor suddenly spread throughout his mouth.

Its flavor isn't bad. For a beginner it could be considered quite good.

Onizuka stuck his head out from the kitchen, looking towards the living room.

"The miso soup is finished, you over there-"

Only half of the words had to be said.

"Aha, Perfect timing, I just got here a moment ago."

Tiana responds with an innocent smile.

Onizuka's veins suddenly burst out on his temple.

"...... Hey."

"Is there something wrong, Ken-chan? Your appearance is even more ferocious than normal."

"....Where has the vinegar rice gone? "

On the table was an empty platter.

The rice was missing.

Tiana still looked at ease.

"Eh?" Really! did you ask me? I just got here."

"Don't give me that nonsense! One person ate all the vinegar rice! "

"This one... ...the temperature was suitable for the vinegar rice, you must personally eat it to know. "

Tiana sticks her tongue out.

Of course when Tiana offered to help, Onizuka already considered the risk of her eating the vinegar rice.

Therefore Onizuka's solution was to wait until the last moment to bring out the sushi ingredients.

He never imagine that Tiana couldn't wait for all ingredients to be on the table and was capable of wiping out all of the vinegar rice in one breath.

"I'm sorry. I was careless."

"Give me a break! One person eating an amount which is the equivalent to six bowls of steamed rice, still dares to say that was careless?"

The Onizuka household rice cooker could only cook a maximum of three cups of rice.

However, For Tiana's gluttonous stomach clearly three cups of rice was inadequate.

So Onizuka boiled three cups of rice and made Tiana responsible for fanning it, then again quickly prepared three more cups of rice.

Carefully considering all the time needed before it would all have been ready to eat.

Fortunately the sushi material is safe and sound.

Making more vinegar rice shouldn't take too much more time.

"...... Well, you lost."

"Don't be so angry. I know I'm in the wrong, so I left the best part for Ken-chan. "

"The best part? Where is it? I don't see it?"

The platter on the table was completely empty.

There wasn't a trace of the vinegar rice.

Onizuka looked puzzled.

"Really slow, it's here - this · la ~"

Tiana winks her right eye.

At this moment Onizuka finally understood Tiana's meaning.

If you look closely, on Tiana's right cheek is a grain of rice.

Murderous intent burst forth in his mind.

"......"

Onizuka silently reached out–

"What the? It's really strange that you're actually not mad. Yeah. Well, that's good. There's no need to be modest, Don't hesitate to eat it--Huh?"

....He grabbed Tiana's collar and started dragging her.

Through the opened window that was just repaired yesterday, he threw Tiana out onto the veranda.

He shut and locked the windows, and drew back the curtains.

Locking Tiana out of the house.

### Part 5

"Come on! Ken-chan there's really nothing to be ashamed of ... ..."

Isolated on the veranda, Tiana Randohauze sighed helplessly.

Actually ignoring a grain of rice on a girl's cheek is simply outrageous.

In a way isn't this disrespectful to the farmer?

He should apologize to the farmer.

Frustration aside, Tiana reluctantly took the rice grain off herself, and ate it.

"Fine, now what to do......"

Of course, one way is to break the window, but the window just got fixed and she would also feel somewhat guilty at heart.

-Well, it can be difficult for adolescent boys to act in front of girls.

As a mature woman, I should be lenient and forgive him.

Boil, stir into vinegar after the meal... he probably would have cut it.

Anyway, after he boils some more rice he should cool down a bit. It shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes, I can be patient.

"How should I spend the time waiting?" Tiana looks around the corner.

"Huh? The futon that was hung out during the day was forgotten."

The veranda railing was draped with the futon.

It was the futon that Tiana just bought.

Onizuka usually doesn't have any visitors. Therefore his home isn't equipped to accommodate visitors' needs.

Since Tiana intends to stay there for awhile, she had to purchase a few necessities to be able to live there.

This futon was just used and bought at the store yesterday, and since it was such a beautiful sunny day today, Tiana especially hanged the futon on the porch.

Therefore.....

"Ah, the fluffy baked feeling from the Sun is gone."

Touching the futon draped over the railing, Tiana was unable to hide her disappointment.

However, it can not be helped.

After all, it was all started by Tiana who suddenly said "I want to eat the sushi", while she was forcibly pulling Onizuka out shopping.

After returning home from shopping, Tiana was in good mood and anxiously awaited for the sushi to be made. She had simply forgotten all about the futon hanging on the railing.

"...... Hmm, Come to think of it, I also forgot a very important thing ......"

The puzzled Tiana was about to remember something, she tilted her head–

Suddenly a strong wind blew through the balcony.

This is a commonly seen phenomenon for a spring night.

Tiana was lost in her thoughts, the high winds blew around her side ponytail.

"Ah ......"

The wind gust caused the futon to slowly start to slide off the railing.

The whiteness of the futon in front of her eyes was helplessly falling towards the ground as if it were being swallowed up by the darkness of the night.

However......

"-Oh."

Tiana cried out and quickly stretched out her right hand trying to grab it.

The futon stopped falling.

It was floating in midair for a brief time before it was close enough for Tiana's hands to reach.

Instead of using magic to create a strong wind to blow it up, there seemed to be a thread hooked to it that pulled it up.

The futon is attracted to Tiana's hands, as if by telekinesis.

"That was da-dangerous, because Ken-chan especially bought this futon for me."

Tiana said so while gripping the edge of the futon-

-It wasn't simple magic that Tiana used just now.

Rather those who returned from alternate worlds twice, get a specific ability from the alternate dimension that only they are able to have.

This special abilities included all of the four elements, fire, water, earth, and wind, coupled with elements of light and dark to develop "element magic". Combined with the ability to control space and gravity "physical magic", these returnees have radically different abilities as different as black and white.

This is the concept where a human being gets closer to a higher dimension being.

This differs from the understanding of the common principles of magic. Individuals with these abilities in COCOON and Crimson Twilight are the strongest simply because of this.

They have an overwhelming advantage.

Just when Tiana pulled back the futon-

An electronic sound suddenly rang out from her pocket.

She took out the cell phone while saying, "Yeah, yeah", Tiana pushes the call button.

"Yes, Randohauze."

"Hello there, Tiana you sound energetic."

"Oh, not you leader, what happened?"

"That... ... What do you think?"

A mischievous smile could be felt from the other end of the phone after that little banter.

The other is the leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group Crimson Twilight - Cecil Endheart.

From her tone it seems she is waiting for Tiana to answer.

Therefore Tiana bowed her head. I wonder what,

"Ah ......!"

Tiana is shocked upon realizing what had happened.

"I'm glad, it seems you finally remembered."

The superior tone of Cecil increased her smile.

"No, no, no, I didn't forget. If I remember correctly, it should be called ... ... Yes, !"

"It's the . In addition, you can also go to the meeting place designated earlier now, I was unfortunately slow to anticipate this."

She explained, it was the day before yesterday that Cecil gave her the assignment.

Even if we wanted to remedy it, a degree of damage is already done.

"Umm... ... Leader are you angry?"

"Nope, I'm not angry."

"...... Really?"

"Well ... because like I told you the other day, I gave priority to the "other matter"."

Cecil paused for a moment, then continued to talk:

"You are somewhat more impulsive than some, but you're not a selfish person. At most it's just your instincts telling you how to proceed to the next step. Since the "other matter" is more important, you gave priority to something different than what I asked. It means that you thought that this was the right thing to do. If you gave priority to that request, ignoring what is right in front your eyes, even if you ended up succeeding, I wouldn't have been particularly happy. The reason is simple, because this is not what I particularly enjoy about your style."

That being said, Cecil took a breath and slightly lowered her volume.

"-But then again, your methods still need to be addressed, and cannot be brushed aside."

"That's mean ... ..."

"Hmm. The incident seems to be masterwork of Hikami Kyoya. Not only did he outwit the Japanese government, he even made a fool of COCOON. It's not unexpected that the should already be in his hands."

"The enemy's in fighting may not necessarily be a good thing for the us, but Hikami Kyoya's betrayal seems a little too bold."

"Perhaps Hikami Kyoya believes the have that kind of value. In any event, we can't miss this great opportunity to ... ... Wait, are you interested?"

"Of course. as long the are in Hikami Kyoya's hands, it would be nice if they were taken, right?"

Confronted with Tiana's inquiry, Cecil on the other end of the line returns with an "oh" and nod.

"Kaidou is inside JPN Babel. I can ask him to send the school's layout as well as a plan of approach to you."

Motoharu Kaidou is also one of the members of "Crimson Twilight". When the familiar name hit her ear, Tiana suddenly very much wanted to meet up.

"Oh yeah, Kaido-chan is currently a student JPN Babel."

"That's right, but I don't know whether its fortunate or unfortunate that his identity has already been exposed. Also he has caught the eye of Nanase Haruka, the Vice President of the Student Council and public morals chairman. At most, he can act as a diversion for the enemy."

Cecil concluded.

"Tiana, I entrust the capturing of the to you. I'm merely asking for results I won't pay any attention to your methods, so do whatever you want."

"--How should we handle Hikami Kyoya?"

Suddenly in a low quiet voice Tiana threw out a question.

Then an even colder voice answers the question.

"For that guy to even betray COCOON - who knows what's going to happen? In order to avoid complications, ask him to leave as soon as possible."

".....and never come back?"

"However, he does have some home-court advantage over there. It's not necessary to force him by yourself. After all, the Japanese government researched and cultured the . More then likely there will be some technical problems, plus Hikami Kyoya will unlikely keep them at hand. After obtaining the , if in passing some noise reached COCOON, they will naturally offer to deal with Hikami Kyoya."

"...... Makes sense."

"What's more, if Kaido is at your side, then even if something really goes wrong, as long as it's against Hikami Kyoya, he can be easily beaten if it's two-to-one. That's if it comes down to it -"

At this point, Cecil's tone slightly changed.

"If you feel abduction of the is too difficult, withdrawal won't do any harm. If things get out of control with Hikami Kyoya, any commotion can sink him. He put himself into this situation, so he should know that pretty well. It'll be ready for preventive measures. To sum up, if the need to retreat arises then immediately retreat. You must by all means not miss that opportunity."

"I understand. But on the other hand, if circumstances permit-"

Tiana paused slightly.

"Then I can kill him, right?"

"Its only natural. Those who obstruct our freedom and and the will of the people, should be eradicated."

Even if the other is COCOON, who is positioned at the peak and supervises the world.

We don't have any reasons to make concessions.

There is no reason to retreat, not a tiny bit.

Only those with absolute faith can grasp the truth.

Any person who obstructs our freedom and the will of the people, will not be forgiven.

Because we are "Crimson Twilight".

If my eyes can't see the truth.

Then who will tell me–from now on, what am I supposed to believe?

### 063. Chapter 1 - The Girls Late-Night Festival

## Chapter 1 - The Girls Late-night Festival

### Part 1

The body naturally becomes flush after getting out of the bath, requiring replenishment for its lost fluids.

Wearing only a bath towel around the neck, with a comfortable pair of shorts suited for relaxing at home.

Ousawa Akatsuki left the changing room to go to the kitchen, where he opened the refrigerator door.

The cool air leaked out and touched his body. While a little chilly it was still comfortable.

"Ah......there it is."

After finding what he was looking for he instinctively smiled.

When he removed it from refrigerator it made a clanking noise in the palm of his hand.

Akatsuki grabbed a couple of bottles of cold milk to relieve his thirst.

He gently shut the refrigerator door behind him, then placed a bottle on the stainless steel kitchen counter. He used his thumb pressure to pop open the cap on the bottle of milk.

The cap bounced up into the air, rotating round and round, while it was dancing Akatsuki started chugging.

It was gone in one gulp.

"Ahh...fua! It simply is delicious."

The bottle just left his lips when he used the right thumb of the hand that was holding the glass to catch the falling cap.

Akatsuki wiped his lips with the back of the hand.

-- Most of the fresh milk on the market is sold in paper cartons and is less expensive than glass bottles of fresh milk, which now have become almost a luxury good. Even so, fresh milk is still being sold in bottles, and did not disappear from the market.

That is because they have an advantage that milk lovers go crazy over.

In a paper carton or poured into a cup, after touching the tip of the tongue a small sense of the milk's taste can be lost.

But bottled milk is different. It's container cool down along with the milk. So the moment the fresh milk touches the lips it is just concentrated pure deliciousness. And the satisfaction of drinking it in one gulp is even more wonderful.

Keeping the carton milk in the refrigerator is the best way to keep the taste of the milk. Same goes for the bottles of fresh milk.

-- Of course, Ousawa's refrigerator is also stocked with cartons of fresh milk. But he can't drink straight out of a carton for fear of the gripes the two girls living would have with him.

Paper cartons are no better at keeping the milk cool than glass bottles, but putting glasses for the milk in the refrigerator seemed to be a little too excessive.

So for Akatsuki, bottles of fresh milk are the perfect choice for combining both flavor and life style.

"If there is a downside......it doesn't hold more."

With a wry smile Akatsuki put the empty bottle into the sink.

He picked up the second bottle, however this time he had no intentions of gulping it down.

Akatsuki only took tiny sips as he savored the fresh milk's flavor. Suddenly the door leading to the living room opened.

".....Ah, did you just get out of the bath?"

A young girl walked into the kitchen, and stood in front of Akatsuki.

### Part 2

Miu came walking over looking a little embarrassed to be dressed in her pajamas.

For "certain reasons" she was only wearing the top part of her oversized pajamas. Despite her lovely features she still had a hint of childishness left. Her features could be said to be exquisite and possessed a charm that could enchant all men.

Especially -- the very destructive power her boobs posses from their magnitude.

Regardless of whether it was a man or woman, everyone's eyes were drawn in by her boobs.

Originally her pajamas were bought according to the dimensions of her chest, but now the bottom half of the pajamas were too loose.

She had no other options but to give up on the trousers and expose her white thighs.

Miu feared that her appearance was a little too shameful; the hem of her top barely covered anything.

"Excuse me, I came to wash some dishes."

After she said that to Akatsuki, Miu walked over to the sink -- next to him.

In her hand she held a tray loaded with multiple empty glasses and small plates.

Having finished a snack, she probably came to clear away the dishes.

However, whereas before there was only one person living in this house, now there are three: Akatsuki, Miu, and Listy.

Since Akatsuki was standing in the kitchen he could see the plates and cups on the tray -- there should only be enough for to two people. However, the number of plates and glasses on the tray made it look like five people were here.

This means that Akatsuki appeared to have guests.

It was around midnight. Akatsuki just had a nice bath, and Miu was in her pajamas. However, there seemed to be guests in the Ousawa home.

"Hehe, he-heh, hun~"

Miu was cheerfully washing the dishes. After Akatsuki handed over the sink to her, with his fresh milk in hand he retreated out the rear.

However, near the breakfast table he stopped. His eyes were glued to Miu's hips as she leaned in to wash.

Usually after she showered she put on her pajamas without tying up her hair in a double pony tail, and let it hang down naturally. Miu's hair was long enough to reach her knees, just enough to completely cover her butt. Plus the hem from her pajama top allows her the freedom from worrying about someone being able to peep between the exposed gap left from her pajamas.

However today Miu had her hair up, probably because she had visitors over and it would presumably easier to be a good host if she tied up her hair in a double ponytail. She was humming while washes the dishes, and whenever Miu moved her hands her perfectly round butt could be seen swaying side to side.

-- Indescribably erotic.

"It seems that you're having a lot of fun."

"Yeah, I'm very happy. This is my first time hanging out with my friends at home all night."

Miu said, while joyfully laughing "Hehe".

It appeared Ousawa's home had three visitors, Izumi Chikage, Doumoto Kuzuha and Nanase Haruka. They were important friends to both Akatsuki and Miu, and irreplaceable companions.

Even when they returned to the alternate world Alayzard, the girls came with Miu and Akatsuki.

However, their chance to play together and deepen their friendship though those bonds didn't happen. They became friends through fighting together, because they once again visited Alayzard aiming to "end of war between Humans and Demons".

Therefore, Chikage proposed that the trio have a sleep over at Akatsuki's home.

......Thanks to Izumi.

Chikage thought this was a good way for them to work out each others' issues weighing on their minds, and build a better friendship. It was also her idea to invite Haruka. She put forth a lot of effort into it.

Although they had some unpleasant memories, they all now decided to support each other, and help each other to face the challenges ahead. So it was essential to deepen their trust. After this Pajama Party, apart from trio of Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha, they hoped that Haruka and Listy could quickly blend into the group.

So Ousawa Akatsuki said in a bitter tone:

"My only regret, is that I'm excluded."

He wasn't allowed to participate in the five girls' late-night party.

Akatsuki was the odd-man out. Miu smiled, and tried to appease Akatsuki's mood.

"I told you, there is no way. Today is girls' night, boys are not allowed to join in, even if it's you."

"But I also want to become better friends."

Akatsuki drank half of the fresh milk and put the bottle on the breakfast table, and then sneaked around behind Miu.

"-- Like this."

Immediately after he finished speaking, Akatsuki grabbed Miu's butt.

"Ehhh....!"

At once Miu's body shivered, and she released the glass in her hand that she had been washing.

"Oh -- careful."

Akatsuki caught the glass mid-air using his free right hand.

Akatsuki sighed, as he put the glass in the sink.

"Try to be a little more careful, okay? You could have been hurt."

"You're the one who made it dangerous!.... It's all your fault!"

"No way, your back is too appealing."

After a short pause, Akatsuki continued to say:

"Seeing the back side of a woman standing in the kitchen, it would have been impolite not to help."

While keeping his left hand on her butt, he took out his right hand from the bubbles in the sink and took the opportunity to slide it onto Miu's chest.

His aim was her raw bra-less boobs.

And massaged them.

"Umm, wait a minute -- Ahhh!"

Stuck in Akatsuki's arms, Miu tried to struggle while her sensitive breasts were being played with. He originally planned to stop right away, but Miu suddenly stopped resisting. She was halfway through with washing the dishes and her hands were covered in dish soap.

All Miu wanted was to wash her hands, however Akatsuki wouldn't allow her to succeed.

While Akatsuki held Miu, he took a few steps back, making it impossible for her to wash her hands.

Miu reached out her hands as far as they would go only to grab thin air.

"St-stop that ..... Let me wash my hands...... "

Miu looked back at Akatsuki, and said in a sad voice.

So ......

"Eh.....Is that all?"

Akatsuki was slightly dumbfounded.

"I-In this situation ..... is there something else......?"

She wriggled shyly while lowering her red face.

"Since that is all you're concerned about....."

Akatsuki said, then continued his prank.

Then Miu started letting out some lovely reactions. Akatsuki was enjoying the distinct feeling in both his right and left hands that were willfully playing with her breasts and butt.

-- But Akatsuki was somewhat perplexed.

Akatsuki was not trying to comfort her, and certainly not trying to stop her tears.

This was just a simple prank.

So Akatsuki thought that immediately she would have fought back.

.....If you don't resist, how am I going to stop myself?

What is going on? -- Akatsuki couldn't help but wonder.

Normally Miu would have immediately stopped this prank no questions asked, and then washed her hands. Maybe with a spirited fist, an elbow to the kidneys, or a stomp on the foot with her heel.

Also, it would not have been surprising if Miu had taken a bite out of his right hand when Akatsuki reached for her chest.

However, today Miu was somewhat unusual; after finding out she couldn't wash her hands, she just gave in to Akatsuki's prank.

No matter how embarrassing the situation became, she didn't attempt to resist.

--Since the day before yesterday night, Miu started behaving like this.

She was not like her usual self.

I wonder if she ate something bad?

Or,

Does she have a fever?

While massaging Miu's oversized chest that was spilling out from his hand, Akatsuki focused his thoughts.

Through the tips of his fingers and palms he was trying to feel her body's temperature.

"Hmm, feels pretty normal."

"Ah.....Fuuuu.....Ahhh......Fuu.....Ahhh!"

Even while enjoying her reactions, Akatsuki tilted his head.

Miu's body temperature wasn't too high.

But then again, her sensitivity in this place was still the same as before. If Akatsuki's little prank continued, Miu's body would soon produce "another kind of heat".

.....Since she doesn't have a fever, then the only possibility is.....

The day before yesterday Miu's attitude changed a little, what happened?

While avidly enjoying the feel of her soft and elastic boobs, Ousawa Akatsuki started to search his brain for the reason.

### Part 3

--The morning of that day, Akatsuki went with Miu and Listy to the mall to purchase daily necessities.

Because of a conflict with two juvenile delinquents, Miu was depressed and Listy was crying. Akatsuki gently comforted the girls on the monorail.

However it was in his own special way.

Miu and Listy threw him off the monorail between stations.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help but reflect upon his actions. Indeed three was too many, it should be limited to two.

But ......

......Could it be .....?

When that though crossed Akatsuki's mind, he glanced at something out of the corner of his eyes in the kitchen.

There were dishes drying out next to the sink that caught his eye.

The day before yesterday at the mall they bought three earthenware mugs with molds of animal's faces on them.

A wolf for Akatsuki, a cat for Listy, and of course a rabbit for Miu.

However, Miu's rabbit mug was smashed due to the trouble encountered at the mall. Even if they wanted to buy another one there was no way. The store was out of stock and that was the last rabbit mug. So Akatsuki separated himself from Miu and Listy, and persuaded the shop assistant to give him the contact information for the distributor. Although he had to forcibly purchase it from the warehouse, he bought Miu a brand new rabbit mug.

Akatsuki leaked a wry smile.

When she incidentally found the new rabbit mug on the living room table, Miu's happiness was written all over her face.

Perhaps because of that, Miu has become a little more tolerant of Akatsuki's pranks.

But ......

.....I just wanted to see a happy smile on her face, that was all just to satisfy my own desire.

Well, Miu now looked very pleasing to the eyes, he didn't care so much about the reason.

While countless thoughts popped into his head, Akatsuki unconsciously stopped rubbing Miu's breasts.

"......?"

The somewhat surprised Miu immediately turned around, and silently looked up at Akatsuki.

Her eyes were cloudy, and had a faraway look in them. After having her breasts and butt continuously attacked, Miu showed a small happy smile. But she did not say anything. Whether to continue or to stop is all up to Akatsuki to decide.

......AH, she is too hard headed.

It is good to be happy about the mug, however enduring this embarrassing act as a repayment for such kindness is going too far.

.....How to let her know?

Of course, he could just tell her, but that means that Miu will have to seriously take heed of his words and not disregard them.

It seemed that action was the only way to teach her.

But who is to say that once Akatsuki stopped this prank she would still feel remorseful, and let these strange never-ending special services continue?

Exactly how to do it? The answer was already clear.

...... If turning back is useless, you can only move forward.

Never forget .....

He valued women feelings as the first priority as a hero -- no, as the Rogue hero.

If he took this a little more seriously, Miu immediately would not be able to endure the shamefulness.

Since Miu didn't want to fight back, he could take this opportunity to end the prank.

Then the original relationship between them will be restored. It is a flawless battle plan, almost too perfect.

Akatsuki gently smiled at Miu.

Then.....

"Ah......"

As Miu's expression appeared on her face, she lost all her strength and fell to the floor.

She probably thought Akatsuki intended to give up.

Akatsuki nodded, while showing a compassionate smile.

Mischief was restarted.

"Oh -- It's over now..... Ahhh!"

"Over? Stop talking nonsense. Isn't stopping too unfair to your body?'

Akatsuki laughed and caressed Miu intensely.

Wherever his hands touched he used Renkan Keikikou to refine the Kei in her body, creating a wave of pleasure.

"Mmm ～ ～ ～！"

Her breasts and buttocks were already sensitive, and now her whole body received an enhanced powerful stimulation.

An unbounded expansion of pleasure permeated her whole body.

After a few seconds --

"~Tsun ~tsu.....,fu..... "

Miu just managed to remember to breathe, her whole body was limp and she had lost all of her strength.

So Akatsuki from the top down, untied her pajamas' buttons one by one.

The first one, then the second one all with his teeth. When he opened the third button, her perfectly round boobs could not wait to cast off their shackles and jump out from the pajamas.

However, there was still one button holding her breasts captive.

Under the intense pleasure, Miu's body temperature rapidly rose.

It got so high steam was rising out from her pajamas.

So ......

"Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh......"

After noticing the state her body was in, Miu could't help blushing.

In a moment she could see clearly.

The Kei wave made her chest flush, releasing clouds of vapor. It seemed that her insides rapidly reached their boiling point.

Akatsuki still had her increasingly tender breasts in his hands.

In order to break through Miu's limits, and totally collapse her sense of shame--

Akatsuki was willing to launch a verbal offensive.

"Feeling good enough to smoke? Those truly are some slutty boobs, eh."

"O-only, it's your fault ...... you made my body get hotter and hotter...... I can not control myself ...... so just ...... ah, ahhh!"

Wave after wave of pleasure made Miu feel extremely ashamed, but it was hard to resist those feelings.

So Akatsuki gradually strengthened the offensive, until the adorable Miu rejected those excuses.

Akatsuki thought she couldn't overcome her inner feeling of shame and would eventually fight back, but she laid there weakly paralyzed in his arms. She had no desire to resist.

So ......

"...... Hmm, it seems this is still not enough, must be necessary for more."

Akatsuki was determined.

Currently Miu just passively allowed Akatsuki to manipulate her, but this was not the result he wanted. Now, the intensifying pleasure was only masking Miu's reasoning, and arousing her instinctual desires.

"Ah! You must not... ... if you go any further... ... Ahhh!"

"Do I still have to say it? Of course, this is to punish your slutty boobs, duh."

Still climbing to the highest peak, Miu trembled. Akatsuki's tone was very firm, and hard-nosed.

"Wait and see, I would like to give you a taste of what lies beyond the limits, and suffer the ultimate pleasure."

And now -- A departure bell sounded.

Leaving was the super express train to the ends of paradise via hell, the climax express. The conductor for this train was the Rogue hero.

"Are you ready? Here comes the full course meal -- the infernal massage, lick, suck, poke, twist, pinch, and pull!"

Akatsuki was also ready to use the ultimate weapon -- fresh milk ... ...

Suddenly a figure approached --

"Go to hell alone you pervert !"

When Miu was late in returning, perhaps Listy got worried and came to look for her.

Listy grabbed a nearby frying pan and hit Akatsuki on the back of his head with all her might -- One full swing.

### Part 4

"Ugh.....careless, I let my guard down."

Listy Sherfied sighed "Whew".

After she made it to the kitchen just in time to stop Akatsuki's disreputable behavior, Listy helped Miu prepare some drinks and snacks. Then they prepared to return to their room on the second floor.

"S-sorry, Listy-san ... ..."

Half way up the stairs, Miu could not help but blush as she turned back to apologize.

Miu evidently heard Listy say "let my guard down" while she was taking to herself.

"Ah, n-not you......I didn't mean to blame you Miu-chan."

Listy quickly shook her head. She wasn't accusing Miu of secretly approaching Akatsuki.

"After all, that big pervert was in the wrong."

She was staring at the back of his head when she said that.

"How can you blame me? The backside of a woman in the kitchen is a man's romantic dream."

After he perceived Listy's less friendly eyes, Akatsuki smiled nonchalantly.

"Tonight......no, from now on when we are in the kitchen you're not allowed in."

Whatever his version of romance was, it was not true romance. The kitchen was for cooking, not flirting ...

Even in their own home they had to watch out for Akatsuki. Listy could not help but sigh, as she walked up the stairs behind Miu.

Miu walked up first holding drinks, while Listy followed holding a wooden tray full of snacks. Naturally they were both taking their time to avoid spilling anything. Then Akatsuki, who was bringing up the rear, suddenly said:

"Hey, Listy what are you wearing.....it looks like my shirt."

With a little sigh he pointed that out.

"The other day, didn't we go and buy you some pajamas? Where are they?

"Umm......"

Oops, he noticed. The awkwardness and embarrassment made Listy's face immediately turn red -- the fact was she liked the pajamas that Akatsuki bought.

Because they were bought just for her and no one else.

Of course, she wore them a few times.

At least that night after going to the mall in the commercial district, Miu and Listy specially wore their new pajamas and staged a fashion show for Akatsuki.

However, wearing his shirts that smelled like him brought Listy an unprecedented sense of security.

For Listy who was raised in Alayzard, this is a strange and unfamiliar world. In her heart she was filled with an indescribable uneasiness. But, when she put on one of his shirts, it was as if Akatsuki was standing beside her, which gave Listy immense courage, allowing her to no longer be afraid of this world.

And today Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka had all come to stay at the Ouswa home.

All those girls had a very close relationship with Akatsuki and Miu.

And Listy believed that they all held some degree of feelings towards Akatsuki, considerably friendly. Because of this constraint, the attitude of the trio towards Akatsuki was also inconveniently positive, but she felt that Ousawa Akatsuki was definitely a romantic interest for them.

Even if they didn't want to be Miu and Listy's enemies, they also hoped Akatsuki would view them in a new light. It's not like Listy didn't understand their feelings. After all Listy had experience being rejected by him once, and Miu held the same feelings.

-- She hoped that Miu will be lenient, and leave a little bit of space in Akatsuki's heart for her.

Listy felt that Chikage was a reliable person that she can depend on in this world, but at the same time she felt a little uneasy about her being a competitor over Akatsuki.

When Akatsuki returned to their world, Miu developed profound feelings for him no less than Listy's, and in a time frame that was a snap of the fingers compared to the years Listy spent with Akatsuki in Alayzard. Chikage, Kuzuha and Haruka surely had in the same way built a close relationship with Akatsuki.

Listy could not help thinking –- What about their existence was causing her so much fear?

Perhaps looking though their eyes, she saw how her past self was with Akatsuki. Thinking that, Listy could not help but feel unease. This was not the conclusion she wanted.

However, Listy once again didn't have the courage to declare "I like Akatsuki" to them either.

So as a means to tell the girls through concrete actions her feelings for Akatsuki, Listy chose -- to deliberately wear Akatsuki's shirt in front of them.

### Part 5

It is a pathetic story Listy thought.

Her inner anxiety, and lack of self-confidence to not put her courage into words to express her feelings.

Even so, she still desperately insisted on advocating her position.

Her despicable desire to monopolize him. This was not how a dignified Queen should behave, and would put her reputation as Sherfied's "greatest treasure" to shame.

".................."

Listy instinctively stopped on the stairs and looked down at Akatsuki.

"......As long as you're happy, I do not care at all."

Maybe he sensed Listy's embarrassment, Akatsuki seamlessly remarked in passing.

"............Really?"

Listy felt the tenderness in his words and she turned back ahead. Then Akatsuki unabashedly laughed:

"Oh, do you not know? A woman wearing nothing underneath but his t-shirt is also a man's romantic dream. And from this angle -- there is a clear picture of your panties."

"-!"

As expected she could never let her guard down. Listy quickly removed one of her hands from the tray that had the snacks on it, trying to cover her butt.

"All your romance is perverted nonsense!"

She lifted her right foot and was about to kick backwards at that moment.

But ......

"Wow, that was dangerous."

It would have been easily avoided by Akatsuki.

"Ah... ... Wo wo woooooooooo!"

She lost her balance and wobbled on the stairs.

"-- Careful."

Akatsuki stuck out both his hands to support Listy's body -– All ten of his fingers grabbed Listy's butt.

"Eeehhhh! You, you why did you put your hands there!"

"No, this is surly just a reflex......a man's instinct is really scary."

"The really scary thing are the evil thoughts in your head right now!"

Listy was trying to escape from Akatsuki's grasp.

"Hey, don't move around. This is very dangerous."

Akatsuki said so, as he took a few steps forward to right beneath Listy and moved his hands up and down.

"Ah ......"

Listy felt her body float into the air.

He leaned back and used his knee as a fulcrum to lift her up into his arms -- the so-called princess carry.

"You ......! P...put me down!"

Listy instinctively twisted her body bashfully.

"I can't let you down since the staircase is too narrow. The snacks might spill, and that would be bad. So, let me carry you up the stairs. Just make the best of it."

"Umm...... well, okay then."

Listy reluctantly did as he said.

"Listy-san, are you okay?"

Miu stopped ahead of them on the stairs, and anxiously looked back.

"Yeah, I'm fine......it just surprised me, sorry."

A little red in the face Listy nodded.

"Well.....we arrived."

He carried Listy to the second floor, and gently put her down on the floor.

Listy quickly fixed the shirt she was wearing.

"Umm.....Th-Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Hurry back, Izumi and the others are waiting for you."

While saying that Akatsuki opened the door of his room.

"Ah, yes. It's rude to let our guests wait too long."

Miu echoed.

"......I guess it's almost time to conclude things."

Listy muttered. In a very weak voice, that Akatsuki and Miu could barely hear.

"......Listy-san?"

"No, nothing, I'm fine... ... Okay, let's go."

She felt Miu's suspicious glance, and quickly shook her head, exposing a guilty smile.

"Oh...... --- Huh?"

Suddenly, it seemed that Miu had noticed something about her body as she turned around.

To be precise -- about the lower part of her body.

"Eh？ What's the matter, Miu-chan?"

"Umm... ... If I'm wrong, please don't be offended."

Miu looked a little uncomfortable as she responded to Listy cautiously.

"Listy-san, Down there probably......"

"Down there? What's wrong down there?"

Listy, unaware of what happened, looked down at her feet.

"No, umm....I didn't mean that. Down there... ... what are you wearing?"

"...........Eh?"

For a moment she didn't understand what Miu meant.

...... Huh?

And then she finally noticed that her lower body seemed to be exceptionally cool starting from a little while ago. It was exhilarating free, no restraint at all.

So ......

".................."

Listy stood there silently, and slid her hands down Akatsuki's shirt that she was wearing instead of pajamas.

".................."

Her palms slowly moved around, smoothly.

Upon confirming that there was no distinct boundary where the fabric and skin meet --

".................."

An ominous glint was on Listy's face as she jerked her head around.

"Good night! and try not to stay up too late."

Akatsuki said as he was about to enter his room.

He had a bath towel draped over both shoulders, and just a pair of shorts on.

At first glance, there seemed no place to put it.

However in one of the pockets a small piece of pink fabric stuck out. Listy suddenly realized that beyond a doubt, it was when he picked her up for the princess carry -–

But, before Listy could say something, Akatsuki was already in his room.

And "Click" the door was locked.

".................."

Listy stood there in the hallway speechless. Miu also stood beside her awkwardly silent, not knowing what to say next. They both stood there quietly in the hallway.

".................."

Listy silently walked in front of his room.

After knocking the door twice, she then tried to open the door with no regard for an answer.

"Gachin"

However, the door was locked from the inside. It wouldn't budge.

So ......

"......Umm, Listy-san?"

"...................................................Open the door."

After Listy asked in a low voice, she took a deep breath, and with a power that could break the world record for spirometry:

"You, you perverted freak--! Open the door right now!"

Then she started hitting and pounding on the door. Her face turned red as she shouted herself hoarse.

Akatsuki was still unresponsive. Then in an attempt to kick down the door she raised her right leg.

"N-no you can't Listy-san! You will be completely exposed!

Miu yelled aloud in a hurry.

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~!"

Without any other options, she bit down on her lower lip, while bitterly glaring at Akatsuki's door.

It was the middle of the night and at the risk of disturbing the neighbors, Listy Sherfied snapped and shouted:

"Just you wait and see! Tomorrow then, when you walk out of your room it will be your reckoning!"

### Part 6

Akatsuki never attempted to open the door, leaving Listy in the hallway sans underwear. She had no choice but to go back to the room where Chikage and the others were waiting.

"Lets go Miu-chan."

"Er, umm......no problem."

Miu nodded with a solemn expression, and cleared throat a few times "Ehem".

"Oh, sorry to keep you waiting ~"

Regaining her composure, Miu spoke while coming inside.

"----------"

Listy followed behind Miu, tightly glued to her back.

Then......

"Oh, welcome back. We waited for you guys."

Chikage said so while greeting them with a smile. She had on a combination of a camisole and frayed hot pants. This was apparently what Chikage wears when she goes to bed.

Next to her Kuzuha had on her pajamas, and Haruka had on her JPN Babel uniform next to her.

"Did something happen just now? I heard a terrible scream."

"I think I heard Ousawa Akatsuki's name -- by any chance did that man do something?"

"No, no, it was nothing....... really it's true."

Miu flailed her hands around as she responded to their questions, trying to attract all of their attention to herself.

"Look, I got you guys some drinks. Everyone must be thirsty, right?"

She put the drinks on the table after saying so.

"-!"

Taking advantage of this chance, Listy casually headed towards her dresser against the wall.

"......"

She pretend as if nothing had happened as she nonchalantly opened her underwear drawer.

After she grabbed a pair of panties she rapidly rolled it into a ball, and pushed the drawer closed.

"-- Oh no, I prepared snacks but I forgot to bring the tray up."

Miu seamlessly created a perfect opportunity for Listy.

So ......

"Oh - that's unfortunate Miu-chan - I can go get it for you - no really - I will do it - I don't mind at all -"

Listy completed the lines they prepared in one breath without stopping for punctuation. Then she immediately left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her she quickly put on the newly acquired underwear, and sighed after finally being able to relax a little. She then picked up the snack tray they left in the hallway.

......One, two, three ......

To not make it look unnatural she calculated in her mind how much time it would take to go the first floor, and head back to the room -–

"Found it. This is it, right Miu-chan?"

She returned to the room while forcing a natural smile on her face.

"W-wow ... ... Thank you Listy-san."

"Ah, don't mention it."

Miu gave her a somewhat stiff smile. Listy then went to sit between Chikage and her.

.......Whew, I somehow got through it.

She now clearly felt the softness of the fabric around her legs, but around her butt she didn't have a similar feeling. She couldn't set aside a lingering feeling as she felt her chest tighten.

"......Huh?"

Chikage remarked. Listy frowned. She noticed Chikage was looking at the hem of Akatsuki's shirt, which she was wearing instead of pajamas, and that her new pair of underwear was partly visible.

.......She has really sharp eyes... ...!

Listy turned pale, a face fit for her hopeless situation.

Although she had barely managed to find the same color panties, Chikage must have noticed the style was different from the ones she wore earlier.

However Chikage,

"Wow......this is delicious. Is this a new item they have at the convenience store?"

Chikage did not mention the change, instead she talked about a entirely different topic.

She definitely noticed -- and was likely to have imagined many things.

Listy was thankful from the bottom of her heart for Chikage's consideration.

So -- in her heart she hoped that these kind of pleasant conversations could go on forever. She thought of how good it would have been if that were possible.

"----"

Listy took a deep breath, and made a serious face.

"...... Please listen to me."

In a quiet......but yet powerful tone she called out to attract everybody's attention.

Waiting until they all focused on her, Listy looked at the three: Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka.

And then asked a question.

"A little while ago, I asked you three something and wanted you to think about when I left the room -- Did all three of you come up with an answer yet?"

### Part 7

"The thing you asked......?"

Miu wasn't there and had no idea what Listy was talking about. All she could do was stare blankly at her and ask about it.

Once she perceived the seriousness in the atmosphere, Miu no longer pressed the issue. It also seemed that Listy had no intention of repeating herself.

The three girls faces became very serious.

While silently waiting for their answers, Miu turned her gaze towards the three in question who all had serious expressions on their faces.

"-- Ousawa-san, after you left the room to get the drinks, Listy-san asked us something."

On behalf of the other two girls, Kuzuha explained the situation to Miu.

"After leaving Alayzard and coming to live in this world with you and Ousawa-kun -- Listy-san doesn't want her existence to become a burden to the both of you. In the end she wants to enhance her power, or her being here will become a liability. And--"

Kuzuha paused for a moment.

"If she is only going to be a burden, she won't hesitate to return to Alayzard....."

"H-how could you think of doing that!"

Miu watched as Listy panicked and turn away from her.

"......"

Listy remained silent as she dropped her head down with an unusually serious face. Miu fully understood that this was not a joke.

Ah......could it be that.....

Miu suddenly thought back to the conversation they had in the hallway.

It seemed like Listy muttered something like "time to conclude things" before they returned to the room. At the time she thought she misheard her, but apparently that wasn't the case.

However, Ousawa Miu still didn't understand.

"How could you say such a thing? In the park just the other day, didn't we agree from now on to be together forever? And at that time Listy-san agreed, right?"

"Yes, at the time when Miu-chan said that to me...... to be honest, I was really moved. Akatsuki brought me to this world and you were willing to accept me ..... But--"

Listy looked up.

"Because Akatsuki and Miu-chan are too close to me......you may be biased. So I wanted to hear the objective opinions of these three."

"There was no need to go through the trouble......whether it is Chikage-san, Class Rep, or Haruka-san we all hope that you stay!"

Miu couldn't help but raise her voice.

"I thought that's how you'd feel....... emotionally that is, but that's not the answer I want."

Listy showed a lonely smile.

"I don't want a sentimental answer, rather I want everyone to judge if my strength will be any help. In short, when you balance it on a scale -- to which side will it tilt?"

"It's not like --"

Listy didn't have to be concerned about this issue as long as she continued to be near Akatsuki's side. Just like himself -- however, there was not enough time to finish, before Listy cut in.

"I just didn't want to be a burden to everyone."

Listy sighed.

"My coming to this world should have been detected by Babel. If I am unable to explain my presence here, won't it lead to exposing Miu-chan's true identity? It won't just be me who will have to pay the price. I fear that not only will Akatsuki and Miu-chan, but the others will also be in danger. In that case, I might as well--"

"It might be better......if you just go back to Alayzard?"

Miu asked the question with a look of blank amazement, Listy nodded as to say "Yes".

"I already know that creating a hole in the dimension is a way to travel between different worlds. Moreover I'm the same as Miu-chan, as in we are both from Alayzard and our very nature points back there. Just like how everyone came to Alayzard in order to prevent war using the same method I alone can go back to Alayzard."

"It is so, but ......!"

Miu understood her feelings of not wanting to trouble Akatsuki.

And in theory, it won't be impossible for her to go back to Alayzard alone.

But ......

"I'm not going to promise......to let Listy-san return to Alayzard alone."

Ousawa Miu was adamant, and was not going to compromise.

On that day, when the both of them went downtown shopping with Akatsuki, on their way back they stopped off at a park and Listy cried. She snuggled up to Miu's chest, her shoulders were trembling and tears were streaming down her cheeks.

At that time, I said something to Listy.

It was something like, "There is nothing to worry about, because that person is with us -- you will never have to leave".

That's right, I'm certain I said that.

That wasn't said just because it was a spur of the moment kind of thing, absolutely not. Those words were in no way half-hearted.

So......

"......What does everyone else think......?"

Miu looked at Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka. The trust in them could be seen in her eyes.

Even if they thought Listy would only become a burden to everyone –-

She would never leave her.

The first of the three to change her expression was Chikage. Her serious look transformed into a relaxed smile.

"Listy-san, because you asked us so seriously.......and to not be rude, we each considered it seriously for a long time. And then we also exchanged our views with each other, but --"

She paused for a moment.

"-- I'm sorry."

"......"

When she heard Chikage say that, Listy bowed in silence.

"How can......"

It was unbelievable what she just heard. Miu let out a heartbreaking voice.

It was at that time --

...... Ah ......

A small hand grabbed Miu's palms. The small hand didn't come from Listy who was next to her -- but from the person sitting opposite of her, Kuzuha. Looking up, Kuzuha gave her a quiet smile. And the warmth that passed through her hand told her --there was nothing to worry about.

Miu decided to remain silent and leave this matter to her trusted friends.

So ......

"-- Yes, I'm quite sorry."

Haruka said with a stiff face.

"That I worried Listy-san so much, I was waiting until it was all over before telling you..... when we got back Ousawa Akatsuki came to me so we could decide together how to report your presence to Babel. This was my fault."

"I, I didn't mean ... ... I was just afraid that everyone was over straining themselves for me."

Listy was somewhat flustered as she tried to refute Haruka's opinion.

"There's no difference, you felt uneasy and thought you were causing us all trouble. I was one who made you feel that way. It was all because of my incompetence you were so distressed."

"No, you can't say that. The problem was all because of me in the first place."

"If you say that, then isn't it Akatsuki's fault since he brought Miu to this world to begin with? No, it's better to blame Akatsuki for being summoned to Alayzard?"

"Ousawa-kun was born into this world, maybe that itself was the mistake."

"Haha, you're right.......that really was the biggest problem."

Kuzuha's malicious teasing amused Chikage enough to laugh.

"Hey -- Listy-san, do you think the root cause of all the trouble is because you and Miu met Akatsuki? or is the root cause his very existence?

"I, I......"

Confronted with Chikage inquiry, Listy was confused and looked at Miu.

It was not like she didn't want to express her thoughts, it was just that she didn't want to take responsibility in the matter.

Chikage shed her wry smile for a serious one.

"You know Listy-san ......everyone here has helped or burden someone else in some shape or way -- that is, the pluses and minuses on the scales vary depending on each situation. We might be able to help Akatsuki and Miu sometimes, and other times we might become a burden to them. The anxiety that you're feeling doesn't just belong to Listy-san alone. We also feel the same way. Even so, we still want to stay together with each other, contributing as much as possible to Akatsuki and to Miu. We will do whatever we can. I believe Listy-san basically has the same idea ... ... Or am I thinking too much?"

"......No."

Listy shook her head, Chikage suddenly showed a satisfied smile, "that was easy".

"I thought that's how it was. Say, Listy-san in your view you considered yourself a burden and wanted everyone to abandon you. If that's the case then if someone else ever becomes a burden should we abandon them once again? I don't think that's right. Although, under certain circumstances I think it is a necessary evil to cut ties --"

Chikage face was very serious.

"-- However, for Listy-san to completely cut ties on behalf of Miu so she can have a place in this world, and to assist Akatsuki in his ideals. I'm afraid that we need to make the whole world our enemy. This is going to be a daunting task, and will take enormous resolution and awareness. I believe that it is possible for Akatsuki, since I have decide to fight alongside him. For that, absolute trust is necessary."

"Yes......I think so too."

Haruka also nodded and:

"If I continue to stay in Student Council, then I should be able to safely obtain various pieces of useful information. However, this practice of being a double agent really would be impossible with my personality and I feel that I owe the student council more than that. When that time comes I can't guarantee that I won't become a burden to everyone --"

After a short pause ......

"So tomorrow, I have decided to turn in my resignation -- to resolve any doubts in my mind. With that, I will no longer be able to gather information from the Student Council. Admittedly my action is will be detrimental to us, however now I can fight side by side with everyone without any misgivings. I'm sure that I can become a big addition to the team."

"In fact.....you also don't have to worry so much, we figured you would do that."

Kuzuha continued.

"Listy-san is our friend and we want you to stay here with us..... It's that simple. After all, you want to stay with us even if that means becoming an enemy of the entire world, if you can't cherish a person like that than who? Those are the kind of people I want to be friends with, and fight shoulder to shoulder with. This should be a very natural way of thinking."

Then, she turned to look at an empty space, as if remembering a past memory.

"--Ousawa-kun once said 'When a woman wants to cry but is not able to cry, the world is simply wrong'. By the same token, we would find it impossible to smile, if Ousawa-kun and Listy-san cannot smile from the bottom of their hearts in this world. Something must have gone wrong. If Listy-san ends up deciding to return to Alayzard it will undoubtedly take away everyone's smile."

Wasn't that it?

"Because we can't forget the sacrifices Listy-san made for us......"

"But, if......"

"Listy-san intends to temporarily return to Alayzard until Akatsuki and Miu in solve their problems in this world, and then come back?"

Listy tried to rebut Kuzuha's claim, but Chikage saw through her thinking first.

"That certainly might be a way, but so is Listy-san staying with us to support Akatsuki and Miu even if only a little. If we become discouraged or likely to give up, we should all encourage each other, and forge ahead together through any future challenges. Don't you want to do that also?

Chikage continued with a calm smile.

"Listy-san wants us to put emotion aside for the time being, in fact we are eager to confirm your feelings, and not just for Akatsuki's sake. We must know if we are willing to put our lives on the line for each other. I at least can't always hide under Akatsuki's protective umbrella. If Listy-san wishes to stay, and if one of us has a crisis, surely together we can help to alleviate the burden on Akatsuki. There is the possibility of extra points for all of us."

".......I should stay? Is that really okay?"

Listy said with a disbelieving tone.

"I can't think of anything better. Even if Listy-san went back to Alayzard, Ousawa-kun would soon bring you back again. Even if he needs to use unscrupulous means, he won't hesitate."

Kuzuha shrugged.

"Once he decides to do something, no one can change his mind. Listy-san......you should also know his personality, right?"

She said while smiling wryly because:

"I believe this is also the reason why you can't help but fall in love with Ousawa-kun."

".......uh, yeah......!"

Listy nodded while exposing a face that went from crying to smiling.

Upon seeing how fast things got off track, Chikage let out a long sigh.

"-- Ah. Umm, this is our conclusion. What do you think, Miu?"

She responded with a gentle smile.

So ......

"Yeah, thank you ......you guys really are good people."

Miu thanked all three of them from the bottom of her heart.

Then she turned around to Listy sitting next to her, and gently hugged her.

"Miu-chan.....?"

Listy was taken aback.

"I'd like to say it again... ... No, I'll say it a few times, it doesn't matter."

Ousawa Miu's tone was serious.

"Everything will be all right for Listy-san and myself. The same for Chikage-san, Class Rep, Haruka-san -- also that person, because we are all together."

See?

"No matter when, no matter where, we will always be together."

"...... Ah, yes ......together forever ...... sorry ...... I'm sorry ......"

Miu embraced her tighter while gently patting her back. Listy returned the hug.

"Sniff, don't cry so much Listy-san, otherwise --"

Her statement was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.

"...... Huh?"

They were all surprised.

"Ohhh... ... sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."

Akatsuki's voice came through the door.

Miu and the others instinctively looked at each other.

"Uh, is something the matter.....?"

Miu responded on behalf of the others, wanting him to answer from outside the room.

"Ah, it's probably just me being paranoid.....but I feel like someone is crying."

It was just as Miu imagined -– strictly speaking, this should not have come as a surprise.

"-!"

Everyone in the room unintentionally laughed very loudly.

Even Listy who had tears until just a second ago was no exception.

...... Ah.

This was exactly why everyone liked Akatsuki.

Ousawa Miu thought, at this moment, we all are together.

'You're laughing too much, you guys......or is it just my misconception after all?'

Akatsuki said "good night" and was about to leave:

"Not at all......thank you for worrying."

While Miu gently wiped away the tears in the corner of her eyes with a smile, they all spoke at the same time:

"...... Good night."

Miu raised her voice.

At the same time, she added in her heart -- I love you.

### Part 8

Akatsuki's appearance caused them to break out into laughter.

It was a a while before they were able to change to other topics.

The heavy atmosphere a little while ago disappeared without a trace. The small room was now brimming with a bright and festive atmosphere.

"Hehe......that was really funny."

At the same time Miu said so she pulled on the neckline of her pajamas, gently fanning herself.

Maybe she got a little too excited and laughed too much, since Miu's body felt hot like she was in an oven. However, it seemed excessive for her body temperature to be this high from just that.

Moreover.

...... Strange ...... Why does it feel as though I'm floating......?

The excitement must be from all these uplifting feelings.

"Hey......this smell is....?"

Suddenly, a sweet fragrance filled the room.

The phytoncide aroma of flowers settled in the air, which had an exceptionally calming effect on the mind.

"Oh, I brought a small bottle of essential oils over today, its aroma is good for relaxation.

Chikage uncovered the mystery behind the aroma.

"They sell this all over the special autonomous region to help with stress. After all, there are a lot of people who found it painful being summoned to a different world. Furthermore when they get back they are forced to live on the artificial island just adding to their stress. There are so many goodies I obtained for relaxation and stress, some of which also have added magical effects. This too is one of them."

"So ......"

Miu took a deep breath, to enjoy the sweet smell.

It was a delightful aroma, but .....

.......it feels like it's getting hotter fast......ah.

Miu untied her pajamas' first and second buttons to let the cool air in, then fanned her chest with the slack, pulling it back and forth.

The air came in contact with her flushed body.

Rather than a feeling like a cooling breeze, it was more like a pleasant tickle.

When Miu looked up, she suddenly noticed that Listy, Kuzuha, and Haruka were all similarly cooling themselves off with their hands or the hems of their pajamas. Out of everyone, Haruka's attire gave the impression that she would be the most uncomfortable.

"Umm Haruka-san, did you not bring pajamas?"

Miu couldn't resist asking her.

"Yes...... but it shouldn't be a problem."

Haruka answered.

"Oh......this might be a good idea."

As she said that, she lifted up her hand with the AD.

Then -- the particles of light changed her uniform into a pair of light pastel colored pajamas.

"Eh? Amazing......how did you do that?"

That was the first time Listy saw an AD transform like that, and she was unable to hide her inner curiosity.

"This is the newly designed school uniform woven from telepathic stone fibers. It functions similarly to our ADs, which can materialize our weapons, since they are made out of the same material. Before I was able to transform my uniform or gym clothes to my combat clothes but...... "

Haruka was explaining the technology of this world.

"Depending on the user's personality traits the AD automatically changes into the most appropriate weapon for the user. By applying this function to the uniforms it now is possible to changed into a wide variety of clothing to suit the time and place......"

"Oh...... It sounds fairly convenient."

Chikage said.

"If I remember correctly, at the end of spring break it will be time for the new term to start. So we should get them then?"

"That is the schedule. However, today I have brought everyone's new uniforms and ADs. Do you want to try it out?"

"I appreciate the thought, but......"

Kuzuha had a somewhat complicated expression.

"I was skipped ahead. The uniforms have to be custom-made for my size......I wonder if it will be all right."

"That's not a problem either."

Haruka smiled.

"Just a moment ago I explained how the new uniform automatically changes to the user's individual characteristics. Of course that also includes size. Probably the only drawback is its durability. Every time you change the telepathic stone fibers wear down."

While saying that Haruka took out the sets of the uniforms and ADs from her knapsack.

"Wow, Thank you Haruka-san ...... "

Next to her Miu received the uniform and AD, then said her thanks.

"Eh.....there's one for me?"

Listy responded with rounded eyes, showing her surprise.

"Yes. It is only natural...... since from now on, you are going to be a fellow companion."

Haruka said with a smile.

"As soon as the admission formalities are completed you are going to be a student the same as us. You just have to wait a little bit before the start of the new term, so please be patient about it."

"Thank you......I am really so happy."

Happy from the bottom of her heart, Listy tightly hugged the uniform handed to her.

"After that, all I have to do is hand Ousawa Akatsuki his uniform. Because of a special exception, he was already given his new model of AD. Can you give him the uniform tomorrow?"

"Not a problem.....Thank you Haruka-san."

Miu took Akatsuki's uniform and put it on top of her dresser in the closet along with hers.

"That......"

When she went to ask if she should put hers away along with the other two, the look in Listy's eyes told her 'don't'! However Listy refused with a gentle smile as she shook her head. Apparently she was very happy to get a uniform, and it seemed like she wanted to embrace it for a while longer.

So Miu consented with a nod, and returned to where she was sitting.

### Part 9

Haruka's pajamas problems were resolved.

As for the remaining problem --

....... Why is it so hot ......?

Miu simply pulled on the collar of her pajamas, "Patapa" as she vigorously fanned.

Then......

"Ah, after coming here today I've been curious....."

Kuzuha stared straight at Miu.

"Ousawa-san has your chest... ... gotten bigger?"

"Ugh......"

When Miu heard what was said, her hands stopped fanning her chest.

"H-has it? Must just be your imagination, hahaha."

In spite of herself she let out a dry laugh.

"Is it? --Let me see."

Chikage immediately circled behind Miu's back, and with both hands she massaged Miu's breasts.

"Ah ... ...Ch-Chikage-san don't do that!"

Miu instinctively protested.

"Whoa, they really did get bigger......! Considerably larger!"

Chikage said while her hands continued to rub Miu's chest back and forth.

"Compared to when we were in Alayzard the size is completely different than what it was at the hot springs we went to bathe for at least most of the time. You almost can't hold them in your hand anymore. This is called an "unruly" or "uncontrollable" chest."

"S-such praise doesn't make me happy....."

Miu squirmed, trying to break free from Chikage's grasp.

Then Chikage said with a laugh:

"However on the other hand.....it seems it's not just Miu's body that changed.

"W-what does that mean?"

Haruka found Chikage's malicious gaze directed at herself, she suddenly shrank back while blushing.

"The vice-president loves to crack jokes...... you know what I mean."

"Ah, yeah. While in Alayzard the size of my chest did increase a little, and there have been changes in my body's curves......."

Chikage's could resist teasing, but Haruka had honestly confessed to her own changes.

"Yes indeed... ... But then again, I'm not just talking about you two."

Chikage paused for a moment.

"Not to be outdone by both of you, but Class Rep and I have also had changes in our figures. Like the vice-president have become more feminine than I was. As for Class Rep, well it seems that all of us are not quite the same ....."

After seeing all of them sizing up her bodies. Chikage with a mischievous smile watched Kuzuha doing the same beside her.

"Eh, really?"

"......"

Miu involuntarily spoke, causing Kuzuha to fall silent and become disappointed in the thought. It was just as Chikage said, but she does not want to admit though.

Going by Kuzuha's reaction, Miu thought that perhaps she put on a little weight and should apologize.

"No, Class Rep is fine....... Actually I didn't even notice the changes in your body, so you don't need to worry about it."

Miu was trying to comfort her,but it never occurred to her it would have the opposite effect.

"You did not notice at all ...? There is no need to worry ...?"

Along with surprisingly low voice she never heard from her, Kuzuha stared at Miu with murderous intent in her eyes.

"......!"

"Umm...... Cl-Class Rep......?"

Miu timidly asked Kuzuha, who was quietly mumbling to herself with her head down.

Have I inadvertently stepped on a landmine of Kuzuha's?

Then, Kuzuha suddenly looked up and:

"I shrunk! Compared to last year's body measurement I'm even shorter!"

"Oh, is that so ......but there is no need to worry."

Listy tried to comfort Kuzuha.

"With height, there is a certain error margin based on your physical condition for that day."

"...... Five centimeters."

"......What?"

"I shrunk five centimeters. It is completely outside the range of any error margin!"

"Umm, that....."

Feeling the awkwardness Miu's line of sight began to waver.

There was no way that a five centimeter difference could be called an error.

The reason why she failed to notice was probably because they they saw each other every day, and the change was a little bit at a time.

......What do I do?

She couldn't find the words to comfort her. However then, Miu had a flash of inspiration.

"No, it's still fine Class Rep since it's only five centimeters.......because."

She took a breath.

"After I came to this world my bust has increased about ten centimeters!"

"............"

".....Huh?"

She looked back as for some reason Kuzuha fell to the floor.

When Miu caught sight of Kuzuha she could almost see a 'Boom' sound effect left behind. To her side Listy wasn't much better.

"...... Ten centimeters."

"Eh? Li, Listy-san?"

Listy muttered to herself as she held the new uniform closer to her chest and raised her legs up bringing her knees together. The upper half of her body started to involuntary shake and sway.

"Oh, is this what happens when the speaker has no realization of what she is saying? This is scary and cruel....."

Chikage couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Oh well, when it comes down to it, the body of everyone here has changed in some shape or way. I mean there is a common point between all five of us."

"..........."

Chikage's words caused the other four, including Miu to fall silent.

It went without saying what common point the five of them had.

"At the very least we don't have to worry about team chemistry problems."

Chikage made a very bright smile.

"They say when a woman falls in love she becomes the most beautiful. But the truth is that because their female hormones intensify they become more concerned with how others will view them. Therefore when you're beside the person you like, and the person you like is looking at you, you naturally become the most beautiful."

Chikage took a look at Miu's chest.

"In fact massaging your breasts to make them bigger is not an urban legend, and there is a scientific basis for it. By letting the person you like caress your body both the body and the mind will feel an unmatched pleasure. Stimulating the mammary gland to secrete large amounts of female hormones. When that person is looking, the heart's longing for them is even greater and the thought of being touched by them is somewhere in mind. When this deep psychological phenomenon happens regularly it will cause the body to unconsciously react."

"I, I don't want that person to touch any part of me!"

Desperately Miu tried to deny it, but on the other side of her Listy coldly stated:

"...... Liar."

"H-how am I a liar?"

Miu hastily look at her, but Listy deliberately averted her gaze before letting it slip:

"A few days ago on the tram .....and not long ago the kitchen ..... "

"Uwwwaaaaaaaaaaaa."

Miu jumped up to cover Listy's mouth with her hands. "Well well". Upon seeing this, Chikage laughed and came over to smooth things out.

"Actually, what I mean to say is very simple -- and of course, this is a hypothesis only. I think the changes in our bodies come from our subconscious based on the image of ourselves we want Akatsuki to see. Our subconscious projections are actually causing physical changes."

Paused for a moment ......

"Based on that, why don't we just name it the "Ousawa Akatsuki syndrome"."

"..........."

Chikage's naming left the other four speechless.

"What should I do....... it seems like I caught a very serious disease."

Terror struck the room as it fell into absolute silence, only Chikage was overjoyed.

"Calm down, you don't have to fear it so much. It might not be that bad for your body. Perhaps it's just because we are around Akatsuki and it's just a natural change in our bodys' Ki. Just like how Miu from the bottom of her heart hopes that Akatsuki will caressed her breasts. She wants to attract his attention so subconsciously she is making her breasts grow --"

Then Chikage gave an wicked smile to Kuzuha.

"The desire deep inside Class Rep if for Akatsuki to see her as a little sister.....naturally she will gradually shrink."

"-Eh!?"

Kuzuha was already bright red, but now her face become even redder in that moment.

"I, I, Izumi, what do you mean? I don't want that."

"Don't get angry at me this is merely a hypothesis. It also a reasonable explanation for why the Vice-President and I's bodies are becoming more feminine. This mainly comes from our hopes that Akatsuki will see us as true women."

"You don't have the right to decide another person's feelings......I don't feel that way!"

"--Also when you and Akatsuki came back from the Sherfied peace negotiations along with Miu, it seemed to have been the start of the change .....Can you remember what Akatsuki did, or what changed in your heart? Any deep psychological change is an acceptable answer."

"Uhh....."

Haruka found herself at a loss for words. Her face was flushed when she bashfully looked at Miu.

......No, don't look at me! I don't want to be dragged under the water with you!

In her mind Miu screamed.

"So ah ......"

Chikage alternately looked away from Haruka to where Haruka's eyes were pointing, Miu, with a strange grin on her face.

It looks as though she had noticed something was amiss.

......Wah, I'd rather die than say anything......!

Miu tightly pursed her lips, exercising her right to remain silent. Nothing she can say would make her open her mouth.

In any event, it's not possible for anyone to know about the legendary "search for moles" incident that happened at Melissa's brothel.

"Why so nervous?...... I have no intention of getting to the bottom of what happened after the earthenware mug was broken."

Chikage smiled.

"The last one left is just Listy-san."

"Eh.....me?"

Listy stared blankly as Chikage nodded and smiled, and slowly walked over to her side.

"I heard that before Sherfied reclaimed its capital and you were made Queen you used to travel together with Akatsuki. During that time Listy-san was praised as the "Treasure of Sherfied", right?"

"Well ......"

Listy certainly understood what Chikage was hinting at. Chikage smiled, and whispered in her ear:

"You traveled for a long time together, naturally from morning till night. Then, it can't be helped if you become aware..... Listy-san must have been particularly beautiful, right?"

"-!"

Listy suddenly reddened, too embarrassed she buried her face in between her knees.

So ......

After teasing everyone one after another, Chikage was perfectly content and stood up.

"This is only my hypothesis, there is no need to take it too seriously. Maybe the changes in our secondary sex characteristics really has no direct relationship with Akatsuki, nothing else but just that..... Well, I cannot really explain why Class Rep shrunk five centimeters, or why Miu's breasts grew ten centimeters. Perhaps -- Miu's breasts are absorbing all the growth hormone from Class Rep!"

After hearing Chikage's joke, Miu let out a big sigh.

"Come on, how would such a thing be possible. Class Rep, you said it, right? "

"......"

"Cl-Class Rep.....？"

Kuzuha silently stared at Miu, with empty eyes that could cause you to tremble with fear.

"Ah, so actually.....it turned out to be the case ....."

Upon saying that, Kuzuha stood up, and slowly walked towards Miu. It appeared that her body lost all of its spirit. She was swaying from side to side like a walking corpse.

### Part 10

"Cl-Class Rep......settle down a little bit. We can talk this out, you don't have to get so close."

Kuzuha stopped an arms length in front of her, Miu barely squeezed out a small smile. Kuzuha had an ominous glint in her eyes, almost sharp enough to kill a person.

"......Hmph."

She snorted, before shoving Miu's shoulders back, pushing her down to the floor

"That hurts..... What are you doing -- wah, Class Rep! Why are you getting on top of me?"

Miu raised her voice in protest. Kuzuha with an absolutely godlike tone responded:

"Too noisy, shut up! Is it possible to be quite for a bit, you dairy cow!"

After she bitterly spit out the sentence, Kuzuha mercilessly ravaged Miu's breasts.

"There must be something strange, how can they keep getting bigger and bigger? Breasts are no more than lumps of fat. How dare you steal my height. That is unforgivable!"

"Hiaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Class, Class Rep, what the hell are you doing?"

Miu twisted her body desperately to try and escape from Kuzuha's violation.

But, Kuzuha sat straddled on top of her making it impossible for her to run away.

"I just want to recover my height you stole from me. You had better be good for a little while and stop resisting. If not every time we run into each other, either in school or privately, I'll going to call you "Oppai-san"!"

"Awful, your going too far to make fun of someone else's body! You absolutely can't call me Oppai-san, otherwise I'm going to cry!"

The moment Miu began to cried out, suddenly a knock came at the door.

"Hey, just a moment ago did someone mention "cry"?"

"Uwaaaaa! No, no, nobody said such a thing. You must have got it wrong!"

Miu quickly yelled, trying to drive away Akatsuki.

This wasn't a joke. If by any chance Akatsuki saw what was happening in the room, I don't want to think how bad the situation would get.

"Class Rep your acting too abnormal. You have to snap out of it, hey!"

After saying that, Miu turned to Chikage for help.

"What the hell is going on? Chikage-san......is this because of the essential oil?"

"Ah.....well, everyone rarely gets together like this, so I want to use the oil to take the edge off a little and help us share our feelings with each other. I may have mixed a few things in to elevate our moods, improve blood circulation, and dull our thinking, but....."

"That would mean .....? "

"Umm ... Although there is no alcohol in it -- it has a similar effect."

"What similar effect! Can't you see how drunk the Class Rep is?"

Its already reached the level of a drunken frenzy.

"This is your responsibility Chikage-san! Hurry up and do something about it!"

"This unpleasantness.....I'm sorry, Miu."

In comparison to Miu's utter discomfort, Chikage was laughing happily for some reason:

"To tell the truth -- I actually like to watch girls be affectionate with each other."

"I know all about your hobbies, but why did you pick here and now to flare-up?"

Well, Chikage was useless. That means I'm on my own to solve this somehow.

However, Miu was a bit tipsy herself, and urgently needed to find a way to shake her off. However, she doesn't have the power in her hands and feet to push Kuzuha off. Plus with her chest being rubbed by Kuzuha, left her even more powerless.

"Listy-san, Haruka-san! Stop staring over there, and come and help me!"

Listy was still sitting here rocking back and forth, suddenly lifted up her head.

"Your life is none of my business......you dairy cow!"

"Uhh, waaah! I haven't done anything to make to make you this angry! Please let it go, no I'm begging you to!"

When Listy averted her face with a "humph" she had to give up on her, Miu turned her eyes to Haruka as her last hope.

"Oh, I'm sorry ...... this is the first time I've witnessed such an exciting scene, so ......"

Haruka had both hands covering her red face, and secretly glanced through the gaps of the fingers.

"No, no, that's not right! The things we did with that person in brothel was way more provocative than this -- definitely a hundred times more!"

"Ah right, Ousawa Akatsuki has done more exciting to us... ... ～!"

Recalling the events from that night, Haruka suddenly froze, unable to move a single step.

"Ugh ... ... Haruka-san？ Hello? Hey ... ...! Uwa, Uwwaaaaaaaaaaa.....! "

Why?

There are so many good friends around me, but not one was willing to extend a helping hand. How did it end up like this?

.......Ooo, I want to cry .....

The moment that thought flashed in her head there was another knock at the door.

"Hey, did someone just think about crying?"

"AAAAAAAAAAaaghh! No one wants to cry, don't come in here! Please hurry back to your room, okay?"

So ......

After continuous struggling, screaming, and resisting Miu worn herself out, her breathing became more and more ragged.

......Again, let me first start with trying to persuade Class Rep.

Out of the various problems the top priority was to solve the problem before her eyes.

"Umm ...... er, well! Class, Class Rep, can you hear me out...... OK!"

Kuzuha paid no attention to the imploring Miu. She sat astride on Miu's body, not carrying about anything other than massaging Miu's breasts.

"Pl-please calm down and think about, okay? Br-breasts can't possibility absorb another person's height."

".....Not impossible. These are different from an ordinary person's chest. With such amazing boobs, it won't be surprising at all if there a mysterious possibility were to occur."

"O-once again~... ...its, its impossible! UH ... ... y-you don't want to bully my chest... ... I-I should of never compared my chest size to your height. I'm sorry, I say something insensitive... ...C-can you forgive me?"

After Miu sincerely apologized, Kuzuha's tiny hands suddenly stopped massaging her chest.

"............"

"......Err.....Cl-Class Rep?"

Kuzuha fell silent, Miu cautiously called out to her.

Then,

"........Well then call me by my name."

Kuzuha muttered.

"Umm -- Call you what?"

"My......I want you call my name in the same way you address everyone else. As long as you promise to do that, I will forgive you."

"Oh ......"

Those unexpected words caused Miu to suddenly realize.

"......You call Izumi 'Chikage-san', Vice President as 'Haruka-san', and Listy-san, you also called her by her name. Why am I forever 'Class Rep'?"

Kuzuha eyes were brimming with resentment.

"Why.....Why am I the odd man out? Is it because I'm a child compared to everyone?"

"No, of course not...... you got it all wrong."

Miu quickly shook her head, and:

"Actually, I do feel that it is a little formal, but I also think 'Doumoto-san' is even more formal than 'Class Rep'. Its manners to call you 'Kuzuha-san', but strangely it seems like adding a layer between us. 'Kuzuha-chan' well, it would seem like I was treating you as a child, so ...... "

"Then why didn't you not use any honorifics and just call me 'Kuzuha'!"

The drunk little girl got angry, and restarted rubbing Miu's chest.

Miu quickly restrained Kuzuha, "Ah, settle down," then she said:

"I mean....... that person and also Chikage call you Class Rep. What's more is you yourself called me 'Ousawa-san'. It seems like your not fond of other people and don't want to get too close, so......"

So ......

".......I thought it was best not too. "

Kuzuha puffed out her cheeks. Even though it was a sign she was angry face, it was very adorable.

When Miu saw that act, she abruptly came to see the truth.

...... Ah ......

Kuzuha had used an intimate way of speaking before with the same sort of childishness. Miu just didn't recall that affair. At that time when the mature Kuzuha couldn't bear the pressure did she reveal her true nature. Only once before, had Miu been addressed that way.

It was just one time.

"I'm certain that I called you "Miu" once during that affair. It was when the three of us were locked in the sports warehouse resulting in Ousawa-kun teasing that made us pee our pants -– "

"Uwaaaaaaa-! Th-that is a secret we promised never to tell!"

Miu quickly trust out her hands to cover Kuzuha's mouth.

That painful past was forgotten for Kuzuha's sake. Why would she freely reveal that in front of everyone? Since she drunk she may have lost common sense and reason. Then, without any hesitation she brushed off Miu's hands:

"After that......when we return to the arena I tried to address you as Miu, but you still called me Class Rep. Maybe you're the one......that has a problem with me, and hates it when I call you by your first name. So I had to changed back to 'Ousawa-san'."

"So ...... I was....."

Miu let out a quiet sigh, she didn't know Kuzuha's feelings were hurt for such a long time.

For Miu, she found it a little unpleasant to call her with her 'Class rep' title, and always felt somewhat of a distance. However, the thought being over-familiar was even more unpleasant. Therefore, she played it safe and called her 'Class rep' just like everyone else.

But ......

Who could have imagined that Kuzuha thought the same way she did -- no, perhaps she was still on her own.

She felt a distance when everyone called her 'Class Rep', and lonely.

This might be the reason she was sitting on top of Miu and clutching onto her chest.

"......Call me.....Kuzuha......I want you to call me Kuzuha!"

Kuzuha screamed out just like a spoiled child.

Rather than words, Miu respond with a big hug.

A gentle -– but firm hug.

"Ah - ......"

The unexpected hug, suddenly quieted down Kuzuha.

"I'm sorry...... I made you feel lonely and uncomfortable."

Miu whispered gently as she spoke.

"I also very much wanted to address you like that all along........and now I don't have to restrain myself any longer."

Please... ...

I'm going to say, and I will say it properly.

Listen up ... ...

"-- Kuzuha."

"............"

Miu clearly felt the small reaction from the body being held in her arms.

It was like when a puppy that notices it was called out to by its master.

And.

".....Again."

While nestled in Miu's chest, Kuzuha requested.

"Can you say my name one more time -- Miu?"

So ......

"Yeah...... Kuzuha."

Did you hear it?

With a smile Miu gently stroked her little back. Again, Ousawa Miu called Doumoto Kuzuha by her name.

Kuzuha had also called Miu's name out on her own, the same desire Miu had.

Then......

".............................."

"............ Kuzuha?"

Miu suddenly felt a gentle sigh in her arms.

"...... It looks like she's asleep."

Before she was aware of it Chikage was right beside her, and with a gentle smile she brushed away Kuzuha's hair that was sticking to her cheek.

"Class Rep -- wrong, it should be Kuzuha. Seriously, this child suppress her emotions too much......she been building up a lot of pressure. I thought that today's get together was a good chance to relieve a little of her stress, and it went fairly smoothly."

".....Then, the aroma was for that?"

Chikage winks "Well" to Haruka who similarly came to their side.

"The essential oil was only to assist, but its effectiveness seemed to be far too strong. And instead gave Miu a few headaches... ... Oh well, the course of events are not important because it was a happy ending."

"The four of us are about the same age as Akatsuki. I also feel that was was why." Listy said.

"Kuzuha-chan's age differs with us a bit -- so we are especially susceptible. Its not hard to imagine she would feel lonely and uneasy."

"Ah..... right."

Miu slowly set down, trying her best not to wake the peacefully sleeping Kuzuha.

"Everyone, please listen to what I say."

She looked to the other three.

"If no one is against it --"

"-- Oh, that's right."

Chikage intuitively understood her intentions and nodded.

"Even though Kuzuha's behavior was motivated by jealousy, but from now on I also think it would be a good idea called each other their name. Apart from narrowing the distance between us, it also deepen our feelings."

"I have no objections either."

Haruka agreed,

"We have already long since passed the stage to take offense on how we address one another."

"Also me too. If you're all going to call everyone by name, I want to."

Listy also agreed.

"Even though I'm a newcomer to the group....... I also want to become friends quickly with everyone."

"I see... ... That's great!"

Miu got the three's approval, and happily deepened her smile.

"Well then once again -- look after me from now on Chikage-san, Haruka-san, and Listy-san."

Then, she stared at Kuzuha sleeping soundly in her arms.

"My best regards -- Kuzuha."

### Part 11

Listy took the sleeping Kuzuha from Miu and laid her on her bed, then gently covered her with her quilt.

"Now what? Kuzuha has fallen asleep, should we also go to bed soon?"

Looking back, Chikage was waving her index finger from side to side.

"It's too early right? The late-night revelry has let to begin."

As she said that their faces showed a smile.

"Umm, I thought it's pretty noisy already....... I'm a little tired now."

Miu somewhat disagreed.

"Yeah ......"

Listy felt the same way.

Fooling around with your good friends of course was fun, but now it might be a good time to end things.

"I can't hardly keep my eyes open anymore......"

".......By now it should be considerably late."

Haruka also agreed.

"Oh ... ... Are you sure? That's a pity."

Chikage received passive opposition from everyone else, but then she feigned a mysterious smile.

"-- I wanted to share some good information about Akatsuki."

".................."

Listy, Miu and Haruka immediately fell silent, Chikage deliberately pretended not to notice expressions on their faces.

"This information wouldn't have been suitable for Class Rep to hear. So I thought I'd use this chance to tell everyone now that's she asleep......but forget it. Anyway, everyone is tired and wants to sleep, and it is considerably late so I think best to get some sleep. Ah but, I may end up forgetting exactly what the story was by tomorrow morning, so don't blame me."

After that, Chikage turned her back and looked around. Listy seized the their shoulders, then the trio huddled closely together.

"Suddenly I'm not sleepy." "Did my tiredness fly off somewhere?." "It's a lot earlier than I thought."

The trio separated and returned to Chikage.

Chikage was smiling from ear to ear, then pretend to clear her throat a few times.

"To tell the truth -- Akatsuki is popular among the girls in Babel. Well now, it is at an absurd level."

"Yes, Umm,......? Babel is the school that everyone goes to, right?"

Chikage nods to Listy's question, then let out a "Ah".

"At the entrance examination, for the first time in Babel's history it described Akatsuki as the 'True hero' during his Nolan screening. Followed by passing a special test set up by a member of COCOON, president Hikami. Lastly he fought with the other three student council members including Haruka to a draw. Even though the girls attending Babel have seen many heroes in the alternate worlds they crossed over to, or became heroes themselves, they still have no choice but to view Akatsuki's strength in a new light. Akatsuki's position in their hearts naturally is not an insignificant matter."

"Sure, I have heard similar rumors."

Haruka added,

"Though President Hikami is also considerably popular, but he is, after all, a manager of the world as part of COCOON. Which makes him extremely revered, so the majority are just secret admirers. By comparison –-"

"Yes. Unlike the eminent and unapproachable student council president, Akatsuki is more like idol that's within reach. Besides Akatsuki's looks, the way he turns his nose up to authority is also one of his charms."

Chikage interjected.

"It is said that his outstanding ranking tournament's performance was the decisive blow for many of girls."

"Oh, and at that time ...... I worked hard to help that person."

Miu tries to casually emphasize her position.

However......

"Ah but...... they all see you as Akatsuki's 'Younger sister' not his 'Lover'.

Chikage shook her head with a wry smile,

"Although there are special cases in the special autonomous region that allows brothers and sisters to intermarry. Such cases are very very rare, so they don't see Miu as a rival. On the contrary, they see Akatsuki as the "Elder brother who risked his life to save his little sister". With many, that imagery raised more points."

"Th-that's not right......"

Miu's face cast a shadow.

"In short -- as long as we're around Akatsuki we don't have to worry about other women."

Listy also added:

"Although Akatsuki is certainly a lewd womanizer that's not all there is to him. He is bold, strong, and heroic. I don't know how many women in Alayzard were attracted to his virtues, but I never heard of him relenting."

Akatsuki was just mischievous and doesn't cross the final line of defense.

"Oh dear. You have a point certainly, so there might be no need to worry."

Chikage nodded,

"But what if the other party takes the initiative, would Akatsuki reject it?"

"That......"

Listy found herself at a loss for words.

...... There was the problem.

If tempted from the other party, based on 'not wanting to make a woman look bad' Akatsuki would never reject her.

"There are plenty of aggressive girls in the world. And at first glance even a usually quite cute girl.......can meet someone she likes and then suddenly became a formidable predator."

Chikage words seemed reasonable, as Haruka couldn't help but nod.

"I have so also run into this type of girl in Babel."

"Moreover Akatsuki's rise to popularity happened very quickly. There doesn't seem to be agreement to strictly prohibit snatching him from behind each others backs between the female students."

Chikage sighed.

"Well right now, they are all tripping over each other, and it doesn't appear that any female student has confessed to him. But...... I don't know how long this situation will continue. What if someone suddenly confesses when Akatsuki is in an empty classroom. If that happens things can hardly be controlled....."

"A confession as soon as he enters a classroom."

Chikage returned a wry smile to horrified Miu.

"Don't forget Akatsuki is weak to a woman's tears. If the girl cries in the middle of her confession. How would that turn out?"

"............"

The three were unintentionally lost in thought.

After they imagined the scene in their heads, in unison:

" " "Compromise with them." " "

No way...... It turned out like this even in this world.

Listy couldn't help but bury her head in her hands.

"Eh, is there a need to be so upset?"

Chikage said,

"Listy and Miu are already living together Akatsuki. They must have naturally developed that kind of relationship long ago."

" "Do not!" "

Listy and Miu shouted at the same time.

Though considerably close to such a situation, nevertheless they haven't crossed the final line of defense.

"A young healthy man and two woman living under the same roof ...... What?"

Chikage gave them a suspicious look, then it was Haruka's turn to continue:

"That's too direct, Chikage."

Then she calmly looked Listy and Miu square in the face.

"It must be their beliefs -- peculiar to Alayzard."

"This has nothing to do with religion."

Listy immediately rejected Haruka's misconceptions.

"Separately, we just ......"

At this point, Listy glanced at Miu.

"............"

Lacking the experience the two blushed.

"Just......there is no chance to be alone......"

"Oh... ... If Akatsuki requested, would you refuse?"

"Umm......" "That......"

Listy and Miu were at a loss, because Chikage evidently hit the bull's-eye.

To be nestled in the Akatsuki's arms, to devote themselves to Akatsuki, to become Akatsuki's woman.

It was the future that Listy and Miu dreamt of.

And, it was even the future they were hoping for.

However Listy can't dare to say the phrase 'I want you to embrace me.'. Miu was also probably the same. They still weren't brazen enough -- and can't abandon the trepidation in their hearts.

...... Why was that?

Listy felt a bit frustrated.

If I can't voice it myself, then I wonder If I am able to become Akatsuki's woman?

But .......

Even so, the both of us still hope that Akatsuki would embrace us in his arms. I want to feel that I'm needed by him.

"........................"

Listy and Miu remained silent.

"Well, I can understand the feelings you to have, but ......"

Chikage continued with a bitter smile,

"Just on the basis of having a little bit of an atmosphere, and fact that the both of you are so cute it should be very easy to reach a hand out and grab it."

"But......"

"That sort of thing is a first for us...... we really don't know what to do."

Listy and Miu hesitantly stated, looking very embarrassed.

"Akatsuki is not some super slow male protagonist commonly seen in light novels. Rather I think that he is sensitive to such an atmosphere."

Don't worry Chikage's smile said,

"When the moment comes he will naturally lead you."

"But ... ... what if it doesn't go well, and then I'm hated by him......"

Listy was looking down at the ground while blushing. If she was unable to satisfy Akatsuki, so much so that he loses hope. She's afraid that... she'll never get over it and leave a shadow in her heart forever.

Then Miu suddenly:

"Actually, I always had an idea."

Her tone immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.

"I hope that my first time with that person -- everyone would be together."

That statement unintentionally caused the room to fall silent.

" " "What......?" " "

They all asked the same question at the same time.

Listy was unable to hide the quandary in her heart.

"Er Miu-chan, you...... have always had this thought on your mind?"

"I-It's because......what if I don't know what to do either, at least if we to do it together with everyone then we could all help with ideas. And also ...... I wanna watch Chikage-san, Listy-san, and Haruka-san from the side to learn, and take notes. But I thought that under surface one after another might feel like a ranking and be unpleasant -- so everyone together would be the best way. So that there would be no unfairness, no one would question who was first or who was last."

The redness spreed over Miu's face the more she spoke, while also alternatively covering her mouth with both hands.

Then she sneaked a peek at everyone.

".......Is that no good?"

She asked rather shyly.

"Umm, this ... ... How can I put it?"

Even the very open-minded Chikage didn't know how to answer.

"--Haruka, what do you think?"

"Wah, don't put this on me!"

Haruka quickly waved her hands,

"These are the particular beliefs of Alayzard. You should ask Listy!"

"W-wait a minute! When did I say that? This sort of thing has nothing to do with beliefs!"

"Uh ... ... Did I say something strange?"

Baffled as to why their reactions fell short of her expectations, Miu can't help but reveal a troubled look.

".................."

The three only looked at each other in the eye to achieved a consensus. Chikage with a nod accepted to be the representative:

"I say Miu......that sorta stuff can be learned from DVDs or games that you can get.....okay?"

"But...... umm, by watching that can I learn what that person likes?"

Miu tilted her heard, Haruka mildly apologetic:

"Yes it is so, but we may not be able to please Ousawa Akatsuki ... ..."

"Its all right, as long as I'm not the only one who is embarrassed. I don't care at all."

Miu keeped her composure, while Listy put on a fake smile,

"But that said...... isn't doing that sort of thing with others watching already embarrassing?"

"Yeah, although that is true......whenever that person sees me naked it already is enough to make me want to dig a hole and crawl into."

Miu paused,

"But unable to satisfy the person you like, I think is more embarrassing."

Further.......

"Didn't everyone here vow that no matter what happens we will be together forever?"

And ......

"......And now it turn out like this...... "

Her tone revealed her obvious displeasure,

"Does everyone really find it that awful to be embraced by that person with me so much?"

"Eh......no. Miu-chan, we didn't mean it like that!"

Slow down a minute, Miu is getting mad at us?

Was there any chance that it could be us who were wrong?

Too much chaos was unfolding, Listy's thoughts were in disorder losing all common sense. But then again, why was Miu so persistent about this?

Then Miu continued in a sulky tone:

".......If we all did it together, I feel that Kuzuha would feel very secure."

"Wait! You even intended to involve Kuzuha?"

Listy unintentionally cried out in horror.

"Uh, Well... ... Suddenly the previous thing is not so much of a worry."

Seeing the situation heading into a bad direction, Chikage quickly jumped in to smooth things over.

"Since there is so such uneasiness to create such a special relationship with the Akatsuki, first why don't we get accustomed to said atmosphere."

She though up a good idea to proposes.

"Therefore I suggest a test of courage. Everyone here will take turns sneaking into Akatsuki's room. After climbing into his bed you have to count to one hundred before coming back......How about it?"

" " "Never! " " "

Listy, Miu, and Haruka refused immediately.

"Listy and Haruka are understandable....... but, could you tell me why you also opposed, Miu? Your the one who wanted everyone to do that all together."

Chikage was mystified, Miu bashfully said:

"Because ... ... I don't have confidence in myself."

" " "She still says that!" " "

The three yelled in unison.

"Really ......"

Chikage put her hand to her forehead. It seems she could sense a big headache coming.

"So what about 'making the world your enemy for Akatsuki' or 'prepared to put your life on the line' --"

"Haa ~" Chikage let out hoity-toity sigh. Then looked down on the other three with disdain in her eyes,

"-- After all that, it was only hot air."

To the Chikage's provocation.

"Th-that's not true!" "It, it was not!" "D-Don't spew nonsense!"

Listy and the others loudly refuted at the same time.

"Ah ......"

When she realized what was going on it was already a step too late.

"I know, a little thing like that is nothing for us."

Chikage looked around at everyone with a proud smile.

"For the sake of fairness we should all draw lots. However, if no likes that I can go first since I suggested it -- How does that sound?"

### Part 12

The order for the test of courage was set, and Chikage was unanimously picked first.

It was very late at night and the hallway was silent, she quietly tiptoed towards Akatsuki's room.

She lightly turned the door handle trying to be as quite as possible. Only then did she discovered that the door wasn't locked. It seems that after Akatsuki stole Listy's panties he had entered and immediately locked the door. However later after repeatedly going to check in on them he must of forgot to lock the door.

"......"

Therefore, Chikage erased her footsteps, and sneaked into the room.

The moonlight illuminated the night sky, and indirectly dyed the room with a pale blue light. Chikage slowly made her way step by step.

Towards the back of the room -- there was a bed against the wall. The stage for the test of courage.

"Yet, this is ...... "

Upon approaching the first thing noticeable was the size of Akatsuki's bed.

It was quite considerable, it doesn't appear to be a double.

It might be as large as a queen or even still a king-size bed.

...... A big bed. Even with 'everyone together' it still won't be crowded ......

Was this why Miu was able to say such an astonishing thing?

-- No, that's probably not the case.

Listy and Miu were princesses in Alayzard. Therefore they are probably accustomed to such a big bed. Rather, it might be the normal size of bed for them.

And now there was the owner of this room, a young man quietly breathing in his sleep on the big bed. Looking at his serene sleeping face, Chikage couldn't help but smiled.

"This might be considered a perk......"

For a while, she stared at Akatsuki's sleeping face.

Miu Ousawa, Haruka Nanase, Listy Sherfied, Kuzuha Doumoto.

They were deeply captivated by Akatsuki Ousawa's charm, Chikage Izumi was no exception.

As a girl, this was a very natural reaction.

And being close enough to touch him filled Chikage with a burst of happiness.

"Well.....time to get down to business."

While mumbling, Chikage was prepared to squeeze into Akatsuki's bed when –-

"--Is this a Yobai ?"

His tone hinted at slight smile on his face. However, Chikage wasn't surprised.

There were five girls laughing and giggling in the next room. Akatsuki not being able to sleep can easily be imagined.

".....Waiting until the last minute to speak up, you truly are evil."

She looked at his face before returning a wry smile.

"If I really had an ulterior motive. I would have waited until after you got into my bed before making a sound."

Akatsuki smile had a touch of ridicule.

Chikage floated a smile of consent 'You made your point'.

"Uh, we really did keep you up..... Sorry, seems we made too much noise next door."

"No, it's okay. I don't think you were especially loud -- In the first place, I have been asleep for some time."

Although Akatsuki said that with a smile on his face, but his eyes showed traces of seriousness.

"-How did it go? The 'Things that must be discussed', is it settled?"

He only ask a straightforward question. However, Akatsuki's 'Things that must be discussed' implied many things.

Izumi Chikage could not help thinking that this question covers a full range of topics on various levels.

"Yeah, it was settled...... Kuzuha, Haruka or Listy, everyone became closer, we are now more united than ever."

Chikage intentionally called the three by there names, as a way to show Akatsuki their new sense of bonding.

Through this party, each others relationship became a lot more intimate.

"Oh, I see....that's good news."

While listening to Chikage's report he showed a satisfied smile.

"Thanks for putting together this party. You help everyone develop an impressive sense of team -- Chikage."

Akatsuki had also deliberately referred to Chikage's by her name.

As if the two also developed a new sense of connection with one another.

The surprise attack caught off guard with her name being so easily called, making Chikage's slightly blush. Putting her in a somewhat difficult situation.

"Oh, calling me by my name."

She was pretending to be calm by tempting Akatsuki with a tongue-in-cheek tone response.

"Its something like that. When a girl sneaks into my room in the middle of the night I'm not as tactless to use her surname."

Akatsuki nonchalantly shrugged,

"What's wrong......is this really a Yobai? I accept all comers."

Saying here ......

"--Hmm? Lets see what you got."

Akatsuki eyes rested on what was in her hand. Chikage just simply stated her reason.

"If you've been sleeping. I was going to continue our test of courage, but now your awake. So --"

Chikage smiled and took out a glass bottle and cups.

"Want a cup? I was kicked out by everybody, I say this occasion deserves a drink. I mean there's no alcohol in it, just Oolong tea. So you shouldn't mind having a cup, right?"

"Oh, that's a good idea."

Akatsuki sat up on the bed. The thin fell down exposing his naked torso.

"Ah... ... very sensational picture...... "

"Is it so? Then If i say so myself, your outfit is also rather sexy."

The camisole and hot pants she had on left a lot of skin exposed.

Chikage felt Akatsuki's gaze, giving her a slight titillation.

"Hmm, you finally managed to treat me as a 'woman'?"

"-- Of course, you are sexy woman."

He said without hesitation. Faced with the pick-up line Chikage lightly laughed:

"Come on, here."

"Oh, Sankyu ."

Chikage grabbed Akatsuki's water glass, then picked up the bottle and poured a cup of oolong tea for him.

-- By the way.

Inside his glass already was crushed sleeping pills.

It was a safety measure for just in case. However, it wasn't intended to protect her own chastity.

If Miu and Listy had already had such a relationship with Akatsuki, Chikage naturally wouldn't of taken such countermeasure.

......Stealing a march wouldn't be fair to them.

Chikage smiled wryly in her mind.

Before she set off she incidentally called out to the three others. In case Akatsuki was up, she said she might hang out for a little before returning. And if things took a wrong turn, she was going to scream SOS to let them know and come help.

It's been about seven minutes since she entered and poured him a glass. Akatsuki raised up his cup:

"Then a toast -- to you guys new friendship."

"Well, thank you ... ...Ah, next time we will let you join."

Chikage smiled as she raised her glass. They lightly clanged each others glasses together, Kanpai! . Akatsuki drank the contents in the glass in one breath.

"But then again...... lately, I'll been pushing a lot exhausting things on you."

He said in a hearty tone.

"It's fine. You and Miu are my important friends...... I don't think of it as trouble."

Chikage answered with a smile, but yet Akatsuki's vanished. Instead he made a serious face,

"Ah, that is certainly true -- However, it may not be deserving to called it trouble. But still your forcing yourself a little to remain composed, right?"

Akatsuki said in a low tone, while he stared at Chikage.

"...... What do you mean?"

Chikage smile faded,

"Are you saying that deep down I am reluctant to become yours and Miu's friend?"

"I don't mean it like that, after all, 'reluctant' is a type of 'trouble'."

Akatsuki shook his head to deny it.

"You said Miu and I are your important friends, so you should helping us. But from what I've seen this was not the reason that you are helping us."

"Akatsuki, you mean I'm overdoing it to become your friends?"

"Ah, what it means."

Akatsuki said clearly,

"Maybe you really do consider us as important friends ... ... In my eyes though, this approach only exacerbates that bad habit of yours."

"My bad habit.....?"

Confronted with Chikage's questioning, Akatsuki did not hesitate to answer --

As if to declare,

"In order to play the good classmate, the good friend, the good sister -- your bad habit is to always repress or sacrifice yourself."

### Part 13

For a moment, a suffocating silence came over the room.

"Good grief..... Your imagination is rich."

To dispel the awkwardness, Chikage glossed over the atmosphere,

"Also, you said my bad habit was more apparent ... ... Meaning, it's not the first time, huh?"

"Alas.....in the sports warehouse in Babel when you were making out with that other girl, I noticed."

Akatsuki's tone was unchanged,

"Izumi -- you're not fully a lesbian, right?"

"............ You guessed wrong."

Chikage subconsciously looks away from him.

"When I was in Alayzard for a short period of time I was a bodyguard for a brothel. At the end of day a women's behavior comes from heart, or its simply acting. If you don't want my eyes to see through it, you have to steel yourself a great deal more."

Akatsuki recalled that scene,

"When I saw you making out with that girl I could tell you were accustomed to it. But that does not mean you had abundant experience, rather you were passively reacting to her needs. You were playing to meet the expectations she placed on you."

"......So you're saying I put out my hands on the girl just to act like the good guy?"

Chikage stared cross-eyed at Akatsuki.

"Of course not, else I would of said 'You're not a lesbian.' Presumably, its just like before -- you just wanted to be needed by someone, his or her."

He continued,

"Everyone who has been summoned to another world has suffer some degree of trauma. Then after great difficulty finally returning to this world only to be confined to the special autonomous region separating them from their own families. A sense of loneliness would only be natural. I didn't mean to pry into your private life, but perhaps they all were just like you in experiencing a number of things they would rather forget. Something that couldn't be endured alone any more?"

"........................"

Chikage was suddenly speechless.

"A good way to fill the loneliness would be to seek out a person with the same wound, who might heal the pain. And if the other was the same sex it becomes easier to talk about heart troubles. With your cheerful personality, and your liking to take care of others those lonely girls would have gathered, right? It could just be your natural disposition, or you altered yourself to pursue the feeling of being needed by someone. Which I don't know."

Akatsuki continued to say:

"If I'm right, you always listen to their troubles, heal their inner loneliness, but kept your pain and loneliness deep inside your heart. All because you worry that they are holding onto something really painful, and it must be dealt with before it's too late. How can they take into consideration the worries of another? Therefore you sit there and quietly listen to them tell of their troubles, and just play the role. Your only willing to let them unload what's on their mind, willing to give them a warmth, and willing to fix their broken heart. No doubt for those people there isn't any other ideal place to go."

He paused for a moment -

"You -- never noticed that your heart suffering even more from those people's pain and worries."

"..........."

Chikage kept silent in the face of Akatsuki's speculation. Even thought silence was tantamount affirming his words, she had no other choice. Chikage Izumi did not have the words to refute.

"You are trying fill the gap inside some else heart, but it's not easy. In order to meet their needs you have to constantly make changes, even if it is not true to yourself....."

Akatsuki paused here.

"......Listening to someone bare their soul, even if that someone is a girl, your friendship can gradually metamorphosis into love, also isn't strange. At that time, you should of struggled with your true feelings. However -- You still decided to meet the needs of those girls, because they need you to. It was not to fill loneliness in your own heart."

Chikage silently listened to Akatsuki's reasoning, and not contested until now:

"Althought it is quite an interesting story.......it's all in your head. Is there any reliable evidence?"

"We are talking about a person's thoughts and feelings, of course, there is no conclusive physical evidence. But when you take in account previous events, they can be used as a reference."

So Akatsuki revealed his reasoning:

"First, out of all your classmates, the first person you actively spoke to was me and Miu. During my entrance exam, I caused a huge disturbance. The others students would naturally shun us, but you were the only one willing to talk to us."

"I simply did not have the heart to, that's all..... there was no other meaning."

Chikage averted her gaze.

"Is it so? In my eyes, the other students attitudes were normal. Class B already understands what it was like have a problem child, Onizuka. I clashed with the student council president Kyoya Hikami, obviously I was a more troublesome character than Onizuka. Any normal student would not want to get involved with me, yet you tried to advised us 'It's best not get involved with Onizuka' -- however, you were aware that I was probably more of problem child than him."

Why was that?

"The reason was simple, we were newcomers to Babel unfamiliar with the school rules. If you could get close, you would definitely obtain the sense of being needed. So you, called out to us."

"......"

"Conversely, you most likely kept your distance from the people who didn't need you. Therefore when the semester started you would be independent, and alone could help Class Rep. However, after Miu became a mutual friend Class Rep opened her heart troubles to you. With them counting on you naturally your friendship developed rapidly.

"...... Akatsuki."

"The Vice President as well. When she first arrived in Alayzard Haruka insisted on neutrality, and would not listen to our reasoning. So you completely ignored her. However by fighting together in that war, and the matter when I almost lost my life was the turning point for you and Haruka to become close. After coming back to this world from Alayzard, both of yours relationship has improved a lot."

"...... Enough, Akatsuki."

Don't say any more -- Chikage was pleading in her mind to him.

Please don't reveal my weak side.

In the next room we were able to establish a new bond. Wasn't that enough? However, Akatsuki won't stop here. Izumi Chikage knew better than anyone else why that was.

If he choose to stop here, she will continue to wear a mask.

Then one day in the future she will be left with tears of regret.

Akatsuki will stop them now -- her future tears.

So he will continue.

"Next you will continue to be the diplomatic person you were up til now. Maintaining the same distance from everyone equally, and one-sidedly hear their worries. For you, maybe it would be easy to do, but unfortunately the sense of distance will suddenly come back into your life. You have suffered enough for others the rest --"

One breath.

"-- Is ours."

### Part 14

Ousawa Akatsuki said in a very firm tone.

"Even though I think you are happy that you become increasingly better friends me, Miu and CLass Rep. At the same, somewhere in the back of your mind there is an indescribable fear that this genuine friendship will suddenly disappear...... and whether you would withstand the loss. So you proposed this party -- right?"

So ......

"...... Haha, I surrender."

Along with the self-mockery, Chikage through her hands in the air.

"It is as you say Akatsuki. There is a part of me that always wants to be needed by someone. However, doesn't everyone have these kind of thoughts more or less? Furthermore isn't it only natural for friends to accommodate to each other? I don't think there is anything wrong with that."

It should also be understandable to maintain a persistent attitude.

Chikage evasive eyes revealed such a message.

However Akatsuki won't endorse Chikage's excuses.

-- At the sleepover today, Chikage and Miu's bonds with everyone had deepened.

Except, Chikage was still wearing a mask.

Making all that effort totally meaningless. If it wasn't the real Chikage there was no value in the current situation.

However, Chikage smiley face mask was very strong, and won't come off so easily.

Still to have some meaning today's get together.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- can't stop at this point.

"Before Listy returned to the room with all you guys she seemed a little apprehensive, so I played a little prank on her to get her mind off it. If I guessed right......it was because she worried and probably saying 'she will become a burden to everyone', right?"

"Amazing, you completely foresaw that......you really know Listy-san's personality like the back of your hand."

Chikage was trying to pretend to be calm. Akatsuki continued to press on, intending to break that mask of her's.

"-- If that was the case, then you guys probably said something like 'we will never abandon you.'?"

Just as he finished .....

"-!"

Startled, Chikage gasped. Proving that everything he surmised was unmistaken. Then her shoulders started to shake at first followed by her whole body shaking.

Therefore, Akatsuki pressed for an answer.

"However from the outset those words were not for Listy. If today you gave up on has Listy, the moment you became a burden it is likely that you would be abandoned. Your deepest and darkest fear."

"I, I ......"

Chikage said with trembling voice, her face lost its previous confidence.

Her mask -- had been stripped off.

Then Akatsuki lightly touched Chikage's shoulder.

"-?"

Chikage's whole body received a shock.

She looked back at Akatsuki.

Looking back into Chikage's eyes, Akatsuki floated a wry smile on his face.

"When I went to the room before to see if "someone" was crying. Actually, that someone I was concerned about was not Miu or Listy, but you."

While saying that he pulled Chikage over.

"-----Ah!"

Chikage let out a feeble voice. Akatsuki hands wrapped around Chikage's back, and look into her eyes.

"Why is it that you think people don't need you? Is it anxiety? Do you think that if you don't play the good classmate, the good friend, the good sister no one will need you? However, doesn't this mean you don't believe in your friends, and don't trust me and Miu."

"B-because......"

Chikage looked down at the ground.

"A little while ago, you felt it was very painful. With much effort everybody got closer to each other, but you could not open your heart and connect with everyone. For that you hated yourself more than anything."

"B-b-because......!"

Chikage looking up, staring at Akatsuki.

Crying.

"Becoming the person everybody needs, isn't that common desire of everyone ......?"

Chikage said,

"I don't want a person to be all alone ... ... I'm tired of being alone -- I can."

She squeezed out her heartfelt cries.

The root of Chikage Izumi's suffering.

Therefore......

"-- Don't worry, I won't leave you."

While saying, Akatsuki tightly hugged Chikage.

"Haven't you've been by our side all along, and on the other hand...... haven't I always been by your side, isn't that so? Ah, beside me there is Miu, you are not one bit alone. Chikage -- I am the same as you, I want to become the person you need."

"......Akatsuki, you do?"

Chikage raised her voice in surprise. Akatsuki nodded "Ah" and released her.

"Or do you not want me by your side?"

".................."

Chikage was quite for a while. At last,

"......How could... ... I not want that....."

She quietly said with her voice trembling, then embrace Akatsuki on her own.

Therefore, Akatsuki embraced her closely in return.

Her actions signified that Izumi Chikage took off her mask, and a completely new bond was born between the two.

### Part 15

She continued to be embraced by Akatsuki for a while.

Chikage had stopped crying, and regained the control of her breathing. Then slowly looked up.

"But Akatsuki, still ....."

"Ah, I understand.......the friendship and feelings between you and those guys....... was not a lie."

Then, Akatsuki in a low tone,

"However... ... you don't need to worry about losing anything ... ... you don't need to hate yourself ... ... I realize.......your feelings......."

The words didn't come out, and he let up on the pressure of his hug.

"A-Akatsuki......?'

Startled, Chikage called out to him, only to hear in return the quiet breathing of someone sleeping.

"Oh ...... "

Izumi Chikage remembered the crushed sleeping pills in his glass. They must have finally taken effect.

......Why the hell did the effects kick in now.....?

She wasn't going to blame him for falling asleep, because it was none other than her own masterpiece. However if he was half asleep for some time now, then absolutely there wouldn't be any lies in his words.

All of that was the truth.

-- Conversely, if Akatsuki was completely clear-headed and if he said the same thing with a serious tone.

She also would have been very happy. But, somewhere deep inside her mind she would have suspected that those words were out of Akatsuki's kindness, and would not have believed in them so firmly without any doubts.

Skeptical that Akatsuki was just like herself, playing a role of the good guy for her. However, it was not so. Although Akatsuki was somewhat heavy as he slumped over in her arms. She was unable to hide her inner joy.

"Thank you, Akatsuki ......"

She whispered that to him to not wake him, but when she planned to lay him on the floor --

"-- Fuaa!"

