Volume 8 Chapter 5 (1/2)

Episode 5 - Sacred Eclipse──Ark──

–

Part 1

She intended to train not just her body, but also her heart

She conditioned herself for the sake of being able to maintain her calm constantly and took the best action no matter what the situation was

But, when her teacher who taught her that transformed into monster, Celis looked up at that with terrified look and she trembled

「What, is this……this is──!?」

Inside the Acaderound

Right after the assaulting force of Dragon Marauder and the guard soldiers fought, the illusion of her teacher Wade that appeared once more transformed in appearance

It was transfor like flexible tentacle growing out from both his hands

The tip that was protruding out for dozens of ml turned sharply pointed like a needle and instantly rushed toward Dragon Marauder's Earth Dragon division──, the users of Wyrh the chests of several of them

「Thi, THIS MONSTERRrRRR-!」

「──Di, DIEEeeEEeEEE-!」

The reon Marauderon it

The tentacle ht after that, the flesh was regenerated in the blink of eye and it counterattacked

Doguu-! The tentacles that stretched out once more pierced the barrier of the Wrms and tore off the body

Flowers of fresh blood bloomed one after another, shrieks were raised fro

Airi raised a short scream and Celis covered her eyes with her arm

While the Dragon Marauders were getting killed one after another, the guards who had worn their Drag-Ride before the hangar was sealed called out toward Celis

「Leave this to us, please escape!」

「It should be safe inside the Academy, quickly──」

Even while they were treainst the unprecedented threat, the soldiers told her that bravely

Perhaps Lindwur wasn't completed yet because she still couldn't summon it to here

In that case the best thing to do was to protect Airi while retreating from this place and made preparation

Reaching that conclusion, Celis started running toward the Academy

「You are running away? You were staying quiet about how I died because of the words you told me until only recently weren't you? Did you think that you could escape while keeping it hidden?」

The impure voice tone that was like mud followed from behind Celis

When she turned only her head slightly to look back──hts were already defeated

「How……!?」

Strange

No -Knights ere prepared for battle to be defeated this easily was just──

Besides, she had seen so of this enemy

The regeneration power to instantly recover the flesh and the overwhel tentacles

It was a strength that reht in the past

At that ti Airi's hand, the demon suddenly stood still

When the perplexed Celis looked back, a sound could be heard

「Horn flute's sound── Don't tell me, this Abyss can even call other Abysses!?」

Her prediction was correct Abysses who seeh they were foa out from darkness

Their type was the Abyss that was called as sea demon, Kraken

The horn flute sound was ringing continuously without stopping from the demon's body

That sound was gradually getting louder as though an endless finale was being played

It was as though it was trying to sunarok from other Ruins that were far away

「Is this your weakness? My disciple Celis」

「A demon that take the form of human……, this is, don't tell me──」

Airi itnessed that terrifying sightvoice

「It's not, athat surpassed Nocturnal This is what the Lords mentioned──」

The annihilation weapon that would lead the world to destruction──the hunarok, Sacred Eclipse

Severalat the sa its true identity, and the hell was restarted once more

–

Part 2

At that tion Marauder who intruded toward the back of the caround under the cover of the fighting

「Oh, you guys are really late Thanks to that I got tormented a lot you know?」

A young wo inside the jail

The one in that place inside the Acadeon Marauder's three bosses as captured by Lux before this, the Hu questioning here

Knowing that, the reon Marauder came here to save her

「We already recovered your Asp by et out of her quickly, Drakkhen」

The one who told her that was a youth earing top and bottoth

The Earth Dragon division co the force that basically consisted from Wyrm, Vine

His features still had innocence re boy, but he was clad with the aura of a veteran soldier

And then the senior who could be said to be in the pri body build and darkish skin, Gatouhan

He was the Heaven Dragon division commander who led a force that had Wyvern as its linchpin, and he was also the leader of Dragon Marauder in essence Continuing after Vine he showed a bold smile

