Volume 17 Chapter 4 (1/2)
Episode 4 - The Ancient Forest Part 1
「Your reat nobles is finished Please give us the instructions for the battle forhth days since Azure Division announced their existence for the first time
The time for the all-out confrontation finally came
Lisha and Ale, as well as the Grand Force and Aeril would be put on the line in this battle
The battle would be held at the Ancient Forest located at northeast of the capital Lordgalia
Originally, the codom's army wasn't Raffi's field
But, since the death of Pri concurrently as the army's commander, there wasn't even any time to decide the successor so Raffi volunteered for the position
「I see Then, please ask the like sending reinforcement from the capital no matter what We will take care of it at our side」
「Ho, however, no th be lacking with only the dom military should also participate──」
「No There is no need Our strategy has been decided」
Raffi's eyes shi+ned at the same time when she muttered that once more
Then the will vanished fro out
「This is troubling After experiencing the convenience like Endless once, the process of convincing people feels like a great chore now I only understand for the first tiRaffi had no intention of relying on the regular arreat nobles to be her main force
Chaos would be created when she invested the Autoainst Azure Division that had powerful fighter in the level of Lux, there would be no use to dispatch the average Drag-Knight to be their opponent
Although, the kingdom's arht them which was a source of worry for her
No, above all else, to make Raffi's plan a reality, subordinates of common soldiers would only become a hindrance
Currently no one knew about that arbitrary decision of Raffi
Whether it was Lux, or even the Autoil
The Ancient Forest in the first place wasn't just a terrain that was hard to enter by people, it had the structure si left alone for several hundred years
Raffi and others of New Kingdom army would take position in that battlefield earlier and laid in wait for Lux's group
First both sides would meet at a landmark that was the lake at the center One side would be at the north while the other at the south After confires and Grand Force were present, the battle would begin The one who took down the commander other than Lisha and Alma would win
Or rather, by that point victory would substantially fall on the lap of that side
She also used Avalon's function and placed Abysses there, but the members of Syvalles weren't told about that
Till the end she planned to use it as last resort as aht is actually really Lux──do you think he is able to go as far as locating the entrance of Avalon that was transported here?」
「Who knows, I cannot il answered curtly Arshalia also nodded in agreement
「However, a truly excellent statesman will also plan for any eventuality」
「Then, can I ask you to protect the central? If their aie of the decisive battle is Avalon──that will be the best right? Even if you don't have any duty to protect il realized Raffi's scheme froht she is just a ruler who is sith, but she is quite proficient in her cunning)
Or perhaps, it was the growth because of her decision to fight by her oill?
Fugil fundamentally wouldn't participate in this battle
He followed the guidance of Sacred Eclipse and became the ally of Raffi as at the bottom of misfortune and carried out the world revision But that period had already passed
But, if the eneil himself──or perhaps at Avalon itself then it would be a different story
Fugil had the duty to protect Avalon's system
And then if the enemy was Lux, there was a possibility that he would not aim at Raffi herself, but attempted to stop the function of Avalon in order to oppose Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros
She placed Fugil there with the aiht Either way, at present when the Grand Force of Garden is ree scale function cannot be used but…… If the Lord, Aeril is joining hand with Azure Division, then they will be able to use several of the functions」
The Autoreement She stood at Raffi's side and readied herself to take co Automatas
After that the problehts of the four great nobles that were lent to her
With this──all the preparations were finished
「Then, let's go Fugil And then please ascertain it I and hidom Which one is the loser who should be destroyed──」
After that, the restrained Aleon and they went outside the castle
They were carried by Arshalia earing EX Wyvern and Raffi along with Fugil and others fleard the Ancient Forest
Part 2
Around that ti to move to take position in the Ancient Forest──
The preparation for the last battle was also being carried out at the high class where Lux and others were staying at
Yoruka was──got in touch with Magialca yesterday and told that Avalon was hidden in the Ancient Forest
Based on that infornate the location for the war to Queen Raffi
Yoruka herself ounded and fatigued so she wouldn't be able to th of Autoht at Yoruka's level was also a threat
And then of course, it was the saht now
「Then Lux, please wait for the good news We will surely take Lisha back」
