Chapter 11

Chapter 11    White peak

The Baltic Crisis.

The popular name of a major incident that almost triggered World War III.

15 years ago, the Russian Empire, which was a part of《Union》, launched an aggressive war against Estonia, a non-member nation of《League》at that time. Due to this, the《League》dispatched troops to face《Union》without the expressly permission of Estonia.

However, the conflict of both armies ended in a failed attempt. But why?

The truth was that the military strength of both countries, which easily had over 300,000 soldiers in total, was entirely annihilated by a single girl.

A war maiden that trampled down the battlefield with a pair of swords, wearing a pure-white outfit that faintly shone in the darkness.

She was《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss. And the beginning of her legend.

Because of this, Edelweiss now was internationally wanted at the same time by the two greatest potencies in the world, 《League》and《Union》. Both potencies were desperate to arrest《Wings Abreast》.

But all those attempts ended in vain before her extra-dimensional strength.

No, it could be said it had the opposite effect instead.

The troops dispatched to Estonia that had different opinions with both potencies were many, and while the main cause of it was interpreted as an incoordination within the organizations, the fact that the two main potencies in the world couldn’t do a thing against just one criminal amounted to the result of her fame to increase.

A decade passed, a large-scale political upheaval happened in Estonia, the political administration changed, and with that, when the three Baltic countries, including Estonia, joined the《League》, the decisive event happened. The President of Estonia, who was asked by a reporter “How are you going to deal with《Wings Abreast》 who is hidden in the country when we joined the《League》?”, said that the eyes of the people around the world were concentrated on them.

『《Wings Abreast》has already nothing to do with our country. Because our country abandons the territorial rights around Edelberg where《Wings Abreast》is hidden』

Yes. A nation ran away from their opponent, from a single person.

They casted away their shame, their reputation, even their territory.

“Our hands can’t deal with this anymore”.

A swordsmanship that ranked equal with a whole country. An individual that menaced even a nation.

On that day, 《Wings Abreast》came to be called as such.

The strongest swordsman in the world.

◆◇◆◇◆

The morning after the urban warfare in Caldia.

Stella and the others landed at an Estonian airport.

Since Estonia was currently a《Member Nation of the International Mage-Knights League》, the situation of Vermillion was grasped via the《League Headquarters》, so they exempted all the assorted procedures as a state of emergency. The entry to the country was completed smoothly with just their IDs and the group got in a rental car that they got to be prepared when they got in contact beforehand.

They drove the car, going straight to Edelberg from there.

The one driving the car was《Black Knight》Iris Ascaride.

She happened to visit Edelberg before, and said she knew the way.

However, Edelberg, the place where Edelweiss lived, boasted of an unusual height in Estonia whose average altitude was low, and thanks to that, it could be seen from the whole country, so it wasn’t like she was going to get lost.

Eventually, and after she drove for almost three hours, they arrived at a checkpoint guarded by firm iron bars and barbed wire.

That was――the border.

Beyond this place, there was the area that Estonia abandoned to avoid having to confront Edelweiss.

Namely, Edelweiss’s country.

Noticing they had come this far, Edelberg was in front of their eyes.

The departure formalities were finished quickly at the checkpoint and the group hurried to their destination.

Along the road,

– At any rate, to think it was you who saved Otou-sama and the others.

Stella talked to Tatara Yui, a girl with black hair sitting in the back seat just as herself and also a Blazer nicknamed《Futen Kyoushu》――who fought, appearing in front of Ikki and the others as a former Akatsuki Academy (representative).

– I was truly surprised when I saw your face in the Imperial Palace.

The surprise of Stella was shared with Ikki sitting in the passenger seat.

The Imperial Palace was attacked when they weren’t there.

And someone defended it against that attack.

That was all what they got to hear from Sirius, but… it turned out that it was her.

Based on what they had heard, the Blazer who introduced herself as《Dirty Rose》attacked the Imperial Palace was also an assassin that betrayed Tatara’s organization and Tatara kept chasing her to put an end to her.

There was no way to make sure if that was true or false.

But, at that time, she saved Sirius and the others, and that action had no benefit for Kledelland.

And even if they tried to take that into account, there was no line saying she was a spy of Or=Gaule and company.

She didn’t seem to have hostile feelings towards Vermillion at least.

So,

– A lot of things have happened between you and us…, but this time you really helped us. Thank you.

Stella thanked her like that and wished for a handshake as a proof of friendship as she showed a friendly smile on her face.

– Sara and Rinna weren’t bad people, but it’s unexpected that you were also a good person, you know?

Regarding this, Tatara, who put her elbow on the window of the back seat and held the stick-shaped chocolate candy like a cigarette, presented her hand towards Stella just like her and,

– Huh.

*Hit*, she hit the palm of Stella with all her strength, to the extent that a sound similar to something splitting open raised.

– Ouch!? Why did you do that!?

Tatara returned to Stella, who resented that sudden violence, with a voice that didn’t hide her displeasure.

– Don’t talk to me so friendlily. I, unlike Kazamatsuri and the others, don’t have the intention to play at being friends with you all, alright? I just came here to take responsibility for the betrayer as a professional killer. That I had saved your parents was just how things developed. Don’t misunderstand it at your own convenience, so don’t swing your tail at me. I hate naïve girls like you so much.

– Wha, then why are you following me of your own volition!?

– It’s obvious why I’m following you, isn’t it? The stupid you, who never stops overreaching, getting beaten by《Wings Abreast》is the best show there is, you know? Well, you rolling around clumsily to the utmost will make me laugh. I’ll be laughing so hard at you while eating candies in the front row! *Kikkikki*!

– Gu, guh…

Tatara laughed, showing a paper bag filled to the brim with chocolates from Vermillion’s local specialty『Bonnie House』.

Her lips turned upward.

Maliciousness glinted in her eyes.

It was clear that anyone could see that was Tatara’s true feelings.

Tatara accompanied her in this journey just to laugh at Stella having a decisive defeat.

She seemed to hold something against her mixed with the defeat of some time ago.

Stella made her face blush with anger and complained to Ikki sitting in the passenger seat.

– I-Ikki! She has no bottom like I thought! I can’t get along with her!

– A, ahaha…. W-well, I have no doubt she’s more or less a benefactor,… besides, she’s a fellow who will fight with us, so be nice to her, alright?

A fellow that will fight with us.

The meaning of those words was that, from this moment, they would head to《Wings Abreast》’s place together.

