Chapter 2 - Unshakable Determination
Part 1
『Attraction』
It was the concept the Crimson Twilight member Tiana possessed.
-- The ability to memorize any object she had directly touched and then draw or pull it towards herself.
At first glance it seemed a little lackluster, however in battle 'Attraction's' effects could bring about amazing results.
The strength of the attraction could be freely adjusted from nothing to within the maximum limit at any time, and also, at any time, could be canceled. In addition to simply pulling the opponent closer, at any point in time she could break their movements and throw off their timing.
Also she could freely choose what she wanted to commit to memory, and store as many as she wanted. As for removing those memories, it also only depended on her preference.
However, if she remembered too many the attraction force would weaken, being unable to focus with so many choices. This was only shortcoming of her ability.
Through trial and error Tiana had worked out that three to five memories were most advantageous for battle.
So -- as soon as the fighting with Kyouya started Tiana went to memorization.
In fact there were several opportunities. Although she wasn't able to land a the hit, Kyouya had been deflecting her attacks directly.
Moreover because he had never witnessed this ability he didn't feel the need to avoid contact.
Therefore she was able to forcibly pull him over, and at long last land an attack.
"...... Looks like he's dead."
She looked away from her left hand, and focused on the pile of rubble fell that Kyouya was trapped underneath.
The 'Attraction' memories of him had also disappeared from her mind.
However, Tiana didn't erase those memories herself. In case of a living object, when vital signs of the object stopped the object would be recognized as changed, and the original memory would naturally fade.
"-- Then, now the mission is complete."
That was obtaining the phoenix cells, and defeating COCOON's Hikami Kyouya.
From the intelligence Memeko provided, Tiana already knew that the rest of COCOON and that the Japanese government were readying to take action against Kyouya.
The situation here was turning for worst, and naturally there shouldn't be any reason to continue to stay.
If there was......
"............"
Tiana suddenly turned her sight to a far off direction.
Her eyes rested on youth who insisted on tagging along with her.
After losing consciousness Onizuka Kenya laid fallen.
-- His unconsciousness was caused by none other than Tiana's hands.
The reason was because Onizuka tried to obstruct her -- based on some cheap sense of sentimental justice.
Tiana didn't particularly mean to get him involved.
In fact he defiantly ignored her advise, and stubbornly came without permission.
...... However.
She could have shook him off, nevertheless she ultimately let him follow along.
Tiana wondered if it was because of some sort of sentimental attachment for him.
Through a strange occurrence she became a freeloader in Onizuka's home, and even though they only spent a short time together, she felt a warm family feeling within herself.
Maybe deep down, she really expected something from him.
Even through he learned her true identity, and what kind of person she was.
Still...... by chance, could things remain unchanged?
-- Of course, that was merely wishful thinking on her part.
Although Onizuka was an alternate world returnee, in the special autonomous region he was just an ordinary person.
And Tiana was nevertheless a terrorist feared throughout the world.
So, when Onizuka tried to stop her, she thought 'Ah, as I thought.'
Even if the two people were face to face, there was still an insurmountable gap between them.
Even staying in the same home together, Onizuka and herself were living in different worlds.
However......
"............"
Tiana still couldn't remove her gaze away from Onizuka's body.
Onizuka was still alive. He was just unconsciousness, and would wake up sooner or later.
Even left ignored, also there was no danger no his life.
...... But......
At that time to prevent him from making things more difficult, she was forced to use a heavy hand.
Therefore even when he wakes up, he might be unable to leave on his own.
And there was a possibility that any help wouldn't come down here. Moreover, because of her fight with Kyouya the underlying rock structure of the huge area had been disturbed, and the ceiling may collapse at any time.
"No choice then......"
Tiana muttered. At least until they're outside she would have to carry him.
As she thought that, she took one step towards Onizuka.
-- That small action ended up saving Tiana's life.
Suddenly a flash of light came from behind.
"-?"
She twisted her body in that moment, somehow avoiding the attack.
The beam of light just missed Tiana's side, crashing into the wall ahead,
"Na......"
Seeing the end result of the wall, Tiana found herself at a loss for words.
It was because the wall had disappeared. There wasn't even one sound either. A hole had been drilled through the wall the same thickness of the beam of light, like a tunnel. How far it extended couldn't be confirmed, because the light from within the dark room could only shine so far into it.
In addition -- the beam didn't just pierce through rock.
Although Tiana herself moved in time, the crushing axe she was holding had taken the brunt of it, and now only half of the handle remained as the huge axe-head had vanished. And,
"-- Oh, you actually avoided it."
Suddenly, an icy voice traveled to her ears, followed by the sound of unhurried footsteps.
"............"
When Tiana turned around, she found a similar hole had been opened from the mountain of rubble as well as Kyouya's figure.
The JPN-Babel uniform he had been wearing had already changed to a mainly white with blue combat one.
...... Just now that beam.
Tiana Randohauzen was convinced.
Not only was he able use fire and ice magic, but also the torrent of light he shot at her was part of his real concept ability.
A dreadful power. A direct hit from that, and the consequences would have been too horrible to contemplate.
...... Only.
There was a bigger problem that worried Tiana.
Her blow with her crushing axe or the fist she drove into him a little while ago there was definitely a feeling of had hitting him.
However, Kyouya was standing there calm and composed, as if nothing happened. Still that was only part of the problem.
Since he was still alive, then why would the 『Attraction』 memories of him disappear?
This was not a low ranked spell an absolute barrier could stop.
A concept ability was the ultimate power a member of Crimson Twilight and COCOON had obtained.
Even if you take into consideration the affinity of different powers it still wouldn't produce be any effect, even for her leader, the strongest member, Cecil Endheart it was impossible.
...... The only possibility.
Tiana made a bold assumption.
That was that after her attacks earlier -- Kyouya had actually died.
And of course it also meant it wasn't caused by her crushing axe or fist.
After repeated and grueling special training a very select few have been known to had reach a superhuman domain, in which it was said they could freely manipulate their autonomic nervous system, and even temporarily stop the beating of their heart.
