Date A Live - Volume 18 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Fallen Folium of Yggdrasil 

When acquainted with people, it wasn’t long before Isaac Westcott noticed the difference between himself and others Westcott was a brilliant boy. If he were to be classified as a child prodigy or genius, than there would have been no objections. 

In the hidden village that inherited the blood of Magicians, his skills and excellence exceeded his contemporaries—no, his control over mana was even better than the adults. Only the elders and teachers of the village, and Elliot who self-appointed himself as his rival, could compete with him. 

Moreover, it wasn’t just that. Linguistics, arithmetic, sports—Westcott had made extraordinary achievements in every field. 

However, in the end a degree of this level only served to exasperate the question. 

To summarize, it raised the question of whether it was possible to excel in the quintessential essences of all things. 

At that point yet, Westcott did not distinguish himself from others on this issue. 

Whatever the position, as long as they were traveling in the same road, there would come a day where others will catch up and vice versa. 

But Westcott also noticed. The place where he stood was a contorted position that did not intersect with everyone else. 

When did the initial realization first come? —Yes, it first occurred when the dog raised in Westcott’s home passed away. 

The dog lived in his home since before Westcott was born and was a friend that had always been together with him since then. 

Of course, Westcott was sad. Although he was still very young, he was still familiar with the concept of biological death. 

But above all—in Westcott’s heart, there was inexplicable excitement compared to the sadness. 

The sad expression of his parents, the faces of sympathetic friends, the remains of the dog that had passed away—and his own sorrow. 

Looking back at this, perhaps everyone would have criticized this joy as immoral or inhumane. 

Was it his innate temperament or was it shaped by the environment? The reason behind this was not clear. But still there was a stark difference, a biological defect if you will. 

Needless to say, Westcott did not allow for this emotion to rise to the surface. He had the intelligence enough to know that it was a different feeling from everyone else, being prudent enough to understand the disadvantages of it being widely known. 

While some may view his difference from others as something worthy of virtue, the foundation remained that it was a matter to be avoided. 

Humans are afraid of others who are different from themselves; the fear of the unknown. Fear creates madness and madness breeds conflict. 

That is why the descendants of the Magicians lived hiding in the mountains, avoiding the eyes and ears of others. 

Since the beginning of his childhood, Westcott had been taught this lesson. Just as Magicians choose to hide from humans, he decided to hide this emotion in his heart. 

Despite not knowing if it was fortunate or unfortunate, Westcott was skillful at manipulating his own emotions as a child. 

So, when Westcott told his parents that he would like to adopt a new dog after the death of his old pet, his parents quickly agreed to him. 

Westcott’s parents didn’t even dream that their son’s goal was not to bury the sadness of losing his old pet nor was it an attempt to find a new friend—but rather for the idea that if he raised another dog, he would get to see it die once again. 

And so Westcott spent those days without being suspected by anyone. 

With rigorous but gentle parents, respectable teachers, and fellow students who shared his enthusiasm, under all of these conditions, he grew up. 

But just as he was ten years old, another misfortunate event struck. 

His mother, whom always had a weak body, suffered from a lung disease and passed away. 

Although they lived in a village of magic beyond human sensibility, it was impossible to resurrect the dead. The villagers mourned for her passing as they offered their condolences. 

They held compassion to Westcott’s father, who had lost his partner at a young age. 

And when standing by the side of his father, who was trying to hold back his tears, they assumed Westcott was dealt a similar blow to his heart. 

In fact, their assumptions were not wrong. 

The death of the mother who gave birth and raised him gave Westcott an unparalleled sense of loss. 

However. 

At the same time, what Westcott remembered most was the first time experiencing the supreme sense of intoxication over the loss of human life. 

Sorrow, such unbearable sorrow. If he wasn’t careful, tears would leak out from his eyes. Surely his father and the other villagers thought he was filled with sorrow and despair. 

Ahh—how pleasant it was. 

As Westcott watched his mother being buried, he felt a supreme sense of pleasure for the first time in his life. 

—So, after another year had passed. 

Even while on that hill, watching his village being consumed by fire, the feelings stirring in Westcott’s heart were different than the other three. 

Fury. Sorrow. Despair. Among all of the negative emotions spiraling with each other, there was only one person alone there that felt joy. 

No—it was a different sort of joy, unlike what he had experienced before. 

As for the reason why, it was because he came to a realization. 

—Ah, I understand. It can be done this way as well. 

Westcott understood that he was different from others. He knew that his sense of self was abnormal. 

It was because of this that Westcott concealed these urges, thereby protecting himself from being isolated from the rest of the community. Although he had the temperament for finding joy in despair, he did not actively seek it. Despite keeping a dog in hopes for death, he didn’t think of killing it with his own hands. 

But at that moment, Westcott’s view of the world changed. 

Humans had shown their fangs to Magicians. —The reason being nothing more than a fear of their unknown power. 

In that manner —There was no reason holding back Westcott and the others anymore. 

Elliot was trembling with anger. 

Ellen covered her face with tears. 

Karen was holding her voice back. 

Despite everyone’s reactions being different, they all showed a desire for vengeance against humanity. 

A fundamental paradigm shift had occurred. 

The unusual feeling of an abnormal man with a normal desire for revenge against this twisted world. 

Since it was done in this manner, there would be no choice. Now, Elliot and the others would be forced to cooperate. 

In that anger and despair, Westcott remembered a secret joy. 

Unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable. 

—Thank you for giving me the opportunity to retaliate. 

Daring to destroy our village, killing our friends so cruelly. 

—Thank you for giving me a reason for slaughtering you. 

I want revenge. 

—Thank you for giving me a motive for revenge. 

I will change this world. 

—Thank you for making me a victim. 

“…………” 

The sweat dripping down his cheeks reached his lips, causing a salty taste to spread in his mouth. 

Shidou didn’t dare to loosen his guard as the eyeballs in his eye sockets orbited around to scrutinize the nearby surroundings. 

There was an innumerable amount of <Nibelcol> paper in their vicinity. 

And at the very end—a man who personified darkness quietly stood there. 

Sir Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott. 

The head of DEM industries and the enemy of <Ratatoskr>. And also—the man who brought Spirit into this world 30 years ago alongside Elliot and Ellen, providing the impetus for the current battle. 

No—not only that. 

Shidou glared at Westcott with a glare brimming with animosity. 

For Shidou who had regained the memory of “Shin” now, this man was the subject for the clear hatred of killing him and kidnapping Mana. 

“Oh?” 

Looking back at that glare, Westcott raised his brow. 

“It seems that the atmosphere surrounding you is a bit different than before. The sharp hostility dwelling in your eyes. A pair of eyes with the urge to make mincemeat out of someone. Can it be—you remember being killed by me?” 

“You bastard……” 

“Well, I speculated a little with <Deus>’s sudden appearance, but it seems that I’ve hit the bullseye.” 

