>’s disgusting laugh, I talked to the fallen Tsukimi and Kibitsu, who was kneeling beside her.“Are you okay, Tsukimi, Kibitsu!”
“Kokonoe-kun……sensei, sensei is……!”
“-----! Tsukimi, those wounds……!!”
“Yoo…………..here you are taking the nice part………”
Tsukimi opened her eyes weakly.
I did not notice because I was desperate to protect them when I was running over here but, now that I take a good look, Tsukimi has suffered grave injuries.
Her sides were especially serious because it was gauged out.
Luckily or unluckily, the part gouged out was burned so, the blood flowing out isn’t that serious.
Nonetheless, it’s no mistake that her survival would be determined by our urgent attention to the wound.
“Sorry huh……….i said leave it to me, but, I ended up like this……….”
“Is this even the time to say that! Stop talking, it’s bad for your wound!!”
“Kuhah………..i never would have thought that you would worry about me…………..now that’s a shocking story……..”
“Stop talking already. More importantly, we have to tend to your wounds………”
Those were words Tsukimi said maybe because she was aiming for our lives but, now I recognize her as a comrade that has been gone through days together.
“Kibitsu, can you stand?”
Kibitsu swung her head sideways at my question.
“So-sorry…………I can’t pour any strength into my knees………..”
If possible, I wanted her to bring Tsukimi to the medical building but, it can’t be helped since it was right after she tasted the fear of death.
Which means, I have to leave this to Julie or Tora------
“Fuun, I will take this woman. That’s why I’ll leave Tooru’s support to you, Julie”
“Ya----. I understand.
He probably read my thoughts.
Killing his own will to fight together with us, Tora prioritized my need to save Tsukimi.
“Tora………”
“This woman’s condition requires immediate action. That’s why, I picked the fastest route”
“Sorry, Tora”
“Fuun, I am used to it. I’ve been with you for a long time after all”
After saying that, Tora added a [It really is ironic that I will be saving this woman in the first place huh] before carrying Tsukimi and gave Kibitsu a piggy back.
“O-i…….don’t you dare die………>……no, Kokonoe, Tooru……….”With a weak voice, Tsukimi opened her mouth.
“Yeah, I won’t die. So, don’t go dying on me”
“Ku-hah…………..ill weeds grow apace……….”
While distorting her face in pain, Tsukimi gave a thumbs up and lifted the side of her mouth.
Tora started running and left the place.
In exchange with the dispersing footsteps, a disgusting laugh echoed in the place.
“Kuku, kuku, hahahaha. Is it okay if we end the drama farce already?”
“You sure are carefree to wait without doing anything”
I did not lower my cautiousness since I was wondering when he would attack but, there were no signs of him doing so.
Of course, that might be some kind of plan------
“Fufu. I was just thinking that you reuniting with their cold corpse would be more impactful”
The color of truth could be seen in >’s words.Even though I don’t know what kind of reason he has, this man has a strong attachment of hatred towards me and is seeking a more tragic end.
“And Julie=Sigtuna. As the > of Kokonoe Tooru, let me present to you the cla.s.siest conclusion of your partner’s death…………!”“………………your wish will never be granted. That’s because, Tooru-----“
“Yeah, I will not die. That’s because I vowed to protect Julie, everyone and myself!!”
I followed after Julie’s words and shouted at > while looking at him.“Let’s end this, >! I will show you the > of my > ----the > of my will you reject!!”“Fu,hahahahaha! Roar as much as you want, resist if you want!! Just wait till the moment I destroy your > with my >!!”> let out his ki filled with killing intent and hatred and changed the atmosphere.What awaits; is the clash of our >.“He’s coming, Julie! Be careful!!”
“Ja---!!”
Red light was emitted from the wing behind > in response to us preparing ourselves-----Suddenly, he Burst Attackcharged at us with a speed far exceeding our reactions even though we were cautious.
> instantly jumped into my chest area and swung his red blade-----“Guh!!”
*Kakiiiin*!! Even though I blocked it immediately with my > I was unable to endure it and ended up getting blown away.But, >’s momentum did not end with just blowing me away; he then continued on with a slash towards Julie behind him.Julie jumped aside and dodged with a paper thin difference-------was what I thought but, the red blade slightly caught her uniform.
“Julie……….!!”
“………..Nai, It’s just my clothes”
While keeping > halted at the side of my view after he thrust through the spot we were just standing, I shouted towards Julie but she swung her head.The attack only grazed her clothes and not wound her.
It’s not even a wound that might affect the battle.
However, i------we felt shock at >’s new found > with just one attack.“What speed………….!”