So then a concept ability that acts directly on an living object the effects could be naturally removed when the object dies like with Tiana's "attraction. In short, a person could put themselves in a state of suspended animation to fend off some concept abilities.
If Kyouya could do that it would explain why her memories disappeared,
"...... It does not matter, anyway."
Tiana tossed aside remaining broken half of her weapon with a slight smile.
Since Kyouya had failed to die, now she only had to make sure she kills him this time.
Therefore Tiana at once closed the distance with Kyouya, and launched an attack with her empty hand. Then,
"You really are courageous...... even after witnessing my destructive power, you still dare to fight with hand-to-hand combat."
Causally talking while in the midst of dodging, Kyouya then revealed a self-confident smirk,
"Are you not afraid of death?"
"Fortunately, that kind of power your light beam has should make it impossible release right away. Before my back was towards you and couldn't see it for sure, but according to common sense it should require some degree of preparation and concentration for some time, and maybe even there are only a limited number of times you could unleash it."
Moreover, Tiana continued,
"It's so dark in here, and I can also see any signs of light as to when your about to fire."
"Indeed...... as expected from a veteran at using the concept abilities."
Her insight seemed to be quite sharp, and Kyouya,
"However, your ability also is not without limitations. If I'm not wrong, you need to directly make contact to use your ability. That's why you once again charged in to attack, am I right?"
It had been seen through......
"So what?"
Tiana laughed.
At a level where both parties were able to use concept abilities with only one look they could reasonably guess the others power as a whole.
Under the same conditions -- the key to success was when to use their own power.
...... That being the case.
The situation greatly favored herself, Tiana thought.
No other reason than -- her close combat skills were above Kyouya's.
If Kyouya started to invoke his concept ability, a momentary opening would be exposed of which she could take advantage of to attack.
And -- even if she couldn't expose any openings with her skills to launch an effective attack, it would be enough just to touch him. So Tiana interlaced feints in her continuous attacks,
"-- I did it."
After successfully touching Kyouya's arm. She immediately flew backwards, trying to distance herself from him a little.
The preparations were complete.
...... The next step was to break his stance, and then go in for the attack.....
Now it was all about when to attack.
"-- It's too bad, but I will not let you have a chance to do so."
The moment after Kyouya said so he unfolded a magic formation, launching a piece of ice the size of a football at her.
"Again, with an element-based magic attack......"
Such an low level attack could not restrain her even a little bit.
Also any kind of attempt to dodge would be wasteful.
Therefore, Tiana charged forward letting her absolute barrier negate the attack. However,
"Ga--!"
The next moment, she was struck with an intense pain.
The mass of ice Kyouya released directly hit her stomach as if the absolute barrier never existed. The force blown her backwards slamming her in the rock wall behind her.
"Gu...... Hah......!"
Tiana spit out a mouth full of blood.
She wasn't sure how many of her ribs were broken, but it was definitely several of them and based on the fact she spit out blood how badly her internal organs were damaged.
But -- before she analysised her physical condition Tiana had a bigger question.
So she agonizingly asked,
"...... H...how.....?"
Why wasn't the absolute barrier able to nullify Kyouya's elemental magic?
The answer came immediately.
"-- Did you think I would carry out my plan without the absolute certainty of success?"
When Tiana looked up, she saw a cold smear on Kyouya's face and,
"Do not forget -- that I alone have to face both the the rest of COCOON and Crimson Twilight. In fact I have long since transcended you, and about to enter the realm of a God."
As he said so, Kyouya's body began to emit a faint golden light.
"That light......"
Tiana Randohauzen knew what the gold glow represented.
It was the same light a higher-order-life-form gave off when it was about to use its power.
...... So..... that was the reason......
Until now, Tiana didn't understand why Kyouya went through the trouble to obtain the <Phoenix cells> only to refer them as toys. In addition to his concept ability, he had a more powerful trump card up his sleeve.
Cecil had warned her before, and it seems that it was a mistake to not withdraw when she had the opportunity.
However, now was too late to regret.
"-- This is the end."
Kyouya stretched out his right hand -- and the next moment an explosion occurred.
-- But, the person engulfed in flames was not Tiana.
It was Kyouya.
Part 2
At the same time Kyouya was being swallowed by flames a young man slowly got up from the ground.
The young man's eyes were similar to the glare of a wild dog.
He attempted to put a stop Tiana, but instead Onizuka Kenya had suffered a beating.
-- It was only about ten seconds or so that Onizuka had regained consciousness.
When he awoke he suppressed the severe pain shooting throughout his body to force his head up, and what he discovered was Tiana being cornered by Kyouya.
With just that Onizuka roughly understand the situation, and immediately decided to take action.
The result was the attack that just hit Kyouya.
However, a direct attack would have been nullified by Kyouya's absolute barrier, so he aimed at another point.
He focused at where Kyouya had been preparing his fire magic attack, therefore enveloping Kyouya in both Onizuka and Kyouya's own fire.
"Ha...... haa......"
Onizuka's breathing became very heavy.
Tiana's bare hands were enough to destroy thick concrete walls. Previously Onizuka suffered several consecutive punches, so it was naturally not difficult to imagine the damage done to his body. If he relaxed even a little he would immediately lose consciousness.
Still Onizuka gritted his teeth, keeping his consciousness using everything bit he had left in his body.
It was because there was something that he had to do. Therefore,
"Now! Run Tiana Randohauzen!"
Onizuka Kenya shouted at the top of his lungs.
He never for a seconded imagined that Kyouya would be defeated by his attack.
...... I'm not any kind of match for such a monster......!
However, if he could slightly delay -- there was a small chance to escape.
In this case it was not possible for most people to escape. In fact, even Onizuka thought it was impossible for he himself.
But, Tiana was different, and should have enough time.
-- Onizuka didn't think what Tiana did to Tanaka and Phil was right.
Therefore he wanted to stop her, and confronted her.
...... But.
