Date A Live - Volume 17 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Footsteps of Demise 

“..Hey, what is that?” 

“Un? Ah, that’s a traffic light. The color of the light shows whether we can pass.” “What about that?” 

“Mailbox. Once you put a letter in, you can send it to the designated place.” 

“Then what about that?” 

“Vending machines. You can buy drinks by putting money in. 

“Well then──” 

Speaking only halfway, Mio suddenly stopped. 

“I’m sorry. It seems that I’ve been going on for a while now.” Hearing Mio’s apology, the boy shook his head as if to say that “it was nothing”. 

“Don’t worry about it. It’s the first time you’ve ever seen those things. It would be hard for you to not be interested in them.” 

While saying that, the boy also looked around. 

Neatly arranged buildings lined up on both sides of the paved road. Telegraph poles stood at equal intervals on each side with electric wires spread across the sky. 

Meanwhile within this setting, there were both pedestrians and vehicles rushing back and forth. It was a common sight for the boy who lived in this neighborhood. Still, if this were his first time ever seeing such scene, he probably would have shared Mio’s reaction. 

That’s right. After about two weeks since Mio had first meet the boy, they had decided to leave the house to excursion outside. 

Mio, who had read through all of the books at home, could now speak Japanese as smoothly as a native speaker who had lived in Japan for many years. Then, after learning a certain degree of proper etiquette, behavior, and common sense, they finally received permission from the overseer of the Takamiya household, Mana, to be able to go out. 

Needless to say, the two of them were walking in the opposite direction of where the spacequake had occurred. Although the city was still in a panic from being struck by an unprecedented disaster, people still needed to work in order provide food on the table. In order to accomplish such things, it was necessary to regain the foundation of everyday life even if there was an enormous crater. 

Televisions continued broadcasting overwhelmingly about spacequakes, especially discussing why such a disaster occurred and was repeating. Yet, residents who lived nearby the sites were surprisingly calm as they continued on with their lives. 

“Wow..uh....ah──I’ve read about this in a book.” 

“....” 

While watching Mio walk around the road, gazing everything with interest, the boy stared at her while being lost in his thoughts. 

Nowadays, her language skills were by far more proficient to the extent that it was not comparable to when they first met. Overtime, Mio’s language skills had evolved to the point where she was able to recall memories that were not clear beforehand. 

However, there were still many things that she did not understand. 

No──it was pricelessly because of the increase in communication skills that caused the things not well understood to increase. 

Mio was not an ordinary human being. On the contrary, she wasn’t even an organism born through the natural process. 

──Spirit. 

When expressing her own existence in Japanese, she said that word came the closest to describing herself. A supernatural lifeform brought forth by mysterious technique resembling sorcery or magic. 

However, while looking at her back curiously, he couldn’t sense even the slightest degree of dangerous ambience, but rather it was better to say── 

“──What’s the matter?” 

“..Wa!” 

Having unexpectedly drawn closer to his face, the boy jolted his shoulders back in surprise. Mio tilted her head curiously while looking at the boy. 

“N-no, it’s nothing.” 

“..Is that so?” 

As if remembering something, Mio fixed her posture upright before once again asking something curiously. 

“Compared to that, what is that thing?” 

Having pointed towards something again, Shidou lifted his face and gazed towards the direction of Mio’s fingertips. 

Placed in the store front of the game center, it was a large rectangular box that made a lively sound. Several stuffed toys were arranged inside the glass box, there beady eyes starting to attract nearby pedestrians. 

“Ah, it’s a crane game. There’s a robotic arm at the top of the box, right? You have to operate it from the outside to grab the stuffed toy inside.” 

“Oh? That’s something interesting to think about.” 

After the boy briefly explained the game, Mio took a brisk footstep towards the crane game, intently looking inside the box. 

Was she looking at the fancy bear inside? The boy thought to himself while slowly walking towards her side. Then, he stared at the box before speaking. 

“Shall I get it out for you?” “..Eh?” 

Hearing those words, Mio raised her head alongside showing an expression indicating that she didn’t expect that at all. 

The boy cracked a smile seeing that look. After placing the money in the machine, he began to follow the instructions for operating the metallic claw. 

Ten minutes later, although it was not a splendid campaign..he somehow managed to capture the bear doll inside before his wallet ran dry. 

“Come on──! Just like that──!” 

To tell the truth, because of the continual previous failures, the success exhilarated more than it probably should have. At the moment, the doll fell into the exit, the boy let out a large shout in spite of the presence of the people around him. The customers at the game center and nearby pedestrians were surprised to hear this before walking away with amused smiles. 

“....” 

As the boy’s face flushed red, he tightened his shoulders as he took out the bear plushy. 

“A-anyway. Here, Mio.” 

“....?” 

Looking down, Mio did seem to understand what the boy was saying or the reasons behind his peculiar behavior. Meanwhile, the boy, who still felt a glow of embarrassment, grabbed Mio hand to give her the bear plushy. 

“..? Are you giving this to me?” 

“Um, I captured that for that reason. ..Or do you not want it? I saw you look at it so diligently, so I thought you might have liked it.” 

“Like..” 

Mio repeated that word while staring intently at the stuffed doll she was handed with. 

“Like..feelings of affection..being strongly interested in something..” 

Mio murmured as if reciting definitions from a dictionary while holding the bear toy against her chest. 

“──That’s it. ..Uh, this should be the feeling of like. A way of expression appreciation to you. Expressing gratitude. ..No, it should be..” 

Mio gestured the momentary idea in her mind, Mio immediately turned to the boy. “──Thank you. I’m very happy. I like you.” Just then, she said that with a cheerful smile. 

“...Eh!?” 

That smile felt like it had pierced his heart in a dream-like illusion. 

Because of those unexpected words, the boy face flushed red as he forcibly looked away. It was like a brand new page was being written about his life with Mio starting from then. For the boy, it was an irreplaceable beginning. 

──However, the boy hadn’t noticed yet. The meaning behind the existence of the girl called Mio. 

And the existence of humans who would pursue that meaning. 

As morning arrived, there were several students in route to Raizen High School. 

During the chilly February morning, every student was wearing a jacket over their uniform or mufflers around their necks to resist the cold weather. 

In spite of that, there were also those like Hiroto Tonomachi that were cheerfully walking in the cold air with only blazers on top of their shirts. 

“Good morning you guys. The weather is nice out today as well!” 

After saying that, Tonomachi waved to a trio of female students whom were walking down the street. 

A tall girl, a girl of medium size and build, and a girl with glasses, they were the celebrated trio from class 204, also more commonly known as the Ai Mai Mii trio. 

However, the three of them, despite their usual so energetic moods, coldly flicked their mufflers around after seeing Tonomachi. 

“Good morning..that said, it’s completely cloudy today.” 

“Isn’t it cold Tonomachi-kun? We’re freezing just looking at you.” 

“There are people like this in elementary school, nicknamed the wind, who wear short sleeved shorts even during the wintertime.” 

After Ai, Mai, and Mii spoke out in turn, Tonomachi smirked as he puffed up his chest proudly.  

“So you’ve already notice my wildness. After all, girls like robust men, someone on the TV this morning said so as well.” 

“..You saw?” 

“No, I didn’t see. I only watch the basic morning news.” 

“That’s true. Ah, I heard there was a collective coma incident. How scary──.” 

After saying that, Ai, Mai, and Mii continued to talk while pushing Tonomachi off to the side. However, Tonomachi was not discouraged and raised his voice to attract attention. 

“Anyway! With this I can also send to my girlfriend──Achoo!” 

While in the middle of speaking, Tonomachi let out a loud sneeze, causing Ai, Mai, and Mii to have glance at each other in silence. 

“Wearing so little and catching a cold, you’re still far from being wild.” 

“Anyway, compared to the people you’ve never met in person; why not ask for the opinions of the girls standing in front of you?” 

“Oh yeah, for example, Yamabuki Ai-shi here has high praises for schoolboys who are certain to catch colds at the turn of the season. What amazing unrequited longing they must have, oh master.” 

“Hey wait a minute you guys.” 

As Yamabuki suddenly brought the topic of romantic matters, he suddenly tried to stop her by grabbing the neck of her clothing. However, Ai noticed immediately and twirled around to hide behind Mai like a shield. 

Then, as Tonomachi was shivering from his shoulders as a result of the coldness, his eyes widened as if noticing something. 

“Having a cold..eh, was that right? Well, I’m happy about Yamabuki’s feelings, but should I be shocked or......” 

“Wow, here is a bothersome misunderstanding! No worries, the person whom I like is not Tonomachi-kun!” 

While still hiding and using Mai as a support, Ai shouted out from behind the girl. In response, Tonomachi contorted his body as he said “Eh, let me dream just a little bit longer──” 

“Really..that said Tonomachi-kun, have you seen Itsuka-kun today?” 

At that moment, Mii’s face lit up as if remembering to ask something. “Itsuka? No, I haven’t seen him today. Did something happen?” 

“No, but I heard that beast went out on a date with Tokisaki-san. For us, we were thinking, 

“Stop! What happened with Tohka-chan!” 

In any case, we can’t agree with the intention.” “According to well-informed sources, he added a new companion to his “My Zoo”. 

“This time it’s an old-fashioned big breasted Lolita who calls him master. How guilty.” 

As the tree of them chattered about with a hushed voice, laughter came out from Tonomachi. 

“Ahaha, what are you saying. That sort of thing is impossible for Ituska.” 

“Impossible?” 

“No, it is surely that’s the truth. I’ll inform you guys after the next time I see him.” 

“Thank you for your cooperation.” 