――Of course that wasn’t the reason.

Then what was it? Tatara negotiated with Astraea to make her participate in the fight against the representatives of Kledelland led by Or=Gaule to pay the favor for saving her life and because it was her job to kill《Dirty Rose》. This allowed her acceptance.

The remaining ace of the representatives of Vermillion was in the form of her filling the slot by Astraea’s decision.

In other words, they cooperated with her, who was a former enemy of them, to fight in this war.

(… Really, this is no other than a strange coincidence)

As Ikki thought so,

– We arrived.

Ascaride murmured in a voice that didn’t carry her usual feelings and stopped the car.

They got off the car parked on a side of the road at the entrance of a small farm village.

A small village inhabited by people who kept living there, without obeying the evacuation advisory of Estonia that was issued when the territory was abandoned.

Ikki sighed, looking up at Edelberg again from there.

– It was incredible even when I saw it from a distance, but its impressiveness is even higher when seen from a short distance.

– Yeah. The summit is hazy, I can’t see it.

Edelberg’s altitude was actually over 9,000 meters.

An altitude that easily pierced through the clouds.

On top of that, the slopes were extremely steep and very sharp.

《Kenhou》.*

*TN: Literally “sword peak”.

A mountain similar to a sword that stabbed the heaven just like its name suggested.

– 《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss is at the top of it, right?

– Almost probably, if I say… so. There are eyewitness reports of her being all over the world, like when I met her by chance in Japan, so I think she’s not the type of person who will settle down at a place for too long. This will just be a matter of luck.

To these words of Ikki,

– In that case, you are very lucky.

Ascaride muttered.

– Why do you say so?

– Look.

In response to Stella’s question, Ascaride pointed at the village.

And once she turned her eyes towards that point, there was a strange spectacle stretching there that was not very appropriate for a calm farm village.

People were coming and going. Most of them were muscular men carrying weapons that seemed to be《Devices》in their hands, carefully examining their surroundings with a discernment that glared bizarrely.

– … There are a lot of villagers who look very cautious, don’t you agree?

– Are you stupid? As if there were villagers covered with the stench of blood.

Ikki agreed with what Tatara pointed out.

– They’re Blazers. And they look strong.

– The name of《Wings Abreast》is in itself the best status in the world. A group that tries to take her neck to make a name for themselves has almost to no value. And of course, that lot keeps a watchful eye on the movements of《Wings Abreast》. In short, if this type of guys are gathering here, it means that《Wings Abreast》is here.

– So that’s what you mean.

Stella showed she agreed with the words of Tatara and Ascaride, saying “I see”,

– … It seems like we haven’t been abandoned by the Goddess of the moon.

She was glad because at least she didn’t do all this for nothing.

And, since it was settled that Edelweiss was here, there was no reason to stay eternally at the foot of the mountain. Stella tightened her facial expression that softened with relief by hitting it with both hands, looked up at Edelberg and,

– Alright then, let’s go right away!

She started walking,

And to that Stella,

– Ah, wait――

Ascaride tried to say something――and exactly at that moment.

The sound of an ear-piercing car horn hit the napes of the four of them suddenly.

And then,

– Hey, you damn brats! Don’t put yourselves in the middle of the road!

– It’s as Guile-aniki says! Step aside, step asiiide!

Rude angry voices.

When they turned around, a group of dozens of men with mohawk hairstyle and eccentric tattoos on their faces riding buggies and bikes with barbarous tuning applied on them and a big man that looked like a bear, shouldering a giant zanbatou, came driving, filling the entire road. *

*TN: Zanbatou is a type of long sword.

It was a safe bet to say the angry voices of seconds ago belonged to them.

Stella, in front of these men,

– This road is so wide that it should be enough to avoid us, isn’t it? How do you ride such noisy vehicles almost up to the middle of the village? Where are your manners?

She didn’t yield to their intimidation, rather, she stared back at them.

Naturally, this action irritated the feelings of the men.

– Huuuh!? Who’s this bitch!?

– You pickin’ a fight!? *Irreproducible*

*TN: Virtually he screams something but it’s unintelligible for me.

The frenzied men, who put on the brakes in front of Stella and company, distorted even their faces at this.

The idle engines accelerated forcefully, they seemed to threaten to run over them.

――However,

– Wait.

The bear-man riding a buggy remonstrated the men.

These men protested, saying「Aniki!? Why are you stopping us!?」, but,

– I thought she was just a brat, but when you look at her closely, she’s a very pretty woman, don’t you agree?

The bear-man pushed the men, his henchmen aside, and approached Stella without hesitation then turned his eyes to her face and chest as if running his tongue over her.

Moreover, the disrespect of the bear-man didn’t stop with just that,

– I took a liking to you. Become my woman.

He said such a thing as he grabbed Stella’s shoulder with his huge hand.

Naturally, Stella showed a strong discomfort towards this,

– Huuh? What’s with you all of a sudden?

She raised an eyebrow, wondering who he was.

The bear-man laughed mockingly at this, saying「Kuku, you don’t know me, as one would expected since I live in such a crappy rural village」and,

– Alright, I’ll tell you and you only. My name is the《Tempestuous》Guile! The leader of the skilled mercenary group《Murder Entry》and the man that will become the strongest master fencer by killing《Wings Abreast》in a moment! That’s why I’m telling you that I’m going to take you. For a woman, there’s no honor bigger than this, is there?

「「「Wow! Aniki’s so cool!」」」

The man-bear showed a satisfied expression to the shout of encouragement of his followers.

With that, Ikki noticed.

Could it be that this guy doesn’t know who Stella is?

He couldn’t believe that in this day and age there were people who didn’t know the face of the A-Rank Knight《Crimson Princess》.

Where on earth did they live? Deep in the mountains? The person in question said so, reality completely bounced back like a boomerang, and Ikki, who was preparing himself, wondering when he should step in between the two, showed a wry smile on his face without being able to endure it.

Stella also got her anger reduced by how ridiculous this was,

– Thanks for the invitation, but I turn it down. I already have a man in my heart. Besides… I haven’t met the『real deal』, but I simply don’t think you can win against《Wings Abreast》.

She returned with a calm voice, unimaginable from her temper, and brushed off the hand of the man with a kindness as if she pitied him. ――But,

– Don’t misunderstand. Nobody is listening to what you want.

– ――!

This situation didn’t fit.

With a signal of the bear-man――Guile, 30 or so henchmen surrounded Ikki and the others.

