Chapter 6: The Battle of the Cosmos
The distant kingdom, wrapped in the celestial light of innumerable stars, threatened to
submerge every point of neglect. The visions of the other world made one ponder whether they had already been transposed into their own dream fantasies.
To immerse oneself within the night, it was as if Heaven and Earth had their inverted positions. However, this description was not necessarily true. After all, Itsuka Shido was at an
astronomical zenith higher than the heavens, a place that had planet earth under the eyes of the viewer: the great cosmos.
Everyone knew the space. Everyone was aware of emptiness. However, not many can say that they have invaded the dominion of the gods. Of course, the various species on Earth could not survive here.
Not only does the absence of essential oxygen prevent biological processes from occurring, but cosmic rays, which were normally blocked by the atmosphere, would cause detrimental effects on any living organism. Unlike a fantastic landscape, this was a world desolate and devoid of life.
Despite these unfavorable odds, Shido, without the help of a spacesuit or anything to preserve his life, floated to the center of attention.
Although that might be so, it was a matter of time. Shido did not enter the cosmos for simply sightseeing or swimming. He was there to undo the seal of the lonely girl's heart that had fallen into an eternal dream within that barren, empty space.
"Mukuro."
Shidou said his name calmly. Mukuro. Hoshimiya Mukuro. The miserable name of the Spirit whispered. A girl with golden hair that was longer than her body and Floating in a thematic Constellation with a dress that seemed to interweave her slender body gently moving in front of Shido.
Emotion does not exist in his innocent face. His magnificent pair of golden eyes still saw the world without a touch of interest.
"--- Hm." 1
Mukuro exhaled gave a sigh and spoke.
"You are Pestilence [1] in its essence, and a poor remembrance to add."
"Yes, I am a fool who does not give up and accept the intentions of other people" Shido lifted the corners of his mouth as he declared, while Mukuro simply sighed again. However, he could not find in himself a place to harbor his displeasure at him.
Of course, that did not mean that the opposite was true. To be precise, Mukuro showed absolutely no emotion to Shido, either malice or kindness.
This expressionless act merely delayed its innate sense towards the elimination of the intruders in its territory. Abnormal mood aroused the puppet word inside Shido's mind.
"..."
However, that was understandable. Shido looked at the cane-shaped key held in the palm of his hand. It was the angel "Michael", who possessed the ability to seal the functions of any object with its point stabbing it in the object giving a single turn.
According to Mukuro, she has used that power in herself, closing the window to her heart. Exactly what resulted from that was a cold personality, affecting the mind of Mukuro.
However, from that result, be it joy, anger, sadness or pleasure, Mukuro did not possess any of those feelings.
And yet she, who had lost all that was in that place far from the surface, was not disturbed by anyone and was not observed by anyone, leading only to a purpose of vagrancy.
That's why Shido asked once again, having been rejected once before.
By the way, what does it ask you to come back to, even if the present does not waver? Mukuro inclined his head and questioned himself. It was more likely because of his bored expression that the act of bowing his head seemed a teasing taunt.
That is a fact: I spoke to you again, Mukuro.
"How absurd. The past reiterates: to be attracted by your hypocrisy Confuse Muku. Muku has not sought salvation- "
"That is wrong."
Shido interrupted Mukuro's words in a stern voice. He looked her firmly in the eyes and continued.
I have not come to speak with your present self. I came to talk to the previous you, the real Hoshimiya Mukuro whose heart is closed by Michael. "
"... Huh? "
Mukuro gave a snort of disapproval without making the slightest change of expression
"Fie. Do not you believe in selfish Muku? Muku refuses again and again, but he does not dare. How do you observe Muku?
"It's true, what you said before. But why did you close your heart? I have not really gotten a clear answer from you for this question. "
As if with intense satisfaction, Shido clenched his fists tightly. Mukuro's words suddenly appeared inside Shido's head.
"Perjury was not upon me. Do you ask why? The confiscation was dispensable, not because of the aspects of the misfortune I say. I'm not what I used to be anymore. In her earlier
conversation, Mukuro had claimed that she sealed her own heart of her own free will. However, when he was right, he responded with an ambiguous answer. Or she had been deliberately deceived by Shido, or she really could not remember with much certainty. It is true that his intentions had made such a drastic decision that it should not be simple.
"... Ah, that's right. Why did not I notice it before? Accompanied by a sigh, Shido verbalized that phrase. It was not for Mukuro, but for himself. He directed that doubt to his old self that had been lost when Mukuro's rejection struck his weakness. It was laughable, for him Itsuka Shido did not perceive it until the moment he spoke.
"I'll ask you one more time, Mukuro. Why are you in a place like this, and why did you seal your heart? What has happened in the universe?
"..."
Mukuro put on a sad face, his mouth closed. After a few seconds, he let out a sigh. Well, right away.
Soon, as if his ears were deafening to Shido's inquiry, Mukuro appeared to "Michael" in his hands and pointed his finger in his direction.
"Pay attention to my warnings otherwise it is your leisure. In the same way, however, Muku will review your discretion.
As he made his remarks, the floating rocks and mechanical debris surrounding Mukuro bombed Shido in a devastating bombardment as if under his visual influence.
"Ugh!"
The sudden onslaught forced Shido to hold his breath, though it was not as if he were mentally unprepared. At present, Mukuro had also assaulted him unannounced during his last dialogue. If Shido had not been conversing with her through a three-dimensional projection of himself, she would surely have died quite a few times.
However, being prepared had nothing to do with being able to react properly. The incoming alluvium resembles a dart discharge at most.
Even so, when it merged with the power of a Spirit, the attack could match the destruction of a miniature meteor shower.
Fragments of debris flying into Shido could rip up his bones and tear his flesh. "Kuh--"
Shido defended himself with both hands, making sure to protect his head by pulling his body. Since he possessed the healing flames of Kotori within his body, unless he was killed in an instant, there was an opportunity for Shido to fully recover.
"--Hey?!"
Having hoped to be ruthlessly beaten to death, the fearful Shido abruptly exclaimed in a fit of disbelief as something contrary to his anticipations occurred.
His reaction was understandable. After all, not even one of the many projectiles Mukuro had thrown had struck Shido. Each of them had flown by.
Of course, his luck was not due to Mukuru's mismatched trajectory. It was as if Shido's body could sense the direction of the projectiles and simply avoid them, similar to how floating objects float on a liquid fan with undulating ripples on the surface.
"This is…"
A familiar voice echoed in Shido's earpiece. I will not let you take my brother so easily.
His identity was obvious. It was the voice of Shido's sister, the commander of Ratatoskr's aircraft, Itsuka Kotori.
She was the reason Shido was able to survive in outer space with only his normal clothes. Kotori and the gigantic airship she commanded, "Fraxinus EX", were present there as well.
As for the warship, he is currently using the coverage of his Territory to protect Shido's body, allowing the sound of his voice to spread through the void of space and reach Mukuro's ears. "It follows the same principles of Fraxinus' automated evasiveness. The unfolded territory can detect any entity that approaches and prevents it from contacting Shido's body. "
"I see ... Thanks for that, Kotori." While Shido was grateful, a voice outside Kotori reached his ears.
「Only to Kotori?
"Haha ... You too, Maria." As long as you're aware.
However, please refrain from relying too heavily on this ability.