That charge which was so fast that even the > Yurie could not dodge; was still unexperienced in the many fights with the > including >.“Fufu, those are nice expressions you two are showing there”
> slowly turned around and made a joyful expression.“That was a wonderful acceleration right? This one of the abilities of the > External weapon---- >. And the red blade in my hand is also-----““Is something from that >”*Smile* > consented after lifting the weapon covering the red blade to his chest. “There are other abilities too but, I’ll show them gradually. However----“> crossed the blade glowing in red in front of his chest and said it to while looking at Julie instead of Tooru.“That’s something I will do if you can last to the end while being burdened!!”
(-----!! s.h.i.t!!)
>’s target was not me, it’s Julie.Because there’s a difference in >, Julie’s physical ability is lower than the > me.With the initial attack, he found out that there is a difference in reaction speed by seeing the Julie behind me fails to dodge his attack.
“Julie!!”
The moment I was about to warn her, > sliced the wind and attack the silver girl.Julie used her 2 blades to defend against the attacking 2 blades. The attack released at the same time clashed at the same time, > was faster at the following 2nd attack. Realizing that, Julie immediately stopped attacking and dodged a lethal attack by dropping to the ground.However, she did not come out unharmed and it turned out like the first time-----no, it’s slightly deeper.
The tip of his blade slightly cut her skin this time and blood splashed out at the night sky.
“It’s just a scratch……..!”
Even though the silver girl frowned in pain, she stopped me from approaching her with her hand.
Once again, > aimed us----no, aimed Julie and went to attack her.“Kuh, how cowardly………!”
“In a battle, attacking the opponent’s weak point is a standard measure! You’re the fool for bringing someone weaker into the battle!!”
While making a scornful smile, it was clear what > was aiming.He’s probably trying to limit my range of tactics by immobilizing Julie first.
(d.a.m.n……………..!!)
“Tooru!!”
Even though Julie told me to stop, I did not bother and moved to protect her.
But----it was a trap.
>, who was going to attack Julie, displayed the sharp maneuvering of a war machine and switched his target to me.I was suddenly targeted and could not make it in time to guard the approaching red blade.
Even when I twisted my body, a straight side slash ran on my chest.
“-----Guh!!”
A scorching pain ran on the part of my sliced chest-------no, it was really scorched.
The glowing red blade holds burning properties and it can burn and slice the flesh at the same time.
However, I mustn’t worry about that.
I turned around to find > flying at me like a hurricane-----and I doubted my eyes.> was supposed to have dashed towards me to slash me but, he suddenly disappeared.“Up, Tooru!!”
When I looked up after listening to the warning, > performed a somersault with movements resembling a war machine again-------And back at the same direction, a strong attack was approaching me from behind because I turned away.
No matter how transcended I am from humans, I am still fundamentally humans-----that’s why i will be an instant late to handle impossible movements.
That instant might be fatal but, this is a battle between people who transcended humans.
(No good, I can’t dodge this………!!)
Dodging or blocking is normal here and, the timing for me to activate the
The moment I thought I was going to get killed-----
*Giiin* a silver light came between me and >.She protected my back-----just like what she said, Julie deflected the red blade with her >.“Hahahaha, I never would have thought that the burden will be the one blocking!!”
With his attack defended, > laughed loudly in mid-air.Looking at that, I understood that the > does not only have charging ability but also flying ability.The girl glared at the winged man who was laughing loudly in the sky, and shouted
“You are free to call me a burden. But, I will still protect Tooru’s back!”
“Thanks for those strong words, Julie. But, I don’t think Julie as a burden at all. Rather, I think of you as my irreplaceable and trustworthy >”“Ja---, thank you very much”
Without looking away from the enemy, I showed a small smile to the silver girl.
Yes, I am able to exist now thanks to her being here.
If not for my > called Julie, forget even getting >, I wouldn’t be alive until today.However, > was scorning at our deep bonds.“Fufuu, what a wonderful bond………that’s why it’s worth breaking!!”
> suddenly descended to attack.I blocked his blade and swung my fist upwards at the same time to cut through the sky.
Whenever > attempts to attack, he would literally fly up away from our reach-----he would then descend back down to attack.His strategy of hit and run is a really annoying move to us uses close-combat as our main style.
“Kuh……….it doesn’t feel like fighting a human….!!”
Gaining the weapon >, > was now displaying completely different movements compared to his counter style which he showed in the previous 2 fights.Of course for the high speed flying charge; the sudden descend, sharp maneuvering, and the somersault which I was almost killed by, makes it feel like we are fighting a war machine with a human form.
“It’s true but------“
A high speed hit and run attack.
