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Date A Live - Volume 19 - Chapter 1




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Chapter 1: Responsibility of the Survivors 

“Reine-san —do you want to go on a date with me tomorrow?” 

Above Tenguu City, at an altitude of 15,000 meters. 

Onboard the large aircraft <Fraxinus> floating there, Itsuka Shidou had made up his mind to issue those words. 

Standing in front of him was a woman looking around 20 years of age and wearing the military uniform for <Ratatoskr>. Her hair was slovenly tied together, with pale skin and thick shadows decorating underneath her eyes— 

If listing only those features, one might think that she was sick person inflicted with an incurable disease. But even when taking that into account, she was still breathtakingly beautiful. Her symmetrical nose bridge and the somewhat sorrowful look traced onto that pair of eyes. Rather, even the aforementioned features felt like contributing a role in fostering her phantasmal atmosphere. 

—Murasame Reine. 

The Analytic Officer of <Ratatoskr>, the organization designed to protect Spirits, as well as the assistant homeroom teacher of Shidou’s classroom. 

And—the Spirit of Origin that had become the source of all other Spirits, Mio Takamiya. 

Yes. Starting from now, in about 30 hours, she will be the Spirit that would massacre all of the other Spirits. 

“…………” 

While listening to what Shidou had said, Reine gaze down at him while slightly narrowing her eyes. 

“That really surprised me, why did you say something like that so suddenly, Shin?” 

Then, after a while, with an appearance that didn’t look too shocked, she replied back in a quiet voice. 

Neither acceptance nor refusal. Perhaps, she was aiming to measure Shidou’s intentions. 

But it seemed to be impossible. Although they had a close relationship—no, for that reason—if someone had suddenly said such a thing, it would be normal to be surprised. Conversely, if Shidou were standing in Reine’s position, he would have likely said something familiar. 

However, for Reine right now, such sentiments were likely not the only emotions stirring in her chest. Shidou looked back at Reine’s gaze and pondered these thoughts over. Then, he swallowed in a small gulp before replying back in the process. 

“Is it no good? Tomorrow—no the date has changed, so it’s precisely today, but there should still be a whole day before DEM’s assault.” 

“Although that is the case, there is no need for training beforehand. Rest well or do something you like—” 

“I’m not training.” 

“…………” 

As Shidou spoke out to interrupt her words, Reine fell silent as she averted her eyes for a moment. Rather than being unable to continue looking at Shidou, it seemed she was looking to see if anyone was around. 

“……This isn’t the place to tell a joke. Shin, won’t you feel worried being seen by someone?” 

“I didn’t say that as a joke. —Reine-san, you just told me to do something that I liked. So that’s why I’ve invited you on a date before the facing the decisive battle.” 

“…………” 

Hearing what Shidou had said, Reine fell silent once again. 

“……Does everyone know?” 

“Of course, I haven’t told anyone. This is a secret date from everyone else.” 

“……For a moment, can I ask you? Why are you inviting me?” 

“Do you not want to?” 

“I haven’t said that, but if you wanted to go on a date, then there should be someone else. Everyone will be pleased if you offer.” 

“Well then, it’s hopeless. Right now, I want to go on a date with Reine-san.” 

“…………” 

Three times, there was silence. 

After a moment of thinking it over, Reine let out a small sigh. 

“How unfair, you.” 

“Eh……?” 

“When you say it like that, is there still any room for refusal?” 

“! Then—” 

As Shidou’s eyes perked up, he saw Reine give a small nod back. 

“……Time to leave. When should I head out?” 

“Thank you……! Well then, tomorrow morning, I’ll meet you in front of Tenguu station at 10 o’clock.” 

“……I understand……please excuse me now. If I don’t finish up the remainder of my work, Kotori will get angry.” 

Shidou swayed his shoulders back. After hearing Reine’s reply, he finally recognized the insanity of his behavior in asking for a date in the middle of the night before the appointed day. 

No, to be precise, that method of rash thinking was completely unimaginable. It’s just that Shidou had no extra energy to afford worrying about this just a moment ago. ……No, but now that there was space now, he couldn’t help but shake his head back uncontrollably. 

“Sorry to have suddenly made such a request.” 

“It’s fine. Seeing your position, it’s not something that should be said out loud, but I’m really happy to have received your invitation. —Having said that, it’s still very difficult to get Kotori’s consent.” 

“Ha…haha………” 

With a wry smile, Shidou wiped away the sweat covering his forehead. Reine lightly waved her hand back as she walked into the <Fraxinus> corridor. 

Soon afterwards, Reine’s figure turned around the corridor and completely disappeared. 

“Fuwa—” 

After confirming it for a moment, Shidou took a huge breath in as if entire face had been completely submerged underwater. 

His back was soaked with sweat as his fingertips were trembling slightly. The extreme tension, vigor, and resolution pushing his body forward as momentum had spewed out all at once. 

With his feet staggering, Shidou placed his back against the wall of the hallway before squatting down onto the floor. 

“For the time being, this was breaking through the first barrier, right?” 

Then, he muttered with a voice that nobody else could hear. 

For now, he had succeeded in inviting Reine to a date. Of course, while keeping this in mind as the real hurdle begins, Shidou still couldn’t let out a sigh of relief yet. 

After all, the first success was predictable to some extent. 

Reine couldn’t refuse Shidou—no, it was impossible for Mio to refuse Shin’s invitation. Shidou also recognized that fact. 

For this reason, Shidou was able to forcibly obtain consent for the date despite being self-aware of the rude timing in asking. 

“…………” 

However, Shidou patted down his cheeks with both hands to relight his fighting spirit. 

Before tomorrow’s date (war), there was still something that needed to be done beforehand. 

The opponent was the Spirit of Origin. One might feel at ease if there was an existence capable of surpassing her, but such things did not exist. Yet within this limited time, it was necessary to overcome her with his own hands. 

