HOT NOVEL UPDATES

Date A Live - Volume 19 - Chapter 5




Hint: To Play after pausing the player, use this button

Chapter 5: And Her Choice Is 

Quietly— 

Time flowed ever so quietly. 

The tiny neighborhood formed by <Ain Soph>. A fictional world that recreated the ocean from Shinji and Mio’s memories. 

On that beautiful dream-like beach, Shidou and Mio confronted each other silently. 

While Shinji was standing beside Mio and Reine for Shidou, both of them choose not say anything. 

Both of them knew. In order to break this silence, it had to come from either Shidou—or Mio. 

—Since the words Shidou said to Mio were too cruel, merciless, and devastating. 

A reckless remark that was not suitable for a girl who had wandered for 30 years in search for a reunion with her loved one. 

If words had physical form, then it must have been like a sharp knife tearing the fingertips or an iron ball crushing apart everything. 

However, Mio, who received this blow, was neither shedding tears nor flying into a rage, only smiling quietly. 

It was as if she had accepted everything. 

—As if to denote that Shidou’s ruthless words were not completely unfounded. 

“……An existence that could kill myself……” 

Like a wave of sound reverberating in space, Mio’s voice resounded. 

“Certainly……if my reiryoku is sealed, I would become an ordinary human being. —Even if that’s not enough, I would be much more vulnerable compared to now. Truly, fragile enough to the point of a successful suicide.” 

Mio muttered slowly as if contemplating what she had just said, and then she sighed while looking up at the sky. 

“Ah—maybe that’s it. Perhaps that is what I’ve wanted for a long time now.” 

“Mio……” 

As Shidou called out her name with his voice slightly trembling, Mio spoke back in a tranquil tone that calmed him down. 

“My plan to resurrect Shin wasn’t false. It became my hope. In order to once again meet with Shin who died on that day, I have lived for thirty years.” 

But Mio continued on. 

“—Like Shidou said, the doubts of whether Shin could truly be reborn always existed somewhere in my heart. ……But there was no other way. So I sealed this uneasiness and turned a blind eye to it. But if a new Shin is born, then this train of thought would be entirely clarified. I was thinking completely unfounded.” 

Mio smiled in a troubled manner. 

“……It seems that I—hoped to die all this time. Even to go far as trying to make Shin immortal, but even that won’t ensure that Shin won’t die someday. Maybe it was because I couldn’t bear to live alone when Shin died. ……Ah—that’s right. Why didn’t I notice such a simple thing so far?” 

As Mio spoke, she turned her back to Shidou while slowly walking on the beach. The trail of footprints on the sandy beach was immediately swept clean by the returning tide. 

Mio came to a halt once more, taking in a deep breath before turning back to Shidou with a question. 

“Then—understanding this while still coming to kiss me. That is to say that Shidou is going to kill me……right?” 

“…………” 

“—” 

Hearing what Mio had said, Reine knitted her brow while Shinji held his breath. 

But both acts were reasonable. Shidou had kissed Mio after predicting everything. He came here after accepting everything. It was extremely natural to derive that answer. 

“……Oh.” 

As Shidou nodded affirmatively, Mio faintly raised the position of her head as she uttered a broken response. 

“—This way—” 

“—Did you think that I would say that?” 

“…………Huh?” 

Listening to what Shidou had said next, Mio turned around with a surprised stare of astonishment. 

Not only that, both Reine and Shinji had a similar expression on their faces while looking on at Shidou. Shidou continued on while looking directly into Mio’s eyes. 

“You’re pushing such an outrageous role onto someone else. Sorry, but I’m not as daring as you are. If you were to die, who would want to shoulder that burden?” 

As Shidou spoke decisively, Mio gave him a confused look while titling her head. 

“……Uh, then why?” 

“I have decided, I—” 

Shidou made his declaration as he raised his finger and pointed towards Mio. 

“—Mio, I came here to steal you from Shinji.” 

“—” 

Hearing what Shidou said, Mio widened her eyes in suprise. Shidou continued to press forth for an answer. 

“I have all ten Sephira Crystals in my body thanks to Kurumi. Honestly, there’s not much difference between myself and a Spirit now. I may even be able to seal your reiryoku. Of course, as long as you don’t choose death for yourself. —So that’s why. Hehehe, forget about the old days with him and move on to me, Mio.” 

Shidou feigned a wicked expression, folding his arms together while saying such a thing. 

Mio stared blankly dumbfounded for a brief moment, but then— 

“—Fu, fufu, ahahahaha—” 

Then, she bursted out laughing. 

“What is this? That doesn’t suit you at all, Shidou. Are you being serious?” 

“S-suit me or not, screw that…I’m being serious! I really will steal you from Shinji’s hands!” 

“Fufu………is that so.” 

While wiping away the tears from laughter, Mio turned her eyes towards Shinji, who was standing nearby. 

“………So that’s what he’s saying. What are you going to do, Shin?” 

While saying that, Mio’s lips shaped into a smile in amusement. Shinji spat out a sigh as he shrugged his shoulders with a helpless look. 

“Is it really alright for me open my mouth? Certainly, I am indeed Takamiya Shinji, but only as an existence separated from Shidou’s memories……a counterfeit of a counterfeit so to speak?” 

“But doesn’t that memory indeed belong to Shin? Let’s talk. Your thoughts should be the same as the real one. —Otherwise, perhaps I might be taken away by Shidou?” 

As Mio said mischievously, Shinji’s eyebrows began to twitch. 

“Alright. Then let me tell you—” 

After taking in a deep breath, Shinji turned to face Shidou, glaring at him while spewing out his words. 

“—Don’t screw around, you bastard! As if someone could remain silent after hearing that! Even for Shidou (me), I would never allow that! I will absolutely, absolutely, never hand Mio over to you!” 

“H-hey……!” 

Confronted by this fiercely and menacing look, Shidou inadvertently stepped a few spaces back. 

No, Shidou knew exactly how much Shinji cherished Mio before his death. But witnessing it like this, it was still unbelievably shocking. 