「The Sacred Eclipse showed up here It was a coincidence that even we didn't anticipate, but it was right after the Drag-Ride hangar was covered with Chaff Slime」

「……What did you say?」

Drakkhen as showing co the words Sacred Eclipse She showed a forbidding look

「We planned to withdraw because it would be troublesohts who could move but──, if we make use of this chance, perhaps we can crush even the on Paladins」

When Gatouhan boasted so, Drakkhen unusually showed a baffled expression

「I' After that Sacred Eclipse appeared here, our life would also be in danger if we stay here The subordinates we gathered in order to save you already got devoured Losing even atively affect our plan in the future」

「Then that's fine Even like this I' of how I let my subordinates die last time ──And, what did our employer say?」

「We're told to accouys and conquering Ruin If we can reach Avalon first, at that point ill be able to obtain this very world itself within our hand Then day ho are ostracized as ruffians take everything under heaven as ours won't be that far」

「It will be great if we aren't get outsh After all our opponents are like that」

Drakkhen as released from her shackle smiled bitterly in respond to Gatouhan's self-assured tone

「I know about the risk The probleht?」

In respond to the question of the young division co」 honestly

After that she was carried on the ar-Ride that Gatouhan piloted and they slipped vigilantly into the darkness, flying away to outside the ground

「Don't get greedy, everyone of Seven Dragon Paladins If your luck is bad, I won't even have the chance to counterattack at you guys」

It wasn't just a sarcas

Leaving behind the ht expectation, they withdraw from the battle line

–

Part 3

Celis who protected Airi fro watched by a

He was a hunter Not a swindler or even bandit

He told himself that in his heart and waited silently for a chance

Thinking back, he had only ever walked through worthless life until now

He was blessed with soht

But, he didn't obtain the strength to go as far as beco the best, and the royalty and nobility were also prejudiced against him

Gerdaf received punish about his superior's corruption and yet staying quiet about it

「──What an unreasonable story」

Everyone was cal a crime behind the scene anyway

It was only thethat was par for the course

And yet why──he was faulted for staying quiet about it?

But, he was noticed and blooht

While he was a crinized

Gerdaf fixed the aion Scale》, the rare armament that his EX Drake was installed with, then he sly once more

「Aa──」

Melting pleasure elling up inside his brain along with his sigh

Before his eyes, that Celistia of the four great nobles was fighting

In order to save her fellow students, she opposed the ene-Ride

The tiraded such beautifully noble soround

In the end, the one as those who accomplished evil skillfully──

He couldn't resist thrusting out such reality toward hu the correct path

This ti it looked like she committed suicide

This was a rare chance, so he would e Abyss, then he would dissect her body until it was beyond recognition

His hand pulled the trigger with such dark desire seething inside him

The firing nozzles of the rare ar-Ride's shoulders instantly let out a faint light

「……There-!」

The blades in the shape of ring that was tinged with purple light were fired consecutively in that place

Celis didn't notice The blades would definitely hit

「──Howling Howl!」

Right after Gerdaf was convinced of that──his prediction was betrayed and the eight blades were deflected

「What-!?」

The ht caught the figure of a huge jet black Drag-Ride

Lux as clad in the violent dragon Bahamut stood in his way

「So it's you who targeted Celis-senpai?」

「……What do you do for a chance to attack──」

Indeed, the dom

But, Lux was calm to the end and pointed the tip of his sword at him

「The arht with you e on your EX Drake If you want to proof your innocence then dispel your armor」

When Celis was attacked at that tied into it

When he lured out Coral previously, heother dirty tricks too while he was at it

Gerdaf let out a sh at what Lux pointed out

After a few seconds of silence, his attitude changed drastically

「It's shocking Did you tail that woain?」

Lux didn't find Gerdaf by coincidence

He requested Noct of the Triad to watch out Celis's surrounding from afar

There was the possibility that after causing Celis to fall into a trap, the eneain to strike her while both her heart and body eakened

