Volume 7 - CH 4(2/4)
(No, not good! It'll be over if I lose consciousness! Got to get ready—)
I gritted my teeth so hard I felt like they were going to be crushed. Then I quickly deployed the wing thrusters to get away from the rubble.
"Ahh—"
The infrared laser attacked me from in front of my eyes.
◆
(No, I can't...beat it alone...!)
The halberd slash, the particle cannon shots, Kanzashi used these two things to engage in a fierce battle with the [Golem III]. However, no matter whether it was the technical ability or the response, the enemy machine was always better as it started to gain advantage.
(Ku!)
Due to the strong interference, she still couldn't use the private channel.
Thus, she didn't know how the situation was with Ichika, who had gone to the gate to check.
"—"
The [Golem III] high intensity infrared lasers poured down like rain.
Kanzashi quickly exerted the boosters on her legs to the maximum and evaded the attack.
"—!?"
While backing away from the rubble in front of her, the aquamarine-colored armor that she knew entered her eyesight.
She couldn't be mistaken. It was the [Mysterious Lady] Kanzashi's sister, Sarashiki Tatenashi piloted.
"U...! ...!"
Seized by unrest, Kanzashi switched the Hyper Sensor into super sensitive mode.
(Where...? Where is it...?)
The irritating feeling couldn't be shaken away, and cold sweat broke out inexplicably as her heart pounded like crazy.
"!!"
Tatenashi was there.
Her armor was badly wrecked, and there was almost none of it left.
Tatenashi was lying there motionlessly, perhaps due to the grave injuries.
(N...o... Lie...That's a lie...)
She wanted to scream, but she couldn't let her voice out.
She wanted to shout that name out, but her mouth couldn't move.
--The world around her immediately distorted.
It's disgusting.
It's disgusting.
It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting It's disgusting
Struck by nausea, Kanzashi turned to look at [Golem III].
"—"
The unmanned machine that was unable to speak had a visor, a bodyline that was refined like a girl, a large left arm that didn't match it and a slender right arm that looked refined.
All this.
--IT'S DESPICABLE!
"...I'll...destroy you..."
Kanzashi murmured blankly, but this voice had unrivaled determination—no, killing intent in it.
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"
Deploying her wing thrusters, Kanzashi exerted the maximum output and used [Ignition Boost].
Firing one shot after another, Kanzashi raised both hands over her head and hacked the halberd at the [Golem III].
--*GLINGGG!!!*
A sharp metallic sound echoed out, and the halberd that was sliced by the blade spun in the air.
But even so—
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
Kanzashi was so agitated that she couldn't calm down.
She quickly readied both particle cannons and shot wildly at close range.
*DONK!* *DONK!* *DONK!*
The [Golem III] continued to back away under the impact of the cannons, and Kanzashi pressed on as she closed in and continued firing.
"Un...forgive-able..."
*Fire*.
*Fire, fire, fire*.
*Fire, fire, fire, fire, fire*.
She continued to fire without letting the malleable shield units interfere.
The sturdy [Golem III] armor finally broke and revealed the core.
(If I break this...!)
--*KACHANK!* Just when Kanzashi saw a ray of success, a mechanical sound brought reality crashing down on Kanzashi cruelly.
She ran out of particle cannon energy.
"Ah-Ahh..."
She prayed as she squeezed the trigger, but the particle cannon couldn't be shot.
*Click* *click*. Only that merciless sound was left for Kanzashi.
"U—!?"
Lifting her head up, the [Golem III] was right in front of her.
Trembling and unable to move, Kanzashi got swept aside horizontally by the blade.
"Au!"
Kanzashi, who was beaten to the ground, remained in that position as she summoned her console.
(A-Anything I can use, weapons...what...what...)
*Gaching* *gaching*. Her teeth let out an unharmonious tune in fear. While unable to calm her trembling body down, she still checked on the machine's situation.
(8 rapid-fire guided missiles [Mountain Storm][7D 12]... But...this...)
Most likely, with such powerful interference, a normal lock-on system couldn't chase it effectively.
No matter how potent the explosives were, they were pointless if they didn't hit.