And so, a cooperative agreement was formed between Tonomachi and the Ai, Mai, and Mii trio. With four members, they seemed to have added a new member into their ranks. Then, they looked at each other, while letting out an “Oh!” sound. 

Suddenly──at the very next moment. 

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu── 

At a timing that matched their movements, an alarm resounded inside the town. 

“! Spacequake alarm..!?” 

“No way, seriously?” 

In response to the sudden spacequake alarm, Tonomachi, Aii, Mai, Mii, and the other nearby students all clamored in a hurry. 

Regardless, there was no too much visible confusion. After all, Tenguu City has among the highest spacequake frequency in the world, so the prevalence of shelters was a must. Students were also trained in various evacuation drills, so it was clear to them of how to deal with these situations. 

“Ohhh──..do we really have to have a spacequake when it is this cold out ──.” 

“What are you talking about. Come on, it’s dangerous to avoid taking refuge. We have to head to the school shelter.” 

“I know.” 

While still exchanging conversations without too much tension, they headed for the shelter at the basement of the school. 

Just because the alarm rang, it doesn’t mean that the spacequake would happen immediately. Rather, it would be more dangerous to rush out chaotically in a hurry. 

Tonomachi and the others calmly reached the entrance and began to enter the refugee in order. 

──At that moment 

“..Hmm?” 

While near the entrance to the underground, Tonomachi stopped suddenly, his attention being drawn towards the sky. 

‘Uh? What’s wrong Tonomachi-kun?” 

“Nothing..just now did you guys see something in the sky?” 

“Ha?” 

Hearing this, Ai, Mai, and Mii looked up the sky before turning their necks back shortly afterwards. 

“...What was it?” 

“Well..how to say it, was it like a huge battleship in the sky? Something like that?” 

“....” 

The trio said nothing in response to Tonomachi. No, to be accurate, while looking at him with a degree of pity, they whispered slowly in a low voice. 

“Tonomachi-kun has finally lost it..” 

“No, isn’t it like an elementary schooler who thinks of something that can only be seen by himself?” 

“No, whichever way, it still looks pretty bad.” 

“Say, at least don’t let me hear you talk.” 

Tonomachi stared intently at the sky again in suspicious, but then waved the thought away as he headed into the refugee. 

──From the sky, an artificial despair fell down. 

The airships of Deus Ex Machina, a power far beyond humanity’s reach, casted huge silhouettes overlooking the city below as they tore through the clouds. They looked like destroyers heralding the apocalypse, reminiscent of if the king of hell had descended down to bring ruin onto the fertile earth. 

Conquering the sky, their number ranged to thirty. 

That’s right. Almost all of the ships own by DEM had gathered around the skies of Tenguu City in order to grasp against <Ratatoskr>. 

“──They are here.” 

Siting at the captain’s seat onboard <Fraxinus>, Kotori stared at the main monitor screen while twirling the stick of a Chupa Chups in her mouth. 

“Everyone from DEM has come welcome you, Shidou. Seems like you’re quite popular.” 

While speaking in a joking manner, they turned their attentions to each other, as Shidou responded back by shrugging with a bitter smile. 

“Ahhh..I’m moved to the point of tears. But unfortunately, this doesn’t quite fit my tastes.” 

“Ahaha..then it can’t be helped. We’ll have to ask them to head back.” 

As she said so, Kotori stood up from the commander’s seat, her jacket swaying against her legs as she issued out commands towards the <Ratatoskr> crew members at the other end of the communication equipment. 

“As <Fraxinus>’s commander, I Itsuka Kotori, would like to first thank everyone for your aid. 

──Then, has everyone had a chance to look at the monitor? An unhinged visitor has appeared in our city. The lowest and worst DV man, who is trying to deprive the power of the Spirits in the most crude and brutal way possible. Ah, how utterly repulsive and unsightly. Only these men who want to rule women by force would peruse them so relentlessly only to discard them after being finished. Having done so many disgusting acts, how can one not feel any disdain? Hard to understand, I wonder if they see all women as timid mothers?” 

After saying that, Kotori let out a deliberate sigh, which invoked a small laugh from the other side of the communicator. 

Kotori perked up the corners of her mouth before continuing. 

“Now, let us teach some manners to these unruly people. 

Let them known the proper way to treat a woman. A more elegant way to escort. ──Our method of proceeding with a war (date).” 

“Understood!” 

As if to respond to that declaration, a might voice resounded back from the lower bridge and opposite side of the communicator. 

Suddenly, it felt that there was a force in the air that jolted Shidou to instinctively stand upright. 

“What a surge of passion..” 

“Umu, Kotori looks really cool..” 

Tohka, who was standing beside Shidou, gave a small nod in agreement. Hearing this, Kotori turned around while shrugging her shoulders. 

“If everyone felt the same impression as Tohka, then it’s all the better. After all, it’s the commander’s job to elevate everyone’s fighting spirit. ── But pure fanaticism is useless. A cool head and a passionate heart, that is ideal.” 

She spoke out while raising a single finger. 

Shidou let out a light sigh as he admired how professional his younger sister had composed herself to be. 

However, Kotori slightly frowned while continuing to speak. 

“──Although that is true, you must be aware that the current situation cannot be said to be beneficial to us. 

Compared to the enemy fleet of 30 warships, <Ratatoskr> only has five when including <Fraxinus>. The enemy also has ten times the number of Wizards; moreover, it’s unclear how many thousands of <Bandersnatch> and <Nibelcol> will appear. Although the performance of our realizer manifestation device is superior, if we our struck first by a frontal assault by the enemy, we would surely lose.” 

“....” 

Hearing what Kotori had said, the Spirits lined up on the bridge all took in a deep breath. Kotori then turned to everyone and interjected with a “however”. 

“The only ones who can break the current situation──are you guys.” 

While gazing into the expression of each Spirit in turn, Kotori continued on. 

“..I understand it is truly distorted for the commander of an organization dedicated to protecting Spirits to ask for assistance. I’m truly embarrassed of that. But──please. Please lend us your strength. As the commander of <Ratatoskr>..” 

Having suddenly cut herself off, Kotori lowered her head while mumbling. 

“Err, no..” 

“As Shidou’s sister, I ask of you──please help by brother.” 

“Of course!” 

Tohka raised her voice while taking a step forward. Follow that lead, the other Spirits all nodded in agreement. 

“Please also let us..make a contribution to help.” 

“That’s right! Rather, we’ll get angry if you told us to stand one the sidelines!” 

“You said that it’s the commander’s role to raise the mood before war? Ahaha, im÷to-chan isn’t acting very commander-like right now.” 

“Everyone..” 

Kotori quickly wiped away the small tears that dripped down after hearing everyone’s words. 

Afterwards, while clearing her throat in order to regain her composure, she raised her face up again with a determined look. 

“──Thank you. However, since what’s coming up next is very important. ──Nia, can I think that this conversation won’t be intruded on by <Beelzebub>?” 

When asked by Kotori, Nia responded back with a rather exaggerated nod. 

“Un, for <Beelzebub> right now, it should already take a long time to search something, so it should already be no problem. ..So what kind of crafty scheme are you planning? Are you going to use Mukku-chin’s angel to open a large door for a surprise full out assault?” 

Nia spoke out while mimicking movements for shadowboxing. Meanwhile Mukuro muttered out an “hmm..” sound while elevating her brow up in thought. 

“My apologizes, but it may be impossible for Muku. Since reiryoku has been sealed, long distance travel has become demanding..” 

“Ah, is that so?” 

“I mean, I wouldn’t have allowed you to do that even if that worked. Naturally, we have to be wary of the preparations made by the other side, who knows what sorts of traps they will have. The moment after passing through that hole, we could be perceived by Ellen and have our heads severed──that sort of thing is certainly possible.” 

While shrugging her shoulders, Kotori turned her attention to Origami and Mana. 

“Would you let me hear more about it, Origami, Mana──the plan to make those irritating <Bandersnatch> powerless.” 

“I understand.” 

Origami and Mana looked at each other and gave a mutual nod before responding back to Kotori’s words. 

“But before that, I have something I want to confirm first with Maria.” 

“? What is it, Origami?” 

Responding to the sound of Origami’s voice, Maria’s voice echoed from the bridge’s speakers. Then, Origami spoke out while watch at the monitor screen displaying the letters MARIA. 

“──As I said before, the <Bandersnatch> is based off of DEM’s new display device <Ashcroft ·β>. If we can determine its detailed structure, can we give off a jamming signal to interfere with them?” 

After Origami was finished, Maria pondered for a moment before replying. 

“Although it is theoretically feasible, it’s not realistic. If you can steal the detailed design data from DEM, then it would be different story──.” 

“What if I say <Ashcroft·β> is a model made from the brain of the Wizard Artemisia Ashcroft?" 

“..What did you say?” It was Kotori who distorted her expression in response to Origami’s words. 

Shidou raised his brow in confusion. 

“Artemisia..is that the woman who was with Ellen?” 

“That’s right. The former ace Wizard of Britain’s anti-Spirit force, the SSS. Mana replied back while crossing her arms. 

“DEM’s realizer manifestation device originally had to be controlled from the outside using the human brain. But by tracing her brain, they succeeded in incorporating an autonomous control function in the realizer manifestation device.” 

“──If we can catch her, can you write a jamming code for <Ashcroft·β> by analyzing her brainwave data?” 

“....Perhaps, it is possible.” 

After a moment of silence, Maria finally responded back. As the Spirits and the crew members all let out an excited “Ohh!” sound. 

However, Maria quickly interjected to simmer down the mood. 

“Still, it’s based on the premise that we can successfully capture Artemisia. Her magical power is only second to Ellen. Even with all of the Spirits here, it wouldn’t be easy to capture her.” 

“──I have an idea about that matter.” 