As Westcott smiled while speaking, the adjacent <Nibelcol> all yelled out an “as expected of Otou-sama” in unison. 

“…………” 

Westcott’s appearance, voice, and gestures all struck a burning irritation on Shidou’s nerves. 

However, Shidou could only grit and endure. 

It was absolutely impossible to forgive Westcott. However, Shidou’s life did not belong only to himself. The Spirits and members of <Ratatoskr> have risked their lives for his sake. Therefore, Shidou couldn’t make the mistake of flying into a rage and charging at Westcott recklessly. 

After taking a deep breath to settle down his mind, he visualized his surroundings from a bird’s eye perspective. 

—Thinking in this manner, the dilemma was an unusual sight to behold. 

Before the battle had begun, Kotori had said that this battle will be determined by who kills their target first: Westcott for <Ratatoskr> and Shidou for DEM. 

With the two key players now in the center of the battlefield at the same, it was difficult not to be surprised. 

“—Fu.” 

Then, as if guessing Shidou’s thoughts, Westcott slowly loosened his cheeks. 

“Because of <Deus>’s Angel, even the flagship has been destroyed. No, no, thinking over it again, it truly is—such a wonderful power.” 

Westcott continued to speaking while exaggeratingly spreading out his hands in a playful manner. 

“But it is a bit troublesome. Although the appearance of <Deus> is encouraging, it is impossible for me to capture her power at this moment. —So, Itsuka Shidou. That is why I’ve decided to take your reiryoku first.” 

“What did you say……?” 

As Shidou wrinkled his brow, Westcott’s smile grew darker as the man stretched one arm forward. 

The next moment, the space in front of him distorted as a huge book manifested from there. 

With a jet black binding reminiscent of the darkest void, the sense of intimidation overflowing from it made Shidou feel his heart tighten. 

“…… <Beelzebub>……!” 

Shidou’s expression grew dark as he groaned out that name. 

Yes, the Demon King <Beelzebub>. The inverse form of the Angel <Rasiel> that Westcott had robbed from Nia. 

Shidou felt a stinging sensation on his skin as he tried to lift up his knees. 

—As soon as possible, he had to return back to Tohka and the others. This idea remained unchanged even when facing Westcott, the leader of the opposing force. 

Indeed, defeating Westcott would have meant a victory for <Ratatoskr>. However, the situation had completely changed from when the battle first began. 

Mio. The Spirit of Origin. The appearance of a third force had thrown the battlefield into chaos. 

“……Tch.” 

Shidou let out a clicking noise from his tongue that was small enough for the enemy to not hear. 

—Rush through using <Raphael>? 

No, not only were the <Nibelcol> here, if the path ends up being blocked, he would be susceptible to a pincher attack. 

—Stop the other party’s actions using <Gabriel>? 

No, it was impossible to brainwash enemies who have a sizable amount of reiryoku. 

—Escape by using <Michael> to cross over space? 

No, stability was uncertain, and the opponent here would not allow him to freely escape into a hole opened in space. 

Several countermeasures flashing in his mind were denied. 

Then, after a few seconds that were being compressed to the limit by thinking. 

“—” 

While taking in a narrow breath, Shidou sharpened his gaze as he glared at Westcott. 

Then, he shouted out. 

The name of the Angel. 

“—<Sandalphon>.” 

In an instant, a huge sword emitting a shimmer appeared in front of Shidou. 

Sandalphon. The sword that could rend anything. Needless to say, it was Tohka’s Angel. 

No—not only that. 

<Zadkiel> —<Raphael>—<Metatron>—” 

One by one, he called out the name of each Angel. 

At the same time, a wall of ice surrounding Shidou’s vicinity as several “feathers” 

of light appeared dancing against the raging winds. 

That’s right, this was the conclusion drawn out from the consideration of multiple different strategies. 

It was the easiest and least mindful—but also the most practical method. 

“……Come, let’s begin, Magician.” 

Shidou gather power in his voice through <Gabriel> in order to lessen the strain on his body of manifesting multiple Angels. 

“—I’ll settle this in one quick blow. You won’t even have the chance to accept your fate.” 

—The vast blue color of the sky. 

That was the first thing Ellen saw after opening her eyes. 

The clouds sprinkled sparsely in the transparent winter sky created a harmonious scene. ……Well, since there were no longer any Wizards or aircrafts left in the sky, that should be expected. 

“Ah……” 

After a delayed response, the pain smashed through her entire body. While trying to issue instructions to the Realizer Manifestation Device in her brain, she tried to raise her head against the aching pain. 

Looking down at her own body—the platinum CR-Unit <Pendragon> covering her body was destroyed wretchedly, exposing her fresh skin in some areas. 

Finally, Ellen’s confused mind caught up to speed. 

Recognizing the circumstances, scrutinizing her memory, her vague consciousness finally recollected. 

That’s right. Ellen had fired an all-out attack at Woodman—and lost. 

“Ku……” 

With frustration marking her face, Ellen angrily clenched her fist. 

There were no issues with the operation of Ellen’s CR-Unit. The unit was launched as intended and the voluntary territory was carried out through Ellen’s will. Even if Woodman disappeared from her line of sight, it would still be in the area of Ellen’s control. 

She was not trapped in a deception by the enemy’s part, nor did her machine malfunction. She had just released her strongest blow—and lost. There were no excuses for this huge lost. 

“Regret, regret, enough to want to cry. In fact, tear shaped droplets were leaking out from Ellen’s eyes. Unable to forgive Woodman. And above all, unable to forgive herself for failing to defeat him. 

—But, ah, but why? 

In the corner of Ellen’s mind, there seemed to be a part of her that already imagined this situation. 

While self-proclaiming herself as the strongest in humanity, while directing her sword towards Woodman, somewhere in her heart there was still a feeling of being no match for him. 

If there was a difference between the two, it would be here. 

A Wizard is a person who controlled the Voluntary Territory by manipulating the Realizer Manifestation Device. Under the circumstances where it is controlled by willpower, the feeling of a subconscious gap would be fatal. 

“—Yo.” 

At that time. 

As Ellen’s eyes were wet with vexation, a voice came out from the front—through the thick smoke, Woodman had emerged. 

The golden CR-Unit was half-destroyed and the weapon in his hand was completely distorted from its original shape. His braided blonde hair was covered with blood and dust as it fluttering against the wind. Despite winning against Ellen, his current condition was no better than her. 

However, despite their similar injuries, Ellen had fallen to the ground while Woodman was still standing. That fact showcased the result of the battle. 

“My win……is it not okay with this.” 

“…………” 

As Woodman spoke with a cheerful smile, Ellen looked over while engraving deep wrinkles between her brows—eventually, she breathed out a sigh. 

“—Kill me.” 

“……Ah?” 

As Ellen blankly muttered, Woodman raised a brow. 

While look on at such a response, Ellen continued on. 

“That’s it. You’ve won Elliot. —Don’t let me live and be humiliated. Hurry, kill me.” 