– Hey hey, now that I look closely at the others, they have quite the perfect figure, don’t you agree!?

– Aniki! Is it fine if we get the other women for us!?

– Sure, do as you like. But the red-haired girl is mine. If you put your hands on her, I’ll kill you.

「「「YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!」」」

The men raised shouts of joy and made their《Devices》manifest.

Ascaride, before this situation, said apologetically.

– … I’m late to say this, but this is a lawless area in the real meaning of the word, and since we weren’t careful, something like this happened immediately.

– Very late indeed. Hey, Vermillion. Do something. With your guests.

– I know that, even if you don’t tell me about it. … Well, this almost counts as a warm up, isn’t it?

A lawless area that didn’t belong to 《League》or《Union》.

And that, in other words, meant there was no law restricting her.

Therefore, Stella tried to make her Device manifest without reserve.

But,

– Leave it as that. You’ll get nothing but embarrassing yourself.

The instant Stella extended her right hand to summon《Laevateinn》.

A voice that was in no way loud, but still a deep voice that clearly reached their ears, struck the earlobes of everyone there.

Guile turned threatening-looking eyes toward that interruption. But,

– Guile. She’s not a woman your skill is able to handle.

– Larp…! And Kiba…!

Guile, who saw two men coming out from the village, the point where he had turned his eyes toward, made his facial expression turn pale.

A muscular westerner wearing a red rider suit and an Asian in stained Japanese clothing who wore a Japanese sword.

When one of the two of them, the westerner, stood in between Stella and Guile――he slightly bowed to Stella.

– I have heard a lot about you. It is an honor to be able to meet you. Your Highness《Crimson Princess》Stella.

◆◇◆◇◆

Two middle-aged men suddenly appeared before Ikki and the others.

The looks of one of those men, and――

(Kiba…ah, that Kiba!?)

Ikki remembered the name that Guile called.

– Kiba? Ah, are you perhaps that same Kiba Yoshikazu-sensei!?

– Is he your acquaintance?

Ikki shook his head to Stella who asked.

– No… but I’ve seen him on videos.《Kenrou》Kiba Yoshikazu. A Japanese《Mage-Knight》who disappeared abruptly from the 8th Rank League 15 years ago. If I remember correctly, he should have been one of the very best in Japan at that time, and 12th in the final world ranking.

The record itself was broken by《World Clock》Shinguuji Kurono, but his fame still had a strong influence in the world of the Japanese knights and many young knights admired him.

Ikki was one of those.

He was a knight that excelled in magic and martial arts, and because of that, Ikki took the liberty to learn a lot of stuff from the records of his matches.

He was a man worthy of his respect and it was possible say he was the master of the sword, just like 《Last Samurai》.

And towards this topic, about the Asian in Japanese clothing with his hair tied behind his head,

– … It’s an old story.

He affirmed with a voice that didn’t sound particularly interested in it.

– I knew it…! Where have you been all this time?

– …

But Kiba didn’t reply to Ikki’s conversation any more than that.

“I don’t need to tell you about that”, he returned a heavy and cold silence that felt like an iron door.

On the other hand,

– Hmm? By some chance, this presence, the one with white hair. Are you perhaps《Black Knight》?

The refreshing-looking westerner with dazzling blond hair and white teeth called Larp, who was next to Kiba, called out to Iris Ascaride who stood behind Stella.

Ascaride returned a short affirmation「… Yes」.

– I knew it! Haha, I thought “I’ve felt that presence somewhere”. It’s been 2 years since that American-French conference, am I right?

– Ascaride-san. He seems to be an acquaintance of yours, but who is he?

Ascaride answered Ikki’s question.

– He’s 《Red Scorpion》Lambert Larp-san. Commander of the USSS.

– When you say USSS, you don’t mean the elites carefully selected among《Blazers》, do you!?

– In the States we’re not called《Blazers》but《Psychicer》though. Ascaride-san escorted the president of France at the American-French conference so I got to know her back then. But today is the first time I see her real face. I thought that she maybe wasn’t a woman based on her behavior, but she’s in fact such a beautiful one. And of course Your Highness Stella, the Heavens bestowed us with both of you.

*TN: Psychicer is the direct translation of the furigana for “person with supernatural powers”. This word is a Japanese word constructed of elements from English terms.

-Cr-《Crimson Princess》and even《Black Knight》!?

– A-are you kidding me…? We picked up a terrible fight…

The followers of Guile, who were listening to this series of conversations, became pale because of the position they were in now.

As expected, they didn’t know her face, but they seemed to know the name of《Crimson Princess》.

However, while the henchmen became timid,

– Nonsense!!!! What《Crimson Princess》? What《Black Knight》? They’re just women, aren’t they!?

Only Guile kept a straight face, and with that face that completely looked down on them,

– The same goes for《Wings Abreast》. She annihilated the armed forces of the《League》and the《Union》alone? There’s no way that’s possible, is there? It’s different when it comes to me, but it’s impossible that a powerless woman can do that. I’m not going to take such a worthless idle gossip seriously, all of you have a screw loose! Surely she made the mass media spread such false rumors with all that money she had. Maybe what she sold was her body, huh. … But still, the full-of-lies strongest legend is over already. I’ll unmask《Wings Abreast》in no time. By ending just one woman, the money and the prestige will be to my heart’s content. It’ll be easiest thing in the world! Now, let’s go guys! Bahahaha!

Guile spat out so with a rude voice then brushed Larp aside with his shoulder and walked away, going towards Edelberg accompanied by his henchmen.

… His attitude hadn’t the look of a bluff.

He seriously looked down on Edelweiss.

Stella, towards such piercing ignorance of his, that even made her feel impressed, muttered.

– There are all types of people in the world, huh.

– Haha. Well, I guess it means he’s strangely not worked up and that ignorance is strength in some way. … However, the fact that Your Highness and the others are also coincidentally here is because you are also aiming for《Wings Abreast》just like him?

As this wasn’t something she felt it had to be hidden, Stella nodded.

– Just me. Is that the same for you guys?

– Of course. That’s the same for all of us here. But you came. This is the arrival of a very strong rival.

Larp showed a troubled-looking expression to Stella’s affirmation.

But, that was just for an instant.

– Although, it’s not like I came all the way here to rest either. The shield of the States came to show that not even the sword of the《World’s Strongest》will make its way through it. It’s beyond impossible for two people stand at the top of one summit… Whoever takes the neck of《Wings Abreast》, let’s not have hard feelings, alright?