“Idea?” 

After being questioned by Shidou, Origami and Mana nodded at the same time. 

“Hard to say, she has always been skeptical of DEM’s method of doing things. It’s difficult to imagine that she would follow DEM so obediently. Considering that she can’t remember me or Origami, it’s likely that her memory has been modified.” 

“Yes. That’s why──I want to borrow everyone’s power.” 

Origami spoke out the battle plan in an indifferent manner. 

Hearing that proposal, the other Spirits couldn’t help but stare in amazement. 

“Kaka, it’s quite interesting. Certainly, it’s possible that this is true.” 

“Consent. As expected of Origami-sensei, it’s a great plan.” 

“Hmm...well, we should at least give it a try.” 

As the each spoke out in turn, the Spirits all gave a show of approval. Kotori seemed to be in thought for a while, but not much longer, she raised her face as if having made a decision. 

“──I understand. But be careful.” “Umu!” “..Alright, I understand. We absolutely won’t overdo it.” 

As Tohka gave a powerful affirmative nod, Natsumi gave a quick nod before shifting her line of sight. 

As Kotori returned the gesture to the both of them, she then moved to look at the screen displaying the letters MARIA. 

“Now then..next up is you, Maria. Even if the current strategy is successful, there is still the large army of <Nibelcol>. If we don’t do anything about that, it will be impossible to reach Westcott.” 

“I already know.” 

Maria repeated those words once again as she replied back in a quiet voice “The <Nibelcol> are a pseudo-Spirit created from the power of <Beelzebub>. From that, it is also true from the result of the analysis then──” 

Then, Maria explained the countermeasure for the <Nibelcol> to everyone. Consequently, one after another, the faces of the audience that heard were flushed with an astonished color. 

“Wha...are you serious, Maria.” 

“T-that, is that method.really okay..?” 

“What are you saying Maria! Don’t you understand the situation!? I can’t allow you to this!” 

Everyone’s emotions were in an uproar as Kotori let out the loudest protest. But it was no wonder that they were After all, Maria’s scheme was surprisingly excessive. 

“Of course I also understand the current situation as well. How absurd my proposal may sound. ──However, just as Kotori said, we cannot win without doing something about the <Nibelcol>. I assure you there is no other way to neutralize the <Nibelcol>.” 

“But....even so that is too──” 

“──No.” 

Having been silently listening up until now, Shidou interrupted Kotori. Then, he raised his head while clenching his fist. 

“Let’s do it. If this is the only way. Rather..it would  better to say that this method fits our style the most.” 

“Shidou..” 

With an uneasy expression, Kotori look at Shidou for a moment──but immediately afterwards the emotions seen there rustled like a piercing gaze. 

“..Yeah. Yes, you’re not wrong.” 

Then, with a swish of her jacket on her shoulders, Kotori turned to look forward at the bridge. 

“Tell the entire fleet. Share the strategy with everyone! Make sure the plan is successful!” 

“Understood!” 

The sound of the entire crew responding back to Kotori shook the entire bridge. 

With her entire body passionately immersed in the mood, Kotori raised the corners of her mouth. 

“──Let’s teach them a lesson. Let them know how ridiculous it is to fight against us in Tenguu City.” 

The metallic devil approached the skies of Tenguu City, DEM Industries’ Aerial Fleet. 

While sailing from the back, the voice of the crew echoed on the bridge of the flagship <Lemegeton>. “──It’s has already been confirmed that there are five airships above Tenguu City.” 

“Identification and reaction analysis. All of them belong to <Ratatoskr>.” 

Amidst this chaotic environment, the sound from each ship intermingled with the communicators passed through the speakers and resounded in this noisy place. 

“<Honorius>, battle preparations are ready.” 

“<Almandal>, <Bandersnatch> are ready for deployment.” 

“<Galdrabók>, the Wizard unit is also ready here.” 

“──Good.” 

Receiving the countless reports trembling in his eardrum, Westcott voiced an exaggerated approval of consent. 

Then, he turned to the monitor displaying <Ratatoskr>’s warships, raising the corners of his lips like a predator taking aim at its target. 

“Looks like <Nightmare> had already conveyed my message. ──Or is it us that hasn’t notice that this is already another world she has reset?” 

He stroked his chin while smirking. At that moment, Ellen, who was right beside him, looked up at the monitor and voiced her opinion. 

“Five ships huh.──So <Ratatoskr> seems to be mobilizing all of their power.” “Ahh. That was a good call. If I were the commander, I would have done the same. If they don’t go on the offensive now, then they have no eyes for victory.” 

“Offensive? Aren’t they supposed to be the one’s protecting Itsuka Shidou?” 

As Ellen tilted her head curiously, Westcott replied back with an “ah” while point his finger at his own heart. 

“They will probably aim for either mine or your head. For the reason behind this battle formation, they understand that if we are not here, DEM will naturally disintegrate.” 

Ellen faintly frowned after Westcott had finished. 

“Since you’ve already anticipated this Ike, you’re better off staying at a safe place.” 

Ellen replied back with shrewd concern; however, Westcott slowly shook his head in response. 

“They are here to face us with all of their power because I am here. Even a one in a thousand or one in a million chance would not change the light of hope in their eyes. However, if they are unable to see even the slightest chance for a reversal, then they would most likely choose to flee. That is too troublesome. Even with <Beelzebub>, it would be very annoying if they hide Itsuka Shidou and run away.” 

After Westcott had finished, the <Nibelcol> gathering around the captain seat began speaking in sync in agreement to what he had said. 

“It’s just like that.” 

“Ellen, you don’t even understand something of that level?” 

“Is it because your brain is aging? Why don’t you try some mental exercises?” 

“....” 

“Calm down, Ellen. Do you want to reduce the number of allies before the battle even starts?” 

Behind them, Artemisia, prevent Ellen from slowly raising her hand. Ellen snorted back in an uproar. 

“Well, don’t feel bad Ellen. After all, that isn’t the only reason.” 

“..What do you mean by that?” 

“This is our battle, a revolution we started to change the world. ──Naturally, I can’t let you head off to the battlefield alone.” 

“....” 

Ellen started at Westcott’s eyes in silence for a while before nodding her head and lowering her gaze. 

“..Yeah, that’s true. You’re right, Ike.” 

“Ahh.” 

After her brief reply, the nearby <Nibelcol>, all had a slightly bored expression as if not understanding what was just said. 

“Well then, shall we get started ──captain.” 

“Yes.” 

In response to Westcott’s command, the captain of <Lemegeton>, Ernest Brenan, whose rank was equivalent to a commander, voiced out the commands. 

“──Then let the battle begin. Each ship, deploy the first wave of <Bandersnatch>.” 

“Roger that.” 

The captains of the other aerial fleets scattered around in response to Brenan’s instructions. 

At the same time, the storage hatch of the aerial ship displayed on the monitor opened, injecting out an innumerable amount of <Bandersnatch> from the inside. 

The scenario resembled a collective of insect eggs all hatching simultaneously. If there was a person with a phobia of closed spaces, they would likely get goosebumps at the mere sight of this. Even Ellen felt slightly unnerved at the sight. 

“<Notoria>, <Picatrix>, <Albert>, prepare to launch the magical cannon. The target is the <Ratatoskr> ──airship.” 

At the next moment, just as Brenan was preparing to give the firing order, several explosions were heard on the bridge. 

“──What happened?” 

“Yes! The <Bandersnatch legion has been attacked!” 

“What is it? Is it the <Ratatoskr> ship?” 

“No, this is──.” 

“──Kihihihihihi.” 

Just as the crew members were reporting the situation, loud laughter was heard coming from the speakers. 

Immediately afterwards, one of the monitors displayed a girl’s face. 

Black hair that was unevenly tied on both ends and a golden clock on the shined brightly in the left eye. The Spirit Tokisaki Kurumi. Apparently, she was looking directly at the head camera installed in the <Bandersnatch>. 

“Attention please, can you hear me vile Wizard-san.” 

“..<Nightmare>.” 

Ellen sharpened her gaze as she called out the designated codename. Then, a number of “Kurumi” appeared on the main monitor projecting the sky. “I’ll hunt you guys next. You may already be scared and incontinent, but please do not run away. " 

“What did you say?” 

As Ellen was raging loudly, the sound of camera being smashed was the last scene heard and seen before the image and sound disappeared. Lost in her anger, Ellen grinningly gripped her fist. 

The scene of numerous <Bandersnatch> being slaughtered one after another by the Kurumi army was all reflected onto the main screen. Seeing this, captain Brenan gave out his instructions. 

“Tch..<Honorius>, cover the <Bandersnatch> legion.” 

“Roger that. Barrage──” 

However, the response from the <Honorius> ship captain was interrupted by a loud explosion. From the bridge’s speaker, they could only hear a noise resembling a scream. 

“W-what just happened?!” 

“Gu......they seemed to have been bombarded from the ground.” 

“From the ground..? What is going on, the <Ratatoskr> ship hasn’t made any movements yet.” 

“..! Captain, please look at this..!” 

As one of the crew members seemed to have noticed something, a voice was raised coming from the operations counsel. Then, a part of the main screen displayed a view of the town below <Honorius>. 

“Wha──” 

When he saw the scene, Brenan was rendered speechless. 

But that was to be expected, after all, the place he was looking at stood a building with a magical cannon on the roof. 

No, it wasn’t just that.  Even the homes and streets of many ordinary people, as well as buildings that look like commercial facilities, have changed from their original appearance by undergoing a threatening deformation mechanism, preparing to aim their muzzles at the sky. 

Brenan’s eyes widened in alarm when faced against the unexpected sight. 

“What the hell is with this city..!” 

