Part 1
Toujou Basara having opened his eyes, was on top of a huge bed.
"Where…"
Trying to raise his body from his state, Basara noticed the handcuffs fitted on
his both hands. Both his hands were restrained over his head and chained
together in the bed board. Then, as his mind waked up completely, Basara
recalled what happened before he lost consciousness.
"Oh yeah… I…to Takigawa"
Still, there was no place in his body that hurt, and there are no serious injuries
and bleeding either.
…I was taken easy.
Having thought that fact, Basara tried moving his head, and looked at the
surroundings where he was again.
The wall the floor, and the ceiling, everything was made of stone excluding
the door. It was a closed room with no windows and only a door. There are
no other kinds of furniture and all other furnishings except for the bed that
Basara was lying into. However, the place was not too shabby for an isolation
cell either. The interior was needlessly large for a prison, and the bed that he
slept that has a canopy engraved seemed luxurious with the decorative details
engraved on it. Knitting his eyebrows in the strange place, Basara in order to
confirm his own whereabouts, tried to locate the position of his partner bound
with the master-servant contract ——at that moment,
"...Mio?"
As the location of Mio which he was not able to detect was felt until a while
ago, Basara looked at the door entrance in high alert. On the contrary, Yuki's
presence can no longer be felt. Toujou Basara is now convinced.
This is the place where Mio was kept, the hideout of Zolgear.
——Therefore, Basara tried making an action immediately. At first he
confirmed whether there is any means oftaking off his handcuffs and a chain
restricting his body, and if impossible, looked for anything useful in his
surroundings to unlock his restraints. However, nothing is found at the place
other than the bed, after all.
"…hm?"
Then Basara noticed something inside the pocket of the jacket of his uniform.
So he raise his body to a near headstand utilizing his abdominal muscles
carefully, and a cellphone slipped out of the jacket and came out before long.
Catching it with his mouth, Basara bending his throat somehow, manage to
succeed and had carried the mobile phone to his hand by bending his wrist in
desperation, and confirmed its condition right away.
There are no problems with the battery and it seems fine. However,
"I knew it, it's out of range after all…"
The mobile phone of Basara has a special chip included in case of emergency
as similar to Jin. Though it can communicate even from the demon world,
this place where he could feel Mio's whereabouts seemed to be an exception.
This pace seemed to be covered with a special barrier, as expected.
However, Basara went through his mail, and when he had finished typing the
situation that has turned out so far, somehow, he addressed and send it to
Yuki. When the moment becomes available to communicate, the message
could be sent swiftly. As Basara sighed in grief, footsteps were heard from
outside the room. Panicking, he pushed the mobile phone between the pillow
and the head board, then the door is opened with a "clank".
Basara immediately closed his eyes, and made his pulse and breathing that
shook calm, pretended to be unconscious and peeked at the other party's
attitude. Then when the other party approached Basara slowly,
It's actions were the least what Basara had expected. As he came to check the
presence, the being went onto his bed and came above Basara's waist.
And then,
"I know that you're awake… Please open your eyes, Basara-san"
To the calm voice that seemed familiar, Basara reacted immediately.
As he opened his eyes, a young girl in her succubus form was before him.
"Maria…"
Upon calling that name, Maria showed a bittersweet smile, and then
"Surely, I didn't expect Basara-san to be brought here so quickly… Well,
thanks to that we are able to spend time for just the two of us alone, and for
that I am grateful." As she said that, she put her hand on Basara's jacket and
began opening the buttons of his shirt.
"You, what are you doing?..." "The continuation of what we had left when
we had entered the girls' locker room."
Maria declared as if it's a natural thing, unbuttoning all of what is in his shirt.
"There isn't anything you can do anymore Basara-san, now that you have
been captured already. Therefore, you should enjoy the moment at least for
the last. Basara-san's thing, I will make it feel good entirely."
Maria revealed a flirtatious smile, and as her tongue crept through the nape of
Basara, a small hand extended to the area of his waist and went to unfasten
his belt.
"Stop Maria, you mustn't do everything that Zolgear orders you to
do―――"
Basara cried out.
"Do you really think that he will really spare your family from being
hostage?"
At that moment,
"――――――"
Maria stopped all of a sudden. Therefore Basara continued talking.
"Do you really know that you are doing? Even you did it this way, your
family won't be saved. You are just being used to obtain Mio. Now that that
guy have obtained that her —— you will be of no longer use to him, and it
will be a matter of time that you will be taken care of!" Basara told, with his
voice cracked. "Certainly, the other party is a high ranking demon. It is no
wonder to give up one person in order to save your family. — But you have
us. There is no need giving up alone."
Right. It is too early to give up.
"Those guys' aim is Mio. First of all, let's rescue her. Once we come and get
her, the probability of you and the hostage getting killed will be far lower
than now."
Though the present situation is that she might have been threatened to kill the
hostages so she obeyed Zolgear's orders, and with the current situation where
Mio has been captured, not only Mio but Maria and her family's lives are in
danger.
"That's why ——"
He tried to say more, but no more words came from Basara's mouth. In front,
Maria's eyes stared at him as cold as ice that it completely took his words.
With a voice sounding with irritation,
"Haven't you hear what I have said? Basara-san can't do anything anymore.
Zolgear is not a naïve opponent whom you can win desperately. If it's
possible with such cheap tactics like that, I won't be deceiving Basara-san,
and have already talked about my circumstances and borrowed your power."
"Even so,… as for you, your family won't be saved even if you follow d him
either."
"As for that, I knew that without you telling me, Basara-san. But I as of now
cannot do anything but this ——his command, is to dominate Basara-san's
mind."
"Maria…"
You have been in agony all alone, suffering for a long time. Maria knew how
powerful and terrible Zolgear is, as he's willing to try any means in order to
achieve his purpose. Suffering and despair continued to pile up so high that
brushing them away is impossible.
However,
Basara has still not given up. At the end of summer vacation, I, Mio and
Maria ——
I decided that I will protect our new family. However, in reality, I couldn't
protect Maria.
——Certainly, Maria might have deceived Basara.
However, the times he had spent with he had spent with her, Toujou Basara
thought that it was not. The daily lives that she have spent with him, the smile
and the tears that Maria had expressed through the crises that they came
through, all of it contained truth. Maria was always beside him, giving a
smile, as they went through all of crises that came. If so, Basara must help
Maria this time. He doesn't want to lose something important to him anymore
the second time. And one of those important to him—— Naruse Maria, he
doesn't want to lose like the previous Basara. So,
"I don't want to hurt you. Please stop the useless resistance and behave
yourself"
"My bad…but that's impossible."
To Maria's quiet voice, Basara declared woth words of rejection.
"…although stories can control my heart… My mind cannot be manipulated
by your magic. Maria, like what you have said, will you please stop the
useless resistance?"
"…certainly, it is impossible for me as of now. But, if I cannot control
Basara's mind, I will show you that I can do it no matter what it takes" Yes.
"I will now reveal ――my trump card"
At the same time, a complex three-dimensional pattern of magic circle was
developed before the body of Maria. And, having appeared from the magic
circle,
"…A key?"
A pale pink shimmering key appeared from nothingness. It turned its tip
slowly towards Maria. Following its extension, was the keyhole mounted on
the chest of Maria's clothes. To the that keyhole, the key inserted itself
slowly, and
"Nn...Aah..."
In the depths of Maria chest who groaned a wet voice with an erotic face, it
turned automatically.
And then, a sound of a lock opening was heard.
"―――"
With a sudden twitch, Maria's whole body bent backward, and wrapped in a
rosy light.
The dim room was illuminated by Maria's dazzling light.
"Wha…"
Basara cannot help but be amazed by the phenomenon happening before his
eyes.
——And just as when the light settled down for a short while, sitting on top
of him, was the young Maria no longer. She transformed into an adult,
beautiful succubus.
"Are you….Maria?"
