Part 1
"Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Diediediediediediediediediediediediediediediediedieeeeeeeeeeee!"
Along with the wild laughter, several hundred bullets were fired through the air.
Mana increased the strength of her Territory, attempting to guard against the concentrated gunfire.
But, in that instant, Jessica created a limited Territory around Mana. "Tch—"
Mana clicked her tongue in an annoyed tone, as she twisted her body, and cut open the Territory with the
But in this instant, Jessica has already finished charging her Maryoku cannon. She fired the giant cannon
"Naive!"
But then Mana condensed her Territory, as though she was sending a stream of Maryoku towards Jessica.
She then raised the
Jessica then changed the defensive properties of her Territory, as she parried Mana's strike. The clash between a Maryoku blade and a Maryoku shield resulted in a clash of shocking fireworks.
But then, abnormalities began to show up on Jessica's body. "Eh…!?"
As though she underwent a convulsion, her breathing was blocked and blood began to flow from her nose and eyes, as the Territory around her began to weaken.
The weakened Jessica's Territory is no longer capable of blocking Mana's laser sword. The blade began to slice open the crimson
Mana hardened her face and retreated from Jessica.
"…You have hit your limits. Jessica! The outcome has been decided! Surrender—"
But, Jessica aimed her remaining cannon at Mana, ignoring her words. Then, she fired a blast that didn't look like she had hit her limits.
"Ku…"
Mana dodged the cannon's blast by a hair's width as she glared at Jessica. Then, Jessica laughed maniacally as her blood began to flow from her eyes.
"—MANA. MANA. TAKAMIYA MANA. I, I, I, I, I WIL, WILL NOT, LO, LOOOOOOO, SE. THIS TIME, I WON'T LOSE. I WON'T LOSE AGAIN. AS LONG I HAVE
Her unfocused eyes continued to twirl as she repeated the same words repeatedly like a broken record. It was clear that she wasn't herself.
"Jessica…"
Mana bit her lips and clenched her fists.
Although the exact conditions were unknown, it seems her brain was treated with Maryoku. She had compressed decades of her life to that day today. It was understandable that she would have become stronger.
Mana looked at Jessica with a troubled and pitiful expression, before sighing lightly.
She then silently placed a hand on her chest.
—She had already heard it from Kotori and Reine, that her body had been through the same procedure.
One mistake, and she could end up like Jessica. "…"
Mana went silent as she clenched her teeth.
"MANA! MAMAMA, MANA. TAKAMIYA, MANA. ADEPTUS TWOOOO. YOU WERE ALREADY THIS ANNOYING. WHY, WHYYYYYYYYYYY WOULD WESTCOTT-SAMA AND OFFICER MEIXAZ RELY ON YOU EASTERNERSSSSS??? I, I, I… I AM DEFINITELY MORE SUITED, SUITED. AAAAADEPTUS, NUMBER TWO, TWO!"
Jessica yelled as she began her berserk rampage.
But Mana did not dodge, as she spread her Territory and approached Jessica slowly.
"…You were already like this from the beginning. You are jealous, materialistic, only because you would always say such hateful words."
She said so in a low tone as she shortened her distance. Even when she saw Mana approaching, she did not leave, and continued firing her cannons wildly.
"AH, AHAHAHAHAHAHA, MA, MAMAMAMAMAMANANANANA?"
Jessica looked at Mana with eyes that are incapable of focusing as she opened her ammunition cartridges and fired a stream of bullets.
Mana advanced through the storm of bullets, activated the laser sword on her right hand, and sliced open Jessica's chest.
"Ah, gah, ah, ahhhhhhhh!"
She cut through the Territory, passed through the wiring suit, as though she cut through a body. But Mana did not look back.
The Territory surrounding Jessica began to disappear, as the large mechanical frame of the
Jessica, held by Mana's Territory, began to purge a large amount of blood as she made a weak sound.
"He, he, he, hey, Mana? I, I, I, I, I'm strong nowwww, right? I won't, lose to anyone anymoreeeee. Master Westcott will, finally, approve of meeeee, right?"
"…Mm, of course."
As Mana replied, Jessica made her final smile, as she slowly lowered her head. "…."
Mana closed Jessica's eyes as she carried her body, and looked towards the main offices of DEM.
"—Isaac… Westcott…!!!"
Part 2
"…!"
Shidou collapsed into a puddle of his own blood, as he looked at the sight in front of him, his wound being consumed by a flame.
At the moment Ellen stabbed Shidou with the light saber, Tohka let out a hysterical yell – before her body was consumed by a mass of dark particles.
"Wha…, what in the…"
The flames had finally healed the wound on Shidou's chest, as he suppressed the urge to vomit, allowing his mouth, full of the taste of iron, to move.
There was clearly something suspicious.
Behind him, an excited Westcott appeared to be saying something, but it was impossible to hear what he was saying. No, to be precise, even if it was possible to hear his words, it would not be possible to comprehend the meaning behind it.
Compared to that, the change to Tohka's body was much more apparent to Shidou.
There was a reason for it. There is a massive difference between now and when Tohka deploys her limited Astral Dress and Angel.
The inauspicious dark light that covered up Tohka's body dissipated with a glow. At that point, Tohka's full figure became visible to Shidou.
"What…"
But, when Shidou saw Tohka's full figure, he couldn't help but hold his breath. Tohka was in her Astral Dress, surrounded by a black glamour.
Even so, this is something that is not impossible. Even if a Spirit's powers are sealed, there is still an invisible bond linking them, causing a partial backflow of their powers when their emotions become unstable.
In fact, beginning from Tohka, Yoshino and Yamai may also occasionally defy Ratatoskr's intentions and partially summon their Astral Dresses.
But, what Tohka was wearing now was definitely not her partial Astral Dress.
Black armor on her shoulders and waist, and a black spectral veil covering her chest and lower half.
There was no question. It was a complete Astral Dress made from a heavy amount of Reiryoku.
"Astral, Dress…"
But, the Astral Dress that Tohka is wearing now, was completely different from what Shidou remembered. To make an analogy, it was like the base of a photo.
To add on, there was something else that was more pressing – Tohka's expression.
It wasn't the Tohka that was crying for Shidou earlier – there was simply a supernatural sense of oppression, as though she was a monarch.
Of course, there was no change to her body or face physically. Despite that, Shidou felt that the girl clad in a black glamour in front of his eyes was a completely different being from Tohka.
Then. "That… is…"
Shidou shakily raised his head, speaking in a surprised tone.
The right hand of Tohka, clad in a black Astral Dress, was wielding a giant sword.
"Sandal…phon?"
No – no. That sword was clearly different from Sandalphon.
It was a large sword with a single blade. The hilt of the sword, stained black like Tohka's Astral Dress, as well as the blade of the sword itself, left a trail of darkness in the sky.
