Vol 13 Chapter 4 (1/2)
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Chapter 4
Episode 4 – A Plan That Lead to Demise
–
Part 1
Gogon……gogon…… Such strange vibration sound was resounding intermittently
In the sky far above the old castle
In the control room of the airborne shi+p that was called Heaven Palace, the Lord’s first i on the chair with her eyes closed
The crown on her head was connected with countless cords, for her consciousness with Avalon
「……Fuu So those girls cannot be finished off」
Listelka sighed before getting down from her personal chair
A blatant disappoint on her expression
Through Baptism, she obtained the ability to be connected with theable to connect and interfere with the syste
The burden was far larger coht
Thus, attacking hostile or observing Aeril weren’t so that she could do anytime easily
That was how painful the failure of dealing with Lisha and others even after she had played her greatest card──Mishi+s
「They have strong luck to escape trouble」
「Yes, though it’s just as expected from people who had accomplished the capture of the Ruins until now」
Listelka nodded briefly to Fugil as standing by beside her
「Let’s have Mishi+s go back for the ti after the Sacred Eclipse is defeated I have faith in Fugil’s skill, but the great task will continue after a short rest, so I wish to increase the guard as much as possible」
「As you wish, my lord」
「Geez, you are stiff like usual Even though I’ you it’s fine to call my name without honorific」
Listelka sulked along with a jesting gesture
If there was a third person watching from the side, they would clearly see that there was an emotion there that surpassed a mere relationshi+p of a master and a servant
Listelka was still not convinced whether Aeril would betray her or not
But──at the same ti scheme
The true reason why Lux and Aeril were ordered to capture Avalon
That they were imposed with the role to open the door of hell
「Also, there is a on Marauder It looks like there is movement from the leaders of the countries They will soon arrives here」
「That is the best news It looks like the second group of Shadows is effective」
The war declaration that Listelka sent to all the countries
The eneht that it was a diversion to avert their focus fronored it, but it actually caused theh the second plan that Listelka executed
At first the Shadows only mimicked Listelka’s appearance and only endlessly preached about the failure of the current rulers, but after that, they transformed into drama type
In new kingdom, the realization of the plan was in the shape of so into co to the abandoned capital, and then some other Shadows transformed into soldiers who killed those Shadow coation
Because that draht, the people of each countrythem
Froes
Thus, the world alliance finally couldn’t stay quiet and they were forced to go for negotiation
In order to invest all their force leaving behind only their guard, to quickly kill the Lord
But──the leaders of each country starting from Queen Raffi didn’t know
That such thing was exactly the worst trap that Listelka prepared
She was already laying her hand on the forbidden box sleeping at the deepest part of Avalon’s surface level floor
The preparation in order to rule the world was steadily put in order
–
Part 2
On the other hand around that time──, in the chapel inside the old castle
The ot the Wedge put on their neck, the six of theether there
Thanks to Aeril’s ement, their environment was improved somewhat, but it was still hard to say that the environood
Although they were all in one rooner, so normally they weren’t really that involved with each other, but because they got too
「But, the et it Is there still any reason for them to keep us alive? Isn’t it better to kill us quickly without using us as hostage or whatever?」
「You are sharp like usual despite being only a little brat yeah Nor like that huh?」
Greifer spat out with exasperation in respond to Mel ascalmly
「Don’t treat me like a kid just because you are a bit older than me I am formally appointed into the seat of Yh normally you always act slovenly without any motivation」
「Quarrel isn’t good The ene like that」
「I don’t wanna hear that from you!」
「I don’t want to hear that from you-!」
Soffice spoke to the two of them with a blank face, but in respond Greifer and Mel retorted simultaneously
And then further beside theh
「So you guys felt coh to amuse yourself with nonsense talk noow? But certainly it’s strange isn’t iit Even if we erous to leave us alive like this」
Rosa ialca as sitting at the back of the roorinned widely
「It can’t be helped Perhaps I’ll teach you all as the captain」
She stretched her sht calisthenics with her ar
「The first reason is to use us as tru world alliance’s force The people taking command of the expeditionary force in the abandoned capital Guernica are k Well, they aren’t that serious of a threat so the Lord doesn’t use us actively to threaten thee against those two In that sense there is so us live」
「That talk ot no worth at all eh」
「It’s a sad thing but, it’s exactly as you said」
Greifer let out a voice that exchanged joke, which Magialca responded with a jest
「Even though you all are Drag-Knights who are called as the trump card of your respective country, as expected they won’t exchange the head of their kings for you, correct?」
「What a harsh story of the world Though I think it’s only natural」
Mel let out a sigh of exasperation Beside her Rosa sent a glance at Magialca
「And, what is the real truth theen? It will be easier if you just say it straight without prolonging it though?」
「You there, you are really impudent in that uys are lacking combat force If possible they want us to serve under them」
Everyone who heard Magialca’s words showed bewilderment
「Youus? After destroying our country that is」
「I cannot say that the possibility is zero But, my prediction is different」
Magialca bared an obscene grin as though she was sche bad and then she talked about it
「This is only my speculation but, most likely in the deepest part of Avalon──if they reached until the central, won’t it even become possible to completely brainwash us?」
「……-!?」
Everyone once ed
It was only Singlen who didn’t say even a single word and merely smiled
「Wait a second! Brainwash you say, no way it can be that easily──」
「It won’t be that siot coed by the ability of that second iot tricked and imprisoned like this?」
「…………」
Magialca cut off Mel’s objection and spoke cynically
Beside her Soffice nodded with brazenness
「That possibility h The Lords surely has no intention to trust us」
「But, if that’s the case that means we also have option don’t you think?」
Magialca added with a tone that was containing i that
「What do you meaan?」
「You want to say that it will be fine if we all suicide together right? This damn fiend」
「──Wha-!?」
Singlen as staying quiet until now suddenly spoke The words that he spat out caused everyone other than Magialca to have forbidding look
「Is that really surprising? It’s the obvious thing Even if we stay here, sooner or later ill be used or re our own life and erase our value as hostage is the logical judgment」
The Wedge would discharge electricity if they tried to remove it, but if they did it by themselves three times, the poould be automatically increased until lethal level, so it would be easy to suicide
「Hohou Then you can do it first Now do it! Show them the example as the vice captain!」
Magialca supported that suggestion with her all, but Singlen scoffed
「Unfortunately, there is no way I will follow your wish Either way if it beco murdered If it will result in death either way, then it is huht?」
「When it’s you who talk about hope, it sounds really fishy yeah……」
Greifer turned a fixed stare at Singlen’s calm proposition
「In other words, it all depend on Onii-chan isn’t it? Whether we can break through this situation or not will be──」
Mel reached the answer after listening to that exchange
In the end they could only bet on Lux as chosen by Aeril and as the only one a them to obtain half a freedom
Right now they could only sit quietly here believing on that
「In the end there ain’t anyone who decide to suicide huh」
Greifer who saw everyone’s state muttered that with a wry smile
In other words everyone here was hanging their hope on Lux
That he would overturn this situation and saved the world as the central figure of Seven Dragon Paladins
–
Part 3
「Haa, haa……-!」
On the other hand around that tiround the old castle in the abandoned capital Guernica
A few minutes after Celis and Philuffy were defeated by Mishi+s, the Sacred Eclipse appeared, and then parting with Lisha and Krulcifer who came in pursuit
Lux and Aeril who left behind the Abyss’s plant in the surface level floor continued their search in order to discover the portal to return to the old castle
But, there was also no way they could take a breather in the passage where Abysses were prowling in swar underground that was like a maze
The ht that it was a mysterious structure
In a glance, it had ate, but on the other side of that cru wall he could see silver colored wall surface that was glowing faintly
Furthermore inside several small rooms and spaces that they found reat variety of shapes he had seen existing inside other Ruins until now
Forest, river, or even desert
If not for his current position and situation, he would stop unconsciously and stare at the sight
「Aeril, are you okay? That wound, we have to treat it first somewhere──」
「……No, just this ot away fro Let’s advance as much as we can for now」
Aeril acted strong even though her breathing was rough She hurried ahead wearing Zahhak
But, midway she finally fell on her knee and her armor was dispelled
「-……!?」
「Don’t force yourself! Let’s rest for a bit, if there is a room nearby somewhere──」
「Sor, ry……」
After Aeril said that with a gasping breath, Lux held her and he started searching for a small room
But, Aeril shook her head and stopped him
「Because, I don’t want to get found out…… Perhaps right now, the possibility is high that we aren’t being eavesdropped anymore──if my conversation with you, is known by Nee-san it will be bad」
「I get it Wait just for a bit more!」
Lux laid down Aeril’s body on the passage’s floor, then he scooped up water from the nearby room──a place with a terrain that was modeled like a valley
「Nn, uu……」
When Lux hurriedly returned to the corridor, Aeril’s eyes were closed while she was letting out feverish breath
Was she fainted because her string of tension snapped froue?