“Hahahaha, what’s wrong!? I had more of a hard time with Tsukimi Rito!”
Without losing his momentum, > rotated and ascended upwards before performing a U-turn to attack again; the moment he did that, Julie continued her mumbling.“I am almost used to it”
The same time the red blade lightly sc.r.a.pes her shoulders, Julie performed a counter and the tip of her blade sc.r.a.ped the >.“Nice moves for someone who has inferior physicality!”
With the tip of his shoulders touched, > lifted the side of his mouth in irony at his prey’s resistance. “…………..I am sorry, Tooru. I failed even after saying all that”“N-no, don’t mind it. More importantly, how is your wounds……….?”
“I am okay”
After saying that, Julie lightly moved her shoulders.
While looking at her, I recalled back the counter she performed just now.
(She’s amazing……….)
Conclusively, the attack ended in clear failure due to her unable to damage him and got lightly wounded.
However, I could only feel shock at Julie’s senses she displayed during the middle of the fight.
Seeing through the attacks trajectory by increasing her concentration and counter him------putting it into words is easy but, repeating the attack regularly does not work on >.In that small amount of time, she responded to movements she has not confronted before and a countered an attack that has hidden distinction between left and right with feints mixed into it; that’s extremely hard even for me, who am higher in >.Being able to do that means, she has polished her skill through overcoming this battle of death.
However, it was bad that she did not end it with that attack, it’s clear that > was cautious judging by the words he said next.“Fufu, you really are wonderful to fill in the deference of physical ability with concentration. I take back calling you a burden-----but, because of that, I have to judge you as dangerous!”
The light blade disappeared from >’s hand and he pointed the tip at us.“I’ll slow down your movements and slowly kill you!!”
“----!! Julie!!”
Feeling cautious at the same time, Julie and I separated to left and right------
The spot we were standing just now got blasted by several lights that could be described as light bullets.
“d.a.m.n it, it can turn to a gun too!!”
I predicted this to some point but, I still said it regardless.
It’s the prediction when I saw the 2 beams shooting down from the sky, when we were in front of the dorm.
But, judging by the huge explosion at that time, which was strong enough to form a crater, he might be saving at least one more of the >’s weapon at least; what’s more, it’s probably one that has tremendous power.
“Hahahaha, run around pathetically now!”
He was one-sidedly attacking from 10 meters above.
Unlike what happened until now, he would not come even for an instant close so we have no choice but to defend since we cannot counter him.
Our attacks might reach him if we jump but, as long as he is able to fly, he could easily dodge it and we might end up being targeted instead. There’s throwing our weapon at him but, we would probably lose a way to attack if we miss him.
Even though I was thinking that we have to do something about this, I have no choice but to direct my conscious to the unstopping attack and could not get any time to think.
“Not bad enduring but-----can you block this!?”
The 2 guns were shooting light bullets at us separately until now but------
He pointed those muzzles only at me.
“------! c.r.a.p…….!!”
I blocked countless light bullets with my > because I knew I couldn’t dodge.The light bullets exploded at my > the moment it landed and I stopped the force with my leg.Immediately after, countless more light bullets poured down since I was no longer allowed to move from the spot.
“
I judged that I could not block it and activated a barrier.
Countless explosions occurred when the barrier was touched------and after all of it were disposed, > rested his attack before looking down at me with a light smile.“Fufu, it was really in my mind since the previous battle but, it really is quite the annoyance when you use it now that I see it again”
“>, this is something created by the will to protect someone which you called nonsense”I erased the barrier and said it while thrusting my fist at >.“You’re annoying as usual huh…………..by the way, I want to return back to the topic of your ability but, I found several interesting points”
“--------!?”
My heart jumped.
I was taken back with the thought “No way” because he saw through > last time.“First off, you can’t use it immediately. You did not use it when I performed a Loop Attacksomersault attack and Julie Sigtuna had to come in between us; I can gain that possibility through seeing that”
“…………….”
He’s half correct. There’s a slight time lag when I activate the barrier with my mind.
Just like the battle before, I had to use it when I know bullet was being shot at me------basically, It’s the feeling of deploying it through prediction.
The other activation method is that I have to point my hand at the target even though the barrier can be created in an instant. That’s why; I can’t make it in time for sneak attacks like the one just now.
“For the final number 3------this is still a speculation so, I’ll leave that for later……..oops, being quiet is the same as admitting that I am correct, Kokonoe Tooru”
“Kuh…..!”
Regretfully, I can’t handle this kind of mental attack.
(Calm down. It’s not like the
Even though I was gritting my teeth in the surface, I was thinking of a plan to attack > who was at an unreachable height.(Our attacks can’t reach. Julie can throw her > but, we would only lose a weapon if we miss…….no, wait?)It’s simple but, one plan came up.
