Chapter 4: Unexpected visitors, those who fight in the dark.
Part 1
The conductor raises his baton to the right and with it high overhead, setting a pose.
As the performance that the orchestra played came to a finish, its reverberation left a dramatic afterglow throughout the hall.
In addition, each dancing couple resolved themselves to finish their dance as best they could.
And then ??
Aaaaaaah ??!
The applause and cheers from the audience shook the building to its foundation.
Just now, the third qualifying round of the dance competition came to an end and the audience hall reached its peak climax.
“…… Whew ……”
Glenn, who took Rumia’s hand to pose for the finish, finally released Rumia from his grasp
“Ah … “
Rumia, who entrusted herself to Glenn, wore a dreamlike expression.
“…… Hehe mou… I’m finished …………”
Rumia reluctantly gently parted with Glenn.
“Look, Rumia! The number of points against us is …… Yosh, we’re at the top of the final selection! “
One can even see from a distance that Glenn decided to take a guts pose next to the examiner’s seats. (TL Look up guts pose)
“?? I, Tsk!? We got the same amount of points as White cat and Re=L?? Naturally, they would make it to the finale … … but, damn… this is bothersome. … “
The Sistina-Re=L’s pair was a more formidable foe than Glenn could imagine.
The qualifying round is done by grouping several couples together, and each couple in the group performs one by one, but Sistina would place at the top number of points in any group regardless of which round it was.
Finally, with the end of the third qualifying round, Glenn’s pair and Sistina’s pair at last are placed in the same group, but …… with the same number of points it appears they are evenly matched.
(…… Tsk….this is unpleasant.)
Up until now one could advance through the competition just by earning enough points.
In short, it was a preliminary test to eliminate weak contenders, which it was good for.
However, in the next stage of the competition, three couples will dance simultaneously, and the jury will add points for technique and artistic form, and only the couple with the highest score will advance to the next round.
If one were to unluckily cross paths with Sistina’s pair they would be in danger of falling out of the competition.
(Even so, the night of the ball is still long …… no news since the time with that damn Zayeed but I can’t be careless …… if possible, I hope to stay till the last round ……)
To Glenn who was vigilantly watching his surroundings for threats …
“Fufu, well? Glenn-sensei? We stand a pretty good chance, right? “
“Hmm. Give up. “
At the end of every round, Sistina with a self-satisfied look and Re=L with her normal sleepy expressionless face would come up to Glenn.
(Gunununu …… this guy, …… You don’t understand my feelings…. tsu!?)
If Glenn loses, the possibility of making a mistake as Rumia’s guard increases, Eve might not give Re=L any orders, and at the time it’s possible Rumia will be used in some type of plan as bait. Re=L will follow Eve’s orders down to the last letter.
(…… Shit, I have to do it … …… I have protect Rumia!)
Such thoughts of Glenn remained unvoiced …
“Ara ara, perchance is sensei nervous? Will this year’s Gown of the Fairies belong to me~? “
Sistina puffed out her thin chest and with an elated expression attempted to instigate Glenn.
Then, surprisingly …
“……Fufu, I wonder about that? Sisty “
While Rumia was having fun, she mischievously wrapped herself around Glenn’s arm.
“Sensei and I absolutely will not lose? Sensei is sure to win the Gown of the Fairies for me, isn’t that right Sensei!?
Rumia looked up with a face as bright as the sun. Her flushed cheeks were strangely erotic.
“ … W-Well, ……? Leave it to me … “
“Yes! Let’s work hard together to win the competition, sensei! “
As if to show off and tease Sistina, Rumia was still intertwined on Glenn’s arm.
Rumia’s enthusiasm completely affected atmosphere in the immediate area.
“ M-Muu … Muuu! Ah! “
Sistina was pouting with her puffed out cheeks and her hands clenched into fist.
“What, Rumia! I, absolutely, will not lose!? “
“Fufu, me neither!”
Sistina and Rumia were amicably glaring at each other, giving off sparks in front of onlookers.
(Yare-yare, these guys are raising the tension in the air, they’re just embarrassing themselves. … )
Glenn glanced over the dance hall while expelling a sigh.
(However, it’s hard to believe the ball is this animated……, …… Is this the gift of Rize’s planning and management capabilities? Is she a monster... ? )
After all, even if just, Glenn was having a little fun.
Even though Glenn was on a secret mission that held the life of the girl clinging to his arm within his grasp.
(Seriously, why me of all people? … I could enjoy this if it wasn’t for that person. … )
But it is fun. There is a sense of excitement already in this ball.
Even though the ball is only halfway through, the venue is really booming and lively.
Everybody has a good time chatting with each other and the feeling of camaraderie filled the banquet hall.
As if there were an endless amount, dishes of various colors were brought one after another.
The musicians continued to play uplifting music despite just finishing the musical performance for the dance competition qualifying matches.
(Musicians and conductors huh, I appreciate your efforts …)
I having nothing but respect for the conductor who enthusiastically swings his baton, and for the musicians who continuously play on in order to keep the mood of the ball lively.
Glenn held such thoughts while subconsciously gazing at the conductor and musicians …
Before long, Glenn noticed it. The muscles along his back were quivering.
“…… Rumia….Where’s Rumia?! …… …… Tsk!”
Once he realized it, Rumia wasn’t there. Sistinas and Re=L’s figures have disappeared as well.
What a failure. In the short time I was caught up with the ball…. although I made sure to pay attention…but Rumia still disappeared from my side without me noticing it ??
“Cecil! Theresa! Where did Rumia go?! “
Glenn interrupted the nearby chat with a dire expression.
“Hmm, uh …? Just now she went with the Sistina to get food at the table over there but ……..? “
“Huh, has something happened sensei?
Glenn immediately broke into a run pushing through the crowds of students, looking for Rumia.
(Where are you!? …… Where did you go!?)
But the dance hall is unimaginably wide.
Although they are quite the distinctive group, with so many people here it’s almost impossible to find them.
(Damn it! What do I do?! Please be safe! Stay safe! Damn it … dammn it! Dammmmn it!!
Just as his patience was about to reach it’s limit ?? at that time.
“ … Please rest assured, [The Fool] , Glenn-sama”
The one who gently pulled on the Glenn’s arm, was a young maiden.
“Because [The Demons Right Hand] would never aim during this type of opportunity.”
Glenn who till then was borderline belligerent, did not understand what she said for a moment
“Shut up! What the hell could you unders??”
He reflexively grabbed on the woman and with a horrible expression, turned and yelled??
The meaning of the words that had been said to him and ?? the identity of the woman.
“Fufu, is that the first time you’ve greeted someone like this?”
The gentle smile of that blacked hair woman — felt somewhat nostalgic.
At the previous Magic Competition, positioned next to the Queen throughout the ordeal.
In the document which Albert previously shown him, containing pictures of the Researchers of Divine Wisdom Institute.