However, after shouting for a while, Shinji let out a huge sigh as he hanged his eyes downward. 

“……Well, those are the feelings coming from my life. If you are joking about stealing Mio, I would never allow it. —But.” 

Shinji slowly raised his eyes up, gazing at Mio with an affectionate—but also somewhat lonely expression. 

“……I am no longer here, right?” 

“…………” 

Listening to Shinji’s words, Mio fell silent. Shinji continued on while taking a step towards Mio. 

“Even if it is Shidou (me), I’m unable to standby and allow Mio to choose anyone other than myself. Honestly, my heart feels like it is going to split open. —But, it’s because of that I can’t agree with Mio choosing death. There were still so many things in this world that I wanted to show Mio. There were still so many places I wanted to take Mio. There were so still so many things I wanted Mio to experience.” 

Shinji slowly raised his hand to gently stroke Mio’s head. 

“……The ocean is beautiful. It was nice to be able to bring Mio here. ……But it’s almost time for me to go. —Sorry, Mio. For my sake, you’ve shackled yourself for the past 30 years.” 

“…………” 

Mio didn’t answer. 

In exchange for saying that, Shinji turned to Shidou’s direction. Afterwards, he gently nodded to him. 

For Shidou, Shinji’s intentions were already well known. Despite the sensation having been diminished, the memories of Shinji also remained within himself. 

That’s why—Shidou extended her hand to Mio. 

“Mio……!” 

“……Shidou, I—” 

Mio slightly raised her face as if wanting to say something. 

However—at that moment. 

In the calm and serene seaside scenery, a sudden noise had struck, and then the whole world began to tremble as if vibrating to the sound of an earthquake. 

“……!? W-what happened!?” 

“Uwa—!?” 

From this abrupt situation, Shidou couldn’t help but choke on his breathing as he swept his eyes around his surroundings. Shinji also had a similar reaction as he frantically looked around. 

The paradise-like scenery of this world, which had been maintained until this moment, had lapsed into urgent chaos. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a natural disaster like an earthquake that had caused the weather to change. To make an analogy—it was just like a virtual bug occurring on a game screen. 

However, even under such abnormal circumstances, Mio and Reine still observed the situation with great calmness as they glanced towards each other. 

“Reine, this is.” 

“……Ah, there’s no mistake about it.” 

“W-what is this……” 

When asked by Shidou, Reine replied while looking up at where the noise rang. 

“……Interference from the outside. This is likely—the Spirit Formula.” 

“Spirit Formula……?” 

As Shinji asked while confused, Mio gave a small nod to reaffirm this. 

“Un. 30 years ago, it was a technique that brought the existence known as Spirit—me into this this world. A secret sorcery that gathered all of the unevenly distributed mana in this world into a single location in order to give birth to a supernormal existence. Someone who can do this……as far as I know it could only be Westcott. Apparently, it seems that he is still alive.” 

“Wha……!?” 

Shidou’s voice began to shudder as he heard what Mio had just said. 

“Creating……a Spirit? Wait a moment, does that mean they are planning to create a new Spirit outside……!? Moreover, a Spirit of Origin just like Mio!? 

As Shidou raised his voice to a scream, Mio and Reine nodded at the same time. 

“……Perhaps. And—it seems that Westcott is at the center of the flow of mana. It looks like he intends to use himself as the core for the Spirit Formula.” 

“Westcott is becoming a Spirit……!?” 

Being told of the worst case scenario, Shidou instinctively made a sullen face. The goal that Westcott had spoken of in the future world flashed in his mind. 

—Obtain the power of the Spirit of Origin and overwrite the world. 

To be honest, he didn’t comprehend what that meant when he first heard that. But now—after experiencing this space created by Mio, he could at last understand. 

If Westcott had the same power to create this space and if this space grew large enough to cover the entire world—it would certainly merit the expression of overwriting the world. 

He didn’t know what kind of world Westcott would try to create. However, Westcott once said, “This is a revenge against mankind”. Then, in that world, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine what would happen to people that weren’t Magicians. 

Speaking of a new world was good enough, but the essence of this goal was genocide. Naturally, this matter was unacceptable. 

However, at that moment, Shinji frowned after strenuously thinking. 

“Wait a moment. If he could do this, why didn’t he do this earlier? If he could turn himself into a Spirit, why did he bother with trying to collect the Sephira Crystals from the other Spirits?” 

Indeed, if the Spirit Formula that created Mio can be done once more, than this method would be much quicker. 

Reine then placed her hand against her chest as she answered. 

“……It wouldn’t have worked. He was still missing something needed to make the formula a success.” 

“Something……?” 

“……Thirty years ago, Westcott and the others choose the center of the Eurasia continent as the point for conducting the ceremony. That was because that location was a key point in the flow of mana—a so-called spiritual vein for magical and natural energy.” 

Mio continued on as if inheriting the baton from Reine. 

“I was born through the Spirit Formula. But at that time, all of the world’s accumulated mana from the spiritual vein was absorbed into me.” 

“……That’s why. In order to create another Spirit like me, you would have to wait for the world to form another huge spiritual vein. —But that would take waiting for hundreds, or perhaps even thousands of years.” 

“So, why now—” 

While asking, Shidou swayed his shoulders. 

Perhaps noticing from that response, Reine gently nodded to him. 

“……Yes. The spiritual vein here is “me” —Westcott seems to have accumulated the mana through that means.” 

“Un. <Goetia> seems to be equipped with the device used for the operation. The difference in precision is remarkable compared to 30 years ago. But that may be natural due to the invention of the Realizer Manifestation Device now.” 

“What……but that would mean……” 

“Ah. Needless to say, this would be impossible unless knowing prior when I will emerge. But right now—the impossible situation has now occurred.” 

Hearing what Reine had said, Shidou gritted his teeth in silence. 

It was unnecessary to think over this, the reason was—because Shidou traveled back in time. 

His actions in trying to save everyone were now driving the world into an even greater dilemma. Faced with this reality, Shidou felt a sharp pain attack his heart. 