A sense of pleasure suddenly ran through her, reflexively a sweet voice came out.

After a closer look. Akatsuki's hand was touching her breast, Chikage instinctively smiled wryly to herself.

Even deep asleep he pass up his chance to womanize, as expected Akatsuki was to the letter a big pervert.

But ......

When Akatsuki chest Palms off his upper body cute little sticker, and pull down pants zipper, Chikage wonder and his face was downcast.

Akatsuki's hand on her chest started to strip off her camisole, and when the zipper on her hot pants began to lower the smile disappeared from Chikage's face.

No matter how you look at it, this was too strange.

"W-wait a moment I said, ah...... Akatsuki are you awake?"

Chikage tentatively said, unexpectedly Akatsuki looked up –-

"Ha, your certainly very much awake."

She laughed, then grinned while closing her eyes.

"No way, you wouldn't happen to be half asleep... ... Wow, ah, wait!"

Akatsuki had completely taken off the hot pants. Chikage could not help but burst into shouting, scared.

Her camisole was already discard, leaving her just in her underwear.

Akatsuki was overjoyed with the situation.

"What's wrong? Even thought familiar with woman, but it looks like your not skilled with a man."

"H-hold on Akatsuki ... ... I didn't intend on this ... ... Fuaaa!"

When she turned her back to flee his hand touch her waist giving him a contact point to tamper with the Ki in her body.

At the same time a fire was born in the depths of her body, moreover it began to burn faster and stronger.

When Chikage noticed the fire was a torrent of pleasure, it was too late.

"Ah, Ahhh... ... Fuuuuaaaaaaaaaaa ~ ~ ~!"

It become impossible for Chikage Izumi to resist any longer.

"Why the rush to leave? With all the trouble you went through this is exactly what you need."

Akatsuki had an evil smile,

"If you run away from your feelings now, then nothing will change."

Listen carefully -- Akatsuki in a very serious tone:

"Now what you need most is to experience how much I need you. You may think that I'm a bit heavy-handed, but that's okay. To completely break that obstinate mask of yours a bit of tough love is necessary."

"Ah, this is not good Akatsuki... ... Miu and the others ... ... are going to hear my voice ... ... "

Chikage desperately resisted while raising a sweet voice.

"Why did you try to run? You have someone thinking of you free of charge. You just had to followed your instincts, accepting what that person wants for you would of been better based on that."

A breath,

"Therefore I will firmly engrave it into your mind making it impossible for you to forget that I will stay by your side, and how much I cherish you."

"But, but ... ... Ah! "

An instinctively sweet voice exhaled.

Akatsuki forcefully raised her up by the butt.

And,

"Chikage, I will enlighten you...... to how very much of a woman you are."

He slowly stripped off the her panties, then grabbed her completely exposed butt with the palms of his hands.

Chikage's tampered Ki caused everyone pore on her body to become extremely sensitive leading to --

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~"

An unrestrained sweet voice that only a woman could absolutely raise.

### Part 16

The same time.

"I knew it ... ... I told you, we should have stopped them right away."

".....There is no other way. We have to go help her."

The delicate scream was heard from the room next to his compelling them to begin to move. As was Miu and Listy said so.

"Haruka-san, you stay behind and take care of Kuzuha. I fear if she wakes up cannot see any of us around her little heart would break."

"I understand."

Haruka nodded, looking a little stiff,

"Both of you -- be careful."

Nodding in response to Haruka's concern, Miu and Listy walked out of the room.

The both of them rapidly moved though the hallway --

"..........."

They both glanced at each other in front of Akatsuki's room before they kicked open the door and rushed in.

Then on top of the bed the scene reflected in their eyes.

With her panties only lowered to the knees, the nearly-naked Chikage was trembling under the sensual stimulation. As Chikage's whole body was being caressed dexterously by Akatsuki with eyes shut.

The two prepared themselves for a horrible situation before entering the room, but ......

"Uwaa...... just like the situation at that time, almost exactly the same!"

Miu can't help but flinch backwards a few steps.

She was reminded of the first night she came to this world. When she sneaked into Akatsuki's room. Also at that time, she went through a similar snafu because he was half asleep.

-- In the end how did I escape his clutches?

Miu, who remembered such an experience:

"Listy-san, that ....."

She signaled to table next to the bed with her eyes. On the table there was a marble clock. In case the wind magic was poorly manipulated there would be no guarantee that Chikage could be accidentally injured.

A direct physical attack was the most effective method.

But Miu was reluctant to employ her AD and summon her weapon. With all the effort Haruka took to bring the new model ADs over today she doesn't want its first battle to be with a despicable sex maniac.

That's why, the artificial marble clock was the best option.

"Can you please do it? I'll somehow try and act as bait."

Listy understood the intent of such a strategy by Miu,

"O~ke, no problem."

She immediately nodded to confirm.

Then the two of them started walking towards the bed.

"Eh......you two also came to tell Izumi how much you need her?"

Akatsuki in his half asleep state turned to look at the two exposing a duplicitous smile.

For now, they didn't know exactly what he was saying,

"Ah, yeah... ... That's right. Can we also join you?"

The still unclear Miu attracted his attention with her remark while approaching.

Listy stayed in Miu's shadow using her diversion to reach for the marble clock on the bedside table.

"Oh, well, very good. I see -- you two together."

The moment Akatsuki said so,

"Huh?" "Kyaa!"

Akatsuki dragged both of them on the bed. One held under his left arm and the other embraced by his right arm.

Miu and Listy couldn't hide their inner confusion.

Even Miu was still out of his reach, say nothing of Listy who still further, Akatsuki's hands had somehow reached them.

What on earth -- They both thought.

The two suddenly found themselves entangled with a white rope around their waists.

"When did this ......?"

"If you look you'll see it is the bed sheet. Through my renkan keikikou it can be fastened into a rope with my Ki."

Akatsuki to said calmly, Miu turn pale with fright as her strategy clasped do his unexpected behavior.

"This, this was done for ... ...? "

"While Izumi is still out of it. This was the only way pull you guys over here at the same time."

"Wh-what your gonna simultaneous......!"

Listy loudly protested, while he nonchalantly replied:

"That goes without saying? No matter who was the first there would be a sense of unfairness....... Crap, you hurry up and take your clothes."

Miu's pajamas buttons were easily removed compared to a man's shirt. It made taking it off surprising fast.

"Waa -! Li-listy-san run away! It would be a useless death!"

"I am, I know .....! But the rope is tied up so tight, you could never ... ...!"

Next Listy's shirt was unbuttoned one by one starting from top to bottom

Still, the two did not give up desperately resisting.

"Really! You guys came to help, but faster than anyone else you tried to slip away?"

In a criticize voice that was half asleep,

"To think I just manged to stop Chikage from running away, and you two want to spoil it. Do you want to ruin my good deed? No, no."

As he finished .....

"Fuaaaaaaaa~!"

Miu and Listy simultaneously raised a sweet scream.

Everything become pure white in an instant. The two immediately knew they were rapidly rising to the peak.

"A .....aaa, ahhhh ......!" "Fu..... fu, aaaaaaaaaaa......!"

Their bodies trembled because of pleasure. They looked at Akatsuki with incredulity.

-- What hell did he do to us?

Similar situations like this have happened before, but it would not have been this easy. Moreover, she ended up losing all the power in her whole body at once. And the embers of pleasure were likely to cause them to lose consciousness.

"Oh, in the kitchen and on the stairs before I sent Ki into your bodies. Because there was remaining Ki in your body, and I gave you even more Ki here. It would only be natural when they collide with each other it will certainly bring about an explosive pleasure."

With her waning consciousness, she could still hear Akatsuki's dim voice. But they both couldn't understand much of what he just said.

Finally,

"Sorry tp keep you waiting, Izumi ..... Our other two most important friends are already here, you won't be lonely anymore. From now on, I'll let you know how much I really need you."

The second half of what Akatsuki said although it reached their ears, their brains have long ago lost the ability to think.

### Part 17

The number of frail screams from next door has increased.

This was a plot to a horror movie, Nanase Haruka thought.

The victims continue to increase, and the people sent to destroy the kyonshī also become a kyonshī.

Kuzuha's protection was her responsibility.

"However.....the way things are going."

No doubt Chikage had to look on helplessly hiding in the room as Miu and Listy have become Akatsuki's prey.

What should I do? -- Haruka was deep in thought.

"Damn ...... It can't be helped."

After some struggle, Haruka choose the best of both worlds.

So Nanase Haruka headed towards the Akatsuki's room carrying Kuzuha,

And through the open door, she only put her head in to see the situation inside.

"Th-this......!"

Though it was possible to imagine what was going on to some extent, but seeing with her own eyes cause an absurd shock. She was fully aware of what Akatsuki could do, however this degree of exaggeration actually goes far beyond Haruka's imagination.

On the bed were four people with all there limbs intertwined in some sort of complex geometries, like playing a game of twister, or some kind of weird stretching exercises.

"Wh-what can I do......"

Frightened, Haruka sprinted away.

She wanted to pretend she didn't see anything and calmly return to the room, but .....

.......No, I can't run away.

Haruka encouraged herself.

We must help each other, and never abandon each other -- I just promised that to them.

I will not make that oath a lie.

However......

"Kuzuha is still too young. I can't let her witness such a spectacle....."

It can't be helped. She gently leaned Kuzuha on the wall in the hallway careful not to wake her.

"I Nanase Haruka -- from here on out will be your opponent!"

She decided in her mind, and jumped into the battlefield.

"Eh, Haruka......you also came?"

Without a care that Akatsuki noticed her, she took large strides up to bed, planing to avoid the other three, and at the same time as touching him she would unleash her wind magic to blow only him out the window.

But ......

"Its not possible ....."

However, her wind magic was negated. Akatsuki wasn't affected in any way. Haruka dazed stood there for a long while, but immediately understood what happened.

Now, was exactly like the time when Akatsuki was on the verge of in Alayzard. An absolute barrier that cancels all magic.

"Good, very good......you come along too."

While saying so, he reached out to grab her -- Haruka's AD reacted.

"Huh -?"

Haruka's rasied her voice perplexed, as to why her pajamas began to change.

A function of the AD -- was to automatically change into the most suitable clothing.

When she was hiding at a brothel in Alayzard she wore a sensational lace bustier.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Haruka reflexively screamed.

"Hey, Hey, Hey, What time do think it's right now.......If you keep shouting like this you'll wake the neighbors?"

After Akatsuki ridiculed her, he forced Haruka into his arms.

And stuck his lips on her breast.

A vital point Nanase Haruka was there -- one of her eleven moles.

-- Of course, Melissa's aphrodisiac has long ago left her body.

However, Haruka's body remembered the feeling.

She still remembered when her vital points were subjected to repeated attacks, and the supreme pleasure.

After the last of baptism, Haruka body got a comprehensive development.

When Akatsuki once again subjected her to the same stimulus --

"～～～～～～～～！"

Haruka let out a noiseless tender moan.

As for the feeling that developed, the dimension of pleasure she received was not able to be understood by Haruka's brain.

Haruka's whole body stiffen to pleasure with her waist being embraced by Akatsuki.

And, the state of climax continued for a while.

"--！ Ah! Fuaaa... ... Wa... ... Fu... ... Ahhh ....."

After Haruka remembered how to breathe once again, the embers of pleasure spread to every corner like a wave along with the oxygen. Her hands and feet unconsciously trembled, a way of telling how pleased her body was.

-- If nothing else, Haruka's heart has chosen to resign itself to Akatsuki.

Like that night at the brothel -- half way during the detoxification process she submitted to the pleasure.

Haruka resolved herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki when --

"Uh..... Where am I.....?"

Kuzuha suddenly enters the room from the hallway.

"Ah--！"

Haruka instinctively woke up.

She must have been awoken by Haruka's scream when her pajamas changed into the bustier. And after she noticed she was alone, Kuzuha would of came to look for us. Then by chance stumbled into Akatsuki's room.

"Hmm... Where...?"

Kuzuha rubbed her eyes, she still seemed to be sleep.

Perhaps, because of Kuzuha's current state she doesn't realize she was even in Akatsuki's room.

.....No, not good ..... this was far from good....!

Haruka was shivering because of the horror of the rapidly deteriorating situation. However the half asleep Akatsuki obviously doesn't care.

"--！"

"How was it that you were excluded? Come over here, Kuzuha ...... I can teach you through experience."

Out of the question, absolutely can't sit by and let this tragedy occur.

So.....

The delirious Nanase Haruka stretched out her arm. Then readily grabbed the closest hard object.

Akatsuki was hit on the back of his head, knocking him down.

A heavy thud echoed around the house.

### Part 18

A few minutes later –-

".....Th-this terrible test of courage once is already enough."

Haruka was gasping for breath in her skintight corset.

The scene on top of the bed, looked like a field where heaps of corpses were scattered all over.

To think a test of courage would lead to such a tragic outcome, Haruka couldn't help get a headache again.

Miu, Listy, and Chikage were still in a trance, with an expression of ecstasy on their faces.

Akatsuki after being hit on the back of the head with the marble clock was unconscious.

And alongside the four of them was Kuzuha gently sleeping curled up in ball.

"Umm..... Where should I start?"

Haruka was at a loss.

For now, I should dress the naked Miu and the others?

Or first, should I take them back to other room?

Or restrain Akatsuki with something to put an end to the danger?

I wonder, what on earth should I do?

It got pretty sweaty, for the time being I really want to borrow the shower.

"Oh dear......"

In a situation like this, that was the only thing I could say to myself.

So Nanase Haruka sighed.

"The only upside...... might be that our bonds have furthered."

### 064. Chapter 2 - Crossroad of Ideas

### Part 1

Babel was responsible for management of all things related to alternate worlds.

Deep within the campus resides the engineering sector that studies the knowledge and technology of said alternate worlds.

That was where they combine technology from this and different worlds to develop new technologies that was unfathomable by current scientific standards.

The next day after the slumber party at the Ousawa home.

Akatsuki had left the house early in the morning to come to the engineering sector.

The purpose was to get Sleipnir checked out.

"It should be somewhere in this direction ....."

Akatsuki was causally driving down the road into the sector.

He was headed towards Kubota Kaito's workshop that visited once before.

The other day in the middle of the night -- Akatsuki was out driving Sleipnir around town.

When it just so happened that the convenience store he stopped at was robbed. Furthermore the criminals abducted a woman.

Upon arriving at the scene, Akatsuki pursued the getaway car. He eventually caught up with the kidnappers and saved the female hostage. In the process he destroyed their car and tossed several of the kidnappers into the ocean.

However, while pursuing them Akatsuki did the unthinkable. He drove Sleipnir on top of the water, not just the shoal of a beach but over several hundred feet of water.

Sleipnir was able to travel beyond the speed of sound with no obstructions at sea level -- because of those two factors, he achieved the unimaginable.

And Sleipnir lived up to Akatsuki's expectations. The motorcycle ran across the ocean as stable as a Mercedes-Benz driving on an asphalt road, and finally even climbed over the precipice of a cliff.

Akatsuki marveled at the spectacular performance of Sleipnir, deepening his attachment towards it.

After returning home Akatsuki immediately thoroughly washed Sleipnir to avoid any corrosion caused by the seawater.

However, there was a limit to the maintenance that could be done by an amateur.

If you really want what was best for your vehicle, a professional was needed to look at it on a regular basis.

"I won't find a gas station mechanic able to inspect it."

The motorcycle's body was made ​​of orichalcum, and was powered by spirits rather than gasoline.

Only an expert with extraordinary knowledge would be able maintain Sleipnir.

And there was only one person in the special autonomous region that Akatsuki could leave it with.

"...... Ah, I finally made it here."

In front of an Showa era inspired automobile factory, Akatsuki parked Sleipnir.

"No way... there is no one here."

Since it was now spring break for JPN Babel almost no one was on campus. At the entrance he asked the security guards about the circumstances. Apparently there was a large-scale system update tonight, and he had also said there was only a handful of staff members still on campus.

Akatsuki wanted to make sure he wasn't wasting a trip, so he had asked the guard to check the online database to confirm whether or not Kubota was on campus, and for the time being at least he was in his workshop.

"Eh..... Where are you old man?"

Although he was usually in his small workshop working on one of his hobbies, Professor Kubota was also in charge of Babel's special systems, which he designed. It was extremely likely that the Professor was in a conference or conducting some kind of research somewhere else.

Therefore Akatsuki cleared his mind, and searched the surrounding area for signs of life using Renkan Keikikou.

As long as Akatsuki meets with someone once, he will basically never forget their Ki.

"......Good, seems to be no problems."

In front of the workshop Akatsuki was able to sense a familiar Ki, he was convinced Kubota was here.

"Old man, I'm coming in."

Without waiting for a reply, Akatsuki went into the workshop.

Once inside he saw a person he met before. The young man wearing overalls also noticed Akatsuki's presence.

"Oh, Ousawa-san long time no see."

"Hey -- is the old man around?"

"I think he is in the back right now. Is there something you need?"

"Ah, I just wanted to have the old man do some maintenance on Sleipnir."

Akatsuki raised his thumb over his shoulder pointing -- outside the workshop.

"There is something he is working on right now, but I can go ask the old man, okay?"

### Part 2

"-- Please wait here a minute."

The youth wearing overalls disappeared into the back of the workshop.

However, Akatsuki was not left there all alone.

In fact, before Akatsuki arrived the youth wearing overalls was talking to another person.

So ......

"Yo Akki. Did you specially come here to ask the old man for maintenance? Also, it's unlikely that you did something reckless, right?"

The previous visitor was Kaidou Motoharu. With a friendly smile he raised his right hand as to say hello.

When Akatsuki searched the workshop for Kubota's Ki, he had also sensed Kaidou's.

"You flatter me......"

Akatsuki returned with the same smile.

"The other evening you abducted an underage girl off the street, indeed that is just a little matter."

"A misunderstanding, it really was a misunderstanding. I think the entire world believes the man who followed us is a bigger pervert, right? I walk a pure line."

"So an underage girl forced you into a dark alley, this is your so-called pure line. "

Akatsuki had a conversation with Kaidou in the back alley, and he remembered the appearance of young girl go-getter.

Then.....

"Believe it or not, she is in fact several years older than you or I."

"...... Seriously?"

"Of course it's true. You should know you can't judge a woman's age from her outward appearance. Even you know that, right Akki?"

"Ah, well."

Kaidou's did have a somewhat convincing argument.

But Akatsuki couldn't imagine that that petite girl was actually older than himself.

...... That means, Cecil may be a couple of years younger than me.

Akatsuki recalled an encounter that night with a peerless beauty. The probability was low, but not impossible. Women really are devilish and mysterious creatures.

Akatsuki was lost in thought .....

"-!? Akki are you all alone today? Usually you have several woman attending to you."

"Several woman attending to me? Don't exaggerate so much."

Akatsuki couldn't help but smile while shaking his head.

"Izumi, Class Rep and the Vice President all spent the night at your house. It seems several people had a lot of fun, perhaps they are still in bed right now."

This morning when Akatsuki woke up, he went downstairs and found no one else was up yet. Even after he waited some time, they still didn't get out of bed. Without any other choice he cooked and had breakfast alone. Also before leaving he knock-knocked on their door, but still there was no response.

It seemed like nothing was wrong when he checked their Ki in the room, but just to be sure Akatsuki gently opened the door to confirm they were safe. He was surprised to find everyone lying side by side on the bed. They were all sleeping weirdly with something like a faraway look on their faces, probably because of a happy dream.

"...... It seems the Vice President has already left."

Early in the morning, he thought he sensed Haruka's Ki leaving the house.

And sure enough, when he entered the room Haruka wasn't there.

However, she left a note on the table saying she was otherwise engaged and had to leave early.

On the back of the note she had written "last night was really fun" and "thank you". Akatsuki was very pleased. It looked like Haruka decided to join their group, and last night wasn't all for nothing.

Through last night's party, they hoped to cultivate a strong sense of friendship.

But the last sentence she wrote, "Everyone defended with their lives!" was a little difficult to understand.

After he disentangled Chikage's heart, Akatsuki accidentally fell asleep and had absolutely no idea what happened after.

Maybe all of the girls played some sort of game of chance right after that.

Akatsuki drew two conclusions while looking at Miu's unladylike appearance as she was sleeping.

She must be dreaming about baseball or boxing.

"Oh, your relationship seems to be pretty good."

Kaidou laughed.

"–- And by the way, I just saw the Vice President walked into the school building."

"Hmm ...... so?"

"...... Huh? Akki, isn't your response a little too weak?"

"What do you mean?"

Akatsuki was slow to understand the situation.

"The other day..... when we met in town, you asked me if I was planning on killing the Vice President? and just now I said I saw the Vice President, could it be that you're not worried?"

Kaidou replied.

"...... Ah, now I get it"

Akatsuki said with a wry smile.

"And at that time, I made it clear that I didn't intend on making you into my enemy."

"..... I probably said something like that."

Kaidou thought Akatsuki's reaction was anticlimactic.

"You were actually very direct. Akki at that time..... the murderous intent towards me was really scary. I always thought you were somewhat skeptical of me, but now it seems that you sort of trust me?"

"Your thinking too much. If what you said is true, it is not necessary to worry. And if what you say is a lie, I would just kill you. No problems."

Kaidou dropped his shoulder feeling extremely disappointed, Akatsuki laughed "Oh",

"-- Is it possible that it was just a lie?"

He stared at Kaidou with eyes filled with murderous rage.

But ......

Kaidou lowered his shoulders, dodging Akatsuki's glance while smiling wryly to ward it off.

"Come on Akki, I'm not stupid enough to tell you directly –- Ah!"

While in the middle of talking his cell phone started ringing.

Akatsuki couldn't see the caller ID on the LCD screen.

"Uwa......"

Kaidou had a slightly cramped expression as he glanced at Akatsuki.

"You don't have to worry about me, answer the phone."

Akatsuki motioned to Kaidou to pick up the phone.

The scene from the dark alley repeated itself, except this time the roles were reversed.

"You have a pained look. The caller seems to be a troublesome character."

"Yes, a very troublesome and scary women."

Kaidou roughly replied, and grudgingly pressed the call button.

"...... Hey, it's me. It's okay, you can..... before you called you should have already known where I am, and what is to be done, right? -- EH, What? You are a troublesome and scary woman?"

Kaidou was surprised, and momentarily matched Akatsuki's eyes.

"No, I would never say such a thing... ... Haha... ha..."

Then he turned his back to Akatsuki, letting out some dry laughter.

After Kaidou waved, he stated heading towards the back of Kubota's workshop.

He just watched as Kaidou's back disappeared from the other side of the garage.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help muttering:

"Troublesome and scary woman... ... Sounds like that guy doesn't have it easy."

### Part 3

Just as Kaido left, a burly man suddenly appeared in front of Akatsuki. He was wearing oil-stained overalls, and a little stubbly beard with a rough-hewn face.

At first glance he looked to everyone like an obstinate father figure -- Kubota the owner of the workshop.

".....I'm waiting."

Kubota coldly said, before going over to Akatsuki.

Then he went straight to Sleipnir parked outside the workshop.

He was not in a bad mood. Akatsuki knew that Kubota always had this type of attitude.

So Akatsuki nonchalantly followed behind him.

"I'm sorry old man..... Even during spring break, you must be very busy."

"I don't particularly mind. In the first place I handed it over to you, and I suppose I should be in charge of its maintenance."

"Can't thank you enough. I know nothing about machines. I would just have ruined it."

After walking outdoors, Kubota immediately started checking its condition.

First he looked over every inch of Sleipnir with the naked eye.

"...... You seem to treasure this like a baby."

"Would you? I ride up mountains and on top of oceans."

Akatsuki answered.

After all, he came to ask Kubota for maintenance mainly because of driving it on top of the water for quite some time.

Admittedly, it might be difficult say that he believed in Sleipnir's ability to take action, but not enough to cherish it.

But ......

"A professional technician at a glance can see what type of attitude the rider has towards their vehicle. You were a little rough, but not to the point of destroying it."

"Umm, I guess your right."

"The most important thing is that you enjoy the ride. Such intentions are transmitted to the machine. In particular this guy, who picks its owner. At least in my eyes, this ill-tempered and unruly guy is in a fairly good mood today."

"It is?"

"Hmph..... to be able to meet an owner worthy of trust you would also be happy."

Kubota said as he finished the visual inspection.

"There shouldn't be any problems...... but to be prudent I still want to conduct a detailed inspection. And by the way, you should take this opportunity to link with your AD as well. "

"Thanks, but why link with my AD?"

"Vice President Nanase should have given you a new AD, right?"

"Ah, you mean this thing?"

Akatsuki pointed at his wristband.

-- It was the new type AD that Haruka gave him the other day before going to Alayzard.

Originally he needed seven AD's to activate his black magic sword, but now he only needed one.

The new model was originally going to be given out at the end of spring break -- the scheduled start of the new year for the students, but in the fight against Phil/ Zahhaku during the ranking tournament Akatsuki's older model AD broke. So Kubota had the new type of AD delivered to him ahead of schedule.

Kubota confirmed that Akatsuki was wearing the new AD.

"Both the old and new AD use the same telepathic stone as Sleipnir. The biggest difference between the old AD and the new AD is that the latter can lift restrictions according to the user's will, and has a new feature that allows your uniform or other clothes to transform directly into combat clothes."

"I have somewhat heard about that."

Akatsuki looked at the new AD.

"When she handed me this, I remember receiving a similar explanation from Haruka."

"In short, the new model reacts quicker than the old to the user's consciousness."

Kubota added.

"As long as the new AD and Sleipnir's telepathic wave lengths are synchronized to the same frequency, even if both are in separate locations, you can also convey your consciousness through the AD."

"You mean I can remotely control Sleipnir?"

"Yes."

Kubota nodded. Surprised by that, Akatsuki whistled.

"This seems to be quite a useful feature."

But ......

"This ferocious looking motorcycle driving unmanned down the road in the city is sure to terrify anyone passing by on the street. Probably the traffic cops would immediately be called to stop it."

"I can't deny the possibility, but this is a function that in case of an emergency you can call upon the power of this guy to help you weather the storm. At the same time, I believe this guy is happy to have this feature. Either way, it is up to you to determine whether or not is the right occasion to use it."

"Oh ... ... Well, please do that. "

Akatsuki said while looking at Sleipnir.

"If this guy can have greater functionality, naturally it is going to be happier."

At the same time, Akatsuki handed over his AD to Kubota.

"About how long will it take?"

"That depends, however is seems your synchronization is still good, so it shouldn't take that much time. I'll do the adjustment and this guy's maintenance at the same time, but probably won't be done until this evening."

"Well that being the case, I guess I will have to find a place to pass the time."

Akatsuki bowed his head while deep in thought.

"..........."

Suddenly, Kubota looked at Akatsuki, not saying a word.

"......EH? Old man what's wrong? Beating around the bush isn't your style. You're always unfriendly and stern, and do not hesitate to tell it how it is. I don't want to play a guessing game with you."

Akatsuki could not help but frown.

"Since idle is idle......"

Kubota still had on a poker face.

"In the spirit of saving some time why don't you assist me a little -- Ousawa Akatsuki."

### Part 4

Akatsuki's was taken by Kubota to a facility built on the edge of the engineering sector. It had a gigantic open space comparable to the school's arena.

"-- What is this place?"

"Its one of my labs mainly used to test each system."

"Oh ...... after all Old man, your true identity is great professor of Babel."

Akatsuki said, as he looked round.

"..... So, why bring me to such a place? and what do you want me to do?"

"To test a newly developed combat program."

Kubota answered.

"You should have received combat training lessons, right?"

"Well, a couple of times."

Akatsuki said with a wry smile, suddenly remembered something.

"The first class training program went out of control and caused a lot of controversy."

The training program level was significantly increased to the point the students couldn't withstand the power of the summoned chicken snake beast they were to fight against. The program even refused to accept any commands until it finally went on a rampage.

It developed into a seriously dangerous situation as a lot of students fell victim to petrifaction though the cry of the chicken snake beast. When Akatsuki got wind of it in another arena next to that one, he rushed over to defeat the beast.

-- Of course, the person responsible was not the program's designer.

The student terrorist belonged to the same B class as Akatsuki, Tanaka. He intentionally set the program to go out of control.

"-- What do you want me to do exactly? Test a new more stable training program?"

"It is indeed a fighting program, but it has nothing to do with practical combat training used for teaching."

Kubota operated the control panel set in the wall.

"The existing training programs focus on building team chemistry and acquiring practical experience. This new program's purpose is to enhance an individuals fighting capabilities. In order to avoid confusion, just call it an 'exercise program'."

"Hmm...... Okay."

In short, it was a physical education training program, or an exercise program like a sports club training activity.

Although the purpose of both was movement, compared to the former academic course, the latter focus was more on strengthening and developing an individual's ability.

However, Babel always divided them into groups, and the staff was unlikely to force a student to receive training. As long as a student gets enough basic educational subjects credits, their next phase of development was left to the student's discretion.

Therefore Babel school clubs were as varied as any other schools, big and small, liberal arts courses to the physical education clubs, as long as you were student at Babel you could freely sign up and join any club. Of course, not belonging to any club was also allowed. Akatsuki was currently in the go home club.

But the school also opens the training facilities during non-school hours for any students who wanted to enhance their ability to fight and raise their class in the ranking tournament. Kubota had further developed a separate combat program for those individuals.

"-- No way, Are they going to mandatory enforce all students to become stronger from now on?"

The students and the staff in Babel certainly have the possibility of being dispatched as soldiers to the battlefield in case of an emergency.

However recently, COCOON's position as an administrator of the world was rock-solid, and the authority of Babel was also very high, there were now very little wars and conflicts around the world, almost no need to send in troops.

And Babel was an educational institution, not a military force.

At least nominally it was true.

"For a fighter like me, I have no objections. But for some of peaceful students that try to avoid fighting, even they must receive mandatory training?"

Akatsuki's tone revealed an obvious displeasure.

"No, you are mistaken."

The expressionless Kubota shook his head.

"But during the last ranking tournament, didn't an unidentified higher dimension being appear?"

"......Ah."

Akatsuki nodded. Kubota was talking about a young person who was sent after Miu from Alayzard, Phil Barnett. When Phil changed into a dragon he was defeat at the hands of Akatsuki.

"That Dragon, right?"

"Perhaps it was its considerable size, but when they suspended the tournament almost all the students and staff taking refuge saw that dragon flying over head. Although there were no eyewitness that Ousawa Akatsuki took down the dragon, rumors having been running rampant between the students and faculty ....."

Kubota said.

"As a result, a small number of students and staff have put in requests -- hoping to get stronger. Even if they can't defeat a dragon, or reach the same level as the Ousawa Akatsuki, if something happens they don't want to sit on the sidelines and watch."

After a short pause ......

"Do you understand? These people have been inspired by you -- Ousawa Akatsuki."

"Me......?"

"Yes. You were the first person in Babel's history during the Norn screening to be screened as the "True Hero", and you are able to stand toe to toe with the student council, and then during the ranking tournament you defeated a gigantic Dragon. A portion of the schoolgirls sees you as romantic interest, while some people acknowledge your strength and wish to emulate you."

After finishing setting up the controls, Kubota looked at Akatsuki.

"Ready. Come with me, I'll teach you what to do."

"I get that, and I think its an honor to be the motivation for others to become strong, but in my heart I'm not all that happy......"

Akatsuki sighed, then he walk over to Kubota's side.

-- While in Alayzard, Leon was worshiped as the Hero and Akatsuki, the Rogue Hero, was just boy with a sword looking up to him.

...... Headache.

Becoming the target of worship was definitely not a bad thing.

However, the thought of his fighting spirit inspiring everyone, even a pacifist to strive to be like him. In his heart, nevertheless he felt a little sorry.

Akatsuki never claimed to be a Hero, in peacetime he would abandon it and deliberately vilify his own image. However, there will be still many young admirers who would enter the army, and lose their lives on the battlefield.

If you include the people Akatsuki doesn't know, the number should be quite considerable.

Becoming a symbol of hope was the inescapable fate of a Hero.

Due to their existence, the irony was that more people will lose their lives.

"-- I don't know how you will spend your time in this world, or what you will accomplish."

And Kubota said,

"As long as you continue to fight and continue to win, there undoubtedly will be more and more people looking up to you. In fact, you don't have to take responsibility for those people, or be concerned with how it effects the world, but --"

"...... I know."

Akatsuki nodded,

"I still have to be true to myself, and because of that I have no choice. Even if someone was to change because of me, I still can't run away."

In the end, what does it mean to shoulder someone else's feelings......

Ousawa Akatsuki was already somewhat aware.

So he firmly said:

"The only thing I can do for them now is to continue being myself, and live up to their expectations."

### Part 5

After roughly explaining to Akatsuki how to use the terminal to control the program, Kubota left the facility.

"It is a really strange development, huh......Exercise Program."

Akatsuki smiled wryly.

Well good. Until Sleipnir's maintenance is complete, he has time to kill, so might as well take this opportunity to move around a little.

Therefore, Akatsuki looked around this place again.

This is a huge space, in addition to the special barrier that converts psychical damage to mental damage the ceilings, walls, and floors also seem to be covered with a barrier that absorbs physical damage and magic. Akatsuki tried to hit a nearby wall.

After a loud bang, he clearly felt his hand hit the wall.

But ......

"Not even a scratch, huh......."

It seems even if he went on a rampage the laboratory would be safe.

Akatsuki's AD is still having its wavelength adjusted, so he is currently wearing another AD provided by Kubota. He put on the new uniform he got from Haruka last night.

He hopes this will be a decent workout –- but it depends on the opponent.

"-- Well, either way, lets get started."

Akatsuki turned to face the Control Panel on the wall.

In Kubota's exercise program, it seems you can select your opponents strength depending on the purpose of the exercise.

The system first measures the persons fighting ability, then change its strength accordingly. On top of that, there are another three modes to choose from.

"NORMAL" the strength of the fighter and opponent are equal. To win the fighter is expected to enhance combat abilities.

"EASY" the strength of the fighter is greater than the opponent. It is usually used for testing weapons or correcting war strategies.

"HARD" the strength of the fighter is weaker than the opponent. The opponent significantly increases its strength for a short period of time.

On default the system automatically choose the appropriate option, but fighter can choose the type of enemy.

Of course, because of Akatsuki's personality, naturally he want to do hard mode, but .....

"Ah, the Old man wanted me to test out the tutorial first. To test out the strength recognition software on a low-level opponent, a warm up then......"

Without a choice, Akatsuki reluctantly pressed the start button on the LCD screen.

Then numerous particles of light began to gather in the center of the laboratory.

The light particles gradually began to take shape, creating a gigantic bird much larger than normal.

He was looking at a cockatrice.

"......Are you kidding me? A cockatrice? This level of a monster is supposed to be a warm up? Skip it. "

Akatsuki disapproved of the cockatrice, and went back to the control panel.

"Oh... ... this one? Nah... ... What about this?"

Akatsuki was still looking at the LCD screen, when the cockatrice suddenly screamed.

Low and heavy footsteps could be heard, the beast was approaching him at an alarming rate.

"-- Noisy."

Akatsuki used his AD to instantly summon a black magical sword -- the .

He swung the sword down behind his back. The flash of his sword, instantly chopped the cockatrice in half.

"....."

It became particles of light and disappeared without a trace.

His AD also respond to Akatsuki intention to fight, and automatically switched his uniform to combat clothes.

"Oh...... these new clothes look just like the Demon King outfit I wore our there."

After countless battles in Alayzard, the AD determined these were the clothes most suitable for Akatsuki.

At the end of the tutorial a messages displayed on the screen.

"Give me a break Old man. This isn't a way to pass the time, its simply a waste of time, okay?"

With a bitter face Akatsuki continued with the control panel. He change the system to hard mode, and now is searching the list of opponents that would seems the most interesting to fight.

Goblin, ogres, orc, cyclops, minotaur, gryphon, cerberus.

The screen showed beasts in the same family as the cockatrice, but.....

"......Not interested."

These monsters levels aren't that much different from the cockatrice.

But still with the level monsters fighting it would be no fun at all. Since you want me to test it out, a strong one would be best.

"Nothing decent, huh......?"

Perhaps further down the list the monsters will be stronger. After thinking that, Akatsuki advanced to bottom of the list.

The last monster was --

"What is this ......UNKNOWN DRAGON?"

Akatsuki moved the cursor over it.

While hovering over the icon the detailed data was displayed, Alayzard's evil dragon Zahark.

"During the ranking tournament he must of secretly captured its data. "

"Hmm", Akatsuki forced a smile.

But according to Kubota, some the teachers and students who witnessed Zahark wanted to get stronger, this is probably why the exercise program was born. It might be significant for them if Zahark were to be listed in the program.

And to Akatsuki, he was definitely a powerful enemy.

Plus in hard mode, Zahark's power undoubtedly will higher now.

"However..... to fight it right here?"

Akatsuki look around to confirm the size of laboratory.

It is a large space, but the space might be a little tight since Zahark was well over twenty meters. If it tried to spread its wings, it simply would not be able to fly around.

For others who wanted to challenge Zahark, the spatial conditions would be very advantageous to them. However in Akatsuki's eyes who wants a good challenge, it totally is not the case.

"That sucks......"

So Akatsuki scroll up the list again, scrolling all the way back to the first page. Until he was pointing the cursor over the Goblin's options.

"Really is useless....."

Akatsuki sighed, and once again moved down the list, returning to Zahark's options.

"Ah... ... what's this all about?"

Akatsuki was stunned for a moment.

He press the menu and nothing happened, Akatsuki pushed it several times, then pushed the right and above options, etc., only to find at the bottom menu option was not Zahark, and there was a new screen never seen before.

"Hey, this is not broke, right?"

While staring at the screen he got an ominous feeling, unexpectedly at the top of the screen it read.

"DEBUG.....What is debug mode？"

It is a special screen only for developers.

It seemed to be because of his indiscriminate actions, unfortunately –- correction, fortunate he hit the jackpot.

By changing the parameters of the program, you can intensity the strength of the program.

"The level limits... ... the difficulty... ... aha, ultimate mode. This looks like fun. "

Akatsuki also search around for some more interesting options, but didn't see any other.

"It seems like a hidden boss and not on the list.....--eh? "

Akatsuki noticed in the lower right corner of the screen in debug mode there was an unnatural data space.

"......"

Nothing was displayed on the screen, but he couldn't look away for some reason. He did wondered why there was such a thing, however it seemed like the space was calling out to him.

Akatsuki subconsciously move the cursor over.

Then he selected the blank space for some reason.

And simultaneously the the blank space now displayed a name.

"G · OUSAWA."

"This is ......"

A little skeptical, Akatsuki pressed the button.

Final confirmation -- YES.

After finally choosing, light particles once again gathered in middle of the laboratory.

Akatsuki's opponent soon appeared before his eyes.

If a person just met Akatsuki for the first time, they might be able to mistake him with this young person. The youth's appearance is almost exactly the same as Akatsuki.

His eye color, physique, hair, and even his fearless smile are a spitting image.

-- However, if you look closely there is little difference between the two.

The youth is slightly taller than Akatsuki, and his hairstyle is different.

Also he has a longer Japanese sword in his hands than Akatsuki.

The youth isn't Akatsuki.

However, it is not a accidental resemblance. Ousawa Akatsuki recognizes the man in front of him.

Akatsuki slowly said:

"Father--"

Exactly.

His opponent was Akatsuki's father -- a young Ousawa Gouki.

### Part 6

"So it turns out like this.....Now I see what Old man Kubota meant."

The time when Akatsuki attempted to tame Sleipnir .....

Kubota said he knew a little bit about Gouki.

.....Oh, that's right

Kubota and Gouki should be about the same age.

Those two people were both around Akatsuki's age, probably the same age of the Gouki standing in front of him, when they were summoned to an alternate world is just getting started. Babel had not been organized yet, and also there weren't that many people who returned from another world. At that time, if those two meet after going through similar circumstances, is would be very natural if they became friends.

"Okay, however that's not why I am here...... "

Akatsuki raised his Black Sword, and took a step forward.

He laughed a little.

"Even if it's just a computer program......I will not miss this opportunity to compete with you! "

With a loud roar, Akatsuki made the first move.

He launch himself forward at full speed.

Closing the distance between the two in no time, then he put all his power into one strike.

But ......

The computer generated Gouki slightly waved his Japanese sword.

"Gakiiiiiin--"

A metallic sound rang out as the Demon sword and Japanese sword slammed together.

"Uhh, Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

Akatsuki's body was sent flying more than a dozen feet backwards.

It was too late for him to adjust his body in the air, he slammed into the wall.

"Gahhh......!"

The strong impact in his back, forced all the oxygen out of his lungs.

He stop breathing for a moment, because of the special barrier there was no possibility that the wall was broken.

However the impact on the human body was not lost. Even so, Akatsuki withstood the pain and got off the ground.

"...... Aha, this is more like it."

Akatsuki laughed fearlessly.

His opponent is one of the most powerful people in the world, and is one of the people Akatsuki must defeat.

Even if this is a hopeless battle, he cannot pass on this a rare fight.

The difficulty of training programs adjusts according to the user's strength, In NORMAL mode the enemies would be evenly matched with the user. However, Gouki is part of debug mode, and appeared as a blank space. It is on a completely different level than the rest.

Then.....the different between himself and his father's power at that time was so much.

Ousawa Akatsuki doesn't actually know how big of a gap in strength there is between him and his father or his brother.

However ......

If he were to able to defeat a young version of his father, it would be tantamount to obtaining the right to challenge those two people.

But on the contrary, if he can't against a virtual opponent, let alone a copy of his father, there is no point. The genuine Gouki would have over many years accumulated much more experience, and is probably a lot stronger.

Plus it is safe to assume that his physical condition is unlikely to decline because of age.

At that very moment Akatsuki thought this was a fight he absolutely can't lose.

-- However, the spectacle that appeared before his eyes was incredible.

The Japanese sword in Gouki's hands disappeared, as if saying it does not need a weapon to face this level an enemy. The computer generated Gouki stood firm with a fearless smile.

"How dare you look down on me ......"

Akatsuki confronted the calm Gouki, unable to hide his inner anger.

"Good, I prefer using my hands anyway... ... Come on!"

He released his magic sword, and walk over to Gouki empty handed. And then at an arm's distance away he stopped.

"I'm a the challenger, so I get the first strike."

After saying that, Akatsuki immediately channeled renkan keikikou.

Concentrating all the kei inside his body into his right fist.

"--Eat my fist, FATHER!"

He drives his right fist into Gouki's face.

"Bakii!"

A dull thud could be heard.

However, even after receiving Akatsuki's fist, Gouki never moved as much as one step from where he was standing.

He stood there grinning at Akatsuki, then in a similar fashion gave Akatsuki a right hook.

"Gah -- Gaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

He felt an acute pain running through his abdomen as he looked down at the ground.

However, he didn't see Gouki standing there.

"Crap -- Above!"

Akatsuki reflexively punches behind himself.

After a muffled bang, he clearly felt the impact of hitting his target.

However his attack didn't land, it was blocked.

Akatsuki turn around after his punch, only to see a furious Gouki with an impending kick awaiting.

He had no time to either defend nor evade.

Gouki's kick landed cleanly, smashing Akatsuki into floor with a vengeance.

### Part 7

Kubota Kaito was watching the spectacle a little ways away.

After returning to the workshop, Kubota monitored the laboratory through a holographic image projected midair while silently doing the maintenance on Sleipnir and linking the AD.

"......"

He even saw Akatsuki accidentally enter into debug mode, Kubota never made a move. After all, Akatsuki choose it on his own.

Even if Akatsuki is at a disadvantage, even if he is in a life-threatening situation, Kubota doesn't have any reasons to stop it.

On the screen, Gouki was just standing there while Akatsuki was laying on the floor. He was slowly rising to his feet. Kubota was watching Akatsuki's expression, it was still composed and he not lost his will to fight.

"......Good."

Kubota muttered.

Not that he had asked him directly, but Kubota Kaito knows what Ousawa Akatsuki's goal is and what he is fighting for.

-- And perhaps what he will do in the future.

That's why, for the possibility of teaching Akatsuki he put in a debug mode.

"The goals you set for yourself and the ideals you set for yourself to live by... ... however only a very small number of people are able to keep that willpower. Ousawa Akatsuki, if you really are unwilling to compromise, if you really are unwilling to back down –-"

Kubota pointed at the screen towards Akatsuki.

"That's a hero's aesthetica, the power to overcome all obstacles. At least that's how the man standing before your eyes did it."

He paused for a moment.

"Gouki's program is based on a tenth of his power during those days. Even if you beat a higher dimensional being during the ranking tournament comparable in strength, maybe even stronger. If you can't win against that Gouki, how can you possibly stand in front of that man now?"

### Part 8

When Miu finally opened her eyes it was already noon.

However, that was not the reason she overslept.

It was because last night's "Test of courage" stimulation was too strong.

When Akatsuki was half asleep, he mercilessly gave the four pleasure until they collapsed from the bliss.

The girls were incapable of resisting, they had no choice but to accept it and fell into a deep sleep.

Only Kuzuha was able to escaped the magic hands of Akatsuki, however it was Chikage that brought the essential oil that led to the drunken deep sleep state. The only exception was Haruka.

Haruka had woken up, and had already left the Ousawa home. She did leave behind a note however.

It said she borrowed the bathroom, and had a prior engagement to get to.

Haruka seemed to have escaped any damage of sexual berserker mode of the half asleep Akatsuki.

Miu herself didn't know how she did it.

......Umm...... I can't remember much of anything......

At that time with Chikage and Listy, Miu's body and mind were completely under the control of the raging storm of pleasure by Akatsuki. After losing consciousness, it was no wonder that she couldn't remember what happened last night.

Akatsuki had already got up before everyone and had gone out. She thought that he mentioned something about needing maintenance for Sleipnir, so now he should be Babel. However, the truth about last night is now more and more of a mystery.

-- However, at the bottom of the note, Haruka wrote "Everyone defended with their lives!" After reading that, Miu was comforted a little. Akatsuki did do other things, however she is afraid to find out exactly what.

"......"

Just when Miu was contemplating.

"......Ousawa-san?"

Suddenly, someone called her name. She turned and looked towards the voice to find it was Kuzuha. Miu quickly regained her awareness.

"Oh, s-sorry. It's nothing, I'm just staring into space....."

Miu had stopped moving her hands. Right now, Miu was combing Kuzuha's hair using a brush.

Because of Akatsuki teasing last night, everybody woke up with a lot of sweat. Like Haruka the first thing they did was have good bath. The four girls divided into two groups, the first was Miu and Kuzuha.

After they bathed, it was Listy and Chikage's turn to use the bathroom. Miu and Kuzuha were fixing their appearance.

.....She called me Ousawa-san, Ah .....

Miu stared at Kuzuha's back sitting in front of her, Miu concealed her inner regret.

After wake up this morning, she had gone back to how she normally calls her name. Apparently, it seem that she doesn't remember a thing from last night.

That was probably impossibility anyway. Kuzuha at that time got fairly drunk off the effects of Chikage's aroma. But, at last Kuzuha, who doesn't let out her feelings, expressed her true feelings. After finally learning her true feelings, she still couldn't do anything.

...... Of course not.

Miu nodded.

"Hey....."

She took the initiative to talk to her irreplaceable friend sitting before her:

"Kuzuha......your hair is very beautiful."

Then,

"Huh--? "

Kuzuha turned her head back to look at Miu.

She had a slightly surprised expression, Miu sat there nonchalantly.

"Are you feeling alright, Kuzuha?"

This was the second time she called her by her first name with a calm tone.

However, since Kuzuha has no recollection of what happened last night, so Miu's move was very abrupt.

Kuzuha's inner desire had unexpectedly come true, and in that moment her cheeks turned red.

"...... No, nothing."

She turned her face forward looking somewhat embarrassed. After seeing such cute behavior, Miu put on a mischievous smile.

"Huh? Kuzuha, somehow your face is all red."

She softly hugged Kuzuha from behind, and lightly tokes her cheek.

Miu actions were implying that she also wants Kuzuha to call her by her name.

Then without a choice Kuzuha sighed.

"Its annoying to say nothing ... ... Miu."

Although the tone somewhat awkward, Kuzuha finally address her as Miu.

Then Miu smiled more brightly and pulled Kuzuha in closer.

No matter how precocious, Kuzuha is still just a kid.

-- And such a cute one at that.

Miu like a spoiled child began to tease Kuzuha.

"One more time Kuzuha ......okay, I want you to call me Miu again."

".....Unpleasant, hurry up and help me with my hair."

"Unless you call me Miu. Come on, hurry up."

"Don't just push someone's head into your chest, okay? You cow."

"Don't be like that! Your response is too cold now!"

Kuzuha said in a awkward way, Miu instinctively raised her voice resentful.

At this time ......

"–-Help, save me!"

The living room door suddenly flung open, and Listy ran in only with a bath towel.

"L-listy-san what happened? "

Miu asked, however Listy only blushed.

"Chikage said she wanted to wash my back, but then –-"

"Oh......""......It's not surprising. "

Both Miu and Kuzuha somewhat understood, as their eyes met for a second.

"There was no need run out so fast, was there?"

Chikage also followed wrapped up in a towel with a wry smile on her face.

After seeing Chikage, Miu can't help thinking--Chikage really had changed a little.

Maybe some weight came off her shoulder's, she looks happier than she was. Thinking back, Chikage has always been considerate of other people's needs. Although her behavior now seems to Miu a little unnatural.

......Must be that person did something.

Miu let out an smile filled with trust.

Akatsuki didn't simply sexual harass everyone last night, rather created a situation in which everyone would have to band together with Chikage, through actions and words to completely free her heart.

The same way that person help Miu up till now.

While she thought "Thank you Akatsuki" in her heart, Miu can't help but say:

"Chikage-san that's no good.....because Listy-san isn't immune to that sort of thing yet."

"From the sound of that sentence, it seems that you have produced immunity, right Miu ....."

Kuzuha said, then......

"Eh--" "Oh ......"

Listy and Chikage both noticed the change in Kuzuha at the same time, and both opened their eyes wide.

Chikage respond immediately.

"You said? Oh ....... "

"..................W-what?"

Chikage now has mischievous smile, as if finding a new toy to play with.

She leaned in close to reduced the height difference to Kuzuha eye level.

"Oh, hello there miss heartless, Kuzuha ..... earlier you called Miu by her first name."

"Uhm..... If you don't mind, can I also call you by your first name."

Kuzuha face turned red as she looked away from the embarrassment.

"Chikage ...... Like that, right?"

But ......

"With this perfunctory tone, how are you going to heal my broken heart?"

"......Then what do you want me to do?"

Kuzuha asked timidly while glancing up at Chikage.

"Well.....call me Chikage-oneechan in a exceptionally cute voice."

".......O-okay. You can get lost right now, stupid."

"Wow, rebellious."

Chikage smiled wryly, then shrugged her shoulders and stood up immediately.

"Listy, we haven't finished washing yet, come back to the bath with me."

"B-but wait..... Chikage？"

Chikage ignored the confused glances from Listy, and grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her out of the living room.

While watching them interacting in their own way, Miu mumbled: "I'm glad ...... "

Letting Chikage organize a sleep over here, really was the right decision. It looks like everyone got closer after all.

The only regret is probably that Akatsuki and Haruka aren't here right now.

Miu really wants to stick out her chest and loudly tell Akatsuki.

We've become really good friends.

But ......

"......I wonder if Haruka is all right?"

Kuzuha heard what Miu muttered, anxiously she said:

"She said she was going to be over latter, but her friendship with the other members of the student council should be deeper than with us. If a student Council Member strongly urge her to stay, I don't know if she'll change her mind....."

"-- Don't worry about it, Kuzuha."

Miu said so in a assertive tone, because she had an absolute confidence.

Last night we promised to support and help each other from now on.

At that time, in Haruka's eyes wasn't a hint of hesitation nor a lie.

### Part 9

Early in the morning when Haruka Nanase left the Ouswa home she made a promise to herself to return.

On the very top floor of JPN Babel was the student council's room.

Currently there was only Haruka inside.

It was already past noon, as Ryohei and Minami were out for lunch.

Although they both invited Haruka, she had turned them down.

In order to protect Akatsuki, and to protect her other friends Haruka was finally going to fulfill the commitment she made to herself after returning from Alayzard.

On her desk sat a plate with her name and her official position on it.

"-- By doing this..... it will be over."

Haruka said as she shut down her computer.

After she was sure that the computer was completely off, she quietly sighed.

Haruka looked around at the items on her desk --

All this in three days, while performing the duties of the student council, she compiled the data by herself.

Who ever takes over after me, will be able to quickly adapt with these documents and materials.

The documents were printed out put in a folder, a folder was saved on a flash drive, and also there was a system backup on the network server.

"Then ......"

Haruka clutched her left breast.

Her uniform had a breast pocket, in which was an envelope.

In a little while, Kyouya will appear in the student council room.

Over the past few days, Kyouya also seemed particularly busy and she did not have the chance to properly talk with him. But yesterday before she went to the Ouswa home she fortunately met him in the hallway. Kyouya had said when he had time to spare he promised to talk with her.

After Haruka looking at her wrist watch, she slowly stood up from her chair and looked around the room. At the scenery she got so used to seeing.

It is place that Haruka Nanase will cherished forever.

"It's laughable.....me resigning. I am reluctant to leave me this place, but it is for the best."

Haruka said, with a wry smile.

The student council vice-president and the discipline chairman, were the important positions that Haruka Nanase held in JPN Babel.

Before Kyouya was a member of the COCOON, who managed this world, he asked her to join the student council -- Haruka immediately accepted the invitation.

-- The young boys and girls who are summoned to alternate world obtain special abilities when they return.

They are the hope for a better future for mankind, however they possess powerful abilities that some people view as extremely dangerous. Their situation can be said to be very difficult.

No matter how reluctant, alternate world returnees cannot change this fact.

To protect the returnees special institutions exists in each country of the G7, just like the special autonomous region of Babel.

COCOON in essence oversees Babel. COCOON regardless of its age is active in the political arena of each country in the world. Their status in Babel is not just a student, but rather chief executives of the plan for the world.

COCOON provides assistance to administer Babel, and all of them are adults.

-- But, throughout the Babel's all over the world the only exception is JPN Babel. Hikami Kyouya did not have to throw away his status as a student, and conducts the management of the organization as a student council president.

Babel protects practically only boys and girls in their teens.

Moreover, these teenagers were suddenly summoned to alternate worlds with no warning. They had to struggle to survive, and desperately fight to find a way back home. After they barely manage to get back to their original world, they are forced into special autonomous regions.

For physically and mentally immature adolescents this is undoubtedly a cruel fate. Only a person in the same situation can begin to understand their inner pain.

In order prevent those returnees from being hurt any further she wanted a student or staff member with a similar viewpoint in charge of Babel's operation, and he was exactly her idea of the perfect candidate.

So when Kyouya asked her, Haruka did not hesitate to join the student council.

If her own power and effort could help their plight even a little -–

Naturally she put her whole heart and soul into it.

Haruka secretly swore.

In addition to the post of the Vice President, she voluntarily took the initiative to be part of the discipline committee. She does not want to see returnees get lost in their own power, or for them to feel inferior and feel that the future is bleak. In an attempt to reduce fights even a little between students, and as the president of the discipline committee she voluntarily stood on the front lines.

She has never regretted how she got to this point, and that wont ever change even in the future.

Haruka Nanase can only boast about her time spent as a member of the student government.

In fact she will continue to use her power to protect all of the students.

......But ......

Haruka closed her eyes, and silently shook her head.

Now, she wants to protect other people.

Also in her heart, she has a new dream.

Ousawa Akatsuki -- Ousawa Miu -- Listy Sherfied

As well as herself, Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuhais are committed to protecting those three.

She decided to work as one with them, and fight alongside them.

So I don't belong here anymore. After all, concealing Miu and Listy's true identity is in clear violation of policies of Babel and COCOON.

And even if she is on a different path, the members of the student council are still important companions to Haruka. She doesn't want to lie in order to stay near them, that would be tantamount to betraying them.

-- When people in key positions in Babel leave the Office, in order to prevent confidential information from leaking out, magical seals are placed on those memories.

These magical seals can never be removed.

However, Nanase Haruka doesn't care.

When she first joined the student council she was informed on the matter. This way, there will be no doubts of her betraying Kyouya, all of concerns about Haruka would be dealt with.

So in order for her to protect Akatsuki and others with pride it was a necessary step for Haruka.

-- And at last, the moment had finally arrived.

The door to the student council quietly opened.

JPN Babel's student council president, and one of COCOON's supervisors of the world -- Hikami Kyouya walked in.

### Part 10

"Hello, were you waiting long?"

When he saw Haruka, Kyouya to put on a smile.

"Not really. The student council President sure is extremely busy. There was still some work left, and I have been using the time to finish it."

Haruka said, and while standing next to her desk,

"I'm sorry, that the President had to take the time out of his busy schedule to come here."

"No harm. You have something important to tell me?"

At the same time as Kyouya asked that he started to move away from the entrance of the room.

Kyouya took the lead, as Haruka waited for him to pass by before she followed after him. He went to the far end of the room, and sat at the desk for the student council president. Kyouya then urged Haruka, standing across the desk, to continue.

"-- So, what's the urgent matter?"

"Yes ......"

While nodding, Haruka pulled out a prepared envelope.

Then she placed the envelope on the table -- in front of Kyouya.

Written on it were the words "Letter of resignation."

"..... When you mentioned you had something important to discus with me, I had an inking of what you wanted."

Kyouya just sized up Haruka's envelope. He said in a calm tone that beforehand he expected this possibility. He had no intentions of opening the envelope.

"Can I hear the reason?"

Haruka lowered her head, when Kyouya looked up at her to ask.

"I'm sorry ... ...Its purely for personal reasons."

Haruka was looking down at the table, deliberately evading Kyouya's line of sight.

"..... That's regrettable."

Kyouya's response was also very brief.

After a short pause, he continued to say:

"Nanase-kun, you are an excellent Vice President and Chairman of the discipline committee. During this crucial time it is undoubtedly a great loss for the student government -- No, it is a great loss for JPN Babel. Those are my sincere thoughts, and not an exaggeration."

He said that while watching Haruka's expression to see if there was any chance she was willing to reconsider.

Then,

"I'm sorry ... ... I'm very happy being so highly praised by the President and I'm very honored, but......"

Haruka gently shook her head.

"......It seems that you are firm in your resole."

"Yes, this is a decision I made after careful consideration."

Haruka looked Kyouya in the eyes, and firmly expressed her own will.

Her decision to resign was her own choice, and it was also the path she wanted to take.

"......"

After Kyouya heard that, he became silent for a moment.

"Well then I have no choice, but to respect your wishes."

With a wry smile Kyouya picked up Haruka's resignation.

"...... So the folders on the desk are the necessary information for your successor?"

"Yes. The red folder is for the new vice president, and the blue folder is for the new chairman of the discipline committee."

Haruka continued,

"The reason for the two folders is that not necessarily will the successor be the vice president and be the chairman of discipline committee, so ......"

"I'm grateful. You certainly are an excellent talent to the end."

Without a choice Kyouya stood up, he changed his bitter smile into a smile.

"Thank you for your support until today, and all the hard work you put in."

Kyouya stretched out his right hand. It seemed to be a replay of the scenes when Haruka was invited to join the student council.

Then......

"Here....."

Haruka slowly took Kyouya's right hand.

Shaking his hand.

"To be able to work with the president was an honor."

After the farewell handshake was complete.....

"I am going to accept this resignation, however I won't processes his right now."

Kyouya also said,

"As you know, the student council is currently preparing for the upcoming system update tonight. Coupled with the memory seal formalities, you must wait until tomorrow to be formally relieved of your duties."

"Yes, that will be fine "

After Haruka nodded, she picked up the succession folders and return to her desk.

"--Oh, and Nanase-kun."

Kyouya suddenly called out to her.

"Something wrong president?"

Haruka turns back, Kyouya had a wry smile.

"In fact, there is one thing I would like you to. I know tomorrow you will be formally resigning so making such a request is a little awkward, but I hope you don't mind."

"It doesn't matter, is it about confirming the readiness of the system update?"

It was work that can be done in the morning together with Ryohei and Minami.

He took for granted that she would continue to work on that other matter.

The fact was Haruka already made up her mind. After all, the preparation before the update such as the confirmations were already done, also any work related to the end of the semester. She didn't want to delay her resignation any further.

But ......

"No......Ryohei and Minami-kun can handle tomorrow afternoon's unpleasantness."

Kyouya also denied what Haruka was thinking.

"I would like you to do another job ... ... Today is good if you have the time, please?"

"Eh? Currently I have no other prior arrangements. If it is within my abilities, then please tell me what the president wants me to do."

Haruka was puzzled as to what Kyouya intended for her.

"I'm grateful, then I wont stand on ceremony."

Kyouya floated a smile.

Haruka slowly asked what her last "work" was.

### 065. Chapter 3 - Still Just Facing Forward

## Chapter 3 - Still just Facing Forward

### Part 1

In the laboratory of Kubota Kaito several hours have passed, since the exercise program started.

However, the fight between Akatsuki and programed Gouki wasn't over yet.

Gouki's strength and toughness were superior to his, while his speed and reaction time was not far off from Akatsuki's. Once he was able to realize this, it was possible for Akatsuki to design an effective fighting strategy.

Although you can't say they were completely evenly matched, but still Akatsuki barely fought to a draw.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki let loose his fighting spirit with a loud roar, and created innumerable amount of huge energy bombs. All of them were released towards Gouki at the same time.

The energy bombs approached Gouki from all directions. He just countered with both of his fists.

The pressure from his fists compressed the air around them into bullets that intercepted Akatsuki's energy bombs.

Scattering the energy bombs into flashes of light.

"Then take this one!"

Akatsuki used the light as cover to instantly close the gap between the two, and without any hesitation he hurled his right fist at him.

"Bakii"

A shock wave rang out as it landed.

But ......

"-- Uhh!"

Akatsuki shook his head immediately.

Gouki's fist pierced through the air, "vuun" sounded as the power shot through the air grazed Akatsuki's cheek.

Akatsuki only felt a slight burning sensation on his cheek. However after waving his fists around Gouki's left his stomach wide open.

Six high-speed punches landed repeatedly.

But as Akatsuki drew back his fist preparing for a finishing blow -- Gouki grabbed his arm.

While thinking he had won, he had already been slammed into the floor.

"Guuuuuh ......!"

There was no time to protect himself from that attack, severe pain ran throughout his whole body.

However, Akatsuki didn't have the chance to even breathe.

By rotating the power in his arm with back of his neck and shoulders he was able to immediately propel himself up to his feet. Narrowly avoiding Gouki's crushing stomp to the top of his head.

He was able to separate several steps away from Gouki.

"Damn ...... this is getting me no where."

Akatsuki bitterly spat out.

Since the fight began, his opponent never let up even for a second.

In a fist fight against someone stronger than yourself any careless mistake can lead to an irreparable end.

Therefore, Akatsuki both physically and mentally accumulated a substantial amount of fatigue.

Meanwhile the other was only a computer created program unaffected in any way.

In addition, Akatsuki hit his opponent many times, and it seemed it didn't cause any real damage to Gouki.

Normally Akatsuki's fists and kicks were sufficient to stop an enemy, but .....

Am I still...... not strong enough to deal with Father?

Akatsuki couldn't help but clench his fists.

"-- In that case, I will have to keep hitting you until it works."

While laughing, Akatsuki once again sprinted towards Gouki.

### Part 2

He completely changed his footwork, rapidly stopping and sprinting continuously.

By alternating between the two within a short distance Akatsuki created afterimages of himself.

Following the series of high speed movements he launched an array of attacks.

"Uuuuuooooooooooooooooo"

The attacks came from both sides, and collided at almost the same time.

They were both in each others range to attack. Akatsuki and Gouki speed was considered unimaginable to others, the kicking and punching speed was a gorgeous feast to eyes.

-- If this was a game, you could analyze the combat algorithm to identify the optimal strategy to fight. But, the creator of Gouki's program didn't standardize his AI.

He was a master swordsman, a world class boxer, even a high level magic user. His attributes were similar to the real Gouki, but his knowledge was no where near the same.

There was no set battle mode, so it freely and irregularly changed.

Coincidentally, Akatsuki fought precisely in the same manner.

He was currently concentrating on finding out a way to effectively strike his opponent, while warding off against those incoming highly destructive attacks.

An incredible amount of consideration was needed every moment just to determine how to avoid the next attack and remain unhurt. In a split second he had to continuously and subjectively make the best choice. But at the same time, Akatsuki still had to think about the other variables.

Gouki was obviously stronger than him -- he had to think about how to fight someone like that.

Unavoidable attacks slowly became dodgeable.

Indefensible attacks were gradually becoming preventable.

Attacks that couldn't hit gradually hit.

His thinking and senses gradually sharpened.

Fancy moves and unnecessary movements gradually faded.

Every attack sublimated into near-perfection.

There were no mistakes. Even if not by much his strength was steadily growing.

By fighting an opponent who surpassed himself, and even if he was risking it all, his present self can do nothing but get stronger.

He attacked and defended, and attacked and defended.

Making effective use of his whole body he developed an unprecedented continuous offensive.

He also used variations of each combinations of faints, a feint for the conscious, a feint for the eyes, and a feint for the subconscious.

By fully understanding his own strengths and weaknesses, he was able to develop new tactics accordingly. He was creating a new way of fighting that exploited his opponent's AI.

Then he started to calmly think --

...... Why?

Akatsuki felt a trace of anxiety.

Albeit a program of a young Gouki it was still a powerful enemy.

He should now be stronger and have reached a new level again.

The other party before him was definitely more talented than Akatsuki.

Perhaps, the same goes for his elder brother Sakuya. However that didn't mean he was reluctant to face them, because of such a power gap. Akatsuki absolutely doesn't want to lose to those two.

And it wasn't always the strongest who wins.

Even if a stronger enemy exists, he will not tolerate defeat or escape.

Above all, fighting only when the other was weaker than yourself was the same as running away.

The founder of the world's most powerful terrorist group -- Crimson Twilight.

The people who manage the world's most powerful army -- COCOON.

When confronting those two enemies, Akatsuki will be forced to challenge opponents of a higher level.

However, he was okay with that. After all, for a chance at wining the only thing needed was the will to fight.

But even so,

...... Why?

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't suppress his inner emotions.

That man in front of his eyes had that much power -- then I wonder why he was unwilling to help Miu?

### Part 3

Ousawa Miu.

Akatsuki brought her back from the alternate world Akatsuki, rather brought Myuu the Demon King's daughter back.

That name originally belonged to -- Akatsuki's real little sister Ousawa Miu.

Perhaps her fate was not bound by how strong she was. But even if that couldn't be changed, he would at least make it personnel.

If all he could do was be near her side, at the very least he would not let her feel lonely.

Miu wanted to save Sakuya, who was on the verge of losing all control. Gouki's strength at that time would have easily stopped Sakuya -- Akatsuki however had yet to be summoned to an alternate world and could do very little.

Although Sakuya was not part of COCOON at that time, he was already one of the strongest in the world.

Gouki was also one of the strongest in the world, and could have stopped Sakuya.

However, Gouki didn't come back home until it was over.

After all –- Sakuya was stopped from losing all control when Miu broke free from Akatsuki and in front of both Akatsuki and Sakuya's eyes -- she took her own life.

She was unwilling to see her two older brothers endlessly fight over her.

Her final words -- 'This world is wrong.....'

### Part 4

After that, Sakuya was chosen to be part of COCOON and became a manager of the world.

As for Gouki he still never came back home.

So ......

"Why ..... What the hell was your reason?"

Fuming with rage Akatsuki gritted his teeth and grabbed Gouki by the collar.

This was obviously an unnecessary move in a fight -– to expose your weaknesses to an enemy was an act of stupidity. If there was such an opportunity it would have been better to launch an attack.

What was more that wasn't his father in front of him. It was just a computer program.

Even so, Akatsuki Ousawa could not help but want to ask to understand.

Then and now, what reason does Gouki have for never being there?

-- Of course, Akatsuki's anger won't reach a computer program.

Gouki lands a hard fist into his diaphragm.

"Guh, uuuhhhhhhhhhhh- ......!"

The shock wave penetrated his body straight out through his back.

Along with the voice of agony, Akatsuki released Gouki's collar.

However, Gouki's attack didn't end there.

The computer program had long ago considered Akatsuki as an evenly matched opponent, and without the slightest hesitation went to pursue and attack. His right foot kicked Akatsuki into the wall, then in a flash ran over to give him a series of attacks.

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~!"

He was unable to dodged the punches to his gut. They were not light by any means, so much so that even making a sound was difficult. Under Gouki's continuous attacks, all Akatsuki could do was grit his teeth and prepare for the worst.

Then .....

The barrage of kicks and punches stopped. Akatsuki was left indented into the wall and unable to move an inch.

In the end -- Gouki put all his power into his right fist and let it loose on Akatsuki face.

BANG! A powerful blast wave that shot into the wall through Akatsuki shook the whole laboratory.

"--------------------------"

".........................."

Gouki turned and walked away.

While Akatsuki crumbled down off the wall to the floor like a broken doll.

### Part 5

Not long after Chikage and Kuzuha had returned to their homes.

Miu Ousawa was greeting a visitor at the door along with with Listy.

It was a teenage girl -- Haruka Nanase, who became a close friend of Miu's.

However, when Haruka once again went to visit the Ouswa home she looked rather gloomy.

Both of them invited her in, while passing through the living room they heard why she was here.

So ......

"The student council president ...... is looking for me?"

Miu heard the situation from Haruka, and puzzled she had unintentionally raised her voice.

Haruka who was sandwiched between Miu and Listy on the sofa made a bitter expression.

"Yes..... He said he had some things that he wanted to talk to you about. I hope you can go to JPN Babel to meet with him."

"That person is a manager of the world, and part of COCOON right?"

Listy made a serious expression.

"Did he discover Miu's true identity?"

"..........."

Miu fell silent after hearing what Listy said.

Listy's speculation was not impossible.

When spring break arrived, Miu and the others went to Alayzard, where they spent about an entire month.

The reason was to stop the war between humans and demons.

After much effort, they finally collectively managed to get a peace treaty signed, and then returned to this world.

However, the reason Miu was prompted to go to Alayzard was because someone was sent after her from Alayzard -- Phil Barnett.

He not only threaten the staff, but destroyed the special barrier system that converts bodily damage into mental damage to infiltrate JPN Babel's ranking tournament. After Akatsuki drove off Phil, and once again saved Miu. Phil then changed into a huge dragon because of a contract he made with the evil dragon Zahhaku in Alayzard. The battle then moved from the training grounds to the city streets where Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and the other student council members fought the dragon.

Akatsuki at the time was poisoned and temporarily unable to fight. When he finally recovered, he rushed over to save Miu and the others. He single handedly defeated Phil in form of a dragon, ending the earth-shattering battle.

-- A month had passed since then.

However, time in this world doesn't pass when you were in an another world.

In this world only about a week has passed since the ranking tournament.

In the middle of the turmoil, JPN Babel learned that Phil Barnett was trying to capture Miu.

Immediately after the incident, Akatsuki and Miu were subjected to questioning from an investigation committee. Miu ultimately got away with the story she made up along with the Akatsuki. But the possibility that Kyouya found some evidence had to be considered.

Of course, Kyouya was in charge of school in JPN Babel and part of COCOON, perhaps he simply wanted to hear it from Miu.

...... What was the President after?

Miu was at a loss as to what to do.

There weren't any problems if it was the latter. All she needed to do was repeat the same story she told to the investigation committee to Kyouya.

However, if Kyouya discovered Miu's true identity .....

That Miu was from an alternate world, she most likely would be arrested.

However there was still the possibility that Kyouya just wanted to hear from Miu, herself. In that case, she was overacting and causing herself unneeded stress that might cause him to become suspicious.

"Haruka-san, do you know what the student President wants of me?"

"I also...... asked why it was so important for the President to meet with you, but...... "

To Miu's question, Haruka gave an apologetic look.

"I have resigned from the student council, and don't know too much. I was only told to try and get you as quickly as possible ..... I'm sorry, I can't be of more help to you."

"Don't say that."

Miu quickly shook her head.

"Haruka-san, because you informed us in advance we now have time to prepare countermeasures."

"Yeah, that's how it is...... Haruka."

Listy nodded, and put her hand on Haruka's shoulder.

"If someone else suddenly came over and questioned Miu she might have exposed her identity and probably would have been taken away on the spot. Fortunately, you are here now and the worst situation can be avoided."

"Ah ......"

Haruka nodded, but still didn't look too happy.

The reason was very simple.

"The people who drove me here are waiting outside. They are the some of the President's most trusted aides and are also looking for you. So we can't hide in here forever."

"...... Uh huh."

Miu nodded.

Kyouya not only assigned Haruka, but as a precaution also assigned other staff members to accompany her. In fact, those staff members had intended to just barge into the Ousawa home. However as courtesy to Haruka, they were temporarily persuaded to wait outside. Therefore Miu didn't have much time to make a decision.

"..........."

Miu took out her cell phone and called Akatsuki.

But it didn't connect. She heard an electronic voice 'the number you are trying to reach is not reachable, please hang up and try again.'

"..... He didn't answer?"

"...... Un."

Listy asked, while Miu just nodded.

She called him several times..... she didn't know if the timing was bad, but untimely she didn't get though to Akatsuki.

"...... I have tried several times, but Ousawa Akatsuki is not picking up."

"Then our only choice is to fend for ourselves."

Back in Alayzard, Miu also came across a similar situation.

During the decisive battle at Gorudono canyon, after Akatsuki sustain severe injuries in the battle with Leon. Miu had to stay in the safety of Forestnium. The patriarch Urumu had placed a conceptual barrier to protect the village. Then Disdiya and Leon sent a letter saying the Wandering forest would be burnt down if she didn't agree to leave Forestnium and become their hostage. Miu had no choice but to do something and ended up become Disdiya's hostage anyway. Fortunately Akatsuki stuck a transfer seal on her body, and was able to rescue Miu in the nick of time. Otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.

...... I do not want to cause any more trouble for that person.

After all, we all decided to work together to support Akatsuki.

So.....

"Umm, Haruka-san ...... "

Ousawa Miu in a quite voice asked .....

Before making the decision she had an important issue.

"In your opinion...... Do you think that person can win against the President?"

### Part 6

Akatsuki seems to have some unknown grudge with COCOON

It's clear from the fact that Akatsuki has repeatedly provoked Kyoya.

Also that Akatsuki feels he must sooner or later defeat Hikami Kyoya.

However COCOON is the manager of this world.

It is fine to challenge him in the ranking tournament, because Babel authorized it as an official fight. However on the other occasions when he challenged Kyoya, I am afraid that can be punishable by the death penalty. Akatsuki also is well aware.

That's why Akatsuki despite all provocations, he will not take the initiative to openly fight him. However it is not because he interested in saving his own neck.

......Perhaps that person.....

Miu thought.

He didn't want to involved her in his dispute, and that's why Akatsuki was being cautious.

However she was not being conceited.

Back in Alayzard before the Demon King Garius died, he entrusted his daughter to the hero Akatsuki.

The Demon King's daughter is Miu.

And the rogue hero Ousawa Akatsuki would keep that promise he made to him.

Since that day, Akatsuki has helped Miu time and time again.

Whether it is when the training program went berserk, or when Phil Barnett/ Zahhaku attacked. He resolve them one after another.

And--

Even still he had to save her from his best friend, the hero Leon Acperio, who was blinded by his hatred of demons. Of course, Akatsuki wasn't the only one who helped Miu at that time.

Listy, Haruka, and Chikage and Kuzuha were involved in the crisis, also Akatsuki without the slightest hesitation moved bravely forward.

I seem to be important to Akatsuki -- Despite the fact she is very happy, she also feels uneasy. If Kyoya hurt everyone, Akatsuki would surely start an all-out war. If that happens, then who will be able to stop Akatsuki.

Perhaps then Akatsuki can't keep his cool, and lets out his animosity and confronts COCOON.

......She only has two options.

Either accept Kyoya's request and go to JPN Babel.

Or refuse Kyoya's request and stay here and wait until Akatsuki returns.

There is no third option.

Its not just about Akatsuki, there are now other people.

The best option for everyone.

That's why she needs to consider the outcome if Kyoya and Akatsuki fight.

After all, choosing to stay here and wait for Akatsuki to return is undoubtedly going to led to a war between the two.

"I --"

Miu still remembers the horror of the icicle that Kyoya made during the entrance examination.

Without particularly concentrating he created a huge icicle in the blink of an eye.

There wasn't a single crack after Akatsuki hit it.

Of course, at that time he was not necessarily that serious either.

But it is the same for Kyoya, hee too was holding back his strength.

Miu believes in Akatsuki's strength, and believes that he will win.

He is stronger and more powerful now than when he confrontation father -- Galious. He has fought several times since then, and anyone can see that Akatsuki got stronger.

So, she doesn't think that Akatsuki will lose.

--However, this is after all just her wishful thinking.

Miu can't just decide this on her own based on her faith in him, she needs to make sure that Akatsuki won't be hurt in the fight with Kyoya.

When Akatsuki was stabbed and seriously injured by Leon, Miu's heart almost broke into pieces.

She suffered an indescribable pain.

.....She thought experiencing this once was enough.

Therefore Miu must eliminate all her emotions, and objectively measure everything.

She must know now, if Ousawa Akatsuki can prevail over one of the strongest in COCOON--Hikami Kyoya.

### Part 7

"......"

Haruka after receiving such a serious question from Miu, meditated for a while.

Ousawa Akatsuki and Hikami Kyoya.

Haruka knew both of them, but who on earth is stronger?

For Akatsuki there is no lack of material to base his strength on.

First, outside of the Kubota's workshop she witnessed Akatsuki control Sleipnir beyond the speed of sound.

Then fought one on one with Zahhaku as well as a series of battles in Alayzard.

Akatsuki has demonstrated a tremendous ability to fight.

Haruka has also actually fought with Akatsuki.

They first fought as soon as they met in the student council room, and then on the first night of the ranking tournament. He can't use magic, but his strength is still undeniable.

In addition to hand to hand combat, the level of his swordsmanship is no laughing matter either.

--As for Kyoya?

Haruka has also witness Kyoya fight on several occasions. During combat training along with the other members of the student council, and during a few ranking tournaments. However, he never went all out. Since he is a member of the COCOON he must be really talented, and is basically an unknown.

......Even so, his power was overwhelming.

From those glimpses she can only guess at his true strength.

Haruka tries to imagine the fight between Akatsuki and Kyoya. However they are very different from each other, and can't really be compared. So before making a conclusion, she first put forth her thoughts.

"There are many factors affecting the outcome of a fight. For example the location or time of day will cause different results. Based on what I have seen from Ousawa Akatsuki's past fights, losing really is hard to imagine. But--"

Haruka concluded:

"--If you only compared them in strength, President Hikami is slightly above."

"......"

After hearing Haruka's answer, Miu and Listy fell silent and slightly lowered their heads.

However to Miu's question "Can that person win against the President?" Haruka didn't properly answer it.

Miu didn't feel that she was wrong and comparing them in terms of pure strength it is a simple way to exclude her emotions.

Then Miu slowly raised her head, and looked Haruka in the eyes.

"I understand, Haruka-san. Take me to see the student council President."

"--Miu-chan？"

Listy sitting on the other end of the sofa couldn't help but shout.

Then she stood up from the couch.

"......!"

But she couldn't say anything, because she also understands.

She doesn't know Kyoya's end game, and perhaps he merely wants to hear what happened during the ranking tournament. Therefore, if that's the case, it wouldn't be a problem as long as Miu goes.

But if she refuses the appointment, Kyoya is bound to be suspicious. In that case he will perform an in-depth investigation, and it will inevitablely lead to Akatsuki and Kyoya fighting. Moreover, and it won't be an official duel.

It will be a life-and-death fight, meaning the losing side would die.

It won't necessarily just be Akatsuki, who would be killed.

So Miu has no choice. She slowly got up while smiling.

"Listy-san, continue to stay hidden in the house. Unless that person or I come back, do not come out. Just to be safe, it is best to stay away from the windows."

Haruka stared at Listy, who was biting her lower lip.

Miu came to this world ahead of Listy, and has gradually built up place she feels she belongs. But it is different for Listy.

Of course, Akatsuki and Haruka have already proposed to Listy on how to explain her existence to Babel, while keeping her true identity hidden. Chikage and Kuzuha have also been informed and theoretically it should be sound.

However, the reason why the president wants to interview Miu remains a mystery thus far. The timing of this situation, and Listy's arrival may be the reason.

Haruka couldn't help thinking -- Listy would definitely feel a certain sense of chagrin and regret in her heart.

-- When they left Alayzard to come to this world the dimensional shift would have been detected by JPN Babel and recorded on the "Apocalypse" server.

Miu and Listy are the same as they both are from another world, however Listy's presence here stands out more than Miu's.

Since they don't know Kyoya's end game and Akatsuki is not here, there is no way anyone can say that Listy's presence was not exposed.

And ......

If she decides to stay inside to stall for time, they aids on standing outside will break ins, and then will find Listy here.

Akatsuki would be forced into a no-win situation.

In order to protect Listy, also in order to protect Akatsuki, Miu doesn't have any other choice.

"......"

That's all Haruka's could figure out, and suddenly was sullen and speechless.

"Wait a minute, I want to change my clothes. Not into the old uniform, but the new uniforms I got from you last night."

Miu looked at Haruka.

"Okay then, the new uniform has been designed to be relatively handy. "

The new uniforms can change according to the users will automatically to combat clothes.

At that time regardless of a fight or escape, there would be a much higher success rate.

Miu then left the living room.

Haruka and Listy waited in the living room in silence.

But ......

"-- Umm!"

After hesitating for a while, Haruka suddenly spoke up.

Miu called out half way down the stairs:

"Wait, I want to here the question too."

After Miu came back to, Haruka continue to say:

"--Why do think I was going to ask a question? "

It was like a boulder was putting pressure on her heart when she was asked the question.

Her heart was pounding, resulting in a sense of distance from the others.

"I am part of the student council like Hikami. Maybe I'm just using your concern for Ousawa Akatsuki, and this is all a trick in order to get you to get you there... ... aren't you at least a little skeptical?"

Miu was dumbfounded for a moment, then revealed a gentle smile.

"If that is so, then why would you expose your scheme?"

"This was a desperate move, intended to win your complete trust."

"It is not necessary to say any more, after all, you made your point and now I feel uneasy."

"......"

Miu's face was very clam, but Haruka's face was covered with a layer of haze.

Haruka could not understand, how Miu could readily trust her so much.

Then ......

"Haruka-san...... You are really kind-hearted."

Miu slowly approached her.

After she stood in front of Haruka, her lightly put her hands on Haruka's cheek.

"It is best to take advantage of this opportunity to make one thing clear."

Miu intently stared into Haruka's eyes.

"Nanase Haruka, I completely understand you."

She said in firm and clear tone.

"You believe in yourself more than anyone, you adhere to your own justice, and always carry through to the end. There is no way you would be easily compromised. Even during the situation in Alayzard, you believed in us and fought with all you had. After returning to this world, you dedicated yourself to protecting my new home with all of your heart. And now you are standing in a place I can't even imagine because of Listy and me. Honestly, I can't find any reason to doubt you. So ... ... Please keep this in mind, and never forget."

She paused for a moment.

"No matter what happens, we will always believe in you."

Miu gently embraced Haruka in her arms.

As if trying to convey her thoughts through body warmth --

I will always believe in you.

"......!"

Miu clearly had unconditional trust in her, Haruka can not help but slightly tremble.

Tears almost burst forth from her eyes.

Adhere to your own justice, and choose your own path ......

It really is correct.

How to respond to this should go without saying.

Haruka shouldn't be apprehensive to Miu's words.

And respond to Miu's trust in her--that should be good.

Her tightly wrapped her hands around Miu, and she looked straight ahead at void.

Nanase Haruka must show her resolution.

"Then, I will also protect you."

Her voice was filled with strength.

"-- At any cost."

### Part 8

A few minutes later -- Haruka walk out of the front door along with Ousawa Miu.

Upon leaving the house, there was a black car from Babel parked in front. After seeing Haruka, the two men got out of the driver seat and the passenger seat.

They were the aids from JPN Babel that Kyoya dispatched.

"We were waiting for you, please this way."

One of them said while holding open the door to the back seat.

"No, we're going to take the monorail back."

Haruka said firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

"You can go back first, I will take Ousawa Miu to the President."

The confined space in the car could be dangerous.

If the student council was aware of Miu's true identity, they could use an odorless and tasteless gas inside the car to knock them out.

"But --"

"--What's the problem?"

The two aids objected, but was turned down by Haruka.

"President Hikami asked that I take Ousawa Miu to the student council, but he did not specify what vehicle must be used."

After coldly saying --

"Come on, let's go."

"Un......"

Haruka takes the nodding Miu's hand, and start walking toward the monorail station.

Then from behind,

"...... Please wait a moment. Let me confirm it with to the president."

One of the aids took out his cell phone, and made a call.

"Huh? There are no bars... ...I can't get a signal, how is that possible?"

"Umm, is it a malfunction? It can't be......there's no one to blame but yourself for not properly maintaining the equipment. Time is precious, we need to get going."

Haruka gloated sarcastically, and began to walk away with Miu leaving the aids.

...... It is the same no matter how many times I try.

Haruka actually released a special type of lightning magic into the air, creating an electromagnetic waves around his body.

It's jamming radius is effective up to one km, all electromagnetic communications are blocked.

As long as the two aids stayed there they would never get through. They only waited for the first call to go through, Haruka and Miu had lost sight of them now. Whatever I choose this, so it is fine.

I've decided to protect Miu.

Haruka's determination can't be swayed.

### Part 9

After receiving a series of attacks from the computer program in the form of Gouki, Akatsuki physical body actually received damage.

However ......

.......I can......hate......！

Akatsuki was crawling across the ground his consciousness was more and more vague.

-- If his consciousness gets any worse, the exercise program should automatically end. Continuing to fight could be life-threatening. He needs to give up his meaningless pride and admitted defeat.

After all, this Gouki is simply the exercise program using an analog that appears to be a person.

It is not a real person.

Still, he has definitely got stronger as he exchanged blows with his sword and fists.

The effectiveness of exercise program is undeniable.

As long as he continues to work hard, someday final victory will be his.

"......this Bull**** doesn't make any sense."

Ousawa Akatsuki sneered while slowly getting up from the ground.

His vision was blurry, he no strength left in his arms or legs.

His injuries were not light, his whole body was screaming from the pain. He was wobbling on his feet to the point of almost falling over.

But, Ousawa Akatsuki will not throw away his pride.

His eyes are looking towards his future self, and can't averted them from his present powerlessness.

Isn't this the same as back then, when he lost his little sister.

He started to recall. What he had lost, and what he had gained.

Back when he lost Leon in Alayzard.

Originally he thought he would fall into a abyss of despair, but yet he had to force himself to obtained power.

He had to master renkan keikikou's power, because he will never let a tragedy like that repeat itself. And yet, if he were to choice to give up now, wouldn't that mean all this effort to this point was meaningless.

So ......

"----"

After noticing Akatsuki got up again, the program created Gouki immediately turned around.

"Very good ... ... Come on."

Akatsuki smiled.

He will never be beaten by his father. Whether it is the person himself, or computer program that was written by using his past data it is the same.

Then wining is the only option.

Here and now, I will win.

But......his whole body is worn out and completely unable to move.

Perhaps due to receiving such serious damage, his brain signals aren't communicating with every nook of his body.

What can he do?

Therefore Akatsuki must try something new for the first time.

He is going to manipulate the Kei in his body, and raise the physical limits of his body. And then send an endless supply of Kei to certain parts of the body. Making it possible to dramatically strengthen that part to fight.

So ......

"Theoretically, its not impossible."

After muttering ......

Ousawa Akatsuki will use renkan keikikou -- to manipulate his "brain".

### Part 10

At the same time.

Akatsuki's figure vanished from the holographic images that Kubota was watching.

"--Err."

Kubota frowned.

The computer generated Gouki also lost track of Akatsuki in the same way. Then his body was suddenly blown away. After regaining his balance mid-air, he then was smashed into the ground.

"----"

The programed Gouki immediately summoned a Japanese sword.

He quickly look around, and immediately slashed at an empty space--that moment the Japanese sword split in two and the broken piece flew away.

"This is ......"

Who would ever think such a thing would work, the answer is obvious.

In the kaboratory there's only one person.

However, Akatsuki's figure is not visible.

On the screen, Gouki was without a weapon and was being unceasingly pummeled.

From top to bottom, from front to back and side to side, Gouki was not able to respond and received attacks from every angle. They were not only fast but they were heavy, and the attack power of just one couldn't compare to anything till then. Dazzled by the continuous attacks, it was at such a rate that it look like a machine gun hit him.

-- Then a warning message suddenly appear on Kubota's holographic screen.

The damage Gouki was receiving was outside the range the system could handle.

So ......

The end of the battle came very abruptly.

The attacks the system sustain was completely beyond its processing capacity, the exercise system was forced to shut down.

The programed Gouki turned into countless particles of light, and vanished into the void.

Kubota witnessed it all.

".....Is it a "Area"?

While mumbling, the image of laboratory started to change.

The spot where Gouki vanished was flickering.

Just like watching someone's image passing through steam, until a youth appeared.

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly stood in the middle of the laboratory.

### 066. Chapter 4 - Realizing the Point of the Fall

### Part 1

The space was filled with many people creating an atmosphere full of vigor.

There was food, clothes, travel, and household goods that went beyond the basic elements.

Also it had the everyday "food" available in most markets or shopping centers an ordinary family needed.

There was light music playing in the background as the limited time specials were announced to its shoppers. He was shuttling back and forth through the brouhaha in the store planing tonight's dinner.

In the crowded supermarket Onizuka was slowly carrying his shopping basket.

The menu has been decided that tonight was going to be curry, and tomorrow morning was also going to be curry.

In order to satisfy Tiana's insatiable appetite, he decided to prepare breakfast at the same time to make it easier on him.

It should be fine to just put the left overs in the fridge.

Tiana had every intention of letting Onizuka pick out the dinner for the household. Even thought he loathed the idea, he still went to the store to buy it.

Before he put the curry into the shopping basket, Onizuka checked out the instructions on back of the package.

"...... It seems very troublesome."

After reading the cooking steps, Onizuka slightly knitted his eyebrows.

Onizuka was used to eating fast food packages of curry, but instant curry and curry are different. It was more than just putting the pouch into boiling water for a few minutes.

"Do not underestimate curry. You have to have patience and take it one step at a time to have delicious curry, uh-huh."

Tiana was walking next to Onizuka while waving her index finger from side to side, she knows all too well the details of good curry.

"Ah, okay okay."

Onizuka was already out of patience.

"The question is, which type of curry do I want more......"

The popular preference of curry was nothing more than beef, pork or chicken.

Seafood curry was certainly a choice. However, it was too cumbersome of a food, and obviously not suitable for a beginner.

It would be a better to choose simple meat Curry -- Onizuka thought. He also thought that way because chicken or pork was on sale.

"Pork curry! I want it with streaky pork! Once its cut into bite sizes, then sits in the stew for awhile it becomes so delicious. Oh and it's hard to mess up......"

Tiana then went on and on, describing the taste of plump and tender streaky pork intricate detail.

Just the very mention of food, and Tiana doesn't know how to moderate herself.

Onizuka casually chimed in several times to make it look like he was paying attention.

"All right. Well, since you understand it so much and said its your favorite so many times, you can go to the meat counter and pick it out."

Onizuka then directed Tiana to the deli area.

He watched an ecstatic Tiana leave to the fresh meat section, while Onizuka went to the produce section. He still needed to buy the carrots, onions and potatoes to go in it.

Onizuka got his vinyl bag ready for the vegetables, and then grabbed whatever was on top of the pile -- without even looking once, before he tossed the bag into the shopping basket.

He basically did not care whether the ingredients were fresh or not.

After all, he's not a chef and as long as they don't get sick its fine.

After picking out the necessary vegetables, Onizuka made a u-turn and headed to buy some more coffee since last night he ran out.

"...... Oh, that's right."

Then Onizuka suddenly stopped, he seemed to remember something.

Next to the produce just happened to be where they kept the rice.

The hand-rolled sushi they had yesterday significantly reduce his stock of rice.

After all, he had cooked six cups of rice equivalent to twelve bowls of rice, of which about seventy or eighty percent went to fill Tiana's stomach. And tonight it was curry, a dish that mainly relies on rice again.

"Just in case, I better buy more."

Onizuka picked up a cheap five kg bag of rice.

"..........."

After he thought for a moment, he switched it with a ten kg bag of rice.

The shopping basket instantly weighted more than ten kilograms, he now to struggle to carry it.

"Uhh, this is seriously heavy. Damn......"

Onizuka swore loudly.

He was voluntarily doing something troublesome for others now. And deep down he felt pretty good about it. Maybe he wasn't just thinking about himself anymore, and started to care about someone else's burden?

### Part 2

Some time later......

"Ken-chan, Look, I found some big chunks of streaky pork. SUGOI!"

Tiana had come back with a big smile on her face.

Onizuka looked in her basket filled with chunks of streaky pork, and later found that Tiana munching on something.

"...... Are you eating something?"

"I got a sample of roast beef from that Oba-chan."

Tiana said as pleased as punch.

"Oh, I got a piece for you."

After saying that, Tiana gave him a toothpick with some roast beef stuck to it.

"It's free...... you can eat it. "

Mildly embarrassed Onizuka shook his head to refused, but Tiana wasn't about to let him off so easily.

"I've already got this one, this one is for YOU, Ken-chan."

"...... Tch!"

Having experienced her stubbornness before.

Reluctantly, he took the roast beef from Tiana. But after he chewed on it for a bit.

"...... This isn't roast beef. This is bonito."

The fish station was ahead of the meat station, and they were giving out samples in front of the vendor's booth.

"..........."

After hearing that, Tiana blinked her eyes in surprise.

"Ooooh...... the taste of roast beef and bonito are extremely close."

"You're like a pork curry aficionado, I can't even imagine that you didn't know the difference between the two after eating them."

Just when Onizuka was shaking his head in amazement, suddenly a melody could be heard playing.

"-- A text."

Tiana took out her cell phone and after she read the message......

"--------"

She got really quiet, and exuded grim look completely unlike her usual self.

Onizuka held his breath, it was like the busy supermarket froze for an instant.

Although he tried to asking her "what's the matter," he couldn't get the words out.

Her imposing demeanor completely suppressed him.

After some time......

Tiana slowly put her phone away.

"Oh...... I'm sorry, you were saying something."

At once, she restored her expression even the giant smile on her face, as if nothing happened.

The ice-cold atmosphere just like that was gone.

But......

"Ken-chan, I find it hard to talk about that......"

"......What on earth?"

It was still her usual smile and tone.

But her words were like they came from a totally different person, Onizuka response was short.

Then her natural voice returned to an eerie one:

"I have immediately hurry off somewhere, let me say goodbye here."

The words themselves gave Onizuka a bad premonition.

"......"

Onizuka silently thought -– where you go was your choice, and had nothing to do with me.

Its not like I'm you master and you need to ask permission first. She was just someone who forcibly started to live with him, so its not something he needed to worry about.

"...... What about the curry?"

The shopping basket was already full with the ingredients that Tiana and Onizuka picked out.

They decided to have dinner together, that was why there were so many things.

If it was just Onizuka, he would of simply eat instant curry and not picked out so much.

"It is regrettable that I can't eat Ken-chan's curry, but......"

Tiana's expression looks somewhat lonely, and felt very apologetic.

"The truth is this matter is much more important than food."

-- And the way she said it sounded like she was saying goodbye forever.

### Part 3

"Well......"

Kaidou Motoharu just sent a text to Tiana and folded his cell phone closed.

At the moment he was at the closest station to JPN Babel.

He was sitting on a platform bench watching the commuters exiting and entering the tram.

The text he sent contained the necessary information on how to take the .

Include with the message was a pdf with blue prints of JPN Babel he covertly made while attending classes. Also included was the best infiltration route, and the most likely place the were being kept. It could be said that Babel's security guards and security system made the campus watertight.

However, it wasn't foolproof. The back up security system had a hole, moreover it was intentional.

Because,

"In the best case...... they can eliminate intruders in one fell swoop."

Babel -- namely COCOON, were most wary of anti-Babel terrorists with special abilities. These terrorists were alternate world returnees who didn't want Babel to manage their lives and preferred to resit the world.

However, only a handful were extremists that take hostile action. Most have chosen to live incognito to escape the reach of Babel, while the extremists were the ones willing to fight on the front lines. After all, Babel or COCOON manages -- rules the world, compared to that power the terrorist's power was far too small. Thus any terrorist actions were limited to guerrilla warfare, such as sabotage or suicide bombers. The best way to lure out these terrorists were to give them an opportunity to attack. For a terrorist this was known as hole.

Then COCOON could eliminate these terrorist they exposed one by one.

Such as Tanaka, who made the training program go out of control.

Or how Phil Burnett took advantage of the undermanned security during the ranking tournament.

"But now, my situation will be very dangerous."

Although Kaidou hadn't let been caught by his short and curlies, he was now up against Hikami Kyouya.

Kyouya was trying to use a long line to catch a big fish -- This was not the first time Kaidou sensed this.

Kaidou tried to keep his free and carefree Babel student lifestyle, he had better bravely jump into the trap...... because the situation had changed.

The calm and collected Hikami Kyouya unexpectedly started to act arbitrary.

If Kyouya was assuming the risk of betraying COCOON, at first glance –-

His goal must be worthy of throwing away being apart of the top of the world -- COCOON.

"Though I hate troublesome things...... I guess I have to take the initiative over there."

It doesn't seem like Hikami Kyouya would betray COCOON, and become an ally of "Crimson Twilight."

A troublesome enemy will be born besides COCOON if "Crimson Twilight" sits back and waits.

It might have been foreseen by their leader Cecil, and was why she ordered Tiana and himself to seize the from Kyouya.

However normally there was no way of knowing where Kyouya was concealing the , or if he even had them. The vast campus had numerous school buildings, furthermore was the gargantuan size of the tower of Babel. Even Kaidou, who was familiar with the campus, couldn't put up a guess to where the were stored.

However their leader Cecil · Endheart inspected Kaidou's floor plans, and after categorically looking over it.

-- She pointed to where the were now being kept in JPN Babel.

That was purely woman's intuition, and there wasn't any corroboration. At first glance it would look like speculation without any basis.

However, that was intuition of the leader of the world's most powerfull terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

"...... Ah, they should be right here."

Kaidou knows that Cecil's intuition had never been wrong before.

That night when the where being delivered, Cecil made it a priority to meet with Akatsuki by chance. She already seemed to know the route was just a decoy.

To be the first to inherit the leadership after the found of the world's most powerfull terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" her strength naturally can not be underestimated.

"Tonight's the......"

Kaidou muttered. The next step in the plan was for Tiana to seize the . Babel was already keeping their eyes on Kaidou, so he will play a diversionary role to scatter the enemy. Kyouya's end game was still unknown. It seemed though the played a very important role in his plan, as long as the were taken from his hands all his plans would be impeded.

On the other hand, if Kyouya had some other goal in mind --

Then at that time......

"Well......it still a good story that ends in murder."

Even if he was up against Hikami Kyouya the result would be the same.

He was only one person, but as long as he teamed with Tiana there was no way they will lose to Kyouya.

While thinking over the odds of success, Kaidou slowly lowered his head.

Since it was the evening, the platform was jam-packed with the after work crowd.

Still sitting on a bench Kaidou Motoharu momentary smiled wryly, but it looked too ghastly to be called bitter smile.

The Monorail Tram also happened to arrive at that same time on the opposite platform.

Kaidou slowly looked up. The shrill look of a terrorist disappeared, replaced by a neutral look.

"......EH? Is that......"

The tram slowly departed. On the other platform among the crowd Kaidou spotted two familiar faces. Even mixed in with the crowd the two striking beautiful young girls attracted his eyes.

Ousawa Miu and Nanase Haruka.

A rather unusual combination. They both had a serious expression, not one found on a holiday outing. They also had several men following a little behind them.

There poise was impeccable, no doubt part of Babel.

Miu and Haruka also seemed to have noticed they were being shadowed.

But they were simply ignoring them.

"Oh, God forbid if I don't already have enough trouble on my plate."

He watched them walk through the ticket gate and start to descend down the escalator. He mumbled as he also took action.

### Part 4

As the debug mode Gouki disappeared the exercise program ended.

Because of the special barrier in place all physical damage was converted to mental damage. Even if it was not life-threatening, still the pain felt from the attacks remained. Akatsuki change the flow the Ki inside his body using renkan keikikou to allow his body to recover.

After some time, it recovered to the extent that there wasn't any problem to move around.

"-- Old man, I will be over there shortly."

Akatsuki left the laboratory, and headed to Kubota's workshop.

The sun was gradually setting, lengthening Akatsuki's shadow. It looked like he was chasing his own shadow. After walking for some time......

"......Your back?"

Kubota said while waiting with Sleipnir in front of the workshop.

"How about it --- your impression after trying my exercise program."

"Well...... I did work up a sweat."

Akatsuki smiled.

"For merely killing time its not bad, but I was nearly crushed along with the spare time --"

Akatsuki said while looking down at his fist.

"-- Anyway, I was able to obtain a reward, and I think for anyone trying to get stronger the program isn't that bad."

"Ah...... That's good."

Kubota asked for Akatsuki thoughts, and then changed the subject.

"The maintenance on Sleipnir you asked for and your AD synchronization are complete. Here."

He pick up the AD and threw it towards Akatsuki. He readily caught it with one hand.

"Thanks. This will be a big help."

Akatsuki slipped the AD on his wrist, and tossed the borrowed one back to Kubota.

After Kubota received the AD he turned around and headed to the back.

"I have other things to finish, you better head back quickly. There is a comprehensive system update today. If you are too slow in leaving the campus you will be trapped inside the barrier."

"Eh...... the Old man still has work to do?"

Akatsuki said.

"That was my bad, I would have came back another day when the Old man's talents weren't as needed."

"There is no nothing to worry about. I said system update, but the ones implementing it aren't our engineers. And Hikami Kyouya is overseeing JPN Babel."

Kubota continued,

"In order to facilitate the management and operation of Babel, COCOON needs the most efficient system. However each Babel has very different operational policies drawn up by COCOON, as well as the management of each school. One way or another they are involved in highly classified intelligence, so the system updates have always been handled by COCOON. Then the data and parameters are lowered so that our engineers can manage the system."

"Hmm...... very cautious."

Akatsuki was looking up at the tower of Babel.

"-- In other words, JPN Babel is Hikami Kyouya castle, huh?"

He was looking at the top floor -- the Student Council's room.

Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.

"..........."

A few days ago, in order to prevent a war between humans and Demons, Akatsuki along with Miu once again visited Alayzard. And when they achieved their goals they returned to this world --

The dimensional shift would have been detected by Babel and recorded on their "Apocalypse" network server. Naturally there was possibility that a system error occurred.

However, there was no response by Babel, who must not let any returnees from alternate worlds slip through.

In other words, someone deleted the record.

"Hikami Kyouya...... did you do a good deed?"

During spring break the school was a ghost town.

A person with proper access to delete a dimensional shift recording from the "Apocalypse" server, which contained highly confidential information on alternate world returnees, would be very limited.

When Akatsuki heard the news from Haruka over the phone, he didn't reveal his inner doubts.

However, if someone entered the server archives and deleted the dimensional shift recording --

The most likely suspect would be Kyouya.

-- Of course, he didn't know what his end game.

That was probably why Haruka said not to be rash.

Even if the perpetrator was someone else, they surly have an ulterior motive.

...... It was probably fine.

Akatsuki turned his back to the tower of Babel.

If they try to harm me or my other companions, Akatsuki will crush them without mercy.

Even if the other person was one of COCOON's managers of the world like -- Hikami Kyouya.

After the end of the battle, they should be able to know the answer.

Not in an exercise program that renders the "past."

Currently, my father and brother are standing at the top of the world –- Its up to me whether or not I have qualifications to confront them.

### Part 5

The setting sun dyed the sky a fiery red.

The night sky gradually covered the vicinity. This time of the day inspired nostalgic feelings in wandering hearts.

A quite voice could be heard echoing throughout the hallway of JPN Babel's school building.

"Oh...... I'm sorry to hear. Thank you for working so hard."

The owner of that voice -- Uesaki Ryohei quietly pushed the end button on the cell phone.

Ending the call.

Then, he ruminated again the contents of the conversation he had an hour ago.

"......As expected."

Ryohei scratchs the back of his head.

Then Minami standing next to him asks with a wooden expression:

"Ryohei...... are you definite yet?"