“West Tenguu block 4 building cannon has landed a hit on the enemy ship!” 

“──Humpf.” 

Hearing the report from the crew members, Kotori made a victory pose while sitting on the captain’s seat. 

Then, while looking at the enemy fleet displayed on the main screen, she twirled the Chupa Chups stick in her mouth. 

“Were you taken by surprise? Continuing the bombardment while shifting from block 4 to 5!” 

“Understood!” 

As the reply was transmitted through the communicator, magical artillery was once again released from the ground to the DEM ships. 

Looking at this sight, Shidou felt a cold sweat drop down from his cheeks. 

“What can I say..it feels surreal? To think there was something like this in Tenguu city..say, the supermarket I patron frequently just shot out a light beam..” 

Then, Kotori lifted up her arms while issuing a proud huff of satisfaction. 

“When <Fraxinus> was being rebuilt, why do you think we were using the underground Tenguu facility as our headquarters? Did you think that with so many device underground, there was nothing prepared on the ground as well?” 

“Ah──..” 

After being told by Kotori, Shidou suddenly remembered. To be sure, just as Kotori had said, <Ratatoskr> had numerous underground facilities underground of Tenguu City. 

Of course, since private lands and roads cannot be tampered with, he thought that the land must have belonged to <Ratatoskr>. Still, he did not expect that there would be such equipment hidden away. 

“Nevertheless, the turrets on the ground can only hold them back at best and break apart the opponent’s formation. ──All ships deployed, begin the attack on the enemy ships. The Wizard support unit will assist the Spirits.” 

“Understood!” 

Upon receiving orders from Kotori, the <Ratatoskr>, the crew members onboard began to move accordingly. 

While overlooking that, Kotori turned her attention to the Spirits lined up beside the captain’s seat. 

“──Everyone, please. Follow the plan.” 

“Umu!” 

“Kaka, at last, we are departing for battle.” 

“Leaving. I’ve been anticipating this.” 

“Mun, then let us depart.” 

Tohka and the others all gave a nod of consent to each other before lining up to depart on the teleporter. 

Onboard DEM’s flagship <Lemegeton>, various reports were chaotically distributed around. 

“<Honorius>’s Permanent Territory Area declining by 10%!” 

“The artillery is being re-fired!” 

“The <Bandersnatch> legion is being decimated one after another!” 

“Ku..” 

Captain Brennan slightly distorted his expression, seemingly flustered about how to handle the situation. 

Still it was to be expected. Having arrived planning a pre-emptive assault, they were the ones who ended up being caught off guard by the other party. 

However, Westcott, who had nestled himself behind the captain's seat, twisted himself with joyful pleasure. 

“──Ahahahahaha.” 

“..? Mr. Westcott?” 

“Is this not quite exquisite. We shall accept the challenge. Confusion and chaos in the battle is the domain of a scant army force. As long as we calm down, we can use all of our strength to land a decisive blow. ──There should be no regrets. Deploy the second batch of <Bandersnatch> and Wizard units. Oh, and ask for the support of the local AST. Let’s also give them a place for active participation.” 

“Yes──!” 

In response to Westcott’s commands, Brenan transmitted the orders to the rest of the fleet. 

Westcott swiftly turned his attention to the strongest fighting power that DEM boasted. 

“It’s just as you heard, Ellen, Artemisia, <Nibelcol>, we will meet the enemy with full power. There is only one directive. ──Those who are conspicuous, slaughter them all. For those people apart of that ridiculous <Ratatoskr>, let today be their final day of Ragnarok.” 

“Yes. Victory will belong to you.” 

“Understood.” 

“Huh, Otou-sama, I think we alone are enough.” 

As each of the three parties gave their own reply, the three beautiful devils danced into the sky. 

“──Kihihihihi. Come, let us depart we. Let us gracefully charm and ravage the enemy together.” “Yes, yes!” “How exciting, truly exciting!” Follow Kurumi’s command, numerous clones climbed out from the shadows. 

The clones flew through the sky like a black flash, shooting down the airborne <Bandersnatch> in the air one by one with the pistols in their hands. 

Kurumi’s clones versus the <Bandersnatch> legion. Although both sides were based on quantity, Kurumi’s side had the advantage in terms of individual strength. Despite the <Bandersnatch>’s efforts to advance forward, their resistance ended the moment they were pierced through the chest, arms twisted off, or shot in the head. 

“Kihi! Kihihihihihihi!”

“To think that they would use such mechanical soldiers against me.” 

“If you’re not going to even try, hurry up and offer the general’s head──!” 

However──at the very next moment. Several pieces of paper flew down next to the dismantled <Bandersnatch>. 

From there, several many maidens with lustrous dark grey hair appeared, piercing through the body of a clone with sharp precision. 

“Gi──!”

”A brief dying voice was heard from a clone before falling down to the ground. 

“Me!” 

“Hmm..so you’ve come out, mass produced type.” 

Kurumi turned her attention to the <Nibelcol> now licking her blood stained arm. 

“Mass produced type? Should I really be hearing that coming from you?” 

“I’ve thought about it before, but aren’t you all ripping of my character?” 

“Take that back. You don’t get to decide who is ripping of whom.” 

“──Very well. Let me present your head before your favorite Otou-sama.” 

Kurumi let out a devilish grin while she and her clones all pointed their muzzles at the approaching <Nibelcol>.” 

──Several sparks illuminated the sky of Tenguu City. It was a scene too disjointed from reality. 

There were several battleships in the air, along with countless Wizards. One’s field of vision was distorted by the reflection of the myriad mechanical humanoid dolls. The deformed buildings from the ground were attacking the warships above without interruption. Furthermore, the mechanical dolls were being constantly undermined by the Spirit <Nightmare>. 

“Wha..” 

While watching the unexpected battlefield lay out in front of her eyes, a shocked voice squeaked out from Kusakabe Ryouko’s throat. 

“What is this..” 

As Captain of AST, and as a Wizard, they had experienced many blood-filled battlefields. While not completely intact without injuries afterwards, they at least survived fighting <Princess> and <Hermit> and the other Spirits at DEM Industries Japanese Branch. 

However, even for Ryouko, such a sight was too abnormal. 

Compared to the usual scuffles, both the size and scale were too different. The melee covered the entire sky as the battlefield stage. In addition, among the reaction designated as enemy, it was not only Spirits, but Wizards and battleships included as well. 

It was no longer merely the AST main task of countering the Spirits. 

The sight to behold spreading right now was an undeniable war. 

Being suddenly ordered in such a military battlefield without being informed of the reasons for dispatch, the degree of confusion of AST’s main players, led by Ryouko, could be visualized. 

“Captain..” 

Then, Mikie’s voice was heard coming from the communicator headset. 

“This is what Origami-san had said..right?” 

“............” 

Listen to Mikie’s words, Ryouko remained silent for a while. Certainly, it’s true that the current situation was the same predicted by her former co-worker Tobiichi Origami two days ago. 

“Sure enough, Origami-san told us to hide behind the front lines..” 

“W-what are you talking about? No matter what the form, the mission will not change. As long as there is a Spirit, it is our job to defeat it.” 

“But..” 

Mikie still refused to stop. 

As her superior, it was appropriate to scold Mikie for arguing against the order...however, Ryouko just snorted and said nothing. To be honest, Ryouko’s current mood was similar to Mikie’s. 

Even if she was a former colleague, she couldn’t completely believe in Origami. However, if she would go so far as to say that the contents of what she had said were completely unfounded, that wouldn’t be the case either. 

Based on the various events that have occurred so far, a considerable number of doubts and mistrust has accumulated weight against DEM. Depending on the individual as well, there seemed to be people who think that a mutual understanding can be reached through communicating with the Spirits. 

However, the pride and responsibilities as captain of AST had forced her to minimize these sentiments that were expected to flow. 

No — not only that, but more accurately. 

The moment of believing in Origami’s words was the same thing as accepting that everything done up until now had been a mistake. To acknowledge that terrified herself. 

At that moment, while perceiving such thinking, the communication system rang──it was a Wizard from DEM Industries. 

“──Hello? Are you Captain Ryouko-san from AST?” 

“..Yes, it’s me? Who is this?” 

“DEM second executive Irene Fox. I appreciate the cooperation──the situation is urgent. Please launch an assault on the Spirits at this location. We will provide support for you.” 

“Ha..? Wait, how come so suddenly.” 

Having not responded back to the question, the communication was cut off shortly. Just like that, a mark was projected onto the map indicating where to go. 

Looking on the position being on displayed, just as Eileen had said, there was Spirit fighting against the mechanical dolls──it was <Hermit>. 

“Ah, shit, what the hell is this?” 

Ryouko anxiously scratched her head and let out a deep sigh before injecting energy onto the arm holding her laser gun. 

“Work is work. Let’s go!” 

“U-understood....!” 

As Ryouko gave out her commands, the AST members responded back despite the hesitation in their voices. While operating the thrusters attached to their backs, they formed a formation to attack <Hermit>. 

“Eat this!” 

“! Ka──” 

As Ryouko released a barrage from her laser gun, <Hermit> responded back by gathering the cold air to form a defensive ice barrier. 

Even so, it was a routine matter to be expected for a Spirit to prevent this level of attack. Ryouko issued out the next set of orders to her team members. 

“Get around from behind! Pay attention to the cold air! Even the voluntary Territory will be frozen!” 

“Okay──” 

At that moment, the voices from her team members got interrupted. 

To say it more precise, it was drowned out by the loud warning sound resounding in their ears. 

“Wha──” 

From the approaching heat source, there was a strong energy reading coming from behind. After seeing the undisputed fact displayed in her field of vision, Ryouko choked on her breath. 