Compared with the territory surrounding the "Fraxinus" structure, Spirit-driven missiles are not simply projectiles.
Kotori abruptly cut off Maria's work. 5
"… It's fine I understand it."
Invited, the mere mention of that word caused a complete revocation in Shido's mood as he looked back.
The cause was relatively simple. A number of silhouettes resembling a warship could be seen coming from the earth by addressing the "Fraxinus".
Undoubtedly, these were aircraft belonging to DEM Industries.
When Shido was about to make a move, four warships that attacked "Fraxinus" appeared in space and fiercely pushed him with no sign of stopping.
And positioned in the center was his worst enemy with the spaceship "Goetia". Even for the renewed "Fraxinus", taking care of Shido and dealing with the enemies engendered at the same time would prove to be an extremely hard task.
Shido reaffirmed his resolve, nodded, and looked at Mukuro again. The Territory is more than enough.
"Leave this to me."
He silently whispered a phrase and extended his right hand at a slow pace.
The other part was a Spirit that had tremendous power, not to mention that Shido's words so far have had no effect because of his unwavering heart.
However, Shido had not traveled a great distance, without a viable countermeasure. In fact, he only knew a method to break the lock that secured the soul of Mukuro.
"..."
Shido regulated his breathing, concentrated his vigor, sharpened his mind, and brought his convictions to fruition [2].
In the hope of rescuing Mukuro as a guide, a figure gradually began to form within the blurred rays of light.
He called the name of that figure, the name of the angel who possessed an incomparable strength.
The name that could crush the stupid status quo, the only key. "Haniel."
In an instant, following a sensation of boiling blood running through his body, a rippling glow covered the palm of Shido's right hand and a long weapon showed itself there.
Be that as it may, their length differs from those of rifles and swords.
Looking at its rigid form and its dull end, instead of looking like a Weapon, the item looked more like a simple broom.
"... Ho?"
Mukuro said to see the angel "Haniel", which suddenly appeared out of nowhere. An angel, eh? You have no appearance of Spirit. "
But he narrowed his eyes as if he understood immediately why. "It seems to me that anything has me wit.
That is the sealed power of a spirit for you.
Hm, you must have many angels snatched from the hands of my relatives, take your drinks to Muku.
Do not make me sound like a criminal, I admit it, it's not my own power. But the idea of capturing an angel has not even crossed my mind. I just want to save you from these powers that should never have been given to you. "
"Do not you know of repentance? It is impossible. There is no angel capable of overcoming Muku "Michael".
"Is that so. Well then-"
Shido loosened the corners of his mouth and threw all his energy into the handle of "Haniel" as he screamed.
In a fraction of a second, as if working according to his succinct recitation, Haniel emitted a faint pale glow and made a contemporary outward appearance.
After a few seconds, the resplendent "Haniel" had become something completely different from its former form. It was transformed into a cane in the form of a key.
Haniel had been perfectly transformed into "Michael" who was currently in the hands of Mukuro.
Mukuro's heart has been sealed by herself through Michael's power. In other words, to unlock her heart, she needed the power of Michael that only she could manifest.
Therefore, the only entity capable of undoing the current situation using this absolute rule was undoubtedly "Haniel".
"… How about?"
His anticipations were overcome. Shouted Mukuro with astonishment. "It's weird to think you have the nerve to imitate Michael."
"That's the way it is." After all-"
Shido simultaneously pointed out one end of Michael in Mukuro. "I'll be able to talk to the real you this way."
Presumptuous hunting head. Give Muku permission to build your place.
To what extent has your facade pretended fidelity, do you really think that you are free to reign over Michael?
"Who knows".
"We'll just have to try it out a bit."
Shido stated quietly regaining his lost composure.
With his heart beating abruptly, he found himself brandishing "Michael" with both hands and shortly afterwards he screamed.
"Here I go, Mukuro." (I.e.
From the loudspeakers installed inside the bridge of the remodeled <Fraxinus>, Shido's completely determined voice reverberated throughout the room. Sitting in the commander's chair, Kotori nodded, lightly balancing her hair, which was neatly tied with black ribbons. "Then I'll give it to you, Shido."
After saying tersely and firmly, Kotori closed his eyes firmly.
For Shido, Hoshimiya Mukuro was a Spirit whose level of danger could be compared to Tokisaki Kurumi and the Inverse Spirits.
Although the Territory did not serve to protect him, sending Shido on his own to deal with her was an onerous decision, even for Kotori to accept.
However, the enemy pursuing Fraxinus was the strongest wizard of mankind, Ellen Mira Mathers, and the high-speed warship she commanded, "Goetia," the ship that had once overthrown Fraxinus in the past .
"All the staff to their battle stations! We face the most troublesome enemy in the world! Stir up your mood!
"Roger!" (It has a meaning like "Agreed" but I do not know how to take it here but I leave it anyway)
The staff on the bridge responded, Kotori looked nervous and made a confirmation gesture by turning his head.
Behind her, there were eight girls who did not seem to fit the bridge properly. All of them were spirits whose powers had been sealed by Shido so far. Each one eagerly watches the image of Shido on the main monitor. "Kotori!" "Kotori."
Between the two who simultaneously called one was a young girl who possessed dark characteristic hair that was the color of night and had clear crystalline pupils, while the other remained the only Spirit that remained composed in those terrible circumstances were those Tohka And Origami respectively.
Even Kotori could easily guess what they were about to say. After a moment of hesitant irresolution, he sighed ardently from the depths of his throat.
Well, I never planned on any of you getting involved in this fight at first, but now ... " Kotori weakly exhaled.
With the organization Ratatoskr, under his command it was one that held the safeguard of each Spirit as its purpose of extreme priority.
The act of sending spirits whose powers had been meticulously sealed to the battlefield, in fact, were in conflict with the etymological intentions of the corporation.
However, everyone knew in his mind that this was not the time to emphasize auxiliary morals. On the other hand, an unshakable flame was burning in his eyes, inextinguishable by something Kotori could say.
"Very good. Could they help-
Tohka and Origami nodded in synchrony before Kotori could utter the full sentence.
No, besides that. All the other Spirits expressed their strengths and expressed their approval as well.
"I want to help!"
"Heh, heh, with the power of us" Yamai, "even a hurricane can blow through the void of space." "Agreement. We can not stay idle in this situation. "
"Exactly! Darling's out there fighting, I can not stay here! " "... If Yoshino goes, I'm going too."
That's right, a final battle against the boss where everyone joins forces! Ah, but my Spiritual power is low, so I guess I'll be backing them from the boat.
I am sorry!
Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Miku, Natsumi and Nia respectively said, Kotori put a defenseless expression. "I get it. The spirits raised their fists and gave a war cry.
Their voices full of vitality reverberate vigorously across the bridge, sending shivers all over Kotori's body shouting aloud.
As if influenced by the moral impulse of the Spirits, the strain that once painted the faces of the crew disappeared in an instant and was replaced by a relief of distension. With renewed
determination and zeal, they recovered again.
The voices of the spirits seemed to relax the mentalities of the crew that were about to face the most formidable enemy in history. However, the environment of the lively atmosphere did not last for long.
The reason became apparent on the main screen monitor as innumerable hordes of miniature machines were deployed by the DEM armada and were heading for Shido and Mukuro.