"—"
A chill ran down Shidou's back as he inhaled sharply. For some reason, the sword possessed not just the danger of being a sharp weapon, or a Spirit's massive power, it also possessed something frightening enough to make someone's body shiver in fear.
"..."
Tohka surveyed her surroundings carefully. Then, she let out a sigh. "—where, is this place."
"Eh…?"
Shidou frowned. What exactly is Tohka talking about.
Tohka acted as though she didn't notice Shidou's confusion, as she continued to look around the area, before pointing at the nearby Miku.
"You. Answer me. Where is this place?"
"Eh? The Japanese branch of DEM Industries… isn't that so?" "I have never heard of this place – then, why am I here?"
"Huh, weren't you captured and brought here by the Wizards from DEM?"
Miku turned towards Ellen and Westcott with a confused expression. As though following her line of sight, Tohka also turned towards them.
Then, Westcott's face revealed a frightening expression.
"Incredible. This is the first time I've seen such a perfect Reversal. –Look at this, Tohka. That is the fruition of our dream!"
As he said so, he patted Ellen's back.
"Alright, it's time to get to work. Finally, the enemy for you to defeat has appeared. Go, my strongest Wizard. Now is the time to dethrone the tyrannical queen, and become a stepping stone to our greater heights."
"—mm, I understand, Ike."
As she said so, Ellen nodded, and her body disappeared like the mist.
In the next instant, Ellen appeared above Tohka, and attacked with her laser sword.
"…!"
Shidou continued in his crouching position, trying to warn Tohka about Ellen's attack. However, he had lost his voice due to shock.
But, there was no need to worry. Without turning, Tohka simply raised her right hand, and blocked Ellen's attack with her sword. At the moment the two's weapons met, a large explosion occurred, strong enough to send Shidou flying to the wall.
"Ku..."
As the brunt of the impact was on Shidou's wound, Shidou twisted his face and let out a pained wail. Miku hurriedly came over.
"Oi… are you alright!"
To even be worried about a man, it was extremely untypical of Miku. It is possible that she is also in a panicked state.
But it was nothing notable. Shidou himself was unable to comprehend the sight in front of his eyes. It might have been much more acceptable to say that it was an illusion.
"Lawless."
Having parried the attack, Tohka said in a low voice as she sent Ellen flying. Ellen's body spun before she regained stability and stopped in mid-air.
"This is so much different from the stuttering [Princess] earlier. If not, it would be troubling. It would be meaningless if it was a Spirit that could be easily dispatched by me."
"…what are you doing. You fool. Why do you raise your sword against me?"
"My apologies, but I'll need you to die here. What we seek are your abilities. Your character is just but a hindrance."
Ellen's eyes sharpened as she stated so, and she raised her laser sword again, jumping towards Tohka.
Tohka's left hand moved to the hilt of her sword as she parried Ellen's strike.
But, Ellen's vicious attacks didn't just stop there. From the left, from above, from below, she continued her assault at a blindingly fast speed.
Shidou was left speechless as he watched the light of the laser sword dance in the air. To compare with the Ellen he had known up to now, there was a significant difference in attitude and speed. To fire off multiple attacks in an instant, a Tohka in a limited Astral Dress would have been defeated by the first blow.
Despite that, Tohka was not inferior to Ellen at all. She was able to parry every attack that was fired with an inhuman skill level.
A battle between one that isn't human, and one that is a superhuman. Even though Shidou himself was not involved, it was clear that he was crushed by an atmosphere of strong hostility and killing intent.
"—There!"
At this point, Ellen moved upwards from below Tohka, flipping up Tohka's sword. In that instant, a large opening appeared in Tohka's stance.
Of course, the same applied to Ellen. But then, Ellen moved backwards slightly, modified the shape of the weapon on her left shoulder, as it extended from her elbow. At the same time, the tip of the weapon began to gather energy.
"Pierce, [Rhongomiant]."
In an instant, the weapon began to unleash a blinding flash.
It was a flash of light imbued with concentrated Reiryoku, thick enough to possibly be able to burn someone's eyes if they were to look directly at it. It simply isn't comparable to the weapons used by the AST – this was a weapon that could easily match the power of an Angel. In an instant, Tohka's body was devoured by the light, and the walls and ceiling of the building were blown apart like a piece of paper, and the remnants would continue to spread through the air.
That was slightly different compared to a cannon. To be more precise – it was a ray.
A ray of light that spans several hundreds of metres, obliterating everything in its path, its large figure standing in the sky above.
Then, Ellen slowly exhaled a breath and the gigantic ray disappeared with it. As for the building, the entire walls and ceiling of the upper floor was completely destroyed, giving the impression that it had been chewed off by a giant.
"Tohka… Tohka!?"
Shidou continued to call Tohka's name as he looked around his surroundings, but he couldn't see Tohka anywhere.
Could she have been obliterated by that ray – a terrifying thought like that swept through his mind.
But, that theory would soon be disproved the moment he saw Ellen glaring furiously at the sky. From the building, the view of the sky was widened due to the destroyed roof. Tohka was calmly surveying the area, with her back against the moon, a faint glow from her Astral Dress that was fluttering in the wind. It appears that she has parried the attack with her sword. There was no trace of injury on her body.
"…I see. So it appears that you're more than just talk."
Tohka silently slanted her eyes as she slowly raised her right arm with the sword. "Don't think you've won just yet!"
But, Ellen didn't just sit there. She raised her laser sword again and approached Tohka in an instant, slicing towards her body.
"Hmph."
Tohka frowned slightly, and instead of using her right hand with the sword, she used her empty left hand to parry the attack.
Even Tohka's Astral Dress was incapable of fully parrying that blow. The strong remnants of Reiryoku scattered to the floor like sparks, while Tohka's right glove was destroyed at the same time. A burning injury was rapidly expanding on her slim hand.
But then. "—[Nahema]"
Tohka said in a cold tone as she ignored the injury on her arm, as she moved down the sword that was pointing high towards the moon — [Nahema].
She wasn't just aiming for Ellen. She was also aiming for the man at the top of the building, Isaac Westcott.
"Tch—"
At this point, Ellen twisted her face and immediately halted her attack, and flew back to the building.
Following a sound strong enough to slice wind, it was followed by a crushing noise from the air.
In the next instant, the traces from Tohka's sword began to generate a powerful shock wave.
"Uu, uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?" "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa–!"
Shidou and Miku let out a shocked cry as they were caught by the shockwave.
Even so, it appears that Miku had managed to inject some of her Spirit abilities into her cry. An invisible barrier formed around Shidou and Miku, mitigating most of the impact from the shockwave.
"Are, are you alright, Miku…!"
"Mm, mm… that said, don't, don't get the idea that I intended to save you! This was just a coincidence!"
As Shidou said so, Miku turned away with a face of displeasure.
But, if it wasn't for the sound barrier created by Miku, it was likely that Shidou would have been blown away by the shock wave. Shidou's face went pale at the state of the damage of the building's walls.