But of course that would happen. The response was not something from the Spirit──it was an attack issued out by the DEM Wizard who had just sent the message. 

After some brief confusion, Ryouko immediately understood. 

That DEM’s wizards had no intention of helping from the very beginning. 

Their only purpose was to create a momentary opening on the Spirits for them to exploit. That’s right, alongside the AST members who were pinned; they continued to attack the Spirits── 

“..Tch!” 

Everyone was strengthening their bodies in preparation for being hit by the magical artillery. 

However──the expected shock never came. 

The moment, just as the magical artillery was about to be burned against their backs. 

“<Michael>──<Rātaibu>.” 

After suddenly appearing there, the girl twisted a giant key like staff. A huge hole opened in space, sucking in the magical bombardment. 

The next moment, a similar hole was created again behind the very same Wizard who had fired the magical cannon, from which the energy that was sucked in was subsequently released. 

“Eh..!?” 

The Wizard, Irene Fox who was subjected to her own attack, let out a painful groan before collapsing towards the ground. 

“Huh..?” 

Ryouko stared in open befuddlement at the girl who suddenly appeared in front of her eyes. Long blonde hair and a key-shaped angel, although this was Ryouko’s first time seeing her, the glittering garments she was wearing was unmistakably the armor worn by the Spirits. 

“──Hmm. You seem unlike the other people. Well, are you the AST that Origami was speaking of?” 

“U-uh..” 

──Had they been saved by the Spirit? From the unexpected state of affairs, Ryouko could barely let out a mumble. Then, <Hermit>, while riding the giant rabbit, revealed her appearance by releasing the giant ice wall. 

“I’ve heard the situation from Origami-san. ..Please, you all need to stay way.” 

“Yes, yes. Too much mischief and even the usual gentle Yoshinon will get angry.” 

“Ha..w-what are you..”

“Mun, let’s go, Yoshino, Yoshinon.” 

“Yes..!” 

“Okay!” 

With Ryouko still in a confused state, the Spirits nodded to each other before leaping into the sky. 

Then, as silence flowed in the air for a while, everyone gathered around Ryouko. Not a single one had time to process what just happened. 

“....! C-captain, are you alright!? Are you injured?” 

After a few seconds, Mikie let out a voice that seemed to free her from this paralysis. Hearing that sound, Ryouko’s shoulders shook for a bit. 

“Ah, yeah, I’m fine. No problems..thanks to the Spirits.” 

“....” 

As Ryouko spoke out, the AST members fell into silence once again. Sure enough, it didn’t seem that what was just seen was a mistake or hallucination. Ryouko grated against her head. 

Ryouko and the others came at DEM’s request, only to likely for the intention of being discarded by DEM’s Wizards. Even worse, they were saved by the targeted Spirit. 

(──The information that Spirits are organisms with only destructive intentions should be regarded as propaganda from DEM. From the very beginning, we’ve only been dancing at the palm of DEM’s hand.) 

Ryouko remembered what Origami had said to her two days ago. In her mind, there was a deep conflict between emotion and reason. 

That was natural after all. Ryouko and the rest of AST had been fighting Spirits for both the sake of humanity and the world. Even if they suffered numerous injuries and exposed their lives to danger, they had lived with that pride up until now. It wasn’t easy to reject that history so far. 

However, in the present situation, the longstanding accumulations of suspicion towards DEM had pushed away the fear simmering in Ryouko’s chest. 

“──────Tch.” 

Bang! 

Ryouko crashed her laser gun against her forehead. Looking at their captain’s startling behavior, the AST members curled their eyebrows in surprise. 

“..You guys.” 

In terms of time, it was at most ten seconds. But during that time, Ryouko condensed everything in her life in her thoughts. Then at last, Ryouko opened her mouth. 

“..Prepare for re-employment, until then, do whatever you want.” 

“....!” 

The AST members returned that order with both confusion and surprise── But overshadowing even that, there was a rising sense of excitement. 

“Fu──” 

While equipped with both her limited Astral Dress and <Ratatoskr> CR-Unit <Brynhildr>, Origami let out a light breath. Then at the same time, the visual support surrounding her eyes captured the location of all of the surrounding enemies. 

Then, in line with that action, several feathers floating around Origami shuffled into the sky at a speed unmatched by the naked eye as they began to emit light from their tips. 

The Angel of Light, <Metatron>, all of the <Bandersnatch> who had received that blow all had their heads uniformly punctured and fell into the ground. 

However, no matter how many were defeated, no matter how many <Bandersnatch> units were slaughtered, the next wave would flock in succession.  Although a single unit was not a big deal, this level of quantity was still a threat. 

“──Tch, no matter how many are knocked down, it’s still endless.” 

Accompanying that voice, a girl with a black CR-Unit flew behind Origami. Like Origami, Mana was also in charge of annihilating the <Bandersnatch> position at the rear. 

“Sure enough, we have to sever off the source.” 

“I understand.” 

As Origami replied back with a small nod, there was another voice coming from behind. 

“──Origami-san! Mana-san!” 

“Mun, we’ve kept you waiting.” 

After saying that, Yoshino, who was riding the ice angel <Zadkiel> and Mukuro, who was holding the key angel <Michael>, had both arrived. 

“You’re late; I was worried that something had happened.” 

“S-sorry..” 

As Mana lashed out in a sharp glint in her eyes, Yoshino lowered her head in apology. 

“We were delayed for a brief moment by your old friends.” 

After Mukuro had refuted, Mana, having likely been aware of what happened, scratched her face lightly. 

“Ah..I see. Are they really still coming?” 

After saying that, Mana secretly glanced over to Origami. 

Origami closed her eyes for a short moment, and then took in a deep breath before replying. 

“──Anyway, the team is now complete. We’ll shift to the strategy.” 

Yes, in order to increase the success rate for the operation, Origami had gathered together a team. 

Origami, Mana, Yoshino, and Mukuro had all gathered together as the team for capturing Artemisia. 

The team’s goal was to neutralize Artemisia as soon as possible and escort her to <Fraxinus>. From there, they would use her brainwave data to stop the movements of the <Bandersnatch>. 

Onboard Fraxinus, Kotori was overseeing the war situation, alongside with Nia who providing analysis support. 

On the side, Miku with <Gabriel> and Natsumi mimicking with <Haniel> was enhancing everyone’s abilities with a performance from their angels. As for the task force to deal with the <Nibelcol> it was Tohka, the Yamai sister, and── 

“──Origami-san!” 

At that instant, Mana’s voice echoed in her eardrums. 

“..!” 

Responded to that voice, Origami reflexively raised her hands. 

The next moment, a tremendous force was pressed against Origami’s spear <Einherjar>. 

From the sky, a Wizard had flown at an ultra-high speed while gesturing a slashing movement with a laser blade. 

Heavy pressure was transmitted to her arm. A voluntary Territory area knitted with dense magic was felt directly against her dry skin. At that overwhelming speed, even Origami wouldn’t have been able to react if she hadn’t heard that voice just now. 

Even in DEM, there should be few Wizards whom possessed such power. Second Executive Manager Ellen Mathers and── 

“Artemisia..!” 

Origami called out the name of the Wizard that had just released that sword swing──Artemisia Ashcroft took a few steps back from Origami by using her body to ride the momentum of Origami’s counterattack. 

“──Ya, long time no see. Did we meet in space last time?” 

Artemisia spoke out as if she had just run into a friend by coincidence. Origami kept <Einherjar> up at a safe distance. While Mana, Yoshino, and Mukuro were surprised by the unexpected arrival of their goal, they also assumed fighting stances as well. 

However, even though Artemisia was surrounded by four people, the casualness of her tone did not diminish as she continued speaking. 

“Tobiichi Origami──I’ve looked into you a bit, but I don’t remember. I don’t know why, but it’s an itchy feeling. Perhaps we’ve meet somewhere else before?” 

After saying that, Artemisia slanted her head in a cute gesture. Origami responded back while keeping her in within the range of sight. 

“..You were given a memory treatment by DEM. If you come with us, we can probably cure you.” 

“──Eh?” As Origami spoke out without hiding any details, Artemisia widened her eyes unexpectedly. 

“Uh..so you’re saying that Westcott-san and Ellen have been deceiving me?” 

“Yes.” 

“Un..” 

As Origami gave a short reply, Artemisia sighed after several seconds of thinking. “Sorry, I don’t believe it. ──Because you are all Spirits.” As soon as she finished, Artemisia’s figure swelled. 

With the Territory ejected by her body, there was no need for any preliminary actions. 

“..” 

Origami instantly raised her laser spear. Heavy impact, as the laser blades of light knitted from dense magical power clashed with each other, phantasmal sparks lit up scattered into the sky. 

However, Origami was neither surprised nor disappointed. She did not think that someone who had their memories adjusted would believe this story. 

Besides, this formation was already assembled in anticipation for conflict. Nevertheless, it was the fate of the battlefield to develop beyond the expected results. Just as Artemisia led the assault, the DEM wizards and <Bandersnatch> behind her counterattacked, Mana, Yoshino, and Mukuro, whom were aiming for Artemisia. 

“Tch ──!” 

“Yoshinon..!” 

“Alirght! Naughty kids are going to be frozen!” 

“Mun..!” 

The three of them spread out, while avoiding the bombardment and missiles that poured out like rain, they continued to shoot down the enemies. 

Origami raised her brow as she operated <Metatron> to dance in the air and attack Artemisia from all directions. However, Artemisia condensed the Voluntary Territory surrounding her body, deflecting back the direction of the ray beams to escape the attack. 

Even the slightest mistake in the angle and strength of the Voluntary Territory could have resulted in serious injury; Artemisia’s finesse was truly superb. 