Onizuka Kenya did not want Tiana Randohauzen to died here, and lose the gentle smiling face of the girl that changed himself.
He never wanted that extinguished.
-- However the situation developed in which he didn't imagine.
Tiana which he thought would immediately escape, or at least take the opportunity to counterattack Kyouya,
"Ken-chan?"
She stared at him, as if she couldn't believe that Onizuka would try to help her.
"Y-you fool...... what are you doing!"
Onizuka could not help but rushed towards Tiana.
...... Damn it, we must hurry!
Dragging his seriously injured body, Onizuka could not help but secretly pray in the heart.
But......
"--Sorry, no one escapes."
As if ridiculing Onizuka, a could voice reached his ears.
And at the same time, the fire around Kyouya condensed into a crimson sphere floating above the palm of his hand.
And,
"Unfortunately, you were a little slow --"
As he finished, Kyouya sent the huge fireball towards Tiana.
"Bastuuurrrrddddd!"
At also almost at the same time Onizuka jumped towards Tiana.
The next moment. The most lower area was shaken, as an intense explosion broke out.
Part 3
-- Taking advantage of Hikami Kyouya's rebellion every trace of the <Phoenix cells> had to be completely erased.
It was the only option for Japan to survive for their own betrayal.
A few hours ago Prime Minister Sasagawa Shinya decided to send troops to the special autonomous region.
It was currently around midnight, and the Prime Minister's official residence was enveloped in a heavy pressure.
The source came from the mood between Sasagawa and the collective members of the cabinet in the cabinet meeting room.
"Following phantom 01, phantom 02 and phantom 03 signal was lost. It seems they were most likely shot down from the ground...... and none of the pilots can be reached at present."
"The latest cutting-edge stealth fighters were annihilated that easily......"
A real time report came from the unification headquarters to the Minister of Defense as he angrily spat.
The new stealth fighters that were scrambled to suppress JPN-Babel were personally established by the Minister of Defense himself. He believed this force could share the burden of the national defense of Japan. Moreover, huge sums of money and countless man-hours of research were invested to be developed by the air force.
Seeing years of effort mercilessly destroyed the old face of the minister of defense minister couldn't help but become red because of anger,
"Staff chief! What about the combat helicopters and the ground forces?"
"Yes sir! Out of the five combat helicopters three were shot down, the remaining are continuing on mission. At the present time the enemy forces have not yet been eliminated within JPN-Babel's grounds......"
The Staff chief was reporting the current situation over a monitor with a very bitter expression,
"...... The ground forces tried to neutralize the enemy with gas, but unfortunately it ended in failure. Thereupon the second teem and third teem were sent in to overwhelm them with numerical superiority, but they were pin down by the enemy forces within the grounds. And according to the third team's report, the second team has been annihilated -- Sorry, please wait me a moment."
It seemed new information had become available as a subordinate of the Staff chief whispered something into his ear and,
"...... Just received news that the remaining two combat helicopters have been shot down, and it is likely that the teams still on the ground have also been suppressed."
"What? Was it enemy reinforcements?"
"No -- there seemed to be only four people from beginning to the end. I'm afraid the war potential of those Babel students are particularly outstanding."
"Damn...... those monsters!"
The Minister of Defense slammed his fist on the desk.
"I can appreciate your feelings, but please pay attention to your words."
And Sasagawa calmly said,
"Although those returnees that are residing in special autonomous regions are now enemies to us, do not forget that most of them are people of our country who have Japanese nationality."
"...... I'm sorry. It was a slip of the tongue, but Prime Minister the way things are going --"
The Minister of Defense was exposing his inner anxiety as,
"I understand..... Staff chief, I would like to hear your opinion."
Sasagawa's line of sight move to the huge monitor of the wall,
"Apart from the fighters, the combat helicopters and the ground troops mobilized only made up about 30 percent of the military's strength, or so I was informed?"
"Yes, Prime Minister. Currently, the fourth through sixth team of marines are off Babel's campus awaiting orders."
"Then, is there any possibility of success if all the remaining troops are mobilized?"
"......"
After Sasagawa's question the Staff chief took a moment of silence.
After a while......
"...... I think that it would be extremely difficult even if all of our military's strength is deployed. Please forgive me for saying this..... but our forces can't compete against them. If we use our number advantage to wear them out, then perhaps there is a slight chance of winning --"
"No, unfortunately I can not do that."
Sasagawa shook his head because,
"The European Foreign Minister informed us a little while ago that Michael Arcwood and Letiah Crisis (Changed from Retia) have finished with their negotiations with the European Union on behalf of COCOON and are on the way to London's Heathrow Airport. I believe that you are also aware that...... it will only take two hours for their plane to reach Japan."
This was also one of the reasons why COCOON could maintain their control on the world.
The technology COCOON had developed from other worlds had made them able to control the earth's sky.
However, Sasagawa did not want to give up hope.
"Then --"
And Sasagawa decided to go with the last-resort measure,
"Staff chief...... what is the current position of our nuclear submarine?"
"It is on standby in the Pacific Ocean, about 100 km from the island."
"Are the cluster-type nuclear warheads ready to fire?"
"...... Yes, Prime Minister."
The tone of the Staff chief became very heavy and,
"As soon as you give the order -- It is ready to be launched."
Everyone present was well aware that the special autonomous region was heading towards a tragic end.
The chain reactions of the nuclear explosions would not only raze JPN-Babel to the ground, but the whole artificial island.
The Staff chief and the other top officials expressions were all grim, but Sasagawa remained determined.
"Issue the command for all the troops within the special autonomous region to immediately withdraw."
"-- Prime Minister!"
A secretary who was waiting off the side could not help but raise her voice.
"There isn't any time...... this is the only way."
Sasagawa Shinya said indifferently.
In order to protect Japan, this was a necessary evil.
"As soon as all of the soldiers are safety out to sea -- launch the nuclear missiles."
Part 4
A series of noises echo down within the highest floors of JPN-Babel.