Lux reached out his hand to her pilot suit to treat her side that was cut
He was reluctant to strip the clothes of a sleeping girl, but with the situation as it was he had no other choice
「Sorry, Aeril」
He only stripped off the upper part of the pilot suit that was the only thing covering her, then he laid her down face up on a towel that he spread on the floor
The radiant naked body even in the darkness caused Lux’s eyes to be glued on it
He saw her back co in the same room with her in Vanheim Principality, but this ti even more than that time
Perhaps it was because the girl’sher own existence had been dispelled
Or perhaps it was because Lux was starting to get conscious of Aeril’s own existence itself?
「Nn, Lux……kun」
Aeril whose eyes were still closed was asp
「It’s all right, Aeril」
Lux naturally took that hand and cal She then continued to sleep
–
Part 4
It wasn’t a dream, but a recollection
She was recalling in reality, the past of o where even thefaintly
The second imperial princess, Aeril Vi Arcadia was there from the start as an imperial princess
Her first memory was only that
The Holy Arcadia Eitimate ruler
She received kind treatment as an existence as above the cloud──no, in the territory of God
She was treated like that as though it was only obvious by her parents ere the country’s sovereign, her relatives, and then also by her educators and servants
She started harboring doubt when she was around seven years old
It hen she was reading a book and got interested to the word 『friend』
Aeril as a tomboy in the past secretly sneaked out of the castle and when out There she encountered a young boy around the castle
A young boy with sirey eyes like her
She said that her parents orking near the castle, so she came here to see
「What, so you are a girl I thought you are a man?」
「Geez, that’s rude」
Aeril who had androgynous at and talked with that boy several times
Each time they deepened their relationshi+p, played, and spent tiether
But, the boy wasn’t a royalty or noble but a person of lower class
The Lord──Arcadia clan joined hand with Key’s SupervisorXfer and conquered over the world with a certain technology, ruling over the world
But, even then a disparity was created within their own clan and it was spreading
A certain researcher created a secret medicine called Elixir
In addition was Baptisthened it
That poas too a, but at the same time it split the current human race into two
The production amount of Elixir was few, but it was possible to obtain powerful strength if the body could adapt to it through Baptism
Evenexistence could be created artificially
They could monopolize since birth not just fortune, but even talent
The blood relative who received that blessing was human of upper class──, all other than them were human of lower class Like that the Lord was split into two
Manyarrogant changed the structure to gather even more Elixir for themselves
That was exactly the cause of the collapse
It was the moment when the existence of the family of traitor appeared inside the Holy Arcadia Empire that ruled the world
And then──Aeril’s fate was alsofrom there
The revolution occurred eight years after that
–
Part 5
「Tsuu-……!」
Aeril felt pain and opened her eyes
When she looked, she was laying down on a simple bed that see
Lux was sitting on a chair beside her
A bandage rapped on the wound on her side and she was laid on the bed upside down
「Ah, you wake up It looks like your bleeding stopped, but it will be better to not move for a while you know? There is also the burn injury──」
「Yes……」
Aeril powerlessly nodded hearing Lux telling her that
「It seehtmare but, did your wound feel painful?」
「My old wound, just for a bit It was eight years ago already──no, it was a h……」
But, there was no other old wound on Aeril’s body that was standing out
Lux wondered if perhaps she was referring to an old wound in her heart rather than her body
「Did, so happen?」
「…………」
Aeril hesitated toward Lux’s question, and before long she formed her words with a small voice
「Hey, why did Lux-kun treat my wound?」
「Eh……?」
Lux asked back in bewilderment at that sudden question
「Your Wedge won’t shock you just because you don’t help me It should be fine even if you just left er, so why──」
Aeril asked like that with an expression that looked gloomy
「Is it because you will be troubled that you won’t be able to move if I die? Or perhaps──」
「Err, I don’t really understand myself」
Lux who heard her words showed a troubled smile and stared on Aeril
In respond Aeril’s eyes turned round in puzzlement
「But perhaps, it was because I thought that maybe Aeril helped us Before this you predicted that Sacred Eclipse’s position was near us That hy, perhaps you spread Zahhak’s whip around and searched for the Sacred Eclipse, and then lured it there, in order to change that situation」
If he thought like that, then the reason why Aeril got hit by Sacred Eclipse’s attack at the beginning would also get explained
Furthermore thanks to that, it also became natural to ask for help from Mishi+s
「…………」
Aeril fell silent at what Lux pointed out
In other words, what he said was correct
She was trying to save Celis and Philuffy even though they were enemy
She paid meticulous attention so that Listelka and Mishi+s wouldn’t suspect her and helped theer
「That’s, just Lux-kun’s wild idea right? You didn’t actually see ?」
「I guess」
Aeril’s words sounded sulking, but Lux replied while playing the fool
「But, that’s fine Because──I believe like that」
「Why……」
Seeing such Lux, Aeril suddenly raised a depressed voice
「Why is Lux-kun like that? Do you believe in people that much?」
「Aeril?」
「I, I cannot do that Whether it’s believing in so awaylike that?」
「…………」
Lux hesitated to say so toward Aeril’s words that were filled with indecision
「Hoas, Lux-kun able to destroy the old empire? Even if the revolution succeeded, there is no way everyone will praise Lux-kun No, far froet resented unjustly and killed by the people, and yet──」
「That’s because, I met a person who saved someone like me」
Lux quickly answered Aeril’s question like that
When he was a child, Lux’s grandfather admonished the emperor Lux and his family received unjustified resentment due to that and they were banished from the imperial court
When his mother who became seriously injured due to a coach accident was abandoned by the common people, Lux cursed the whole world At that time, Philuffy came to meet him
Lux who got back on his feet because someone was there to be his ally aimed to create a country where Airi and Philuffy and others could live peacefully He tried to change the country with every means available
「That hy I was thinking about what I could do as an imperial family When I was a child, I was a puppet who only obeyed what my father……the e will change if I don’t start taking action from ht that──」
「I see As I thought, Lux-kun is strong」
Aeril who listened to Lux’s words sent hiht smile
「That’s not true It’s thanks to everyone」
「No That’s it」
「Eh……?」
「You being able to beco」
After Aeril told hi a smile
「Then that’s great I can also become friend with Aeril」
「…………」
Aeril was spontaneously dumbfounded by the words that came from Lux’s mouth
She reflexively covered her face with her hand to hide her blushi+ng cheeks and averted her face away
「Geez, really just what are you thinking,that kind of surprise attack……」
「……? What’s wrong, Aeril?」
「No, nothing! More io soon We still haven’t accomplish our objective」
「Yes Ah, but, that’s Before that, if you don’t wear your pilot suit properly──」
「U, WAAAAAH!? Don’t look over here-! Lux-kun you pervert!」
Because she lifted up her body quickly, Aeril’s upper body becaaze
Strictly speaking he already got a clear view, but he didn’t say it
–
Part 6
「──Say? I want to ask instead though, why is Aeril trying to save us?」
A fewWyvern and Aeril was driving EX Wyvern while investigating the underground maze of the surface level floor
When Lux asked in the middle of that, Aeril hesitated to say
「What? Are you trying to varnish over thehard at me naked?」
「I wasn’t staring hard or anything like that I’ off the suit to treat your wound!」
Aeril retorted with a reproachful glare while looking slightly e that
She dodged his question so he thought that she didn’t want to say the reason at all, but after a while Aeril answered
「Ityou, so it will be useless even if you ask me that」
「Even so that’s fine for me」
「Haa……」
Aeril yielded against Lux’s obstinacy and she formed her words
「It’s the same like you It’s because I noticed my own sin Our sin that we had averted our eyes from all this ti against us also sort of justified」
「…………」
「Even so, once I thought that it couldn’t be helped Hue and s and stealing even from your own co that such thing is only natural is a hubris」
Aerilthat
「I cannot speak about that sin, Lux-kun If you know about it, you will surely scorn me The truth of the past that I learned, and this fate──」
Lux spontaneously lost his words when looking fro resolve behind it, it was at that ti,
「──Perhaps it’s here? This place is most likely the spot that I was told by Nee-san」
There was a huge door in front of the two of them
This was the deepest part of Avalon’s surface level floor, the control roo the door toward the deep level floor
If the blood of the Lord──right noas the blood of Aeril──was offered here, the path to the next area could be opened
「But, what is this? This terrifying air that is causing my hair to stand on end──」
「…………」
Lux nodded in agreement at the words of Aeril who entered inside the control room
The space that was covered with metallic as really similar with Abyss’s plant just now
However, there was ale
And then above all else, a disquieting presence was drifting in the air
Even though there was nothing that could be seen at the front, their body rang the alar
Even so Aeril slowly advanced in order to accomplish her objective
First in a different rooe froe control room──there was a portal there She activated it because it would provide a direct route to the old castle
With this, it became possible to return to the old castle
After securing the escape route, Aeril walked toward the installation at the center of the control room onceher Drag-Ride
Then, a mechanical tone that Lux had heard several times before in Ruins was emitted
『Lord’s authentication is confir a certain a a total of few minutes of authentication and reboot, the Lord’s mind control operation is required』
「Excellent It looks like it will take a bit of ti, but with this the path to the deep level floor will be opened After that──……」
At that ti interrupted her
Instantly Lux thought that she hurriedly closed herwas in effect
But, that wasn’t it
The differently colored beautiful eyes of the second iht
「You damned Lord’s second imperial princess! Get away from Lux-!」
「Lisha-sama-!?」
A chance encounter with Lisha wearing Tia in a sense
They were separated from each other since the encounter with Sacred Eclipse, but both sides werethis area
Although it was a vast and coes that were like a hly possible that they would encounter each other
「There was an unfaht so I suspected it was a trap, but it looks like even the princess’s instinct will be on the spot sometimes」
「What do youcarelessly! Putting that aside, I’e for the two here!」
Saying that, he sent a glance at Celis and Philuffy ere standing on the back
It seeht to the degree they could stand and walk
But, Lux’s relieve at the safety of the two only lasted abad
It would be troubling if right now Aeril was hindered when her plan was about to progress smoothly
In the worst caste, he would be forced to fight against Lisha and others by Listelka’s coain
(Then rather, I can only persuade them and buy time!)
