Chapter 138

Episode 136: Devotion

The appearance of the angels had thrown the area into utter chaos.

The sudden emergence and their overwhelming numbers were part of the reason.

However, the biggest problem was that both academies believed the other was responsible for this incident.

Instead of uniting their forces as they should have, both academies intensified their hatred towards each other.

But, there were those who saw things differently.

“Hmm, troublesome,” Yukihira said with a gentle smile as he threw a knife into a random space.

The knife struck an angel that happened to appear in its path, exploding and scattering it into pieces.

“The director is quite the person. He must’ve known this would happen, huh? Hahaha.”

“President! It’s dangerous here. We should end the territorial war and retreat immediately!” a student responsible for defense shouted.

However, Yukihira shook his head.

“The territorial war can’t be ended,” Yukihira said as he threw knives around him.

Each one flew directly to where an angel appeared, killing them all.

He was manipulating the future, ensuring that angels would always appear where he threw his knives.

“The infiltration of angels into the dungeon core has begun. Moving recklessly here could result in no rollback being possible. Our only option is to kill all the angels and properly conclude the territorial war.”

As long as the angels existed, retreat was not an option.

“But, President! If we continue like this…!”

“By the way,” Yukihira threw a knife at the student who had been voicing objections since before.

The knife pierced the student’s shoulder, causing them to collapse in agony.

“What are you doing!?”

“Who are you?”

Yukihira smiled while continuing to throw knives at the angels.

However, beneath that smile lay genuine anger.

“You thought I didn’t recognize you because there are so many students, didn’t you? It’s sad to be underestimated like that, isn’t it?”

“So, you noticed!?” the student exclaimed in shock.

Another knife struck their leg.

“Guah!? Wait, please! I’ll tell you everything, so forgive me―”

Before they could finish speaking, the magic seal engraved on the knife activated, causing a small explosion.

Yukihira muttered as he looked at the spot where only a bloodstain remained.

“Ah, sorry. I already heard everything. Still, without a rollback, this is pretty much impossible.”

Sighing as he gazed at the remnants of what was once human, Yukihira opened a communication line.

“Hello? Can you hear me, Mizuki?”

“What’s up?” Mizuki responded unexpectedly calm from the other side.

“Well, I was just wondering if everything’s alright. The angels have started appearing, right?”

“Huh? What do you mean by angels?”

Confused by the mismatched conversation, Yukihira glanced five seconds ahead and understood.

“Ah, those white birds. They’re called angels, and they’re neither Kisou Academy’s nor our weapons. They’re bad guys, so feel free to eliminate them.”

“I see. That reassures me. I’ve already incinerated over a thousand of them.”

“Typical S-Rank. Anyway, you keep handling the Kisou Academy dungeon core.”

“Is that fine? From what I’ve heard, the presence of angels seems abnormal.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. This is the only best course of action to properly conclude the territorial war.”

“Understood. I’ll try to wrap things up as soon as possible.”

“Please do.”

After ending the communication, Yukihira continued killing angels as naturally as breathing.

“I wonder how Rokuhara will proceed?”

His tone sounded more bothered than when facing the angels.

■

“That’s great! Things are heating up now!” Rokuhara laughed as he cut down another angel.

Already, numerous dead angels lay scattered behind him.

“Uh, shouldn’t we stop the territorial war if there are angels…?”

“Are you stupid? If we stop now, what happens to the students’ bodies in this space? You think we can just halt everything and be safe? No way!”

Rokuhara raced across the battlefield.

As he passed, he killed an angel about to attack a student and trampled forward.

Among the students he saved were some from Mikage Academy.

“No way, thank you so much, Rokuhara-san!”

Stopping the student who bowed in gratitude, Rokuhara pointed toward their own lines.

“Fall back and regroup. Always move in groups of at least three. If it gets dangerous, retreat. Leave the rest to me.”

“Yes sir!”

“Damn leader, thinking of exploiting those you save later…” Eina muttered.

“Stop comparing me to her,” Rokuhara sighed as he ran off again.

His destination was clear: Mikage Academy’s dungeon core.