The members of Syvalles in their pilot suit with sword belt attached on their body came to Lux to say farewell before their departure
「I' on you Celis-senpai, everyone……」
Lux was showing a disappointed expression while grasping Celis's hand The other ainst Azure Division were Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triad
Until now they were acting as Lux's observer and guard, but as expected all of them had to participate in order to rescue Lisha
He felt dubious because he didn't see Krulcifer the day before yesterday and Celis yesterday, but they didn't tell hiood that he was able to see their face like this at the end
He was unable to answer their feeling but, Lux too also realized his feeling onceabsent for one day each is bothering uess……)
It was already fruitful just fro to the Ancient Forest for the decisive battle under Queen Raffi's cootiation between the coin and then it would move into war
Lux would have to face almost the whole force of the ene about, so surely she will be frustrated fro unable to meet with Lux-kun」
Krulcifer and Philuffy talked to him one by one, then the Triad ca that you won't be there but, we have to show our cool side too soave no hint about their conversation the other day
「Without Lishsaood We've to get her back here」
「Yes Lux-san also doesn't look energetic We will bring back Lishsama quickly」
Tillfur and Noct told hiht attitude
「Yes Thank you……」
Even Lux didn't understand why he said thank you
But, a htly clouded
(No…… I see, I have to say it here)
If he was defeated in this battle, Lux would be unable to meet them anymore
Perhaps even if he succeeded, if Lux's identity as the leader of Azure Division became spread within the country, he wouldn't have a place anymore in this country
That hy, he had to say it right now
「──Everyone, thank you for accepting and treating me well until now even withtime with everyone in the Acade with Lisha, it was a happy one froether with theirls werea bewildered and embarrassed face
But, they immediately smiled and poked at him, embraced him, or messed up his hair
「What a reatly in your debt Everyone here was saved by you」
「Indeed It's like you don't have any self-awareness of what you have accomplished」
Celis and Krulcifer smiled in exasperation
「It will ratitude straight in the face like that so cut it out Aah geez, I can't act coolly like this」
「Nn,excessively self-conscious though」
「Yes Even so, I'm happy to hear it」
Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct of the Triad each showed their reaction in delight
At the end Philuffy tightly grabbed Lux's hands with the usual her own pace
「Lu-chan Then, we're going now」
「……Be careful」
After finishi+ng the fareith the girls, Lux returned to his roo that he was unable to ell
「Soic That we're alone like this The surrounding becohtly too noisy since Nii-san caht be true」
Lux as lying down on the bed nodded and closed his eyes to pretend to sleep
「Please don't worry I will──protect Nii-san」
Airi watched over Lux for a while, then she went outside and closed the door
She was going tolate
After this Lux had to slip out of the inn without anyone noticing and headed to the Ancient Forest
Severala certain ialca without getting noticed by Relie as inside the inn and the soldiers ere disguised as citizens
Part 3
「Hht be reasonable if it's against big shot like the Lord, but in a battle against green bandits like Azure Division──to place us here as siuards like this, I cannot accept it」
At a deserted ground near the Ancient Forest several kl away from the palace──
At the southernmost area there──or to be more accurate, at the direction that was the nearest to the capital, several dozen Drag-Knights were stationed
One of the two coe rock and let out a long sigh along with a snicker
She was a girl avy and rough long dark red hair that reached until her waist She had a characteristic iirl who hadn't reached twenty The undulation of her body style could be seen fro the warlike sle her
The people serving this girl who gave an i at her were harboring fear and also respect toward her
The nae of 18 was Nier Helvyreat nobles Bugriser Gashtoph, a candidate to be the captain of the unit under his direct control
She possessed better skill than his real son as a Drag-Knight and as a co officer and became his favorite
So to speak she was the trureat nobles His secret weapon as bearing the responsibility for the next generation at his territory
Even as a Drag-Knight she possessed the strength of an EX Class She was also highly evaluated as a reirl like that was sent to this battle following Queen Raffi's request
「Reply back at least What a boring man Perhaps you resemble your father」
On the other hand, the other co man He didn't react at all even toward Nier's provocation
It wasn't that he was indifferent toward other people He controlled all his emotions and wore an at man's name was Dawla Schultzed
He had only just turned twenty He was the biological son of the four great nobles Zagha Schultzed
Zagha had a lot of sons Ae was far reht steadily and his aptitude with Drag-Ride that was unusually high for a ed as the best within his territory