While mentally praising her skill, Origami enhanced her spear <Einherjar> with the ambient magical and spiritual power in the atmosphere at an alarming rate. 

“Ha──!” 

“Waah.” 

After Artemisia accurately avoided the fast-paced thrust, she aimed to kick her legs in gap opening. 

Origami blocked this maneuver by pushing up with the soles of her feet. However, at that instant, having seemingly anticipated this, Artemisia aimed to lift her sword upward. 

Somehow, Origami was able to parry the second blow with her laser spear. 

“──” 

It was a strange feeling of lightness. At the next moment, Artemisia made a fierce dash forward, letting go of her grip holding the hilt of her sword as she tried to pierce through Origami’s voluntary Territory. 

“Hyaa──” 

“Ku..!” 

It was too late for her body to react in time. Origami guided <Metatron> to fire off a ray towards herself. 

The light struck Origami’s shoulders a little faster than Origami’s attacking. 

Having already lost her balance from the clash of Territories against each other, Artemisia’s strike left a glancing blow on Origami’s cheek. 

“Ha!” 

In retaliation, Origami kicked Artemisia in the abdomen, recreating the distance between the two of them. 

As Artemisia flew backwards from that momentum, she expanded the scope of her voluntary Territory again pulled back the laser sword she had tossed into the air. 

“As expected of you, that was and admirable counter just now.” 

“....” 

Origami’s facial expression slightly distorted upon hearing Artemisia’s unwarranted praise. ──Sure enough, she was monstrously strong. Trying capture the objective alive would be much more difficult than killing. It would tremendously arduous for Origami to secure Artemisia alone. While trying to force this stalemate to last longer, there was no other choice but to wait until Mana, Yoshino, and Mukuro have shaken off their enemies. One second. Having one second would be enough if she could only distract Artemisia for that long── 

“──Oririn!” 

As Origami was pondering such thoughts, Nia’s voice onboard <Fraxinus> was suddenly heard through the communicator device. 

“This may be bad news. But there seems to be a strong reaction rapidly approaching Oririn and the others’ location. It is likely..Ellen.” 

“....” 

Origami held her breath as that desperate news shook in her eardrums. 

Five Ratatoskr airships were deployed above the skies of Tenguu City. 

Onboard one of them, <Ulmus> the sister ship of <Fraxinus>, the chairmen of the Round Table, Elliot Woodmen was watching the monitor screen. 

“So you came──Ellen. It’s a good decision, you’ve grown up.” 

Then, while looking at the response from the radar, he let out a sigh. 

Yes, the response from Ellen indicated that she was heading to the direction where Artemisia was fighting Origami and the other Spirits. 

Did they sniff out that location as being prevalent, or was a part of a larger strategy? Either way, the situation was quite dire. 

The enemy was the former SSS ace Artemisia Ashcroft in addition to several <Bandersnatch> units and <Nibelcol>. 

On a battlefield that was barely at a stalemate, introducing the poisonous drug known as Ellen would surely lead to the death of the Spirits. 

Even so, what can be done here is really limited. Airships were also in the midst of battle. It was impossible for the Ratatoskr party, which was originally at a disadvantage, to send reinforcements. Even if there were more personnel, there was nobody in <Ratatoskr> who could stop Ellen. ──No, in this world there was no existence possible of that. 

──However, there was one sole exception. 

“Karen.” 

“....” 

As Woodman called out her name, Karen, who was position next to him, shook her shoulders slightly. 

“I have a request for you.” 

“......Yes.” 

After an eerie silence, Karen replied back in a taciturn tone. Although that was to be expected. She, along with the rest of the crew, already knew what Woodman was intending to do. Karen quietly breathed, turning behind Woodman to operate his wheelchair before calling out to him in a soft voice. 

“Elliot, can I tell you a joke to ease the scene?” 

“Oh, from you? This is rare. Please allow me to listen.” 

As Woodman motioned on, Karen continued her words in a gentle tone. 

“──Let’s run away Elliot. The Spirits, <Ratatoskr>, let’s discard everything and buy a quiet home by the countryside and live out in peace. In the mountains──a place with a flower field would be nice.” 

“....” 

“It’ll be best to have no more than three children. I don’t care about gender. Whether it’s a boy or girl, as long as it is with you and our children, it will be wonderful. Then, across the bustling days and even the noisy days, let’s accumulate a small happiness and grow old together. And then, one day, when you’re called to heaven──hopefully, it will be on my lap.” 

“..Karen.” 

Woodman quietly said as he placed her hand on top of his own resting on the wheelchair. 

When listening carefully, one can still hear the voice of crew sobbing from the lower part of the bridge. 

However, Karen herself continued to speak without changing her facial expression. 

“It’s okay to laugh, it was just said out in jest.” 

“Ah..you have the talent of a comedy actress.” 

“Karen.” 

“Yes.” 

“Sorry.” 

“That sort of thing is the reason that I fell in love with you.” 

“..Haha.” 

Woodman let out a small laugh, and then he took out the golden dog tag shining at the bosom of his hands──the emergency outfit device. 

“Who are you fighting Artemisia──Tobiichi Origami. Hmm, that’s fine. I’ll have to return that injury someday.” 

Ellen, who was equipped with the platinum CR-Unit <Pendragon>, proceeded ahead at a high speed through the extremely chaotic sky. 

Although a vast amount of sparks scattered and explosions detonated around her surroundings, Ellen’s main objective right now was the head of Itsuka Shido. 

Ellen increased the thrusters of her propeller as random attacks from either allies or enemies continued to bounce off against her voluntary Territory. 

Nevertheless, Ellen understood that her objective likely laid on <Ratatoskr>’s side. No doubt that Shidou was being protected by one of their aerial warships. 

In that case, the next priority was the Spirits. There were three groups of Spirits currently identified in the air. 

One group was <Diva> and <Witch> in front of <Fraxinus>. The other was <Princess> and <Berserk> who was proceeding into a dense area of <Nibelcol>. 

And finally, the last group was <Angel>, <Hermit>, and <Zodiac> confronting Artemisia, alongside the renegade Takamiya Mana. 

Ellen had chosen the last one for a simple reason. After all, there were too many enemies. When comparing the <Nibelcol> and Artemisia, Ellen judged that there would be less stress from being supported by the latter. 

“It’s convenient that Mana is there as well. I can kill two birds with──” 

──Then. 

Ellen’s words suddenly came to a screeching halt. She slammed on the brakes as an attack struck her while moving at supersonic speed. If it were not for the Voluntary Territory protecting her, her body fragmented into pieces. 

Then, at the next moment, a shining blade laced with magical energy swept in front of Ellen’s eyes. 

“Wha──” 

Ellen opened her eyes in alarm while gripping <Caledfwlch> in her hands. 

The person who had taken the imitative to perform an ambush on Ellen stood upright while slowly turned around to block Ellen’s path. 

“──Who are you.” 

Ellen’s expression stained with an attentive color as she pointed the edge of her sword at this person. 

There was no spiritual response. It was a Wizard. However, Origami and Mana should still be with Artemisia. She did not imagine that there was another Wizard in <Ratatoskr> that could make a spectacular surprise attack on herself. 

“....” 

The Wizard, with a lance-like unit in hand, slowly turned his shoulders around. As a result, the features that were once difficult to distinguish in the shade gradually became more visible in the light. 

“..What──!?” 

Staring at the figure, Ellen held her breath. 

He was a young man with bright blond hair reminiscent of sunlight. 

The CR-unit he was wearing was also in a golden shade. The magical power rising from his entire body was openly displaying the extraordinary strength in the Territory surrounding him. 

However, for Ellen, that sort of thing didn’t matter at all. 

“Ah.., ah────” 

Those self-confident eyes, the shape of his eyebrows, that fearless look── Everything had struck in Ellen’s heart, her memory. 

The man lifted his chin in an exaggerated motion as he finally spoke out. 

“──Hey, long time no see, Ellen. Did you enjoy boasting being the strongest Wizard in the world without me around?” 

──Thump. 

Ellen’s heart rate spiked. 

The whirling emotions in her body finally manifested out to the outside world through her throat. 

“....Eliooooooooot────────────” 

That’s right. Elliot. Elliot ·Baldwin · Woodman. In the past, together with Ellen and Westcott, they were comrades who had created DEM and vowed the change the world──and at the same time, the same unforgivable person who reneged on his promise.

The man standing in front of Ellen now was in his heyday appearance. 

“You’re as young as ever. ───Well, it’s not like I have the right to say that now.” 

“Ahhhhhhhhh────!” 

Ellen screamed in fury at the attack on her dignity, raising up <Caledfwlch> to leap towards Elliot. In that voice, there was resentment, hatred, and fury── And even a small amount of delight that the person herself was not aware of. 

“Ah～ah, how boring.” 

“Hey, the other “me” is fighting with <Nightmare>. I also want to do some more flashy work.” 

“Really, really, this must be Ellen’s crafty plot. She defrauded Otou-sama and made him snub me.” 

“Yes, it is all Ellen’s fault.” 

While chatting amongst each other, the <Nibelcol> team had landed on the ground. 

Their objective was to destroy the magical cannons surrounding Tenguu City. 

From the vision casted from their eyes, they could see a continuous bombardment of artillery fired from the rooftops of multi-tenant buildings and private houses. It felt like an extremely surreal sight. The long chimney from the public bathhouse transforming into an anti-aircraft gun looked like something from a gag strip. 

Nonetheless, it could not be left unattended due to merely being interesting to look at. The airships were still in good condition due to the constant Voluntary Territory protecting the hull. However, something on the level of the <Bandersnatch> would easily be blown to pieces from the artillery deployment. 