「I can predict the rough idea of so evil in the shadow」

「……Hoo But this is a bit unexpected The new kingdom fell into a predicament because of that woman's fault To worry that much for the safety of such loser──」

「Is soht even once for the sake of someone else?」

Lux's gaze was cool-headed, like when he attempted to carry out revolution in the old empire at the past

Gerdaf as stared by those eyes bit his lips and confronted Lux

「H on air like a saint Fine, then I'll teach you a lesson! This me who is lowly by nature, will soil your correct path and drive you into despair you cannot recover from!」

Dou- The EX Drake leaped backward and fired Circular Edge once more

All directions──the wheel blades each drew different trajectories froht directions and assaulted Lux simultaneously

A single swing of sword deflected several of the blades, but the rerazed Bahamut's armor

「I''s assassination corps, the 『Hunting Punishrace the pride of that duke daughter!」

He took distance At the sah they were getting drawn in

Lux skated his Bahamut in the air before the aran

–

Part 4

At the center of Acaderound

The main body of Sacred Eclipse that emitted a tune that was like the tone of horn flute and summoned a lot of Abysses

Witnessing that, several uarded the Acadeth attack

Light bullets gouged flesh and slashes sent li

With that the hunarok who took Wade's appearance──Sacred Eclipse got its four limbs plucked off and turned into countless luinal form

──But, each of those fragan to sienerate by themselves

Celis who saw that got a hunch of as going on

「Please run! I'll stay here to──!?」

She started speaking to Airi, but then she noticed the fact that it was impossible

She couldn't use her Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm

That , the revived countless Wade grew tentacles from their hands and feet and pierced the armor of the soldiers

「UGYAAAaaH!」

Celis was desperately for soldiers

At that time she suddenly heard a voice from behind

「Celis-senpai, I have e from Lisha-sama 『I hurriedly finished the repair and maintenance If it's now Lindwurm can be summoned──』 she said」

Before the fourth hangar was sealed, Lisha took out Lindwurm to her atelier

Thus, as long as the repair was finished, the Drag-Ride could be summoned

「Noct!? Why are you……?」

The one as approaching froe function was Noct in her Drake

「Please save the talk for later Right now let's exterminate the enemy」

Noct intercepted the Krakens with her Breath Gun while replying calmly

The same like Bahamut and Lindwurm that were taken out for post-battle repair and maintenance, the three Triads were able to ar in order to patrol

Due to Lux's request, Noct was hiding and staying on guard as Celis's guard fro under Lisha's command

「I will lead Airi until a safe place Can I ask senpai to buy time until then?」

「──Yes I will personally deal with this enemy myself」

Celis drew out her shileSacred Eclipse

She instantly equipped Lindwurh speed acceleration

The lightning attack she unleashed immediately burned one of the clones to ash

But, the re Wade's appearance

「Kukuku……, you are reckless like usual You said that even you has found someone you can rely on, but it see」

It whispered as though it had seen through Celis's wavering, but she had no time to feel shaken

「After all your existence is just to that degree You cannot fight more than this ──Rest in peace!」

Sacred Eclipse that had split until dozens of bodies scattered a dreadful nu

But, Celis used Lindwure Then she stabbed her huge lance from behind one body

「Even if that's actually the case, I will fulfill my duty Just like the real you who admonish the old empire with resolve for the sake of the people!」

Even if she was only bluffing she had her trained self She could fight

No──, she could fight because she believed

Celis finished off the dozens of Solar Eclipse's clones one by one while burning with fighting spirit

Then, a trans with Airi

『Can you hear Celis-senpai? I have evacuated Airi Sharis and Tillfur also want to go there as reinforcee but── Before that, I'll realize Lux-san's wish I will go to where he is and transh the communication』

Currently Celis had no leeway to respond

That hy she follohat Noct said and received the voice through Dragon Voice as it was

『Please listen Celis-senpai The words of hi to wipe out your dishonor──』

–

Part 5

One of the Servants, a corps of Heiburg, Gerdaf revealed his true color and pressed hard on Lux