“No way ……You’re Eleanor!? ‘
The utterly unforeseeable individual graciously smiling there was none other than the Researchers of Divine Wisdom’s Second Order , [Adeptus], Eleanor = Charlet??
Faster than he could react, Eleanor gently pulled Glenn towards herself.
“So how about it? “As a commemoration of tonight’s meeting……How about one dance?”
Glenn was frozen in place by her bewitching smile as she drew herself closer to him. If one were to look from afar it would appear that they were intimate lovers nestling in each other’s arm…. a petite finger seductively trailed along Glenn’s hand……extending from the fingertip, a nearly invisible needle.
A dangerous magic could be felt from the needle. Most likely a deadly curse or poison was imbued within it.
There was nothing to be done in this situation. Glenn’s hands were tied.
“……Eve! Oy, Eve!! What are you doing?! There’s a threat here!”
“It’s pointless to expect Eve’s protection here. Right about now……fufu……don’t you think she’s preoccupied with another matter~? I also choose this opportunity I made sure that the princess is busy with something else….okay?
“……What…did you say?!”
For a couple minutes from now there’ll be a void of time. With the exception of you nobody will be able to perceive me…. So to speak it will be like a time that the line between a dream and reality is blurred.”
What a monster. As one would expect of Eleanor. It’s praiseworthy that the enemy has been able to have such a spy in close vicinity to the Queen. Hiding, manipulation, or even poking holes in the adversaries’ armor through sweet utterings, it’s possible she even surpasses Celica who is worldly renown in that subject…
There’s no one else who has a touch of death like this besides Eleanor.
“But in the first place there’s a considerably amount of risk to me if I do this.”
“……Then why did you risk appearing in front of me? Are you going to kill me?”
” No no~ that would be unthinkable. One mistake and I would surely burn to a crisp due to that flame magician~. I’m afraid I’m not prepared to take the risk of dying that way…. I just came to impart some advice that I think you could use~……”
“……Advice….you say?”
I don’t understand. The Researchers of Divine Wisdom Institute…..what the hell are you thinking?
“Don’t worry. In accordance with what I said earlier, [The Demons Right Hand] won’t be able to move for a few minutes. How about it, you’ll be given a few minutes to relax…..and you’ll get the hint how to save your precious princess, now, shall we go?
I’m not sure what type of tricks she’s using…. but if Eleanor really exhibited murderous impulse there’s no way Eve wouldn’t notice….. then that means Eleanor really has no bad intentions….
“Haaa…..can I really trust you?”
“I swear upon my master.”
Glenn was shocked how quickly she swore under her master’s name.
Despite the fact that the The Researchers of Divine Wisdom Institute was composed of madmen, the only one truth shared between its different orders was absolute loyalty and reverence to its master. Without a doubt it’s already on the level of brainwashing.
In any regard if Eleanor really wanted to kill Glenn or Rumia they would be dead by now.
“So how about it~? I wonder if you’ll entertain me with one dance~?”
“Fine. Let’s dance already….in for a penny in for a pound.”
“Fufu…you honor me.”
Eleanor smiled softly as she pulled Glenn’s hand to the central stage.
Right now, there was free time during the dance competition.
Glenn and Eleanor naturally joined the circle of dancing couples in the center of the banquet hall. Eleanor’s dance skills were simply exquisite with throwing in an unexpected twirl.
“Fufufu Glenn~. You’re very impressive…you’re making my heart throb.”
“…. So you say….”
Glenn muttered that while continuing to dance while attempting to hide his hostility.
“There’s something I would like to know. Are you the mastermind behind tonight’s event?”
“No.”
“That’s what I thought.”
If Eleanor was the mastermind, then the act of appearing in front of Glenn in order to throw their plan awry…. would’ve been too sloppy. Even though we didn’t know of Eleanor’s existence, it would be stupid of her to throw away her advantage by revealing herself, trying to bluff her way out now had no meaning.
In order to hide the fact she’s here from others……she set up this secret meeting.
“Earlier when you mentioned your advice? What the hell was that about?”
“Well that…. that’s exactly what it sounds like.”
Fufu. Eleanor who was happily laughing decided to elegantly pass under Glenn’s raised arms.
“I find it amusing to see that you guys, The Imperial Court, are completely taken in by [The Demons Right Hands] plan.”
“….!?”
While continuing the choreography of the dance, Glenn pulled Eleanor into his chest and whispered in her ear.
“I hate to ruin your hopes, but Eve’s field is perfect. Even if your intent to kill is undetectable, when the true mastermind steps out to assassinate Rumia, is the moment this will all end. It’s impossible to pull off an assassination within Eve’s field. Despite that we’re still dancing in the palm of [The Demons Right Hand] !?”
“Fufu, that’s exactly right~. It really is a shame….at this rate your precious princess…..”
Eleanor slowly unfolds from his arms and once again begins to dance.
“Without a doubt, that [Gown of the Fairies] will be a lovely final outfit for her.”
Glenn couldn’t help but stiffen at her ruthless prediction.
“Previously I aimed at taking the princesses life…. but now that situation has changed and I want to avoid that at all costs. The state of affairs of our organization is more than screwed up~. That is why I’m hoping the empire can…..completely crush Zayeeds plans.”
Glenn immediately strengthened the grip in his hand that was holding Eleanor’s arm.
“Ah….nnnn…fufu that hurts~…..although I don’t hate that type of passion, one should treat women more along the lines of gentle silk.”
“Tell me, Eleanor! What the hell [The Demons Right Hand] is planning? Zayeeds assassination plan is engulfed in mystery…..that guy is always able to sneak inside without anyone noticing, able to kill anyone in a crowd…..even more without alerting them! Stabbing, strangling, bludgeoning…a different modus operandi every time! Can even Eve really protect against all that!? What’s his true identity!?!
“That, I cannot say. For starters, despite the fact that Zayeed is unfaithful to our organization’s hierarchy, he is still considered a comrade, and it is forbidden to betray one another…..that’s the type of covenant we took.
“Zayeed is part of the radical faction of our group, and in order to disrupt the status quo he choose this [assassination] plot. “How do you know Zayeeds intentions!?”
“Our master is able to see through everything. Additionally, he entrusted the security of the organizations policies to us, and now to you. I myself cannot fathom what our master’s intentions possibly could be.”
“What the hell type of response was what?! Who the hell would obey that type of person?!
Bearing his anger, Glenn continued to dance, and to dance, and to dance with Eleanor.
But this is Eleanor. A member of The Institutes Second Order [Adeptus]. But based on what she just said, unexpectedly, the existence of the true mastermind was still shrouded in mystery.
In addition, Eleanor herself, between the radical faction and status quo seeking faction, seems to align herself more to the later.
(Seriously….what the hell she thinking!?)
Harboring such suspicions, Glenn continued to dance with a bit of fury in his steps.