When Lux resolved hiripped his Wyvern’s Blade, Krulcifer quickly walked to the front
「I’ll do it, no ht now」
Krulcifer asn’t wearing her ar hair and pulled out the Sword Device of Fafnir
Her usual cool saze that was concealing a resolve within
「This is bad Lux-kun! I want you to buyis over」
Aeril muttered while a tube and a needle had already stretched out froan to offer her blood
After co this far, there was no way let anyone to hinder Aeril’s determination anymore
「Sorry Lisha-sa you please withdraw」
In order to display his own resolve, Lux also dispelled the ar and lifted up his other Sword Device to the sky
「──Reincarnate The giant dragon of calamity taken captive by riches Become the compensation for desire far and wide, Fafnir」
「──Manifest, the violent dragon devouring the flesh and blood of the Gods Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut」
Light particles whirled before the two of the-Rides were summoned
They connected at the same time and wore their armor They silently confronted each other with their weapon at ready
「Oi Krulcifer Why are you trying to go at it alone!? Are you trying to steal my showtime?」
「That’s right There is a pact so no one can steal a h battle I’ll take hi his heart to become mine too」
「Wha-! Don’t screw around! I’ll also──……-」
Lisha flared at Krulcifer asmischievously
But, Lisha noticed the genuine seriousness on her expression and stopped her reaching out hand
「Most likely Aeril also has a circumstance that she cannot talk about But, we too cannot possibly let go of this rare golden opportunity to rescue him If Lux-kun who is collared cannot be rescued without defeating hi as I am the only one who can move properly──」
「…………」
Getting told that, Lux noticed that the Tiae
The battle of the other day She acted recklessly in the intense battle against Dragon Marauder, and after that she went on a harsh march to rush here Because of that Lisha’s stamina was near the limit
Celis and Philuffy were also the say was stolen by Mishi+s
It was only Krulcifer who could battle Lux in this situation
Thus, she decided to make a desperate effort here
Lux didn’t reply and stared at the faces of Lisha and others with slightly distressed expression
He didn’t want to clash with his fellow comrades──the people who he put his trust on in this kind of shape
But, most likely there was no way for hi the girls
There was also the possibility that this control room was monitored by Listelka, so he also couldn’t talk about the circumstance
If he sent transet exposed from the surprised reaction of Lisha and others
「You don’t need to make that kind of sorrowful face I swear I’ll save you without fail」
Krulcifer s to do was another sham battle in the Academy
「-……!?」
Aeril as still wearing her Drag-Ride could be heard gulping from far behind
To clear the identity confirate to the deep level floor, Aeril wouldn’t be able to move for a few minutes while her blood was taken
They couldn’t escape anymore
Thus──he could only fight
「Here I go, Lux-kun」
「That’s fine, Krulcifer-san」
In order to receive her feeling, lux also responded with a serious gaze
She readied her sniper rifle, Freezing Cannon and as released fros
In respond Lux also lifted his great sword and put his strength to it in concert
──Kiin!
A streak of blue flash ran through eht toward Lux
「……-!?」
Krulcifer’s first attack was nothingCannon
But, he couldn’t see her prelihtly flustered
Her target was Bahaht armored arm, the joint between the shoulder and arm
Nor stance, aier, but her motion was too fast
(No, wrong She has become even faster than before!)
Lux barely blocked the shot with his great sword as shi+eld But, the flat of the blade was frozen and it became a state that he couldn’t move the sword properly
If it was simply fast then he would be able to respond in any way
But, there was al-Ride in the attack just now
The way she moved in the shortest and smallest motion so that the opponent wouldn’t be able to predict when the attack would co that she had practiced tens of thousands of time
「I can do this htly better opinion of me now?」
「I have never done so Krulcifer-san, not even once」
Luxfast toward Krulcifer
He accelerated with explosive speed and swung his sword toward her shoulder
Heone of his hidden techniques, Quick Draw He aih the shoulder’s arht with one hit
「That’s a lie there If you know , then you shouldn’t be surprised with just this much」
Krulcifer chuckled with a teasing smile, however she moved her Fafnir without hesitation
She reatest trait that was its ed Lux’s sword, then she ai in front of the installation
Lux quickly readied himself to attack because he couldn’t allow that at all cost
But, Krulcifer twirled around and readied her rifle without dodging his attack
(──damn it!)