With proportions surpassing Mio, and height more slender than Yuki, her sex
appeal and atmosphere that became a little more mature surpassed that of the
two high school students. Although a little inferior compared to the school
nurse Hasegawa, she is still an outstanding beauty nonetheless, and before the
stupefied Basara, Maria leaked a "Yes" in reflex, showing an amorous smile.
"Come, Basara-san. The power of the baptism of the succubus —— please
savor it to your heart's delight"
As she said so, his eyes were focused on Maria's who is sitting astride his
body. That moment,
"―――"
In the consciousness of Toujou Basara, everything was consumed in an
instant.
The spirit of the central nervous system that is called the origin of existence
has overloaded. (!)
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
It was a mechanism that did Maria's transformation. To unlock her limiter
she used a magic key made up of spirit particles, and raised her abilities to a
higher level that her appearance changed. This is the last trump card of Maria
who was the only one left of Mio's bodyguards.
There is a time limit in this transformation. Furthermore when she had
transformed once she need a considerable period to be able to transform
again, and the usage is difficult too.
…Still,
Maria never transformed herself since the time when Mio's foster parents are
killed, where she had used it to escape along with Mio from the hands of the
demon Zolgear. Perhaps being the case as long as she doesn't do any rash
behavior and consumes excessive power, she could be able to perform in this
state within two hours.
Basara's eyes lost its focus, and when Maria confirmed that he had lost the
strength of his whole body,
"Now then, Basara-san… you may do me whatever you like."
Saying with a captivating smile, the handcuffs restraining Basara were
removed. Then,
"..."
With hollow eyes, Basara laid his hands on the bra top of the bondage suit
that Maria had been wearing, and forcibly slipped it upward in one go.
Maria's bountiful chest bounced as it was revealed up to the tip, and her body
was pushed down adversely by Basara who raised himself slowly.
"Nn…fufu, Basara is truly a brute one after all"
Maria revealed a smile. What Maria have done to Basara, is a mind
manipulation that amplifies their instinct as a man. Moving freely and acting
on his instincts, he is now in a state that earnestly desires for a woman. While
Basara pushed her down, he caressed the chest of Maria with his hand and
mouth, and the other hand made its way on her back and had begun to rub
Maria's butt from her panties.
"Ahn…Ha…Nu…Fu…"
Making a 'chup' sound, Basara separated his mouth from the chest of Maria,
a saliva remained was stretched out like a silk thread in between them lewdly.
Without giving time to catch her breath, Maria's other breast was sucked this
time. His hollow eyes gave somewhat a cold expression.
As Maria twisted her body in response to the sweet pleasure that welled up
inside her, Basara put up his knee in between her thighs and pried her legs
open. Therefore Maria clamped both of her legs to the waist of Basara, and
held his head who is still holding her chest. Basara then stuffed his mouth and
sucked her breasts up to the very tip to his heart's content. In the terrific
pleasure that arose immediately,
"——Fuaaaaaahnn….Yaa…"
"―――" A 'chup' sound was made, as Basara released his mouth from the
chest of Maria, and saliva poured like a thread lewdly. Without giving time to
catch her breath, Maria's other breast was sucked this time.
"Basara-san… Ahh, Basara-saaaan…"
Forcibly letting loose Basara's instinct, Maria's consciousness is melting
away.
——Zest told her that she was skillful in enticing a man. However, the bold
behavior that she always do to Basara, although she had brought Mio and
Yuki to surrender and give themselves to pleasure, Maria actually doesn't
have any tolerance to pleasure at all. By the fact that she is born in a succubus
race, her knowledge of that kind is abundant —— unfortunately, because she
was still very young, she had never experienced a tremendous pleasure
coming from a genuine article. And now that Maria had transformed into an
adult, the arousing feeling rose dramatically than normal.
"…If only I knew that we will do it like this, then I should have did it to
Basara earlier on the past."
Saying as she embraced Basara, at the same moment, tears were spilt in her
eyes.
If so —— doing the deed in this form, this moment would not become the
first and last time with Basara.
"…but, anyway…"
When she had met Basara, she could already do nothing but to follow
Zolgear. She couldn't do anything but keep on deceiving Mio and Basara
――― in other words, for Maria to be able to build a relationship was
impossible from the start.
"Come Basara-san… please mess me up with all your affections"
Finally, Maria gave Basara a definite order. Unleashing his instinct from his
mind control,
even when she knew that her first experience as a woman will be a rough and
violent one —— in truth, she will carve a wound in the heart of the gentle
Basara that will never disappear.
Cherishing the love of his partner who was done by dirtying her own hands
with her sin —— completely dominating the spirit of Basara, making him
fall, she united with him. (!)
"I'm sorry Basara-san. But don't worry, because you aren't alone… I also,
had become as sinful as you."
"―――"
Basaara strongly grasped both of her shoulders, pushing Maria against the
bed. Maria didn't resist. Becoming silent, she only waited be ruined by
Basara. However,
"Kuuo, Guu….aAAh…."
Basara didn't do anything. His body began to shake, making painful screams.
"No way… He even got my baptism directly"
Maria opened her eyes wide in surprise. Basara is trying to escape from her
mind control in Maria's transformed state. Making a stream of blood flowing
from his mouth by biting his lips firmly, Basara
"...Maria..."
His eyes regained its sanity. From here he gave a strong hug, and
"You said… that I may really do as I like"
He told her.
"I can help you —— from this situation that torments you, I'll save you by
all means"
With words with such power, he embraced her with gentleness. With her
heart almost swept unintentionally, Maria still shook off Basara's hand
violently and jumped back from the bed above. As she took distance from
him, her clothes that are about to come off when she laid down with him
were restored to normal, however, she stared at Basara with cold eyes. Basara
then got off the bed slowly, and from his arms ——materialized the demonic
sword Brynhild. As she saw it,
"So you want to take this by force then… Fine, I don't really dislike forceful
ways either"
Maria showed a sinister laugh, however, Basara responded with a movement
in silence.
Brynhild's tip pointed was not pointed to Maria, but it stabbed on a stone
pavement. With a clang, Brynhild that was pierced got stuck to the floor.
"…What's this all about? Don't tell me that you think you can win against
me without a weapon?"
Maria asked in suspicion, but Basara shook his head,
"I'm not thinking that I am able to win without using any weapons, even in
the slightest I don't intend to do such a thing."
However,
"I didn't come here to defeat you, I came to rescue you—— therefore
weapons are not necessary for that"
Basara stared at her with eyes of trust, but Maria laughed with a coldhearted
feeling,
"…Basara-san is too gentle. Even in this state, you still worry about me at the
bottom of your heart. However, having come this far, I cannot give up my
family's life."
"Let me give you a single advice, Basara-san… Certainly, in terms of
fighting power, Basara-san stronger than me. However, I in my current form
right now as your opponent, if you show some composure―――you'll die
you know?"
As she said so――― Maria released her own power.
Maria's whole body suddenly emitted an aura of energy beyond her limits.
With the level pof pressure rivaling that of Mio's Demon king predecessor's
power running wildly, her last advice was done to Basara.
Basara clenched his theeth, and endured the pressure that hit him. And the
next moment,
From Maria's viewpoint, Basara's figure suddenly disappeared.
——if I have no way to persuade her if she doesn't want to hear me, then I
will force her to hear what I say. Perhaps restricting himself from injuring
Maria, he still intended to persuade her.
Being a speed type, if Basara put in his seriousness with his speed, usually
Maria could hardly catch up to chase himself by her own eyes. However,
"―――It's useless"
Maria avoided Basara who is going to catch her by one step aside.
"I will say this again——Basara-san, there is nothing that you can do now."
As soon as she told so, Maria's right fist landed to Basara with quite an
impact.
Part 2
Zest that stayed in the hall to watch Mio, was watching the situation through
the crystal ball.
To the figure of the beautiful succubus whom he moved his body in
Godspeed, his body was blown off without mercy.