"Is that really… Tohka…? That is—"
Shidou looked at the black silhouette in front of him, with a face of fear.
With a crushing sound similar to something collapsing, Ellen, shielding Westcott underneath the rubble, came into view. It seems that at the moment before Tohka attacked Westcott, Ellen had already blocked the attack with her Territory.
"My apologies. Thank you for the help, Ellen." "It's alright. I can't let you die here."
Ellen looked at Tohka, as she answered Westcott. "What do you think of the [Princess]?"
"Mm, it's impossible to compare with the Spirit that we battled before. Although we were disappointed then, it can be truly said that she is an AAA-rank Spirit now."
"I see. So—are you capable of winning?"
"Of course. A being capable of defeating me, does not exist in this world." Ellen answered without hesitation. However.
"However, that is under the assumption that I am well enough to fight."
Having heard these words, Shidou looked down, as he swallowed a bit of his saliva.
There was a deep gash from Ellen's chest to her abdomen, and she was bleeding heavily.
"I was careless while defending her attacks earlier, causing my wound to re-open. I've already applied the pain suppressants, but fighting that Spirit would be a hassle in my current state."
"Hm… is that so."
Wescott put his hand to his chin as he sighted.
"Then we don't have a choice. Let us retreat now. There's still time to slowly savor the feast."
"Wouldn't that be problematic?"
"No. I'm already used to waiting. It's already an impressive feat that we've managed to Reverse the [Princess]. And today—I've actually seen an unexpected face too."
As he said so, Wescott looked at Shidou. Shidou felt a chill go down his shoulder.
"—in that case, we will be taking our leave. Survive until the day we meet again. Takamiya—no, Itsuka Shidou."
"Eh…?"
Shidou frowned at Westcott's words.
Takamiya. That was the surname of Mana, the girl who claimed to be Shidou's true sister.
"Wait, you, you know about me…?"
"No, nothing—nothing about Itsuka Shidou."
With that, Westcott moved his line of sight away from Shidou, and placed his hand on Ellen's shoulder.
Then, in an instant, the air around Ellen began to shake with a bang. It appears that she has concentrated her Territory.
Then, Ellen used an invisible hand to hold Westcott, levitating him, as she fired up the thrusters and flew off towards the sky at an astonishing speed.
"Ah… oi, oi!"
The cries were meaningless, for the duo were engulfed by the night, and vanished, leaving Shidou's voice echoing in the darkness.
However, even with the enemy retreated, the crisis is still not over. Shidou looked up again.
After seeing Ellen and Westcott leave, Tohka looked down, and descended upon seeing Shidou and Miku.
"Next would be… you two."
She said with a cold glare towards them. Against a Tohka that was definitely unlike her usual self, Shidou's body stiffened immediately.
"…wait, weren't the two of you friends? That said, this girl didn't seem to be in need of your help. What's going on?"
Miku asked in a low voice. However, Shidou was at a loss for words. "Even if you say so… I don't know what's going on either."
"…aside from that, wasn't your chest pierced right through? How are you still alive?"
"About that… let's just say, it's a special property. I'll explain to you later."
Even so, nothing could be solved just by idle chatter. Shidou began to strike up a conversation with Tohka.
Then, at that moment. Tohka slashed the
"Uwa!?"
"Kya!"
Shidou was caught up in surprise and had to parry the attack with [Sandalphon]. Although he was still standing, there was an intense pain that began to spread from the two hands wielding the sword's hilt.
"Tch…"
Shidou felt a shudder. Although it appeared nothing to Tohka—the attack earlier was intended for Shidou.
If the attack wasn't blocked with [Sandalphon], Shidou would've likely been killed from the impact.
"So that's [Sandalphon]… why do you wield an Angel?"
Tohka's eyesight narrowed as she said so. It was an expression that was clearly hostile.
"Tohka! What… what's wrong with you! Do you remember me!?" Tohka started to frown as Shidou shouted.
"Tohka…? Are you referring to me?"
Tohka stared intensely at Shidou. Indeed, it was unlike the usual Tohka. It wasn't just limited to Shidou, she could not even remember her own name.
"What is… going on…"
Shidou tilted his face in confusion. At this point, his right earpiece began to emit a static noise, before it was being followed by Kotori's voice. It appears that the jamming has been removed with the destruction of the building's roof.
[Shidou! Shidou! Answer me! Shidou! What happened!?]
"I don't know! Tohka began acting weird after I was stabbed in the chest! Is that also a backflow of Reiryoku?"
[No–I'm afraid not.]
"Then, what should we do? Is it possible to seal Tohka's power!?"
[That… I don't know. There isn't a precedent. Before that, it's currently impossible given her affection levels for you.]
"In that case, what should we do…"
[We'll just have to pull her consciousness back here. If there is a possibility–] At the mention of "possibility", Shidou's eyebrow suddenly twitched.
"I see… in the end, I still have to do that." [What are you blabbering about?]
Tohka let out a cold voice, as though she was interrupting Shidou and Kotori's conversation.
"–Hmph, although I don't understand what you're on about, but that doesn't matter. I'll just finish you straight away. You don't seem to be as strong as that woman earlier."
With those words, Tohka lifted up her greatsword and charged at Shidou. "Kuwa…."
Having barely parried the first strike, but in the next instant, Tohka waved her greatsword again, attacking Shidou, whose hands were numb and unable to move.
"Ku–"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Just as the attack was about to connect, Miku let out a loud squeal, creating an invisible barrier, barely blocking the attack.
"Miku…!"
"Please don't get the wrong idea. Haven't I already said it? I hate those men who say [love], [important] and [to the end], yet they'll just as easily eat their words."
"Eh…?"
"You, haven't you said so? You'd try to rescue Tohka even if it'll cost you your life. Then, carry that responsibility to the end. Don't… disappoint me. I… I came here to witness that."
"Miku–"
Shidou looked at Miku, and then nodded firmly. "Yes… you're right."
Shidou began to grip [Sandalphon] with renewed strength as he glared at Tohka.
"Alright, Tohka. It's almost morning. Let's go home and eat. If you apologize now, I'll make you your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner."
"…What the hell are you talking about?"
Tohka tightened her eyebrows in shock. Shidou sighed slightly and ran towards Tohka. But at this instant, Tohka waved her greatsword. Although it was parried with [Sandalphon], Shidou was knocked back to his original spot.
"Ugu…!"
"What are you even doing–. That was cringeworthy."
"Shut up, we don't have any better ideas! We have to approach her first, or we can't do anything…!"
Listening to Shidou's words, Miku huffed as she touched her eyebrow. "So as long as you can approach Tohka, you'd be able to do something?"
"…, yeah, that's right. Although I can't say it will be successful, we won't know unless we try." "Mm–hmph… is that so."
Miku answered, uninterested. Then, she twirled once, as though she was dancing, and then stepped on the ground with her foot.
"[Gabriel] — [Rondo]!"