"Un, apparently no mistake."

Ryohei suddenly sighed.

"There's nothing we can do about it."

"Ah......"

Minami nodded, and both of them began to slowly walk.

Towards the student council room.

### Part 6

-- In JPN Babel's student council Uesaki Ryohei serves as a secretary .

When you say "secretary" it refers to writing down the minutes of their meetings, or a person in charge of all the documents.

However, JPN Babel's student council secretary also had another job.

Like Vice President Nanase Haruka who assists the student council president Kyouya, and at the same time serves as the chairman of the discipline committee that the maintained the order and security of the school.

JPN Babel's secretary in addition to transcripts of the student council was also responsible for "information management." A few hours ago, certain information was brought to his attention.

It was data about an unusual event that occurred in this special autonomous region two days ago. It was a report from the that links two or more incidents and accidents together.

The report itself wasn't a problem.

The analysis and details of the accident or incident in the initial investigation and the subsequent investigation were complied into different formats and both showed nothing suspicious.

So naturally this had to do with content.

"The problem is here."

Uesaki Ryohei painfully mutter.

There weren't any problems with the content in the reports.

However, the problem lied in the number on the reports.

Exactly what is the problem?

The file creation date displayed on the screen.

Almost all the written reports were filed today or yesterdays after the events took place.

Only there was an exception -– at midnight the day of the incident. When the highway traffic cameras system failed, and the reports of suspected man-made explosion damaging the tunnel the archive date on that file was three days ago. Which would mean it was created the day before the event occurred.

A very rudimentary mistake was made when someone tried to make a fake report. According to the date on the report the had predicted it would happen.

In fact, it was unnecessary for the to be autonomous. However, this was an error that should never occur.

Inconsistencies in the file creation date and time were held in highest priority to watch out for.

If such a mistake occursed then that leaves only two possibilities.

The person in charge was too careless -–

Or there was a strict order to falsify the prepared data in advance.

A person with any brains would automatically disregard the first possibility, Ryohei naturally was no exception.

After that, a new problem arisen besides determining if the betrayed us.

The report in question, made a reference about quickly blockading a highways around midnight. And that night all the highways in the special autonomous region were sealed off.

However, highways in the special autonomous region were not just simple roads.

They were distribution routes of very significance.

Besides the people in charge of the special autonomous region, COCOON -- namely Kyouya. No one else had the power to block those highways which supply vital goods.

Also in an erroneous report, it mentioned that Kyouya ordered the closure of the highways. Even if this was the acting on their own, specifically stating that COCOON / Kyouya issued the order was undoubtedly asking for trouble.

The only explanation for that erroneous report could be it was all Kyouya's idea.

Just to be sure, Ryohei contacted an acquaintance in the and subsequently confirmed the truth. The name on the account that examined the report that evening turned out to be the corps superintendent general.

As a result, he had a rational reason to believe there was no mistake.

It was because their was absolutely no way the corps superintendent general would have the nerve to betray Kyouya.

...... After all, he was a middle-aged man that Kyouya personally selected to be the superintendent general to be his figurehead. He didn't have any real power.

Then the answer becomes easy.

Kyouya shaped the events that occurred two days ago.

"But Ryohei...... isn't possible this was a secret order from COCOON?"

"Unlikely."

To Minami's possibility Ryohei shook his head.

Denying this possibility.

"If it really was secret order from COCOON, why forge a report? And in first place why publish a highly classified document? After all, a secret operation of COCOON's his high would only be carried out with their personnel."

"Then......"

"Uh huh...... this is an arbitrary decision of Kyouya's."

Mostly likely the superintendent general was called by Kyouya beforehand to make a report in a hurry and panicked. After all, Kyouya was a member of COCOON, and was personally asked and entrusted with an extremely important matter. Because of the tension cause by the urgency not to fail and because of the excitement of gaining a favor from Kyouya the superintendent general presumably lost focus and unknowingly made a mistake. Even the admittedly astute Kyouya miscalculated in the rush.

"...... Does this not need further investigation?"

Minami asked.

"There are several other events related to the highway incident, perhaps......"

"Hmm, there might be a relationship."

Ryohei nodded, and the fact was he was also thinking about such a possibility.

Indeed further investigation may unravel some additional clues and establish a better connection between the incidents, which is likely to clarify the reason behind them. But then, you have to consider the worst case scenario.

"In any case, lets talk to Kyouya first before we explore any deeper than this."

So......

Ryohei and Minami stopped. They have arrived at their destination -- the Student Council room.

Uesaki Ryohei thought -– they had the right to know.

They should know what Kyouya was thinking as well as his plans for the future.

And if Kyouya wasn't taking the right path.

Then this shouldn't fall to other people -- They should stop him.

The reason was very simple.

"We are...... not just Kyouya's subordinates, but his friends."

They opened the door, and walked into the classroom.

To know their best friend's real intentions.

### Part 7

Surrounded by silence, it was as if the lively commotion of last night's pajama party never happened.

In the Ousawa home only one person remained. Sitting on the sofa in the living room, Listy muttered:

"I see...... this is the first time for me."

Since she followed Akatsuki to this world......

Today was the first time she was left all alone.

...... Very unpleasant.

Anyhow, she still couldn't settle down.

The silence after dusk when the world began to darken brought unspeakable loneliness to Listy.

For Listy, this place was in an unknown country in an unknown world.

Once Akatsuki and her other friends were not around, Listy didn't know what to do.

-- However, now wasn't the time to be complaining.

The reason was very simple.

"Its all my fault......"

Listy muttered.

The reason why Miu and Haruka went to JPN Babel was not entirely for Akatsuki.

It was also because they wanted to keep Listy's existence a secret.

As a result -- intense guilt overwhelmed Listy's heart causing her great suffering.

When she though about how her own existence became a burden to Akatsuki and Miu, Listy was beside herself.

What she wants was to be able to do something for everyone.

She also knows that nothing could be done.

Listy now can only keep silent in order to avoid any more trouble for them. Her powerlessness only added the regrets in her heart. She could no longer withstand the unbearable silence that she brought about.

"......!"

She got up from the sofa and walk out of the living room. Then she walked over to the stairs headed for the second floor.

### Part 8

Listy was not going the room her and Miu's share, rather to the room of the current owner of the Ousawa home -- Akatsuki's.

Standing in front of the door Listy hesitated for a moment.

".........."

After gently turning knob, she opened the door to his room.

She was here along with her other fiends last night to save Chikage.

"Ah......"

Listy was standing in the center of the room, and blushed a little while lightly hugging herself. It is because she recalled last night when Akatsuki was touching her.

Listy could not help but think at that time Haruka never tried and stop Akatsuki –-

What kind of influence do you have on everyone?

If something really bad happens –-

Right now......how can I think of such a thing?

Listy slowly walked to the bed against the wall and sat down on top of it.

She pick up the pillow resting on her lap and wrapped her arms around it.

She tightly hugged the pillow.

Along with the soft feel, she could faintly smell Akatsuki's scent.

"Finally calmed down......"

When she felt a little bit of Akatsuki here, Listy felt relief.

Her entire body relax and she naturally toppled over on top of the bed.

The spring mattress gently supported her body.

"Hurry back ... ... idiot."

After quietly complaining, Listy slowly closed her eyes.

Her cheek pressed up to the pillow is expelled the anxiety in her heart a little.

She could smell Akatsuki's scent as she breathed in, gradually her breathing became lighter and lighter.

Her body gradually warmed as she is slowly sinking into the darkness after closing her eyes.

She immersed herself in this feeling, and lost track of time.

"-- Hey."

After being calling out to, her shoulder were gently shaken a few times.

"Huh......"

Listy slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyelids were heavy it seemed she unconsciously fell asleep.

She looked carefully at the cheeky grin Akatsuki had on before her.

"You were so at ease sleeping in a mans bedroom......I'm gonna have to eat you."

"Food............EH--!?"

Listy had completely awoken, panicking she sprang to her feet.

She saw the marble clock resting on the nightstand, its hand showed she had been asleep for quite some time. Miserable, she originally only wanted to stay for a little while.

"Th-this is......"

Listy's face was flushed red as she tried to collect herself.

"Seeing you sleep so soundly, I really didn't have the heart to wake you."

Akatsuki smiled.

"Since I'm back, you wont need a pillow."

"I-its just, I am......!"

Akatsuki saw through her loneliness at first glance, Listy look very embarrassed.

"Umm... ... why are you all alone? Where did the other one go?"

Akatsuki voice had some displeasure in it, Miu is obviously not home.

Listy said alarmed:

"Y-you got it all wrong! Miu just left with Haruka ... ... "

"The Vice President? Are they out shopping or something?"

Akatsuki nonchalantly asked.

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

--If you nod right now, you will undoubtedly deceive Akatsuki.

"Uh huh ... ... ah, that's right."

Even with extreme disgust in her heart, Listy choose to nod.

Akatsuki is back now, how to explain it to him? Miu and Haruka before leaving had consulted with Listy. Akatsuki clearly holds hostility towards the managers of this world COCOON.

And Hikami Kyouya is part of the COCOON.

Once she reveals his name, there is no guarantee that Akatsuki will not lose his cool. When faced with the formidable opponent sentimentality will undoubtedly lead to defeat. Everyone made up their minds to become the Akatsuki's biggest supporter.

She doesn't want to be protected by Akatsuki forever -- from now on she wants to fight alongside him. However this is not the time for Akatsuki to have a showdown with COCOON.

If it can be avoided, it should be avoided.

"Oh ... ... okay then."

Akatsuki scratched his head, it seemed he accepted Listy's words.

"In that case ... ... Before that one gets back, can you give me a minute? There are some things I want to tell you."

"Yes, of course, but why was so mysterious?"

Its rare for Akatsuki to make such a request.

Actually as long as it was important neither Miu or herself would refuse. By how seriously he requested, this matter should be very important.

Then Akatsuki nodded "Ah", before pausing.

While staring into space with a serious look he continue to say:

"I want to also tell you two about my past."

### Part 9

After the sun set, the night sky was about to fall.

By the time Haruka brought Miu to JPN Babel campus, they were already surrounded by the darkness.

"There seems to be no one here......"

Walking beside her Miu said in an uneasy voice.

Haruka returned "Yes" with a nod.

"Its now spring break, plus the comprehensive systems updated is tonight. Except for a few staff members, no one else is allowed to be in the school."

However, the number of guards increased to be on the safe side in case of terrorism.

However, to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of this opportunity to create chaos, the security level was enhanced.

Moreover not just by increasing the number of guards, but improving the fundamentals.

...... It seems to be starting.

Haruka confirmed the reaction with her wristband that only members of the student government have.

In addition to the boundary system that converts physical damage to mental damage--

Babel currently launch another system designed to confront illegal invaders.

It was named the "guardian beast system" security program.

Like the training program the that summons monsters. Once an unknown power fluctuation is detected or a fight is detected, immediately Guardian beasts are summoned to suppress the situation.

"But for us...... this may not be a good thing."

Haruka continued,

"In case things go wrong -- we would be considered the enemy."

"Ah...... that's right"

After seeing Miu quietly nodded, Haruka once again reminded herself to be on alert.

She couldn't forget where they are, also couldn't forget their next move. This was JPN Babel, an organization that manages all things related to alternate worlds. In case Miu's true identity was exposed, they both would to charged with serious violations of the rules and immediately restrained. Sill it was the worst case scenario, but they must be prepared for it.

If this should happen and their fears become reality. Their only chance was to give it their all at escaping to join up with Akatsuki. Then they could determine what to in the future.

At that time it might be possible to flee to a third world country where Babel doesn't have a special autonomous region -- No, even then getting fake identities to illegally enter may be impossible.

Haruka already contacted Kuzuha and Chikage and informed them on the possibilities. Including of course the worst case scenario.

...... But......

Nanase Haruka couldn't help but thinking that today they are going to be fortunate, and they shouldn't encounter this bad end.

Last night everyone spent the night at the Ousawa home.

At that time everyone had reached a consensus, and decided on the path they wanted to take.

Therefore everyone was already prepared in their hearts.

In case of an emergency, Kuzuha and Chikage will team up and then take action together. There was nothing to worry about.

Besides the student council may not know Miu's true identity.

Perhaps it was all just baseless fear.

So Nanase Haruka spoke her inner desire,

"Let's go and end this quickly...... and return to Ousawa Akatsuki's side."

### Part 10

After entering the main campus in the tower of Babel the silence made the air feel heavy.

Inside the uninhabited campus only faint lighting was needed for the system update.

The moonlight that passed through the windows was brighter.

Haruka and Miu slowly walked towards the elevator.

Only their footsteps could be heard in the dark and deserted corridor.

They went to the student council's private elevator that has access to the top floor of Babel. Inside the fast rising elevator a weird atmosphere was created in the confined space.

"......"

Haruka and Miu invariably tightly closed their lips not saying a word.

The silence inside only added to the atmosphere in the elevator, but now is not the time to talk or laugh easily. While they waited, and kept waiting they were trying to suppress suffocating tension until the steel doors in front of their eyes automatically opened. After some time, the elevator reached the top floor.

Haruka was the first out of the elevator.

"--This way."

Under Haruka's guidance the two walked down the empty corridors.

Other than Haruka and Miu, the top floor also was naturally uninhabited.

While walking in silence, Haruka couldn't help thinking –- this is a long corridor.

She walked this way almost every day, but today it was exceptionally long.

However, having thought that the corridor soon came to an end.

They arrived at the door to the student council's room.

Haruka stood in front of the door and looked back at Miu:

"...... Are you ready?"

"Uh huh......"

After their final confirmation of their wills, they nodded at each other -- and slowly open the heavy door.

The moment they set foot into the student council room. Haruka thought she had walked into a freezer.

She heard Miu gasped beside her, she might of sensed the same thing.

Of course -- that is not possible.

Because their breath is still transparent and colorless.

The room was just as dark as the corridors, she couldn't help but wonder if anyone was inside.

"--Hey, come in....... I've been waiting for you."

From deep within the darkness in the back of the room where the moonlight through the windows didn't reach Kyouya slowly emerged.

He stopped in front of student council's president desk.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, President...... "

Haruka said, then gave a little nod.

She wanted to switch on the light sensor, however, since this is Kyouya's classroom he must of wanted it dark. She would need his permission, so naturally there was no choice.

...... No signs of life...... besides them.

Haruka thought Kyouya planned to have staff lying in wait in the classroom, then as soon as they entered they would arrest Miu. But judging form the situation at hand, there apparently was no need to be worried.

Also along the way from the elevators she did not feel any other presences either.

"......" "......"

Haruka and Miu remained silent, they only winked at each other.

For now, it seems the worst case scenario was unlikely.

They both slowly walked towards the back of the room.

-- Then Haruka suddenly tripped on something hard on the ground.

"--Ugh!"

Haruka kick out her opposite foot firmly planting it on the floor, avoiding her from stumbling down.

She walked into the room almost every day, naturally she was very familiar with the furnishings inside. And although it was dark inside she did not pay attention to her feet. Perhaps since inside and outside of the room there was no one waiting to ambush them, she let down her guard.

She was really careless she thought, then Haruka's looked to the left staring at what she nearly tripped over -- his body.

".......................EH?"

At that moment, Nanase Haruka stopped thinking.

That was not an object, but its a person.

Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami -- her two best friends were lying in front of her.

### Part 11

Although she had stopped thinking, Nanase Haruka immediately understood what that scene represented.

They didn't trip, they didn't fall asleep, and they didn't faint. The object she almost tripped over was Ryohei's right leg -- from the knee it was broken in two places. Not just the bone but the entire leg itself.

Both of them were covered in a white powdery substance.

It was frost.

Ryohei and Minami's bodies were frozen.

And......

They -- have been killed.

"H-how can......"

Dumbfounded, Haruka couldn't help muttering.

She had convinced herself that she envisaged all the worst case scenarios.

She even thought about the possibility of being attacked as soon as she opened the door, and even thought of countermeasures for that situation.

But......

Ryohei and Minami -- her two close friends dead was completely beyond Haruka's imagination.

"...... What...... have you."

Haruka could only stare, frozen in place.

-- Still, it was less than a few seconds that Haruka had stopped thinking.

However, it was a opening that could be exploited.

In that split second.

"-?"

Haruka felt a tremendous murderous intent run through her back.

She thought she was dead.

Then suddenly a heavy thud was heard behind her.

"-- Miu!"

Haruka instinctively screamed.

She immediately turned back to look. Miu was lying unconscious on the ground, and her long double ponytail was still floating down to the floor.

"Hmm...... I didn't expect it to go that easy."

Kyouya sneered, it seemed like he was a little disappointed.

"President......!"

Haruka was biting her lower lip as she stared straight at Kyouya.

-- Ryohei and Minami's death, and now Miu's attack cause her to be shaken.

In her mental state she was not in any position to put up any defense, when Kyouya's sudden murderous intent was released.

However, Haruka and Miu were not defenseless.

They had set up an invisible barrier around them.

But, the magical barrier's protection would only be effective against a magical attack. There was no no defense from "murderous intent." Moreover that wasn't just any ordinary murderous intent.

Rather it was from one of the world's strongest in COCOON -- Kyouya unleashed his murderous intent in earnest. Even just standing nearby Haruka thought she was dead.

The impact might not have any effect on the building, but Miu received a direct impact and as expected lost consciousness.

Haruka was now alone to face Kyouya, it became almost impossible for her to move. Still, she desperately began to squeeze out words.

"Why would you do all this......"

"-- In order to realize my ideal."

Kyouya did not hesitate to answer in a cold voice without a trace of emotion.

"However, this is not COCOON's ideal, but my own."

"To achieve that -- it was necessarily to kill Uesaki and Minami?"

Haruka couldn't help but raise her voice.

The fact that her two friends are dead was not easy to accept.

But now was not the time to escape from reality.

So Haruka accepted the facts, and an intense emotion emerged inside her –- anger.

Whatever the reason it was unforgivable.

But......

"......There was no other choice."

Kyouya said while smiling wryly.

"Before you came, Aihara-kun and Ryohei notice that I was moving secretly and came to find me. They wanted to know what I was thinking so I informed about my plans thinking that maybe they would want to help with it. Unexpectedly...... they wanted me to carefully reconsider."

And Kyouya lightly sighed "What a pity,"

"I didn't want to do it this way, but they both refused to quite about it. This plan must absolutely be keep secret from COCOON, any possible risk factors must be eliminated on the spot."

"They were not only your loyal subordinates, but also your best friends...... they could of constituted a risk to achieving your ideal so you had to kill them. This is your so called "no choice"......!"

Her suppressed anger turned into words, that overflowed from Haruka's mouth.

There was no way such simple words, could be used for justification.

After all, her original reason for joining the student council was because she believed in Kyouya's ideal.

But......

"Is it so wrong to prefer one's ideal over their friends?"

Kyouya had an ice-cold smile.

Haruka instinctively swallowed as if she was looking into a dark abyss in his eyes. Suddenly she had a feeling of deja vu from that coldness.

...... Those eyes......

She has seen the same eyes as Kyouya before.

So......

Back when she visited Alayzard with Akatsuki and her other friends.

In the religious kingdom of Aleclasta there was an archbishop in the church of Richard.

...... If she remembers correctly she was called Miranda......

The face that woman had when she crushed Haruka's theory at the peace negotiations.

She always felt she looked like someone very similar.

At last, Haruka understood the answer.

Hikami Kyouya is simply a second Miranda Quenty.

### Part 12

"In short, this is a question of priority. Friends are important, but not compared to achieving my ideal. If needed I would sacrifice everything -- not everyone would make the same choice."

Kyouya continued,

"Just like how you gave up your JPN Babel's student council's Vice President responsibility and discipline committee chairman duty to stand by her and Ousawa-kun side......"

"...... President, you already knew Miu's true identity."

Haruka only said she resigned as the Vice President and discipline chairman for personal reasons. Since her primary reason "protecting friends" would be unreasonable, because Babel and COCOON were already protecting alternate world returnees.

In this case however Haruka obviously must protect Miu from Babel and COCOON.

If Haruka revealed her true intentions, they would have been used against Miu in an in-depth investigation. Then also figure out that Haruka was involved in the situation.

...... Wait, maybe......

According to that logic, then it was probably Kyouya who erased the dimensional shift record.

"What are you going to do with her......?"

Haruka asked and,

"Are you going to make her a hostage to force Ousawa Akatsuki to surrender to you--"

"Ousawa-kun? Come on......"

"Ha" Kyouya laughed and,

"His power certainly is attractive and caught my interest. And if it possible I want to obtain it...... however, he is unrelated to my plans, instead it's only a matter of time before he becomes an obstacle."

He looked at the unconscious Miu laying on the floor.

"As for what I'm going to do with her? The answer is simple, she is a necessary piece in achieving my ideal."

"...... Miu is?"

"Yes, she can help me create a true utopia -- a world where the strong and the weak are equal. There would be no difference in treatment nor prejudice. Turning back time to before people were summoned and granted power. So they can enjoy the most basic human rights and freedoms."

"How is that possible......?"

"As long as she is -– with me, nothing is impossible."

Kyouya smiled. All the preparations will be completed soon.

...... This much confidence..... It seems that Miu must have some sort of special ability.

For Kyouya to take such a risk.

Miu must be well worth it.

Worthy of betraying COCOON, besides being from an alternate world.

"-- Nanase-kun, I do want your help, like I said before I admire your abilities. You'll been to an alternate world twice now, you might not even be aware about the new power you obtained. You are now an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight."

"...... You really know everything."

"That's right. I know you went to the alternate world Alayzard, and know her true identity. I also know when Ousawa-kun came back from Alayzard he brought along a new girl. I didn't want you be investigated for your failure to report your duty. I only wanted you to think it over. Your obligations outstanding, to assist all the returnees and keep them from being harmed by the outside world. To achieve this, modest sacrifices are inevitable -- originally you swore allegiance to me, and now that the moment has arrived."

And Kyouya finally said,

"Nanase-kun -- Its time for you to carry out the justice you firmly believe in."

A world where returnees won't have to suffer.

For the Nanase Haruka that was also the utopia she dreamed of.

If as he said modest sacrifices were inevitable. She also would be willing to sacrifice herself.

She couldn't find a mistake with what Kyouya said.

"................"

Haruka's mind was in chaos, and she returned to being silent.

A silence that neither answered with an affirmative or a negative.

So......

Haruka decided to answer with actions instead of words.

She focused her mind on her AD to summon her half-moon sword while transforming her uniform into combat clothes.

"...... Its too bad."

Kyouya without a hint of disappointed on his face.

He was just indifferent.

"In order to protect Ousawa-kun and the others, you prefer to become an enemy of the world? Compared to the well-being of several thousands of people -- no, the billions of people around the world, still you chose only a few people to have happiness."

"In the ideal world the President speaks of even if several billions of people are saved, Miu would not be saved...... and perhaps Listy."

Haruka replied and,

"However Ousawa Akatsuki and our desire for this world, will not only save all those billions of people it will also save Miu and Listy. However sacrificing the President is also a given. We want to create a world in which everyone can happily laughed together, and live together in the same world...... This is Ousawa Akatsuki ideal. I will not give up this world he aims for."

Haruka's tone was resolute.

That was the justice she upholds.

"President Hikami, I will not help you -- nor will Miu!"

Haruka screamed, while finishing her magic release chant letting loose her wind magic.

Her wind tore through the room wiping out everything on its path towards Kyouya.

But......

"I'll say it again."

Kyouya leisurely smiled.

"-- Its too bad, Nanase-kun."

He gently waved his right hand.

The wind created by Haruka suddenly disappeared without a trace.

"Uhh......!"

Haruka couldn't help but lower her head.

-- Back in Alayzard, for some time she was completely unable to use magic, because her consciousness wasn't link with her body. But then, her magic power along with the others increased a lot.

She single-handedly suppressed the enemy's large army at Gorudono Canyon with her new power.

But, she couldn't believe that even with her new power.

....... She was still no threat to Kyouya.

Kyouya just called her "an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight", meaning that after visiting an alternate world twice new powers would be awakened.

She however just awakened to her new powers, and was only at the starting point. In order to harness its full power, extensive training of course was required.

In other words.

There was an overwhelming difference in ability between Kyouya and Haruka.

...... Even so......

Haruka Nanase doesn't care.

From the beginning she never thought she had what it took to beat him.

What Haruka must do now was not defeat Kyouya.

But protect Miu -- right now she needs to try to flee with all her strength, then meet up with Akatsuki and her other friends.

Of course, because of this difference in ability it won't be easily to elude Kyouya. However, if Kyouya showed a slight flaw even momentarily, she would have a chance --

It was possible to use the high-speed of her wind magic to fly away.

So......

The first step in her escape plan was to go all out with one strike.

...... Next...... was the timing......

Haruka began counting down in her mind.

...... 3, 2, 1 --

"-- Zero."

As she said it out loud, countless particles of light appeared in the student council room.

Haruka by using her magic was able to trigger the security system used to stop intruders -- the "guardian beast system."

Both physical and magical attacks were completely ineffective against those guardian beasts.

Then two Gargoyles appeared.

At the same time, Haruka increased her speed with her wind magic.

-- The system reacted because she was not the only one to use magic.

In order to neutralize Haruka's charge, Kyouya must of used his magic.

The two Gargoyles appearing proved it.

Of course, the system will not attack Haruka or Kyouya because they are students in Babel.

The system most likely detected a conflict between two students.

To resolve the conflict the two Gargoyles were summoned in between Haruka and Kyouya

Forming a makeshift wall immune to physical attacks as well as magic attacks.

Haruka seized the opportunity and used the high-speed of her wind magic to charge to Miu's side. And then to simply carry Miu using the momentum created from the wind magic to flee the classroom -- that was Nanase Haruka plan.

However, only one step away from Miu -- no, half a step away......

"It really is too bad. In fact, your timing was perfect."

"-!?"

Suddenly, Kyouya appeared in front of her.

...... Its not possible......!

Haruka couldn't hide her surprise.

The two Gargoyles were in between Haruka and Kyouya.

The shortest distance to Haruka and Miu, Kyouya must first bypass the wall made up of the Gargoyles.

In terms of speed, Haruka believed there was at least a chance of winning.

And for insurance, she created a situation where he would have to travel a longer distant.

But......

"Hah -- Ah Ah Ah Ah!"

Haruka didn't stop there, instead she slashed her half-moon sword at Kyouya.

Intended to stop Kyouya's movement for a second -- creating an opportunity to escape.

Then......

"Kin" an ear-piercing metallic rang.

"...... Huh......!?"

Her half-moon sword shattered into pieces.

It clashed with the absolute zero barrier that Kyouya invented. The barrier defends against all attacks while freezing any object that comes in contact with it.

...... He even used...... such a technique......!

In that moment, Haruka tasted true shock and despair.

Haruka knew about the absolute zero barrier of Kyouya's, because she had seen it once before.

However, creating that absolute defense required a significant amount of time to activate.

Though it was triggered at that instant, Kyouya must of chanted the barrier in advance. The same way they already prepared a battle plan--

Kyouya was also carefully prepared.

He prepared everything to make sure he got Miu at all cost.

"Oh --"

Haruka stared blankly was Kyouya outstretched his palm, and place it right in front of her face.

A combination of blue and white light gathered in his palm.

Haruka had absolutely no way to dodge at that range.

Kyouya sneered at her,

"Goodbye Nanase-kun......"

She was only able to see his lips move.

### Part 13

"-!"

At that moment, Haruka Nanase was aware she could not escape death.

She closed her eyes before the oncoming attack would hit her.

She felt a burning sensation rather than a cold one all over her body simultaneously.

Exposed to Kyouya's ice magic her body must of sensed the pain from the ultra-low temperature as a burning sensation. Confronted with the fear of certain death, and the severe pain that will accompany it, her body reflexively stiffened. But -- she didn't feel any other pain after that.

Instead she couldn't catch her breath.

"!!!!"

The pain was different from what she had imagined. She struggle momentarily, widely moving her hands around.

-- A hand forcefully grabbed her.

Then it wrapped around her her waist, and powerfully pulled her close.

"Huh......?"

Haruka was perplexed, and instinctively opened her eyes.

A familiar face appeared before her eyes.

"OUSAWA...... AKATSUKI......?"

This person shouldn't be here, Haruka couldn't help but shout out his name.

"Its all right, vice-president."

Akatsuki told her.

After hearing Akatsuki's voice, and feeling the warmth of his embrace Haruka was sure of one thing.

That it was definitely not a dream.

But...... what on earth was going on? Haruka then suddenly noticed where Akatsuki and herself were. Akatsuki had his arm around her waist, while in his birthday suit.

However, the improper one was Haruka. The reason was simple, they were immersed in hot water and she was familiar with the location.

She was in the Ouswa home's bathroom.

Akatsuki appeared naked in front of eyes, Haruka screamed and desperately tried to escape.

Everything happened too fast.

"......"

Haruka's brain could not keep up, she stood there and repeatably blinked. She completely had no idea how to react.

-- Up till now, she was in JPN Babel's student council room meeting face to face with Kyouya. Why am I in the Ouswa bathroom, no where near were I was?

Then......

"You're shaking... ... What happened?"

The moment she heard Akatsuki's question.

"-!"

Haruka gasped.

She remembered her best friends -- Ryohei and Minami were dead.

And Kyouya's ice-cold eyes.

Also how Miu was laying unconscious, and that she was almost killed.

"...... Me and...... we......"

"Despair" that word echoed in Haruka's mind.

No more words could come out her mouth.

Extreme fear froze her mind and body, chilling her to the bone.

Even though she was in the bathtub filled with hot water, the trembling of the whole body wouldn't stop.

However......

"-- Haruka."

The shout was like a bolt of lightning shot into her ear, while his two hands gripped her shoulders. Akatsuki forcibly pulled back her consciousness.

"You don't have be scared anymore. I'm right here, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore."

"Ah......"

Those words permeated Haruka's heart. The icy tension gradually began to melt away.

Her body slowly regained its warmth.

"Good...... that's it."

Akatsuki gave her a gentle smile.

Seeing his smile, Haruka's intuition told her -–

It was Akatsuki who saved her at that critical moment.

...... But, how?

Before her brain found the answer, Haruka's heart told her; however she never could of expected him to save her, there must of been some way. Haruka started to look at it retro respectively.

Reflecting on how Akatsuki devised a method to help her from a remote place.

The results......

"Oh --"

Nanase Haruka finally remembered.

In the world of Alayzard, that she went too along with the Akatsuki and the others.

Miu and Listy became hostages, and the method by which Akatsuki saved them. They said was,

"Transfer...... seal."

### Part 14

Sometime later they all learned of it.

It was a miraculous reversal at the end of the war by Akatsuki.

Even if they believed that peace would soon be realized, he still did not forget to prepare for the worst. He affixed a seal to Listy during the duel that was used to prove his power.

Miu had a seal affixed the evening after he went into Sherfied looking for an antique shop to buy the seals. They were waiting at the brothel after accidental ingesting too much of an aphrodisiac. They needed Akatsuki to detoxify them.

"Don't tell me...... at that time......"

She knew the answer already.

Prior to the peace agreement, even if Akatsuki was on good terms with the Kingdom of Sherfied it was still enemy territory. So Akatsuki affixed a transfer seal to Haruka, who was accompanying him.

In case of a dangerous situation, he could simultaneously save Miu and Haruka.

...... Then...... I......

Nanase Haruka suddenly realized.

It was not a coincidence that she was saved by Akatsuki just now.

Why -- There was still that feeling.

She will never forget -- that first meeting was the worst.

He did not even try to follow the rules, she was disgusted how he behaved so freewheeling. Every time she saw him, he began to create all kinds of difficulties.

She was always worried about him in the back of her mind, she kept telling herself it was all in her imagination. Since she was unwilling to face the truth, and didn't want to admit it.

She didn't admit it until she went to Alayzard and witnessed Akatsuki implement justice she believed in.

But......

That night in the brothel with Miu -- he entrusted my life.

No, it should be before that.

Nanase Haruka was in Akatsuki's safety net.

So......

"--------"

Haruka collapsed into Akatsuki arms, she was at her limit.

She knew nothing at all, and felt guilty.

She was unable to protect Miu.

And regreted it.

What Kyouya did was outside her assumptions. The death of her best friends Ryohei and Minami greatly unsettled her. She was reluctant to explain everything to Akatsuki. However, Haruka understood she couldn't make an excuse for this. The harsh reality was inescapable.

We all promised. We swore that no matter when, no matter where.

And Miu said she unconditionally believed me, but I .....

"--------"

Haruka broke down into tears.

She was not enough.

Her resolve -- nor her strength.

Nanase Haruka was not able to protect Ousawa Miu.

Her irreplaceable friend was taken from her.

Haruka had lost everything.

### 067. Epilogue - The Truth in the Darkness

### Part 1

Occasionally a muffled noise was heard ringing throughout this place.

The deep bass sound could turn your stomach.

With each step it seemed like time slowed down.

"What the....."

While walking in the dim light of the passage a red light illuminated, Onizuka Kenya tried to cover up his astonishment.

Right now he was at the lowest level of JPN Babel.

It was late at night, however he was still on campus headed towards the high-rise of Babel.

The soaring building was very eye-catching, but the underground -- were also a number of basements that all the staff and students were aware of.

And ......

The lower most floor supported all of the tower of Babel, also it symbolized the authority of the COCOON. This wasn't simply referring to the structure of the building, the fact was the lowest floor in Babel was top secret.

However, those were all just rumors, not one person had seen it with their own eyes.

He was in the middle of shopping at the supermarket, until Tiana urgently left because of an important matter.

To put his mind at ease a little Onizuka decided to accompany her, which was why he was walking through this forbidden place.

"Well..... Ken-chan is just an ordinary student, so it is normal for you not to know."

Tiana was walking one step ahead Onizuka as she spoke to him without looking back.

"Whether it's the massive data "Apocalypse" server, the boundary system that covers the majority of the campus, the electricity and water circulation system, and the basic life support/ environmental program, all of these were in one place the so-called "Babel system". You could say this place is like the heart of Babel."

She took a breath.

"Well...... to be accurate it's right above the heart. Only members of COCOON, who are responsible for each Babel, can enter the "Babel system" the lowest floor in the tower. But before entering, you must pass through the strict biometrics as well as the magic certification to enter the basement. It seems that Tsusukara was the only person in COCOON to pass through the biometrics authentication."

"......'It seems'?"

Hearing Onizuka question, Tiana looked over her shoulder.

With a wry smile on her face,

"That is what I had heard. But then again, Tsusukara died during his tenure with COCOON while in charge of Babel, so......"

COCOON was comprised of the world's most powerful people, and the sky high tower of Babel was its symbol.

If COCOON was destroyed, there grand principles would be shattered.

In order to harmonies the world as well as management it, COCOON and Babel must always be at their strongest.

Onizuka then suddenly remembered something.

"Then what about the server rooms and control rooms above ground?"

Onizuka had once altered the training program leading to the incident in the arena with the control room in its warehouse.

If what Tiana said was correct, then there you can control all of the systems. Also if the security program detected the strange operation it should have been also possible to prevent beforehand. Looking at it from the public safety perspective, there should have been no reason the incident should of been able to occur. Even from the technical side there was no problem. The boundary system that changes psychical damage to mental damage was many times more complex.

"That was merely the operating or control system for that one place."

Tiana answered.

"As for here, its more like the "power reactor" for all of systems. But they needs engineers and school personnel other than the COCOON to actually operate the systems. Naturally they can not enter the lowest floor, so they need other places to control the systems. Otherwise each operating system must be controlled by COCOON personally, which would take a long time and be way too troublesome."

"..........."

Tiana's "power reactor" analogy, allowed Onizuka to immediately understand the difference between the two.

During the training program incident, Onizuka changed the level of the program. And then the terrorist Tanaka changed the intensity of the program making it go berserk. The level and the intensity change were all done above ground.

As for the ranking tournament intrusion the other day, when the self proclaimed "Hero" destroyed the boundary system Babel's engineers repaired it. They were able to restore the system because only the above ground system was destroyed and its cable was cut from the system going into the ground. The "power reactor" remained intact.

Onizuka then voiced his only remaining question -- the most pivotal problem.

"...... Since Babel's students and faculty are forbidden from entering the top secret area. Then how come an outsider thinks it will be a breeze to walk right in?"

More importantly --

"What on earth are you planning on doing, Tiana?"

### Part 2

The day they first met, Onizuka was still in class A and for an instant she passed by him. That was all it took for him to know she wasn't an ordinary person.

The best proof was the fact she wasn't even enrolled in Babel and yet had knowledge he doesn't. He was fully aware that Tiana has untold secrets, still Onizuka allowed the freeloader to stay with him.

So when they were grocery shopping, and ​​she suddenly told him she had to hurry "somewhere" --

Even if the so-called somewhere was Babel, Onizuka wouldn't say a word.

But ......

If what Tiana said was true, then theoretically it should be impossible for them enter this area. Even one floor below ground it was impossible for an ordinary person to enter.

"It beats me. Actually I'm just following invasion route K-chan supplied. I'm just as confused as Ken-chan on how to get in."

To Onizuka's question, Tiana answered nonchalantly.

"As for my purpose ... ... After all, Ken-chan is an outsider, and doesn't know too much... ... view it as I'm looking for something."

"So who is this go-between, the so-called "K-chan"?"

Inadvertently Tiana blurted out some important information, Onizuka can't help but be surprised.

In fact Onizuka did not mean to pry, he just simply expressed his inner doubts.

What's more he didn't expect Tiana to answer honestly.

He thought she would casually evade the question, or just not tell him anything.

Therefore Onizuka obtained valuable information -- Tiana had at least one comrade.

But ......

"......Outsider? I let said freeloader stay at my house. What do you take me as?"

"Ken-chan is just an ordinary person, I do not want to involve Ken-chan in this."

"..........."

Onizuka fell silent.

In any case, he was also summoned to an alternate world and got special abilities.

Officially, it is for the hope for humanity, but in reality he was being isolated in a special autonomous region.

Tiana unexpectedly called him an "ordinary person".

If she views Onizuka as average, then what is above average?

"I've told you, Ken-chan. It be better for you not to come."

"Even if your going to Babel, I don't care about your reasons."

Onizuka looked up at the dark ceiling.

"This is the last chance to turn back, what are you going to do? This area is top secret, and must be equipped with a lot of security cameras. You do not want get in trouble with the peace preservation corps?"

"Ah, actually that's not a problem. Tonight is a comprehensive system update, all the systems will be temporarily shut down. Don't you find it strange that all the way here there wasn't a single security guard?"

Tiana answered with a smile.

"I didn't think Ken-chan was such an alarmist, and had such little guts."

"AH, you idiot! Remember when you skipped out on the check in the cafeteria, the lunch lady remembered my face! You have already caused me so much trouble. I have to eat lunch there everyday at school and they wouldn't let it slide. I was harmed by you miserably!"

Onizuka snorted.

Having said that, Onizuka could not help thinking --

Even if it is a completely unrelated example, he would still accompany Tiana.

Ever since he met Tiana, Onizuka was slowly accepting his past self that he hated so much. It seems he had been redeemed.

Therefore, when he saw the expression Tiana made after reading the text in the supermarket and when she said, she had tp 'immediately hurry off somewhere.' --

Onizuka suddenly had a premonition that he would never see her again.

...... Damn it!

Onizuka cursed himself in his mind. He really can't make sense of his feelings.

And furthermore he was reluctant to do so.

He simply thought that he couldn't let Tiana go it alone. Onizuka learned that Tiana planned on going to a secret room in Babel when... ...his premonition turned into a conviction.

...... Never mind, I'm thinking to much.

The facts was he inexplicably broke into Babel's underground.

It would be best to help Tiana, and leave here as quick as possible.

Then ......

"--------"

Tiana suddenly stopped.

"Hey, is --"

"--Shhh."

She stopped him him her index finger, before Onizuka could finish his question and then,

"...... There is someone up ahead."

### Part 3

Onizuka looked directly in front of him.

In the dark passageway it wasn't possible to confirm the shadow.

At the end there was probably someone hiding -- right after the bend in a passage.

"..........."

Tiana killed the sound of footsteps, Onizuka followed behind.

After coming to the end, Tiana stuck her head out around the corner to confirm the situation.

"And sure enough, there is a guard, but......"

Tiana was still somewhat surprised.

"The guard has Babel school uniform on, just like Ken-chan's."

"Just like me ... ...a male high school student?"

It was probably someone he knew.

There weren't many students who can appear in this confidential area.

Most likely it was not the Student Council president Hikami Kyoya, but that was also not impossible.

Being part of COCOON Kyoya's face was world-famous, since Tiana didn't recognize him ... ... Then who was it?

......Was it...... secretary Uesaki?

While imagining the possibility that it was Ryohei Uesaki, who is affiliated with Kyoya. Onizuka was able to peer out over Tiana's head to have a look.

"-- EH!?"

He couldn't help but gasp.

Onizuka shrank back right away, to hide his agitation from the other party.

"......Ken-chan!? Is he someone you know?"

Onizuka's reaction was very unnatural, Tiana can't help but question why.

However, her voice didn't register with Onizuka Kenya.

It was not Ryohei Uesaki in the passage ahead.

Still, it was definitely someone Onizuka knew.

....... How did that bastard ended up here .....?

Onizuka was unable to believe what he was seeing was real.

But, it was impossible that he was mistaken.

Even if Onizuka had no interest in other people.....

He remembered his face from the ranking tournament only a few days ago. He will never forget the face that sent him to the medical treatment tower.

There was no need to double check.

The person ahead of them was unquestionably the self proclaimed Hero.

Phil Barnett.

...... How could was that possible? That bastard was done in by Ousawa.....?

He changed himself into higher dimensional being, a huge dragon, and in midst of the fierce fight he was cut in half by Akatsuki. At least that was the story he heard after he awoke in the medical tower.

But Phil was here right now, moreover he was wearing a Babel uniform.

In that case, there was only one possibility to consider.

...... Hikami Kyoya made this guy his pawn.....

Onizuka stood there expressionless.

However -- it was only for a moment. Because ......

"-- Ken-chan."

Tiana suddenly screamed, along with jerking Onizuka's arm back.

Instantly a powerfull shock wave headed towards where he was originally standing.

"Ah ......?"

Tiana supported Onizuka as they forcibly rolled back on the ground, then he realized what happen. An attack invisible to the naked eye was aimed at where he was standing.

He raised his head up, while his attention was on Phil the attack came from behind.

"Its.....its you ... you ...? "

Onizuka Kenya kept standing this time.

It was also a face that Onizuka knew all to well.

But his face was unusually cold, as if it was a completely different person. With a particularly aghast tone Onizuka,

"Are you...... Tanaka ......?"

It was the name of a former classmate.

He was a person whom Onizuka unjustly vented his irritation on.

And the culprit that exploited Onizuka's plan to get revenge on Akatsuki by changing the training program plunging JPN Babel into chaos.

Tanaka slowly started to speak -- in a tone different from what Onizuka remembered. It was inorganic and calm,

"When I heard there was an intruder..... I never thought there was a no way it would be you."

"...... He sounds like a friend of yours, Ken-chan."

Unlike Onizuka, Tiana neatly got to her feet and sighed in relief.

"Although I don't have the qualifications to say so... ... Ken-chan should choose his friend more carefully, uh Huh."

"...... It's none of your business."

Onizuka bitterly remarked to her as he got off the ground.

"-- Oh, did you miss? How useless."

A familiar voice came from behind him. Onizuka did not have to look back to know who it was.

After all, with the noise from that last attack, and in the fist place there was a possibility he was aware of them from the beginning too.

"With only this level of an enemy --"

Phil was interrupted before he could finish.

Because Tiana instantly cut the distant between them and her right fist hit Phil in the gut.

"----------"

The power in the attack caused Phil to slam into the wall behind him.

A loud rumble shook the passageway.

While the reverberations could still be heard after her successful surprise attack she:

"I'm very sorry. You left your body wide open, I could not bear it."

After she finished talking, she immediately turned to face Tanaka next.

"–- Its fine, no need to apologize."

In a sonorous voice, it seemed he wasn't harmed.

Phil Burnett slowly stood up.

"This guy......"

Onizuka involuntarily widened his eyes.

He has seen the extent of his power before.

During the ranking tournament Onizuka fought against Phil, and his level was well above his own.

However, Tiana was powerfull enough to overwhelmed a group of A class students in town. Onizuka knew all to well the formidable power of one of her punches.

It was enough to causally send her opponents through cement walls.

However he received a surprise attack and was calmly standing up.

"What dreadful power. It left several broken ribs, and even some internal bleeding."

Phil smiled, while his whole body began emitting a red phosphorescence glow.

"----"

Upon seeing this, Tiana abruptly narrowed her eyes.

And in a low voice:

"......Oh, I get it."

She paused for a moment.

"It seems -- the have already been transplanted."

"Phoenix ......?"

Upon hearing what Tiana said, Onizuka glared.

He doesn't know whats happening, and doesn't understand how it all lead to this.

However, the word 'Phoenix' actually wasn't so strange.

-- He knew of the biological characteristics that bird.

"There is no way.....he become immortal......that's just too ridiculous."

Standing next to Tiana, Onizuka Kenya asked her in the bitter voice.

But, no one answered his question, furthermore it didn't change their situation.

So ......

...... Damn, why did I choice to go along with her?

Onizuka steeled himself, and everyone else gets ready.

The surrounding atmosphere began to rapidly change.

It was strained almost stifling -- the atmosphere of a battlefield.

No escape.

Phil and Tanaka had them outflank.

In the narrow passage a direct conflict is inevitable.

It wasn't just a fight -- if they wanted to survive.

### Part 4

At the same time......

In the student council room where Haruka had vanished in a bright light in front of him --

Hikami Kyouya maintained a hauntingly quiet smile on his face.

...... Was that a transfer seal she had spoken of? Presumably, that was Ousawa-kun's handy work as a precaution against me, or was it for some other purpose? It seems it was prepared in case an imminent danger were to approach her to activate.

The fact that Haruka failed to escape using it -- must mean she didn't know about the seal.

-- And because of that a potential enemy escaped.

And as a result, my actions will undoubtedly be revealed to Akatsuki.

However -- it didn't matter to Hikami Kyouya.

Because there wasn't any problems.

By the time he learns of the situation, and makes his way to JPN Babel....

All the preparations will have been finalized.

For "Crimson Twilight" they had already invaded the premises, but their opponents have already had the transplanted. They won't be a problem either.

So ......

His gaze moved away from Ousawa Miu lying unconscious on the floor to outside the window.

Hikami Kyouya smiled,

"Now then, all the necessary pieces are in my hands -- Let's assume that this world is already mine."

## 08. Volume 8 ( Full Text )

### 001. Part 1

There was a group in the world known as COCOON.

Their people hold positions in the "new United Nations," which consisted of the formulation of the international policies, even the secretary and chairman. And they also were the chief executives of the alternate world institutions of Babel.

A position among this small group of people could be refereed to as an administer of the entire world.

Children * Of * Cross * Over * Other * Nation.

Out of all the returnees to this world they had an overwhelming strength.

Even a single individual had enough power to surpass the military force of a large country.

What was the best way to describe these troublesome people? The answer was very simple.

They were the most powerful elites, they represent the world -- that was what it was to be called a "COCOON."

### 002. Part 1

A tower of Babel reaches through the clouds.

They stand in each of the special autonomous regions of the G7 countries, symbols of COCOON's authority.

Their operation and management were left to the COCOON in charge in that area.

Each of those countries that comprised the G7 had very different cultures and religions. It would of been more of an obstacle to regulate them all the same way. Therefore besides the infrastructure, the construction of the building as well as management of the towers of Babel change depending on national circumstances in an attempt to make every special autonomous region the most effective.

So to speak, a tower of Babel was the exclusive castle of the COCOON in control of that region. And,

The COCOON currently in charge of JPN-Babel -- Hikami Kyouya -- was presently inside a certain place within Babel.

"Who could have thought this place would come in handy this soon......"

Kyouya floated a thin sneer.

### 003. Part 1

A soothing melody flowed.

It was in a place fit to enjoy the evening, a bar lounge in a major hotel in the center of the commercial district. It was famous for its exquisite view of the night sky through the window that always drew in a large group of clientele.

-- But the situation today was very different.

Currently, there was only one female customer sitting at the bar. The rest of the huge lounge was devoid of guests.

From the looks of it, it would seem as though it was reserved. However, there was no such sign at the entrance stating so.

Only the usual "OPEN" signboard.

Still, no other customers came at all -- no, its not exactly that no one came. They came up to the front, however for some reason every customer turned back at the entrance of the place. The bar was open during its normal hours of business with plenty of open seats, but they still chose to leave.

The reason for this was the sole female customer.

"Barkeep, your pretty good --......"

The woman finished her cocktail in one sip then let out a beautiful smile.

The Bartender lowered his head slightly and said, "You're too kind......" as he started mixing another cocktail.

But, the woman didn't order another drink. She simply would of liked another drink -- no, strictly speaking she just "thought" she was now in the mood for one. However, that much alone was enough to inform the bartender she desired another cocktail. On the basis of having merely a thought in mind was capable of making the bartender make the drink she wanted.

It was the same reason why no other customers were around.

Just because she was thinking "I want to quietly drink alone" the other customers would all naturally turned around in front of the entrance to the bar lounge.

That was the kind of unfathomable power the mysterious female customer had.

Everything about the woman was beautiful.

Her face, all of the curves and lines of her body -- even the atmosphere around her.

However while having a such beauty to pride over, there were few people who know her name and identity. The leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil End-heart -- was her name.

Her subordinates within the group Motoharu Kaidou and Tiana Randohauze had been sent to infiltrate JPN-Babel that same evening to take possession of the . Cecil was alone at the bar enjoying her drink.

-- Hikami Kyouya's not hesitating to betray COCOON to enact some sort of scheme up till then had been grasped.

If it was an average person Cecil would've been able to see through his plans to a certain extent. But --

...... I'm unable to read the situation this time.

Cecil's smile became even more brilliant.

The inability to predict the situation, while dangerous harbored a great deal of fun.

As one of the world's most powerful terrorists, most of Cecil's daily life could be said to be tame with everything planed out, almost never would anything unexpected occur.

However this time the situation was uncommon, and she was unable to make out Kyouya's genuine aim.

Cecil understood that it was a dangerous omen. Not being able to perceive anything -- most likely meant things were moving in a dangerous direction. So, initially she thought to also intervene in this situation, because in the worst case Kaidou and Tiana wouldn't be able to handle the situation.

But -- Cecil in this matter decided to remain a observer.

It was because a few days before she happened to encounter a young man, for Cecil it brought "unexpected" variables.

His strength still had room to grow, and his future development was limitless.

"Fufu......"

Remembering that time Cecil happily laughed.

Back then when he touched her chest her heart started racing, almost like a girl in love. Even when she faced her predecessor, a man with far more power than herself, or when she was around other suitable people and companions she had never felt that way. That was why she dared to remain in the special autonomous region, to observe nearby how he would move under these circumstances -- In order to confirm it.

Soon after......

"-- Was that."

The moment after Cecil inventively called out she smiled sweetly.

As if it was a gust of wind, the unique sound of a vehicle had swept past the outside of the hotel.

Fast.

The road in front of the hotel was an ordinary street, and despite that the speed was much faster than the time she road tandem on the highway the other day.

"That wind was really hurried......"

Apparently something must had occurred -- that left Ousawa Akatsuki no option but to actively intervene.

"However...... it's just a little too early."

Cecil lowered her head in thought.

At the present time there hadn't been any contact from Tiana. Most likely it would mean the had yet to be seized. Cecil didn't care about Akatsuki's involvement, but she didn't want his actions to obstruct Kaidou and Tiana.

So......

"I'm sorry Akatsuki......"

Cecil softly called out the name of the young man that made her heart flutter.

And with a happy smile on her face,

"Your going to have to take part in a little sideshow -- so that I may understand you better."

### 004. Part 1

The wind was blowing high in the night sky.

It wasn't a natural phenomenon caused by the difference of atmospheric pressure. It was a wind with a certain intention.

The final destination was JPN-Babel. And -- the name of the wind was Nanase Haruka.

"I'm coming......"

While moving as fast as she could with the wind through the air Haruka lightly said with voice full of determination.

Haruka couldn't possibly stay at home waiting for the Akatsuki and others to return. Therefore she was personally flying to the battlefield.

She was wearing the same uniform that got wet when she transferred to the Ousawa home.

Haruka clenched her right fist, and pressed it against her chest.

She was firmly resolved in her mind. As for the uniform, it was already completely dry as she found it in the dryer.

It was probably Listy who took the trouble to wash it for her, believing that she would be able pull herself together and stand back up -- that thought made Haruka incredibly happy.

-- Haruka couldn't forget the promise she made with Miu, swearing that no matter what happens to protect her.

But she wasn't able to fulfill her promise, and end up not being unable protect Miu. The shock over finding her two best friends Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Haruka dead had also indirectly lead to Miu being capture by Hikami Kyouya.

And to top it all off she only survived -- thanks to Akatsuki.

At worse she wanted to somehow get away, and tell everyone what happened to Miu.

That was at a minimum the mission she imposed on herself.

However, under Kyouya's dreadful power she could only sit there and wait for death.

...... It's such a undignified story......

Remembering how pathetic she was, Haruka coukdn't help but strongly bite down on her lip.

-- Even though Haruka could only cry at her own limitations, Akatsuki still took the time to comfort her. The overwhelming fear that was carved into her heart by Kyouya was overwritten by Akatsuki's warmth and body heat. In order to settle her heart Akatsuki told her to only think of him.

Although she couldn't protect Miu he still forgave her, and consoled her -- by extending a warm arm to her.

Even though she was unwilling to confront her real feelings... ... No, strictly speaking, she didn't know how to be honest with herself, however with Listy's help she was able to at long last accept Akatsuki.

It was completely different from the time when she was detoxified at the brothel in Alayzard.

Haruka entrusted all of herself to Akatsuki by her own accord.

Her always resistant, and obstinate way of expressing an opposing view from long ago had disappeared.

Akatsuki had thoroughly freed her body and mind allowing her to realize her new self.

...... That was the biggest difference, I'm sure......

Now she understood. There was still a little reluctance to make Kyouya or the rest of the world her enemy somewhere deep down in her heart. With her believing in Akatsuki, and him trusting in her there was no longer any hesitation, and also perplexion over Miu. She started to wonder what exactly was differences between the two.

Just the thought of Akatsuki, the though of her other friends an endless amount of emotions overflowed from her heart.

There was an unbound power in those feelings when she thought of what was precious.

A strong conviction.

It was surely the same answer Miu, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha already come up with.

...... Yeah.

She was able to understand at last.

Secondary to her sense of values, her ethics also, even antagonizing the entire world. If it was for the sake of dedicating everything of herself to a specific someone.

It might be a selfish belief.

And may cause harm to others.

However......

There was something she wanted to protect -- she could absolutely not lose to herself.

It remained inside her body, the consideration and warmth Akatsuki given her. In such a way, created a powerful force that was driving her to advance forward, which was surely......

...... Courage.

Therefore, there was no longer any wavering.

"I'm coming......"

Haruka repeated the same words to herself. The feelings in those words gave her strength as she did so.

She failed to keep that promise she made.

But, there was still time -- to make up for it.

And for sure this time she was going to fulfill it.

Her crying and feeble self was a thing of the past.

The current Nanase Haruka will walk forward.

Bestowed with great courage like so to save a friend.

### 005. Part 1

The battle to make Miu regain herself was being waged in JPN-Babel's sports arena

At the present time it was three-on-one situation, however that didn't matter to Izumi Chikage.

After all, the Miu right now was able to brake Kaidou's barrier that was standing in their way. Therefore, unless they all attacked together, they would have been quickly overpowered.

No -- strictly speaking, even now it might be too tough.

But......

...... I can't back down.

Chikage thought that this was also their fight.

The want to defeat Kyouya since he was a member of COCOON was not only Akatsuki's purpose in this case, but one of his future goals. Of course, after everyone decided to follow him on his path they would give him all the support they could.

However, in the end that was Akatsuki's personal war.

-- But the fight right now was different.

As Izumi Chikage stared ahead reflected in her eyes was the image of a close friend, who they all decided to absolutely get back. After they regain their friend it was already promised to lived together from then on.

There was no negotiating with that, no matter what.

"-- We need to hurry, and get her back."

After hearing that Listy and Kuzuha nodded back together while they were on the move.

Chikage again reminded herself.

Miu must be suffering inside herself being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight us who still believe in him.

...... No.

Miu must be suffering being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight against herself and the others who still believe in such a Miu.

The ultimate goal wasn't to defeat her, but to get her back.

To once again have their friend regain her smile, and return to everyone's arms.

"I'm going -- MIU!"

While chanting magic Izumi Chikage dashed out ahead straight at Miu.

### 006. Part 1

Around the same time Akatsuki and Listy were advancing forward, and Kyouya had confronted Tiana.

Nanase Haruka had appeared in main school building within Babel -- Strictly speaking, she was making her way over to stairs en route to the uppermost floor.

The plan was to invade from the roof with a single 〇 on top.

It was different from other rooftops, as it was equip with a heliport. In case of an earthquake or fire it was to be used as one of the evacuation routes. But in times of emergency passages such as stairs, corridors and even entrances may not always be open. Therefore, in a pinch it may be necessary to destroy some property to be able to escape.

But it was also because of that, that destroying the ceiling to the roof or walls were a lot easier compared to other places.

Under normal circumstances infiltrating from the sky would be conspicuous, and be impossible.

But......

"...... Still, the security was too lax. "

While stepping off from the rooftop into the stairwell, Haruka couldn't help mutter to herself.

Everything was going as expected. At an earlier time she anticipated JPN-Babel would currently be undermanned.

"Because --"

After swallowing the rest of her words, Haruka considered it in my her mind.

Kyouya betrayed her, and even murdered Ryohei and Minami -- and,

We were Kyouya's most trusted comrades. Of course, whether Kyouya himself also thought so was unknown. However, at least in the eyes of everyone around it was that way.

Externally as well, the members of JPN-Babel's student council were known to be Kyouya's right-hand men. Nevertheless Kyouya tried to eliminate people such as themselves, without the slightest trace of emotion on his face.

Merely because we might have become a risk to establishing his ideal.

...... He also mentioned something else.

Haruka recalled what Kyouya had said.

-- This plan cannot afford to be discovered by COCOON.

But with a secret, naturally the more people who know of it the greater the risk was of it leaking. For that reason Kyouya must of carried out his plan in private behind Haruka and the others backs.

In other words, currently within JPN-Babel there shouldn't be any other people involved in his fanatic plan.

So......

"............"

Just like several hours ago, in front of the student council room on the top floor door Nanase Haruka stood silently.

"------------------!"

Recalling that earlier encounter, Haruka couldn't help from tensing her body to the point it was difficult to breathe.

The overwhelming fear carved into her heart when she was almost killed by Kyouya still didn't completely disappear.

...... Even so.

Nanase Haruka made a fist with her right hand, and touched it her chest.

There within her now, was the courage and warmth Akatsuki given her. And thoughts as a fellow comrade of wanting to be useful to Akatsuki, and also thoughts as Miu's close friend in wanting to help rescue her.

Haruka's present self was no longer the Vice President of the student council or Chairman of the discipline committee.

Rather Nanase Haruka was Akatsuki, Miu, Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha's -- friend.

Haruka also understood it was impossible for her to defeat Hikami Kyouya.

Probably right now only Akatsuki was capable of accomplishing such feat.

...... However.

There were must be something she could do to help -- Haruka thought.

In terms of fighting strength, there were already Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha to provide the necessary power. Still, if she joined them that strength would be even greater, however Haruka thought it would be more advantageous if she help in other ways.

As she was a former member of the student council there were some things only she could do. That's why she chose an independent course of action instead of joining with them.

That's what Haruka believed was her role.

So......

"...... I can't just keep standing still."

After muttering, Haruka pushed open the heavy door of the student council room.

### 007. Part 10

Haruka had lost consciousness while in the bathroom, so Akatsuki decided to carry her to his room.

"You'll catch a cold without any clothes on."

He had wrapped his bath towel around her, and then lightly covered her with the blanket after laying her on the bed. Akatsuki then looked at Haruka sleeping soundly.

After he did he thought her sleeping face was so peaceful. For the time being she should be okay with this.

So -- Ousawa Akatsuki could act now.

After he put on the new uniform Haruka brought over last night,

"The uniform's interwoven with telepathic stone fibers...... huh."

He said to himself on the verge of going to defeat Kyouya.

Today wearing the uniform provided by Babel felt a bit strange.

...... No matter.

Akatsuki made a small wry smile. As long as it was needed to win, even using an enemy's outfit wasn't wrong had always been his creed. Not to mention that it was something Haruka went out of her way to bring over, however there was still no reason not to wear it.

Furthermore it was Kyouya who made her cry, taking advantage of a Babel uniform to beat him naturally couldn't be more fitting.

Finally Akatsuki slipped the new type model of AD on his right arm,

"--I'll be right back, Haruka."

After a brief goodbye to the sleeping Haruka he quietly left the room.

And when he made his way into the garage he stopped in the entryway when he found a figure standing near Sleipnir. The figure was wearing something the first time.

It was Listy in a uniform for JPN-Babel.

"That was fast... ... I thought it took a women a lot more time to get ready before they went out."

Akatsuki said with a laugh.

"This time I absolutely won't let you leave me here -- no matter what."

"...... It seems you're adamant about going."

"That's only natural."

Listy answered and,

"I already made a vow with Miu-chan last night to be companions and to share a common fate from now on."

"It's not that I can't understand how you feel, but......"

Akatsuki couldn't help think things would be difficult.

The enemy was Hikami Kyouya. Even when Miu and Haruka combined their power they were completely no match for him.

Listy's ability wasn't that much different from Miu or Haruka's.

To put it bluntly, it would be too dangerous to bring her along.

But......

"I beg you, Akatsuki......"

And Listy on the verge of tears,

"Miu-chan got caught while trying to protect me. Then, now would be my turn to help her... ... Isn't that so?"

Within that serious expression Akatsuki saw a determination in her eyes that absolutely wouldn't compromise.

"...... Good grief, I truly don't know what to do with you."

Akatsuki sighed and,

"I understand. We'll go together."

"Really ......?"

Listy's face brightened up.

"I'll be troubled if I leave you here crying. Even that would be useless, you would just secretly follow anyway."

However, Akatsuki added,

"You'll have to follow my instructions. I can't have you acting of your own -- Are you good with that?"

"You mean don't become a burden to you? I understand."

Listy nodded.

"Well, now that its come to this -- not telling those two seems a bit unreasonable."

Akatsuki then took out his cell phone from his pocket.

"When you mean those two...... Chikage and Kuzuha?"

"Uh huh. I was worried they would do something ill-advised on their own. And with those two around you would be less likely to do something recklessly."

If it was just Listy alone it would be difficult to guarantee she won't act on impulse, however the situation was significantly different with those two along.

Since it was a lot harder to let emotions affect your decisions when your actions might jeopardize others.

...... Well, the same goes to me.

Akatsuki smiled wryly in his mind.

Now with Listy and the others coming with Akatsuki also couldn't be reckless. However, as for whether those three when things turn bad become fetters, or a powerful force was dependent upon him.

-- All right, time to go.

To go find the girl waiting for him, and to by all means crush a man.

It was just like the aesthetics he holds himself to. There was no going back, and there won't be any compromises.

Ousawa Akatsuki then said,

"For abducting that guy, and making Haruka cry... ... You will have to pay the price Hikami Kyouya."

### 008. Part 10

"Oho......"

In a space protected by a concept barrier, Kyouya had been watching the course of events, and was more than a little surprised. He never imagined Kaidou would bring out his ability here.

He originally thought Kaidou would play the fool to the end but,

"Ousawa-kun...... you seem to be born with a natural ability to make others want to curry favor with you."

Kyouya also spoke with a very please smile,

"However, it seems you really did get yourself into a troubling spot here......"

Besides, Akatsuki also had something he must do.

...... That's right...... a very important task.

Kyouya looked behind him at the alter where Miu was still fast asleep.

Then coldly laughed,

"Hurry up, its almost time to start -- that is the execution of my plan."

### 009. Part 10

Ousawa Miu immediately leaped back, distancing herself.

After landing, she discovered that she well acquainted with those other girls.

And from there could see they were standing in such a way to protect Akatsuki.

So......

"...... Step back everyone."

Her tone was cold, without any emotion. Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha all three took some slight action.

Upon seeing that Miu couldn't help narrow her eyes.

"--------"

Countless particles of light surrounded the three girls.

Reacting their new uniforms and newest model AD shined with a light.

The three's clothes completely changed.

Their Babel school uniforms transformed into -- combat attire.

"You guys ......"

Akatsuki was going to say something when,

"...... This is really unexpected."

Chikage opened her mouth first. And somewhere in her voice held a smile,

"We came running after Kaidou's barrier was broken but...... I certainly never thought I'd come across a situation like this."

"Most likely Ousawa-kun did something lewd again."

"Hey hey...... your going to put this on me?"

With a bitter smile Akatsuki protested. After which Kuzuha added "It was a joke" while quietly staring Miu in the eye,

"When you take in account the barrier was destroyed to attack you Ousawa-kun and Kaidou-kun most of what's happening here becomes very clear."

Then,

"Miu-chan......"

Listy lowered her magic wand she used to block Miu's sword while softly calling out to her.

In Listy's eyes that were staring at Miu were compassion and pity.

...... Why is she looking at me like that?

It was like she was faulting her, even though in that look there was also a trace of loneliness.

Ousawa Miu couldn't help wonder -- Could it be that Listy was sympathizing with me?

Was it because her trust in Akatsuki from the bottom of her heart had been betrayed -- and now she see's her as pitiful.

"Step back......"

So Miu repeated what she just told them and,

"That person was deceiving me... ... No, that person was probably deceiving everyone. So please, I ask you to step aside."

However......

"...... It's different Miu-chan."

And Listy slowly shook her head,

"Akatsuki wasn't fooling you, and also isn't deceiving us. He hasn't lied to anybody......"

"Impossible, I don't believe it. Listy-san don't be fooled by that person. You have no no idea what that person is really thinking."

Miu continued with,

"I'll ask again. Please let me through everyone, or I won't be so polite."

Then, Chikage shrugged her shoulders with a bitter smile. And good grief,

"It's useless...... she won't listen at all. For an earnest type like Miu, once she sets her mind on something no one will be able to change it. If I'm right, this is most likely how she's being used without even realizing it."

"It would seem Miu really can't be persuaded by us. Ousawa-kun probably a long time ago figured out she won't listen to reason... ... I guess it can't be helped."

"...... Seems so.

As soon as Listy finished saying so, the three's expressions had turned serious.

"-- What do plan on doing?"

Seeing them, Akatsuki couldn't help but ask.

"Since words won't work. There's no other way than resorting to force. Ousawa-kun you don't need to interfere. We'll somehow teach this blockhead a lesson."

"Well...... in order to strengthen our friendship even more, sometimes fighting it out isn't too bad. Even now may also be a good chance."

Kuzuha and Chikage spoke while keeping their gaze firmly planted.

And......

"If you really forget, then let us help you remember...... Miu-chan."

Listy spoke up, and with a sincere look,

"How much -- you believe in Akatsuki."

So the three girls began to walk towards Miu.

"............ All right then."

Miu quietly said to herself. She had already warned them.

But, both sides didn't have to come to this, if only they didn't cross. Since the other side was so inclined, she's not going to hold back either.

"--------"

Ousawa Miu swung the sword back up in her hand, and returned its shape back to Holy tin,

"-- Let's go."

After lightly shouting at the empty space in front of her -- Miu dashed forward.

### 010. Part 10

"------!......?"

Onizuka couldn't understand what just happened in front his eyes, because there was no sense of reality.

He stood there completely frozen. However, ignoring the lost Onizuka,

"Ah, found it... ... Yoisho!!!"

Tiana nonchalantly pulled something out from Phils's chest.

Ripped out -- would probably be the correct way to put it.

Although the instant that she punched through he didn't hear any sounds from bones breaking, Onizuka clearly heard the noises from muscle fibers and blood vessels tearing. It was a true to life bloody scene that Onizuka couldn't help but want to cover his ears from.

"Just now......"

A groan spilled out from Onizuka. But that voice didn't reached the girl in front of him.

Tiana's was waving her clenched fist back and forth in an attempt to shake off the fresh blood.

"So this is a phoenix cell......"

Soon after, she had opened her fist, and stared intently at the vermilion glow in the palm of her hand. It was a red crystal about five centimeters in diameter.

"It's smaller than you would think. Ah well, but since this thing can turn a person into such an undead monster it's no wonder why Japan's Government felt the need to engage in such unlawful activity......"

And after Tiana took out a cylindrical tubed shaped container from her pocket,

"Nonetheless, this is something that cannot fall into COCOON's hands. It's better if I take it here."

She opened the container and put the crystal in. Then at the same time, there was an abrupt change in Phils's body.

The surface of his skin began to dry up and wither, as if rapidly aging.

"Wh-what was that.....?"

"This is probably because he was originally dead from the start."

To the startle Onizuka, Tiana spoke without hesitation and,

"Living human beings by nature posses the ability to heal themselves. With the phoenix cell that vitality is unlimited with an infinite amount of cell recovery, and may cause the body to react, probably with the same potential problems of organ transplantation...... rejection. That is because there is a function in the body to eliminate any foreign substances. Therefore, a dead person rather than living would make for much better Phoenix cell transplant candidates.

A breath.

"Ah well -- I don't know if he was dead from the beginning, or he was murdered before the transplant. The Phoenix cell's recovery is quite strong, a small group of cells reconstructing the original body would not be impossible. Having undergone something like mummification just now was probably because the cells died rapidly after losing the phoenix cell."

After saying so, Tiana turned around and walked back a little.

To the other young man that had attacked Onizuka earlier she had left on the ground.

It was Tanaka whom Tiana had carried here.

So......

"Hey...... wait a minute!"

Onizuka panicked, as he grabbed Tiana's shoulder.

"Huh? What's the matter, Ken-chan?"

"What is "what," ah...... -- You!"

To having Tiana looked back confused, Onizuka couldn't help but raise his voice and,

"Killing nonchalantly, and you actually asked me what!"

Tiana blinked with surprise then,

"No, no, what you're saying. Before you were being tormented by your guilty conscience, and now are you beginning some ridiculous sympathy for them? You cannot forget Ken-chan they are enemies that were trying to kill you and myself. It is only retribution for what they have done themselves. Additionally, my mission is the Phoenix cells within them. Defeating them, and obtaining the cells is what's integral."

Tiana exposed a helpless smile, as if scolding a disobedient child and,

"Please bare with it... ... This is no place to mess around."

"I know that your objective is the Phoenix cells, and that I even came here on a whim -- But, losing the Phoenix cells means that he is going to die!"

Onizuka looked down at Tanaka on the ground. After the Phoenix cell was removed Tanaka would share Phil's same fate.

-- After the incident with the out of control training program.

Onizuka didn't know whether Tanaka had been caught alive or dead.

However, the transplantation of Phoenix cells would not of been what Tanaka wanted.

And for that he had already died once, and revived to be used as a chess piece.

Now to also let him be killed again would be -- too cruel.

However,

"I explained before...... they seemed to have died a long time ago."

Tiana somewhat sighed. And in amazed tone of voice,

"If only moving and speaking is what it is meant to be alive, then even robots posses life. Do you still not understand? They are only corpses moving around because of the Phoenix cells. There is no need for you feel that way over a moving mannequin."

Tiana's manner of speaking enraged Onizuka. Tiana's shoulder, he had a tight grip on, started shaking intensely before he roared almost out of control,

"Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!"

Onizuka's passionate cry spread widely all around, echoing throughout the wide open space.

Before long it fade away, and space again settled down.

"...... Good grief."

A chilly low sigh without emotion came from Tiana.

"-!"

Onizuka involuntarily harden himself, despite that she brushed off his hand that had been placed on her shoulder.

And,

"...... I shouldn't have brought you after all."

Afterwords he saw in Tiana's eyes -- a cold stare different from her usual self.

"You followed me here on your own... ... furthermore, you want to impose your selfish sentimentality on me. Aren't you getting overly carried away with yourself? Moreover, all the trouble I've been though to this point, you think I would let go the prey in front of me, and quietly turn away?"

"......!"

Although faced with the overwhelming pressure from Tiana, Onizuka lost the mental battle for a moment,

"You've obtained one Phoenix cell...... that should be enough, right? There's no longer any need to kill another person."

"Killing a person? Ken-chan, are you really still treating them as human beings?"

Never mind, Tiana shook her head.

"Even if...... I overlook him here, then what? Surely, you don't intend to just leave him here like this? Forget that he tried to kill you, Ken-chan and myself for a moment. But suppose after waking up he goes out to kill another person this time?"

"...... Afterwords, I'll report him to the public security (Changed from -- Peace preservation corps)...... "

"Public security? And where do you think here is? This is the lower levels of JPN-Babel! We had to break through a security vulnerability to get here. Do you think JPN-Babel will authorize public security to enter and investigate?"

Tiana laughed and,

"Let's assume that public security was able to come here, then what would happen? Arrest him and put him on trial? Stop joking. This cannot be opened to the public. Babel will surely use their influence to demand they return him, and then finish things in private."

"This......!"

Onizuka face became bitter.

Everything that Tiana mentioned was indeed what might really happen.

Onizuka's idea for asking for Public security to arrest him was absolutely unrealistic. And to not leave him with any room for rebuttal Tiana pressed even further,

"Ken-chan, please carefully consider the meaning of them being at the lowermost levels of JPN-Babel. And, who transplanted the Phoenix cells into their bodies, and arranged for them to be here?"

"............"

To Tiana's word, Onizuka fell silent.

Only one person had that kind of power.

That was the person sent from COCOON to manage Babel -- Hikami Kyouya.

And if this really was Kyouya's doing then handing him over to Public security, or placing him in a hospital for treatment would be useless like Tiana said.

Hikami Kyouya holds full authority over all the special autonomous region.

Any kind of inconvenient truth would be very easily crushed.

To begin with, Tanaka was a terrorist who planned the destruction of JPN-Babel, but handing him over to Public security was purposely not done.

"And......"

And Tiana sighed,

"Most likely if we let him go he is going to be disposed of for failing his mission. At that time, the Phoenix cell from his body will be removed and re-transplanted to better "source material." Now do you understand? There is no route which he survives."

"...... But."

Still, Onizuka refused to give up.

"It's unsightly. Reporting it to Public security, and leaving it all to others. Is that what you want so you can fulfill your minimum obligation? Yes yes, you can stop me here, and indeed Ken-chan you will be a good person. But. that is just looking away from the reality in front of you, that no matter what he is going to be killed by some else's hands."

Tiana's words were sharp, but were indisputable facts.

"Or are you saying you're going to protect him? From Babel and COCOON, and Public security for all of eternity ... ... Do you have that much resolution? Your descendants will have to continue protecting him, who has became ageless and deathless because of the Phoenix cell, generation after generation... ... That sort of sacrifice won't just be you Ken-chan, or are you saying that there is even the resolution to involve someone other than yourself?"

"I ......"

"Impossible is not it? No power, lack of resolution, and even unwilling to shoulder the most basic of responsibilities. Speaking of life or human rights, and respect just for argument sake... ... Do you know what kind of standpoint that is, Ken-chan?"

A breath.

"That is called hypocrisy."

So......

".................."

Onizuka fell silent. and then finally shot Tiana a glance.

"...... So you understand, please don't obstruct me any further."

After saying that, she began to walk towards Tanaka.

"--------"

Onizuka could only silently stare at Tiana's petite back. His gaze was like one of an audience member looking at the stage.

Tiana's existence felt so far away.

So -- the Phoenix cell will be extracted from Tanaka, and he will instantly wither away the same as Phil.

That was what was going to happen.

-- But, in reality that did not.

On account of Tiana being forced to stopped.

And then she turned her head back towards him,

"Ken-chan, what do mean by this?"

She looked at the large hand resting on her shoulder, and then at face of its owner -- Onizuka Kenya.

"I've told you not to obstruct me any further."

"Ah...... I heard."

He said with his face looking down, however then he raised his head.

And said.

"Still, I can't let you kill that guy."

Onizuka understood that Tanaka's death was inevitable.

And that this was Tanaka's own fault, and no one else's.

But -- even so, this did not constitute a reason for Tiana to kill him.

...... Yea, that is right.

Perhaps Tanaka and Phil couldn't be considered a human beings the same as Onizuka anymore.

But, to be so easily decisive about cutting open Phil's chest then Tanaka's.

Watching her do that felt like she was becoming entirely different from a human being like himself.

If only this reason Onizuka wanted to stop her.

-- Onizuka did not know what Tiana had done in the past.

But at least he knows that Tiana was definitely a normal human the same as him.

Even if it was a temporary moment of sentimentality, or hypocrisy --

Onizuka Kenya didn't want Tiana's hands in front of him to be stained with blood any further.

Then Tiana,

"............ Ken-chan."

The moment she called his name with the sigh,

"Gaa -------!?"

Onizuka suddenly felt a strong impact to his body, as if he had been hit by a car.

The force sent him flying, crashing into the wall behind him.

"Gu...... ah......!"

He helplessly fell down to the ground, and right before his consciousness was gave out,

"If you obstruct me any further, I will consider you as an enemy."

Tiana said in ruthless voice.

"Your flimsy sense of justice and your cheap pretend hero antics should only be done in a dream."

"...... Ku......!"

Withstanding the severe pain throughout his body, Onizuka clenched his teeth in chagrin.

Likewise, he could not stop Tiana.

The outcome was easy to visualize.

Onizuka's power was limited, many times weaker than hers.

Even summoned to a different world he wasn't able to do anything of significance.

So he had quit on himself, and also on others.

And to escape from that reality Onizuka started to beat up on those weaker than himself.

...... It is so.

Like Tiana said, he did not have power or the resolution.

But still......

"...... Gu...... ah....... AHH!"

If there was only one thing left, there was obstinacy in Onizuka Kenya.

The obstinacy of a loser dog.

And even in such of himself, he learned a little while ago that there were things he could accomplish.

That was a force to make the impossible possible.

Therefore, he desperately stood up,

"Tiana Randohauzen...... Stop!"

Onizuka shouted towards the small back that was moving away.

So......

"........."

Tiana slowly turned back.

Her face no longer showed any emotions. Her eyes were turned towards an enemy.

Cold unfeeling eyes. However, Onizuka Kenya did not mind at all.

He knew now that he had finally become an obstacle to Tiana.

...... That's just fine......!

Come on let's go. Sitting in the audience and watching the performance time was over.

From here out, it was time for the cheap pretend hero to take the stage.

Onizuka's weapon was a flimsy sense of justice that swayed when the wind blew.

But, there was the determination to not back down serving as support.

Onizuka Kenya resigned himself to fight Tiana Randohauzen.

"Let's go... ... I'll obstruct you, even if it's only for a second!"

### 011. Part 11

After getting in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha it was decided that everyone would meet at JPN-Babel.

So Akatsuki got on Sleipnir, and then Listy sat directly behind him.

"I'm going to go fast...... so hold on tight."

"Yes......"

Under Akatsuki's warning Listy wrapped her arms around his waist.

...... Ah......

It was only for a moment, but she had seen the look on Akatsuki's face. The seriousness in his face was different. Listy had known him for a long time, and could count the number of times she had seen an expression like that on him.

"Let's go......!"

And Sleipnir departed. As if it understood its owners feelings the pitch-black machine made off with Akatsuki and Listy in the wind.

...... At such time I, what the......

While clinging to Akatsuki's back, Listy had dropped her head down and cast her eyes down.

In her, there was a somewhat tight feeling that had silently raged in her heart. It was surely a little jealousy.

-- Once in Alayzard, when they were fighting to free the Imperial City of Erdia taken by Galious.

Akatsuki had rushed to the battlefield to save Listy and the others from the crisis.

Listy Sherfied couldn't help think.

At that time -- while he was heading toward the battlefield.

Whether Akatsuki had made the same face as he had now.

### 012. Part 11

The murderous intent emanating from Kaidou rapidly swelled.

Akatsuki started to feel pin pricks on his skin, because the atmosphere was so strained.

...... Heh, this fellow......!

While subjected to such pressure that would likely crush him if made slightest mistake Ousawa Akatsuki laughed in his mind. It was good like this, because he wouldn't have been able to make any headway with him continually dodging. He needed to move forward -- to the place ahead he was aiming at.

Akatsuki's goal was to take on the head of COCOON his older brother, and also the founder of Crimson Twilight his father.

If he couldn't surpass Hikami Kyouya or Kaidou Motoharu here then -- Ousawa Akatsuki would never be able to reach the place he set his goal on.

And how would he do it? Such a thing was very obvious.

"-- Bring it!"

Akatsuki kicked off his legs, quickly rushing forward.

He knew Kaidou's true weapon was a chain, and was most likely invisible to the naked eye. In the ranking tournament Kaidou's chain stopped Phil's movements while he was transformed into Zahhak, and in Alayzard he overwhelmed Zechs Doltrake. Even if he wasn't clear on the attack range of the chain, Akatsuki knew being too far apart was quite the negative on his part.

So he had to go.

"-!"

While rushing at Kaidou, Akatsuki concentrated his mind on the AD on his right wrist.

A black magic sword had materialized -- Lævateinn. It had automatically assumed the optimal shape to handle Kaidou Motoharu, the enemy before him. It was the second form he used when he defeated Phil / Zahhak and Leon Esuperio.

It was like his AD was telling him -- the immediate opponent was strong, and he must go all out from the start.

...... You don't need to tell me that, I already know!

Akatsuki all along wasn't going to go easy on him.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooh!"

He let out his fighting spirit with a roar, while he slashed his sword down from overhead.

It was a deadly strike enough to beat even the toughest of enemies, and it was aimed straight down on Kaidou's head.

Giiiiiiiiiin!

Together with a metallic clank the blow was stopped.

"--------"

Kaidou had stuck out both of his fists above his head.

In the space slightly wider than shoulder width apart, emerged a single long straight object with a bright metallic luster.

It was the true color of his -- chain.

"...... You finally revealed it."

And after witnessing Kaidou's true weapon Akatsuki had grinned,

"But are you sure you want to do that? Like when you defeated Zechs -- wouldn't it have been better to keep them invisible?"

Then......

"Maybe, but...... at the same time, would it make difference?"

Kaidou also asserted with a mocking smile,

"-- Especially against an opponent of Ackkee's caliber."

"This will be interesting then......-- Oraaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki said that much before he slashed out with a series of attacks.

It was carried out with the second form of his sword with random strikes to decapitate.

The orbit of the magic sword follow an assortment of circular tracks, with increasing speed and power after each strike.

However......

"Oh wow... ... that was splendid, Ackkee."

Kaidou had blocked all that one after another.

Compared to Akatsuki needing to use both hands to grip the sword, Kaidou only needed one. He rapidly waved his right hand down to his elbow causing the chain to dance in the air furthermore controlled by the snapping of his wrist repelling the strikes.

"Your attacks compared to that redheaded general with a sword in Alayzard are heavier, and may even be faster."

"Tsk-!"

After finding out he wasn't able to overcome his resistance, Akatsuki immediately determined he needed to change his strategy.

He quickly jumped back,

"-- If that's the case!"

Then he released a series of four slashes in the air.

The blades of air that were created flew towards Kaidou -- and also landed at the same moment.

"Your also trying this trickkkkk!"

Akatsuki had also quickly reversed the way he held Lævateinn, to from below to create another slash as he raised the sword. It allowed for him to make two attacks from one slashing motion.

The powerful waves from the sword had kicked up the heavy sediment along the way.

And with the approaching air blade, a torrential rush of sand had swallowed everything.

"-- Otto!"

Kaidou quickly moved his hand causing the chain to kick back upon itself in the form of a hexagram notation in mid-air.

Thereupon, a transparent wall suddenly emerged in front of him -- repulsing all the incoming attacks.

...... That was the same trick you used in the ranking tournament!

Akatsuki could not help but be reminded of that time when he was facing the members of the Student Council. The shock wave he sent out with his slashing attack was stopped by that wall. However, the strength from that attack to this one couldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence.

"It's the same even if it's not invisible, huh? -- Very good, I also like it like this!"

Akatsuki was holding Lævateinn around his waist facing behind, as he round it up from the bottom.

Everything before him was severed vertically, parting to the left and right of Akatsuki as it passed through.

After he caught his breath, the sound of an explosions came from the back. Probably was the wave colliding with Kaidou's barrier.

...... Well, it continues now!

From the moment just before the ranking tournament was cancelled where Kaidou and himself were about to fight.

Then,

"Well then, I guess its my turn to do something now."

As soon as he heard Kaidou's voice,

"-?"

Akatsuki had suddenly leaped back.

-- The ground where he was standing was blown away from a powerful shock wave.

In addition, the chain acted like a whip, free transforming as it chased after Akatsuki.

The offensive and defensive positions had interchanged.

...... This chain......!

It was more troublesome than he imagined. Each one of those attacks were extremely heavy, and furthermore were fast. They were equal to, or even greater than Akatsuki's slashes. Moreover, the chain could potentially coil around his sword if he was to received an attack unskillfully. At a minimum he would lose his weapon, and at worst his movements could be sealed. Since blocking wasn't going to cut it, he had no choice but to dodge everything.

So,

"-- OOOOhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki dramatically increased the Ki inside his body with renkan keikikou at that moment, to pour into Lævateinn. And again, Kaidou's chain came at him from all directions. He countered by releasing an attack of his own from his sword.

Instead of a blade being created from the air, a wholly different blade of Ki was generated.

The approaching chain was knocked back.

After Kaidou saw that,

"Oh wow......!"

He couldn't help but admire out loud. Akatsuki spoke back to him as if it was only naturally going to happen,

"It would of been too much of a pain if I was entangled with that."

And then Kaidou saw the second blow knocked back, followed by the third. The room for Akatsuki to counterattack was growing after each block. Gradually he was overcoming his weakness, and conversely starting to push back.

So......

...... It's now!

He once again went to cut the distance, to a range where he could mount an effective strike of his own. When he raised his sword at an angle to defect the chain it jumped,

"What--?"

Akatsuki was taken aback. The Ki blade he brought with it had failed to hit the chain.

...... Could it be that......!

In that instant, Akatsuki understood how that phenomenon had occurred. The last moment before they were to make contact -- the chain had been pulled back. Probably by snapping his wrist at an incredible high speed. And the chain then wrapped around the Ki blade itself in the air, dispersing it at once when it tightened.

In addition, now the chain was coming straight at Akatsuki,

"...... Shit!"

As Akatsuki was in the middle of running at him, and with the forward movement of his body there was no way to he could dodge. Still, he twisted in an attempt to avoid the chain.

"It's too late, Ackkee!"

Kaidou along with a smile, manipulated the trajectory of the chain to match that movement. As if it had a mind of its own, the chain coiled around Akatsuki's body.

The wrapping then immediately tightened.

"Ga.....H, AH.....!"

At once he tried to burst out of the chains with all of his power, however the coiling chain had no change in the slightest.

"Ah, its useless to struggle... ... That's not an ordinary chain."

And Kaidou told him with a laugh,

"That chain isn't a weapon in response to AD's telepathic induction stone. It was specially-made with my very own ability."

"...... Your ability?"

After Akatsuki asked, Kaidou laughed with an "Oh, I see" and,

"You didn't know Ackkee!? Like us, those guys at COCOON individually have their own original element or physical-based magic. While we each have our own original conceptual ability."

Kaidou slowly walked towards Akatsuki.

"My conceptual ability is called "freedom binding chain." There isn't a thing in the world I can't tie down."

"Chains that binds freedom......"

Even though he wasn't able to budge, Akatsuki maintained his usual calmness as he continued to speak,

"Considering you always act freer than anyone...... it is incredibly unexpected that you would use ability to violate someone's freedom."

"No, it's nothing like that."

Kaidou shrugged and,

"It's so I'm not bound by anything -- expect myself, everyone is tied together to something."

And with that, he flung his right arm in the air.

The next moment -- the chain that was binding Akatsuki flew in the sky.

With his body being freed a voice cut through the atmosphere,

"-- This time I'll let you have a chance to take up a defensive stance."

It was simultaneous with Kaidou's mutter being carried across the gap with the wind.

Akatsuki had been slammed to the ground with a loud bang.

"-- Gah...... ahhh....... ah!"

Intense pain ran throughout his body.

Even though he concentrated his Ki into his back to improve his defense in the moments before the impact there was damage to his internal organs.

...... This fellow......!

The damage was unimaginable. Even someone clad in armor couldn't hold out for multiple attacks.

Should I use iron body(hard qigong)? No, that technique would only be some what effective against the strike and shock, nevertheless it was originally meant to stop a slashing attack. And in this case, hardening the body was likely to cause greater damage received from the shock.

Thereupon Akatsuki loaded his whole body with power.

"Damn...... that seriously is unbreakable......!"

"I've already told it isn't a chain."

And Kaidou while wryly smiling,

"It's the same as the surrounding barrier. I used my conceptual ability to bound the space around here. The level of Izumi and the others magic attacks or yours Ackkee will have no effect."

After sayings so, he kicked Akatsuki while he was laying on the ground.

It was a simple kick with nothing special, but the power was enormous.

"Gaaa ah ah ah ah!"

It resembled a soccer power shot on net, as Akatsuki blown off the sports field into the forest.

"Oh, no rotation."

Kaidou's half jokingly voice swiftly became distant. The force when he was thrown earlier couldn't compare to now. Without being able to take up a defensive posture from the residual force, Akatsuki mowed down numerous trees one after another was he went away,

"-- Gah......!"

After his back crashed into a huge rock he finally stopped.

None the less, Kaidou then coiled the chain back around him.

Akatsuki's vision started to become distorted from the severe pain,

...... This is far from good......!

Akatsuki suddenly felt a shiver as he was still able to identify where he ended up.

A myriad of trees and rocks covered the whole area. All of which, was seen as a lethal weapon to him.

On the level sports field with no obstacles was already dangerous enough.

Being tossed around in a place such as this, the consequence will be unimaginable.

Then from somewhere,

"Come on Ackkee -- it's time for the roller coaster."

He heard Kaidou's voice but still could tell from where and,

"You......!"

"Oioi, isn't a roller coaster a fun attraction -- at least smile a little."

As soon as he was ruthless told so -- Akatsuki's whole body began to bear enormous damage from the forest itself.

### 013. Part 11

Forced into a battle with Phil, Onizuka chose to maintain a distance from his opponent.

After their confrontation at the ranking tournament he fully understood each other's strengths.

Moreover, Onizuka's round chakram wasn't a good match for the longsword over there.

To make matters worse was the fact the phoenix cells could heal pretty much anything, making the other almost immortal. It would be too disadvantageous to fight close range. Therefore, comprehending the circumstances it was the best possible way to fight.

But......

"Hah...... hah......"

Ten odd minutes after the fighting began Onizuka was already badly bruised.

The reason of course was from Phil's overwhelming difference in ability.

"What's the matter, is this all you have?"

Onizuka's vision was gradually fading, while Phil standing several meters apart took the time to ridicule him.

...... Damn!

While enduring the intense pain attacking his whole body, inside Onizuka was seething with bitterness causing him to subconsciously grit his teeth.

-- The ranking tournament matter was only a few days ago, and within that time period of course it was impossible to make for that hopeless difference in power. That being said, he never dreamed he face him again. In any event, himself now could barley stand on his legs much less prevail over Phil.

However, Onizuka's purpose in this battle was not victory.

But to buy time. So,

...... I'm going to do it......

Onizuka Kenya didn't lose even a bit of his the will to fight. Phil was probably stronger than Tanaka, but there wasn't any hesitation in his heart like when he was facing Tanaka. He recognized Phil Burnett as a enemy to the truest sense of the word. There was no indebtedness to him, so he could put his all into the fight.

-- In the tournament confrontation before Onizuka certainly didn't hold his own.

He was there to stop Phil from moving forward until until Akatsuki arrived. However, he failed to accomplish this task, conversely Onizuka was defeated, and Phil once again chased after Miu. None the less, it was enough for Akatsuki to make it in time, and turned out to be a small help to Miu.

...... But.

Onizuka thought a loss was a loss. That was an indisputable fact. Therefore, he couldn't afford to repeat the same mistakes this time. He must hold on until Tiana takes down Tanaka.

That was the battle -- Onizuka Kenya placed on himself.

-- And instead of a crushing defeat this time there was a slight chance of victory for Onizuka.

The reason was because unlike Tanaka, who was trying to kill him, Pil was just toying around with him ever since a battle began.

And now, it reached the point where the damage Onizuka was inflicting became too consistent, causing Phil to decide to start dodging. Although he would occasionally close the distance to strike, whenever Onizuka pulled back again Phil made no attempt to actively pursue.

...... He's completely looking down on me.

Phil was obviously counting him as an inconsequential existence.

However, Onizuka believed nothing could be done about it. Deliberately diverting his eyes from his own weakness would be of no help to the situation.

...... Yeah, that's just how it is.

Staring at the weakness in himself, Onizuka was still facing forward.

He won't run away. Either from Phil -- or also from his own weakness

"Go......!"

Concentrating his mind, Onizuka unfolded a magic formation creating a myriad of flame javelins.

Unleashing them all at the same time towards Phil.

But......

"This again... ... Could you at least change to some fresh tricks?"

Phil laughed off Onizuka's attack.

He lightly took a few steps to the side, while cutting down the flame javelins one after another with his sword. But, that didn't matter to Onizuka, he new from the start this level of magic could do nothing.

"Oh oh oh oh oh!"

Onizuka increased his concentration.

Phil sneered at his attacks as boring, but these javelins weren't the same ones as in the tournament. The evidence -- when Phil went to slash them out of the sky the flame javelins avoided his sword sneaking around his back.

"This......"

Phil immediately jumped away several steps. However,

"-- You can't escape!"

Onizuka shouted, as the flame javelins were trailing behind Phil.

The remaining javelins totaled eight, the same as number of chakrams he could summon. It was possible with enough mental concentration to completely control the flame javelins. He could change their trajectory to pursue, or even avoid being intercepted by Phil. And with eight at the same time it was practically impossible to dodge or repulse.

"Eat this and die!"

Against the multiple flame javelins approaching in an irregular orbit,

"This sort of magic is only a cheap gimmick --"

Onizuka could only watch as Phil took action with a composed smile. He first thrust the sword in his hand into the earth beneath his feet. Along with a loud noise, large pieces of the ground were kicked high into the air forming a perfect barrier of rocks around him. Onizuka's flame javelins one by one collided causing an explosion before disappearing.

Then,

"-- Here's my return gift."

Breaking through the flying dust multiple red balls of light came at Onizuka in succession.

"Shit!"

Onizuka immedaitly ran in a horizontally manner attempting to dodge them. The balls of light automatically curved, closely catching up to him.

It seemed tracking quality was also added into the magic. So Onizuka created two fireballs in the palms of his hands, and unleashed them behind his hack,

"Explode!"

Along with clenching his fists they burst into flames. The resulting fireball fragments detonated the red balls of light coming at him.

But......

"Your too distracted about what's behind you."

Before Onizuka was aware Phil appeared in front him.

"I was just playing with you -- I can't believe you actually got cocky. It really is something offensive to the eyes."

The tip of the sword in his hand was already moving horizontally.

The edge of the sword was glistening in the dim light around them as it was ruthlessly about to cut into Onizuka's body.

### 014. Part 12

While Akatsuki was in the middle of being swung about, after being seized with freedom binding chain, Kaidou Motoharu couldn't help think.

There was quite a beautiful sound, as if the forest was performing a symphony.

He also thought without a good instrument it was hard to stimulate his poetic inspiration.

"We almost reached the crescendo. Let's properly enjoy it--"

Feeling like a maestro, Kaidou was making the chain constantly dance as if waving a baton on stage.

With Akatsuki firmly secured at the other end of the chain he increased the tempo to that of an allegro.

The feeling of many types of trees being mowed down and rocks broken into pieces was incessantly returned to his hand,

...... This is the conclusion.

From what he felt on the end of the chain Kaidou determined it was the right time to end it all. Akatsuki should be in a rag-like state at this point. And if he continued his performance there wouldn't be anything left of the forest.

After all, it wasn't good to encourage the destruction of nature.

So......

"Let's finish this with a drop on the freefall."

He took a breath,

"Oh but -- there are no brakes."

So Kaidou raised his right hand over his head -- but, he felt an inexplicable abnormality through the chain.

The chain wrapped around Akatsuki's body was stretched open from the inside.

It was like Akatsuki's body had instantly swelled two times its size.

And the next moment,

"-- Oh?"

The weight that he felt from the front of the chain had suddenly disappear. That sense of weight conveyed Akatsuki's presence.

...... Oi, this can't be happening.

The concept around Kaidou's ability freedom binding chain was once that it binds something without a leaving gap it strips it of all freedom.

Therefore, a situation where it could be expanded and opened from the inside could never occur. If that were ever to happen that would mean their was a gap to get out. And for that, the person inside must have a considerably greater difference in power than Kaidou, otherwise escape was impossible.

"No way --"

Heart full of doubt Kaido blurted out the words when,

"-- You don't look very happy."

The voice going behind him -- and Akatsuki was almost simultaneous.

"-!"

Before Kaidou could even turn around there was an upward impact to his body.

"Gaa, wa......!"

As the sound itself came out he was under attack from the front.

While Kaidou was flying through the air, inside he was contemplating that improbable occurrence.

In theory, it wasn't entirely inexplicable. That was the moment before he went around Kaidou's back he had spoke to him from somewhere in the forest, then in the time when he started turning around he was hit in the air, and before he could speak Akatsuki ran around him to the front to attack.

And, it didn't end with that. Invisible impulsion hit Kaidou from every direction.

The notion of defense and or avoidance against speed and power of the extent had become meaninglessness. During the time it took him to breath in and out, he was unable to count the number of attacks he suffered. The heavy damage he gave Akatsuki while swing him around in the forest -- was supposed to have had him winning. But now after a series of counterattacks, Kaidou was gradually losing that superiority.

"Ku-!"

Even though he couldn't see Akatsuki with his eyes, Kaidou still subconsciously moved the chain to protect himself.

He surrounded himself with a barrier to ward off all the attacks. After successive hits from Akatsuki the pure white barrier was turning ash-colored. The impacts were piling up from all sides.

"Seriously......"

Kaidou almost could not believe his eyes. The impacts were like a heavy rain that momentary obscures the view.

At least with this, he could temporarily catch his breath -- however, that was only wishful thinking on his part.

"-- Its not over yet."

The voice came from directly above. And then,

"-! OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The barrier around Kaidou had shattered, and he was abruptly knocked to the ground.

The sound of a large crater blooming echoed in the forest.

Nevertheless......

"...... Geez, give me a break."

Kaidou had narrowly escaped receiving any damage from the fall somehow. As he stared ahead he discovered a space distorting similar to hot air rising with a shimmering effect. And after a few seconds -- Akatsuki revealed himself.

"---------"

The expression in his eyes were hollow as if he was watching something from another world, Kaidou then,

"I see, so that was the trick......"

Kaidou suddenly came to an understanding. It was not surprising why there such a radical change in his movements.

Kaido Motoharu thought to reach that state, even among "Crimson Twilight" there were only an extremely select people who could, Akatsuki -- really couldn't be made light of.

So he exposed a helpless smile,

"I'll tell you this much...... you really have stepped into our domain."

### 015. Part 12

At that moment -- Phil was confident of his own victory.

His slash completely caught his opponent off guard. And now it was too late to dodge.

As long as everything stay the same at present, Onizuka's upper body would definitely be severed from his lower body. That was the outcome Phil was looking for.

The dazzling blade moved right to left, instantly cutting all the way through Onizuka's waist.

However......

"This --"

Phil was slightly caught by surprise, because there was no feeling of cutting through anything.

...... Was that a copy?

To produce a double in that moment for handing that surprise attack wasn't too bad of a reaction.

But, no matter how good that magic was, it was was only a faint to gain some distance for those weak attacks.

If I feel like it, I can end this at anytime. The moment when he thought so,

"-- Gu!?"

Phil suddenly was unable to breathe. He was being strangled from behind

...... No way......!

Phil couldn't conceal his inner surprise. A battle between those with abilities beyond that of a human were always dominated by the embodiment of a weapon, or through the use of magic, never did he expect to fall under such a primitive attack. However, Onizuka while choking his neck from behind slowly told him,

"Sure, now that your immortal any kind of wound might heal in an instant."

Phil could only listen on as,

"But as long as you're still a human -- you can't resist your bodies natural reflexes."

And the force being applied to his neck increased even more.

...... This isn't good......!

Onizuka did not intended to suffocate Phil to death.

But to cause carotid sinus syncope -- that was to cause Phil "to lose" consciousness.

The phoenix cells could repair any wound to the body, but it was not possible to prevent the loss of consciousness.

Onizuka caught Phil's blind spot. If done right, it would make him faint in less than ten seconds.

...... I won't go down so easy!

Phil reversed the grip on his sword at once,

"Guh, uh uh uh!"

He didn't hesitate to stab himself in the stomach. A dull feeling was returned to his hand, when the sword ripped through his own flesh and internal organs. While an intense stinging pain attacked his mind causing almost all the power in his body to leave. However, Phil wasn't concerned about it. He had the phoenix cells supporting him. So as long as it skewered Onizuka behind him it was his win.

And -- with this, there was no way for Onizuka griping his neck could avoid the surprise attack with his sword.

But even so,

"E...... h......?"

Phil Burnett was stunned over the sensation he felt.

In the palm of his hand, there was no feeling of have had pierced Onizuka.

### 016. Part 12

A cold night wind of early spring blew over the desolated forest.

For a few moments, Ousawa Akatsuki glared at the tower of Babel where Miu and Kyouya probably were.

"Okay. First......"

He slowly began to move.

Akatsuki first created a white glow in the palm of his hand.

It was a healing art of renkan keikikou "Neigong (内氣功)."

To treat the two people in most need of recovery -- Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

He placed his left and right against their backs that were face up on the ground. While he was sending Ki inside their bodies to heal them,

"As I thought...... the flow of Ki is abnormal."

Akatsuki confirmed the condition of Chikage and Kuzuha.

Judging from Kyouya's motive for kidnapping Miu, that Miu from before might only had been her thoughts.

However, although magic could be used only by concentrating the mind, physical attacks were different.

An ordinary spiritual body was merely a mental product, that theoretically couldn't touch anything. But, Miu was able to carry out physical attacks.

The materialization level of such a spiritual body -- was probably not an ordinary product of the mind.

A wave from such a powerful mental body brought about from her out of control emotions head-on would naturally cause strong damage to the spirit on the receiver side.

Its no wonder that the Ki inside Chikage and Kuzuha was so remarkably disturbed.

So Akatsuki continued to send Ki into both their bodies to heal the flow of Ki.

Their heart rate gradually calmed down, and breathing stabilized.

"Thank you Akatsuki, I'm better now......"

"I'm also...... alright."

After saying so, Chikage and Kuzuha tried to stand up,

"Ah --"

"......!"

After feeling dizzy, they both fell to a knee. It seemed they had not fully recovered.

"It's not good to force yourselves......"

Listy rushed over to it support the two.

"You can't move your body well yet, right? Damage to the spirit will take some time to recover."

And Akatsuki continued,

"That guy's spirit still remains in your bodies... ... You need to rest here for a while."

"...... You joke. Both Kuzuha and I can still fight."

"It is so... ... You can't leave us behind."

Noticing that Akatsuki was going to go on ahead, Chikage and Kuzuha started struggling to get up.

"You both......"

Upon seeing that Listy went to stop them, but she didn't have the heart to do it. It was because the two's feelings were painfully grasped. Therefore, Akatsuki dropped to the waist before them.

He rested a hand on each of their shoulders, and looked them in the eye.

"I know how you guys feel. In addition to me, I believe Listy -- and also that guy are the same."

"............"

To Akatsuki's words Chikage and Kuzuha remained silent...... however, they were biting her lips. And then their shoulders began to shake, as they squeezed out their voices,

"...... We're best friends."

"We...... promised."

They were unwilling to yield -- At the same time, tears began to rain down.

So,

"Ah...... I understand."

Ousawa Akatsuki accepted Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha tears, as well as their feelings.

He slide his hands from their shoulders to thier backs, and embraced both of them at the same time.

It was gentle -- but still with enough force to be firm.

At the same time, close to their ears he softly spoke,

"Thanks to your guys help I was able to get that guy to go back to normal, even though it was only a spectral body -- Thank you."

"It was you that helped Miu... ... We did nothing."

Chikage quickly denied Akatsuki's words.

"That's not true. I just gave her the last push. Before I did anything, your thoughts had already reached that guy... ... Therefore her reaction was less intense."