This time he answered the request of Raffi and cooperated in the decisive battle against the Azure Division along with Bugriser's niece Nier
The youngtoward the direction of the capital while glaring at Nier for a full ten-odd seconds
「If you hate boredoreat battle against the Lord last tinaroks appearing at the saorousness co on airs too h to cut down his talking partner
However Nier also didn't back down hearing that
「Hah Obviously that hat I was going to do at that tiether with a coward like you?」
While they were killing ti-Knights with a part of their armor painted blue could be seen froh I'll be able to do the entrance won't be any significant achievement And so, it's fine isn't it? Even if we crush that so called Azure Division──」
Nier blurted that out with a fearless s the order from Raffi caused bafflement to color the faces of her subordinates
「Don't do anything stupid If the princess is killed before the negotiation, it won't finish with just your head Do you want to dirty even your uncle's naloootiation is over then We can just make up soed while her eyes that were covered with alinted fiercely
Till the end their role was as guard to prevent any intruder into this battle but, they were giving off a premonition of disturbance
Part 4
The unit led by Nier and Daas taking position as defensive line to cut off the path from the Ancient Forest to the capital At that tiuard,
Lux who slipped out of the inn andin the sky toward the stage of the decisive battle
「Vice captain, the preparation is finished How is your body's condition?」
「……I'ht We will accomplish ourLisha as pouting in dissatisfaction was flying in her EX Wyvern while talking to Lux
In respond Lux replied with a stifled voice fro his head
He said that, but in reality they couldn't really prepare anything noteworthy
Because Ale, the lineup of Azure Division was really shts at their disposal, but they were nothing th that was more than the actual reality
If they clashed with the elites of Syvalles starting from Krulcifer, then only Lux or Aeril would be able to stand a chance
Therefore, the subordinates were given instruction for a distraction ht head on no matter what They would use the treasures taken out from Garden abundantly to sow chaos, while Lux would use the opening to defeat Syvallesthat while infiltrating into Avalon, used the recording medium in their possession, and obtained information
After that they would teanized themselves, used the information of weak point they obtained, and crushed Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros
「Hah……」
Bitter s the recklessness of the objectives that were listed up
Although they had in their possession recording medium that could be played at the central of Avalon or at the library facility called the Archive, it didn't mean that it would surely contain the weak point of Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros And even if the information existed, they also didn't knohether they could make use of it with their current battle force
But, this situation of facing against a powerful eneht now he didn't have a collaborator that was Fugil, but he didn't feel any anxiety
Because he ishi+ng from the botto froirls ere important to him──
『Also, about theon Voice to convey herbeside her so that Lisha in her ar his head down before he lifted his head to fire up hiialca dispatched her aide Lolotte to detain the Seven Dragon Paladins who returned to their own country after the parade was over to ask for their cooperation in defeating Fugil, but as expected they were told once more that it was iive their assistance against the danger to the New Kingdoh the binding spell to their il had been defeated and the case of Avalon had been taken care of
『But, we're taking a desperate ht be possible to call them here Perhaps if Lux-kun can directly persuade the in that I don't know if it will be in tiht after that Lisha as carried by the arruuys are sche but, there isn't any time for pointless talk you know?」
They arrived at the Ancient Forest that was several kl away frodo position at that place that should be called as the entrance
「Are you all the Azure Diviison? Nice to reat nobles, Nier Helvyotiation and battle in this Ancient Forest」
「We don't have the authority to har the reinforcement from outside as well as the intervention of other force that isn't in the battle's stipulation That's all, go through」
The two Drag-Knights at the front who see officers introduced themselves and told theirl with nice style and self-assured air
The other one was a slender man with quiet expression
Frouessed that they were the private force of the four great nobles ere here due to Raffi's request for cooperation
「Understood After this ill challenge the New Kingdoe of each side Everyone here is to not be involved in the battle and to not even enter the Ancient Forest, is that right?」
「Right Of course if the agreement is broken, then it can't be helped no matter what is done to the rule breaker For both sides that is」