Then, as though it was clustering Miku, several silver tubes appeared from the ground, and all of them were facing Miku as though they were microphones.
No, it wasn't just that. Metallic tubes began to appear from throughout the destroyed floor, with their heads bent and facing Miku.
"…it's okay. I'm just doing this for once. I'll be giving you, the blockhead who is stupid enough to run in here unarmed to rescue Tohka, just one chance."
"Eh…?"
"I'll use a defensive voice to pressure Tohka from all around. While I cannot say for sure how long can I hold her, but her movements should be halted for a short while. In that time, you can test what kind of method you intend to use."
"Miku, you…"
"Do you want to try? Or not?"
Miku said in a no-nonsense tone. Shidou glared at Tohka, before making a step forward and nodding his head.
"Let's do this!"
"Then, I'm beginning–"
Miku leant backwards to take a deep breath. "———————"
She let out a resounding, high pitched sound into her Angel's organ that surrounded the entire area.
[Gabriel]'s tubes caused Miku's voice to resound in the area, as though an unseen hand had grabbed Tohka. Tohka's hands were held unnaturally and bound to her body as though it was being tied up.
"Mou–what, what the hell is this."
Tohka frowned in displeasure, and began to exert strength in an attempt to free herself. At this point, Miku's voice increased by a few octaves due to the pain.
"Mi–"
Shidou stopped the urge to call out for Miku, as he regained his footing.
There was no meaning in calling for her. In fact, it will just waste the valuable time that Miku is buying.
Then, Shidou could only advance. Tohka stepped on the floor violently with her foot. The floor's material disintegrated instantly, and the pieces flew towards Shidou like shrapnel.
"Kuwaaaa–"
Although some of the material was blocked by [Sandalphon], his body was soiled by mud everywhere. A sudden pain caused Shidou to nearly pause temporarily.
But, he can't just stop for something as trivial as this. He protected his face with his hand, resisting the incoming pain from the impact, as he continued advancing towards Tohka.
Then, with a "tch", an annoyed Tohka clicked her tongue. "–Annoying."
With that, Tohka inhaled deeply, and slowly moved her body forward, gripping her wrist as though she was trying to break free of her musical bonds.
"——!?"
Miku's voice continued to lower–and then.
"—"
Miku opened her eyes in desperation.
She had intended to increase her power to resist Tohka, to increase the strength of her bonds–at then.
At this point, she couldn't let out any sound. "–, –!"
Words formed in her mouth, but she couldn't vocalise it for some reason. There was only a raspy sound from her throat.
"Wha…!"
"Hmph."
Shidou's panicked voice and Tohka's annoyed voice came simultaneously.
At the moment Miku's voice stopped, the silver tubes of [Gabriel] would collapse, as the sound barrier binding Tohka vanished.
It appears that she has overused her power. In a day alone, she had an unprecended usage of her [Voice] and her Angel. Besides that, she had been fighting Tohka, a Spirit several magnitudes stronger than her, and she was barely binding her with her sound barrier. It was not unexpected for her to lose her power and voice temporarily.
"Hmph. Acting smart, I see."
Tohka huffed as she raised [Nahema].
–it wasn't aimed at Shidou, but rather, at Miku. "Wha…!"
Shidou held his breath. He still hasn't gotten to Tohka's position. "You'd dare to constrain me. Do you not know your limits?" With that–Tohka struck with her sword.
"–"
Even if she tried to shout, she couldn't vocalise anything. Miku smiled weakly, as she didn't even make an attempt to dodge, merely remaining in her original spot. No… to be precise, she lacked the strength to even dodge.
To think that in an instant, Miku would meet her end at the blade of [Nahema]. Although her Astral Dress was still intact, it was unlikely for it to survive the next blow.
But then, that was unavoidable.
From the start, Miku was useless outside of her singing. She had absolutely nothing aside from that.
Hence, a Miku without her songs, voice and music was worthless.
Nobody would love Miku without her [Song]. Nobody would protect Miku without her [Voice]. Nobody would believe Miku without her [Music].
She was already aware of that since the start.
To think of it, there was a high possibility of this occurring. Having infiltrated into this Wizard-infested building. In fact, it was her own fault for running into here on her own accord.
She had already gotten three Spirits under her command, and she should have been using this time to enjoy herself. Why did she even come here?
Miku asked herself–before silently smiling. That's right. It was for that man. Itsuka Shidou.
The man who would sacrifice his own life for Tohka, the very type of man that Miku hated. She came, to witness his resolve, or his tragic end.
She was shocked when she heard that Itsuka Shidou had appeared at the Japanese branch of DEM Industries. To think that he would actually ignore his own safety to rescue Tohka.
–Truthfully speaking.
Even if it was just once, Miku wanted to see for herself.
It was because Miku had utterly lost hope in mankind, in men.
She wanted to see, a human, who would love someone from his heart. Shidou, he has yet to give up.
To get back the person most important to him, he would put his life in great peril, yet not stop.
If.
If only, Miku had met a man like him earlier.
Even if she had just a small portion of the love he had for Tohka.
–I could've, walked a much different path–
With a sound that couldn't be vocalised, Miku slowly shut her eyes. But.
"Miku–"
Just as Shidou howled, a large sound came from ahead, causing Miku to immediately reopen her eyes.
As Shidou shouted Miku's name, his direction changed subconsciously.
It wasn't a calculated decision made because he cannot reach Tohka from that distance.
It was because, purely, he had wanted to help Miku. His body moved due to that. The only thought he had, was to not let Miku die.
And–not to let Tohka kill Miku.
But, this attack was different from the previous, as though that was merely a joke. It was impossible to completely parry the blow with just [Sandalphon].
With just the power in Shidou's hand, he was too weak to protect Miku. There was– there was, something else he needed.
If only, he had the strength to protect Miku…!
–At that moment when Shidou made his wish. "…!?"
There was an icy feeling, on Shidou's left hand.
Part 3
"Eh......... "
Suddenly. While flying in the sky on
The moment she was about to shoot a pillar made from condensed vapor in the air to the wizards, an odd feeling that felt like a light layer of curtain surrounding
her consciousness got taken away or a tree rooted in her mind got extracted, attacked her.
"Just now...eh? Eh?"
After a beat, Yoshino opened her eyes in surprise and looked around.
---What was she doing?
That fundamental question filled her mind.
No, she understood. Yoshino has manifested her Astral dress and Angel-
She got a slight headache when she tried thinking about it. [Yoshinon] dwelling inside
"Huh...? Yoshino. Why are we here again?"
"Y-Yoshinon too….... ?"
"Uuuun, it's like, a hole popped open in my mind. I remember watching the Tennou festival stage event…......... bu-bu-but"
[Yoshinon] started giving off weird sounds and shook it's giant body as if it was feeling itchy. Yoshino opened her eyes in surprise at [Yoshinon]'s sudden state.