Larp lost his wry smile almost immediately and a fierce light of self-confidence and ambition was housed in his blue eyes.

Sharp fangs were hidden behind his refreshing face.

At this, Stella felt a sensation as if the hair of her whole body got burned.

――Strong.

A solid true strength and experience.

Larp had something that only the real strong persons who also had both things could wear.

No, it wasn’t just Larp.

Kiba behind him and almost all the people in the village.

Now――this was a warning.

If she were to get on the mountain once, then she wouldn’t have to talk personally with them like now.

Larp implicitly told her that they were going to compete with each other, aiming at that single summit.

But, since Stella understood that warning,

– Sorry, but I have no intentions of competing with you. The only one with whom I have things to do is《Wings Abreast》. I don’t have the time to go the long way round.

Together with the words she returned, that disregarded Larp and the others,

-《Dragon Wings ――!》

She made a pair of flame wings manifest on her back.

Larp, Kiba and the other challengers gathered in the village opened their eyes wide in surprise due to such imposing appearance.

『Uooh!? What’s that!?』

『Flames and red hair? No way, she’s《Crimson Princess》Stella Vermillion!?』

『《Crimson Princess》is also after the neck of《Wings Abreast》!?』

Without worrying her feelings with all that, Stella held out her hand to Ikki and the others.

– Ikki! Ascaride-san! Hold on to me! We’ll fly in the air and go to the summit in one go!

– O-okay!

– Got it.

To respond to the suggestion of Stella, both Ikki and Ascaride took her hands.

Coincidentally with that, Stella made her flame wings flap lightly and floated around 3 meters in the air.

Then she looked down on Tatara who remained on the ground,

– … I’m not going to take a bad person with me. If you want to see my gallant figure so much, then why don’t you do your best and climb it? *Bleeh*.

She made quite the snide remarks to take revenge for what happened some time ago.

But towards this,

– I don’t need you.

Tatara said and immediately jumped effortlessly.

Then, the moment when the jump reached its maximum height, she kicked the empty air and jumped again.

Over and over, she really floated very close to Stella.

– You’re not the only one who can fly in the air.

This was the application of her ability, of her Noble Arts《Total Reflect》 that reflected every shock and force.

She probably made footholds by reflecting gravity intermittently.

Because of the skillfulness of Tatara, Stella averted her eyes as she clicked her tongue,

– Alright then, let’s go!

She made her wings flap much stronger and flew high in the sky, hitting the atmosphere.

Exactly like a dragon ascending to heaven.

To the top of the world, in a straight line.

… ――A light strip of flames stretched straight to the sky.

Larp, who followed the dragon with his eyes until it was out of sight as he looked up at what Stella had left behind, shrugged his shoulders lightly.

– I had heard that she awakened the power of the《Dragon》, but to think she had the dexterity to fly even in the sky.

He heard the rumors about the true strength of《Crimson Princess》.

He was convinced it was very true.

She had various abilities that weren’t limited to just the usage of sweltering heat.

A versatility outside of the norm.

The attributes she had since she was born were very different from his own.

– We might be end up being beaten to the bunch if we don’t hurry up. Kiba.

However, and with a tone of voice as if chiding him, Kiba returned to the words of Larp,

– … Don’t go saying bad stuff to a young girl under 20 years old. Larp.

No, Kiba actually chided him.

Impossible.

His friend said something he didn’t think he would possibly say.

– Why can’t we get along? ――Like when you and I were『15 years ago』?

◆◇◆◇◆

Less than 5 minutes after she took off.

Stella, who soared in the sky at an astounding speed, ascended 100 meters in less than mere 10 seconds to a world of lingering snow and shining silver,

(It’s amazing…!)

Her body trembled with the fragrant sword feeling from the faraway summit.

She didn’t mind the cold air that cut her body and blew against her, this was nothing compared to the intimidation of Larp moments ago, a pressure as if the sky fell.

She knew.

She knew this pressure.

The third round of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival in which Ikki and Sara Bloodlily fought.

Although it was a fake, she had touched a part of it from the side.

――Yes.

Unmistakably, now, beyond this, at the end of this.

《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss, the strongest swordsman in the world.

Even though she didn’t see her figure yet, her breathing became painful.

Even though the snow didn’t melt at air temperature, the sweat that gushed out didn’t stop.

She had experienced confrontations against Or=Gaule and Naseem, both were《Desperado》, peculiar beings that transcended fate.

Fear invaded her whole body due to the absolute『death』that existed behind them.

But, for that reason, ――she went.

She came here to get the strength to fight against this fear.

– I’ll go through a cloud! Hold my hands firmly!

When Stella told that to Ikki and Ascaride, she charged into a thick cloud caught on the bare surface of the mountain.

She didn’t see an inch ahead in the mist.

Hails hit and beat her whole body.

She scattered them all with flames and kept going higher and higher.

She finally pierced through the thick cloud and what appeared next was a perfectly clear blue sky.

The altitude was over 8,000 meters.

Outside the sphere of the beings, they had far surpassed the limits of human’s altitude adaptation.

Because of that, Stella felt as if her weight had multiplied several times.

An altitude that not even water vapor reached.

The atmosphere was so thin it couldn’t be compared to the one at ground level, she couldn’t gain more lifting power no matter how much she flapped her wings.

She couldn’t keep flying longer than that.

She had to discover her objective quickly.

And, at that moment.

– Stella! Over there!

Ikki, who hung from the arm of Stella, shouted at her and pointed at the mountain’s surface.

She shifted her focus on that point and between the cliffs.

A small cabin made of stone stood in a place that became almost barely gentle.

She understood the moment she saw it.

The sword feeling she felt moments ago was leaking out from there.

– Nice, Ikki! I’ll land close to it! Get ready!

Stella thanked him, moved her body as she could to the side of the cabin and landed on the lingering snow.

– *Phew*… we arrived.

– I flew too much. I don’t know if I’ll get mountain sickness.

– There are no people with weak heart and lungs here, are there?

Stella returned so to the grumble of Tatara who came chasing her a bit behind and carefully looked the blue field overseeing the distant sea of clouds.

– What was she thinking when she built her house in a place like this?

Certainly the landscape was extremely wonderful, but the mountain’s surface is almost identical to a cliff, there were no footholds, and the wind that blew was so strong that it hit them hard because there was nothing blocking it. And yet, they had a hard time to breathe as the atmosphere was so thin that practically didn’t exist. This was by no means an environment in which humans were to live.