"...... In truth, we really wanted to be the ones to return her."

And Kuzuha spoke in a voice fill with regret,

"Miu...... must have been in so much pain in her heart......"

"As I've said, it wasn't only me. Without your help I wouldn't have been able return that guy to normal. It was only because your words and feelings had sank in, that my words could reached her."

In addition, Akatsuki gently separated himself from them,

"I'm not particularly leaving you here...... but, leaving here to you."

"...... To us?"

"...... Here?"

To the two who asked dumbfounded, Akatsuki nodded, "Nn" and,

"You guys need to remain here to ensure an escape route in case of an emergency. After this, JPN-Babel will become Hikami's and my battlefield. At that time, you may have to take that guy and leave before me......"

"--------"

Chikage and Kuzuha both gasped at the same time.

Perhaps it was because they noticed the dark feelings in his eyes.

Not only betraying Haruka, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha were hurt in the battle.

And most of all, played with Miu's feelings, hurting and tormenting her.

Unforgivable.

Ousawa Akatsuki would never let off the the originator of evil who made them cry.

It was so. The fight already won't end just by taking Miu back.

On account of Ousawa Akatsuki's aesthetics, Hikami Kyouya must be crushed.

-- And then Akatsuki's expression softened.

In order to reassure Chikage and Kuzuha he floated the usual confident smile on his face.

Ousawa Akatsuki then declared,

"Leave this to me -- I'll bring that guy back."

### 017. Part 13

"...... Phew!"

Akatsuki lifted the extreme state his mind was under, by halting the use of renkan keikikou on his brain. In that state not only was his physical ability, but also his reaction speed was dramatically enhanced.

...... The only shortcoming was that it couldn't be used for a long time.

While at the same taking into account his current physical state, he couldn't help think -- the exhaustion from this technique was too intense.

-- One of the secrets of renkan keikikou was to substantially boost the Ki inside the body, beyond the limits of the body. While there was the usual physical burden to the body, that kind of technique he just used consumed willpower. And because there was no easy to understand signals like pain, it could lead to things like not being able to move anymore before he could notice.

...... However that didn't matter.

Akatsuki didn't forget that his confrontation with Kaidou wasn't over yet.

So......

"--------"

Kaidou standing in front of him, also extinguished the personal transparent wall he had set up.

Most likely figured hardening his defense would make it difficult to dodge or fight back with a barrier in place.

But that was also a sign the fight was near the end,

"It was fun, Kaidou...... but, there is a very important promise I have to keep."

And Akatsuki added,

"Although it won't be easy I have to -- crush you to undo this barrier to move forward."

Then, Kaidou laughed,

"It wasn't fun at all... ... Every part of my body is in pain, and most of all I'm tired. I can't wait to get to lie down and go to sleep."

But,

"If I can win out Ackkee my mind will be at ease, and should be feeling a little refreshed from that."

After he said so, Kaidou's face turned serious.

Akatsuki's expression also tightened, while materializing Lævateinn and taking a stance.

"--------"

The atmosphere around them rapidly became strained. So much that neither one could take a breath.

And the next moment -- Akatsuki and Kaidou's figures disappeared.

Most likely caused by both of them taking action at almost the same time.

The single blow that will decide the outcome. The first to hit the other would be the winner.

So at that moment,

-- Something suddenly came over from the side.

With his body moving at such a high-speed, Akatsuki was only able sense the incoming object,

"What--"

The appearance of a huge ball of light had completely caught them by surprise.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's focus was solely on settling things with the other, so there was no way to dodge.

"-!"

The two were swallowed by the massive ball of light -- and the surrounding area in that moment was dyed white.

### 018. Part 13

"I already expected you would do that......"

While still tightly having a grip on Phil's neck from behind, Onitsuka said with a touch of confidence.

With his opponent having had the phoenix cells transplanted into his body, an attack that would normally kill oneself in the process became extremely possible to survive. Thus, Onizuka a long time ago anticipated that Phil would try such a risky method to stab through himself to get himself while behind him.

Therefore, the moment Phil's sword pierced his body -- Onizuka turned his upper body to the side to escape the attack.

Now with his posture half turned to the side, the end of the blade that passed through was right up against his chest.

Even so, Onizuka didn't relinquish his grip. With the inside of his right elbow joint locked against Phil's throat,

"Give uuupppppppppp-!"

Onizuka was tightly pressing on the carotid arteries in Phil's neck, but with having an immortal body he was still able to form some resistance,

"Guh..... ah ah ah ah ah!"

As Phil forcibly shook his body to struggle, the edge of the blade swayed back and forth lighting cutting into Onizuka's chest,

"...... Uh......!"

No matter, Onizuka wasn't going to loosen his grip. He understood more than anyone else, if he released his hand here his only chance at winning would be gone forever. By no means could he pass up this golden opportunity for himself to win.

"Wha......!"

Phil released his grip on his sword, while de-materializing his sword to grab onto Onizuka's arm.

Sharp pain ran through Onizuka's right immediately. The tremendous strength in the grip caused the bones to creak.

...... Damn...... Keep holding out!

Onizuka was bearing with the pain. He didn't particularly mind if it broke. Since if he was able to take down Phil it would be a small price to pay.

But, it would be difficult to continue holding the chokehold with a broken arm. And without any power in his arm Phil could be able to escape. If that happened -- it would most certainly also lead to Onizuka's defeat.

The moment he thought so,

"Uuuhh...... oh oh oh ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Onizuka Kenya roared, he refused to be defeated from the bottom of his heart.

There was no way for him to retreat, so he had to go for broke. His next move came purely out of instinct.

"Gaaa!"

Onizuka headbutted the back of Phil's head. The power in Phil's grip on his right arm relaxed a little. Onizuka immediately took advantage of that to hook his right leg with his own, rolling both of them to the ground.

Nevertheless, Onizuka did not release his right arm from Phil's neck.

Phil also never stopped resisting, mustering all the strength in his body to shake off the chokehold. It completely turned into a situation where Onizuka Kenya and Phil Barnett's survival instincts were colliding with each other.

-- And after an eternal ten seconds passed.

The duel between the two finally ended.

While fallen on the ground all their limbs had intertwined.

And then the first to get up -- was Phil Barnett

"............"

But, Phil was silent. On the contrary, he wasn't even conscious.

All Phil's arrogance and self-importance even pertained to his body as it also wasn't willing to admit his own defeat.

However, it wasn't possible in such a comatose state, and fell down and collapsed forward in no time.

Then......

"...... Hah...... hah...... gua."

Another young man slowly raised his body. He was the winner of this fierce fight. His shortness of breath was causing both his shoulders rise and fall, and the excitement from the fight still hadn't worn off.

".................."

Onizuka looked down stunned at his own hands. It was still slightly unbelievable.

His hands were still trembling. The same pair which always bullied the weak, and always betrayed himself in times of need. Now had finally lived up to Onizuka's expectations.

"っ......"

Suddenly -- an unidentifiable voice spilled out from Onizuka's mouth.

The long cry began with the torrent of emotions that he couldn't suppress.

Then Onizuka clenched his fists, arched his torso and,

"---------"

Onizuka Kenya looked up at the sky, and detonated a roar.

He yelled, and then continued yelling. He was able to be accomplished something by himself.

He finally succeeded, and finally seized a victory. This was at last the day he wished for, the day where he could finally accept himself.

And through that roar of the winner -- Onizuka was telling himself that over and over again.

### 019. Part 13

In light of Akatsuki's persuasion Chikage and Kuzuha consented to stay put.

"-- Oh, that's right."

Akatsuki suddenly recalled something, then he leaned in to whisper into Kuzuha's ear.

"...... Understood. Leave it to me."

Kuzuha returned a solid nod after receiving instructions from him. Then Akatsuki,

"Good. Then Listy you're --"

"-- I'm going with you."

Listy cut him off, and took a step forward.

Akatsuki saw an unshakable determination in her eyes,

"Alright... ... You don't have to glare at me."

He could only shrug his shoulders, exposing a helpless smile.

If only Listy were to stay with Chikage and Kuzuha she might be able to serve as a brake.

...... Well, there is nothing that can be done now.

Listy was lucky to escape unscathed from the mental wave from Miu that caused Chikage and Kuzuha to be left here.

The only reason for Listy to remain here was to protect Chikage and Kuzuha. However, it was impossible to persuade her without Chikage and Kuzuha thinking they become a burden to everyone.

In that case, the two would inevitably want to push themselves to prove that they were helpful.

And if by chance, Listy were to be persuade to act together with them things would get troublesome with the three.

"Before leaving the house...... do you remember what I said?"

"Yes -- you told me to absolutely not act on my own. I know."

It seems had been keeping what he had told her in mind.

"That's good... ... Next --"

And Akatsuki turned to looked behind,

"What are you going to do now -- Kaidou."

"Ah? Me?"

Sitting cross-legged on the ground Kaidou wore a blank look.

"Our fight is not over yet. Would you like to continue?"

Faced with Akatsuki's almost provocative tone, Kaidou quickly waved his hands,

"It looks like you have run across a somewhat tricky situation, no need to complicate the issue, right?"

Kaidou's behavior made it seem like he was never hit by Miu's surprise attack, or caused him any harm and,

"Rather than confining you here Ackkee, letting you rush off to face Hikami Kyouya might be even more interesting."

"You said that like it was somebody else's problem... ... Hey, isn't that "Crimson Twilight" can't overlook COCOON running wild secretly behind their backs?"

"Ackkee look at me. Do I appear to be the hot-blooded type?"

"I will say...... I didn't know you were a person who laughs and smiles while treating someone like a human roller coaster."

"Even you Ackkee yourself had a smile while you were trying to smash my handsome face into pieces. That two of us are even."

After mutually jabbing at each other with jokes, Akatsuki slightly lowered his voice,

"Then -- after this, will I be obstructed?"

"No, you can go on ahead with peace of mind. Anyway, my barrier has already disappeared."

Kaidou answered and,

"In fact, I'm eager to slip away as soon as possible...... so as to avoid anything troublesome."

Suddenly, his expression turned serious again,

"But this matter has aroused my interest, and I'm not too clear on it. Rest assured Ackkee, when I move it will be with the intention in mind of not obstructing you. Besides, my partner still hasn't contacted me yet, and I can't just leave."

"What... ... There is another one here also?"

Except for Kaidou, he never thought that another member of "Crimson Twilight" had infiltrated JPN-Babel.

Then Akatsuki suddenly recalled the encounter with Kaidou the other day in the ally and,

"You can't mean -- that un-charming miss chikkoi-chan(っこい嬢ちゃんか), right?"

"No, it's another little girl. Although she is very affable, she often gets lost like a child. Ah well, since your constitution is strong it shouldn't be a problem to take care of yourself......"

Kaidou said while he scratched the back of his head, and then turned showing his back and,

"Well then, I'll be going Ackkee. Please work hard and defeat Hikami Kyouya."

After saying so, he immediately tried to leave. But, from behind him,

"Hey -- Kaidou! I have several things I want you to carefully explain... ... I'll kill you If you try to run away."

Akatsuki firmly warned Kaidou.

Now that his identity had been exposed, it shouldn't be too much of a problem asking about his father.

But......

"Sorry. That's impossible to obey......"

Kaidou shrugged his shoulders.

"What!? It still sounds as though you have the confidence to win."

"No -- just the confidence to run away."

The moment he said so, Kaidou's figure suddenly vanished.

And at the same time any sense of his presence disappeared from surrounding area, too.

"...... Is that alright?"

"Well...... didn't I say? Now is not the time to bother with him."

Akatsuki returned a nod to Listy.

That's right. Unfortunately there wasn't time to waste on Kaidou now.

There were more important matters.

And so......

"Come on -- We need to go rescue that guy."

Ousawa Akatsuki said before taking a step.

With his hands tightly clenched into fists.

He fixed his eyes on the soaring tower of Babel.

### 020. Part 14

Silence had returned to the lower most level of JPN-Babel.

The sounds from the fierce battle moment ago as well as screams had subsided.

Instead the low frequency hum that existed from start returned.

"............"

Tiana Randohauzen silently looked down at floor by her feet.

Her eyes were on the young man who collapsed.

Tiana had beat him until he was no longer able to move. The youth who ultimately lost consciousness was -- Onizuka Kenya.

"...... Didn't I tell you earlier?"

Tiana quietly muttered. And while looking a little lonely,

"Good people don't live very long lives."

However, Onizuka did not answer.

He was still alive, but it was impossible to stay awake.

The number of times Onizuka got hit by one of Tiana's small fists was truly too many to count.

Tiana still had her fists firmly clenched, a slight feeling of breaking Onizuka's bones into pieces remained.

"I didn't want to drag you in this...... it was because you yourself had to come."

Tiana squeezed out her voice and,

"Ken-chan......"

Looking at Onizuka lying there Tiana couldn't help think there was an inexplicable feeling in her heart. It was somewhat similar to an emptiness sensation. Tiana Randohauzen was no stranger to this kind of feeling.

...... Regret?... ... Maybe.......

It was so. Tiana thought the situation was regrettable, although she did not understand why herself.

The objective was to seize the .

Being that Onizuka had also followed to here, things evolving into such a situation was also conceivable.

As a matter of fact, on the way to JPN-Babel there were more than enough chances to shake off Onizuka.

However she did not do so, and even allowed him to follow along behind her.

She also thought it was ridiculous. As a member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana wondered what the heck was she expecting from an ordinary person like Onizuka?

Tiana was here -- the Japanese special autonomous region, on account of an order form her leader Cecil because her assistance was necessary for Cecil's plan to obtain an item.

Therefore, to take advantage Onizuka's room in the apartment house during his absence, she broke Onizuka's window broke to look like an accident in order to pass the time before the operation in a secure bed, and avoid sleeping on the streets.

The thought did not change even when Onizuka returned.

But......

Tiana began to think Onizuka's overreaction to every one of her words and actions was adorable.

Fun? -- certainly, that was true.

...... And.

Tiana thought.

The warm meals that Onizuka prepared. The warm bed that he handed over.

The warmth he showed allowed her to obtain something seemingly good for a little while.

However -- it was impossible for that to continue onwards. After all, in this world COCOON were the administers, and Tiana was a terrorist.

And Onizuka was an ordinary person.

One day each other's circumstances... ... No, one day drawn into Tiana's circumstance Onizuka would suffer misfortune. Fully aware of that, then why did she still involve him?

As a result, it ended up in harm to him just like she knew it would.

It was as if -- she was hoping Onizuka would accept who she was?

"...... Impossible."

Tiana bitterly smiled, then shifted her line of sight from Onizuka.

And,

"Well -- it's about time to finish my business."

She then started towards Tanaka not too far away on the ground.

"Yoisho, oo......"

She grabbed Tanaka by the collar and forcibly raised up his upper body with her single left hand.

Her right hand looked the same as when she plunged it into Phil's body to take out the "Phoenix cell" from him,

'Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!'

What Onizuka's shouted before suddenly crossed her mind, causing Tiana to float a heavy bitter smile,

"No, Ken-chan you're wrong. This person and I...... are entirely different living things."

Simultaneous as saying so, her right hand went to pierce the left side of Tanaka's chest.

Along with the a dull Zu noise, her Tiana's arm came out from Tanaka's back through his chest.

Afterwords it was the same as with Phil.

She pulled it out, and opened her fist to see the exactly the same reddish glow from a little while ago. And when she stored it into a container from her pocket,

"...... Task completed."

And while looking up at the empty space, she let out one light sigh. Tiana shifted her thinking.

-- Time to go. The objective had been accomplished for the time being.

At least with this, Tiana already acquired the objects that Cecil indicated, and in the set location.

Perhaps there were other that existed, however if there were Cecil didn't sense them so it would be impossible for Tiana to find.

Moreover, she had already passed the time allotted to infiltrate.

The priority now should be to leave JPN-Babel as soon as possible.

"Mot-chan has been acting as a diversion this whole time......"

Any longer would only add to Kaidou's tiresome duty making it more difficult. She needed to hurry up contact him.

Therefore, Tiana thinking that went to return the way she came,

"............"

However, before leaving she could not help but turn her head back to stare at Onizuka lying unconscious on the ground.

Nevertheless, she couldn't afford to involve him any further.

So Tiana quietly muttered,

"...... Bye bye, Ken-chan."

Once she bid farewell to him and ready to turn away -- At That time.

"-- Oh, have you already finish?"

A unusually cold tone together with a smile yet not a smile has heard.

### 021. Part 15

Tiana couldn't help narrowing her eyes.

Thereupon she focused her line of sight to the front -- from the other side of the darkness and subsequent passage back.

A young man emerged.

With silver hair, and deep blue eyes it was a bishonen.

He was wearing a school uniform for the tower of Babel, and looked slim at a glance.

However, Tiana had noticed that it was actually a body which was carefully trained.

Although he had a calm atmosphere, and displayed impeccable poise.

He appeared from the darkness releasing a distinctive vindictiveness.

Tiana Randohauzen knew the name of youth in front of her.

"Hikami Kyouya......"

Tiana spoke the name of the COCOON in charge of JPN-Babel.

"I did not expect it to be vulnerable to a single blow......"

And Kyouya said with a wry smile,

"Originally I thought those two toys would buy me a little more time."

"Only implanting a "Phoenix cell" of that level, there's no way they can be my opponent."

And Tiana couldn't conceal her displeasure inside,

"Don't forget in this world only a COCOON would have the ability to kill someone from "Crimson Twilight" like myself--"

Then,

"Of course -- I never thought the two of them had the ability to fight on par with you. As I said earlier, they were just pawns used to buy some time."

And Kyouya,

"But well, that even B class Onizuka-kun would be no match for them was a bit unexpected."

While looking at the fallen Onizuka he happily spoke,

"Maybe this guy is better suited than the two of them become my toy. I thought he was only a proud and arrogant repeater, it seems I had made an error in judgment."

"Toy......?"

She objected to Kyouya's manner of speaking, and abruptly narrowed her eyes.

"Did I say something wrong? I never thought I would offend you."

And Kyouya laughed,

"You even -- perhaps now, were enjoying using him as a plaything."

A breath.

"For a terrorist he was only a playmate to play house with in order to taste an ordinary life."

"............"

Facing Kyouya's ridicule, Tiana just returned the silent.

But, it was not because she agreed with Kyouya's words. It was actually the opposite.

Therefore -- the emotions from Tiana's slowly faded.

Only a cold dark expression remained.

It could be said to be the face of a member of the world's most powerful terrorist "Crimson Twilight."

-- Cecil had told her not to continue fighting.

If she devoted everything into escaping, then even if the opponent was Hikami Kyouya she could get away.

However, that was already impossible. It cannot be done any longer.

Even if it was a fleeting dream for a moment.

Even if it was something never to return again.

The time spent with Onizuka, and warmth she got from him still existed.

Tiana Randohauzen -- would never allow anyone to deny that fact.

This also meant that the the clash between the two had already become inevitable.

A member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana Randohauzen.

A leader of the administrators of the world "COCOON" Hikami Kyouya.

It was the start of the battle between the strongest that had returned from another world.

### 022. Part 2

"- JPN-Babel went into lock down?"

The man who received the report abruptly narrowed his golden pupils.

This young man was the new chairman of the United Nations and the leader of COCOON that ruled the world.

And the strongest person in all of COCOON, Michael • Arcwood.

Inside the headquarters of COCOON in the United Kingdom.

Michael was sitting on luxury leather chair, looking at the woman standing across the desk in front of him.

She was Retia • Crisis, second in command to Michael, and also the secretary of the new United Nations. This beautiful and talented woman was looking down at the tablet in her hands.

"Yes, This happened about fifteen minutes ago when JPN-Babel suddenly suddenly cut off its connection with the "Apocalypse" server, and is denying other Babel institutions as well as our own login."

"Was the system hacked from the outside?"

The security of the system of COCOON's headquarters and Babel was the best in the world.

In addition to the ordinary security programs, magical fail-safes were created sufficient enough to prevent all intrusions from the outside world.

There weren't many people able to decode these conceptual barriers, probably only the writers of these program within COCOON could, and if a presence greater than COCOON existed.

Strictly speaking, the only possibility would be "Crimson twilight" the world's strongest terrorist group comparable to COCOON. They were said to have recruited many experts in the field of information-gathering and conceptual magic.

Moreover, was also a report that some of the members of Crimson twilight have permeated the special autonomous region within Japan.

Therefore it can be reasonably speculated JPN-Babel had suffered a hacker attack and went into lock down as an emergency defensive maneuver.

But......

"Although that possibility is not zero, however ...... Its probably wrong."

Retia started to talk.

"The program's log showed no signs that JPN-Babel being hacked, but fifteen minutes ago the system suddenly went into lock down."

"Meaning ......?"

"I'm afraid that Kyouya probably cut JPN-Babel's external connection allowing it to operate independently."

"......"

Michael is trying to speculate what Hikami Kyouya has in my mind.

Kyouya spoke very little at COCOON's round table conferences. His attitude was always composed, and always had a cold smile on his face.

......But ......

Michael Arcwood was reminded of an incident that took place a few days before the Japan summit.

The summit was held amidst JPN-Babel school's ranking tournament and experienced an unexpected interruption.

An intruder damaged part of the system, and after transformed into higher-dimension being, a fire breathing dragon.

At that time, Kyouya was participating in the summit and not on the campus. They had to depend on Ousawa Akatsuki to stop the fire breathing dragon to resolve the crisis.

However, after the conclusion of the summit Michael took advantage of the opportunity when he was alone with Kyouya to toss out a question:

Why did you refuse to do it yourself? The "Y Plan" is ultimate goal we are trying to achieve in COCOON. In order to make this plan into reality, some sacrifices are an necessary evil.

Having heard what was said, Kyouya coldly replied to Michael's question:

-- Some sacrifices? -– Including your brother!?

That was the first time Kyouya showed such a provocative sheer attitude to Michael. Could Kyouya hold some unknown ambitions......

"......"

Michael couldn't help but get lost in thought. Perhaps Kyouya already learned of some secret.

Not long after Akatsuki attended the high school with JPN-Babel the training program went berserk.

In a video conference with Kyouya, who was responsible for relating the story about Akatsuki, Kyouya's face and tone seem very strange.

Michael didn't know how both of these things were related to the current situation.

But he was sure that Kyouya was acting arbitrary, and there must be hidden purpose behind it.

And in order to achieve his goal Kyouya didn't hesitate in betraying COCOON.

### 023. Part 2

The environment within the space made it seem like a temple from an another world.

The air was crystal clear.

A sacred space void of impurities as if they did not exist at all. Kyouya's voice sounded,

"-- Now, let's get started."

Kyouya stared ahead -- at the alter in the center of the room.

It was composed of a light blue ore.

And lying on said altar was a girl.

"......"

The girl was silent, because she was unconsciousness.

Only peaceful, calm breathes were being repeated.

The lovely sleeping beauty's name -- Ousawa Miu.

She was the demon king's daughter from the alternate world of Alayzard.

-- Then.

Under Kyouya's watchful eye Miu's body began to dimly give off a white light. And simultaneously,

Kyi~i~i~i~i Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze

A shrill rumbling began in the room which sounded similar to the noise of a dimensional shift.

So......

"Everything seems to be going smoothly... ... Wonderful."

Kyouya unintentionally deepened his smile.

The ultimate goal of COCOON was the -- "Y Plan". In short, it was to bring about the manifestation an ultra-high-order life form, a living entity which transcends the law of causality and freely able to manipulate all events, and place it under their control. Allowing COCOON to bring complete order to this world, liberating all of humanity from every kind of suffering thus creating a new paradise.

However -- to elicit a manifestation of such a supreme entity into the world an appropriate "place" was essential. This was the reason COCOON constructed the towers of Babel in various countries around the world.

The towers control the Chimyaku flowing through the earth, turning the planet into a suitable "place."

This 'Y plan' by COCOON, even while receiving interference from 'Crimson Twilight' was still gradually progressing. However, at the present rate of progress it may take several years to be realized.

-- Meanwhile, Hikami Kyouya had obtained a golden opportunity.

He discovered that Ousawa Miu was possibly an ultra high-dimensional being.

And after he got the report from the person sent to observe Miu, he found out she had returned to Alayzard with Akatsuki that possibility turned into conviction.

Therefore, Kyouya started on a course of action to fulfill his own ambition.

There were too many people within COCOON. The world needed only one true God -- that was, Kyouya alone.

The life form transcending the law of causality that Kyouya / Cocoon were going to manifest originally was a type of conceptual existence that did not posses a living consciousness towards itself. All events could be manipulated. If the one in charge of that power were to think 'I want to destroy the world' it becomes an event at once, and this world would be destroyed.

Therefore a way to stabilize the power, and always control uncertain phenomenon were needed. And COCOON had already completed -- the device.

The equipment unit was located beneath COCOON's headquarters in the United Kingdom in a state that could be activated at any time.

And Kyouya exactly replicated the same device under utmost secrecy in JPN-Babel. It was not noticed by anyone, in a place which no one knows about.

In short, Kyouya had completed all the preparations to control Miu.

"Now its just a race against time......"

To draw out the power of an ultra-high-order life from Miu, and stabilize said power would take time. Further to control it from there would take an even greater amount than that, and also that Miu was an existence equivalent to ultra high-dimensional being, after all, was just an unconfirmed possibility. Kyouya had no expectations for her existence to be superior to all the laws of cause and effect. However, it should at least be a level where COCOON's strongest Michael Arcwood would pose no problem to him.

And that also meant exceeding the leader of the Crimson Twilight, who was about equal in terms of power.

In other words.

"With this kind of power, I will stand at the top of this world."

And after COCOON and Crimson Twilight were suppressed the "Y plan" could move to the later stages.

Allowing himself to be the only true God in charge of this world.

At that time -- there would be no person in this world who could stop him.

### 024. Part 2

Akatsuki and Listy were racing through the dark streets of the special autonomous region on Sleipnir.

They were ignoring all the traffic lights, even the pedestrian signals. Akatsuki as of now was impossible to stop.

So much that along the way the traffic security started to pursue them vigorously, and was ultimately shaken off.

And after a while of this intense driving......

"-- Sshaa, we finally arrived!"

Their destination came into view at the end of the road ahead.

The main gate to JPN-Babel.

"Akatsuki, what is your plan going forward?"

Listy seated behind him had asked about his battle plan.

"Heh...... it goes without saying, no?"

The corners of Akatsuki's mouth turned into a smirk, and he turned back to look at Listy,

"Moving ahead in a roundabout manner is not my style. I'm going to attack head on -- and kick around any opponent."

However,

"-- What is it?"

Suddenly Akatsuki noticed the strange situation. Despite their vehicle approaching with no signs of slowing down the security guards made no attempt to stop them. Or more precisely there were no guards.

-- Just recently there was the incident where Phil Barnett invaded JPN-Babel.

Therefore, in order to prevent a similar situation from happening again the main gate must have at a minimum of six security guards standing in front of the gate around the clock, and from there another ten guards on standby in the outpost next to it. But at the moment, there wasn't a single one.

...... Old man Kubota did say there was comprehensive system update, is this because of that?

It was said that there would be a limited amount personnel allowed on the premises tonight for it. However then that would unavoidably make the campus more vulnerable to a foreign invasion.

Therefore the security level around the school should be tighter than usual.

...... If that then even the [Guardian Beast system] should be activated.

From what he heard from Haruka he was able to grasp to some extent current situation inside JPN-Babel. That being said, not having people stationed at the main gate was really too unwary.

...... Or is it a trap?

Perhaps, already at an earlier time it was anticipated that Akatsuki would be coming, and this was a tacit formulated back then for him. In that case, barging straight through the main entrance would be a very risky move.

So ......

"Akatsuki......"

Listy softly called out to him.

"-- Are you scared?"

"Of course not......"

And Listy tightened the grip she had around Akatsuki's waist,

"We got to keep going...... and kick around anyone in the way."

"Aah -- Leave it to me."

Akatsuki responded to Listy with a nod.

As it was, they directly broke through the main gate, invading the premises without slowing down at all.

It was at that time Akatsuki saw a myriad of black shadows lying on the asphalt road.

The campus under the night sky was shrouded in darkness. In addition, the high speed of which Sleipnir was moving made it extremely difficult to identity what the shadows were,

"Akatsuki, that is --"

Listy turned, and stared behind them. Akatsuki's eyes also were looking in the same direction,

"They're most likely Babel's security guards......"

If that was the case, then who in the world did that? Was this also part of the trap?

But -- Akatsuki wasn't able to draw any conclusions to the questions that floated in his mind.

Because the two were abruptly struck by an intense shock.

The high speed of which Sleipnir was moving had instantly been stopped, as if it were caught on something invisible. Akatsuki and Listy both were flung over the front of the motorcycle.

"Damn......!"

Even though it happened all of sudden Akatsuki still had the time to react. Listy was thrown in the air the same as himself, so he first pulled her over into his arms. Then he kicked out his legs in an attempt to land upright,

"-- Leave it to me!"

The same time Listy shouted she expanded a magic formation.

Invoking flight magic using the wind they landed on the ground light as a feather.

"Sure enough it was a trap. I wonder if it was that man...... Hikami Kyouya's doing?"

"I don't think so."

Akatsuki denied the possibility that Listy had said.

When he though about it to himself, if it was Kyouya's handiwork then there would of been no reason to knock out the guards.

And.......

That thing they couldn't see which stopped Sleipnir, Akatsuki had an idea as to its real nature. Then from out of no where,

"...... Ara, you easily dealt with my surprise just now. Your reactions were very good, no?"

The carefree voice was vastly out of place with the tense atmosphere at the scene. It wasn't a voice that Akatsuki and Listy were unfamiliar with, in fact the new it very well.

"That voice...... could it be......!"

Listy shot a hurried look at Akatsuki.

"...... As I thought."

Akatsuki couldn't hep but laugh to himself having his speculation not being wrong.

And then he turned to look back. His eyes were fix ahead -- at a dark spot on the side of road where the light didn't reach. It was at that time, a youth slowly appeared from out of the darkness.

Akatsuki then floated a fearless smile,

"You took that prank a little to bit far...... eh, Kaidou?"

"Oh~, I was also wondering so......"

And despite Kaidou Motoharu just laughing it off being confronted,

"To tell the truth, I'm in the middle of carrying out something important at the moment. I hate to tell you this -- but, I can't let you go in any farther, Ackkee."

In the depths of his eyes was an ice-cold stare.

"......!"

Listy couldn't refrain from gasping from the overpowering pressure. Akatsuki gently put his hand on her shoulder, hinting there was no need for her to be afraid,

"...... What an amazing coincidence. In fact, I also have a urgent matter to take care of."

And slowly, he began to walk towards Kaidou,

"So -- I'm going to have to get past you by all means."

"Seriously? This is going to be troublesome... ... What can be done?"

And Kaidou deliberately put on an air of anxiousness,

"It can't be Ackkee, that you intend to resorting to brute force to get through, right?"

"Idiot. You're my best friend, how could I possibility be so heartless?"

And Akatsuki cracked a smile,

One breath.

"Ram him -- Sleipnir."

Instantaneously the command was passed through the AD.

The large mass of steel immediately broke the sound barrier barreling towards Kaidou with an astonishing amount of momentum.

### 025. Part 2

In a vast space in one of the lowermost levels of the tower of Babel two battles were raging on.

Tiana for the most was dominating the battle with Phil as it progressed. The opposite could be said to be true for Onizuka with Tanaka as an opponent, from the beginning on he was overmatched. Attacks came from all directions and against the incoming shock waves,

"......!"

Onizuka could only see the attacks from the flickering of the fire surrounding him. The ones he wasn't able to dodge had to be countered with slashes from his chakrams he materialized in both hands by means of his AD.

Using wind based magic Tanaka was creating shock waves that not only were invisible to the naked eye, but also were classified as a medium range attack. Compared to how Onizuka was frantically running all over the place, Tanaka just stood there slightly away impassively unleashing attacks.

It was undoubtedly a cruel way of killing someone. Of course, Onizuka occasionally found an opening to strike back, and when he did he made the most of it by abruptly increasing the number of chakrams to eight,

"Ooo oh oh oh!"

He crossed his arms, and all the chakrams shot out together.

But......

"-- It's useless."

The chakrams that came flying from all directions were very easily neutralized by Tanaka with a shock wave.

"Accept your fate...... there are no blind spots with my wind magic."

And the offense and defense was reversed in an instant.

"Ku......"

A series of shock waves forced Onizuka back on the defensive.

...... Crap!

Even the doubles of himself he created using mirage were taken out in a split second.

The offensive attacks of Tanaka could be released at the same time. Onizuka's mirages however were only able to imitate the movement of the main body making it impossible for them to deal with each wave.

Once hit, the double would immediately disappear.

-- This compatibility was too evil was Onizuka's innermost thoughts.

Ever since the fighting started he was forced on the defensive.

One aspect of that was certainly because of magical attributes and methods of attack each of them used, however that wasn't the biggest problem.

...... Pull yourself TOGETHER!

Onizuka severely rebuked himself in his mind.

The person in front of him was no longer a former classmate. He was an enemy who was trying to kill him. And who's ability was far greater than his own. Even if he fought with all of his power he would not necessarily win. However -- there was still some hesitation that never disappeared from the back of Onizuka's mind.

The hesitancy was over the regret about how he acted in the past that he couldn't let go.

His spirit of self-reflection would indeed be worthy of respect.

But -- to hold that confusion in the middle of battle was undoubtedly a death wish.

...... Put it out of your mind, at least for now!

Onizuka clenched his teeth trying to rid himself of hesitation in his mind.

And,

"Uuu oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

He suddenly charged out towards Tanaka in a desperate suicide attack.

"Foolish......"

Thereupon, Tanaka held out his palm straight at him -- however the next moment,

"-- What!?"

The deadpan expression on his face for the first time showed a hint of surprise.

...... Fooled!

Onizuka was convinced the other party had fallen for his trap.

It was the same mirage magic he already used. However, Onizuka didn't necessarily have to only create a double of himself. Instead using the principles of mirage he blended his body into the surrounding scenery. In Tanaka's eyes, it would have looked like Onizuka had disappeared. With that chance he created -- Onizuka narrowed the distance between the two sides in one breath.

But......

"If that's the case......"

With himself at the center, Tanaka released a shock wave out in all directions.

However, he could reach him with only a few more steps -- so.

...... It is now!

Onizuka's body was still hidden, only the mirage of himself he just now created was visible.

"-?"

With Onizuka's figure suddenly appearing, Tanaka's attention had reflexively turned to that place.

But that was only aimed at the illusion. He erased his body, and created a doppelganger -- in preparation for a two-pronged attack.

And because of that Onizuka Kenya was able to breach that gap of a few steps.

At the same time he was sprinting he tightly grasped the chakram in his right hand.

With his opponent being almost immortal he aim at the neck.

One strike to settle things.

And as the distance between the Onizuka and Tanaka went to zero,

"------------!"

The chakram didn't cut open Tanaka's throat.

It was stopped a little more than half way in the air towards his throat.

However, it wasn't caused by anything Tanaka did. Onizuka voluntarily stopped the attack himself.

"...... Shit... ... I couldn't do it after all......."

Onizuka quietly groaned to himself.

He was perfectly aware that Tanaka was a dangerous enemy, but still Onizuka couldn't bring himself to kill him.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

"......"

Faced with Tanaka's question head-on, Onizuka was speechless.

What does that mean? Such a thing was very obvious.

The prior grievances had yet to be settled.

Onizuka thought if he taken down Tanaka without doing that he would never be able move on during his entire lifetime.

Even if it was just self-satisfaction, or to console himself.

And so......

"...... I'm very sorry for how I acted."

Onizuka Kenya took the initiative to apologies.

And with all sincerity,

"Even if you are a terrorist. Even if you used me to cover for yourself. It does not mean I should be forgiven for what I did to you. So, I want to apologize to you."

"............"

Tanaka also went silent on how to respond Onizuka.

And after a pause,

"I've said...... you do not need to apologize for anything."

It was said in very tranquil manner, nevertheless they weren't words of forgiveness for Onizuka.

Tanaka held up his right hand unfolding a magic formation at Onizuka's face,

"What you you did was meaningless. No matter what intention you had in mind -- you can't change the fact that you're going to die here."

And the moment the shock wave was about to turn Onizuka's face into pulp.

"Huh? -- the one who is certainly going to die here is you, though."

Tiana suddenly jumped into from side with a flying kick to Tanaka's face.

Intense reverberations of meat and bone being struck spread widely.

Tiana's kick caused Tanaka to fly back more than ten meters.

"......"

Onizuka was stunned, and just stood there with a blank expression.

"Hey you! Ken-chan...... How could you just foolishly stand there in front of the enemy? What were you thinking?"

And Tiana expression revealed her disapproval,

"Listening to you two, it seems that this is the person you mentioned before in the family restaurant. The one who Ken-chan often used bully, right?...... And now you want to show mercy to an enemy out of sympathy and regret. However, I'd advise you not to be such good person, most good people don't live very long."

"...... Shut up. I don't need you to butt in. And also I never felt I such good person."

Onizuka excessively turned away.

"You are. I told you before Ken-chan, you just love to pretend to quarrel like that. It is very tiresome characteristic."

"Your noisy. -- Leaving that aside, did you settle things on your end?"

From Tiana's relaxed appearance he thought she had already won.

The results......

"Not yet."

She readily answered back and,

"A little longer I would of had him, but because Ken-chan was about to die I had to come over here."

"......What? Then --"

As Onizuka was trying to finish,

"-- Heads up!"

Tiana forcibly shoved Onizuka to the side. And at almost at the same time a red ball of light struck the spot where the two were standing, causing a powerful explosion sending a cloud of sand soaring.

And,

"...... What a headache. How could be so unfaithful? Your opponent was plainly me......"

The voice from the other side of the sand cloud was Phil's. Tiana said she was about to win, however the situation looked very different now. It seems he already recovered from any injuries he might of had because of , and tracked her down.

The voice was light, completely unlike a person who was seriously injured.

So......

"...... I guess, it couldn't be helped."

Tiana sighed, and,

"Well then -- it seems we need to change the strategy a little."

### 026. Part 2

After Listy saw Chikage run out ahead, she herself also started running.

And even Kuzuha began to move.

...... I'll go.

Listy was no longer confused.

Her friendship with Chikage and Kuzuha could be said to be short.

When they visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki and Miu there wasn't an opportunity to talk. Even when she was brought to this world there was never a proper conversation.

Of course, after yesterday's pajama party they had come to a deeper understanding of what was in each other's hearts.

Even while she was worried her presence would become a burden to the others, everyone still gladly accepted her.

Through their feelings for Akatsuki they could form a common battlefront.

However, even with an understanding there wasn't time for a proper plan of attack.

And no time to establish a sense of teamwork.

-- Still there was no doubt in Listy's mind.

Because there was one thing that could compensate for an immature sense of teamwork.

That was......

...... Trust.

That was all that was needed Listy thought. With mutual trust in each others feelings a sense of solidarity could be born.

That was what's most important for teamwork.

Precisely because we all understand each other -- no, because we trust each other.

No matter how Chikage and Kuzuha moved, she should be able to perfectly match them -- Listy Sherfied felt sure of it.

So......

"...... I'll start first."

Kuzuha took the initiative. As Listy saw her place her small left hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation.

At the same time, Miu's feet began to sink into the ground.

The mud was sealing the her movement, causing Miu to lose her secure footing,

"...... Relying on this trick."

Miu lightly complained, as she jumped into the air. She retreated to safety with help of wind magic to fly.

Then a huge mass of water suddenly engulfed Miu's whole body.

The sphere shaped pool of water was created above Miu's head by Chikage that instantly captured Miu in a prison of water. However,

"----"

Listy looked on as inside the water Miu slightly moved her lips.

The movement of her lips she seemed to be telling them,

-- It won't do any good.

And then Miu cast a spell on the end of her magic wand, Holy Tin, before lightly touching it to the edge of the water.

That was all, with that simple action caused a huge splash as Chikage's water prison burst apart.

As soon as Chikage saw that happen she immediately raised her voice shouting, "Listy!" However, it wasn't from any agitation in her heart that she yelled.

She was only calling out to a fellow comrade.

So......

"-- Leave it to me!"

Listy released the magic that she had already finished chanting.

Brief flashes of light filled the area as lightning rained down from the sky.

However, she was not targeting Miu herself.

Rather it was the space around her.

When Miu destroyed Chikage's water prison the water had scattered out all around her.

That water was now creating an area around her that conducted electricity with her at the center.

And also Miu herself was currently drenched after being submerged.

So now Listy was personally bearing witness to the results of them working together.

The explosions from the thunder had subsided, Miu was now floating in the air with electricity flowing all around her.

### 027. Part 2

Inside the student council room she was met with darkness and silence.

And -- there ware no signs that Hikami Kyouya was there.

Once Haruka confirmed that fact, some of her tension eased.

"As I thought...... he's somewhere else."

Kyouya had said, he was going to create a utopia using Miu.

However, the student council room was clearly not the most suitable place.

After all, beside himself, there were three other members of the student council using the room.

At times when Kyouya was absent from Babel the other members had free access to come and go.

Moreover the heliport rooftop, which was to be used as an the evacuation point, was so close to the student council room. Kyouya would never consider such a semi-open space to conceal secrets that were tantamount to betraying COCOON.

Exposed to the stillness of the night inside, Nanase Haruka couldn't help think that what happened a few hours ago was only an illusion.

But......

"Uesaki...... Minami......"

The harsh reality remained.

Ryohei and Minami's frozen corpses were still lying on the floor. However, now was not the time to hold a funeral for them.

So while Haruka's gaze was fixed on the floor,

"I will take on your enemy for both of you. President Hikami -- No."

After shaking her head, she further strengthen her resolve,

"Hikami Kyouya's ambitions will be stopped......!"

That meant Haruka recognized Kyouya as a clear enemy.

Then, she tightly clenched her fist, and headed towards the work desk in depths of the room.

"Time to get started......"

After saying so, she pushed the power button on the computer.

The light from the monitor emerged through the darkness.

And after the OS booted, she was prompted to input the user authentication password.

...... I can't make any mistakes here.

Facing the first barrier, Haruka prepared herself mentally.

Having announced her resignation to the student council, because she decided to side with Akatsuki and Miu, Haruka didn't think Kyouya would be that easy on her, so as to allow her to keep her password.

However, Haruka silently tapped away at the keyboard,

"......!"

After suppressing her inner tension, she pressed the ENTER key.

Suddenly the screen blacked out -- and after between kana. (The time it takes after writing one then starting the next.)

The desktop screen appeared on the monitor.

The system had successfully started.

"Hah...... It seems everything went well."

Haruka softly sighed.

She had entered the system administrator password .

-- However, Haruka didn't start up her own computer.

The desk she was at now belonged to Minami.

It was a situation in which there were dead bodies in student council room. Kyouya's having killed Ryohei and Minami, most likely was because he never anticipated a need would arise to kill them. And naturally the idea of changing their access to the computers would never cross his mind, since they were dead and could no longer pose any threat.

"If I accessed my computer the security program would of been immediately triggered even with the administrative code."

As expected, Kyouya didn't touch Ryohei and Minami's PC.

However, she wasn't satisfied with just that.

...... I must hurry.

In order to grasp JPN-Babel's current situation, Haruka plunge directly into the security system.

"Sure enough...... it has entered a into complete lock down."

It was confirmation of what she had anticipated.

After he had successfully captured Miu, Kyouya also said that everything was ready. In addition, Haruka had slipped out from under his finger because of the transfer seal Akatsuki had placed on her.

In this case, Kyouya determined it was only a matter of time before the rest of COCOON was aware of the situation, therefore adopted tougher measures.

Still, the barrier that isolates the campus from the outside had already been destroyed by Akatsuki.

All of Kyouya's plans were not progressing as smoothly as he expected.

And Haruka started a course of action to create a more advantageous situation for Akatsuki, even if it would be only a little.

The utmost support that her present self could do was to lift the security system, and destroy the program itself.

In order to prevent it from being re-started.

Since JPN-Babel was Kyouya's so called castle, Haruka was going to sabotage it from inside.

"First......"

Haruka began to disable the [guardian beast system.]

And at the same time began searching for Kyouya and Miu's whereabouts.

So......

"This......"

Unexpectedly, Haruka detected areas where the [guardian beast system] had stopped functioning.

The first place -- was outside away from any buildings within JPN-Babel's grounds.

Most likely Akatsuki or someone else eliminated all of the gargoyles at once forcing the system to shut down. Now the system was in standby mode, waiting for consent to reactivate.

-- But, the problem was the second location.

It was within Babel's underground -- the lowermost floor.

That place housed the power reactor to all of the systems, also was the location of the 『Babel system.』 As the most important area within the entire campus, naturally the security imposed on that floor was the highest.

However, the security there now had actually been turned off,

"Could it be --"

Haruka went to pull up the surveillance camera footage, and as she was typing,

"-!?"

At that moment, Haruka had suddenly jumped to the side -- Immediately after.

A crashing thud was heard, and a pillar of flames arose from where Haruka had previously been.

Minami's desk and computer had burnt to ashes.

An enemy's attack. There was no hesitation in Haruka's movements as she made that judgment instantly.

While rotating on the floor she materialized her weapons with her AD,

"There!"

By crossing her arms, her two half-moon blades shot out in the dark -- towards the entrance of the room.

However, both were repelled along with two high-pitched metallic noises.

"What.....?"

Nanase Haruka was startled, but it was not because her attack was stopped.

Instead it was from the moments the metals clashed, and caused sparks allowing her to catch glimpses of the enemies weapons.

A Chinese Dao (Broadsword) and a Liu Xing Chui (Meteor Hammer) -- Both of which Haruka was quite familiar with.

Then,

"-- I thought that I took you completely by surprise, but as one would expect your reaction was indeed good."

"Haruka... ... Don't use my computer without my permission."

And from out of the darkness the attackers emerged.

It was two people wearing JPN-Babel's uniform, Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami.

Therefore,

"How is this possible......"

Haruka was overtaken with surprise, however incidentally she suddenly thought of one possibility.

It was what she heard from Alayzard before.

On how Disdiya had used a forbidden spell to revive the previous Hero Leon Esuperio.

-- Could it be that Ryohei and Minami were revived by a similar spell, and are being compelled to take orders from Kyouya?

Within her chaotic mind she derived at that conclusion.

...... No, that's not it...... because......!

Haruka turned her gaze to the floor.

To see Ryohei and Minami's bodies still lying there left in the same condition.

So,

"No way......"

Nanase Haruka then remembered something. On the eve of decisive battle in Alayzard, Kuzuha had used her magic to create something to deceive the enemies troops. It was an elaborate clay puppet of Akatsuki that imitated him to perfection.

A feat that was only possible because Kuzuha was a master of earth magic.

Conversely, someone on the same level as her would have the same ability.

And -- Aihara Minami right in front of her happened to be a master class earth magic user. For her, that would be a trivial matter like it was nothing.

In other words,

"Both of you...... were never dead from the start.......?"

Haruka said in a daze.

Then Ryohei and Minami were right now standing in front of her because out of their own free will.

The thought of what that meant, caused Haruka's vision to shake violently.

The truth right in front of eyes was similar to as if she collapsed from her feet.

Then, Ryohei and Minami were enveloped in strong light.

The two had changed their uniforms into battle attire.

And,

"You manged to narrowly escape. You could have quietly waited inside Ousawa's house. Why did you have to come......"

"Kyouya's plan can't be stopped -- by anyone."

Ryohei and Minami slowly moved towards Haruka.

With their weapons in hand -- and a clear intent to kill.

### 028. Part 3

"-- How is the current situation of JPN-Babel?"

Access to the campus had been closed off, and all external communications were cut off.

Since the campus was protected by an optical barrier it wasn't possible to perceive the current situation from satellites limiting their intelligence.

However it was limited to areas within JPN-Babel's grounds.

By observing the surrounding areas a limited amount of speculation on the current situation could be inferred.

"The special autonomous region looks to be calm. There are no observable abnormalities in Babel at the present time."

However -- Retia continued,

"There is some suspicious movement by the Japanese naval force. A nuclear-powered submarine deployed in the pacific has veered off its normal navigation route to Yokosuka's third port. At first glance it seems to be mooring at home port......"

"...... But it may be heading to the special autonomous region?"

The Japanese Self-Defense force was reorganized as the official army, since about a quarter of a century ago.

Japan's previous constitution restricted their military expansion into other Asian countries, and in respect to popular sentiment it had taken a back seat. However, measures were taken to sign cooperation agreements and set up military alliances with other powerful countries. In return Japan was able to maintain peace and their own country's military superiority.

However, around 30 years ago when people first started being summoned to alternate worlds these treaties and military alliances essentially lost all of their meaning.

Those returnees brought back technology and magic from the other worlds that no modern military could rival. Those special abilities were undoubtedly "other dimensions of power."

So in order to keep pace with other countries Japan amended the Constitution, and began to expand its armaments.

In view of the aforementioned reasons, deployed in the Pacific was a new model of nuclear submarine equipped with a special weapon -- a cluster nuclear warhead. If it was fired, it had enough power to level Babel...... that was, wipe out the whole artificial island without leaving a trace.

However, that island was an special autonomous region of COCOON.

Destroying that artificial island was the same as the Japanese Government officially declaring war on COCOON.

Also it meant the annihilation of Japan.

COCOON was capable of wiping out Japan at any moment.

Michael Arcwood thought that the Japanese Government unlikely to go so far as to commit such a stupid mistake.

...... But......

The possibility of being driven into a desperate action couldn't be ignored.

JPN-Babel's lock down on behalf of Kyouya already broken away from the normal practice.

If the Japanese government was also involved --

Kyouya must of took advantage of the Japanese Governments to implement some kind of plan, and then calculated to toss them aside once their role was done......

Apart from burying the evidence of their betrayal of COCOON under the rubble of special autonomous region the Japanese government had no way to help themselves. At that time, even if COCOON were to place blame on the government for the destruction, Japan could use the excuses that it was a measure to stop Kyouya's plan.

"...... What are you going to do now? You and I still have to sign the new treaty with the European Union, and participate in coordination meetings before it."

Retia said looking for affirmation from Michael and,

"We might want to get in touch with the Chinese Dragon --"

"- No need for that."

Michael denied Retia's proposal, and stood up from his chair as he walked towards the door.

Retia immediately followed.

"Negotiations with the EU have reached the final stage. I'll wait until the meeting is over, and then go directly to Japan."

That way, all of the problems will be easily solved.

"If anyone really intends to spoil our plans-"

Michael Arcwood's golden eyes shined.

"Even if its Hikami's cunning or the might of Japanese Government, I'll personally eradicate all obstacles."

### 029. Part 3

"Now ......"

Kyouya took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket to check the current time by opening the lid.

-- A few minutes to nine p.m.

Almost an hour had already passed since JPN-Babel had went into lock down. The other COCOONs including Michael himself should already have grasped the situation, and it was around the time when they should have started to take some kind of steps. And when the moment comes will it be China to act -- CHN-Babel's Wang Feilong ?

...... Or is Michael himself going to move......?

Well, it was fine either way.

Including the nuclear submarine of the Japanese Government JPN-Babel's defenses were well prepared to withstand any enemy coming form the outside.

So the focus of attention was not the outside, but from within.

Actually, two members of 'Crimson Twilight' had at present invaded JPN-Babel's premises.

Among them was one person Kyouya was very familiar with.

"Kaidou-kun, did you also finally move?..... unable to hold back anymore."

Although there was no positive proof, it was understood from the beginning Kaidou was not ordinary by any means. Perhaps it was the mutual understanding from a strong man to another. Even if Kaidou tried to keep a low profile, it was clear to Kyouya's eyes. Not every returnee from another world had that degree of strength. Since he was not a COCOON like himself, the answer was virtually given what he was.

-- Of course, Kaidou himself came to the same understanding.

For him to be openly known by Kyouya, and still overtly pretend to be mundane.

On such a poor imposter Kyouya was very clear, Kaidou would be quite the troublesome enemy. However "Crimson Twilight" was not after Miu. With the confusion over the bait, the , the other side shouldn't figure out Kyouya's real intention.

No matter, toys have been prepared to keep them company. Until the time comes, it would be good for them to play to their utmost. Now no one can interfere with Kyouya's plan.

-- Except him.

When the figure of that youth came to mind Hikami Kyouya can not help but look up at the empty space.

The corners of his mouth gave rise to a delightful smile,

"Yes, except you...... Ousawa-kun."

### 030. Part 3

The sonic wave that was generated whirled up a cloud of dust.

Listy was engulfed by the strong gust that was created right next to her,

"Is, is it necessary to be that rough?... ... Are you not worried of what might happened to him, Akatsuki?"

In the shock Listy had had involuntarily raised her voice, however Akatsuki was rather composed and,

"Ah. This should be the quickest way. I don't have time to waste on this fellow here."

The synchronization with his AD and also Sleipnir that Kubota did was being put to use so soon. Akatsuki lightly chuckled at that as he looked up at the sky. When he was about to look back at Listy there was suddenly a high-pitched noise.

And at the same time,

"Wh-what is this......?"

Listy raised her voice, confused as to what happened right before her.

A transparent wall had suddenly been placed between Akatsuki and herself.

"...... A barrier?"

Akatsuki muttered to himself, and behind within the cloud of dust,

"-- Didn't I say, I can't let you get passed me?"

The sudden voice sounded like it was said with a smile. Therefore, Akatsuki focused his mind on his AD again.

"--------"

However, this wasn't another command to Sleipnir, rather it was to transform his uniform into combat attire. And when he turned to look at Kaidou, he was also wearing combat clothes standing there in front of him.

"I will also make it clear. Kaidou -- there is nothing you can do to stop me."

As soon as he calmly said so, Ousawa Akatsuki bent both his knees, and launched himself towards Kaidou.

Ready to prove the words he just said a moment ago.

### 031. Part 3

Of all the things that was too careless.

After only being one step from finishing things with Onizuka, Tanaka slowly got up.

...... That being said.

Tanaka looked around carefully. The girl, Phil was responsible for dealing with was still in good health, had taken him by surprise.

While Phil was floating a thin smile staring at a cloud of sand in front of him.

Over there probably was Onizuka with that girl.

"-- Very well."

There was no damage left to his body anymore by virtue of the .

So, Tanaka developed a magic formation again, in preparation to send a shock wave over there at once.

It was at that time when the girl broke through the smoke coming directly towards where he was.

"Eh......?"

Tanaka couldn't help being surprised over the girl's movement being much faster than he imagined.

In the time before he could finish chanting his magic,

"-- Sorry, we have to change locations a little."

In front of Tanaka eyes, the girl swung down her fist towards the ground.

At that moment -- along with a loud bang, the ground around the Tanaka collapsed.

### 032. Part 3

Sparks from the electric current were attacking Miu's whole body.

However, there wasn't any pain.

Instead, the sensations from her body had faded away.

...... I see.

This must have been what they wanted to achieve.

Apparently, the three were trying seal off all my movements.

Kuzuha's mud shackles, Chikage's magical prison of water coupled with Listy's lightning -- as expected it was flawless battle plan.

And now that it wasn't possible to move they undoubtedly planned to try persuasion.

Taking great pains to repeat the same words of believing in Akatsuki.

But,

...... It's useless.

Not trying to hurt her, and aiming to prevent her from moving like so wasn't going to stop the present Miu. So she focused her consciousness, however it wasn't to form a new magic.

"--------"

Miu's intention was to intervene with the current running through her body and the surrounding area.

The countless water droplets hovering around her were remnants created through Chikage's magic.

Thus, under the effects there would be no potential difference, causing the current running in the space other than Miu to be parallelized.

-- If that was the case, Miu judged she would be able to control all of the electricity centering around herself.

It was the same technique she used against Zahhak once before to affix lightning into a certain shape.

Ousawa Miu centralized all of the electricity onto the end of Holy Tin, and further amplified it with her own magic,

"Let me return it to you -- Listy-san!"

Towards the ground below her she swung down Holy Tin at Listy.

Along with a zapping noise, a lightning strike came towards the top of Listy's head.

"-!"

Listy's face had turned white, but she still took immediate action.

Slightly charging her own magic wand with electricity she pierced it into the ground, while taking a giant leap backwards.

This created an impromptu lightning rod, causing the lightning to directly strike the on top of her wand, rather than herself.

It was a pretty clever decision, but......

"-- Its not over yet!"

Miu didn't give Listy any chance to recover.

As she unleashed a wind blade to attack Listy at once.

...... Eh?

The expression Listy wore as she looked up caused Miu to question herself for a moment.

Listy was in imminent danger, but a smile appeared on her face.

-- It was at that time.

Miu felt for a moment behind her -- that the night sky suddenly got slightly darker. It was like her mind was playing a trick on her.

...... Did the moon go behind a cloud?

That couldn't be right. There wasn't a cloud in the sky tonight that was thick enough to shut out the moonlight.

Miu subconsciously glanced back. There -- she caught the silhouette of a girl in her vision.

"--------"

She was in same position as when she first attacked Miu with her left hand still firmly placed on the ground.

However -- the earth immediately around her had been raised high into the air. And in the girl's right hand her AD weapon was already materialized.

It was a gigantic chunk of steel. The same oversized hammer she liked to always use.

"Kuzuha......"

Wile in blank surprise Miu called out the name of the girl.

"-- Do not call me by my name Ousawa-san."

The girl said with an unusually cold tone.

"Sorry, but only the Miu from before is allowed to call me by my name."

And you aren't that same Miu,

"So please, quickly wake up."

Kuzuha lifted up the huge hammer high in the air.

"You oppai woman-!"

She swung down the hammer with all her power crashing into Miu.

### 033. Part 3

At the same time.

A Japanese nuclear-powered submarine headed for the mainland from the Pacific suddenly changed course.

It was originally set for the third Yokosuka, but now was on course for the special autonomous region of the artificial island.

Also a scramble order was issued for the troops attached to the top-secret new stealth fighter underdevelopment in the second Fuchu.

After the failed recovery attempt of the by the National Information and Research Office the Japanese Government, which had remained silent until then, had resorted to stronger measures.

-- It meant that the battle within JPN-Babel had taken on a completely new direction.

The aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki and the ambitions of Hikami Kyouya.

COCOON's plan and Crimson Twilight's expectation.

All parties felt they were locked into a confrontation, and now the Japanese government was also set on intervention.

The situation was rapidly advancing towards "war."

It was as if they were being ridiculed and toyed around with by -- cruel fate.

## References

- ↑ Can also mean a type of dragon

- ↑ Warning ecchi overload -- Skip to 8

- ↑ Click here to Skip to 8

- ↑ Basically calling him gay -- ニヤけ男さん, but sounds like にやけ男さん

- ↑ Indifferent

### 034. Part 4

The grounds of JPN-Babel were shrouded by the darkness of the night, and how was the current situation?

In one word "chaos."

The first day of the new semester was about to begin, and in order to update all of the systems only a handful of staff and guards remained on the huge campus.

To compensate for lack of vigilance, Babel's security program design to suppress intruders was up and running.

The so-called "guardian beast system."

The system was set up to summon Gargoyles enhanced with a protective shield derived from the special barrier of Babel, sufficient to withstand most physical and magic attacks.

Simply put the Gargoyles would be enough to deal with intruders.

However......

In a corner of the campus a large number of gargoyles had gathered.

They numbered a dozen or so.

In the forest, continuous loud collisions were disrupting the atmosphere. An intruder was attacking the summoned Gargoyles.

The rapid barrage of noises didn't show the least bit signs of ending.

The dozen or so Gargoyles were unable to suppress the intruder.

So......

"----"

The system once again summoned a fresh new group of Gargoyles.

"-- Although I was to be bait to attract the enemy it unexpectedly became a game of "catch the killer" on the campus at night... ... Not a long distance endurance marathon. Ah, is it over?"

Even while being chased by countless Gargoyles, the night intruder -– Kaidou Motoharu's tone was relaxed.

The Gargoyle's offense was still a force to be reckoned with.

Flames came out of their mouths, a flap of their wings call out wind blades, heat rays emitted from their eyes, and their sharp claws could rip through iron. Combinations of those attacks would mercilessly come towards Kaidou from all directions.

However......

"-Woops!"

Kaidou just twisted his body avoiding all attack with ease.

His flowing high speed movements allowed for that to happen.

At times standing on the ground or a wall of the building.

Sometimes standing on the branches or trunks of the growing trees.

Even if he found himself encircled by Gargoyles he just took a three-dimensional evasive action.

Kaidou was avoiding every attack from the Gargoyles.

Just like a whirlwind.

A free wind that couldn't be caught, that continuously moved between the Gargoyles, Kaidou Motoharu laughed,

"This mere watchdog system thinks it can catch me? Maybe in the next life."

### 035. Part 4

In the bathroom of the Ousawa home came a continues screaming, and crying.

It was the wailing of a teenage girl who's heart carried an unbounded amount of regret and sadness -- Nanase Haruka.

".................."

Inside the warm bathtub Ousawa Akatsuki's arms were around the lower back of the crying girl in front his eyes, as he thought to himself.

...... That guy was abducted by Hikami?

Not long ago, Haruka had been transfer to Akatsuki's side while he was bathing.

-- When they all where in Alayzard in order to ensure the personal safety of Haruka he placed a transfer seal on her body. Since that was activated must mean she faced a life or death crisis. When he asked the reason Haruka kept crying as she explained, but within that sobbing clogged voice he was only able to make out a few words about the situation.

On how Miu -- had been captured by the President.

When Akatsuki returned to the house Miu was nowhere in sight. Before he had asked Listy the reason, and was told she went out with Haruka.

...... So that's it.

Since she was not fully accustomed to this world he didn't think she would make such a rash move on her own.

Perhaps, Kyouya wanted to speak with Miu, and it appears she was unable to wait for Akatsuki to come home. Maybe someone was sent on behalf of Kyouya to compelled her to meet so soon. The reason for Listy's vague explanation must of been because they were unclear on what Kyouya wanted.

After all,

...... I've been looking for an opportunity to fight Hikami.

If Listy told it like it was there was no guarantee that Akatsuki wouldn't go marching into JPN-Babel.

However COCOON -- no, Hikami Kyouya's power was clear that anyone with eyes could see, and without being in the right mind set wasn't someone Akatsuki could handle. Therefore, Miu decided to keep the appointment. Haruka might have gone in an attempt to protect Miu. In short, because of their concern over what his impulsive nature would do. Miu had chosen exposed herself to danger.

"...... It was my fault."

Akatsuki quietly said. Still sobbing Haruka looked up at him.

"......!"

The look in Akatsuki's eyes said it all.

-- I'm the one who didn't protect Miu. It was not your fault.

However, Akatsuki floated a tender smile,

"Your sense of responsibility is one of your strengths, but don't put all the blame on yourself."

Then he gently wiped away her tears.

-- That's right, this wasn't Haruka's responsibility.

Having dangerously exposed Miu, also having made Listy worry.

And even the cause of Haruka's tears -- all the blame was on Akatsuki.

So Akatsuki drew closer and embraced Haruka stronger.

"-- Ah."

After hearing a small voice come out from his arms, he whispered into her ear,

"I'm sorry, Haruka...... even under normal circumstances, being wedged between the student council and us had to be painful -- I put you in a situation that hurt you the most."

So ......

"-!"

After hearing that Haruka shoulders began to shake, as her body was slightly trembling again.

And then she pressed her head against his chest, and shook her head -- as if telling him he doesn't need to apologize.

"Oh dear...... how troublesome."

His intention was to stop her tears, but it caused her to cry more.

Akatsuki could not help but smile wryly. He was still really bad at dealing with a crying woman.

...... But......

As Haruka remains now, Akatsuki was not going to wait for the crying to stop naturally.

Not because of a question of time.

It was just that right now a girl was crying in front of him.

To stop a woman from crying he will do whatever it takes. That was just the aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, Akatsuki's aesthetics were not that simple.

"...... It seems that will have to do."

Akatsuki took a half step back, and gently touch Haruka's tear stained cheek.

She was one of girls who decided to take part in the destiny Akatsuki had chosen. They were already well mentally prepared, and willing to sacrifice part of their lives for that. Including the most important things like precious people and things, or even their past, present, and future just to stay with Akatsuki.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking – what can I do for them?

Just like before, it wasn't enough to just stop her tears.

This girl Nanase Haruka deserved more.

A method of conveying that feeling, and Ousawa Akatsuki understood the best way to do that. So in order to let his thoughts reach Haruka's heart --

Akatsuki overlapped his lips with Haruka's.

### 036. Part 4

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha after being contacted by Akatsuki were on their way to JPN-Babel to meet up. And the two of them happened by chance to have entered the campus at the same time.

Their first sight on the scene was a number security guards lying unconscious on the ground.

"This is......"

Fortunately, all of the guards were only knocked out, and still alive. But to take out such a large number of guards at the same time within a short period of time the person responsible's strength had to be considerable. At the moment, they thought it must have been Akatsuki who arrived earlier to take back Miu, but was stopped by security kind of thing. However,

"...... It's strange."

"Nn...... It's too clean to be Ousawa-kun's style."

Chikage and Kuzuha glanced at each other, while they shared their inner doubts.

Akatsuki wouldn't have gone so easy on an enemy standing in his way, not to mention in a situation where they had taken Miu. Since time was so precious, the moment he was confronted he would of swiftly and violently blown them off to the side without any explanation. However, on the fallen guards there were no conspicuous external injuries, even their clothing was completely intact. It was as if they were suddenly attacked from behind. There was no doubt -- this was done by somebody other than Akatsuki.

-- But then, what happened became completely strange.

In that case then was it an intended trap by Hikami Kyouya for Akatsuki when he came to rescue Miu, to portray him as a threat to JPN-Babel. The supposed arrangement of the scene was in line with Akatsuki's style.

However, that really wasn't the case,

"No way..... is there another intruder?"

"But also to pick such a crucial time......"

Once Chikage heard what Kuzuha said, she could help but hardened her expression.

That unidentified master depending on whether he was an ally or foe was going to greatly influence their situation. Nevertheless -- the two abruptly got a clue to lead them to the answer.

A series of loud bangs were heard from a place not far away.

"-!?"

It was almost as if space itself had exploded, the heavy low pitched sound shook their bodies to the core.

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha had a very clear sense of what that sound stood for.

Those were cause by a battle breaking out.

"--------"

Therefore, the two didn't need any words to confirm what the other intended.

Kuzuha placed her hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation, creating a stone golem in the shape of a lion.

Chikage immediately jumped up on the lions back sitting behind Kuzuha. Every motion was fluid and in sync with each other, as if the two had planned it out ahead of time.

-- Then the Lion started to run charging off towards the sound.

The low stance as it kicked off the ground with all its strength brought the carnivorous beast to top speed in an instant. The lion cut through the air as it carried Kuzuha and Chikage. The roaring sound didn't stop as they moved toward the battlefield.

### 037. Part 4

"Oh my -- It seems I've been genuinely dumped."

The girl to whom he was facing off against had fallen together with Tanaka as he looked on.

Phil Barnett sighed disappointingly and,

"Really what a headache......"

After saying so -- he casually waved his right hand.

With that the fireball that was coming at him was shot down.

Phil quietly turned his eyes to the left, towards the direction where the attack originated.

It near the spot where his was magic ball of light exploded.

The sand that had been kicked up had cleared before he was even aware.

A young man was standing there, with eyes like a wild dogs.

Phil remembered during the tournament when he once tried to black his path, at that time his eyes were brimming with hostility.

"This really is turning into a headache......"

Phil laughed with the same words he previously mumbled.

Then started walking towards the young man, while the smile on his face gradually turned into cruel one.

"Bullying the weak -- is not one of my favorite hobbies."

### 038. Part 4

"---------------!?"

Miu was smashed out of the air towards the ground.

The moment before however she did cross both of her arms out in front of her, but the tremendous weight and force of Kuzuha's blow was too much. Her arms went numb from the impact, an intense shock wave went through Miu's whole body.

"...... Ku!"

Still, she managed to somehow invoke wind magic behind her back to slow her descent.

Barely avoiding crashing into the ground, Miu landed before falling to one knee.

Kuzuha immediately followed after her to the ground, soon after Listy and Chikage also gave chase surrounding Miu and stood.

Miu was in the center as the three formed an equilateral triangle.

However, like before Ousawa Miu was not in the least daunted. It was only that a seeming sad expression appeared on her face.

"You absolutely refuse to back down......"

She said quietly. She thought it was enough if only herself knew the sad truth, and had to suffer.

The fact that Akatsuki had betrayed herself and the others was too cruel to tell to everyone that admires him so much.

Therefore -- Miu planned for only herself to bear it all.

However, since they won't step aside no matter what, she had no choice but to tell them.

So......

"I will tell the reason why I cannot forgive that person."

And then Ousawa Miu's heartfelt confession,

"Because that person -- once achieving his goals intends to abandon everyone and die."

"--------"

After hearing Miu's confession Listy and everyone fell silent.

-- When she learned the truth herself there was nobody around.

She had to bear with it by herself making it a far stronger blow than with Listy and the others right now.

And when she became aware of the situation Miu was no longer able to forgive Akatsuki.

But......

"...... How can you still......?"

Instead, when Miu told the truth she was the one who was surprised.

On Listy's face right in front of her eyes there wasn't even a hint of agitation.

"Why is it that --"

Miu couldn't resist the urge to ask.

"...... Because I believe!"

Listy then calmly and sincerely answered,

"We decided on our own to believe in Akatsuki. That guy is willing to go to any lengths to stop a woman's tears. And yet if Akatsuki does what Miu-chan says then how can he cause us so much sadness that will make us cry over him?"

As she was saying so, Listy was gazing at Miu with an unshakable look in her eyes.

Miu also saw the same thing in Chikage and Kuzuha eyes, and continue to ask,

"...... Why do you believe in that person so much?"

"That is because we decided to believe in him no matter what."

"The first person who decided that, Miu...... wasn't it you?"

Chikage and Kuzuba were trying to gently help Miu remember. It was as if -- she had forgotten something important, and needed to be reminded of it here.

Then Listy also spoke up,

"-- When I was feeling uneasy it was Miu-chan who calmed me down. Now I will tell you what you told me."

She continued with a very serene look on her face,

"There is nothing to be afraid of, we all will be fine because Miu-chan, I am with you, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka -- and even Akatsuki. We will all be together at Akatsuki's side."

Wasn't it?

"-- From now on, we will be together forever."

After hearing her own words being repeated back to herself,

"-!"

Miu bit her lower lip, and suddenly started running.

Towards where those words came from, Listy.

And -- almost immediately cut the distance with Holy Tin above her head before swinging down.

"Oh......!"

Listy blocked Miu's attack in that moment by raising her magic wand.

A crisp crashing sound rang out as both weapons collided mid air.

"What......! Do you know what you're saying!"

Miu roared right in front of Listy's face.

"......?"

Listy was stupefied over her comment, which caused the irritation in Miu's heart to bubble up.

Why can't you just understand?

After all even I...... once believed in Akatsuki.

I believed. I believed. I believed more than anyone else, and keep on believing.

And yet,

"..... The result of that was him betraying meeeeeeeeeeee!"

As Miu cried out she violently pushed down on Holy Tin with all her might.

"-!"

The force tossed Listy backwards.

However -- she didn't directly smash into the ground.

Because immediately before that someone had gentle pressed up against Listy's back.

Therefore Listy looked back in utter amazement.

"...... Akatsuki?"

She lightly muttered his name.

"............"

Akatsuki supported Listy, while he stared at Miu with a sad expression on his face.

"...... That's not fair to look at me like that......"

While making a painful expression, she still raised up Holy Tin.

"-- This is not good Miu!" "This foolishness needs to stop!"

Chikage and Kuzuba grabbed hold of Miu from behind at the same time.

So,

"...... I, I......!"

Unable to stop her overflowing emotions Miu finally mustered up her voice.

And shrieked,

"-- Get off me!"

And the next moment a blinding flash, and a powerful force came out from Miu in all directions.

### 039. Part 5

There was a reason why the free peace loving Kaidou found himself in such a dangerous situation.

The .

The cells of a high-dimensional being that the Japanese government had happened to have obtained. Then they were researched and developed under the utmost secrecy only to have them fall to JPN-Babel also to COCOON -- That was Hikami Kyouya hands.

Therefore, Kaidou was instructed along with a companion to steal them.

The order came from the leader of world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil Endheart.

Even though Kaidou was not fond of taking such troublesome actions, it was scary in various ways to defy an order by Cecil. Anyway he will play his role properly.

"However... ... dressed like this, it's not surprising that I'm being treated as a suspicious character."

The brim of his hat was low, and a pair of black sunglasses covered his eyes.

The Kaidou as of now, absolutely looked suspicious.

Of course, a disguise this simple couldn't escape detection from the surveillance system of the Babel. Kaidou was a student at JPN-Babel, and through 3D image recognition software and by comparing power fluctuation data his identity will be exposed.

Therefore Kaidou was making use of "Crimson Twilight" powers.

Those new abilities were exclusive to returnees who had returned for a second time from an alternate world.

Babel's detection system was unable to detect the higher dimensional change in the body and soul. Coupled with Kaidou's own protective barrier he became completely invisible.

The reason why those Gargoyles were chasing him was probably to determine the cause of system error that found a suspicious person.

"Without these extra layers of cover the system would have instantly recognized my true identity –- wow!"

Moreover this Gargoyle proliferation showed no signs of slowing down.

However -- Kaidou thought that was probably good.

He just needed to be patient until Tiana gets the .

About now she should have arrived at the target location.

That meant Kaidou's task was just about to end, after he was just a diversion to separate the Gargoyles from interfering.

Then......

Suddenly, Kaidou cell phone vibrated, it seems he received a message.

"It finally came, I was getting tired of waiting."

Kaidou started to run and flip open his cell phone to check the email.

"Huh ...... Memeko?"

However the email wasn't from Tiana, Kaidou was slightly surprised.

The sender was another member of "Crimson Twilight" who came to the special autonomous region a few days ago.

Mikagami Memeko.

Kaido amidst the confusion read the contents of the email.

"Lock down... ... Japanese navy and nuclear missiles? Really, no kidding, could there be some sort of mistake?"

Reacting to the astonishing situation written in the email, Kaidou instinctively raised his voice.

Although the message was beyond imagination, Kaidou didn't think that Memeko would fabricate such news.

The reason was very simple.

...... Lying in her world was the second most hated thing.

By the way, in Memeko's world the most hated thing was said to be Kaidou, however it was unknown as to whether or not it was heartfelt.

She also has a similar ability to Cecil's "intuition," Mikagami Memeko possess a pair of "eyes" that see through the truth. Therefore the email was probably true.

However, their leader Cecil had said –-

Hikami Kyouya acted on his own when he stole the the , the other COCOONs had been unaware of his actions. Therefore, Kyouya actions were obviously not going to be made public. He would have certainly gone to great lengths to conceal the truth and prevent them from finding any clues.

Kaidou couldn't have imagined that Kyouya would take such extreme measures.

"There are too many problems. Come on, give me a break."

It was hard to believe that would have such fanfare, this was really too unnatural.

Hikami Kyouya must have some other goal.

In addition to -– No, something much more important than the .

Today JPN-Babel was in complete lock-down.

"Surely their has to be a more important goal to achieve... ... In that case."

Kaidou Motoharu abruptly stopped, and changed his course of action.

Within no time the Gargoyles who were following closely behind came in for the kill one after another.

"-Sorry, playtime is over."

Kaidou mumbled, as he raised his right hand and with a slight wave.

Godspeed, so fast that the tip of his hand was invisible.

Light flash between them......

And the next moment.

Dozens of Gargoyle that were immune to physical or magic attacks have been destroyed, turning into countless particles of light and disappearing without a trace.

Kaidou walked into the scattering light particles.

"It seems that the rest of COCOON will soon make their move... ... A full-scale conflict is inevitable."

A clash of the strongest vs. the strongest.

That clash of opposing forces might level this artificial island without the assistance of nuclear warheads.

Kaidou couldn't help but sigh.

However, as a member of Crimson Twilight a cruel smile emerged on his face.

Within the helpless tone was a mix of joy and a bit of anticipation.

Kaidou Motoharu mutterd,

"Ahhh ... ... I still prefer unfettered freedom and to live in peace."

Just to be around you longer would make me the most happy.

I don't want much, that would be enough.

### 040. Part 5

Nanase Haruka for an instant didn't understand what had happened.

Pressed up against his torso, and with his hands tightly wrapped around her back she felt a warmth entirely different from the hot water. It was the heat coming off -- Ousawa Akatsuki's body.

And now her lips were feeling the same warmth.

She had been kissed by Akatsuki.

"-!"

Haruka stiffened up in the surprise for a moment -- But,

"...... Ah."

There were no signs of resistance.

Instead she slowly closed her eyes, and put her hands around the back of his neck.

She accepted that kiss, as Nanase Haruka committed to her first kiss.

Because,

....... I liked him for a long time......

-- A little while ago, when she found out she was saved from Kyouya thanks to Akatsuki.

She was finally able to realize it. She wasn't willing to admit to herself, and had been deliberately ignoring and denying her feelings. She didn't know exactly when it began -- but Nanase Haruka was definitely sure she liked Ousawa Akatsuki.

To the point she couldn't help it.

So......

Even though there were feelings she couldn't explain to herself, rejecting the kiss made no sense. So Haruka admitted to herself she liked Akatsuki and accepted him.

The tense mood suddenly relaxed.

...... Ah......

Taking advantage of the situation Akatsuki's tongue advanced into Haruka's mouth.

Without knowing whether it is good or what to do, she let Akatsuki take the initiative as he entwined their tongues.

"-- Fuaan~"

She leaked a sweet lovely voice from her nose, since Haruka's tongue was being pinned down, her slender waist involuntarily twisted back and forth.

Intense pleasure ran through her whole body in an instant.

...... Th-this is......

Through Akatsuki's Kiss something invaded Haruka's body.

Since the emergence of a seething heat inside, representing the continuous influx of Akatsuki's Ki, Haruka felt her body gradually becoming soft.

...... A-amazing......

Although it was her first kiss it brought so much pleasure.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, what was going on with her body?

...... Oh..... maybe......

She recalled it. The time in Alayzard inside the brothel when they drank that aphrodisiac, and after how Akatsuki came to detoxify them.

That night -- Haruka had the Ki inside her body sucked out through her moles continuously by Akatsuki. She tasted the peak of pleasure many times. That kind of supreme pleasure was deeply imprinted on Haruka's body and mind.

And so......

...... My body's senses have been developed by that person......!

Long before her first kiss Haruka's body had already known a woman's happiness.

"Mmhnn...... oh, chu...... oh...... mmm~"

Under the influence of Akatsuki's tongue assault, Haruka's euphoric intoxication deepened.

Then -- suddenly she felt a warm heat coming over her chest.

When she looked down she was surprised to find all the buttons on her school uniform were undone.

"...... Ah."

Feeling the shock of not knowing when he did that, Haruka pulled herself away, and saw a gentle smile appear on Akatsuki's face,

"It's not good to have your clothes on while taking a bath."

He barely finished when Akatsuki's hands lightly caressed the left and right side of Haruka's collarbone from outside to the inside. In addition to the buttons on the jacket and blouse, apparently even the bra clasp could not escape his clutches. It was hard to believe how easy it was for her clothes and bra to be taken off, and tossed outside of the bath. She felt a brief pleasant sensation as her upper body was exposed for him to see.

"AH......!"

Haruka quickly covered her chest with both hands.

Apart from embarrassment from being exposed, she felt more shame over,

...... I just kissed him. He actually let me......!

That alone brought about a female physiological response in her body. The tips of her breasts tighten into two sensitive spots.

To that fact, her face reddened and a surge of heat emerged in her lower abdomen.

However, Haruka was not able to run away. Akatsuki had firmly encircled her waist with his arm. And as if he had seen through everything,

"-- You don't have to hide your embarrassed side from me."

Then he said earnestly,

"Your usually very dignified, and now your very red face with shame is cute as well... ... I already know about these sides, and have accepted them."

"I ...... I ......"

After receiving some gentle comfort, the blushing Haruka didn't know how to respond.

It was certainly as Akatsuki said.

-- After she drank that harmful aphrodisiac that night, Nanase Haruka would never forget that image of herself she exposed to him.

Initially she was somewhat reserved, and then in the end simply reveled in pleasure she had in that drunken state.

Under the pretext of being detoxified Miu and herself let out some unbelievable lewd noises, and surrendered their minds and bodies to the pleasure Akatsuki brought forth.

She gave up being that Nanase Haruka, and indulged in the happiness of a woman.

At each mountain peaked she would involuntarily call Akatsuki's name over and over again.

And so ......

...... If it's in front of this person, perhaps I don't need to hide anything.

Whether it was her deplorable, regretful crying self.

Or her shameful self drowning in pleasure during the detoxification.

Even the embarrassed self who felt more helpless because of a kiss.

Akatsuki accepted all of Haruka, unconditionally.

But still,

"......!"

Haruka couldn't bring herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki.

She thought it was impossible to enjoy such a right, because she couldn't protect Miu.

And -- it was at that time.

With a clank the bathroom door opened from the outside.

"Eh-?"

Haruka had a confused look as he turned back to look face to face with her.

Looking at the nude Akatsuki and the half naked Haruka inside the shower was Listy Sherfied.

After being seen by Listy -- Haruka realized the fact of the predicament,

"This, this is......!"

At the same time as the embarrassment was an inexplicable anxiety.

Listy was aware how she went with Miu to JPN-Babel.

...... And it unexpectedly resulted in me snuggling alone in Ousawa Akatsuki's arms......

As she began to reflect over things a sense of guilt and apology sprang forth.

Shamelessly only herself had escaped, furthermore was seen being comforted by Akatsuki in this sort of place. Haruka felt she betrayed Listy's trust.

At the very least Haruka wanted to provide an explanation to justify Akatsuki, and when she tried to convey so --

"Listy... ... Did you also want to enter together?"

Behind her, some incredible words came out Akatsuki's mouth.

It was undoubtedly adding oil to the fire.

Haruka thought Listy would immediately furiously condemn Akatsuki and herself -- but,

"...... Nn."

An unexpected answer reached Haruka's ears.

"..... Listy?"

In front of the surprised Haruka, Listy slowly moved --

And she started to take off her clothes.

### 041. Part 5

Listy Sherfied's body was enduring enormous vibrations.

The low heavy bass that shook the atmosphere.

It was the aftereffects caused by huge impacts -- from the battle that had unfolded before her eyes.

"......!"

Both of Listy's feet were firmly planted the ground as she stared at the space 100 meters away.

The two people fighting were Akatsuki and Kaidou.

The battle had already been going on for several minutes. The offense and defense of theirs had continued without any breaks.

"Evenly matched......"

Listy had muttered unable to conceal her surprise to that fact.

-- Akatsuki was currently fighting bare handed without materializing his black magic sword.

However, he was employing Renkan Keikikou therefore the presence or absence of a weapon was not a big problem.

Akatsuki's own body in itself was the greatest weapon, the sword attack was but one aspect -- so to speak, it was an extension of his physical attacks.

...... And in terms of movement empty handed was much faster......

Still, Kaidou was able to completely match his movements.

And from what Listy could tell she didn't think Akatsuki was holding back.

Every one of Akatsuki's punches or kicks had enough force to constitute a fatal blow. If Listy wasn't protected by a barrier her consciousness would of certainly went flying after a single attack.

...... But......

Against such attacks Kaidou continued to take them head on. He was using arms and legs to protect himself, while evading certain blows to allow himself a chance to strike back.

...... Who could have thought Kaidou was that strong......

What Listy understood about Kaidou Motoharu was only about as much as the young man's name.

She did know that the person in question would half jokingly call himself Akatsuki's best friend, but Listy personally never had a conversation with him.

-- And of course that Kaidou was considerably powerful.

When he visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki, from the initial peace negotiations to until the end of the war, Kaidou had taken on many important roles from the shadows.

At the time when Akatsuki was away from Forestnium partaking in the peace negotiations Kaidou repulsed the almost invulnerable dead soldiers Leon had created, minimizing the damage to the village. Moreover, at the decisive battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon Kaidou had defeated the general of Kingdom of Sherfied Zechs.

...... Then there was that pressure she had felt at that time......

Listy Sherfied was reminded of the scene.

Upon Akatsuki receiving a fatal wound during the battle Kaidou had released a frightening amount murderous intent over herself and the others at the scene.

"--------"

There was no way she could be mistaken. That was clearly more overwhelming than the aura Phil Barnett released with the evil dragon Zahhak harboring inside his body at the time he left to apprehend Miu -- it might of even been more powerful than the one Akatsuki had shown on the battlefield.

"Kaidou Motoharu......"

While watching Akatsuki and Kaidou attack each other on numerous occasions Listy had come to a deeper understanding.

The Kaidou standing in Akatsuki and her own way right now was a formidable enemy, and equally matched with Akatsuki. Then,

"-- Listy!"

Soon after her name was call out, two girls had arrived to the scene. Across the back of the sprinting lion golem was Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage.

"Ho, you guys......!"

The arrival of two reliable friends seemed to have lift Listy's spirit, her face revealed an overjoyed look.

"Why are you just quietly watching? We need to hurry --"

Chikage's voice held some reproach as she jumped off the lion's back to look up to see Akatsuki and Kaidou. For Chikage it was a natural question to ask.

-- It was already decided that everyone will live with and walk down the same path together with Akatsuki.

Therefore even if she didn't know the reason why Akatsuki was fighting Kaidou, exactly what to do next was clear.

Kaidou had fought side by side with everyone, but if he intended to stand in their way while they're trying to save Miu -- Kaidou was an enemy to be taken down.

And so......

"I'm sorry, Akatsuki. I know you don't like others to infer with your fight, but --"

As soon as she say so, Chikage materialized a long bow from her AD.

She had completely drawn back the bowstring, and after had created a magic arrow.

However,

"-- Wait Chikage!"

Listy had called out to stop her.

"Did Ousawa-kun ask you not to infer?"

"No, it's not like that."

Faced with Kuzuha's question Listy shook her head. She felt the same way as Chikage and Kuzuha. She didn't care if Akatsuki would have been displeased if she intervened in his one on one fight, and in her heart she was anxious to lend a helping hand. And rescuing Miu as soon as possible was the top priority.

So, it was not a good idea to waste anymore time dealing with Kaidou here.

But......

"...... Watch carefully."

Listy stretched out her right hand, and at the same time unfolded a magic formation releasing a fireball. It flew towards Akatsuki and Kaidou -- but about 10 meters away it suddenly disappeared.

"How...... how is that possible?"

Chikage clearly saw the mass of fire seemly vanish before it crashed into anything.

"A protective wall -- No, a barrier......?"

Stunned she had spoke out, while she lowered her bow that had been poised. It seemed that the power of the fireball Listy released was equivalent the magic arrow Chikage was about to shoot. After what she witnessed, Kuzuha abruptly narrowed her eyes,

"More than that, the way the fireball was repelled...... was close to an absolute barriers of a higher life form."

"That was his doing."

Listy turned her eyes towards Kaidou.

"He and Akatsuki are fighting on the other side of this barrier. I tried to activate magic directly behind the barrier, also to no avail... ... Perhaps he set up that barrier to block any magic from the outside."

"Have you tried physical attacks?"

"Of course, but the result was still the same... ... This barrier is stronger than we can imagine."

Listy had reported with a bitter tone. She already tried to support him many times. But still, with all her efforts she was unable to get past the barrier that Kaidou created.

In addition,

"That's not all. That barrier besides being around those two stretches out ahead."

Listy looked in the direction of the tower of Babel.

Following her eyes Chikage sighed,

"In other words, we are completely stuck here."

"Yeah. Unless he is defeated, we simply can't advance......"

So, Listy turned her eyes straight ahead, and with confidence in her gaze she said,

"It is now up to Akatsuki...... and only he can do it."

Then the fight unfolding before Listy and the others eyes had suddenly changed.

"That......"

Chikage briefly leaked her surprise which was clearly heard by Listy.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's speed was elevated to another dimension.

### 042. Part 5

Tanaka fell with the piles of rubble into deep pit of darkness.

The area looked like it was untouched, and the height of the fall was probably around of two stories.

But Tanaka specializes in wind magic, and had immediately created a cushion of air to absorb the shock, successfully landing on the ground.

"............"

His eyes still hadn't become completely accustomed to the dark, so he was unable to visually inspect the surroundings. Naturally that also meant it was impossible to see if the girl fell with him. However, with the slight air flow Tanaka understood what kind of space was surrounding him now.

It was a good sized cavern, complete with the rock faces all over the wall.

And -- Tanaka knew where that girl currently was.

So......

"...... You made a mistake in your judgment."

Tanaka spoke towards the darkness in front of him.

"You probably wanted to separated me from Onizuka, but you left Phil Barnett up there. He is much stronger than me, Onizuka now is certainly going to end up -- dead."

Then,

"...... You don't have to worry. Ken-chan is much stronger than you think, or even Ken-chan himself thinks."

From the other end of the darkness came ringing laughter.

"If Ken-chan had to watch the spectacle of you being attack, he was highly likely to get distracted. So I had to purposely go out of the way to create this pocket of space. With this we can be undisturbed, and there won't be any sort hesitation to take you down."

"You really have a much exaggerated confidence......"

Tanaka then said with a very unfeeling tone,

"I was observing your fight with Phil, basically your method of attack is straight up direct attacks with your hands and feet. But unarmed attacks won't be enough to defeat me with the transplanted in my body. And besides your now in the dark it will take a considerable period of time before you can see whats before you."

However,

"In here, I completely understand where you are from the flow in the atmosphere. There are blind spots with my magic, even if you stop breathing you can't escape my detection."

Tanaka had spoke calmly as he was asserting facts, but in the darkness in exchange came laughter.

"Didn't I say something about not worrying? I was only fighting that way, because I didn't want to let others see my -- real ability."

"What......?"

When Tanaka knitted his eyebrows the girl happily laughed,

"That area was already opened up for developed. It wouldn't of been surprising if there were security cameras somewhere in that place. Even though the system update is underway, thanks to your guys using flashy and loud attacks all over the place, who's to say that some emergency line was activated. So of course I have to be extra careful. But, from the materials Mot-chan (もっちゃん) sent me this area was still untouched. Naturally, there won't be any power or fitted with cameras to watch us. Plus with the darkness, even if for some reason Ken-chan or Phil chased after you, there won't be a worry about being seen."

After a short pause,

"Especially -- the miserable state your body will be left in."

"-!"

Tanaka immediately released his wind magic.

Because on the other end of the darkness in front of him an eerie aura swelled up at once.

A strong breeze was sent to allow Tanaka to detected his target. And when he sensed that the wind was obstructed he sent multiple invisible shock waves at that location at the same time. With all that, it was impossible read his attack from the fluctuations in the atmosphere.

But......

"What the......?"

Tanaka was startled. Because of the deep darkness, it wasn't possible to see the girls every move. But he was quite sure that all his attacks had been avoided by the girl.

And,

"Okay then -- now its my move."

The girl's voice immediately reached Tanaka's ears.

### 043. Part 5

The world was steeped in a pure white along with an ear-splitting noise -- the surrounding area lost its voice. A complete silence. However, after some time the world gradually remembered the concept of sound.

-- And when the world returned to to its original state.

Ousawa Miu remained standing in her former place alone.

"............"

Looking around she suddenly found Chikage and Kuzuha's figures off in the distance, who were grabbing onto her just a little while ago.

The two had collapsed on the ground, but they weren't dead.

At that time the willpower in Miu's heart turned into a shock wave moving out in all directions.

Most likely Chikage and Kuzuba bared the brunt of it.

The physical damage was very limited, but their spiritual strength was seriously shaved.

Like that they shouldn't be able to cause anymore interference.

...... The other two......?

Miu looked up, searching for what happened to Akatsuki and Listy after the wave.

Then up ahead Listy stood maintaining her distance.

"----"

Miu was slightly surprised that Listy stayed inside the range of the wave and wasn't harmed.

...... That person probably protected her.

If that was the case, Miu turned to look for Akatsuki's figure.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Miu's right arm was forcibly pulled back from behind.

It was in an instant.

Before Miu could understand who was behind her, her body was spun around. When she recovered her thinking, she realized she was pressed up against a chest she knew all too well.

Inside the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki.

"......!"

Once Miu understood Akatsuki had embraced her,

"Let me go......!"

Miu cried out in fear, desperately trying to resist.

However, no matter how violently she struggled, Akatsuki didn't budge in the slightest.

"............"

Akatsuki didn't say anything. Just silence, as he held her.

A strong hug.

But along with the warmth, Akatsuki's thoughts were being communicated.

I'm never going to separate from you, because this is where you belong.

Through the tight silent embrace he was going tell her that.

No matter how much it hurt.

"Uuu...... uuu......"

Still Miu did not stop resisting.

Because she couldn't forgive him.

Akatsuki had deceived her all this time.

Because wasn't it?

...... Once you achieve your goal...... you planned on dieing......!

Even though from the start it was agreed to be together forever?

When you defeat the people who reign over this world you're prepared to die -- and to make matters worse it was intended to be by my hands in order to let me find a place in his world?

Miu couldn't allow such things to happen.

"UUuuu-!"

After screaming out Miu suddenly shut her eyes while in Akatsuki's embrace, and then firmly bit down on his arm.

"-!"

She felt Akatsuki's body faintly shutter.

And the taste of iron began to spread within Miu's mouth.

It was the taste of Akatsuki's blood.

A taste -- Ousawa Miu knew. Strictly speaking, it was something she could never forget.

Then,

"...... Do you remember?"

While Miu remained inside his arms, Akatsuki finally opened his mouth and,

"It was also at that time I was holding you like this......"

"......!"

Miu unintentionally loosened her bite.

She understood what he meant by that.

It was for Ousawa Miu a precious memory that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

-- It happened the night of the first day of the ranking tournament.

After being incited by Phil Miu began to think she didn't belong in this world, and there wasn't any place she could. As a result Miu had given up all hope.

Therefore, in order to not involve Akatsuki or anyone else in her own circumstances any more.

And to save the demon tribes left in Alayzard.

Miu had chosen to end her own life.

So in the presence of Akatsuki she decided to throw himself from the top of a huge waterfall.

She still thinks at that place, at that time she should have died there.

But -- that did not happen.

Miu survived. No, strictly speaking she was saved.

By the hand of Akatsuki.

"......!"

Ousawa Miu remembered.

That day, the words Akatsuki gave her.

Akatsuki told her that she was proof that Galious lived.

Only by her surviving can her father's existence proven.

And -- even if Akatsuki himself couldn't accept his own words, he didn't hesitate to speak them.

The place where Miu belongs will never disappear. It was because wherever he was, was where she belonged.

After saying so, Akatsuki printed his lips on her own.

That was Miu's first kiss.

-- At that time, while accepting his lips and tongue Ousawa Miu had decided her own future.

She -- from then on will be by Akatsuki's side.

So she looked up, and started glaring at Akatsuki.

"You know at that time when you gave me those words and -- kissed me...... how precious of a memory it was for me......!"

Miu's voice trembled as she spoke those words.

It was because she was crying.

"I've always believed in you...... I believed we would be together forever!"

With her hair down, Miu cried out hysterically.

"A place where I can belong *Poku* by killing you has no meaning at all for me!!!" (heart beat -- I normally take those out, but the sentence seemed so dull without it.)

Miu's emotions erupted from inside her as they turned into words.

She couldn't take it anymore.

"Wahhhhh......!"

Miu cried, as she beat Akatsuki's chest with her fists over and over.

I cannot forgive you.

It was too cruel.

If that is so, at the least I want you to say for us to die together.

Because Ousawa Akatsuki -- was for Ousawa Miu the last place she had to belong.

So......

"As you can see I'm alive and well, so...... don't willfully put a curse on me to die sometime in the future."

With a wry smile Akatsuki passed on those words onto Miu.

"I've said it very clearly. Even if you don't believe it -- I will realize the very best future for you."

Akatsuki questioned whether she had forgotten?

"I will threatened to destroy the entire world so that I can create a place for you -- I think that was the worst case, right?"

However, he continued speaking,

"-- Why do you think I would choose that as the worst way?"

Upon hearing Akatsuki's question Miu stopped crying and,

"...... Eh...... What......--?"

Until only then did Miu notice something was wrong.

### 044. Part 6

With a hand on the shoulder strap of the camisole, Listy couldn't help but gulp.

A feeling of shame and tension flooded her mind, but.

...... You can't hesitate.

After she pushed aside both shoulder supports, in the entrance changing room to the bathroom -- the camisole slid directly to the floor. And when she grabbed hold of her inner undergarment there was incidental eye contact with him.

...... Please let me do this...... I believe you understand my feelings.

Listy sent a glance begging for approval, conveying how she roughly understood the current situation.

-- That's right, Listy guessed to how things ended up.

Haruka's cries had echoed throughout the whole bathroom, and even reached the living room where Listy was. Therefore, Listy immediately rushed over.

But -- Haruka had gone with Miu only to return alone, and was hiding out crying inside the bathroom.

That was enough to figure out something must have went wrong.

So in the changing room, which was was separated by a door, she eavesdropped on much of the conversation between Akatsuki and Haruka.

Because she believed only Akatsuki could heal the sadness inside Haruka.

But ......

If Haruka were to hesitate to show her real self to Akatsuki, then the story was different.

In that case, only another woman like herself could help her.

So Listy firmly decided to open the door to the bathroom.

At that time -- Akatsuki asked if she wanted to bathe together.

Although it was said in a tongue-in-cheek tone his eyes were very serious.

-- That also wasn't that surprising.

Usually in that case, Listy would have made a fuss over "what are you doing?" indiscriminately blaming Akatsuki. However, if she did that Haruka would only blame herself more.

And, far more than anything else she was crying in front of Akatsuki.

He probably stopped her tears in his special way, but that wasn't going to settle her emotions. So Listy picked that seemingly coincidental time as the the best time to intrude. She saw through everything when Akatsuki said "enter together?"

And of course Akatsuki clearly understood what she intended her mind.

That -- her timing was to help Haruka accept Akatsuki.

Haruka, at this point, wouldn't have been able to permit herself to do so -- because an issue weighed heavily on her mind that only Listy, a woman like herself, could undo.

Now Listy was standing in the same situation as her, to prove to Haruka that she had not done anything wrong.

That was the only way to resolve her guilt, and have her frankly face Akatsuki.

And so......

The first step for Listy to put herself in the same situation was to take off all her clothes.

Last night -- even though Listy stirred up a lot of trouble, Miu still accepted her. And today Miu also went to JPN-Babel with Haruka in order to protect her. She herself was unable to do anything about it, and forced Haruka into the role of protecting Miu alone while she stayed home.

That's right......

Miu's abduction wasn't Haruka's fault.

Akatsuki may think he should be held responsible, but that too was incorrect.

Strictly speaking, it was because of Listy.

Whether it was Miu being taken, or Haruka's inner suffering over not protecting her, everything stemmed from Listy.

So......

It was her turn this time to lend a helping hand to Haruka, and then attempt to rescue Miu.

Starting with Haruka, Listy Sherfied knows how to do it.

The other day in the monorail she was personally taught by Miu on how to accept Akatsuki.

Now she only had to do the same thing this time herself.

"Listy...... Uh, I......"

To Haruka's bewildered expression, Listy silently returned a smile.

She crossed her hands as she grabbed the hem of the undergarment, and then --

"-!?"

In one breath -- she took it off.

Listy was trembling slightly, only because her skin was exposed to the cold outside air.

There was embarrassment being exposed to Akatsuki, however it wasn't the reason Listy couldn't help but shiver.

-- Now was not the time to hesitate.

The only thing remaining on Listy's upper body was a bra, and once that fastener was undone it would naturally fall to the floor.

It became so that she was almost completely naked in her underwear.

And finally she unhooked the bra clasp, and it was just a pair of panties.

"............"

She hid her exposed breasts with her left hand, as she slowly walked into the bathroom.

In preparation to personally show Haruka the best way to fully accept Akatsuki.

### 045. Part 6

Akatsuki kicked off the ground.

His Ki had been gathered into his legs using renkan keikikou, and instantaneously his initial velocity increased. The more he kept his feet moving the greater his speed raised.

He was able firmly plant his feet on the synthetic grounds of the number one athletic field.

The high-speed movement transformed himself into into a gust of wind headed to the enemy in front of his eyes.

As it was, the distance between each other shortened at once, followed by a left and right punch.

Aiming for face that would leave him completely thrashed.

However......

"-- Oh wow, very scary."

Along with the wind the voice -- had wrapped around from behind.

"Shit -!"

Akatsuki had sent a right backhand behind him, but his arm was stopped. Still Akatsuki had already predicted that would happen. As it was he twisted his body to the lower right to unleash a backwards left kick down. However, the kick only ended up hitting thin air.

When he looked Kaidou had already retreated several meters back. Although the attacks had been right after each other Kaidou was still able to step back in that gap.

"Stop running away!"

Akatsuki once again dashed forward chasing after his enemy -- Kaidou Motoharu.

There was another onrush of punches and kicks from Akatsuki that even his own eyes could hardly follow, but still Kaidou was able to cope with one after another. He fended them off with a mix of body, and hand movements to parry the attacks. Akatsuki couldn't even touch his clothes.

...... What's with this, how is he still keeping this up......?

Renkan keikikou that Akatsuki uses was a technique to manipulate Ki precisely as its name suggests.

It wasn't limited to using the Ki in his own body, but was possible to manipulate someone else's just by touch. As such, now that some time had elapsed in the fight Akatsuki had already made contact with Kaidou many times.

However, Kaidou's speed wasn't dropping. On the contrary, it had risen to match Akatsuki's movements.

...... He must be using some form of "Kuzushi."

In order to manipulate the Ki in someone else's body it becomes necessary to match that person's breathing, heart rate and as well as the flow of their Ki to find the appropriate places in their body to infuse Ki to alter the flow. However, Kaidou through changing his footwork and contorting his body size was altering his own body rhythms disrupting Akatsuki's ability to judge.

"No wonder you're so self-confident... ... As expected, you were concealing your power."

Akatsuki had never genuinely fought against Kaidou up to now. They met for the first time on the roof of a 3rd story building within JPN-Babel, and lightly exchanged punches without showing each other their real strength. Kaidou had used the word "handshake" to call it at that time. None the less, he was active behind the scenes in the ranking tournament, and from what he showed at the battle in Alayzard Akatsuki had highly evaluated Kaidou's strength.

Every time Akatsuki provoked him, Kaidou would perfunctory evade the question with "I don't like to take on challenges where I can predict the result." But make no mistake, Akatsuki broadly smiled while he exposed a mocking expression on his face,

"What the hell...... Kaidou, I never thought that you'd be this strong!"

As he spoke Akatsuki's right fist was easily blocked upward.

However, before he was able to gather his fist, Kaidou had grabbed his wrist and,

"Brace yourself Ackkee!"

Unable to quickly shake Kaidou off, Akatsuki was cast aside with a sudden force.

However -- Akatsuki wasn't slammed into the ground. His body was literally thrown high into the air with tremendous force. Without being able to grab a foothold in the sky he could only watch as he was awkwardly falling into the forest near the sports fields.

It was the same forest that had become the stage for ranking tournament.

"Ah, ahhhhhhhhhh!"

The force of the fall cause him to break through the heavy thicket, bending and breaking several branches along the way.

"Gah... ... Damn!"

He manged to somehow settle himself in the air. Taking hold of branch with his right hand Akatsuki, using it as a fulcrum to spin around in a half circle, counteracting the force he was thrown by Kaidou, and firmly landing on the branch.

"Pursuit? --...... No probably not."

Akatsuki muttered. Kaidou's goal was to buy some time. As such, he was trying to his best to detain Akatsuki as long as he could making a follow up attack unnecessary.

...... Well, at least it seems he isn't in league with Hikami Kyouya.

However, he couldn't afford to remain here forever.

He must rescue Miu as soon as possible.

...... But then again.

Akatsuki thought at least Miu's safety was guaranteed. According to Haruka, Kyouya had some sort of plan he needed her for.

At that time, Kyouya seemed to have mentioned something about making a "Utopia."

Although several possibilities were conceivable, the mental state of Miu evidently had become important.

So, he was unlikely to cause Miu any harm...... at most would be limiting her freedom.

-- That said however, it couldn't be taken lightly.

The longer this drags on the more time Kyouya will have to fully prepare.

And more importantly......

...... That guy needs to be rescued right now.

Ousawa Akatsuki had no other choice. He must get going, before Miu started to cry.

So Akatsuki tightly clenched right fist. Kaidou was indeed a powerful enemy, maybe even stronger than himself. And before he would of absolutely been no match for him.

However -- it was vastly different now.

...... Thank you old man Kubota.