It was the sharp sound of metal striking at the irregular rhythm scattering sparks in the dark hallways.
What was clashing into each other were the half-moon swords and meteor hammer, without neither gaining the upper hand.
It was the showdown between Nanase Haruka and Aihara Minami.
It was long after Kaidou had stepped in to save Haruka did the two started fighting. As of now most of the surrounding walls had already been destroyed, and the floor itself has become a vast open battle space.
Even so, the fighting showed no signs of stopping.
"Hhha ha ah ah ah ah!"
Using her wind magic Haruka flew forward at high speed.
In response, Minami moved to intercept with her meteor hammer, sending the heavy iron ball at the end of her weapon forward. Haruka crossed the blades in her hands stopping the heavy iron ball, after which Haruka a close distance away from Minami unleashed her wind magic.
A group of intense winds gathered, and rushed towards Minami. But,
"------"
Minami had silently created an earth wall that blocked everything.
Still, her magic being stopped was within expectations.
"My magic is no over yet."
Under Haruka's influence her winds split apart to avoid Minami, and then transformed into countless air bullets that took aim from every direction.
The shotgun-like wind attack completely engulfed the area around Minami.
Avoidance was impossible.
But Haruka's magic did not hit Minami.
The ground had suddenly swelled forming a dome shell around Minami stopping all the air bullets.
And the next moment, the offensive switched.
"-!"
Haruka created a small tornado below her feet at once. The reaction caused her to rapidly rise into the air.
At the same time, innumerable spikes pierced through the floor.
Fortunately she reacted fast enough, otherwise she would of been skewered. The thought caused Haruka to break out in a cold sweat.
-- However, it was too early to feel relieved.
The spikes that appeared out the floor all fired out towards Haruka.
"Well -!"
Immediately Haruka invoked her flight magic to dodge the spikes heading straight at her. However, the spikes altered their trajectory mid flight, and closely pursed her.
"Humph...... In that case!"
Haruka spun around while flying, and waited until last moment to attract all the spikes in order to release a shock wave destroying the spikes.
However, the spikes broke apart into tiny pieces that completely filled the air, blocking Haruka's vision.
Minami had disappeared from her sight. I messed up -- but it was already too late as she thought so.
The air vibrated with a low noise that reached Haruka's ears, and reflexively she crossed her half moon swords taking up a defensive posture.
At almost the same time a huge cannon ball was already about to hit her.
Although it was only made of hardened dirt, under the influence of Minami's magic it weighed more and was heavier than steel.
She could not withstand it.
Still, Haruka chose not to avoid it. Instead she thought to add a magical attribute to her half moon swords. However, the property attached was not wind but thunder, giving the blade a super-electromagnetic vibrations allowing it to cut through anything.
"Lets seeeeeee --!"
Haruka tightly griped the sword hilts, and brandished her weapons. The huge cannonball was divided into four, and hurtled past Haruka's side, smashing into the the floor behind her.
Together with a loud crash, a cloud of dust sprang up.
"Ha......hah ......!"
While gasping for breath, Haruka fixed her eyes ahead.
Minami was standing there unruffled, with an unusually calm face.
...... Something's not right.
Even though you must not distracted yourself in the mist of battle, Nanase Haruka couldn't help but wonder.
The enemy in front of her was her close friend, and at the same time also went through all the same joys and hardships as a member of the Student Council, the same Aihara Minami.
Babel exists as an educational institution for boys and girls with special abilities who returned from different worlds.
In this JPN-Babel, in charge was COCOON's Hikami Kyouya, who also served as the president of the student council, and out of necessity the student council had to be made up of the strongest.
Minami doing her part in the council also participated in the ranking tournaments.
Haruka understood Minami's strength well. However,
...... Then how did it change so suddenly......?
The Minami that she knew was never this powerful. At the very least, in the ranking tournament that was just held their strengths were on par.
However now, Minami had very obviously been overwhelming her. It was like she was a different person.
Fire, water, earth, and wind -- were the most basic properties of elemental magic.
Each had their own special characteristics that gave them advantages, but fire and water, and earth and wind were polar opposites, making them neither superior or inferior to their opposites.
In fact, the key to its strength lied in the user's spiritual power and ability to concentrate, of course, hard work and innate talent were part of that.
And in following Akatsuki to Alayzard Haruka had gone through a dramatic growth.
So theoretically Haruka should of been able to easily overcome Minami.
And as if seeing through Haruka's thoughts,
"Resistance is useless... ... You can not defeat me now."
Minami said in a monotone voice and,
"Even though it is Kyouya who is linked with Ousawa Miu, we had directly touched her before coming here."
"Miu? Why would you need to touch her....."
Facing Haruka's questions, Minami slowly said,
"She is not merely someone from a different world, she herself is a higher-order life -- with extremely high power (Ultra) in that."
Minami paused for a moment.
"As long as you use of her power you can raise a soul to a higher dimension -- achieving a similar effect without the need to visit another world twice like with you and Kyouya."
"Miu....... is a ultra-higher-order life......"
Haruka finally understood because of Minami's explanation.
That was the reason why Kyouya desired to obtain Miu so much.
...... Oh yes, so it turns out this was why.
Kyouya said that he intended to make an utopia using Miu.
Haruka thought that there must be something special about Miu, but absolutely not did she think Miu was an ultra-higher-order life.
She did not think there was such power in the everyday common Miu. But if what Minami said was true, then you really may be able use her power to transcend COCOON and Crimson Twilight.
...... Then, did Ousawa Akatsuki also know about this......?
And then he kept her by his side to try and take advantage of her power to stop COCOON and Crimson Twilight.
After making such guesses in her mine, Haruka could not help but laugh a little to herself.
...... Impossible.
It was not necessary to think.
Even though the time she spent together with him was short, Haruka Nanase knows that Ousawa Akatsuki was not that kind of person.
She knew how he spent his time in the alternate world of Alayzard, and also what he had accomplished.
In fact, Haruka was present and watched each and every move he made.