“…………” 

Hearing what Ellen had said, Woodman let out a long sigh. Then he pulled out a small laser sword from his waist and slowly walked to Ellen’s side. 

Then, he pointed the sword straight down— 

Stabbing Ellen in the chest 

“……Gu—” 

As soon as the maryoku consolidated, the blade sliced open the voluntary territory as a mechanical ringing noise was heard. 

The next moment, the Voluntary Territory surrounding Ellen dissipated as she awakened from the aching sensation of pain. 

—Ah, so this is death. How simple. Ellen closed her eyes while contemplating that strange sensation. 

“……?” 

However, no matter how long it took with her pain spreading through her body, her consciousness remained uninterrupted. 

Suspicious, Ellen open her eyes a little to gaze at her chest where the knife should have stabbed. 

Afterwards— 

“What……!?” 

Seeing the situation in front of herself, Ellen instinctively raised her voice. 

But that was to be expected. After all, Woodman’s laser sword did not run through Ellen’s chest. 

That’s right. The soft blade woven with magic had changed its trajectory as it nicked the back of Ellen’s body. 

Perhaps—in order to destroy the Realizer Manifestation Device mounted on the back of the CR-Unit “……! What are you doing, Elliot……!” 

Ellen opened her eyes and raised a voice of criticism to Woodman. Despite the pain from broken ribs increasing from her scream, she continued staring at Woodman. 

Then, Woodman pulled out the laser sword and let out a sigh as he placed it back against his waist. 

“What do you mean; it’s natural to render the enemy powerless. It’s too dangerous to let you keep that device. Even with your injuries and damage to your equipment, you are still a match for an ordinary Wizard.” 

“I’m not asking about that sort of thing! Why didn’t you kill me!?” 

As Ellen lamented a loud scream from behind, Woodman let out an exasperated “Ha?” sound as he shrugged his shoulders. 

“The loser does not get to order around the winner, stupid.” 

“…………!” 

Hearing those words made Ellen‘s entire face to heat up. 

“St…Stupid, what do you mean by stupid you idiot. There’s a limit of how much you can mock me.” 

“That isn’t a joke. The loser has to listen to the winner. Naturally, killing or not killing is my freedom.” 

“Stop joking around! Are you making a fool of me!?” 

“Right, that’s why I said that, stupid.” 

“That isn’t the case……!” 

Ellen screamed while slamming her fist on the ground. 

This humiliation was different from the feeling of defeat weighing on Ellen’s heart. 

This man, Woodman, despite having just finished at battle to the death with an enemy, still had treated her just like a child. 

Yes, just like—decades ago, when Ellen’s hometown was still there. 

Ellen felt the tears she tried to contain in her eyes gradually leak out. 

“Why……why are you doing this, Elliot. Treating me like a fool. Just like when we were children! It’s already impossible to return back to that time! There’s a limit to your rudeness! Why aren’t you treating me as an enemy! Why!” 

“Ah—You are noisy. Be quiet for just a bit.” 

Woodman acted obstinately as if his ears were clogged At the next moment, following the disappearance of pain in her body—a tremendous drowsiness struck Ellen’s body. 

Perhaps, Woodman had used the Voluntary Field to cut off to sever Ellen’s consciousness. Ellen, who had lost her Realizer Manifestation Device, had no method of resisting this. 

“Why! Why—” 

From her eyelids that were reaching her limit, a single teardrop fell. 

“—Why didn’t you take me with you, Elliot—” 

While uttering those last words, Ellen’s consciousness faded away into darkness. 

“…………” 

As Ellen’s eyelids closed, she ceased making any sounds other than peaceful sleeping. 

While watching her, Woodman dropped the semi-destroyed laser rifle <Gungnir> on the ground while letting out a heavy sigh. 

As the prototype of the main artillery of <Fraxinus>, it was not originally designed for individual use. Even Woodman, who had regained the power of his heyday, was prepared to suffer severe damage to his body from using it. 

“……Well, it looks like my bones are broken.” 

He spoke, while sitting down side by side to the sleeping Ellen. 

The pain in his body was to the point where without the support of the Voluntary Territory, he would likely be unable to even stand now. 

Although he was able to get Ellen to admit defeat, even when deducting the injuries inquired from overloading <Gungnir>, the injuries he acquired were not that much different from Ellen. 

“……You’ve really become stronger, Ellen.” 

While stroking Ellen’s head, he deeply said powerfully with a hint of regret. 

From their village’s number one dunce, Ellen who couldn’t control mana very well, it was unfathomable how strong she became. 

“Strongest……” 

The word that Ellen always repeated rolled off Woodman’s tongue. 

As someone who was always paranoid about being the strongest, Woodman knew that using that word would incite her emotions. 

But thinking over it now in retrospect, it may have been due to Woodman’s existence that Ellen always proclaimed herself as the strongest. 

He was a partner who polished and honed his skills at the same time as her, a distant and unreachable rival. 

But at the same time, a hated enemy who had betrayed them while having that power. 

She had likely tried to persuade herself by self-proclaiming to be the strongest in order to not lose to him. 

Or perhaps—it was a continual appeal to Woodman in order to prove who was the strongest. 

Woodman couldn’t help but ponder this over. 

But if this idea was correct……it was very funny. Because— 

“……If there was really a strongest of mankind, it had already belonged to you since a long time ago.” 

This battle was nothing more than a person who can stably exert 100% of power being beaten by someone who could recklessly exert 101% of power in an instant. If someone were to ask Woodman the name of the strongest Wizard of humanity, he would definitely say the name of Ellen Mathers. …Well, if that person asked Ellen, a different answer would be given.” 

“Hmm…” 

As he was stroking Ellen’s head with his hand, Woodman felt a strange sense of disobedience. 

No, not just hands. Feet, chest, head—every part of his body felt something other than pain and fatigue. 

This feeling was the sensation of a body collapsing after over exceeding its limits. As his body gradually lost all power, he collapsed on the stop while leaning on Ellen. 

“……That was earlier than expected, looks like it was the right answer to let Ellen fall asleep first.” 

However, Woodman did not panic. This situation had already been predicted. 

Besides Woodman, there was no person who could fend Ellen off. This was a last resort countermeasure. 

That’s right; everything was the sake for protecting the Spirits. 

In order to protect the same girls as that girl. 

Woodman had already successfully achieved his goal. The strongest blade capable of reaching the Spirit had been broken by him. 

That being the case, despite his face remaining cheerful while knowing death was beckoning him, he still had some regrets. 

Perhaps it was the stubborn feeling of still reluctance of leaving behind what had to be done— 

“…………I’m sorry, Karen. —Ellen.” 

While whispering words that no one else could hear, Woodman looked up to the sky in his blurry vision. 

“Ah……sorry boy, it seems I have to stop at this point. The rest—I leave it up to you.” 

—In the sky, a huge spherical flower was in bloom. 