Lux noticed late that she was baiting him
The Auto shi+eld auto Krulcifer turned her gun muzzle toward him
This ti normal bullet, but at the same time a barrier that appeared in front of Lux’s eyes deflected it
The technique to operate the defensive barrier that he learned by ilen──Senjin – Ruten
Lux didn’t overlook the opening when Krulcifer’s eyes opened wide in surprise and he turned his body to launch a flash of horizontal slash
But, it seemed she had anticipated that too, because the moment her bullet was deflected, she fleard and barely dodged the pursuing attack
–
Lisha atching that fro out of place and she murmured unconsciously
「Is the two of the Fafnir’s Divine Raiment? If she is worried about Lux’s, then that’s all the more reason……」
If Krulcifer used Wise Blood’s future prediction, she should be able to build quite the advantage, and yet
「I feel like, I understand so」
Celis as even further behind muttered that, then Philuffy also responded with a wordless nod
「Perhaps……surely, yes」
「……?」
The moment Lisha tilted her head, the battle situation moved once more Offense and defense in Godspeed where there wasn’t even any time to breath was resumed
–
Krulcifer was flying in circle around Aeril in high speed while ai at Lux with normal bullet
She was taking an orbit that was drawing a circle with Lux at the center, et a bead on her while on the contrary she was sniping at him one-sidedly
Lux was desperately deflecting the precise sniping, even so he wasn’t leaving from Aeril’s side
He was pouring all his strength si her
「Kuh……!」
Norree of difficulty, and yet Krulcifer was aih speed that the eye couldn’t follow
If he tried to deflect the bullet by strengthening his barrier, she would shot at the sah
If he deflected using his great sword, she would aim at his armored wrist to remove the obstacle that became shi+eld
(Strong……! But, why is it? Even though it’s an offense that is this sharp, it’s not scary)
This was an outstanding tactic and technique even coainst until now
But regardless of that, Lux himself didn’t feel any fear
Lux swung his great sithout understanding just what the reason could be
He swung a full power slash toward Fafnir’s armored shoulder, at the same time he finally activated his Divine Raiment
「──Reload on Fire」
The Divine Rai was deployed to the front in wide range
The very space where Krulcifer was existing was cothened, and the speed of time there was sharply decreased
The flow of time was slowed until it was like the ene that time sword slashes would be dealt, and at the same time when the compression was dissolved, all the attacks would take effect with several times the speed That was Lux’s Violent Strike
This was the conquering h Fafnir’s seven automatic shi+elds
But, this time he naturally didn’t aim at Krulcifer
Lux fixed his sight to the wrists and shoulders of Fafnir’s are sound could be heard
「Above! Lux-kun! So!」
Lux was taken aback fro from above him
That was the spot where Krulcifer sniped with her normal bullet before this
「Don’t tellfuture prediction!?」
「Yes, I couldn’t let you be the only one to use Divine Raiment you know?」
When Lux dodged the falling rubble, the co was dispelled and Krulcifer moved
She put her gun’s er of the Freezing Cannon
Lux reflexively held his breath seeing her obtaining a ti that was impossible to avoid
It was zero-distance shooting where the lued on his shoulder armor
At that time when Krulcifer was convinced of her victory, her bullet was slightly averted
「……Wha-!?」
Krulcifer noticed the abnormality an instant later and her eyes opened wide
Lux didn’t let go of that chance and unleashed a slash, but Auto shi+eld blocked him
When he struck his sword even then, he was sent flying by the recoil and Lux escaped the danger
「That’s really so Just what kind ofrubble, the next moment you moved that rubble to collide on me──」
「Krulcifer-san yourself is aht that was it for me」
The tho took distance praised each other’s aly
Right after Lux deflected the rubble, Lux activated Bahamut’s built-in special ar toward Fafnir’s armor
Thus Krulcifer’s hand was thrown out of kilter by the impact and the sure kill attack missed
「Besides, Krulcifer-san intentionally didn’t use Wise
Blood in the beginning in order to avoid pointless exhaustion, and to use it only when there is a definite chance──」
Future prediction was a useful Divine Raiment in offense and defense, but the future that could be read was liree Thus it was the ironclad rule to activate it just a bit before a pinch or a chance to e
If the user also grew stronger in normal offense and defense and in tactic, then the Wise Blood also would be even more effective when used
Krulcifer put that into practice proved that she had accomplished it
–
「Hah, even though I thought that I finally caught up and even overtook her, but she won’t let me win that easily huh」
Lisha who noticed that smiled bitterly Celis also nodded
「Yes, everyone has beco But, I also won’t lose」
「I’ll also, do my best」
At the end Philuffy also renewed her determination It was then Krulcifer muttered slowly
「Unfortunately, that’s only half of it I intentionally preserved Wise Blood was because I wished to show you th and──one more reason It’s in order to coht」
「……!?」
Her unexpected words caused Lux to tilt his head warily
「It doesn’t look like you are forcefully irl just because of that collar You are seriously trying to protect her Your concern and feeling to her are conveyed to me」
「Krulcifer, san……」
Lux was unable to tell the truth ords In respond to that, Krulcifer challenged Lux to a battle with all her strength in order to probe the facts
Now Lux noticed that she deliberately did what she did in order to surmise Lux’s will
「You haven’t changed at all Even in such severe situation, you are paying the utet fatally harmed That’s really naïve but, it’s the usual you who I loves」
Hearing that, Lux’s cheeks flashed red
The tense atht instantly loosened and Lux slowly undid his fighting stance
Even though he couldn’t explain the reason, he was believing in Aeril and protected her
He thought that he had conveyed to Krulcifer and others that there was soot destructed in his action
But,
「However, you don’t think that it will end with that aren’t you?」
Krulcifer’s s cold and she drew out Fafnir’s Sword Device once more
Mind control operation in the state of wearing armor
Lux knew about the secret skill that she would unleash after this
The special mode that could only be used by the race of people with the highest Drag-Ride aptitude value──the Key’s Supervisor, the Full Connect
Miniscule machines would assimilate with a part of the user’s flesh body, exceptionally increasing the preciseness of Drag-Ride manipulation in that state
She planned to activate it and challenged Lux to a duel
「Wai-, wait a second Krulcifer-san If you understand , then more than this──」
「Until the end that is only the talk in the surface I know your feeling, but I won’t give up taking you back That’s why fro, even so I will still snatch you back without fail」
「Aa……」
Seeing Krulcifer’s proud s
Even if Lux was putting his trust on Aeril, the possibility that he would be betrayed wasn’t zero
Thus, her will to fight wouldn’t bend here She planned to express that much resolve──no, that much emotion toward him
If she was unable to get a head start due to the act, she would convey her feeling and show her will through fighting
Receiving such feeling of Krulcifer right from the front, Lux felt that he was a happy person
She, all of the Lux and treasured him until that much
「Then, I too have to convey it That we should trust in Aeril」
Lux also took a deep breath and took a stance with his great sword toward Krulcifer
At that tiht to share their feeling and expressed their wish to each other, Aeril was staring at the device’s display with a pale expression
–
Part 7
Around that time, near the old castle
Slightly at the front of the fortress for capturing Avalon, several hundred Drag-Knights were in battle formation
They aiting for the signal of battle along with enough fighting spirit
『Infor the Lord, the imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire We the representatives of world alliance have come in front of you all just as you wished I wish to propose a negotiation for peace If you release the Seven Dragon Paladins, ill consider it as your side’s will to negotiate!』
The one announcing that through the Dragon Voice of the Drake beside hidom, Nulph
The leaders of each country aiting in the fortress Nulph was entrusted with the right of command as representative
Reinforcehts with nu with the sovereigns of the seven countries
Queen Raffi of the new kingdoeneral type Drag-Ride These four were chosen froreat nobles
The sovereigns of other countries also gathered skilled Drag-Knights to guard theure of Alterize, the butler of Einfolk house from Ymir Theocracy was also there
In other words, they really had gathered all their re battle force and came here with the resolve──to conquer the old castle even without the Seven Dragon Paladins
Of course, on the surface the force was to back up the peaceful negotiation to happen, but it was nothing more than a mask
If there was a chance, they would get a jump on the Lords and exterminated them
The Lord’s castle that was floating in front of the old castle──the Heaven Palace gave no reply
『We will only wait for five more minutes In case there is no reply, ill attack withoutin the air!』
Pri-Ride’s voice amplifier function once more and announced the declaration of war
Due to the provocation of the Abysses called Shadohich mimicked human appearance, all the countries felt apprehensive of the people’s insurrection They finally had no choice but to take action
If they didn’t show an action that was easy to understand like exterht misunderstand that the Shadow’s information was correct
And then, with the hard fighting of White Ridge knight order that was led by the aide of Blackend Kingdok, and with the assistance of Lisha and others, the Abysses around the old castle were finally cleaned up
There was no option of letting go of this good chance
Thus, Pri for five minutes
Everyone gulped nervously while looking up to the airborne shi+p in the air
The majority of the Abysses that were the enemy army had already been taken away and they had advanced until in front of the old castle