"W-what's wrong, Yoshinon"
"Hnnnn, no, somehow, I felt a different weird kind of feeling compared to the other one just now........ "
"A weird...... feeling?"
"Yeah yeah. It's like you know. Like my power getting sucked away?"
"............ ?"
Yoshino tilted her head in wonder.
But, they didn't have the leisure to have a conversation. The reason was simple. The AST who were cautious of them all fired their Gatling gun at her.
"Kya------ "
"Wa-wa-wah!"
The same time Yoshino lost her breath, [Yoshinon] moved through the sky with sliding movements and barely dodged all of it.
But of course, the attack did not end there. A group standing by behind her was pointing their laser canon at Yoshino.
"Okay, fire!"
The same time the female that might be the captain raised her voice, all of the Wizards pulled the trigger.
However, faster than them for an instant, strong wind pressure attacked the AST members who were ready with their weapons.
"Guwah.............. !?"
The 10 meter giant condensed big typhoon of crazy energy scattered the AST members to all directions along with their Territory. The Maryoku light fired by the laser cannon extended out to the ground and sky which was unpopulated.
"Kaka, how lukewarm! Too lukewarm! Getting blown away must mean this. Well, it's harder to believe to block our
"Question. Are you okay, Yoshino, Yoshinon"
After saying that, the girls who caused the wind flew in the sky to Yoshino. "Kaguya-san......... Yuzuru-san!"
After Yoshino called their names, the sisters who were wearing the same maid outfit as Yoshino, nodded in response.
But, there was one shadow who charged at the Yamai sisters even after she got blown away. It was a girl wearing a different suit than the other members------
Origami. She rushed at the both of them while swinging her laser claw. " !"
Although, it seems that her body was already in shambles. After Kaguya [Fuu] shot a cluster of condensed wind, Origami took it at her stomach and bends her body in a くshape.
Yuzuru gentle supported Origami's body when it was about to fall to the ground powerlessly.
"Confusion. Master Origami. What is......... "
"Shi-dou............ "
Origami did not answer Yuzuru's question and lost consciousness after leaving those words.
After Yuzuru looked troubled, she flew towards the AST members who were blown away just now while carrying Origami and carefully handed over her body to them before flying back to Yoshino and Kaguya.
"W-what...are"
The captain who received Origami asked suspiciously.
But, Yoshino did not answer her. They were the ones that want to ask what was happening here.
"-------and, I have one question to ask Yoshino. Why are we here?" "Consent. I thought we were at the Tennou Festival hall"
It seems that the Yamai sisters also can't grasp the current situation. They thought they were able to get some kind of information but-----
And. ".......... !"
Yoshino, the Yamai sisters, and also [Yoshinon] dwelling in
Within the war zone filled with explosions and Maryoku spreading around, a louder explosion and strong Reiryoku wave was confirmed.
"J-just now…....... "
Yoshino looked up and mumbled blankly--------The Yamai sisters who were making the same face as Yoshino looked at each other.
Part 4
"Ah----- "
Maybe she recovered after a moment of rest; she leaked her voice.
However, Miku had something more in concern. Before her most important voice, her consciousness was taken away by the event in front of her.
Shidou went in between Miku and Tohka to block an attack from
---Up his raised left hand, he made a barrier described as a wall of cold air. "........... !?"
The surrounding temperature dropped and white mist were floating around. It might be the effects of Reiryoku; small crystals of condensed water were floating in the air and were melting when it touched Miku's skin.
Miku has seen this before somewhere.
Yes------it is quite similar to Yoshino's Angel
After saying that, Shidou took a glance at Miku. "waa, aee----- "
She said it with her voice which she still can't use properly yet. When she did that, Shidou who survived
"I--- promised"
"Eeh…...... ?"
Miku brought her eyebrows closer at Shidou's words----and twitched her shoulders.
She recalled the conversation she had just now in the building.
(----Then what, will you risk your life to save me if i was in a tight situation like Tohka-san!?)
(Of course!)
It's true that Shidou said that.
After Miku placed her hands on her mouth, her whole body started trembling. Tears fell from her opened yes.
"Ah-ah.......... "
He protected it. This person did. Shidou did.
He protected her. Miku. The [Voice]-less Miku. The Miku who should have lost all of her value.
He protected it. That small promise------ !
There was a numb feeling in the depths of her throat. Miku was sobbing softly while unconsciously extending her hands to Shidou's hand.
Her finger touched Shidou's hand. Why? Even though it's the body of a male that will make her feel like puking even with a finger touch, nothing displeasing was coming up when she touched Shidou.
And. Miku noticed something off there.
Tohka who released that attack just now, was pressing her forehead with her left hand and was groaning painfully.
"U-uu....Shidou...…..Shidou........... "
"...…..?"
Miku heard Tohka groaning words and slightly frowns her eyebrows.
Tohka certainly said [Shidou] just now. Perhaps, her memories came back…...... ?
However.
"Uu-A-Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!"
After Tohka shouted, she stabbed
"A-guh.......... "
A huge wound was formed at the left hand which has its Astral dress torn off by Ellen's attack, and blood was flowing down profusely. It seems that Tohka finally calmed down because of that.
No, calming down might be a wrong expression. Tohka glared at Shidou with bloodshot eyes and pulled out
"Such trickery...! Are you trying to mislead me, human!"
After saying that, Tohka kicked the ground to fly up to the sky and swung her giant sword up to the sky.
"Understood-----then with this attack, I will obliterate you without even any dust left!"
A mysterious ripple appeared in the void when she did that and a giant throne several times taller than Tohka appeared from there.
The throne then separated in the sky and started covering the sword Tohka was carrying.
Each time the throne fragments fused, black particles would scatter around while the giant sword turned bigger and malicious.
When the last fragment fused with the sword----
The tip was thrust to the sky as if it was going to cut the moon. "----- with my [Paverschlev]…....... !!"
Tohka made a roaring declaration.
Shidou opened his eyes wide when he saw that.
Tohka gripped the sword handle stronger. When she did that, black particles started concentrating around the space of the giant blade.
".....!"
Miku gasped and tried to make a voice barrier. But, she hasn't recovered enough Reiryoku to use her Angel------even if she was able to achieve it; she didn't think she could block that attack.
".......... uh"
She can't let Shidou die without doing anything. Miku hugged Shidou's body as if to cover for him and faced her back at Tohka.
"Miku...... !?"
"...…, ...!"
Shidou shouted but, Miku did not get away. Even she does not understand her own actions.
But, it's just obscure. She just doesn't want to break her promise with this boy. She wants Tohka to be saved-----yes, that's what she thought.
Nonetheless, she could understand with one look of that tremendous Reiryoku poured in that sword. Most likely, the attack that's going to be shot now will be an incomparable destructive attack that will slice everything in view. It's not something that Miku's small body can block. Miku's body will probably evaporate together with Shidou in a moment later.
"Disappear, human....... !"
Tohka shouted and swung her sword glowing darkly at Shidou. only that action caused echoes of creaks at the surrounding space.