Those diabolical dark gray gears with humanoid figures were the unmanned armament of DEM Industries, the Bandersnatch units.
"Tsk ...! Those bastards "
"C-Commander! I'm detecting signals from something other than Bandersnatch units! "Deep Love" Minowa suddenly interrupted Kotori's complaint. Of course, that did not help.
After all on the main screen something completely different from the Bandersnatch units, something moved within the vague shadows created by the countless machines.
To be exact, it was someone, a person.
That person was a young girl who had blonde hair and was wearing a Director of a Combat unit of light blue and white.
"That's…!"
"-Artemisia Bell Ashcroft."
Origami uttered the girl's name as her eyes stared at the screen. Although his tone was rather calm and monotonous, a key expression gradually formed on his face as his hands tightened tightly.
For Origami, this was a rarely seen but well-justified response.
Ultimately, Artemisia was a magician with a power similar to that of Ellen Mathers. She had second place of the strongest.
It should be avoided that he intercepts Shido at all costs. Kotori began to speak in a voice full of anguish.
"Kuh Continue with the descent according to your location. Tohka and Origami, you two will go first. Climb the teleporter quickly.
"In ... understood."
After answering, Tohka and Origami moved hastily toward the teleportation unit installed inside the bridge.
While Kotori looked at the two of them with half-glance, he issued an order to the Fraxinus AI, Maria.
Maria, also prepares the AW-111.
Understood, but it's still under maintenance. That's fine?" "Yes, Origami will make good use of it."
"...?"
Origami inclined his head sharply because he did not know the implications of Kotori.
Subsequently, a compartment was removed from underneath the central automation console, in which a branded silver object was slowly revealed. Kotori took the object in his hands and placed it before Origami.
The girl could only fix her dazzled eyes to the mysterious object as she received him. "This is ... an emergency kit?"
"Right. It is a CR unit manufactured by Asgard Electronics, called "Brynhildr". It's our newest model, so it would be great if you could blow up the equipment. "
Kotori explained as he thumbed up. As if he had collected the pieces of the puzzle immediately, Origami clutched the apparatus he had and nodded slightly.
"En-understand."
Okay, then let's go. Confirm the coordinates and start teleportation! Understood, starting teleportation.
Maria's response to Kotori was transmitted through the speakers. Shortly after, the bodies of Tohka and Origami, that were standing in the installation of the telecarrier, began to emit a thin and pale light.
Right at the moment they disappeared. "Yaaa ...!?"
The Fraxinus bridge suddenly trembled with a stern unknown force, causing Kotori to scream. The commander staggered by the unexpected assault, almost turning in her own seat, barely steadying herself. Be that as it may, Kotori and the other members of the crew somehow managed to keep themselves seated, they could be considered quite fortunate as the adjacent Spirits had lost their balance and fell mercilessly on the ground.
"Kyaa ...!"
"O-o-ouch ... what happened ..."
Nia gently rubbed her forehead, which had been pounded against the solid floor as she opened her mouth with resentment at the accident. To his dismay, the one who responded was one of the crew members at the bottom of the bridge.
Goetia launched an incendiary explosive!
"Our Territory has successfully neutralized the bombing, no harm has been suffered!" The report made the enraged Kotori frown in rage.
"… What?".
If Goetia had used ordinary ordnance artillery rockets, his power would have been effortlessly nullified by the Territory, and the effect of the explosion would not have reached the bridge. Ellen knew that the territory of Fraxinus was almost impenetrable; Thus, she borrowed another Territory for the purpose of that attack.
It looks like a door knocking.
Kotori ferociously smacked the pacifier in his mouth with his teeth. As if in response to Kotori's rhetorical statement, the loudspeakers inside the bridge began to sound a warning siren pointing to an incoming transmission from outside the ship.
Without even having to guess who the sender was, Kotori ordered in a painful way. "... Put it on the screen."
"It is understood"
Accompanied by the affirmation of the crew, after some diverse electrical noises slipped through the screen, the image of a young woman was shown on the monitor.
She was a beautiful blond woman of European origin from the north with skin as pale as a sick man.
She magnificently approached a platinum circuit that clearly confirmed her status as an assistant.
If one were to judge her by her outward appearance, her neck and wrists seemed thin enough to be pulled out by a small amount of force.
At first glance, she looked like a normal, rather fragile, foreign girl from anyone's perspective. But his blue eyes were filled with absolute confidence of his own strength.
"... Ellen Mathers."
"Indeed. It's really been a long time since our last conversation, Itsuka Kotori. "
Ellen replied with a mocking smile. His indifferent indifference made one or two laughs at the tips of Kotori's eyebrows.
This show was not the first of its kind.
When Shido previously borrowed Zafkiel's skills to rewrite the story, Kotori and Fraxinus had come face-to-face with Ellen in a similar way to simply be defeated at the end.
"It seems that he has not learned the lesson and he has returned for more. But things will not go your way.
"Hmph, is that warship the source of your overconfidence? A new variety, I suppose,
nonetheless ... it is useless. I will bring it down again, no matter how many times it is needed. "How dare you-"
At that moment, Kotori held his breath.
It was then that he came up with the meaning of what Ellen was saying.
Fraxinus had suffered a defeat against Goetia during Shido's effort in the previous world. The Ellen of this world should not know even a pinch of it.
"... I see, so it was" Beelzebub. " Kotori whispered faintly.
The all-knowing Demon King "Beelzebu" Isaac Westcott had snatched from Nia
It was no mystery that they could acquire information by the normal means of the previous world before it was altered
"Hmm ... Your boss is really fussy, like he's a kid who just got a new toy." "A child, hey ... What you said is not necessarily so fake."
"Ho? Even a manga would not have something like that. If that guy had as much judgment as a minimum, he would not have come personally to the base of the enemy, even more being the ringleader.
"... Huh?"
The moment these words reached Ellen's ears, for the first time, a face appeared on her face. "What did you just say, Itsuka Kotori? Ike went to the base of Ratatoskr in person without me ?! "
Along with a startled astonishment, or rather, indignant anger, such vociferous pronunciations came out of his throat.
"----"
This unexpected reaction causes Kotori to flake and mute while swallowing his saliva.
She could not have heard wrong despite the clumsiness of Ellen's speech, which had no idea that Isaac Westcott would attack Ratatoskr's base.
Judging by your response, you appear to be completely unaware of this matter. They did not inform you about a major fight, even though the two are in intimate condition. He does not have much confidence in you, does he? What an unforeseen ... "
"..."
Ellen became uncommunicative and was silent for a while, breathing through Kotori's neck with an expression she had never had before. After moving her lips slightly as if she were thinking aloud, Ellen returned to her former relaxed position and straightened her long bangs.
"What a blatant mockery. I, of all people, would believe in the words of the enemy? You can confirm this for yourself if you are not convinced. Or maybe, are you afraid?
Anyway, what you've said is nothing but absurd lies. Very well, if you insist, I will go and verify the matter myself.
Having said that, Ellen gave sharp, sharp behavior. Five minutes will be more than enough.
The connection was cut simultaneously. The DEM Industries warships, which appeared again on the refreshed main screen, showed a variety of changes.
As they were focused on Goetia, being the center of attention, the other three ships secretly surrounded Fraxinus before they had a chance to notice.