From Nier's lifted corner of the lips, the intention to join this battle was clearly felt
But, most likely their participation into the battle would be after it turned into a melee
In the first place Lux and Aeril didn't believe their promise in the surface that they would stay as watcher until the end
But, they didn't say anything more in that place and advanced into the Ancient Forest
They ere instructed by Queen Raffi to stay as spectator had nothing to gain by breaking the proht here
Rather, it would be er to reat nobles ere great feudal lords and New Kingdom military weren't in a siment exactly because he are of that circumstance
「That's why, sorry that we can't save you here, princess」
「I'll gratefully accept only your feeling」
Nier turned a nored it
It seee like in the past, she was ht now
Lux felt relieved at Lisha's reaction while entering the Ancient Forest
At his childhood──at the era of the Old Empire he had only heard about the rumor of this place but, this was his first ti inside
『How should I say it, this is a reement at that impression of Aeril
『Yeah It's like──we're inside a Ruin……』
Even though it should be a nature that hadn't been touched by hurew and the undulation of the terrain possessed strange regularity
Besides the vegetations and the ores themselves felt unfamiliar somehow
Lux led the Azure Division force and advanced straight to the center of the deep forest Before long a huge lake appeared
At the place after the cadom military could be seen at the opposite shore of the lake
They were taking position at the location that he had decided beforehand based on the inforht back
「At noon…… Just in ti, Azure Division's vice leader-sama Errr──can I ask you what name should I call you with?」
From Queen Raffi's tone and expression, there was no excessive killing intent, hostility, or even anything like anxiety that could be seen
Perhaps it could be seen as her bluffing but, this wasn't her trying to take a calm attitude on the surface
Her inside, her huhs and lows of emotion
The members of Syvalles surely didn't notice but, that hat Lux felt
Until now Lux shouldn't have given her any clue that he was the ringleader of Azure Division, but for so had been seen through
(Calm down In this situation her majesty Raffi is also still unable to use Sacred Eclipse's power──it should be so)
Now that one of the Ruins' Grand Forces was taken out and the previous Endless ended incoreatly overwrite the contradiction in reality using codoe of Queen Raffi's appearance into a girl, but if she showed her true form as Sacred Eclipse, as expected they would surely notice
(I have to, defeat her Somehow, I have to tear it off from her majesty Raffi──)
The dark side of Sacred Eclipse that was created as a system to save mankind
The truth that Lux feared had been told to him and confir you like More i is certain isn't it?」
Lux replied like that, and then Aeril started negotiating with Raffi just like arranged beforehand
The hostage exchange and then the battle──this was the confir of the rule for that
「Yes── Your side too, can you show Lisha to ies, Hahue」
Lisha whose hands were tied and her eyes blindfolded with a Blade pointed on her back slightly hung her head down
In respond Raffi slad you are safe…… Don't worry Lisha I will save you without fail」
Raffi's face s the thick killing intent that was emitted behind it
He felt the threat of Sacred Eclipse that possessed the abilities of all Ragnaroks while the other side also pushed out the restrained Al down the haers-on who are cohteously」
Aleous traitor just as planned
He was anxious because he didn't knohat happened to her after getting captured, but froht for now
「Then, the battle will begin ten minutes from now inside the Ancient Forest The soldiers of both camps that will participate in this battle are only those who are currently present here──, co out of the Ancient Forest will be considered as retreat……」
Raffi read up the stipulation regarding this battle that had been sent beforehand
「When the coiven to the eneuarantee so that both sides will protect the stipulation but, by the tiless Surrender will be done by dispelling the equipped Drag-Knight and handing over the Sword Device──is that acceptable?」
「Yeah I swear to abide by that stipulation with this Grand Force on the line」
Aeril nodded and lfited up a huge crystal for all to see
「Then──, let's exchange blow ten minutes later Until then the line of the lake cannot be crossed」
The negotiation itself ended with that, but Lux checked the lineup of New Kingdohts around the queen──the three masked people were most likely Automatas
In addition were dozens of men who seeuard
They would surely focus on their protection duty
Therefore after this they would move to the northeast side of the lake and wouldn't e movement
And then the role to take back Lisha should be mainly taken by Syvalles
Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triad were all present
For Lux everything would hang on whether he would be able to break them up from each other and then quickly defeated the to take another action?)