The Drag-Knights’ cannon lared at the Heaven Palace that was the Lord’s castle They were holding their breath waiting for the time of battle
It was a tense silence
When the hand of the clock passed three lared to the sky
He took in a deep breath to give out the signal of all-out attack It was at that ti
『Good grief, at last』
It was a voice that Prime Minister Nulph had also heard many times in war council──the reply fronified state from the Heaven Palace
That was a sigh of exasperation and disappointment
『Honestly, I’ve been tired of waiting Because, fro all along for this ti continuously since I woke up several years ago……no, since sleeping several hundred years ago, to bring down the hammer on the foolish mass』
「…………」
Mur position in front of the old castle were shaken Prime Minister Nulph frowned further
「If you are trying to buy ti life, your highness i」
Pri the lid of his pocket watch with one hand
Next he opened his ap
「We have finished grasping with Drake’s radar that there is no Abyss around you all as well as your lack of allied Drag-Knight If you are bluffing it has been seen through Know that instead of negotiation to draw out advantage, this is only worsening our impression to you」
Priradually strengthening
In contrast with that, Listelka replied with a tone that was gentle to the end
『Negotiation? What do youthat I can give in return to the presentation of merely the life of all of you』
Listelka’s sentence that came from the Heaven Palace caused Nulph’s face to cramp and he closed his mouth
Right now the Lord should have no way to take on nearly a thousand Drag-Knights in total
All the division coon Marauder had also died in battle, and the rehts
Even those re incitement at various places The only action they could take was onlyat best
And yet, this confidence of the Lord was puzzling
The ene this combat force of the alliance troops as completely nonexistent
『I called all of you the powers that be along with quite the nuhts here in order tonone alive The job of all of you from now is to die quickly I have no intention to let even one person escape fro of the world from here on』
「Tsu……, one more minute!」
Listelka declared war indifferently
Pri a reply that was farthan a mere threat
Even the elite Drag-Knights who also heard the voice e-Ride’s control stick strengthened
Their fighting spirit boiled up like a heat haze It was then Listelka’s voice came
『Then, this is a bit of advance notice froather all of you to this execution ground, so I will annul it right now In exchange I will read out loud the remainder of your life』
It was the saentle voice like when she first showed up before Nulph and others
And then Listelka declared with a graceful manner
『Fifteen minutes Even so perhaps that is my overestimation The tiht be even shorter』
「──All troops, prepare for battle! We will ate the Lords from here on!」
Nulph who ran out of patience finally gave the signal of battle start
「The target is the Heaven Palace floating in front of the old castle! Wyvern force, fly to the sky and approach for boround with the support of Drake! Don’t let even one get away!」
『All of you aren’t listening about my words since just now isn’t it? It’s better to look at your surrounding first before looking to the Heaven Palace you know?』
「What?」
Listelka’s words that she said along with a sigh caused Nulph to make a dubious face
『Magialca Zen Vanfrick is really so If she set up the base too far from the old castle then it would be difficult to attack, but putting the base too close wouldinto trap But, for the likes of you, you all can be easily surrounded if I can have you comes forward』
「I’ your nonsense! Prepare yourself!」
Right after that, one of the hot-blooded soldiers turned the Cannon of his Wyrm toward the Heaven Palace
The distance was far so the Cannon’s poould decline, even so if the ar support froh output could be produced
When that soldier was charging energy for the starting shot before the all-out bombardment, the soldier beside him suddenly raised a bewildered voice
「O, oi-!? What’s with your ar on it?」
「Hm……? Wha──!?」
Hearing what the soldier pointed out, the Wyr his Cannon became speechless
Froe bluish white tentacles clinging
But, the soldier who pointed that out──further were also in the same situation
「This is bad! Abysses are appearing frothen your barrier!」
A Drag-Knight squad leader wearing EX Wyvern quickly cut apart the tentacles coiling around his body
His feeling of relieve after escaping the predicament only lasted briefly
The tentacles that regenerated with speed that eye couldn’t follow coiled around the squad leader’s body once more
「Wha, what is this regeneration ability……!? It’s not a norueah!」
Without even any tiht had his armor pressured and his torso broke
Without pause his internal organs spewed out from his mouth and he expired
「This is……no such thing, such thing isn’t── There is no way this thing is the Ark’s Ragnarok, Poseidon!」
Nulph who had received the report in the past knew that figure and groaned
Countless tentacles growing out froround one after another
The faces of new kingdo those showed terror and unrest
Of course, they had resolved thens to the decisive battlefield
Whether they would face the Lords’ Drag-Knight, or a great swarm of Abyss, or Sacred Eclipse──
But, when those things appeared together with the ruround, their resolve was bloay
「Pri, Prime Minister Nulph! Re, reaction of Abysses is──」
At that ti voice
「Froround!? Until now there wasn’t any reaction but, how many appeared!?」
「Se, seven! There are only reactions of seven Abysses──n, no, this huge size, how……!?」
DON-!, at thatwith a thunderous sound
The road and soil of the abandoned city burst open and swirls of dust rose
Their sight was covered for onlywith confusion In that time several dozen screams overlapped
「What!? Our position is changing by itself! In front of us eneeh!?」
Huge steel are shi+p
It shot out with speed that eye couldn’t follow and smashed a Wyvern user of Ymir Theocracy
While its physical strength ithout saying, there was also how that Wyvern user who should be on the ground within a for
「That is──Deus ex Machina!? It should be in Ymir Theocracy’s Ruin, Lux-dono should have defeated it the other day, why!?」
The elite force of Ymir Theocracy
The butler of Einfolk house who came as its squad leader, Alterize yelled spontaneously
The Drag-Knights of Ymir Theocracy were sments were mixed and scattered
But, the screams didn’t stop there
「What is this huge spherical Abyss! Our attack doesn’t work! Everything is reflected back──」
A spherical shaped Ragnarok with groings, Metatron’s attack reflection
Before Marcafal Kingdoot hit fully by the reflected all-out boot routed
Furtherhts of Vanheinarok that breathed out absolute zero air──Fenrir and more than ten of them froze to death
Next a great dedom troops to fall into chaos
The formation of Turkimes Confederation also collapsed when they were pierced by the branches of Yggdrasil that possessed tough life force and ability to increase resistance due to its strengthening ability
And then, the ar Republic was also scattered everywhere when they were shot through by several thousand feathers clad in flanarok of undying bird, Phoenix, whose true shape wasn’t even revealed
「This is, i──!」
They assue arnarok was unexpected
Every single one of them rivaled several hundred of Abyss, and they were equipped with atrocious special ability like an evil God
Such terrifying ene their force and launched attack from all directions
Even their tru first class soldiers weren’t a ainst this ambush and they fell apart
An elite force of nearly a thousand Drag-Knights that were the combination force of seven countries Twenty percent of it fell in a few ht
For capable soldier, this was a situation where they had to retreat without delay, but they were surrounded so they couldn’t do that
If they tried to break through forcefully and exposed their back, they wouldn’t be able to avoid total annihilation
Thus──there was nothing they could do
It was a picture of hell
Within the chaos, Pri his voice
「How!? Why!? Why are the seven Ragnarok that should have been defeated already are here!?」
『It’s because they are resurrected, by this me, the shrine maiden of oracle』
As though she had been waiting for that, Listelka immediately answered from the Heaven Palace
『My little sister, the spy as sent to Vanheim Principality with the name Coral──Aeril Vi Arcadia has operated the function of Avalon just now That is to say, she had pushed the last switch to revive the seven Ragnarok and liberate them』
Flash, a giant fraht surfaced from under the Heaven Palace and the side face of Aeril and Lux were projected there
「……Guh, uu!」
Prime Minister Nulph who saw that couldn’t even curse back
Everything ithin Listelka’s scheme
He finally understood that they were made to dance within her palm
–
Part 8
「Haa……haa, haah……!」
On the other hand around that tireat hall at the deepest part of Avalon’s surface level floor
In front of the device for opening the door to the deep level floor, the pale faced Aeril was breathing roughly
The sound of battle on the surface didn’t reach until this Avalon
In exchange, the scene in front of the old castle was reflected on a surface of the silver ith terrible clarity It proved that the switch that Aeril pushed was so that couldn’t be taken back by any means
Those Drag-Knights of ability were the trump card of all the countries, but they were helpless before the conarok Their lives were stolen one after another
People who lost their armament, the injured people, people with their fear induced and ran away
People who shoeakness were heartlessly crushed and their voice vanished
Seeing such hellish picture that was soaked with blood, Lux and Krulcifer ere displaying offense and defense in full power until now stood still where they couldn’t even make any voice
『This is your achievement, Aeril You have successfully accoive the greatest consideration even to your personal wish』
「……Aeril, this is──!?」
Lux could only
The device that Aeril offered her blood into and activated wasn’t to open the door to the deep level floor, but to release the revived Ragnarok
At first Lux wondered whether he was betrayed, but seeing the sweat trickling from Aeril’s forehead, most likely that wasn’t it
From here it was only Lux’s assumption but, this was Listelka’s trap
(If she had calculated everything until this far, what a schemer……!)