However, the question raised was how to proceed smoothly. In even the slightest chance that Shidou’s intentions be captured by Reine’s intuition, the plan would collapse instantly. Then, everything would revert back to the initial situation— 

“Yes—that should be done first.” 

After that momentary thought, Shidou forced his legs to stand up again from that spot. 

Then, while walking though the corridor, he step into the men’s restroom onboard <Fraxinus>. 

While there are countless cameras and microphones installed in the ship, no matter what, there shouldn’t be recording devices in the restroom. Here, nothing would be recorded unless one spoke to loudly and the feedback was caught from the outside. 

After locking the door to the stall, Shidou took out his smart phone from his pocket and tapped on the icon labeled as ‘M’. 

Then, the five letters writing out the name ‘MARIA’, were displayed on the screen as a familiar voice was heard from the speaker. 

“—Confirmation for application launch. How may I be of assistance?” 

The voice of the girl chiming though the smart phone was the exact same as that of Maria, the management AI of the Fraxinus airship that Shidou was onboard right now. 

That’s right. Within his smartphone, there was an application installed (Shido was unaware of when) that allowed for direct communication with Maria. With this, it was possible to communicate with Maria without passing through the equipment inside the ship. 

“I have something I need to tell you, Maria.” 

“What happened? To invite your female classroom teacher on a date the day before the decisive battle, Itsuka · Immoral· Shidou.” 

“…………” 

Hearing that said in a somewhat sullen colored voice, Shidou fell silent without even having to think. 

……It seemed that the prior conversation had been recorded. Certainly if only that scene were taken into context, it’s no wonder to be baffled at such a matter. 

“No, that……Maria.” 

“No, no I don’t intend to blame you. Perhaps, the next battlefield will be the largest yet. Since it’s also possible that Shidou could die, it’s not a bad idea to solve the issue of the future. Moreover, it’s the instinct of every creature to retain its own species when life is threatened. It is also a good choice to select Reine as your first partner. Surely, you’ll receive a gentle first-time induction. I didn’t know that Shidou likes them more mature for himself. Can you tell me the specific points that were the deciding factor for future reference? Is it a sense of broad-mindedness? Is it her breasts? A sense of security? Breasts? Or is it still because of breasts? Tch.” 

“M-Maria?” 

“Although it is big, it’s only 95 cm at best. The portion of my chest extending out from my warship (body) exceeds 250 m.” 

“The portion of your chest extending out!? ……No wait, listen to my story first……!” 

As Shido made an earnest appeal, Maria finally grew silent to encourage him to speak. 

“Listen, Maria. You may not believe what I say next, but please listen calmly. I’ve traveled back from 30 hours from now—from February 20th. No, to be more exact, only my consciousness from February 20th has returned to my current body.” 

“H?.” 

Hearing what Shidou had said, Maria, not laughing or too amazed, calmly replied back. 

“Because you used Kurumi’s <Zafkiel> to return back to the present?” 

“Ahh, yes. You understanding it so quickly helps a lot.” 

“Analyzing from previous cases, I thought that this might be it—of course, this is excluding the possibility that Shidou is making up a desperately magnificent excuse to cover up his secret date with Reine.” 

“H-hey, you……” 

“Just kidding. Humor is cushioning material for your mind. Even when backed into a corner, I’d like you to have enough room left to still take in jokes.” 

“……Then I’ll do my best.” 

Shidou let out a wry smile. ……truly, she was an artificial intelligence that can be relied upon at any time. Although he had intended Maria to be the first person to discuss this situation due to her role in managing and controlling information onboard, he did not expect to receive such encouragement. 

“—Anyway, let’s continue on. Please rest assured this conversation won’t be in the record. Why else bother choosing such a place, wasn’t that the reason?” 

“Ah………” 

After Shidou deeply nodded, he began to explain. 

—During the battle against DEM, the Spirit of Origin?Mio had appeared after piercing through Kurumi’s chest. 

Reine being a provisional appearance for Mio. 

The Spirits defeated one after the other, their Sephira Crystals snatched away. 

Even Tohka, who had taken in a portion of Mio’s power, was erased. 

And so, using the Sixth Bullet <Vav> sealed within his body, he had returned back to the night before the decisive battle. 

“……I see.” 

After Shidou completed his explanation, Maria said that while accompanied by a thin breathtaking sound. Of course, an AI doesn’t need to breathe, but there was still finely minuscule patterns projected in her speech. 

“I understand the situation—Shidou.” 

“W-what’s the matter?” 

“Well, it’s great to see you’re still alive.” 

“……” 

Hearing Maria’s brief words, tears unconsciously began to leak from his eyes. However, he couldn’t stop to cry at a place like this. While wiping his tears with his sleeve, he worked hard to show Maria that he had recovered. 

“Yes, thanks to everyone’s efforts.” 

“I agree. Everyone worked really hard.” 

As she said that, Maria continued speaking as if having thought of something. 

“—Now, if that’s the case, I’ll have to prepare for tomorrow. 

—First, let’s go to Kotori for assistance. I’ll contact her so please head to Kotori’s office first. The details will be given there.” 

“Ah, that’s right. First of all……I’ll have to inform Kotori.” 

Shidou spilled out those words with heavy look marking his face. 

Itsuka Kotori, the commander of <Ratatoskr> and Shidou’s younger sister. If <Ratatoskr> wanted to be involved in any operation, then her assistance was indispensable. 

However, Kotori had a close relationship with the aforementioned Reine. It was a close enough relationship that she was considered to be her best friend. Honestly, it hurt his heart that he must tell the truth to Kotori. 

“Yes. Although it will be painful, it is also essential. —Even if it’s Reine, it’ll be no problem. I’ll edit the corresponding conversation logs and images inside the ship. But since Reine is also within <Fraxinus>, that alone cannot afford complete security. Please be careful to keep your volume low so that others won’t be able to hear in.” 

“Alright, I understand. Is it okay to talk in the office?” 