(But...if Orimura-kun can hold off the enemy...maybe...)
Just when such a thought appeared.
*DONG!* A huge explosion could be heard.
"Huh...?"
Ichika was thrown beside her.
There were lots of scratches all over his armor, and it didn't look like he could hang on for long.
The other [Golem III] that rushed over went beside Ichika and grabbed his head.
"St...op, it..."
Kanzashi tried to shout as tears dripped down her face.
(It's, impossible...As expected, it's impossible...after all...Someone, like me...)
Kanzashi hated herself for being unable to take revenge for Tatenashi and only able to hit the ground weakly.
But she didn't even have the guts to stand up.
It's scary. It's scary. She wouldn't even lift her head up.
(Orimura-kun...I'm sorry...)
I'm sorry for pairing up with you.
I'm sorry for being unable to save you.
I'm sorry for being completely useless.
I'm sorry—that I was even born.
"Uu...uuuu..."
Kanzashi felt really lousy, and now, she just prayed to hurry up and disappear.
And then, thinking about it unknowingly, she finally realized.
--There's no such thing as a hero in this world.
Thinking about this, there was only despair in her future.
"—"
The [Golem III] was closing in slowly.
It raised its blade, and swung it down.
This movement looked really slow for some reason, and Kanzashi just looked at it, forgetting to even close her eyes.
(Ahh...)
I'll most likely die now.
Thinking that, everything else became meaningless.
A meaningless life, a boring time.
Everything and anything would vanish in the next few seconds.
"..."
She didn't feel relieved.
Neither did she feel fear.
She just felt completely empty.
*ZOOM*...
"—Huh?"
The blade didn't land on Kanzashi, and the figure that appeared in front of her hugged her as if it wanted to protect her.
Tightly, it hugged her tightly.
"Onee...chan...?"
The figure hugging her tightly was Tatenashi.
She used the last ounce of her strength to fly over and protect her imouto with her body.
And blood spilled out as she took a slash on her back.
"Onee..."
She called out softly, and Tatenashi's body fell.
"ONEE-CHAN! ONEE-CHAN!!"
Kanzashi hugged Tatenashi, who collapsed onto the floor, and shook her body. The warm blood covered Kanzashi's hands.
"No...don't...onee-chaaan..."
"Aha...how many years, has it been, since you last called me that...?"
"Onee..."
Tatenashi smiled.
She looked really happy, as if the only thing that made her relax was that her little sister was okay.
"Why...must you...do that?"
"To save my sister. Do I need a reason...?"
"But! But...it-it's useless..."
"Useless...of course not."
"It's useless! There's no such thing as a hero in this world!"
"Is that so...?"
Smiling no matter when, Tatenashi was always so gentle.
"But...but...!"
Kanzashi still couldn't hold her tears back.
Seeing her little sister like this, Tatenashi gave a 'Really, you...' look as she gently stroked Kanzashi's head.
"...It's not, useless..."
"Huh...?"
It sounded soft, but she could hear it clearly. It was Ichika's voice.
"A flawless...hero, it doesn't exist..."
Ichika's head continued to be grabbed by the [Golem III], and his arms and legs swayed lifelessly.
However, that voice became even more forceful.
"A flawless hero like that...would never cry, and would never smile..."
*Gugugugugu*. Ichika exerted strength into his body and tried to stand up.
Right now, he was embittered, tattered, awkward-looking, and pathetic. However—this figure looked even more dazzling than anything else.
"Therefore. I!"
*BEEP!*
The finger on the left hand [Setsura] released an energy claw.
Then, he slashed the arm of the [Golem III] that was binding him.
"I'm a human. I can cry, I can laugh, and I do fail. However—I won't give up! I won't run away from a battle. THAT'S WHAT A HUMAN IS!"
The [Golem III] that was counterattacked suddenly pulled its distance.
"HOUKKKKKIIII!!!!!"
"LEAVE IT TO MEEE!!"
[Akatsubaki], which finally recovered from the close-ranged explosion, appeared and broke through like the wind..
"Tatenashi-san's attack should have worn the shields out."
Using [Fold-Out Armor]'s thrusters to close the distance, Houki kept her body low.