Listelka had predicted Aeril’s insubordination
No, more accurately it was a bit different
She also took into account the possibility of Aeril having rebellious thought and she rolled the dice so that she would definitely win no matter what came out
Because the Lords lacked man power, she wished to make use of Lux to capture Avalon, but in the worst case that Aeril sympathized orld alliance and stole a
At the same time Listelka herself also had a task
It was the purge of the royalties and nobles and the hts of all the countries, which would link to ruling the world from now on
When the path to Avalon was opened and it became possible for her to interfere into that systereatest conarok, then she tricked Aeril and made her activated the release function
What was truly terrifying wasn’t just how she guided the main force and influential people of all the countries into trap, but the way she used Aeril and Lux
With this, there was no way Lux could trust Aeril anymore
The reason was, no matter the process of how it happened, the result was a trap after all
She used Lux and killed the elite force of world alliance
And then even now there was a possibility that she would try to drag Lisha and others into even more scheme
「shi+t──, is this their objective from the start!? Second imperial princess!」
「I don’t understand the detailed reason but, it looks like we cannot just entrust him to you like this」
Lisha raised her voice, while Krulcifer calmly blamed Aeril
Now Aeril had noa march on the Lords
She was currently perceived by the world alliance as their greatest enenarok Lisha and others also felt the same
In other words, Listelka had stolen Aeril’s path of escape where it would also be impossible for her to reconcile with Lux and others
That was Listelka’s one more scheme
(──No, I don’t know the real truth)
The feeling that Aeril conveyed, the resolve that she showed to Lux, there was a possibility that all of them were fake
No, thinking about how she had tricked everyone froht be natural to think that this time was also the same, that she tricked Lux and made use of him
The reality of the matter was that the combat force of world alliance was taken away one after another, and there was an unavoidable destruction right before their eyes
Then perhaps he shouldn’t try to help Aeril anyot killed by the Wedge
(But, I……)
To Lux, Aeril’s figure as shaking in despair beside hi
Even so, there was no way he could mistake his choice
(What should I do? What should──)
Under the extreed
Zahhak’s ar line tore apart the room’s space
「……-!?」
Pashi+-! an i and floor were smashed
While countless rubbles crumbled down, Aeril made a dry smile
「Fuu, I thought that I’ll be able to trick you all for a bit more but, as expected that’s not possible now」
「……Aeril?」
Lux’s back shi+vered hearing that chilly tone
Aeril turned a gaze that was tinged with chilling dark shadow and started talking calmly
「……Sorry Lux-kun But you are the one in the wrong, because you believe inally should be your eneh, that hy I chose you fro」
A wicked smile that he had never seen before from her
The girl laughed aze
「But, you are a failure as a hero you knoas able to reach here thanks to you Thanks to you buyingtricked this easily──it’s your fault that everyone died」
「-……!?」
Lux treht up the heart of the matter
That was right
In the end it beca to trust Aeril
Right after that, Lisha as enraged by those words raised an angry voice
「You bastard……! Even though you are binding Lux with that Wedge and tricked him……!」
「──My bad but, can you step aside from there Lux-kun? If you cannot do it because of the collar, then I will stop your movement for sure this time」
「…………」
Lisha and Krulcifer prepared their respective special ar in order
The tere serious
Even though they had been seeing Aeril as eneuely held expectation fro had vanished
Or rather, with how thedestroyed by seven Ragnarok, they couldn’t waste even a second more
Nowas, they would defeat her here
If Lux stood in their way, they would overcome him
Such will could be sensed from them
「Unfortunately I cannot do that I’m not so free I can keep all of you company That’s why Lux, I’ll leave them to you Protectme!」
Right after that, Aeril made Zahhak fleith a fearless se that connected to another room from the control room
She planned to return to the old castle by heading ahead to the portal for returning back that they found before this
「It’s pointless even if you all try to destroy that collar! If an impact hit it, in less than a second electricity will flow and burn the body It will produce a power that can deal instant death in respond to any act that try to destroy that collar! Now, fight between each other! I’ll show you all the hope of the world getting eradicated!」
「Wait, second princess!」
Lisha flew her Tiamat to chase after Aeril, and Krulcifer followed behind her
After hesitating for less than an instant, Lux also reflexively chased after them and exited the control room
「What should I do! I, what should I──!」
It wouldn’t even be few minutes until the destruction of the world alliance
If that was over, the seven Ragnarok would crush the defense base that was commanded by Lolotte and massacred Queen Raffi and others, the representatives of all the countries
Hesitating for more than this wouldn’t be allowed
He had to decide right now
But, in any case it was impossible
Aeril was heading to the portal to return to the old castle that they discovered ahead of this passage before this, to escape from Lisha and Krulcifer
If he could at least take off this collar, this Wedge from his neck──
(──No, wait)
At that instant, a doubt surfaced inside Lux
The flow of event right nohere they were chasing after Aeril through the straight passage that they confirmed before this
(Why did she deliberately escape in the direction of the portal that was known only to me and her?)
『Lux! Use your Divine Raithen your offensive power and bring them down!』
He could hear Aeril’s scolding through the Dragon Voice
With that one sentence, a belief was born inside Lux
「I see, that’s how it is!」
What Aeril was trying to do, what the truth was
And then also, what he had to choose no ht now
「Don’t think that we can be stopped just by escaping into a passage! Legion!」
Lisha consecutively fired Tiamat’s special ar at the back of the fleeing Aeril
「Kuh……」
Thetrajectory, Krulcifer’s Fafnir sniped with freezing bullet
That shot that was backed by the use of Divine Rais and shaved its mobility
Zahhak lost its driving force and tu the Breath Whip, but it was blocked by the automatic defense of Auto shi+eld
「──Do it, Lux! Use Reload on Fire and defeat them!」
「You think I’ll let you, Lord! Your ambition ends here!」
Lisha readied her Cannon, in addition Krulcifer took the stance of consecutive shots
If the Cannon was fired after the armor was frozen, the barrier wouldn’t ell and the armor would be easily smashed apart
Krulcifer who foresaw that fired the freezing bullets, next Lisha pulled the Cannon’s trigger At that tile silhouette appeared above the attack trajectory
「……Wha-!?」
「Lux-kun-!?」
Lux stood in front of Aeril wearing Bahamut
The attack of the two directly hit from above his barrier
「Uh, aah……!」
The arroaned from the impact that reached his body
Even so he became a shi+eld and received all the attack that was aimed at Aeril
「shi+t! If only that Wedge isn’t there──!」
「No, that’s not it At the very least he isn’t protecting her because of the Wedge」
Beside Lisha as grinding her teeth, Krulcifer pointed out calmly
It was because she noticed that behind Lux, the cold smile that was on Aeril’s face until now had vanished
「……Why」
A crack entered her mask and it broke into pieces
Seeing Lux covering for her and received the attack, causing blood to flow fro voice
「Why, are you still saving me!? Why didn’t you use your Divine Raiment!?」
What Lux saw there, was Coral’s expression
It was exactly the expression of his friend who told him she believed in him
「You were telling that for ht? All that time since just now If I use Bahae can be taken off, you were telling me that」
「……-!?」
Lisha and Krulcifer gasped in surprise at Lux’s statement
「The Wedge’s electricity will activate in less than a second when an ion Paladins, it’s onlyas I wear Bahalen’s Senjin, and use Reload on Fire that is concentrated to one point to the collar’s electricity……」
「───What!? In other words what does that mean?」
Lisha was bewildered, beside her Krulcifer brushed up her hair coolly
「……So it’s soinally can apply co to every kind of phenomenon In other words, if Reload on Fire is activated to the energy output and it’s used to the Wedge that Lux is wearing──」
In the first five seconds, the power of electric attack that Wedge emitted can be damped until less than ten percent
So to speak, when the Wedge received ienerated electric attack, if it was removed within five seconds, the collar could be ree
Aeril had been giving Lux that hint continuously
「Impossible! If she is an ally, then why didn’t she take off Lux’s Wedge from the start!?」
「There is a circu it like that is only valid I believe Most likely she wanted to capture Avalon together with Lux until a certain floor, right? That hy she intentionally didn’t take off the Wedge But that opening was used by Listelka and it beca?」
「…………」
Aeril looked doithout saying anything
That was the answer
With Listelka’s schenarok, Aeril considered it as already impossible to have Lux and others believed in her, so she made it to look like she was a villain
SheLux from the start to make them tried to kill her