“Yes, it would be less risky to let you return home to talk, but it would look unnatural for Kotori leave the ship in the current situation. In order to minimize Reine’s suspicions, we should hold the conversation here.” 

“I see, alright I’ll head out first.” 

“Yes. —However, because there will be no records left behind, it’ll be difficult to cling onto the chair in Kotori’s room and resist the smell of her newly taken off stockings.” 

“Hey, hey……” 

As Shidou spoke out, he remembered what Maria had just said before. 

“That’s a pity. I would have liked that as much as my favorite kissing cup.” 

“Fufu—well you’ve certainly tried to make a good performance.” 

Maria delightfully laughed as Shidou tightened his shoulders from his forced routine. 

“Muu……I woke up.” 

While walking through a corridor of <Fraxinus>, Tohka let out a small “Mmm……” sound as she lightly stretched. In line with that movement, her long night-colored hair slightly swayed 

It was already late enough for time to reset back to zero again. For Tohka who had always gone to bed early, it was quite late in the evening to still be up. 

Nevertheless, it wasn’t because Tohka liked wandering around the ship. Originally, she was sleeping in the same room as the other Spirits. But she was woken up shocked seeing Miku sleeping next to her and had no choice but head to the lounge room of the ship to get something warm to drink. 

However, there was an unexpected person in the lounge room. —Shidou. 

No, there was nothing unusual with Shidou being there. While the encounter was certainly surprising, it would be better to say that even remembering the accidental encounter made Tohka feel very joyful. 

However, after Shidou confirmed Tohka’s appearance, he suddenly was overcome by emotion and suddenly embraced her before saying something strange. 

“A……dream.” 

Tohka recalled the sensation of the hug, the feeling of holding his shoulders with his own hands, and the words that he spilled out to her at the same time. 

That’s right. Shidou had said that he had a bad dream. —A dream where everyone will get killed in the battle tomorrow. 

That must have been a terrifyingly dreadful dream to have frightened Shidou that much. If Tohka had seen the same dream, she would have likely jump out of bed, soaking her pillow in tears. 

But—no, that was why. 

“…………” 

Tohka had injected even more strength into her hands holding onto his shoulders. 

“As for that dream, I will never let those things happen.” 

As if to make this determination boil inside her body, Tohka strongly uttered that. 

According to Shidou, the Tohka in his dream worked furiously hard to protect Shidou. —To become an existence like that in his dreams was something to be proud of. 

Then she mustn’t lose to herself from the dream. Tohka let out a small “alright” for the purpose of raising her spirits before briskly pacing herself to go back to sleep. 

What needed to be done today for the upcoming battle is to get sufficient rest. First of all, she should get a steady amount of sleep tonight— 

However. 

“………Muu?” 

While returning back to the room to take a nap, Tohka pursed her eyebrows up in astonishment. 

But that was to be expected as well. There were two petite girls standing near the vicinity of the entrance. 

One girl was wearing a rabbit puppet on her left hand. The other was a girl with long hair tied up that seemed still extensive enough to reach the ground. —They were Spirits that should have been sleeping in the same room as Tohka: Yoshino and Mukuro. But now, both of them had their eyes wide open, staring back at the room with a shudder. 

“What are you doing, Yoshino, Mukuro?” 

“……! Tohka-san!” 

“Oh, so you’re safe.” 

“Yeah, I thought you were already eaten.” 

As Tohka asked, Yoshino, Mukuro, and the rabbit puppet Yoshinon, while still trembling, were surprised for a moment before out a sigh of relief as they confirmed Tohka’s appearance. 

“……? Did something happen?” 

“A-actually……” 

Following Tohka’s question, Yoshino fearfully pointed back to the room. 

“Mu……?” 

While looking at the direction indicated by Yoshino’s fingertips, Tohka found something in the depths of the room where the lights were off. 

Finally, as her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, Tohka noticed it. It was— 

“A-ahhhhh…” 

Lying on the floor, Natsumi let out a weak voice from her throat. 

“Chew………, chew…………” 

It was the appearance of Miku letting out an “hmmm……” sound while sucking on Natsumi’s innocent belly. 

“Wha……what is this…” 

Looking at the contextless scene front of her eyes, confusion struck Tohka’s expression. Short afterwards, as if matching Tohka’s gaze, Miku turned her body, causing Natsumi to leak out a painful “Gwaaaaah…!” groan. 

“N-Natsumi-san……!” 

“R-run away Yoshino……while she’s still targeting me……if you don’t escape, I wouldn’t be able to keep her……” 

“That, I can’t escape and leave Natsumi-san behind……!” 

As Natsumi and Yoshino were passionately exchanging those words, Tohka felt a cold sweat drip down her cheek as she turned her attention to Miku, who had completely transformed into a monster. 

“Miku, what are you doing! Let go of Natsumi!” 

“Tis in vain, Tohka. Look closer.” 

“What……?” 

Listening to what Mukuro had said, Tohka carefully observed Miku again. 

For some reason, Miku had closed her eyes and was mumbling something incomprehensible in her sleep. 

“Hmm……huh……can you really give everything to me……? My stomach is getting full……” 

Seeing her look like this, Tohka felt a shudder open her eyes widely. 

“No……! No way Miku—” 

“Mun……although unbelievable, Miku is still asleep. That is to say—this is her sleepwalking posture!” 

Mukuro shouted while pointing at Miku. Then, as if hearing her name being called, Miku squirmed her limbs around and began crawling like a worm. 

“Hmm……fu……” 

“Gya—!” 

“Natsumi-san!” 

“Uwaah, how passionate.” 

“Truly a headache……Natsumi’s vitality is being snatched by Miku.” 

As Natsumi screamed, Yoshino, Yoshinon, and Mukuro raised a helpless voice. 

“Mu……” 

Looking on at this scene, Tohka made up her mind. After nodding and placing her hands on Yoshino and Mukuro’s shoulders, she stepped her feet into the room. 