(They’re continuing the assault too. Let’s make this a race of speed.)

With twelve seconds of absolute time, any battle situation could be overturned.

That’s why Rokuhara acted with victory as a given.

“…Huh? Leader, this is bad!” Eina suddenly shouted.

“What?”

“Lutra’s coming this way at incredible speed… Wait, could this possibly be―”

In the instant Rokuhara focused on Eina’s alarmed reaction, a ghostly figure appeared right before his eyes.

“Huh!?”

“One strike,” came the cold voice as a black blade was drawn straight at Rokuhara.

A flash so dazzling it seemed like lightning ― an instantaneous slash.

(Avoidance isn’t possible, then―)

In the next moment after understanding this, Rokuhara aimed the critical hit effect of his dual swords directly at the blade.

Both swords twisted causality and shot toward the sword.

Colliding with tremendous force, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area, the two blades clashed.

“Hey, that’s quite the greeting!”

“Strange. I thought one strike would be enough to kill you.”

Tilting his head, the young man leaped back to create distance and returned his sword to its sheath.

“What’s your name?”

“…Gata Tourak.”

“I see. I’m Rokuhara, the contractor of Eina. Is that black blade of yours Lutra?”

“I have no intention of wasting time talking to my enemy.”

With that, Tourak readied his sword.

Seeing this stance, Eina spoke up.

“This is bad, Leader. Lutra… she’s going berserk. At this rate, she’ll be punished by her mistress like last time!”

Listening to Eina’s words, Rokuhara observed Tourak closely before sighing unhappily.

“The key player in the Star Project being like this won’t do. I had some expectations, but..”

Rokuhara also prepared his dual swords.

Then, he taunted, “Come on, rookie. Your senior will kindly guide you.”

With his swords moving with pinpoint accuracy, he cut down countless angels at an astonishing speed while still rescuing students.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Rokuhara!”

Stopping the bowing student, Rokuhara pointed toward their own lines.

“Fall back and regroup. Always move in groups of at least three. If it gets dangerous, retreat. Leave the rest to me.”

“Yes sir!”

“This damn leader thinks of exploiting those he saves later…”

“Stop comparing me to her.”

Sighing as he ran off again, Rokuhara’s destination was clear:

Mikage Academy’s dungeon core.

(They’re continuing the assault too. Let’s make this a race of speed.)

With twelve seconds of absolute time, any battle situation could be overturned.

That’s why Rokuhara acted with victory as a given.

“…Huh? Leader, this is bad!” Eina suddenly shouted.

“What?”

“Lutra’s coming this way at incredible speed… Wait, could this possibly be―”

In the instant Rokuhara focused on Eina’s alarmed reaction, a ghostly figure appeared right before his eyes.

“Huh!?”

“One strike,” came the cold voice as a black blade was drawn straight at Rokuhira.

A flash so dazzling it seemed like lightning ― an instantaneous slash.

(Avoidance isn’t possible, then―)

In the next moment after understanding this, Rokuhira aimed the critical hit effect of his dual swords directly at the blade.

Both swords twisted causality and shot toward the sword.

Colliding with tremendous force, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area, the two blades clashed.

“Hey, that’s quite the greeting!”

“Strange. I thought one strike would be enough to kill you.”

Tilting his head, the young man leaped back to create distance and returned his sword to its sheath.

“What’s your name?”

“…Gata Tourak.”

“I see. I’m Rokuhira, the contractor of Eina. Is that black blade of yours Lutra?”

“I have no intention of wasting time talking to my enemy.”

With that, Tourak readied his sword.

Seeing this stance, Eina spoke up.

“This is bad, Leader. Lutra… she’s going berserk. At this rate, she’ll be punished by her mistress like last time!”

Listening to Eina’s words, Rokuhira observed Tourak closely before sighing unhappily.

“The key player in the Star Project being like this won’t do. I had some expectations, but..”

Rokuhira also prepared his dual swords.

Then, he taunted, “Come on, rookie. Your senior will kindly guide you.”

