"Roooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrr!"
—WHOOSH!
"—Uoh!? That was dangerous!?"
While avoiding the Breaths of the dragonfolks who had turned into
Fantasy Form, we flew through the rocky area, looking for a place
where we could temporarily hide ourselves.
Agartha, who were controlling them, remained in place, growling,
"Grr…" and watching us from afar.
"Fumu, he's just going to let his slaves do all his works for him, huh,"
said Arca.
"Or perhaps, he couldn't move much while controlling them? Maybe
his ability would come undone if he does," said Shiva-san.
"I see. In that case, it may be a good idea to ignore the dragonfolks
and directly go for Agartha," I said.
Shiva-san nodded, "Yes," and continued, "so, you can just drop me
off here. I'll land on my own."
"Eh!? No, I can't do that!?"
If you fall from this height, you'll not get away with just light injuries,
you know!?
But despite my worry, Shiva-san smiled leisurely and said, "You don't
have to worry. My 'Shield' is surprisingly versatile, you know?"
"But…"
Arca chimed in, "Well, she herself asked for it. Just drop her.
Besides, even though her personality is nasty, she's still a saintess.
There's no way she would kick the bucket that easily."
Shiva-san nodded, "Mhm, you heard her. So, believe in me. I'll
definitely land safely."
"…Alright."
Nodding, I lowered the altitude as low as I could with the dragonfolks
on our tail.
This was the least I could do.
The speed concerned me a bit, but Shiva-san should be able to land
safely.
"I'll drop you now!"
"Yes! See you later!"
Putting my faith in her words, I let go of my hand around her waist.
Then, Shiva-san fell to the ground following the gravity. But naturally,
the dragonfolks behind us wouldn't let her go just like that.
"Gishaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
""—!?""
They widely opened their jaws and tried to bite Shiva-san.
But.
"—Grand Tri-Shell!"
"Gaah!?"
Clang! Right before they managed to, three shields appeared and
covered Shiva-san's body, and the dragonfolks broke their proud
fangs.
As expected of the 'Shield' Saintess—she was unrivaled when it
came to defense.
Shiva-san waved her hand in our direction as if telling us she was
okay. I nodded back to her and said to Arca, "Okay, it's our turn next.
Sorry to keep you waiting a long time, but please lend me your
strength."
"Of course. My heart and body are all yours—you can do with me
what you will."
"—!?"
As we were soaring high in the sky, Arca suddenly kissed me, and
then seemingly-holy flames burst into existence, wrapping our
bodies.
After which, inside the burning flames manifested a spear for
thrusting—a 'lance'.
""Saintess-Armed—Vermillion Bird Form Superior Arms!!""
Blaze! We completed our unity amidst the roiling flames, but then, I
raised a question to Arca.
"Uhh, so, why the kiss…?"
"Why, to increase our power of love, obviously."
"But I didn't do it with the others…"
"Hou? So, you're saying I'm the 'first'? Fumu, is that so. I see, I'm the
first, huh."
Fufu, Arca giggled to herself, sounding extremely pleased.
Oh well, as long as she's happy. As I softened my expression, I
asked her, "So, how is it? Pretty amazing, isn't it?"
"Indeed. So, this is the power you gain by becoming one with a
saintess—"Superior Arms", the strongest battle style. Umu, it truly
is an astounding power.
"But," Arca said, "I've got a feeling like this is not the limit of this
power. Maybe, the more saintess you unite with, the stronger its
effect becomes. Well, you, our dear husband, boasts infinite growth,
so it doesn't sound far-fetched."
To Arca who'd spoken in a happy tone, I nodded back vigorously,
"Ou," and said, "we can become stronger still. So, until the last
moment, stay with me!"
"Yeah! I won't ever leave you, even if death separates us, so prepare
yourself!"
BLAZE! With flames roiling around us, we tore through the sky,
heading straight for Agartha.