The flames of war were about to explode. After a sharp groan, Kotori promulgated his orders to the crew members. "Drive everything to the defensive territory we will not fall again! We are surrounded by this will be difficult to deal with, however, apart from Goetia, all the others are not smaller potato chips.
Before that happens ... "Kotori-san!"
Kotori's words were abruptly interrupted by a voice behind her that voice was Miku's.
"Please, tele transport us out of the ship! We'll take care of those fries! "Following his example, the other Spirits also expressed their opinions. "Kotori-san can take care of Goetia ...!"
"Ka Ka, Tohka and Origami have gone to Shido's location. We should follow his example. "You guys…"
Though hesitant at first, Kotori nodded. "Well, I dutifully charge you to stay here."
"How did it come to this ?! We can help with our powers too! "" Calm down. It is precisely by your powers that I am counting on you to remain on the boat as a last resort.
"Hey…?"
"Doubt. What does that mean?
Kotori's statement caused the Spirits to burst their brains with a stupefied expression.
"Actually, I'm really sick of not being able to do anything. But since it is Goetia to what we face here, perhaps ... When he changed his field of vision towards the Spirits, Kotori suddenly stopped talking. The reason was very simple: it lacked a Spirit.
"Eh ...? Where is …? "Goetia is approaching"
However, just then, the voice of a crew member was transmitted from the lower bridge section, driving Kotori's consciousness away immediately. There was no time for careful consideration. Even if she had concealed herself because of the fear of battle, Kotori could not blame her for that purpose.
More importantly, she did not plan to force her to render her assistance. With a gesture, Kotori instructed the crew.
Everyone awaits that perfect opportunity! All the staff prepared! We'll start soon! "It is understood"
The firm affirmations of the crew members reverberate throughout the bridge. Kotori licked his lips and fixed his gaze on the platinum aerial warship shown on the main monitor.
Here I go, my destined archenemy.
I will let you enrich your intelligence with respect to the new Fraxinus force.
Then Kotori pointed to the screen and uttered the following words. "Very well, let our battle begin."
"-"To unlock".
Accompanied by a fleeting and brief sound, Mukuro stabbed his angel in the form of a "Michael" key in the void.
While something like a door opened, a passage unfolded instantly in that space, drawing strongly the many piles of floating rock and machinery around Mukuro.
"Evanesce." "...!"
In a fraction of a second, several doors were unlocked that somehow surrounded Shido. The projectiles, which had previously disappeared, came out of doors simultaneously. It was an endless barrier that came from all directions, from the three hundred and sixty bearings, leaving no blind spot unharmed.
Naturally, the Fraxinus Territory that protected Shido responded accordingly, helping him to avoid the piercing discharge of projectiles without getting any results. Unlike what happened before, there was no place to hide it.
The few inescapable missiles kept coming toward him, as if they had a ruthless thirst to pierce Shido's body.
However, Shido was not naive enough to stay in place like a sitting duck. He raised his left hand to the front and shouted.
"Zadkiel" ...! "
In an instant, frigid currents sprang up around Shido, beginning to take the form of a sturdy ice shield. The debris collided with the giant piece of frozen water, breaking it into few fragments of frost.
Several shock waves struck without remorse Shido's feeble shield, Similar to a defenseless ship being burdened by a relentless tempest at sea. Mukuro, seeing the situation, narrowed his eyes indistinctly.
"Hm, you truly are able to manifest other angels. More jaundice. Are you a mortal light? I've considered that possibility before.
But-"
Then he represented an illusion within his mind and spoke.
To try to reach you, I guess now is not the time to be picky. With the singing that breaks armies "Gabriel", Shido put all its forces in his voice.
The mystical incantations spreading from within Shido's throat vibrate in his eardrums through the territory of Fraxinus, granting him a power that far surpassed the limits of a normal human being.
"Uoooooooh!"
Snuggling her legs into the air, they instantly coil with a forced exhalation. Because of course there were no support points or anything in space.
However, the territory surrounding Shidou's body sensed his movements and propelled him forward with a great leap. Approaching Mukuro with great speed.
However, at the same time, "... Huh !?"
Shidou reflexively stifled his breath.
The reasons for his reaction were well justified.
Just before reaching Mukuro's position, the shadow of a human figure wrapped in a machine suit suddenly emerged from the corners of Shido's eyes.
"My apologies, this Spirit belongs to us."
The blonde retracted when her lightsaber was impaled, while saying it with an apathetic tone. "You are…"
Shido remembered who she was: Artemisia Ashcroft, one of the DEM wizards, that was the girl who attacked Nia when she invested.
It seemed that he had arrived in the cosmos along with "Goetia". In spite of this, Shidou, who had previously accumulated all his available attention in Mukuro, was totally unable to perceive even the slightest sign of the rapid advance of Artemisia until the very event occurred.
Artemisia's sword pointed at Shido's vulnerable neck. The boy was actually fucked.
Shidou did not know if the flames of Camael could heal a decapitated head.
Hoping that such a wonderful miracle would prove feasible, Artemisia and Mukuro would not wait patiently for Shido's head to slowly reconnect to his body again.
However, within that short span of ten seconds or more, a fervent emotion that had no respect for his prominent personal safety arose from the heart of Shido.
It's okay. If Shido died there then, Artemisia would definitely attack Mukuro without the slightest hesitation.
Of course, Mukuro was a Spirit. With Michael's help, it was possible she quickly escaped to a distant place despite any contingency, even if she wanted to, she could kill Artemisia.
On the contrary, if this happened, it would equal Mukuro sealing his own heart forever. His choices would be death or eternal stagnation.
For Mukuro, the removal of Shido simply meant that she would keep those two remaining options.
"Something like that ... how could I accept ..." Shido managed to control his weakened body and held Michael forward.
Naturally, it was too late to defend himself. However, if Artemisia yielded a little, perhaps the beheading would not prove to be a clean cut at all.
Whenever Shido's head remained connected to his body even if it were through the thinner layer of skin, there was a chance that "Camael" could save his life.
Those might be his odds, but they are not more imaginary gleanings. However, that would be his greatest effort that Shido could achieve.
The tip of Artemisia's laser sheet approached Shido's throat. The razor-sharp edge of his sword, made up of enormous magical power, lacerated his naked flesh, incurring a sharp excruciation throughout his nervous system while the foul odor of burnt blood spread through space. Nevertheless.
"... U-Ugh!"
The one who killed his breath was not Shido, but Artemisia. "Hey--?"
Hearing this exclamation, he could not refrain from exclaiming.
Shido, who had thought he was dying just moments ago, still possessed the conscious ability to confirm the problem for himself, and his throat was able to verbalize as before. Shido
understood right away.
The saber that brushed against his neck was clogged underneath. "Shido, are you okay?" "Origami!?"
Shido widened his eyes as he called out the name of the girl who had appeared before him. Origami was there, dressed in an unknown machine suit.
His ensemble was embellished with a streamlined purple white CR unit, pauldrons and a breastplate that looked like European armor.
His weapon, more than a sword, was more like a long spear. That suit …
I'll explain later.
After Origami said that, she threw her spear at Artemisia, who had lost her balance. "Kuh ..."
"... Ugh."
Because their territories were impacted, they could perceive the energy and tenacity of the other.