“Three strikes, Lutra,” Tourak commanded coldly before dashing forward at an incredible speed.

■

Uh, isn’t something weird going on here…?

“Ah, Lutra’s gone berserk. Alright, let’s seal her!”

Hey, don’t just decide to fulfill your role as a Star Reader all of a sudden!

“That’s… Tourak, isn’t it!?”

“He’s holding his own against the Enforcer!”

While observing the territory war from the angel’s abode, we were enjoying ourselves together.

Since there were no other angels around wherever we walked, I suggested passing the time this way.

Partly because I was getting mentally exhausted from the constant competition between the two of them for dominance.

At the request of the Star Reader’s Staff, we were watching the progress of the territory war….

“This is an abnormal situation.”

This is bad.

Those are probably angels, and Tourak seems to be losing control too.

What’s going on!?

Isn’t this an event where Tourak deepens his bond with Lutra and becomes stronger!

And look at Rokuhara’s face – it’s the one he gets when dealing with someone annoying!

“Partner, it’s time to fulfill our duties as a Star Reader. Look, Lutra is beyond saving. Either she’s been consumed by her contractor or she’s decided to go wild again. Either way, she’s disqualified as a Demon’s Gear user.”

Hey, Star Reader’s Staff, give us a chance!

Tourak is the protagonist! A dark fall event wouldn’t hurt, would it!

He’ll become even stronger from here!

Have faith in the strength of his heart!

“…Solciela, what’s wrong?”

Noticing something was off with me, Clam peered worriedly into my face.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“It’s a lie. Why do you look so pained? What’s going on?”

“―It’s about Tourak, isn’t it?”

Without being asked, Linka answered for Clam.

Oh no, this feels like trouble brewing.

“You’ve always believed in Tourak and placed your trust in him. I don’t know the details, but I can tell there’s been a strong bond between the two of you.”

There’s no way a supporting character and the protagonist would have such a bond.

At most, he slightly warped my preferences!

I haven’t done anything! I’m innocent!

“How can you think that’s innocent?”

“I’m innocent because I’m a beautiful girl!”

“Why do you think that’s innocent?”

I’m a beautiful girl!

“You look like you want to go help Tourak, don’t you?”

“Not at all… I’m not thinking that.”

He’s the protagonist; he’ll be fine.

Even if the plot changes a bit, it’s no big deal.

Besides, Rokuhara will stop him, right?

“We were just pretending to watch the territory war to pass the time, but you were actually worried about Tourak, weren’t you? So…”

“There’s no way!”

Linka continues to jump to conclusions.

Let’s just have Clam and her fight again to muddle things over―.

“Hmph, you’re stubborn too.”

Suddenly, I felt arms wrapping around me from behind.

What the!? When did Clam get behind me!?

Does this mean Clam is hugging me!?

“Still image collection! Shaaa!”

An excited Star Reader’s Staff and a confused me.

Leaving us behind, the two of them accelerate further.

“It’s fine to go help, you know. It’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes.”

“…No, because I―”

“You’re a star reader, aren’t you? But before that, you’re a girl.”

Linka gently took my hand and nodded.

Danger! Being urged on by a beautiful girl, I’m involuntarily interfering with the original story!

The Mysterious Beautiful Girl Time is forcibly activating!

“Activate Coquettish Cry!?”

Is your brain rotten?

“It’s fine, we’ll come along too. So let’s go.”

“But, I…”

“…Is Zero stopping you?”

When Linka said that, she looked at me sadly.

Danger!

This is getting out of hand!

“Ahh, we’ve been called! We mustn’t delay!”

Hey, wait! Don’t just jump in!

“―Haha, noticed me, did you?”

A magical circle spread before our eyes, and a beautiful girl identical to me appeared.

This is Zero, the most complicating presence in this situation.

“Zero…!? E, why are there two Solcielas!?”

Clam gasped in surprise.

That’s right. Surprising, isn’t it?

“The demon lurking within the Demon’s Gear that Solciela contracted. That’s this Zero. The worst influence corrupting her.”

“…I see.”

Trouble. Zero has been marked as an enemy.