After the baptism he went through during the training program earlier in the day, Akatsuki had learned how to fight an enemy stronger than himself. The key to victory lied in the means, rather than the superiority in strength one side had.

And if Kaidou's aim was as he said to stall for time, there was a somewhat greater chance of success.

So......

"Bring it......!"

Ousawa Akatsuki fearlessly laughed as he began to run forward again.

Faster than the wind he had made it out of the forest.

"AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh!"

As he roared a torrent of Ki had been gathered in the palms of his hands.

Two massive balls of Ki were released from his left and right hand, curving respectively as they headed toward Kaidou.

"Hey Ackkee, you can't really think such an attack would hit me!"

Kaidou easily sidestepped the attacks which soared straight past him.

After missing the target the balls of Ki crashed into the ground, and with a loud bang billows of earth and sand had been kicked up. It brought forth enough dust to obscure Kaidou's vision.

"The goal was such a thing--"

"Yeah, such a thing."

With his view blocked, Kaidou had quietly leaked his assessment. Akatsuki had answered while he went around his back from the right hand side.

-- Attacks were sent in from all sides leaving only one way to escape, up or backwards.

But, once he takes to the air at that time he would temporarily be powerless. As Kaidou was just wanted to stall for time he was unlikely to go on the attack, and therefore his means of escape were narrowed down to one.

Faced with Akatsuki onrush however Kaidou was still able to turn and face all the attacks in time.

No matter, Ousawa Akatsuki wasn't going to let up at this point.

As it was now, he took a step forward towards Kaidou releasing a right fist. The punch maintained shoulder level as it went the fastest straight out. Seeing that Kaidou also responded with a fist of his own.

""--------!""

The two fists brushed past each other in the air, invariably making both Akatsuki and Kaidou dodged sideways.

However, Akatsuki took a step forward.

And,

"Oraaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

His right arm twisted, altering its path mid-air striking Kaidou on the back knocking him to the ground.

"Gaha-!"

The impact caused the air in Kaidou's lungs to be expelled. At that moment, Akatsuki further twisted his body to the left.

"-- Eat this!"

Without changing, he aimed his left elbow down at Kaidou's face.

"OOOOOHHHHHH?"

Kaidou quickly rolled to the side. Akatsuki's elbow had smashed into the ground.

Along with that loud boom that shook the earth a large crater was formed in the sports field.

### 046. Part 6

The destructive power of the ball of light that swallowed both Akatsuki and Kaidou was overwhelming.

The forest was shaken from the vibrations in the atmosphere, even caused tremors in the ground.

The mass of light mowed down everything in its path. The trees within JPN-Babel's forest were blown off by their roots, the mountain that was there was subsequently gouged deeply into the earth. After the shock dissipated the scene was one of desolation, with nothing remaining in which it rushed through.

But......

"...... Ku......!"

On that ground where that destruction was carved there still remained a slow moving presence.

It was a student who was wearing combat attire of a Demon King from another world -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

Even though he was thrown far from the place he was fighting, Akatsuki was somehow safe and sound.

"What the hell was that just now......"

Mumbling to himself at the same time he looked back in the direction which the ball of light appeared -- and saw.

The forest and the top of the mountain over there had vanished, and there was a huge semicircular path gouge out of the ground leading to it. Akatsuki knew it was caused by the light that devoured him, and anything and everything in the vicinity.

...... That must be what happened.

Then Akatsuki suddenly remembered he was in the middle of dueling someone.

"-- Kaidou!"

He called out in a hurry, while looking around for any signs of him.

"...... Here, Ackkee."

He got a response right away. It came from a place not too far from himself, where resting against an uprooted tree on the ground was Kaidou.

"You okay?"

"Uh...... somehow."

Akatsuki asked after he walked over half way, Kaidou returned a nod,

"But, do you know what that light was?...... Not even my barrier could stop it."

"The barrier was the same as your chain, right? A product of your conceptual magic."

"Ah, yeah. And it was fairly high-level at that. It wasn't something any normal element or physical-based magic could break. Actually, wasn't even the absolute barrier you activated broken, Ackkee?"

Akatsuki was able to use an absolute barrier after he defeated Phil -- that is, when he received Zahhak's power.

"So your saying, that light ranks even higher than Zahhak's barrier......"

An attack so high it was possible to shred Zahhak, and a member of Crimson Twilight's barrier couldn't had come from that many people.

...... It can't be.

The figure of one person appeared in Akatsuki's mind, who he decided knock down himself.

It was COCOON's Hikami Kyouya.

But, immediately after -- Ousawa Akatsuki witness a different reality from his expectations.

Not far from Akatsuki and Kaidou a presence swooped down from the sky landing softly.

"............"

Looking closely, it turned out to be a teenage girl that Akatsuki knew very well.

She was wearing the same battle attire which was only seen on one occasion at the ranking tournament.

In her hand was the embodiment of her AD, a magic wand with an inlaid red jewel with gold decoration -- Holy Tin (聖錫).

However, no expression could be seen, because her head was down.

As if she was afraid to look at Akatsuki.

"You ......"

Akatsuki muttered, as he involuntarily stared at the girl.

Her knee-length twin tail was gently flowing under the night breeze.

-- Silently, Ousawa Miu stood there facing Akatsuki.

### 047. Part 6

"......?"

After Akatsuki brought it to her attention, Miu realized one thing.

It was a question she never asked herself.

-- Why would I distrust Akatsuki so much now?

The man who I had feelings for and believed in.

And despite being the partner I swore in my heart to share the same fate with.

No, this wasn't considered to be the main focus -- Miu thought.

I've always been by Akatsuki's side, and always placed myself within reach of Akatsuki's arms. Ousawa Akatsuki -- was supposed to be the only place for Ousawa Miu.

Miu couldn't think of a conceivable reason to part from there.

Why in the world then was I separating myself from Akatsuki since a while ago?

Furthermore attacked Akatsuki and Kaidou, fought against Listy and the others, and hurt everyone.

"Why...... I'm I doing all this......?"

Miu muttered to herself. Whether it was her own thoughts or actions, everything seemed wrong.

In an effort to remember the cause,

...... Strange...... I cannot remember...... Why...... Is that?"

Thereupon, Miu realized her memory was in disorder.

Even now she couldn't remember why she was here now.

She came together with Haruka to JPN-Babel, and remembered entering the student council room.

However, the next memory was completely blank.

...... But.

Miu vaguely remembered being attacked by a maddening sense of anxiety over Akatsuki.

Gradually that unease turned into anger. As soon as Miu thought she might of been deceived -- it had already turned into I could no longer forgive Akatsuki.

And simply because she believed in him more than anyone else she thought she had been betrayed.

"B,but how can you blame me? Because after you stop your older brother and father, you will pose a threat to the world. Isn't it your plan to die......?"

And Miu continued,

"Your older brother is a "COCOON" and your father is part if "Crimson Twilight" so...... just like when you defeated my father in Alayzard you won't let yourself become the spark for a new conflict --"

After she said that much,

"Where did you hear that?"

Akatsuki suddenly asked.

"Eh......?"

"I've never said once my brother was a "COCOON" or my father was part of "Crimson Twilight" in front of you...... No, I never mentioned any of this in front of anyone."

One breath.

"Such talk -- when on earth and where did someone tell you this?"

"When and where...... who told me......"

Miu subconsciously repeated what Akatsuki asked of her. Thinking carefully, he had really good point.

Although I thought I heard it from him, Akatsuki still hadn't told me about his family.

At most, when he was half asleep that one time he let slip that his little sister was dead.

Of course -- that there was some sort of discord between him and his family was clear from their absence.

His excessive reaction to COCOON, or from the conversation the other day at the shopping mall some kind of causal association could be inferred.

But......

As for the details other than that, I wasn't aware of anything

And yet then how on earth did I know that Akatsuki's brother was serving as administrator of the world in "COCOON", and his father was the founder of "Crimson Twilight" of the world's strongest terrorist group?

Moreover, after learning of these secrets the typical reaction would be astonishment.

So why would I accept these this as a matter of course?

...... Why is that?

I have seen much standing beside him so far, and understand what kind of character Akatsuki has very well. That's why, the idea that Akatsuki would want to kill himself was absolutely impossible.

In that case -- why did I come to think in such a way?

However as Ousawa Miu thought about it she could not come up with a reasonable answer.

"Well...... probably only the person that instilled this strange notion would understand, howver......"

Akatsuki continued,

"Right now whats important is to deal with your tears."

"What......?"

When Miu blankly asked back, Akatsuki only reached out with his hand and lifted up her chin.

And stared straight at her.

"Whatever the reason, it cannot change the fact you were crying over me. Also....... well, you -- need something to believe no matter what."

And the next moment, it was just the same way as that day.

Akatsuki lips overlapped on Miu's own.

"Ah!?...... AH...... Nnn!"

Faced with an unexpected kiss Miu frantically struggled inside Akatsuki's arm.

She closed her fists to beat on his chest, and also tried pushing herself away with both hands to separate herself by any means. However, it was useless. Akatsuki had strongly wrapped his hand around her waist.

It was not possible to escape.

Akatsuki's lips stripped Miu of freedom.

However, when he brazenly pushed his tongue in deeper.

"!"

Akatsuki wasn't allowed to get away with it, every time Miu would close her teeth to stop him.

"-- Give up."

And the next moment -- from a small gap in the side of her combat attire Akatsuki slid his hand under. Then he gently caressesed Miu's chest.

"Fuaa!? Ah, mhm --"

She reflexivity released a sweet voice. Akatsuki seized the moment to slip his tongue in.

...... It's a lie. It can't be that simple......!

Miu couldn't help but close her eyes.

For being honest to her body she felt a little ashamed of herself. Once again she realized.

Ousawa Miu's body could no longer -- go against Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Fa...... Oh, Chu...... Ah, nn......!"

With her tongue entangled plus her chest being massaged Miu felt a burst of pleasure seemingly melted her body and mind.

When the tip of Akatsuki's tongue lightly licked the sensitive upper part of her mouth brought Miu close to the extent of going crazy making her limbs numb.

And when the tongue was sucked on the there was numbness from pleasure in her chest together with a lack of oxygen.

Even if it was just a short separation Miu's mind and body more than ever helplessly desired Akatsuki.

...... I,I will not let you have your way......

She didn't abandon the idea of resistance, but......

"Ah ah...... hum...... ah ...... chu, chu......"

The forceful manner made it impossible for Miu to go against, as an intense stirring welled up in Miu's mouth.

Akatsuki's tongue increasingly found its way in.

It was the exact opposite of the first gentle kiss they had during the ranking tournament.

An unending amount of Kei poured in, thoroughly making her body sensitive.

At that point -- even the slightest resistance wasn't permitted.

...... It this also a ...... Kiss?"

Miu's consciousness became hazy.

Also she noticed that -- while her lips were stolen, occasionally her body would tremble slightly.

...... It's a lie, it can't possibly mean......!

Even with her mind clouded she faintly understand.

Each one of those slight shivers were light climaxes, and that the pleasure was piling on top of each other.

But, even though it was strange to say, Miu didn't feel any uneasiness.

Perhaps that one night she spent in the brothel of Alayzard's, Akatsuki had deeply carved that feeling into her body and mind.

And then, on the train together with Listy -- she was willing to accept the pleasant feeling, even though she felt very embarrassed.

But......

...... That's wrong......

Until now, Miu realized that she herself was mistaken of the root cause.

The warmth and pleasure that Akatsuki offered she had no right refuse herself.

"Chu...... Oh, chu......"

The sweet assault continued, and the pleasure tune never ceased.

It was assured that Ousawa Miu -- was thoroughly enlightened that she was a woman.

And the kiss by Akatsuki didn't end, mercilessly depriving Miu of her self(ego).

The lewd noises of their tongues twisting around each other was distinct in her mind.

The feel of a tongue and the mucous membrane different from her own. The tongue and a mucous membrane of Akatsuki.

Just the feeling of the heat through the tongue almost sent Miu's consciousness flying.

Her waist had given out a long time ago. Her legs also had no strength. It was only possible as of now for Miu to stand due to that Akatsuki grabbed hold of her butt without her being aware.

...... If that person hadn't touched my breasts and butt, then I might not of been able to stay upright......

As she thought so,

"Ah ...... chu, ha ...... oh...... er ah!"

She was even surprised by herself at how suddenly weak her body went.

Her breasts, butt, and every part of her body were gradually being dissolved by the heat.

All resistance had been abandoned to fall into an abyss of pleasure of the female body.

So,

...... Ah, this......

Unexpectedly, Miu felt some other element than pleasure from Akatsuki's kiss.

Flowing through the lips were the feelings Akatsuki held in his heart for her.

Although there weren't any words being passed on, the thoughts were certainly conveyed.

Even if it was until then a very forcible kiss she immediately understood.

People can lie, however the lips can't.

Akatsuki -- had been more than anyone looking out for me.

At one time Miu thought she had been betrayed by Akatsuki, and now she did not know what to believe.

However, his words had caused Miu remember something from a little while ago.

...... Something to believe no matter what......

Akatsuki further continued to kiss without saying anything.

But yet, the sense of the kiss now, and the warmth of Akatsuki was definitely the truth.

"Nn, Chu...... Aa, Fua --"

Unconsciously, Miu had stretched out both of her arms around Akatsuki's neck.

She had become absorbed, only seeking Akatsuki.

Inside of the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki was the place Ousawa Miu belonged.

So......

"Oh...... oh, uwannnn......"

Akatsuki's saliva had been flowing into her.

The thick liquid was about to fill Miu's mouth

And -- after perceiving that Miu's reaction completely changed.

Akatsuki slowly separated his lip from Miu. Then,

...... Ah.......

He raised up Miu's jaw -- to tell her something.

She almost inhaled being stared at by Akatsuki with such a firm look in his eyes. Then she heard a resolute voice that could not be refused.

"-- Swallow it all."

Responding to those words,

"Nn...... --!"

Miu did what she was told without the slightest hesitation.

She swallowed the accumulated saliva with a 'kokun' sound in her throat.

She felt the liquid as it passed through to the back of the throat, and a gentle tickle in her esophagus as it made its way down. Her whole body trembled from a sweet sensation.

In addition, two, and three gulping sounds were heard. Miu had completely drank Akatsuki's saliva.

"Haa, fu...... Haaa...... ah."

A hot, sweet sigh was leaked from the remnants of a peak from inside her body

And when she looked up at Akatsuki with misty eyes,

"...... Do you understand?"

While embracing her waist here, the usual bold smile emerged on Akatsuki's face as he spoke.

So,

"............"

Miu quietly nestled her check to Akatsuki's chest.

Lightly holding on to make certain of his existence

...... It's okay to believe in you, right?

Miu tightly closed her eyes, willing to accept Akatsuki completely.

-- At that time.

A whispered echoed in her mind. In the voice that was cold enough to freeze.

Listening carefully it seemed to be laughter,

"-- I was waiting for this moment."

### 048. Part 7

In the bathtub Haruka looked up at the nearly nude Listy wearing only a pair of underwear.

...... How beautiful......

Seeing her newly, Haruka couldn't help but think so.

In the world of Alayzard Listy was called "The greatest treasure of the Sherfied," yet Listy's beauty at present exceeded even that title.

Listy then dropped to the waist to draw in some hot water in the washbowl, and over the period of time it was flowing from her shoulders,

"...... Stop looking so much."

Then with her checks were bright red -- she entered the bathtub in front of Haruka.

Looking at her very much sandwiched in the middle, Haruka couldn't help say,

"Listy...... Why would you ......?"

Her red face said it all, Listy was definitely feeling very embarrassment.

It was understandable. After all, she was in front of the person she liked -- Akatsuki, and was exposing her skin to him.

But......

"-- It's alright."

Listy's tone was exceptionally calm. And while dyed red,

"We had already vowed from now on to live with Akatsuki...... so, its better to accept him like me, and not overly blame yourself."

"That is......"

When Haruka tried to defend herself Listy gently held her.

Listy's hands were around her waist, when she undid the the button to Haruka's skirt immersed in the hot water.

Then with surprising swiftness pulled down the zipper.

"L-listy...... wait......!"

Instinctively, Haruka spoke out panicky.

"It's okay...... its the same with me. Come one, stick out your feet."

"......!"

Haruka sent a fleeting glance back, and saw Akatsuki quietly staring at the two.

She felt the look in his jet-black eyes were motioning -- for them to continue without any scruples.

And so......

"--------"

If that's the case, it might not be regarded as betraying Miu.

After all, she had received consent from Akatsuki and Listy.

"...... The same as with Listy......"

After Haruka persuaded herself that, she lightly raised her legs in the bath.

Thereupon the buoyancy of her body suddenly shifted causing her half rotate around,

"Ah......"

Seeing Haruka was going to lose her balance Listy quickly embraced her from behind.

"...... It's alright, take it easy."

Feeling Listy's softness and warmth on her back Haruka immediately felt very at ease. At that time Akatsuki was in the front of her again, and in his hands was her skirt which she was unaware had been taken off,

"Now then, the last remaining one......"

The soaked skirt was gently placed outside of the bathtub.

"But......"

"What are you talking about. You can't bathe with your clothes on, right?"

Haruka let go of her indecision when she heard Akatsuki's matter of course tone.

Then from behind her Listy reassured her with a hug, and also whispered in her ear,

"Haruka...... are you that scared to have yourself be seen by Akatsuki?"

"I ......"

Though Haruka was embarrassed about being naked in front of the Akatsuki, it wasn't the reason she couldn't dare face him. After all, her affection for Akatsuki was at a level where it was likely to overflow and spill.

However,

"But...... I couldn't protect Miu......"

Haruka thought her present self wasn't entitled to be comforted by Akatsuki.

So ......

"I'm also very worried about Miu-chan...... but right now I'm much more worried about you."

And Listy softy said,

"I believe you know Akatsuki's aesthetic? If you continue to cry Akatsuki won't be able to leave here, and go to JPN-Babel to rescue Miu-chan."

"-!?"

Haruka had a sudden rude awakening, as she stared at Akatsuki.

...... I once again became a burden......

Her face turned pale.

"Don't make such a face...... as for not being able leave a crying woman alone is simply my own selfishness."

"But......!"

He quickly attempted to stop Haruka from crying, however it was not possible.

The overwhelming fear of almost being killed by Kyouya -- was deeply carved into Haruka's mind.

-- At that moment, Nanase Haruka understood that now she was completely unable to stop her tears.

Then......

"I'm not going to ask you to force yourself to stop crying, doing such a thing would be too lonely. Since you did cry in front of me, then how to stop your tears, and eliminate your fear and sorrow...... naturally is my responsibility to bear."

And Akatsuki laughed gently,

"So long as you now only think of yourself -- no, thinking only about me would be better."

"Thinking of you ...... would be better?"

Haruka subconsciously repeated Akatsuki's words.

"However...... how to comfort a woman who is crying in the bath, I only know of one way."

As soon as he said so, Akatsuki's right hand reached out to Haruka.

"Ah......!"

Ignoring Haruka's cry of surprise, he forcibly pulled her over with Listy. In the bathtub, Haruka was sitting on top of his right thigh, and Listy on top of the left,

"-- So, I'm going to handle this my way."

At the same time as saying so -- Akatsuki started to caress both of their breasts.

As he rubbed them he ruthless poured Ki into their bodies.

“!? -- fua~ a a an!"

Nanase Haruka had let out a lovely voice and Listy,

"Ohhh...... Oh...... Fu......"

After the intense pleasure came the ensuing collapse.

...... I just...... lightly reached the peak......

The thought of how shameless she was caused Haruka to involuntarily quiver slightly.

-- However, Akatsuki wasn't going to give her too much time to reflect.

Even after the light peak he continued to caress their breasts.

Haruka's breast within Akatsuki's hand was kneaded into a variety of lewd shapes that protruded through the gaps of his fingers.

And,

"Kyaa...... AAAhhhhhh!"

The light peaks were making Haruka's whole body sensitive, and made her able to fully recognize the pleasure that Akatsuki's palm was bringing about. However, the real pleasure was about to begin.

"Fua, kyaa~...... Ah, uhn...... Haaa."

Every time his hand on her chest moved without restraint the rest of Haruka's body involuntarily twisted in the water.

The messy waves on the surface of the bathtub said it all.

Her body had long ago accepted Akatsuki.

As clear images of THAT night in Alayzard revitalized in her mind.

...... Even though there is no aphrodisiac, how is it that I ......!

Nanase Haruka then had to admit that –- she was inevitably linked to Akatsuki, and with him in mind one hand alone could push herself to the pinnacle of pleasure.

The fact that she had been willfully blind in the past has now been clearly recognized.

"Ah......"

After the new realization Haruka's body felt numb, and her back faintly trembled involuntarily.

That's right -- How could I have forgotten?

That irresistible joy, and the happiness that was brought about.

...... Yes.

Haruka remembered only now.

How her own body and mind -- desired to be dominated by Akatsuki.

-- Then someone gently clasped hold of Haruka's left hand inside hot bath water

Her slender fingers had been gently entwined with Listy's soft hand.

And then Haruka's line of sight could not help but move to the side,

"Fua...... an, aaa...... nnn!"

Almost like a reversed image in a mirror -- Listy and Haruka together sank into the abyss of extreme happiness.

Suddenly, Haruka and Listy's eyes met. They both similarly had accepted Ousawa Akatsuki as women.

"............"

Then while Haruka was facing Listy she saw her face light up like a peach flower.

It seemed similar to the joy she herself displayed.

And before Haruka's gaze,

"Fua -- fua, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah ~ ~ ~ !"

Listy's whole body trembled violently along with the lovely voice.

She had mounted the peak.

As Akatsuki massaged her breast Listy's body incessantly twitched. And before long she slumped down into the arms of Akatsuki.

"Fu, ah...... nn, Fuu...... Ha...... ha."

Sweet moans leaked out, as she wore a trance-like expression exuding sex appeal.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, Listy right now surely couldn't be able to think of anything. Her brain must be lingering over the intense pleasure that Akatsuki had caused.

After she witnessed that sort of appearance from Listy,

...... The next...... will be me......

The moment she thought so, a heat was born at once inside her.

The torrent of intense pleasure was enough to make anyone incapable of thought.

So,

"Oh...... OHH, ooooohhhhhhhhh!"

The last of Nanase Haruka's reason was blown away.

She completely lost herself, abandoning all reservation to revel in the pleasure of a woman. She placed her hand on top of Akatsuki's that was on caressing her chest thirsting for more, with greater force. But,

Haruka unconsciously had look back over her left shoulder.

...... Ah.

A pair of jet black eyes that seemed to have suck her breath away were staring at her.

She stared back for awhile thoroughly liberated. It was the moment Haruka accepted, and also the moment she fell into a delightful abyss.

He -- the man named Ousawa Akatsuki had completely conquered her.

So ......

"...... Stand up, put both hands on the wall in front."

Her tender conqueror's order was passed to Haruka's ears

Haruka fully understood the contents of the command, also knew what Akatsuki had requested.

"...... Nn, nn......"

Still Haruka nodded. The option to refuse was nonexistent -- such notions were gone. She had become thoroughly obedient to him, and felt extremely glad for that now.

She slowly pushed aside the hot water in the bathtub, the lingering effects had caused her to stagger when she rose up.

"...... Ah."

Her body was still trembling intoxicated with pleasure. There was almost no power to put in her legs and waist. However, she still managed to stand on her legs shoulder width apart, and lift both arms to put her hands on the wall.

And,

"......!"

When she stretched out to touch the wall her butt naturally pushed out in Akatsuki's direction. Then,

"...... That's a good girl."

As he said so, Akatsuki gently stroked her rear side.

"Oh ......"

Akatsuki gave me a compliment -- the moment she thought so a feeling beyond joy over came her.

Such that she shivered from the happiness.

Then Akatsuki's hands stroking her lower back gently slide to her firm butt.

He appeared to suddenly massage Haruka's butt really fast then slow seemingly to confirm its softness, however it was to cause the pleasure to permeate her body.

"Mrmm...... ah, fu...... nn...... uhn!"

Akatsuki's Ki flowed in endlessly. Haruka's body had been in a state of extreme sensitivity, now gained a stronger sense of pleasure from that in itself.

-- However, Nanase Haruka was very clear.

That was simply the beginning, definitely not the end.

And perhaps -- very soon she would reach a height she hadn't reached so far. As long as its Akatsuki, Haruka would gladly accept.

But, there was something that had to be said before that. So she looked back behind her,

"Ah... ... W-wait a minute... ... Listen to me first."

The pleasure involuntarily caused Haruka to move her hips back and forth as she spoke. However, she still faithfully passed on what she knew of JPN-Babel's current situation.

Including how Kyouya kidnapped Miu, and information regarding the "guardian beast system." She passed along any information that might become of some help to Akatsuki. Like that, Haruka conveyed everything without the slightest hesitation.

"...... Is that so, I understand."

Akatsuki's tone was calm, he understood how hard it was for Haruka,

"Now, entrust it to me."

At the same time his soothing words reach her ear, Haruka suddenly felt Akatsuki's hands on her wet panties.

"Oh, Ohhh......"

Haruka let slip a shameful voice, but she still didn't resist.

She didn't mind as long as it was something Akatsuki desired.

So, her last piece of clothing taken off, and everything of herself was exposed.

"......!"

In the excitement thick saliva had accumulated in her mouth Haruka couldn't help but swallow. From the kiss a little while ago Akatsuki's saliva had already fused together with her own. The taste of it gave birth to such extreme pleasure it was scary.

And Nanase Haruka's body suddenly shook as she reached a little peak from the saliva.

She could no longer restrain herself.

"...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki!!"

Haruka closed her eyes, and kept calling out his name.

She abandoned all her shame and modesty to seek pleasure one step further.

Then she suddenly felt as though Akatsuki faintly smiled from behind her.

At that time -- her visibility and thoughts went blank.

...... Ah......

Haruka knew what that phenomenon was, because she had already experienced it in Alayzard.

The moments before when the pleasure surpassed what she could perceive everything becomes pure white.

She didn't know where Akatsuki had touched, only knew that this was the climax.

However, it was a moment where a person body memorizes the feeling such pleasure, engraved into the mind and body was that sweet joy it received. And now pushed beyond the limit she was overtaken by a bottomless abyss of pleasure.

The next moment,

"--------"

The degree of pleasure was enough for Nanase Haruka to be born again, her whole body twitched violently and involuntarily trembled.

Akatsuki brought an absolute pleasure that turned her consciousness into a white world.

### 049. Part 7

"Tch... ...Missed."

Even while rolling on the ground several times Kaidou could hear Akatsuki grumble.

And using the force he rolled to the side he got back up and,

"That was a little too much Ackkee, right? If I really 'ate that' my precious face would of been completely blown off!"

Akatsuki just shrugged nonchalantly to that and,

"Relax ~, it wouldn't have been so bad. Come on -- at most, your face would of just been in pieces."

"Whoa, that's very cruel! Isn't there at least a bit of love for a fellow student!?"

"You're too loud --"

As Kaidou protested in full force Akatsuki suddenly disappeared.

"Uh-oh!"

Kaidou quickly struck with nukite (spear hand) to his right side.

Under the Moonlight he could clearly see a shadow moving towards himself.

However, Akatsuki used his left hand to neutralize Kaidou's technique, throwing his own right fist diagonally instead.

"Ne, dangerous!"

Alarmed, Kaidou jump back in a hurry -- however, he still received a blow to his body.

"Gahh -- Ah!"

While flying backwards Kaidou could hardly believe what he seen his own eyes.

Akatsuki's fist was definitely too far to make contact with him.

However, the fact was he was knocked back after suffering a heavy shock.

...... Was that toate? (striking at a distance)

To strike by ramming your fist through the air was a supreme feat. And apart from the attack itself, it also expanded the range Akatsuki could threaten him.

"Damn......!"

And after regaining his posture in the air Kaidou landed on his feet,

"Sorry -- That was only a one time gimme. I'm not that easy-going."

After closing the distance Akatsuki freely launched a stream of punches and kicks. As Kaidou defended himself,

"Gua......--!?"

He avoided the first wave of attacks, nevertheless Kaidou was still struck.

The reason was simple -- Akatsuki's attacks had become incomparably faster than they were a little while ago.

...... This......!

Kaidou couldn't hide his surprise. Akatsuki current attacks were entirely on a different level then from the beginning. All the pointless power, unnecessary movements, and useless thoughts from Akatsuki had vanished. His attacks now followed the shortest distance with maximum speed, eliminating all the waste. Every motion had been sharpened to the utmost limit leaving Kaidou struggling to cope with the barrage of blows.

"Tch......!"

When Kaidou found it unbearable he took a big leap backwards.

"-- I'm not letting you escape!"

At almost the same time Akatsuki kicked off the ground after him.

At once he caught up with Kaidou releasing a jump kick with his left foot.

Aimed at the side of his head, Kaidou reflexively raised his right arm,

"-!"

He just barely protected himself in time, however the strong force that was hammered down on him from the attack left his entire right arm numb. Still, Kaidou was able to grab Akatsuki's foot with the other hand in an attempt to slam him into the ground.

"-- Too slow."

Akatsuki had acted a beat faster, raising his right leg overhead, and come down with his heel. And with no more free hands, it was impossible for Kaidou to stop.

So he choose to dodge it.

He strongly pulled on Akatsuki's left foot, he still had a grip on, towards himself, while lowering his upper body forward.

Allowing him to dive towards the ground underneath Akatsuki.

Then there was a thunderous roar that came from the ground back behind him, caused by having evaded Akatsuki's axe kick.

...... Hey now.

Most likely he had made a new crater in the ground.

All of those attacks came at his face, so much that it seemed Akatsuki really wanted to crush his face.

That being the case, then it was his turn to start fighting back. So Kaidou rotated on the heel of his left foot, spinning in place in a 180 degrees, allowing him to drive an elbow at Akatsuki's face.

Gakyi!

Kaidou clearly felt an impact hitting through flesh to the bone.

But -- his elbow wasn't in Akatsuki's face.

Rather Akatsuki had countered it with his own elbow.

...... Seriously?

It had to have been sent at the same time his heel hit the ground.

"Since your fighting so passively to buy time, I can read your next two or three moves."

As Akatsuki boldly declared with a fearless smile, Kaidou could not help but think --

...... What am I do now?

Kaidou's task in obtaining the was to divert the enemy's attention from Tiana.

After getting a mail from Cecil earlier his workload had increased.

He was to delay Akatsuki as long as possible.

In order to prevent him from bumping heads with Tiana currently infiltrating the lowest levels of JPN-Babel. On the surface it probably was to rule out a potential barrier for Tiana, but --

...... Leader is pretty fiend-ish, and seems to quite admire Ackkee.

So, she might be taking advantage of this opportunity to test his strength.

However, it was already exhausting serving as diversion, and now I'm responsible for dealing with Akatsuki.

What a horrible bargain that was. I want to go home, this is too troublesome.

And as he thought of such, Kaidou was subtly beginning to lose motivation but still,

"...... Since it has come to this, I advise you to give up this meaningless perseverance."

There was a strained laugh contained in his voice as Kaidou's consciousness came back the real world.

"-? Me give up? What the hell."

Some unsuspecting words came out of Kaidous's mouth to which Akatsuki broadly smirked.

And -- which he was going to definitively make eat,

"It seems its decided? Of course it would be pointless to persevere against -- "Crimson Twilight."

### 050. Part 7

....... So that's how it is.

Only until now, did Ousawa Akatsuki understand what Hikami Kyouya's intentions were.

If the light a little while was Miu's doing, then all explanations were easily solved.

Even the reason why Kyouya abducted Miu, and the reason why he said that he was going to make an utopia using Miu.

All the answers were in front of his eyes.

...... Miu is higher life-form than Zahhak.

That happened because the alternate world of Alayzard she came from was of a higher dimension? It would far too simple for that to be the reason.

If that argument held water, the conditions for Listy were the same as Miu. However, putting aside the barrier currently binding her that Kaidou made, Listy couldn't break the absolute barrier Akatsuki had once subconsciously set up.

But that wasn't all that unusual. After all, Zahhak was a higher-order-life-form of Alayzard.

-- However Miu destroyed both quite easily.

The only possibility conceivable -- Miu was a special existence.

Kyouya probably took noticed of that at some point.

At the same time, the value of her existence was surely worth all the desperate means that Kyouya was undertaking.

And the results -- was the present situation.

"......"

Akatsuki's gaze stayed fixed on Miu.

With her bangs covering her eyes it made it hard to make out the expression on her face.

....... Now what should I do?

Akatsuki needed a moment to think of how to proceed next. Before this event, it was a no brainier what he had to do.

The whole reason Akatsuki was here was to save Miu. Taking down Hikami Kyouya was only a means to that end. Although he could never overlook what Kyouya did, but still it was only a secondary priority.

Miu was top priority. That much, would never waver -- So,

As it was, he should now immediately rush straight at her, and tightly hugged her in his arms, celebrating getting her back safe and sound. Then afterwards look for an opportunity to bring down Kyouya.

"...... Ackkee!"

"Ah, I know."

Kaidou called out as a reminder, and Akatsuki nodded with his back still turned to him,

"Things aren't that simple, after all......"

Miu had leveled a forest and a mountain top to unquestionably stop his own battle with Kaidou. At that Akatsuki could only wryly smile and sigh as he slowly walked towards her.

Moreover, this no longer had anything to do with Kaidou, who couldn't even drag himself downstream.

"Our reunion was very moving, but it was a little too showy for my tastes... ... What exactly was the meaning of all that?"

"......"

However, after Akatsuki asked there was no answer. Her reaction was more or less what he guessed it would be, confirming what he thought -- she was being manipulated.

But after he was about a dozen or so steps apart from her, Miu suddenly opened her mouth a little,

"...... My intentions?"

Having been answered with a question, Akatsuki immediately stopped his feet and,

"I only wanted to ask what your......"

He said that much, when Miu unexpectedly look up at him with a resolute and clear gaze -- which stopped Akatsuki from being able to say words stuck in his mouth.

"Once you take down your brother and father...... your intention is to die?"

"......!"

Miu's very unexpected question caused Ousawa Akatsuki to not know how to respond.

Most likely it was an notion that Kyouya instilled into her. So it was possible to deny it outright, as a complete lie.

But the Miu of now, was speaking in state of an ultra higher-life-form.

Then, it might be possible...... for her to read the deepest layer of his consciousness.

If Akatsuki where then to outright deny it, he would instantly lose Miu's trust.

...... What do I do now......

The hesitation in his heart brought about a temporary silence.

-- But it my be enough with this.

Whereas Miu -- and, also Hikami Kyouya were concerned.

### 051. Part 7

And -- the next instant, Miu's warmth had disappeared from Akatsuki's arms.

Akatsuki opened his eyes, however she couldn't be seen anywhere.

Almost as if everything was a dream, both of his arms were holding onto the thin air.

"!? -- Miu-chan?"

On the edge of his view, Listy raised a very anxious voice.

The suddenness made it hard for Listy to understand what had happened.

Kuzuha and Chikage were not much better,

"That....."

"...... What the hell happened?"

The pair forced their battered bodies up, staring blankly at Akatsuki.

It was understandable, considering that everyone present thought Akatsuki finally was able to save Miu.

However -- it was all except one. Only that one person seemed to have an idea as to what was going on.

That was Akatsuki.

He looked down at his empty hands,

"You did......"

Akatsuki said with contempt in a low voice.

Kyouya had abducted Miu most likely to exploit the power of a higher life form sleeping inside of Miu.

After taking all that effort to obtain Miu would he obediently hand her over?

This means that.....

"...... Such a thing."

Akatsuki was finally aware of Kyouya's plan, and couldn't hide his inner anger.

And then his gaze rested off into the distance at tower of Babel,

"This was your objective? Hikami Kyouya ......!"

### 052. Part 8

Even across the barrier Akatsuki's words were clearly heard by Izumi Chikage's ears.

"Is that so... ... It was like that."

Chikage's expression had turned very serious.

...... No wonder.

She understood with that why Kaidou's ability to fight was so high.

"Crimson Twilight is not......"

Listy had just come to this world, and only roughly knew about its circumstances. While Kuzuha next to her nodded,

"Nn... ... They are the world's strongest terrorist group that is said to have equal fighting strength with the administrators of the world COCOON."

With Crimson Twilight openly opposing COCOON it went without saying what his motivation and intention was in attending JPN-Babel.

If what Akatsuki spoke of was true, the thing that should be paid attention to wasn't the past, but the present.

And that was the current situation with Kaidou blocking their way.

So......

"-- If Kaidou is a member of 'Crimson Twilight.'"

The tone in Izumi Chikage's voice was a little rigid. And as she stared ahead,

"Then Perhaps -- the real battle is yet to begin."

### 053. Part 8

Kyouya was observing the exchanges between Akatsuki and Miu from a remote location,

"-- Not good Ousawa-kun, how can you fall silent at this critical juncture?"

He said so with a profound sneer on his face.

Kyouya knows full well about what Akatsuki accomplished in the alternate world Alayzard.

Also knows that Akatsuki returned to this world to stop his own father and older brother.

But on the other hand, after defeating the Demon King Galious, it could be interpreted as Akatsuki was reluctant to become the next flashpoint for a new conflict in Alayzard. Thus abandoned any title or hero's honor, and quietly went back to his original world.

In that case, when Akatsuki accomplishes the same feat in this world -- then what is he going to do?

If Akatsuki after this, truly defeats the people standing on top of this world his father and older brother.

-- At that moment, Akatsuki would be the one to reign at the top of this world.

But, he more than anyone was looking forward to freedom, and could never permit himself to be the one who dominates.

"So when the dying Demon King entrusted you with his daughter you came up with an idea -- In Alayzard she lost her place, and in this world she would be seen as a person from another world, forever living under the gaze of curiosity and avoided as taboo. So you thought to create a unique place where she could belong."

While laughing Kyouya finished his reasoning,

"That is defeat your father and older brother, and then have yourself killed to prevent becoming a threat to the new world -- Isn't that the reason you had her by your side? After she kills you, she gets a place to stay in this world as a hero. In addition to dispersing her honor and feats after becoming a hero, you arranged for her to make many close friends so in your death they would be sure to support each other... ... Isn't that right?"

Then Kyouya laughed very happy, staring at the place where Akatsuki was,

"Keeping her in the dark would of been very pitiful... ... So I helped convey your gentle cruel thoughtfulness to her."

### 054. Part 8

"You really are clever Ousawa-kun. It's a pity -- but, you found out just a little too late."

Inside the shrine within JPN-Babel.

Hikami Kyouya watched everything through the fast asleep Miu on top of the altar. Perfectly content he deepened the cold smile on his face.

"Incidentally -- That youthful girl you guys were praising so highly was in actually merely her thoughts given form."

Kyouya look back behind at Miu still lying there on the altar.

It was as Akatsuki imagined.

After taking all that effort to get his hands on Miu it was only natural that it was impossible for Kyouya obediently give her back.

"Such an important thing, of course I couldn't let it out until the bitter end."

And then -- the altar with Miu on it suddenly changed.

The light that had been emitting from Miu changed from white to gold.

After perceiving the change,

"Apparently, it appears that I'm finally able to fully dominate her spirit."

Kyouya said with profound emotion.

Having sealed the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform by placing a seal on Miu's ego.

The offspring between a half dark elf and human had an appearance was approximately the same as a human being's. However, in a situation where an ego was occupying such a "vessel", it was impossible to exert the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform.

Phil Barnett before couldn't demonstrated even half the power the that was Zahhak along the same lines.

Miu, above all, was not conscious of the fact she was a ultra-high-order-lifeform. So similar to that, the magic she had manipulated in her thought form were wind spells that were her strong point all along. An absolute barrier of a higher life form was also never been unfolded as well, because she had not been aware of the existence of power in her.

In this case, the power as an ultra-high-order-lifeform was not stable.

However -- that said, forcibly controlling her ego could end in destroying it in the processes.

Left in a situation where her mind had fallen into disorder, it would become almost impossible to control to her.

So there would be no meaning to it. After all, manipulating that power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform was going to place Kyouya at the apex of the world. Therefore, it was necessary to completely dominate Miu's spirit.

But -- in what way could the human mind be dominated?

...... The approach was very simple.

The first step was to push the person's mind to the brink of despair.

After weakening their willpower to the limit -- the next part was to offer a glimmer of hope.

The mind that was on the edge was like a person that was drowning. They would tightly clutch onto that last straw.

As a result, a great gap will to produced in their mind. Allowing for a chance to get deep down in the depths of their psychology. For that reason Kyouya enlightened Miu as to the ideas and background information on Akatsuki.

In an unconscious state, implanting memories wasn't any trouble.

And,

"When interacting with the other girls, she was constantly repeating "Everything will be okay." Believing that you Ousawa-kun would keep them safe... ... It was like a mantra."

Miu words were meant to reassure Listy, Haruka, Chikage, and Kuzuha, and it succeeded in deepening each other's bonds.

"-- However, those words weren't born out of an absolute trust and consideration. It was only that she herself wanted to believe it so."

In such a way, Miu was often anxious. After Kyouya spotted such, he took advantage of this gap to enter her mind.

And -- it succeeded in the worst way. He was able to create the illusion that her beloved Akatsuki had betrayed her. After losing consciousness gradually the seal on the ultra-high-order-lifeform power inside her began to unfasten. And as he anticipated, Miu gave her thoughts a body to condemn what Akatsuki had done.

The deeper the affection the greater the shock of betrayal would be, and also the hate.

The love she had for Akatsuki, and belief in him the word "lair" had a very severe meaning behind it. It was undoubtedly the wailing of Ousawa Miu's very soul.

It went accordingly to Kyouya's meticulous plan to push Miu to the depths of despair.

But......

"...... You really did save her when her mind was under such turmoil."

Hikami Kyouya had always highly evaluated Ousawa Akatsuki influence.

His father was the founder of Crimson Twilight, and older brother was the implementation leader for COCOON.

And the same blood as those two people was inherit in Akatsuki.

Also there was no doubt there was considerable charisma within Akatsuki himself.

-- In fact, he has attracted a lot of people around him.

And many among them were even willing make enemies out of the world, and also share the same fate as him.

Maybe it was precisely because of that Akatsuki was able to win the reputation of a hero in the alternate world of Alayzard.

Furthermore, even the demon king entrusted his daughter to the human who defeated him Now, Miu even though her father died at his hands sincerely trusts him.

Also according to Kyouya's expectation, Akatsuki tried to save Miu's mind that gave into despair.

Thus, Miu once again open her mind to Akatsuki.

Completely unaware -- it would become the gap to which allowed himself(Kyouya) to completely control her mind.

"Thank you Ousawa-kun...... for moving according to my plan."

It was so. Everything went as Kyouya calculated.

Both making Miu fall into despair, and arranging for Akatsuki help her.

This was all measures of Kyouya's careful planning.

In an effort to completely control Miu's mind.

So as to fully release the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform, and bring it under his control.

"Well then...... it's time to proceed to the final stage."

As he muttered so, Kyouya spun around.

Several red ropes arose from the walls and ceiling stretched out towards the altar in the center of the room Miu was sleeping on.

The ropes coiled around her arms and body, while slowly lifting her up into air.

Then through the ropes the golden glow that was emitting from Miu's body spread out to the whole room,

Vu~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ un

Together with low mechanical sound, a three-dimensional geometric magic patterns began unfolding over and over again.

The link to the ultra-high-order-lifeform had started to be established.

As he looked on,

"...... Well, until the link is set up, I still have a little time on my hand. Then, how should I dispose of those nuisances from earlier?"

Hikami Kyouya began to slowly walk out of the room.

While floating a sneer of absolute zero on his face.

"Before becoming God of this world -- I can't let a single one remain."

### 055. Part 9

There was a place that supported the tower of Babel that extended into the sky.

It was deep underground, precisely the lowest level of JPN-Babel.

In there was always a low mechanical hum, but now there was other sounds mixed in with the usual. It was the sound of two people kicking off the ground in a sprint as hard as they could.

"Stop joking around, damn......!"

While running in the dark passage dimly lit by a red light Onizuka Kenya couldn't help but complain.

The girl who Onizuka infiltrated the underground area with was also currently freeloading at his home, Tiana Randohauze. They had encountered an enemy attack that had been lying in wait.

The other party were terrorists who previously caused damage to JPN-Babel.

Phil Barnett -- and Onizuka's former classmate Tanaka.

-- And now, after Onizuka and Tiana encountered them they immediately retreated back the way they came.

They were currently already many floors above were they met Phil and Tanaka.

However, Onizuka hadn't stopped his feet.

And several steps in front of him -- was the small back of Tiana running,

"Ken-chan can you run a little faster? I might have to leave you behind."

"Urhhh, I'm going as fast as I can!"

Tiana looked back urging Onizuka on, however he yelled back in return.

At that moment......

"-- Did you think you could escape?"

A voice came from behind him, at the same time Onizuka's body was blown away from the side.

The attack from Tanaka, who was chasing after them, had caused him to slam into the passage's wall.

"Gahhh...... gah, damn......!"

None the less, Onizuka withstood the pain to get up and start running again.

...... Shit...... what was that attack from Tanaka......!

Even from earlier, Onizuka was unable to see what had struck him over and over again, and it even broke through the protective barrier he set up. However, the barriers still played a bit of a role. Tanaka's shock waves at most were only able to slam him into the wall, and not fatally injury him.

If Onizuka was hit directly by the wave he would of lost consciousness immediately, the first time around.

Then Tiana suddenly spoke,

"That wave must be some sort of wind-based magic. On top of being invisible, he is deliberately canceling the magic formation making it even harder to avoid. It really is a bit tricky -- Amazing!"

In the middle of her analysis to herself Tiana took two quick steps sideways. Then the space where she was standing until then was gouged from a shock wave.

She dodge it perfectly.

"You've just been jumping around -- How are you able to avoid that guy's attacks!?"

"Since the surrounding atmosphere fluctuates right before he attacks you just have to feel it out. The direction as well as the timing can also be read from it."

Confronted with Onizuka's question containing his irritation, Tiana answered without hesitation and,

"...... But then again, why hasn't Ken-chan been doing so?"

"If I had such a skill I would have been doing it a long time ago."

Feel the fluctuations in the atmosphere? Stop messing around.

That's just as difficult as dodging an attack that couldn't be seen by the naked eye.

...... It was my foolish mistake for asking her for tips.

Onizuka clicked his tongue loudly. However, even if he couldn't imitate what she could do -- Onizuka still had his own way to respond.

So......

"Basically...... I just have to go all out!"

While shouting Onizuka ignited the area around him into flames.

That undoubtedly gave away their position.

...... But in any case, their location was already grasped by them. It was only that they didn't have a light to guide them.

Onizuka and Tiana were currently running trying to get away, and not hiding in some shadow to get past their enemy. So then, priority should be given to self defense rather than concealing their whereabouts.

And then,

"-!"

A soundless horizontal shock wave came towards Onizuka who somehow successfully avoided it by lowering his body. The fire around his whole body had fluttered which allowed him to detect Tanaka's oncoming attack.

"See, I knew Ken-chan could do if he tried."

Tiana turned back in admiration.

"Urhhh...... leaving that aside, what direction did that come from?"

Onizuka asked with a rude tone.

Even though Onizuka and Tiana were in a rush to escape it didn't mean they didn't need to put any thought into countermeasures.

"Let's see, he must be somewhere nearby -- Ah look, right ahead!"

Just as Tiana was searching a wide open space suddenly appeared at the end of the channel.

It was huge area that look to be still undergoing some sort of construction.

Compared to the floors of the tower of Babel above ground the underground areas seemed especially vast. Judging from the size of the large-scale machinery they appeared to be building a rather huge underground facility. As Onizuka looked around,

"Here will be good......!"

In addition to the area, there was also sufficient height.

The moment after he muttered, and was able to get a second to catch his breath,

"-- Oh, your not going to run away anymore?"

A familiar voice suddenly came from behind. Turning back, the two enemies from earlier stood in his line of sight.

Phil Barnett and Tanaka were their names.

"What is here? Have you found a good place to die?"

Phil Barnett asked while floating a thin sneer, he couldn't help but ridicule them. However, Onizuka and Tiana had no intentions of continuing to escape. Strictly speaking, it was no longer necessary to escape.

"Unpleasant... ... Well, the thought fighting of you in that narrow passage was out of the question ~. A little misstep and the ceiling would come crashing down burying everyone alive."

And "Ahaha" Tiana laughed as she revealed her plan,

"On that point...... if its here everything will be fine even if things get a little bit violent for a moment."

"...... So instead of trying to to escape you deliberately lured us here?"

With a rather bland tone Tanaka had asked, to which Tiana sincerely nodded her head.

"You might say it was something like that... ... You two have the , and even if you were buried under the rubble it might end up with just Ken-chan and myself suffocating to death."

After saying up to there,

(Ken-chan, please listen to me......)

Tiana suddenly started whispering to Onizuka and,

(They probably have already had the genes from a higher order life form implanted in their bodies called "Phoenix cells." It's because of them they can instantly restore themselves just like after he received my earlier attack. Speaking of which Ken-chan, you said that they were both terrorists caught by Babel...... most likely their bodies were more suited to have the cells transplanted into. To tell you the truth, the reason I snuck into Babel is to recover these cells......）

(Conveniently, the circumstances are good now. The you called them. Meaning their resilience is close to immortal. How the hell do you plan on defeating such guys?)

Onizuka asked keeping his voice low.

(Their tremendous recovery power is only coming the . And even if they were immortal there is still a way to win.-- But facing two enemies at the same time with such strong resilience myself alone might be......)

(What!... ... Even you couldn't beat them?）

(If I really want to act recklessly I could do it, but......)

And Tiana started to look around.

(...... I want to avoid it here as much as possible.)

Apparently, there seems to be some kind of reason why Tiana cannot fully use her power here. Therefore,

(Got it...... I will take one of them.)

Onizuka readily agreed and,

(Even if I can't beat one of them, at the very least I can temporarily stall until you defeat one. You should be able to manage that alone.)

Just as they reached an agreement on what to do -–

"-- Is your battle plan nailed down yet? Then, I would like to begin."

Phil had a thin sneer on his face as he lightly waved his right hand.

Then his AD reacted, a long sword took shape in his hand.

And......

"I'll hand him over to you...... from the earlier reaction it seems you two are acquainted."

After moving next to Tanaka he said that, and with a whiff of laugh,

"Strictly speaking, I also met him one time before... ... However, I still want to deal with her. I haven't been able to show my gratitude for cracking my ribs and rupturing my internal organs."

"...... I understand."

Responding to Phil, Tanaka nodded as he remained expressionless.

Then the two slowly stepped towards their opponent.

"Since we have already been nominated, it can't be helped ...... Well then Ken-chan, I'll deal with bright smile-san , and you'll have sourpuss-san as your opponent."

And like that Tiana stepped forward.

And the next moment......

Gakiiiitsu-!

Together with a loud crashing sound the battle of Tiana and Phil began.

While catching a glimpse of the fight out of the corner of his eye Onizuka Kenya slowly moved to stand opposite of Tanaka. It was something that Onizuka couldn't escape, confronting himself from his past.

"Tanaka ......"

Onizuka called his name with a bitter expression and,

"There's no need to make such a face...... you don't have to feel guilty or sorry."

Tanaka was both machine-like in voice and facial expression and,

"The past and now, you are not something I hold any emotions towards."

"...... But, I......!"

Onizuka's voice was strained. Even if Tanaka didn't give it a thought, he felt there was a deficit.

But,

"If you want to feel regretful then by all means, its fine to do as you like."

Tanaka talked quietly, without any emotion and,

"-- You'll die here soon anyway."

As he said so several magic formations expanded all at once.

"-!"

Even though Onizuka took a defensive stance in a instant he still faced countless shock waves coming at him at the same time.

### 056. Part 9

"Oh boy......"

After what Akatsuki said Kaido Motoharu couldn't help sighing.

At that time in Alayzard, Kaidou had a tongue in cheek manner evaded the that topic after being accused by Akatsuki.

Akatsuki however was clever, and to some extant should of already been aware of his true identity.

-- Still until now, the two had an unwritten understanding not to look under that card.

Kaidou didn't have a clue as to what Akatsuki was thinking, however at least by him doing so he was able to maintain his position as a friend. It was even so now. Despite being instructed to temporarily delay him by Cecil, Kaidou was not here as a member of "Crimson Twilight," but as his friend stopping him from entering into their domain.

However,

...... Good grief, it has come to this.

Kaidou slightly looked down, with a self mocking smile.

Admittedly there was a little bit of regret, but he also had no choice but to accept the fact.

"I only wanted to stall you little to complete my mission......"

Kaidou muttered, then soon after slowly raised his face.

A cruel smile was met there. Crimson Twilight's true nature was revealed.

Your the one who stepped into our territory -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

So, I won't be able to guarantee it any longer -- your safety, your life, or anything relating to you.

"...... This is what you asked for, Ackkee."

And Kaido Motoharu unleashed the power he was holding back.

### 057. Part 9

"...... Why aren't you answering?"

With Akatsuki keeping silent Miu asked once again,

"Is it because...... It was the truth, after all......?"

"............"

Akatsuki still only returned silence.

He thought that perhaps this meant Miu wasn't able to read his subconsciousness.

If she was really reading his mind, she would of first found how strongly he was concerned about her, rather than an answer to a possible choice in the future.

...... It seems she's been brainwashed.

And also instilled with extremely one-sided information to manipulate her mind to convenient for other party involved.

-- But even if Akatsuki pointed out the contractions in her thoughts, Miu probably would be deaf to it.

If that sort of persuasion were possible there wouldn't have been an attack from the outset.

So Akatsuki chose not to say anything.

No amount of words could change Miu's thinking -- so.

Ousawa Akatsuki dared to seal his own words precisely because of much he cherished Miu. However, Miu right now couldn't understand his feelings, only the harshness of it,

"Why......"

In a tone wrought with despair,

"'Your place is with me'... ... Didn't you tell me that?"

With a trembling voice,

"...... Was that all a lie?"

"--------"

It would of been easy to deny her words.

But -- Akatsuki didn't do so, because he knew what Miu needed now was not words. Even if he said anything she wouldn't believe in his words. It would of only spurred on more suspicion.

However, the silence in the other person's eyes stood for an absolute affirmation.

Therefore Miu,

"...... All right."

After saying a short sentence, Miu looked down at her feet, her shoulders began to tremble slightly.

Akatsuki in response slowly tried to approached Miu,

"Liar... ... Your such a LIAAARRRRRRRRRRR!"

Miu's emotions exploded.

At the same time her AD reacted. Holy tin changed its shape into a sword.

"-!"

Miu began to run while turning the tip of the sword towards Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki reacted with,

"............"

Akatsuki stopped moving on the spot, standing there motionless.

And slowly closed his eyes. As if he intended to receive Miu's blade -- in atonement.

Miu however didn't stop as a result. The sword was the embodiment of her stirred up emotions that in a moment were going to run through Akatsuki's body,

"-- I won't let you put a hand on him."

Immediately after that voice containing strong feelings was a harsh metallic clash. Even without opening his eyes he knew who was the one who did that.

Because he could tell from the Ki's that had gathered around him, close enough to him that he could reach a hand out.

"--------"

Therefore -- Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes to see.

Listy Sherfied, Izumi Chikage, and Doumoto Kuzuha.

The backs of all three girls where in front of him as to protect him.

### 058. Part 9

In a wide space of one of the lowermost floors a single shadow was moving.

Surrounded by darkness a faint red light was being given off. It was from Onizuka after finishing his battle with Phil.

"This should be enough......"

Onizuka had dropped to the ground on his butt one step away from the unconscious Phil.

He had bound Phil, restraining him from moving.

Nearby steel wire had been used as roped to tie both of Phil's hands behind his back first. Then his ankles were tied, and finally his knees were bound together to completely stop Phil from moving.

And also to absolutely make sure he couldn't break free several layers of wire were wrapped around.

...... This was merely a fluke, next time I won't be able to win.

Onizuka Kenya understood very well that he only won because he caught his opponent off guard with his surprise tactic. However, the same trick won't work again.

If there was a second match, Phil would come at him at full force from the beginning. Coupled with his almost immortally, Onizuka had no more chances whatsoever at winning.

And more than anything,

"I never ever..... want to run across this crazy bastard again."

That was not a joke, Onizuka bitterly spit out. And when attempting to stand up,

"Gah......!"

A sharp pain hit ran through his body, involuntarily sending him to his knees.

Most likely it was the result of having finished restraining Phil, and relaxing his tension.

The pain in his body that had suppressed, had float up all at once.

"Goddammit...... I just finally got discharged from the hospital. And the same guy that sent me there to begin with did it again......"

Ignoring the pain that was screaming within his body, somehow Onizuka still stood up.

For Onizuka there was somewhere he must go to. It was the spot he got separated from Tiana during the fight.

...... That fool couldn't possibly be lossing, but......

If he had to say it, Tiana's ability to fight was even greater than Phil's. In theory there was no possibility of defeat.

-- However, the outcome of a battle was never an "absolute."

Actually, Onizuka beating Phil was a perfect example. Although he didn't want to think about it too much, but he couldn't ignore the possibility of Tiana fail miserably at a very easy task.

And Tiana and Tanaka -- neither of the pair, still hadn't shown up.

Over there the fight might still be going on.

Then it may be possible for Onizuka to do something if he went.

"...... Tsk, what the hell is wrong with me?"

Onizuka irritatingly clicked his tongue. It was unbelievable for his former self to think such a thing.

Worrying about another person, and actually willing to put his neck out for them.

His true self thought..... it was insane to do so.

And yet, Onizuka's mind couldn't stop his anxious.

Then, there might not be other way.

...... Well, now what to do?

Onizuka lowered his head in thought.

To tell the truth, he wanted to immediately rush over to Tiana's side.

However, it was still too dangerous to leave Phil alone even in that state.

Taking into consideration Onizuka had the physical strength to cause Phil to pass out, then there shouldn't be any problems with the security of the restraints. But, if by any chance he escapes when Onizuka's takes his eyes off him -- no, rather if he escapes and comes to attack again, what could there to be done?

At that time, the matter would certainly be troublesome.

Therefore, the safest thing to do,

"...... I'll have to carry him with him."

With some resignation in his voice Onizuka sighed.

He himself didn't know for far he could make it, but could only take it one step at time.

Unable to see the bottom of the hole that Tiana made, the risk was too high to jump.

However, the fact that they went down might make it possible to meet up on a lower floor.

"The problem is I don't know where they are, but......"

Ah well, never mind -- Onizuka thought. It was no use thinking that way here.

For the time being it was best to just move forward.

And then, Onizuka lifted Phil onto his shoulder ready to move, when......

"...... Eh, it's already over?"

From Onizuka's right side -- out of an entrance way, Tiana suddenly emerged.

It look like her hand was holding onto Tanaka's collar, that had been knocked unconscious. However, with no more than an light expression on Tiana's face, it seemed like dragging Tanaka's body the whole way was nothing to her. Of course, Onizuka was fully aware of the absurdity of it.

"To think I hurried over because I was worried, but...... you did quite splendid, Ken-chan."

Tiana laughed loudly with a "AHAHA." They had both had won a life and death battle, but compared to the bruises up and down Onizuka's body, Tiana looked utterly unscathed.

And that smiling face was too innocent.

"Well, of course this would be the case......"

The so-called case, was a million to one chance that wouldn't happen again. With a wry smile at the same time, Onizuka lowered Phil down and leaned him against a wall. Also it seemed that Tiana didn't need Onizuka assistance.

...... Yea, that is so.

A self-deprecating grin appeared on Onizuka's face.

After all, his level could nowhere compare to Tiana's.

"...... Eh? What happened, Ken-chan?"

After noticing a glance from Onizuka, Tiana had come over in front of his eyes, and looked up at him.

So,

"Err...... It's nothing."

And Onizuka shook his head,

"But -- unfortunately, that stuff you were after should be within their bodies, and probably out of reach."

Onizuka believed that most likely the had already assimilated with Phil and Tanaka's bodies.

And that it was impossible for Tiana to obtain.

However......

"Don't worry...... it's no problem at all~"

After hearing what Onizuka said, Tiana laughed. She steadily walked over to Phil's side, and bent over.

Then in front of Onizuka while he was watching......

Tiana's right hand -- soundlessly went through the left side of Phil's chest.

### 059. Part of the building wasn't drawn in any of the blueprints, and he was in that secret space.

Other than Kyouya himself there wasn't a second person in the world who knew of its existence.

The reason was very simple -- to reach the room it was necessary to pass through three concept barriers. An ordinary person wouldn't even be able to detect the entrance which was concealed under the influence of first concept barrier.

Even if the entrance was discovered, beyond the first barrier was nothing but an empty space. Of course, the empty room was a facade.

Whereupon most people would choose to turn back there.

However, someone of the level of Crimson Twilight or COCOON should detect a "strange feeling" lurking inside the empty space. After finding the source of that "strange feeling" they would need to break through the second concept barrier to enter into the next space.

And that concept barrier protects the room from all physical and magic attacks.

The unfaltering fortress barrier.

The barrier had been reinforced with several layers providing an absolutely impregnable defense.

It was unlikely there would be someone would suspect the purpose of this space.

However, it was also part of Kyouya's meticulously set trap.

Masked inside the fortress barrier was the barrier that leads to the third space.

Even members of Crimson Twilight or the rest of COCOON would find it very hard to detected that last concept barrier.

And only if the barrier was released according to the correct procedures would the entrance appear.

All to establish an absolutely secret space.

At this very moment, Hikami Kyouya was standing in his little fort.

### 060. Prologue - Omen of the Upcoming Conflict and Chaos

### Part 1

There was a group in the world known as COCOON.

Their people hold positions in the "new United Nations," which consisted of the formulation of the international policies, even the secretary and chairman. And they also were the chief executives of the alternate world institutions of Babel.

A position among this small group of people could be refereed to as an administer of the entire world.

Children * Of * Cross * Over * Other * Nation.

Out of all the returnees to this world they had an overwhelming strength.

Even a single individual had enough power to surpass the military force of a large country.

What was the best way to describe these troublesome people? The answer was very simple.

They were the most powerful elites, they represent the world -- that was what it was to be called a "COCOON."

### Part 2

"- JPN-Babel went into lock down?"

The man who received the report abruptly narrowed his golden pupils.

This young man was the new chairman of the United Nations and the leader of COCOON that ruled the world.

And the strongest person in all of COCOON, Michael • Arcwood.

Inside the headquarters of COCOON in the United Kingdom.

Michael was sitting on luxury leather chair, looking at the woman standing across the desk in front of him.

She was Retia • Crisis, second in command to Michael, and also the secretary of the new United Nations. This beautiful and talented woman was looking down at the tablet in her hands.

"Yes, This happened about fifteen minutes ago when JPN-Babel suddenly suddenly cut off its connection with the "Apocalypse" server, and is denying other Babel institutions as well as our own login."

"Was the system hacked from the outside?"

The security of the system of COCOON's headquarters and Babel was the best in the world.

In addition to the ordinary security programs, magical fail-safes were created sufficient enough to prevent all intrusions from the outside world.

There weren't many people able to decode these conceptual barriers, probably only the writers of these program within COCOON could, and if a presence greater than COCOON existed.

Strictly speaking, the only possibility would be "Crimson twilight" the world's strongest terrorist group comparable to COCOON. They were said to have recruited many experts in the field of information-gathering and conceptual magic.

Moreover, was also a report that some of the members of Crimson twilight have permeated the special autonomous region within Japan.

Therefore it can be reasonably speculated JPN-Babel had suffered a hacker attack and went into lock down as an emergency defensive maneuver.

But......

"Although that possibility is not zero, however ...... Its probably wrong."

Retia started to talk.

"The program's log showed no signs that JPN-Babel being hacked, but fifteen minutes ago the system suddenly went into lock down."

"Meaning ......?"

"I'm afraid that Kyouya probably cut JPN-Babel's external connection allowing it to operate independently."

"......"

Michael is trying to speculate what Hikami Kyouya has in my mind.

Kyouya spoke very little at COCOON's round table conferences. His attitude was always composed, and always had a cold smile on his face.

......But ......

Michael Arcwood was reminded of an incident that took place a few days before the Japan summit.

The summit was held amidst JPN-Babel school's ranking tournament and experienced an unexpected interruption.

An intruder damaged part of the system, and after transformed into higher-dimension being, a fire breathing dragon.

At that time, Kyouya was participating in the summit and not on the campus. They had to depend on Ousawa Akatsuki to stop the fire breathing dragon to resolve the crisis.

However, after the conclusion of the summit Michael took advantage of the opportunity when he was alone with Kyouya to toss out a question:

Why did you refuse to do it yourself? The "Y Plan" is ultimate goal we are trying to achieve in COCOON. In order to make this plan into reality, some sacrifices are an necessary evil.

Having heard what was said, Kyouya coldly replied to Michael's question:

-- Some sacrifices? -– Including your brother!?

That was the first time Kyouya showed such a provocative sheer attitude to Michael. Could Kyouya hold some unknown ambitions......

"......"

Michael couldn't help but get lost in thought. Perhaps Kyouya already learned of some secret.

Not long after Akatsuki attended the high school with JPN-Babel the training program went berserk.

In a video conference with Kyouya, who was responsible for relating the story about Akatsuki, Kyouya's face and tone seem very strange.

Michael didn't know how both of these things were related to the current situation.

But he was sure that Kyouya was acting arbitrary, and there must be hidden purpose behind it.

And in order to achieve his goal Kyouya didn't hesitate in betraying COCOON.

### Part 3

"-- How is the current situation of JPN-Babel?"

Access to the campus had been closed off, and all external communications were cut off.

Since the campus was protected by an optical barrier it wasn't possible to perceive the current situation from satellites limiting their intelligence.

However it was limited to areas within JPN-Babel's grounds.

By observing the surrounding areas a limited amount of speculation on the current situation could be inferred.

"The special autonomous region looks to be calm. There are no observable abnormalities in Babel at the present time."

However -- Retia continued,

"There is some suspicious movement by the Japanese naval force. A nuclear-powered submarine deployed in the pacific has veered off its normal navigation route to Yokosuka's third port. At first glance it seems to be mooring at home port......"

"...... But it may be heading to the special autonomous region?"

The Japanese Self-Defense force was reorganized as the official army, since about a quarter of a century ago.

Japan's previous constitution restricted their military expansion into other Asian countries, and in respect to popular sentiment it had taken a back seat. However, measures were taken to sign cooperation agreements and set up military alliances with other powerful countries. In return Japan was able to maintain peace and their own country's military superiority.

However, around 30 years ago when people first started being summoned to alternate worlds these treaties and military alliances essentially lost all of their meaning.

Those returnees brought back technology and magic from the other worlds that no modern military could rival. Those special abilities were undoubtedly "other dimensions of power."

So in order to keep pace with other countries Japan amended the Constitution, and began to expand its armaments.

In view of the aforementioned reasons, deployed in the Pacific was a new model of nuclear submarine equipped with a special weapon -- a cluster nuclear warhead. If it was fired, it had enough power to level Babel...... that was, wipe out the whole artificial island without leaving a trace.

However, that island was an special autonomous region of COCOON.

Destroying that artificial island was the same as the Japanese Government officially declaring war on COCOON.

Also it meant the annihilation of Japan.

COCOON was capable of wiping out Japan at any moment.

Michael Arcwood thought that the Japanese Government unlikely to go so far as to commit such a stupid mistake.

...... But......

The possibility of being driven into a desperate action couldn't be ignored.

JPN-Babel's lock down on behalf of Kyouya already broken away from the normal practice.

If the Japanese government was also involved --

Kyouya must of took advantage of the Japanese Governments to implement some kind of plan, and then calculated to toss them aside once their role was done......

Apart from burying the evidence of their betrayal of COCOON under the rubble of special autonomous region the Japanese government had no way to help themselves. At that time, even if COCOON were to place blame on the government for the destruction, Japan could use the excuses that it was a measure to stop Kyouya's plan.

"...... What are you going to do now? You and I still have to sign the new treaty with the European Union, and participate in coordination meetings before it."

Retia said looking for affirmation from Michael and,

"We might want to get in touch with the Chinese Dragon --"

"- No need for that."

Michael denied Retia's proposal, and stood up from his chair as he walked towards the door.

Retia immediately followed.

"Negotiations with the EU have reached the final stage. I'll wait until the meeting is over, and then go directly to Japan."

That way, all of the problems will be easily solved.

"If anyone really intends to spoil our plans-"

Michael Arcwood's golden eyes shined.

"Even if its Hikami's cunning or the might of Japanese Government, I'll personally eradicate all obstacles."

### Part 4

The grounds of JPN-Babel were shrouded by the darkness of the night, and how was the current situation?

In one word "chaos."

The first day of the new semester was about to begin, and in order to update all of the systems only a handful of staff and guards remained on the huge campus.

To compensate for lack of vigilance, Babel's security program design to suppress intruders was up and running.

The so-called "guardian beast system."

The system was set up to summon Gargoyles enhanced with a protective shield derived from the special barrier of Babel, sufficient to withstand most physical and magic attacks.

Simply put the Gargoyles would be enough to deal with intruders.

However......

In a corner of the campus a large number of gargoyles had gathered.

They numbered a dozen or so.

In the forest, continuous loud collisions were disrupting the atmosphere. An intruder was attacking the summoned Gargoyles.

The rapid barrage of noises didn't show the least bit signs of ending.

The dozen or so Gargoyles were unable to suppress the intruder.

So......

"----"

The system once again summoned a fresh new group of Gargoyles.

"-- Although I was to be bait to attract the enemy it unexpectedly became a game of "catch the killer" on the campus at night... ... Not a long distance endurance marathon. Ah, is it over?"

Even while being chased by countless Gargoyles, the night intruder -– Kaidou Motoharu's tone was relaxed.

The Gargoyle's offense was still a force to be reckoned with.

Flames came out of their mouths, a flap of their wings call out wind blades, heat rays emitted from their eyes, and their sharp claws could rip through iron. Combinations of those attacks would mercilessly come towards Kaidou from all directions.

However......

"-Woops!"

Kaidou just twisted his body avoiding all attack with ease.

His flowing high speed movements allowed for that to happen.

At times standing on the ground or a wall of the building.

Sometimes standing on the branches or trunks of the growing trees.

Even if he found himself encircled by Gargoyles he just took a three-dimensional evasive action.

Kaidou was avoiding every attack from the Gargoyles.

Just like a whirlwind.

A free wind that couldn't be caught, that continuously moved between the Gargoyles, Kaidou Motoharu laughed,

"This mere watchdog system thinks it can catch me? Maybe in the next life."

### Part 5

There was a reason why the free peace loving Kaidou found himself in such a dangerous situation.

The .

The cells of a high-dimensional being that the Japanese government had happened to have obtained. Then they were researched and developed under the utmost secrecy only to have them fall to JPN-Babel also to COCOON -- That was Hikami Kyouya hands.

Therefore, Kaidou was instructed along with a companion to steal them.

The order came from the leader of world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil Endheart.

Even though Kaidou was not fond of taking such troublesome actions, it was scary in various ways to defy an order by Cecil. Anyway he will play his role properly.

"However... ... dressed like this, it's not surprising that I'm being treated as a suspicious character."

The brim of his hat was low, and a pair of black sunglasses covered his eyes.

The Kaidou as of now, absolutely looked suspicious.

Of course, a disguise this simple couldn't escape detection from the surveillance system of the Babel. Kaidou was a student at JPN-Babel, and through 3D image recognition software and by comparing power fluctuation data his identity will be exposed.

Therefore Kaidou was making use of "Crimson Twilight" powers.

Those new abilities were exclusive to returnees who had returned for a second time from an alternate world.

Babel's detection system was unable to detect the higher dimensional change in the body and soul. Coupled with Kaidou's own protective barrier he became completely invisible.

The reason why those Gargoyles were chasing him was probably to determine the cause of system error that found a suspicious person.

"Without these extra layers of cover the system would have instantly recognized my true identity –- wow!"

Moreover this Gargoyle proliferation showed no signs of slowing down.

However -- Kaidou thought that was probably good.

He just needed to be patient until Tiana gets the .

About now she should have arrived at the target location.

That meant Kaidou's task was just about to end, after he was just a diversion to separate the Gargoyles from interfering.

Then......

Suddenly, Kaidou cell phone vibrated, it seems he received a message.

"It finally came, I was getting tired of waiting."

Kaidou started to run and flip open his cell phone to check the email.

"Huh ...... Memeko?"

However the email wasn't from Tiana, Kaidou was slightly surprised.

The sender was another member of "Crimson Twilight" who came to the special autonomous region a few days ago.

Mikagami Memeko.

Kaido amidst the confusion read the contents of the email.

"Lock down... ... Japanese navy and nuclear missiles? Really, no kidding, could there be some sort of mistake?"

Reacting to the astonishing situation written in the email, Kaidou instinctively raised his voice.

Although the message was beyond imagination, Kaidou didn't think that Memeko would fabricate such news.

The reason was very simple.

...... Lying in her world was the second most hated thing.

By the way, in Memeko's world the most hated thing was said to be Kaidou, however it was unknown as to whether or not it was heartfelt.

She also has a similar ability to Cecil's "intuition," Mikagami Memeko possess a pair of "eyes" that see through the truth. Therefore the email was probably true.

However, their leader Cecil had said –-

Hikami Kyouya acted on his own when he stole the the , the other COCOONs had been unaware of his actions. Therefore, Kyouya actions were obviously not going to be made public. He would have certainly gone to great lengths to conceal the truth and prevent them from finding any clues.

Kaidou couldn't have imagined that Kyouya would take such extreme measures.

"There are too many problems. Come on, give me a break."

It was hard to believe that would have such fanfare, this was really too unnatural.

Hikami Kyouya must have some other goal.

In addition to -– No, something much more important than the .

Today JPN-Babel was in complete lock-down.

"Surely their has to be a more important goal to achieve... ... In that case."

Kaidou Motoharu abruptly stopped, and changed his course of action.

Within no time the Gargoyles who were following closely behind came in for the kill one after another.

"-Sorry, playtime is over."

Kaidou mumbled, as he raised his right hand and with a slight wave.

Godspeed, so fast that the tip of his hand was invisible.

Light flash between them......

And the next moment.

Dozens of Gargoyle that were immune to physical or magic attacks have been destroyed, turning into countless particles of light and disappearing without a trace.

Kaidou walked into the scattering light particles.

"It seems that the rest of COCOON will soon make their move... ... A full-scale conflict is inevitable."

A clash of the strongest vs. the strongest.

That clash of opposing forces might level this artificial island without the assistance of nuclear warheads.

Kaidou couldn't help but sigh.

However, as a member of Crimson Twilight a cruel smile emerged on his face.

Within the helpless tone was a mix of joy and a bit of anticipation.

Kaidou Motoharu mutterd,

"Ahhh ... ... I still prefer unfettered freedom and to live in peace."

Just to be around you longer would make me the most happy.

I don't want much, that would be enough.

### 061. Chapter 1 - The Thoughts of the Other Side

### Part 1

A tower of Babel reaches through the clouds.

They stand in each of the special autonomous regions of the G7 countries, symbols of COCOON's authority.

Their operation and management were left to the COCOON in charge in that area.

Each of those countries that comprised the G7 had very different cultures and religions. It would of been more of an obstacle to regulate them all the same way. Therefore besides the infrastructure, the construction of the building as well as management of the towers of Babel change depending on national circumstances in an attempt to make every special autonomous region the most effective.

So to speak, a tower of Babel was the exclusive castle of the COCOON in control of that region. And,

The COCOON currently in charge of JPN-Babel -- Hikami Kyouya -- was presently inside a certain place within Babel.

"Who could have thought this place would come in handy this soon......"

Kyouya floated a thin sneer.

Part of the building wasn't drawn in any of the blueprints, and he was in that secret space.

Other than Kyouya himself there wasn't a second person in the world who knew of its existence.

The reason was very simple -- to reach the room it was necessary to pass through three concept barriers. An ordinary person wouldn't even be able to detect the entrance which was concealed under the influence of first concept barrier.

Even if the entrance was discovered, beyond the first barrier was nothing but an empty space. Of course, the empty room was a facade.

Whereupon most people would choose to turn back there.

However, someone of the level of Crimson Twilight or COCOON should detect a "strange feeling" lurking inside the empty space. After finding the source of that "strange feeling" they would need to break through the second concept barrier to enter into the next space.

And that concept barrier protects the room from all physical and magic attacks.

The unfaltering fortress barrier.

The barrier had been reinforced with several layers providing an absolutely impregnable defense.

It was unlikely there would be someone would suspect the purpose of this space.

However, it was also part of Kyouya's meticulously set trap.

Masked inside the fortress barrier was the barrier that leads to the third space.

Even members of Crimson Twilight or the rest of COCOON would find it very hard to detected that last concept barrier.

And only if the barrier was released according to the correct procedures would the entrance appear.

All to establish an absolutely secret space.

At this very moment, Hikami Kyouya was standing in his little fort.

### Part 2

The environment within the space made it seem like a temple from an another world.

The air was crystal clear.

A sacred space void of impurities as if they did not exist at all. Kyouya's voice sounded,

"-- Now, let's get started."

Kyouya stared ahead -- at the alter in the center of the room.

It was composed of a light blue ore.

And lying on said altar was a girl.

"......"

The girl was silent, because she was unconsciousness.

Only peaceful, calm breathes were being repeated.

The lovely sleeping beauty's name -- Ousawa Miu.

She was the demon king's daughter from the alternate world of Alayzard.

-- Then.

Under Kyouya's watchful eye Miu's body began to dimly give off a white light. And simultaneously,

Kyi~i~i~i~i Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze

A shrill rumbling began in the room which sounded similar to the noise of a dimensional shift.

So......

"Everything seems to be going smoothly... ... Wonderful."

Kyouya unintentionally deepened his smile.

The ultimate goal of COCOON was the -- "Y Plan". In short, it was to bring about the manifestation an ultra-high-order life form, a living entity which transcends the law of causality and freely able to manipulate all events, and place it under their control. Allowing COCOON to bring complete order to this world, liberating all of humanity from every kind of suffering thus creating a new paradise.

However -- to elicit a manifestation of such a supreme entity into the world an appropriate "place" was essential. This was the reason COCOON constructed the towers of Babel in various countries around the world.

The towers control the Chimyaku flowing through the earth, turning the planet into a suitable "place."

This 'Y plan' by COCOON, even while receiving interference from 'Crimson Twilight' was still gradually progressing. However, at the present rate of progress it may take several years to be realized.

-- Meanwhile, Hikami Kyouya had obtained a golden opportunity.

He discovered that Ousawa Miu was possibly an ultra high-dimensional being.

And after he got the report from the person sent to observe Miu, he found out she had returned to Alayzard with Akatsuki that possibility turned into conviction.

Therefore, Kyouya started on a course of action to fulfill his own ambition.

There were too many people within COCOON. The world needed only one true God -- that was, Kyouya alone.

The life form transcending the law of causality that Kyouya / Cocoon were going to manifest originally was a type of conceptual existence that did not posses a living consciousness towards itself. All events could be manipulated. If the one in charge of that power were to think 'I want to destroy the world' it becomes an event at once, and this world would be destroyed.

Therefore a way to stabilize the power, and always control uncertain phenomenon were needed. And COCOON had already completed -- the device.

The equipment unit was located beneath COCOON's headquarters in the United Kingdom in a state that could be activated at any time.

And Kyouya exactly replicated the same device under utmost secrecy in JPN-Babel. It was not noticed by anyone, in a place which no one knows about.

In short, Kyouya had completed all the preparations to control Miu.

"Now its just a race against time......"

To draw out the power of an ultra-high-order life from Miu, and stabilize said power would take time. Further to control it from there would take an even greater amount than that, and also that Miu was an existence equivalent to ultra high-dimensional being, after all, was just an unconfirmed possibility. Kyouya had no expectations for her existence to be superior to all the laws of cause and effect. However, it should at least be a level where COCOON's strongest Michael Arcwood would pose no problem to him.

And that also meant exceeding the leader of the Crimson Twilight, who was about equal in terms of power.

In other words.

"With this kind of power, I will stand at the top of this world."

And after COCOON and Crimson Twilight were suppressed the "Y plan" could move to the later stages.

Allowing himself to be the only true God in charge of this world.

At that time -- there would be no person in this world who could stop him.

### Part 3

"Now ......"

Kyouya took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket to check the current time by opening the lid.

-- A few minutes to nine p.m.

Almost an hour had already passed since JPN-Babel had went into lock down. The other COCOONs including Michael himself should already have grasped the situation, and it was around the time when they should have started to take some kind of steps. And when the moment comes will it be China to act -- CHN-Babel's Wang Feilong ?

...... Or is Michael himself going to move......?

Well, it was fine either way.

Including the nuclear submarine of the Japanese Government JPN-Babel's defenses were well prepared to withstand any enemy coming form the outside.

So the focus of attention was not the outside, but from within.

Actually, two members of 'Crimson Twilight' had at present invaded JPN-Babel's premises.

Among them was one person Kyouya was very familiar with.

"Kaidou-kun, did you also finally move?..... unable to hold back anymore."

Although there was no positive proof, it was understood from the beginning Kaidou was not ordinary by any means. Perhaps it was the mutual understanding from a strong man to another. Even if Kaidou tried to keep a low profile, it was clear to Kyouya's eyes. Not every returnee from another world had that degree of strength. Since he was not a COCOON like himself, the answer was virtually given what he was.

-- Of course, Kaidou himself came to the same understanding.

For him to be openly known by Kyouya, and still overtly pretend to be mundane.

On such a poor imposter Kyouya was very clear, Kaidou would be quite the troublesome enemy. However "Crimson Twilight" was not after Miu. With the confusion over the bait, the , the other side shouldn't figure out Kyouya's real intention.

No matter, toys have been prepared to keep them company. Until the time comes, it would be good for them to play to their utmost. Now no one can interfere with Kyouya's plan.

-- Except him.

When the figure of that youth came to mind Hikami Kyouya can not help but look up at the empty space.

The corners of his mouth gave rise to a delightful smile,

"Yes, except you...... Ousawa-kun."

### Part 4

In the bathroom of the Ousawa home came a continues screaming, and crying.

It was the wailing of a teenage girl who's heart carried an unbounded amount of regret and sadness -- Nanase Haruka.

".................."

Inside the warm bathtub Ousawa Akatsuki's arms were around the lower back of the crying girl in front his eyes, as he thought to himself.

...... That guy was abducted by Hikami?

Not long ago, Haruka had been transfer to Akatsuki's side while he was bathing.

-- When they all where in Alayzard in order to ensure the personal safety of Haruka he placed a transfer seal on her body. Since that was activated must mean she faced a life or death crisis. When he asked the reason Haruka kept crying as she explained, but within that sobbing clogged voice he was only able to make out a few words about the situation.

On how Miu -- had been captured by the President.

When Akatsuki returned to the house Miu was nowhere in sight. Before he had asked Listy the reason, and was told she went out with Haruka.

...... So that's it.

Since she was not fully accustomed to this world he didn't think she would make such a rash move on her own.

Perhaps, Kyouya wanted to speak with Miu, and it appears she was unable to wait for Akatsuki to come home. Maybe someone was sent on behalf of Kyouya to compelled her to meet so soon. The reason for Listy's vague explanation must of been because they were unclear on what Kyouya wanted.

After all,

...... I've been looking for an opportunity to fight Hikami.

If Listy told it like it was there was no guarantee that Akatsuki wouldn't go marching into JPN-Babel.

However COCOON -- no, Hikami Kyouya's power was clear that anyone with eyes could see, and without being in the right mind set wasn't someone Akatsuki could handle. Therefore, Miu decided to keep the appointment. Haruka might have gone in an attempt to protect Miu. In short, because of their concern over what his impulsive nature would do. Miu had chosen exposed herself to danger.

"...... It was my fault."

Akatsuki quietly said. Still sobbing Haruka looked up at him.

"......!"

The look in Akatsuki's eyes said it all.

-- I'm the one who didn't protect Miu. It was not your fault.

However, Akatsuki floated a tender smile,

"Your sense of responsibility is one of your strengths, but don't put all the blame on yourself."

Then he gently wiped away her tears.

-- That's right, this wasn't Haruka's responsibility.

Having dangerously exposed Miu, also having made Listy worry.

And even the cause of Haruka's tears -- all the blame was on Akatsuki.

So Akatsuki drew closer and embraced Haruka stronger.

"-- Ah."

After hearing a small voice come out from his arms, he whispered into her ear,

"I'm sorry, Haruka...... even under normal circumstances, being wedged between the student council and us had to be painful -- I put you in a situation that hurt you the most."

So ......

"-!"

After hearing that Haruka shoulders began to shake, as her body was slightly trembling again.

And then she pressed her head against his chest, and shook her head -- as if telling him he doesn't need to apologize.

"Oh dear...... how troublesome."

His intention was to stop her tears, but it caused her to cry more.

Akatsuki could not help but smile wryly. He was still really bad at dealing with a crying woman.

...... But......

As Haruka remains now, Akatsuki was not going to wait for the crying to stop naturally.

Not because of a question of time.

It was just that right now a girl was crying in front of him.

To stop a woman from crying he will do whatever it takes. That was just the aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, Akatsuki's aesthetics were not that simple.

"...... It seems that will have to do."

Akatsuki took a half step back, and gently touch Haruka's tear stained cheek.

She was one of girls who decided to take part in the destiny Akatsuki had chosen. They were already well mentally prepared, and willing to sacrifice part of their lives for that. Including the most important things like precious people and things, or even their past, present, and future just to stay with Akatsuki.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking – what can I do for them?

Just like before, it wasn't enough to just stop her tears.

This girl Nanase Haruka deserved more.

A method of conveying that feeling, and Ousawa Akatsuki understood the best way to do that. So in order to let his thoughts reach Haruka's heart --

Akatsuki overlapped his lips with Haruka's.

### Part 5

Nanase Haruka for an instant didn't understand what had happened.

Pressed up against his torso, and with his hands tightly wrapped around her back she felt a warmth entirely different from the hot water. It was the heat coming off -- Ousawa Akatsuki's body.

And now her lips were feeling the same warmth.

She had been kissed by Akatsuki.

"-!"

Haruka stiffened up in the surprise for a moment -- But,

"...... Ah."

There were no signs of resistance.

Instead she slowly closed her eyes, and put her hands around the back of his neck.

She accepted that kiss, as Nanase Haruka committed to her first kiss.

Because,

....... I liked him for a long time......

-- A little while ago, when she found out she was saved from Kyouya thanks to Akatsuki.

She was finally able to realize it. She wasn't willing to admit to herself, and had been deliberately ignoring and denying her feelings. She didn't know exactly when it began -- but Nanase Haruka was definitely sure she liked Ousawa Akatsuki.

To the point she couldn't help it.

So......

Even though there were feelings she couldn't explain to herself, rejecting the kiss made no sense. So Haruka admitted to herself she liked Akatsuki and accepted him.

The tense mood suddenly relaxed.

...... Ah......

Taking advantage of the situation Akatsuki's tongue advanced into Haruka's mouth.

Without knowing whether it is good or what to do, she let Akatsuki take the initiative as he entwined their tongues.

"-- Fuaan~"

She leaked a sweet lovely voice from her nose, since Haruka's tongue was being pinned down, her slender waist involuntarily twisted back and forth.

Intense pleasure ran through her whole body in an instant.

...... Th-this is......

Through Akatsuki's Kiss something invaded Haruka's body.

Since the emergence of a seething heat inside, representing the continuous influx of Akatsuki's Ki, Haruka felt her body gradually becoming soft.

...... A-amazing......

Although it was her first kiss it brought so much pleasure.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, what was going on with her body?

...... Oh..... maybe......

She recalled it. The time in Alayzard inside the brothel when they drank that aphrodisiac, and after how Akatsuki came to detoxify them.

That night -- Haruka had the Ki inside her body sucked out through her moles continuously by Akatsuki. She tasted the peak of pleasure many times. That kind of supreme pleasure was deeply imprinted on Haruka's body and mind.

And so......

...... My body's senses have been developed by that person......!

Long before her first kiss Haruka's body had already known a woman's happiness.

"Mmhnn...... oh, chu...... oh...... mmm~"

Under the influence of Akatsuki's tongue assault, Haruka's euphoric intoxication deepened.

Then -- suddenly she felt a warm heat coming over her chest.

When she looked down she was surprised to find all the buttons on her school uniform were undone.

"...... Ah."

Feeling the shock of not knowing when he did that, Haruka pulled herself away, and saw a gentle smile appear on Akatsuki's face,

"It's not good to have your clothes on while taking a bath."

He barely finished when Akatsuki's hands lightly caressed the left and right side of Haruka's collarbone from outside to the inside. In addition to the buttons on the jacket and blouse, apparently even the bra clasp could not escape his clutches. It was hard to believe how easy it was for her clothes and bra to be taken off, and tossed outside of the bath. She felt a brief pleasant sensation as her upper body was exposed for him to see.

"AH......!"

Haruka quickly covered her chest with both hands.

Apart from embarrassment from being exposed, she felt more shame over,

...... I just kissed him. He actually let me......!

That alone brought about a female physiological response in her body. The tips of her breasts tighten into two sensitive spots.

To that fact, her face reddened and a surge of heat emerged in her lower abdomen.

However, Haruka was not able to run away. Akatsuki had firmly encircled her waist with his arm. And as if he had seen through everything,

"-- You don't have to hide your embarrassed side from me."

Then he said earnestly,

"Your usually very dignified, and now your very red face with shame is cute as well... ... I already know about these sides, and have accepted them."

"I ...... I ......"

After receiving some gentle comfort, the blushing Haruka didn't know how to respond.

It was certainly as Akatsuki said.

-- After she drank that harmful aphrodisiac that night, Nanase Haruka would never forget that image of herself she exposed to him.

Initially she was somewhat reserved, and then in the end simply reveled in pleasure she had in that drunken state.

Under the pretext of being detoxified Miu and herself let out some unbelievable lewd noises, and surrendered their minds and bodies to the pleasure Akatsuki brought forth.

She gave up being that Nanase Haruka, and indulged in the happiness of a woman.

At each mountain peaked she would involuntarily call Akatsuki's name over and over again.

And so ......

...... If it's in front of this person, perhaps I don't need to hide anything.

Whether it was her deplorable, regretful crying self.

Or her shameful self drowning in pleasure during the detoxification.

Even the embarrassed self who felt more helpless because of a kiss.

Akatsuki accepted all of Haruka, unconditionally.

But still,

"......!"

Haruka couldn't bring herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki.

She thought it was impossible to enjoy such a right, because she couldn't protect Miu.

And -- it was at that time.

With a clank the bathroom door opened from the outside.

"Eh-?"

Haruka had a confused look as he turned back to look face to face with her.

Looking at the nude Akatsuki and the half naked Haruka inside the shower was Listy Sherfied.

After being seen by Listy -- Haruka realized the fact of the predicament,

"This, this is......!"

At the same time as the embarrassment was an inexplicable anxiety.

Listy was aware how she went with Miu to JPN-Babel.

...... And it unexpectedly resulted in me snuggling alone in Ousawa Akatsuki's arms......

As she began to reflect over things a sense of guilt and apology sprang forth.

Shamelessly only herself had escaped, furthermore was seen being comforted by Akatsuki in this sort of place. Haruka felt she betrayed Listy's trust.

At the very least Haruka wanted to provide an explanation to justify Akatsuki, and when she tried to convey so --

"Listy... ... Did you also want to enter together?"

Behind her, some incredible words came out Akatsuki's mouth.

It was undoubtedly adding oil to the fire.

Haruka thought Listy would immediately furiously condemn Akatsuki and herself -- but,

"...... Nn."

An unexpected answer reached Haruka's ears.

"..... Listy?"

In front of the surprised Haruka, Listy slowly moved --

And she started to take off her clothes.

### Part 6

With a hand on the shoulder strap of the camisole, Listy couldn't help but gulp.

A feeling of shame and tension flooded her mind, but.

...... You can't hesitate.

After she pushed aside both shoulder supports, in the entrance changing room to the bathroom -- the camisole slid directly to the floor. And when she grabbed hold of her inner undergarment there was incidental eye contact with him.

...... Please let me do this...... I believe you understand my feelings.

Listy sent a glance begging for approval, conveying how she roughly understood the current situation.

-- That's right, Listy guessed to how things ended up.

Haruka's cries had echoed throughout the whole bathroom, and even reached the living room where Listy was. Therefore, Listy immediately rushed over.

But -- Haruka had gone with Miu only to return alone, and was hiding out crying inside the bathroom.

That was enough to figure out something must have went wrong.

So in the changing room, which was was separated by a door, she eavesdropped on much of the conversation between Akatsuki and Haruka.

Because she believed only Akatsuki could heal the sadness inside Haruka.

But ......

If Haruka were to hesitate to show her real self to Akatsuki, then the story was different.

In that case, only another woman like herself could help her.

So Listy firmly decided to open the door to the bathroom.

At that time -- Akatsuki asked if she wanted to bathe together.

Although it was said in a tongue-in-cheek tone his eyes were very serious.

-- That also wasn't that surprising.

Usually in that case, Listy would have made a fuss over "what are you doing?" indiscriminately blaming Akatsuki. However, if she did that Haruka would only blame herself more.

And, far more than anything else she was crying in front of Akatsuki.

He probably stopped her tears in his special way, but that wasn't going to settle her emotions. So Listy picked that seemingly coincidental time as the the best time to intrude. She saw through everything when Akatsuki said "enter together?"

And of course Akatsuki clearly understood what she intended her mind.

That -- her timing was to help Haruka accept Akatsuki.

Haruka, at this point, wouldn't have been able to permit herself to do so -- because an issue weighed heavily on her mind that only Listy, a woman like herself, could undo.

Now Listy was standing in the same situation as her, to prove to Haruka that she had not done anything wrong.

That was the only way to resolve her guilt, and have her frankly face Akatsuki.

And so......

The first step for Listy to put herself in the same situation was to take off all her clothes.

Last night -- even though Listy stirred up a lot of trouble, Miu still accepted her. And today Miu also went to JPN-Babel with Haruka in order to protect her. She herself was unable to do anything about it, and forced Haruka into the role of protecting Miu alone while she stayed home.

That's right......

Miu's abduction wasn't Haruka's fault.

Akatsuki may think he should be held responsible, but that too was incorrect.

Strictly speaking, it was because of Listy.

Whether it was Miu being taken, or Haruka's inner suffering over not protecting her, everything stemmed from Listy.

So......

It was her turn this time to lend a helping hand to Haruka, and then attempt to rescue Miu.

Starting with Haruka, Listy Sherfied knows how to do it.

The other day in the monorail she was personally taught by Miu on how to accept Akatsuki.

Now she only had to do the same thing this time herself.

"Listy...... Uh, I......"

To Haruka's bewildered expression, Listy silently returned a smile.

She crossed her hands as she grabbed the hem of the undergarment, and then --

"-!?"

In one breath -- she took it off.

Listy was trembling slightly, only because her skin was exposed to the cold outside air.

There was embarrassment being exposed to Akatsuki, however it wasn't the reason Listy couldn't help but shiver.

-- Now was not the time to hesitate.

The only thing remaining on Listy's upper body was a bra, and once that fastener was undone it would naturally fall to the floor.

It became so that she was almost completely naked in her underwear.

And finally she unhooked the bra clasp, and it was just a pair of panties.

"............"

She hid her exposed breasts with her left hand, as she slowly walked into the bathroom.

In preparation to personally show Haruka the best way to fully accept Akatsuki.

### Part 7

In the bathtub Haruka looked up at the nearly nude Listy wearing only a pair of underwear.

...... How beautiful......

Seeing her newly, Haruka couldn't help but think so.

In the world of Alayzard Listy was called "The greatest treasure of the Sherfied," yet Listy's beauty at present exceeded even that title.

Listy then dropped to the waist to draw in some hot water in the washbowl, and over the period of time it was flowing from her shoulders,

"...... Stop looking so much."

Then with her checks were bright red -- she entered the bathtub in front of Haruka.

Looking at her very much sandwiched in the middle, Haruka couldn't help say,

"Listy...... Why would you ......?"

Her red face said it all, Listy was definitely feeling very embarrassment.

It was understandable. After all, she was in front of the person she liked -- Akatsuki, and was exposing her skin to him.

But......

"-- It's alright."

Listy's tone was exceptionally calm. And while dyed red,

"We had already vowed from now on to live with Akatsuki...... so, its better to accept him like me, and not overly blame yourself."

"That is......"

When Haruka tried to defend herself Listy gently held her.

Listy's hands were around her waist, when she undid the the button to Haruka's skirt immersed in the hot water.

Then with surprising swiftness pulled down the zipper.

"L-listy...... wait......!"

Instinctively, Haruka spoke out panicky.

"It's okay...... its the same with me. Come one, stick out your feet."

"......!"

Haruka sent a fleeting glance back, and saw Akatsuki quietly staring at the two.

She felt the look in his jet-black eyes were motioning -- for them to continue without any scruples.

And so......

"--------"

If that's the case, it might not be regarded as betraying Miu.

After all, she had received consent from Akatsuki and Listy.

"...... The same as with Listy......"

After Haruka persuaded herself that, she lightly raised her legs in the bath.

Thereupon the buoyancy of her body suddenly shifted causing her half rotate around,

"Ah......"

Seeing Haruka was going to lose her balance Listy quickly embraced her from behind.

"...... It's alright, take it easy."

Feeling Listy's softness and warmth on her back Haruka immediately felt very at ease. At that time Akatsuki was in the front of her again, and in his hands was her skirt which she was unaware had been taken off,

"Now then, the last remaining one......"

The soaked skirt was gently placed outside of the bathtub.

"But......"

"What are you talking about. You can't bathe with your clothes on, right?"

Haruka let go of her indecision when she heard Akatsuki's matter of course tone.

Then from behind her Listy reassured her with a hug, and also whispered in her ear,

"Haruka...... are you that scared to have yourself be seen by Akatsuki?"

"I ......"

Though Haruka was embarrassed about being naked in front of the Akatsuki, it wasn't the reason she couldn't dare face him. After all, her affection for Akatsuki was at a level where it was likely to overflow and spill.

However,

"But...... I couldn't protect Miu......"

Haruka thought her present self wasn't entitled to be comforted by Akatsuki.

So ......

"I'm also very worried about Miu-chan...... but right now I'm much more worried about you."

And Listy softy said,

"I believe you know Akatsuki's aesthetic? If you continue to cry Akatsuki won't be able to leave here, and go to JPN-Babel to rescue Miu-chan."

"-!?"

Haruka had a sudden rude awakening, as she stared at Akatsuki.

...... I once again became a burden......

Her face turned pale.

"Don't make such a face...... as for not being able leave a crying woman alone is simply my own selfishness."

"But......!"

He quickly attempted to stop Haruka from crying, however it was not possible.

The overwhelming fear of almost being killed by Kyouya -- was deeply carved into Haruka's mind.

-- At that moment, Nanase Haruka understood that now she was completely unable to stop her tears.

Then......

"I'm not going to ask you to force yourself to stop crying, doing such a thing would be too lonely. Since you did cry in front of me, then how to stop your tears, and eliminate your fear and sorrow...... naturally is my responsibility to bear."

And Akatsuki laughed gently,

"So long as you now only think of yourself -- no, thinking only about me would be better."

"Thinking of you ...... would be better?"

Haruka subconsciously repeated Akatsuki's words.

"However...... how to comfort a woman who is crying in the bath, I only know of one way."

As soon as he said so, Akatsuki's right hand reached out to Haruka.

"Ah......!"

Ignoring Haruka's cry of surprise, he forcibly pulled her over with Listy. In the bathtub, Haruka was sitting on top of his right thigh, and Listy on top of the left,

"-- So, I'm going to handle this my way."

At the same time as saying so -- Akatsuki started to caress both of their breasts.

As he rubbed them he ruthless poured Ki into their bodies.

“!? -- fua~ a a an!"

Nanase Haruka had let out a lovely voice and Listy,

"Ohhh...... Oh...... Fu......"

After the intense pleasure came the ensuing collapse.

...... I just...... lightly reached the peak......

The thought of how shameless she was caused Haruka to involuntarily quiver slightly.

-- However, Akatsuki wasn't going to give her too much time to reflect.

Even after the light peak he continued to caress their breasts.

Haruka's breast within Akatsuki's hand was kneaded into a variety of lewd shapes that protruded through the gaps of his fingers.

And,

"Kyaa...... AAAhhhhhh!"

The light peaks were making Haruka's whole body sensitive, and made her able to fully recognize the pleasure that Akatsuki's palm was bringing about. However, the real pleasure was about to begin.

"Fua, kyaa~...... Ah, uhn...... Haaa."

Every time his hand on her chest moved without restraint the rest of Haruka's body involuntarily twisted in the water.

The messy waves on the surface of the bathtub said it all.

Her body had long ago accepted Akatsuki.

As clear images of THAT night in Alayzard revitalized in her mind.

...... Even though there is no aphrodisiac, how is it that I ......!

Nanase Haruka then had to admit that –- she was inevitably linked to Akatsuki, and with him in mind one hand alone could push herself to the pinnacle of pleasure.

The fact that she had been willfully blind in the past has now been clearly recognized.

"Ah......"

After the new realization Haruka's body felt numb, and her back faintly trembled involuntarily.

That's right -- How could I have forgotten?

That irresistible joy, and the happiness that was brought about.

...... Yes.

Haruka remembered only now.

How her own body and mind -- desired to be dominated by Akatsuki.

-- Then someone gently clasped hold of Haruka's left hand inside hot bath water

Her slender fingers had been gently entwined with Listy's soft hand.

And then Haruka's line of sight could not help but move to the side,

"Fua...... an, aaa...... nnn!"

Almost like a reversed image in a mirror -- Listy and Haruka together sank into the abyss of extreme happiness.

Suddenly, Haruka and Listy's eyes met. They both similarly had accepted Ousawa Akatsuki as women.

"............"

Then while Haruka was facing Listy she saw her face light up like a peach flower.

It seemed similar to the joy she herself displayed.

And before Haruka's gaze,

"Fua -- fua, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah ~ ~ ~ !"

Listy's whole body trembled violently along with the lovely voice.

She had mounted the peak.

As Akatsuki massaged her breast Listy's body incessantly twitched. And before long she slumped down into the arms of Akatsuki.

"Fu, ah...... nn, Fuu...... Ha...... ha."

Sweet moans leaked out, as she wore a trance-like expression exuding sex appeal.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, Listy right now surely couldn't be able to think of anything. Her brain must be lingering over the intense pleasure that Akatsuki had caused.

After she witnessed that sort of appearance from Listy,

...... The next...... will be me......

The moment she thought so, a heat was born at once inside her.

The torrent of intense pleasure was enough to make anyone incapable of thought.

So,

"Oh...... OHH, ooooohhhhhhhhh!"

The last of Nanase Haruka's reason was blown away.

She completely lost herself, abandoning all reservation to revel in the pleasure of a woman. She placed her hand on top of Akatsuki's that was on caressing her chest thirsting for more, with greater force. But,

Haruka unconsciously had look back over her left shoulder.

...... Ah.

A pair of jet black eyes that seemed to have suck her breath away were staring at her.

She stared back for awhile thoroughly liberated. It was the moment Haruka accepted, and also the moment she fell into a delightful abyss.

He -- the man named Ousawa Akatsuki had completely conquered her.

So ......

"...... Stand up, put both hands on the wall in front."

Her tender conqueror's order was passed to Haruka's ears

Haruka fully understood the contents of the command, also knew what Akatsuki had requested.

"...... Nn, nn......"

Still Haruka nodded. The option to refuse was nonexistent -- such notions were gone. She had become thoroughly obedient to him, and felt extremely glad for that now.

She slowly pushed aside the hot water in the bathtub, the lingering effects had caused her to stagger when she rose up.

"...... Ah."

Her body was still trembling intoxicated with pleasure. There was almost no power to put in her legs and waist. However, she still managed to stand on her legs shoulder width apart, and lift both arms to put her hands on the wall.

And,

"......!"

When she stretched out to touch the wall her butt naturally pushed out in Akatsuki's direction. Then,

"...... That's a good girl."

As he said so, Akatsuki gently stroked her rear side.

"Oh ......"

Akatsuki gave me a compliment -- the moment she thought so a feeling beyond joy over came her.

Such that she shivered from the happiness.

Then Akatsuki's hands stroking her lower back gently slide to her firm butt.

He appeared to suddenly massage Haruka's butt really fast then slow seemingly to confirm its softness, however it was to cause the pleasure to permeate her body.

"Mrmm...... ah, fu...... nn...... uhn!"

Akatsuki's Ki flowed in endlessly. Haruka's body had been in a state of extreme sensitivity, now gained a stronger sense of pleasure from that in itself.

-- However, Nanase Haruka was very clear.