"…I see. So that's why"
Zest now understood. That the time Zolgear is about to kidnap Mio, to rescue
her Maria had transformed herself into that adult form, succeeding their
escape, from what she have heard. Her boost in fighting power is certainly
tremendous after that. If that's the case, then the story that she was able to
escape from the hands of Zolgear is plausible.
…However.
Having Maria play with Basara, perhaps he should have avoided it. After this,
Basara will be of help for the deprivation of Mio, as Zolgear wanted his
banishing technique after all. (!)
Maria understands too, that if she didn't stop this behavior, she may end up
killing him.
…this may go a little bit too far.
She thought that the mental domination is an easy task for a succubus, but
unexpectedly it had become very emotional over there. Basara tried to
commit himself personally, and the frustration of inability to grasp the limit
of his kindness revealed something ――― Apparently, Maria also had
special feelings toward Basara. For Basara to rescue her who have betrayed
him and Mio, if it was her that act would have forsaken him. Meanwhile,
"......"
In the video, Basara who got blown off, was hanging on the stone wall like
being crucified. Still not parting with his consciousness, he tried to get down
to the floor again. Even after receiving a strong blow from Maria, his eyes
didn't lose power even though suffering from a serious injury of bone
fractures.
Maria on the other hand, is having an agonized expression that she seemed to
burst into tears at any moment —— Still, in order to save her family, she
took a stance for a second attack, in order to Basara to give himself up
personally. In that scene,
"......"
Zest lowered her vision. It's because he didn't avoid Maria's attack.
And at the same time Basara was blown off in the video, the entire building
vibrated with a roar. The phenomenon vividly showed the tremendous power
of the attack Maria had shot.
And then ———— Basara was crucified against the wall again, but this time
he lost his consciousness.
…However,
Basara right now, suppressed Maria's attack on purpose, and chose to receive
it from the front.
——just now a counter was received. The reason for that is the boost of
power of Maria was not yet ascertained. No matter how Maria's fighting
power rose, with Basara's speed, it is not impossible to evade. Even if it is
impossible to avoid it completely, even avoiding a direct hit can be able to
reduce the damage. Not having done it daringly,
…He also gave priority to her feelings as well.
He persuaded Maria at any cost, and intended to save her somehow or other.
Even in this situation, Maria is still hoping in her heart for Basara to save her,
but she cannot accept those words and thoughts anymore. Therefore, Basara
chose to clash with her from the front.
He himself didn't attack at all, determined to help her yearning heart.
Thus, Basara must continue receiving her attacks even if he regains his
consciousness, until Maria is satisfied.
His spirit maybe noble, but those feelings will destroy himself when time
comes, and in the worst case scenario he may even lose his life. Then if I
have Maria restrict him with chains again and call her back at once, will that
make them calm for a little while? The moment when she considered it,
"―――?"
Suddenly, a presence appeared in her rear, resulting to Zest jumping a big
distance away to the side.
And at the same time― from where Zest stood a while ago countless air
blades ran through.
It might be due to the quick drawing of a sword through the thin air. So,
"..."
Flapping her wings and Zest and circling rapidly in mid-air, Zest looked back
at the direction were the air blades came to. Then―there was a girl standing
there alone. One of the members of the hero clan who is living together with
Mio and Basara, Nonaka Yuki. With her spirit sword on one hand, she had
already changed to her combat attire.
"How the hell did yu get inside…?"
Zest asked, turning around. The entire mansion is covered with Zolgear's
magical barrier. It's impossible to detect and even if breached by the hero
clan, it will be noticed immediately.
However, Zest became aware of the abnormal situation.
"His Excellency's magical barrier has disappeared… Don't tell me?"
Stabbing Brynhildr on the floor, Basara clearly shown his intentions of not
wanting to fight Maria, but also surprisingly,
"To disable the magical detection barrier covering this mansion, he chose to
lock himself up from the inside ― then activating that banishing technique to
nullify it!"
As she exclaimed the true aim of Basara,
"You underestimated Basara ―― that is your big mistake"
Facing her as she shoot, Yuki moved instantly.
Displaying a long jump as she suddenly approached, she cut down the
distance in mid-air, as she threw consecutive sword slashes from the spirit
sword. It was a killer attack that eliminated any useless movement. This was
seen in the fight at the city the other day, but still seeing it was quite a
prodigy. However,
"You have great skills… But, this degree doesn't pose a threat"
To Yuki's continuous attacks, Zest created protection barriers with the same
number, and with her sharp fingernail for offence, it went and intersected
their trajectories here and there.
"...…!"
To sustain the attack made by Yuki spirit sword at once was impossible, but
the force of her attacks however was deflected to the floor. Still, Yuki which
barely fixed her stance. As made a landing with her foot, Zest unleashed her
magic this time.
At the same time, from the magic formation created by Zest, launched
countless amount of spears of obsidian.
To intercept the innumerable black blades that poured down, Yuki backed a
step and her sword sparked. Moreover, the sword attack that Yuki shot
momentarily was specialized in defense other than attack. When the spirit
sword swung at high speeds, a pentagram was cut in midair, and Zest's
protection barrier was repelled and it dispersed. Rather than a linear normal
slash, she hit with such dexterous skill. However,
…It's not a problem.
In midair, Zest calmly judged her and her opponent's ability and made a
decision. Though there was a chance to be defeated if she were to let her
guard down, as long as she keep her guard up, she's safe. If the opponent
produced a power on par with the materialized spirit ' ' it might
get slightly difficult. However, no one in the Hero clan should be able to
demonstrate their maximum power of their spirit sword in this kind of
magical barrier that surrounded this building.
Though Zolgear's magical barrier was dispelled by the banishing technique
of Basara, this mansion is in the space that is closer to the demon realm than
in the human world. It is almost impossible to acquire the divine protection of
the spirits of nature.
In contrast to that, the power of the Demon clan like them is increased.
Therefore, Zest judged the situation as not really a problem.
"―――!?"
A huge lightning sphere suddenly flew diagonally under her, and she was
forced to evade by a steep margin.
Zest thought it was a new kind of surprise attack for an instant, but that
proved she was mistaken.
"Naruse Mio…"
Mio regained her consciousness before she came aware, and looked her with
eyes full of regained fighting spirit. She is already in this state where she
could free herself from being chained to the wall, but that is only but a mere
physical restraint. Now that the magical barrier of Zolgear has disappeared, it
White Tiger
Byakko
couldn't seal Mio's powers anymore until a while ago. Concentration of mind
is necessary for magic, and not motion. And she's in a state to be able to use
that plenty of magic.
In addition to that, for her to make an attack that requires only a blink of time
to evade, Yuki made an opening for Mio to approach Zest. And as Yuki
brandished her spirit sword, Kiiin, a shrill metallic sound was heard.
The chains that were restraining Naruse Mio was cut off.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
As for Mio which was made to sleep by Maria's magic to be awakened, Yuki
appeared shortly after.
In the shower room of the school, the fact that the success reinforcement of
the master-servant contract with Basara may had contributed to this. By
improving their fighting power at that time, her tolerance to magic has gone
up too.
Mio, as Yuki cut off from the chains and setting her free, while confirming
the condition of her wrist,
"… I never expected myself to be rescued by you. Though it's kind of
vexing, but thanks."
The instant when she spoke words of gratitude as she saw Yuki,
"Though it doesn't really matter, after we got into safety, please tell me more
about it"
Said Yuki in her usual calm tone, "ah that" Mio shrugged her shoulders. And,
"and? I don't believe that you came in all alone. Where's Basara?"
"Probably helping Maria right now —— According to Basara, she seemed to
have someone that was taken hostage." As Mio heard that,
"…I see. I knew it, Maria was made to follow them by force."
After observing the circumstances of the young succubus, she lowered her
eyes and turned around. When Maria tried to make her sleep, Mio got the
feeling that something is very wrong.
If it's the truth, if she were to deceive her with malicious intent,
… You shouldn't have looked at me with such eyes.
There is no turning back anymore, the eyes of Maria when she put Mio into
sleep was very sad and painful. Not that Mio was really sure, but was that
expression the very words that you told me yourself? (!)