“Well then. Now that our introduction is finished, I think it’s about type that I gave you some advice~”
“…..Advice…? That’s right… what’s your advice!?”
At Glenn’s question, Eleanor giggled like a little girl and said.
“That which holds the princess’s fate is…..[If you look with open eyes it is roughly five steps, with closed eyes it is eight]. That subtle grace majestically running parallel to the feelings that will run aground a certain person.]….That’s the feeling?”
“……Haa? What does that mean…?”
“I wish you success in your endeavors. I pray you and the princess have the best of luck.”
And precisely at the time when the dance ended Eleanor stopped her speech and elegantly parted ways with Glenn.
“…. Do you really think you’ll be able to escape?”
Glenn had an expression which seemed to show his unwillingness to admit defeat. He still couldn’t fathom her answer.
“Tonight’s mastermind, and his true identity still have not yet come to light. Now that you learned a little, I’m sure that now you’ll want to cause quite an uproar. Don’t do anything bad…..ne~?
“Tsk!……”
“Well then, I bid you adieu, Glenn-sama. Have a splendid night.”
Glenn had no choice but to motionlessly watch as Eleanor’s figure disappeared within the crowded dance hall.
Part 2
…..And so, before that unmoving Glenn.
“Fufu~ Sensei. Please look, I brought a lot of Sensei’s favorite sandwiches. I brought a drink for you as well. ?
“Maa, you haven’t had a proper meal yet have you? Do you look so gloomy because your stomach hurts from not eating?”
Rumia and Sistina returned carrying plates full of food, and Re=L of course came back with a plate full of strawberry tarts stacked like a mountain.
“……A-Ah…you guys…. are safe…. thank god.”
“…..Yes?”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Glenn looked at the three girls as if they were miracles.
“Anyhow in the first place why did you guys bring plates of food over? You should’ve seen that I was eating my fill earlier right?”
“Oh….now that you mention it….”
“Hmm, why did we even think of bringing Sensei food in the first place?”
“Mou….come on you guys be a bit more friendly alright?”
Despite the abusive language, Glenn couldn’t help but secretly let out a breath of relief.
In accordance with Eleanor’s declaration, nothing strange seemed to have happened to those three. Despite the fact that Glenn, and even Eve weren’t able to monitor Rumia, Zayeed really didn’t move at all.
That’s why “that dress” will be her tragically beautiful final attire…. Eleanor’s prophecy seems to hold more and more validity as the night goes on.
“…. Fufu. What’s wrong, Glenn? Why the lousy look on your face?”
Suddenly Eve’s voice came back. But she doesn’t talk about anything of any importance……. Eleanor most likely finished whatever she had to and returned that part of my consciousness back to me.
(Eve. Earlier, Eleanor appeared in front of me. It’s urgent, she ??)
“Ha? Eleanor …… What, that Eleanor = Charlet? “
In an instant an aura full of desolation was transmitted across the communication device.
“Heh….What a boring joke, trying to say I’m dancing in the palm of their hands”
(I can’t believe you! But he is really ??)
“Silence. Focus only on your mission. Unless…you want to be burned? “
Just as I thought I can’t trust Eve. It’s clear as day. Even if the positions were reversed, I would not trust her.
(Damn it…..At the very least I’ll get in touch with Albert….)
However, since Eve is overseeing the communication network, he has no means of alerting Albert.
This type of communication system, which Eve had propositioned, came back to bite him in the ass.
“Aside from that, Glenn. Aren’t you delighted? Soon everything will come to an end exactly as I predicted.”
” ………… “
Eve’s proclamation, which should have been good news, did not have any effect on Glenn’s heart, it was as if her words were a sound coming from another world.
“Kyahawwahahawahaha ? Ahhahawahahawahahawahaha ?”
Glacia’s rasping laughter reverberated with the snowstorm around her.
“What’s wrong? Hey, hey ? C’mon what’s wrong ?? “
“Damn … “
Facing her by himself, Christopher focused on maintaining his Emerald boundary barrier.
As he was concentrating on the barrier, the freezing temperatures of Niflheim slowly encroached on his lifeline.
The raging blizzard would freeze the ground and pillars of ice would rise and pierce the heavens??
Finally, it would freeze the air, crystallize, and ominously flicker across the empty space.
It’s a dead zone where if one entered for even a minute, their blood would freeze over, the simple act of breathing would be near impossible if it weren’t for the fact that one breath would freeze their lungs.
Glacia of The Researchers of Divine Wisdom’s First Order “Portals” By engraving her whole body with the seal of [Death’s Winter], she is able to endlessly lower the surrounding temperature around herself. Wherever she is ?? a supernatural disaster lurks not too far behind.
(…H-How cold!)
Christopher, who prides himself on being the Imperial Courts top defensive boundary, is just barely able to keep his barrier active against the freezing onslaught.
From his fingertips, to the end of his toes, slowly, slowly…. the storming cold which could not be prevented began to erode his barrier…. his blood began to freeze over.
“You said~? That you would prevail~? Ahh how comical~?Even though you started this you’re in this condition~? Even though you started this you fell this far?Ne ne ~ Ne ne~ ? How does it feel?”
Glacia infused even more magic into the seal of [Winter’s Death].
At that moment, the intensity of the blistering cold immensely increased.
Accompanied with the sound of glass shattering, Christopher’s four-layer barrier once again got destroyed by the unbearable cold.
“[High-speed barrier creation ? Ruby formation]”
At that moment, Christopher activated the spell he secretly prepared before.
A moment later. a scorching scarlet wall encircled Christopher.
The searing heat and blistering cold attempted to push one another back.
Originally, this technique was an offensive barrier meant to incapacitate the enemy by sealing them within. Although the two temperatures would cancel each other out on the outer ends of the barrier, Christopher could still feel his skin sizzle from the heat??
” – !”
But, despite the burning of his body, Christopher endured the pain and continued to throw jewels overhead.
The jewels flew through the sky as if they were living beings obeying his orders, at a certain distance from one another they pierced into the grounds surface??
“I won’t let you do that ? [The sword that the winter demon wields] ?
Realizing his intentions Glacia chants a single verse spell.
At that moment a frozen sword appeared next to her and flew through the air towards Christopher.
It was not a regular composition of ice. The extreme compression of cold air caused it to crystallize, the cold itself was materialized as a blade.
Touching it for an instant would cause one’s whole body to freeze over instantly.
Countless frozen swords pierced through Christopher [Ruby barrier] as if it didn’t exist at all??
“[High-speed barrier creation ? Diamond formation]!”
On the other hand, Christopher quickly moved his right hand and threw five diamonds into the air.
A moment later a multitude of lights emerged from each diamond to form the “that word” of sorcery, the pentagram.
Coming towards his magic barrier, countless ice swords shattered one after another.
The overwhelming cold air released from the ice blades began to rupture his barrier.
Before long in the face of countless ice blades Christopher’s barrier couldn’t handle the pressure and shattered??