That's right -- Even if Akatsuki knew her true nature, he would not change how he would act towards Miu. This I am very sure.
What Akatsuki cherishes is surely Miu herself. As for whether she was an ultra-higher-order lifeform would be only a trivial issue to him. Then,
"That is also the same for me......"
Haruka smiled and nodded as it was only obvious.
Miu's true identity was not important
She decided to protect Miu, but also she and her and everyone else decided to support Akatsuki.
Therefore -- it was not possible to forgive anyone who would hurt, or even use her.
And it was impossible to give up. Then,
"...... Are you still planning to fight me?"
Minami eye's became suspicious as she watched Haruka's expression turn.
"Yes, of course."
Haruka Nanase smiled, and resolutely and proudly answered,
"Everyone else is still fighting. How can I just give up here?"
Thereupon Haruka once again faced off against Minami.
Out of the corner of her vision -- not too far from this place another battle was taking place.
That fight was no less fiercer than hers.
It was the duel between Kaidou Motoharu and Uesaki Ryohei.
Part 5
"Haa, this is too much......"
Even while fighting, Motoharu Kaidou could not help but sigh.
Contrary to his easy going tone he let out, the fight itself from the beginning was not at all.
That was because his opponent, Uesaki Ryohei, did not let up at all.
"Why don't you just give up?"
Ryohei said while swinging his Chinese Dao (broadsword) that he materialized from his AD.
That blade was magically imbued with the attribute of fire, giving off a crimson red color.
The intense high temperature was enough to make the atmosphere boil.
Whenever Ryohei swung his weapon a flame would follow in its trail.
"Whoa, that's dangerous."
Because of that, Kaidou had to take a wide margin whenever he evaded so as not to be scorched.
In addition, because the weapon itself had an attribute it was not a magic enchantment, so even a higher-order barrier was useless.
After greatly retreating backwards, Kaidou swung his right hand in the air.
He was trying to attack Ryohei with his materialized chain from the side.
"-- It is useless no matter how times you try."
Ryohei asserted, as he slashed at the chain with his Dao.
There was a high-pitched 'Kyn' as the super high temperature of the Chinese Dao effortlessly cut the chain into two.
"Ah, that's too horrible -- you cut it again!"
"What's so horrible? Since its an embodied weapon you can freely change its length."
Facing Kaidou's complaint, Ryohei looked back with disapproval and,
"And you already regenerated the chain I do not know how many times. What's the point in grumbling now?"
“It is about feelings! My beloved chain is being cut apart by your sword like you're cutting through tofu!"
"Give me a break...... That is only an ordinary chain."
And Ryohei said as if he seen through Kaidou.
"Your real conceptual ability is...... "freedom binding chain," was it not?"
"Haah... ... Where did you hear that?"
Kaidou unintentionally sighed again. Most likely, it had something to do with Miu being a ultra-higher-order life.
If Kyouya used her power, then there was a possibility he was aware about everything that was occurring within JPN-Babel.
Under such circumstances, Kaidou wanted to avoid exposing the scope of his power as much as possible.
...... In addition......
It was probably due to the fact he suffered a spiritual wave attack of Miu's as a ultra-higher-order life.
Since that time, Kaidou was unable to successfully launch "freedom binding chain."
Concept abilities were techniques that had to open a channel with a higher dimension, unlike with normal magic. However, with Miu's attack belonging to an even higher level than his, most likely caused a temporary disturbance with his concept ability.
And more than likely Ryohei already theorized the condition Kaidou was in.
...... Really a thorny opponent.
Kaidou re-examined Ryohei. Compared to the time he saw him fighting Akatsuki in the ranking tournament Ryohei was totally different. Could this also be due to the influence of Miu's power?
...... However, it doesn't seem to be that simple.
From Ryohei, Kaidou felt a similar atmosphere coming off him to his own.
In JPN-Babel, Kyouya was both severed as the president of the student council, and a member COCOON, and Haruka's distinctive upright character made them the most prominent with the school. Especially Haruka who was the most noticeable because she also concurrently served as a member of discipline committee, and exercised the authority of the student council.
Therefore, Ryohei had to wear the mask of being indifferent and unmotivated, and together with Minami be relegated to the shadows of the student council.
After all, it was not appropriate for the secretary of the council to out shine the vice president.
However, this was not a proper reflection of Ryohei. From simple fighting power to ability to judge, or even logical thinking Ryohei outperformed Haruka in all aspects.
And most importantly Ryohei understood how to deal with someone above his level.
The best evidence of that were how things were playing out thus far.
Certainly once you falter a little against such an opponent was when they will swoop.
Therefore, it was not possible for Kaidou to relax his guard not even a bit. Then,
"It is regrettable, you would have definitely won by now with your original ability."
While saying so, the flames around Ryohei's blade flared up.
"But your movements have obviously dulled... ... Well, it is understandable after your hard fight with Ousawa."
"If you sympathize with me, then take it easy on me."
"Against you? Facing an opponent the like's of you, you can't show even a little chink. In fact, you just have been pretending to be on the defensive, intending to lure me off guard, right?"
Kaidou's thoughts were completely read, and he couldn't help but say with a sour-face,
"There must be a lot of people who say your personality is bad?"
"The same could be said of you. You usually put up an act, and hide your true colors. Therefore, there is no reason to take what you say to heart. I try to act only when it is practical. You on the other hand are the type that enjoys to incite other people...... then watch from a far."
But then, Ryohei asked,
"Knowing full well that you temporary can't use your conceptual ability, then why continue to remain in JPN-Babel without escaping?... ... Is it because of a sense of obligation to Ousawa?"
"No way. We were only using each other for convenience. In what way would I be obligated to Akki."
And then Kaidou said with a frown,
"Moreover, I no more than said to him 'If by chance the vice-president sided with Hikami Kyouya, it would be troublesome for information to leak' in the end he unexpectedly threaten to kill me. Isn't that cruel?"
"Is that so? But then again, if what you said was actually happened, you would not have hesitated to take Haruka's life, right?"