From its majestic appearance, it exuded the power that Woodman once yearned for, the power of the Spirit of Origin. 

“Ah——how beautiful.” 

With gentle smile, Woodman quietly closed his eyes. 

“—<Samsara of Paradise (Ain Soph)> Mio raised her hand as she called out that name. 

As if pricked by a thousand needles, Tohka felt a terrifying chill come up her spine. 

The sensation was similar to when Mio had first summoned her Angel <Ain Soph Aur>. It was a survival instinct screaming to keep herself alive. 

—At that moment, the earth trembled as a huge spire emerged from behind Mio. 

With an inorganic surface resembling glass, the branches and cluster of leaves spread out to the open sky. From a vertical slit in the trunk, an apparition resembling a girl was seen, That’s right; it’s appearance—resembled an enormous tree that pierced the heavens. 

Moreover, it wasn’t just that. 

“What……!?” 

Tohka sharpened her gaze as she narrowed her dry throat. 

Not just Tohka, Mana and the other Spirits facing Mio were all equally shocked. 

But it was impossible for them to not be surprised. After all, a huge tree had suddenly appeared behind Mio. At the center, the roots of the tree began to stretch, changing the surrounding scenery in the process. 

The cityscape destroyed by the fierce battle, the smoke rising from the ruins of <Bandersnatch> and wrecked airships on the ground—not only that, even the winter sky began to transform. 

“……!? This is……” 

Faced against this unknown phenomenon, Tohka looked around her surroundings with the utmost vigilance. 

A monochrome world of black and white, the ground as neatly divided into block-like steps as if having been precisely divided up by grid paper; even the jet-black sky casted an ominous gaze upon the ground. 

The amount of detail of the world was compressed to the limit, truly a minimalist scene. 

A tremendous feeling of incongruity as if the outer layers of the world had been scrapped away. 

“…………” 

Tohka injected all of her remaining strength to holster up <Sandalphon>. 

High viscosity sweat covered her back. Her dry throat felt sore and painful. The intense palpitations coming from her heart would not yield as tremors spread to the rest of her body. 

Although the other Spirits tried to stare back with a fearless expression, they couldn’t completely hide their panic. From behind the other, Tohka raised her voice. 

“Mun……what the hell is this thing?” 

“Illusion……is it……not.” 

“……Voluntary Territory? But on this scale— 

As Origami raised a question, Mio soon responded back to answer it. 

“……That feeling is not a mistake. DEM recreated “this” as the model for the space within the Voluntary Territory.” 

While saying that, Mio slowly lowered her hand that was raised to the sky. 

“……My Voluntary Territory is constantly being developed in this world, only being separated by a single thin piece of film. And now that I have summoned the nucleus of <Ain Soph> here, the area around the center has become—the ’neighboring world’. “ 

“Neighboring world—” 

Upon hearing Mio’s word, Tohka wrinkled her brow. 

That name felt familiar to her. The world adjacent to this world. The world where Spirits lived. Although there was no relevant memory, it can be said that Tohka came to this world from there. 

Despite not fully knowing what that meant, there was one thing that was certain. It was not a pleasant experience for Tohka. 

“—Mun.” 

Having likely guessed the same idea as Tohka, Mukuro turned the tip of her staff towards Mio. 

“I don’t understand what kind of power this <Ain Soph> yields. But regardless—it matters not if it is stopped……!” 

At the same time Mukuro raised her voice, a “hole” in space opened up in front of her, swallowing in the tip of her staff. 

“<Michael>—<Segva>!” 

Mukuro yelled out while turning her staff. 

The Angel of the key <Michael> was extremely powerful. Whether tangible or intangible, anything could be sealed. —Even if the object was the Spirit of Origin’s Angel <Ain Soph>. 

It certainly seemed to be an impeccable first response towards an unknown enemy. 

However— 

“……! Don’t do it, Mukuro!” 

Tohka found herself semi-consciously crying out. 

Despite not knowing the reason why. Despite not having any basis for that. 

However, Tohka’s instincts and intuition sounded a sharp alarm. 

At that moment— 

“Ah……ha……?” 

Mukuro’s eyes opened wide in astonishment as she leaked out an anguished voice from her lips. 

“Mukuro……!?” 

Staring at Mukuro, Tohka soon found out the reason. 

She had stabbed the back of her neck through the tip of <Michael> swaying through the hole that had opened up in space. 

“What……” 

“……It’s useless.” 

As Tohka held her breath, Mio whispered softly. 

“……Didn’t I say it? Here, the neighboring world has already overwritten this world. —This is my world. Everything, all logic, all natural laws are different from the world you know. In my world, attacking <Ain Soph> has become impossible. —Just like how people cannot survive underwater or apples falling from trees cannot disappear into the sky.” 

At the same time as Mio was speaking, Mukuro, who just suffered a fatal blow from her own Angel, collapsed onto to the black and white ground. The Limited Astral Dress covering her body disappeared into particles of light. From her back, a Sephira Crystal emitting an orange glow had appeared. 

“Ku ……!” 

Tohka kicked against the ground reached out to grab the Sephira Crystal. 

However—too late. Just as Tohka was about bend her fingers, Mukuro’s Sephira Crystal moved in the air as if caught by an invisible hand before being sucked into Mio’s chest. 

—One of the stars behind Mio lit up with a golden glow. 

“……That makes three. Who is next?” 

While speaking softly, Mio’s eyes drifted among the crowd. 

“……” 

First Kurumi, then Kaguya and Yuzuru, and now even Mukuro have all been killed. The cruel reality made it difficult for Tohka’s heart to not be overwhelmed by her emotions. 

However, 

“Withdrawal!” 

At that moment, hearing Mana’s loud voice reverberate allowed Tohka to keep her reasoning intact. 

“Mana—” 

Tohka’s eyes slightly moved towards the owner of that voice—Mana. 

Her expression was marked by vigilance; there was not a trace of fear. 

“……,Un……!” 

Tohka, who had instantly seen through Mana’s intention, kicked against the ground while sadly leaving Mukuro’s body behind. 

Origami and Yoshino, who had likely also made the same judgement, also retreated to the rear just like Tohka. 

—The Angel <Ain Soph> and the neighboring world surrounding it. 

Over here was Mio’s world. While staying in this space, no amount of courage was enough to oppose Mio. The act would be nothing more than to commit suicide. Whatever must be done next time, it was useless to discuss without first fleeing here. 

Mio slowly raised her face while looking on at Tohka and the other’s actions. 

“……Un, as expected of Mana. That was a good decision.” 

While saying that, Mio slowly raised her hand. 

“……Then, the order will be that anything in this world cannot leave.” 

With that command, <Ain Soph> gave off a blurry light. 

“Hey……!?” 

The next moment, Mana, who was trying to evacuate this world at a tremendous speed, struck the air as if being stopped by an invisible wall. 