The eneround, and then killing her byit to look like suicide

In order to stop that evil scheround

The Drag-Ride Gerdaf as the special equipment type EX Drake

The four legged Drag-Ride freely used jue trajectoryattack

Originally Bahamut'stechnique, Lux found it difficult to catch him

「How long you're planning to chaseat the other side right now Are you feeling like to let those spoiled girls of the Academy died to defeat me!?」

Gerdaf cackled loudly while taking distance At the sae to obstruct Lux

With the end of the campus festival, the inside of the Academy was dark with featch fire Lux too couldn't display his maximum speed

On the other hand, the enemy used his radar to detect the obstacles like the booth and stage that hadn't been cleared away and grasped the terrain He was niaps

The Drag-Rides of Lisha and others of Syvalles and the Seven Dragon Paladins were sealed because of Chaff Sliar The majority of them couldn't move and were ordered to stand by

It seelen who didn't trust the new kingdo-Ride, but it appeared that he was heading outside the Acade from outside

His aim was the protection of the i in the govern at the first block, in order to raise his own achievement

Singlen as atte to build up achieve his World Rank and obtain support from the influential people of various countries

In order to stop Singlen as envisioning the establishht to head over there too

But,

「I won't be nize ht for the sake of everyone who believe in me!」

The phantoil that coiled around him

Lux accelerated Bahah to shake it off

'Chih' Gerdaf clicked his tongue and changed his trajectory He changed route toward the courtyard where there were several Abysses at there

He wasn't cutting off his own path of escape

When Lux and the Abysses were connected in a straight line, he erased his figure using EX Drake's cae

「He aim to make me clash with the Abyss──, no」

Lux i him from the front

But, Gerdaf scattered Circular Edge ai that was created the moment Lux attacked

The circle shaped blades that were tinged with purple light rotated

They were fired toward Lux and approached from many directions once more

「Kuh……!」

Lux was lacking in defense e sword, he could only deflect around half each time

The joint of his arh Lux's body

The rotating blades clung to the ar him with certainty

「Aa──this is the best This sensation ofsport of someone powerful who is farthis job」

Slurp The sound of licking lips and laughing voice could be heard from the darkness

But, Lux ignored even the pain in his whole body and flew once ure

Lux finally entered the sword range, but Gerdaf fired his Circular Edge once more The blades didn't aiht

Lux was taken by surprise for a moment, but he immediately noticed the enemy's aim

Lux who aled direction and quickly flew at the direction where the round blades were fired

There were the figures of two girls running to evacuate there

「Kyaaah!」

「Howling Howl!」

Lux immediately fired the vortex of shockwave and shi+fted the orbit of the round blades

But, the students received the after wave from the i for several ml from that spot

Lux iirls and became shi+eld to cover them

But, Gerdaf who predicted that took distance froirl dormitory

「HIYAHAHAHA! How cool That's how the prince of justice got to act yeah!」

Gerdaf's h echoed inside the darkness

'Calm down'──Lux told himself

Gerdaf's blunt provocation was an opening move

Till the end it was a tactic to agitate Lux and exhausted him

He had to assist Celis as battling Divine Eclipse, but he couldn't leave behind this Gerdaf to go and help her

But, that rare are was troublesome

The current Lux didn't happen to have the technique to slip through that si an atrocious performance within

The only technique that could possibly do that──was incomplete

「Hah, don't try to keep up your outer appearance That duke daughter of four great nobles is also the same I hit her many times at inconspicuous spots, several spots like her ars were even bruised, and yet! She tried to hide her own failure and didn't told anyone!」

『Let's go, Lux I can fight』

But at that moment Lux recalled the words that Celis muttered calmly and his emotion shook intensely

Lux didn't notice at all when they were fighting together at the skill exhibition battle

Celis bluffed saying she was all right because she didn't want to hold Lux back

But, it wasn't because she didn't trust Lux or even because she didn't want to expose her own failure