Although the mechanical dolls were easily to supplement, they were neither inexhaustible nor costless. It was naturally better to avoid potential losses if possible. 

However, since the turrets were also protected by the Voluntary Territory, any attacks from above would only destroy the surrounding streets. Therefore, a group of <Nibelcol>, known for their leadership and strength in numbers, was given the responsibility of destroying the forts. 

“Un, don’t say that. This is for Otou-sama.” 

“Let’s hurry and finish this up so we can go out and play.” 

“Alright～.” 

“Hey, who do you want to play with?” 

“Well──the source of my power came from <Sister>. If she was used as my template, then surely she must be a stunning beauty.” 

“That’s right. She must be a virtuous woman with an impeccable figure, a flawless superwoman.” 

Like a group of female high school students, the <Nibelcol> continued chatting endlessly. 

Immediately afterwards, a “gagagagaga!” sound was let out from a hail of magazine magical bullets raining down on the group of <Nibelcol>. 

“Kya!” 

“It hurts～!” 

Screams filled with no tension were uttered as the heads of several <Nibelcol> ricocheted off their bodies. The rest of the <Nibelcol> look around to find several Wizards belonging to <Ratatoskr> guarding the turrets. Apparently, they were the ones who had ambushed the <Nibelcol>.

“How very incompetent!” “I’ll never forgive you!” 

The struck down <Nibelcol> let out a cry as their heads and other wounds regenerated in an instant. 

“Wha..!?” 

Frightened by what had just occurred, the Wizards continued firing more rounds as their faces grew paler. 

“Humph──” 

Although having one or two bodies killed wasn’t too much of a hassle, the pain still meant it hurt. The <Nibelcol> all raised their hands at once. 

“<Beelzebub ·Page >” 

The <Nibelcol> chanted in unison as they called out that name. Then, corresponding to the command of the voice, the paper in the <Nibelcol>’s hands danced into the air, forming a protective barrier to protect them from the shower of magical bullets. 

“What..!?” 

The voices of the Wizards echoed in disarray. However, that was not the end. A few of the remaining papers automatically folded themselves into paper airplanes, flying towards the Wizards at a bullet-like speed. 

“Uga..!” 

“Gu──” 

The paper airplanes passed through the voluntary Territories of the Wizards with ease, passing though their shoulders or feet before draw a trajectory back into the <Nibelcol>’s hands like a boomerang. 

“Ahahaha! How fragile!” 

“Isn’t <Ratatoskr> supposed to be a companion of the Spirits? I can also be considered a Spirit though.” 

“Ah, so then there should be no qualms for retribution then.” 

“I see, ahahaha.” 

The <Nibelcol> let out a light laugh before raising her hand again, directing the paper airplane towards the Wizards. 

“Ku..” 

“Goodbye.” 

However, the next moment, just as the <Nibelcol> were about to release the page, a fierce gust of wind blew from behind, blowing away the pages of <Beelzebub ·Page >.” 

“Kya!” 

“W-what is this?” 

The <Nibelcol> pressed down against their skirt and hair as they turned to look behind. 

Immediately afterwards, a young girl equipped in a limited Astral Dress and a huge sword rushed over to attack the <Nibelcol>──It was the Spirit, Tohka. 

“Hahhhhhhh!” 

“Kya!” 

At that moment, the group of <Nibelcol> scattered in two groups in order to avoid the blow. Then, from behind Tohka, the Yamai sisters, armored with limited Astral Dresses that had wings on their left and right shoulders respectively, spoke out to the Wizards guarding the ground turrets. 

“Please leave this to us.” 

“Retreat. Please head back.” 

“..! S-sorry..!” 

The Wizards left the scene while pressing down on their shoulders, which had been pierced by <Beelzebub · Yelet>. While quickly confirming this with a glance, Kaguya and Yuzuru lined up beside Tohka, who was glaring intently at the <Nibelcol>. 

Three Spirits. While looking at this scene, the <Nibelcol> widened their eyes in surprise before distorting their lips in a maniacal grin. 

“Kyahaha, is this serious?” 

“<Princess> and <Berserk>? The fighting fraction has assembled together.” 

“I thought it would be boring destroying this fort. You’ve really been considerate for us.” 

After they had finished talking, the <Nibelcol> raised their hands to call back the pages of <Beelzebub · Yelet> that blew into the wind. The paper airplanes unfolded back into sheets of paper before quickly assuming another shape. 

──Paper cranes. A string of a thousand paper cranes lined up together just like a flock of birds. 

“Fufu, you’ll be at a lost if you think you can blow this away with your wind again.” 

“If you’re careless, your body will turn into a honeycomb of holes.” 

“Now, do you think you’ll be able to sever my head before then?” 

“But, I don’t think there is any point doing that.” 

“I am one of a whole, a whole composed of one.” 

“No matter how many you kill. As long as <Beelzebub> is here, I will never die.” 

“Kyahaha, how can you kill a woman that does not know death?” 

The <Nibelcol> smiled calmly while standing before the array of paper cranes. However, while Tohka and the Yamai Sisters were staring intently at the <Nibelcol>, they did not proceed to launch forward with any attacks. 

“..?” 

At first, it looked like they were looking for an opportunity to kill the <Nibelcol> ──but that wasn’t right. There was nothing in their eyes that resembled confusion or bafflement. 

Calm──but lurking with powerful intent. That is what was spoken in their eyes. 

“<Nibelcol>, sorry to say, but your opponent is not us.” 

“Kaka, that is the case, there is a more suitable opponent for you.” 

“Consent. Yuzuru and the others are merely the escort.” 

“..Ha?” 

All of the <Nibelcol> curled their brows upwards in surprise. 

The Spirits should be at the top of the fighting force that <Ratatoskr> possessed. If there was anything capable of replacing them, then it could only be the former Adeptus 2──someone on the level of Takamiya Mana. However, suppose even if that Wizard had appeared, the situation would not change drastically. After all, no matter how many number of <Nibelcol> are killed── 

“....Eh?” 

Halfway through that thought the <Nibelcol> let out an unexpected stunned voice. 

It was because they saw, coming from behind Tohka and the others, the face of a person walking through the sand and dust. 

──That is, it was the face of a single boy. Of a medium build and neutral face, he was wearing neither an limited Astral Dress nor CR-unit. 

It was just a boy of high school age. 

“Itsuka..Shidou?” 

With eyes widened with alarm, that name was uttered out from their mouths. Yes, the person, walking through the cityscape transformed in a mountain of rubble by the aerial bombardment, was the exact person the <Nibelcol> had sought out to kill, Itsuka Shidou. 

If Westcott had died, then it was DEM’s defeat. 

If Itsuka Shidou died, then it was <Ratatoskr>’s defeat. 

Although it was not a written rule, both sides should have been well aware of that fact. 

Therefore, the <Nibelcol> also thought that Shidou was hiding behind a sturdy airship. At the very least, appearing in the forefront of the battlefield unguarded was something that had never expected. The sudden surprise led the <Nibelcol> to remain frozen for a while. 

However, such a gap only lasted for a brief second. The <Nibelcol> turned their expressions of surprise into a fearless smile, glaring at Shidou who approaching their side. 

“Well..although I don’t know what you are planning to do, how very bold of you.” 

“You’re my opponent? Ahaha, are you underestimating me?” 

“Well, no matter what, this would make a good souvenir for Otou-sama── yes!” 

The <Nibelcol> lifted their hands and fired the <Beelzebub · Page> that had transformed into paper cranes. 

“Fu──!” 

Tohka and the Yamai Sisters leaped forwarded to protect Shidou from the scattered paper cranes. 

However, that behavior was within the scope of expectations. 

The strength of the <Nibelcol> did not lie in an absolute individual power, but rather a quantity of power that pushed everything else away. The <Nibelcol> took around 30 copies to deal with the Spirits, while the rest headed straight towards Shidou. 

“Hahahahahahaha──!” 

While laughing loudly, a single <Nibelcol> was rapidly approaching towards Shidou. 

Tohka and the others were too far behind. Even for a Spirit, they wouldn’t be able to catch up at this timing. 

The <Nibelcol> extended her hand forwarded in order to pierce through Shidou’s heart. 

However── 

“<Nibelcol>.” 

At that instant, Shidou, who had remained silent up until now, unexpectedly let out a gentle voice. 

“──I love you.” 

“......,Ha?” 

Hearing words that were too unexpected, the <Nibelcol> widened her eyes in alarm for an instant. 

However, that was only a mere to prelude to Shidou’s bizarre actions. Seizing the momentary gap, Shidou placed her hands over the <Nibelcol>’s head── 

“────” 

And then, he pulled the <Nibelcol> forward, pressing his own lips onto the <Nibelcol>’s lips. 

“....!?” 

The sudden action filled the <Nibelcol>’s mind with a myriad of questions. The meaning was completely incomprehensible. Did he lose his judgement because death was approaching? However, there wasn’t any hesitation from his part. Then why did he appear on the battlefield to do this? Is this the enemy’s secret strategy? Impossible. For the <Nibelcol> who would never die, such a thing would never── 

“Uh..huh..?” 

The <Nibelcol> felt a sense of discomfort. As if suffering from an illusion of her body melting. Her posture could no longer be remained. Face struck like a fever. Burning. Heart. Melting. However, there was also the feeling of not knowing why it felt so great── 

──With a faint light, the <Nibelcol> disappeared like a bubble as a piece of paper fluttered to the ground. 

The moment the paper reached the ground, it faded away into light particles in the air. 

“Ha..!?” 

“What──this is..!” 

Individuals who were watching this sight from the side spoke out with a trembling voice. 

Immediately afterwards, even these individuals felt that their heart was beating at an abnormal rate. It was as if she was attacked by the euphoria of a drug-like sensation secreted into her brain. Then just like the previous individual, they all disappeared into light particles in a fit of ecstasy. 