“Additional laws—!? Tch……it’s annoying how you get to do whatever you want.” 

“……Ah, that’s right. This world will do anything that I imagine.” 

As Mana let out her words of spite, Mio gently waved her hand as if beckoning to her. 

Then, just like a magnet, Mana’s body was pulled to Mio’s side. 

“What—!?” 

Faced with this sudden situation, Mana let out a startled cry. 

A Voluntary Territory should have been surrounding Mana’s body. However, it offered no resistance as Mio was able to embrace Mana exceedingly naturally. 

“……Mana. It must have difficult for you all this time.” 

“Hey, let go—” 

Mana twisted her body in order to escape from Mio’s grasp. However, the moment, Mio stroked her head like a child, Mana’s eyes narrowed as if remembering something. 

“……!? Mi—o-san?” 

As Mana let out a startled look, a sudden headache overcame her head. 

“……Ah, just wait a bit longer. Shin will surely need you.” 

“Wait—” 

Mana barely squeezed her voice out from her throat. 

However, before waiting for her to finish, Mana disappeared without a trace just like Shidou before her. 

“Mana!” 

“Mana-san……!” 

Tohka and Yoshino both cried out in unison. 

The next moment, Mio’s body was surrounded by a dazzling light. 

“……!?” 

For a second, Tohka thought that Mio had launched another attack—however this feeling was different. 

Before Mio’s circumference, feathers from <Metatron> surround her with brilliant rays of light. 

While Mio was rewriting the laws of the world and hugging Mana, Origami seemed to have anticipated this development and released her Angel. 

“Fu—!” 

Accompanied by Origami’s voice, a torrent of reiryoku increased its momentum as shattered burst of light attacked from every direction. The ground of the transformed world was scoured as a large crater was formed. 

“Origami, don’t let your guard down……!” 

Despite the great firepower boasted by <Metatron>, Tohka still did not relax. 

Mio was struck by the Yamai sisters’ <El Kanaph> and Tohka’s <Halvanhelev> at the same time and came out uninjured. Granted, even if someone were to catch her off-guard— 

“……!” 

At that moment— 

Origami’s eyebrows shook as her attack on Mio stopped. 

“Origami?” 

“—Be careful. I didn’t tell the Angel to ceasefire.” 

“What……?” 

Just as Tohka frowned, the subsequent dust dispersed and allowed for Mio’s figure to be seen. 

—Mio pressed her hand on <Metatron> as if to tame it. 

“How can……” 

“……<Metatron>.” 

Mio faintly called out that name while raising her hand. 

Following this order, <Metatron> turned its tips and shot several beams of light onto Tohka and others. 

“Ku……!” 

“—<Zadkiel>!” 

As the rays of light were about to explode onto Tohka, Yoshino’s voice echoed as a wall of ice arose ahead. 

While the icy wall was scrapped away, additional layers of ice were created at a faster speed than <Metatron>’s tremendous power, However. 

“……Hmm. Then let’s also prohibit that.” 

“Eh—” 

The moment Mio said that, the icy wall created by <Zadkiel> crumbled away as a ray of light from <Metatron> pierced through Yoshino’s chest. 

“Yoshino!” 

“To……hka……san—” 

“Ah……ha…so this……is……defeat……” 

As Yoshino’s petite body recoiled back from the fatal blow, both <Zadkiel> and her Limited Astral Dress faded away. 

As Yoshino was lying on the ground, a blue Sephira crystal emerged from her chest. Just like what happened with Mukuro, it was sucked into Mio’s chest. 

“C-captain! It’s unreasonable after all……!” 

“How noisy, quit your whining. Of course this is difficult. Anyway, we just need to get to the Voluntary Territory of that <Fraxinus > ship—” 

Ryouko’s voice was drowned out by the sounds of the explosions and the screams of her team mates. With a displeased look, Ryouko issued an instruction from her brain to increase the defensive strength of the Voluntary Territory. 

The former AST members including Ryouko were now heading to <Ratatoskr>’s flagship <Fraxinus> upon receiving a request from Origami. 

To say it simply, it was merely a convoy mission to <Fraxinus>. However, <Fraxinus> was currently in conflict with DEM industries warships. Complicating the matter was how Ryouko’s densely pack squad was also using the Voluntary Territory to escort both the unconscious and dead. This matter was not simply leisurely flying towards <Fraxinus>. 

While dashing through skies, they desperately tried to avoid the countless ammunition and rays of light. Although as the captain Ryouko needed to inspire her troops; but in all honesty, she painfully understood the current state of mind that would make others cry out in frustration. 

However, they could not back down this time. For those who were attacked by the Angel while protecting Ryouko and the others, if there was even a possibility of resurrecting them, they would have to try. 

“—Captain!” 

“……!” 

The next moment, the voices of her squad echoed as a tremendous shock struck her entire body. Screams leaked out from her fellow teammates. 

It seems that they had been struck by a stray bullet—well that was if a large magical artillery emitted from the Realizer Manifestation Device could be called a “bullet” though. 

Although their bodies were protected by the Voluntary Territory, the attack flying towards them was also powered by maryoku. From a direct hit, it would be impossible to not take a correspondingly appropriate amount of damage. It seemed that their thrusters were hit. Just as <Fraxinus was at the foreground, their altitude had gradually dropped. 

“Ku……! You’ve got to be kidding, to be shot down at a place like this—” 

Ryouko gave a solemn expression as she tried to issue commands to the Voluntary Territory in order to preserve their altitude. However—that wasn’t enough. Ryouko fell to the bottom of <Fraxinus>. 

But, at the next moment. 

“—Eh?” 

A strange sensation wrapped around her body as the scenery within Ryouko’s sight changed within an instant. 

From the battlefield where bullets were flying in barrages, they were taken to a bridge-like space surrounded by machines. 

“Ha……? Huh……?” 

“Here is……” 

“Eh? Has heaven become so modernized?” 

As a Ryouko and her teammates were staring around, a woman dressed in a maroon colored military uniform came to greet them. 

“My name is Kusakabe. We were told to come here by Tobiichi-san.” 

“Y-you are……” 

“<Fraxinus> crew member Shiizaki Hinako. I moved you all inside with the transfer device. —Well, please bring Artemisia and anyone else injured here.” 

After that, she raised her hand as several people who appeared to be the medical staff gathered with a few stretchers already in hand. 

Listening to her words, they had all understood. They had reached <Ratatoskr>’s flagship <Fraxinus> after all. 

“Hey, hey, those are my important companions. Please take good care of them.” 

“I can’t guarantee anything, but we will try our best.” 

The medical staff left the bridge while carrying on stretchers Artemisia who had lost consciousness and Mikie and the others who had fallen under cardiopulmonary arrest. 

As Ryouko and the others were watching the medical staff leave, a girl’s voice resounded from above. 

“……Welcome to <Fraxinus>, I am the commander here, Itsuka Kotori.” 