However, you pretended to have betrayed us, and you forced yourself to
behave coldheartedly.
"...…"
Having thought what Maria had gone through, Mio clenched her fists. Then,
while staring at Zest in mid-air, she released a crimson aura and declared:
"Doing such things, should really deserve to be rewarded, that child's duty"
(!)
Part 3
—— After the kidnapping of Mio, Basara ordered Nonaka Yuki to remain on
standby.
As he was about to enter the enemy base by any means, he wanted her to
remain as backup for later.
The people who entered into a master-servant contract were able to know the
positions of their partner. Thus, she knew at once when Basara arrived at the
enemy base immediately. And because Mio has entered the same magical
barrier, she couldn't find Basara's location temporarily. Though she went to
the exact location when Basara's presence had disappeared, the enemy base
could not be found. Therefore, Yuki continued waiting for Basara's presence
to be felt patiently. And as Basara eliminated the magical barrier using
Dimensionless Execution/Banishing Shift, Yuki was able to pinpoint the
position of Zolgear's mansion. Furthermore, a mail was received from Yuki's
mobile phone form Basara at the same time, telling Mio and Maria's
circumstances, and then she slipped into the base according to the orders
written by Basara.
The orders that Yuki received from Basara is, to take rescuing Mio as the first
priority.
So right now ——Yuki who faced Zest together with Mio, have remembered
something over again.
...it was a good thing that I entered a master-servant contract with Basara.
For this reason, she had tracked down Basara whereabouts and was able to
reach this place. Well, was it because their affinity is great, or she was just
too obstinate not to lose to Mio? At the moment the master-servant contract
was made, Yuki's fighting power had boosted to another level.
…I'm thankful for that.
She can even match Zest that might be on the level of Special Class A
relative to her ability, who should be able to kill her in a blink of an eye.
However, it is still undeniable that they are still at disadvantage. Even though
the situation is two-versus-one, they were only a makeshift team. Their
combination is questionable, and also, Zest's ability was equal of the Spirit
Lance [ ]or even more than that.
Of course, their condition and situation are different from back then. The
partner who was Maria becomes Mio, and there are no more hesitations left
of Yuki right now unlike when she fought Takashi. And above all, Mio and
Yuki had deepened further their relationships for the master-servant contract
with Basara from that time, so their fighting power has been improved.
…Still.
Even that the barrier has been neutralized, the divine protecton of [Sakuya]is
weaker, and she can only materialize its power to half of its capacity than
when they had faced [ ].
In this situation, fighting head-to-head with Zest was a reckless feat.
If——supposing that they faced each other if she were still in the Hero Clan,
Yuki would choose to withdraw immediately.
And after gathering her comrades and increasing their war potential enough,
she would have challenged Zest again.
…However,
She does not belong to the Heroes anymore, but a simple girl called Nonaka
Yuki right now. If Basara is still there fighting, then she have no rights to
back down. And most of all, if she retreated and if Zolgear who is more
powerful than Zest were to join the fray, they would be more outnumbered
than before.
Fortunately, Zolgear seemed to be away right now. And even the difference
Byakko
White Tiger
Byakko
White Tiger
in abilities between Zest and them is great even if the situation is 2:1, there is
still a possibility to create an opening.
…Mio is here.
Since he wanted the power of Wilbert, the other side cannot do anything to
harm Mio. Though it I saddening that she is being taken hostage as an
advantage, in order to win in this situation when they are being overpowered
by the enemy, glossing over was unnecessary.
Since they don't know when Zolgear will return, they ended up with the
quickest possible solution.
Though it is difficult to do it with an opponent with a large gap in abilities,
Mio cannot be injured badly by the other side, but there is also a handicap on
her, and that is she cannot escape. If the fighting still continued, it will earn
time for Zolgear to return, and that would be a very big disadvantage.
However,
"There is no use thinking it thoroughly. Let's go, Yuki"
Mio said, thinking up the same conclusion as she did. Therefore,
"Yes—— Well then, I'm going first"
She said so, and Nonaka Yuki sped quickly towards Zest. At the same time,
"How foolish…"
Zest expanded several magic formations and—— immediately after, the
stone pavement broke with a roaring sound, and an innumerable conicallyshaped spears assaulted Yuki. As the sharp tips approach her, Yuki inclined
her stance from before, jumped low and accelerated. Avoiding those spear
tips from the floor, she leaped further from the side, cutting distance to Zest,
and with her spirit sword [Sakuya], took her first hit.
It was a diagonal slash from the shoulder. On the other hand, Zest evaded by
jumping to her rear. She jumped in midair to avoid it, and because Yuki
eliminated her barrier, she is now defenseless against Mio's magic. If she
remained in that place, and faced them with her nails and barriers, Yuki
would intercept her attacks with her sword combos from the opposite side as
well, after all it would be harder for Mio to deal with her spell if she stopped.
Therefore, Zest choosing to evade to the rear was not a mistake. However
—— Yuki is a skill type, an all-around fencer/furigana multisaber who can
handle all short distance combat and that is no tale. Zest which flew to the
rear,
"———!"
Gasped as she saw it. Yuki's sword flashes that she evaded, produced blades
of air by cutting through it, and forward—— she made a hit. Zest casted a
magical barrier at once and prevented it, but Yuki ran ahead and chased her,
she swinging out Sakuya and multiple combinations of the air blades blasted
one after the other. Trying to bind Zest on the spot,
"———!?"
Yuki suddenly jumped to the left by intuition —— at the same time, her hari
at the right side of her temples was brushed, and something invisible passed
her.
…What was that just now…!?
Yuki was taken aback. It was probably earth-type magic. In Basara's
message, there was a "maiden"
[1] keyword that appeared regarding Zest as
the accomplice. In the twelve signs of the Zodiac, [ ] was related to the
earth element. Judging by the magic that she released a while ago, this should
have a relation with the ability of Zest, no doubt of it. However,
… I couldn't see it at all.
Was it just a stone that flew at a high speed perhaps? If its hardness is
boosted with magic, that speed and power would exceed ordinary firearms by
far. Disregarding to avoid these things would be impossible.
Stopping her pursuit by jumping aside, her stance broken, she expressed a
bitter face,
Virgo
The Virgin
"Is that all you can do….?"
Zest declared with cold eyes, holding her hands aloft—— and in an instant,
"——— then, let me know what you can do"
Completing her magic spell, Mio wrapped Zest with roaring crimson flames
in an instant. And then,
"No time to idle, Yuki!"
Mio who reprimanded her just now began reciting her next magic. Therefore,
"———————————"
Yuki also moved immediately. She's right. She is an opponent who can be
defeated by this degree.
"Please[Sakuya] —— please give me a little more strength"
While running towards the blazing flame pillar, Yuki called her beloved
sword in her hand.
And when she returned [Sakuya]and enhanced its spiritual power, she
unleashed a quick draw of her sword towards Zest surrounded by flames.
With a shrill sound, the flames are cut horizontally into two equal parts.
"Get back!"
In response to Mio's warning, Yuki jumped back from that spot, and a huge
lightning balls poured one after the other. With the sounds of electrical
discharges, roaring lightning strikes echoed the stone floor.
"——I did it?!" "——No, it didn't"
To Mio who momentarily shouted with joy, Yuki exclaimed with a rigid
expression. There was no resistance when she cut through the flame. When
she looked back at once, Zest was already standing in a distant location,
already chanting her spell.
"――――――"
An invisibility stone was released all together toward Yuki. She on the other
hand gave up on evading and responded by slashing out on the surface. With
a sword attack on the barrier, though Zest's magic stone had flown away,
"―?!"
To a power more than she imagined, Sakuya which received the attack flew
away from Yuki's hand.
Damn it, I'm too late.
"――This is the end"
Zest declared, unleashing all the magic for the finishing blow.
＊＊＊＊＊
The moment the magic stone was unleashed, Zest tended to end the battle.