However, having likely seen through Shidou’s thoughts, Reine continued on. 

“……You just wanted to save everyone from my hands. There’s no need for you to feel guilty. If this is the cause, then it is all my responsibility. —Besides, wouldn’t it waste more time to regret?” 

Agreeing with that Reine had said, Mio turned her eyes to Shidou. 

“Yeah. Please excuse me for being exploited by that type of person. But it’s even more despicable to change the world where I shared memories with Shin.” 

After making a complex expression in silence for a while, Mio loosened her cheeks as if lost in thought before finally speaking up. 

“……Shidou, can you lend me your strength? It may be strange coming from the person who killed everyone in the future world—” 

While saying that, Mio stared into Shidou’s eyes. 

“—Let’s go together to help everyone.” 

“……! Ahh……!” 

Shidou gave a vigorous nod while responding back. 

Surely it was a desperate situation. Westcott obtaining the powers of the Spirit of Origin was the worst possible development imaginable. 

—However, after hearing that Mio would help everyone, Shidou was unable to contain his joy. 

Mio smiled as she took a step closer to Shinji. 

“Shin.” 

“Ah.” 

Shinji seemed to understand her intentions from that gesture alone. He spread out his hands to tightly embrace Mio. 

“……I’m heading back now.” 

“……Un, please be careful.” 

After Shinji finished speaking, he turned his attention to Shidou. 

“—Shidou. I’m entrusting Mio to you.” 

“—Ah.” 

Upon hearing what Shinji had requested, Shidou returned back with a nod. 

Then, looking on at this scene, this time it was Reine extended out her hands just like Shinji. 

“……Shidou.” 

“Huh? Eh……” 

As Shidou’s eyes wandered as if he was somewhat embarrassed, Reine moved her fingertips as if urging him to come closer. 

“Ehh……then, excuse me.” 

“……Un.” 

After meeting his hesitation halfway, Reine gently hugged Shidou. 

“……Thank you for the best date. —If it is you, everything will be fine.” 

“Reine-san……” 

Shidou murmured while returning back the hug. 

For a moment, while closing their eyes, they could feel each other’s heartbeat and body temperature. 

By that alone, Shidou felt more strength entering his body than ever before. 

“—Well, let’s go, Shin.” 

While saying that, Mio extended out her hand towards Shidou. 

“—Oh!” 

Shidou nodded once again while firmly grasping that hand. 

 

—In the darken sky where the setting sun had already vanished into the horizon, a brilliant radiance still remained. 

Like stars inlaid onto the night sky, the light swirled coiled and swirled as it converged onto a single point. A phantasmal sight as if coming from a dream. If one didn’t know any better when gazing, surely it would undoubtedly be described as a God or perhaps an Angel. 

However, the expression of the Spirits watching on from the exterior of <Fraxinus> was not one of awe or adoration—but rather a look of trepidation and irritation. 

But such a response wasn’t unwarranted. It wasn’t a God at the center of the light, but the enemy of the Spirits, the magus Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott. 

“Fu—hahahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!” 

Westcott’s loud laughter resounded through the night sky. 

“Ku……!” 

Tohka gritted her teeth as she tightened her grip on <Sandalphon>, swinging the edge of her blade towards Westcott. 

With a tremendous roar, the flash from the sword teared across the sky. 

However, the slash, which could cleave open any solid impregnatable fortress, dissolved into the air upon making contact with the light radiating from Westcott. 

A blow exerted with strength from her entire body had failed to do anything. The sense of powerlessness from that was just like trying to attack Mio’s Astral Dress. Tohka distorted her face in a startled fashion as she let out a groan. 

“—It’s useless. My body is already imbued with reiryoku. Unlike your power which is only a fragment, mine has the same origin as <Deus>.” 

Westcott spread out his hands in a playful manner as his body flew into the sky. 

“No one can stop me anymore. Look here obediently—I have become a perfect Spirit. A sight that will smear change onto this world!” 

“Don’t—screw around!” 

Tohka swung down <Sandalphon> without abandoning hope. Each beheading strike ripped apart the air, holding enough formidable power for a certain kill. 

Of course, it wasn’t just Tohka. The Yamai sisters and Yoshino released wind pressure and cold air towards Westcott. Mukuro opened a hole in space in an attempt to directly seal his power. Miku and Natsumi raised everyone’s power with a performance from <Gabriel>, which <Haniel> mimicked. 

However, even with all that, Westcott remained unscathed. With a somewhat disappointed look, Westcott shrugged his shoulders. 

“I really can’t understand this audience’s disobedience. —Ellen, Artemisia.” 

Westcott spoke as he slowly as he raised his hand. A part of the light that was attached to his body danced in the sky like a meteor before being sucked into the chests of Ellen and Artemisia, both of whom were in the middle of fighting Origami and Mana. 

The next moment, Ellen and Artemisia’s bodies emitted a radiant glow. 

“! This is—” 

“Wow, amazing. This power……” 

The two of them widened their eyes in surprise. In that instant, Origami and Mana, who were int the middle of confronting them, jumped backwards as if feeling something amiss. 

“……!” 

“Tch—” 

However, Origami and Mana’s judgment wasn’t incomprehensible. If Tohka and the others were in the same position, they would have taken a similar action. 

Clearly, there was an ominous aura surrounding both Ellen and Artemisia now. A dense power different than what they both had previously. —From the looks of it, they were given each a portion of Westcott’s power. 

Looking at the current state of those two, Westcott distorted the edge of his lips in satisfaction. 

“Just leave their eyes and ears so they can bear witness the end of this world. Since they are also Spirit, they won’t die from having their hands and feet cut off.” 

“—Ha.” 

“Wow, it sounds painful. But since it’s a Spirit—it can’t be helped.” 

Having accepted Westcott’s command, Ellen and Artemisia dashed across the sky. 

“—!?” 

“Wha……!” 

In an instant, Origami and Mana screamed as their bodies were repelled backwards. An instantaneous attack faster than what the eye could follow. Despite the two of them already having assumed a defensive stance, their weaponry and armored arm respectively were beautifully torn down. 