"Well, most likely."
When Kaidou easily told it straight out, Ryohei bitterly smiled at that "immediate response" and,
"But...... yet you stepped in to helped Haruka. You could have waited until the battle was over to launch a sneak attack when our guard was down. It would have been easy to beat us."
"I've already told you. If Akki learns that I didn't help, it would be scary."
The reason was simple.
"That girl Hikami kidnapped has a grasp on everything that is happening in JPN-Babel right now. And her there's no guarantee she won't tell him later."
"From the way you talk, it sounds like you know what is happening, but......"
And Ryohei sighed,
"You rally think that Ousawa is capable of defeating Kyouya?"
"Well -- it might be impossible as it is now"
Kaidou answered and,
"None the less, letting Kyouya continue to do whatever he pleases will only make things more troublesome later. Therefore, it's best to beat him here."
But for that, there was something that had to be done first.
Therefore, Motoharu Kaidou decided to tell the reasons he was still here.
"At the time Akki came to JPN-Babel -- or to be exact it should be just before that, nine staff members had been attacked by some unknown person. That was not my doing, and I can't imagine Hikami Kyouya would take the time to handle such a tiny matter with his own hands. However, it would still require quite a skilled person to do so. Therefore, I can safety assume..... that you two were ambushers from Kyouya's side."
And Kaidou smiled,
"In order to beat Hikami Kyouya, you must first deal with those troublesome ambushers."
Part 6
"Do you think if you defeat us, you can also beat Kyouya?"
Ryohei informed Kaidou of the current state of affairs.
"The power of Ousawa's younger sister is the real thing. Kyouya will soon enter into a realm above everyone. You tell me, who in the world could defeat him? As for your fellow female companion who had infiltrated earlier, she should of already been taken care of by Kyouya."
And......
"As for Ousawa, about this time he should be occupied with that higher-order dragon he met before, only this time it was made several times stronger by the exercise program. I'm afraid that it's too late fro him to meet up with Kyouya, and he has already joined his ancestors (Died)."
"If that's the case...... then I just have to take down Kyouya."
Kaidou just shrugged his shoulders with a wry smile. Ryohei then suddenly could not help laughing,
"...... You? Impossible, you can't even defeat me right now."
"If that is so? Then I will just have to show you whether it's impossible or not."
After saying so, Kaidou suddenly disappeared.
"-!"
Ryohei immediately stabbed his Chinese Dao into the ground.
After a bang, intense flame spout out from the cracks in the floor that spread out around Ryohei.
It was an attack that simultaneously attacks and defends.
The raging flames caused hot updraft of air, leaving no holes.
There was only one gap. Therefore,
"Right here!"
The place right above himself was the only spot that wasn't effected by the heat from the flames. Therefore, Ryohei quickly raised his sword up releasing a huge whirlpool of flames, thoroughly burning the space above his head.
In theory that should of done the trick, but......
"What!?"
Along with sound of a burst of wind Ryohei's flames of were blown away.
By the time he realized it was due to Kaidou's chain being swung at high speed, Ryohei was already thrust to the side from the impact to his body,
"Gaa -- ah!"
A heavy dull pain spreads from his gut to his whole body.
Still he was able resist the pain, and regain his posture in the air to attempt to land on his feet.
"-- It's too bad, but I'm not through with you yet."
A low voice reached Ryohei as another shock came from under him, this time hitting him into the sky.
Under intense pain, he creased his brows as he looked down, and could not find any traces of Kaidou.
"So!"
Ryohei concentrated his mind, and shot out flames in all directions.
The fire magic he released was not only meant to protect himself, but to pin point where Kaidou was.
And as Ryohei expected his plan worked, as there was an area where his flames had suddenly been extinguished to his 5 o'clock.
At once, he moved to slash down with his Dao, which flames wouldn't be stopped by a barrier......
"Eh?"
But before Ryohei swung down with his the sword -- no, it should be before he had the idea to attack, from his 5 o'clock a straight line through the fire coming towards him had mystery gone out.
And then, a series of invisible attacks hit Ryohei's torso.
"This...... ah ah ah!"
Ryohei struggled to move his sword in front of him, but then felt no reaction.
It was dodged.
...... No way, is this......!?
At the same time Ryohei's thoughts arrived at one possibility,
"-- Correct answer."
Ryohei clearly heard Kaidou's laughter from behind -- strictly speaking, it should be from behind and above him.
"A "domain" is not something Akki patented."
And before Ryohei could react, he was knocked to the floor, and immediately lost conscious.
Part 7
That scene was not without witnesses.
It was the two girls who were also fighting themselves -- Nanase Haruka and Aihara Minami.
However,
"Ryohei......"
Finding her companion was defeated Minami couldn't help but react.
"-!"
While Haruka, although she had come to recognize Ryohei as an enemy, had mixed feelings over the matter. However, that feeling was replaced by the fact that the outcome of the battle now leaned towards one side.
...... I want to borrow your technique Miu.
As she said so in her heart, Haruka enchanted lightning magic on her own body.
"Ha......!"
While enduring acute pain running throughout her whole body, Haruka further amplified the electric current.
-- During the first fight against Zahhak, Miu transformed the lightning into a sword.
But -- that wasn't a simple feat to accomplish.
Haruka was clearly aware of that fact. However,
"--?"
The same time Minami returned her attention back to Haruka, Haruka already invoked her flying magic.
In an instant she was right in front of Minami,
"It's the end."
As Haruka said so with lightning covering her entire body -- she hugged onto Minami.
And the sound of sparks exploded.
"-! Ahhh!"
In Haruka's arms, Minami couldn't help but give out a short scream as her body was being electrocuted.
And after a few moments Minami's body stopped convulsing, and she past out.
"...... Fuu."
Somehow managing to win, Haruka let out a heavy sigh.
Then gently laid Minami on the floor.
"-- Ooh, did you also win?"
Kaidou had suddenly appeared, and spoke in a easygoing manner.