But
"...…!?"
Before Tohka could finish swinging her sword.
Miku felt the surrounding temperature drop even lower even though it was already low.
"
"Alright, let's do this!"
The same time a familiar voice echoed, torrent of cold air attacked Tohka. "Kuh....... ?"
Tohka frowned her face and made a Reiryoku wall around her to offset the attack.
When looked over, they saw Yoshino attached to a giant rabbit floating in the sky.
"Tohka-san...…..! What happened to you.....!? For you to attack Shidou- san is just…...... !"
Miku felt something off from Yoshino's words----before opening her eyes wide. She probably got released from Miku's control when Miku lost her voice.
And. ".................. eh?"
Miku left Shidou's body at that moment.
It's because Shidou's body started generating heat like a flame.
"Damn you------how impudent…..... !"
Tohka blocked the wind and cold air attack while preparing with [Paverschlev] and frowned her face.
While looking at that scene, Shidou gentle pulled Miku's body off because she came in front to cover Shidou.
A glowing sword of light
Yes. When Tohka released her attack at Miku, Shidou manifested the Angel of cold air in his left hand like what he did with
"Ah....uu....!"
Miku pulled Shidou's sleeve. It seems that she was worried about him. But, he has to go. Shidou smiled at Miku.
"....i'll be going now. To save the princess. -----To protect my promise" "Aah................. "
After saying that, Miku quietly let go of her hand and nodded.
No matter if it's Yoshino; it seems that it's hard to completely pressure the Tohka now in her Limit release form. Shidou's body will most likely get blown away the moment he gets close.
But, why? Shidou was looking up at that Tohka in an oddly calm manner.
Was it the influence of continuous use of Angel with his body; his whole body hurts as if it was torn into pieces. And,
But, Shidou's legs did not stop at all. He was slowly but certainly getting closer to Tohka.
"--- Tohka"
"...…!"
Tohka twitched her shoulders in fear when Shidou called her name.
But, Tohka swung her head with to get it off and shouted before raising her giant sword and swung it down.
"
It was in an instant. Shidou's view was covered in darkness.
---a sound that sounds like the sky splitting echoed nearby.
Next off, everything touching the extension of the sword Tohka was swinging, caused one line.
It has reached, the building with one part scrapped off, the ground shown below, the buildings lined up unfolding down there and the mountain visible at the furthest back in view.
And, the Reiryoku wave passed through that line and obliterated every existence in the line.
It's neither a joke nor a metaphor. Everything touching that torrent of black Reiryoku were compressed, pulverized, turned into particles and disappeared into the wind.
"......!"
Miku, who was lying on the building floor, lowered her body to prevent getting blown away by the after-wind of the slash which was passing by in front of her while letting air out from her throat.
The building, city, and ground formed a straight line of nothingness. Yoshino was in the sky; she probably got blown away by the after-wind when Tohka swung
But, no matter how much she looks around. She could not find Shidou there.
The place Shidou was standing just now was gouged out deeply and turned into a giant crevasse.
"...….! ......!"
Miku raised an inaudible voice to call Shidou's name.
However, there was no reply. Either he was erased by [Paverschlev]'s attack or he was swallowed by the building's cracks. No matter which one it is--------- Shidou
was gone.
"Fu---- haha-hahahahahahaha!"
The moment Miku dropped her palms on the ground, Tohka's loud laugh echoed up in the sky.
"He's gone. He's gone. Finally-----he's gone. The cunning and crafty human that was misleading me...... !"
Tohka shouted that out and spread both her hands.
After Miku clenched her teeth, she glared at Tohka with a sharp gaze. But------ her
eyes opened wide in surprise there. " "
Further up the moon floating in the sky behind Tohka.
"Fuun, what are you talking, my kinsman. Aren't you still missing a step to take pride in victory?"
"Protect. I am deeply in love with our foresight if I say so myself"
---Shidou was wrapped with the wind produced by Kaguya and Yuzuru and was floating in the sky.
It was a weird floating feeling. Even though he gone through a 15000 meter in one go with
The moment Tohka swung [Paverschlev], Kaguya and Yuzuru appeared from the building shadow's and just barely saved Shidou. It seems that, they saw this coming from the start and was hiding.
"Sorry and thanks, both of you"
"Kaka, don't sweat it. This is easy for us"
"Consent. Your safety is all that matters.----more importantly" "Yeah, counting on you two"
Kaguya and Yuzuru nodded at Shidou's words before maneuvering [El Re'em] and [El Nachash].
They then threw Shidou to Tohka along with the wind barrier still covering him. No-----dropped might be a better way to put it. Shidou's body which was covered with the wind was falling quickly like a ball towards Tohka.
"----- Wha"
Tohka probably noticed Shidou approaching and looked above.
"Why you-------so you were still alive........... !"
After saying that, she released [Paverschlev] and swung
Was it because she can't perform repetitive shots of [Paverschlev], or she judged that she won't make it to complete gathering power. No matter which one it was, it was still undeniable fact that it's a fatal attack to Shidou.
"Kuh---- "
There was 30 meters left. Judging by the falling speed, he would probably reach in a few seconds.
But that instant was too long for Tohka. Before Shidou could reach Tohka, she could probably swing
" ah"
For some reason, only for a moment there. Tohka, who swung
The Spirit, who swung her sword up, suddenly got controlled by a sudden feeling that passed through her mind.
The moment she saw the human holding
"This scene, where have i "
---Seen this before.
The moment she recognizes that, her memories--------scenes which she was supposed to be unknown to her, started showing out in her head one after another.
A Spiriti swinging a giant sword upward. And a boy falling down the sky calling a name.
(TooohkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaa—!!) "Toh------ka...................... "
The name echoed in her memories.
If she's correct. That name was the name the human approaching now from the sky, used to call her.
Tohka. Tohka. It's a word not familiar to her. But, that------
"Kuh............ "
Instantly-------a sharp pain rain through her mind. And in that instant gap.
"---- Tohka!"
The boy falling down from the sky was closing close to her. "Yo, Tohka. I came to save you"
"You....... !"
She made a grim face and poured strength into the hand holding the sword. But, he was completely in her chest area. It's clear that the boy can pierce
The Angel. He threw the only weapon that can injure her away into the sky. But, the boy performed an action beyond her expectations.
And at the same time too, the cold air swirling around his left hand dispersed. Basically, he became completely defenseless in front of an enemy.
"You, what are------ "
"It hurts...….holding this right?"
After the boy said that, he hugged her while making a somewhat nervous face. "Wha....you----- "
Without understanding the boy's intentions, she frowned her eyebrows. But, she couldn't finish her sentence.
The reason was simple. The boy was pushing his own lips onto her lips. Her head was in chaos at the sudden event.