“Origami! Mana!” 

“—It’s just a matter of time, no need to be worried about the others now.” 

As Tohka screamed their names, along with that voice, Artemisia’s shadow was closing in on her. 

“Ku—!?” 

Tohka hurriedly raised <Sandalphon> to parry the blow from the laser blade. However, despite this defense, the strong impact still struck Tohka’s body. Her stance was destroyed as she began rolling off the surface of the exterior. 

“Fu—” 

Artemisia would naturally never miss such a chance opportunity. She kicked off against the sky as she furthered her pursuit against Tohka. 

“Ku……!” 

Tohka steeled herself for the upcoming impact and pain. 

The difference in power was clear at a glance. But somehow they had to stop Westcott. If he wasn’t stopped, the world where she met Shidou and the others would be changed into a form that he desired. Such a thing was absolutely unacceptable. Fortunately, it seemed that her opponent wasn’t focused on killing her. Then, even if she lost her hands or feet, she could still counterattack—!” 

“……!?” 

But at the moment Tohka was preparing for the inevitable, Artemisia, who had been close at hand, frowned and jumped backwards. 

“Mu—!?” 

Tohka raised her brow at the unexpected act—but then soon noticed immediately afterwards. 

A crack appeared on the surface of the giant cocoon floating beside <Fraxinus>, as dazzling light began to leak out from inside. Perhaps, Artemisia had retreated due to being wary of that. 

“This is—” 

Just as Tohka said that, the cocoon all of sudden opened as two figures flew out from inside. 

—Shidou and also Mio. 

“Shidou!” 

“Shidou-san……!” 

“Oh! You’re safe!” 

The Spirits’ expressions brightened as they called out his name. 

“Ah—I’ve kept you waiting, everyone.” 

Shidou smiled a little awkwardly, and then he manifested the Angel <Sandalphon> in his hand while pointing it at Westcott. 

“—Hey, Isaac Westcott. It looks like you’ve been doing whatever you want while we were away.” 

Having jumped from inside <Ain Soph>’s cocoon, Shidou sharpened his gaze while directing the tip of <Sandalphon> towards Westcott. 

With this body at the center, it was clear that there was dense reiryoku swirling around. The overwhelming pressure welcomed him just like when he confronted Mio. Just remembering that feeling produced the illusion of his skin breaking apart into dust. 

Westcott smiled silently with a leisurely look, responding back to them while spreading out his hands. 

“—Thanks for your help. I’m grateful to you, Itsuka Shidou. Thanks to the fact that you held off <Deus> until I began the formula. It was worth providing that valuable Sephira Crystal.” 

“What did you say……?” 

Certainly, Nia’s Sephira Crystal, which Westcott once possessed, was currently in Kurumi’s hands and now also existed within Shidou’s body. But from the way he said it, perhaps all of it was part of his strategy as Westcott was anticipating for the future. 

Of course, it could have been a bluff made to establish a physiological advantage. But Shidou judged it to be part of his scheme. Despite the basis for this judgement—there were no regrets, only a determination to do everything in order to break out from this situation. 

Having likely guessed this from Shidou’s expression and attitude, Westcott darkly smiled as if deriving pleasure from the depths of heart. 

“That imposing vigor. Well, since you have all ten Sephira Crystals in your body and <Deus> is accompanying you, this should be expected. However—” 

At that moment, Westcott gently lifted his chin. The strong radiance his body gave off—gradually transformed into a jet-black darkness. 

“—Just a bit too late.” 

“Wha—……!” 

Even with his guard on alert, Shidou felt his breath begin to clog. 

Floating behind Westcott, a huge “tree” had appeared. 

A jet-black tree with branches that shaded the sky and roots that dredged towards the earth. It’s epidermis resembled decaying rotten wood as it filled the air with an ominous feeling of suffocation. 

The Demon King from nightmares emerged as if spreading despair to everyone who gazed at it. 

“This is……!” 

“<Ain Soph>? No……” 

“Demon, King—” 

The Spirits looked up at the sky with a dumbfounded tone. 

Like a conductor, Westcott waved his hands while declaring with an intoxicated expression. 

“Come; let’s create the world, <Belial> (Eternal Prison).” 

In that instant, the jet-black tree began to squirm like the movements from a developing fetus. Its branches began to expand out to the horizon as its roots turned and pointed to the ground. At the same time, another landscape began to form in the sky around the huge tree. 

“……!” 

Everyone recognized this sight. It felt the same as the monochrome space created by <Ain Soph>—the sensation of the “neighboring world” gradually eroding this world. 

—Don’t leave “that” alone. This intuition crossed the minds of Shidou, Mana, and all of the Spirits. 

Then, at that moment, a single cry echoed as if to respond to that. 

“—<Ain Soph>.” 

At that moment, the cocoon floating behind Mio unfolded and transformed into the tree of light, <Ain Soph>. 

<Ain Soph> extended out its branches and roots to entangled <Belial> in order to pin it down. 

<Ain Soph> and <Belial> intertwined intricately, enveloping the surrounding area like a huge bird cage. The two worlds vying for development collided against each other, staining the surrounding scenery with noise. 

“……! Mio!” 

“I used <Ain Soph> to suppress <Belial>……but this won’t last long. 

Everyone, please. Lend me your strength. In order to protect—this world where I meet Shin.” 

“……!” 

As Mio spoke, all of the Spirits rounded their eyes in astonishment. 

But that was to be expected. Since until just a moment ago, she was an adversary who everyone was risking their lives to fight against. 

But before even that, she was also the gentle analytic officer who had been taking care of the Spirits. The Spirits weren’t trying to defeat her, but hoped instead to make her fall in love. 

After being shocked for a second, the Spirits cheerfully nodded in consent as they re-prepared their respective Angels. 

“Umu……! I am happy to be able to fight together, Mio!” 

“Yes. I’ll ask for more details about what happened in there later!” 

“Hmm—I’m still not convinced though.” 