– Even if they steal from her, she should decide on a better location, don’t you agree?

Ikki replied to the question of Stella as he cleared away the snow on his shoulders when they went through the cloud.

– But if she builds a house in a good location, she’ll have a lot of visitors every day and won’t have time to rest. Like what we saw there at the foot of the mountain.

– You’re right. I also like fighting, but since she’s shadowed day and night by that lot, she cannot help but doing so. The problem is that she’s way too famous. It’s a bit sad.

– You don’t have the qualifications to say that as you’re one of『that lot』. So, what’re you going to do? Are you going to set a fire?

– Hey, I don’t have the intention to do such a rude thing. … I’ll go head-on first and demand her for a fair and square duel in accordance with our etiquette as knights.

– And if she says no?

– I’ll set a fire.

– I’m not so sure if that will provoke her.

– It’s unavoidable to use force against opponents who don’t respond to peaceful negotiations.

– Somehow, you began to say that like a politician.

– I’m already one of those, and a great one.

– Now that you mention it, you were one already.

Well, assuming Stella were to get aware of her limitless selfishness, I would like her to get a bout with pleasure if possible, but….

In any case, the story wouldn’t continue if she didn’t meet her.

– Okay then, let’s go.

Stella said and walked towards the cabin.

Followed by Ikki and the others――

They ended up overtaking Stella in the blink of an eye.

Despite that, the three of them walked slowly to keep themselves behind Stella.

– Stella?

– Hey, are you going to see her or not? Or you’re getting the cold feet at this late hour?

– T-that’s not it!

Stella denied it and quickened her steps to overtake the three of them.

But――the distance didn’t shorten.

Which wasn’t surprising.

Because Stella hadn’t given a step forward from the place she landed on.

– ――, what is…!?

No matter how much she tried to move forward, she just shoveled the snow under her feet.

She felt as if she tried to move forward while rubbing her forehead against an invisible wall.

– Wh-why!?

As one would expect, and based on Stella’s state, Ikki and the others noticed that something strange happened to her body.

– Could it be that you can’t move forward?

– Y-yeah. T-there seems to be something like an invisible wall in front of me. Maybe… a barrier or something?

There’s something, isn’t it?

To the words of Stella, who tried to say so,

– You’re wrong.

Ascaride denied it.

– There are no walls here. You just aren’t moving voluntarily.

– It’s me, you say?

– Your soul understands the meaning of moving even further, and it’s being intimidated by it.

– ――! Is there such a thing!?!?

Stella immediately returned an objection to the calm thing that Ascaride pointed out.

The feeling of her mind being overpowered by intimidation, Stella knew it well.

And that she certainly was nervous to challenge the peak of swordsmanship.

But, it appeared like there was nothing but an evident physical force interfering.

In that case――

(I’ll only move forward if I kick it open――――)

And, the moment when Stella tried to put strength into her legs.

– Stop it already. If you try too hard, you will really lose your life.

「「「――――――!!!!」」」

A well-projected tone of voice similar to the sound of a silent but cold suzu reached the earlobes of the four people. *

*TN: Suzu is a Japanese bell.

A transparent voice, an intonation that one could say it was even refined.

As if they were snapped by it, the four people looked at the direction of the voice, at the entrance of the cabin they were heading for.

And there――she was.

Her pure-white hair, swayed by the overly blue sky,

Her back leant on the opened door of her house, her face looking slightly troubled,

The swordsmanship, the person that stood alone at the end of the distant summit,

――《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss.

◆◇◆◇◆

– When you come and see how it looks, thinking that the outside is oddly noisy, the unexpected combination is very, very surprising, don’t you think?

A woman in the prime of youth and dressed in plain clothes appeared from inside the cabin.

Stella felt awe towards her appearance that neither pretend to be nor was clad in weapons or fighting spirit.

She was, so beautiful.

It wasn’t just her pure-white hair that shone like the fresh snow or her well-featured looks.

Her ash silver eyes turned towards herself kept a clever brilliance to themselves as if those eyes saw through everything in the back of her gentle gaze and her long, slender and well-proportioned stretched limbs in constant natural stance with little to no stiffness were prepared to be able to deal with an emergency from every angle and instant.

What surprised her more than anything was that her center of gravity, from that look of hers, couldn’t be read where it was.

She read all the information of the other party at a glance and absolutely no information was given to the other party.

With no weapons and with not much makeup, but just as she was, she came out to receive the sudden visitors that came right when she was relaxing in her home.

The lack of gaps of Ikki was pretty significant, but her appearance was beyond his.

She had never seen a natural stance so complete like this.

(There’s no doubt. This person is the real Edelweiss…!)

Stella was convinced of it due to the impressive personality that made her understand her own real strength with her appearance only.

She lowered her center of gravity only a bit against the natural stance of Edelweiss and prepared for both offensive and defensive situations.

And, to such Stella… Edelweiss looked at Ascaride standing before her and bent her head slightly to one side.

– At any rate, this is not the moment for Iris and you to come to this place, is it?

– …! You know what’s happening in the world now?

– Because the League already announced it. The incidents that occurred in Vermillion and Kledelland. And that both countries will fight for the destiny of their nations wagered in a war done between five representatives of each nation in a week. Either way, that is roughly what I know.

In that case, this saved her from doing a quick recap.

Stella told the reason why she came to Edelberg right away.

– As you know, my home town is caught in a dilemma. In order to protect Vermillion and to defeat Or=Gaule, I must become stronger. That’s why I came here. To fight against the stronger opponent I know!

And,

– Please, have a bout with me…!

She manifested her Device《Laevateinn》.

Pointed the tip of its sword to Edelweiss and requested a duel.

Edelweiss, towards the demand of this young and brave challenger,

– I am sorry you had to come here after a very long journey, but I will have to decline.

In a few words, she returned a curt rejection.

– Why?

– I am not in the mood to do so now. And――

Edelweiss brushed the hair on her shoulders away,

– I am a swordswoman. I do not feel like fighting against an opponent without even picking up a sword.

She looked down on Stella with cold eyes.

– ――――

Immediately after, the atmosphere around her burned, the temperature increased.

The heat source was, of course,《Crimson Princess》 Stella Vermillion.

She was not significant enough to require picking up a sword.

Certainly, Edelweiss said so now. That――

– … What do you mean with that?