"Yeah... ... With your help, I somehow managed."
And Haruka looked straight at him,
"I have to say thank you, Motoharu Kaidou. If I was by myself there would of been no way for me to win against both of them."
"Ah, it wasn't that much. You don't have to mind."
And Kaidou laughed,
"Instead could you tell Akki that at the critical moment I stepped in to save you."
"Of course, I will be sure to tell him."
Haruka nodded, and then narrowed her eyebrows,
"Moreover -- the matter about if I joined presidents Hikami's side being detrimental and so on, I will also keep silent on."
"............"
"............"
"Uh... ... By chance, did you hear that?"
"Yes. I become quite well attuned when it's related to me."
Haruka then ignored Kaidou as he tried to make excuses for himself, and looked upwards.
All the floors were in tatters, as well as being able to see the ceiling of upper most floor through multiple floors.
...... In this state, the computers in the student council room are unusable.
The most help Haruka could offer Akatsuki and the others would be to turn off the security program the [guardian beast system], and stop JPN-Babels's basic systems.
However, that ended in failure. Ryohei and Minami attacked before she could carry out her plan, and if they didn't probably the [guardian beast system] could of been disabled, but the others would have remained activated.
"Still, how else can I support them......?"
Haruka was lost in her thoughts.
"-- If you really want to help Akki, then I think it would be best for you to join their fight."
Kaidou suggested and,
"Remember that higher-dimensional dragon that appeared at the last ranking tournament? According to that secretary, it seems that Akki and that Queen are fighting against a program based on that dragon. Furthermore, its parameters have apparently been greatly strengthened. Also Akki's injuries after the battle with me should not have fully recovered -- If things don't go well I think they will be in danger."
Part 8
Zahhak.
It was an evil dragon known throughout the world of Alayzard, but at the same time also a higher-order lifeform.
The lair of the beast was in black mountain, and it also reigned over the whole island.
In the past -- Listy had fought against Zahhak once.
In the middle of the journey to defeat Demon king Galious with her comrades Akatsuki, Zechs, Loutier, she was asked to search for some adventurers who had not returned, thereupon the four had set off to black mountain.
During their search for the missing adventurers they had encountered Zahhak. The fight was almost immediately discontinued, and they withdrew. But after that incident, in addition to the race called dragons, she was made aware of the the power of a higher order creature, and regarded its existence close to a God.
-- After that......
She had learned that Phil Barnett had made a contract with Zahhak to come to this world in order to fight Akatsuki. At that time, it was said because it was a pact with a human as the catalyst, only about half of its original strength remained.
...... It seems this time its different.
Listy estimated her opponent's strength in her mind as she dodged the jet black dragon's fierce attack.
The battlefield was the vast open space in JPN-Babel's biggest battle arena.
It seems that what Listy was looking at was a program based on Zahhak.
It was about half of its original size, and also its dark body was different from the original Zahhak.
There was also no absolute barrier that belonged to a higher-order being.
However, it was the same as the beasts from the security program the "guardian beast system" that Haruka mentioned, normal physical attacks did not work, nor did magic.
Akatsuki had once again poured his ki into her magical staff, but both the size and strength of the dragon could nowhere be compared to hell hounds or cyclops from before.
In fact Listy had hit it a few times already, however she couldn't do any damage. The dragon not only had a huge size, its body was akin to a thick layer of armor itself, and impervious to her attacks.
Even if it was a different story for Akatsuki who can manipulate renkan keikikou, at least with Listy's physical strength it was virtually impossible to do anything.
Still, that was not the worst problem.
"Oh......!"
Listy jumped backward to avoid the sweeping claw of the jet black dragon.
She was not allowed to avoid the attacks by a hair's breadth, or else she would be wrapped up in the wind shear.
...... This pressure......!
Each time she dodged an attack, Listy could feel the cold sweat.
Although its size was smaller, its physical strength was probably at the same level as the original Zahhak.
Any kind of hit would be enough to end her life.
Therefore, Listy had to continuously invoke wind magic to fly, however rather than flying in air it was used for high speed movement.
Even though from the beginning she was at a disadvantage, Listy kept fighting in hopes of an opportunity to win would present itself.
It was an exceptionally bitter struggle.
Still -- she was unable to ask Akatsuki for help. Because,
....... Out of the question.
Listy momentarily glanced towrds at Akatsuki.
He was also fighting, but he was even worse off than herself.
There were four dragons in total that appeared.
And Listy was only in charge of dealing with one.
The remaining three were all left to Akatsuki to take care of by himself.
"AAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Akatsuki roared as he dodged the attacks from the three jet black dragons, and quickly charged ahead.
As he got close he delivered a slash with his black magic sword that cut the third dragon in half to its tail.
Ignoring as it turned into particles of light, and disappeared, Akatsuki turned,
"Next one!"
After shouting, he went straight towards the remaining two dragons.
Therefore -- she too could not be defeated.
...... Anyway.
The dark dragon before her eyes was clearly restricted.
This was perhaps inconsideration that it was an indoors battle, the dragon never attempted to use the attack she was most cautious of, the ability to breathe fire.
....... This should be a blessing in disguise.
If it breathed out those kind of flames in the building. there was no guarantee they won't comprise the tower of Babel's structure. This sort of situation was something Hikami Kyouya definitely wanted to avoid.
-- Of course, even without being able to breath fire, the dangerous of the dragon wasn't lessened at all.
In order for Listy to withstand the fire breath she had been invoking multiple magic formations over and over again, so much so that she wouldn't even feel the any warmth from the attack. But now that it was being restricted the odds of Akatsuki and herself winning increased.
"-- I must absolutely win."
The reason why she came with Akatsuki was not that to become a burden on him.
So Listy focused her mind, and compressed the air around her to to the utmost limit.
And then unleashed it towards the dragon's head.
Her wind magic cut through the air in the atmosphere at an high speed.
-- A direct magical attack wouldn't have any effect, but Listy had a way.