---What is this guy doing? To his enemy. In a battle. A kiss? For what? To take me by surprise? Then why would he throw his sword? I don't understand. My view is getting fuzzy. My consciousness is getting blurry. [Shidou] Shidou? That name grazed my mind and it's making me fall even more in chaos. My head is dizzy. Fragments of [Shidou]'s face which were buried were [Shidou] coming out. [Shidou], it's like this body isn't mine [Shidou] at all. [Shidou] that name was devouring my consciousness. [Shidou] I feel disgusted each time that name echoes [Shidou] but, it doesn't feel so bad. [Shidou] Aah why did I forget. He was the one who named me. [Shidou] he was the one that flipped my existence---
--
"-----Shi-dou......... ?"
Tohka's throat vibrated and called the boy hugging her.
And to match with that, the dark Astral dress covering Tohka, and the sword she was holding, turned into particles and melt into the air.
She wasn't that shocked though. Those don't belong to Tohka. It's only normal that Tohka wasn't wearing them.
"............... ou"
After a short answer, Shidou smiled in relief------he then went limp like that. She quickly hugged his body tighter.
But, it wasn't a necessary worry. A wind veil was formed wrapping around both Tohka and Shidou and was slowly transporting them down to the ground.
Within that mysterious float, Tohka looked around her. The building with its upper part blasted away, and the line of city buildings separated in half. Yoshino and the Yamai sisters nearby and Miku lying down on the ground.
She doesn't understand anything at all. When Shidou was almost killed by Ellen, Tohka lost her consciousness the moment she felt that even counting on her Angel couldn't do anything.
"Guh........... "
But, Tohka's thoughts were interrupted by Shidou's short groan of pain. "Sh-Shidou! Are you okay!?"
"Ou....... somehow"
After Shidou said that, he somehow managed to stand with his own legs. His body was in wreckage and looked it was going to collapse anytime soon. To support Shidou, Tohka hugged his body tightly. "Tohka....are you alright too? What was that just now…......... ?"
"That...…..? What are you talking about?"
Tohka looked surprised while replying back. Shidou then made a difficult face before patting Tohka's head.
"No....never mind. I'll leave those stuff to Kotori and Reine-san. Right now----
welcome back, Tohka" "Mu....? Umu"
Tohka tilted her head for a moment------ but, nodded.
"I'm back...Shidou"
The same time she said that, morning sunlight started pouring in between the separated line of city buildings-----turning both of its shadows into one and projected itself thinly on the building's floor.
Part 5
Within the dark building filled with rubbles, several shadows were squirming about.
With the morning sun just rising, it was early in the morning and what's more; the Spacequake alarm was being set off so no human would slip into this place but.......if some stranger were to see this scene then, they would first doubt this to be an illusion.
That's because, all of the girls there had the same face without an inch of difference.
"-----DEM second branch building, the targeted person wasn't there" "The top research lab is a miss"
"Tohka-san was the only one at the 1st branch roof"
While hearing reports from the voices of [Herself] one after another, Kurumi sighed tiredly while sitting on a rubble.
"Looks like...…this is a miss too"
Even though she wasted almost 1000 of her clones, it wasn't that productive. After Kurumi sighed disappointedly, she made a small shrug with her shoulders.
"-----the captured Spirit. I wonder where you are"
She mumbled quietly.
Yes. That was what Kurumi was searching for. The 2nd Spirit confirmed in the world.
---the only existence that has knowledge of the Spirit of Origin.
Even if she eats Shidou who has Spirit Reiryoku, and used [Yud Bet12th bullet], it will be meaningless if she doesn't kill the Spirit of Origin.
She was captured by DEM industries and was the Spirit that was imprisoned in a facility somewhere in the world.
In order to find her, Kurumi brought up the idea on cooperating with Shidou. Nonetheless----it seems that it was all for naught this time.
"Well, I don't much of a choice. I guess I'll end this here since I got Shidou-san to pat my head today.----right, all of me?"
After Kurumi said that, the several Kurumi squirming in the darkness disappeared into the shadow.
"Itsuka Shidou-sama
On the third day of the Tenou Festival, 2:50 in the afternoon, please come to the lounge at the backstage of the central stage.
There's something I want to talk to you about in private. If you don't come I'll get angry!
Yours sincerely, Miku"
… And so, this letter which was clearly in a tone completely different from before (and with a kiss print to boot) was sent to Shidou, the evening after the incident with DEM Industries.
"Doing all that… just what"
Shidou read the note in his hand once more, scratching the back of his head.
September 25, Monday. Tenou Festival Day 3 — the third day after the battle with DEM Industries' Japanese branch.
After receiving a whole day of thorough examinations on the
Compared to the first day, there were noticeably much fewer people. Of course, Tenou Festival Day 3, supposedly only for the students of the ten schools to participate in, was also the so-called after-night festival.
—In the end, the mysterious huge riot that occurred in Tenguu Square, was determined to be caused by special hallucinogens spread in a terrorist attack.
Although Shidou felt that this was too reckless, Miku's followers who had suddenly awakened yesterday morning, could not remember a thing about being manipulated, and didn't go and investigate the truth either. However illogical the matter was they had to accept it as truth. That no one died in the commotion was already a fortune out of a misfortune.
The damage done to DEM Industries' Japan branch, was also changed to be due to a particular spacequake. Although surveillance cameras still preserved images of some sort, they wouldn't deliberately showcase the battles between Spirits and Wizards in front of the public.
Kurumi who had helped Shidou, had left before he knew it. He thought she would come to ask him for a request… but since then, she didn't appear in front of Shidou again.
He moved around the festival area, walking slowly.
Due to the disturbance, the second day of the Tenou Festival had to be abruptly stopped, and whether the third day could go on was also lurched in precariousness… in the end because of the students' enthusiasm and
And from the looks of it, the programs on the second day that were halted will be held again tomorrow… that being the case the schedule changed to having the after-night festival being followed by the cultural festival, but the students didn't seem to mind.
"Kuku… Shidou. You've already fully recovered? Fuu — as expected of the man I fancy"
"Question. Tohka still can't come?"
Passing by the maid café, Kaguya and Yuzuru wearing maid costumes asked Shidou.
"Yeah, looks like the examinations are still incomplete. I'll have to buy her a gift" "Hmm… I see — then, Shidou, why are you dressed like a boy today?" "Coherence. Yuzuru is also curious. What happened to Shiori?"
"Dressed like a boy… I'm a guy to begin with!"
Shidou scowled as he cried out loud, while the Yamai sisters happily laughed. I'll come back he said, and waving back, Shidou left the maid café.
That's right. Today Shidou, has something that he must do.
Passing through the booth, he walked towards the central stage. When he opened the door, he heard cheerful tunes and deafening cheers.
Standing on the stage was Miku. Wearing her Astral Dress, singing with her captivating "voice". That everyone was going wild as a result was only natural.
After her performance ended, Miku's shoulders slightly undulated, as she thanked the audience. At that the hall burst into thunderous applause.