“Ugh ??!”
The aftermath of the cold left Christopher’s right arm frozen from the elbow down.
“Ahahahahahahahahaha ? Go to sleep now~ ? Aren’t you already tired~? So, sleep peacefully? Enjoy your reward~? Listen ? to your caretakers’ song?
Glacia imbues even more magic into her seal of [Winter’s Death]…..the raging storm grew even more powerful.
At that instant, Christopher shouted multiple spells in rapid succession.
“[Ruby formation ? Cancel] ?? [High speed boundary formation ?Emerald formation? Quintet]!”
The flame of the barrier burnt out as if it were firewood??and immediately following that a five-point green light barrier appeared.
Once again Christopher cut himself off from the frozen hell known as Niflheim.
“Haa……Haa…..Haa….”
“Ara-ara? How persistent~? What a commendable Mr. Songbird? But no matter how hard you try the results will remain the same? It’s pointless to try again and again? Despite you desperately building your castle ? my winter will inevitably win out~?
Those sharp words were directed at him.
The outer layer of Christophe’s barrier began to throb and cracks ran along it.
“C’mon are you despairing already? But I guess it can’t be helped, this is the difference between me and you. ?Its overwhelmingly ? clear? the difference between us? It’s so cruel~ ? Ahh how cruel~?.
” ………………….. “
Christopher cast his eyes downward and remained silent. After realizing the situation, his face fell to despair. Christopher who was barely able to endure a defensive battle…. had an almost impossible chance to prevail against Glacia.
“By the way? Would you talk with me for a little? ?”
Glacia laughed at Christopher who shut down as if he had abandoned his will to live.
“You still want to battle? This amount of struggling is meaningless? Aaah how pitiful, your struggling won’t cause anything to happen? The world needs more love in it?
” …… ?”
” … … So, ? Christopher, please give up ? ? “
Glacia smiles in a carefree manner in front of Christopher who was doubtful of her words.
“Actually, the truth is, I don’t want to kill you? Because you seem like a ? really cute boy? Kyahh……Could this possibly be, love?”
” ………… “
{“Hey~ you? Won’t you become my plaything? ? It doesn’t sound bad does it? ? Don’t you want to swear loyalty to me instead of that old queen? ? If you choose ? me I’ll love you ? more than that old lady ever could. ?
Christopher cast his eyes down and was silent for a while as if lost in thought.
“………….Fufu …….Aha…..Ahaha….”
But. Before long, his shoulders began to shake. …
“Ahhahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawa ??
Suddenly he began to laugh as if he finally snapped.
“Ahaha ? After all ? I’m so happy you’ll become my playthi-“
“Eat shit, you idiot.”
On the face of Christopher appeared a bone-chilling smile that even made the surrounding temperature seem tepid.
“Did you really think I would betray Her Majesty the Queen, for a woman who lacks character, lacks nobility, lacks even the basic brain tissue to form a cognitive thought, that type of insolent woman? Don’t make me laugh, you whore.”
” Hmm … ? “
“That’s impossible. Whether it was just a person I’d swear loyalty to, or even your womanhood, you don’t hold a candle to Her Majesty at all. Would you like to wash your face and come once more? Now, let’s pick up where we left off ?? “
The aggressive fury bursting from his calm disguise??Glacia was taken back from how quiet he had been till now.
“M-Mou ?, you don’t have to put on a brave front….I already know ? that your right arm is frozen from the elbow down, both your feet are almost frozen and have become practically useless, half your body is charred……Now, little by little your lungs are freezing ? It’s no longer even a fight…..
“Hmm? I guess only my right arm is frozen, both my feet have become useless, half my body is charred, and my lungs are slowly freezing over? Hahahaha, I’ll have to depend on the next one…..The match will be decided after this.”
With a composed face, Christopher’s eyes remained unwavering and full of fighting spirit.
“Oh….that’s your true character? You gave off a more…. delicate and… dainty expression…?
“This feminine appearance of mine created a misunderstanding……. Are you disappointed? “
“Noo, it’s wonderful! Hidden deeply behind the indomitable soul? How can I express it? but I’m coming to love you even more and more? Ahhh I’m so grateful for today’s engagement. ? “
Glacia broke out into a smile that covered her whole face.
“Without a doubt? You’ll belong to me? Ah this is love? I can certainly say this is love? But it’s still winter? Right it still is winter? Rarara~? I’ll make it an endless spring~?
*sigh* “Hey…I know I said it earlier but…..I’ll say it once more alright?”
Christopher’s refreshing eyes shoot through Glacia.
“…..[You won’t be able to beat me]”…. that is absolute.”
“Ufu, Ufufufufufufufufufu …… ?”
Glacia recklessly imbues even more magical power. The engraved seal “Winter’s Death” responds once again to the influx of magic power, even more cold is brought into the air, and the temperature drops twice, thrice, times the amount before.
The raging snowstorm endlessly intensified ?? it was if the cold had no limit??
“…. Never ? I’ll Never forgive yooouuuu!”
Once again, the chill of the snowstorm ferociously enveloped Christopher.
Albert recited spells in rapid succession.
” [Bark my Flame Lion] ?? [Bark], [Bark]!”
Black magic [Blade burst] was activated continuously, and three molten fireballs were launched.
But ??
“That type of thing?? It won’t work it won’t work it won’t woooooork??!
Weiss’s cry echoed throughout the forest ??
Despite the rising detonations and blast, the demon’s figure grew larger as he rushed towards Albert?? he mercilessly mowed down trees as he approached him.
The aftermath of the shock wave demolished the surrounding trees, set them ablaze, tore them asunder, and flicked them in the sky??
The distance between Albert and the demon disappeared within a blink of the eye.
“?? [Lighting War God ?Swing your ferocious hammer of indignation ?Bring everything to ruin]”
However, Albert’s expression remained unwavering while he indifferently recited his spell.
With the completion of Albert’s spell??
At approximately the same time, the demon entered striking distance of Albert and raised his fist overhead.
Coming from Alberts left hand, was a blinding convergence of lighting more illuminating than the aurora borealis ??
“Hyawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahahawahaha ??”
Taking the lighting blast head on at close range, the demon slammed his fist downward.
Black magic [Plasma Canon], a B-class offensive military spell. Although the range of effect is linear and narrow, the power of aggregating and focusing the lightning energy to the maximum limit is enormous. It could even be said to be stronger than [Plasma?Field] in terms of raw strength.
And eating the beam face on, no one would be capable of surviving ?? if they were human that is.
But ?? the opponent is a demon. That demon was able to take [Plasma?Canon] head on with just a fist without much resistance.
“Dieeeeeeeee??
The demon swung his fist. [Plasma • Canon] was easily pushed back by the demon’s fist.
The directionality of the lighting was forcibly disrupted, looking for the path of least resistance it ran amok throughout the nearby surroundings.