“! Tohka-san……?” 

“It’s too dangerous, Tohka. Although still asleep, her nose is still effective. If you draw too close, you’ll be repeating Natsumi’s mistakes all over again.” 

“It’s okay. —I’ve learned how to deal with these problems from Nia before. Leave it to me.” 

Tohka said as she nodded vigorously. Then, she took off a stocking under her feet, grabbed the edge of it, and started swinging and whistling. 

“Now, now, come back to the forest, Miku. Ru—rururu—” 

“……………!” 

The moment after, as if noticing this, Miku raised her face. 

 

And then, Miku’s mouth left Natsumi’s stomach, she began to crawl on the floor as if drawn to Tohka’s stocking. 

“……Su……su.” 

“—Take this!” 

As soon as Miku was close enough, Tohka threw her stocking at the wall. 

“……!” 

Then, Miku made a leap forward chasing after it— 

“—Ahyu!?” 

In this manner, the dull sound of slamming against the wall resounded. 

“Ha……!? T-this is……” 

Having ploughed her face into the wall, Miku snapped back to reality as her eyes jolted open. 

It seemed that she was finally awake. While rubbing the bruise on her forehead from the collision just now, Miku began to look around. 

After confirming that Miku was awake now, Yoshino and Mukuro breathed out a collective sigh of relief as they ran towards Natsumi. 

“Natsumi-san, are you alright?” 

“S-somehow……” 

“Mun……the stomach has been attached to an octopus sucker……” 

While using the hands of those two for support, Natsumi began to stand up. 

Then, Miku, gazing on at this scene, let out a “Kya!?” in a startled voice. 

“What happened to you, Natsumi-san!? That lacking in form appearance! How crafty, what were you doing with everyone while I was asleep?” 

“……………” 

Hearing what Miku had said, everyone looked on at her silently. Indeed, Miku also noticed this sense of discomfort as she felt cold sweat hanging down her face while looking back at everyone in order. 

“Er, um……what happened, everyone? Somehow your faces look kind of scary.” 

Miku scratched her face while creaking out those words. It seemed that she truly didn’t remember anything. Looking at these circumstances, Natsumi let out a weary sigh as if completely exhausted. 

“……Miku, what kind of dream did you have……were you eating at an all-you can eat hotel buffet?” 

“Eh? A dream……Ah, I remember now. It was a nice dream. A dream of sleeping together in the same room as Natsumi-san, Yoshino-san, Mukuro-san, and Tohka-san……” 

“Were you really dreaming!? Going back to that dream, why were you sleep-talking and move about like that!?” 

In response to Miku’s answer, Natsumi raised a scream as if unable to bear it any longer. 

Then— 

“—What are you doing?” 

As everyone was making a ruckus, rays of light from the outside corridor entered as someone’s shadow was casted onto the room. 

“Mu?” 

Looking there, they could see a girl standing near the entrance of the room. With hair reaching her shoulders and an expressionless face resembling a doll—it was Spirit who should have been sleeping in the adjacent room, Tobiichi Origami. 

“Oh, Origami. Sorry, did we wake you up?” 

After recognizing Origami’s appearance, Tohka slightly lowered her head. Origami has a high sensitivity to sound. If there was a loud commotion next door, it would have been difficult to not be woken up. 

“…………” 

However, Origami shook her head as if to refute Tohka’s suggestion. Feeling that something was off, Tohka slightly slanted her head. 

“Mu……what’s wrong?” 

Faced with Tohka’s question, Origami replied back in a calm, but internally passionate tone. 

“It’s good that everyone is up. —I have something important to say. Come.” 

“……?” 

Sensing something unusual in Origami’s demeanor, Tohka made a small nod forward. 

 

“……………So.” 

After a long, long silence. 

Kotori spewed out those brief words like dirty mud that had clogged her sunken heart. 

It’s been about 20 minutes since Shidou had successfully communicated with Maria. Following Maria’s instructions, he had met up with Kotori in her office. There, he managed to shake off the heavy lead-like feeling as he explained the events of the future to Kotori. 

And then—just that last word leaked out from Kotori’s lips. 

Very brief, but those two letters were more than enough to understand Kotori’s heart. 

In fact, she must have wanted to scream, to cry badly, to grab Shidou by the collar and yell at him for deceiving her. 

However, Kotori didn’t indiscriminately scatter any strong violent emotions—whether fortunate or unfortunate—Kotori had steeled herself. While shaking the black ribbons in her hair and the hem of her jacket on her shoulders, Kotori gently raised her sunken face. 

“Thank you. Although it’s probably painful, I’m glad you can tell me this.” 

Kotori spoke in a gentle tone. However, contrary to that tone, the pain in her voice was unmistakably visible. 

But that was to be expected. Kotori, who held the deepest trust in her own subordinates, had just discovered that Reine was the Spirit of Origin—and the perpetrator who turned Kotori into a Spirit five years ago. 

Moreover, although it has not yet happened in this world, all of the Spirits including Kotori will be killed. Even for Kotori, it was impossible to withstand that fact. 

“……Sorry.” 

“Why do you want to apologize? It’s better to say that you’re the one that shown quick wittedness at the eleventh hour. If it wasn’t for Shidou, our fate would have already been decided. Really—thank you.” 

While saying that, Kotori displayed a smile. 

“Kotori—” 

“—Well then, let’s start strategizing.” 

Looking at Kotori’s overtly grief-like appearance, Shidou wanted to speak out. But at that moment, Maria’s voice echoed from the speaker as if to interject between the two of them. 

“………” 

Shidou held his breath slightly and, after a moment of hesitation, gently nodded. 

“Ah……that’s right.” 

Then, he took out his smart phone from his pocket so that Kotori could also understand, entering a message saying “sorry and many thanks” to Maria. Then immediately on the screen, a reply saying “no need for thanks……three supercomputers are more than enough” was displayed back. 