"Thank you very much, everyone! Really—"
After that, Miku left the stage. The audience clapped again, shouting Miku's name.
Passing through so many people to get to the lounge would be difficult. Shidou left the stage, and entered by the staff-only passageway.
Then standing in front of the door to the lounge, he knocked on the door. "Yes, come in–"
From inside came this reply. Shidou steadied his breathing and opened the door.
In the lounge, Miku was alone sitting on a chair. A bottle of sports drink was placed next to her, and around her neck hung a towel.
After the DEM incident, even when Miku regained her "voice", she never put up any form of resistance, and obediently followed the instructions of the
As Shidou was not present and thus unable to seal Miku's powers,
Actually—
"! You came, dar–ling–!"
Miku said with an energetic voice, as she jumped out of the chair, and suddenly hugged Shidou.
"D, darling…!?"
This sudden behaviour took Shidou aback. He couldn't help but look at Miku's childlike carefree smile.
"You… what's going on. I thought you hated men…" "Ufufu, darling is special. You're even my saviour"
As she said that, she brought her body even closer. Miku's buxom chest pressed against him.
"Wait…"
Shidou's shoulder shuddered. Then he understood. From Miku's face came an amused smile. …As if, it was like her response to his Shiori-chan persona.
Indeed, after the time with DEM Miku's mental state was extremely stable — In addition, it was even said that her affection level towards Shidou had risen sharply… who would have thought that it would be this extreme.
Although he already had this feeling before, sure enough, her character, or rather, her values were like a child's. A thing that she originally really hated, due to a trigger she would become very fond of it. To her, that switch would be the DEM incident.
Shidou gave a wry smile. Thinking of the letter, he asked.
"Then… Miku. You said you wanted to talk, what did you want to talk about?" "Aaah, right"
Miku nodded her head as if thinking of something. Without any unnecessary actions, facing Shidou—
She tiptoed, and kissed Shidou.
"…!?"
It was so sudden, that Shidou opened his eyes wide and was at a loss. However, Miku silently hugged Shidou's body, with no intention of parting lips.
"Mm…"
"…mm"
As the two kissed, Shidou felt something warm flow into his body—
At the same time, the Astral Dress Miku was wearing, also disintegrated into light particles and melted into the air.
"Wah… ah!"
She must have noticed this point, because Miku finally let go of Shidou's lips. "How come you're so impatient… d, darling is really perverted…"
"N, no! I'm not…"
"Ufufu, just kidding — from Yoshino and the others, I, know everything" As she said that, Miku tightly clung to Shidou's body, as she smiled. "Eh…?"
Shidou frowned. What she heard from Yoshino and the others — yes, it must be, the method to seal a Spirit's power.
In other words Miku, knowing that her own power would be sealed, still kissed with Shidou.
"Miku, you…"
Miku who was afraid of losing her "voice", why would she do that.
Listening to Shidou speaking with a nerd-like tone, Miku lightly opened her mouth.
"Because that time… you and I made a promise" "That time?"
"Yes– ...if I lost my "voice", even if others didn't want me anymore, Shidou-san would still be my fan. That — it wasn't a lie was it?" (TL note: Yes, no 'darling' here. I was surprised too)
"Aaah…"
In the DEM Japan branch building, Shidou did say such a thing. He nodded. "Of course"
Staring into Miku's eyes, Shidou replied firmly.
This was neither a joke nor a scripted response. Even for Shidou who normally had no interest in idol singers or whatnot, he would still be touched by Miku's singing.
Then Miku looked at Shidou, revealing a carefree smile.
"… You, kept our promise. If it's you, there's no problem. Only you… I can trust" Her hands hugging Shidou with even more force, Miku continued.
"Even if I lose my "voice". Even if everyone else doesn't turn up to hear me sing
— as long as you're there, then, that's enough. If it comes to that… I will sing, just for you"
"Miku—"
Shidou pursed his lips and opened his hands intending to return Miku's hug.
However, just before he was about to hug Miku.
The lounge door opened, and a girl wearing the Rindouji school uniform walked in.
"Miku-san, the audience is strongly demanding for another song, there's no way we can carry on with the next event! Sing another song — eh, eh…!?"
The girl held still her door opening action there and then.
And no wonder. A popular idol with her clothes stripped off, (looking as if she's) about to be violated by a unknown man.
"S, someone help! Someone helllllppppp!" "Hey…! Wait! This is a misunderstanding!"
Shidou hurriedly turned towards the girl, who in her confused state turned her gaze, and then ran away.
Miku looking at Shidou rooted to his spot, finally couldn't help but laugh.
"Ahaha, isn't it better for you to run away quickly? Won't you get caught at this rate?"
"You, it's not funny is it…"
Hearing Shidou's words, Miku laughed again, before lifting her face. "… But, that child, just now requested for another song"
"Eh? Ah… yes"
"Then, I can't not go. As for the clothes… right, I'll borrow some from the maid café — will you come and watch? Darling"
Miku asked. Her eyes were filled with anxiety — as well as that which surpassed said anxiety, a radiance filled with a strong will.
"Okay!"
Shidou nodded firmly.
—On the stage, shone the light from the spotlight.
Right now, the venue which was filled with voices that kept demanding for another song was rendered silent by a shout…
"W–ell, everyone. We meet again–"
Wearing a maid costume Miku again took the stage, and the hall once again rang with cheers.
Shidou was among the audience watching Miku.
Having fled from the lounge before anyone showed up, Shidou went by the entrance of the stage to get to the hall, where he waited for Miku to make her appearance.
"Thank you for requesting for another song — however you can't do that, you're going to trouble the operating staff"
Miku said while pretending to be slightly angry, and the venue filled with replies of "Sor–ry".
"However, I'm also very happy–. —And so, today, I'll specially sing a song that I feel is the most important to me"
After that, Miku started drumming her fingers. And then, from the stage played a cheerful tune.
Needless to say, the venue was drowned by the cheers, but at the same time, the loud music also clearly flowed into their ears.
"This is…"
Shidou said, watching Miku.
The song that Miku, who had suffered from aphonia, had been about to sing on the stage.
"————! "
Miku quickly started singing, that song that she had not sung for a long time.
In that song, there was no longer any captivating power. The audience also felt that there was a difference between Miku's usual "voice" and this, and they started having doubts.
However — as the song played, the audience also started getting as wild as they were at the concert two days ago.
Moreover, it was in no way inferior to the frenzy they had when they kept requesting for another song.
—Finally, the song ended, and the stage was surrounded by applause and cheers. "…"
Watching the venue filled with cheers, Miku clenched the microphone, tears streaming down her eyes.
"Everyone… thank you, very much…"
You could hear the constant noise from the audience in the gallery, as well as Miku's voice which was full of energy. However––
"Thank you… very much, darling… I love you!"
Hearing their idol suddenly saying words with such a deep meaning, the venue suddenly filled with commotion… Shidou with sweat forming on his face, quickly left.