– I don’t have the intention to speak in a roundabout way. It means exactly that. With all due respect, if it is someone like you――I can kill you just with my eyes.

Not using a sword was out of the question.

She would certainly kill her with her eyes only.

It was impossible. A clear bluff.

Being able to do so, Edelweiss said it as if it was natural.

Her attitude and affronts――ignited Stella’s belligerence.

– If so, I’ll make you do it…!

Now that she was rejected from the beginning, it was the turn of “the use of force” plan.

Without faltering.

Stella lowered her center of gravity noticeably and kicked the ground, powerfully jumping forward.

Once the first shot was fired, there wasn’t either yes or no.

She had no choice but to protect herself against possible dangers.

Yes, that was her intention.

But, one step. Just one step she gave towards Edelweiss,

――In an instant,

A strong and blizzard-like cold intuition struck Stella’s brain, and she saw it.

The inevitability of a tenth of a second in which her limbs and neck were vigorously cut off.

– Kyaaaaaaaaaaahh!?!?

She couldn’t think of doing an ukemi in this situation. Stella brought her body that tried to get into her reach to the back, but she lost her balance and fell on her backside right there.*

*TN: Ukemi is the art of falling safely.

Her spectacle, seen from beginning to end, was only seen as if she had tripped up and fell down on the lingering snow.

But,

– Stella!? That’s!?

The expression of Ikki, who immediately ran up to her, became pale.

Stella immediately noticed the reason of that.

– Ha, ah…! 〜〜〜〜!?

Stella carefully put her hands on the bottom of her neck with a physical unease that ran as pain.

Without a moment’s delay, a thick and lukewarm sensation wet her palms.

It was blood.

A laceration in the form of a horizontal line was carved into Stella’s neck.

――It was cut off at an ultrahigh speed.

No, it wasn’t that.

Not only《Wings Abreast》had no sword in her hands, she also hadn’t done the slightest movement.

She was too far from her sword reach. It was not possible.

Then, what happened?

She didn’t know.

She didn’t know, but she had an idea.

She saw a similar phenomenon before, in the match between Ikki and Sara.

– I see…. You created a barrier and stretched a vacuum dislocation around your house, right?

Stella inferred as she healed her wounds with the dragon’s regeneration. ――But,

– No. Not at all.

– !?

– I neither carved a vacuum dislocation nor used an ability. In the first place, my abilities are not suitable for combat. … Speaking of what I did, I just released a bit strengthened bloodlust.

– Y-you’re lying! How can you wound the body of the opponent with intimidation only?

There was no way that was possible.

Edelweiss only nodded to Stella who denied so and said.

– Certainly, it is impossible for normal people. But I am not an ordinary person. The《Blazers》are persons who change their fate with strength. As one of them, I surpassed the limits of the fate given to me and now I am an existence that reached what is beyond the causality surrounding one’s star.

– A《Desperado》…

– So you knew. We《Desperados》surpass the limit of the abilities we were born with and twist even the causality of one’s star and are able to leave our mark on the history of one’s star. In other words, we have a strong self-direction towards causality. We own the strength to paint over the fate of the world as we wish.

– No way――

Intuition ran in Stella’s mind.

Edelweiss affirmed so with a nod.

– Yes. What attacked you now was the manifestation of that special characteristic. There is an isolated difference in true strength between you and me. If we were to face each other, the end of it would be clear, that is something that you yourself understand. You end up understanding deep down yourself that you can’t win against me. Since the result is completely decided with all that, and your fate in that case, then there is no need to go through that process anymore. I strongly have the『intention』to hurt you a little, the gravitational pull of my fate swallows you, and the causality are… tied together in the way and shape they should be.

– …!?

The gravitational pull of the unique existences called《Desperado》.

A compelling force that tied causality enough to just emit an『intention』.

It was so much, that the words of Edelweiss could only be heard as unrealistic and thoughtless words.

But… and the reason Blazers used causality and fate as their strength?

The words of Edelweiss convinced Stella about the inexplicable that happened to her body.

She said no lies.

There was a wound on her neck, but she also couldn’t move herself forward moments ago.

Her will refused to battle Edelweiss.

Stella surpassed the will to try challenging Edelweiss, and therefore, this situation developed. It was for this reason that it only worked on Stella as she had taken the decision to face Edelweiss in this place.

And the words of the other day that Stella suddenly understood.

The words of Saikyou Nene.

Nene’s words tied to her when she tried to charge at《Haboob》.

An invisible pressure.

That was also the result of her『intention』being swallowed deeply by her causality.

In other words――

– This self-direction regarding causality is a special characteristic that not only I or the《Desperado》own, but that everyone owns. You should have felt it when you confronted《Marionette King》, 《Haboob》 and the others, haven’t you? It is on their backs, the fate called their death. As long as you feel their fate, you will not have the chance to escape. You will keep being attracted by the gravitational pull of the《Desperados》and their fate will lead you to the end of what you also have imagined. The beings that overcome this, and that transcended causality like me――are no other than 《Desperados》.

In the first five minutes she could go that far.*

*TN: Not sure about this sentence to be honest (even after changing it many times). Here’s the raw: そこまでできて初めて五分。

– Do you understand? That you don’t have the qualifications to fight in our domain?

– Kh, but, that’s why I, to surpass that fate, I have to――

– I know that. That is not incorrect as a methodology. … But, there is no reason why I have to go along with it.

– Uh…

– Whether you fight with me or fight with《Marionette King》, what you are trying to do is suicide. An act similar to throwing yourself into hell while knowing that you will die. I am sorry, but――I refuse to help you with your suicide.

– …

– … Go back without thinking stupid things. There is no『road』ahead where you are trying to go. Now just rely on everyone’s cooperation and put forth every effort to survive. That is the only――that is the very best you can do.

– …

The powerlessness of Stella. The hard fact that it was related to this battle.

The words of Edelweiss mercilessly thrust at her.

Ikki told Stella who did nothing but hang her head, without being able to object the words she received.

– Stella. Like we thought, this is too much. She is beyond your reach. … There is no way you will hurt her with intimidation and nothing else. She has a sword feeling that can’t be compared to the ones of the former Akatsuki Academy we encountered. … Either way, at that time, not even the “last single sword” was being serious. I’ve just been looking at her from the side, but she feels like a much higher wall than before.

However, Edelweiss showed negation by shaking her head to Ikki’s words.