He also couldn't see Fugil's figure He was somewhat uneasy of that but……
『Lux-kun…… As expected it's just like the information that I confirmed……』
『Yeah……』
He secretly talked with Aeril through the Dragon Voice
Avalon was an assembly of facility that could be separated into several Its heart was the central
The rooms other than the central room were small facilities that could be used by someone with a certain level of supervisory authority
The Sky Palace that Listelka of the Lord once used was also one of those facilities
This tiement facility called the Archive that was like a library
The placement of Avalon on the whole was fundaraeneral
To locate the Archive that was hidden in the Ancient Forest and entered it, they could only use Aeril's authority as a Lord and searched for the entrance
Magialca's aide Lolotte was acco his master
He could only leave this to his subordinates in Azure Division now
「Well then──later I will have you all atone for causing the commotion this time at that time」
Raffi said that, then both sides returned into the forest and started giving co Lux and Aeril, Azure Division was made up from twelve Wyvern users, twelve Wyrm users, and ten Drake users
Each of them possessed skill above the interth wasn't sufficient at all to directly fight against Syvalles
『……Haa, this is the fault of Lux-kun who trained everyone too athered up even before I came to the Academy you know…… Or rather, if you say that then you are also one of the cause of it isn't is……?』
Aeril wasa frivolous talk must be her attempt to make Lux relax
Seen froly wide
If both sides clashed head on, most likely their side would be completely annihilated in less than ten y in order to overturn that situation
The facility called Cocoon that seemed to be placed at the south of the Ancient Forest──the plant facility to refine Abyss that they also discovered before They would aim to there
Because they obtained a lot of horn flutes from the Garden last time, they would use the Abysses that were manufactured in the plant to sow chaos
The order to the Abyss would be only to destroy the Drag-Ride He intended to forbid killing the users
『Haa, Lux-kun is terrifying Putting aside everyone of Syvalles, to think that you will even take the average soldiers into consideration』
『I know that this is a naïve thinking But──』
『Yes There won't be anythis if it's not like that』
Sacrificing and abandoning the innocentin order to allow the majority to live at their own convenience
Perhaps it was so unavoidable for statesman, but it was different fro that ideal until the very li within hith and resolve
Singlen was a man who could abandon what he considered as unnecessary
At the same time, he persisted on his own path of supre the path that he believed as correct and taking command
It was a splendid path in its oay
Lux was ai for a noble path that was different froainst him
The power of Sacred Eclipse
Even if Raffi was soh a life that was filled with hardshi+ps, ruling over people with inhuht after the proclamation of the decisive battle, Lux first aimed toward the Abyss production plant with Aeril as fast as possible
Right noas using normal Wyvern in order to minimize the consumption of his stamina as much as possible but──
『We can only hope that she will do a great work for the rest』
『It's natural but right now there is no sign of New Kingdo the plant facility like this』
『Yeah Let's go!』
He checked the plan with Aeril and then sped up his Drag-Ride even further
Their destination was a section where wreckages of stone building were lying around
They found a strange trace on the dug up ground Aeril held her hand over it
Lisha was still blindfolded so that she wouldn't be able to see through their tactic
Then, ashi+ning bluish white appeared from empty air
『A Lord's presence is confirmed Will you enter the Cocoon──Abyss production plant now?』
Only twobefore this until here
They were still in the phase before both sides crossed the boundary of the lake and clashed
The subordinates other than Lisha and Aeril and Lux were asked to accomplish different objective, and so the force of Azure Division was split into two
One group was the diversion unit against the enemy camp
After they released the Abysses from here, the subordinates would control theht ti to start preparing for that, the path to inside the plant was opened
「A Lord……? You, who in the world are you!?」
Lisha's perception was deceived using the power of Baptims that Aeril possessed, so she was unable to realize Aeril's true identity
But because she was perceiving all the other facts than that, Lisha made a dubious face
Naturally both Lux and Aeril didn't respond and continued their preparation silently
Most likely Raffi also planned to use this facility, because there was already a lot of Abyss sleeping inside