Both Origami and Artemisia distorted his vague expression that resulted in grimaces.
His intense magic concentrated on a single focal point, unloading blind streaks of light through the black cosmos so that his eyes also shone.
"Shido"
A voice came to his ears when he was released from his desperate impatience.
The next instant, his wrist was tightly grasped by a force that threatened to dislodge his hand, pulling it.
Shidou could not help shouting, before realizing the importance of that action
In the blink of an eye, the space in which Shido had been previously was completely permeated by magnified rays of spicy light emanating from Mukuro.
Supposedly, Shidou was still glad to have lost his stunner, since Origami had saved his life once more.
"Are you okay, Shido?"
"Ah, yes, thank you very much for that, Tohka."
Shidou wiped the droplets of sweat on his forehead and called out the name of the girl who had dragged him away from imminent danger.
Undoubtedly, the one who rescued Shido from that crisis was Tohka, wearing her limited Astral dress and brandishing her angel "Sandalphon" in her hand.
It seemed he had met with Origami. However, there was no time for a break.
Mukuro seemed to give a sigh and at the same time raised Michael again, throwing projectiles toward him.
And that did not end there. Immense humanoid figures appeared behind them, these were the unmanned units "Bandersnatch".
The robotic machines fired their artillery at Shido and Mukuro. "Guh ..." Zadkiel "
"Hah!"
Shido built an ice shield using the angel "Zadkiel" while Tohka was defending of the attacks of the units of Bandersnatch with Sandalphon at the same time. Of course, this alone was not enough to end the offense of the other party.
Shidou, Ratatoskr, DEM spell hunters, and the girl who regarded both sides as their enemies, Mukuro, the tripartition of their own idiosyncratic Holy Grail, had watered the cosmos with torrents of spiritual and magical power.
"... Ugh!"
However, despite being trapped in the turbulent war-torn war, Shido does not harbor any fears. To be exact, another philosophy is currently in your line of thinking.
"Tohka! Now is your chance! " "Umu! I'm going to clear the way! " Tohka said aloud.
Their two minds seemed to connect for a moment as they thought of a scheme to move forward.
That was to be expected. In battle, the speed and sharpness of Tohka's decision-making was not enough for Shido.
In fact, Shido and the others embraced the exact center of the battlefield. Even with the refuge of Fraxinus territory, it was a ruthless combat zone where no error remained unpunished. Each error was directly worth a point of the overflowing and overwhelming magical power. At the same time, Mukuro was confused with the state of things he had to counteract.
In fact, he was currently skirting anything that came with magic rays or using "Michael" to open doors that could engulf them whole.
Come on, Tohka! "Ooh!"
After meeting with Tohka, they jumped together, throwing themselves into the brilliant streams of meteorites.
In the dark and black cosmos, two shadows were entangled, colliding and moving together. Origami manipulated its own territory and observed the balance regulator, receiving several pressing Artemisia attacks in the process.
Fuh- " "Too slow!"
Origami fired a shot with his spear, but did not hit the target since the bullet was blocked by Artemisia using his lightsaber.
The modicums of magical energy dispersed like sparks of fireworks, shedding light on their eyes.
Once back, Artemisia slowly began to close her distance between her fierce fighter.
Origami's face moistened with sweat. Being gifted with the latest equipment did not fill the gap between his abilities at all.
This cruel fact made her remember the time she approached Ellen Mathers, although she collapsed by the divine strength of her opponent.
"Heheh ..."
Deeply absorbed in Origami's facial features, Artemisia let out a soft hum. "That combat unit of yours is somewhat eccentric, I must say.
Your spear can absorb any scattered magic in the environment and can turn that energy into the sharp edge of a blade.
A battle of resistance would mean the end for me. " "..."
Origami's brows trembled slightly.
Certainly, the laser-tipped spear held in his hands, "Einherjar," possessed as innate an attribute as Artemisia had previously said.
This was why Origami could control and handle the magical power generated to coerce his adversary into a war of attrition. "A CR Unit contemplates a new vision for me.
However, that you are not a magician. Why do you join the Spirits? "..."
A flagrant sense of grief lies within that sentence. Artemisia was supposed to be familiar with Origami.
Unless she herself was an amnesiac, it was very difficult to imagine that she had forgotten it. "... Artemisia.
Why did you desert the SSS and join them? You're not even a little tolerant of them. "...?
What absurd things are you saying? How do you know my name ... not to mention, what are the SSSs supposed to be ...? "Artemisia's face blatantly showed her doubts.
She wrinkled her eyebrows, supporting her painful forehead with her hand. "Agh ... eh ...?"
She moaned and groaned in pain, shaking her head forcefully as if to free herself from the terrible headache, and replaced her line of sight with Origami.
"…Forget this. It seems that you intend to keep standing up to complete the mission. " Artemisia narrowed her eyes and threw her sword again, renewing her battle stance. Forgive me, but I must eliminate you.
"...!"
In a fraction of a second, the figure of Artemisia in the Origami view expanded rapidly, accelerating without warning.
It was indeed a leap from Trompe-l'oeil [3].
Fortunately, the lightsaber, which approached his forehead was not allowed to cross, was barely blocked by "Einherjar" in due course.
However, that mere impediment did not end with Artemisia's attack.
Up, down, left, right, and front, the killer's cuts seemed to flow endlessly to Origami without any intervention.
"K-Kuh ..."
Following him was an impossible feat for Origami. Her abdomen suffered from a direct attack, reeling back.
Hitting their swords and getting hit one after another, Origami was once again illuminated over the difference in ability of both fighters.
Even Origami herself had the self-confidence of not losing too many against other types of Magi, except that Artemisia's standard was well above that standard.
Qualities such as the magical ability, control, range and accuracy of their Territories no longer played a comparative role.
Perhaps even the foundation of their abilities was at the pinnacle of what the human body could achieve.
It could be said that it surpasses Origami, as magician, literally in all possible aspects. "... Ugh, though ..."
Origami had a reason to win this fight.
She twisted her dejected face and clenched her fist. Artemisia Ashcroft. You are very strong, more than I am. Origami inhaled deeply and concentrated his mind. "As a Magician, that is."
After pronouncing such a phrase ... "... Huh !?"
About to lower the sword like an executioner, Artemisia widened its eyes completely by the shock since the aim system had completely detached of Origami.
There was nothing he could do about it. If, in the midst of war, his opponent's body suddenly began to emit light, even Origami would be on alert for any movement made by the opposing party.
"That is to say……"
Artemisia stared at Origami with stunned, utterly stunned eyes.
His metallic suit mingled with his limited Astral Gown from which emanates a glorious splendor. Exactly, limited astral dresses affect the current outfit that the wearer wears during his casting. In the event that this equipment was a CR Unit that had combat capabilities, such an outcome was inevitable.
Spirit and Wizard, an absolutely incompatible pair fused into a single amalgam of harmony. A spiritualized magician most likely one in the marvelous world of a synthesized union that only Tobiichi Origami was able to manifest.
"With this, I will be able to face you."
Origami's pure white Astral gown wavered as she fixed her eyes on Artemisia as she calmly proclaimed it.
Following her closely, Artemisia, whose eyes widened like round marbles, gave an answer. "A spirit? Haha ... So that's the case.