– No. At that time, I went with all my strength. … But when you say that I feel like a higher wall than before, it is because I have gotten far stronger in comparison to the speed at which you develop.

– …!

The peak of swordsmanship where no person ranked equal with her.

She continued evolving even now while standing at the end of the only road.

Ikki remembered even the awe towards such appearance of hers.

The same was for Stella.

But, with the exception of that, Stella knew one more thing about《Wings Abreast》.

(… What a strong person. And also a very kind one)

Stella gently touched her neck once she finished healing it.

The gravitational pull and the power of control regarding the causality《Desperados》had. She was aware of such beings now because she understood.

――If it was her, she would be able to truly knock her neck down with her『intention』only.

Because at that moment, Stella herself accepted that it was like that.

But her neck was not severed.

But why? ――The reason was settled.

Because she didn’t have the intention to kill Stella from the beginning.

The visitor who rudely decided to come and aim at her neck.

She was concerned about the body of the rude fellow from the bottom of her heart and warned her.

She hoped she would change her foolish idea.

She thought she wasn’t a simple villain because Ikki admired her so much,

She was really gentle and a strong person in the real sense of the word.

… Actually, even Stella knew that.

Then why was she now doing a thoughtless thing?

How could she win against the strongest swordsman in the world if she couldn’t even win against《Marionette King》?

Once she was matched against her, it was impossible for her to leave this mountain alive.

She knew that.

How silly was all that she was doing.

(――――Still)

– I disagree…!

Stella raised her body up together with that word of refusal and stood up.

And then, she fixed a straight gaze on Edelweiss with her brilliant red eyes filled with a strong light of resolution,

– The special characteristics of the《Desperados》are real. Since now I’m facing an opponent like that, my chances to win are zero. I understand that those few words of yours are all correct. And that you are warning me with good intentions from the bottom of y our heart. I am very grateful for that. Certainly, as you said, if I rely on Nene-sensei and Ascaride-san and I concentrate on protecting myself, then I may be able to overcome this dilemma alive.

– Since you know that much――

– And after that?

– … After that?

– I don’t know if Nene-sensei and the others will be in Vermillion for the next crisis. I don’t know whether they’ll cooperate. On the contrary, you may be the next enemy who will invade Vermillion.

– !!

– The current matter and the 83 people that died, I understand it more than I would like to! Calamities happen all the time, they aren’t going to wait for me! There’s no point in predicting who and when will invade Vermillion…! In that case, what should I do? What should be done? Am I going to stay indoors to protect my life? Absolutely not! Am I going to pray God so that a convenient savior will appear again? ――Of course not! I, who lives to become the sword of Vermillion and the Second Princess of the Empire of Vermillion――must become stronger than anyone this very moment――――!!!!

– ――! Drop it, Stella!

Ikki, who judged her look and her thoughts in her tone of voice, shouted to control her.

But Stella didn’t care.

And without listening to him, she walked towards Edelweiss with sword in hand again.

At that moment, blood splashes gushed out.

The blade of causality hewn her body.

As the distance between the two decreased, the gravitational pull of《Wings Abreast》tied to causality and end didn’t seem to sway.

Still, Stella continued moving forward without going back.

Even if her face was tore off, even if fresh blood danced, she didn’t even move an eyebrow.

While staring fixedly at《Wings Abreast》 Edelweiss straight ahead.

(It will be bad if this continues!)

Stella headed towards Edelweiss with a determined resolution.

While knowing her wish wasn’t going to be fulfilled, and without the same conviction, she still moved forward.

She completely had lost her composure.

The bad presentiment he had after the battle in Caldia. It became a reality.

At this rate, she certainly would end up destroying herself.

Ikki started running to encourage his spine frozen by shivers.

Coincidentally with him, Ascaride also moved.

To stop Stella.

But――,

– I have the duty as the Imperial Family of Vermillion! I have the duty to make frantic efforts for the citizens who live in Vermillion! And for that, even if it results in me losing my life, I’m not going to give a step back or run away from my responsibilities ――!!!!

Stella accelerated, without minding the other two people, to get near《Wings Abreast》.

To fulfill her responsibility as the sword of Vermillion.

To obtain that strength.

If that was impossible, then it was fine to die here.

There was no use for a life in which she couldn’t fulfill her responsibility as the Royal Family.

With such a resolution to die.

But this was a very reckless action. Exactly like committing suicide.

Naturally, the blade of causality unsparingly ran to Stella’s neck――――

– … I understand. It is my defeat.

Together with that amazed-sounding voice, the determination to kill given off by Edelweiss ceased and the blade disappeared as a mist.

◆◇◆◇◆

Stella had stepped straight into her fate of death even when her whole body was cut finely.

Edelweiss recalled… that figure and that facial expression of prepared to die.

In the past, a young samurai stood before her in the, blocking her way for his dearest little sister, he frenetically tried to control his body and heart that tried to ran away, trembling in fear while knowing that he would die if he opposed her.

The figure of《Worst One》Kurogane Ikki.

The figure that tried to fight, putting his life on the line for someone else.

That pride, she felt it was nice.

And, once again now.

… But,

(In this case, it is not enough)

Because the idea itself was already giving up victory.

The strength of her『self』was questioned in the domains of the《Desperados》outside of fate.

With a spirit like that, conquering the gravitational pull called fate wouldn’t come true.

Even if it resulted in losing her life.

With a resolution of that degree, they would strike each other at best.

In order to conquer and to step forward the outside the limits of her talent, a stronger resolution was indispensable.

A resolution which would never give in to every disadvantage or irrationality; a radiance that would shine without getting darkened in the least even in the dark despair greater than the darkness of hell to not allow herself to give up so easily, saying『It’s fine if I die』.

But the current Stella didn’t have that in her.

No, even if she had it in her, her heart would get impatient and lose sight of the incoming threat.

If she were to ignore it, and with that same impatience, she would run in a reckless manner with an incomplete resolution.

Just like now, as if defenselessly charging towards her intimidation.

She was glad because it was her, but what would have happened if it were a certain ill-willed person?

Leaving Stella, in this state was,

(It will weigh too much on my mind…)

So, Edelweiss decided.

– I shall accept your challenge. Stella.

– R-really!?

Edelweiss nodded to Stella who asked back.

– Yes. However, I am not your teacher or your friend. Essentially, I have no reason to keep company with you. So, a compensation has to be paid.

– A compensation…. What compensation? What should I do…?