That was simply the beginning, definitely not the end.

And perhaps -- very soon she would reach a height she hadn't reached so far. As long as its Akatsuki, Haruka would gladly accept.

But, there was something that had to be said before that. So she looked back behind her,

"Ah... ... W-wait a minute... ... Listen to me first."

The pleasure involuntarily caused Haruka to move her hips back and forth as she spoke. However, she still faithfully passed on what she knew of JPN-Babel's current situation.

Including how Kyouya kidnapped Miu, and information regarding the "guardian beast system." She passed along any information that might become of some help to Akatsuki. Like that, Haruka conveyed everything without the slightest hesitation.

"...... Is that so, I understand."

Akatsuki's tone was calm, he understood how hard it was for Haruka,

"Now, entrust it to me."

At the same time his soothing words reach her ear, Haruka suddenly felt Akatsuki's hands on her wet panties.

"Oh, Ohhh......"

Haruka let slip a shameful voice, but she still didn't resist.

She didn't mind as long as it was something Akatsuki desired.

So, her last piece of clothing taken off, and everything of herself was exposed.

"......!"

In the excitement thick saliva had accumulated in her mouth Haruka couldn't help but swallow. From the kiss a little while ago Akatsuki's saliva had already fused together with her own. The taste of it gave birth to such extreme pleasure it was scary.

And Nanase Haruka's body suddenly shook as she reached a little peak from the saliva.

She could no longer restrain herself.

"...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki!!"

Haruka closed her eyes, and kept calling out his name.

She abandoned all her shame and modesty to seek pleasure one step further.

Then she suddenly felt as though Akatsuki faintly smiled from behind her.

At that time -- her visibility and thoughts went blank.

...... Ah......

Haruka knew what that phenomenon was, because she had already experienced it in Alayzard.

The moments before when the pleasure surpassed what she could perceive everything becomes pure white.

She didn't know where Akatsuki had touched, only knew that this was the climax.

However, it was a moment where a person body memorizes the feeling such pleasure, engraved into the mind and body was that sweet joy it received. And now pushed beyond the limit she was overtaken by a bottomless abyss of pleasure.

The next moment,

"--------"

The degree of pleasure was enough for Nanase Haruka to be born again, her whole body twitched violently and involuntarily trembled.

Akatsuki brought an absolute pleasure that turned her consciousness into a white world.

### Part 8

-- And now, the echoing of the lovely moans faded away, and at long last calm was restored to the Ousawa bathroom. The crying that was there until a while ago had disappeared leaving only the sweet breathes of two girls lost in their dreams.

"...... Well, its almost time."

The youth quietly muttered to himself.

However, within those few words was a fiery determination.

Slowly -- Ousawa Akatsuki had begun to move.

### Part 9

There was a place that supported the tower of Babel that extended into the sky.

It was deep underground, precisely the lowest level of JPN-Babel.

In there was always a low mechanical hum, but now there was other sounds mixed in with the usual. It was the sound of two people kicking off the ground in a sprint as hard as they could.

"Stop joking around, damn......!"

While running in the dark passage dimly lit by a red light Onizuka Kenya couldn't help but complain.

The girl who Onizuka infiltrated the underground area with was also currently freeloading at his home, Tiana Randohauze. They had encountered an enemy attack that had been lying in wait.

The other party were terrorists who previously caused damage to JPN-Babel.

Phil Barnett -- and Onizuka's former classmate Tanaka.

-- And now, after Onizuka and Tiana encountered them they immediately retreated back the way they came.

They were currently already many floors above were they met Phil and Tanaka.

However, Onizuka hadn't stopped his feet.

And several steps in front of him -- was the small back of Tiana running,

"Ken-chan can you run a little faster? I might have to leave you behind."

"Urhhh, I'm going as fast as I can!"

Tiana looked back urging Onizuka on, however he yelled back in return.

At that moment......

"-- Did you think you could escape?"

A voice came from behind him, at the same time Onizuka's body was blown away from the side.

The attack from Tanaka, who was chasing after them, had caused him to slam into the passage's wall.

"Gahhh...... gah, damn......!"

None the less, Onizuka withstood the pain to get up and start running again.

...... Shit...... what was that attack from Tanaka......!

Even from earlier, Onizuka was unable to see what had struck him over and over again, and it even broke through the protective barrier he set up. However, the barriers still played a bit of a role. Tanaka's shock waves at most were only able to slam him into the wall, and not fatally injury him.

If Onizuka was hit directly by the wave he would of lost consciousness immediately, the first time around.

Then Tiana suddenly spoke,

"That wave must be some sort of wind-based magic. On top of being invisible, he is deliberately canceling the magic formation making it even harder to avoid. It really is a bit tricky -- Amazing!"

In the middle of her analysis to herself Tiana took two quick steps sideways. Then the space where she was standing until then was gouged from a shock wave.

She dodge it perfectly.

"You've just been jumping around -- How are you able to avoid that guy's attacks!?"

"Since the surrounding atmosphere fluctuates right before he attacks you just have to feel it out. The direction as well as the timing can also be read from it."

Confronted with Onizuka's question containing his irritation, Tiana answered without hesitation and,

"...... But then again, why hasn't Ken-chan been doing so?"

"If I had such a skill I would have been doing it a long time ago."

Feel the fluctuations in the atmosphere? Stop messing around.

That's just as difficult as dodging an attack that couldn't be seen by the naked eye.

...... It was my foolish mistake for asking her for tips.

Onizuka clicked his tongue loudly. However, even if he couldn't imitate what she could do -- Onizuka still had his own way to respond.

So......

"Basically...... I just have to go all out!"

While shouting Onizuka ignited the area around him into flames.

That undoubtedly gave away their position.

...... But in any case, their location was already grasped by them. It was only that they didn't have a light to guide them.

Onizuka and Tiana were currently running trying to get away, and not hiding in some shadow to get past their enemy. So then, priority should be given to self defense rather than concealing their whereabouts.

And then,

"-!"

A soundless horizontal shock wave came towards Onizuka who somehow successfully avoided it by lowering his body. The fire around his whole body had fluttered which allowed him to detect Tanaka's oncoming attack.

"See, I knew Ken-chan could do if he tried."

Tiana turned back in admiration.

"Urhhh...... leaving that aside, what direction did that come from?"

Onizuka asked with a rude tone.

Even though Onizuka and Tiana were in a rush to escape it didn't mean they didn't need to put any thought into countermeasures.

"Let's see, he must be somewhere nearby -- Ah look, right ahead!"

Just as Tiana was searching a wide open space suddenly appeared at the end of the channel.

It was huge area that look to be still undergoing some sort of construction.

Compared to the floors of the tower of Babel above ground the underground areas seemed especially vast. Judging from the size of the large-scale machinery they appeared to be building a rather huge underground facility. As Onizuka looked around,

"Here will be good......!"

In addition to the area, there was also sufficient height.

The moment after he muttered, and was able to get a second to catch his breath,

"-- Oh, your not going to run away anymore?"

A familiar voice suddenly came from behind. Turning back, the two enemies from earlier stood in his line of sight.

Phil Barnett and Tanaka were their names.

"What is here? Have you found a good place to die?"

Phil Barnett asked while floating a thin sneer, he couldn't help but ridicule them. However, Onizuka and Tiana had no intentions of continuing to escape. Strictly speaking, it was no longer necessary to escape.

"Unpleasant... ... Well, the thought fighting of you in that narrow passage was out of the question ~. A little misstep and the ceiling would come crashing down burying everyone alive."

And "Ahaha" Tiana laughed as she revealed her plan,

"On that point...... if its here everything will be fine even if things get a little bit violent for a moment."

"...... So instead of trying to to escape you deliberately lured us here?"

With a rather bland tone Tanaka had asked, to which Tiana sincerely nodded her head.

"You might say it was something like that... ... You two have the , and even if you were buried under the rubble it might end up with just Ken-chan and myself suffocating to death."

After saying up to there,

(Ken-chan, please listen to me......)

Tiana suddenly started whispering to Onizuka and,

(They probably have already had the genes from a higher order life form implanted in their bodies called "Phoenix cells." It's because of them they can instantly restore themselves just like after he received my earlier attack. Speaking of which Ken-chan, you said that they were both terrorists caught by Babel...... most likely their bodies were more suited to have the cells transplanted into. To tell you the truth, the reason I snuck into Babel is to recover these cells......）

(Conveniently, the circumstances are good now. The you called them. Meaning their resilience is close to immortal. How the hell do you plan on defeating such guys?)

Onizuka asked keeping his voice low.

(Their tremendous recovery power is only coming the . And even if they were immortal there is still a way to win.-- But facing two enemies at the same time with such strong resilience myself alone might be......)

(What!... ... Even you couldn't beat them?）

(If I really want to act recklessly I could do it, but......)

And Tiana started to look around.

(...... I want to avoid it here as much as possible.)

Apparently, there seems to be some kind of reason why Tiana cannot fully use her power here. Therefore,

(Got it...... I will take one of them.)

Onizuka readily agreed and,

(Even if I can't beat one of them, at the very least I can temporarily stall until you defeat one. You should be able to manage that alone.)

Just as they reached an agreement on what to do -–

"-- Is your battle plan nailed down yet? Then, I would like to begin."

Phil had a thin sneer on his face as he lightly waved his right hand.

Then his AD reacted, a long sword took shape in his hand.

And......

"I'll hand him over to you...... from the earlier reaction it seems you two are acquainted."

After moving next to Tanaka he said that, and with a whiff of laugh,

"Strictly speaking, I also met him one time before... ... However, I still want to deal with her. I haven't been able to show my gratitude for cracking my ribs and rupturing my internal organs."

"...... I understand."

Responding to Phil, Tanaka nodded as he remained expressionless.

Then the two slowly stepped towards their opponent.

"Since we have already been nominated, it can't be helped ...... Well then Ken-chan, I'll deal with bright smile-san , and you'll have sourpuss-san as your opponent."

And like that Tiana stepped forward.

And the next moment......

Gakiiiitsu-!

Together with a loud crashing sound the battle of Tiana and Phil began.

While catching a glimpse of the fight out of the corner of his eye Onizuka Kenya slowly moved to stand opposite of Tanaka. It was something that Onizuka couldn't escape, confronting himself from his past.

"Tanaka ......"

Onizuka called his name with a bitter expression and,

"There's no need to make such a face...... you don't have to feel guilty or sorry."

Tanaka was both machine-like in voice and facial expression and,

"The past and now, you are not something I hold any emotions towards."

"...... But, I......!"

Onizuka's voice was strained. Even if Tanaka didn't give it a thought, he felt there was a deficit.

But,

"If you want to feel regretful then by all means, its fine to do as you like."

Tanaka talked quietly, without any emotion and,

"-- You'll die here soon anyway."

As he said so several magic formations expanded all at once.

"-!"

Even though Onizuka took a defensive stance in a instant he still faced countless shock waves coming at him at the same time.

### Part 10

Haruka had lost consciousness while in the bathroom, so Akatsuki decided to carry her to his room.

"You'll catch a cold without any clothes on."

He had wrapped his bath towel around her, and then lightly covered her with the blanket after laying her on the bed. Akatsuki then looked at Haruka sleeping soundly.

After he did he thought her sleeping face was so peaceful. For the time being she should be okay with this.

So -- Ousawa Akatsuki could act now.

After he put on the new uniform Haruka brought over last night,

"The uniform's interwoven with telepathic stone fibers...... huh."

He said to himself on the verge of going to defeat Kyouya.

Today wearing the uniform provided by Babel felt a bit strange.

...... No matter.

Akatsuki made a small wry smile. As long as it was needed to win, even using an enemy's outfit wasn't wrong had always been his creed. Not to mention that it was something Haruka went out of her way to bring over, however there was still no reason not to wear it.

Furthermore it was Kyouya who made her cry, taking advantage of a Babel uniform to beat him naturally couldn't be more fitting.

Finally Akatsuki slipped the new type model of AD on his right arm,

"--I'll be right back, Haruka."

After a brief goodbye to the sleeping Haruka he quietly left the room.

And when he made his way into the garage he stopped in the entryway when he found a figure standing near Sleipnir. The figure was wearing something the first time.

It was Listy in a uniform for JPN-Babel.

"That was fast... ... I thought it took a women a lot more time to get ready before they went out."

Akatsuki said with a laugh.

"This time I absolutely won't let you leave me here -- no matter what."

"...... It seems you're adamant about going."

"That's only natural."

Listy answered and,

"I already made a vow with Miu-chan last night to be companions and to share a common fate from now on."

"It's not that I can't understand how you feel, but......"

Akatsuki couldn't help think things would be difficult.

The enemy was Hikami Kyouya. Even when Miu and Haruka combined their power they were completely no match for him.

Listy's ability wasn't that much different from Miu or Haruka's.

To put it bluntly, it would be too dangerous to bring her along.

But......

"I beg you, Akatsuki......"

And Listy on the verge of tears,

"Miu-chan got caught while trying to protect me. Then, now would be my turn to help her... ... Isn't that so?"

Within that serious expression Akatsuki saw a determination in her eyes that absolutely wouldn't compromise.

"...... Good grief, I truly don't know what to do with you."

Akatsuki sighed and,

"I understand. We'll go together."

"Really ......?"

Listy's face brightened up.

"I'll be troubled if I leave you here crying. Even that would be useless, you would just secretly follow anyway."

However, Akatsuki added,

"You'll have to follow my instructions. I can't have you acting of your own -- Are you good with that?"

"You mean don't become a burden to you? I understand."

Listy nodded.

"Well, now that its come to this -- not telling those two seems a bit unreasonable."

Akatsuki then took out his cell phone from his pocket.

"When you mean those two...... Chikage and Kuzuha?"

"Uh huh. I was worried they would do something ill-advised on their own. And with those two around you would be less likely to do something recklessly."

If it was just Listy alone it would be difficult to guarantee she won't act on impulse, however the situation was significantly different with those two along.

Since it was a lot harder to let emotions affect your decisions when your actions might jeopardize others.

...... Well, the same goes to me.

Akatsuki smiled wryly in his mind.

Now with Listy and the others coming with Akatsuki also couldn't be reckless. However, as for whether those three when things turn bad become fetters, or a powerful force was dependent upon him.

-- All right, time to go.

To go find the girl waiting for him, and to by all means crush a man.

It was just like the aesthetics he holds himself to. There was no going back, and there won't be any compromises.

Ousawa Akatsuki then said,

"For abducting that guy, and making Haruka cry... ... You will have to pay the price Hikami Kyouya."

### Part 11

After getting in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha it was decided that everyone would meet at JPN-Babel.

So Akatsuki got on Sleipnir, and then Listy sat directly behind him.

"I'm going to go fast...... so hold on tight."

"Yes......"

Under Akatsuki's warning Listy wrapped her arms around his waist.

...... Ah......

It was only for a moment, but she had seen the look on Akatsuki's face. The seriousness in his face was different. Listy had known him for a long time, and could count the number of times she had seen an expression like that on him.

"Let's go......!"

And Sleipnir departed. As if it understood its owners feelings the pitch-black machine made off with Akatsuki and Listy in the wind.

...... At such time I, what the......

While clinging to Akatsuki's back, Listy had dropped her head down and cast her eyes down.

In her, there was a somewhat tight feeling that had silently raged in her heart. It was surely a little jealousy.

-- Once in Alayzard, when they were fighting to free the Imperial City of Erdia taken by Galious.

Akatsuki had rushed to the battlefield to save Listy and the others from the crisis.

Listy Sherfied couldn't help think.

At that time -- while he was heading toward the battlefield.

Whether Akatsuki had made the same face as he had now.

### 062. Chapter 2 - Twilight's Domain

### Part 1

A soothing melody flowed.

It was in a place fit to enjoy the evening, a bar lounge in a major hotel in the center of the commercial district. It was famous for its exquisite view of the night sky through the window that always drew in a large group of clientele.

-- But the situation today was very different.

Currently, there was only one female customer sitting at the bar. The rest of the huge lounge was devoid of guests.

From the looks of it, it would seem as though it was reserved. However, there was no such sign at the entrance stating so.

Only the usual "OPEN" signboard.

Still, no other customers came at all -- no, its not exactly that no one came. They came up to the front, however for some reason every customer turned back at the entrance of the place. The bar was open during its normal hours of business with plenty of open seats, but they still chose to leave.

The reason for this was the sole female customer.

"Barkeep, your pretty good --......"

The woman finished her cocktail in one sip then let out a beautiful smile.

The Bartender lowered his head slightly and said, "You're too kind......" as he started mixing another cocktail.

But, the woman didn't order another drink. She simply would of liked another drink -- no, strictly speaking she just "thought" she was now in the mood for one. However, that much alone was enough to inform the bartender she desired another cocktail. On the basis of having merely a thought in mind was capable of making the bartender make the drink she wanted.

It was the same reason why no other customers were around.

Just because she was thinking "I want to quietly drink alone" the other customers would all naturally turned around in front of the entrance to the bar lounge.

That was the kind of unfathomable power the mysterious female customer had.

Everything about the woman was beautiful.

Her face, all of the curves and lines of her body -- even the atmosphere around her.

However while having a such beauty to pride over, there were few people who know her name and identity. The leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil End-heart -- was her name.

Her subordinates within the group Motoharu Kaidou and Tiana Randohauze had been sent to infiltrate JPN-Babel that same evening to take possession of the . Cecil was alone at the bar enjoying her drink.

-- Hikami Kyouya's not hesitating to betray COCOON to enact some sort of scheme up till then had been grasped.

If it was an average person Cecil would've been able to see through his plans to a certain extent. But --

...... I'm unable to read the situation this time.

Cecil's smile became even more brilliant.

The inability to predict the situation, while dangerous harbored a great deal of fun.

As one of the world's most powerful terrorists, most of Cecil's daily life could be said to be tame with everything planed out, almost never would anything unexpected occur.

However this time the situation was uncommon, and she was unable to make out Kyouya's genuine aim.

Cecil understood that it was a dangerous omen. Not being able to perceive anything -- most likely meant things were moving in a dangerous direction. So, initially she thought to also intervene in this situation, because in the worst case Kaidou and Tiana wouldn't be able to handle the situation.

But -- Cecil in this matter decided to remain a observer.

It was because a few days before she happened to encounter a young man, for Cecil it brought "unexpected" variables.

His strength still had room to grow, and his future development was limitless.

"Fufu......"

Remembering that time Cecil happily laughed.

Back then when he touched her chest her heart started racing, almost like a girl in love. Even when she faced her predecessor, a man with far more power than herself, or when she was around other suitable people and companions she had never felt that way. That was why she dared to remain in the special autonomous region, to observe nearby how he would move under these circumstances -- In order to confirm it.

Soon after......

"-- Was that."

The moment after Cecil inventively called out she smiled sweetly.

As if it was a gust of wind, the unique sound of a vehicle had swept past the outside of the hotel.

Fast.

The road in front of the hotel was an ordinary street, and despite that the speed was much faster than the time she road tandem on the highway the other day.

"That wind was really hurried......"

Apparently something must had occurred -- that left Ousawa Akatsuki no option but to actively intervene.

"However...... it's just a little too early."

Cecil lowered her head in thought.

At the present time there hadn't been any contact from Tiana. Most likely it would mean the had yet to be seized. Cecil didn't care about Akatsuki's involvement, but she didn't want his actions to obstruct Kaidou and Tiana.

So......

"I'm sorry Akatsuki......"

Cecil softly called out the name of the young man that made her heart flutter.

And with a happy smile on her face,

"Your going to have to take part in a little sideshow -- so that I may understand you better."

### Part 2

Akatsuki and Listy were racing through the dark streets of the special autonomous region on Sleipnir.

They were ignoring all the traffic lights, even the pedestrian signals. Akatsuki as of now was impossible to stop.

So much that along the way the traffic security started to pursue them vigorously, and was ultimately shaken off.

And after a while of this intense driving......

"-- Sshaa, we finally arrived!"

Their destination came into view at the end of the road ahead.

The main gate to JPN-Babel.

"Akatsuki, what is your plan going forward?"

Listy seated behind him had asked about his battle plan.

"Heh...... it goes without saying, no?"

The corners of Akatsuki's mouth turned into a smirk, and he turned back to look at Listy,

"Moving ahead in a roundabout manner is not my style. I'm going to attack head on -- and kick around any opponent."

However,

"-- What is it?"

Suddenly Akatsuki noticed the strange situation. Despite their vehicle approaching with no signs of slowing down the security guards made no attempt to stop them. Or more precisely there were no guards.

-- Just recently there was the incident where Phil Barnett invaded JPN-Babel.

Therefore, in order to prevent a similar situation from happening again the main gate must have at a minimum of six security guards standing in front of the gate around the clock, and from there another ten guards on standby in the outpost next to it. But at the moment, there wasn't a single one.

...... Old man Kubota did say there was comprehensive system update, is this because of that?

It was said that there would be a limited amount personnel allowed on the premises tonight for it. However then that would unavoidably make the campus more vulnerable to a foreign invasion.

Therefore the security level around the school should be tighter than usual.

...... If that then even the [Guardian Beast system] should be activated.

From what he heard from Haruka he was able to grasp to some extent current situation inside JPN-Babel. That being said, not having people stationed at the main gate was really too unwary.

...... Or is it a trap?

Perhaps, already at an earlier time it was anticipated that Akatsuki would be coming, and this was a tacit formulated back then for him. In that case, barging straight through the main entrance would be a very risky move.

So ......

"Akatsuki......"

Listy softly called out to him.

"-- Are you scared?"

"Of course not......"

And Listy tightened the grip she had around Akatsuki's waist,

"We got to keep going...... and kick around anyone in the way."

"Aah -- Leave it to me."

Akatsuki responded to Listy with a nod.

As it was, they directly broke through the main gate, invading the premises without slowing down at all.

It was at that time Akatsuki saw a myriad of black shadows lying on the asphalt road.

The campus under the night sky was shrouded in darkness. In addition, the high speed of which Sleipnir was moving made it extremely difficult to identity what the shadows were,

"Akatsuki, that is --"

Listy turned, and stared behind them. Akatsuki's eyes also were looking in the same direction,

"They're most likely Babel's security guards......"

If that was the case, then who in the world did that? Was this also part of the trap?

But -- Akatsuki wasn't able to draw any conclusions to the questions that floated in his mind.

Because the two were abruptly struck by an intense shock.

The high speed of which Sleipnir was moving had instantly been stopped, as if it were caught on something invisible. Akatsuki and Listy both were flung over the front of the motorcycle.

"Damn......!"

Even though it happened all of sudden Akatsuki still had the time to react. Listy was thrown in the air the same as himself, so he first pulled her over into his arms. Then he kicked out his legs in an attempt to land upright,

"-- Leave it to me!"

The same time Listy shouted she expanded a magic formation.

Invoking flight magic using the wind they landed on the ground light as a feather.

"Sure enough it was a trap. I wonder if it was that man...... Hikami Kyouya's doing?"

"I don't think so."

Akatsuki denied the possibility that Listy had said.

When he though about it to himself, if it was Kyouya's handiwork then there would of been no reason to knock out the guards.

And.......

That thing they couldn't see which stopped Sleipnir, Akatsuki had an idea as to its real nature. Then from out of no where,

"...... Ara, you easily dealt with my surprise just now. Your reactions were very good, no?"

The carefree voice was vastly out of place with the tense atmosphere at the scene. It wasn't a voice that Akatsuki and Listy were unfamiliar with, in fact the new it very well.

"That voice...... could it be......!"

Listy shot a hurried look at Akatsuki.

"...... As I thought."

Akatsuki couldn't hep but laugh to himself having his speculation not being wrong.

And then he turned to look back. His eyes were fix ahead -- at a dark spot on the side of road where the light didn't reach. It was at that time, a youth slowly appeared from out of the darkness.

Akatsuki then floated a fearless smile,

"You took that prank a little to bit far...... eh, Kaidou?"

"Oh~, I was also wondering so......"

And despite Kaidou Motoharu just laughing it off being confronted,

"To tell the truth, I'm in the middle of carrying out something important at the moment. I hate to tell you this -- but, I can't let you go in any farther, Ackkee."

In the depths of his eyes was an ice-cold stare.

"......!"

Listy couldn't refrain from gasping from the overpowering pressure. Akatsuki gently put his hand on her shoulder, hinting there was no need for her to be afraid,

"...... What an amazing coincidence. In fact, I also have a urgent matter to take care of."

And slowly, he began to walk towards Kaidou,

"So -- I'm going to have to get past you by all means."

"Seriously? This is going to be troublesome... ... What can be done?"

And Kaidou deliberately put on an air of anxiousness,

"It can't be Ackkee, that you intend to resorting to brute force to get through, right?"

"Idiot. You're my best friend, how could I possibility be so heartless?"

And Akatsuki cracked a smile,

One breath.

"Ram him -- Sleipnir."

Instantaneously the command was passed through the AD.

The large mass of steel immediately broke the sound barrier barreling towards Kaidou with an astonishing amount of momentum.

### Part 3

The sonic wave that was generated whirled up a cloud of dust.

Listy was engulfed by the strong gust that was created right next to her,

"Is, is it necessary to be that rough?... ... Are you not worried of what might happened to him, Akatsuki?"

In the shock Listy had had involuntarily raised her voice, however Akatsuki was rather composed and,

"Ah. This should be the quickest way. I don't have time to waste on this fellow here."

The synchronization with his AD and also Sleipnir that Kubota did was being put to use so soon. Akatsuki lightly chuckled at that as he looked up at the sky. When he was about to look back at Listy there was suddenly a high-pitched noise.

And at the same time,

"Wh-what is this......?"

Listy raised her voice, confused as to what happened right before her.

A transparent wall had suddenly been placed between Akatsuki and herself.

"...... A barrier?"

Akatsuki muttered to himself, and behind within the cloud of dust,

"-- Didn't I say, I can't let you get passed me?"

The sudden voice sounded like it was said with a smile. Therefore, Akatsuki focused his mind on his AD again.

"--------"

However, this wasn't another command to Sleipnir, rather it was to transform his uniform into combat attire. And when he turned to look at Kaidou, he was also wearing combat clothes standing there in front of him.

"I will also make it clear. Kaidou -- there is nothing you can do to stop me."

As soon as he calmly said so, Ousawa Akatsuki bent both his knees, and launched himself towards Kaidou.

Ready to prove the words he just said a moment ago.

### Part 4

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha after being contacted by Akatsuki were on their way to JPN-Babel to meet up. And the two of them happened by chance to have entered the campus at the same time.

Their first sight on the scene was a number security guards lying unconscious on the ground.

"This is......"

Fortunately, all of the guards were only knocked out, and still alive. But to take out such a large number of guards at the same time within a short period of time the person responsible's strength had to be considerable. At the moment, they thought it must have been Akatsuki who arrived earlier to take back Miu, but was stopped by security kind of thing. However,

"...... It's strange."

"Nn...... It's too clean to be Ousawa-kun's style."

Chikage and Kuzuha glanced at each other, while they shared their inner doubts.

Akatsuki wouldn't have gone so easy on an enemy standing in his way, not to mention in a situation where they had taken Miu. Since time was so precious, the moment he was confronted he would of swiftly and violently blown them off to the side without any explanation. However, on the fallen guards there were no conspicuous external injuries, even their clothing was completely intact. It was as if they were suddenly attacked from behind. There was no doubt -- this was done by somebody other than Akatsuki.

-- But then, what happened became completely strange.

In that case then was it an intended trap by Hikami Kyouya for Akatsuki when he came to rescue Miu, to portray him as a threat to JPN-Babel. The supposed arrangement of the scene was in line with Akatsuki's style.

However, that really wasn't the case,

"No way..... is there another intruder?"

"But also to pick such a crucial time......"

Once Chikage heard what Kuzuha said, she could help but hardened her expression.

That unidentified master depending on whether he was an ally or foe was going to greatly influence their situation. Nevertheless -- the two abruptly got a clue to lead them to the answer.

A series of loud bangs were heard from a place not far away.

"-!?"

It was almost as if space itself had exploded, the heavy low pitched sound shook their bodies to the core.

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha had a very clear sense of what that sound stood for.

Those were cause by a battle breaking out.

"--------"

Therefore, the two didn't need any words to confirm what the other intended.

Kuzuha placed her hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation, creating a stone golem in the shape of a lion.

Chikage immediately jumped up on the lions back sitting behind Kuzuha. Every motion was fluid and in sync with each other, as if the two had planned it out ahead of time.

-- Then the Lion started to run charging off towards the sound.

The low stance as it kicked off the ground with all its strength brought the carnivorous beast to top speed in an instant. The lion cut through the air as it carried Kuzuha and Chikage. The roaring sound didn't stop as they moved toward the battlefield.

### Part 5

Listy Sherfied's body was enduring enormous vibrations.

The low heavy bass that shook the atmosphere.

It was the aftereffects caused by huge impacts -- from the battle that had unfolded before her eyes.

"......!"

Both of Listy's feet were firmly planted the ground as she stared at the space 100 meters away.

The two people fighting were Akatsuki and Kaidou.

The battle had already been going on for several minutes. The offense and defense of theirs had continued without any breaks.

"Evenly matched......"

Listy had muttered unable to conceal her surprise to that fact.

-- Akatsuki was currently fighting bare handed without materializing his black magic sword.

However, he was employing Renkan Keikikou therefore the presence or absence of a weapon was not a big problem.

Akatsuki's own body in itself was the greatest weapon, the sword attack was but one aspect -- so to speak, it was an extension of his physical attacks.

...... And in terms of movement empty handed was much faster......

Still, Kaidou was able to completely match his movements.

And from what Listy could tell she didn't think Akatsuki was holding back.

Every one of Akatsuki's punches or kicks had enough force to constitute a fatal blow. If Listy wasn't protected by a barrier her consciousness would of certainly went flying after a single attack.

...... But......

Against such attacks Kaidou continued to take them head on. He was using arms and legs to protect himself, while evading certain blows to allow himself a chance to strike back.

...... Who could have thought Kaidou was that strong......

What Listy understood about Kaidou Motoharu was only about as much as the young man's name.

She did know that the person in question would half jokingly call himself Akatsuki's best friend, but Listy personally never had a conversation with him.

-- And of course that Kaidou was considerably powerful.

When he visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki, from the initial peace negotiations to until the end of the war, Kaidou had taken on many important roles from the shadows.

At the time when Akatsuki was away from Forestnium partaking in the peace negotiations Kaidou repulsed the almost invulnerable dead soldiers Leon had created, minimizing the damage to the village. Moreover, at the decisive battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon Kaidou had defeated the general of Kingdom of Sherfied Zechs.

...... Then there was that pressure she had felt at that time......

Listy Sherfied was reminded of the scene.

Upon Akatsuki receiving a fatal wound during the battle Kaidou had released a frightening amount murderous intent over herself and the others at the scene.

"--------"

There was no way she could be mistaken. That was clearly more overwhelming than the aura Phil Barnett released with the evil dragon Zahhak harboring inside his body at the time he left to apprehend Miu -- it might of even been more powerful than the one Akatsuki had shown on the battlefield.

"Kaidou Motoharu......"

While watching Akatsuki and Kaidou attack each other on numerous occasions Listy had come to a deeper understanding.

The Kaidou standing in Akatsuki and her own way right now was a formidable enemy, and equally matched with Akatsuki. Then,

"-- Listy!"

Soon after her name was call out, two girls had arrived to the scene. Across the back of the sprinting lion golem was Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage.

"Ho, you guys......!"

The arrival of two reliable friends seemed to have lift Listy's spirit, her face revealed an overjoyed look.

"Why are you just quietly watching? We need to hurry --"

Chikage's voice held some reproach as she jumped off the lion's back to look up to see Akatsuki and Kaidou. For Chikage it was a natural question to ask.

-- It was already decided that everyone will live with and walk down the same path together with Akatsuki.

Therefore even if she didn't know the reason why Akatsuki was fighting Kaidou, exactly what to do next was clear.

Kaidou had fought side by side with everyone, but if he intended to stand in their way while they're trying to save Miu -- Kaidou was an enemy to be taken down.

And so......

"I'm sorry, Akatsuki. I know you don't like others to infer with your fight, but --"

As soon as she say so, Chikage materialized a long bow from her AD.

She had completely drawn back the bowstring, and after had created a magic arrow.

However,

"-- Wait Chikage!"

Listy had called out to stop her.

"Did Ousawa-kun ask you not to infer?"

"No, it's not like that."

Faced with Kuzuha's question Listy shook her head. She felt the same way as Chikage and Kuzuha. She didn't care if Akatsuki would have been displeased if she intervened in his one on one fight, and in her heart she was anxious to lend a helping hand. And rescuing Miu as soon as possible was the top priority.

So, it was not a good idea to waste anymore time dealing with Kaidou here.

But......

"...... Watch carefully."

Listy stretched out her right hand, and at the same time unfolded a magic formation releasing a fireball. It flew towards Akatsuki and Kaidou -- but about 10 meters away it suddenly disappeared.

"How...... how is that possible?"

Chikage clearly saw the mass of fire seemly vanish before it crashed into anything.

"A protective wall -- No, a barrier......?"

Stunned she had spoke out, while she lowered her bow that had been poised. It seemed that the power of the fireball Listy released was equivalent the magic arrow Chikage was about to shoot. After what she witnessed, Kuzuha abruptly narrowed her eyes,

"More than that, the way the fireball was repelled...... was close to an absolute barriers of a higher life form."

"That was his doing."

Listy turned her eyes towards Kaidou.

"He and Akatsuki are fighting on the other side of this barrier. I tried to activate magic directly behind the barrier, also to no avail... ... Perhaps he set up that barrier to block any magic from the outside."

"Have you tried physical attacks?"

"Of course, but the result was still the same... ... This barrier is stronger than we can imagine."

Listy had reported with a bitter tone. She already tried to support him many times. But still, with all her efforts she was unable to get past the barrier that Kaidou created.

In addition,

"That's not all. That barrier besides being around those two stretches out ahead."

Listy looked in the direction of the tower of Babel.

Following her eyes Chikage sighed,

"In other words, we are completely stuck here."

"Yeah. Unless he is defeated, we simply can't advance......"

So, Listy turned her eyes straight ahead, and with confidence in her gaze she said,

"It is now up to Akatsuki...... and only he can do it."

Then the fight unfolding before Listy and the others eyes had suddenly changed.

"That......"

Chikage briefly leaked her surprise which was clearly heard by Listy.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's speed was elevated to another dimension.

### Part 6

Akatsuki kicked off the ground.

His Ki had been gathered into his legs using renkan keikikou, and instantaneously his initial velocity increased. The more he kept his feet moving the greater his speed raised.

He was able firmly plant his feet on the synthetic grounds of the number one athletic field.

The high-speed movement transformed himself into into a gust of wind headed to the enemy in front of his eyes.

As it was, the distance between each other shortened at once, followed by a left and right punch.

Aiming for face that would leave him completely thrashed.

However......

"-- Oh wow, very scary."

Along with the wind the voice -- had wrapped around from behind.

"Shit -!"

Akatsuki had sent a right backhand behind him, but his arm was stopped. Still Akatsuki had already predicted that would happen. As it was he twisted his body to the lower right to unleash a backwards left kick down. However, the kick only ended up hitting thin air.

When he looked Kaidou had already retreated several meters back. Although the attacks had been right after each other Kaidou was still able to step back in that gap.

"Stop running away!"

Akatsuki once again dashed forward chasing after his enemy -- Kaidou Motoharu.

There was another onrush of punches and kicks from Akatsuki that even his own eyes could hardly follow, but still Kaidou was able to cope with one after another. He fended them off with a mix of body, and hand movements to parry the attacks. Akatsuki couldn't even touch his clothes.

...... What's with this, how is he still keeping this up......?

Renkan keikikou that Akatsuki uses was a technique to manipulate Ki precisely as its name suggests.

It wasn't limited to using the Ki in his own body, but was possible to manipulate someone else's just by touch. As such, now that some time had elapsed in the fight Akatsuki had already made contact with Kaidou many times.

However, Kaidou's speed wasn't dropping. On the contrary, it had risen to match Akatsuki's movements.

...... He must be using some form of "Kuzushi."

In order to manipulate the Ki in someone else's body it becomes necessary to match that person's breathing, heart rate and as well as the flow of their Ki to find the appropriate places in their body to infuse Ki to alter the flow. However, Kaidou through changing his footwork and contorting his body size was altering his own body rhythms disrupting Akatsuki's ability to judge.

"No wonder you're so self-confident... ... As expected, you were concealing your power."

Akatsuki had never genuinely fought against Kaidou up to now. They met for the first time on the roof of a 3rd story building within JPN-Babel, and lightly exchanged punches without showing each other their real strength. Kaidou had used the word "handshake" to call it at that time. None the less, he was active behind the scenes in the ranking tournament, and from what he showed at the battle in Alayzard Akatsuki had highly evaluated Kaidou's strength.

Every time Akatsuki provoked him, Kaidou would perfunctory evade the question with "I don't like to take on challenges where I can predict the result." But make no mistake, Akatsuki broadly smiled while he exposed a mocking expression on his face,

"What the hell...... Kaidou, I never thought that you'd be this strong!"

As he spoke Akatsuki's right fist was easily blocked upward.

However, before he was able to gather his fist, Kaidou had grabbed his wrist and,

"Brace yourself Ackkee!"

Unable to quickly shake Kaidou off, Akatsuki was cast aside with a sudden force.

However -- Akatsuki wasn't slammed into the ground. His body was literally thrown high into the air with tremendous force. Without being able to grab a foothold in the sky he could only watch as he was awkwardly falling into the forest near the sports fields.

It was the same forest that had become the stage for ranking tournament.

"Ah, ahhhhhhhhhh!"

The force of the fall cause him to break through the heavy thicket, bending and breaking several branches along the way.

"Gah... ... Damn!"

He manged to somehow settle himself in the air. Taking hold of branch with his right hand Akatsuki, using it as a fulcrum to spin around in a half circle, counteracting the force he was thrown by Kaidou, and firmly landing on the branch.

"Pursuit? --...... No probably not."

Akatsuki muttered. Kaidou's goal was to buy some time. As such, he was trying to his best to detain Akatsuki as long as he could making a follow up attack unnecessary.

...... Well, at least it seems he isn't in league with Hikami Kyouya.

However, he couldn't afford to remain here forever.

He must rescue Miu as soon as possible.

...... But then again.

Akatsuki thought at least Miu's safety was guaranteed. According to Haruka, Kyouya had some sort of plan he needed her for.

At that time, Kyouya seemed to have mentioned something about making a "Utopia."

Although several possibilities were conceivable, the mental state of Miu evidently had become important.

So, he was unlikely to cause Miu any harm...... at most would be limiting her freedom.

-- That said however, it couldn't be taken lightly.

The longer this drags on the more time Kyouya will have to fully prepare.

And more importantly......

...... That guy needs to be rescued right now.

Ousawa Akatsuki had no other choice. He must get going, before Miu started to cry.

So Akatsuki tightly clenched right fist. Kaidou was indeed a powerful enemy, maybe even stronger than himself. And before he would of absolutely been no match for him.

However -- it was vastly different now.

...... Thank you old man Kubota.

After the baptism he went through during the training program earlier in the day, Akatsuki had learned how to fight an enemy stronger than himself. The key to victory lied in the means, rather than the superiority in strength one side had.

And if Kaidou's aim was as he said to stall for time, there was a somewhat greater chance of success.

So......

"Bring it......!"

Ousawa Akatsuki fearlessly laughed as he began to run forward again.

Faster than the wind he had made it out of the forest.

"AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh!"

As he roared a torrent of Ki had been gathered in the palms of his hands.

Two massive balls of Ki were released from his left and right hand, curving respectively as they headed toward Kaidou.

"Hey Ackkee, you can't really think such an attack would hit me!"

Kaidou easily sidestepped the attacks which soared straight past him.

After missing the target the balls of Ki crashed into the ground, and with a loud bang billows of earth and sand had been kicked up. It brought forth enough dust to obscure Kaidou's vision.

"The goal was such a thing--"

"Yeah, such a thing."

With his view blocked, Kaidou had quietly leaked his assessment. Akatsuki had answered while he went around his back from the right hand side.

-- Attacks were sent in from all sides leaving only one way to escape, up or backwards.

But, once he takes to the air at that time he would temporarily be powerless. As Kaidou was just wanted to stall for time he was unlikely to go on the attack, and therefore his means of escape were narrowed down to one.

Faced with Akatsuki onrush however Kaidou was still able to turn and face all the attacks in time.

No matter, Ousawa Akatsuki wasn't going to let up at this point.

As it was now, he took a step forward towards Kaidou releasing a right fist. The punch maintained shoulder level as it went the fastest straight out. Seeing that Kaidou also responded with a fist of his own.

""--------!""

The two fists brushed past each other in the air, invariably making both Akatsuki and Kaidou dodged sideways.

However, Akatsuki took a step forward.

And,

"Oraaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

His right arm twisted, altering its path mid-air striking Kaidou on the back knocking him to the ground.

"Gaha-!"

The impact caused the air in Kaidou's lungs to be expelled. At that moment, Akatsuki further twisted his body to the left.

"-- Eat this!"

Without changing, he aimed his left elbow down at Kaidou's face.

"OOOOOHHHHHH?"

Kaidou quickly rolled to the side. Akatsuki's elbow had smashed into the ground.

Along with that loud boom that shook the earth a large crater was formed in the sports field.

### Part 7

"Tch... ...Missed."

Even while rolling on the ground several times Kaidou could hear Akatsuki grumble.

And using the force he rolled to the side he got back up and,

"That was a little too much Ackkee, right? If I really 'ate that' my precious face would of been completely blown off!"

Akatsuki just shrugged nonchalantly to that and,

"Relax ~, it wouldn't have been so bad. Come on -- at most, your face would of just been in pieces."

"Whoa, that's very cruel! Isn't there at least a bit of love for a fellow student!?"

"You're too loud --"

As Kaidou protested in full force Akatsuki suddenly disappeared.

"Uh-oh!"

Kaidou quickly struck with nukite (spear hand) to his right side.

Under the Moonlight he could clearly see a shadow moving towards himself.

However, Akatsuki used his left hand to neutralize Kaidou's technique, throwing his own right fist diagonally instead.

"Ne, dangerous!"

Alarmed, Kaidou jump back in a hurry -- however, he still received a blow to his body.

"Gahh -- Ah!"

While flying backwards Kaidou could hardly believe what he seen his own eyes.

Akatsuki's fist was definitely too far to make contact with him.

However, the fact was he was knocked back after suffering a heavy shock.

...... Was that toate? (striking at a distance)

To strike by ramming your fist through the air was a supreme feat. And apart from the attack itself, it also expanded the range Akatsuki could threaten him.

"Damn......!"

And after regaining his posture in the air Kaidou landed on his feet,

"Sorry -- That was only a one time gimme. I'm not that easy-going."

After closing the distance Akatsuki freely launched a stream of punches and kicks. As Kaidou defended himself,

"Gua......--!?"

He avoided the first wave of attacks, nevertheless Kaidou was still struck.

The reason was simple -- Akatsuki's attacks had become incomparably faster than they were a little while ago.

...... This......!

Kaidou couldn't hide his surprise. Akatsuki current attacks were entirely on a different level then from the beginning. All the pointless power, unnecessary movements, and useless thoughts from Akatsuki had vanished. His attacks now followed the shortest distance with maximum speed, eliminating all the waste. Every motion had been sharpened to the utmost limit leaving Kaidou struggling to cope with the barrage of blows.

"Tch......!"

When Kaidou found it unbearable he took a big leap backwards.

"-- I'm not letting you escape!"

At almost the same time Akatsuki kicked off the ground after him.

At once he caught up with Kaidou releasing a jump kick with his left foot.

Aimed at the side of his head, Kaidou reflexively raised his right arm,

"-!"

He just barely protected himself in time, however the strong force that was hammered down on him from the attack left his entire right arm numb. Still, Kaidou was able to grab Akatsuki's foot with the other hand in an attempt to slam him into the ground.

"-- Too slow."

Akatsuki had acted a beat faster, raising his right leg overhead, and come down with his heel. And with no more free hands, it was impossible for Kaidou to stop.

So he choose to dodge it.

He strongly pulled on Akatsuki's left foot, he still had a grip on, towards himself, while lowering his upper body forward.

Allowing him to dive towards the ground underneath Akatsuki.

Then there was a thunderous roar that came from the ground back behind him, caused by having evaded Akatsuki's axe kick.

...... Hey now.

Most likely he had made a new crater in the ground.

All of those attacks came at his face, so much that it seemed Akatsuki really wanted to crush his face.

That being the case, then it was his turn to start fighting back. So Kaidou rotated on the heel of his left foot, spinning in place in a 180 degrees, allowing him to drive an elbow at Akatsuki's face.

Gakyi!

Kaidou clearly felt an impact hitting through flesh to the bone.

But -- his elbow wasn't in Akatsuki's face.

Rather Akatsuki had countered it with his own elbow.

...... Seriously?

It had to have been sent at the same time his heel hit the ground.

"Since your fighting so passively to buy time, I can read your next two or three moves."

As Akatsuki boldly declared with a fearless smile, Kaidou could not help but think --

...... What am I do now?

Kaidou's task in obtaining the was to divert the enemy's attention from Tiana.

After getting a mail from Cecil earlier his workload had increased.

He was to delay Akatsuki as long as possible.

In order to prevent him from bumping heads with Tiana currently infiltrating the lowest levels of JPN-Babel. On the surface it probably was to rule out a potential barrier for Tiana, but --

...... Leader is pretty fiend-ish, and seems to quite admire Ackkee.

So, she might be taking advantage of this opportunity to test his strength.

However, it was already exhausting serving as diversion, and now I'm responsible for dealing with Akatsuki.

What a horrible bargain that was. I want to go home, this is too troublesome.

And as he thought of such, Kaidou was subtly beginning to lose motivation but still,

"...... Since it has come to this, I advise you to give up this meaningless perseverance."

There was a strained laugh contained in his voice as Kaidou's consciousness came back the real world.

"-? Me give up? What the hell."

Some unsuspecting words came out of Kaidous's mouth to which Akatsuki broadly smirked.

And -- which he was going to definitively make eat,

"It seems its decided? Of course it would be pointless to persevere against -- "Crimson Twilight."

### Part 8

Even across the barrier Akatsuki's words were clearly heard by Izumi Chikage's ears.

"Is that so... ... It was like that."

Chikage's expression had turned very serious.

...... No wonder.

She understood with that why Kaidou's ability to fight was so high.

"Crimson Twilight is not......"

Listy had just come to this world, and only roughly knew about its circumstances. While Kuzuha next to her nodded,

"Nn... ... They are the world's strongest terrorist group that is said to have equal fighting strength with the administrators of the world COCOON."

With Crimson Twilight openly opposing COCOON it went without saying what his motivation and intention was in attending JPN-Babel.

If what Akatsuki spoke of was true, the thing that should be paid attention to wasn't the past, but the present.

And that was the current situation with Kaidou blocking their way.

So......

"-- If Kaidou is a member of 'Crimson Twilight.'"

The tone in Izumi Chikage's voice was a little rigid. And as she stared ahead,

"Then Perhaps -- the real battle is yet to begin."

### Part 9

"Oh boy......"

After what Akatsuki said Kaido Motoharu couldn't help sighing.

At that time in Alayzard, Kaidou had a tongue in cheek manner evaded the that topic after being accused by Akatsuki.

Akatsuki however was clever, and to some extant should of already been aware of his true identity.

-- Still until now, the two had an unwritten understanding not to look under that card.

Kaidou didn't have a clue as to what Akatsuki was thinking, however at least by him doing so he was able to maintain his position as a friend. It was even so now. Despite being instructed to temporarily delay him by Cecil, Kaidou was not here as a member of "Crimson Twilight," but as his friend stopping him from entering into their domain.

However,

...... Good grief, it has come to this.

Kaidou slightly looked down, with a self mocking smile.

Admittedly there was a little bit of regret, but he also had no choice but to accept the fact.

"I only wanted to stall you little to complete my mission......"

Kaidou muttered, then soon after slowly raised his face.

A cruel smile was met there. Crimson Twilight's true nature was revealed.

Your the one who stepped into our territory -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

So, I won't be able to guarantee it any longer -- your safety, your life, or anything relating to you.

"...... This is what you asked for, Ackkee."

And Kaido Motoharu unleashed the power he was holding back.

### Part 10

"Oho......"

In a space protected by a concept barrier, Kyouya had been watching the course of events, and was more than a little surprised. He never imagined Kaidou would bring out his ability here.

He originally thought Kaidou would play the fool to the end but,

"Ousawa-kun...... you seem to be born with a natural ability to make others want to curry favor with you."

Kyouya also spoke with a very please smile,

"However, it seems you really did get yourself into a troubling spot here......"

Besides, Akatsuki also had something he must do.

...... That's right...... a very important task.

Kyouya looked behind him at the alter where Miu was still fast asleep.

Then coldly laughed,

"Hurry up, its almost time to start -- that is the execution of my plan."

### Part 11

The murderous intent emanating from Kaidou rapidly swelled.

Akatsuki started to feel pin pricks on his skin, because the atmosphere was so strained.

...... Heh, this fellow......!

While subjected to such pressure that would likely crush him if made slightest mistake Ousawa Akatsuki laughed in his mind. It was good like this, because he wouldn't have been able to make any headway with him continually dodging. He needed to move forward -- to the place ahead he was aiming at.

Akatsuki's goal was to take on the head of COCOON his older brother, and also the founder of Crimson Twilight his father.

If he couldn't surpass Hikami Kyouya or Kaidou Motoharu here then -- Ousawa Akatsuki would never be able to reach the place he set his goal on.

And how would he do it? Such a thing was very obvious.

"-- Bring it!"

Akatsuki kicked off his legs, quickly rushing forward.

He knew Kaidou's true weapon was a chain, and was most likely invisible to the naked eye. In the ranking tournament Kaidou's chain stopped Phil's movements while he was transformed into Zahhak, and in Alayzard he overwhelmed Zechs Doltrake. Even if he wasn't clear on the attack range of the chain, Akatsuki knew being too far apart was quite the negative on his part.

So he had to go.

"-!"

While rushing at Kaidou, Akatsuki concentrated his mind on the AD on his right wrist.

A black magic sword had materialized -- Lævateinn. It had automatically assumed the optimal shape to handle Kaidou Motoharu, the enemy before him. It was the second form he used when he defeated Phil / Zahhak and Leon Esuperio.

It was like his AD was telling him -- the immediate opponent was strong, and he must go all out from the start.

...... You don't need to tell me that, I already know!

Akatsuki all along wasn't going to go easy on him.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooh!"

He let out his fighting spirit with a roar, while he slashed his sword down from overhead.

It was a deadly strike enough to beat even the toughest of enemies, and it was aimed straight down on Kaidou's head.

Giiiiiiiiiin!

Together with a metallic clank the blow was stopped.

"--------"

Kaidou had stuck out both of his fists above his head.

In the space slightly wider than shoulder width apart, emerged a single long straight object with a bright metallic luster.

It was the true color of his -- chain.

"...... You finally revealed it."

And after witnessing Kaidou's true weapon Akatsuki had grinned,

"But are you sure you want to do that? Like when you defeated Zechs -- wouldn't it have been better to keep them invisible?"

Then......

"Maybe, but...... at the same time, would it make difference?"

Kaidou also asserted with a mocking smile,

"-- Especially against an opponent of Ackkee's caliber."

"This will be interesting then......-- Oraaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki said that much before he slashed out with a series of attacks.

It was carried out with the second form of his sword with random strikes to decapitate.

The orbit of the magic sword follow an assortment of circular tracks, with increasing speed and power after each strike.

However......

"Oh wow... ... that was splendid, Ackkee."

Kaidou had blocked all that one after another.

Compared to Akatsuki needing to use both hands to grip the sword, Kaidou only needed one. He rapidly waved his right hand down to his elbow causing the chain to dance in the air furthermore controlled by the snapping of his wrist repelling the strikes.

"Your attacks compared to that redheaded general with a sword in Alayzard are heavier, and may even be faster."

"Tsk-!"

After finding out he wasn't able to overcome his resistance, Akatsuki immediately determined he needed to change his strategy.

He quickly jumped back,

"-- If that's the case!"

Then he released a series of four slashes in the air.

The blades of air that were created flew towards Kaidou -- and also landed at the same moment.

"Your also trying this trickkkkk!"

Akatsuki had also quickly reversed the way he held Lævateinn, to from below to create another slash as he raised the sword. It allowed for him to make two attacks from one slashing motion.

The powerful waves from the sword had kicked up the heavy sediment along the way.

And with the approaching air blade, a torrential rush of sand had swallowed everything.

"-- Otto!"

Kaidou quickly moved his hand causing the chain to kick back upon itself in the form of a hexagram notation in mid-air.

Thereupon, a transparent wall suddenly emerged in front of him -- repulsing all the incoming attacks.

...... That was the same trick you used in the ranking tournament!

Akatsuki could not help but be reminded of that time when he was facing the members of the Student Council. The shock wave he sent out with his slashing attack was stopped by that wall. However, the strength from that attack to this one couldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence.

"It's the same even if it's not invisible, huh? -- Very good, I also like it like this!"

Akatsuki was holding Lævateinn around his waist facing behind, as he round it up from the bottom.

Everything before him was severed vertically, parting to the left and right of Akatsuki as it passed through.

After he caught his breath, the sound of an explosions came from the back. Probably was the wave colliding with Kaidou's barrier.

...... Well, it continues now!

From the moment just before the ranking tournament was cancelled where Kaidou and himself were about to fight.

Then,

"Well then, I guess its my turn to do something now."

As soon as he heard Kaidou's voice,

"-?"

Akatsuki had suddenly leaped back.

-- The ground where he was standing was blown away from a powerful shock wave.

In addition, the chain acted like a whip, free transforming as it chased after Akatsuki.

The offensive and defensive positions had interchanged.

...... This chain......!

It was more troublesome than he imagined. Each one of those attacks were extremely heavy, and furthermore were fast. They were equal to, or even greater than Akatsuki's slashes. Moreover, the chain could potentially coil around his sword if he was to received an attack unskillfully. At a minimum he would lose his weapon, and at worst his movements could be sealed. Since blocking wasn't going to cut it, he had no choice but to dodge everything.

So,

"-- OOOOhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki dramatically increased the Ki inside his body with renkan keikikou at that moment, to pour into Lævateinn. And again, Kaidou's chain came at him from all directions. He countered by releasing an attack of his own from his sword.

Instead of a blade being created from the air, a wholly different blade of Ki was generated.

The approaching chain was knocked back.

After Kaidou saw that,

"Oh wow......!"

He couldn't help but admire out loud. Akatsuki spoke back to him as if it was only naturally going to happen,

"It would of been too much of a pain if I was entangled with that."

And then Kaidou saw the second blow knocked back, followed by the third. The room for Akatsuki to counterattack was growing after each block. Gradually he was overcoming his weakness, and conversely starting to push back.

So......

...... It's now!

He once again went to cut the distance, to a range where he could mount an effective strike of his own. When he raised his sword at an angle to defect the chain it jumped,

"What--?"

Akatsuki was taken aback. The Ki blade he brought with it had failed to hit the chain.

...... Could it be that......!

In that instant, Akatsuki understood how that phenomenon had occurred. The last moment before they were to make contact -- the chain had been pulled back. Probably by snapping his wrist at an incredible high speed. And the chain then wrapped around the Ki blade itself in the air, dispersing it at once when it tightened.

In addition, now the chain was coming straight at Akatsuki,

"...... Shit!"

As Akatsuki was in the middle of running at him, and with the forward movement of his body there was no way to he could dodge. Still, he twisted in an attempt to avoid the chain.

"It's too late, Ackkee!"

Kaidou along with a smile, manipulated the trajectory of the chain to match that movement. As if it had a mind of its own, the chain coiled around Akatsuki's body.

The wrapping then immediately tightened.

"Ga.....H, AH.....!"

At once he tried to burst out of the chains with all of his power, however the coiling chain had no change in the slightest.

"Ah, its useless to struggle... ... That's not an ordinary chain."

And Kaidou told him with a laugh,

"That chain isn't a weapon in response to AD's telepathic induction stone. It was specially-made with my very own ability."

"...... Your ability?"

After Akatsuki asked, Kaidou laughed with an "Oh, I see" and,

"You didn't know Ackkee!? Like us, those guys at COCOON individually have their own original element or physical-based magic. While we each have our own original conceptual ability."

Kaidou slowly walked towards Akatsuki.

"My conceptual ability is called "freedom binding chain." There isn't a thing in the world I can't tie down."

"Chains that binds freedom......"

Even though he wasn't able to budge, Akatsuki maintained his usual calmness as he continued to speak,

"Considering you always act freer than anyone...... it is incredibly unexpected that you would use ability to violate someone's freedom."

"No, it's nothing like that."

Kaidou shrugged and,

"It's so I'm not bound by anything -- expect myself, everyone is tied together to something."

And with that, he flung his right arm in the air.

The next moment -- the chain that was binding Akatsuki flew in the sky.

With his body being freed a voice cut through the atmosphere,

"-- This time I'll let you have a chance to take up a defensive stance."

It was simultaneous with Kaidou's mutter being carried across the gap with the wind.

Akatsuki had been slammed to the ground with a loud bang.

"-- Gah...... ahhh....... ah!"

Intense pain ran throughout his body.

Even though he concentrated his Ki into his back to improve his defense in the moments before the impact there was damage to his internal organs.

...... This fellow......!

The damage was unimaginable. Even someone clad in armor couldn't hold out for multiple attacks.

Should I use iron body(hard qigong)? No, that technique would only be some what effective against the strike and shock, nevertheless it was originally meant to stop a slashing attack. And in this case, hardening the body was likely to cause greater damage received from the shock.

Thereupon Akatsuki loaded his whole body with power.

"Damn...... that seriously is unbreakable......!"

"I've already told it isn't a chain."

And Kaidou while wryly smiling,

"It's the same as the surrounding barrier. I used my conceptual ability to bound the space around here. The level of Izumi and the others magic attacks or yours Ackkee will have no effect."

After sayings so, he kicked Akatsuki while he was laying on the ground.

It was a simple kick with nothing special, but the power was enormous.

"Gaaa ah ah ah ah!"

It resembled a soccer power shot on net, as Akatsuki blown off the sports field into the forest.

"Oh, no rotation."

Kaidou's half jokingly voice swiftly became distant. The force when he was thrown earlier couldn't compare to now. Without being able to take up a defensive posture from the residual force, Akatsuki mowed down numerous trees one after another was he went away,

"-- Gah......!"

After his back crashed into a huge rock he finally stopped.

None the less, Kaidou then coiled the chain back around him.

Akatsuki's vision started to become distorted from the severe pain,

...... This is far from good......!

Akatsuki suddenly felt a shiver as he was still able to identify where he ended up.

A myriad of trees and rocks covered the whole area. All of which, was seen as a lethal weapon to him.

On the level sports field with no obstacles was already dangerous enough.

Being tossed around in a place such as this, the consequence will be unimaginable.

Then from somewhere,

"Come on Ackkee -- it's time for the roller coaster."

He heard Kaidou's voice but still could tell from where and,

"You......!"

"Oioi, isn't a roller coaster a fun attraction -- at least smile a little."

As soon as he was ruthless told so -- Akatsuki's whole body began to bear enormous damage from the forest itself.

### Part 12

While Akatsuki was in the middle of being swung about, after being seized with freedom binding chain, Kaidou Motoharu couldn't help think.

There was quite a beautiful sound, as if the forest was performing a symphony.

He also thought without a good instrument it was hard to stimulate his poetic inspiration.

"We almost reached the crescendo. Let's properly enjoy it--"

Feeling like a maestro, Kaidou was making the chain constantly dance as if waving a baton on stage.

With Akatsuki firmly secured at the other end of the chain he increased the tempo to that of an allegro.

The feeling of many types of trees being mowed down and rocks broken into pieces was incessantly returned to his hand,

...... This is the conclusion.

From what he felt on the end of the chain Kaidou determined it was the right time to end it all. Akatsuki should be in a rag-like state at this point. And if he continued his performance there wouldn't be anything left of the forest.

After all, it wasn't good to encourage the destruction of nature.

So......

"Let's finish this with a drop on the freefall."

He took a breath,

"Oh but -- there are no brakes."

So Kaidou raised his right hand over his head -- but, he felt an inexplicable abnormality through the chain.

The chain wrapped around Akatsuki's body was stretched open from the inside.

It was like Akatsuki's body had instantly swelled two times its size.

And the next moment,

"-- Oh?"

The weight that he felt from the front of the chain had suddenly disappear. That sense of weight conveyed Akatsuki's presence.

...... Oi, this can't be happening.

The concept around Kaidou's ability freedom binding chain was once that it binds something without a leaving gap it strips it of all freedom.

Therefore, a situation where it could be expanded and opened from the inside could never occur. If that were ever to happen that would mean their was a gap to get out. And for that, the person inside must have a considerably greater difference in power than Kaidou, otherwise escape was impossible.

"No way --"

Heart full of doubt Kaido blurted out the words when,

"-- You don't look very happy."

The voice going behind him -- and Akatsuki was almost simultaneous.

"-!"

Before Kaidou could even turn around there was an upward impact to his body.

"Gaa, wa......!"

As the sound itself came out he was under attack from the front.

While Kaidou was flying through the air, inside he was contemplating that improbable occurrence.

In theory, it wasn't entirely inexplicable. That was the moment before he went around Kaidou's back he had spoke to him from somewhere in the forest, then in the time when he started turning around he was hit in the air, and before he could speak Akatsuki ran around him to the front to attack.

And, it didn't end with that. Invisible impulsion hit Kaidou from every direction.

The notion of defense and or avoidance against speed and power of the extent had become meaninglessness. During the time it took him to breath in and out, he was unable to count the number of attacks he suffered. The heavy damage he gave Akatsuki while swing him around in the forest -- was supposed to have had him winning. But now after a series of counterattacks, Kaidou was gradually losing that superiority.

"Ku-!"

Even though he couldn't see Akatsuki with his eyes, Kaidou still subconsciously moved the chain to protect himself.

He surrounded himself with a barrier to ward off all the attacks. After successive hits from Akatsuki the pure white barrier was turning ash-colored. The impacts were piling up from all sides.

"Seriously......"

Kaidou almost could not believe his eyes. The impacts were like a heavy rain that momentary obscures the view.

At least with this, he could temporarily catch his breath -- however, that was only wishful thinking on his part.

"-- Its not over yet."

The voice came from directly above. And then,

"-! OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The barrier around Kaidou had shattered, and he was abruptly knocked to the ground.

The sound of a large crater blooming echoed in the forest.

Nevertheless......

"...... Geez, give me a break."

Kaidou had narrowly escaped receiving any damage from the fall somehow. As he stared ahead he discovered a space distorting similar to hot air rising with a shimmering effect. And after a few seconds -- Akatsuki revealed himself.

"---------"

The expression in his eyes were hollow as if he was watching something from another world, Kaidou then,

"I see, so that was the trick......"

Kaidou suddenly came to an understanding. It was not surprising why there such a radical change in his movements.

Kaido Motoharu thought to reach that state, even among "Crimson Twilight" there were only an extremely select people who could, Akatsuki -- really couldn't be made light of.

So he exposed a helpless smile,

"I'll tell you this much...... you really have stepped into our domain."

### Part 13

"...... Phew!"

Akatsuki lifted the extreme state his mind was under, by halting the use of renkan keikikou on his brain. In that state not only was his physical ability, but also his reaction speed was dramatically enhanced.

...... The only shortcoming was that it couldn't be used for a long time.

While at the same taking into account his current physical state, he couldn't help think -- the exhaustion from this technique was too intense.

-- One of the secrets of renkan keikikou was to substantially boost the Ki inside the body, beyond the limits of the body. While there was the usual physical burden to the body, that kind of technique he just used consumed willpower. And because there was no easy to understand signals like pain, it could lead to things like not being able to move anymore before he could notice.

...... However that didn't matter.

Akatsuki didn't forget that his confrontation with Kaidou wasn't over yet.

So......

"--------"

Kaidou standing in front of him, also extinguished the personal transparent wall he had set up.

Most likely figured hardening his defense would make it difficult to dodge or fight back with a barrier in place.

But that was also a sign the fight was near the end,

"It was fun, Kaidou...... but, there is a very important promise I have to keep."

And Akatsuki added,

"Although it won't be easy I have to -- crush you to undo this barrier to move forward."

Then, Kaidou laughed,

"It wasn't fun at all... ... Every part of my body is in pain, and most of all I'm tired. I can't wait to get to lie down and go to sleep."

But,

"If I can win out Ackkee my mind will be at ease, and should be feeling a little refreshed from that."

After he said so, Kaidou's face turned serious.

Akatsuki's expression also tightened, while materializing Lævateinn and taking a stance.

"--------"

The atmosphere around them rapidly became strained. So much that neither one could take a breath.

And the next moment -- Akatsuki and Kaidou's figures disappeared.

Most likely caused by both of them taking action at almost the same time.

The single blow that will decide the outcome. The first to hit the other would be the winner.

So at that moment,

-- Something suddenly came over from the side.

With his body moving at such a high-speed, Akatsuki was only able sense the incoming object,

"What--"

The appearance of a huge ball of light had completely caught them by surprise.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's focus was solely on settling things with the other, so there was no way to dodge.

"-!"

The two were swallowed by the massive ball of light -- and the surrounding area in that moment was dyed white.

### 063. Chapter 3 - Why......

### Part 1

The wind was blowing high in the night sky.

It wasn't a natural phenomenon caused by the difference of atmospheric pressure. It was a wind with a certain intention.

The final destination was JPN-Babel. And -- the name of the wind was Nanase Haruka.

"I'm coming......"

While moving as fast as she could with the wind through the air Haruka lightly said with voice full of determination.

Haruka couldn't possibly stay at home waiting for the Akatsuki and others to return. Therefore she was personally flying to the battlefield.

She was wearing the same uniform that got wet when she transferred to the Ousawa home.

Haruka clenched her right fist, and pressed it against her chest.

She was firmly resolved in her mind. As for the uniform, it was already completely dry as she found it in the dryer.

It was probably Listy who took the trouble to wash it for her, believing that she would be able pull herself together and stand back up -- that thought made Haruka incredibly happy.

-- Haruka couldn't forget the promise she made with Miu, swearing that no matter what happens to protect her.

But she wasn't able to fulfill her promise, and end up not being unable protect Miu. The shock over finding her two best friends Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Haruka dead had also indirectly lead to Miu being capture by Hikami Kyouya.

And to top it all off she only survived -- thanks to Akatsuki.

At worse she wanted to somehow get away, and tell everyone what happened to Miu.

That was at a minimum the mission she imposed on herself.

However, under Kyouya's dreadful power she could only sit there and wait for death.

...... It's such a undignified story......

Remembering how pathetic she was, Haruka coukdn't help but strongly bite down on her lip.

-- Even though Haruka could only cry at her own limitations, Akatsuki still took the time to comfort her. The overwhelming fear that was carved into her heart by Kyouya was overwritten by Akatsuki's warmth and body heat. In order to settle her heart Akatsuki told her to only think of him.

Although she couldn't protect Miu he still forgave her, and consoled her -- by extending a warm arm to her.

Even though she was unwilling to confront her real feelings... ... No, strictly speaking, she didn't know how to be honest with herself, however with Listy's help she was able to at long last accept Akatsuki.

It was completely different from the time when she was detoxified at the brothel in Alayzard.

Haruka entrusted all of herself to Akatsuki by her own accord.

Her always resistant, and obstinate way of expressing an opposing view from long ago had disappeared.

Akatsuki had thoroughly freed her body and mind allowing her to realize her new self.

...... That was the biggest difference, I'm sure......

Now she understood. There was still a little reluctance to make Kyouya or the rest of the world her enemy somewhere deep down in her heart. With her believing in Akatsuki, and him trusting in her there was no longer any hesitation, and also perplexion over Miu. She started to wonder what exactly was differences between the two.

Just the thought of Akatsuki, the though of her other friends an endless amount of emotions overflowed from her heart.

There was an unbound power in those feelings when she thought of what was precious.

A strong conviction.

It was surely the same answer Miu, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha already come up with.

...... Yeah.

She was able to understand at last.

Secondary to her sense of values, her ethics also, even antagonizing the entire world. If it was for the sake of dedicating everything of herself to a specific someone.

It might be a selfish belief.

And may cause harm to others.

However......

There was something she wanted to protect -- she could absolutely not lose to herself.

It remained inside her body, the consideration and warmth Akatsuki given her. In such a way, created a powerful force that was driving her to advance forward, which was surely......

...... Courage.

Therefore, there was no longer any wavering.

"I'm coming......"

Haruka repeated the same words to herself. The feelings in those words gave her strength as she did so.

She failed to keep that promise she made.

But, there was still time -- to make up for it.

And for sure this time she was going to fulfill it.

Her crying and feeble self was a thing of the past.

The current Nanase Haruka will walk forward.

Bestowed with great courage like so to save a friend.

### Part 2

In a vast space in one of the lowermost levels of the tower of Babel two battles were raging on.

Tiana for the most was dominating the battle with Phil as it progressed. The opposite could be said to be true for Onizuka with Tanaka as an opponent, from the beginning on he was overmatched. Attacks came from all directions and against the incoming shock waves,

"......!"

Onizuka could only see the attacks from the flickering of the fire surrounding him. The ones he wasn't able to dodge had to be countered with slashes from his chakrams he materialized in both hands by means of his AD.

Using wind based magic Tanaka was creating shock waves that not only were invisible to the naked eye, but also were classified as a medium range attack. Compared to how Onizuka was frantically running all over the place, Tanaka just stood there slightly away impassively unleashing attacks.

It was undoubtedly a cruel way of killing someone. Of course, Onizuka occasionally found an opening to strike back, and when he did he made the most of it by abruptly increasing the number of chakrams to eight,

"Ooo oh oh oh!"

He crossed his arms, and all the chakrams shot out together.

But......

"-- It's useless."

The chakrams that came flying from all directions were very easily neutralized by Tanaka with a shock wave.

"Accept your fate...... there are no blind spots with my wind magic."

And the offense and defense was reversed in an instant.

"Ku......"

A series of shock waves forced Onizuka back on the defensive.

...... Crap!

Even the doubles of himself he created using mirage were taken out in a split second.

The offensive attacks of Tanaka could be released at the same time. Onizuka's mirages however were only able to imitate the movement of the main body making it impossible for them to deal with each wave.

Once hit, the double would immediately disappear.

-- This compatibility was too evil was Onizuka's innermost thoughts.

Ever since the fighting started he was forced on the defensive.

One aspect of that was certainly because of magical attributes and methods of attack each of them used, however that wasn't the biggest problem.

...... Pull yourself TOGETHER!

Onizuka severely rebuked himself in his mind.

The person in front of him was no longer a former classmate. He was an enemy who was trying to kill him. And who's ability was far greater than his own. Even if he fought with all of his power he would not necessarily win. However -- there was still some hesitation that never disappeared from the back of Onizuka's mind.

The hesitancy was over the regret about how he acted in the past that he couldn't let go.

His spirit of self-reflection would indeed be worthy of respect.

But -- to hold that confusion in the middle of battle was undoubtedly a death wish.

...... Put it out of your mind, at least for now!

Onizuka clenched his teeth trying to rid himself of hesitation in his mind.

And,

"Uuu oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

He suddenly charged out towards Tanaka in a desperate suicide attack.

"Foolish......"

Thereupon, Tanaka held out his palm straight at him -- however the next moment,

"-- What!?"

The deadpan expression on his face for the first time showed a hint of surprise.

...... Fooled!

Onizuka was convinced the other party had fallen for his trap.

It was the same mirage magic he already used. However, Onizuka didn't necessarily have to only create a double of himself. Instead using the principles of mirage he blended his body into the surrounding scenery. In Tanaka's eyes, it would have looked like Onizuka had disappeared. With that chance he created -- Onizuka narrowed the distance between the two sides in one breath.

But......

"If that's the case......"

With himself at the center, Tanaka released a shock wave out in all directions.

However, he could reach him with only a few more steps -- so.

...... It is now!

Onizuka's body was still hidden, only the mirage of himself he just now created was visible.

"-?"

With Onizuka's figure suddenly appearing, Tanaka's attention had reflexively turned to that place.

But that was only aimed at the illusion. He erased his body, and created a doppelganger -- in preparation for a two-pronged attack.

And because of that Onizuka Kenya was able to breach that gap of a few steps.

At the same time he was sprinting he tightly grasped the chakram in his right hand.

With his opponent being almost immortal he aim at the neck.

One strike to settle things.

And as the distance between the Onizuka and Tanaka went to zero,

"------------!"

The chakram didn't cut open Tanaka's throat.

It was stopped a little more than half way in the air towards his throat.

However, it wasn't caused by anything Tanaka did. Onizuka voluntarily stopped the attack himself.

"...... Shit... ... I couldn't do it after all......."

Onizuka quietly groaned to himself.

He was perfectly aware that Tanaka was a dangerous enemy, but still Onizuka couldn't bring himself to kill him.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

"......"

Faced with Tanaka's question head-on, Onizuka was speechless.

What does that mean? Such a thing was very obvious.

The prior grievances had yet to be settled.

Onizuka thought if he taken down Tanaka without doing that he would never be able move on during his entire lifetime.

Even if it was just self-satisfaction, or to console himself.

And so......

"...... I'm very sorry for how I acted."

Onizuka Kenya took the initiative to apologies.

And with all sincerity,

"Even if you are a terrorist. Even if you used me to cover for yourself. It does not mean I should be forgiven for what I did to you. So, I want to apologize to you."

"............"

Tanaka also went silent on how to respond Onizuka.

And after a pause,

"I've said...... you do not need to apologize for anything."

It was said in very tranquil manner, nevertheless they weren't words of forgiveness for Onizuka.

Tanaka held up his right hand unfolding a magic formation at Onizuka's face,

"What you you did was meaningless. No matter what intention you had in mind -- you can't change the fact that you're going to die here."

And the moment the shock wave was about to turn Onizuka's face into pulp.

"Huh? -- the one who is certainly going to die here is you, though."

Tiana suddenly jumped into from side with a flying kick to Tanaka's face.

Intense reverberations of meat and bone being struck spread widely.

Tiana's kick caused Tanaka to fly back more than ten meters.

"......"

Onizuka was stunned, and just stood there with a blank expression.

"Hey you! Ken-chan...... How could you just foolishly stand there in front of the enemy? What were you thinking?"

And Tiana expression revealed her disapproval,

"Listening to you two, it seems that this is the person you mentioned before in the family restaurant. The one who Ken-chan often used bully, right?...... And now you want to show mercy to an enemy out of sympathy and regret. However, I'd advise you not to be such good person, most good people don't live very long."

"...... Shut up. I don't need you to butt in. And also I never felt I such good person."

Onizuka excessively turned away.

"You are. I told you before Ken-chan, you just love to pretend to quarrel like that. It is very tiresome characteristic."

"Your noisy. -- Leaving that aside, did you settle things on your end?"

From Tiana's relaxed appearance he thought she had already won.

The results......

"Not yet."

She readily answered back and,

"A little longer I would of had him, but because Ken-chan was about to die I had to come over here."

"......What? Then --"

As Onizuka was trying to finish,

"-- Heads up!"

Tiana forcibly shoved Onizuka to the side. And at almost at the same time a red ball of light struck the spot where the two were standing, causing a powerful explosion sending a cloud of sand soaring.

And,

"...... What a headache. How could be so unfaithful? Your opponent was plainly me......"

The voice from the other side of the sand cloud was Phil's. Tiana said she was about to win, however the situation looked very different now. It seems he already recovered from any injuries he might of had because of , and tracked her down.

The voice was light, completely unlike a person who was seriously injured.

So......

"...... I guess, it couldn't be helped."

Tiana sighed, and,

"Well then -- it seems we need to change the strategy a little."

### Part 3

Of all the things that was too careless.

After only being one step from finishing things with Onizuka, Tanaka slowly got up.

...... That being said.

Tanaka looked around carefully. The girl, Phil was responsible for dealing with was still in good health, had taken him by surprise.

While Phil was floating a thin smile staring at a cloud of sand in front of him.

Over there probably was Onizuka with that girl.

"-- Very well."

There was no damage left to his body anymore by virtue of the .

So, Tanaka developed a magic formation again, in preparation to send a shock wave over there at once.

It was at that time when the girl broke through the smoke coming directly towards where he was.

"Eh......?"

Tanaka couldn't help being surprised over the girl's movement being much faster than he imagined.

In the time before he could finish chanting his magic,

"-- Sorry, we have to change locations a little."

In front of Tanaka eyes, the girl swung down her fist towards the ground.

At that moment -- along with a loud bang, the ground around the Tanaka collapsed.

### Part 4

"Oh my -- It seems I've been genuinely dumped."

The girl to whom he was facing off against had fallen together with Tanaka as he looked on.

Phil Barnett sighed disappointingly and,

"Really what a headache......"

After saying so -- he casually waved his right hand.

With that the fireball that was coming at him was shot down.

Phil quietly turned his eyes to the left, towards the direction where the attack originated.

It near the spot where his was magic ball of light exploded.

The sand that had been kicked up had cleared before he was even aware.

A young man was standing there, with eyes like a wild dogs.

Phil remembered during the tournament when he once tried to black his path, at that time his eyes were brimming with hostility.

"This really is turning into a headache......"

Phil laughed with the same words he previously mumbled.

Then started walking towards the young man, while the smile on his face gradually turned into cruel one.

"Bullying the weak -- is not one of my favorite hobbies."

### Part 5

Tanaka fell with the piles of rubble into deep pit of darkness.

The area looked like it was untouched, and the height of the fall was probably around of two stories.

But Tanaka specializes in wind magic, and had immediately created a cushion of air to absorb the shock, successfully landing on the ground.

"............"

His eyes still hadn't become completely accustomed to the dark, so he was unable to visually inspect the surroundings. Naturally that also meant it was impossible to see if the girl fell with him. However, with the slight air flow Tanaka understood what kind of space was surrounding him now.

It was a good sized cavern, complete with the rock faces all over the wall.

And -- Tanaka knew where that girl currently was.

So......

"...... You made a mistake in your judgment."

Tanaka spoke towards the darkness in front of him.

"You probably wanted to separated me from Onizuka, but you left Phil Barnett up there. He is much stronger than me, Onizuka now is certainly going to end up -- dead."

Then,

"...... You don't have to worry. Ken-chan is much stronger than you think, or even Ken-chan himself thinks."

From the other end of the darkness came ringing laughter.

"If Ken-chan had to watch the spectacle of you being attack, he was highly likely to get distracted. So I had to purposely go out of the way to create this pocket of space. With this we can be undisturbed, and there won't be any sort hesitation to take you down."

"You really have a much exaggerated confidence......"

Tanaka then said with a very unfeeling tone,

"I was observing your fight with Phil, basically your method of attack is straight up direct attacks with your hands and feet. But unarmed attacks won't be enough to defeat me with the transplanted in my body. And besides your now in the dark it will take a considerable period of time before you can see whats before you."

However,

"In here, I completely understand where you are from the flow in the atmosphere. There are blind spots with my magic, even if you stop breathing you can't escape my detection."

Tanaka had spoke calmly as he was asserting facts, but in the darkness in exchange came laughter.

"Didn't I say something about not worrying? I was only fighting that way, because I didn't want to let others see my -- real ability."

"What......?"

When Tanaka knitted his eyebrows the girl happily laughed,

"That area was already opened up for developed. It wouldn't of been surprising if there were security cameras somewhere in that place. Even though the system update is underway, thanks to your guys using flashy and loud attacks all over the place, who's to say that some emergency line was activated. So of course I have to be extra careful. But, from the materials Mot-chan (もっちゃん) sent me this area was still untouched. Naturally, there won't be any power or fitted with cameras to watch us. Plus with the darkness, even if for some reason Ken-chan or Phil chased after you, there won't be a worry about being seen."

After a short pause,

"Especially -- the miserable state your body will be left in."

"-!"

Tanaka immediately released his wind magic.

Because on the other end of the darkness in front of him an eerie aura swelled up at once.

A strong breeze was sent to allow Tanaka to detected his target. And when he sensed that the wind was obstructed he sent multiple invisible shock waves at that location at the same time. With all that, it was impossible read his attack from the fluctuations in the atmosphere.

But......

"What the......?"

Tanaka was startled. Because of the deep darkness, it wasn't possible to see the girls every move. But he was quite sure that all his attacks had been avoided by the girl.

And,

"Okay then -- now its my move."

The girl's voice immediately reached Tanaka's ears.

### Part 6

The destructive power of the ball of light that swallowed both Akatsuki and Kaidou was overwhelming.

The forest was shaken from the vibrations in the atmosphere, even caused tremors in the ground.

The mass of light mowed down everything in its path. The trees within JPN-Babel's forest were blown off by their roots, the mountain that was there was subsequently gouged deeply into the earth. After the shock dissipated the scene was one of desolation, with nothing remaining in which it rushed through.

But......

"...... Ku......!"

On that ground where that destruction was carved there still remained a slow moving presence.

It was a student who was wearing combat attire of a Demon King from another world -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

Even though he was thrown far from the place he was fighting, Akatsuki was somehow safe and sound.

"What the hell was that just now......"

Mumbling to himself at the same time he looked back in the direction which the ball of light appeared -- and saw.

The forest and the top of the mountain over there had vanished, and there was a huge semicircular path gouge out of the ground leading to it. Akatsuki knew it was caused by the light that devoured him, and anything and everything in the vicinity.

...... That must be what happened.

Then Akatsuki suddenly remembered he was in the middle of dueling someone.

"-- Kaidou!"

He called out in a hurry, while looking around for any signs of him.

"...... Here, Ackkee."

He got a response right away. It came from a place not too far from himself, where resting against an uprooted tree on the ground was Kaidou.

"You okay?"

"Uh...... somehow."

Akatsuki asked after he walked over half way, Kaidou returned a nod,

"But, do you know what that light was?...... Not even my barrier could stop it."

"The barrier was the same as your chain, right? A product of your conceptual magic."

"Ah, yeah. And it was fairly high-level at that. It wasn't something any normal element or physical-based magic could break. Actually, wasn't even the absolute barrier you activated broken, Ackkee?"

Akatsuki was able to use an absolute barrier after he defeated Phil -- that is, when he received Zahhak's power.

"So your saying, that light ranks even higher than Zahhak's barrier......"

An attack so high it was possible to shred Zahhak, and a member of Crimson Twilight's barrier couldn't had come from that many people.

...... It can't be.

The figure of one person appeared in Akatsuki's mind, who he decided knock down himself.

It was COCOON's Hikami Kyouya.

But, immediately after -- Ousawa Akatsuki witness a different reality from his expectations.

Not far from Akatsuki and Kaidou a presence swooped down from the sky landing softly.

"............"

Looking closely, it turned out to be a teenage girl that Akatsuki knew very well.

She was wearing the same battle attire which was only seen on one occasion at the ranking tournament.

In her hand was the embodiment of her AD, a magic wand with an inlaid red jewel with gold decoration -- Holy Tin (聖錫).

However, no expression could be seen, because her head was down.

As if she was afraid to look at Akatsuki.

"You ......"

Akatsuki muttered, as he involuntarily stared at the girl.

Her knee-length twin tail was gently flowing under the night breeze.

-- Silently, Ousawa Miu stood there facing Akatsuki.

### Part 7

....... So that's how it is.

Only until now, did Ousawa Akatsuki understand what Hikami Kyouya's intentions were.

If the light a little while was Miu's doing, then all explanations were easily solved.

Even the reason why Kyouya abducted Miu, and the reason why he said that he was going to make an utopia using Miu.

All the answers were in front of his eyes.

...... Miu is higher life-form than Zahhak.

That happened because the alternate world of Alayzard she came from was of a higher dimension? It would far too simple for that to be the reason.

If that argument held water, the conditions for Listy were the same as Miu. However, putting aside the barrier currently binding her that Kaidou made, Listy couldn't break the absolute barrier Akatsuki had once subconsciously set up.

But that wasn't all that unusual. After all, Zahhak was a higher-order-life-form of Alayzard.

-- However Miu destroyed both quite easily.

The only possibility conceivable -- Miu was a special existence.

Kyouya probably took noticed of that at some point.

At the same time, the value of her existence was surely worth all the desperate means that Kyouya was undertaking.

And the results -- was the present situation.

"......"

Akatsuki's gaze stayed fixed on Miu.

With her bangs covering her eyes it made it hard to make out the expression on her face.

....... Now what should I do?

Akatsuki needed a moment to think of how to proceed next. Before this event, it was a no brainier what he had to do.

The whole reason Akatsuki was here was to save Miu. Taking down Hikami Kyouya was only a means to that end. Although he could never overlook what Kyouya did, but still it was only a secondary priority.

Miu was top priority. That much, would never waver -- So,

As it was, he should now immediately rush straight at her, and tightly hugged her in his arms, celebrating getting her back safe and sound. Then afterwards look for an opportunity to bring down Kyouya.

"...... Ackkee!"

"Ah, I know."

Kaidou called out as a reminder, and Akatsuki nodded with his back still turned to him,

"Things aren't that simple, after all......"

Miu had leveled a forest and a mountain top to unquestionably stop his own battle with Kaidou. At that Akatsuki could only wryly smile and sigh as he slowly walked towards her.

Moreover, this no longer had anything to do with Kaidou, who couldn't even drag himself downstream.

"Our reunion was very moving, but it was a little too showy for my tastes... ... What exactly was the meaning of all that?"

"......"

However, after Akatsuki asked there was no answer. Her reaction was more or less what he guessed it would be, confirming what he thought -- she was being manipulated.

But after he was about a dozen or so steps apart from her, Miu suddenly opened her mouth a little,

"...... My intentions?"

Having been answered with a question, Akatsuki immediately stopped his feet and,

"I only wanted to ask what your......"

He said that much, when Miu unexpectedly look up at him with a resolute and clear gaze -- which stopped Akatsuki from being able to say words stuck in his mouth.

"Once you take down your brother and father...... your intention is to die?"

"......!"

Miu's very unexpected question caused Ousawa Akatsuki to not know how to respond.

Most likely it was an notion that Kyouya instilled into her. So it was possible to deny it outright, as a complete lie.

But the Miu of now, was speaking in state of an ultra higher-life-form.

Then, it might be possible...... for her to read the deepest layer of his consciousness.

If Akatsuki where then to outright deny it, he would instantly lose Miu's trust.

...... What do I do now......

The hesitation in his heart brought about a temporary silence.

-- But it my be enough with this.

Whereas Miu -- and, also Hikami Kyouya were concerned.

### Part 8

Kyouya was observing the exchanges between Akatsuki and Miu from a remote location,

"-- Not good Ousawa-kun, how can you fall silent at this critical juncture?"

He said so with a profound sneer on his face.

Kyouya knows full well about what Akatsuki accomplished in the alternate world Alayzard.

Also knows that Akatsuki returned to this world to stop his own father and older brother.

But on the other hand, after defeating the Demon King Galious, it could be interpreted as Akatsuki was reluctant to become the next flashpoint for a new conflict in Alayzard. Thus abandoned any title or hero's honor, and quietly went back to his original world.

In that case, when Akatsuki accomplishes the same feat in this world -- then what is he going to do?

If Akatsuki after this, truly defeats the people standing on top of this world his father and older brother.

-- At that moment, Akatsuki would be the one to reign at the top of this world.

But, he more than anyone was looking forward to freedom, and could never permit himself to be the one who dominates.

"So when the dying Demon King entrusted you with his daughter you came up with an idea -- In Alayzard she lost her place, and in this world she would be seen as a person from another world, forever living under the gaze of curiosity and avoided as taboo. So you thought to create a unique place where she could belong."

While laughing Kyouya finished his reasoning,

"That is defeat your father and older brother, and then have yourself killed to prevent becoming a threat to the new world -- Isn't that the reason you had her by your side? After she kills you, she gets a place to stay in this world as a hero. In addition to dispersing her honor and feats after becoming a hero, you arranged for her to make many close friends so in your death they would be sure to support each other... ... Isn't that right?"

Then Kyouya laughed very happy, staring at the place where Akatsuki was,

"Keeping her in the dark would of been very pitiful... ... So I helped convey your gentle cruel thoughtfulness to her."

### Part 9

"...... Why aren't you answering?"

With Akatsuki keeping silent Miu asked once again,

"Is it because...... It was the truth, after all......?"

"............"

Akatsuki still only returned silence.

He thought that perhaps this meant Miu wasn't able to read his subconsciousness.

If she was really reading his mind, she would of first found how strongly he was concerned about her, rather than an answer to a possible choice in the future.

...... It seems she's been brainwashed.

And also instilled with extremely one-sided information to manipulate her mind to convenient for other party involved.

-- But even if Akatsuki pointed out the contractions in her thoughts, Miu probably would be deaf to it.

If that sort of persuasion were possible there wouldn't have been an attack from the outset.

So Akatsuki chose not to say anything.

No amount of words could change Miu's thinking -- so.

Ousawa Akatsuki dared to seal his own words precisely because of much he cherished Miu. However, Miu right now couldn't understand his feelings, only the harshness of it,

"Why......"

In a tone wrought with despair,

"'Your place is with me'... ... Didn't you tell me that?"

With a trembling voice,

"...... Was that all a lie?"

"--------"

It would of been easy to deny her words.

But -- Akatsuki didn't do so, because he knew what Miu needed now was not words. Even if he said anything she wouldn't believe in his words. It would of only spurred on more suspicion.

However, the silence in the other person's eyes stood for an absolute affirmation.

Therefore Miu,

"...... All right."

After saying a short sentence, Miu looked down at her feet, her shoulders began to tremble slightly.

Akatsuki in response slowly tried to approached Miu,

"Liar... ... Your such a LIAAARRRRRRRRRRR!"

Miu's emotions exploded.

At the same time her AD reacted. Holy tin changed its shape into a sword.

"-!"

Miu began to run while turning the tip of the sword towards Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki reacted with,

"............"

Akatsuki stopped moving on the spot, standing there motionless.

And slowly closed his eyes. As if he intended to receive Miu's blade -- in atonement.

Miu however didn't stop as a result. The sword was the embodiment of her stirred up emotions that in a moment were going to run through Akatsuki's body,

"-- I won't let you put a hand on him."

Immediately after that voice containing strong feelings was a harsh metallic clash. Even without opening his eyes he knew who was the one who did that.

Because he could tell from the Ki's that had gathered around him, close enough to him that he could reach a hand out.

"--------"

Therefore -- Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes to see.

Listy Sherfied, Izumi Chikage, and Doumoto Kuzuha.

The backs of all three girls where in front of him as to protect him.

### Part 10

Ousawa Miu immediately leaped back, distancing herself.

After landing, she discovered that she well acquainted with those other girls.

And from there could see they were standing in such a way to protect Akatsuki.

So......

"...... Step back everyone."

Her tone was cold, without any emotion. Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha all three took some slight action.

Upon seeing that Miu couldn't help narrow her eyes.

"--------"

Countless particles of light surrounded the three girls.

Reacting their new uniforms and newest model AD shined with a light.

The three's clothes completely changed.

Their Babel school uniforms transformed into -- combat attire.

"You guys ......"

Akatsuki was going to say something when,

"...... This is really unexpected."

Chikage opened her mouth first. And somewhere in her voice held a smile,

"We came running after Kaidou's barrier was broken but...... I certainly never thought I'd come across a situation like this."

"Most likely Ousawa-kun did something lewd again."

"Hey hey...... your going to put this on me?"

With a bitter smile Akatsuki protested. After which Kuzuha added "It was a joke" while quietly staring Miu in the eye,

"When you take in account the barrier was destroyed to attack you Ousawa-kun and Kaidou-kun most of what's happening here becomes very clear."

Then,

"Miu-chan......"

Listy lowered her magic wand she used to block Miu's sword while softly calling out to her.

In Listy's eyes that were staring at Miu were compassion and pity.

...... Why is she looking at me like that?

It was like she was faulting her, even though in that look there was also a trace of loneliness.

Ousawa Miu couldn't help wonder -- Could it be that Listy was sympathizing with me?

Was it because her trust in Akatsuki from the bottom of her heart had been betrayed -- and now she see's her as pitiful.

"Step back......"

So Miu repeated what she just told them and,

"That person was deceiving me... ... No, that person was probably deceiving everyone. So please, I ask you to step aside."

However......

"...... It's different Miu-chan."

And Listy slowly shook her head,

"Akatsuki wasn't fooling you, and also isn't deceiving us. He hasn't lied to anybody......"

"Impossible, I don't believe it. Listy-san don't be fooled by that person. You have no no idea what that person is really thinking."

Miu continued with,

"I'll ask again. Please let me through everyone, or I won't be so polite."

Then, Chikage shrugged her shoulders with a bitter smile. And good grief,

"It's useless...... she won't listen at all. For an earnest type like Miu, once she sets her mind on something no one will be able to change it. If I'm right, this is most likely how she's being used without even realizing it."

"It would seem Miu really can't be persuaded by us. Ousawa-kun probably a long time ago figured out she won't listen to reason... ... I guess it can't be helped."

"...... Seems so.

As soon as Listy finished saying so, the three's expressions had turned serious.

"-- What do plan on doing?"

Seeing them, Akatsuki couldn't help but ask.

"Since words won't work. There's no other way than resorting to force. Ousawa-kun you don't need to interfere. We'll somehow teach this blockhead a lesson."

"Well...... in order to strengthen our friendship even more, sometimes fighting it out isn't too bad. Even now may also be a good chance."

Kuzuha and Chikage spoke while keeping their gaze firmly planted.

And......

"If you really forget, then let us help you remember...... Miu-chan."

Listy spoke up, and with a sincere look,

"How much -- you believe in Akatsuki."

So the three girls began to walk towards Miu.

"............ All right then."

Miu quietly said to herself. She had already warned them.

But, both sides didn't have to come to this, if only they didn't cross. Since the other side was so inclined, she's not going to hold back either.

"--------"

Ousawa Miu swung the sword back up in her hand, and returned its shape back to Holy tin,

"-- Let's go."

After lightly shouting at the empty space in front of her -- Miu dashed forward.

### Part 11

Forced into a battle with Phil, Onizuka chose to maintain a distance from his opponent.

After their confrontation at the ranking tournament he fully understood each other's strengths.

Moreover, Onizuka's round chakram wasn't a good match for the longsword over there.

To make matters worse was the fact the phoenix cells could heal pretty much anything, making the other almost immortal. It would be too disadvantageous to fight close range. Therefore, comprehending the circumstances it was the best possible way to fight.

But......

"Hah...... hah......"

Ten odd minutes after the fighting began Onizuka was already badly bruised.

The reason of course was from Phil's overwhelming difference in ability.

"What's the matter, is this all you have?"

Onizuka's vision was gradually fading, while Phil standing several meters apart took the time to ridicule him.

...... Damn!

While enduring the intense pain attacking his whole body, inside Onizuka was seething with bitterness causing him to subconsciously grit his teeth.

-- The ranking tournament matter was only a few days ago, and within that time period of course it was impossible to make for that hopeless difference in power. That being said, he never dreamed he face him again. In any event, himself now could barley stand on his legs much less prevail over Phil.

However, Onizuka's purpose in this battle was not victory.

But to buy time. So,

...... I'm going to do it......

Onizuka Kenya didn't lose even a bit of his the will to fight. Phil was probably stronger than Tanaka, but there wasn't any hesitation in his heart like when he was facing Tanaka. He recognized Phil Burnett as a enemy to the truest sense of the word. There was no indebtedness to him, so he could put his all into the fight.

-- In the tournament confrontation before Onizuka certainly didn't hold his own.

He was there to stop Phil from moving forward until until Akatsuki arrived. However, he failed to accomplish this task, conversely Onizuka was defeated, and Phil once again chased after Miu. None the less, it was enough for Akatsuki to make it in time, and turned out to be a small help to Miu.

...... But.

Onizuka thought a loss was a loss. That was an indisputable fact. Therefore, he couldn't afford to repeat the same mistakes this time. He must hold on until Tiana takes down Tanaka.

That was the battle -- Onizuka Kenya placed on himself.

-- And instead of a crushing defeat this time there was a slight chance of victory for Onizuka.

The reason was because unlike Tanaka, who was trying to kill him, Pil was just toying around with him ever since a battle began.

And now, it reached the point where the damage Onizuka was inflicting became too consistent, causing Phil to decide to start dodging. Although he would occasionally close the distance to strike, whenever Onizuka pulled back again Phil made no attempt to actively pursue.

...... He's completely looking down on me.

Phil was obviously counting him as an inconsequential existence.

However, Onizuka believed nothing could be done about it. Deliberately diverting his eyes from his own weakness would be of no help to the situation.

...... Yeah, that's just how it is.

Staring at the weakness in himself, Onizuka was still facing forward.

He won't run away. Either from Phil -- or also from his own weakness

"Go......!"

Concentrating his mind, Onizuka unfolded a magic formation creating a myriad of flame javelins.

Unleashing them all at the same time towards Phil.

But......

"This again... ... Could you at least change to some fresh tricks?"

Phil laughed off Onizuka's attack.

He lightly took a few steps to the side, while cutting down the flame javelins one after another with his sword. But, that didn't matter to Onizuka, he new from the start this level of magic could do nothing.

"Oh oh oh oh oh!"

Onizuka increased his concentration.

Phil sneered at his attacks as boring, but these javelins weren't the same ones as in the tournament. The evidence -- when Phil went to slash them out of the sky the flame javelins avoided his sword sneaking around his back.

"This......"

Phil immediately jumped away several steps. However,

"-- You can't escape!"

Onizuka shouted, as the flame javelins were trailing behind Phil.

The remaining javelins totaled eight, the same as number of chakrams he could summon. It was possible with enough mental concentration to completely control the flame javelins. He could change their trajectory to pursue, or even avoid being intercepted by Phil. And with eight at the same time it was practically impossible to dodge or repulse.

"Eat this and die!"

Against the multiple flame javelins approaching in an irregular orbit,

"This sort of magic is only a cheap gimmick --"

Onizuka could only watch as Phil took action with a composed smile. He first thrust the sword in his hand into the earth beneath his feet. Along with a loud noise, large pieces of the ground were kicked high into the air forming a perfect barrier of rocks around him. Onizuka's flame javelins one by one collided causing an explosion before disappearing.

Then,

"-- Here's my return gift."

Breaking through the flying dust multiple red balls of light came at Onizuka in succession.

"Shit!"

Onizuka immedaitly ran in a horizontally manner attempting to dodge them. The balls of light automatically curved, closely catching up to him.

It seemed tracking quality was also added into the magic. So Onizuka created two fireballs in the palms of his hands, and unleashed them behind his hack,

"Explode!"

Along with clenching his fists they burst into flames. The resulting fireball fragments detonated the red balls of light coming at him.

But......

"Your too distracted about what's behind you."

Before Onizuka was aware Phil appeared in front him.

"I was just playing with you -- I can't believe you actually got cocky. It really is something offensive to the eyes."

The tip of the sword in his hand was already moving horizontally.

The edge of the sword was glistening in the dim light around them as it was ruthlessly about to cut into Onizuka's body.

### Part 12

At that moment -- Phil was confident of his own victory.

His slash completely caught his opponent off guard. And now it was too late to dodge.

As long as everything stay the same at present, Onizuka's upper body would definitely be severed from his lower body. That was the outcome Phil was looking for.

The dazzling blade moved right to left, instantly cutting all the way through Onizuka's waist.

However......

"This --"

Phil was slightly caught by surprise, because there was no feeling of cutting through anything.

...... Was that a copy?

To produce a double in that moment for handing that surprise attack wasn't too bad of a reaction.

But, no matter how good that magic was, it was was only a faint to gain some distance for those weak attacks.

If I feel like it, I can end this at anytime. The moment when he thought so,

"-- Gu!?"

Phil suddenly was unable to breathe. He was being strangled from behind

...... No way......!

Phil couldn't conceal his inner surprise. A battle between those with abilities beyond that of a human were always dominated by the embodiment of a weapon, or through the use of magic, never did he expect to fall under such a primitive attack. However, Onizuka while choking his neck from behind slowly told him,

"Sure, now that your immortal any kind of wound might heal in an instant."

Phil could only listen on as,

"But as long as you're still a human -- you can't resist your bodies natural reflexes."

And the force being applied to his neck increased even more.

...... This isn't good......!

Onizuka did not intended to suffocate Phil to death.

But to cause carotid sinus syncope -- that was to cause Phil "to lose" consciousness.

The phoenix cells could repair any wound to the body, but it was not possible to prevent the loss of consciousness.

Onizuka caught Phil's blind spot. If done right, it would make him faint in less than ten seconds.

...... I won't go down so easy!

Phil reversed the grip on his sword at once,

"Guh, uh uh uh!"

He didn't hesitate to stab himself in the stomach. A dull feeling was returned to his hand, when the sword ripped through his own flesh and internal organs. While an intense stinging pain attacked his mind causing almost all the power in his body to leave. However, Phil wasn't concerned about it. He had the phoenix cells supporting him. So as long as it skewered Onizuka behind him it was his win.

And -- with this, there was no way for Onizuka griping his neck could avoid the surprise attack with his sword.

But even so,

"E...... h......?"

Phil Burnett was stunned over the sensation he felt.

In the palm of his hand, there was no feeling of have had pierced Onizuka.

### Part 13

"I already expected you would do that......"

While still tightly having a grip on Phil's neck from behind, Onitsuka said with a touch of confidence.

With his opponent having had the phoenix cells transplanted into his body, an attack that would normally kill oneself in the process became extremely possible to survive. Thus, Onizuka a long time ago anticipated that Phil would try such a risky method to stab through himself to get himself while behind him.

Therefore, the moment Phil's sword pierced his body -- Onizuka turned his upper body to the side to escape the attack.

Now with his posture half turned to the side, the end of the blade that passed through was right up against his chest.

Even so, Onizuka didn't relinquish his grip. With the inside of his right elbow joint locked against Phil's throat,

"Give uuupppppppppp-!"

Onizuka was tightly pressing on the carotid arteries in Phil's neck, but with having an immortal body he was still able to form some resistance,

"Guh..... ah ah ah ah ah!"

As Phil forcibly shook his body to struggle, the edge of the blade swayed back and forth lighting cutting into Onizuka's chest,

"...... Uh......!"

No matter, Onizuka wasn't going to loosen his grip. He understood more than anyone else, if he released his hand here his only chance at winning would be gone forever. By no means could he pass up this golden opportunity for himself to win.

"Wha......!"

Phil released his grip on his sword, while de-materializing his sword to grab onto Onizuka's arm.

Sharp pain ran through Onizuka's right immediately. The tremendous strength in the grip caused the bones to creak.

...... Damn...... Keep holding out!

Onizuka was bearing with the pain. He didn't particularly mind if it broke. Since if he was able to take down Phil it would be a small price to pay.

But, it would be difficult to continue holding the chokehold with a broken arm. And without any power in his arm Phil could be able to escape. If that happened -- it would most certainly also lead to Onizuka's defeat.

The moment he thought so,

"Uuuhh...... oh oh oh ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Onizuka Kenya roared, he refused to be defeated from the bottom of his heart.

There was no way for him to retreat, so he had to go for broke. His next move came purely out of instinct.

"Gaaa!"

Onizuka headbutted the back of Phil's head. The power in Phil's grip on his right arm relaxed a little. Onizuka immediately took advantage of that to hook his right leg with his own, rolling both of them to the ground.

Nevertheless, Onizuka did not release his right arm from Phil's neck.

Phil also never stopped resisting, mustering all the strength in his body to shake off the chokehold. It completely turned into a situation where Onizuka Kenya and Phil Barnett's survival instincts were colliding with each other.

-- And after an eternal ten seconds passed.

The duel between the two finally ended.

While fallen on the ground all their limbs had intertwined.

And then the first to get up -- was Phil Barnett

"............"

But, Phil was silent. On the contrary, he wasn't even conscious.

All Phil's arrogance and self-importance even pertained to his body as it also wasn't willing to admit his own defeat.

However, it wasn't possible in such a comatose state, and fell down and collapsed forward in no time.

Then......

"...... Hah...... hah...... gua."

Another young man slowly raised his body. He was the winner of this fierce fight. His shortness of breath was causing both his shoulders rise and fall, and the excitement from the fight still hadn't worn off.

".................."

Onizuka looked down stunned at his own hands. It was still slightly unbelievable.

His hands were still trembling. The same pair which always bullied the weak, and always betrayed himself in times of need. Now had finally lived up to Onizuka's expectations.

"っ......"

Suddenly -- an unidentifiable voice spilled out from Onizuka's mouth.

The long cry began with the torrent of emotions that he couldn't suppress.