Before Albert became charcoal due to his own back-flow ??
“?? [Gust]!”
With a raging whirlwind, Albert retreated from that spot.
Black Magic [Rapid Stream]. It is a type of magic to increase one’s mobility by using the wind for acceleration.
Due to the whirling storm, the trees in surrounding area screamed as they were warped.
Albert’s figure left an afterimage as he retreated deeper into the forest ?? and at the same time.
Gyaaaaaa!
Albert’s souvenir, [Freezing?Coffin], a magic trap that Albert left at the demon’s feet, a large amount of ice rose from the spot and immediately imprisoned him.
“How useless!”
While he casually stomped his feet, he easily blew apart the pillar of ice.
As the magic was broke through pure brute force, its pieces shattered as they hit the ground.
“Hahaha, whatever you try to do is pointless??”
At the moment the demon attempted to go on a spiel.
From the depths of the forest where Albert had disappeared, three rays of light emerged.
The true form of the light were three bullets of the black magic [Lightning • Pierce].
While Weiss was talking, Albert took the time to set up countless amounts of mirrors throughout the forest.
Three high speed rods of lighting freely ricocheted off the countless mirrors and divided the Weiss’s field of vision ?? while he was distracted by the barrage, Albert attempted to aim at his vital from his blind spot ??
But even that much.
“It’s useless!”
The demon moved at such a speed that seemed impossible for his large build and intercepted the lightning rods that drew near Weiss.
“Do you understand…. it’s not effective at all? Blistering heat, freezing cold, electric shock…your prided three types of magic have no effect on an existence know as a demon.
Weiss tells Albert, who took the opportunity to sneak back into the woods.
“In short….at this point in time you have no other option but to lose….”
Even so, Weiss was still surprised by the level of Albert’s magic.
From the continuous activation of C-class spells, to instantly switching to a B-class, at the same time reading the flow of the battle and launching an emergency escape spell, and even having the composure to set a magical trap as he escaped.
And just now, he was shot at by an irregular sniping style that boasted an unparalleled level of accuracy. Without a doubt it was a level of skill befitting one of top snipers in the world.
What exactly did he do to reach that level of skill?
It is not hard to imagine the hellish training Albert put himself through, the amount of blood he’s vomited, the pain he’s endured to reach this stage.
” … But it doesn’t matter. I will beat you at my leisure. “
Yes, I am overwhelmingly stronger than Albert. I have the demon.
While Albert spent his time on wasteful and meaningless things such as self-discipline, he continued to sacrifice human beings to his demon, creating an overwhelmingly strong one.
Don’t you understand? If you want power, you have to focus on efficiency? If a magician wants power it’s not completely necessary for them to be strong, that’s why??
“Now then … I’m about getting tired of playing with you. Your mischievous tactics are getting boring … Maa, it’s not like you have much choice before this demon’s powers. “
Before Albert disappeared, Weiss walked with light footsteps alongside his demon.
“But these trees are kind of in the way. there’s too many places to hide…….”
However, Weiss, who was strolling in the woods looking for Albert, suddenly stopped.
He couldn’t help but stop.
Till now the aftereffects of the magic battle left a giant cross burned into the ground??and inside it’s center.
” ………… “
Lying in wait there with arms folded, was Albert.
” Hmm …?”
Under the moonlight, Albert’s figure was clearly visible. There was no place to hide anymore.
Until now, Albert used the bushes in the forest, deceiving Weiss, and making surprise attacks.
Facing the demon head on in an open clearing like this left Albert at an overwhelming disadvantage.
“Oh, I see …. have you finally resigned yourself?
Seeing Albert’s figure in plain sight, Weiss couldn’t help but tremble…. but he immediately regained his composure and let out a snakelike laugh.
“You finally realized it huh … that you can’t beat my demon?”
“That’s right. How I am right now I have no way to kill your demon.”
As if it were an obvious fact, Albert replied bluntly.
“Hyhaha hahahaha …Is that right? Because my demon is the strongest! “
” ………… “
Albert was silent. It seemed like he had given up on winning the battle…..without making any moves or reciting any spells, Albert stood…..silently.
“Then….do you mind if I take your soul……?”
” ………… “
“Iiyaaaa, I’m looking forward to it! If I eat such a soul like yours, I wonder how strong my demon will become? Iiyaaa, thank you, Albert! “
Saying such things Weiss cruelly chuckled.
“Come on! Thou art thy Lord, with my true name Weiss = Cernus I order you! [The Earl of Mania] Narcissus! Eat that despicable man’s soul??!
In a moment, a devil surrounded by a strong wind rushed toward Albert.
An overwhelming mass relentlessly approached Albert??
“That’s right….. How I am right now I have no way to kill your demon.
But Albert glanced at the devil as if it were another twig in the forest ??
“?? So, I had to borrow the power of a drunkard”
“The devil raised his fist as if it were a rock, and with releasing a howl towards Albert swung downwards??
“That fist which would be able to crush Albert’s head into a pile of mush??
“….Mmhh?”
The devil’s fist, which was swung downwards, stopped just before touching Albert.
As if Albert were an overbearing entity the Demon trembled before him.
“W-What are you doing!? Kill him! Narcissus! With my true name thy lord orders you! [The Earl of Mania] Narcissus! Kill that insolent man! “
“Hmm. You seem to be ignorant of demonology despite being demon summoner……. Look closely at the place where I’m standing right now. “
Realizing where Albert was standing…. Weiss finally figured out what was beneath his feet.
Scorched into the ground was a cross??no, it was something else…. this was…n-no impossible…?
The scorched cross in the ground, to the East, West, South, and North….greatly extended in each cardinal direction.
Therefore ??
“If you look at it from the sky, it will seem this [Black Sword] points true North. You might ask what meaning this holds…. if just for a moment you switch places with [The Earl of Mania] Narcissus you might understand.”
“T-This is…..[The Demon King’s Black Sword] The symbol of Meivus? [The Earl of Mania] Narcissus’s true lord’s……?”
Weiss started to back off while openly flustered.
“Certainty, in today’s world …. physical and magical attacks could not begin to infringe on concepts know as [Demons]…. that’s one of the world’s law we abide by. However, after all, the concept known as the [Human’s Dream] was brought forth. Weak concepts fall before stronger concepts … that is also a law of the world “
Albert glared sharply at the young man and indifferently explained to him.
“I’m standing at the heart of the [Black Sword], which acts as a representative of Meivus. It is illogical for the manservant to meddle before his master.”
Albert impromptuly made this conceptual weapon while on the run.
“Aah……Aaaah…..That…! I-Impossible, was this your true goal all along!? Till now did you use meaningless spells and tactics as a camouflage to create this!?
Of course, it was not merely just a drawn symbol that was finished. In order to tempt Meives, even the drawing of a single line requires complicated and obscure magic rituals from the demonology sect.