Despite being the only one to let out a “humph!” sound from her nose, Kurumi seemed to have no objections in stopping Westcott. While making a cheeky expression, she switched out <Rasiel> with <Zafkiel>. 

At that moment, among all of the people who were invigorated, Natsumi whispered with sweat dripping down her cheeks. 

“……No, but how can we lend our strength? Our attacks did nothing at all……” 

While lowering her head, Mio pressed her hands together as if in a devoted prayer. 

“—There’s no such thing. Since aren’t your Angels not at full strength?” 

At that moment, countless bands of light grew from Mio’s Astral Dress, each one of them piercing through the chests of the Spirits, as well as Shidou and Mana. 

“Wha……?” 

The same sight seen in the future world, everyone couldn’t help but stand breathless. 

But—it was different. Rather than collapsing down, the Spirits who were pierced in the chest by Mio were brimming with reiryoku as a dazzling light covered their bodies. 

“Ohhh……!?” 

“This is—” 

As the voiced their surprise, the light gradually gained substance. 

That’s right. Glad in the absolute armor of the Spirits—a complete Astral Dress had manifested here. 

Although they didn’t manifest an Astral Dress, both Mana and Shidou were brimming with tremendous power just like Artemisia and Ellen. 

“—Wow!? Seriously, Miochi?” 

Such a voice echoed from behind. From the looks of it, Nia, who had been crouching on the exterior of <Fraxinus> in a plan to return back to the bridge, had manifested a nun-like Astral Dress. 

“—After all, despite being a trace amount, there is still a Sephira Crystal in Nia’s body. Using that as the medium, I was able to pour out my reiryoku to you.” 

“Hya! Nice service! Alright DEM! Let me be your opponent!” 

Nia, who had been making progress trying to escape, briskly stood up as she swiftly declared. Seeing that excessively prideful look from her, Shidou couldn’t help but smile. 

However, Mio continued to prompt for everyone’s attention. 

“In spite of this, the enemy is also a Spirit. In order to completely defeat this opponent, we’ll have to gather all of the Angels together for a single blow.” 

“All of the Angels……together?” 

“Eh……in the presences of Ellen and the others, wouldn’t coalescing all of our attacks be impossible?” 


As Natsumi asked, Mio glanced towards Shidou. 

“No, I would like everyone to help pave the way towards Westcott. —Don’t we have it here. A person who can handle the power of all of the Angels alone.” 

As if guided by Mio’s voice, everyone’s eyes gathered towards Shidou. 

“Eh—?” 

Shidou was momentarily stunned, but he soon understood the meaning behind those words as he nodded back in response to everyone’s gaze. 

If it had been the old Shidou, he would have been captured by fear and dismay. 

But now he was wielding an Angel. And above all else, there were the Spirits. 

And they represented more than just a reliable ally for Shidou. 

—That’s right. A man can’t display an undignified response to a woman. 

It was a frivolous reason and motive for confronting a formable foe. But it seemed like a perfectly suitable manner for Shidou. 

Shidou grinned as he raised his voice to make a declaration. 

“Let’s go everyone. —We’ll save this world!” 

“Ohh!” 

The Spirits all responded to Shidou’s command as they each kicked off the exterior of <Fraxinus> and rushed towards Westcott. 

Their appearance was just like a shooting star. Several shadows danced in the night sky, leaving behind a glittering trail. 

However, Westcott wouldn’t just wait by silently. The squirming branches from <Belial> tried to shoot down the Spirits at a tremendous speed. 

In addition to that— 

“Did you really think—I would just let you go?” 

“Don’t imagine that you can get away……!” 

Artemisia and Ellen, both given power by Westcott, intercepted the Spirits. Their laser swords were weaved with a dense magic as they traversed in a speed faster than the human eye could follow. 

Despite this, the Spirits who had regained their full strength wouldn’t be killed so easily. Origami and Mana suppressed the DEM wizards as the rest of the Spirits used that opportunity to avoid the branches from <Belial>. 

“Ha—!” 

Strengthened by both <Zafkiel>’s First Bullet <Aleph> and the music from <Gabriel>, Tohka had already released <Halvanhelev> from <Sandalphon>. Meanwhile, Yoshino, who was riding on <Zadkiel> alongside <Natsumi>, had enlarged her Angel through <Haniel> while leading a charged assault cladded in <Raphael>’s wind. 

Kotori, who had her power released from <Michael>’s <Shifuru>, had transformed her <Camael> into <Megiddo> and fired with all of her might as the night sky turned bright red. 

Multiple Angels combined together to release a violent assault. 

Although Westcott defended himself with a wall of reiryoku from <Belial>, it could be seen that damage was gradually beginning to accumulate despite still remaining unscathed. 

However, Westcott smiled pleasingly without revealing any frustration or dismay. 

“Hmm. If that’s what your trying to do. Then—how about this?” 

While speaking, he raised a single hand. 

As if responding to that, a huge sphere appeared in the sky above Westcott’s head. 

“…… This is—” 

Gazing that sight, Shidou felt his throat instinctively tighten. 

But that was to be expected. What appeared there was a figure resembling Mio’s Angel of death, <Ain Soph Aur>. 

“—<Athiel> (Extreme Altair of Death)” 

Following Westcott command, ripples began to form on the surface of the sphere like a flower bud beginning to bloom. 

From that center, countless particles of darkness poured down towards the Spirits. 

—Returning back to a few minutes ago. 

On the outside armor of <Fraxinus>, Nia held <Rasiel> in her hands as she watched the Spirits leaped off into the distance. 

“—So, what are you doing, Nia?” 

After suddenly hearing the voice of the <Fraxinus> AI Maria from the communication device, Nia felt a jitter reach her shoulders as she made a bitter smile while scratching her head. 

“Well……Now that I think about it carefully, neither I nor <Rasiel> are suitable for battle. Besides, haven’t I always been in a non-combatant position? The <Bandersnatch> or a small fry <Wizard> would have been fine enough, but isn’t it difficult to abruptly have to play the final boss all of a sudden? Isn’t it a super high hurdle?” 