Then Onizuka clenched his fists, arched his torso and,

"---------"

Onizuka Kenya looked up at the sky, and detonated a roar.

He yelled, and then continued yelling. He was able to be accomplished something by himself.

He finally succeeded, and finally seized a victory. This was at last the day he wished for, the day where he could finally accept himself.

And through that roar of the winner -- Onizuka was telling himself that over and over again.

### 064. Chapter 4 - Who Believed In You More Than Anyone

## Chapter 4 - Who Believed in You More than Anyone

### Part 1

The battle to make Miu regain herself was being waged in JPN-Babel's sports arena

At the present time it was three-on-one situation, however that didn't matter to Izumi Chikage.

After all, the Miu right now was able to brake Kaidou's barrier that was standing in their way. Therefore, unless they all attacked together, they would have been quickly overpowered.

No -- strictly speaking, even now it might be too tough.

But......

...... I can't back down.

Chikage thought that this was also their fight.

The want to defeat Kyouya since he was a member of COCOON was not only Akatsuki's purpose in this case, but one of his future goals. Of course, after everyone decided to follow him on his path they would give him all the support they could.

However, in the end that was Akatsuki's personal war.

-- But the fight right now was different.

As Izumi Chikage stared ahead reflected in her eyes was the image of a close friend, who they all decided to absolutely get back. After they regain their friend it was already promised to lived together from then on.

There was no negotiating with that, no matter what.

"-- We need to hurry, and get her back."

After hearing that Listy and Kuzuha nodded back together while they were on the move.

Chikage again reminded herself.

Miu must be suffering inside herself being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight us who still believe in him.

...... No.

Miu must be suffering being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight against herself and the others who still believe in such a Miu.

The ultimate goal wasn't to defeat her, but to get her back.

To once again have their friend regain her smile, and return to everyone's arms.

"I'm going -- MIU!"

While chanting magic Izumi Chikage dashed out ahead straight at Miu.

### Part 2

After Listy saw Chikage run out ahead, she herself also started running.

And even Kuzuha began to move.

...... I'll go.

Listy was no longer confused.

Her friendship with Chikage and Kuzuha could be said to be short.

When they visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki and Miu there wasn't an opportunity to talk. Even when she was brought to this world there was never a proper conversation.

Of course, after yesterday's pajama party they had come to a deeper understanding of what was in each other's hearts.

Even while she was worried her presence would become a burden to the others, everyone still gladly accepted her.

Through their feelings for Akatsuki they could form a common battlefront.

However, even with an understanding there wasn't time for a proper plan of attack.

And no time to establish a sense of teamwork.

-- Still there was no doubt in Listy's mind.

Because there was one thing that could compensate for an immature sense of teamwork.

That was......

...... Trust.

That was all that was needed Listy thought. With mutual trust in each others feelings a sense of solidarity could be born.

That was what's most important for teamwork.

Precisely because we all understand each other -- no, because we trust each other.

No matter how Chikage and Kuzuha moved, she should be able to perfectly match them -- Listy Sherfied felt sure of it.

So......

"...... I'll start first."

Kuzuha took the initiative. As Listy saw her place her small left hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation.

At the same time, Miu's feet began to sink into the ground.

The mud was sealing the her movement, causing Miu to lose her secure footing,

"...... Relying on this trick."

Miu lightly complained, as she jumped into the air. She retreated to safety with help of wind magic to fly.

Then a huge mass of water suddenly engulfed Miu's whole body.

The sphere shaped pool of water was created above Miu's head by Chikage that instantly captured Miu in a prison of water. However,

"----"

Listy looked on as inside the water Miu slightly moved her lips.

The movement of her lips she seemed to be telling them,

-- It won't do any good.

And then Miu cast a spell on the end of her magic wand, Holy Tin, before lightly touching it to the edge of the water.

That was all, with that simple action caused a huge splash as Chikage's water prison burst apart.

As soon as Chikage saw that happen she immediately raised her voice shouting, "Listy!" However, it wasn't from any agitation in her heart that she yelled.

She was only calling out to a fellow comrade.

So......

"-- Leave it to me!"

Listy released the magic that she had already finished chanting.

Brief flashes of light filled the area as lightning rained down from the sky.

However, she was not targeting Miu herself.

Rather it was the space around her.

When Miu destroyed Chikage's water prison the water had scattered out all around her.

That water was now creating an area around her that conducted electricity with her at the center.

And also Miu herself was currently drenched after being submerged.

So now Listy was personally bearing witness to the results of them working together.

The explosions from the thunder had subsided, Miu was now floating in the air with electricity flowing all around her.

### Part 3

Sparks from the electric current were attacking Miu's whole body.

However, there wasn't any pain.

Instead, the sensations from her body had faded away.

...... I see.

This must have been what they wanted to achieve.

Apparently, the three were trying seal off all my movements.

Kuzuha's mud shackles, Chikage's magical prison of water coupled with Listy's lightning -- as expected it was flawless battle plan.

And now that it wasn't possible to move they undoubtedly planned to try persuasion.

Taking great pains to repeat the same words of believing in Akatsuki.

But,

...... It's useless.

Not trying to hurt her, and aiming to prevent her from moving like so wasn't going to stop the present Miu. So she focused her consciousness, however it wasn't to form a new magic.

"--------"

Miu's intention was to intervene with the current running through her body and the surrounding area.

The countless water droplets hovering around her were remnants created through Chikage's magic.

Thus, under the effects there would be no potential difference, causing the current running in the space other than Miu to be parallelized.

-- If that was the case, Miu judged she would be able to control all of the electricity centering around herself.

It was the same technique she used against Zahhak once before to affix lightning into a certain shape.

Ousawa Miu centralized all of the electricity onto the end of Holy Tin, and further amplified it with her own magic,

"Let me return it to you -- Listy-san!"

Towards the ground below her she swung down Holy Tin at Listy.

Along with a zapping noise, a lightning strike came towards the top of Listy's head.

"-!"

Listy's face had turned white, but she still took immediate action.

Slightly charging her own magic wand with electricity she pierced it into the ground, while taking a giant leap backwards.

This created an impromptu lightning rod, causing the lightning to directly strike the on top of her wand, rather than herself.

It was a pretty clever decision, but......

"-- Its not over yet!"

Miu didn't give Listy any chance to recover.

As she unleashed a wind blade to attack Listy at once.

...... Eh?

The expression Listy wore as she looked up caused Miu to question herself for a moment.

Listy was in imminent danger, but a smile appeared on her face.

-- It was at that time.

Miu felt for a moment behind her -- that the night sky suddenly got slightly darker. It was like her mind was playing a trick on her.

...... Did the moon go behind a cloud?

That couldn't be right. There wasn't a cloud in the sky tonight that was thick enough to shut out the moonlight.

Miu subconsciously glanced back. There -- she caught the silhouette of a girl in her vision.

"--------"

She was in same position as when she first attacked Miu with her left hand still firmly placed on the ground.

However -- the earth immediately around her had been raised high into the air. And in the girl's right hand her AD weapon was already materialized.

It was a gigantic chunk of steel. The same oversized hammer she liked to always use.

"Kuzuha......"

Wile in blank surprise Miu called out the name of the girl.

"-- Do not call me by my name Ousawa-san."

The girl said with an unusually cold tone.

"Sorry, but only the Miu from before is allowed to call me by my name."

And you aren't that same Miu,

"So please, quickly wake up."

Kuzuha lifted up the huge hammer high in the air.

"You oppai woman-!"

She swung down the hammer with all her power crashing into Miu.

### Part 4

"---------------!?"

Miu was smashed out of the air towards the ground.

The moment before however she did cross both of her arms out in front of her, but the tremendous weight and force of Kuzuha's blow was too much. Her arms went numb from the impact, an intense shock wave went through Miu's whole body.

"...... Ku!"

Still, she managed to somehow invoke wind magic behind her back to slow her descent.

Barely avoiding crashing into the ground, Miu landed before falling to one knee.

Kuzuha immediately followed after her to the ground, soon after Listy and Chikage also gave chase surrounding Miu and stood.

Miu was in the center as the three formed an equilateral triangle.

However, like before Ousawa Miu was not in the least daunted. It was only that a seeming sad expression appeared on her face.

"You absolutely refuse to back down......"

She said quietly. She thought it was enough if only herself knew the sad truth, and had to suffer.

The fact that Akatsuki had betrayed herself and the others was too cruel to tell to everyone that admires him so much.

Therefore -- Miu planned for only herself to bear it all.

However, since they won't step aside no matter what, she had no choice but to tell them.

So......

"I will tell the reason why I cannot forgive that person."

And then Ousawa Miu's heartfelt confession,

"Because that person -- once achieving his goals intends to abandon everyone and die."

"--------"

After hearing Miu's confession Listy and everyone fell silent.

-- When she learned the truth herself there was nobody around.

She had to bear with it by herself making it a far stronger blow than with Listy and the others right now.

And when she became aware of the situation Miu was no longer able to forgive Akatsuki.

But......

"...... How can you still......?"

Instead, when Miu told the truth she was the one who was surprised.

On Listy's face right in front of her eyes there wasn't even a hint of agitation.

"Why is it that --"

Miu couldn't resist the urge to ask.

"...... Because I believe!"

Listy then calmly and sincerely answered,

"We decided on our own to believe in Akatsuki. That guy is willing to go to any lengths to stop a woman's tears. And yet if Akatsuki does what Miu-chan says then how can he cause us so much sadness that will make us cry over him?"

As she was saying so, Listy was gazing at Miu with an unshakable look in her eyes.

Miu also saw the same thing in Chikage and Kuzuha eyes, and continue to ask,

"...... Why do you believe in that person so much?"

"That is because we decided to believe in him no matter what."

"The first person who decided that, Miu...... wasn't it you?"

Chikage and Kuzuba were trying to gently help Miu remember. It was as if -- she had forgotten something important, and needed to be reminded of it here.

Then Listy also spoke up,

"-- When I was feeling uneasy it was Miu-chan who calmed me down. Now I will tell you what you told me."

She continued with a very serene look on her face,

"There is nothing to be afraid of, we all will be fine because Miu-chan, I am with you, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka -- and even Akatsuki. We will all be together at Akatsuki's side."

Wasn't it?

"-- From now on, we will be together forever."

After hearing her own words being repeated back to herself,

"-!"

Miu bit her lower lip, and suddenly started running.

Towards where those words came from, Listy.

And -- almost immediately cut the distance with Holy Tin above her head before swinging down.

"Oh......!"

Listy blocked Miu's attack in that moment by raising her magic wand.

A crisp crashing sound rang out as both weapons collided mid air.

"What......! Do you know what you're saying!"

Miu roared right in front of Listy's face.

"......?"

Listy was stupefied over her comment, which caused the irritation in Miu's heart to bubble up.

Why can't you just understand?

After all even I...... once believed in Akatsuki.

I believed. I believed. I believed more than anyone else, and keep on believing.

And yet,

"..... The result of that was him betraying meeeeeeeeeeee!"

As Miu cried out she violently pushed down on Holy Tin with all her might.

"-!"

The force tossed Listy backwards.

However -- she didn't directly smash into the ground.

Because immediately before that someone had gentle pressed up against Listy's back.

Therefore Listy looked back in utter amazement.

"...... Akatsuki?"

She lightly muttered his name.

"............"

Akatsuki supported Listy, while he stared at Miu with a sad expression on his face.

"...... That's not fair to look at me like that......"

While making a painful expression, she still raised up Holy Tin.

"-- This is not good Miu!" "This foolishness needs to stop!"

Chikage and Kuzuba grabbed hold of Miu from behind at the same time.

So,

"...... I, I......!"

Unable to stop her overflowing emotions Miu finally mustered up her voice.

And shrieked,

"-- Get off me!"

And the next moment a blinding flash, and a powerful force came out from Miu in all directions.

### Part 5

The world was steeped in a pure white along with an ear-splitting noise -- the surrounding area lost its voice. A complete silence. However, after some time the world gradually remembered the concept of sound.

-- And when the world returned to to its original state.

Ousawa Miu remained standing in her former place alone.

"............"

Looking around she suddenly found Chikage and Kuzuha's figures off in the distance, who were grabbing onto her just a little while ago.

The two had collapsed on the ground, but they weren't dead.

At that time the willpower in Miu's heart turned into a shock wave moving out in all directions.

Most likely Chikage and Kuzuba bared the brunt of it.

The physical damage was very limited, but their spiritual strength was seriously shaved.

Like that they shouldn't be able to cause anymore interference.

...... The other two......?

Miu looked up, searching for what happened to Akatsuki and Listy after the wave.

Then up ahead Listy stood maintaining her distance.

"----"

Miu was slightly surprised that Listy stayed inside the range of the wave and wasn't harmed.

...... That person probably protected her.

If that was the case, Miu turned to look for Akatsuki's figure.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Miu's right arm was forcibly pulled back from behind.

It was in an instant.

Before Miu could understand who was behind her, her body was spun around. When she recovered her thinking, she realized she was pressed up against a chest she knew all too well.

Inside the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki.

"......!"

Once Miu understood Akatsuki had embraced her,

"Let me go......!"

Miu cried out in fear, desperately trying to resist.

However, no matter how violently she struggled, Akatsuki didn't budge in the slightest.

"............"

Akatsuki didn't say anything. Just silence, as he held her.

A strong hug.

But along with the warmth, Akatsuki's thoughts were being communicated.

I'm never going to separate from you, because this is where you belong.

Through the tight silent embrace he was going tell her that.

No matter how much it hurt.

"Uuu...... uuu......"

Still Miu did not stop resisting.

Because she couldn't forgive him.

Akatsuki had deceived her all this time.

Because wasn't it?

...... Once you achieve your goal...... you planned on dieing......!

Even though from the start it was agreed to be together forever?

When you defeat the people who reign over this world you're prepared to die -- and to make matters worse it was intended to be by my hands in order to let me find a place in his world?

Miu couldn't allow such things to happen.

"UUuuu-!"

After screaming out Miu suddenly shut her eyes while in Akatsuki's embrace, and then firmly bit down on his arm.

"-!"

She felt Akatsuki's body faintly shutter.

And the taste of iron began to spread within Miu's mouth.

It was the taste of Akatsuki's blood.

A taste -- Ousawa Miu knew. Strictly speaking, it was something she could never forget.

Then,

"...... Do you remember?"

While Miu remained inside his arms, Akatsuki finally opened his mouth and,

"It was also at that time I was holding you like this......"

"......!"

Miu unintentionally loosened her bite.

She understood what he meant by that.

It was for Ousawa Miu a precious memory that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

-- It happened the night of the first day of the ranking tournament.

After being incited by Phil Miu began to think she didn't belong in this world, and there wasn't any place she could. As a result Miu had given up all hope.

Therefore, in order to not involve Akatsuki or anyone else in her own circumstances any more.

And to save the demon tribes left in Alayzard.

Miu had chosen to end her own life.

So in the presence of Akatsuki she decided to throw himself from the top of a huge waterfall.

She still thinks at that place, at that time she should have died there.

But -- that did not happen.

Miu survived. No, strictly speaking she was saved.

By the hand of Akatsuki.

"......!"

Ousawa Miu remembered.

That day, the words Akatsuki gave her.

Akatsuki told her that she was proof that Galious lived.

Only by her surviving can her father's existence proven.

And -- even if Akatsuki himself couldn't accept his own words, he didn't hesitate to speak them.

The place where Miu belongs will never disappear. It was because wherever he was, was where she belonged.

After saying so, Akatsuki printed his lips on her own.

That was Miu's first kiss.

-- At that time, while accepting his lips and tongue Ousawa Miu had decided her own future.

She -- from then on will be by Akatsuki's side.

So she looked up, and started glaring at Akatsuki.

"You know at that time when you gave me those words and -- kissed me...... how precious of a memory it was for me......!"

Miu's voice trembled as she spoke those words.

It was because she was crying.

"I've always believed in you...... I believed we would be together forever!"

With her hair down, Miu cried out hysterically.

"A place where I can belong *Poku* by killing you has no meaning at all for me!!!" (heart beat -- I normally take those out, but the sentence seemed so dull without it.)

Miu's emotions erupted from inside her as they turned into words.

She couldn't take it anymore.

"Wahhhhh......!"

Miu cried, as she beat Akatsuki's chest with her fists over and over.

I cannot forgive you.

It was too cruel.

If that is so, at the least I want you to say for us to die together.

Because Ousawa Akatsuki -- was for Ousawa Miu the last place she had to belong.

So......

"As you can see I'm alive and well, so...... don't willfully put a curse on me to die sometime in the future."

With a wry smile Akatsuki passed on those words onto Miu.

"I've said it very clearly. Even if you don't believe it -- I will realize the very best future for you."

Akatsuki questioned whether she had forgotten?

"I will threatened to destroy the entire world so that I can create a place for you -- I think that was the worst case, right?"

However, he continued speaking,

"-- Why do you think I would choose that as the worst way?"

Upon hearing Akatsuki's question Miu stopped crying and,

"...... Eh...... What......--?"

Until only then did Miu notice something was wrong.

### Part 6

"......?"

After Akatsuki brought it to her attention, Miu realized one thing.

It was a question she never asked herself.

-- Why would I distrust Akatsuki so much now?

The man who I had feelings for and believed in.

And despite being the partner I swore in my heart to share the same fate with.

No, this wasn't considered to be the main focus -- Miu thought.

I've always been by Akatsuki's side, and always placed myself within reach of Akatsuki's arms. Ousawa Akatsuki -- was supposed to be the only place for Ousawa Miu.

Miu couldn't think of a conceivable reason to part from there.

Why in the world then was I separating myself from Akatsuki since a while ago?

Furthermore attacked Akatsuki and Kaidou, fought against Listy and the others, and hurt everyone.

"Why...... I'm I doing all this......?"

Miu muttered to herself. Whether it was her own thoughts or actions, everything seemed wrong.

In an effort to remember the cause,

...... Strange...... I cannot remember...... Why...... Is that?"

Thereupon, Miu realized her memory was in disorder.

Even now she couldn't remember why she was here now.

She came together with Haruka to JPN-Babel, and remembered entering the student council room.

However, the next memory was completely blank.

...... But.

Miu vaguely remembered being attacked by a maddening sense of anxiety over Akatsuki.

Gradually that unease turned into anger. As soon as Miu thought she might of been deceived -- it had already turned into I could no longer forgive Akatsuki.

And simply because she believed in him more than anyone else she thought she had been betrayed.

"B,but how can you blame me? Because after you stop your older brother and father, you will pose a threat to the world. Isn't it your plan to die......?"

And Miu continued,

"Your older brother is a "COCOON" and your father is part if "Crimson Twilight" so...... just like when you defeated my father in Alayzard you won't let yourself become the spark for a new conflict --"

After she said that much,

"Where did you hear that?"

Akatsuki suddenly asked.

"Eh......?"

"I've never said once my brother was a "COCOON" or my father was part of "Crimson Twilight" in front of you...... No, I never mentioned any of this in front of anyone."

One breath.

"Such talk -- when on earth and where did someone tell you this?"

"When and where...... who told me......"

Miu subconsciously repeated what Akatsuki asked of her. Thinking carefully, he had really good point.

Although I thought I heard it from him, Akatsuki still hadn't told me about his family.

At most, when he was half asleep that one time he let slip that his little sister was dead.

Of course -- that there was some sort of discord between him and his family was clear from their absence.

His excessive reaction to COCOON, or from the conversation the other day at the shopping mall some kind of causal association could be inferred.

But......

As for the details other than that, I wasn't aware of anything

And yet then how on earth did I know that Akatsuki's brother was serving as administrator of the world in "COCOON", and his father was the founder of "Crimson Twilight" of the world's strongest terrorist group?

Moreover, after learning of these secrets the typical reaction would be astonishment.

So why would I accept these this as a matter of course?

...... Why is that?

I have seen much standing beside him so far, and understand what kind of character Akatsuki has very well. That's why, the idea that Akatsuki would want to kill himself was absolutely impossible.

In that case -- why did I come to think in such a way?

However as Ousawa Miu thought about it she could not come up with a reasonable answer.

"Well...... probably only the person that instilled this strange notion would understand, howver......"

Akatsuki continued,

"Right now whats important is to deal with your tears."

"What......?"

When Miu blankly asked back, Akatsuki only reached out with his hand and lifted up her chin.

And stared straight at her.

"Whatever the reason, it cannot change the fact you were crying over me. Also....... well, you -- need something to believe no matter what."

And the next moment, it was just the same way as that day.

Akatsuki lips overlapped on Miu's own.

"Ah!?...... AH...... Nnn!"

Faced with an unexpected kiss Miu frantically struggled inside Akatsuki's arm.

She closed her fists to beat on his chest, and also tried pushing herself away with both hands to separate herself by any means. However, it was useless. Akatsuki had strongly wrapped his hand around her waist.

It was not possible to escape.

Akatsuki's lips stripped Miu of freedom.

However, when he brazenly pushed his tongue in deeper.

"!"

Akatsuki wasn't allowed to get away with it, every time Miu would close her teeth to stop him.

"-- Give up."

And the next moment -- from a small gap in the side of her combat attire Akatsuki slid his hand under. Then he gently caressesed Miu's chest.

"Fuaa!? Ah, mhm --"

She reflexivity released a sweet voice. Akatsuki seized the moment to slip his tongue in.

...... It's a lie. It can't be that simple......!

Miu couldn't help but close her eyes.

For being honest to her body she felt a little ashamed of herself. Once again she realized.

Ousawa Miu's body could no longer -- go against Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Fa...... Oh, Chu...... Ah, nn......!"

With her tongue entangled plus her chest being massaged Miu felt a burst of pleasure seemingly melted her body and mind.

When the tip of Akatsuki's tongue lightly licked the sensitive upper part of her mouth brought Miu close to the extent of going crazy making her limbs numb.

And when the tongue was sucked on the there was numbness from pleasure in her chest together with a lack of oxygen.

Even if it was just a short separation Miu's mind and body more than ever helplessly desired Akatsuki.

...... I,I will not let you have your way......

She didn't abandon the idea of resistance, but......

"Ah ah...... hum...... ah ...... chu, chu......"

The forceful manner made it impossible for Miu to go against, as an intense stirring welled up in Miu's mouth.

Akatsuki's tongue increasingly found its way in.

It was the exact opposite of the first gentle kiss they had during the ranking tournament.

An unending amount of Kei poured in, thoroughly making her body sensitive.

At that point -- even the slightest resistance wasn't permitted.

...... It this also a ...... Kiss?"

Miu's consciousness became hazy.

Also she noticed that -- while her lips were stolen, occasionally her body would tremble slightly.

...... It's a lie, it can't possibly mean......!

Even with her mind clouded she faintly understand.

Each one of those slight shivers were light climaxes, and that the pleasure was piling on top of each other.

But, even though it was strange to say, Miu didn't feel any uneasiness.

Perhaps that one night she spent in the brothel of Alayzard's, Akatsuki had deeply carved that feeling into her body and mind.

And then, on the train together with Listy -- she was willing to accept the pleasant feeling, even though she felt very embarrassed.

But......

...... That's wrong......

Until now, Miu realized that she herself was mistaken of the root cause.

The warmth and pleasure that Akatsuki offered she had no right refuse herself.

"Chu...... Oh, chu......"

The sweet assault continued, and the pleasure tune never ceased.

It was assured that Ousawa Miu -- was thoroughly enlightened that she was a woman.

And the kiss by Akatsuki didn't end, mercilessly depriving Miu of her self(ego).

The lewd noises of their tongues twisting around each other was distinct in her mind.

The feel of a tongue and the mucous membrane different from her own. The tongue and a mucous membrane of Akatsuki.

Just the feeling of the heat through the tongue almost sent Miu's consciousness flying.

Her waist had given out a long time ago. Her legs also had no strength. It was only possible as of now for Miu to stand due to that Akatsuki grabbed hold of her butt without her being aware.

...... If that person hadn't touched my breasts and butt, then I might not of been able to stay upright......

As she thought so,

"Ah ...... chu, ha ...... oh...... er ah!"

She was even surprised by herself at how suddenly weak her body went.

Her breasts, butt, and every part of her body were gradually being dissolved by the heat.

All resistance had been abandoned to fall into an abyss of pleasure of the female body.

So,

...... Ah, this......

Unexpectedly, Miu felt some other element than pleasure from Akatsuki's kiss.

Flowing through the lips were the feelings Akatsuki held in his heart for her.

Although there weren't any words being passed on, the thoughts were certainly conveyed.

Even if it was until then a very forcible kiss she immediately understood.

People can lie, however the lips can't.

Akatsuki -- had been more than anyone looking out for me.

At one time Miu thought she had been betrayed by Akatsuki, and now she did not know what to believe.

However, his words had caused Miu remember something from a little while ago.

...... Something to believe no matter what......

Akatsuki further continued to kiss without saying anything.

But yet, the sense of the kiss now, and the warmth of Akatsuki was definitely the truth.

"Nn, Chu...... Aa, Fua --"

Unconsciously, Miu had stretched out both of her arms around Akatsuki's neck.

She had become absorbed, only seeking Akatsuki.

Inside of the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki was the place Ousawa Miu belonged.

So......

"Oh...... oh, uwannnn......"

Akatsuki's saliva had been flowing into her.

The thick liquid was about to fill Miu's mouth

And -- after perceiving that Miu's reaction completely changed.

Akatsuki slowly separated his lip from Miu. Then,

...... Ah.......

He raised up Miu's jaw -- to tell her something.

She almost inhaled being stared at by Akatsuki with such a firm look in his eyes. Then she heard a resolute voice that could not be refused.

"-- Swallow it all."

Responding to those words,

"Nn...... --!"

Miu did what she was told without the slightest hesitation.

She swallowed the accumulated saliva with a 'kokun' sound in her throat.

She felt the liquid as it passed through to the back of the throat, and a gentle tickle in her esophagus as it made its way down. Her whole body trembled from a sweet sensation.

In addition, two, and three gulping sounds were heard. Miu had completely drank Akatsuki's saliva.

"Haa, fu...... Haaa...... ah."

A hot, sweet sigh was leaked from the remnants of a peak from inside her body

And when she looked up at Akatsuki with misty eyes,

"...... Do you understand?"

While embracing her waist here, the usual bold smile emerged on Akatsuki's face as he spoke.

So,

"............"

Miu quietly nestled her check to Akatsuki's chest.

Lightly holding on to make certain of his existence

...... It's okay to believe in you, right?

Miu tightly closed her eyes, willing to accept Akatsuki completely.

-- At that time.

A whispered echoed in her mind. In the voice that was cold enough to freeze.

Listening carefully it seemed to be laughter,

"-- I was waiting for this moment."

### Part 7

And -- the next instant, Miu's warmth had disappeared from Akatsuki's arms.

Akatsuki opened his eyes, however she couldn't be seen anywhere.

Almost as if everything was a dream, both of his arms were holding onto the thin air.

"!? -- Miu-chan?"

On the edge of his view, Listy raised a very anxious voice.

The suddenness made it hard for Listy to understand what had happened.

Kuzuha and Chikage were not much better,

"That....."

"...... What the hell happened?"

The pair forced their battered bodies up, staring blankly at Akatsuki.

It was understandable, considering that everyone present thought Akatsuki finally was able to save Miu.

However -- it was all except one. Only that one person seemed to have an idea as to what was going on.

That was Akatsuki.

He looked down at his empty hands,

"You did......"

Akatsuki said with contempt in a low voice.

Kyouya had abducted Miu most likely to exploit the power of a higher life form sleeping inside of Miu.

After taking all that effort to obtain Miu would he obediently hand her over?

This means that.....

"...... Such a thing."

Akatsuki was finally aware of Kyouya's plan, and couldn't hide his inner anger.

And then his gaze rested off into the distance at tower of Babel,

"This was your objective? Hikami Kyouya ......!"

### Part 8

"You really are clever Ousawa-kun. It's a pity -- but, you found out just a little too late."

Inside the shrine within JPN-Babel.

Hikami Kyouya watched everything through the fast asleep Miu on top of the altar. Perfectly content he deepened the cold smile on his face.

"Incidentally -- That youthful girl you guys were praising so highly was in actually merely her thoughts given form."

Kyouya look back behind at Miu still lying there on the altar.

It was as Akatsuki imagined.

After taking all that effort to get his hands on Miu it was only natural that it was impossible for Kyouya obediently give her back.

"Such an important thing, of course I couldn't let it out until the bitter end."

And then -- the altar with Miu on it suddenly changed.

The light that had been emitting from Miu changed from white to gold.

After perceiving the change,

"Apparently, it appears that I'm finally able to fully dominate her spirit."

Kyouya said with profound emotion.

Having sealed the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform by placing a seal on Miu's ego.

The offspring between a half dark elf and human had an appearance was approximately the same as a human being's. However, in a situation where an ego was occupying such a "vessel", it was impossible to exert the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform.

Phil Barnett before couldn't demonstrated even half the power the that was Zahhak along the same lines.

Miu, above all, was not conscious of the fact she was a ultra-high-order-lifeform. So similar to that, the magic she had manipulated in her thought form were wind spells that were her strong point all along. An absolute barrier of a higher life form was also never been unfolded as well, because she had not been aware of the existence of power in her.

In this case, the power as an ultra-high-order-lifeform was not stable.

However -- that said, forcibly controlling her ego could end in destroying it in the processes.

Left in a situation where her mind had fallen into disorder, it would become almost impossible to control to her.

So there would be no meaning to it. After all, manipulating that power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform was going to place Kyouya at the apex of the world. Therefore, it was necessary to completely dominate Miu's spirit.

But -- in what way could the human mind be dominated?

...... The approach was very simple.

The first step was to push the person's mind to the brink of despair.

After weakening their willpower to the limit -- the next part was to offer a glimmer of hope.

The mind that was on the edge was like a person that was drowning. They would tightly clutch onto that last straw.

As a result, a great gap will to produced in their mind. Allowing for a chance to get deep down in the depths of their psychology. For that reason Kyouya enlightened Miu as to the ideas and background information on Akatsuki.

In an unconscious state, implanting memories wasn't any trouble.

And,

"When interacting with the other girls, she was constantly repeating "Everything will be okay." Believing that you Ousawa-kun would keep them safe... ... It was like a mantra."

Miu words were meant to reassure Listy, Haruka, Chikage, and Kuzuha, and it succeeded in deepening each other's bonds.

"-- However, those words weren't born out of an absolute trust and consideration. It was only that she herself wanted to believe it so."

In such a way, Miu was often anxious. After Kyouya spotted such, he took advantage of this gap to enter her mind.

And -- it succeeded in the worst way. He was able to create the illusion that her beloved Akatsuki had betrayed her. After losing consciousness gradually the seal on the ultra-high-order-lifeform power inside her began to unfasten. And as he anticipated, Miu gave her thoughts a body to condemn what Akatsuki had done.

The deeper the affection the greater the shock of betrayal would be, and also the hate.

The love she had for Akatsuki, and belief in him the word "lair" had a very severe meaning behind it. It was undoubtedly the wailing of Ousawa Miu's very soul.

It went accordingly to Kyouya's meticulous plan to push Miu to the depths of despair.

But......

"...... You really did save her when her mind was under such turmoil."

Hikami Kyouya had always highly evaluated Ousawa Akatsuki influence.

His father was the founder of Crimson Twilight, and older brother was the implementation leader for COCOON.

And the same blood as those two people was inherit in Akatsuki.

Also there was no doubt there was considerable charisma within Akatsuki himself.

-- In fact, he has attracted a lot of people around him.

And many among them were even willing make enemies out of the world, and also share the same fate as him.

Maybe it was precisely because of that Akatsuki was able to win the reputation of a hero in the alternate world of Alayzard.

Furthermore, even the demon king entrusted his daughter to the human who defeated him Now, Miu even though her father died at his hands sincerely trusts him.

Also according to Kyouya's expectation, Akatsuki tried to save Miu's mind that gave into despair.

Thus, Miu once again open her mind to Akatsuki.

Completely unaware -- it would become the gap to which allowed himself(Kyouya) to completely control her mind.

"Thank you Ousawa-kun...... for moving according to my plan."

It was so. Everything went as Kyouya calculated.

Both making Miu fall into despair, and arranging for Akatsuki help her.

This was all measures of Kyouya's careful planning.

In an effort to completely control Miu's mind.

So as to fully release the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform, and bring it under his control.

"Well then...... it's time to proceed to the final stage."

As he muttered so, Kyouya spun around.

Several red ropes arose from the walls and ceiling stretched out towards the altar in the center of the room Miu was sleeping on.

The ropes coiled around her arms and body, while slowly lifting her up into air.

Then through the ropes the golden glow that was emitting from Miu's body spread out to the whole room,

Vu~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ un

Together with low mechanical sound, a three-dimensional geometric magic patterns began unfolding over and over again.

The link to the ultra-high-order-lifeform had started to be established.

As he looked on,

"...... Well, until the link is set up, I still have a little time on my hand. Then, how should I dispose of those nuisances from earlier?"

Hikami Kyouya began to slowly walk out of the room.

While floating a sneer of absolute zero on his face.

"Before becoming God of this world -- I can't let a single one remain."

### Part 9

In a wide space of one of the lowermost floors a single shadow was moving.

Surrounded by darkness a faint red light was being given off. It was from Onizuka after finishing his battle with Phil.

"This should be enough......"

Onizuka had dropped to the ground on his butt one step away from the unconscious Phil.

He had bound Phil, restraining him from moving.

Nearby steel wire had been used as roped to tie both of Phil's hands behind his back first. Then his ankles were tied, and finally his knees were bound together to completely stop Phil from moving.

And also to absolutely make sure he couldn't break free several layers of wire were wrapped around.

...... This was merely a fluke, next time I won't be able to win.

Onizuka Kenya understood very well that he only won because he caught his opponent off guard with his surprise tactic. However, the same trick won't work again.

If there was a second match, Phil would come at him at full force from the beginning. Coupled with his almost immortally, Onizuka had no more chances whatsoever at winning.

And more than anything,

"I never ever..... want to run across this crazy bastard again."

That was not a joke, Onizuka bitterly spit out. And when attempting to stand up,

"Gah......!"

A sharp pain hit ran through his body, involuntarily sending him to his knees.

Most likely it was the result of having finished restraining Phil, and relaxing his tension.

The pain in his body that had suppressed, had float up all at once.

"Goddammit...... I just finally got discharged from the hospital. And the same guy that sent me there to begin with did it again......"

Ignoring the pain that was screaming within his body, somehow Onizuka still stood up.

For Onizuka there was somewhere he must go to. It was the spot he got separated from Tiana during the fight.

...... That fool couldn't possibly be lossing, but......

If he had to say it, Tiana's ability to fight was even greater than Phil's. In theory there was no possibility of defeat.

-- However, the outcome of a battle was never an "absolute."

Actually, Onizuka beating Phil was a perfect example. Although he didn't want to think about it too much, but he couldn't ignore the possibility of Tiana fail miserably at a very easy task.

And Tiana and Tanaka -- neither of the pair, still hadn't shown up.

Over there the fight might still be going on.

Then it may be possible for Onizuka to do something if he went.

"...... Tsk, what the hell is wrong with me?"

Onizuka irritatingly clicked his tongue. It was unbelievable for his former self to think such a thing.

Worrying about another person, and actually willing to put his neck out for them.

His true self thought..... it was insane to do so.

And yet, Onizuka's mind couldn't stop his anxious.

Then, there might not be other way.

...... Well, now what to do?

Onizuka lowered his head in thought.

To tell the truth, he wanted to immediately rush over to Tiana's side.

However, it was still too dangerous to leave Phil alone even in that state.

Taking into consideration Onizuka had the physical strength to cause Phil to pass out, then there shouldn't be any problems with the security of the restraints. But, if by any chance he escapes when Onizuka's takes his eyes off him -- no, rather if he escapes and comes to attack again, what could there to be done?

At that time, the matter would certainly be troublesome.

Therefore, the safest thing to do,

"...... I'll have to carry him with him."

With some resignation in his voice Onizuka sighed.

He himself didn't know for far he could make it, but could only take it one step at time.

Unable to see the bottom of the hole that Tiana made, the risk was too high to jump.

However, the fact that they went down might make it possible to meet up on a lower floor.

"The problem is I don't know where they are, but......"

Ah well, never mind -- Onizuka thought. It was no use thinking that way here.

For the time being it was best to just move forward.

And then, Onizuka lifted Phil onto his shoulder ready to move, when......

"...... Eh, it's already over?"

From Onizuka's right side -- out of an entrance way, Tiana suddenly emerged.

It look like her hand was holding onto Tanaka's collar, that had been knocked unconscious. However, with no more than an light expression on Tiana's face, it seemed like dragging Tanaka's body the whole way was nothing to her. Of course, Onizuka was fully aware of the absurdity of it.

"To think I hurried over because I was worried, but...... you did quite splendid, Ken-chan."

Tiana laughed loudly with a "AHAHA." They had both had won a life and death battle, but compared to the bruises up and down Onizuka's body, Tiana looked utterly unscathed.

And that smiling face was too innocent.

"Well, of course this would be the case......"

The so-called case, was a million to one chance that wouldn't happen again. With a wry smile at the same time, Onizuka lowered Phil down and leaned him against a wall. Also it seemed that Tiana didn't need Onizuka assistance.

...... Yea, that is so.

A self-deprecating grin appeared on Onizuka's face.

After all, his level could nowhere compare to Tiana's.

"...... Eh? What happened, Ken-chan?"

After noticing a glance from Onizuka, Tiana had come over in front of his eyes, and looked up at him.

So,

"Err...... It's nothing."

And Onizuka shook his head,

"But -- unfortunately, that stuff you were after should be within their bodies, and probably out of reach."

Onizuka believed that most likely the had already assimilated with Phil and Tanaka's bodies.

And that it was impossible for Tiana to obtain.

However......

"Don't worry...... it's no problem at all~"

After hearing what Onizuka said, Tiana laughed. She steadily walked over to Phil's side, and bent over.

Then in front of Onizuka while he was watching......

Tiana's right hand -- soundlessly went through the left side of Phil's chest.

### Part 10

"------!......?"

Onizuka couldn't understand what just happened in front his eyes, because there was no sense of reality.

He stood there completely frozen. However, ignoring the lost Onizuka,

"Ah, found it... ... Yoisho!!!"

Tiana nonchalantly pulled something out from Phils's chest.

Ripped out -- would probably be the correct way to put it.

Although the instant that she punched through he didn't hear any sounds from bones breaking, Onizuka clearly heard the noises from muscle fibers and blood vessels tearing. It was a true to life bloody scene that Onizuka couldn't help but want to cover his ears from.

"Just now......"

A groan spilled out from Onizuka. But that voice didn't reached the girl in front of him.

Tiana's was waving her clenched fist back and forth in an attempt to shake off the fresh blood.

"So this is a phoenix cell......"

Soon after, she had opened her fist, and stared intently at the vermilion glow in the palm of her hand. It was a red crystal about five centimeters in diameter.

"It's smaller than you would think. Ah well, but since this thing can turn a person into such an undead monster it's no wonder why Japan's Government felt the need to engage in such unlawful activity......"

And after Tiana took out a cylindrical tubed shaped container from her pocket,

"Nonetheless, this is something that cannot fall into COCOON's hands. It's better if I take it here."

She opened the container and put the crystal in. Then at the same time, there was an abrupt change in Phils's body.

The surface of his skin began to dry up and wither, as if rapidly aging.

"Wh-what was that.....?"

"This is probably because he was originally dead from the start."

To the startle Onizuka, Tiana spoke without hesitation and,

"Living human beings by nature posses the ability to heal themselves. With the phoenix cell that vitality is unlimited with an infinite amount of cell recovery, and may cause the body to react, probably with the same potential problems of organ transplantation...... rejection. That is because there is a function in the body to eliminate any foreign substances. Therefore, a dead person rather than living would make for much better Phoenix cell transplant candidates.

A breath.

"Ah well -- I don't know if he was dead from the beginning, or he was murdered before the transplant. The Phoenix cell's recovery is quite strong, a small group of cells reconstructing the original body would not be impossible. Having undergone something like mummification just now was probably because the cells died rapidly after losing the phoenix cell."

After saying so, Tiana turned around and walked back a little.

To the other young man that had attacked Onizuka earlier she had left on the ground.

It was Tanaka whom Tiana had carried here.

So......

"Hey...... wait a minute!"

Onizuka panicked, as he grabbed Tiana's shoulder.

"Huh? What's the matter, Ken-chan?"

"What is "what," ah...... -- You!"

To having Tiana looked back confused, Onizuka couldn't help but raise his voice and,

"Killing nonchalantly, and you actually asked me what!"

Tiana blinked with surprise then,

"No, no, what you're saying. Before you were being tormented by your guilty conscience, and now are you beginning some ridiculous sympathy for them? You cannot forget Ken-chan they are enemies that were trying to kill you and myself. It is only retribution for what they have done themselves. Additionally, my mission is the Phoenix cells within them. Defeating them, and obtaining the cells is what's integral."

Tiana exposed a helpless smile, as if scolding a disobedient child and,

"Please bare with it... ... This is no place to mess around."

"I know that your objective is the Phoenix cells, and that I even came here on a whim -- But, losing the Phoenix cells means that he is going to die!"

Onizuka looked down at Tanaka on the ground. After the Phoenix cell was removed Tanaka would share Phil's same fate.

-- After the incident with the out of control training program.

Onizuka didn't know whether Tanaka had been caught alive or dead.

However, the transplantation of Phoenix cells would not of been what Tanaka wanted.

And for that he had already died once, and revived to be used as a chess piece.

Now to also let him be killed again would be -- too cruel.

However,

"I explained before...... they seemed to have died a long time ago."

Tiana somewhat sighed. And in amazed tone of voice,

"If only moving and speaking is what it is meant to be alive, then even robots posses life. Do you still not understand? They are only corpses moving around because of the Phoenix cells. There is no need for you feel that way over a moving mannequin."

Tiana's manner of speaking enraged Onizuka. Tiana's shoulder, he had a tight grip on, started shaking intensely before he roared almost out of control,

"Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!"

Onizuka's passionate cry spread widely all around, echoing throughout the wide open space.

Before long it fade away, and space again settled down.

"...... Good grief."

A chilly low sigh without emotion came from Tiana.

"-!"

Onizuka involuntarily harden himself, despite that she brushed off his hand that had been placed on her shoulder.

And,

"...... I shouldn't have brought you after all."

Afterwords he saw in Tiana's eyes -- a cold stare different from her usual self.

"You followed me here on your own... ... furthermore, you want to impose your selfish sentimentality on me. Aren't you getting overly carried away with yourself? Moreover, all the trouble I've been though to this point, you think I would let go the prey in front of me, and quietly turn away?"

"......!"

Although faced with the overwhelming pressure from Tiana, Onizuka lost the mental battle for a moment,

"You've obtained one Phoenix cell...... that should be enough, right? There's no longer any need to kill another person."

"Killing a person? Ken-chan, are you really still treating them as human beings?"

Never mind, Tiana shook her head.

"Even if...... I overlook him here, then what? Surely, you don't intend to just leave him here like this? Forget that he tried to kill you, Ken-chan and myself for a moment. But suppose after waking up he goes out to kill another person this time?"

"...... Afterwords, I'll report him to the public security (Changed from -- Peace preservation corps)...... "

"Public security? And where do you think here is? This is the lower levels of JPN-Babel! We had to break through a security vulnerability to get here. Do you think JPN-Babel will authorize public security to enter and investigate?"

Tiana laughed and,

"Let's assume that public security was able to come here, then what would happen? Arrest him and put him on trial? Stop joking. This cannot be opened to the public. Babel will surely use their influence to demand they return him, and then finish things in private."

"This......!"

Onizuka face became bitter.

Everything that Tiana mentioned was indeed what might really happen.

Onizuka's idea for asking for Public security to arrest him was absolutely unrealistic. And to not leave him with any room for rebuttal Tiana pressed even further,

"Ken-chan, please carefully consider the meaning of them being at the lowermost levels of JPN-Babel. And, who transplanted the Phoenix cells into their bodies, and arranged for them to be here?"

"............"

To Tiana's word, Onizuka fell silent.

Only one person had that kind of power.

That was the person sent from COCOON to manage Babel -- Hikami Kyouya.

And if this really was Kyouya's doing then handing him over to Public security, or placing him in a hospital for treatment would be useless like Tiana said.

Hikami Kyouya holds full authority over all the special autonomous region.

Any kind of inconvenient truth would be very easily crushed.

To begin with, Tanaka was a terrorist who planned the destruction of JPN-Babel, but handing him over to Public security was purposely not done.

"And......"

And Tiana sighed,

"Most likely if we let him go he is going to be disposed of for failing his mission. At that time, the Phoenix cell from his body will be removed and re-transplanted to better "source material." Now do you understand? There is no route which he survives."

"...... But."

Still, Onizuka refused to give up.

"It's unsightly. Reporting it to Public security, and leaving it all to others. Is that what you want so you can fulfill your minimum obligation? Yes yes, you can stop me here, and indeed Ken-chan you will be a good person. But. that is just looking away from the reality in front of you, that no matter what he is going to be killed by some else's hands."

Tiana's words were sharp, but were indisputable facts.

"Or are you saying you're going to protect him? From Babel and COCOON, and Public security for all of eternity ... ... Do you have that much resolution? Your descendants will have to continue protecting him, who has became ageless and deathless because of the Phoenix cell, generation after generation... ... That sort of sacrifice won't just be you Ken-chan, or are you saying that there is even the resolution to involve someone other than yourself?"

"I ......"

"Impossible is not it? No power, lack of resolution, and even unwilling to shoulder the most basic of responsibilities. Speaking of life or human rights, and respect just for argument sake... ... Do you know what kind of standpoint that is, Ken-chan?"

A breath.

"That is called hypocrisy."

So......

".................."

Onizuka fell silent. and then finally shot Tiana a glance.

"...... So you understand, please don't obstruct me any further."

After saying that, she began to walk towards Tanaka.

"--------"

Onizuka could only silently stare at Tiana's petite back. His gaze was like one of an audience member looking at the stage.

Tiana's existence felt so far away.

So -- the Phoenix cell will be extracted from Tanaka, and he will instantly wither away the same as Phil.

That was what was going to happen.

-- But, in reality that did not.

On account of Tiana being forced to stopped.

And then she turned her head back towards him,

"Ken-chan, what do mean by this?"

She looked at the large hand resting on her shoulder, and then at face of its owner -- Onizuka Kenya.

"I've told you not to obstruct me any further."

"Ah...... I heard."

He said with his face looking down, however then he raised his head.

And said.

"Still, I can't let you kill that guy."

Onizuka understood that Tanaka's death was inevitable.

And that this was Tanaka's own fault, and no one else's.

But -- even so, this did not constitute a reason for Tiana to kill him.

...... Yea, that is right.

Perhaps Tanaka and Phil couldn't be considered a human beings the same as Onizuka anymore.

But, to be so easily decisive about cutting open Phil's chest then Tanaka's.

Watching her do that felt like she was becoming entirely different from a human being like himself.

If only this reason Onizuka wanted to stop her.

-- Onizuka did not know what Tiana had done in the past.

But at least he knows that Tiana was definitely a normal human the same as him.

Even if it was a temporary moment of sentimentality, or hypocrisy --

Onizuka Kenya didn't want Tiana's hands in front of him to be stained with blood any further.

Then Tiana,

"............ Ken-chan."

The moment she called his name with the sigh,

"Gaa -------!?"

Onizuka suddenly felt a strong impact to his body, as if he had been hit by a car.

The force sent him flying, crashing into the wall behind him.

"Gu...... ah......!"

He helplessly fell down to the ground, and right before his consciousness was gave out,

"If you obstruct me any further, I will consider you as an enemy."

Tiana said in ruthless voice.

"Your flimsy sense of justice and your cheap pretend hero antics should only be done in a dream."

"...... Ku......!"

Withstanding the severe pain throughout his body, Onizuka clenched his teeth in chagrin.

Likewise, he could not stop Tiana.

The outcome was easy to visualize.

Onizuka's power was limited, many times weaker than hers.

Even summoned to a different world he wasn't able to do anything of significance.

So he had quit on himself, and also on others.

And to escape from that reality Onizuka started to beat up on those weaker than himself.

...... It is so.

Like Tiana said, he did not have power or the resolution.

But still......

"...... Gu...... ah....... AHH!"

If there was only one thing left, there was obstinacy in Onizuka Kenya.

The obstinacy of a loser dog.

And even in such of himself, he learned a little while ago that there were things he could accomplish.

That was a force to make the impossible possible.

Therefore, he desperately stood up,

"Tiana Randohauzen...... Stop!"

Onizuka shouted towards the small back that was moving away.

So......

"........."

Tiana slowly turned back.

Her face no longer showed any emotions. Her eyes were turned towards an enemy.

Cold unfeeling eyes. However, Onizuka Kenya did not mind at all.

He knew now that he had finally become an obstacle to Tiana.

...... That's just fine......!

Come on let's go. Sitting in the audience and watching the performance time was over.

From here out, it was time for the cheap pretend hero to take the stage.

Onizuka's weapon was a flimsy sense of justice that swayed when the wind blew.

But, there was the determination to not back down serving as support.

Onizuka Kenya resigned himself to fight Tiana Randohauzen.

"Let's go... ... I'll obstruct you, even if it's only for a second!"

### Part 11

Tiana quietly watched as Onizuka shouted at her.

There wasn't a hint of emotion in her eyes.

With her head down,

"...... I have warned you."

She muttered only that in low voice.

### Part 12

A cold night wind of early spring blew over the desolated forest.

For a few moments, Ousawa Akatsuki glared at the tower of Babel where Miu and Kyouya probably were.

"Okay. First......"

He slowly began to move.

Akatsuki first created a white glow in the palm of his hand.

It was a healing art of renkan keikikou "Neigong (内氣功)."

To treat the two people in most need of recovery -- Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

He placed his left and right against their backs that were face up on the ground. While he was sending Ki inside their bodies to heal them,

"As I thought...... the flow of Ki is abnormal."

Akatsuki confirmed the condition of Chikage and Kuzuha.

Judging from Kyouya's motive for kidnapping Miu, that Miu from before might only had been her thoughts.

However, although magic could be used only by concentrating the mind, physical attacks were different.

An ordinary spiritual body was merely a mental product, that theoretically couldn't touch anything. But, Miu was able to carry out physical attacks.

The materialization level of such a spiritual body -- was probably not an ordinary product of the mind.

A wave from such a powerful mental body brought about from her out of control emotions head-on would naturally cause strong damage to the spirit on the receiver side.

Its no wonder that the Ki inside Chikage and Kuzuha was so remarkably disturbed.

So Akatsuki continued to send Ki into both their bodies to heal the flow of Ki.

Their heart rate gradually calmed down, and breathing stabilized.

"Thank you Akatsuki, I'm better now......"

"I'm also...... alright."

After saying so, Chikage and Kuzuha tried to stand up,

"Ah --"

"......!"

After feeling dizzy, they both fell to a knee. It seemed they had not fully recovered.

"It's not good to force yourselves......"

Listy rushed over to it support the two.

"You can't move your body well yet, right? Damage to the spirit will take some time to recover."

And Akatsuki continued,

"That guy's spirit still remains in your bodies... ... You need to rest here for a while."

"...... You joke. Both Kuzuha and I can still fight."

"It is so... ... You can't leave us behind."

Noticing that Akatsuki was going to go on ahead, Chikage and Kuzuha started struggling to get up.

"You both......"

Upon seeing that Listy went to stop them, but she didn't have the heart to do it. It was because the two's feelings were painfully grasped. Therefore, Akatsuki dropped to the waist before them.

He rested a hand on each of their shoulders, and looked them in the eye.

"I know how you guys feel. In addition to me, I believe Listy -- and also that guy are the same."

"............"

To Akatsuki's words Chikage and Kuzuha remained silent...... however, they were biting her lips. And then their shoulders began to shake, as they squeezed out their voices,

"...... We're best friends."

"We...... promised."

They were unwilling to yield -- At the same time, tears began to rain down.

So,

"Ah...... I understand."

Ousawa Akatsuki accepted Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha tears, as well as their feelings.

He slide his hands from their shoulders to thier backs, and embraced both of them at the same time.

It was gentle -- but still with enough force to be firm.

At the same time, close to their ears he softly spoke,

"Thanks to your guys help I was able to get that guy to go back to normal, even though it was only a spectral body -- Thank you."

"It was you that helped Miu... ... We did nothing."

Chikage quickly denied Akatsuki's words.

"That's not true. I just gave her the last push. Before I did anything, your thoughts had already reached that guy... ... Therefore her reaction was less intense."

"...... In truth, we really wanted to be the ones to return her."

And Kuzuha spoke in a voice fill with regret,

"Miu...... must have been in so much pain in her heart......"

"As I've said, it wasn't only me. Without your help I wouldn't have been able return that guy to normal. It was only because your words and feelings had sank in, that my words could reached her."

In addition, Akatsuki gently separated himself from them,

"I'm not particularly leaving you here...... but, leaving here to you."

"...... To us?"

"...... Here?"

To the two who asked dumbfounded, Akatsuki nodded, "Nn" and,

"You guys need to remain here to ensure an escape route in case of an emergency. After this, JPN-Babel will become Hikami's and my battlefield. At that time, you may have to take that guy and leave before me......"

"--------"

Chikage and Kuzuha both gasped at the same time.

Perhaps it was because they noticed the dark feelings in his eyes.

Not only betraying Haruka, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha were hurt in the battle.

And most of all, played with Miu's feelings, hurting and tormenting her.

Unforgivable.

Ousawa Akatsuki would never let off the the originator of evil who made them cry.

It was so. The fight already won't end just by taking Miu back.

On account of Ousawa Akatsuki's aesthetics, Hikami Kyouya must be crushed.

-- And then Akatsuki's expression softened.

In order to reassure Chikage and Kuzuha he floated the usual confident smile on his face.

Ousawa Akatsuki then declared,

"Leave this to me -- I'll bring that guy back."

### Part 13

In light of Akatsuki's persuasion Chikage and Kuzuha consented to stay put.

"-- Oh, that's right."

Akatsuki suddenly recalled something, then he leaned in to whisper into Kuzuha's ear.

"...... Understood. Leave it to me."

Kuzuha returned a solid nod after receiving instructions from him. Then Akatsuki,

"Good. Then Listy you're --"

"-- I'm going with you."

Listy cut him off, and took a step forward.

Akatsuki saw an unshakable determination in her eyes,

"Alright... ... You don't have to glare at me."

He could only shrug his shoulders, exposing a helpless smile.

If only Listy were to stay with Chikage and Kuzuha she might be able to serve as a brake.

...... Well, there is nothing that can be done now.

Listy was lucky to escape unscathed from the mental wave from Miu that caused Chikage and Kuzuha to be left here.

The only reason for Listy to remain here was to protect Chikage and Kuzuha. However, it was impossible to persuade her without Chikage and Kuzuha thinking they become a burden to everyone.

In that case, the two would inevitably want to push themselves to prove that they were helpful.

And if by chance, Listy were to be persuade to act together with them things would get troublesome with the three.

"Before leaving the house...... do you remember what I said?"

"Yes -- you told me to absolutely not act on my own. I know."

It seems had been keeping what he had told her in mind.

"That's good... ... Next --"

And Akatsuki turned to looked behind,

"What are you going to do now -- Kaidou."

"Ah? Me?"

Sitting cross-legged on the ground Kaidou wore a blank look.

"Our fight is not over yet. Would you like to continue?"

Faced with Akatsuki's almost provocative tone, Kaidou quickly waved his hands,

"It looks like you have run across a somewhat tricky situation, no need to complicate the issue, right?"

Kaidou's behavior made it seem like he was never hit by Miu's surprise attack, or caused him any harm and,

"Rather than confining you here Ackkee, letting you rush off to face Hikami Kyouya might be even more interesting."

"You said that like it was somebody else's problem... ... Hey, isn't that "Crimson Twilight" can't overlook COCOON running wild secretly behind their backs?"

"Ackkee look at me. Do I appear to be the hot-blooded type?"

"I will say...... I didn't know you were a person who laughs and smiles while treating someone like a human roller coaster."

"Even you Ackkee yourself had a smile while you were trying to smash my handsome face into pieces. That two of us are even."

After mutually jabbing at each other with jokes, Akatsuki slightly lowered his voice,

"Then -- after this, will I be obstructed?"

"No, you can go on ahead with peace of mind. Anyway, my barrier has already disappeared."

Kaidou answered and,

"In fact, I'm eager to slip away as soon as possible...... so as to avoid anything troublesome."

Suddenly, his expression turned serious again,

"But this matter has aroused my interest, and I'm not too clear on it. Rest assured Ackkee, when I move it will be with the intention in mind of not obstructing you. Besides, my partner still hasn't contacted me yet, and I can't just leave."

"What... ... There is another one here also?"

Except for Kaidou, he never thought that another member of "Crimson Twilight" had infiltrated JPN-Babel.

Then Akatsuki suddenly recalled the encounter with Kaidou the other day in the ally and,

"You can't mean -- that un-charming miss chikkoi-chan(っこい嬢ちゃんか), right?"

"No, it's another little girl. Although she is very affable, she often gets lost like a child. Ah well, since your constitution is strong it shouldn't be a problem to take care of yourself......"

Kaidou said while he scratched the back of his head, and then turned showing his back and,

"Well then, I'll be going Ackkee. Please work hard and defeat Hikami Kyouya."

After saying so, he immediately tried to leave. But, from behind him,

"Hey -- Kaidou! I have several things I want you to carefully explain... ... I'll kill you If you try to run away."

Akatsuki firmly warned Kaidou.

Now that his identity had been exposed, it shouldn't be too much of a problem asking about his father.

But......

"Sorry. That's impossible to obey......"

Kaidou shrugged his shoulders.

"What!? It still sounds as though you have the confidence to win."

"No -- just the confidence to run away."

The moment he said so, Kaidou's figure suddenly vanished.

And at the same time any sense of his presence disappeared from surrounding area, too.

"...... Is that alright?"

"Well...... didn't I say? Now is not the time to bother with him."

Akatsuki returned a nod to Listy.

That's right. Unfortunately there wasn't time to waste on Kaidou now.

There were more important matters.

And so......

"Come on -- We need to go rescue that guy."

Ousawa Akatsuki said before taking a step.

With his hands tightly clenched into fists.

He fixed his eyes on the soaring tower of Babel.

### Part 14

Silence had returned to the lower most level of JPN-Babel.

The sounds from the fierce battle moment ago as well as screams had subsided.

Instead the low frequency hum that existed from start returned.

"............"

Tiana Randohauzen silently looked down at floor by her feet.

Her eyes were on the young man who collapsed.

Tiana had beat him until he was no longer able to move. The youth who ultimately lost consciousness was -- Onizuka Kenya.

"...... Didn't I tell you earlier?"

Tiana quietly muttered. And while looking a little lonely,

"Good people don't live very long lives."

However, Onizuka did not answer.

He was still alive, but it was impossible to stay awake.

The number of times Onizuka got hit by one of Tiana's small fists was truly too many to count.

Tiana still had her fists firmly clenched, a slight feeling of breaking Onizuka's bones into pieces remained.

"I didn't want to drag you in this...... it was because you yourself had to come."

Tiana squeezed out her voice and,

"Ken-chan......"

Looking at Onizuka lying there Tiana couldn't help think there was an inexplicable feeling in her heart. It was somewhat similar to an emptiness sensation. Tiana Randohauzen was no stranger to this kind of feeling.

...... Regret?... ... Maybe.......

It was so. Tiana thought the situation was regrettable, although she did not understand why herself.

The objective was to seize the .

Being that Onizuka had also followed to here, things evolving into such a situation was also conceivable.

As a matter of fact, on the way to JPN-Babel there were more than enough chances to shake off Onizuka.

However she did not do so, and even allowed him to follow along behind her.

She also thought it was ridiculous. As a member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana wondered what the heck was she expecting from an ordinary person like Onizuka?

Tiana was here -- the Japanese special autonomous region, on account of an order form her leader Cecil because her assistance was necessary for Cecil's plan to obtain an item.

Therefore, to take advantage Onizuka's room in the apartment house during his absence, she broke Onizuka's window broke to look like an accident in order to pass the time before the operation in a secure bed, and avoid sleeping on the streets.

The thought did not change even when Onizuka returned.

But......

Tiana began to think Onizuka's overreaction to every one of her words and actions was adorable.

Fun? -- certainly, that was true.

...... And.

Tiana thought.

The warm meals that Onizuka prepared. The warm bed that he handed over.

The warmth he showed allowed her to obtain something seemingly good for a little while.

However -- it was impossible for that to continue onwards. After all, in this world COCOON were the administers, and Tiana was a terrorist.

And Onizuka was an ordinary person.

One day each other's circumstances... ... No, one day drawn into Tiana's circumstance Onizuka would suffer misfortune. Fully aware of that, then why did she still involve him?

As a result, it ended up in harm to him just like she knew it would.

It was as if -- she was hoping Onizuka would accept who she was?

"...... Impossible."

Tiana bitterly smiled, then shifted her line of sight from Onizuka.

And,

"Well -- it's about time to finish my business."

She then started towards Tanaka not too far away on the ground.

"Yoisho, oo......"

She grabbed Tanaka by the collar and forcibly raised up his upper body with her single left hand.

Her right hand looked the same as when she plunged it into Phil's body to take out the "Phoenix cell" from him,

'Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!'

What Onizuka's shouted before suddenly crossed her mind, causing Tiana to float a heavy bitter smile,

"No, Ken-chan you're wrong. This person and I...... are entirely different living things."

Simultaneous as saying so, her right hand went to pierce the left side of Tanaka's chest.

Along with the a dull Zu noise, her Tiana's arm came out from Tanaka's back through his chest.

Afterwords it was the same as with Phil.

She pulled it out, and opened her fist to see the exactly the same reddish glow from a little while ago. And when she stored it into a container from her pocket,

"...... Task completed."

And while looking up at the empty space, she let out one light sigh. Tiana shifted her thinking.

-- Time to go. The objective had been accomplished for the time being.

At least with this, Tiana already acquired the objects that Cecil indicated, and in the set location.

Perhaps there were other that existed, however if there were Cecil didn't sense them so it would be impossible for Tiana to find.

Moreover, she had already passed the time allotted to infiltrate.

The priority now should be to leave JPN-Babel as soon as possible.

"Mot-chan has been acting as a diversion this whole time......"

Any longer would only add to Kaidou's tiresome duty making it more difficult. She needed to hurry up contact him.

Therefore, Tiana thinking that went to return the way she came,

"............"

However, before leaving she could not help but turn her head back to stare at Onizuka lying unconscious on the ground.

Nevertheless, she couldn't afford to involve him any further.

So Tiana quietly muttered,

"...... Bye bye, Ken-chan."

Once she bid farewell to him and ready to turn away -- At That time.

"-- Oh, have you already finish?"

A unusually cold tone together with a smile yet not a smile has heard.

### Part 15

Tiana couldn't help narrowing her eyes.

Thereupon she focused her line of sight to the front -- from the other side of the darkness and subsequent passage back.

A young man emerged.

With silver hair, and deep blue eyes it was a bishonen.

He was wearing a school uniform for the tower of Babel, and looked slim at a glance.

However, Tiana had noticed that it was actually a body which was carefully trained.

Although he had a calm atmosphere, and displayed impeccable poise.

He appeared from the darkness releasing a distinctive vindictiveness.

Tiana Randohauzen knew the name of youth in front of her.

"Hikami Kyouya......"

Tiana spoke the name of the COCOON in charge of JPN-Babel.

"I did not expect it to be vulnerable to a single blow......"

And Kyouya said with a wry smile,

"Originally I thought those two toys would buy me a little more time."

"Only implanting a "Phoenix cell" of that level, there's no way they can be my opponent."

And Tiana couldn't conceal her displeasure inside,

"Don't forget in this world only a COCOON would have the ability to kill someone from "Crimson Twilight" like myself--"

Then,

"Of course -- I never thought the two of them had the ability to fight on par with you. As I said earlier, they were just pawns used to buy some time."

And Kyouya,

"But well, that even B class Onizuka-kun would be no match for them was a bit unexpected."

While looking at the fallen Onizuka he happily spoke,

"Maybe this guy is better suited than the two of them become my toy. I thought he was only a proud and arrogant repeater, it seems I had made an error in judgment."

"Toy......?"

She objected to Kyouya's manner of speaking, and abruptly narrowed her eyes.

"Did I say something wrong? I never thought I would offend you."

And Kyouya laughed,

"You even -- perhaps now, were enjoying using him as a plaything."

A breath.

"For a terrorist he was only a playmate to play house with in order to taste an ordinary life."

"............"

Facing Kyouya's ridicule, Tiana just returned the silent.

But, it was not because she agreed with Kyouya's words. It was actually the opposite.

Therefore -- the emotions from Tiana's slowly faded.

Only a cold dark expression remained.

It could be said to be the face of a member of the world's most powerful terrorist "Crimson Twilight."

-- Cecil had told her not to continue fighting.

If she devoted everything into escaping, then even if the opponent was Hikami Kyouya she could get away.

However, that was already impossible. It cannot be done any longer.

Even if it was a fleeting dream for a moment.

Even if it was something never to return again.

The time spent with Onizuka, and warmth she got from him still existed.

Tiana Randohauzen -- would never allow anyone to deny that fact.

This also meant that the the clash between the two had already become inevitable.

A member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana Randohauzen.

A leader of the administrators of the world "COCOON" Hikami Kyouya.

It was the start of the battle between the strongest that had returned from another world.

### 065. Epilogue - Tragedy's Starting Point

### Part 1

Around the same time Akatsuki and Listy were advancing forward, and Kyouya had confronted Tiana.

Nanase Haruka had appeared in main school building within Babel -- Strictly speaking, she was making her way over to stairs en route to the uppermost floor.

The plan was to invade from the roof with a single 〇 on top.

It was different from other rooftops, as it was equip with a heliport. In case of an earthquake or fire it was to be used as one of the evacuation routes. But in times of emergency passages such as stairs, corridors and even entrances may not always be open. Therefore, in a pinch it may be necessary to destroy some property to be able to escape.

But it was also because of that, that destroying the ceiling to the roof or walls were a lot easier compared to other places.

Under normal circumstances infiltrating from the sky would be conspicuous, and be impossible.

But......

"...... Still, the security was too lax. "

While stepping off from the rooftop into the stairwell, Haruka couldn't help mutter to herself.

Everything was going as expected. At an earlier time she anticipated JPN-Babel would currently be undermanned.

"Because --"

After swallowing the rest of her words, Haruka considered it in my her mind.

Kyouya betrayed her, and even murdered Ryohei and Minami -- and,

We were Kyouya's most trusted comrades. Of course, whether Kyouya himself also thought so was unknown. However, at least in the eyes of everyone around it was that way.

Externally as well, the members of JPN-Babel's student council were known to be Kyouya's right-hand men. Nevertheless Kyouya tried to eliminate people such as themselves, without the slightest trace of emotion on his face.

Merely because we might have become a risk to establishing his ideal.

...... He also mentioned something else.

Haruka recalled what Kyouya had said.

-- This plan cannot afford to be discovered by COCOON.

But with a secret, naturally the more people who know of it the greater the risk was of it leaking. For that reason Kyouya must of carried out his plan in private behind Haruka and the others backs.

In other words, currently within JPN-Babel there shouldn't be any other people involved in his fanatic plan.

So......

"............"

Just like several hours ago, in front of the student council room on the top floor door Nanase Haruka stood silently.

"------------------!"

Recalling that earlier encounter, Haruka couldn't help from tensing her body to the point it was difficult to breathe.

The overwhelming fear carved into her heart when she was almost killed by Kyouya still didn't completely disappear.

...... Even so.

Nanase Haruka made a fist with her right hand, and touched it her chest.

There within her now, was the courage and warmth Akatsuki given her. And thoughts as a fellow comrade of wanting to be useful to Akatsuki, and also thoughts as Miu's close friend in wanting to help rescue her.

Haruka's present self was no longer the Vice President of the student council or Chairman of the discipline committee.

Rather Nanase Haruka was Akatsuki, Miu, Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha's -- friend.

Haruka also understood it was impossible for her to defeat Hikami Kyouya.

Probably right now only Akatsuki was capable of accomplishing such feat.

...... However.

There were must be something she could do to help -- Haruka thought.

In terms of fighting strength, there were already Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha to provide the necessary power. Still, if she joined them that strength would be even greater, however Haruka thought it would be more advantageous if she help in other ways.

As she was a former member of the student council there were some things only she could do. That's why she chose an independent course of action instead of joining with them.

That's what Haruka believed was her role.

So......

"...... I can't just keep standing still."

After muttering, Haruka pushed open the heavy door of the student council room.

### Part 2

Inside the student council room she was met with darkness and silence.

And -- there ware no signs that Hikami Kyouya was there.

Once Haruka confirmed that fact, some of her tension eased.

"As I thought...... he's somewhere else."

Kyouya had said, he was going to create a utopia using Miu.

However, the student council room was clearly not the most suitable place.

After all, beside himself, there were three other members of the student council using the room.

At times when Kyouya was absent from Babel the other members had free access to come and go.

Moreover the heliport rooftop, which was to be used as an the evacuation point, was so close to the student council room. Kyouya would never consider such a semi-open space to conceal secrets that were tantamount to betraying COCOON.

Exposed to the stillness of the night inside, Nanase Haruka couldn't help think that what happened a few hours ago was only an illusion.

But......

"Uesaki...... Minami......"

The harsh reality remained.

Ryohei and Minami's frozen corpses were still lying on the floor. However, now was not the time to hold a funeral for them.

So while Haruka's gaze was fixed on the floor,

"I will take on your enemy for both of you. President Hikami -- No."

After shaking her head, she further strengthen her resolve,

"Hikami Kyouya's ambitions will be stopped......!"

That meant Haruka recognized Kyouya as a clear enemy.

Then, she tightly clenched her fist, and headed towards the work desk in depths of the room.

"Time to get started......"

After saying so, she pushed the power button on the computer.

The light from the monitor emerged through the darkness.

And after the OS booted, she was prompted to input the user authentication password.

...... I can't make any mistakes here.

Facing the first barrier, Haruka prepared herself mentally.

Having announced her resignation to the student council, because she decided to side with Akatsuki and Miu, Haruka didn't think Kyouya would be that easy on her, so as to allow her to keep her password.

However, Haruka silently tapped away at the keyboard,

"......!"

After suppressing her inner tension, she pressed the ENTER key.

Suddenly the screen blacked out -- and after between kana. (The time it takes after writing one then starting the next.)

The desktop screen appeared on the monitor.

The system had successfully started.

"Hah...... It seems everything went well."

Haruka softly sighed.

She had entered the system administrator password .

-- However, Haruka didn't start up her own computer.

The desk she was at now belonged to Minami.

It was a situation in which there were dead bodies in student council room. Kyouya's having killed Ryohei and Minami, most likely was because he never anticipated a need would arise to kill them. And naturally the idea of changing their access to the computers would never cross his mind, since they were dead and could no longer pose any threat.

"If I accessed my computer the security program would of been immediately triggered even with the administrative code."

As expected, Kyouya didn't touch Ryohei and Minami's PC.

However, she wasn't satisfied with just that.

...... I must hurry.

In order to grasp JPN-Babel's current situation, Haruka plunge directly into the security system.

"Sure enough...... it has entered a into complete lock down."

It was confirmation of what she had anticipated.

After he had successfully captured Miu, Kyouya also said that everything was ready. In addition, Haruka had slipped out from under his finger because of the transfer seal Akatsuki had placed on her.

In this case, Kyouya determined it was only a matter of time before the rest of COCOON was aware of the situation, therefore adopted tougher measures.

Still, the barrier that isolates the campus from the outside had already been destroyed by Akatsuki.

All of Kyouya's plans were not progressing as smoothly as he expected.

And Haruka started a course of action to create a more advantageous situation for Akatsuki, even if it would be only a little.

The utmost support that her present self could do was to lift the security system, and destroy the program itself.

In order to prevent it from being re-started.

Since JPN-Babel was Kyouya's so called castle, Haruka was going to sabotage it from inside.

"First......"

Haruka began to disable the [guardian beast system.]

And at the same time began searching for Kyouya and Miu's whereabouts.

So......

"This......"

Unexpectedly, Haruka detected areas where the [guardian beast system] had stopped functioning.

The first place -- was outside away from any buildings within JPN-Babel's grounds.

Most likely Akatsuki or someone else eliminated all of the gargoyles at once forcing the system to shut down. Now the system was in standby mode, waiting for consent to reactivate.

-- But, the problem was the second location.

It was within Babel's underground -- the lowermost floor.

That place housed the power reactor to all of the systems, also was the location of the 『Babel system.』 As the most important area within the entire campus, naturally the security imposed on that floor was the highest.

However, the security there now had actually been turned off,

"Could it be --"

Haruka went to pull up the surveillance camera footage, and as she was typing,

"-!?"

At that moment, Haruka had suddenly jumped to the side -- Immediately after.

A crashing thud was heard, and a pillar of flames arose from where Haruka had previously been.

Minami's desk and computer had burnt to ashes.

An enemy's attack. There was no hesitation in Haruka's movements as she made that judgment instantly.

While rotating on the floor she materialized her weapons with her AD,

"There!"

By crossing her arms, her two half-moon blades shot out in the dark -- towards the entrance of the room.

However, both were repelled along with two high-pitched metallic noises.

"What.....?"

Nanase Haruka was startled, but it was not because her attack was stopped.

Instead it was from the moments the metals clashed, and caused sparks allowing her to catch glimpses of the enemies weapons.

A Chinese Dao (Broadsword) and a Liu Xing Chui (Meteor Hammer) -- Both of which Haruka was quite familiar with.

Then,

"-- I thought that I took you completely by surprise, but as one would expect your reaction was indeed good."

"Haruka... ... Don't use my computer without my permission."

And from out of the darkness the attackers emerged.

It was two people wearing JPN-Babel's uniform, Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami.

Therefore,

"How is this possible......"

Haruka was overtaken with surprise, however incidentally she suddenly thought of one possibility.

It was what she heard from Alayzard before.

On how Disdiya had used a forbidden spell to revive the previous Hero Leon Esuperio.

-- Could it be that Ryohei and Minami were revived by a similar spell, and are being compelled to take orders from Kyouya?

Within her chaotic mind she derived at that conclusion.

...... No, that's not it...... because......!

Haruka turned her gaze to the floor.

To see Ryohei and Minami's bodies still lying there left in the same condition.

So,

"No way......"

Nanase Haruka then remembered something. On the eve of decisive battle in Alayzard, Kuzuha had used her magic to create something to deceive the enemies troops. It was an elaborate clay puppet of Akatsuki that imitated him to perfection.

A feat that was only possible because Kuzuha was a master of earth magic.

Conversely, someone on the same level as her would have the same ability.

And -- Aihara Minami right in front of her happened to be a master class earth magic user. For her, that would be a trivial matter like it was nothing.

In other words,

"Both of you...... were never dead from the start.......?"

Haruka said in a daze.

Then Ryohei and Minami were right now standing in front of her because out of their own free will.

The thought of what that meant, caused Haruka's vision to shake violently.

The truth right in front of eyes was similar to as if she collapsed from her feet.

Then, Ryohei and Minami were enveloped in strong light.

The two had changed their uniforms into battle attire.

And,

"You manged to narrowly escape. You could have quietly waited inside Ousawa's house. Why did you have to come......"

"Kyouya's plan can't be stopped -- by anyone."

Ryohei and Minami slowly moved towards Haruka.

With their weapons in hand -- and a clear intent to kill.

### Part 3

At the same time.

A Japanese nuclear-powered submarine headed for the mainland from the Pacific suddenly changed course.

It was originally set for the third Yokosuka, but now was on course for the special autonomous region of the artificial island.

Also a scramble order was issued for the troops attached to the top-secret new stealth fighter underdevelopment in the second Fuchu.

After the failed recovery attempt of the by the National Information and Research Office the Japanese Government, which had remained silent until then, had resorted to stronger measures.

-- It meant that the battle within JPN-Babel had taken on a completely new direction.

The aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki and the ambitions of Hikami Kyouya.

COCOON's plan and Crimson Twilight's expectation.

All parties felt they were locked into a confrontation, and now the Japanese government was also set on intervention.

The situation was rapidly advancing towards "war."

It was as if they were being ridiculed and toyed around with by -- cruel fate.

## 09. Volume 9

### 001. Prologue - No Escaping the Present and the Future

### Part 1

There was a country known as Japan, an island nation in Asia that once had the second largest economy in the world. However -- ever since 30 years ago when young men and women from around the world began to be summoned to different worlds its economic power had been seriously threatened. Those teenagers obtained technology as well as magical abilities that even mankind's cutting-edge science and technology couldn't hold a candle to.

Countries around the world were forced to implement policy reform.

However, to this new wave of change it was evident that Japan was half a step too slow compared to the international community.

There was no consistent policy reform, and always played the fence to the international community. This carelessness of Japan forced them to pay a price.

However, under strong domestic public opinion pressure the Japanese Government had no choice but to amend its Constitution. Promoting the status of the self-defense forces to a national army, then through COCOON planned the self governed region and constructed Babel, and so on. After barely being able keep up with the other advanced countries Japan was somehow able to get back on par.

Therefore......

"Even though we have come this far, why....."

The 108th Prime Minister of Japan - Sasagawa Shinya cautiously groaned.

It was the middle of the night in the Prime Minister's official residence. More accurate to say, it was the top floor Prime Minister's Office.

Japan was currently facing a critical situation related to the survival of the nation.

The secret research on cultivated high-dimensional being cells were at the present time stolen by an unknown party.

At present, all technology and abilities concerning alternate worlds without exception fall under the jurisdiction of the COCOON.

Once their research on the cells of a high-dimensional beings was exposed, it would undoubtedly be viewed as the Japanese Government were undermining COCOON -- that was to say, the betrayal of the world.

"When that moment comes Cocoon and new United Nations will draft a resolution to remove Japan as a permanent member state... ... It might even be impossible that Japan's name on a country to disappear from the world map."

Sasagawa's speculation was not alarmist talk.

A country had once betrayed COCOON, and today not just their name was removed off the map, the country itself completely disappeared from the Earth.

Having said that, as a reward for establishing a self autonomous region as well as constructing Babel, COCOON allows new permanent members of the United Nations to conduct a minor amount of research on alternate world technology and abilities. Each country's government was limited to the level of research that would not threaten COCOON's position. COCOON typically turns a blind eye to these studies.

Unfortunately Japan was the world's leading technology and research power.

And by chance obtained a high-dimensional being's cells.

The Japanese Government saw this chance not as a misfortune but rather as God-given luck, and begun to research the taboo-- or .

Now the have been lost to JPN-Babel school of COCOON -- Hikami Kyouya's hands.

"The former Government unexpectedly left such a terrible mess, I really don't know if they had head screwed on."

Sasagawa spits out his bitter feelings.

In fact, research was not one of Sasagawa's directives.

There were several research projects that the prior Prime Minister approved that Sasagawa was not informed of. And until a few days after the laboratory being broken into and the went missing Sasagawa did not even know of the existence research project.

But no matter how reluctant, Sasagawa still will take responsibility.

After all, he is Japan's Prime Minister thereupon inherited the country's past politics.

"-- Prime Minister."

There was a light knock at the door and his secretary quietly enters Sasagawa's office.

"The relevant ministries and agencies are awaiting in the conference room. The conference room is also set up with a secure video channel in which the armies chief of staff is already on standby."

"Ah... ... I understand."

After receiving the report from his secretary, Sasagawa slowly got up from his chair.

"Umm, Prime Minister..."

His secretary calls out with an anxious look.

"...... Do we really want to do this?"

"There is no other choice...... Japan's only chance is to make Hikami Kyouya the scapegoat and shoulder all the responsibility."

As Sasagawa said, Japan had little choice.

Ideally I want to apprehend Kyouya and completely suppresses JPN-Babel, then surrender him to COCOON's headquarters. If we do this it may be possible for COCOON to have mercy on us. If you think about it someday, under these circumstance this was the best option.

But if it is not possible, all the original evidence that Japanese government was researching the should at least be destroyed. In a certain sense, it may be a blessing that JPN-Babel is currently in lock-down.

...... If I had to guess–

I'm afraid that Hikami Kyouya probably also betrayed COCOON. The theft incident happened five days ago, and the Japanese Government has not yet been denounced by COCOON, which is the best evidence of that being the case.

Therefore, all we can do now is take a hard line approach.

"If there cannot be peaceful take over, I'm afraid that Hikami Kyouya and JPN-Babel must be leveled."

"However, they are still COCOON and besides the self governed region....has many innocent people staying there. In the unlikely event of having to sacrifice them, I'm afraid that it will give rise to intense criticism from home and abroad."

"I understand, and when that moment comes I will assume all responsibility. Even if I leave behind the stigma of being the worlds most genocidal manic, and even brought before the guillotine, I will not turn back."

"The Prime Minister's determination is admirable, but... ... I ask to forgive your subordinates presumptuous."

His secretary pauses for a moment.

"-- This decision is not influence by the Prime Minister's own personal grudge?"

"......"

The confronted with secretary's question, Sasagawa fell silent.

He understood what the secretary's connotation.

Sasagawa indeed profoundly hated alternate worlds.

On account of him harboring a grudge about losing his family....

Sasagawa Shinya's family went through hellish pain when his family was summoned to alternate worlds.

The Sasagawa family was forced to endure the mercilessly sudden separation in silence. Sasagawa has three children, and all of them were summoned to alternate worlds.

His eldest son did not come back from the alternate world.

His second son did come back, but suffered a great scar on his heart over there.

After his second son gained special abilities he was viewed as a monster and was forced into the self governed region. Ultimately unable to stand the torment of the great scar on his heart, he chose to commit suicide.

Sasagawa and his wife's resentment eventually lead to their mutual divorce.

Therefore......

"I really do profoundly hate alternate worlds and I wish I could destroy the self governed region. I don't know how many families are broken because of that region. But...I can assure you that this decision is definitely not my own personal grudge."

The reason is very simple ......

Sasagawa still has a son.

Since his youngest son returned to this world it is almost impossible to make contact with him. His youngest son reviles Sasagawa, who favored politics over his second son and as well as for his death.

If this battle plan is implemented, Sasagawa will have to sacrifice his only remaining son. However, as the leader of a country, his strategic decisions cannot be effected by his personal feelings.

On the account of him having to protect his family and further his country.

Even if he considers his family, there still is no other choice.

Thus, the Prime Minister of Japan Sasagawa Shinya firmly says:

"Absolutely never give up. Even If I have to pay any price for the possibility of this country surviving, so be it."

### Part 2

There was a luxurious hotel in the commercial district.

At the very top was an extravagant presidential suite with everything from a sitting area, living room, and very spacious bedroom. The superb view overlooking the self governed region at night was a must and incredibly popular with guests.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this space a paradise.

However, there was another advantage in the presidential suite that no other high level hotel could match.

That was the vast bathroom.

The luxurious bathroom was outfitted with marble and gold that exudes the grace of the enormous space. Undoubtedly this is room fit for nobility.

Now in the luxurious bathroom is a girl thoroughly enjoying the relaxing bathtub.

She is a beautiful girl.

No matter how you look at her, the shape of her face, the curves of her body, and even the atmosphere around her all emit a beautiful aura. Perhaps if it was possible for the naked eye to see her bones or internal organs --- they probably have a rare structure like crystalline found in the world. All in all, this girl has a presence that one cannot ignore.

"The room gets a passing mark, but only the bathroom......isn't too not bad"

Looking at rose petals floating on the water in the bathtub, Cecil End-heart smiled.

The petals have drifted to her rich white breasts, a comfortable ticklish feeling.

The Hotel's housekeeper prepared the rosa multiflora to go with the Dom Perignon. The fragrance of flowers and the champagne fit very well in the bath. She was able to enjoy drinking half first, then by pouring the remaining half into the bathtub was able to enjoy it twice.

Reclining in a bath Cecil feeling like royalty, she moved her right hand and reached for marble round table near bathtub. Rather than a new bottle of the wine, she had her cell phone in her hand.

At the same time, her cell phone starts to ring...

Cecil press the call button, and answers is a very pleasant tone.

"--- Do you have the report, Memeko."

Even without looking at the caller ID, Cecil still knew who the caller was.

The world's greatest terrorist group "Crimson Twilight".

Cecil is the leader and sent one of her subordinates on a mission --- Mikagami Memeko.

"JPN-Babel is in full quarantine, and I cannot get a good look. However ---"

On the other end of the phone Memeko begin to explain the situation in a quiet voice.

"Tiana seems to have made contact with Hikami Kyouya and I believed she rushed into battle."

"Ah ...... she chose to fight it out?"

Cecil was sought with regret and narrowed her eyes. A question came from the other end of the line.

"Leader, Do you want to stop her?"

"It won't be necessary. I have already hand over all the intelligence to Tiana, and told her to quit while she is ahead, and not continue fight. As long as Tiana resolved herself to fight, we should respect it."

Tiana isn't a fool, and should know the other has home-court advantage. Now that she has chosen to fight, it seems she may have a way to defeat Kyouya, or she had no other choice but to fight.

.....It is probably the latter.

The day the arrived in the self governed region. Cecil briefly lost contact with Tiana, and she should have had a very important encounter.

Just like the herself who had a chance meeting that night.

Therefore Cecil asks:

"What became of the fight between Kaidou and Ousawa Akatsuki?"

"A third unexpectedly barge in, leaving no clear winner."

"Oh, that is really disappointing."

Originally I thought I could use this to measure Akatsuki's real strength.

Cecil was starting to fell a bitter....

"---While there was not a clear winner, Ousawa Akatsuki was evenly matched with Kaidou-san who used .

"Oh, really?"

"Should be true."

After hearing Memeko answer, Cecil's smile deepened.

The reason why she arranged Kaidou impede Akatsuki, was mainly to avoid Tiana clashing with Akatsuki.

Tiana's goal is not just the . Circumstances permitting, Cecil hopes that Tiana can beat Kyouya.

There was a possibility of an untimely encounter between Akatsuki and Tiana.

In order to avoid that from happening, Kaidou must have tried to tie up Akatsuki until Tiana successful acquired the .

Admittedly delaying Akatsuki was Kaidou's primary task, however Cecil hoped to use this opportunity measure Akatsuki's strength.

In fact, Cecil thought that Akatsuki's strength inferior to Kaidou. At least that night when Cecil met Akatsuki by chance, she didn't think he could rival Kaidou.

However......

.....Unexpectedly Kaidou used and it ended in a draw.

This is more than Cecil imagination. Kaidou has a frivolous attitude, but his power is genuine.

Akatsuki took Kaidou head on and was evenly matched.

It seems Cecil's favorable impression of the youth the first time they met was deserving.

"Fufu.....Really tempting....."

Cecil has a seductive smile.

".....Leader, you seem to be very happy."

Memeko was somewhat amazed.

"Oh, it's a great feeling. The man whom I anticipated is the real thing, and more than the I expected."

Cecil smiled.

"And now? What are those two people doing?

"Kaidou-san and Ousawa Akatsuki seem to split up. There was contact with Kaidou-san, and he expressed a course of action to act alone."

"I see ...... you've worked hard."

"Leader, Do you have a plan for whats next?

"I am also a little unsure myself. It's best to play it by ear until the time comes."

"I understand. So forgive me for hanging up."

Without time for Cecil to respond, Memeko hung up the phone.

After placing the phone back on the marble table, Cecil crossed her legs in the tub.

"Ousawa Akatsuki....."

Cecil is trying to persuade him to join "Crimson Twilight" by any means, even now that feeling hasn't changed.

.....But as it stands now, it seems that not making him mime, also seems to be pretty good.

An intense pain ran through her heart. I'm afraid there isn't any other girl in this world --- who can conquer Akatsuki first.

Cecil is unable to resist her desire for Akatsuki.

......But......

If Akatsuki choices to surrender to me himself, that also seems to be a good alternative. At that time, Akatsuki will become the first man in her life.

".....make it through the night."

JPN-Babel has been in quarantine for a considerable amount of time already.

COCOON undoubtedly will start moving soon. Without doubt it is impossible for Japanese Government stay out of it.

"However..... I can't believe a third party got between them."

Memeko and I were both unable to foresee this situation, the uncertainty caused by the third party is definitely the most important key.

Perhaps --- that's the person who prompted Kyouya to betray COCOON and the root cause of his scheme.

"Zero and negative one.....however, now it is negative one and negative two. If possible I wanted to avoid this situation, but ......"

After the talking about balance of the future, Cecil'a skims the petals on the surface of water into her hands and lightly blows. Watching the flower petals fluttering in the air, it seems to be like reading the tea leaves in a cup.

Cecil End-heart sweetly smiles.

"In the past, only COCOON and Crimson Twilight were the two big powers in the world. However, you are certainly there now. Did you sense what it means to stand in a place where you control the fate of the world --- Akatsuki?"

### Part 3

And now......

It can be said that the stage is set for JPN-Babel's fate, in front appears a youthful figure.

He is a tall young man.

He has unkempt hair extending to his shoulders, a strong determination exudes from his eyes, and both are jet black.

A tough body covered with thick muscles and combat clothes of a Demon King of an alternate world.

This youth --- Ousawa Akatsuki looked up at Babel in front of his eyes with a fearless smile.

"Well, It's about time to get going."

The awe-inspiring skyscraper of Babel towers far into sky ---

It is Kyouya Hikami of the cocoon that is the strongest corner in the world that awaits.

A person part of world's most powerful group COCOON and person in charge of JPN-Babel school, Hikami Kyouya is waiting at the top to challenge Akatsuki.

Akatsuki's eyes don't have a trace of fear, he couldn't be more at ease.

It seemed like he was about to capture a great general from the impenetrable Alcazar.

Then......

"In the end you still choose a frontal attack?"

The girl standing next to him said.

This girl is none other then, what the people of the alternate world of Alayzard hailed as the "Jewel/treasure of Sherfied" --- Sherfied Listy. In Listy's voice there wasn't a hint of uneasiness, rather then a question it was more like an affirmation. This isn't the fist time Listy has met Akatsuki, the two have already had many years of friendship, naturally she understands what kind of personality he has.

Therefore......

"Without a doubt. Petty tricks are over with, and it's time to face each other."

Akatsuki smiled after saying so.

"It is standing in front of Hikami, and in front of him."

Ousawa Akatsuki will not compromise or back down.

In order to achieve his goal, Akatsuki will never give.

Kyouya made Miu, Haruka, Chikage and Kuzuha all shed tears.

This fact, urges Akatsuki proceed unceasingly forward.

Ousawa Akatsuki has an aesthetic.

In order to stop a girl's tears, he is willing to pay any price.

Therefore Akatsuki decided to cut the root cause of their tears. This reason to fight in itself is sufficient. In spite of any difficulties, whatever the cost.

Kyouya must be defeated, and the captured Miu is to be rescued.

There is absolutely no room for negotiations.

".....EH? Listy are you afraid to breakthrough?"

Perhaps Akatsuki was trying to give her determination, Listy is suddenly dumbfounded. This small change was hidden from Akatsuki's eyes.

"No, there is no such thing."

Listy shakes her head and deny it, but her eyes betray her obvious unease.

Akatsuki couldn't help thinking their current situation is really far from perfect.

Earlier on, he had a desperate fight with Kaidou Motoharu, and was further surprised that Miu is being manipulated. Also the fierce fight was with a member of "Crimson Twilight" the world's most powerful terrorist organization that is on an equal footing with COCOON. Plus an ultra high-dimensional being released a powerful spirit wave ---

The damage received by both was still left on Akatsuki's body.

Further Listy does not know that earlier in the evening Akatsuki experienced a life or death duel baptism. In a training program set up by Kubota, Akatsuki had an intense battle with a younger version of his father --- Ousawa Gouki. Thanks to that simulated fight, Akatsuki has mastered a new art of entering a "domain". But as a result it consumed a lot of his mental strength, but also had a small impact on his present physical condition.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki doesn't care.

......Oh, such a thing is nothing.

There was damage from fighting against other enemies and his physical condition was not perfect, but that was just unlucky. If he made such excuses he would have bucket loads.

However, if these excuses were enough for Akatsuki back down, he wouldn't be here right now.

After continuous fights with many enemies his physical strength was almost exhausted, even the goddess of luck has turned her back on him. Still, even in such a bad condition in order to achieve his goals and not compromise, Akatsuki chose to forge ahead.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to lose."

"Ah.....Me Too."

Still, Listy looks uneasy.

Then, after a moment of hesitation, she let out the anxiety that she was holding.

"But Akatsuki......don't forget that Miu is being manipulated.....and the conversation between you and her."

### Part 4

Listy clearly saw Akatsuki abruptly narrow his eyes reacting to her words.

The fact is making the always gentle Miu cry is "absolutely unforgivable" and was everyone's reason to hate the enemy. However out of all options in front of Akatsuki, this is the worst one.

"On account of --- after achieving our goal she intends to kill herself.

Though that possibility was immediately rejected after Miu regains her sanity.

......But ......

Deep inside of Listy, anxiety is welling up.

Of course Listy hopes that their isn't such a thing to worry about.

--- However, If it is for a sake of a girl, Akatsuki can tell a white lie to people without blinking an eye.

Akatsuki in fact has a "criminal record".

One of Akatsuki's white lies was to protect Listy.

In the past --- When the hero of Alayzard died, Akatsuki hide the truth of Leon's death in order to prevent any vengeance in his name. He alone shouldered the blame for Leon's death.

In order to protect the honor of the hero.

But also to protect Listy, who was almost physically and mentally overwhelmed by her heavy duty --- She lost all of her family, forced to abandon her City, and force to become Sherfied's Queen because she was the last of the Royal families.

After overthrowing the Demon King Garius, he renounced title of a Hero and all the honor, all to prevent it from becoming a spark giving rise to more disputes. He just quietly returned to his world.

These are just a few cases. Time and time again, Akatsuki is willing to sacrifice himself for the people around him.

There is a possibility that in order for Akatsuki to accomplish this goal, he is willing do the same thing.

......And......

Sherfied Listy remembers it very clearly.

At the very last moment of the conversation with manipulated Miu, Akatsuki did not explicitly denied this possibility.

Therfore......

"I don't expect after Miu is rescued.....that everything is going to be fine --- but please in front of everyone, I want you to promise that when it's all over, you will still be together with all of us."

Listy is almost begging.

"...... Oh, I know."

Akatsuki nods along with a quiet smile, then slowly moves towards Babel's entrance.

While looking at Akatsuki's back, Listy couldn't help thinking --- perhaps Akatsuki's nod and smile is just another little white lie.

Even so, Listy still chose to believe in him.

She slowly started to follow behind Akatsuki --- then she saw.

The entrance door wasn't locked. No, even if it was locked, there should have been a way to entered amicably.

- However. Akatsuki stop in front of the door and started to channel "Renkan Keikikou".

Kei ran through Akatsuki's whole body.

Then in front of her eyes, Akatsuki focused his Kei into his right fist and without time to react he smashed the front door.

### Part 5

After a loud bang.....

Savoring the feeling of his right fist hitting something solid, Akatsuki looked around.

There in front of his eyes is the entrance to Babel destroyed into countless pieces.

- If you want to sneak into the enemies castle, keeping the utmost secrecy is desirable.

Granted that even when you break through the front, you don't need to give out your current whereabouts to the enemy.

However Akatsuki has his reasons for doing so.

Compared to the risk of being discovered by the enemy there is a much more important reason:

A declaration of war.

"Wash your neck, here i come to find you!"

Akatsuki had a fearless smile as he conveyed his messages to the enemy.

I'm right here, right under your feet.

Therefore --- there is no way out for you.

After telling aloud the inevitable future, Ousawa Akatsuki enters the enormous tower of Babel.

The long-awaited moment has finally come.

"This is game over, Hikami Kyouya."

Whether it is COCOON or a God, it doesn't matter.

Just making a girl cry is enough of a reason to crush you.

### 002. Chapter 1 - Endless Battle

### Part 1

It was like a white light shining through the darkness.

Even with her eyes closed, Ousawa Miu's consciousness still sensed the slight shimmer.

The instability of floating in the air, even further amplified the illusion of being half awake and half asleep.

...... What is this?

From within herself, an endless power was overflowing.

The feeling was rather strange, it was as if right now she could do anything.

But -- that wasn't actually the case.

Although she had an unparalleled power inside her, Miu at the moment was powerless, and unable to do anything.

Not to mention moving a finger, even opening up her eyelids wasn't possible.

Contrary to her growing power, Miu's consciousness was gradually becoming more hazy.

Even so, her consciousness did not yet disappear, because she felt there were still people important to her.

The Miu of now was able to perceive the current situation within all of JPN-Babel.

She could not see it, nevertheless she could feel it very clearly. That was the presence of friends including Akatsuki.

They were -- fighting right now.

...... It's all my fault.

How it had turned out this way, she could not remember.

However, she understood that because of her, everyone was exposed to danger.

As she thought of that, her chest was filled with guilt. Rather it was that she wished she could disappear from this world. In fact, if Miu desired it, her own consciousness would vanish at once.

And it seemed at any moment the overflowing power was going to swallow the existence known as Miu.

But,

...... I don't want to lose......!

Everyone was desperately fighting. Fighting to save me.

Even if I can't move a finger or even open my eyelids I have to fight, too.

I will bear with it, and carefully look on. Everybody will come. They will without fail make it to where I am.

Miu so believed.

Thus, Miu took up a fight of her own. It was the fight to remain herself and not disappear into the void.

Her most favorite person and important friends -- were desperately fighting, therefore she could absolutely not advert her eyes.

-- Ousawa Miu could see in her mind.

A panoramic view of every life or death battle unfolding on JPN-Babel's stage.

### Part 2

Tiana Randohauzen and Hikami Kyouya.

The stage of the two's battle was a huge space within the lowermost area. It started by a high speed charge from Tiana.

"-- I'm going."

An explosive acceleration, instantly shortened the distance between the two.

"Oh... ... You're very direct."

Kyouya smiled, as just above Tiana -- he unfolded a magic formation near a ceiling.

And at the same time, countless icicles rained down on Tiana. Towards the approaching magic attack,

"...... A waste."

Tiana Randohauzen only coldly snorted, there wasn't any attempt to evade.

The falling ice hit simultaneous as hitting Tiana -- burst apart dispersing into vapor.

"Did you think such a common element-based magic could hurt me?"

Crimson Twilight which Tiana belonged to and COCOON which Kyouya was a member of were both groups made up of people who had crossed over to at least two alternate worlds. The first dimensional shift raised the soul to a higher dimension, while the second time completely liberated the soul allowing for rare special abilities to be obtained. After awakening this power Tiana and the others' abilities were pushed to even further heights.

The effects at first would be the strengthening of their basic magic.

And any inherent conceptual abilities would get the opportunity to awaken.

-- However,

For a person who visited a different world two or more times it was possible to awaken another new ability.

That person's soul would also be improved further, with their existence becoming closer and closer to a higher-dimensional being.

And with proper training it was possible to be able to use this new power.

Fire, water, earth, and wind were element-based magic that borrowed the power of relatively low-ranking spirits.

A person who went to another world a second time most likely could obtain a barrier that spirits of that degree would be ineffective against -- that was the so called absolute barrier.

For that reason, even an elemental spell cast by JPN-Babel's school's strongest Hikami Kyouya, at most, could hinder Tiana's actions, and not cause her any harm.

Tiana therefore didn't hesitate to act. She closed the distance towards Kyouya, and clenched her left fist.

With astonishing speed her punch sheered through the air.

"Otto." (google -- sfx おっと)

Kyouya jumped sideways, easily avoiding the attack.

However, Tiana did not stop there. She merely kicked off the ground after him, while interlacing a series of punches and kicks. As it was, she forced him against the wall,

"HAAAaaaaaaaaaaaa --!"

She sent out a blow with all the power in her whole body towards Kyouya's face.

However, there was a slight delay when she built up her power allowing Kyouya to evade by a paper thin margin. Her fist instead hit the rock wall directly behind where he was,

Baaannnnnnngggggggggg --!!

A huge crater had been bored into where Tiana hit as the center. However the powerful impact was not offset by that, and had continued throughout the rock wall.

Along with the heavy blasting sound, the entire rock face had been pushed back several meters of depth.

The breadth of space had clearly become wider than before. And,

"............"

When Tiana silently looked back,

"Truly scary... ... I only jokingly related your relationship with Onizuka-kun's to a child playing house. Who could have thought your feelings would be hurt this much. Fortunately I'm pretty fast, otherwise my head would have probably vanished --”

Kyouya then floated a confident smile towards her,

"-- Though, you will have to be able to hit me.”

"You don't have to worry."

And then Tiana raised her clenched right fist out in front of her chest,

"Because my fist will hit you -- and then you'll be gone without so much as a trace."

Then just as she said so, Tiana dash out again.

As long as one direct strike landed out of her barrage of the attacks it would be decided.

But with a smile Tiana's offensive was easily being handled by Kyouya.

...... So it is that way, and he's not just simple magic type.

Tiana had altered her perception of Kyouya. Since at the start Kyouya went with an elemental attack she thought he wouldn't be any good in a close ranged fight, however it seemed that was never the case.

...... Well, it's only natural.

In a fight were both sides had been to multiple different worlds, as well as mutually awakened their powers, the deciding factor came down to the inherent nature of their concept ability.

-- However, that was the final trump card.

If rashly used during a fight with a fellow powerful higher dimensional person the risk of the other party finding a way to break their unique power would inevitably increase. In a close battle it would be lucky enough to just be able to defeat their opponent, and if the other party didn't die in the end, there was even more risk of some enemy breaking their concept ability someday in the future.

So the use of one's conceptual ability was based on two major premises. Either the other party wouldn't knowingly be aware of it, or within a short time after witnessing the ability the enemy would be killed. In short, timing of when to use it was incredibly important.

Moreover since normal magic was rendered useless, it would be become essential.

There were two ways to deal direct damage, the first being "hand-to-hand combat," and the second "weapon combat."

"............"

Without stopping her attacks Tiana analyzed the progress of a battle.

...... In terms of speed, I seem to be slightly better.......

Still, she hadn't landed a single direct hit thus far. Kyouya's reaction and correspondence was clearly superior to her attack speed. Since that was the case, Tiana then deliberately struck out at nothing, pretending to miss her mark within her consecutive attacks.

Missing Kyouya's guard, both arms blocking his chest, her fist smashed into the ground from shoulder height down.

"Oh -!"

Along with Kyouya's laugh, the ground was destroyed.

Large and small rocks had went flying into the air. The dust cloud created a perfect cover to blind Kyouya, and within the flying rocks she swept her right leg sideways kicking some rocks at Kyouya.

The cluster of the rocks was comparable to Tiana's body. She planned to use it as a diversion.

-- At the same time, she had shift her aim to the slight left of the center of Kyouya's body.

It was all intended to coerce the other party to dodge to the right.

Kyouya theoretically also shouldn't be able to see though dust cloud while Tiana carries out her surprise attack.

And -- as expected, Kyouya jumped to his right.

Nearly at the same time.

Tiana's kick was already in motion to the spot where Kyouya was moving to.

To Kyouya, who just realized her aim,

"-- Too late!"

Tiana ruthless called out.

Along with a heavy bang, Tiana clearly felt a direct hit with her right foot.

### Part 3

Tiana had targeted the side of Kyouya's head. She intended to shock his brain, causing him to lose consciousness. The timing and the attack power were spot on.

Still, it wouldn't have been strange for an ordinary person's head to be blown clean off their neck.

But -- in spite of such an attack Kyouya didn't fall down.

Tiana could only look on helplessly as Kyouya had only raised a single arm to stop the attack.

And the next moment,

"-?"

A bad feeling flashed across her mind, as Tiana subconsciously crossed her arms to protect her face. Simultaneously, an intense explosion occurred in front of her face.

"Ku --!"

Tiana's whole body was sent backwards, leaving her somewhat confused.

...... Just now...... was that an explosion of fire magic?

Kyouya's intention wasn't too difficult to understand.

If he used a direct attack attack it would have been negated by the absolute barrier. But, if the magic was transformed into some sort of natural phenomenon it would become an indirect attack, and not fall under the influence of an absolute barrier. So, Kyouya's magic must had took advantage of this loophole.

If Tiana was even a little slow with her defense, the flash from the explosion would have baked her eyes, and ultra-high temperature of hot air would have caused significant injury to her head.

Thus, Kyouya's surprise attack would have definitely been effective.

If it was just that much, it wouldn't be specially worth anything to be startled by. However,

...... The problem wasn't so simple.

Tiana had regained her posture in air, and slid backwards as she landed.

And had looked down to see the sleeves of favorite shirt were charred.