It was obvious that Kotori was attempting to do the impossible. But even so, she was still trying to maintain the image of a strong commander. As such, Shidou couldn’t murmur about and waste her efforts. 

Of course releasing one’s feelings out would feel healthier. There is a time where it is better to let out a cry more appropriate for a girl of her age. 

But surely it was not now. 

Because right now—nothing is over yet. 

“…………” 

After everything was over, he decided that he would hug Kotori with all of his strength and let her cry her heart out then. And so, with that in mind, Shidou continued talking. 

“Anyway, I’ve succeeded on inviting Reine-san on a date. The problem is after this.” 

“Yes, you have to think about the contents of the date to some extent before this morning. Of course, that is on the basis of securing the minimal amount of sleep.” 

Kotori then continued while crossing her fingers together. 

“At the same time, the preparations for DEM must also continue advancing. Even if the seal is successful for Reine—for Mio, but if we are destroyed by them afterwards, we’ll just be fisherman reeling in for the other party’s profit.” 

“Haha……for sure.” 

Shidou forced a smile as he shrugged his shoulders. 

Indeed, Shidou had just returned from a desperate end through the power of the Angel of time, <Zafkiel>. 

He obtained the chance to redo a history that had already been decided. 

But at the same time, what they accomplished in the future had also reverted back to nothing. 

For Shidou and <Ratatoskr>, on February 20th, the all-out war against DEM—Deus Ex Machina Industries will commence. 

At the end of the fierce battle, he had succeeded in defeating the enemy leader, Isaac Westcott—but there was no guarantee that this could work as well this time around. 

After all, the abnormal situation of Westcott’s appearance on the foreground was due to Mio appearing on the battlefield. If Shidou supposedly sealed Mio’s reiryoku before the battle, then the enemy’s offensive strategy will change dramatically. Although Mio remaining the top priority stayed unchanged, they were never an opponent where negligence should be afforded. 

As Kotori shifted the conversation forward, she placed her hand against her chin and let out an “Hmm” sound. 

“—The timing for sharing information to the rest of the crew is a bit troubling. Although it’s not impossible to notify them for more assistance, there’s also the possibility of it being noticed by Reine while she is still on the ship……” 

“That’s true, but I don’t think it’s necessary to worry too much. Reine has already moved to a private room, likely for until tomorrow morning in order to avoid getting assigned an emergency job.” 

“So that’s the reason……ah, is there a sudden job she needs to do early morning?” 

“Since Reine is so talented, it’s become a daily routine for crew members who have not finished their work to come crying to her. In that respect, we must be thankful that Nakatsugawa and Mikimoto have devoted their usual habits to the sidelines in favor of work. Really, it’s hard to say what will come in handy.” 

“Hahaha……” 

After hearing a frank evaluation that could either be praise or an insult, Shidou scratched his face at the ambiguity. 

Well, while preparing for Mio’s capture and countermeasures for DEM, it was imperative to increase the amount of companions who could grasp the situation without being noticed by Reine. ……But by no means did he ever think that Nakatsugawa’s figurines and Mikimoto’s private calls would have meaning here. 

And then—with a thought entering his mind, Shidou raised the corners of his eyebrows. 

Like the crew members, there were others that he wanted to tell about Reine. 

Perhaps from the shift in his facial expression, Kotori likely had an idea of what he was thinking. Kotori let out a sigh as if in a difficult position. 

“—Thinking about the Spirits?” 

“……Well. Although it is something that cannot be avoided in being conveyed—but it still feels a little bit heavy.” 

Although their relationship is not as close as between Kotori and Reine, all of the Spirits have also been under Reine’s care. Besides Shidou and Kotori, Reine is the person that they have been in contact with the most. 

Having to tell them that such a dependable Onee-san had killed everyone, it still weighed heavily on Shidou’s mind despite being unavoidable. 

“Yes……but they have to overcome that.” 

“……That’s right.” 

Shidou recalled back to the future world where Reine had revealed her true identity. 

Even if they were confused, they had accepted the matter calmly. Of course, there may be reasons for why they couldn’t panic amidst a fierce battle, but they were much stronger than he could imagine. 

Indeed, <Ratatoskr> was an organization dedicated to protecting the Spirits, but it would still be an insult to disparage their mental strength and withhold information. 

If it was them, they will certainly be able to overcome the truth. With such conviction in mind, Shidou once again nodded. Likewise, Kotori responded with the same gesture in kind. 

“Having said that, aren’t everyone asleep now? In fact, I would like to get everyone’s opinions on a plan for the date, but we can’t upset the status of the Spirits who are essential to the DEM plan—” 

Just as Kotori was in the middle of speaking, Shidou’s phone began to vibrate. 

“Hmm……?” 

For a moment, he thought that it was Maria—but immediately that thought was refuted in his mind. Maria could directly speak through the terminal or send a text message to Shidou like she had just done before. There was no need to bother with a voice call. 

While pondering this over, the name Tobiichi Origami was displayed on the screen. 

“Origami……?” 

Shidou shook his head as he pressed down on the reply button. Then, a quiet voice was heard. 

“—I know about the story.” 

“Eh……?” 

Those sudden words caused Shidou to yelp up in surprise. However, Origami didn’t seem concerned about this as she continued on in a mild tone. 

“We’ll also help in the creation of a date plan. Please give permission to use the conference room.” 

“W-wait a moment. How do you know about—” 

“Can we bother you for a bit?” 

As Shidou was left confused, Kotori reached up and snatched away the smart phone from Shidou’s hands. 

Then, she laid it down on the table and pressed on the speaker icon on the screen. 

“Hello, Origami. Where are you now?” 

“The second sleeping room.” 

Origami succinctly answered Kotori’s question. 

That wasn’t all. Following Origami’s reply, several voices also resounded from behind. 

“—We’re also here!” 

“Haha, my curtain of darkness has begun to cradle!” 

“Petition. Please allow Yuzuru and the others to also help.” 