“Ha.” 

After hearing the tone in Nia’s voice, Maria let out an exasperated sigh. 

‘To think such caustic words would come from such an authority. Merciful tears are leaking out.” 

“Oh……n-no, it’s not like that! If I go and just drag down everyone’s feet, then I won’t be able face them ever again……” 

While speaking, Nia fiddled two of her fingers with each other. 

Then, Maria continued to let out another sigh. 

“—It can’t be helped. Even though you’re a Spirit, there’s a need to increase our fighting strength even by a little. Please listen carefully to me now. With your help Nia, it’s possible for my parameters to now reach the next level.” 

“Huh?” 

Hearing what Maria had said, Nia widened her eyes in surprise. 

—Despair rained down from the sky. 

The grains of darkness released from the huge black flower <Athiel> poured down towards the Spirits like countless particles of drifting pollen. 

“Everyone! Don’t come in contact with that……!” 

Shidou yelled so much that it felt like his throat was unraveling. Those dark particles were a representation of “death”. An irreconcilable killer that would snatch away the life of its target without question through mere contact. 

The Spirits were also deeply aware of the threat. They didn’t attempt to rebound or defend as they quickly leaped out the way. 

However, not everyone had escaped. Origami and Mana, who were fighting Artemisia and Ellen, were obstructed by their opponents and forced to make a delayed escape. 

“Ku……!” 

“This, hindrance……!” 

Ellen and Artemisia, who were given a part of Westcott’s reiryoku wouldn’t be killed from contact with the particles of darkness. However, it was unknown if this was also true for Origami and Mana despite being given a portion of Mio’s power. 

“Origami! Mana!” 

“Ku—<Ain Soph Aur>……!” 

Mio tried to summon <Ain Soph Aur> in an attempt to counteract <Athiel>. 

However, it was already too late. The grains of darkness from <Athiel> were already closing in on Origami and Mana like a thin blanket of snow. 

However—at that moment. 

“Huh……?” 

The moment after Shidou blinked, countless white shadows covered his field of vision. 

He thought it was a hallucination for a moment, but this was different. 

Suddenly, countless girls with the same face appeared to protect Origami and Mana from the particles of darkness. 

“Wha—!?” 

Of course, those dark particles were a cluster of death. All of the girls who had come in contact with it lost their lives in an instant. 

“No way, this is—” 

Shidou raised his eyes and brow at this sight. The reason was simple. This bizarre scene felt oddly familiar. 

Then, as if to immediately respond to Shidou’s surprise, a voice rang from behind. 

“Ya— what a thread hanging situation we got here boys and girls! But it’s okay, Nia-chan has arrived so there’s no need to worry anymore!” 

“It’s hard to understand how that boastful mouth still operates even in this type of situation.” 

Shidou turned around as if recognizing that voice, and there he saw silhouette of a Spirit. 

“Nia! And—” 

But, in the middle of his words, he stopped. Next to Nia was another person, a girl who looked unfamiliar. 

Lightly colored hair, dressed in a simple white Astral Dress. A cute but somewhat haughty face, features that made him think of the pseudo Spirit <Nibelcol>. 

However, he remembered the voice he heard. Shidou doubtfully continued. 

“No way, Maria ………?” 

“Yes. Everyone has outdone themselves. I have been waiting so long to have a real body, a totally perfect Maria.” 

Maria said so while making poses like a clichéd idol from the past. Seeing that bright look coming from her at the wrong time, Shidou laughed miserably. 

“But, what happened after all? The person who saved Origami’s group was also Maria…… right? They—look like <Nibelcol>.” 

As Shidou asked, Maria nodded and replied back. 

“That feeling is not wrong. <Nibelcol> is the pseudo Spirit created from the power of <Beelzebub> and DEM’s Realizer. If so—when we have <Rasiel>, the fact that <Ratatoskr> can do the same thing is also reasonable.” 

Then Maria raised her hand. Immediately, many of the pages from <Rasiel> that Nia was holding flew up, and from there the silhouette of the girls that resemble Maria appeared. 

“Of course, individuals subsiding to the power of <Athiel> will not be able to regenerate.” 

“But with this body, I can protect everyone for a few minutes.” 

“Even if I die, only Nia’s Spirit Power is consumed.” 

“As long as we are not the original body, the damage will not be considerable.” 

Countless Maria’s jokingly spoke as they danced in the air, before heading towards <Athiel>. 

Correspondingly, Nia raised her index finger and pointed towards <Athiel>. 

“Go, Maria. I choose you.” 

“Maria does not listen to you.” 

“Ata!?” 

The Maria remaining by her side jabbed at her flank, causing Nia’s body to bend back in a ?like shape. 

 

As Maria cheerfully sighed, she then turned to Shidou with a more serious look. 

“Well, leave <Athiel> here to me. Go on and settle this matter.” 

Maria patted his back as she advised him to move forward. 

“……Ah!” 

As Shidou vigorously nodded back, he kicked off against the sky and headed towards the center of the chaos—towards Westcott. 

Of course, Ellen and Artemisia, who noticed his movements, tried to stop him alongside the countless branches of <Belial> that were squirming like tentacles. 

However— 

“Haaaaaaaaah!” 

“<Zadkiel>……!” 

“I won’t let you—obstruct Shidou-san!” 

The Spirits lined up around him deflected back the Wizard’s laser swords and dispelled the incoming branches in order to clear a pathway. 

For a moment, a brief second, the path towards Westcott was visible. 

But for Shidou right now, a brief moment was more than enough. 

“Fu—!” 

While clad in <Raphael>’s wind, he dashed across the sky like a bullet. 

As Shidou passed through the sparks of conflict between the Spirits and Wizards, he found that his mind was strangely calm. 

As if this moment was being stretched out in time. 

With that, one by one, he connected every Sephira Crystal within his body—calling out the name of each respective Angel. 

<Metatron>. 

<Rasiel>. 

<Zafkiel>. 