-- There was no doubt. Kyouya had just used fire magic.

Moreover, it was not at a low level.

In terms of fire magic, Kyouya's power was in league which couldn't even be compared to Onizuka. Then,

"The first job of every COCOON in charge of a Babel is to take a suitable false name in line with that country's values -- or perhaps I should say decide on a code name."

Kyouya calmly began to speak, as if seeing through Tiana's confusion.

"My name refers to ice, and like you, anyone would misunderstand that I could only be able to manipulate water magic. And in fact within the water magic system -- you previously just thought I could only use ice magic. However, Japanese is interesting. Even if it has the same pronunciation sometimes it can have multiple meanings."

For example,

"My family name is pronounced HIKAMI, but the characters can be written as "Ice God (ヒカミ)" or "Fire God (永神)."

"............"

The word play with his surname was not that difficult to understand.

However -- being proficient in two magics that were polar opposite would never be conceivable.

Fire and water, wind and earth, light and darkness spirits were opposite that rebel, and actually negate each other's power. Thus, by being proficient in one, would inevitably weaken the other.

Some residents of a different worlds can from a special contract directly from the spirits allowing them to manipulate magic in such a way, but it only arises in extremely rare cases where a combination of environment and special conditions align.

The people in this world were basically limited to one magic be proficient in.

Still, the fact was Hikami Kyouya was proficient in water and fire, two polar opposite elemental magics.

There were only two possibilities.

Hikami Kyouya was a resident from a different world,

...... or this was his conceptual ability.

The unique special abilities that can awaken after going to another world twice can transcend the usual principles. If Kyouya's conceptual ability that awoke was to be able to master two counter opposite magics then all could be reasonably explained.

Of course -- this was probably just the tip of the iceberg for his conceptual ability. This was because an absolute barrier could still block two different systems of normal magic at the same time, the result at best would be to catch someone off guard. But,

"I see... ... It is like that."

While muttering those words, Tiana made up her mind.

Since Kyouya had used his conceptual ability, of course she also had to respond in kind.

Her skills up close were slightly better, but,

...... The problem still was she was at a small loss at range.

As a result, Kyouya had been given a chance to catch his breath. Then,

"Oh my... ... by any chance, could you have reached an impasse?"

"-- Of course not."

Undaunted by Kyouya's sneer, Tiana floated a smiled,

"It's only now to just about to begin."

She abruptly then concentrated her mind, in response a special magic formation unfolded. Her whole body was wrapped in a blinding light, the next moment -- Tiana's clothes had already been replaced with battle clothes.

And sticking out her right hand horizontally, Tiana Randohauzen had materialized her weapon. It was a giant crushing battle axe that was taller than herself. But,

"Are you sure? You couldn't touch me with your fists, and now you want to rely on this hulking weapon?"

Kyouya could not help laughing. Therefore,

"Ah, of course. It is determined with this."

And Tiana smiled,

"Because --"

Only saying that much, Tiana stretched out her left palm towards Kyouya.

And immediately --

"-?"

For the first time Kyouya had gasped in surprise. And already at that time, his body was flying through the air.

He was being pulled against his will -- as if he was being drawn to Tiana.

"Well, if you want to avoided it you should do it now -- but, I think that is impossible."

After Tiana had finished speaking, Kyouya had already been pulled into her range.

"-!"

Dodging was probably impossible he realized.

But, as the last bit of resistance Kyouya unfolded a defense barrier of ice, however Tiana didn't pay it any attention. She just continued on with her axe swing as hard as possible.

"--------"

Tiana had smashed through the wall of ice -- and it continued on to hit Kyouya.

In less than a blink, Kyouya was slammed into the rock wall. He was imprinted into the wall with his arms out like he was crucified (dead).

"-- Whoops, not good."

Tiana suddenly remembered something, and quickly held out the palm of her hand again.

And again, he was being pulled towards Tiana.

"I almost forget about what I said before."

Tiana inadvertently spoke out,

"About hitting you, and there wasn't going to be even a trace left."

While Kyouya was flying over in air directly at her, Tiana turned her right shoulder.

Next Tiana Randohauzen had threw her right fist into Kyouya.

It had the same amount of power she used to destroy the entire rock wall.

Kyouya's body resembled a broken kite as he crash into the exactly the same spot on the wall from before.

The rock wall was servery fragile from the hit before, and instantly cracks broke out before giving way.

And with a large amount noise, numerous boulders and rumble poured down on Kyouya who had fallen to the ground.

### Part 4

The soaring tower of Babel.

The highest most floor vibrated from a loud bang.

The walls of the student council room had vanished from the explosion.

At the same time, one shadow had flew out from the inside.

It was girl wearing battle clothes, holding a half-moon sword in each hand.

Her name was Nanase Haruka.

"-- How could it turn out like this!?"

While moving away at high-speed, Haruka couldn't resist asking.

From behind, countless fire balls and earth javelins chased after her.

Using the fastest wind magic on herself, Haruka was flying back and forth down the long corridor to avoid the attacks from behind. In addition for the ones she wouldn't be able to dodge, she alter their trajectory with a strong wind.

One after another the fire and earth magic missed their target, and instead rained down on the floor, walls and ceiling.

And then Haruka twisted her body around in the air, to stick out both her hands to the rear.

She unfolded innumerable magic formations to form a defense barrier stopping the incoming magic.

"Did the both of you not hear my question!"

Haruka then let loose a series of compressed air bullets.

The air bullets caused the fireballs to explode, while continuing straight back.

Immediately after a series of bangs overlap down the corridor.

The compressed air which had take shape in bullets were actually heavier than lead.

Generally a person after being hit would be left neutralize.

-- However, Haruka face shrank as her magic never reached her opponents.

More precisely, the moment before they should have hit a protective barrier suddenly raised from the floor blocking her magic.

And after completing its role, the protective wall quietly crumbled.

From the other side, two shadows appeared.

Haruka was familiar with the two figures, as they were her close friends Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami。

Similarly to herself, they had used their ADs to materialize their battle clothes and weapons.

Haruka asked again,

"How could...... you guys support student council president Hikami? Do you know what he is trying do?"

Then,

"Of course -- we known a long time ago."

And with a wry smile Ryohei said,

"That being the case!"

"...... That being the case, what?"

Haruka instinctively glared at Minami, who quietly said in her usual tone,

"Kyouya is our comrade...... it's only natural that we will team up and provide assistance for Kyouya."

"It's only natural? Knowing that he is about to make a mistake, it's only natural that we come together to help him understand his wrong doing, right?"

Haruka could not help but raise her voice in protest, while Ryohei said in a calm voice,

"Wait a minute, it may not be that Kyouya is making a mistake."

Ryohei paused, and,

"What he is doing now, he is doing while firmly believing that it is needed to pursue his goal. It might be in violation of COCOON's interest. However, that does not mean he is doing something wrong. COCOON is certainly right now the administrator of this world, but that doesn't mean you can treat them as absolute justice."

"We do not not serve COCOON. Kyouya is the student council president, and is looking at things from the perspective of a student. That's why JPN Babel so far has been able to care for their students much more than any other Babel. Isn't that the reason why joined the student council, to help?"

"This is sophistry (A fallacious argument)......!"

Haruka wasn't swayed an inch from their argument, and,

"Certainly it might have been so up til now...... however, that's no longer the case. The other members of COCOON will never condone his actions. What the president is doing now is for the sake of his own ambition, and plans to drag JPN Babel and the entire special autonomous region into needless peril with him."

"How can you assert it is needless?"

Ryohei couldn't help but asked reversely,

"The current administers of the world, COCOON are fighting against the terrorist like organization Crimson Twilight for supremacy, and already there have been too many innocent sacrifices. And if COCOON can bring down, can you assert that will bring about world peace. Do not be naive, such a thing is impossible. At that time another terrorist organization will immediately pop up. And who's to say there won't be any internal strife over policy within COCOON itself. Whatever you do, even if you do nothing, there is still risk. Therefore, we can only choose walk down the path with the lowest risk, don't you agree?"

"You...... believe that president's path is the best choice?"

Faced with Haruka's stern gaze, Minami nodded "That's so" and,

"Kyouya is obtaining a power that exceeds COCOON and Crimson Twilight, and will become a third force as a deterrent, that will bring about world stability. And to say the least it will be effective in reducing sacrifices right now."

"That sort of reasoning is too convenient......"

Haruka refuted, and,

"That power is too strong to be a deterrent, and will simply be a threat. Such that the president will stand over COCOON and Crimson Twilight. His true goal is not to be a third force, but a dictator!"

But......

"Maybe...... but is there a problem?"

"COCOON has long been a dictator of the world."

Ryohei and Minami said calmly.

"Precisely because there is dissatisfaction with COCOON, Crimson Twilight and other terrorists groups were born. Even now their are terrorist attacks happening throughout the world. So what we need now is a new political system -- possibly a dictatorship is required."

Ryohei paused,

"But also -- just before you claimed that we are making a mistake, however haven't you yourself decided to join in with Ousawa's camp? You'll been speaking disagreeably about Kyouya actions, but hasn't that guy also been trying to oppose COCOON and Crimson Twilight. Moreover, his way of handling things seem to be more arrogant, perhaps more unreasonable than Kyouya. Like that, deciding to follow Ousawa, what right do you have to criticize us for being wrong?"

"That......"

Haruka couldn't help but be speechless.

It was true that Akatsuki planned to rebel against the current world, and by doing so COCOON and Crimson Twilight would be his greatest obstacle making it indeed no different from Kyouya's plans.

And as Ryohei said with Akatsuki's way there is a possibility for more sacrifices.

Of course, Haruka had also understood such a thing, but she still choose Akatsuki.

What Ryohei said probably wasn't wrong.

She choose Akatsuki, and Ryohei and Minami choose Kyouya.

Whichever choice was neither completely right, but also not completely wrong.

They all simply choose a different path.

...... However.......

In order to carry out Kyouya ambitions they had to use MIu, moreover they had to disregard Miu's wishes.

Therefore Haruka feelings were such that she was unable to forgive the two people before her eyes for their choice.

She did not want to recognize it, simple because Ryohei and Minami were once her best friends. Then,

"...... Eh?"

Haruka suddenly felt that her feet sink into the floor all the up to the ankle. It was clearly Minami's magic.

Haruka had been struggling with her emotions for a few seconds.

Still, even if it was a momentarily gap it was a chance that neither Ryohei or Minami missed.

Haruka struggled to escape, but her feet were firmly implanted in the floor.

"It is regrettable, truly......"

Ryohei sighed and,

"Finding out you decided to joined Ousawa's group, Kyouya originally intended to eliminate you. However we begged him to give you one last chance. Minami even went as far to prepare a corpse doll for you."

After Ryohei mention that, Haruka suddenly remembered back a few hours to where she had confronted Kyouya.

They both asked me to..... "Please think twice."

And said "I did not want to do this, but we can't back down from this."

Haruka finally understand the true meaning of these two words.

It wasn't that the two were fixing Kyouya's mistake, rather it was a way for them to repent.

Kyouya had decided Haruka needed to be killed, and the two desperately persuaded him against it. However,

"Do you guys seriously think after seeing that the president kill you guys I could ever swear allegiance again?"

Haruka looked at Ryohei and Minami with indifference.

Everything the two did so far, did nothing but negate that there was any friendship between the three.

Then Ryohei shrugged,

"I believe after being betrayed, to once again gain that trust is definitely a high hurdle."

"But...... we can do it."

Minami continued,

"For Kyouya's ideal we are willing to sacrificing ourselves -- and even willing to sacrifice you."

Then the two people held out their right hand towards Haruka.

A magic formation unfolded, and the radiance of magic power assembled in their hands.

...... This is far from good.

Haruka put her anxiety aside, and desperately focused her mind.

She was readying to invoke a defensive barrier, and at the same time prepared flying magic.

When the two launched their magic at her she planned to deflect it with the barrier towards the floor and destroy it. Then wait for her feet to freed, before invoking her flying magic to get away at high-speed. Her reactions had to be perfect for it work.

Nevertheless, the possibility of succeeding was low.

In the first place, there was no guarantee she'd be able to resist both of their magics. And even if she was able to deflect it, she couldn't be certain Minami wouldn't be able to fortify and heatproof the floor as she herself invoked her magic.

...... Still.

Haruka thought if there was no other way, she could only bet.

Although it was a desperate situation, she couldn't just resign herself for die.

Never give up.

Therefore -- now just as Ryohei and Minami's magic was going to be invoked.

A scene occurred that was beyond all their imaginations.

There was a sudden horrific explosion that shattered the floor the three of their feet were planted.

"-!"

Although startled, the three were able to correct themselves to land upright on the floor below.

And as Haruka's legs hit the ground, she immediately jumped back to distance herself.

"Could it be......"

It was aggressive and rough...... but it was dependable. This was certainly something that was done in order to help her.

Inside Haruka's mind floated an image of a youth that she decided to follow.

-- However, the voice that echoed done the hallway didn't belong to Akatsuki.

"My bad to disappoint you -- but, I'm not Ackee."

The tone of the young man was light, but also somewhat hung in the air.

Knowing who was speaking, Haruka turned around to look.

Naturally the voice was of a young man who refers to himself as a poor student (Leftovers).

"I can't thank you enough Kaidou Motoharu...... but, why are you here?"

What was he be doing here? And why did he rescue me?

Faced with Haruka's question, Kaidou wryly smiled as if troubled,

"Its hard to explain, but I...... just happened to be close by. In truth, I wanted to rid myself of this troublesome place immediately, however I still had some minor business. Normally I wouldn't poke my nose into others' personal matters, but if Ackee learns later that I let you die without doing anything, he might become terrifying."

Then......

"So it actually is 'Twilight' Kaidou...... moreover a troubling fellow has come."

Ryohei helplessly sighed and,

"So be it, I'll deal with him. Minami, I'll leave Haruka to you."

"Understood."

Then the two respectively split apart with their weapons in hand.

"Uh, how annoying. Those two seem really motivated."

And Kaidou laughed,

"What will you do vice-president?... ... Before you seemed to be somewhat hesitant, and now how is it?"

"...... Such a thing goes without saying."

And Haruka with unwavering eyes said,

"I am no longer the vice-president. It is not president's Hikami's world I want to help create but Ousawa Akatsuki's -- The same world where he, Miu, and everyone can look towards the future together."

So, even if the other party was a former close friend there were no exceptions.

"Even if its only me, I'll never give up."

Having said so, Nanase Haruka also held up her half moon swords in her hands.

And -- bravely stepped forward

### Part 5

When Listy set foot in the tower of Babel tower with Akatsuki received a rough welcome.

From one eyed giants to ox-headed monsters, stone statue demons, and even hell hounds.

Countless demonic beasts stood in front of the two, launching wave after wave of attacks.

Most likely those were created by the security program Haruka mentioned -- the [Guardian Beast system].

"Ku......!"

List barley avoided the fangs from a swooping hell hound, afterwards she drove her magic staff into its side.

Inside Babel there was a special barrier that changed physical damage to mental damage. In theory, any attack to these beasts being physical or magical should be ineffective.

But......

The hell hound Listy hit tumble to the ground, significantly dulling its movement.

Listy's strikes did indeed seem effective.

...... With this, somehow we might manage......!

Listy felt some feedback from the hit, and tightly grasped her magic staff.

The whole staff was covered in a faint blue light.

However, the glow that mounted the effective attack to the beast didn't originate from Listy. As from whom -- the answer emerged out the corner of her eye.

"Hey! There has to be a mistake. This is all you're capable of? That is way too weak!"

A provocative voice spread throughout the battlefield. The Cyclopes and Minotaurs were more than double his size, yet Akatsuki defeated one after another with a punch or a kick causing them to change into particles of light.

Whether from his fists or legs, the same pale glow spread out covering Listy's magic staff.

It was a brightness caused by renkan keikikou.

The nature of renkan keikikou differed from pure physical or magical attacks, and just like that was effective against the guardian beasts. Akatsuki's skill with renkan keikikou allowed him to refine the energy (Ki) in his body into something else. Therefore, after the discovery of its effectiveness Akatsuki acted right away. He immediately infused his energy into Listy's staff, greatly enhancing her ability to fight.

The only draw back probably was its inability to kill with one blow like he could but,

"-- Still!"

Listy's voice was filled with fighting spirit, as she repeatedly attack with her magic staff.

After the third hit she had been able to eliminate the hell hound, and without stopping Listy went after a nearby gargoyle.

Although the number of enemies were enormous, due to space constraints the number of beasts that could attack at once were limited.

Therefore, Listy by using wind magic, and Akatsuki making use of his flexibility and footwork made their way through the enemy ranks, defeating one Guardian Beast at a time.

When number of enemies had dropped to roughly half, the opportunity they had been waiting for arrived. While Listy and Akatsuki were fighting each of them were attracting the enemy towards them from opposite sides, coercing them into position. Now the Guardian Beasts were arrange in a straight line.

So,

"-- Akatsuki!"

"Yeah, leave it to me!"

Listy shouted out loudly. Akatsuki immediately summoned his black magic sword -- Lævateinn.

He amassed the energy within his body, and then infused it into the sword blade,

"Oraaaaaaa-!"

A cold light flashed, as he swung Lævateinn with all his strength.

The torrent of energy let loose became a shock wave, and instantly swallowed the remnants of the guardian beasts.

Along with the violent roar, the beasts were blown clear off to the end of the long corridor.

In the distance, countless particles of light floated up caused from the eliminated of a large amount guardian beasts.

"Ssha, it's settled. Let's quickly advance."

"Yeah......"

There was no time bask in the joy of victory.

Because Miu had to be rescued as soon as possible.

The tower of Babel was vast, and had many corners. However, every step Akatsuki took there wasn't the slightest hint of him getting lost.

Akatsuki was familiar with Miu's energy, and could feel where to go.

However, as the two entered the elevator and began to rise Listy's expression was very stiff.

Akatsuki had secretly glanced beside him.

A serious look with a confident attitude to match was on her face. It the usual face he had known her to have.

On the surface, it looked like there was no damage.

But -- it wasn't like that at all.

Listy had witnessed Akatsuki and Kaidou's fight a little while ago with Chikage and Kuzuha.

At the time she was unable to help Akatsuki because of the barrier Kaidou set up, but even if there wasn't any barrier then also herself and the others wouldn't have been able to intervene because of their capabilities.

Kaidou was equally matched with Akatsuki, or perhaps was even slightly better. The damage Akatsuki suffered was difficult to estimate. Even though renkan keikikou could enhance his ability to heal himself, the thought of him being fully recovered was inconceivable.

...... Also.

It could of been her imagination, but at the time he return to house in the evening it seemed like he was worn out. Although the story was he was having Sleipnir maintained, but he might have been involved in some sort of sudden battle.

...... If that happened.

Akatsuki's strength might be at its limits.

-- Listy didn't know too much about Hikami Kyouya. However, she knew that he was a member of COCOON, who were known as the administrators of this world, and that there was some unknown grudge.

But according to Haruka, each one of their abilities including Kyouya's were definitely greater than Akatsuki's.

Moreover Kyouya might have gained Miu's power as a ultra-higher-order life form.

Akatsuki in his current state, facing such a formidable enemy was too unthinkable.

"............"

Listy couldn't help think, at the very least, was there a way for him to completely recover?

...... If Lulu were here......

She recalled one of her irreplaceable companions that she went through thick and thin together in Alayzard -- Loutier Trum, with half high elf blood she was an expert with recovery magic.

If she came, maybe Akatsuki could of quickly recovered. Then,

........ Speaking of which...... before......

Listy suddenly remembered one possibility. During their travels around the world of Alayzard together to defeat the demon king Galious, Loutier had once mention a method.

...... Maybe......

She could use that method to restore Akatsuki's strength. The moment she thought so,

"Hian!?"

Listy couldn't help but cry out.

She did so because somebody had suddenly raised her skirt up high, and grab her butt.

Moreover, accurately pinpointed the most sensitive spot.

"Wh-what are you doing grabbing me so suddenly like that!"

It was just the two of them confined in the elevator, so the culprit went without saying.

Questioned by the bright red Listy,

"It look like you were brooding, so I thought to alleviate some of your tension."

Not in the least ashamed Akatsuki boldly declared.

"Most women having their butt or breasts touched suddenly would jump, having their tension resolved by surprise."

"If it was only to relieve the tension, there also much better ways... ... What, HEY!"

In the middle of her sermon, Akatsuki forcibly embraced her by the waist.

He gently put power into his arms, stopping her from resisting and,

"I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me."

Although the tone was light, there was conviction in his words.

"...... Nn."

Listy could only nod in response. Taking the chance she nestled in his arms, and lightly closed her eyes,

"We must rescue Miu-chan soon......"

Because......

"Even now, she must be desperately fighting."

"Yeah......"

Along with his voice and nod, he strengthen his hold. Just when a quite silence filled the elevator,

"......?"

Listy suddenly felt a sense of incongruity in outside scenery from her view in Akatsuki's arms. The elevator shaft had been fitted with glass as it raised. Gradually approaching the night sky a shadow floated into appearance.

The shadow rapidly spread. No -- the shadow had not spread out. It grew.

"That is......"

At that time, Akatsuki also noticed something, and calmly looked outside,

"Oh...... so there was also that."

Akatsuki muttered, and with that Listy finally understood the true nature of the shadow. It was a jet black dragon.

Unfortunately -- by the time she realized it was already too late. The giant fire-breathing dragon was already in front of her eyes,

"-!"

Listy immediately focused her mind to set up a protective barrier in front of them. At the same the huge dragon rammed into the elevator the two were riding.

### Part 6

Withstanding the violent collision, Listy Sherfied felt very surprised.

Listy's barrier had deflected some of the dragon's charge. However the force behind that enormous body -- had drove the elevator they were riding into the middle of the building.

With the defense barrier unfolded before her eyes, on the other side, the face of the ferocious dragon was clearly visible.

However, Listy's surprise wasn't from the fact they received an attack or that it was by a dragon.

-- The moment they walked into the elevator she naturally assumed it could be used as a ambush spot. Therefore she thought if the moment arrives they could break up elevator's roof, floor, and directly escape into the elevator shaft, or even break open the doors or wall and escape into the interior of the building.

But, even if they fled up or down the dragon would have just changed its angle to match their height. And even if they fled to an interior floor of the building, because of the dragon's mass and speed that too wouldn't have had any meaning.

Therefore, Listy instead decided to launch a protective barrier.

She thought that her quick reaction was absolutely the right one.

However, how Akatsuki responded far exceeded her imagination.

Back when -- the dragon rammed them with its large body and forced them into the building. Only because of Akatsuki's actions they didn't damage their spines.

-- In fact they went through several walls before they stopped.

To start there were the doors to the elevator, beyond that there were the thick walls used for the facilities on the floor one after another. Not only that, in those rooms there were also various large-scale equipment.

Even though they were protected with her barrier from the front of the dragon's attack, when they were thrust inside they would have received heavy damage from behind from those obstacles -- might even have been crushed to death.

Also the dragon struck the elevator at an acute angle, causing it to go downward.

In constructed the floor had to be made out of much harder materializes than any wall, making it also was another obstacle that could of killed them. But no such tragedy happened.

....... It's unbelievable...... in that instant.

The force of impact had sent Listy flying back, and looked towards Akatsuki to be astonished.

At the moment of that crash -- Akatsuki immediately used renkan keikikou to send the all of his energy in his body to his right fist, and punched at the identical direction and angle as the dragon.

He also simultaneously released the energy gathered in his fist

Every obstacle in the direction the dragon was coming from was swept away.

Of course - there was also the option of attacking the oncoming Dragon itself.

However, if he was unable to completely stop the dragon, herself and Akatsuki would have been flattened into patties. Still though, with Akatsuki's personality it was almost a certainty he would choose to take the enemy head-on, however dared not to do so.

....... Don't tell me it was because I decided to go with him......?

That is to say without knowing whether his gamble would succeeded he tried to avoid getting her entangled. Then,

"There is a large space underneath! Let's quickly slip away, and temporary retreat!"

"Uhm, got it!"

Listy hastily answered back to Akatsuki, and as they approached,

"-- Now!"

At Akatsuki's signal, they somehow escaped below. The jet-black dragon was closely following and thrust his head down at them -- with the force of the attack the large dragon also as able to follow them down.

Zu~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ un!

The whole floor vibrated from a loud explosion.

Missing its target at the last second, the dragon had smashed through the floor or several floors below them.

"That was really close......"

Having both of them safely land on the floor below, Listy greatly exhaled.

"Well, I must admit...... I never expected the dragon would launch such a suicidal attack."

And Akatsuki lightly looked over his right shoulder.

Listy on the other hand -- looked around the wide space not just with the huge hole in ceiling they came from.

"This...... is the arena, isn't it?"

"Ah. This is largest arena JPN Babel has. This is also the first time I've been here."

"And yet you were quite familiar with its location......"

Listy leaked a voice of admiration, which Akatsuki laughed,

"Just in chance of an emergency, I already committed to memory as much as I could about JPN Babel's structure and layout. Then going by the last floor we were at in the elevator and the angle the dragon was coming from it wasn't hard. Erm after all..... the space is so big even if I guessed wrong I would probably still end up being right."

Thereupon Listy switch from her smiling expression,

"-- That means, you were quietly preparing."

"Yeah, it is so......"

Listy again tighten her expression.

At the same time, the floor of the large arena vibrated.

It was not surprising. The dragon merely brushed past the two, and hadn't lost the ability to fight. Then the shaking become twice as intense, and the vibrations continued to overlap.

After the fifth shock wave, an earth-shattering noise burst out.

There not too far away, something abruptly pierced through the floor.

### Part 7

The jet-black dragon again appeared in front of Akatsuki and Listy.

Akatsuki carefully looked over the dragon,

"...... As I thought."

Its appearance confirmed his previous speculation.

Then beside him, Listy also seemed to notice.

"This dragon, surely......"

Without finishing, Listy furrowed her eyebrows.

Although the color and size of its body differed greatly, somehow the entity of the dragon felt familiar.

It was the evil dragon Zahhak of Alayzard.

Therefore, Akatsuki nodded "Un,"

"When that fake hero Phil came over to this world at that time he changed into Zahhak. They most likely retrieved its body, and used that information to recreate it."

...... Also in training program old man Kubota created it had been registered.

Nevertheless, Akatsuki believed the possibility of Kubota being an enemy was low.

After all Kubota was Babel's top expert.

Although his friendliness was lacking, he was the embodiment of a craftsman who took pride in their work.

It would be hard to believe that a person like that would betray COCOON to follow Kyouya.

Kyouya probably ordered him to retrieve the materials that night, and or ordered him to incorporate into the program. But then again, the possibility of Kubota personally cooperating with Kyouya for his own sake couldn't be denied.

...... If that is so, at that time we'll see how it goes.

Akatsuki didn't hate Kubota, but it couldn't be helped if he stood in his way.

"-- Whoever the enemy is, they will be crushed."

Akatsuki materialized Lævateinn, and disdainfully stared at the dragon in front his eyes. It was a about 10 meters in height, about half of its original size. Perhaps, they specially made it smaller so it to move easier indoors. Moreover, Listy's protective barrier wasn't destroyed before when it smashed into it, it seems they weren't able reproduce the absolute barrier of a higher-order life from. Otherwise, as soon as it touched her barrier, the barrier would have vanished like thin air. The reason Akatsuki decided to open a hole instead of attacking was in consideration of that possibility.

So far, everything was going well.

"The only problem is......"

The color and size had been changed from its original.

Even if it was made based on Zahhak that Phil turned into, it was still part of a program which could be changed in any number of ways.

"Well...... in all likelihood, it will be much stronger than it was before."

Having said that, Ousawa Akatsuki laughed. He didn't care at all. Because,

"You might be stronger than that time -- but the same goes for me."

As he said so, Akatsuki invoked renkan keikikou.

In response, Lævateinn changed into its second form.

This was the same power that he was unable to freely control back when he first fought against Phil / Zahhak. In addition -- there was also another power Akatsuki didn't have at that time. That was,

"-- That reminds me, it's already been a long time since we fought side by side."

A myriad of deep emotions resided in his voice as it carried to the girl standing next to him.

Listy El Da Sherfied.

While traveling in Alayzard she had fought alongside him, and even now stood beside him. Her face unafraid.

....... Ah well, I really wanted to fight alone with the dragon.

However, this was still the opening act, and before he faced Kyouya he wanted to avoid consuming any further physical strength as much as he could. Moreover, there was a girl who was waiting for him, so there was no time to waste.

This had to be decided at once.

"It doesn't seem to have an absolute barrier, however probably like the other guardian beast its unafraid of magic attacks. We'll do like before, I'll go on ahead, and you'll offer cover and support from behind."

"Got it...... leave it to me."

Even though it was a short conversation, everything was clear.

"Well then -- LET"S GO!"

Ousawa Akatsuki charged at the jet-black dragon.

At the same time, countless fireballs flew up from behind and past him.

The fireballs struck the dragon's face. But, they had no effect just like Akatsuki expected.

-- However, Akatsuki did not mind.

Although there was no damage to the dragon, as the fireballs exploded smoke filled the air obscuring its vision. Just as it dispersed the thick smoke with its foreleg, Akatsuki had already got in range of its stomach.

The backlash caused Akatsuki to sink greatly into the ground while swinging his sword upward. The dragon's body also apparently seemed to of been hardened.

The blow hadn't cut it in half. However, a deep cut ran the length of its jet-black body.

"--------"

The dragon bellowed painfully, while raising its opposite foreleg to attack Akatsuki.

The sharp claws approached him in a downward orbit.

"Whoa!"

Akatsuki jumped while twisting his body to side, kicking off the dragon's arm he launched himself higher in the air. And,

"Listy!"

He called out to her, and practically at the same time Listy started invoking wind magic to create a mass of air. They two had seamlessly acted in concert with each other.

Haruka's strong point was in compressing air, however this magic was a little different in that she fixed a point in the air causing it to build up and then compress. However -- this also wasn't meant to attack dragon, but at the same time wasn't meant as another diversionary tactic.

The air mass Listy generated was located right above Akatsuki.

Thus, Akatsuki turned over in the the air, and used that mass of air to kick off of with all his strength.

The atmosphere burst open like an explosion, as Akatsuki rapidly descend as if out of a cannon.

"Eat thiiissssss!"

Traveling at gale speed, Akatsuki swung down Lævateinn.

The edge of the blade cut into the top of the dragon's head, and split open its enormous body without a sound.

-- That should have been the end.

But, during the time when he was tearing through the chest area of the dragon.

From the outside of Akatsuki's view a black shadow appeared.

"What!?"

Akatsuki cried out suddenly caught off guard

Immediately a powerful force blown him away from the side.

### Part 8

"-- Akatsuki!"

Listy Sherfied called out in a voice that was like a scream.

She did so was because she saw with her own eyes Akatsuki being been taken by surprise. It happened so fast, there was no time for her to warn him.

However, Listy clearly witnessed the moment.

Without any warning a second dragon had appeared from thin air, and then rammed into Akatsuki, followed by slamming into the arena's wall with him.

"Akatsuki!"

Listy called out again to see if he was alright. He and the second dragon had been swallowed up in the dust that was stirred up by the impact.

Even so, Listy tried to rush over -- however, she wasn't able to.

"-!"

An obstacle appeared blocking her path.

A third dragon.

-- And that wasn't all.

Near the ceiling of the large arena a fourth dragon appeared.

In addition, the dragon Akatsuki almost cut into two had restored itself and begun to move again.

At the scene there were now four dragons, that not even Akatsuki could take down with all his strength. It had turned into a completely hopeless situation. However,

"...... Move back."

Listy said in a low voice to the dragon in front of her without least bit of fear.

Even though it let out a ferocious roar, she wasn't concerned.

Because compared to her own crisis, there were more important matters. Therefore,

"Move back! Don't block the way!"

The same time Listy shouted, she invoke her wind magic.

Underneath the third dragon's feet blocking her way -- she amassed a much greater amount of air compared to just before, and caused the atmosphere to violently spin upwards, resembling a small-scale tornado. That way it was the air, rather than her magic allowing it to disregarded the dragon's protection, blowing the gigantic figure high into the air.

"-Tsu!"

Then Listy used flight magic on herself, allowing her to quickly move towards the wall still enveloped in a cloud of dust. To confirm Akatsuki's safety even one second earlier, she invoked a new magic to attempt to disperse the dust.

However -- Listy wind magic was unable to clear it.

On account the second dragon that attacked Akatsuki had suddenly broke through it, and the magical protection of the dragon had counteracted her strong winds.

It to came towards her with its mouth wide open and sharp fangs exposed.

Listy should have been on guard against a surprise attack from the dragon, and that gave that serious consideration.

But towards the sudden situation, Listy's only thought was on seeing if Akatsuki was alright.

As a result, she was caught off guard, and it was too late for her to prepare.

"-----"

Not to mention a protective barrier, Listy didn't even think to dodge, and only to stare blankly at the fast approaching jaw,

"-- Don't get carried away!"

Akatsuki returned the favor from before, mounting a surprise attack of his own with a flying kick to the side of the dragon's head.

The 10 m gigantic body disappeared off in the horizon.

Seeing Akatsuki was safe, Listy's expression was about to change into relief,

"...... Akatsuki, you're hurt!"

But her heart sank, and she was almost unable to talk.

This was because she saw blood dripping from Akatsuki's forehead.

However, Akatsuki snorted,

"Just a scrape -- I can stop the bleeding immediately."

After he said so, he picked up lævateinn with one and began to walk forward.

"......!"

Listy was about to immediately speak out, however she just manged to swallow her words.

She really wanted to tell him -- Not to force himself, and that they should temporary withdraw.

Fighting with Kaidou Motoharu, suffering Miu's mental wave, and now the dragon's surprise attack caused his blood to flow. It was obvious how much damage he had taken.

Akatsuki's strength should also be nearly exhausted, if not at its limits.

...... But.

She understood, Ousawa Akatsuki was a person who wouldn't give up.

He would only turn ahead, looking directly at all the troubles from the front, moving forward step by step. Fighting together with him in Alayzard that had always been his way.

Therefore......

Listy Sherfied understood what she should do herself.

She concentrated on her AD, materializing her magic staff, and started walking closely behind Akatsuki's back. They were turned towards the four dragons in complete ready for battle.

And the next moment -- the life and death struggle between man and king of the demon beasts would begin.

### Part 9

Two girls had looked up when the jet-black dragon rammed into the tower of Babel.

They were told to give priority to their recovery, and asked to secure an escape route -- Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage.

"-!"

Thick white smoke billowed out from the terrific crash.

When the saw that their faces turned grim, and were suddenly bewildered.

The impact site was around near were the elevators were.

That just now was probably an attack aimed at Akatsuki. Although they only saw it for an instant, the color was different, but somehow its figure resembled Zahhak they fought in the recent ranking tournament.

They normally would have thought that it was Hikami Kyouya's doing, but after finding out about Kaidou there was also a possibility that it was Crimson Twilight.

Akatsuki's strength goes without saying, and Listy wasn't weak herself.

Therefore, the two reasoned, and believed it was for the best if continued with their task.

However, their feelings helplessly laid in the other direction.

"...... K-Kuzuha!"

"I know.......but."

Chikage couldn't endure and raised her voice, Kuzuha saw that mournful look and chewed her lips.

Kuzuha understood what Chikage was feeling, because she herself felt the same way.

She wanted to go, and wished she could run over to Akatsuki and Listy's side. Both of them had recovered their strength, and should be able to help them in some way. The feelings of wanting to run out even right now, were helplessly boiling over. But,

"Its no good... ... We have a duty left to us by Ousawa-kun."

Sine they themselves took on it, they should not move.

Therefore, they pushed aside the pain in their hearts, and decided to stay when -- Kuzuha and Chikage heard something like a piercing mechanical sound approaching from far off in the sky.

"That is ......?"

Instinctively they looked up, and simultaneously a black shadow raced across the night sky at an alarming speed. It was not a dragon. Kuzuha and Chikage could barely make it out.

"A Fighter......? How could --"

Chikage's whispering, reached the similarly dazed Kuzuha's ears.

It was not surprising Chikage had such a reaction.

The most Babel or the "security force" could employ were combat helicopters. On the whole special autonomous region there were no fighter jets.

-- The air defense of the special region was covered under the tower of Babel's defense system.

Due to the Babel tower height dominance, in addition the whole artificial island, protection the coastal waters were not a problem. In short, in order to defend the special autonomous region from foreign invaders military planes were unnecessary. However at the moment -- the system was undergoing a comprehensive update, and the defense was not properly functioning. Because of that, it would be possible for the air force to move in early, and end Kyouya's plans,

"No way, is the Japanese government taking military action......?"

Kuzuha said in a tone that sounded like she could not believe it.

"----?"

Then before she could say anything else, Kuzuha pressed both her hands to the ground.

At once, a rock wall emerged from the ground to protect Chikage and herself.

Immediately after -- countless bullets hit the rock wall.

Chikage turned and pressed her back against the wall,

"Uwaa... ... Is this actually a surprise attack with conventional weapons? Then, does this mean it's not security force, either."

"Yes. Hikami Kyouya probably already ordered the security force to stand down ahead of time. Even if the security force understood that he was going to rebel, the security force wouldn't have the authority or courage to disobey his instructions."

Kuzuha answered and,

"That's why this must be the Japanese government action... ... Perhaps, even secretly sent a marine corps to infiltrate the artificial island."

"...... It can't be that the Japanese government sided with Hikami Kyouya?"

"No, the probability of that is low. From what Ousawa-kun and Haruka said Hikami Kyouya had already double crossed them... ... And if the government allied with him, not to mention COCOON, it would likely turn Japan into enemies to the world."

"If their goal isn't to attack us, then --"

"-- They should be here for Hikami Kyouya. With him going out of control, Japan may be in danger of losing support for hosting a tower of Babel. The intention of the government's hostility is probably to openly declare him as a traitor ahead of time, and earn some points with COCOON."

"However, that doesn't mean they had to take it to this level. Shouldn't of there been more appropriate ways?"

And Chikage said,

"The special autonomous region is actually managed by COCOON. Moreover, even though he ended up betraying them, wasn't he a member? Though the current situation is bad, it exceeds anything the Japanese Government is capable of handling. Wouldn't an official statement of their intent been better, and let COCOON take control of this terrible mess?"

"Yeah... ... Maybe there are unknown reasons to it."

To Chikage's words, Kuzuha agreed.

"To the extant -- the Japanese government had to take military action."

Until something more was uncovered, it would be impossible to guess on their own,

"...... So then, what should we do now?"

And Chikage said with a pained expression,

"Akatsuki asked us to secure an escape route, but......"

"I want to avoid fighting with the Japanese military as much as we can. If not...... they will also regarded us as Hikami Kyouya's accomplices, and seen as betraying the world."

Kuzuha had calmly analyzed the situation and,

"Even if we have no intention fight them, they most likely wont listen to a word we say and -- one-sidedly label us villains which we could never overturn."

"Still even without the title as villains, just trying to challenge Kyouya, no matter the goodwill, will be a hindrance to the Japanese government who are trying to be the heroes... ... Our standpoint in the future will already be tough."

And Chikage wryly smiled,

"Ah well -- Akatsuki appears to not mind turning the world against him."

"You're right......"

And Kuzuha also exposed a bittersweet smile,

"Nevertheless...... we should avoid having that happen. For what we all want to achieve after this, more than anything, I don't want to have this trivial matter to hinder Ousawa-kun and the others... ...And if you and I fought here, it will do nothing but antagonize the whole world."

"...... Yeah."

Chikage nodded and,

"Then the safest way would be to get them to voluntarily withdraw, or incapacitate them without damaging anyone."

"On that point, do you somehow have a way? With your water magic before you were able to send oxygen into their bodies without going through the lungs during the decisive battle in Alayzard."

"Increasing the oxygen concentration in the air to impair their thinking wouldn't be that complicated, but if the other side uses any kind of fire magic it could lead to an explosion... ... but that said, it seems like a good idea."

Just as Chikage sighed feeling relieved, the endless gunfire suddenly stopped.

"...... Huh? Can it possibly mean that there giving up?"

Chikage peeped her head out from around the rock wall and,

"-? What did they put masks -- AH!?"

The same time she gasped, it came.

Over they top of the rock wall Kuzuha created countless gas grenades rained down.

It was possible to easily blow away the gas with wind magic, unfortunately Kuzuha was an earth magic user, while Chikage was water. But,

"Kuzuha, come here quickly!"

Still Chikage promptly and correctly made a decision.

In an instant she invoked the magic that was just mentioned, creating a sphere 'un-drownable water' around Kuzuha and herself to shield them against the poison gas.

The gas was most likely just tear gas, but there was a possibly of it being something lethal.

Therefore Chikage had no choice but use this method. However,

『Damn... ... I can't see anything.』

Chikage bitterly spat out, while in the water that was possible to breath. Although they didn't suffer the effect of the gas, it nonetheless filled the air, leaving almost no visibility at all.

『From how they acted so far...... it seems that they are going to really use any-means to achieve their goal.』

Naturally, conventional weapons wouldn't have much effect on Chikage's protective barrier. However, because nothing could made out though the gas filled air, they could only sit helplessly as the enemy advanced.

Kuzuha thought one way would be use her magic to make a wall tall enough that they couldn't get over, but,

...... If my magic interferes with Chikage's......

In case Chikage's protective barrier breaks the two would be poisoned by the gas.

『............』

Kuzuha chewed her lip vexed.

Even though Akatsuki entrusted a role to her, she never imagined she would fail to live up to his expectations -- the moment she was thinking so.

While submerged in the water, Kuzuha heard the wind breaking apart.

A devastating blast wave came in from the side.

Doumoto Kuzuha saw the spectacle of all the gas in the area, and the Japanese marines being completely swept away.

『Who on earth......?』

Kuzuha gaze drift towards the direction the blast came from to see a man slowly walking at a leisurely pace. He was a giant with a grumpy face. His height was greater than Akatsuki's by a lot, and he had a sturdy body that was almost twice Akatsuki's circumference wrapped in work clothes. In his hand was an unprecedented gigantic spear.

Both Kuzuha and Chikage knew the man's name.

In fact, in JPN-Babel you probably wouldn't find anybody who didn't know that man.

His fame was greater than Akatsuki -- to the degree his name recognition was on a par with a COCOON like Kyouya.

One of the most important figures of Babel -- Kubota Kaito

"...... You okay?"

Kubota came over to their side, and asked only without much emotion.

"Y-Yes.. ... You saved us Professor Kubota."

Kubota didn't have a mask, so Chikage judged that there was no more threat of the gas undoing her magic to bow and thank him. Then,

"Is that so......"

Kubota said only that much, before looking up at the night sky seemingly displeased.

What in the world -- the moment Kuzuha was thinking so.

"--------"

Kuboto remained silent as he waved the spear.

And immediately the sound of an explosion sound reverberated from far away in the night sky.

"Eh--!?"

Kuzuha cried out in surprise. Although she did not know what actually had happened,

...... No doubt about it.......

Just now -- Kubota had split the Japanese fighter in half that was flying at supersonic speed, moreover he did it from the ground by only thrusting his spear.

"Unbelievable......"

Stunned Chikage had muttered, but Kubota's face had no change,

"-- It is not over."

Although it was a short sentence, Kuzuha and Chikage immediately understand its meaning.

From the opposite direction than before marine reinforcements appeared, and several suspected armed helicopter shadows were moving in from the distant horizon.

Then,

"Boss, reinforcements are inbound."

A young man suddenly appeared wearing similar clothes, it looks as if he was Kubota's assistant.

On his shoulder was a huge cooler like box that he lowered.

"It sees it. The ground troops I leave to you -- I will deal with the helicopters."

"Acknowledged. Well, its been a long time since I put my skills to use."

Seeing the two naturally prepare to intercept,

"W-Wait a minute!"

Chikage couldn't help but raise her voice, her heart full of misgivings. But,

"...... Do you know how?"

"Of course, Boss."

Kubota and the assistant completely disregard Chikage.

"Whoever dares to run wild without the latest cutting edge weapons in a scientist's domain is just asking to be beat to death."

The assistant smirked, while opening the cooler he placed on the ground, and taking out the device inside. It was divided into several parts, and after setting up the complex structure. something like a machine gun appeared.

However the assistant did not load any bullets, and just took the device directly in his arms.

After that he turned the knob of the side while taking aim.

"Now......prepare for your beating."

As he said so, he pulled the trigger without hesitation.

The device fired, but no bullets came out instead a thin red line.

It was a laser, and as soon as it hit the ground beneath the soldiers an intense explosion erupted. And once again the marines were blown away.

"Boss, I'm going to find if there are anymore."

After witnessing the deep explosion, the assistant excitedly called out while running towards the direction the thick smoke sprung up from.

"............"

Kubota also started walking off to the south in the direction the helicopters were flying,

"-- Please wait."

The petite Kuzuha called out to Kubota who suddenly stopped.

"Professor Kubota...... I have have a question I want to ask you."

And faced with the overlooking giant Doumoto Kuzuha asked,

"If it's you, you should be very aware of the current situation. And now, you showed up here."

So,

"Are you and your assistant working with Hikami Kyouya?"

Kuzuha wanted to confirm if the man in front of her was a friend or enemy.

He was the tower of Babel's leading scientist, and his achievements weren't only limited to the JPN-Babel. Such things as ADs and the special barrier that converts physical damage to mental damage were used at every tower of Babel around the world. So to speak, he was the father of the Babel school system.

According to common sense, Kubota was the researcher whom managed different world technology for COCOON. So it would be difficult to imagine he would ally with Kyouya to betray them.

-- But, the possibility could not be said to be zero.

Kuzuha certainly felt grateful to Kubota for helping them out of that dangerous spot.

Still, if he said he was working with Kyouya,

......At that time.

To Kuzuha who had tightened her fists all the while looking up, Kubota unhurriedly replied.

"No... ... I am not Hikami's comrade, however neither am I Ousawa Akatsuki's."

Kubota paused and,

"I do not intend to obstruct you -- and naturally don't have the idea to lend you a hand. It is that group of Japanese military outsiders that selfishly took the opportunity to stir up trouble, I cannot forgive."

"So, that's the reason you saved us just now......"

Chikage said as she understood.

"-- I have answered. Then, we should be good."

Kubota curtly declared, and once again begin to walk away,

"No...... there is one more thing."

However, Kuzuha called him to stop and,

"Since you guys aren't Hikami Kyouya allies -- there is something I should tell you."

And Doumoto Kuzuha began to convey the information.

The words that Ousawa Akatsuki whispered into her ear before he went off with Listy.

### 003. Chapter 2 - Unshakable Determination (Incomplete)

## Chapter 2 - Unshakable Determination

### Part 1

『Attraction』

It was the concept the Crimson Twilight member Tiana possessed.

-- The ability to memorize any object she had directly touched and then draw or pull it towards herself.

At first glance it seemed a little lackluster, however in battle 'Attraction's' effects could bring about amazing results.

The strength of the attraction could be freely adjusted from nothing to within the maximum limit at any time, and also, at any time, could be canceled. In addition to simply pulling the opponent closer, at any point in time she could break their movements and throw off their timing.

Also she could freely choose what she wanted to commit to memory, and store as many as she wanted. As for removing those memories, it also only depended on her preference.

However, if she remembered too many the attraction force would weaken, being unable to focus with so many choices. This was only shortcoming of her ability.

Through trial and error Tiana had worked out that three to five memories were most advantageous for battle.

So -- as soon as the fighting with Kyouya started Tiana went to memorization.

In fact there were several opportunities. Although she wasn't able to land a the hit, Kyouya had been deflecting her attacks directly.

Moreover because he had never witnessed this ability he didn't feel the need to avoid contact.

Therefore she was able to forcibly pull him over, and at long last land an attack.

"...... Looks like he's dead."

She looked away from her left hand, and focused on the pile of rubble fell that Kyouya was trapped underneath.

The 'Attraction' memories of him had also disappeared from her mind.

However, Tiana didn't erase those memories herself. In case of a living object, when vital signs of the object stopped the object would be recognized as changed, and the original memory would naturally fade.

"-- Then, now the mission is complete."

That was obtaining the phoenix cells, and defeating COCOON's Hikami Kyouya.

From the intelligence Memeko provided, Tiana already knew that the rest of COCOON and that the Japanese government were readying to take action against Kyouya.

The situation here was turning for worst, and naturally there shouldn't be any reason to continue to stay.

If there was......

"............"

Tiana suddenly turned her sight to a far off direction.

Her eyes rested on youth who insisted on tagging along with her.

After losing consciousness Onizuka Kenya laid fallen.

-- His unconsciousness was caused by none other than Tiana's hands.

The reason was because Onizuka tried to obstruct her -- based on some cheap sense of sentimental justice.

Tiana didn't particularly mean to get him involved.

In fact he defiantly ignored her advise, and stubbornly came without permission.

...... However.

She could have shook him off, nevertheless she ultimately let him follow along.

Tiana wondered if it was because of some sort of sentimental attachment for him.

Through a strange occurrence she became a freeloader in Onizuka's home, and even though they only spent a short time together, she felt a warm family feeling within herself.

Maybe deep down, she really expected something from him.

Even through he learned her true identity, and what kind of person she was.

Still...... by chance, could things remain unchanged?

-- Of course, that was merely wishful thinking on her part.

Although Onizuka was an alternate world returnee, in the special autonomous region he was just an ordinary person.

And Tiana was nevertheless a terrorist feared throughout the world.

So, when Onizuka tried to stop her, she thought 'Ah, as I thought.'

Even if the two people were face to face, there was still an insurmountable gap between them.

Even staying in the same home together, Onizuka and herself were living in different worlds.

However......

"............"

Tiana still couldn't remove her gaze away from Onizuka's body.

Onizuka was still alive. He was just unconsciousness, and would wake up sooner or later.

Even left ignored, also there was no danger no his life.

...... But......

At that time to prevent him from making things more difficult, she was forced to use a heavy hand.

Therefore even when he wakes up, he might be unable to leave on his own.

And there was a possibility that any help wouldn't come down here. Moreover, because of her fight with Kyouya the underlying rock structure of the huge area had been disturbed, and the ceiling may collapse at any time.

"No choice then......"

Tiana muttered. At least until they're outside she would have to carry him.

As she thought that, she took one step towards Onizuka.

-- That small action ended up saving Tiana's life.

Suddenly a flash of light came from behind.

"-?"

She twisted her body in that moment, somehow avoiding the attack.

The beam of light just missed Tiana's side, crashing into the wall ahead,

"Na......"

Seeing the end result of the wall, Tiana found herself at a loss for words.

It was because the wall had disappeared. There wasn't even one sound either. A hole had been drilled through the wall the same thickness of the beam of light, like a tunnel. How far it extended couldn't be confirmed, because the light from within the dark room could only shine so far into it.

In addition -- the beam didn't just pierce through rock.

Although Tiana herself moved in time, the crushing axe she was holding had taken the brunt of it, and now only half of the handle remained as the huge axe-head had vanished. And,

"-- Oh, you actually avoided it."

Suddenly, an icy voice traveled to her ears, followed by the sound of unhurried footsteps.

"............"

When Tiana turned around, she found a similar hole had been opened from the mountain of rubble as well as Kyouya's figure.

The JPN-Babel uniform he had been wearing had already changed to a mainly white with blue combat one.

...... Just now that beam.

Tiana Randohauzen was convinced.

Not only was he able use fire and ice magic, but also the torrent of light he shot at her was part of his real concept ability.

A dreadful power. A direct hit from that, and the consequences would have been too horrible to contemplate.

...... Only.

There was a bigger problem that worried Tiana.

Her blow with her crushing axe or the fist she drove into him a little while ago there was definitely a feeling of had hitting him.

However, Kyouya was standing there calm and composed, as if nothing happened. Still that was only part of the problem.

Since he was still alive, then why would the 『Attraction』 memories of him disappear?

This was not a low ranked spell an absolute barrier could stop.

A concept ability was the ultimate power a member of Crimson Twilight and COCOON had obtained.

Even if you take into consideration the affinity of different powers it still wouldn't produce be any effect, even for her leader, the strongest member, Cecil Endheart it was impossible.

...... The only possibility.

Tiana made a bold assumption.

That was that after her attacks earlier -- Kyouya had actually died.

And of course it also meant it wasn't caused by her crushing axe or fist.

After repeated and grueling special training a very select few have been known to had reach a superhuman domain, in which it was said they could freely manipulate their autonomic nervous system, and even temporarily stop the beating of their heart.

So then a concept ability that acts directly on an living object the effects could be naturally removed when the object dies like with Tiana's "attraction. In short, a person could put themselves in a state of suspended animation to fend off some concept abilities.

If Kyouya could do that it would explain why her memories disappeared,

"...... It does not matter, anyway."

Tiana tossed aside remaining broken half of her weapon with a slight smile.

Since Kyouya had failed to die, now she only had to make sure she kills him this time.

Therefore Tiana at once closed the distance with Kyouya, and launched an attack with her empty hand. Then,

"You really are courageous...... even after witnessing my destructive power, you still dare to fight with hand-to-hand combat."

Causally talking while in the midst of dodging, Kyouya then revealed a self-confident smirk,

"Are you not afraid of death?"

"Fortunately, that kind of power your light beam has should make it impossible release right away. Before my back was towards you and couldn't see it for sure, but according to common sense it should require some degree of preparation and concentration for some time, and maybe even there are only a limited number of times you could unleash it."

Moreover, Tiana continued,

"It's so dark in here, and I can also see any signs of light as to when your about to fire."

"Indeed...... as expected from a veteran at using the concept abilities."

Her insight seemed to be quite sharp, and Kyouya,

"However, your ability also is not without limitations. If I'm not wrong, you need to directly make contact to use your ability. That's why you once again charged in to attack, am I right?"

It had been seen through......

"So what?"

Tiana laughed.

At a level where both parties were able to use concept abilities with only one look they could reasonably guess the others power as a whole.

Under the same conditions -- the key to success was when to use their own power.

...... That being the case.

The situation greatly favored herself, Tiana thought.

No other reason than -- her close combat skills were above Kyouya's.

If Kyouya started to invoke his concept ability, a momentary opening would be exposed of which she could take advantage of to attack.

And -- even if she couldn't expose any openings with her skills to launch an effective attack, it would be enough just to touch him. So Tiana interlaced feints in her continuous attacks,

"-- I did it."

After successfully touching Kyouya's arm. She immediately flew backwards, trying to distance herself from him a little.

The preparations were complete.

...... The next step was to break his stance, and then go in for the attack.....

Now it was all about when to attack.

"-- It's too bad, but I will not let you have a chance to do so."

The moment after Kyouya said so he unfolded a magic formation, launching a piece of ice the size of a football at her.

"Again, with an element-based magic attack......"

Such an low level attack could not restrain her even a little bit.

Also any kind of attempt to dodge would be wasteful.

Therefore, Tiana charged forward letting her absolute barrier negate the attack. However,

"Ga--!"

The next moment, she was struck with an intense pain.

The mass of ice Kyouya released directly hit her stomach as if the absolute barrier never existed. The force blown her backwards slamming her in the rock wall behind her.

"Gu...... Hah......!"

Tiana spit out a mouth full of blood.

She wasn't sure how many of her ribs were broken, but it was definitely several of them and based on the fact she spit out blood how badly her internal organs were damaged.

But -- before she analysised her physical condition Tiana had a bigger question.

So she agonizingly asked,

"...... H...how.....?"

Why wasn't the absolute barrier able to nullify Kyouya's elemental magic?

The answer came immediately.

"-- Did you think I would carry out my plan without the absolute certainty of success?"

When Tiana looked up, she saw a cold smear on Kyouya's face and,

"Do not forget -- that I alone have to face both the the rest of COCOON and Crimson Twilight. In fact I have long since transcended you, and about to enter the realm of a God."

As he said so, Kyouya's body began to emit a faint golden light.

"That light......"

Tiana Randohauzen knew what the gold glow represented.

It was the same light a higher-order-life-form gave off when it was about to use its power.

...... So..... that was the reason......

Until now, Tiana didn't understand why Kyouya went through the trouble to obtain the only to refer them as toys. In addition to his concept ability, he had a more powerful trump card up his sleeve.

Cecil had warned her before, and it seems that it was a mistake to not withdraw when she had the opportunity.

However, now was too late to regret.

"-- This is the end."

Kyouya stretched out his right hand -- and the next moment an explosion occurred.

-- But, the person engulfed in flames was not Tiana.

It was Kyouya.

### Part 2

At the same time Kyouya was being swallowed by flames a young man slowly got up from the ground.

The young man's eyes were similar to the glare of a wild dog.

He attempted to put a stop Tiana, but instead Onizuka Kenya had suffered a beating.

-- It was only about ten seconds or so that Onizuka had regained consciousness.

When he awoke he suppressed the severe pain shooting throughout his body to force his head up, and what he discovered was Tiana being cornered by Kyouya.

With just that Onizuka roughly understand the situation, and immediately decided to take action.

The result was the attack that just hit Kyouya.

However, a direct attack would have been nullified by Kyouya's absolute barrier, so he aimed at another point.

He focused at where Kyouya had been preparing his fire magic attack, therefore enveloping Kyouya in both Onizuka and Kyouya's own fire.

"Ha...... haa......"

Onizuka's breathing became very heavy.

Tiana's bare hands were enough to destroy thick concrete walls. Previously Onizuka suffered several consecutive punches, so it was naturally not difficult to imagine the damage done to his body. If he relaxed even a little he would immediately lose consciousness.

Still Onizuka gritted his teeth, keeping his consciousness using everything bit he had left in his body.

It was because there was something that he had to do. Therefore,

"Now! Run Tiana Randohauzen!"

Onizuka Kenya shouted at the top of his lungs.

He never for a seconded imagined that Kyouya would be defeated by his attack.

...... I'm not any kind of match for such a monster......!

However, if he could slightly delay -- there was a small chance to escape.

In this case it was not possible for most people to escape. In fact, even Onizuka thought it was impossible for he himself.

But, Tiana was different, and should have enough time.

-- Onizuka didn't think what Tiana did to Tanaka and Phil was right.

Therefore he wanted to stop her, and confronted her.

...... But.

Onizuka Kenya did not want Tiana Randohauzen to died here, and lose the gentle smiling face of the girl that changed himself.

He never wanted that extinguished.

-- However the situation developed in which he didn't imagine.

Tiana which he thought would immediately escape, or at least take the opportunity to counterattack Kyouya,

"Ken-chan?"

She stared at him, as if she couldn't believe that Onizuka would try to help her.

"Y-you fool...... what are you doing!"

Onizuka could not help but rushed towards Tiana.

...... Damn it, we must hurry!

Dragging his seriously injured body, Onizuka could not help but secretly pray in the heart.

But......

"--Sorry, no one escapes."

As if ridiculing Onizuka, a could voice reached his ears.

And at the same time, the fire around Kyouya condensed into a crimson sphere floating above the palm of his hand.

And,

"Unfortunately, you were a little slow --"

As he finished, Kyouya sent the huge fireball towards Tiana.

"Bastuuurrrrddddd!"

At also almost at the same time Onizuka jumped towards Tiana.

The next moment. The most lower area was shaken, as an intense explosion broke out.

### Part 3

-- Taking advantage of Hikami Kyouya's rebellion every trace of the had to be completely erased.

It was the only option for Japan to survive for their own betrayal.

A few hours ago Prime Minister Sasagawa Shinya decided to send troops to the special autonomous region.

It was currently around midnight, and the Prime Minister's official residence was enveloped in a heavy pressure.

The source came from the mood between Sasagawa and the collective members of the cabinet in the cabinet meeting room.

"Following phantom 01, phantom 02 and phantom 03 signal was lost. It seems they were most likely shot down from the ground...... and none of the pilots can be reached at present."

"The latest cutting-edge stealth fighters were annihilated that easily......"

A real time report came from the unification headquarters to the Minister of Defense as he angrily spat.

The new stealth fighters that were scrambled to suppress JPN-Babel were personally established by the Minister of Defense himself. He believed this force could share the burden of the national defense of Japan. Moreover, huge sums of money and countless man-hours of research were invested to be developed by the air force.

Seeing years of effort mercilessly destroyed the old face of the minister of defense minister couldn't help but become red because of anger,

"Staff chief! What about the combat helicopters and the ground forces?"

"Yes sir! Out of the five combat helicopters three were shot down, the remaining are continuing on mission. At the present time the enemy forces have not yet been eliminated within JPN-Babel's grounds......"

The Staff chief was reporting the current situation over a monitor with a very bitter expression,

"...... The ground forces tried to neutralize the enemy with gas, but unfortunately it ended in failure. Thereupon the second teem and third teem were sent in to overwhelm them with numerical superiority, but they were pin down by the enemy forces within the grounds. And according to the third team's report, the second team has been annihilated -- Sorry, please wait me a moment."

It seemed new information had become available as a subordinate of the Staff chief whispered something into his ear and,

"...... Just received news that the remaining two combat helicopters have been shot down, and it is likely that the teams still on the ground have also been suppressed."

"What? Was it enemy reinforcements?"

"No -- there seemed to be only four people from beginning to the end. I'm afraid the war potential of those Babel students are particularly outstanding."

"Damn...... those monsters!"

The Minister of Defense slammed his fist on the desk.

"I can appreciate your feelings, but please pay attention to your words."

And Sasagawa calmly said,

"Although those returnees that are residing in special autonomous regions are now enemies to us, do not forget that most of them are people of our country who have Japanese nationality."

"...... I'm sorry. It was a slip of the tongue, but Prime Minister the way things are going --"

The Minister of Defense was exposing his inner anxiety as,

"I understand..... Staff chief, I would like to hear your opinion."

Sasagawa's line of sight move to the huge monitor of the wall,

"Apart from the fighters, the combat helicopters and the ground troops mobilized only made up about 30 percent of the military's strength, or so I was informed?"

"Yes, Prime Minister. Currently, the fourth through sixth team of marines are off Babel's campus awaiting orders."

"Then, is there any possibility of success if all the remaining troops are mobilized?"

"......"

After Sasagawa's question the Staff chief took a moment of silence.

After a while......

"...... I think that it would be extremely difficult even if all of our military's strength is deployed. Please forgive me for saying this..... but our forces can't compete against them. If we use our number advantage to wear them out, then perhaps there is a slight chance of winning --"

"No, unfortunately I can not do that."

Sasagawa shook his head because,

"The European Foreign Minister informed us a little while ago that Michael Arcwood and Letiah Crisis (Changed from Retia) have finished with their negotiations with the European Union on behalf of COCOON and are on the way to London's Heathrow Airport. I believe that you are also aware that...... it will only take two hours for their plane to reach Japan."

This was also one of the reasons why COCOON could maintain their control on the world.

The technology COCOON had developed from other worlds had made them able to control the earth's sky.

However, Sasagawa did not want to give up hope.

"Then --"

And Sasagawa decided to go with the last-resort measure,

"Staff chief...... what is the current position of our nuclear submarine?"

"It is on standby in the Pacific Ocean, about 100 km from the island."

"Are the cluster-type nuclear warheads ready to fire?"

"...... Yes, Prime Minister."

The tone of the Staff chief became very heavy and,

"As soon as you give the order -- It is ready to be launched."

Everyone present was well aware that the special autonomous region was heading towards a tragic end.

The chain reactions of the nuclear explosions would not only raze JPN-Babel to the ground, but the whole artificial island.

The Staff chief and the other top officials expressions were all grim, but Sasagawa remained determined.

"Issue the command for all the troops within the special autonomous region to immediately withdraw."

"-- Prime Minister!"

A secretary who was waiting off the side could not help but raise her voice.

"There isn't any time...... this is the only way."

Sasagawa Shinya said indifferently.

In order to protect Japan, this was a necessary evil.

"As soon as all of the soldiers are safety out to sea -- launch the nuclear missiles."

### Part 4

A series of noises echo down within the highest floors of JPN-Babel.

It was the sharp sound of metal striking at the irregular rhythm scattering sparks in the dark hallways.

What was clashing into each other were the half-moon swords and meteor hammer, without neither gaining the upper hand.

It was the showdown between Nanase Haruka and Aihara Minami.

It was long after Kaidou had stepped in to save Haruka did the two started fighting. As of now most of the surrounding walls had already been destroyed, and the floor itself has become a vast open battle space.

Even so, the fighting showed no signs of stopping.

"Hhha ha ah ah ah ah!"

Using her wind magic Haruka flew forward at high speed.

In response, Minami moved to intercept with her meteor hammer, sending the heavy iron ball at the end of her weapon forward. Haruka crossed the blades in her hands stopping the heavy iron ball, after which Haruka a close distance away from Minami unleashed her wind magic.

A group of intense winds gathered, and rushed towards Minami. But,

"------"

Minami had silently created an earth wall that blocked everything.

Still, her magic being stopped was within expectations.

"My magic is no over yet."

Under Haruka's influence her winds split apart to avoid Minami, and then transformed into countless air bullets that took aim from every direction.

The shotgun-like wind attack completely engulfed the area around Minami.

Avoidance was impossible.

But Haruka's magic did not hit Minami.

The ground had suddenly swelled forming a dome shell around Minami stopping all the air bullets.

And the next moment, the offensive switched.

"-!"

Haruka created a small tornado below her feet at once. The reaction caused her to rapidly rise into the air.

At the same time, innumerable spikes pierced through the floor.

Fortunately she reacted fast enough, otherwise she would of been skewered. The thought caused Haruka to break out in a cold sweat.

-- However, it was too early to feel relieved.

The spikes that appeared out the floor all fired out towards Haruka.

"Well -!"

Immediately Haruka invoked her flight magic to dodge the spikes heading straight at her. However, the spikes altered their trajectory mid flight, and closely pursed her.

"Humph...... In that case!"

Haruka spun around while flying, and waited until last moment to attract all the spikes in order to release a shock wave destroying the spikes.

However, the spikes broke apart into tiny pieces that completely filled the air, blocking Haruka's vision.

Minami had disappeared from her sight. I messed up -- but it was already too late as she thought so.

The air vibrated with a low noise that reached Haruka's ears, and reflexively she crossed her half moon swords taking up a defensive posture.

At almost the same time a huge cannon ball was already about to hit her.

Although it was only made of hardened dirt, under the influence of Minami's magic it weighed more and was heavier than steel.

She could not withstand it.

Still, Haruka chose not to avoid it. Instead she thought to add a magical attribute to her half moon swords. However, the property attached was not wind but thunder, giving the blade a super-electromagnetic vibrations allowing it to cut through anything.

"Lets seeeeeee --!"

Haruka tightly griped the sword hilts, and brandished her weapons. The huge cannonball was divided into four, and hurtled past Haruka's side, smashing into the the floor behind her.

Together with a loud crash, a cloud of dust sprang up.

"Ha......hah ......!"

While gasping for breath, Haruka fixed her eyes ahead.

Minami was standing there unruffled, with an unusually calm face.

...... Something's not right.

Even though you must not distracted yourself in the mist of battle, Nanase Haruka couldn't help but wonder.

The enemy in front of her was her close friend, and at the same time also went through all the same joys and hardships as a member of the Student Council, the same Aihara Minami.

Babel exists as an educational institution for boys and girls with special abilities who returned from different worlds.

In this JPN-Babel, in charge was COCOON's Hikami Kyouya, who also served as the president of the student council, and out of necessity the student council had to be made up of the strongest.

Minami doing her part in the council also participated in the ranking tournaments.

Haruka understood Minami's strength well. However,

...... Then how did it change so suddenly......?

The Minami that she knew was never this powerful. At the very least, in the ranking tournament that was just held their strengths were on par.

However now, Minami had very obviously been overwhelming her. It was like she was a different person.

Fire, water, earth, and wind -- were the most basic properties of elemental magic.

Each had their own special characteristics that gave them advantages, but fire and water, and earth and wind were polar opposites, making them neither superior or inferior to their opposites.

In fact, the key to its strength lied in the user's spiritual power and ability to concentrate, of course, hard work and innate talent were part of that.

And in following Akatsuki to Alayzard Haruka had gone through a dramatic growth.

So theoretically Haruka should of been able to easily overcome Minami.

And as if seeing through Haruka's thoughts,

"Resistance is useless... ... You can not defeat me now."

Minami said in a monotone voice and,

"Even though it is Kyouya who is linked with Ousawa Miu, we had directly touched her before coming here."

"Miu? Why would you need to touch her....."

Facing Haruka's questions, Minami slowly said,

"She is not merely someone from a different world, she herself is a higher-order life -- with extremely high power (Ultra) in that."

Minami paused for a moment.

"As long as you use of her power you can raise a soul to a higher dimension -- achieving a similar effect without the need to visit another world twice like with you and Kyouya."

"Miu....... is a ultra-higher-order life......"

Haruka finally understood because of Minami's explanation.

That was the reason why Kyouya desired to obtain Miu so much.

...... Oh yes, so it turns out this was why.

Kyouya said that he intended to make an utopia using Miu.

Haruka thought that there must be something special about Miu, but absolutely not did she think Miu was an ultra-higher-order life.

She did not think there was such power in the everyday common Miu. But if what Minami said was true, then you really may be able use her power to transcend COCOON and Crimson Twilight.

...... Then, did Ousawa Akatsuki also know about this......?

And then he kept her by his side to try and take advantage of her power to stop COCOON and Crimson Twilight.

After making such guesses in her mine, Haruka could not help but laugh a little to herself.

...... Impossible.

It was not necessary to think.

Even though the time she spent together with him was short, Haruka Nanase knows that Ousawa Akatsuki was not that kind of person.

She knew how he spent his time in the alternate world of Alayzard, and also what he had accomplished.

In fact, Haruka was present and watched each and every move he made.

That's right -- Even if Akatsuki knew her true nature, he would not change how he would act towards Miu. This I am very sure.

What Akatsuki cherishes is surely Miu herself. As for whether she was an ultra-higher-order lifeform would be only a trivial issue to him. Then,

"That is also the same for me......"

Haruka smiled and nodded as it was only obvious.

Miu's true identity was not important

She decided to protect Miu, but also she and her and everyone else decided to support Akatsuki.

Therefore -- it was not possible to forgive anyone who would hurt, or even use her.

And it was impossible to give up. Then,

"...... Are you still planning to fight me?"

Minami eye's became suspicious as she watched Haruka's expression turn.

"Yes, of course."

Haruka Nanase smiled, and resolutely and proudly answered,

"Everyone else is still fighting. How can I just give up here?"

Thereupon Haruka once again faced off against Minami.

Out of the corner of her vision -- not too far from this place another battle was taking place.

That fight was no less fiercer than hers.

It was the duel between Kaidou Motoharu and Uesaki Ryohei.

### Part 5

"Haa, this is too much......"

Even while fighting, Motoharu Kaidou could not help but sigh.

Contrary to his easy going tone he let out, the fight itself from the beginning was not at all.

That was because his opponent, Uesaki Ryohei, did not let up at all.

"Why don't you just give up?"

Ryohei said while swinging his Chinese Dao (broadsword) that he materialized from his AD.

That blade was magically imbued with the attribute of fire, giving off a crimson red color.

The intense high temperature was enough to make the atmosphere boil.

Whenever Ryohei swung his weapon a flame would follow in its trail.

"Whoa, that's dangerous."

Because of that, Kaidou had to take a wide margin whenever he evaded so as not to be scorched.

In addition, because the weapon itself had an attribute it was not a magic enchantment, so even a higher-order barrier was useless.

After greatly retreating backwards, Kaidou swung his right hand in the air.

He was trying to attack Ryohei with his materialized chain from the side.

"-- It is useless no matter how times you try."

Ryohei asserted, as he slashed at the chain with his Dao.

There was a high-pitched 'Kyn' as the super high temperature of the Chinese Dao effortlessly cut the chain into two.

"Ah, that's too horrible -- you cut it again!"

"What's so horrible? Since its an embodied weapon you can freely change its length."

Facing Kaidou's ​​complaint, Ryohei looked back with disapproval and,

"And you already regenerated the chain I do not know how many times. What's the point in grumbling now?"

“It is about feelings! My beloved chain is being cut apart by your sword like you're cutting through tofu!"

"Give me a break...... That is only an ordinary chain."

And Ryohei said as if he seen through Kaidou.

"Your real conceptual ability is...... "freedom binding chain," was it not?"

"Haah... ... Where did you hear that?"

Kaidou unintentionally sighed again. Most likely, it had something to do with Miu being a ultra-higher-order life.

If Kyouya used her power, then there was a possibility he was aware about everything that was occurring within JPN-Babel.

Under such circumstances, Kaidou wanted to avoid exposing the scope of his power as much as possible.

...... In addition......

It was probably due to the fact he suffered a spiritual wave attack of Miu's as a ultra-higher-order life.

Since that time, Kaidou was unable to successfully launch "freedom binding chain."

Concept abilities were techniques that had to open a channel with a higher dimension, unlike with normal magic. However, with Miu's attack belonging to an even higher level than his, most likely caused a temporary disturbance with his concept ability.

And more than likely Ryohei already theorized the condition Kaidou was in.

...... Really a thorny opponent.

Kaidou re-examined Ryohei. Compared to the time he saw him fighting Akatsuki in the ranking tournament Ryohei was totally different. Could this also be due to the influence of Miu's power?

...... However, it doesn't seem to be that simple.

From Ryohei, Kaidou felt a similar atmosphere coming off him to his own.

In JPN-Babel, Kyouya was both severed as the president of the student council, and a member COCOON, and Haruka's distinctive upright character made them the most prominent with the school. Especially Haruka who was the most noticeable because she also concurrently served as a member of discipline committee, and exercised the authority of the student council.

Therefore, Ryohei had to wear the mask of being indifferent and unmotivated, and together with Minami be relegated to the shadows of the student council.

After all, it was not appropriate for the secretary of the council to out shine the vice president.

However, this was not a proper reflection of Ryohei. From simple fighting power to ability to judge, or even logical thinking Ryohei outperformed Haruka in all aspects.

And most importantly Ryohei understood how to deal with someone above his level.

The best evidence of that were how things were playing out thus far.

Certainly once you falter a little against such an opponent was when they will swoop.

Therefore, it was not possible for Kaidou to relax his guard not even a bit. Then,

"It is regrettable, you would have definitely won by now with your original ability."

While saying so, the flames around Ryohei's blade flared up.

"But your movements have obviously dulled... ... Well, it is understandable after your hard fight with Ousawa."

"If you sympathize with me, then take it easy on me."

"Against you? Facing an opponent the like's of you, you can't show even a little chink. In fact, you just have been pretending to be on the defensive, intending to lure me off guard, right?"

Kaidou's thoughts were completely read, and he couldn't help but say with a sour-face,

"There must be a lot of people who say your personality is bad?"

"The same could be said of you. You usually put up an act, and hide your true colors. Therefore, there is no reason to take what you say to heart. I try to act only when it is practical. You on the other hand are the type that enjoys to incite other people...... then watch from a far."

But then, Ryohei asked,

"Knowing full well that you temporary can't use your conceptual ability, then why continue to remain in JPN-Babel without escaping?... ... Is it because of a sense of obligation to Ousawa?"

"No way. We were only using each other for convenience. In what way would I be obligated to Akki."

And then Kaidou said with a frown,

"Moreover, I no more than said to him 'If by chance the vice-president sided with Hikami Kyouya, it would be troublesome for information to leak' in the end he unexpectedly threaten to kill me. Isn't that cruel?"

"Is that so? But then again, if what you said was actually happened, you would not have hesitated to take Haruka's life, right?"

"Well, most likely."

When Kaidou easily told it straight out, Ryohei bitterly smiled at that "immediate response" and,

"But...... yet you stepped in to helped Haruka. You could have waited until the battle was over to launch a sneak attack when our guard was down. It would have been easy to beat us."

"I've already told you. If Akki learns that I didn't help, it would be scary."

The reason was simple.

"That girl Hikami kidnapped has a grasp on everything that is happening in JPN-Babel right now. And her there's no guarantee she won't tell him later."

"From the way you talk, it sounds like you know what is happening, but......"

And Ryohei sighed,

"You rally think that Ousawa is capable of defeating Kyouya?"

"Well -- it might be impossible as it is now"

Kaidou answered and,

"None the less, letting Kyouya continue to do whatever he pleases will only make things more troublesome later. Therefore, it's best to beat him here."

But for that, there was something that had to be done first.

Therefore, Motoharu Kaidou decided to tell the reasons he was still here.

"At the time Akki came to JPN-Babel -- or to be exact it should be just before that, nine staff members had been attacked by some unknown person. That was not my doing, and I can't imagine Hikami Kyouya would take the time to handle such a tiny matter with his own hands. However, it would still require quite a skilled person to do so. Therefore, I can safety assume..... that you two were ambushers from Kyouya's side."

And Kaidou smiled,

"In order to beat Hikami Kyouya, you must first deal with those troublesome ambushers."

### Part 6

"Do you think if you defeat us, you can also beat Kyouya?"

Ryohei informed Kaidou of the current state of affairs.

"The power of Ousawa's younger sister is the real thing. Kyouya will soon enter into a realm above everyone. You tell me, who in the world could defeat him? As for your fellow female companion who had infiltrated earlier, she should of already been taken care of by Kyouya."

And......

"As for Ousawa, about this time he should be occupied with that higher-order dragon he met before, only this time it was made several times stronger by the exercise program. I'm afraid that it's too late fro him to meet up with Kyouya, and he has already joined his ancestors (Died)."

"If that's the case...... then I just have to take down Kyouya."

Kaidou just shrugged his shoulders with a wry smile. Ryohei then suddenly could not help laughing,

"...... You? Impossible, you can't even defeat me right now."

"If that is so? Then I will just have to show you whether it's impossible or not."

After saying so, Kaidou suddenly disappeared.

"-!"

Ryohei immediately stabbed his Chinese Dao into the ground.

After a bang, intense flame spout out from the cracks in the floor that spread out around Ryohei.

It was an attack that simultaneously attacks and defends.

The raging flames caused hot updraft of air, leaving no holes.

There was only one gap. Therefore,

"Right here!"

The place right above himself was the only spot that wasn't effected by the heat from the flames. Therefore, Ryohei quickly raised his sword up releasing a huge whirlpool of flames, thoroughly burning the space above his head.

In theory that should of done the trick, but......

"What!?"

Along with sound of a burst of wind Ryohei's flames of were blown away.

By the time he realized it was due to Kaidou's chain being swung at high speed, Ryohei was already thrust to the side from the impact to his body,

"Gaa -- ah!"

A heavy dull pain spreads from his gut to his whole body.

Still he was able resist the pain, and regain his posture in the air to attempt to land on his feet.

"-- It's too bad, but I'm not through with you yet."

A low voice reached Ryohei as another shock came from under him, this time hitting him into the sky.

Under intense pain, he creased his brows as he looked down, and could not find any traces of Kaidou.

"So!"

Ryohei concentrated his mind, and shot out flames in all directions.

The fire magic he released was not only meant to protect himself, but to pin point where Kaidou was.

And as Ryohei expected his plan worked, as there was an area where his flames had suddenly been extinguished to his 5 o'clock.

At once, he moved to slash down with his Dao, which flames wouldn't be stopped by a barrier......

"Eh?"

But before Ryohei swung down with his the sword -- no, it should be before he had the idea to attack, from his 5 o'clock a straight line through the fire coming towards him had mystery gone out.

And then, a series of invisible attacks hit Ryohei's torso.

"This...... ah ah ah!"

Ryohei struggled to move his sword in front of him, but then felt no reaction.

It was dodged.

...... No way, is this......!?

At the same time Ryohei's thoughts arrived at one possibility,

"-- Correct answer."

Ryohei clearly heard Kaidou's laughter from behind -- strictly speaking, it should be from behind and above him.

"A "domain" is not something Akki patented."

And before Ryohei could react, he was knocked to the floor, and immediately lost conscious.

### Part 7

That scene was not without witnesses.

It was the two girls who were also fighting themselves -- Nanase Haruka and Aihara Minami.

However,

"Ryohei......"

Finding her companion was defeated Minami couldn't help but react.

"-!"

While Haruka, although she had come to recognize Ryohei as an enemy, had mixed feelings over the matter. However, that feeling was replaced by the fact that the outcome of the battle now leaned towards one side.

...... I want to borrow your technique Miu.

As she said so in her heart, Haruka enchanted lightning magic on her own body.

"Ha......!"

While enduring acute pain running throughout her whole body, Haruka further amplified the electric current.

-- During the first fight against Zahhak, Miu transformed the lightning into a sword.

But -- that wasn't a simple feat to accomplish.

Haruka was clearly aware of that fact. However,

"--?"

The same time Minami returned her attention back to Haruka, Haruka already invoked her flying magic.

In an instant she was right in front of Minami,

"It's the end."

As Haruka said so with lightning covering her entire body -- she hugged onto Minami.

And the sound of sparks exploded.

"-! Ahhh!"

In Haruka's arms, Minami couldn't help but give out a short scream as her body was being electrocuted.

And after a few moments Minami's body stopped convulsing, and she past out.

"...... Fuu."

Somehow managing to win, Haruka let out a heavy sigh.

Then gently laid Minami on the floor.

"-- Ooh, did you also win?"

Kaidou had suddenly appeared, and spoke in a easygoing manner.

"Yeah... ... With your help, I somehow managed."

And Haruka looked straight at him,

"I have to say thank you, Motoharu Kaidou. If I was by myself there would of been no way for me to win against both of them."

"Ah, it wasn't that much. You don't have to mind."

And Kaidou laughed,

"Instead could you tell Akki that at the critical moment I stepped in to save you."

"Of course, I will be sure to tell him."

Haruka nodded, and then narrowed her eyebrows,

"Moreover -- the matter about if I joined presidents Hikami's side being detrimental and so on, I will also keep silent on."

"............"

"Uh... ... By chance, did you hear that?"

"Yes. I become quite well attuned when it's related to me."

Haruka then ignored Kaidou as he tried to make excuses for himself, and looked upwards.

All the floors were in tatters, as well as being able to see the ceiling of upper most floor through multiple floors.

...... In this state, the computers in the student council room are unusable.

The most help Haruka could offer Akatsuki and the others would be to turn off the security program the [guardian beast system], and stop JPN-Babels's basic systems.

However, that ended in failure. Ryohei and Minami attacked before she could carry out her plan, and if they didn't probably the [guardian beast system] could of been disabled, but the others would have remained activated.

"Still, how else can I support them......?"

Haruka was lost in her thoughts.

"-- If you really want to help Akki, then I think it would be best for you to join their fight."

Kaidou suggested and,

"Remember that higher-dimensional dragon that appeared at the last ranking tournament? According to that secretary, it seems that Akki and that Queen are fighting against a program based on that dragon. Furthermore, its parameters have apparently been greatly strengthened. Also Akki's injuries after the battle with me should not have fully recovered -- If things don't go well I think they will be in danger."

### Part 8

Zahhak.

It was an evil dragon known throughout the world of Alayzard, but at the same time also a higher-order lifeform.

The lair of the beast was in black mountain, and it also reigned over the whole island.

In the past -- Listy had fought against Zahhak once.

In the middle of the journey to defeat Demon king Galious with her comrades Akatsuki, Zechs, Loutier, she was asked to search for some adventurers who had not returned, thereupon the four had set off to black mountain.

During their search for the missing adventurers they had encountered Zahhak. The fight was almost immediately discontinued, and they withdrew. But after that incident, in addition to the race called dragons, she was made aware of the the power of a higher order creature, and regarded its existence close to a God.

-- After that......

She had learned that Phil Barnett had made a contract with Zahhak to come to this world in order to fight Akatsuki. At that time, it was said because it was a pact with a human as the catalyst, only about half of its original strength remained.

...... It seems this time its different.

Listy estimated her opponent's strength in her mind as she dodged the jet black dragon's fierce attack.

The battlefield was the vast open space in JPN-Babel's biggest battle arena.

It seems that what Listy was looking at was a program based on Zahhak.

It was about half of its original size, and also its dark body was different from the original Zahhak.

There was also no absolute barrier that belonged to a higher-order being.

However, it was the same as the beasts from the security program the "guardian beast system" that Haruka mentioned, normal physical attacks did not work, nor did magic.

Akatsuki had once again poured his ki into her magical staff, but both the size and strength of the dragon could nowhere be compared to hell hounds or cyclops from before.

In fact Listy had hit it a few times already, however she couldn't do any damage. The dragon not only had a huge size, its body was akin to a thick layer of armor itself, and impervious to her attacks.

Even if it was a different story for Akatsuki who can manipulate renkan keikikou, at least with Listy's physical strength it was virtually impossible to do anything.

Still, that was not the worst problem.

"Oh......!"

Listy jumped backward to avoid the sweeping claw of the jet black dragon.

She was not allowed to avoid the attacks by a hair's breadth, or else she would be wrapped up in the wind shear.

...... This pressure......!

Each time she dodged an attack, Listy could feel the cold sweat.

Although its size was smaller, its physical strength was probably at the same level as the original Zahhak.

Any kind of hit would be enough to end her life.

Therefore, Listy had to continuously invoke wind magic to fly, however rather than flying in air it was used for high speed movement.

Even though from the beginning she was at a disadvantage, Listy kept fighting in hopes of an opportunity to win would present itself.

It was an exceptionally bitter struggle.

Still -- she was unable to ask Akatsuki for help. Because,

....... Out of the question.

Listy momentarily glanced towrds at Akatsuki.

He was also fighting, but he was even worse off than herself.

There were four dragons in total that appeared.

And Listy was only in charge of dealing with one.

The remaining three were all left to Akatsuki to take care of by himself.

"AAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki roared as he dodged the attacks from the three jet black dragons, and quickly charged ahead.

As he got close he delivered a slash with his black magic sword that cut the third dragon in half to its tail.

Ignoring as it turned into particles of light, and disappeared, Akatsuki turned,

"Next one!"

After shouting, he went straight towards the remaining two dragons.

Therefore -- she too could not be defeated.

...... Anyway.

The dark dragon before her eyes was clearly restricted.

This was perhaps inconsideration that it was an indoors battle, the dragon never attempted to use the attack she was most cautious of, the ability to breathe fire.

....... This should be a blessing in disguise.

If it breathed out those kind of flames in the building. there was no guarantee they won't comprise the tower of Babel's structure. This sort of situation was something Hikami Kyouya definitely wanted to avoid.

-- Of course, even without being able to breath fire, the dangerous of the dragon wasn't lessened at all.

In order for Listy to withstand the fire breath she had been invoking multiple magic formations over and over again, so much so that she wouldn't even feel the any warmth from the attack. But now that it was being restricted the odds of Akatsuki and herself winning increased.

"-- I must absolutely win."

The reason why she came with Akatsuki was not that to become a burden on him.

So Listy focused her mind, and compressed the air around her to to the utmost limit.

And then unleashed it towards the dragon's head.

Her wind magic cut through the air in the atmosphere at an high speed.

-- A direct magical attack wouldn't have any effect, but Listy had a way.

Immediately before it hit the dragon Listy removed her magic compressing the air. The result was an intense shock wave, and an ear deafening explosion.

The impact and explosion sounds were directly driven into the dragon ears.

Having its head shaken to such a degree the jet black dragon became somewhat unsteady on its feet,

"--------"

Its gigantic body swayed, until it was forced to kneel.

Everything went as Listy hoped.

-- The inner ear of vertebrates were special.

It was comprised of three semicircular ducts controlling a sense of balance. Furthermore, the ear directly leads to the brain.

Upon receiving a heavy shock, even for something like a dragon it would still be temporary affected.

...... Now's the time!

Listy finally found her chance at victory.

She immediately closed in on the dragon with her flying magic, and as it was ascended to its head.

Then she firmly grasped her magical staff with both hands, and made a thrusting motion towards its neck.

-- The dragon reflexively swiped out with its claws to stop her from getting any closer.

However, in its disoriented state any sort of an attack from it would naturally miss,

"-!"

Then Listy suddenly gasped.

The huge razor like claw unexpectedly was coming from the lower right, and was on track to directly hit her.

It would be undoubtedly an instant death if she didn't avoid it. But,

"......! -- AAAAHhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Listy chose not to dodge, or temporary retreat.

She had resolved herself already -- and accelerated forward without any hesitation.

At the same time, she unfolded many wind formations behind her.

Afterwards the chain reaction caused an explosive propulsion that sent Listy flying to the dragon's head.

As it was, she thrust her magical staff towards a gap between its teeth -- that was in the gigantic dragon's mouth.

Gakiiiiiiin!

A sharp sound noise echoed wildly.

The dragon had caught Listy's staff with its teeth.

At point-blank range, and left momentary at a standstill in the air, it was the dragon who acted first.

She watched as the dragon's right claw was raised, and then was swung down towrds her from overhead.

But, the moment before the claw had sliced her up into pieces,

"-- HAAA!"

Listy released all of Akatsuki's energy that he infused inside her magical staff, aw well as all the magic power in her body.

It was not to activate magic, but to produce an intense shock wave. The destruction wave rapidly swelled in the dragon's mouth -- with a loud bang the dragon's head was blown to pieces.

"I did it...... Yeah!"

Watching as the jet black dragon was turning into particles of light, Listy couldn't help feel a real sense of victory.

-- That was until another gigantic dragon had suddenly appeared.

"-!"

It should be one of the two that Akatsuki was facing.

When the dragon found its companion defeated, it changed its target to Listy.

It was already too late to react when Listy gasped.

She could only look on helplessly as its sharp fangs were about to bite her to death,

"I'm the one your fighting!"

Akatsuki had come over right above the dragon like a bullet, and stabbed into its head with his black devil sword. Then forced his sword all the way though its jaw, and into the dragon's shoulder.

"Ooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Akatsuki shouted as he grabbed tight his sword hilt to draw it out.

The wide heavy blade split the dragon's jaw, and neatly came out from an incision between its eyebrows.

"And with this -- you'll be finished!"

Akatsuki deliberately released his hands holding on his sword as he motioned.

The black devil sword had been launched at astonishing speeds towards the remaining dragon. The sword had been filled full of his energy as it soundlessly passed through the abdomen of the dragon, and pierced into the ceiling of the arena.

-- It marked the end to their battle within the arena.

The dragon that Akatsuki split its head open, and the one his sword went through turned into particles of light at the same time and disappeared.

### Part 9

"Amazing......"

Listy said in stunned admiration.

She fully expected that their strength had significantly grown, but Akatsuki's growth was far more than hers.

After she lightly landed on the ground, Akatsuki soon followed and,

"Good grief...... to waste all this time because of a computer program --"

After he said a little more than half, he suddenly stumbled.

"...... Akatsuki!?"

Listy quickly rushed over in a panic to stabilize him, but she couldn't fully support him, and could only help him take a knee.

"It's all right... ... My head is just a little bit dizzy."

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Akatsuki tried to get up.

However, there was almost no power in his arm. Therefore,

"What are you saying, you're in no shape to even stand! You can't push yourself any further!"

Listy warned him, as she attempted to lightly press him with her arm to sit down and rest. However,

"-!"

At that moment, Listy was no longer able to say anything more.

It was because Akatsuki was looking straight at her from the distance where they could almost feel each other's breath.

And in Akatsuki's eyes was a strong determination,

"...... I'm sorry, but I cannot rest."

Seeing that Akatsuki was still planing to get up, Listy couldn't help feel a slight pain in her heart.

-- Even when he was this seriously injured he was still going to look for Miu.

While feeling some jealousy towards Miu in her heart, Listy reconfirmed her feelings.

For someone else's sake Akatsuki would only charge forward.

And that was something Listy Sherfied irrevocably liked about him.

Therefore, there was no need to hesitate any more. At the same time she was convinced that there was no other way,

"Listen for a second Akatsuki......"

Then she looked into his dark eyes, and said,

"When I asked to come along with you, at the start..... I wanted to go with you until the end to rescue Miu-chan together. However, I don't feel that I will be any help to you in your next fight."

After all -- the upcoming fight was not against any ordinary enemy.

Rather it was Hikami Kyouya who had gained the strength of a ultra-higher-order life which Miu had.

And Listy didn't think that her current self was capable of being helpful in a fight of that magnitude.

-- At worst, she could be taken hostage and become a disservice instead.

But......

"Still, I should be of some help to the current you..... Er ah, I think I can be useful right now."

"Hey, what are you trying to say......?"

Hearing the overflowing vigor in her tone, Akatsuki couldn't help but furrow his brows (Question).

"Lulu had previously told me--"

Listy recalled that memory she was thinking about in the ride up in the elevator.

-- It happened when they were traveling through Alayzard in order to overthrow the Demon King.

The four had encountered a large force from the Demon King's army. At the time, Akatsuki was acting together with Loutier, and she was with Zechs, and through the chaos they had been isolated from each other.

In particular, Akatsuki and Loutier had been encircled by the enemy.

## 10. Volume 10

### 001. Prologue - Small Desire Kept Secret

### Part 1

It was a little before dawn when Doumoto Kuzuha opened her eyes.

"Ah ......"

Still not fully awake, the first thing Kuzuha felt was a warm soft touch.

She was in someones warm gently embrace, Doumoto Kuzuha naturally understood.

Kuzuha knew where she was, she is currently in the bedroom of a girl in the Ousawa home.

The sun still hasn't yet risen leaving the room pitch-black, however Kuzuha had been blinking her eyes adapting to the darkness in the room already.

Therefore Kuzuha was able to understand how ominous the situation is.

She was sound asleep and being held tightly by Miu.

And ......

"........................"

Since there is such a height difference between the two, rather than being able to see Miu's face, she was holding her breath looking at Miu's bountiful breasts. Their magnitude is almost the same size as Kuzuha face.

Matching Miu's breathing her white busty chest began to sway.

Therefore......

"............Mmm~"

Kuzuha was still half asleep and her face was pressed up against Miu's chest, and the manner in which her face was rubbing them was like a spoiled child.

For Kuzuha her childishness still remains, and her sex appeal as a woman isn't anywhere near Miu's.

Usually when Kuzuha is around Miu she feels both jealousy and admiration, but since she isn't yet fully awake the situation is different.

In a state between asleep and awake, people always give priority to things that are pleasant.

Even if as a girl --- she usually holds some animosity, it is also true.

The soft touch of Miu possessed an irresistible charm to Kuzuha.

She was lost in the soft touch of Miu's big breasts. Kuzuha can't help but have her face comfortably buried in Miu's chest, the casual rhythm of her breathing resulted in her head sinking into the valley between the twin peaks.

"...... Ah ...... Huh......?"

The sleeping Miu let out delicate cry. she seems to have felt something, but has not yet opened her eyes.

Since her head has found a very comfortable position, Kuzuha slowly closed her eyelids, trying to fall back asleep.

But ......

Her soft breasts gently lifting her head did feel quite comfortable, after a period of time Kuzuha began to frown.

As soft and as warm they maybe, only the downside was that it isn't easy to breathe.

Therefore Kuzuha had to give up sleeping on the pillow chest of Miu's. She struggled a little to pull out her face from Miu's cleavage. She would of preferred to sleep, but had to get up now rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"----"

In the dimly lit bedroom besides Kuzuha and Miu there were several young girls.

Unlike Kuzuha and Miu who are sleeping in the bed, there are three people Izumi Chikage, Nanase Haruka and Listy Sherfied is spread out on the floor.

They are just like Miu, quietly breathing in their sleep.

Doumoto Kuzuha could not help thinking. There is still a little time left until morning, maybe its best to get a little more sleep. So Kuzuha lay down back again.

She closed her eyes, and wait for her consciousness to fall into the dark abyss.

-- But ......

Kuzuha suddenly got tingling feeling near her waist. A faint chill shot up her spine, Kuzuha began trembling.

Although she should just ignore this feeling, and go back to sleep as soon as possible.

"............"

Unfortunately, Kuzuha was already aware of this tingling feeling making it impossible to get ride of.

Kuzuha wanted to disregard this feeling and fall asleep as soon as possible. Gradually the tingling extended from her waist towards her lower abdomen. The feeling got more and more intense, until she couldn't hold it anymore.

"Ugh......"

Kuzuha was helpless and had to reluctantly crawl out of the bed.

Afraid to wake Miu sleeping next to her in the same bed as well as the other girls on the floor, she quietly walked out of the bedroom.

### Part 2

After Kuzuha finished her business, she slightly leaned her upper body forward, slowly raising her panties.

The white cotton cloth gently slid from her knees to her thighs, Kuzuha felt a slight titillation as it went into place. The rushing water sound could be heard from behind as Kuzuha left the toilet and went back to the hallway.

"Ugh......"

Every time she stepped forward the ice-cold wooden floor could be felt on the soles of her feet, gradually waking up Kuzuha. Kuzuha suddenly stopped, before her stood the bedroom next door to the room that the five teenage girls were sleeping in -- that is Akatsuki's room. Thereupon she started thinking about the nature of current situation.

Why on earth is Doumoto Kuzuha in this place this early in the morning -- the Ousawa home.

-- Several days have already passed since the show-down with Hikami Kyoya concluded at JPN Babel.

Special autonomy regions -– are special zones set by the new United Nations in the G7 countries to shelter and supervise alternate world returnees.

Japan's special autonomy region is set on a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay.

Special autonomy regions were originally planed as a places to co-ordinate the unusual abilities learned from alternate worlds, and responsible for governing the area is -- COCOON

Theoretically COCOON should have immediately dispatched someone new to succeed Kyoya and govern the region, but that did not happen.

The reason is simple, there is a conceptual barrier around the artificial island.

-- The conceptual barrier refuses entry of enemies of Akatsuki and Miu.

The conceptual barrier was put into place by none other than Miu.

Miu for a period of time was being manipulated by Kyoya and used this opportunity to demonstrate her ultra high-dimensional power. Even after Kyoya was finally defeated at the hands of Akatsuki, Miu was still stuck in the spiritual world and keep her high-dimensional power.

Beforehand, she wish for Akatsuki not bring her back. Miu in order not to let her presence pose a threat to Akatsuki and others, she was willing to kill herself and disappear from the world.

However, her feelings were unable to convince Akatsuki, and he was determined to return her to the real world.

But Miu was still resolute not to leave the spirit world.

She doesn't want to jeopardize Akatsuki and her other companions because of her presence.

Never again does she want want her power to be exploited.

Not even the fact that a ultra high-dimensional being was in a low-dimensional world.

In her desire to protect Akatsuki, who was badly wounded in the fight with Kyoya, Miu created a barrier made it impossible for any person holding animosity towards Akatsuki from entering the island.

Unfortunately Akatsuki has a different view then Kyoya and rejects the current shape of the world. COCOON is also part of that and is likely to be hostile towards Akatsuki. So picking a successor to replacing Kyoya in JPN Babel, let alone entering the island is very challenging.

--Even Miu herself isn't sure how long the barrier will last.

Unless Akatsuki and her other companions are completely prepared to confront COCOON and Crimson Twilight. If not the barrier may never afraid may never disappear -- That is what Kuzuha inferred.

Therefore Akatsuki's enemy is the entire world, Kuzuha has decided follow Akatsuki making the entire world her enemy too. At the present time it can be said to be relatively safe.

-- Although the artificial island is inhabited by a few of Babel related personnel.

Many of them have experienced being summoned to an alternate world and posses various kinds of special abilities.

Even if the truth is revealed about Kyoya to them or if they listen to Akatsuki's mighty ideals. COCOON still possess an absolute power. There will be people who will choose to obey them and most likely hold a considerable grudge towards Akatsuki and his companions.

Just as a precaution, after JPN Babel's final battle ended everyone decided to stay at the Akatsuki home, and all live together.

"........................"

After thinking about all the ins and outs of the whole thing, Kuzuha heart suddenly welled up with a particular emotion.

Kuzuha without even noticing, found herself at the door to Akatsuki's room.

The room was still dark when she stepped into it.

Compared to the room the girls were in, this room seemed unusually quiet.

In the back on the room as a large double, and its owner was sleeping on it all alone.

Kuzuha and the others all made a vow to support each other and have decided to all live together with -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

Just when Akatsuki came to mind, Kuzuha emotions that were bubbling up, swelled even larger.

"----"

Kuzuha slowly walked beside Akatsuki's bed.

-- According to Miu, when Akatsuki is half asleep he is like a dangerous beast.

However, Kuzuha remained undaunted, and went near the sleeping Akatsuki.

"Ousawa-kun....."

After softly calling his name, Doumoto Kuzuha quietly crept into the bed.

She snuggled up against Akatsuki's body, the warmth was unlike the one felt from Miu as well as the feeling of a man's body who has been training.

It was the same sense of peace of mind, but it was a completely different feeling from Miu's.

Although -- she was enjoying Akatsuki's warmth, Kuzuha couldn't settle her feelings.

When the fight at JPN Babel ended, Kuzuha thought that she is the most useless out of everyone and this thought has been lingering in her mind.

The fact is she fought with everything she had, and there was no doubt about it.

However, the one who finally rescued Miu was still Akatsuki.

Before, during the ranking tournament, Chikage successfully held her gourn against Phil Barnett's surprise attack, and now also in a similar way she protected everyone from Japanese military's poison gas attack.

Although Kuzuha did create puppets with her magic to help people evaded the light from Babel's devastating attack, but to put it bluntly it was just her executing the Akatsuki's strategy.

Kuzuha couldn't help thinking that she really is good for nothing.

And -- there is another reason that made her heart sink.

"........................"

Kuzuha was tightly clinging against Akatsuki's body, yet he remained unmoved. He was still sleeping and wouldn't touch her.

His facial expression didn't change in the least.

......as expected.

Kuzuha heart only sank more.

-- if it was Miu or anyone else, Akatsuki would have responded.

It seems that in Akatsuki's eyes she still isn't seem as a woman.

Kuzuha skipped a few grades to be place into high school making an age gap between her and the others.

A child like body, without any feminine charms like Miu.

Even if she is this way, she still sees herself as a woman.

Perhaps young, perhaps a childish appearance --

However, just Like everyone else, she is thinking of Akatsuki.

......But......

The pace that Akatsuki is walking ahead towards his ideal will continue be greater, and the the age of the other girls is similar to Akatsuki's. Kuzuha younger age makes it so that she will have to run at full speed, but she will not be far behind.

Even if Kuzuha pace is only slightly behind, she fears that probably she will never catch up.

In addition, Kuzuha wants to stand at the same height as Akatsuki to face the world.

The world at which the Akatsuki is looking at cannot be seen by her at this age, even on her tiptoes.

Standing together with her other companions, seems only to be a rarity.

......If I grow up a little ......

I could be able to see the same world as Akatsuki.

Is it possible for him know the world at which I am looking at?

However, as it stands neither of that can be possible.

Kuzuha understand thoroughly -- She doesn't expect to become an adult just by hoping.

But ......

"Ousawa-kun, I....."

In order to grow up a little and to make herself see farther and higher, Kuzuha slowly leaned into Akatsuki sleeping face.

Their lips gently met each other, and it became her first kiss.

Kuzuha took note of the feel Akatsuki's lips and his warmth. The feeling of two lips touching.

I'm..... kissing Ousawa-kun.....

Kuzuha heartbeat suddenly accelerated and her body became slightly hot.

So ......

After a long, long kiss, Doumoto Kuzuha slowly separated her face from Ousawa Akatsuki.

The warmth and feel of Akatsuki's lips still remained on her lips.

Kuzuha touched her lips with her fingertips.

.....a little hot.

There was heat on her lips other than her own. It's her heat mingled with the heat Akatsuki's lips.

The thought, suddenly made Kuzuha very happy.

After the baptism of her first kiss, it was a substantial step towards becoming a real adult.

But ......

"........................"

Akatsuki is still sound asleep, and manage not wake up.

Probably never even noticed Kuzuha, let alone her first kiss.

Just when Kuzuha helplessly lowered her eyes.....

Within the dark room, suddenly faint light appears.

"- Huh?"

Kuzuha was startled, unconsciously she looked up and discovered that light came from Akatsuki's body.

"Ugh...... uh ......"

Accompanied by a slight groan, Akatsuki's body began to change.

From youth to a juvenile -- from an adult's body into a child's body.

"........................"

Kuzuha was stunned in front of her eyes, Akatsuki's body gradually shrinks.

Until after he was just a size smaller than Kuzuha that he stopped changing.

Even though it occurred right in front of her, Kuzuha still can't believe what she's seeing.

The child like Ousawa Akatsuki slowly got up from the bed.

He rubbed his sleepy eyes, then Akatsuki raised his head to look around.

After becoming aware of Kuzuha right in front of her, Akatsuki stared Kuzuha in the eyes, looking somewhat puzzled.

Doumoto Kuzuha clearly heard the preschooler patterns in the question raised by Ousawa Akatsuki.

With a suspicious look on his face, he let out a small girl like voice.

He said one sentence:

"Onee-chan, who are you?"

Change the world? -- Talking about it is easy, and anyone can do it.

But I wonder, how many people really understand the meaning of those words?