He finally finished drawing it while fighting that demon in his spare time??
“With the symbol of a noble-ranking devil, let its authority expel the presence of a lower-ranked one. That is the foundation of exorcising demons. Therefore, on the occasion of demon summoning, be sure to pay careful attention to who you call its true name in front of…..lest you’re willingly to give them power over its name. Man can’t beat demons; they’ll always lose to them. “
Albert briefly glanced down at the demon who was shrinking in fear.
” [Narcissus ?The Earl of Mania ?Give life to the Demon King’s Black Sword ? Set free the captured souls of the dead ? From now till the eternal ?Return to thy ruins ? The law commands you]”
Albert recites the scripts passage in a dispassionate voice.
The demons body began to shine?? and suddenly, it turned into countless particles of light that scattered in the wind.
“A-Ahh!? I, my servant!?!”
As the particles of light ascended to the heavens, the demon was completely wiped from the face of the earth.
“That idiot!? No matter how much you used the symbol of Meives, to the point of even disintegrating Narcissus, not even a virtuous priest would be able do that much…..What…? What the hell exactly are you…? You’re not just a regular mage are you!?
“I don’t care about such things like that. More importantly…..”
Albert turned to face Weiss.
“Are you already out of underlings? Then I’ll get on with it, you heretic. You’ll soon get your retribution for trifling with the souls of the innocent. There’ll be no mercy.
As if he were the prey of a stalking cat Weiss slowly began to back away.
“H-Hyah….!”
For a while now in front of Albert who appeared to be a demon king himself, tears were flowing freely from the corner of Weiss’s eyes while his body shivered and trembled.
Suddenly as if he resolved his heart, murderous intent could be seen out of Weiss’s eyes.
Albert moved like a spring bursting open and began to chant a spell.
” [I?beseech thee who lords over death ??
“?? Too slow”
But at that moment, Albert’s left fingers grew blurry.
A pre-constructed time-delayed spell caused a flash of lighting to expel from his fingertips.
Albert’s magic [Lightning Pierce] ?? in just a moment it was fired with extreme speed.
That lightning bolt pierced through Weiss’s head ?? and a moment later left him dead.
“Hmm, did you really think I wouldn’t see through your tricks. Demon Summoner…?
Albert ruthlessly said such words as he watched Weiss’s corpse fall to the ground.
(…. It’s no good at all. It wasn’t even close to enough. With this level of strength, I’m nowhere close to reaching that man.)
Staring sharply at his own hand, and then…. he clenched his fist.
The memory of a middle-aged man dressed in a priest garb leaving him behind occupied Albert’s mind like usual.
On that day, the despair and hatred he held towards that man ?? to this day still clouded his heart.
But right now, was not the time to soak in the sentimentalities of the past.
” … … “
A moment later something switched in his heart, and Albert turned on his heels and began to walk away.
Part 3
Around that time??
“Gyaaaaaaaaaa??”
Bernard, who had been blown away, rolled along the ground.
“Ehh, come on already! Why are you such a lousy opponent!?”
Using the momentum from rolling, Bernard thrust his hand into the ground and came into a standing position.
Not able to fully kill his momentum Bernard’s upright posture still slid across the ground.
“Mm???”
Bernard prepared to strike back ?? but the moment he looked up no one was there.
“Your reaction’s too dull, Bernard!”
“!?”
At that moment, Zeto the magician appeared behind Bernard’s back.
“Perish!”
Sending down a heel kick as if it were a hammer strike, Zeto’s foot approached Bernard’s head.
That left heel seemed to be brimming full of electricity.
“Tsk how unpleasant! When you die??”
Bernard barely reacted in time and was able to deflect the kick with his arm.
At the moment of impact, a violent exchange of electricity and fire burst forth??
“On the bed, together with a girl nyaaaaaaa???!”
(TN Yeah no clue what this is supposed to mean, here’s the raw and if you get something else let me now ?????????????????????????????!??)
But the impact caused Bernard’s posture to break and for him to collapse ??
“Ooooooooooooooooooo??!”
Not missing out on the opening Zeto roared like a beast and began a continuous barrage with both fists.
Before his eyes the continuous barrage of fist was like an impassible wall.
“Gyawawawa!”
Bernard also let loose both of his fist stopping, deflecting, knocking awry, and repelling each of Zeto’s’.
Every time one fist met another, magic power was let loose and engulfed the surroundings.
At first glance they were equally matched, each blocking one another’s blows ?? but it was obvious Bernard was at the disadvantage.
With every blow of Zeto’s, Bernard’s body was slowly pushed back.
And then ??
“Dieeeeeeeee!”
Zeto’s roundhouse kick ??
“Hoaaaaaaaa!”
Once again, the collision of the electric shock and fiery blaze ran rampant and gouged out a portion of the ground.
“Hehe once~ again it’s came to a contest of strength…. Oh well that’s fine with me! Let’s go! Yo??”
For a moment the punch and kick were in equilibrium with each other.
“?? “Tsk like I thought is it impossible!?
A moment later Bernard lost the contest of strength and his body was blown back a great distance.
But, Bernard, who was blown level with the ground ??
“Yooosshh!”
Extending his arm into the air, he hooked around the base of a tree??
Using the tree as a fulcrum, Bernard spun around until he killed his momentum ?? and landed on his feet.
“Man…..You work hard for an old geezer…..”
He was met with pain that assaulted his whole body.
“It’s a shame, Bernard. Having the ability to continuously block my attacks without trouble ?? how magnificent.”
“I’m not happy getting praised by a muscle freak like you. I’d rather it be a cute little girl instead. But ?? you’re an old geezer yourself”
Ignoring Bernard’s rude remarks, Zeto decided pass judgement on him instead.
“I see, the you of the past really was talked about like he was some type of demon of destruction. However, with you growing senile, that absolute magical power, that violent and aggressive nature, was lost. The current you is like a defanged snake, compared to my power…. you’re weaker.”
“Hmm … “
As if he were lost for words, all Bernard let out was a sigh.
“Maa, I guess you’re right, but nevertheless I will win despite my old age. You’re right, my magical power has gone down, in those days it was like [Hyaaaaah! I’m taking out the trash] ?? But nowadays I just don’t feel like it.”
” … I hate to say that being correct is disappointing me”
Zeto spat at those words full of scorn.
“Isn’t it about time we wrapped things up here? But before that, I would like to offer my condolences toward my once great enemy who has fallen this low. I’ll erase you from the face of the earth in instant, so that you don’t have to suffer.”
Saying that Zeto clenched his fist.
Within his fist an abundance of electricity overflowed.
“I am very grateful…”
Bernard let his arms hang loosely as if he already had a plan.
And then ??
“Dieeeeeeeee!”
Raising his fist overhead, Zeto began his rush towards Bernard.
A shock wave arose that pierced through the air next to them.
Every time Zeto’s foot kicked off the ground while rushing towards Bernard, a wave of destruction was left in his wake.