<Zadkiel>. 

<Camael>. 

<Michael>. 

<Haniel>. 

<Raphael>. 

<Gabriel>. 

And finally—<Sandalphon>. 

In order to defeat the primordial Demon King, not even the slightest hint of confusion was permitted. He had to assemble all ten Angels dwelling in his body into a single image. 

Eventually, a single ray of light wrapped around Shidou’s arm. 

“Itsuka Shidou—” 

Westcott widened his eyes. 

But rather than a look of astonishment or fear—there was unmistakable joy and excitement mixed within his expression. 

However, no matter what exactly, the thing that needed to be done did not change. 

Shidou channeled all of his strength into his fist— 

‘Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—!” 

—To smash against the Magician who began everything. 

“…………!” 

—The tremors reached Mio’s entire body. 

Despite that, it was neither because <Ain Soph> lost to <Belial> nor was it caused by an enemy attack. 

In the center of the sky, Shidou had used the power of the Angels to strike down Westcott, who was floating between his two Demon Kings. 

The tremendous shockwave transmitted through the air, echoing in the huge birdcage formed by <Belial> and <Ain Soph>. While scattered around the surroundings, the Spirits all hastily looked towards Shidou’s direction in alarm. 

“—Ga—, ha—” 

At the same time Westcott let out an anguished cry, the huge tree standing behind him and the overlooking flower above both let out a dull sound. The space fought against with <Ain Soph> had begun to distort and collapse. 

—Fallen leaves. Cracks emerged everywhere on the invincible Demon King. 

However, that was to be expected. In any case, it was a devastating blow containing the power of all ten Angels along with Mio’s own power. Although Westcott had possessed the power of the Spirit of Origin, it was impossible to handle that lightly. 

“—” 

Shidou gripped his bleeding fist and raised it to sky to show everyone of his victory. 

“Ohh……!” 

“Shidou!” 

“Kyaaaa! Daaaarling!” 

“……Fu.” 

From every direction, the voices from the Spirits echoed around. Mio breathed a small sigh of relief, feeling that the burden from <Ain Soph> had lessened. 

However— 

“Fu……haha—ha, haha, amazing—Itsuka Shidou. But—you were just one step short.” 

“Wha—!?” 

Shidou’s shoulders began to tremble as he heard Westcott’s voice coming from up front. 

With his entire body thrown from the shock, blood was profusely bleeding from both his mouth and nose. While in the abyss of this ecstasy, Westcott called out one more name from the depths his throat. 

“—<Qemetiel>—” 

“—” 

At that moment. 

A chill struck Mio’s entire body. 

But that was natural, since it was Mio who understood the horrific power of this Demon King the most. 

As Westcott called out that name, a torrent of mana surrounded his body like a storm. 

—Despite his critical injuries, the final Demon King was still manifesting. In such a state, it was doubtful that even Westcott could still fully control that Demon King. 

—In the blink of an eye, she quickly tried to think of plan. The powers she possessed, the Angels within Shidou, assistance from the Spirits, anything that could possibly reverse this situation. —Thinking thoroughly of a way to keep Shidou safe and sound. 

Pondering it over, it’s been a long time since she last felt this feeling. 30 years ago, it was the same thought process felt when standing in front of Shinji’s corpse. 

But it was a bit different. At that time, there was only despair in her heart. But—right now, Shidou was still alive. There was still something that could be done. But what needed to be done? What— 

At that moment, while looking at Shidou’s back, the memories from that moment spread through her mind. 

The memories of the future shared through the pathway by Shidou flashed in her mind. 

History before Shidou traveled back in time. A world just before the realization of her goal. 

Through Shidou’s memories, Mio caught a glimpse of her own future. 

However, even when it was clear that she could get back Shinji, she—didn’t look fulfilled at all. 

“—” 

Ah, this way. 

The answer—perhaps was already shown. 

“Wha……!” 

In the sky, Shidou’s eyes opened in horror. 

A dreadful chill ran across his body. It felt as if the ambient temperature suddenly dropped for a moment. 

That feeling was very familiar. Memories of the future world flowed back. The last Angel Mio used, when Tohka retrieved Mio’s power and approached Mio.—The void Angel that returned everything to zero. 

Just within Shidou’s predictions, darkness gathered in front of Westcott and formed the shape of a seed. 

The light that surrounded Mio when she summoned it before made it hard to see the whole picture, but apparently its natural shape was a resemblance of this thing. A strange feeling filled his heart. 

At the same time of realization, Shidou tried to escape. But, for a moment—as if he was bound by that little seed, his body could not move. 

“Ah—” 

The intuition of death. If he jumps back, the immediate space will be erased. 

“—!” 

“………!” 

From behind, he knew that the Spirits were screaming. However, he could not recognize the contents. 

As they were doing so, the black seed as if germinating, spreading darkness out into the area. 

“Ah—” 

Shidou exclaimed, trying not to get engulfed by darkness— 

“—No you can’t, Shidou. Because, those children are still waiting for you.” 

The next moment, with that voice, he was pulled back. 

“It took a second for him to realize. The branches of <Ain Soph> reached from far behind, and coiled over his belly. 

And, as if tagging out Shidou, a single Spirit confronted Westcott. 

—It was Mio. 

“Mio……!? What are you doing!?” 

Shidou shouted before he could feel relieved of getting saved. 

Immediately Mio turned to look at Shidou as she spoke. 

“—The reiryoku is out of control. If you leave it be, it will blow up the whole area around here. That said, the consequences will not stop at the level of the Eurasian catastrophe.—But, if I use <Ain> to equalize them so that they cancel out each other, maybe—” 

“What—” 

At Mio’s words, Shidou felt like his heart was crushed. 

From that voice, from Mio’s expression, he could already guess the meaning behind those words. 

“What are you talking about ………! If you do that, you will—!” 

“…………” 

Mio did not respond. Shidou continued to scream out loud. 