With this, Mio will be the one remaining. Though she can't kill her even if it
was an accident, with their difference in abilities, she may disarm her without
the girl getting injured.
For this, she waited for the right moment to strike Yuki with an obsidian
bullet.
"――――――"
However, the barriers were deployed ahead of Yuki and kept her from Zest's
magic.
It goes without saying whose act it is. Therefore Zest looked at that place
silently.
Though their difference in skills is obvious, Naruse Mio still didn't lose even
a single drop of her fighting spirit.
…Keeping her from getting injured, is more troublesome than I thought…
She knew that the girl had raised her power levels through the reinforcement
of the master-servant contract with Basara, and it also seemed that their
bonds with each other had strengthened considerably. This growth of her
heart gave her fighting power a different intensity. It is like the saying that
strong feelings for a person is a power that can make things possible.
…However,
The stronger the feelings are, the easier the heart becomes shaken. And,
Basara, who is the support of the hearts of Mio and Yuki are in their hands
now. Therefore,
"… how disappointing, Naruse Mio."
Zest told to Mio.
"Even if falling into the hands of the enemy, cornered with no way to
escape… Still, Toujou Basara whom you all loved dearly is right now, tried
not to help you but Maria instead. What kind of master is that? Instead of
helping those who treat him of importance, he gave priority to the one that
betrayed him."
"............"
To these words, Mio fell silent. This is because what Zest spoke was clearly
the truth. There is no use to overreact to an unnecessary provocation. If she
were to be shaken from trusting Basara even a little, this slight distrust leads
to hesitation, and will become a critical chance in the fight. So,
"… Oh well. Well, the truth is, I don't feel very well."
Standing alone, Mio said while looking down.
"But it can't be helped. Our relationship is just beginning, but I still know
what kind of guy Basara is. Maria and I had got close to him and deceived
him, but even after that, Basara still forgave us, protected us, and risked his
life for us."
Therefore,
"Let me tell you something. I don't really mind even if Basara were to
abandon me or anything, or putting me off or something. Surely, Maria will
be there when that guy woke up. But that guy came not only to rescue me,
but also Maria. You've taken hostages right? Thus we tend to save them from
cowards like you. Therefore, we are try to help that girl right now."
"A very good explanation… Do you really think you can do it?"
"That's what I thought. To begin with, Maria's eyes are full of suffering, so
even if she abandoned us and went somewhere else, I won't be happy at all.
Besides, Basara is trying to save me, too." And also,
"Hey Yuki… did you came for me on your own will?"
"Don't kid with me. It cannot be helped, Basara said it."
To Yuki who refused quickly, Mio smiled in a whim.
"That's too bad.
[2] Our bonds wouldn't be swayed by some weak provocation
like this —— Different from you and Zolgear."
"…What do you mean by that?"
Zest narrowed her eyes all of a sudden.
"A while ago, I saw you talking to Zolgear. I don't know what particular
circumstances you have, but it seemed that that man before seemed to be
overly cautious of you…"
While doing so, Mio placed her hand on the crest on her chest with a smile.
"It's enviable, right?... The relationship between Basara and I"
"...a wonderful self-admiration you have."
Zest replied with a thin smile, and shot the following words unto Mio——
for certain, those words could cause her to be shaken as it is.
However… Considering all that, after withnessing your friend Sakaki Chika
and Toujou Basara in a lovers' scene, haven't you been shaken greatly?
"… That is…!"
Mio's face flew red with a rage immediately, and it replaced the calm
composure that she had a while ago. Zest didn't miss that chance. She recited
the spell she secretly performed, and the floor beneath Mio's feet was
transformed into restraints. If she were to neutralize Mio, Yuki alone would
be an easy task for her. Therefore, she tried to do so, however——
A roar shook the whole building in an unexpected timing.
"Wha——"
Together with a surprise, Zest is already convinced. No doubt… that just now
was a single blow that Maria hit. She had hit Basara again.
…Fool, What on earth are you doing…
Zest grew impatient.
I knew I should have called Maria back earlier at all. And since Zolgear
wants him, I cannot lose Basara.
Impatience and hesitation swelled inside Zest in a spur of a moment.
"————should I concern myself in the provocation of this person?"
As she put away her thoughts, Mio was already before her sight.
"if that's the case ———— then eat this!"
The moment she told so, a torrent of raging lightning ran through Zest's
whole body.
Part 4
Standing at the scene in utter amazement, was a young girl right beneath
one's eyes.
With the power she herself released, Maria was the one who gave three
powerful hits to the young man who tried to stop her.
——As she released her inner spirit power and having gone on a rampage as
of now, she was currently on a level of an S – Class in terms of fighting
power, though temporary. Still, because she was ordered not to kill Basara
from Zest, a single blow which she threw first right before his eyes, was only
a warning shot that indicated that she was serious. However, Basara stood up,
and tried to approach Maria again— — thus, two critical hits were shot the
next time, causing his consciousness to fly away.
Basara screamed as it jarred through his flesh, and Maria was sure that she
heard his bones breaking. And then, Basara was blown off, losing his
consciousness. With this, while staring at the unmoving Basara, Maria
thought that this is the end.
Basara's resistance——together with his relationship her, that Maria thought
those were completely over.
—— However. Basara stood up slowly while swaying.
It was unbelievable. Of course, If Maria seriously drives her fist in to Basara
right now, His body will be torn apart, but it is as if the two attacks with all
her might earlier were meaningless.
Still the power was comparable to a degree of being hit by a truck. He
shouldn't be able to move right now if that was the case. But Basara stood up
and started approaching Maria again.
To such appearance, Maria struck him while shouting. Not a single word has
been said, just pure screams of emotions she wanted to entrust. Basara who
received Maria's fist is blown off three times——then thrown into the stonepaved walls so hard it made a crater, rolled then fell on the floor. And then,
"No way..."
Maria right now, is standing dumbfounded. It's not because she had injured
Basara more than assumed. She had applied more damage to him this time, so
it should be impossible for him to move now—— but still, in front of Maria's
eyes, a body has begun to move.
It was the right hand of Basara. Basara's fingers moved as if patting the floor
grasped, and had put strength to become a fist.
"Wh,Why————"
Maria raised her voice in shock. The whole body of Basara which caught her
three powerful attacks was tattered and bled.
There is no need to say that he's finished. There is nothing he can do right
now. But still —— Toujou Basara tried to stand up.
"Still trying to stand from that… do you really want to die Basara-san?"
Maria cried unintentionally. If Basara stands up, she herself won't be able to
do anything but attack him again. However, Basara is already at his limit.
Basara may die this time if she made another attack to him. She definitely
wanted to avoid that.
If she were to kill Basara here, he won't understand what she will be
suffering for till now.
"…such reason, that's not it…"
However, Basara's left hand which was on the ground supported his body
from being down and he got up slowly.
And then, as he took a grip to his right knee by his right hand, strength
returned to the lower half of Basara's body.
With a groan, Basara stood up at last. And then,
"But... It can't be helped I guess? Because there are times when you hate
something more than dying..."
With Maria who had transformed herself into an adult form with the same
height as his, Basara stared at her,
"You... continued suffering all this time, thinking that you can't seek help
anymore..."
To Basara's words, Maria held her breath.
The thing that is supporting Basara today, was Maria's wish.
——Maria after all, want to save her family that is being held hostage.
Since she betrayed these people, she offered all of herself to the enemy in
order to spare them at least.
However, While trying to save her family from being held hostage, it can't be
helped that Maria deep down in her heart wanted also to be saved. Not only
Maria, but also her family―― besides saving Mio, her train of thoughts is
really different from Basara's which is really trying to fulfill it.
... There's no such thing…
As Maria bit her lips, Basara started advancing with a step,
His face grimaced and suddenly, he staggered in pain, and knelt on one knee
to the floor.
Seeming wanting to rush up to aid him in at once, Maria endured it
desperately.