In the next moment, Bernard should have turned into scattered minced meat ??
In such a situation.
“Ye-eah yeah sure my magic now seems to be weaker than your magic … “
Bernard slowly raised the corner of his mouth.
“But who~ said that they’ll follow the path of magic towards the end?”
Jakin!
Before anyone noticed, a musket appeared in Bernard’s hand ?? and he turned it towards Zeto as if to signify his end ??
” ?? What!?”
Screaming at gunpoint. An expulsion from the muzzle. A spherical warhead began its course towards Zeto.
Zeto in response to the shot knocked the ball away with his ha??
Boom!
The moment the bullet contacted his skin, an explosion of fire swallowed Zeto??
“Guah!? Within the bullet you hid another magic spell!?
But a musket can only hold a single shot. If this was his trump card, I can easily predict his next move.
?? And, for just a moment, that’s what Zeto thought.
Bernard shot yet another bullet and then tossed aside his musket….
Jakin! Jakin!
Once more, two new muskets appear in both hands this time
“Now, let’s go! Hore hore hore hore hore ??!”
Shooting muskets, casting them away, and summoning new ones.
Shooting muskets, casting them away, and summoning new ones.
With the creation of each musket, an explosion would sound out, and he would keep Zeto locked down.
The fiercely quick shots reverberated throughout the surroundings.
“Hey hey hey hey!? What happened to your fighting spirit till now!? Are you worn out already!?
“Was this your plan…!? Using your guns all along!?”
However, as if there were an end endless supply, he pulled musket after musket out of thin air.
Zeto enhanced both his arms with defensive magic?? thinking he’ll eventually overcome the barrage??
(…. No, he’ll definitely run out!)
Zeto spent his undivided attention on defending, believing it’ll eventually stop.
One could see interval between explosions slowly decreasing ?? this was the true form of Bernard’s attack style.
Between the fingers on both of his hands, holding them like twigs ?? most likely their small shape is due to cryopreservation compression magic ?? he finished loading the magic infused bullets.
The next moment via decompression magic the muskets returned to their original size, and the barrage of bullets continued. If ??
In according with Zeto’s prediction ??
“Huh?” It seems I’ve ran out of ammo. I thought I was sufficiently prepared?”
At this point in time Bernard’s attack seemed to stop.
“Ooooooooooooooooo??!”
Not missing the opportunity, Zeto took the chance to leap toward Bernard.
However, Bernard with a collected facial expression was twiddling a pebble between his right thumb.
“Still, even I’m young at heart. A rash assessment of the enemy’s strength is … “
Ka! A small stone flew overhead, immediately causing an overwhelmingly bright light to illuminate the surroundings like it was midday.
(??A flash-stone!? A magic tool!? Cheap tricks won’t ??!)
However, no matter how good a magician they were, no matter what tricks they would use, due to his strict military training Zeto could predict an enemy’s action just based on their stance and breathing.
For the time being, Zeto rushed till Bernardo was within striking range.
He ferociously threw a punch.
But, Bernard effortlessly repelled Zeto’s charge with his right arm.
At that moment, from the finger of Bernard’s left hand, a super-thin wire drew an arc through the air and danced in the sky.
That wire swung through the air tracing a path towards Zeto! Cutting through the air ??
Zeto’s right arm overflowing with electricity, disappeared ??
Dopa!
With a dull sound flesh and bone were severed off.
“Wh ??!? Gaaaaahh ??!?
Suddenly, with a spurt of blood Zeto’s right arm was cut off and flew off into the sky.
” … Anyways, if you don’t know what type of trump card your opponent has hidden, do you actually know anything at all?”
If one looked closely, within Bernard’s left hand, a super-thin steel wire was hanging loosely.
Almost proudly, Bernard was spinning his left hand and the glint of the moonlight would occasionally catch the steel wire. Splitting the air, rotating throughout Bernard’s surroundings as if it were dancing.
“Guuu uhh …… [Dispel ? Force] …. is engraved on that steel thread …… isn’t it!?”
While holding the bleeding cross-section where his arm used to be, Zeto angrily glared at him.
“Enhancing both your arms to their upmost limits by means of magic is a valid technique, especially for you…. Well the previously you that is.”
Bernard triumphantly shrugged his shoulders.
“Getting tricked into fighting with fist only to be surprised by a gun, and to make matters worse you were blinded by a flash-stone, and finally getting caught in steel threads.”
“Y-You……!? Reading through my fighting style and purposely avoiding magic to make me think this was only a physical battle…..You coward!
“?? Hahaha! Coward!? You moron! This is for the victory of the Empire! Hahaha! Generally, who wouldn’t get serious in a duel to the death!? Hahaha!”
Zeto couldn’t understand at all why Bernard was laughing that much.
“When you grow old do you devise such cheap tactics to fight!? An old bag of bones like you can’t fight head on!? Huh!?”
And, once more, Bernard gets ready to cast magic.
“But well~, I’ve seemed to used up all my mana…..I didn’t have any chance of fighting fair and square…..yare-yare, there’s still a chance that Mr. One-hand here can beat me…. now then how shall we fight now…neither of us have died yet….”
“This…..lying devil…!?’
Attacking head, one is a young man’s game….is how Bernard described it….
(Unexpectedly, this man…. fights dishonestly, and attacks hiding tricks up his sleeve…?)
Despite his age, Zeto found it strange that this old man was famed to be one of the strongest warriors in the empire. It was possible that Bernard could was going easy in order to throw him off his guard. Despite being as strong as he is, the fight with Bernard was still weighing on his mind.
(There is the possibility he is bluffing…..anyhow it’s not too bad to be cautious….)
Besides, there’s a chance that Bernard has another trump card hidden. He could’ve hidden a magical trap somewhere.
There was no end to Zeto’s suspicion. This old man’s actions were completely unpredictable.
(This is…. the Imperial Court Mage Corps Special Missions Annex 9th operative, Bernard = Jester, [The Hermit]…..what a cunning man…!)
Of course, Zeto still had a trump card. He could reveal much more power. Whether he had a single arm or neither posed no problem for Zeto, he could unleash his trump card regardless.
Nevertheless ?? losing an arm was still a traumatic experience. If he wanted to face him head on, he would have to plan it right.
Therefore, Zeto immediate made a decision.
“Now then…..if my defeat is certain no matter what….it can’t be helped. Don’t be too hard on me then…..”
“Uoooooooo??!”
Ignoring Bernard, Zeto started to beat the ground with his remaining arm.
The next moment a large explosion occurred causing dust to cover the area.
By the time the smoke screen cleared up…. Zeto had already escaped from the clearing.
“…. He retreated? Umu, that was a good call.”
After he confirmed Zeto’s presence had completely disappeared, Bernard breathed a sigh of relief.
“Yare yare…. despite looking like a muscle head for brains, that guy has surprisingly sharp intuition.”