You were that Spirit present during the subjugation of "Sister." Using your CR Unit made me fail to recognize you. "
Artemisia curled the corners of her lips and laughed.
"Since everything is fine. Seeing that you are a Spirit, now I can kill you without regrets. "..."
Origami and Artemisia exchanged silent looks like two magnets of opposite poles, attracting each other. The pair simultaneously sank into the void.
"Display <Yggdrafolium> numbers from one to ten at the assigned coordinates, maximize the exit of the Territory!"
"It is understood!"
At the bottom of the bridge, <Dimension Breaker> Nakatsugawa skillfully maneuvered his panel. Shortly thereafter, the auxiliary monitor showed an image of <Fraxinus>, showing its rear section emitting a blue glow and several automated foliage units being ejected.
Subsequently, they surrounded the body of <Goetia>, each extending its Territory to the maximum as weapons floating in space.
"Alright, it's time! Shoot the magic cannon, <Mystletainn>! " "Roger. <Mystletainn>, getting ready to shoot. "
Like the IA Maria responded to Kotori's command, a slightly muted tremor shook the bridge, and a dazzling flash of light flashed on the monitor's main screen.
A devastating torrent of magical power arose from the front of <Fraxinus> and spread to <Goetia> at an incredible speed, unable to be followed by the naked eye.
However ... the enemy warship dodged to the right with an unnatural path, escaping the Yggdrafolium with a sharp jerk.
"Chi ... they're still making exaggerated moves as usual." Kotori frowned ruthlessly.
The largest weapon controlled by the warship of Ellen <Goetia>. His eminence was neither an excessive firepower that could annihilate anything, nor an infinite durability capable of enduring anything, but rather the flexibility of locomotion that the naked eye could not maintain.
Unlike other aircraft, through the direct interposition of Ellen Mathers, movements could be achieved that challenged the fundamental laws of physics. <Goetia> prided itself on this unparalleled exulting specialty. The current situation was like a heavy motor vehicle that is caught in the palm of a giant. <Fraxinus> could do whatever it could to improve their
maneuverability with the improvements, but they would never have a candle for the absolute power of <Goetia>. If they were to maintain the status quo, that is.
"-Kannazuki!" "I presented."
At Kotori's call, the tall, thin man at the captain's seat answered. It was the Deputy Commander of Fraxinus, Kannazuki Kyouhei. Equipped on his head was a peculiar device that transmitted his brain waves to a Realizer-an Electro-Encephalograph unit.
"Maria, get Fraxinus to have it hand-operated."
"It is understood. A Realizer unit has been left over while the remaining units are serving as magic generators. "
After Maria said it, Kannazuki put her hands on the device and wrenched the corners of her mouth.
"What a pity. Although I do not remember, those boys on the other side must have given us an overwhelming defeat in the previous world, unforgivable. Those damn Mages that damaged the beautiful tree of the Commander's world, and I myself could not protect it. "
"Do not worry about it. But I'm going to make you take revenge for that loss. "
"Naturally. Ah, to be mortified and humiliated without knowing it to yourself, does not it excite you as if you were obliged to do things subconsciously? "
「Kotori, I beg you to reconsider the delivery of control of the ship to this person. "I understand your doubts, but try to bear it."
Kotori heaved a sigh as he responded to Maria's anxious concern for Kannazuki's words. However, the person himself did not care; Rather, it would not be inaccurate to say that he assimilated a pleasant pleasure from Mary's reservations.
"Anyway, go ahead. Let me examine what is different now. " "Understood, as the Commander wishes."
As Kannazuki respectfully bowed and replied, <Goetia> came up quickly as if in concert. At the same time, Kannazuki narrowed his eyes in a sardonic look and unfolded the <Yggdrafolium> end of the back of the ship to cut the advance of <Goetia>.
Ordinary warships were incapable of evading that attack at such speed and distance, unless their defenses were aided by Territories. Of course, if they were an ordinary ship.
Just before it came into contact with the boundaries of the Territories <Yggdrafolium>, <Goetia> changed course instantly. To be exact, he kept the parallelism of the boundaries to himself, going through the narrow crevices between the dense <Yggdrafolium> and gradually approaching more and more.
"Goetia is still coming!"
The voices of the crew reverberated through the bridge. <Fraxinus> was thrown into a corner. Any ship would be unable to dodge an enemy direct attack from a distance so close. However, <Fraxinus> was not any ship.
"" Hm. "
As the territories of <Fraxinus> and <Goetia> collided, Kotori felt an unfamiliar floating sensation.
Simultaneously, the monitor connected to the <Fraxinus> front-sight camera showed a change that occurred at a frightening speed.
"Uaah !?"
The loud cry of someone filled the room.
In the blink of an eye, the helmet of <Goetia> was reflected in the previous position of <Fraxinus>. Fraxinus was the same as <Goetia> in that it did not move analogously with the help of a propeller.
That subtle floating sensation was to safeguard the bridge against that imprudent influence and the later effect evolving from exercising the Territory. If the force of a daring trick like the change of a huge dirigible in a fraction of a second had not been mitigated, the bridge certainly had been filled to the brim with blood and vomit of affected crew members.
"Wow! What was that! The distorted screen and ...! "
Kaguya shouted excitedly from behind. Kotori lifted the paddle he held in his mouth and lifted the corners of his mouth.
"This is a new feature that <Fraxinus> won after the review. By establishing another Territory within aircraft, reactions between them allow for unprecedented freedom of movement. " As he shrugged, Kotori boasted as a hint of pride escaped his eyes.
"Well, do not worry about me. I'm just angry that I did not have the opportunity to go back to <Goetia> so far for what they did in the previous world. "
As if it had been produced simply to answer Kotori, Maria's voice rang out in the loudspeakers. 「No problem, Kotori, Directors and spacecraft can be manufactured by anyone. Nevertheless-"
After a brief pause, Maria resumed the conversation. - Only those who earn are genuine goods.
Monotonous and electronic sound without ascents or descents of intonation. All that could be assumed about his expression had been reduced to a single word on the main monitor: MARIA. In spite of his robotic voice, anyone who heard it, no doubt, would imagine a girl smirking. Kotori loosened his face, looking straight at <Goetia>.
"That's right, Maria. "Then let's make them known, who are provoking who." "It is understood!"
Directed by Kannazuki, the crew members responded at the same time. However, a person wrinkled his eyebrows in uncomfortableness. It was Nia.
"Uh, but Imouto-chan, are you really okay? I admit it's a bit cool, but that was mimicking the opposition and not overcoming them completely. "
In fact, his words had meaning. Kotori turned to Nia, deciding to keep responding. However, Maria hit her.
「What happens to this person? Do you think throwing a couple of complaints would make you look wise?
"Nonono, I did not mean it that way ..."
「Foul clients with bad temperament, if those claimants reproduced, their children would address them as monstrous fathers. That would be a threat to society, please stop.
"Ugh, why do you feel like this brat is being so stubborn with just me?" Nia frowned as she said it. Kotori could not help shrugging his shoulders.
"We can only rely on the pieces on hand now to make a move. Let's start with <Goetia> first. " Kotori pointed his palette directly at the image of <Goetia> that was displayed on the monitor. (I.e.)
"... Huh."
Inside the bridge of the high-speed mobile ship <Goetia>, Ellen Mira Mathers sighed.