“……! Nice to meet you. I am the former Ground Defense Force Captain, Kusakabe Ryouko—” 

As she made a salute in response to that voice, Ryouko suddenly widened her eyes open in surprise. 

But that was no wonder that reaction occurred. After all, siting in the captain’s seat was a girl of junior high age with her hair tied in twintails. 

“Y-you are—the commander?” 

As Ryouko was in a state of confusion, the voice of the crew members on the lower part of the bridge came out in a murmur. 

“Ahh……this is a nostalgic reaction.” 

“Well, we have gotten used to it, but if you think about it normally, it should be generally impossible for the first time.” 

As Kotori cleared her throat, the crew members ceased their chatter in a panic. 

“……!” 

Ryouko jerked her head up as she corrected her posture. 

“That was rude of me. Although it was brief, please excuse me for stupidly judging a person’s ability by age and appearance.” 

“No, I want to thank you for your flexibility. —However, although you went through all the trouble of coming here, we can’t afford a welcoming party right now.” 

“Please, I don’t mind, I understand the present situation.” 

Hearing Ryouko’s words, Kotori gave a gentle nod before instructing the man positioned adjacent to herself. 

“—The task of collecting Artemisia has been completed. When you are ready Kannazuki, we’ll break through.” 

“Yes, please leave it to me, commander.” 

The man wearing a headset responded back. 

He was dressed in a white military uniform with slender limbs and long hair. His face, while not resembling a Japanese, was reminiscent more of a foreigner— 

“……Yooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!?” 

At the moment of recognizing that man’s face, a loud voice unconsciously leaked out from Ryouko’s throat, the same person who had just calmly accepted a junior high student as the commander of this vessel. From behind, the <Fraxinus> crew members all casted back a surprised look. 

However, Ryouko could care less about their reaction. She raised her voice again while pointing to the man. 

“Cap……captain Kannazuki! What are you doing here?” 

“Ah, Kusakabe-kun, it’s been a while.” 

With extreme degree of calmness—that man, Kannazuki responded back to Ryouko’s cry. 

Hearing those words come out, Ryouko’s teammates and the crew members all tilted their heads in wonder. 

“Kannazuki……” 

“Captain?” 

“……Yeah, when I was first assigned to the AST, he was the captain. It was undeniable that he used to be the top trump card of the forces.” 

As Ryouko spoke, everyone couldn’t help but speak out in surprise. 

“Hey, that person……” 

“Isn’t that a bit amazing?” 

“Kannazuki-san, I never thought you’ve done such a thing in the past……” 

“I thought he was supposed to have been thrown to the side of the road before being picked up by the commander.” 

Everyone was talking quietly. 

However, Ryouko ignored all of their comments while tuning her eyes to Kotori. 

“Commander Itsuka, please get away from that man! That man is dangerous! He is a pervert who dreams of getting kicked by junior high students! During his time in office, the “junior high school guardianship association” was established by himself alone! When he went to the local junior high, he was reported as a suspect! Commander, you are just in his strike zone!” 

“Hey, that’s rude. Recently, I also like being kicked in the heels. Although it’s quite simple, it’s not easy to experience such pleasure.” 

“Look!” 

With the criminal having already confessed, Ryouko yelled out while trying to let Kotori recognize his nature. 

However, Kotori took in a deep breath while standing up from the captain’s seat. 

“I told you there’s no time. Don’t make me say it again—there’s no time for your nonsense!” 

Kotori threw a splendid roundhouse kick at Kannazuki’s ass. 

“Mi~yafun!?” 

“!?” 

With a strange cry, Kannazuki fell flying onto the floor. Seeing that grand scene up close, Ryouko felt a tremble overtake her shoulders. 

“—Maria. Prepare to break through the DEM ships as soon as possible. We will launch a direct attack on……Mio. Prepare the main artillery.” 

“Understood. Approval for activating Spirit reiryoku cannon <Gungnir> authorized.” 

The voice of a girl echoed from the main loudspeaker on the bridge as an icon indicating the operation of a weapon was displayed on the main screen. 

While overseeing the battleship’s operation, Kotori stepped on Kannazuki’s back as the man was still twitching on the floor. 

“Kannazuki, why are you sleeping in this crisis? <Ratatoskr> is not paying you for your nap.” 

“Perhaps it was due to the unreasonableness of having to kick someone who was already down, but Ryouko felt beads of sweat drip down her neck. 

“Thank you very much!” 

However, Kannazuki replied back excitedly with a crisp look as he sprung back up like wind-up doll. …Well, whether due to collapsing face first on the floor or from the extreme excitement, but the nosebleed on his face ruined his serious expression. 

“Well, let’s go Maria! For the Spirits! And more than anything, for the commander’s praise!” 

“…………” 

……There was no way that she expected someone to be able to tame Kannazuki Kyohei, the man known as the “self-propelled accident maker” and “the most valuable asset reported for degeneracy”. 

Looking at Commander Itsuka Kotori who was only half her age, Ryouko could not help but feel a degree of respect towards her. 

“Inject <Yggdrafolium> numbers 1 through 5. They will act as our snare traps to repel the enemy ships away. Once we are through, prepare the main cannon to help the Spirits. Okay, Maria?” 

“There are no problems if we eliminate of the discomfort of this operation being handed to Kannazuki.” 

“Great. You’re getting better at motivating the operator, Maria.” 

After listening to Maria’s thinly veiled insults, Kannazuki nodded cheerfully. 

Well, although Maria was not trying to inspire Kannazuki, her words still rang truthfully from the heart……but even now it was still not unnecessary to say something frivolous in order to lower the tension. 

From <Fraxinus>’s shadow displayed on the main monitor, several units turned behind the enemy ships that were blocking the front. In conjunction with this, the scope of the Voluntary Territory expanded to wrap around the hull. As it eventually reduced, the increase in strength was inversely proportional to the gradual narrowing. 

Despite the opponent being a powerful DEM airship, with the newly rebuilt <Fraxinus Excelsior> and Kannazuki pouring his power to forcibly queue the enemy ships, it wouldn’t be difficult to pave a road forward. 

Of course, this strategy could only be proven best if the DEM ships were completely immobilized. By only focusing on breaking the enemy formation, it may leave their flank unguarded for a counterattack. 

But for Kotori, even if it carried that risk, they must arrive to the Spirits as soon as possible. 

—The mysterious sphere that had suddenly appeared. 

And the huge tree that reached the sky, forming a different space surrounding it. 

It was probably from Reine—Mio manifesting an Angel. 

After being trapped in that different space, communication lines with the Spirits had broken down. Despite not knowing what was transpiring inside there, there was no doubt that they were suffering an unparalleled crisis. 

“—Uwaah.” 

Then, as Kotori was considering over such matters, a girl sitting on one of the crew members’ seats let out such a voice. 

With glasses and short hair that were characteristic of her, it was the Spirit Nia. 