Bernard bothersomely scratched his head.
“I’m so beat…. I’ve been hiding so long; it’s been awhile since I’ve shown my magic off…. if it was possible, I wanted to silence his mouth once and for all…..”
If someone happened to be listening in to Bernard’s monologue, they would’ve had a chill run up their back.
“Maa, oh well. This is why it’s so interesting.”
Bernard was grinning like a kid who had just performed a prank.
“That’s why I said it you know?” That [You cannot beat me]”
Glacia was standing there with an unbelievable facial expression.
Before one knew it, the frost had stopped spreading throughout the area.
“…. You….What is it?”
“Nothing particularly? I dealt with your attacks till I got into an advantageous position. That is all.”
That’s right. Christopher endured Glacia’s fierce attacks until the end.
By all means possible, at the expense of his own body, he would repair or create new barriers…….to the end his spirit remained unwavering while he endured that frozen hell.
Looking at him it was obvious the hardships his body endured…..
“It’s a reversal isn’t it. One of your comrades has been killed, the other has fled…. while both of mine are in good health. And the situation here will follow suit in a couple minutes too. You understand at least that much right?”
Suddenly, Christopher gently laughed.
“…. Do you think you can beat Albert-san, Bernard-san, and I by yourself?”
“Welll~ there’s still a way to go…..? I mean because?…..This winter is my friend…. ?”
Glacia once an again further imbued magic power into the seal engraved on her body.
“If you’ll forgive my saying so but…..your magic’s nature radiates an amethyst property.”
Christopher carelessly said something like that.
“You didn’t notice? While I’ve been deploying my barrier magic at the same time, I was secretly analyzing your magic…..trying to find out its properties.”
Pon!
Christopher flicked up a jewel with his thumb showing it off. It was an amethyst stone.”
Now then, your freezing aura…..has an effective range now doesn’t it? It’s 50 meters centered around you. Only within that range is it overwhelmingly powerful. If it’s out of that range, then it’s not impossible to safeguard against it with magic.”
“…… !?”
“Within the effective range, your freezing aura might be absolute, but it still takes time to spread throughout the air. Without exception, there’s a gap in time from when you activate your spell to when the atmosphere becomes completely chilled.”
As soon as Christopher’s commentary began, Glacia grew silent.
“That’s why at the beginning of the battle you focused on freezing my foot in place…..because you’re unable to fight a moving battle effectively.
” ………… “
“In other words…. contrary to the aggressive impression your magic first leaves…. it’s more suited for a defensive battle rather than an offensive one. Of course, the results of my analysis have already been sent to Albert-san and them. Not even just your weakness coming to light, but I can say after this battle is over…. those two people will soon begin their [hunt] for you.”
After hearing Christopher point that out, the color immediately drained from Glacia’s face.
“Impossible…..? From the beginning…..this was your goal…? Aahaa~? I cannot beat you…..? Is what you’re trying to say…?”
That’s right. [You cannot beat me] is not the same as [I can beat you].
“I pale in comparison with the raw strength or battle achievements of Albert-san or Bernard-san. But, if it’s a defensive battle, I won’t be shown up by them. Holding you down, creating an advantageous position for those two…. that is my role in tonight’s plan.”
Is what was easily explained by Christopher. Exceeding in supporting allies, in analysis of enemy’s magic, stalling a battle with a non-aggressive defense stratagem, were not tasks that could be done by an ordinary faint of heart magician. It was necessary for him to have absolute faith in his comrades.
Imperial Court Mage Corps Special Missions Annex’s 5th operative, Christoph = Flowel the [Hierophant]. He was not an ordinary magician.
“So? Do you still want to fight? As expected, I’ve almost reached my limit. I can maybe put up a fight for a few minutes before you kill me?”
Glacia put her index finger on her dainty chin and calmly analyzed the situation.
The result …
“…..There’s no way? How regrettable? Aah really what bad luck?”
A sudden blizzard appeared and started to hide the figure of Glacia….
“It seems victory is yours this time, Christopher-sama? My lovely companion ? I pray that we’ll have the chance to meet again?”
Hyou! The snowstorm started to violently swirl…..
“The next time we meet? You certainty will? become my thing…. ? That’ll be the beginning of our happy future together~? Ahh ahh it’ll be so nice? I can’t wait?…..”
Before long, the snowstorm cleared up like it never existed …
Glacia’s figure had disappeared as if she were just an illusion.
And ??
“Gahaha! So, you’ve managed to survive Chris boy! That’s great!”
“That hurts! C-C’mon already!? Please stop already Bernard-san! “
Under the moonlight, three members of the Special Missions Annex’s safely gathered.
Bernard started to clap Christopher’s back without holding back
“……Like usual you’re an unreasonable fellow. Completely different from how Glenn usually is.”
Albert started to heal Christopher’s battered body with recovery spells.
“Haha……If Albert-san and Bernard-san weren’t here then I wouldn’t have been able to act this way.”
“I always say this, but the tides of a battle can be changed by the littlest of factors. What if we were defeated? “
“……I had faith. That you guys wouldn’t lose to that level of opponents.”
“Hmm, naive. Excessive confidence impairs accurate judgement…I give you one demerit.”
Christopher smiled at the interaction between the seriously bluntly-speaking Albert.
“…. It’s over. Can you move your body? …..Don’t overexert yourself.”
“Yes, I’m fine. I can’t say I’m perfect, but I won’t be a hindrance in battle. “
Although he was somewhat staggering, Christopher, who had finished his treatment, stood up on his own.
“But I’m really sorry. I let [The Winter Queen] Glacia slip between my fingers.”
“It’s fine it’s fine! The job of young people is to survive!”
“That’s right. The truth of the matter is that this old man [The Hermit] also let his target escape.”
“Hey hey!? Did you really have to say that right now!? What about my dignity ??”
For a while there, the bickering of those three washed away the atmosphere of battle from the area.
In a ruthless battlefield, sometimes the sense of unity between comrades will bloom like it is now.
But, in the next moment, those three became tense as the air seemed to chill.
“…. Now then. What to do?”
“We’ve secured the safety on the outside. With this we can move to go inside as well now.”
“Umu, till now it has gone like how she predicted. It seems like now we’ll have to play it by ear.”
Those three appearances showed they’ve spent their whole lives living in the shadows of society.
Albert started to think while looking up at the moon.
(Because of our almost perfect victory tonight, [The Demons Right Hand’s] plan should be in tatters now…. Eve = Ignite’s information was competently spot on.)
In any case, till now everything has happened in accordance with Eve’s prediction.
Then, it’s only a matter of time till Eve arrests [The Demons Right Hand].
But will it just end this easily?
If it ends just like that then all the better but…..It’s strange just how easily Bernard and Christopher’s opponents retreated like that.
(Now then, what to do ???)
Of course, looking up at the moon didn’t answer his question.
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