“Wh—at—although it’s become an unexpectedly hot blooded development, Nia-chan doesn’t dislike these sorts of things.” 

Wait; while happy to hear the Spirit’s voices, it seemed that everyone had already grasped Reine’s true identity—or at the very least what was mentioned during Shidou and Kotori’s conversation. Unable to grasp what had happened, Shidou raised his brow in confusion. 

However, while looking at Shidou’s face, Kotori seemed to notice something as she narrowed her eyes and opened her lips. 

“……So? Where is it?” 

“Second button.” 

As Origami answered back, Kotori turned to Shidou—gazing precisely at that button on the shirt Shidou was wearing. 

“! Could it be that—” 

Through that exchange, Shidou finally noticed. 

Shidou turned his face downward and checked the button of the shirt he was wearing. There, he could see that the second button was indeed slightly different from the others. 

Specifically, it was slightly heavier than the others and there was small hole on the back. 

To say it bluntly—it looked like an eavesdropping device. 

“Really……to undertake that, Origami.” 

“I didn’t expect information to be leaked through classical means. My hardships in elaborately camouflaging images and conversation logs inside the ship have all been for naught.” 

As Kotori gently swayed while exhaling, Maria let out a voice of disappointment from the speaker. 

Then, while keeping up the pace, Origami continued to speak in an indifferent tone. 

“A simple method works best at the very end. If Murasame-san had taken similar methods, it would already be game over. Please be careful.” 

“No, it’s unlikely that Reine-san would install a wiretap function on a button!?” 

“Preconceptions and beliefs are very dangerous. If you want to say that, then no one would have thought of her as the Spirit of Origin in the first place. You should always be prepared to think up the worst case scenario in advance.” 

“Ku……” 

Hearing what Origami said, Shidou felt his throat get stuck……that was certainly true. 

However, Kotori shook her head as if to refute that. 

“No, you mustn’t misunderstand Shidou. While preconceptions may be dangerous, the fact that Origami is trying to wiretap you is a completely different story, right?” 

“This is a misunderstanding. I am doing this for the sake of caution for everyone.” 

“…Well of course you haven’t set them up on any more clothes, right?” 

“Not all.” 

“This is not a set up place for traps!’ 

Kotori screamed that out as she slammed against the table.” 

“Really……” 

Then, she turned her head while position herself back on her chair. 

“……So, do you all understand the circumstances?” 

“Yup.” 

“Yes……!” 

“Mun.” 

A cry of affirmation was heard from the other side of the phone call. 

Although her breathing was still ragged, Kotori let out a sigh of relief as she turned her attention to Shidou’s direction. 

As Shidou gave a nod of consent, he then turned to face the audio speaker of the smart phone. 

“I understand. Lend me your strength everyone. Let’s begin our—war (date).” 

“—Ohh!” 

The Spirits raised a collective cry. Shidou and Kotori looked at each other, not knowing who had a wry smile on their faces first. 

“……Well then, let’s begin moving right away. Let’s gather in the conference room. Although it’s unlikely to run into Reine while in the hallway due to work, please still have your excuses ready and head out one by one to avoid suspicion.” 

“Understood. Then, see you later.” 

After giving a brief reply to Kotori’s instructions, Origami ended the call. After confirming this, Shidou placed the phone back in his pocket. 

“……Well, let’s go over there in order as well. It’s unnatural for Shidou to be at my office when I’m not present. Can you head out first?” 

“Ah. Okay. But—” 

Kotori casted a curious look as Shidou suddenly stopped speaking as he was getting up from the chair. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“—Before meeting with everyone, there’s still some time left. I have something that I want to finish first…can I?” 

Shidou spoke while having a tight expression on his face. Feeling this, Kotori slightly raised her brow. 

“What do you want to do first……?” 

“Well……I don’t know if I can succeed. And I don’t know if this is truly correct or not. But—only this matter, I know I have to do first.” 

Faced with Kotori’s question, Shidou tightly clenched his fist. 

The expression of inhaling in the starry sky— this impression is used to show adoration for a magnificent beauty, but there was also a slight degree of terror from this origin. 

While looking up at the sky from the high ground of a park in the outskirts of Tenguu City, Shidou couldn’t help but subconsciously think of such thoughts. 

Despite seeing this obviously every night, there was something completely unclear right in front of him. Such an unknown existence was close by. Like the belly of a huge monster. If he took one more step forward, he would never be able to return—a vague fear. Well, it is perhaps because of this fear that some people would find it beautiful. 

A winter sky without any clouds, several flickering stars formed the backdrop to the phantasmal scenery. Perhaps it was because everything surrounding him being covered by darkness, but he couldn’t judge the sense of distance very well. Merely, just looking at this made him feel as if he was falling into a void. 

“—” 

—Although he did not plan or cater to this, it was a time and place consistent of her. Shidou shrugged his shoulders at the self-propelled feeling. 

That’s right. This was the reason why Shidou choose to use some of his valuable time to be dropped to the ground from <Fraxinus>. 

In addition to the crew members and Spirits who were on the ship, there was one more person that Shidou had to tell the truth. 

Shidou looked down from the sky, taking the chance for a sweeping look at the park’s premises. 

There was no one here. It was already a bit later than midnight. Even if someone was at the station, there should be no one at a park in the suburbs at this time. —For this reason, Shidou had chosen this place to be transferred from <Fraxinus>. 

In fact, there was no personal attachment to this place. Anywhere on the ground where there were no people and a shadow could be formed was sufficient enough. 

—Since she was always thoroughly observing Shidou. 

“I want to talk. —You should be here, Kurumi.” 

Shidou spoke out to the empty night. Although he didn’t intend to yell, the lack of noise in the park to drown out his voice caused it to slowly spread over time, echoing throughout the park. 

Then, a few seconds later, Shidou’s eyes caught wind of something bizarre. 

At one of the street lamps at the outer edge of the park, a small central black spot appeared at the base of lamp post’s dim light. 