Since most of her Sephira Crystal had been stolen by Westcott, she had little fighting ability left. However, since she petitioned herself to be useful for everyone, she was now sitting on the bridge as a trainee. 

Despite not knowing if it was fortunate or unfortunate, the equipment she had studied most intensively had belonged to Reine. With Reine now gone, she was given the role of Analytic Officer despite still being immature. 

“What’s wrong, Nia?” 

“Not matter what happened, that angel……how? It’s like a post level that was overdone again.” 

Nia frowned while continuing to watch the monitor. 

“The round flower-like object in the sky. Both the creatures and objects that bathed in the light it released all died or broke without exception. Being damaged……not that isn’t the issue……how to say it? The life, or lifespan capture by that thing, does it even have a durability limit? Something that reduces everything to zero in a blink of an eye……in short a light of absolute death? I would definitely be stuck if I ever drew that in a manga. How can we defeat her?” 

“What did you say……?” 

“Another point……that whole area already resembles an entirely different world. Since the numerical values are absurd, the meaning behind it is unknown. If we can get closer to visible range, than perhaps we can know more about it……” 

“…………” 

Hearing what Nia had said, Kotori took in a breathless gulp. 

Then, as if ascertaining Kotori’s intentions, Maria’s voice resounded from the speaker. 

“—Kotori, we’ll be through the enemy row soon. I suggest that before then, all those who are unconscious or non-combatants should be transferred to the <Ulmus>.” 

“Maria—” 

“Of course, I am not planning on losing. This is just risk insurance. Onboard the <Ulmus> is Karen Mathers, so the brainwave analysis of Artemisia should still run smooth.” 

“…………” 

After a momentary thought, Kotori relaxed her lips while listening to what Maria had said. 

“Sorry, Maria. I was just about to suggest that to you.” 

“No, it’s natural for an AI’s processing speed to be faster than a human being.” 

As Maria replied back in a jokingly manner, it was difficult to tell if that was a human being or truly an AI. 

Then, Kotori let out a small sight while turning to the former AST members who were in the back. 

“—Captain Kusakabe, it’s just as you heard. I am embarrassed to push this on you, but can you guard the division that is about to be evacuated?” 

“That is—” 

Ryouko twitched her eyebrows in surprise for a moment, before replying back with a formal salute. 

“No, I understand. Leave it to me.” 

Seeing her like this, Kotori blinked a bit from the immediately response. 

“Captain-san, you are a wonderful person. I would definitely want you as my subordinate. 

“Thank you, but we are a bit expensive.” 

“Oh, how terrible.” 

As Kotori smiled, Ryouko returned the expression after giving off a relieved look. 

“Maria, show the route to their destination on their retina scanners.” 

“Understood.” 

As Maria finished, the former AST members all let out a surprised look. Surely, the layout of the ship was now within their sight. 

“—Then, good luck to you.” 

“Hmm.” 

After a brief exchange, the former AST members had left the bridge. After seeing them off, Kotori turned her attention to her own crew. 

“—Well, sorry guys. I’m asking you all to accompany me to hell. If you want to escape, hurry and chase after them now.” 

As Kotori finished, the crew members and Nia looked surprised for a moment before exposing fearless smiles. 

“What are you talking about commander?” 

“Yes, it’s too dangerous to leave everything to only the commander and deputy commander be alone, even if Maria is here.” 

“I understand.” 

Lively discussions began coming from everyone’s mouths. 

“You guys……” 

Kotori scratched her head while making a shrewd expression, but let out a sigh after seeing her crew member’s trembling hands and the sweat dripping from their foreheads. 

“……I know. Let’s get started. —I love you, everyone.” 

“Yes!” 

As the crew all answered in unison, suddenly the hull violently shook. 

“—I’ve already forced through the enemy’s Voluntary Territory. Kotori, prepare the main cannon.” 

As Maria’s voice echoed from the speaker, a portion of the bridge began to deform. 

The core room housing the Spirit reiryoku cannon <Gungnir>. Kotori nodded as she stepped up on the platform. Then, she closed her eyes as she began to concentrate. 

She imagined drawing heat from the depths of her heart and warping it around her body. 

—In a short while, her body was cloaked in a Limited Astral Dress embodied with flames alongside holding an Angel shaped like a giant battle ax. 

Kotori transformed the Angel <Camael> into its huge cannon form before connecting it to the unit set in front. 

Then, at that moment, a voice cried out from the bridge. 

“……! We have a visual of the interior of the space! At the center is Rei—no Takamiya Mio. Tohka-chan and Tobiichi-san are confronting her!’ 

“! Everyone else?” 

As Kotori asked, the crew members were rendered speechless for a moment before continuing. 

“In the surroundings……Yoshino-chan, Kaguya-chan, Yuzuru-chan and Mukuro-chan have all collapsed! Ku……L-life response—has vanished……!” 

“……” 

Hearing the report from the crew, Kotori stood breathlessly in shock. 

She knew that everyone was in danger, but couldn’t expect this report at all. 

However, upon hearing this, it was impossible not to have the feeling of her heart tightly contracting. 

“—Spirit reiryoku cannon <Gungnir>. We are ready for launch. The target, the Spirit at the center of the different space· Takamiya Mio. —Can you do it, Kotori?” 

Maria spoke in a quiet but heavy tone. 

Maria also understood. The inherent contradiction in the actions they were currently undertaking. 

<Ratatoskr> was an organization dedicated to protecting the Spirits. Being one, Mio was no exception. On the contrary, when thinking about Elliot Woodman’s motives for creating <Ratatoskr>, it wouldn’t be too much to say that <Ratatoskr> was founded to save her. It should be impossible to point a weapon at her. 

However, right now, she had struck her merciless fangs to kill other Spirits —Kotori’s most treasured friends. Such a behavior could not be tolerated. 

“……Reine—” 

Kotori murmured that name softly in a voice that no one else could hear. She then bit against her lip while raising her head. 

“—Of course, Maria. Let’s do this at full power.” 

“Alright.” 

Maria briefly replied back. 

Kotori released the reiryoku cannon at the target shown on the screen. 

“……Oh, what’s wrong, you two.” 

Mio softly whispered while turning her eyes to Tohka and Origami. 

“…………” 

“…………” 

Tohka and Origami remained silent, keeping their expressions vigilant while glaring at Mio. 

—Their situation had reached an all-time low. 

Above them was the Angel of death, <Ain Soph Aur>, capable of killing all things. 

In front of them was the Angel of laws, <Ain Soph>, capable of distorting reality at a whim. 

She was undoubtedly the Spirit of Origin possessing the strongest shield and spear. Despite Tohka conceptualizing numerous strategies in her mind, not a single time could she even imagine her sword reaching Mio’s chest. 

Perhaps, Origami was thinking the same as well. No—since Origami was better than Tohka at conceptualizing such things; perhaps she was looking further at an even more desperate situation. 

“……Fu.” 