“K-kiss!? The <Nibelcol>..?” 

Just before the beginning of <Ratatoskr> and DEM’s battle. 

Onboard the bridge of <Fraxinus>, after being told of Maria’s method to deal with the <Nibelcol>, Shidou let out a startled expression. 

No, not just Shidou. The surrounding Spirits and crew members all made a response similar to Shidou’s. 

However, Maria continued to speak in a very calm tone, as the screen continued to flicker. 

“Yes, through a kiss. ──Although a pseudo-one, the <Nibelcol> is still a Spirit. Indeed it is reiryoku and not magical power that is being observed from them. As a result, it should be possible to seal them through Shidou’s power.” 

“W-wait a minute. Even if the situation is just as Maria said, there needs to a positive likeability to establish a seal on the Spirits. If the other party is not in a state where they had opened their heart, then no matter how many kisses..” 

Shidou spoke out with sweat dripped down his face. 

Yes, that was a point that he had been told by Kotori and Reine multiple times up until now. Even if there was an opening to kiss the <Nibelcol>, the opponent is a Spirit created by DEM and aimed at Shidou’s life with clear murderous intent. Shidou did not think that sealing the spiritual power was possible. 

Having said that, leisurely chatting in order to raise the goodwill of the <Nibelcol> was also not an option. Maria’s proposal could only be described as empty talk. 

However, Maria, who seemed to think that Shidou’s response was rationale, let out a sigh (or at least a sound resembling that) before continuing on. 

“──It is true, just as you said. However, that is only the case for ordinary Spirits.” 

“W-what do you mean..?” 

“Please recall the source of the <Nibelcol>, from where they are created from.” 

“From where..” 

As Shidou said that, he turned his attention to Nia. Similarly, the other Spirits followed suit. Having suddenly been showered with unexpected attention, Nia lowered her back with an “uffun” sound. However, no one respond to this. The <Nibelcol> is a Spirit created from the power of <Beelzebub>. And the Demon King <Beelzebub> was originally the book angel <Rasiel> held by Nia. 

“Yes, the origin of the <Nibelcol> is <Beelzebub>, but the Sephira Crystal is not the only thing taken from Nia.” 

“That means..” 

Kotori raised her brow after thinking of something, to which Maria quickly interjected with a “yes”. “Nia. What do you think about Shidou?” 

“Eh? If it can help prepare a seal, then I can raise it for him at any time.” 

As Nia replied back rather gloomily, Maria let out a cough of dissatisfaction before continuing on. 

“Wait a minute. Are you saying that whether or not the <Nibelcol> can be sealed is linked to Nia’s positive favorability..?!” 

“That is likely the case. ──To use common jargon, even if the mouth of that low-degree woman is skeptical, at least the body is a little bit more honest in its place.” 

“....” 

For that to be deemed common jargon, Shidou wiped the away the sweat on his forehead. 

That being said, if Maria’s theory is true, they should be able to neutralize the difficult enemy, the <Nibelcol>. <Bandersnatch> and <Nibelcol>. If those two, who comprised of the enemy’s main battle force, disappear, there was a chance for victory for <Ratatoskr>, who was heavily outnumbered. 

But just then, Kotori gently shook her head. 

“Even if that is true, it is too dangerous. Since kissing the <Nibelcol> is the requirement, then that would mean, Shidou, who is being targeted, has to appear on the battlefield.” 

“Muu──” Tohka and the others, who had realized the meaning of Kotori’s words, all made a difficult expression. 

Indeed, if thought of in terms of common sense, it was an absolutely impossible strategy. After all, it meant sending someone who should remain hidden away directly onto the forefront of the battlefield. 

“...” 

──However, Shidou was not at a loss. As he said so, Shidou stared at everyone with a determined look. 

“Let’s do it. If this is the only way. Rather..it would be better to say that this method fits our style the most.” 

──At the same time the sensation of the kiss faded away, the girl held within his arms disappeared into particles of light. 

“....” 

From that mysterious feeling, Shidou remained at that spot for a moment. 

No, it wasn’t just that. 

Having seen the kiss between Shidou and the <Nibelcol>, the surrounding <Nibelcol> flushed their faces with a red blush, twisting their bodies while clutching their chests before immediately disappearing as well. 

The possibility of this phenomenon had been suggested by Maria in advance. The <Nibelcol> are one part of many, many composed of one. 

Therefore, the same effect may be seen in kissed individuals and individuals who were aware of being kissed. 

A fatal hole in the complete group, the undead army, the <Nibelcol>. 

Having the vulnerable Shidou on to the battlefield is, on the contrary, the only blade that could destroy the strongest army──! 

“Shall we get started <Nibelcol>, it’s time for me and you to begin our date (war).” 

Shidou declared in a quiet but evocative tone. Then, as if to provoke the <Nibelcol> further, he extended his fingers forward. 

“..!”

“Don’t underestimate──” 

“We have──!” 

The <Nibelcol> who had escaped from the seal flushed their expressions with anger as they all leaped forward to attack Shidou. 

“Ha!” 

Shidou injected the reiryoku of <Gabriel> into his voice, accompanied by that imposing shout; his power was instilled with power. 

Although the seal could still be done, the opponent was still a Spirit. Basic physical ability was as much of a difference as the distance between heaven and earth. The power of an Angel was indispensable in trying to catch the speedy movements of the <Nibelcol>. 

“Ahahahahaha!” 

“Go to hell──!” 

The <Nibelcol> yelled as they attacked Shidou from all directions. 

The <Nibelcol> seemed to be anxious about this unexpected situation, but their response was still come. Certainly, there was only one pair of lips that Shidou had, it would be impossible for him to respond when pressed from so many directions at once. 

However. 

“──<Zadkiel>! <Haniel>!” 

As Shidou called out those names, the moisture in the air condensed to form three icy pillars behind him. Then, at the next moment, Shidou used the power of <Haniel> to give those icy pillars the same appearance as himself. 

“Wha..!?” 

Faced against this surprise, the <Nibelcol> approaching Shidou hesitated. 

From a time perspective, it was less than a second. However, that was ample time for Shidou, who had already strengthened his physically abilities and reflexes through <Gabriel>. 

“──Un──” 

“....!?” 

Shidou seized an approaching <Nibelcol> and subsequently snatched her lips. 

“Ha..this is..” 

Then, individuals who had witnessed that scene, faded into light particle along with the one that was kissed. 

“Wha.What, you guys──!” 

The <Nibelcol> who had survived because of the distance in their formation let out a roar. 

This time, they did rush towards Shidou. Quickly raising their hands, the pages of the book floating around rolled up into a conical shape, pointing its tips towards Shidou’s direction. 

Indeed, if being sealed required a kiss, then they could just attack at a safe distance. Although simple, it was an efficient strategy. 

“But──” 

──If they would disappear because of recognition, then perhaps. 

Bringing his right hand towards his lips, he made a playful gesture forward extending out his hand towards the <Nibelcol> group about to release the cone. 

“Uh....tch!” 

That’s right, it was just like──a flying kiss. Or in layman terms, it was a blown kiss. 

“Ugu..!” 

“Ha──!?” 

Having received the thrown kiss from Shidou, the <Nibelcol> all blushed madly while pressing their hands against their cheeks. 

“──<Raphael>!” 

Using the wind to see a chance opportunity, Shidou quickly approached a nearby <Nibelcol> and stole her lips. 

“Ahh..” “Umm..” 

Leaving out an intoxicated voice, the surrounding <Nibelcol> also disappeared. 

Remaining in the distance, the <Nibelcol> let out a frightened “Hii” sound. 

“Now then..who is next?” 

“Kya.ahhhhh!” 

“Otou-sama──!” 

Letting out a scream, the remaining <Nibelcol> fled for safety. 

However, even if they looked like a weak girl now, they were still a threat to other Wizards and Spirits. Although he felt slightly guilty for bullying them, Shidou used <Raphael>’s wind to catch up. 

“I won’t let you escape──kitten-chan.” 

──Then the tempest of love was unleashed. Whether it was the fleeing <Nibelcol> or the attacking <Nibelcol>, both groups were trembling as they were either trying to hide in the ruins or strike down their target. Shidou made no distinction between them. He whispered to them sweet words of love before gently sweeping their lips away. 

That attitude was matchless against those Spirits. 

Although <Bandersnatch> and other Wizards were trying to rush down from the sky after noticing this anomaly, there was no one who could break set up by Tohka and the Yamai sisters, who were in charge of protecting Shidou. Soon after, most of the <Nibelcol> sent to the ground to destroy the fortifications had already disappeared. 

“Fu──” 

However, there were still many <Nibelcol> on the ground. With the next battlefield as the goal, Shidou marched forward to a dense area populated by <Nibelcol> on the other side. 

However── 

“Shidou!” Tohka’s voice suddenly resounded from the sky. 

At that moment, Shidou felt the presence of someone lurking behind him. 

“Ku..!” 

──Was he being lured by the <Nibelcol> to suffer an ambush..!?” 

Thinking for a moment, there was only an instant of regret. Shidou stretched his hand to protect his back. Even if a blow landed, he could still recover from the regenerative power of <Camael> as long as it wasn’t an instant death. Then, Shidou would have to steal her lips even if it meant gambling his life.

──However. 

“Eh?” 

“..” 

The moment Shidou turned around, his eyes widened as he stopped moving. 

The reason was simple. What Shidou had assumed to be a <Nibelcol> was actually the shadow of── 

“..Ara, ara. How bold of you, Shidou-san.” 

With two eyes of dissimilar color, the girl had a charming smile on his face.