— The situation in this room is probably being monitored by Zest. If she
helped Basara, it's possible that her family being held hostage might be
killed.
Meanwhile, the young man before his eyes stood up and has begun to walk to
her again.
Of all the injuries that he had received, it was better for Basara to not be able
to move, but still he approached Maria step by step. And then ––– Basara
reached under Maria at last.
"Ugh...Ah...hah"
This person here is clearly over persistent. And yet, he faced Maria who
cannot do anything but to be flustered like this,
"––– Because I want to help. You, Mio and also your family. I want to help
you by all means"
Therefore,
"Please ––– I'm begging you, don't give yourself up like this"
As he said so, Basara started hugging her in silence.
Thus, Maria moved at once.
With her right fist filled with her own feelings that she could never hand
over, she drove it in to the chest of Toujou Basara. A single blow with all her
might. It was a direct hit. Even Basara won't be able to stand a chance –––
this should be enough.
"...…"
Even after receiving her fist, Basara didn't collapse.
Maria was serious. She absolutely didn't hold back her power.
But still –––– even with all of Maria's power right now put out with all her
might, Basara's chest was only beaten to a slight degree.
"...…hah"
Maria, who turned around as if enduring to cry, suddenly embraced Basara's
shoulders.
"It's impossible... As a kind younger sister, I can't possibly hit my big
brother"
She said. Even though she exceeded her power for long. In reality, Maria
didn't want to actually injure Basara, and won't really be able to win against
him who is trying to save her. So,
"Up until now, they made you suffer alone for a long time, I'm sorry —— so
leave it all to your big brother."
To those warm words,
"Uu...Au….wa"
The tears which are held to its limits, ran down at the end of Maria's eyes.
At that moment –––– all her feelings that were bottled up back then,
overflowed and flooded out at once.
So Maria right now, wasn't able to held back all her tears and emotions.
She cried. In Basara's arms, while raising a loud voice like a child.
With a crying face –––– was a younger sister hugging her beloved big brother
while shedding tears.
Part 5
After being hit by Mio's lightning magic, Zest was unable to fight anymore.
Restraining her with a rope specialized for demons, Nonaka Yuki tied up
Zest.
The reason for not finishing her off was for them to acquire Zolgear's
weakness. While he's away, Mio was entrusted to her to this degree. Perhaps,
Zest might be the most important subordinate of Zolgear. If that's the case,
then it should be not strange for her to know Zolgear's secrets. Or so they
thought,
"........."
No matter how Yuki and Mio ask from her, there was no answer coming
from Zest at all. According to Mio, Zest had a poor connections with Zolgear.
Therefore, there may be a possibility that she was also forced to follow him
like Maria, so thinking that maybe there's a chance that she might be able to
cooperate with them,
"Apparently… More than making her cooperate with us, it is even harder to
make her confess."
Yuki told to Mio while sighing in disappointment.
"Then it is dangerous to keep her alive any longer. We should eliminate her."
They can't let their guard down even if she is bound by a rope that seals off
magic power. The risk of counterattack is not zero, and if Zolgear returned,
they will have no chances of winning this time.
"…Well, it certainly is impossible to convince this person no matter what we
say"
However, as for Mio.
"I wonder what Basara will do in this case… Even having found out the
identities of Maria and me, that guy still accepted us. Maybe he can make this
person have a change of heart"
"...…"
In Mio's proposal, Yuki fell silent. Zest was a challenge for even both of
them, so this is a great opportunity to kill her. Even if Basara joined them,
winning a head-on battle with a high ranking demon like Zolgear will be
tough. If that happens, Basara will even risk his own existence.
"I understand… I must go to where Basara and Maria is as soon as possible."
Though it has been a little while ago, the sounds of impacts and roars have
already settled down, but there was a possibility that the battle still continued.
If Maria were told that Zest has been defeated, this may help Basara in trying
to persuade her who has her family taken hostage. However, if they left Zest
here, this would give her a chance to escape while they weren't looking, and
it is still dangerous to watch her alone, given her ability. With Zest having
restricted here, the best option will be to go to the other side with three
people. Yuki and Mio who had matched opinions nodded to each other, but at
the moment that they started to move,
"―――?"
All of a sudden, Yuki and Mio got perplexed at the same time, because they
couldn't move their bodies. Even that they can pull out their voices, their
breathing didn't follow. Over there,
"––––Hou? It seems that you have been going wild when I was away."
a voice was heard smiling from above. Barely raising her face to look up,
Yuki saw a figure of a demon at her first sight.
"Zolgear…!"
Mio nearby called his name filled with hatred.
"Oh… my mental restraints were of the same power a while ago, but now
you can talk through it?"
Zolgear said seeming to enjoy that, and went in front of Yuki and Mio. At
that moment,
"Hah –––…"
Nonaka Yuki inhaled involuntarily. This wasn't the first time for her in
confronting a high ranking demon. However,
… No way, just a little more and we'd…
Yuki realized her naïve calculations. The aura that Zolgear clad in his body
was far beyond her imagination. As she clenched her teeth in her unmoving
state,
"The existence of friends after all was reassuring to see…isn't it?"
Zolgear noticed Yuki's existence, and suddenly a creeping stare was turned
to her,
"Heh… This also. I saw it in the video so I knew, but seeing it in person,
what a wonderful material we got here. And it seemed that it took these two
people to apparently defeat that Zest somehow."
Seemingly pleased,
"Together with Naruse Mio, I will make you mine… with a supreme pleasure
even that boy called Toujou Basara will never give."
"…Who would in the likes of you?"
"What dear… You and Naruse Mio, will soon wish to come for me."
Yuki endured the sensation severely, and shakes her shoulder to Zolgear.
"By the way… are you alright, Zest?"
He said so, and stood in front of Zest next to Yuki.
"…Your Highness, I'm very sorry."
When Zest knelt on the floor while restrained by the rope and lowered her
head in sorrow,
"I don't mind it… thanks to Toujou Basara in addition, I've got a new toy in
my hands."
"Yes…"
Zest said in a gentle voice, and looked up to her master who's worried about
her.
–––but towards Zest, Zolgear casually brandished his arm in a flash.
A shockwave was generated and enfolded Zest, flinging her against the wall
behind with a roar.
＊＊＊＊＊
After throwing Zest through the stone-paved walls with quite an impact and
falling down to the floor,
"… Zolgear, -sama…?"
Tattered, she looked up and saw Zolgear. Thereupon,
"Oh, sorry… are you all right?"
Zolgear apologized with a smile ––– not to Zest, but to Yuki who was also
caught up by the shockwave that hit Zest aside.
"Though you will become mine later on, the number of wounds have
increased too much. But you don't have to worry. I will heal you properly
later ––– your whole body up to the very last corner"
"No… Your Highness, I"
As Zest spat out giving a bitter expression by reflex,
"Rather––– Zest, didn't you envy these girls that much you bastard? And that
young man who is their master too."
As what Mio had said, she had thought of her own feelings and little desires
which were locked away for long. (!)
As Zest stiffened once her thoughts that she slightly held was seen through,
"Your thoughts, it has always been carried to me ––– Haven't you forgotten
whose hands you were created from?"
And then, Zolgear.
"Useless. A subordinate who had lost her loyalty is no longer anything but a
thrash ––– Die"
Bitterly saying so, the master who created Zest spun a certain curse against
her.
… No...
Zest's breath was held involuntarily. It was an incantation to kill Zest
immediately.
"Aah...a..."
At once, Zest was wrapped in purple light, but it's not on the state to be
shocked anymore.
She had never experienced even a single affection unlike the other
subordinates so far.
Still, Zest worked hard to serve her master for a long time. even she's born as
a woman, she never had a chance to serve him primarily as a woman, even if
it is the sole purpose in life.
––– Yet, Zest right now, was cast away directly, and will be killed by her
very own master.
However, Zest couldn't resist at all. She couldn't fight against the brutality
and the unreasonableness of her master who turned his back on her. For Zest
who is a magical life-form, the existence of her creator is absolute to this
degree.