But I don’t know anything about that.

“Partner, at this point in the story, there’s no choice but to go save them. Lead the way as you see fit!”

Do as you please. Already.

“It’s been a while, Agiri Linka. And you must be new? Yes… Kiram Clam, wasn’t it? Seems like you’re getting along well with Master.”

As always, she’s skilled at making ominous smiles.

At this point, I have no choice but to play the tragic heroine…

“Stop, Zero! Don’t touch these people!”

“Ah, you’re quite desperate… Ha ha, so you care about these humans?”

Don’t casually fulfill the needs of shipping fans!

“…It’s not like that.”

“You’re terrible at lying. Like a child trying to hide mischief. Which makes you all the more endearing.”

As Zero approached me, Clam jumped forward to block her path.

Surrounding her were numerous Mar-Chans.

“Star Reader’s Staff! Be careful! They’re all bombs!”

“Overdid it a bit…”

“YOU!!”

You’re not good at calculations, are you?

This is what happens when you easily indulge your desires!

“Oh my, what’s wrong? I just came because I was called.”

“…Please. Let this child go save Tourak.”

After considering for a moment, Zero nodded smoothly.

“Alright.”

“Eh?”

“R-really?”

Facing the surprised duo, Zero smirked.

“However, the condition is that Master connects more deeply with me. Let’s merge further and love each other passionately, hmm?”

Spreading her arms wide, she declared grandly.

Her posture was purely that of a villainess.

“But, that means…”

“THIS GUY…!”

Danger! Clam is on the verge of snapping!

“Master, you want to save him, don’t you? Then, there’s only one choice left.”

Spreading her arms wider, taking another step closer.

Seeing Clam ready to pounce on her, I finally spoke up.

“…Alright.”

“Wha!? Kei!?”

My real name!

“Don’t do it, Kei! Don’t fall for her tricks!”

Even Clam?!

I’d prefer to be called Solciela, the Mysterious Beautiful Girl, during these moments.

“…I’m Solciela now.”

“That’s right. You’re Solciela. My contractor.”

Zero seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

You look happy.

Fine, I’ll play along.

“…Thank you, both of you. Because of you, I’ve made my resolve.”

“No, that’s not what I meant!”

“Right! Please reconsider! That guy named Tourak, I’ll go stop him!”

There’s no way you can win against him.

“If I go, it might hurt Clam… Only I should bear the pain.”

If this drags on, that shipping fan might go even more berserk.

So, let’s quickly wrap this up.

“Good girl. Come here.”

“No!”

“Don’t go!”

Ignoring their protests, I took a step forward.

Then, turning around, I gave them not my usual mysterious smile, but my main heroine smile.

“Thank you.”

“Are you enjoying this? I hope you are?”

“Shut up!”

Even though he’s far away, a telepathic message came from the Star Reader’s Staff as if reading my mind.

I couldn’t fully deny it.

I do know that this kind of beautiful girl is considered “good”….

“Zero, please lend me your power.”

“Of course.”

Saying that, Zero embraced me tightly.

At that moment, sudden pain surged through my body.

“Aaaugh!?”

Pain, pain, pain!

Eh!? Why!?

“Hey, it hurts!”

“To add realism, we’re giving you seventy percent of the track’s pain ^^”

“Say that beforehand next time!”

“The distorted face of suffering is beautiful too. Though, we won’t show it to those two!”

What kind of competitiveness is that?

“Kei!”

“Don’t… come here…!”

Seeing me in pain, Clam was about to activate her Mar-Chans, so I called out hastily.

Then, I turned around and smiled at them again.

“Both of you… thank you.”

The sorrowful faces of beautiful girls are sad…

I prefer to self-sustain these kinds of feelings alone, so please smile for me…

“With this, our prelude ends! Let’s begin our true stage from here!”

The deranged Demon’s Gear shouting, the two sorrowful beautiful girls,

And me, inexplicably experiencing seventy percent of the track’s pain.

As a magical circle unfolded in the chaotic scene, the area was enveloped in purple light.

Whatever happens, let it be―☆

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