Can that even be called a plan? It’s something so simple that even I don’t know.
“Julie!!”
I called out to the silver girl, and moved my sights to a certain object-----before running straight at it.
Julie understood my plan through my sights and ran too.
“Fumu, looks like you thought of something but----I won’t let you!!”
> prepared himself to barrage us with light bullets again but our actions were faster.Towards our goal------the moment we reached a tree, Julie’s > formed a line and *Kiiin* a high-pitched sound echoed.A trunk was cut off from the tree.
I carried the tree-----
And, threw it at > with all my strength.“Wha…….!?”
The simplest of actions called throwing.
But, the power of the > I became was out from the realm of common sense.I threw a tree which was at a size impossible for a normal person to carry right at >.“What a stupid move!!”
Explosions occurred one after another when light bullets. .h.i.t the target, and > shot down the tree before it could reach him.I looked at that while pulling out the root and threw it at him again.
“How annoying! Did you seriously think that such attack would hit!!”
“Nope, never thought of that. Even if it hits, you won’t receive any damage because of the > around you. But------““A dead angle was formed due to the explosion of the tree……..!”
“-----!!”
>, who was in mid-air looked up at the sky-----he saw the girl with Silver BlondeSilver hair in the night sky.His timing of noticing Julie was slightly slower for him to shoot her down.
He would make it in time to guard but, it’s okay.
Even if > doesn’t get a direct slash, making him drop his gun or damaging his gun to the point of impracticality would make this simple plan a big success.……………..but, > immediately covered the gun body with the red light blade to block the swung white blade.“Sad for you. It’s the reversal of attack and defense with this”
> perform a kick at Julie. The silver girl who has already taken account of a counter attack at the point when her attack got defended, crossed her arms together and prevented a direct hit-----but, she distorted her expression because she was unable to kill off all the force.“Okay then, I’ll have you keep quiet here”
Her body got blown away just like that; he then turned the > back to a gun and aimed at her.
In the sky without any foothold, there’s no way for her to dodge. Julie has knocked down several light bullets in this fight but, it’s only limited to the explosions from the recoil.
“Julie------!!”
The moment he pulled the trigger.
I ran towards Julie while activating the
But, she was still outside the barrier’s radius.
I formed the
Naturally, as long as this is my own ability, I have already considered that event-------instead of protecting Julie, I deployed the > inside the barrier.The barrier that can sever any attacks also has the same effect inside.
Because of that, the countless light bullets > shot did not reach Julie, and ended up causing several explosions inside the barrier.“……….looks like you mastered it quite a bit but-----I will now ask you regarding the 3rd interesting point”
Without showing any care that he was obstructed by the barrier, > continued pulling the trigger and continued his words.“Can the so-called
(-------!! He thought of it as one possibility!!)
>’s comment wasn’t wrong.I can only deploy the
If I deploy the barrier to protect myself then, I will naturally end up forsaking Julie.
“Looks like you can’t”
While shooting light bullets towards Julie, > directed a light smile at me and-----He fixed one of the guns at me.
“Kuh……!!”
I noticed something at that moment.
I saw light concentrating at the muzzle which was different from when he fires light bullet.
Immediately, what appeared in my mind, was scene of the explosion I saw far away from the dorm and the beam that was fired at that moment------
(c.r.a.p………!!)
The beam of red light was fired at the same time I immediately jumped away.
The beam drilled into the ground------and caused an explosion after a slight delay.
Luckily, I was safe from a direct hit thanks to my fast reaction.
Within the blast, I looked up to the sky after falling on the ground and ended up kneeling down------I saw the gun that was pointed at Julie just now, was now pointed at me.
“Sever the fang----
I can make a new barrier since the attack towards Julie stopped.
The 2nd red light beams. .h.i.t the barrier with full intentions to pierce through.
“Kuh………..what fire power………….!!”
*PIshiii* a high-pitch sound appeared and a crack was formed on the barrier.
Immediately after, the
With the barrier destroyed, I could not block all the energy and ended up getting blown away by the after-wave.
Even when I collapsed on the ground, I stood up immediately in alert for another attack and looked up at the sky but------
“Eh…………!?”
> wasn’t there.“Tooru, in front!!”
Julie’s warning came flying but, I turned unguarded when I lost sight of >, making my reaction slower.The > with sharp eye’s-----> flew out in high-speed from the dust of clouds caused by the explosion and pierced my body with the blade glowing in red.“Toooooruuuuuuuuu!!”
My name echoed into the night sky with a painful shout.