She intended to guide them until the portal to return to the old castle and then died
「Why did you attackto trust someone like me──」
「Because──I wanted to believe The same like Aeril」
「-……!?」
The face of Aeril who saw Lux’s srief
「If you really planned to trick us, there wouldn’t be any need to keep acting until the Ragnarok were received It would be the victory of the Lords if you only activate the Wedge, killingbehind a prospect of victory for us You intentionally guided theht e for the sake of the reon Paladins」
If Lux discovered the way to re Bahamut, he would also be able to use the portal to return to the old castle and saved the Seven Dragon Paladins too
Lisha and Krulcifer, and then Celis and Philuffy ere standing behind the the conversation of the two
They finally noticed that she wasn’t an enemy
『Aeril You aren’t forgetting your duty are you?』
A voice ca apart the small silence
Listelka’s interference ability to Avalon
Because they had moved until the room where the portal was located, she was able to send her voice there
『There is noto is right here』
That was a kind of threat
With the ie that was broadcasted toward the world alliance before this, Aeril was considered as enemy by them
If she didn’t return to Listelka right now, there would be no place for her to return home to She wouldn’t have any ally anywhere
「That’s right, isn’t it……」
Aeril responded to her elder sister’s words with an expression of nihility
「Perhaps in the first place, we the Lords have no proper place to belong to Perhaps it’s a fate of being unable to live without ruling over someone else The world before we slept was like that」
『Yes, exactly as you said That’s ill n as the ruler of this neorld』
Listelka’s voice was tinged with joy However Aeril powerlessly shook her head
「──But, that’s a wrong impression Our true nature is ruler, an existence that is worshi+pped and feared Or perhaps we can only become an existence that is shunned But, it’s only him who believed in me as completely tricked by Nee-san……」
「Ah……」
Aeril’s gaze suddenly turned toward Lux Receiving that gaze, a small voice leaked out from Lux’s mouth
Lux who guessed Aeril’s wish applied co Reload on Fire
At that instant, Zahhak’s Breath Whip instantly severed the Wedge
『──Ah!』
「This is my answer, Nee-san Even if I’ret anymore I will obtain Avalon myself by my oill!」
「You……」
Lisha who saw that h
In addition Celis and Philuffy who appeared fro the situation
That Aeril was siding with them
That she would fight along with them in order to save the world
『──That’s unfortunate, Aeril』
Listelka’s words cah
『I even harbored respect to your devotion, but I didn’t think that you are this foolish』
There was no modulation and heat within that voice
It was a tone so cold that would give anyone chills
『I won’t tell you not to be affectionate to pets, but it’s a disgrace to the i away faether with them』
Pshu, the voice transmission was severed completely with that
But, Lux and Aeril had no hesitation any that war declaration
「Let’s quickly withdraw Lux We have to return to the old castle using that portal and liberate the Seven Dragon Paladins There is no other way to save the world fronarok than that」
Everyone nodded in agreement with the voice of Celis that was still had the trace of pronounced fatigue
「Yeah, we somehow steeled ourselves to come until this far, but we are also nearly at our limit……」
Everyone was fatigued froon Marauder Still not much time had passed since they were injured
Lisha and others were able to move until this far in so short of ti was caused by their er
「It’s pathetic but, we can only entrust the world’s fate to them……」
Krulcifer’s words indicated everything
The alliance ar to retreat to the fortress
But, the kings of various countries and their aides were gathered inside the fortress that was located in less than a few kl from there
After narok would surely march to every part of the world
If that happened then it would be the end already
This world would fall into Listelka’s hand before reaching Avalon
「Let’s go, Lux-kun!」
「Right」
Lux nodded to Aeril’s words, then they all entered the portal
The circle drawn on the floor shi+ned and light enveloped them
Froainst time
Hayes was taking command at the frontline in front of the old castle, so they had to save the Seven Dragon Paladins before Listelka and Hayes returned
And then──the renarok
Would they be able to hold back those overwhel force?
「-……」
Wrapped in light, the sensation of weight vanished
When they noticed, their location had turned into the back entrance of the old castle
「……Yosh!+」
If he reon Paladins were iround
At that instant when Lux was going to head there in full speed, he felt a freezing killing intent behind him
–
──GAuUUUUN-!
–
「Wha-!?」
Lux, Aeril, and also Lisha and others all lost their voice
The thunderous sound striking from the sky
The remains of the shockwave struck their eardrums and shook their brain
It was over within an instant
The huge chapel where the Seven Dragon Paladins except Lux were ile stroke
「That’s, impossible……」
『──Naturally this is hoould turn out If you betray us, then the Seven Dragon Paladins are useless object Not dealing with theerous』
This time Listelka’s voice descended fro above them
Beside Aeril as standing still looking du
「This strike is Hayes’s Nidhogg……!? No──」
Lux was about to speak, but he erased that thought because there wasn’t any possibility of that
Divine Drag-Ride Nidhogg’s Astral Line was indeed a Divine raie
But, because it also cut through the space, the destruction would draw a single beautiful line
This time it was different from that
There was no doubt that it was a powerful attack in all respects, but the i the whole chapel
Besides, Hayes should be observing the Ragnarok’s situation slightly at the frontline
「-……!?」
At that ti was reflected in the corner of Lux’s vision
The shadow of a Drag-Knight wearing huge armor
「That’s──don’t tell me……」
A jet black Drag-Ride that he felt like he had seen it from somewhere
Lux kept looking to the sky with that afterie burned into his eyes
–
Part 9
When the silver door was opened, the silver haired girl wearing a crown lifted her face
「I have returned, Listelka-sama」
「Thank you for your hard work Mishi+s It seems that you have also defeated the revived Sacred Eclipse safely Good work」
In order to return to the Heaven Palace that was floating above the old castle, Mishi+s didn’t use the land battle type Azi Dahaka, but switched to a strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride Ex Wyvern and went back
She was obstructed frodom because of the Sacred Eclipse that Aeril lured
「It is ht to serve But, I failed to finish those Syvalles lot They are ined」
Mishi+s reported with her expression that was like an iron le twitch of her eyebrow
But, Listelka shook her pure white hair in a good mood and smiled tolerantly
「My my, there is no need to respect the ene like eneest Key’s Supervisor as lauded as Anti Drag-Knight doesn’t exist from the start in this world」
「No, the greatest cause of ht while suppressing their fatigue Even if I used Azi Dahaka in perfect condition, the next battle won’t go so simply like this time」
Mishi+s admonished herself with calmness to the end
The result ended with overwhelth of Celis and Phluffy were also immeasurable
The ht into a decisive battle of brief duration, there was a possibility that they could instead prepare a countermeasure
「How careful But, it’s really reliable forlittle sister has left just now──」
Listelka s somewhat lonely
Mishi+s was already told the infor
「Does your highness really have no intend to bring back the second imperial princess?」
「I really want to do that if we have the leeway for it though」
Listelka sighed with a troubled expression
If so about her saw it, then it would look like the figure of an older sister as actually worried about her little sister even though she had been betrayed
But, thetime knew that there was a completely different emotion within her words
「I e can capture her alive and put her into custody Like that I will be able to put her into brain death At the very least I will be able to retrieve her ovum and make use of her as flesh puppet If not she won’t be useful for the Lord fro, but there is ale」
That attitude which only thought even her true blood relative as nothing more than a tool to revive the empire
Mishi+s even felt fright seeing the face of Listelka as speaking that calmly
(However, perhaps that is only natural……)
The clan that reigned at the top of this world for a long time
They hated the act of 『betrayal』 that beca
Similarly, Mishi+s also didn’t harbor any doubt toward her master’s decision
As the Lord’s servantpartner, she had flawless education applied to her to devote her everything for herthe Key’s SupervisorXfer
She was a maid of steel that suppressed her own emotion
Even if Aeril was one of the Lord, if it was Listelka’s order then she would take care of her
「However, the attack just now, could it be──」
「Yeah, it was , Mishi+s」
The maid noticed a presence from behind her and turned around
There a
Although he gave a vaguely rough impression to those who looked to hiil Arcadia was standing there
He had already dispelled the Drag-Ride he earing, but it was him who destroyed the chapel just now by Listelka’s instruction
On Listelka’s head, the electronic tereometrical pattern on it, the 『Croas placed
It was a support tool to connect even deeper to Avalon’s system, and it was also the controller of this Heaven Palace