As that area gradually expanded, it grew into a murky shadow-like puddle—after a while, a single girl emerged from there. 

With dark, black glossy hair and contrasting white face, the dress covering her body was also comprised of the same two colors. A rose design decorated both her hair and chest. A mysterious smiled was shaped as her right eye was glimmering red from the light of the street lamp. 

“—Ara, ara.” 

This girl—Kurumi, just like a young lady from a noble lineage, or possibly a fool playing a jestful performance, gave a respectful curtsy. 

That’s right. It was the Worst Spirit—Tokisaki Kurumi. 

The Spirit with the Angel of time, <Zafkiel>, and Shidou’s greatest benefactor when recalling back to that moment. Meeting with this girl here was Shidou’s goal. 

“How rare for Shidou-san to call out for me—well, have you finally become interested in giving me your reiryoku?” 

As Kurumi spoke in a joking manner, Shidou returned back with a small shrug. 

“Unfortunately, we made a promise you would have to make me fall in love first.” 

“Ufufu, that’s true.” 

From the very beginning, it was unlikely that Kurumi thought that Shidou had called her here for such a case. She let out a small frivolous laugh. 

Shidou once again turned to look at her. Her long hair was not bundled and her characteristic left eye was covered by a medical eyepatch. 

—No doubt about it. She was both Kurumi and not Kurumi. 

Through Kurumi’s Angel <Zafkiel>, a past mind can be given a corporal body by using the Eight Bullet <Het>. 

Moreover, this Kurumi had the same distinctive dress as the one he saw five years ago in the past. 

Although it was expected that the main body wouldn’t be the one monitoring Shidou, he didn’t expect her to be the one to come out. Shidou remembered a strange feeling as he continued to speak. 

“……Just in case, let me ask. Are you the only one here?” 

“Ufufu, what are you talking about?” 

When questioned by Shidou, Kurumi responded by shifting the topic. Well, from her standpoint, it wasn’t as if she was going to reveal her thoughts to Shidou. 

“Please. Tell me. —Is the real Kurumi listening to this conversation? If not, do you know if the real Kurumi can talk now?” 

“……You sure are asking a strange question, Shidou-san?” 

Whether from Shidou’s strange inquiry or the incomprehensible atmosphere perceived, Kurumi slightly narrowed her eyes. 

Then, after watching Shidou’s eyes for a while, she let out a small sigh as if having lost her footing. 

“—The authentic “me” is not here right now. And if I was to communicate with the authentic “me”, I can share it verbally or directly convey the information from my brain—though since it costs time to use the Tenth Bullet <Yud>, the latter isn’t the first choice.” 

“Hmm……if you can do something as useful as sharing it directly from your mind, is there any need to explain it verbally?” 

When questioned, Kurumi responded back with a grandiose shrug. 

“Of course. Even for a clone, we have our own privacy. No matter what our future is, no one wants to be completely exposed.” 

“T-that sort of……” 

However, Kurumi continued on. 

“By communicating verbally, information can also be discarded. Our number is enormous. Even for the real “me”, the mind won’t be able to sustain that much.” 

“So that’s the reason……” 

It made sense while listening to her. Or rather, despite Kurumi’s jest, privacy did seem to be the original reason. 

“Sharing information directly into the mind……? If that’s the case…no, if that’s possible—” 

While Shidou placed his hand against his chin pondering this over, Kurumi pouted her lips in dissatisfaction. 

“What are you mumbling about all alone? Is that all you wanted to say?” 

“Ah no, sorry.” 

After Shidou bowed his head in apology, he stared directly into Kurumi’s eyes as he continued to speak. 

“The next thing I’m going to say, I don’t not whether or not to tell the real Kurumi. So—please listen and judge for me.” 

“That’s certainly putting on airs. Well, what do you need to say?” 

Kurumi raised her arms and furrowed her brow as if urging him to speak. Shidou then took in a long sigh to adjust his breathing before beginning to explain. 

“On February 20th……the original Kurumi—will die.” 

“…………Ara, ara.” 

Hearing what Shidou had said, Kurumi stood dumbfounded for a second before quickly distorting her facial expression after grasping the meaning behind those words. 

“You speak, as if you’ve already seen it happen?” 

“……Ah, you’re right.” 

“The Twelfth Bullet <Yud Bet> ……no, the Sixth Bullet <Vav>? But how was “me” exactly defeated? Even if it was Ellen Matters, “me” shouldn’t have been that easy to be taken down.” 

Kurumi asked while touching one of her fingers. 

With a slight degree of nervous tension, Shidou spoke out that name. 

“……Takamiya, Mio.” 

“—” 

Kurumi’s relaxed expression fell into chaos—but that was soon replaced by a look of disgust and trepidation. 

“Shidou-san, what did you just say now?” 

“Yes—Mio. The Spirit of Origin will kill Kurumi. No……to be precise, Mio must already be in within the original Kurumi. On the battlefield, Mio suddenly appeared coming out from the original Kurumi.” 

“…………” 

From what Shidou had said, Kurumi must have thought back to something. Perspiration hanged down her face as her expression grew steeper from the danger. 

“…So it turns out to be caused from that time. —Although I thought it was a bit too simple, to come out during then.” 

After a moment of quiet consideration, Kurumi took in a long sigh. 

“……I appreciate this information. Certainly, if Mio-san is alive inside “me”, than it’s possible for her to obtain outside information through the sensory organs of “me”. Shidou-san’s judgement is correct.” 

“How……? Is it possible to communicate this information to Kurumi without letting Mio know?” 

“Perhaps not. —Even if knowing this, it requires being capable of surviving a state while the enemy is hiding within one’s own body.” 

As Kurumi spoke with a bittersweet smile, Shidou held his breath as he tightly gripped his fist. 

“That’s……true.” 