“Ku-kuku, hahahaha. Finally, Kokonoe Tooru……..! With your death, I can make Julie Sigtuna witness the death of someone precious and carve a wound that will corrode her heart for eternity…….!!”
> said that with a distorted face of joy.In front of his expression and his words, i------
“Ah……huh, ah……….”
My body trembled from the scorching pain.
With my trembling hands, and numbing fingers, I grabbed the arm > was holding the red blade with----But my movements stopped because of the hot substance rising from the depth of my throat.
“Gah, kahah………….!”
I could not breath for a while, making me cough out red blood that tasted like iron rust.
*Splash*, > in front of me had his > dirtied with blood.“Fu, fufu, hahahahahaha, Haa---hahahaha!!”
> laughed in front of me.Even though he was doing it right in front of me-----his laugh felt somewhat distant.
My consciousness was cut off.
“-------Ru! Tooru! Tooru!!”
When I opened my eyes, Julie was spilling tears while calling my name.
“……..Ju-lie……….?”
Her Ruby eyesred eyes opened wide after calling my name like she was squeezing it out.
“Tooru!!”
(……………Why are you crying?)
My memories won’t stabilize.
Why-------
My question won’t get answered.
I was having hard time breathing, and my thoughts won’t get in order.
My view was blurry-----
And my consciousness was fading.
(No good……….i have to stay conscious……..or else………)
Julie will remain sad if I don’t open my eyes.
Although I know that------
My consciousness fell deeper into the darkness.
“Tooooooooooru!”
………..--------------------!!”
A sound echoed in the darkness.
That’s----a voice.
A laugh.
Someone was laughing.
When I realized that, I started waking up.
(Who……..?)
Even when I opened my eyes, my view was blurry like my thoughts and I could not find out who the voice belongs to.
At that moment, I saw something silver swaying right beside me, other than the laugh.
Silver BlondeSilver hair -----
It’s Julie, my >.After my consciousness cleared up, the scene shown in my eyes turned clear too-------
I gasped.
Julie was consciously the same word over and over again.
“Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru, Tooru……………”
(What’s wrong Julie………..why are you making that face………..)
I could see nothing was shown in her wide opened Ruby eyesred eyes.
I then noticed something.
I noticed the existence of a man laughing loudly while looking down at Julie.
(----->!)The > was lost in mad joy and was laughing continuously.(Oh yeah…….I was…….!)
My memories came back when I saw >.The memories of us fighting against > who a.s.saulted the academy.The memories of > stabbing the red blade in his hand in the fight.I don’t know for how long but, it seems that I lost consciousness.
Julie probably received tremendous shock seeing me like that.
That’s because she mixed the scene with her father’s t death.
“………..Ju……….e…………….”
My voice won’t come out.
My body won’t move.
Julie was continuously calling my name not even 1 meter away-----
Suddenly, she stopped.
(Ju-lie…….?)
The silver girl slowly looked up at the empty sky-----and mumbled.
“Won’t……..forgive………never……………”
And from the silver girl-------
A sound started screeching.
*Ki………..iii……………iiiiiiiiii……………….iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii--------!!*
A high-pitch sound that would make anyone cover their ears, echoed.
(This sound…………it’s that times-------)
Yes, this is the sound I heard when we fought > on the boat last time.“I will never………….I will never……….! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU……..!!”
*Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii------------!!*
The shout of hatred mixed with the sound being produced from Julie’s body.
“Aa……………A-ah……….AaaaaaaaAAAaaaAAAAAaaaAAAA----------!!”
*Bikiiiiiiiiiiiin*!!
Together with the sound of chains torn into pieces, Julie shouted.
She did so like a wolf howling while looking up at the sky.
The sound then disappeared.
Forget the high-pitch sound, even >’s laugh was included too.Julie slowly stood up in an unbalance manner.
“……..do you call this a battle for revenge? But, I am not interested in going through that though-----“
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA------------!!”
Julie howl interrupted >.Next, >----and also me, opened our eyes wide in Julie’s weird change.Because *Goooou*!! > were pouring out from her small body.Because the > was black in color.Unlike the > when manifesting the > or the >.The color of the > which signifies anger and hatred swirled around the silver girl.Julie grabbed the >.The > changed its shape-----and turned into the >.It’s the > that I was familiar with.Even so, something was different.
The > which was giving the same dull color as her eyes, was giving off an ominous feel.“That >………..Julie Sigtuna, what did you do……..!?”It’s not the >.> showed his agitation in front of the ominous presence Julie was giving off.But-----no answer was given.
In replacement for the answer, Julie jumped at >.(-----Fast!!)
Until now----no, she’s even faster than me, who has a higher