She grasped the battle situation of various places, and also observed Aeril’s exploration of Avalon from here, but as expected it seemed the burden to herit off
「You have destroyed the chapel where the Seven Dragon Paladins were placed, just as I wished I appreciate your efforts, Fugil」
Listelka thanked not with a face as iuely like a maiden
In contrast Fugil only kept showing a cohtly nodded in respond
「I didn’t want to have you who are ht to sortie, but this time there was no time after all But──isn’t your condition superb just now?」
Listelka gave a praise that was filled with anticipation
But, Fugil only showed a slight se and quietly denied it
「Certainly, the function of the special armament worked quite well But I believe it’s still difficult to call it as flawless There was no definite feedback from that attack」
「My? Fugil is really too modest If that chapel is destroyed by one attack, then I believe it’s powerful enough though──」
Listelka put her hands together and talked in delight, but Fugil made a cynical smile
「It was easier to ht was a ht slackness This isn’t Lux’s strategy But there is so my little brother’s subordinate who can execute such plan」
「……? What are you saying, Fugil?」
Listelka tilted her head and asked, but Fugil was silent He only responded with a smile
「More importantly, I believe it’s necessary to deal with Lux Arcadia and others who returned to the back of the old castle The world alliance has already retreated, but in any case when they escaped back to their base, they won’t be able to escape froathered They will surely be crushed by the seven Ragnarok」
Saying that Mishi+s glanced at Fugil
Rather than her as exhausted fro back Hayes atching over the battle in the frontline, she was thinking that perhaps they should send this roup
But, the maid’s plan didn’t reach her master Listelka
「Fugil has his duty to guard on Marauder in the old castle correct? Let’s have the Abysses with horn flute」
「…………」
Listelka who possessed strong suspicion of others put absolute trust to Fugil was nothing more because he once saved her life
More than several hundred years ago──
Listelka and others, the imperial family who met the rebellion of the fa with few attendants and slept there
But, along with the flow of time, the descendants of the enemy, the royalties of Arcadia Empire sniffed out that location They invaded and were about to kill everyone, it was then Fugil saved them That was the reason of her trust
Furtheril destroyed his own empire, and noith his cooperation, the Ruins were captured and they were able to come this far
Mishi+s oke up after that had been told irl as her master
Thus, Listelka saw Fugil as a hero, at the saood will toward him that was the same like love
Mishi+s had no intention to voice an objection to her
However in Mishi+s’s point of view, Fugil wasn’t looking at them
No──perhaps
Right after the ht, the Heaven Palace moved and slowly flew in the sky
When she looked, Listelka earing the Crown controller once more and sat down on the throne
「Either way, it will be fine to leave Lux and others to be dealt later now Let’s head to their fortress with this Heaven Palace The representatives of all countries seem to be all present there, so let’s enjoy their moment of death」
「Understood」
Mishi+s nodded Then fraht was projected on the metallic wall before her
The i Heaven Palace──the trace of rae of the revived seven Abysses that was left behind
The ruins of buildings that were turned grey without any color
The structures re in the castle town of abandoned capital Guernica were tragically s the area as though the old wound of the city was gouged open
More than half of the elite force couldn’t escape and alnarok had not a single scratch
「I thought they would be lacking in strength because they had just been revived, but looks like it was just my needless anxiety」
「I believe the situation of the battle also have large influence to it Most likely they were completely helpless in a situation where they were anarok and surrounded from all side」
Even if the ene-Ride fundaroup tactic in battle formation
When their formation crumbled from the unexpected surprise attack and their force was scattered, annihilation was inevitable
「──But, it’s strange that only half of theht that they wouldn’t even try to escape」
It see result She tilted her head in bewilderment
Then through her Crown, a Dragon Voice from her little sister Hayes came
『How is your mood, Onee-sama?』
「The nunarok aren’t wounded, how did they e to escape?」
『That’s the probleuard the most showed up』
「──That woman?」
Listelka directed the sight of Heaven Palace fro at directly below to turn to the front
There, a sight of just a single Drag-Knight facing all seven Ragnarok could be seen
Ars──Yato no Ka it was Kirihime Yoruka
「I see So the person we have been waiting for has come」
But, regardless of the appearance of a powerful eneaze and smiled
「──The Ragnarok absolutely won’t be brought doith just her alone With this the last possibility of the ene the table will also be crushed」
Even though Yoruka was facing seven Ragnarok simultaneously, her movement wasn’t offensive at the least
Shethe eneed the attacks And then──she was gradually retreating toward the fortress
Even Ragnarok fundamentally possessed the same nature like Abyss
In other words bestial instinct──their principle was to prioritize ai them
There Yoruka attracted the attention of the Ragnarok, saving the rehts and secured their escape route
Listelka’s scheather the up the eneo was mostly obstructed by the appearance of Yoruka
Even so the Lord’s imperial princess acted with composure
「This is the best developon Paladins and the world alliance ar threat Sending Hayes and you to get rid of her will also be fine, but it’s great that we can confirm her existence clearly here」
‘But’──Listelka paused her words for a ed in her mind
「This is a bit strange She is soht that she would coht to his h」
Even though she wasthe front of the old castle from the Heaven Palace and placed Hayes there as defense in order to stop her
「Indeed」
Mishi+s also nodded at her on Voice fro the battle situation below came
『Oi Onee-sa to the front a bit more』
「…………?」
Proht of Heaven Palace to the front through the Crown she earing
Slightly ahead than the present location
There was the figure of a silver haired girl in front of the fortress, gazing at the advancing Ragnarok with nervous look
「Airi Arcadia Why is she there? Don’t tell me──」
『Yeah, they had seen it through o to the deepest part of Avalon, the blood of Arcadia is needed for the confirirl if she co here to save her lord, but that wonarok’s appearance, and she switched to buy time to protect her other master the little sister』
「That girl is also an i What’s irl is necessary for the confirmation to control Avalon, so she is forced to protect her──so that’s how it is」
Listelka chuckled in understanding
If all the pieces the ene more to fear
They would crush the eneet rid of Aeril along with Lux and his group
With that it would be over
She would make her return to the world once more with this hand
「Then──let’s teach her The opposition of a bug, no less」
–
Part 10
「……As expected this is really reckless But perhaps the ene sleep, because they seem weaker than before but──even so I who had only recovered from my injury cannot match them」
Belohere Listelka was directing her smile from the airborne shi+p──the Heaven Palace
In the battlefield site where seven Ragnarok were displaying their tyranny, Yoruka alone was continuing to
She weaved through the waves of powerful and wide-ranged attack, dealt a single slash when there was an opening and then took distance
By repeating that she sonarok and let the friendly troops to escape, even so her sta for three minutes
「──SHAaAAAAH!」
The Ragnarok that was firing feathers of flame arrow like a heavy rain──Phoenix’s attack wasn’t a mere flame
The fat that was contained within those feathers would stick to the thing the feathers hit and beca flame that wouldn’t vanish even after more than ten minutes
A part of Yoruka’s ar off with Break Purge
At the sa was blanketed with hellfire, leaving her no place to secure foothold
Drag-Knights who lost consciousness breathed in the white sreat amount and turned dead
The bodies of the soldiers whose Drag-Ride was dispelled were cremated by Phoenix’s flame
The ice wolf Fenrir that was approaching as reinforcee way because of its absolute zero breath
Even for Yoruka, continuously evading the claw and fang that were additionally attacking in high speed was a herculean task
Furtherdrasil who reacted to the situation and continuously strengthened itself, Metatron that reflected attack back, Deus ex Machina that grasped the space in control, Iblis that polluted the mind
Although she was fighting while retreating, Yato no Kami’s barrier was already pierced and even a part of her armor was smashed
She was able to create an opening to lure the enemies toward her and allowed the allied troops to retreat, the opponent wasn’t so soft that her side would be able to e somehoith just that
The elite force who showed their back to the enenarok
Even if she wanted to use Over Lih her Spell Code, Yoruka’s current physical state didn’t allow it
The battle situation was still hopeless without any change
Even so she gave her best and barely slowed the enemy’s invasion
She was risking her life just for that
「Haa……haa Even so, it’s surprising Although this is for the sake of saving Aruji-sama, but to think I’m able to do this kind of act」
Even though she was cornered into an overwhellint of Yoruka’s eyes didn’t turn dim