And as the purple glow that surrounded Zest amplified, the curse of instant
death began to invoke ––– in an instant.
"––––––"
A gust of wind ran next to her ––––– and at the same time.
With a shrill sound, the light from the curse that wrapped Zest had
disappeared.
"...…"
How on earth did that happen? ––––– Zest was in blank amazement, and
then she saw.
Grasping a demon sword which became the armor of his right hand, a young
man was running towards Zolgear. It was Toujou Basara.
＊＊＊＊＊
Toujou Basara rushed into the hall without hesitation.
Mio and Yuki were safe. There was a male demon which seemed to be
Zolgear.
And Zolgear was trying to get rid of Zest who was her very own subordinate.
Basara who finished confirming the situation in an instant, materialized
Brynhildr while running in full speed, plunging himself between Zolgear and
Zest in a flash,
"–––––"
Wielded Brynhildr with both hands, and activated[ ]. While
having high pitched shrills at the same time, the curse that was going to kill
Zest vanished. And then,
""–––––Basara?!""
While hearing Mio and Yuki's voice of surprise at the same time,
"Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Basara without flinching even a bit from the high ranking demon Zolgear
tried to stab him with Brynhildr.
With a high ranking demon as his opponent, Toujou Basara wasn't conceited
to slip in without petty tricks. Aiming for a killer blow by a diagonal slash
downward, he targeted the shoulder of Zolgear. But as the high speed slash
leaving trails of white was about to get sunk towards Zolgear's left shoulder,
Gakiiiiiiin!
At the last moment, it was blocked by a black sword that Zolgear created in
his right hand.
"Hmph… not losing your calm in these situations, even connecting a feint is
Banishing Shift
Abysmal Execution
not bad."
But, Zolgear then smiled,
"The speed is fine, but with a feint of that level is unfortunately useless
against me."
"..."
Basara grimaced, then as he cut the distance by jumping back from his
previous position,
"However, to be able to nullify the curse of the instant death, I don't
understand the theory, but that's a wonderful one."
Zolgear turned his eyes of great interest.
"And it also seems to be able to erase even my magical barrier… according to
the report, the technique can only be executed as a counter, but it seems that
it can also handle many applications and extend limits up to this degree."
"...…"
Basara which was directed by his thin smile, poised Brynhildr silently in
reply.
The speculations that Zolgear spoke of were correct.
––––[ ]is only possible to execute as a counter for the
opponent's attack. However, even with such handicap, enlarging the domain
defined by the [Attack]gave the move a new degree of versatility.
He made to be able to draw out [ ]against the barrier of
Zolgear a while ago from the inside, because it considered the isolation to the
outside world as if[it had received an attack from the barrier].
"Still, even you have succeeded in persuading Maria, coming alone in such a
worn-out state… with the power of that fellow right now, your chances of
defeating me had just become slim."
Banishing Shift
Abysmal Execution
Banishing Shift
Abysmal Execution
"… You have taken someone important from Maria"
Finally, Toujou Basara opened his mouth.
"As I face you, I recall all sorts of things, being shook up by a threat and
being thrown unto confusion. It's too high risk for you to fight that guy right
now."
Though Maria said that she wanted to fight together with him, Basara didn't
allow her. Realizing her feelings, although he's grateful, Maria had suffered
Zolgear's blackmails for a long time. Plus, having a spiritual advantage, it
would be easy for her to be manipulated. Even if she could transform to boost
her power, if it cannot be unleashed, it is useless. In fact Maria won't be able
to kill Basara even though she had her family being taken hostage. The girl
called Maria has a gentle heart. However, that gentleness is why Zolgear has
the advantage. That's the reason why Basara set Maria aside.
"I see. It appears that the head seems to be around in its own way."
Zolgear put up a larger smile.
"But I don't understand… To go that far and helped Zest who is your enemy,
what are you scheming? Saving a dying person who is your enemy, have
your chivalrous spirit gone mad"
"… Unfortunately, I don't have such noble beliefs."
Basara said casually. To make it clear, Basara moved his sight to Zest who
was looking at him in utter amazement,
"Well, she could be similar to Maria, who is made to follow you by force,
too. If that's the case, then she isn't our enemy. That is enough reason to help
her."
"What a sweet thing… unlike your half-hearted plays from Naruse Mio and
that girl over there, my and Zest's contract are absolute. Similar to just now, a
command to die is also included. If I give a command some other time, won't
you reconsider it again if she bares her fangs at you?"
"At that time, Yuki and Mio will hold her in check again."
Seeing her being bound up, Perhaps, while Basara is holding off against
Maria, Mio and Yuki fought her and won. It's the opponent who Takigawa
referred troublesome. Zolgear is not a sham to a degree but a man befitting of
considerable caliber, and though there is no guarantee that Mio and the others
can win in a head-on fight, if she's restricted with the rope, there won't be a
problem. However,
"–––– I'm sorry to say this, but that's impossible."
Zolgear sneered in ridicule.
"Unfortunately, those two aren't in a condition to move right now… Well,
that's because I have bound them up already."
"Be careful Basara... that guy uses some kind of odd magic!"
Mio shouted, Yuki next to her also shown affirmation in her bitter
expression.
"It's futile –––– no one can avoid my mental restraints"
And then, Zolgear's sharp gaze pierced through the whole body of Toujou
Basara in an instant.
＊＊＊＊＊
Upon seeing Zolgear's gaze, Basara was stuck in a pose while setting up
Brynhildr.
"––––? Thi, this is..."
While in the midst of confusion, Basara tried to struggle to slip out from the
bondage.
"What happened to your power a while ago? It's kind of disappointing if you
can't move at this degree."
Zolgear's mental bondage is neither an art nor magic. It is pure will similar to
a mere hostility and killing intent transformed to disable an opponent. The
intensity of the effect is directly proportional to the ability of the user.
"I heard that you're the son of that Jin Toujou, and really look forward to it
but… did he really threw away the title of being the strongest hero for the
sake of such a son? I don't know if it was a father's sentiment, but for a fool
who was once called the war god to have stooped so low…"
Mocking at him full of scorn, he faced Basara who was at loss for words.
"Don't worry. Though I have no particular interests to keep such a man who
is on the level of an insect alive with mental bondage, you with a rare ability
is an exemption. I'm going to analyze those powers and make you mine, as
well as Wilbert's power sleeping in Naruse Mio, too."
Zolgear walked a few steps in a slow pace,
"But first –––– how about showing me what's inside your head?"
As he said so, he stretched out his left hand towards Basara's forehead––––
then at that moment,
"––––?" Zolgear jumped back in reflex, and the spot he was a while ago was
mowed down by Brynhildr at the same time. As Zolgear landed on the floor
lightly,
"Hou… You escaped from by mental bondage by force? Looks like you
aren't really a burden to your father"
Zolgear grinned, while Basara looked down.
"You can say whatever you want to me… well as you see, I'm not that great"
However, with eyes filled with intense fury, Basara raised his head.
"But my father –––– Toujou Jin, I'll never ever forgive anyone who insults
him… ever!"
Basara raised his sword and rushed unto Zolgear with no hesitation. Then,
"Is that so? Then, prove it to me right now."
Zolgear showed a coldhearted smile.
"–––– Bear this in your mind. Insects will still give birth to insects"
While saying so–––he charged in front of Basara.
＊＊＊＊＊
The truth is ––– Toujou Basara's ability was not on the level capable of
freeing from Zolgear's mental bondage. But Basara was able to escape from
Zolgear's rule as he applied his experiences in handling high ranking demons
on the same level.
Five years ago, a Hero has been possessed by an evil spirit that drove the
[Village]into destruction. Mio had Wilbert's power ran wild last month. And
then, Maria who had runaway transformed herself from her spirit form just a
while ago.
Both of them have powers of S- and S class. Those are relative for Basara in
fighting against the mental bondage Zolgear had cast.
–––But, the thing that moved Basara wasn't his experience.