No, perhaps the word bridge gave a rather ambiguous impression. Precisely in the middle of an area where several electronic devices and mechanical units were unfolding, Ellen sat in the seat of the space command module, with numerous bundles of wires connected to the complex circuits embedded in her attire.
However, that was the truth. In fact, the particular methods of the ship <Goetia> were totally different from those of any ordinary plane. It could be evaluated as a tactical, gigantic and special-purpose Ellen Realizer unit.
"That earlier movement," he wrote to Goetia. I see it seems that the issue of the update was not a simple deception after all. "
Ellen narrowed her eyes in thin slits as she scanned the projection of the ships out of the environment.
The Ratatoskr spacecraft, <Fraxinus>, its motorized performance far exceeded the intelligence reported in Ellen's memory. In addition, there were other inconveniences: the Spirits that remained inside the ship.
If they destroyed <Fraxinus>, the Spirits would be dragged into discordant clash. The conflict had already passed beyond the point of reconciliation. In the worst case, the Sephira crystals could be scattered throughout the vast cosmos, never to be recovered again.
As a result, it was imperative that Ellen kept <Fraxinus> indefinitely impotent as was its original state. If they had let the Spirits remain inside the ship with that intention in mind, Ratatoskr would have been a dreadful force to be reckoned with.
"Well, that does not matter."
However, Ellen did not expose an enervated plaque.
"In the presence of a lion, this is but a hare that becomes a fox."
After stating these lines briefly, Ellen once again urged <Goetia>. Through her electric gown, Ellen's body sensory system expanded widely in scope. It was as if he had sunk into a vast ocean of interconnected nerve fibers. The current Ellen was completely in sync with the platinum-hulled ship. Identical to how it was represented in his mind, the huge warship sailed through the void of space.
An entity that surpassed the mutual symbiosis of <Goetia> and Ellen did not exist in this world. "I will correct myself. <Fraxinus> - three minutes will be enough. "
<Goetia> swept the length and breadth of the cosmos without limits, bombing Fraxinus with the cannons. Fraxinus managed to reply with considerable effort; However, after a while, the difference in reaction times on both sides diminished, and the disparity was consciously raised again to an insurmountable crescendo again.
"--- Fuh."
The countless stars gleaming in the sky traced a splendid trail in Ellen's eyes, causing a pastel sensation in the woman as if she had suddenly been placed in a colossal meteor of meteors. Despite traversing a speed that inspires fear and reverence in the hearts of mere mortals, Ellen's brain could still identify the circumstances surrounding her current situation. Her consciousness became extremely insightful, for everything around her seemed to be locked in the impartial passage of time while she alone transcended reality. No one part of this world could even begin to describe the experience of having their senses juxtaposed with Ellen. "Generating magical energy, charging duration, not to mention that obvious locomotive capacity - they seem to be stronger than the <Fraxinus> of the previous world. However, the most crucial strategy does not suit them. What a waste."
When Ellen let out a snort of contempt, she approached Fraxinus with a posture that threatened to trigger an explosion of magic greater than anything she had ever uttered. "I will congratulate you for being able to set foot in the domain of my Territory."
Then the muzzle of the barrel turned in the direction of the unprotected body of the ship. "Those who dare to defy heaven will have their wings plucked and burned by the holy flame like that silly Icarus."
A glimmer of light, the overflowing magic heavily condensed to its critical point burst into a single flash of detachment, heading toward Fraxinus's direction.
The Territory of <Fraxinus>, which was supposed to protect them, had been markedly
weakened in intensity by coming into contact with that of <Goetia> - a strangulation that Ellen did not release.
Given the distance and the opportunity, <Fraxinus> 's ability to evade successfully was close to zero.
Nevertheless… "Huh?"
The next moment Ellen forced her breath.
The cause was simple. Just at the exact moment of the impact, <Fraxinus> changed instantly, and <Goetia> 's magic missile passed without touching.
"This is…"
Ellen opened her eyes and looked back at Fraxinus. Rather, I could only pretend to do that. But at that moment, the figure of Fraxinus was no longer present. Instead there was a violent shock wave that was heading toward Ellen.
"What……!?"
Ellen's chair shook vigorously, almost making her fall from her seat. "What's going on!?"
The surface of <Goetia> was closed with a layer of Territory. Even the strength of a meteor shower would not give rise to such a severe tremor.
The only thing that could damage the spacecraft was a magically driven assault. And right now, there was only one enemy ship on the battlefield.
It is true. In each place of the ship's structure a certain variable substance like Fraxinus was intertwined, surrounding behind Goetia, beginning its counterattack while emanating a shine like a polished silver tone. At the time it was affirmed, the observation equipment installed in Goetia sounded an alarm.
"There were spiritual waves.
The magical energy observed being engendered by the warship in front was not made through a Realizer unit - but of the energy of the Spirits.
"- <Fraxinus> ...!"
Ellen's eyes were furiously overwhelmed by blind fury as the apparent reality sank, her voice filled with pure and spiteful enmity.
(I.e.
"Who said we only had one trump card?"
Kotori shifted his gaze to the enemy ship displayed on the monitor as he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. The opposition had suffered a direct blow from the magical cannon, exposing the armored interior of the high-speed warship.
At that moment, Kotori leaned deeply on the captain's seat, with several electrodes tied all over his body and extending from the chair.
No, that was not the whole case. Behind his seat was a cylindrical apparatus erected, and the Spirits placed their hands on the apparatus.
"" Good work, everyone. My spiritual power alone would not have been nearly enough. " "No problem ... I'm thrilled to be able to help."
"Kaka! United, we're invincible! " "Assent. No one can oppose us. " The Spirits gladly answered Kotori.
... Well, among them was a girl who rejoiced over a completely different matter compared to what the others had in mind.
Despite this, with the cooperation of all, they had in fact avenged defeat during their previous battle with <Goetia>.
- There is Blót [2].
This was the card of triumph recently obtained from Fraxinus EX.
Similar to the cannon powered by the Gungnir spirits, its fuel was supplied directly by the Spirits and allowed the Territory to gain unimaginable power in a short period of time.
Of course, since a sealed spirit would require imposing a specific setback on its link with Shidou if they wished to release a fixed amount of energy, Kotori would have preferred not to use the mechanism at all. However, in use, his pulling force was unquestionably monumental.
Not to mention the accumulated energies of five Spirits-Kotori, Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru and Miku-were being used at this time.
The current <Fraxinus> could no longer be considered a warship.
To be exact - it was a bullet that possessed determination and free will, crossing through the expanses of outer space.
"Unfortunately, although the capabilities of the Ratatoskr Realizer unit are a bit higher, we had to resort to a dirty game in the end."
In fact, if they had reversed the gap between the two sides, the real forces were hard to say. But-
"We have won this moment. Bite the dust, Mage the strongest in the world. " Kotori lifted his thumb and pointed it down later.
As if agreeing with his gesture, <Fraxinus> fired another pair of magical cannon shells, which traversed Goetia, their reactions were slow after suffering the previous attack.
The presumed, self-proclaimed strongest platinum warship cast black smoke on its descent to the surface of the Earth.
"Uaaaah!"
Shidou grabbed <Haniel> firmly with both hands, turning the broom into <Miguel>, as he advanced through the Territory.