Immediately before it hit the dragon Listy removed her magic compressing the air. The result was an intense shock wave, and an ear deafening explosion.
The impact and explosion sounds were directly driven into the dragon ears.
Having its head shaken to such a degree the jet black dragon became somewhat unsteady on its feet,
"--------"
Its gigantic body swayed, until it was forced to kneel.
Everything went as Listy hoped.
-- The inner ear of vertebrates were special.
It was comprised of three semicircular ducts controlling a sense of balance. Furthermore, the ear directly leads to the brain.
Upon receiving a heavy shock, even for something like a dragon it would still be temporary affected.
...... Now's the time!
Listy finally found her chance at victory.
She immediately closed in on the dragon with her flying magic, and as it was ascended to its head.
Then she firmly grasped her magical staff with both hands, and made a thrusting motion towards its neck.
-- The dragon reflexively swiped out with its claws to stop her from getting any closer.
However, in its disoriented state any sort of an attack from it would naturally miss,
"-!"
Then Listy suddenly gasped.
The huge razor like claw unexpectedly was coming from the lower right, and was on track to directly hit her.
It would be undoubtedly an instant death if she didn't avoid it. But,
"......! -- AAAAHhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Listy chose not to dodge, or temporary retreat.
She had resolved herself already -- and accelerated forward without any hesitation.
At the same time, she unfolded many wind formations behind her.
Afterwards the chain reaction caused an explosive propulsion that sent Listy flying to the dragon's head.
As it was, she thrust her magical staff towards a gap between its teeth -- that was in the gigantic dragon's mouth.
Gakiiiiiiin!
A sharp sound noise echoed wildly.
The dragon had caught Listy's staff with its teeth.
At point-blank range, and left momentary at a standstill in the air, it was the dragon who acted first.
She watched as the dragon's right claw was raised, and then was swung down towrds her from overhead.
But, the moment before the claw had sliced her up into pieces,
"-- HAAA!"
Listy released all of Akatsuki's energy that he infused inside her magical staff, aw well as all the magic power in her body.
It was not to activate magic, but to produce an intense shock wave. The destruction wave rapidly swelled in the dragon's mouth -- with a loud bang the dragon's head was blown to pieces.
"I did it...... Yeah!"
Watching as the jet black dragon was turning into particles of light, Listy couldn't help feel a real sense of victory.
-- That was until another gigantic dragon had suddenly appeared.
"-!"
It should be one of the two that Akatsuki was facing.
When the dragon found its companion defeated, it changed its target to Listy.
It was already too late to react when Listy gasped.
She could only look on helplessly as its sharp fangs were about to bite her to death,
"I'm the one your fighting!"
Akatsuki had come over right above the dragon like a bullet, and stabbed into its head with his black devil sword. Then forced his sword all the way though its jaw, and into the dragon's shoulder.
"Ooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Akatsuki shouted as he grabbed tight his sword hilt to draw it out.
The wide heavy blade split the dragon's jaw, and neatly came out from an incision between its eyebrows.
"And with this -- you'll be finished!"
Akatsuki deliberately released his hands holding on his sword as he motioned.
The black devil sword had been launched at astonishing speeds towards the remaining dragon. The sword had been filled full of his energy as it soundlessly passed through the abdomen of the dragon, and pierced into the ceiling of the arena.
-- It marked the end to their battle within the arena.
The dragon that Akatsuki split its head open, and the one his sword went through turned into particles of light at the same time and disappeared.
Part 9
"Amazing......"
Listy said in stunned admiration.
She fully expected that their strength had significantly grown, but Akatsuki's growth was far more than hers.
After she lightly landed on the ground, Akatsuki soon followed and,
"Good grief...... to waste all this time because of a computer program --"
After he said a little more than half, he suddenly stumbled.
"...... Akatsuki!?"
Listy quickly rushed over in a panic to stabilize him, but she couldn't fully support him, and could only help him take a knee.
"It's all right... ... My head is just a little bit dizzy."
Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Akatsuki tried to get up.
However, there was almost no power in his arm. Therefore,
"What are you saying, you're in no shape to even stand! You can't push yourself any further!"
Listy warned him, as she attempted to lightly press him with her arm to sit down and rest. However,
"-!"
At that moment, Listy was no longer able to say anything more.
It was because Akatsuki was looking straight at her from the distance where they could almost feel each other's breath.
And in Akatsuki's eyes was a strong determination,
"...... I'm sorry, but I cannot rest."
Seeing that Akatsuki was still planing to get up, Listy couldn't help feel a slight pain in her heart.
-- Even when he was this seriously injured he was still going to look for Miu.
While feeling some jealousy towards Miu in her heart, Listy reconfirmed her feelings.
For someone else's sake Akatsuki would only charge forward.
And that was something Listy Sherfied irrevocably liked about him.
Therefore, there was no need to hesitate any more. At the same time she was convinced that there was no other way,
"Listen for a second Akatsuki......"
Then she looked into his dark eyes, and said,
"When I asked to come along with you, at the start..... I wanted to go with you until the end to rescue Miu-chan together. However, I don't feel that I will be any help to you in your next fight."
After all -- the upcoming fight was not against any ordinary enemy.
Rather it was Hikami Kyouya who had gained the strength of a ultra-higher-order life which Miu had.
And Listy didn't think that her current self was capable of being helpful in a fight of that magnitude.
-- At worst, she could be taken hostage and become a disservice instead.
But......
"Still, I should be of some help to the current you..... Er ah, I think I can be useful right now."
"Hey, what are you trying to say......?"
Hearing the overflowing vigor in her tone, Akatsuki couldn't help but furrow his brows (Question).
"Lulu had previously told me--"
Listy recalled that memory she was thinking about in the ride up in the elevator.
-- It happened when they were traveling through Alayzard in order to overthrow the Demon King.
The four had encountered a large force from the Demon King's army. At the time, Akatsuki was acting together with Loutier, and she was with Zechs, and through the chaos they had been isolated from each other.
In particular, Akatsuki and Loutier had been encircled by the enemy.
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