「What does someone like you understand about her resolve-!」

Along with his rage, Lux pushed his body forward and flehile e sword to roar

「Nuuh!?」

The slash that was unleashed from that intense acceleration caused Gerdaf to back away in terror

He took the tactic to make Lux clash with the Abysses that were called here by Sacred Eclipse, but Lux's movement surpassed expectation

Multiple Krakens reacted to Lux and manipulated their tentacles to assault Lux

Lux deflected the attack using Howling Howl, and when a gap was created he forcefully pushed on and cut apart the ene in his way

By fighting the sarasped their trait, predicted their movement in less than ten-odd seconds, andReload on Fire

「Celis-senpai was fighting like usual even with her injury She fought so naturally that no one even noticed, not ht ended in a draw and failure, she didn't make any excuse!」

That wasn't because she was fixated with her pride as soreat nobles or even because she feared getting reprimanded

The two days period of the campus festival

For so to support Lux

It wasn't because she didn't want to face hiuilty about

「It was so that I won't get unnecessarily worried Everything was her fighting for my sake」

He wasn't under the wrong i, Lux didn't try to understand Celis's feeling

His life at the imperial court in the era of the old empire

He was looked down as a 『man』 as positioned the farthest froht There was no one who properly evaluated him then

Even after he became hated by the common people and abandoned, where he lost his

Since the time he parted from his childhood friend Philuffy and betrayed by his eldest brother Fugil who he thought as heartening in his heart, Lux's heart was broken somewhere

At the inner away other people from hiinning like Airi or Philuffy

The legendary Drag-Knight the Black Hero──or perhaps, the ruined prince of the old empire

Or else perhaps, as the grandson of Wade as Celis's teacher

There were people ere genuinely feeling worried and concerned for Lux hirounds of his But Lux was unconsciously walling his

That hy Lux didn't understand Celis's feeling

「I aed at all since that time I failed at the revolution It was just as Nii-san said I didn't understand anything, nothing at all」

「Hah……! Just what the hell you are ot a screw loose in your head?」

Gerdaf kept up his guard toward Lux as hot on his heels and approached hi even more distance

He had already h already, Lux should be exhausted right now

If he didn't finish off his opponent soon, he would be blaot killed by his master

Thus, Gerdaf was going to deal the finishi+ng blow It was at that ti it occurred

──PAAN!

That instant when Gerdaf glared, a streak of flash was fired suddenly froh the shoulder of EX Drake he earing

「──WHAAT-!?」

The shot that was fired from unexpected direction caused Gerdaf to look up to sky with horrified look

It wasn't the work of the student Drag-Knight who arrived nearby Lux

What was floating in the shadow of dark cloud that covered the ht under the cover of darkness

Gerdaf reflexively let out electroated the unidentified Drag-Ride

Unit na Ride 《Zahhak》

Pilot──analysis uncertain

(Who, is that……!? This guy, is it a Dragon Marauder newco!?)

The itation caused a lapse in attentiveness

Lux didn't let go of that slight opening

「──Reload on Fire」

Using co-Ride's speed was accelerated by several tih speed from that

His barrier was cut up without even any time for defense, countless slash lines were carved on his body

He ie to protect EX Drake's armor, but Lux evaded thes

「GU, GAAaAAAH!?」

The after wave from the iuished shriek

He was still alive, but his four lirass

「Nugu, uUUuUUU……! This is, this is impossible!?」

Lux pointed his great sword at Gerdaf as groaning in pain before he turned his gaze toward the sky

It see her Drake, but the attack just noasn't her work

It ht, but no one came to mind

Above all else, the Drag-Ride that performed the cover fire has vanished completely from that place without any trace behind

After a

He looked down on Gerdaf as prostrating on the ground and then he slowly changed the direction of his gaze

At slight distance away, Sacred Eclipse──the hu and the end, and then Celis as clad in Lindere fighting

「Celis-senpai……」

『Yes I was unable to assist her but, I told Celis-senpai properly Lux-san's feeling, toward Celis-senpai──』