Numerous Bandersnatches had already sprung up around Mukuro, and the two parties became embroiled in a tangled war and skirmishes. Mukuro shook <Miguel> while rejecting the
approaching humanoid machines using light rays and meteor showers.
A golden opportunity; What was even more satiric was the fact that most of the DEM robots were completely ignoring Shidou's existence in the fight. Of course, the <Bandersnatch> units were not allies of Shidou and the others, nor did they accept a temporary ceasefire. The few units that Shidou came too close for comfort, however, responded by launching offensives. Nevertheless.
"Ha!"
Before Bandersnatches' attacks could reach their target, Tohka had jumped in front of Shidou and was already attacking the mechanical droids with his sword <Sandalphon>.
"Go, Shidou!" "A!"
While Shidou was taking care of the opening that Tohka had created, he took the opportunity to move quickly toward Mukuro's side with the intention of inserting the tip of the key into his body.
"Miguel!
However, just when he touched the frame of <Miguel>. "--- <Unlock -Rātaibu>."
Mukuro's quiet voice throbbed, a small door opened before the <Miguel> that Shidou had extended earlier, thrusting his point inside.
"Wha ... huh !?"
"Did you really believe that growing enemies would cause Muku to allow you to spy on the nasty you?"
With a sharp look, Mukuro stared at Shidou, lifting Miguel at the same time. According to this action of yours, the coalescing particles of light emanated from the end of Michael.
"Shidou! Run for it! " "Kuh ...!"
Shidou held her breath tightly and decided to escape from there.
But - it was too late. Mukuro had already emitted several beams of light before Shidou could lengthen the distance between them.
"Shidou!" "-Hum?
However, Mukuro uttered a bewildered moan.
A huge volatile object sliding from the right had obstructed Mukuro's assault.
Needless to say, even with the cover of the Fraxinus Territory, protection against the attack of a Spirit with simple fragments of metal was an absolute impossibility. It seemed that the armor plates from the battle of the nearby spacecraft had shifted to its location. But this had only defended against the direct attacks of the laser beam. The metal remains that had resisted Mukuro's attacks abruptly sent Shidou crashing backwards due to the great force and pressure. "Guah ... ugh!"
"Are you okay, Shidou?"
Unsure of how far Mukuro had been pushed, the armor plate finally stopped with a wobble. It seemed that Tohka had reached Shidou and had taken the piece of metal to a careful halt. "A-Ah ... Thanks for that, Tohka. By the way-"
Shidou gently placed his hand on the metal plate that had conveniently protected him. "It's a coincidence that this piece of metal floats right between Mukuro and ..."
Speaking up to that moment, Shidou suddenly stopped his words. "Hey…?"
He saw something inside that segment of silver armor. (I.e.
"... Fuh. I got rid of the stained parasites. "
Looking vaguely at the universe that had suffered an influx of metallic projectiles with its hollow eyes, Mukuro let out a sigh without emotion.
The scrap heaps of machinery irregularly floating around the space surrounding Mukuro slowly began to rearm in humanoid robots. Each of them directed the hostility towards Mukuro, although only to have its eliminations imposed by her later.
Mukuro snatched a piece of armor from the levitation plate and carefully scanned the object. "Lots of absurd visitors today. Hmm ... "
He dismissed the mechanical brains of the robots and looked beyond. "No one could compete with you, Shidou."
There was a teenage boy whose pupils burned with a firm, determined flame, along with a young girl standing between them to protect him.
"Renouncing your life so laboriously recovered? Such a coincidence can not happen twice. " Mukuro clung firmly to <Miguel> as he vocalized. With drops of cold sweat dripping from her forehead, Shidou fixed her passionate eyes on her.
"I'm not going to run away. I've said it before, but I'll open that heart of yours. " "Your hypocrisy is like a maze not to be trapped; Muku said so until now. "
As she retorted so as half-opening her eyes, Mukuro moved to the surroundings with her hands stretched.
"In that contingency, what do you decide? Do you want to persist in wasting these iron puppets? You are no longer capable of getting rid of the most astute changes. "
"And that - even if they are disintegrated, they can still be used."
Shidou folded the corners of his lips, lifting the pseudo-Michael in his hands. As if in response to this, the dispersed humanoid parts flew to Mukuro as small aeroliths.
However, that was not all. "Tohka!"
"A!"
Accompanying this fervent cry, Shidou and the girl hurried to Mukuro along with the countless shells.
"They intend to corner Mukuro to reveal a hidden weakness by the driving impulse of the combined attack."
"Do not……"
Mukuro immediately denied the idea that popped into his mind, narrowing his eyes as he did so.
"Haaaaa!"
And as if to interrupt Mukuro's thought process, the girl powerfully maneuvered the great sword with a piercing scream that threatened to tear her.
Despite this, this attack was not a devastating blow that would hit Mukuro's body. Not even the slightest trace of thirst for blood could be perceived by the technique of the girl's sword. A companion of Shidou who had made a promise to help him save other Spirits would never slice it into two halves.
Such an attack could easily be blocked. Mukuro held tight to <Miguel>. (I.e.
However, the moment before receiving the blade, Mukuro made his body dodge to one side and pass the attack.
"Uwah !?"
Thinking that Mukuro would evade his attack even before he approached, the girl unexpectedly staggered forward. Mukuro kicked the girl's shoulders, sending her completely out of balance and even turning considerably due to the rotation.
In an instant, a door opened in the space behind Mukuro, and the tip of <Miguel> could be seen spreading at high speed.
"What--?"
A panicked moan escaped Shidou's lips-shifting his vision inside, a stupefied expression appeared on Shidou's face as he held his <Miguel> with both hands.
As Mukuro had anticipated, the tip of Shidou's <Miguel> had been submerged by the portal-like portal that cracked through the void of space.
"As planned." Mukuro hummed.
Attracting Mukuro's attention through numerous projectiles, Tohka's attacks, and even opening a door with <Miguel> to dimensionally connect spaces to his side and behind Mukuro-if the duplicate of <Michael> of Shidou possessed a power Parallel to the original, there was no doubt what he would think of such a plan.
In reality, this was dexterity using the unique characteristic of an angel; A very pragmatic movement.
"Yet that strategy would not work against an opponent who genuinely handled the angel and knew very well the ins and outs of his abilities.
"Remorse indeed. With this, your death.
Mukuro laconically verbalized and pushed the cane in the form of a key in his hands at the door that Shidou had opened. The tip of the key extorted Shidou from space that had been distorted by the power of an angel. In this way, everything would come to an end. Even for Shidou, if the functionality of his body was sealed, he would not be able to move even a muscle.
But as Michael's point was about to stab his body: "Hyaa!"
An unbridled shout rumbled, and Shidou's body shrank rapidly, turning into the small figure of a young woman with scruffy hair, with an unpleasant grimace on her face. She hugged her own head as if to dodge Mukuro's attack as she spoke in a voice that contrasted with her actions. "A-A-Now, Shidou!"
"Hm?"
The unexpected change of circumstances surprised Mukuro, causing her to suddenly widen her eyes at the events unfolding before them. And at that precise moment, he felt an unexpected presence appearing behind her.
"……Hey?"
Mukuro looked back. Without knowing when or how, he discovered Shidou standing on his back with <Miguel> clutching at his hands.
"Inconceivable. What are you-"