Looking at the two of them, Mio touched her chin with her hand. 

“……If you two aren’t attacking, I guess I have to.” 

After finished saying that, Mio raised her hand. Tohka and Origami were soaked in sweat as they trembled from the tension. 

But—at the very next moment. 

“……!” 

From a sparkle in the sky, a line of light came straight down at Mio. 

It was just like a shooting star. 

However, this blow contained the power of destruction. 

Yes, it was definitely <Gungnir>, the main artillery boasted by <Ratatoskr>’s flagship <Fraxinus>. 

Amplified and released by a Spirit’s power, it yielded an unparalleled power just like the thunder of God. <Fraxinus>’s strongest weapon. It seemed that Kotori had gotten through the enemy airspace to support Tohka and the others. 

“—” 

A tremendous torrent of energy swallowed Mio in a flash. It razed the earth as shockwaves began to spread from the epicenter. It was no exaggeration to say that it resembled the will of the heavens that annihilated all traces of enemies on the ground. 

“……Origami!” 

“—I know.” 

However, in that storm of light, Tohka and Origami aligned their eyes to each other. 

After mutually understanding each other’s intentions, they kicked off against the ground simultaneously. 

The power of <Gungnir> was immense. Even if it was not enough to take down Mio, it still provided a chance opportunity. 

“<Sandalphon>!” 

The moment Tohka screamed out that name, a golden throne appeared from the ground. After Tohka had kicked down, it had transformed into a streamlined shape. 

“—<Einherjar>” 

While above <Sandalphon>, Origami focused her strength on the lance-type unit in her hands. 

<Einherjar>. The lance holding the souls of the brave had the function of converging all surrounding maryoku and reiryoku. 

And now, in this place where so many Spirits had died, there was the aftermath of the main cannon from <Fraxinus> and the huge reiryoku scattered from Mio herself. 

“—Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” 

While giving a loud roar, Tohka threw the deformed throne at a violent speed. 

Above the throne, Origami was holding a spear with all the surrounding reiryoku converged into a single point. 

To put it another way, it was just like a super-powerful slingshot. 

A single blow containing everything now ran through Mio. 

—Yet. 

“Ah…………” 

Small. 

A small voice that could barely be heard leaked out from Origami’s lips. 

“!? O-origami—?” 

As the light from that blast began to dissipate, Tohka finally noticed. 

Rather than Origami holding <Einherjar>, the spear of light was in Mio’s hands, piercing Origami instead. 

“……Hmm, I thought that if you wanted to defeat me, you would use this. —So, I decided to imitate you guys.” 

As Mio finished, the spear of light piercing Origami disappeared. Having lost its only support, Origami’s body swayed violently before losing all strength and collapsing to the ground. Then, the pure white Sephira Crystal emerging from her chest was absorbed into Mio’s chest. 

That’s right. Mio had anticipated their surprise attack and reorganized the reiryoku to converge around herself in order to block Origami’s attack. 

“—” 

Despair filled her heart. 

All of the means that they could think of had been done. 

All the methods they had considered have been tried. 

The only result was the hell spread before their eyes. 

“Ku—” 

However, Tohka could not yield. While gritting her teeth, she prepared to lunge towards Mio. 

However, at the next moment. 

Swish. 

The sound of a small strip of light protruding from the ground ran through Tohka’s chest. 

“Ku, ha……!?” 

That moan unconsciously leaked out from Tohka’s throat. All of her strength had left her hand as <Sandalphon> dropped to the ground. 

Miraculously, there was no pain. There was only a violent drowsiness that made her unable to continue standing. 

Her knees collapsed as she fell to the ground. Tohka tried biting her own tongue to stay awake, but it seemed to have little effect. 

In her hazy vision, Tohka saw the wrecked debris of <Fraxinus> crashing down from contact with a grain of light from <Ain Soph Aur>. 

“Ah……gu…………” 

With tremendous pain and a burning sensation, Kotori finally woke up. 

It seemed that she had lost consciousness for a while. 

After taking a few seconds to remember, Kotori looked around at the situation. 

—The ground was filled with endless wreckage. It was difficult to imagine that this was the fruitful end of the sky’s brave champion, <Fraxinus>. 

Kotori’s current condition was likely as equally terrible. She had injuries of varying sizes and numerous blood marks. Her abdomen and feet seemed to have lost their function after coming into contact with light emitted from the Angel. However, due to the presence of <Camael> inside her, her entire body was trying to resuscitate while being enveloped in flames. It was as if she were a witch lit on fire. 

However, Kotori didn’t scream or shed any tears. 

“What……” 

A Spirit wearing a phantasmal Astral Dress—Mio was standing on the ground leisurely. 

No, that wasn’t all. Nia’s body was lying at her feet. In her hands, there was the faint glow of a small fragment of a Sephira Crystal that she had likely taken from her. 

Although Nia had the majority of her power taken away by Westcott, there was still a tiny amount of reiryoku in her body. Perhaps, Mio had come to collect it. 

Needless to say—there was also another Sephira Crystal here as well. 

“…………” 

At that time, Mio noticed Kotori in her line of sight. 

Kotori let out a hoarse voice while looking at her. 

“……Hi Reine. No, do you prefer Mio now?” 

“……I don’t mind either.” 

Hearing Kotori try to casually jest afterwards, Mio looked back while lightly narrowing her eyes. 

Seeing at that reaction, Kotori wanted to laugh self-deprecatingly at herself. 

“… I wonder if I can bear to see that? Sorry. Because someone somewhere has been hurt by me.” 

As Kotori spoke, she sighed. 

“…………” 

Mio only kept silently looking at Kotori. 

“……Reine.” 

Pain struck her entire body. The searing flames made it feel that every nerve had come under attack. —While enduring it all, Kotori continued to speak. 

“Everything, was it all a lie? Even if you saved me. Or when you continued to support me. —And, of course, became my best friend. Was all of that false?” 

Mio looked at Kotori for a moment before replying. 

“…… No, it is not false. My words, my feelings, are no lie. I still cherish the Spirits—even now, I still see you as my best friend.” 

However, Mio continued on. 

“……If it means getting back Shin, I would sacrifice even a close friend. That’s all.” 

As Mio finished speaking, Kotori felt a sharp pain in her chest. 

“—” 

A band of light extended from the monochrome ground, piercing through Kotori’s chest. While recognizing this, Kotori fell to the ground. 

Her Astral Dress, her fire, even the pain had all disappeared. 

However, Kotori was not afraid. 

Rather, her heart was dominated by a stronger unspeakable feeling. 

That’s right. Because it was a friend who had been with her for so many years, she understood that. 

—Reine, was not lying at all. 

She truly loves the Spirits while doing such a demon’s task. 

She truthfully thinks of Kotori as a close friend. 

Ah, what is this—distorted. 

“……… Don’t be silly. What is that…” 

As her consciousness faded away, Kotori left those cruel last words to her friend.