It could be said as an opening that they could take advantage because the opponent didn't think that Aeril would be rescued andwill it take until all the Abysses are released from the plant?』
『Err…… Perhaps if I have five more minutes──』
『Yosh, then illuntil the tiin for real
If they couldthat tie in this battle without doubt
『Starting the transfer Please be careful』
A robotic voice spoke, at the sahtly Lux and Aeril felt like they eightless
They were standing inside the plant when they noticed
『This place──just as I thought』
Lux looked around at the countless capsules surrounding theon Voice
Aeril also nodded in respond
『Yes It's the saround the old castle at Guernica Looks like we're right that Raffi and Fugil carried it out froht the foro
At that time the interior was somewhat destroyed from the battle, but the rubbles had been re inside the capsules once e presence……? Why is sodom's forest──」
Lisha who didn't know that the Ancient Forest was turned into Avalon sensed the strange atmosphere and muttered, but Lux and Aeril also couldn't tell her
『Then, I'll free the Abysses with uard so that no one will distur──……-!?』
『Watch out Aeril!』
The moment Aeril reached out toward the object that was the activation device, Lux felt a presence and drove his Wyvern in front of the girl to protect her
Instantly a single thrust of a lance that h the shortest route without any pointless motion was reflexively blocked by Lux's Blade
「Gu, u……!」
「──Lightning Flash」
But, the instant he skillfully diverted the spear tip, BAshi+! dazzling electricity burst to the surrounding
Celis's voice could be heard
And then, co out from the shadow of an Abyss's capsule was the special ar Lance
That spear that was tinged with electricity and could attack untilelectricity would be transmitted to the armor even when it was properly blocked It had the effect to down the output of a Drag-Ride
Thus, electricity flowed through the tip of the spear into the Blade that it touched and Lux's movement was stopped for a moment
(damn it!? This attack is──, a trap!)
In order to intentionally th into it and only concentrated on the lance's electric attack
『Lux-kun!』
Without delay Aeril wrapped Lux's ar with his Wyvern
Thanks to her i a weapon that could support, she was barely able to protect Lux
A ed by the lance that Celis thrust out once athering enough strength would surely decide the battle if it actually landed
(What in the world! Even though the battle still hasn't started, Celis-senpai is here!)
「Why are you here!? You are planning to break the stipulation!?」
Aeril whose true identity was hidden by perception manipulation yelled toward Celis in Lux's place
It was natural but, if the stipulation of the battle this ties from both sides were killed
And then, this place was located at the southwest side which was beyond the boundary of the lake, so even entering to here shouldn't be allowed until seven minutes later when the battle started
Raffi shouldn't break the stipulation so suddenly because of that
Furthermore there was no way that Celis of Syvalles could be here
They ht of the other side like that, but that assumption was suddenly betrayed
Most likely Celis had been sent to hide in this Abyss production plant before the negotiation
She wouldn't make it in ti about? I'h?」
「Tsu……!?」
They didn't notice because the head arht in Celis's eyes
She controlled Lindith hollow and suspicious atmosphere and thrust her lance once more with a tremendous speed
Lux soainst that superb and powerful attack
「Uh, gu……!」
BACHiII-……!
An instant later, the origin point of the opponent's attack was crushed and the power of the attack was pushed back as a counterattack
As expected Lux was able to deal with the attack when it was the second time, but he was unable to also block the electricity from the spear tip and his whole body was paralyzed
On the other hand Celis also received the impact of the counter and she was blown backward and faltered
「This technique is──? No, it's irrelevant If I can just, rescue Lizsharte」
For an instant her eyes opened wide in bewilder and her expression returned into a serious one
On the other hand Lux was also feelingbewildered at Celis's strange reaction while quickly pulling out Bahae!」
This ti consecutive battle, he planned to save his sta back against a powerful opponent like Celis, he would be instantly defeated
He re as buckshot to attack the ene his su of new armor
But, Celis twisted her armored body and turned her side profile toward Lux, to keep the hit on her body to the e lance at the height of her eyes and sharply stepped forward
「Wh……!?」
Even though Lux also deployed Bahah speed and equipped it, Celis's counterattack was just slightly faster
Aeril interrupted with her Wire Tail, but Celis didn't falter and charged forith her spear
「Guh, u……!」