– You already know the situation at the foot of the mountain, yes?

– You mean that dangerous lot?

– Yes. Those people, who know about my return and are trying to make a name for themselves by defeating《Wings Abreast》, are gathering on Edelberg now. Even though I finally came back home to try being at ease, I don’t feel rested at all with what is happening. To put it bluntly, it is very annoying. Therefore, and for 5 of the 6 days until the day before the battle of representatives, I want you to give me days off by preventing those guys from coming to my house until the morning of the sixth day. If you manage to do that, then I will spend the last day for your sake.

– … In short, all that I have to do is to defeat the lot who were down there, right?

– Yes. However, there is a condition.

– A condition?

To Stella, who asked “What would that be?”,

-『You and only you will fight. You are not going to borrow the help of others』. And the rest of you, no matter what dilemma she may be caught in, during this six days『You will never lend a hand to her』. ――These two points have to be sworn by everyone.

Edelweiss told them the details of that condition, raised her right hand overhead,

– To my Device――《Testament》.

One of her Devices manifested on her right hand together with a warm white light.

And planted it in the ground in front of Stella.

To touch the sword and swear.

Stella responded to this without doubting it,

– Understood. Then I’m going to wi――

– Wait.

However, 《Black Knight》Ascaride stopped Stella who was about to respond.

– Ascaride-san?

– Be careful. This is not a mere verbal promise. Her ability is already working. It will turn into something impossible if you don’t speak and think about it properly.

– Ascaride-san. You were aware of the abilities of《Wings Abreast》?

Ascaride nodded.

– …《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss is a causality interferer system Blazer that rules over『contracts』. The person who took an oath in front of her Device《Testament》will have a wedge driven into their heart so that they can’t oppose to it. If the person tries to break the oath, the wedge tears their heart apart, taking their life. That’s《Rule of Grace》――the only Noble Arts that《Wings Abreast》Edelweiss has.

And Edelweiss herself affirmed with a nod the words of Ascaride.

– It is as Iris says, my Noble Arts is the power of the absolute compliance to make the target follow the contract. The disadvantage of its ease of use is that the target has to take an oath of their own initiative, but for that reason, its binding force can be called “unequalled”.

Because it could tear the heart apart directly.

– If all of you take the oath of the condition moments ago, then I shall also swear to have a bout with Stella with this sword. Then, what are you going to do?

If she took the oath, and if she ran into a problem, yes, especially if《Marionette King》were to get up in a whim and come here, running after Stella, no one would be able to help her; what a dangerous contract.

But the heart of Stella decided long ago.

She put her hand on the hilt of the silver sword《Testament》planted in the ground,

– I won’t say anything no matter what to the ones who are worried about me and believe in me now. I don’t have what is needed. That’s why… please. Allow me to believe in me.

She begged to her companions who were worried about her.

To bet on her potential.

The first one of them who complied with it was――Kurogane Ikki.

– I believe in you. Stella always can go beyond her limits.

Ikki pursed his lips, decided something, and with that look that made him feel a strong resolution, put a hand on《Testament》on top of Stella’s hand.

Then――《Black Knight》Ascaride covered his hand with hers.

– Ascaride-san…

– I don’t want to see someone getting injured because of my younger brother again. And for that, it will help us… if you get stronger. So, do your best.

– Thank you. You two…

Stella returned her gratitude from the bottom of her heart to the two people who heard her wish, then looked at Edelweiss once again and said.

– This will do, won’t it?

Her companions were okay with it, so, there should be no objections.

But Edelweiss returned a no to Stella.

– No. You are one person short.

And then she glanced behind Stella and the others and turned her eyes towards Tatara Yui who looked on the whole fuss so far.

– Huh? Hey hey, by one person short you mean me!?

Tatara didn’t hide her surprise at this.

Because she didn’t expect to be considered as a companion of Stella.

Then again, Stella,

– Err, Edelweiss-san. That person is not my companion but an ill-natured and curious onlooker, rather, it’s like a mob to fill the plain background, like an empty can that fell around here, so don’t worry about her.

She explained to Edelweiss that Tatara and she hadn’t that sort of connection.

But Edelweiss didn’t go with it.

– No. Unless you get her to swear, it is impossible for me to approve the materialization of the contract.

She stubbornly declared that unless Tatara was added to the pledge and that she met the requirements, she would not approve it.

Now that it came to this, she had no choice but to persuade Tatara.

So, Stella,

– … Umm, Tatara. Since you don’t care at all about me, can we just talk about you joining us here?

– Gimme a break! Why do I have to go along with such a childish thing!? In the first place, I have no reason to help you. And if you get exhausted, I’ll put an end to you.

– That’s way too…! The story won’t progress unless you say “yes”, you know!?

She separated her hand from the sword for a moment and bowed her head to Tatara, pressing the palms and fingers of both hands together.

However, that humble position… wasn’t enough.

– Hmmm. Well, is that so? I see, I see. Then everything depends on what I do〜.

Tatara walked until she was right next to Stella as she showed a malicious smile on her face.

– Unless I say “yes”, then you’ll end up doing all this for nothing, huh〜. That’s a problem, isn’t it?

– I-it is. That’s why I’m begging you, aren’t I?

– Your good faith isn’t enough.

– A-and if I prostrate myself?

– That won’t do〜 it either〜. *Gigigi*.

Tatara laughed and turned her thumb upside down in front of Stella,

– For now, why don’t you get on your hands and knees and do like pigs do? If you amuse me, then I may join you?

– ――――――

At that moment, all the ones who were there heard the sound of something with elasticity that was definitely cut.

– … Say, Edelweiss-san. In a word, it’s fine as long as『There’s a guarantee that she will absolutely not help me for 6 days』, right?

– Yes.

– In that case, if I choke the life out of this person here and now, then our deal will be okay, correct?

– Huuh!? What did this bitch declare all of a sudd――

– Yes. That is not a problem.

– It is a problem! ――That was close!?

A flash.

A blade was swung in a trajectory to hit her neck without any signs of mercy or hesitation.

She certainly could dodge it at the very last millisecond; this was a proof of her high true strength as an assassin.

Therefore, ――Stella, without giving out grudgingly,

-《Dragon Spirit》.

– Hold on, hold on! Time out, time out! Why are you so serious!? Okay, okay! Let’s talk it together! I’ll join you but don’t pull that out, stoooooop!!!!

At that moment, the screams of Tatara resounded even in the village at the foot of the mountain.