“Ufufu, please don’t show such a gloomy expression. While this is indeed a hopeless situation—but thanks to Shidou-san’s benevolence, “me” will get to make a choice.” 

As Kurumi finished speaking, her skirt twirled around as she turned her body. 

“—Well then, as for this advice from the future, I will definitely convey it to “me”.” 

“Ah. Thank you. Kurumi. —Really.” 

As Shidou lowered his head in gratitude, Kurumi gently smiled after shooting a quick glance at the comical scene. 

“Ufufu, you can sure exaggerate anything. That kind of—” 

Then, perhaps having guessed the meaning behind Shidou’s words, Kurumi slightly shook her eyebrows as she turned her face. 

“—Shidou-san, was I able to fulfill my duties in the future?” 

“…………Ah, the best work possible.” 

“Is that so?” 

As Shidou finished speaking, Kurumi let out a faint smile before disappearing back into the shadow. 

“…………” 

Inside a private room within <Fraxinus>, the backrest of the chair let out a squeaky sound as Reine finished her work on the terminal console. 

She glanced at the time indicated on the corner of the display—1:30 a.m. Well, it’s would have been a relatively early end. 

Reine turned the monitor to sleep mode and got up from the chair to gently stretch. 

“……A date……” 

Then, those ruminating words leaked out of her like falling droplets. 

No doubt, at that timing, she would never expect Shidou to invite her on a date. 

It was hard to believe that Reine’s identity as a Spirit had been revealed. If so— 

“…………” 

Reine shook her head as if to dissuade herself from these thoughts. 

Regardless of Shidou’s intention, it didn’t matter. 

—For Reine, to refuse the invitation was impossible. 

“……Now.” 

After letting out a brief sigh, Reine left the room with a bag containing underwear, casual clothes, and a cosmetic pouch holding milky lotion. The aim was to use the new large bath created during <Fraxinus>’s renovation. 

Today was already very late. But since there was still something to do tomorrow, it wasn’t good to go to bed so sweaty. 

As a matter of course if strictly speaking, as a Spirit, Reine did not require such work. Even if she didn’t clean the dirt on her body or apply lotion after a shower, the condition of her body would still remain impeccable. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that this was a waste of time and money for Reine. 

However, the reason for doing such a thing was simple. It was nothing more than the standard action of someone who was exhausted in her 20s. 

In order to not be ousted as a Spirit, Reine lived her life with the utmost care. Of course, there was no problem when you’re alone, but this habit would be revealed if one is too lax. Thinking in that unlikely event, Reine placed “human behavior” in her mind for as much as possible. —Well, since too much excessive thoroughness would appear not human as well, so Reine had to intentionally regulate these habits in respects to the perceived degree of fatigue on her body. 

In a sense, sleeping was also one of these things. Although Reine had not slept once in the last thirty years, she would always try to lie down at night and close her eyes until morning. 

No—saying that for each time would be faulty wording. Correctly speaking, she had tried to go to sleep numerous times. Although Reine could still act without sleep, she understood that a person who slept would wake up with more efficient energy the next morning. So while laying down with her consciousness still up, she would fight off the boredom for a few hours. 

However, every time she would fall asleep—Reine would always have the same dream. 

She still couldn’t forget that scene from thirty years ago. 

Shin—Takamiya Shinji, the despair of his death replaying before her very eyes. 

In each time, Reine would wake up with grueling screams and tears in her eyes that were accompanied by intense physical and mental exhaustion. 

For Reine, night was not a time for sleep, sleep was not restful. 

At that moment— 

“Mu……!” 

“……Hmm?” 

Thinking of this while leading to the large bath, Reine gently ran into someone at the corner of the hallway. 

At a first glance, it was the Spirit?Tohka, who should have been asleep in the lounge room along with the others. She was wearing cardigan pajamas and a pair of sandals covering her feet. 

“R-reine……?” 

“……Ah, Tohka. Why are you up at such a time?” 

When asked by Reine, Tohka turned her eyes over in a flustered state. 

“N-no, that’s……” 

“…………? Ah……” 

Seeing her restless appearance, Reine raised her brow. 

“……If you want a mid-night snack, head to the cafeteria or the restroom. There should still be enough time, but don’t forget to brush your teeth before going to bed.” 

“……! U-umu……I’ll be careful.” 

Hearing what Reine had said, Tohka nodded with trembling shoulders. Even though she was discovered this late at night, she shouldn’t be this nervous. ……Ah, but then again, it could be one of the social manners she acquired to feel shame at such instances. Having settled on that, Reine resumed walking. 

“……Reine!” 

Just a few steps away; she was stopped by Tohka from behind. 

“……Hmm? What is it Tohka?” 

Turning around at the spot and asking for Reine, Tohka stared at her silently before moving her lips. 

“…………” 

“Reine……do you like Shidou?” 

“……?” 

Being suddenly asked such a thing, Reine slanted her head a little. 

“……That, what—” 

“Don’t say that!……Answer me. Please.” 

“…………” 

Reine grew silent for a while. Tohka’s unusual question. ……Was it something instilled to her by Miku or Nia? 

Although she didn’t understand why, the look in her eyes was serious. 

If that’s the case—the question should already be decided. Reine quietly moved her lips. 

“……Ah, I like him.” 

“—I see. Umu.” 

As Reine answered back, Tohka nodded while maintaining her sincere expression. 

“……Me too!” 

Then, after energetically saying that, she continued walking towards the corridor. 

“…………” 

But before she could have added that of course she liked everyone, Tohka had already left. …Well, it seemed that she had reached a level of closure, so Reine viewed it as being finished successfully for now. 

After deciding upon that, Reine choose to continue moving forward. 

But at that moment, a certain possibility passed through her mind. Could it be that Tohka was aware that Shidou had invited her on a date? 

—If so, wasn’t that previous encounter akin to a declaration of war? 

“……No, I’m overthinking it too much.” 

As Reine turned to look at Tohka’s back, she decided to continue on walking towards her own destination. 



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