“Do not joke around with me ………… Why! Hadn’t Shinji said that? That he wanted to let Mio see more of the world—! Even so, why—” 

Shidou yelled, reaching out to stop Mio. Although his hands were unable to reach Mio, it was just enough to grasp the tip of Astral Dress. 

But, at that moment, the part that Shidou touched, vanished into thin air while giving out specks of light. 

As if, when reiryoku was sealed. 

“—!” 

As Shido felt suffocated, Mio loosened her lips. 

“—Shidou. You are really a great man. I love you.” 

And as she said so, she winked as if this was only a joke. 

“—However, you are still Shin’s next life huh?” 

Mio smiled gently, and then returned to face Westcott. 

At the same time, Shidou’s body was pulled back by the branches of <Ain Soph>. 

No, not just Shidou. The other Spirits along with Mana, also got pulled away by countless branches. 

As <Ain Soph> pulled everyone away, it gradually changed its gigantic form, just like before when it wrapped around Mio and Shidou, it then covered itself around Shidou and <Fraxinus>. 

Perhaps—this was to protect Shidou’s group, from the aftermath of the impact between Angel and Demon King. 

“—Mioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo—!” 

Shidou, towards the night sky that was slowly fully obscured by <Ain Soph>, screamed that name as she got farther and farther away. 

 

At the center of the swirling flow of mana—The Spirit?Mio and the Magus?Isaac Westcott faced each other. 

As Westcott noticed Mio’s silhouette, he did not mind to wipe the blood around his mouth and instead just gave a smirk. 

“……<Deus> huh. What an absolute luxurious substitution you are. Even though for me, I just want to delete Itsuka Shidou right now.” 

Mio closed her eyes while listening to those words, and she responded as if whispering to herself. 

“Surely, both of us will not exist in the future world as of now. Neither you, nor I.—Isn’t the moment just so perfect? I can deal with all the nuisances all at once.” 

“Hah, hah, hah—” 

As Westcott’s shoulder shuddered, he placed his hand on his forehead and raised his face to the sky. 

“—Where? Where did I go wrong? Even when I have excavated the secrets of magic and got my hands on the Spirit Formula. Even when I have created the Realizer.—Even now, I’m holding the power of the Spirit of Origin in my hands.” 

Mio gently narrowed her eyes at Westcott’s words 

“………From the beginning, I (Spirit) should not have been born. The same goes for the Realizer. This power is too far beyond human capacity. But, ah—right, other than that, if this is also the cause of your misery—” 

Mio sighed, putting her hand on her chin and said. 

“—You, were never the sort of person I would choose.” 

“—” 

As the words got into his ears, Westcott rounded his eyes for a moment as if shocked. 

“……Ha, haha, hahahahahahahahahahahahahah—” 

Soon after, with a look as if he couldn’t bear it anymore, he started laughing. 

“I see, I see……then there is no other way.” 

Westcott staggered as if he was tired of laughing. Then, he slowly raised his right hand to the front. 

“—<Qemetiel>” 

As responded to those words, black seed appeared in front of him and began to leak out darkness. 

Mio also raised her hand in the same way and called up the name of the last Angel. 

“—<Ain>” 

A moment after—the forces of <void>and <void> collided against each other. 

 

—Her body began melting into the world. 

A strange feeling wrapped around Mio. 

There was no pain. Nor fear. It just felt as if her consciousness was gradually sipping away. 

The last and most powerful Angel, collided with the Demon King that possessed equivalent power. The users definitely would not be safe. 

But—she did not regret. 

If Mio did not activate <Ain> at that time, Shidou and the Spirits around him that were swept into Westcott’s uncontrollable power would surely die. 

No—on the contrary, it would be no surprise if an explosion larger than the Eurasian catastrophe struck upon the world. 

When she thought about it, she unexpectedly smiled at her motives. 

To feed her own desires, she sacrificed the girls, sacrificed the world, but did not expect to be waiting for her last moments with such a reason. 

However, she could not bear it. 

—Once again to see Shin die before her very eyes. 

Moreover— 

(……Shidou—) 

The words they exchanged while in <Ain Soph>. The words he spoke came back in her mind. 

At that moment, Mio herself realized.—She still had another wish. 

No matter what she had done, she could not entirely bring Shin back. 

If so then at least Mio’s last wish—was to go with Shin to the end of the road here. 

(—I’m sorry, everyone—) 

Mio whispered as her consciousness slowly faded away. 

She had killed so many people. 

She had made so many people miserable. 

She did not expect herself to be forgiven, nor did she think that she would be forgiven. 

Absolute evil, the worst catastrophe of human history. It was herself. 

Strange—that this feeling alone was not a lie. 

As the last remaining part of her consciousness began to dissapear— 

—Mio. 

(……………!) 

In that moment. 

As a voice came from somewhere, Mio’s closed eyes opened. 

Not just because she was suddenly called. 

Because it was—the voice she had always been yearning to hear again for over 30 years. 

(Shin—) 

—Ah, I’m sorry, Mio. I’ve let you wait for so long. 

Mio called up that name, from the light a dim figure appeared. 

(A, ah—) 

Mio felt her tears coming out. 

Perhaps this was only the hallucination Mio saw when her consciousness was gradually dissipating. Perhaps this was only the illusion she could hear in her critical state. 

Even so, that was certainly—the silhouette of the lover she had yearned for such a long, long time. 

(Shin—, Shin……!) 

Mio tried hard to reach out, hugging Shin’s body tightly. 

A warm feeling wrapped her body. Mio buried her face in his chest, and screamed inaudibly. 

—Thirty years. 

I have always, always wandered around looking for you. 

I have relied so much on your memories to keep going. 

Even though you were always—so close to me like this………! 

—Mio. I have always, always wanted to see you. 

Shin also hugged Mio back. 

(Me too—I have always wanted to see you—) 

Mio would not give up, putting more strength to the arms that were hugging Shin. 

We will never separate again. 

I will—never ever let you go. 

—From now on, let us always be together. 

(Un……!) 

Mio smiled with tears—and disappeared from this world. 



Share This :


COMMENTS

No Comments Yet

Post a new comment

Register or Login