It's the feeling that is burning up inside him.
His beloved younger sisters–––Mio and Maria were continuously being hurt
by this man and continued tormenting their hearts. Added to that, Jin, his
father whom he respected more than anyone ––– was insulted right in front of
him.
Facing Zolgear, Toujou Basara changed his anger burning up his body into
sheer power. He dashed three steps forward, accelerating even further from
Zolgear's sword with proper timing, and leaped from the front. In an instant,
he got into the back of Zolgear, and drawn out a horizontal killing blow.
However,
"––––––Fuu"
Zolgear caught his attack by the black sword from his hand with a grin.
High pitched sounds of clashing metal resounded–––––– however, Basara
had readied his own body for the next action even before the sounds were
heard. Sliding on the stone-paved floor, Basara sprinted as he lowered his
body, reducing his distance from Zolgear immediately.
"Uoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"
Basara connected a series of high speed attacks. Performing quick footwork
at point-blank range consistently, he tried to stab different times in
succession.
"I have said this already –––––– your speed isn't bad. It is in a considerable
level for human beings"
Zolgear praised, however he easily continued to parry Basara's sword attacks
at ease.
"Perhaps among the hero clan, no person can match your speed. That speed
can pretty much overwhelm an opponent I say."
Unfortunately,
"These attacks that gave priority to speed has a nice look, but it's easy to read
as it concentrates only to blind spots and taking your opponent off guard.
These cheap and childish sword tricks can only be used against opponents of
the same level"
With weapons reverberating constantly, Zolgear who keeps on receiving
attacks,
"Aren't you taught by your father on how to use a sword? –––––– You are to
use it this way"
In just a mere pause, he had cut through the openings between the sword
attacks of Basara, swinging his black sword all the way to the bottom. Basara
who received it with Brynhildr at once,
"Gah––––⁉"
Was thrown up right away from the heavy sword attack. Then, kicking the
floor at once, Zolgear approached him,
"Kuh… You––!"
Basara who broke his stance forcibly swung Brynhild.
"To wave your sword in desperation like that ––– how unsightly"
As Zolgear drove with his jet black sword easily, Brynhildr was warded off
without making any sound.
"Wha––…"
Not even making a sound of clashing metals, Basara stared in blank surprise.
"––Does this surprise you that much?"
Zolgear gave a scornful laugh and declared at a distance as he approached
Basara.
"Don't tell me… You haven't understand the difference of our abilities yet?"
At the same time, Basara received a heavy blow to the back. He received a
blow from the hilt of Zolgear's sword.
"Gaha…!"
The impact reached his lungs, Basara was deprived of his concept of
breathing and fell on the floor.
"…––––Kuh!"
His feet made a landing barely. As he was about to fall down, he thrust his
knee on the floor with irregular breathing.
Then, Zolgear's sword was wrapped in dim light.
"Let me have you taste the flames of hell––––"
As Zolgear said so, dark flames were released as he swung his jet-black
blade. He approached at once while burning down the whole atmosphere
from an empty space.
"Kuh––––Uoooooooooo!"
Basara countered with [ ]at once–––––however it wasn't
enough, as it was barely repelled. Then, when the remains of the black flame
Basara countered reached the floor, it created a simultaneous chain of
explosions.
"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Basara wa blown off by the impact and was flung to the floor about ten
meters away from that spot.
"––––Basara!"
Yuki cried out loud–––that voice barely joined Basara's consciousness
altogether.
"Kuh...uh...ah...!"
Basara stood up in desperation. He couldn't afford to fall down now.
He has a precious family that he needs to protect. He couldn't afford to lose
those important to him.
He couldn't allow his precious sisters and his childhood friend to be stolen
from him––––Therefore,
"......"
Banishing Shift
Abysmal Execution
Wiping the blood in his lips by the back of his hand, Toujou Basara faced in
front. Zolgear who already landed from the air to the floor was looking at him
in anticipation.
"That's a good one… to be able to scatter my flames even from a bad angle.
That technique sure is wonderful."
"When I have gotten Wilbert's power ––––The new king of the underworld
will be me."
"…I won't let you do such thing!"
I won't let this man do as he wanted!
Speaking words of rejection, Basara charged in front again.
Part 6
It was a fight that they could never afford to lose. And yet,
…KUN!
Toujou Basara's impatience and frustration intensified. In terms of speed, he
is superior. Attack speed, movement speed, reaction speed––––in every
aspect he is better than Zolgear.
––still, not a single cut was made by his sword.
Zolgear kept on dodging the attacks that Basara gave and easily dealt it with
ease. He passed through all his attacks, read his faints, and handled his speed
with composure.
There was an overwhelming difference in abilities that his speed alone is
insufficient to reach.
Moreover –––as Maria had said, Zolgear can also use countless powerful
magic besides sword fighting.
The black flame a while ago is magic. He applied magical power to the blade
and shot it through. Even though he's messing around with sword plays, if he
used magic, it will be over. However,
"Even so, I cannot lose here…!"
As an elder brother, as a childhood friend, and as a son–––Toujou Basara
wanted to protect them.
The man before his eyes is trying to deprive him of his important ones and
taint them.
He cannot forgive such a thing.
…Besides,
Even in overwhelming disadvantage, the situation is still better. Zolgear is
cautious of [ ] that was made to save Zest. In addition, to
acquire Basara's ability, he's trying to choose the best option to capture him
alive. The way things really are, there is a faint hope among the hopeless
difference in their abilities–––Therefore,
…Please, hold on…!
As Basara persuaded his own body, he changed his fighting style.
This style is contrary to the speed types that avoid useless movements. Using
it in the battle against Takashi who excel in wielding the Spirit Lance[
], it makes an opponent incapable of reading your moves by giving
away too much useless movements and recklessly charging ahead at full
speed, a way of fighting that is almost similar to a reckless rampage.
However,
…A little is all I need…
If he were able to drive Zolgear into a corner, even by a slight chance, then
it's possible to defeat this guy. So,
"––––––"
Putting his body into the domain of hyper-speed, Toujou Basara began
charging at Zolgear.
"Hou…!"
To Zolgear who seemed to be delighted as he saw, Basara drove a continuous
attack that combined both irregularity and eccentricity. On the other hand, as
Zolgear dealt with the combo of attacks that Basara gave,
"So a non-strategic suicide attack eh …? Your way of resistance pleases me
to the end."
Banishing Shift
Abysmal Execution
Byakko
White Tiger
Still smiling with composure, he cut off Basara's attacks.
––––But, from here on, Basara accelerated. Afterimages are slowly
appearing, series of attacks are connected, and began to surpass Zolgear's
defenses that he took pride of. And then,
"Seeeeeeaaaaaaaaa–––!"
Tearing apart his robe along with his scream, Basara apparently caught
Zolgear.
Starting from his shoulders a small rip ran around Zolgear's battle clothes.
…I can make it…!
Even his consciousness was about to dim the moment the sword reached,
Basara had found light.
"Impressive… Even though I had ground you to this extent, you still
managed to lay a blow on me."
Zolgear smiled in admiration,
"––––Now then, How about this?"
The moment he said that–––– Zolgear's figure disappeared as if it was
swallowed by the void.
"Wha–––!?"
Basara was caught in a surprise. Zolgear's presence, let alone his terrifying
aura of magical power has completely vanished.
With a severe expression, Basara set up Brynhildr and focused his eyes at his
surroundings.
"Hah–––?"
The moment he felt a presence, it was too late.
"Ga,hah...ah…ha…!?"
Basara's neck is grasped by an invisible hand, and his body was lifted to the
air. And then,
"You can make use of the speed you are proud of to disappear from the eyes
of your opponent, yet you can't do anything when the other party disappeared
from your view? How disappointing… "
A voice full of ridicule was heard from the thin air before his eyes. While
grabbing his neck so hard that it might broke anytime,
"Guu...Ku, Oooooooooooooooooo!"
Toujou Basara swung Brynhildr with great force to the space in