"—"
*JYAGINK!!* A sharp metallic breaking sound could be heard. [Golem III] was sliced in half right down the middle, and it exploded.
"Are you alright, Ichika?"
"—Watch your back, Houki!"
"What!?"
Another [Golem III] that still had some energy left in it rushed at Houki.
"GAAH!"
Houki was slammed to the ground, and she hurriedly got up, changed directions, and left that position with her booster.
But the accurate hits came at Houki.
"Damn it. If this keeps up, Houki will...!"
Ichika opened his wing thrusters as he tried to fly.
But he was stopped by Kanzashi's voice.
"Wa-Wait...!"
"Kanzashi...?"
"Wait...don't go. You...your IS, it's...at its limit..."
"No way. I need to go save Houki."
"Wh-Why...? Are, aren't you...afraid of...death...?"
Seeing Kanzashi look so troubled, Ichika curled his lips up.
"Of course I'm scared."
"If that's the case...why...?"
"Well, I'm more afraid to run than to fight."
"Huh...?"
"If I run, I feel that I won't ever be myself again."
It's a declaration full of decisiveness.
To Kansashi, whether it was the emboldened words or the faith that matched it, they didn't exist anymore.
"Then, I'm going."
Summoning [Yukihira Nigata], Ichika increased the output of the wing thrusters to the maximum and flew off.
"Why..."
Staring blankly at Ichika's back as he left, tears welled up in Kanzashi's eyes.
--It's alright if I can be that strong.
--It's alright if I have the courage to fight.
--Me, me, me.
--Alright, alright, alright.
"I..."
The tears landed on Tatenashi's face.
"I'm really a coward..."
She kept thinking of reasons not to fight, yet she didn't take a step out.
Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable.
"I...really can't, do this...onee-chan..."
Crying could be heard.
She felt so unhappy that she wanted to go crazy, yet she couldn't move.
"You're not useless."
"Huh...?"
Kanzashi felt that she heard Tatenashi's voice, and thus hurriedly looked at her chest.
However, Tatenashi, who lost consciousness, didn't move at all.
"What's so bad about it? Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable. Who made us humans anyway?"
That's right. It was Tatenashi's voice.
Is that the illusion that normally happened?
But this voice that touched her heart was filled with warmth.
"Therefore, Kanzashi-chan. Just be weak, just smile. Accept all these. Once you accept that, you can stand up, because..."
"I-I'm human...?"
"That's right. And also—you're the little sister I'm so proud of."
Gently. It felt that she was gently smiling back.
"..."
Kanzashi put Tatenashi softly onto the floor, not moving away as she stood up on both legs.
"I'm going...onee-chan."
Her tears, they weren't flowing anymore.
◆
"Are you alright, Houki!?"
I continued to hack at the unmanned machine, and slid my body in to protect Houki.
"Ichika!? Yo-You idiot! Who'd rush in like that at such a state!?"
It's true that [Byakushiki]'s completely battered.
And with the [Absolute Defense] being disrupted by that unmanned machine. The pain on the flesh pricked at me.
"So can I leave it like this?"
"Wha-What?"
"—Houki, I'll protect you."
"U...!!"
That's right. I'll protect.
Houki, Tatenashi-san, Kanzashi.
"WHAT KIND OF GUY AM I IF I CAN'T PROTECT MY FRIENDS!!"
*GALINK!!*
I forcefully pressed my blade down and used the momentum to spin and slash at the unmanned machine itself.
(--Too shallow!)
This slash didn't cause fatal damage to the enemy. In my haste, I overdid it.
"Ichika! Danger!!"
Houki used her body to knock me away, and then she got bathed by the attack of the infrared lasers.
"AAAHHHHH!!"
"HOUKI!"
"Fu-Fu...this level, I can still..."
Perhaps intending to deal a fatal blow to Houki, the unmanned machine raised its blade.
"HOW CAN I LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THAAATT!!!"
I rushed into the unmanned machine's range and blocked the blade from below.
"Guuu...!!"
It was a heavy hit. And not just a simple slash, it also means that my IS energy's wearing out.
(Will...it end here? In this place, without knowing anything!?)
I gritted my teeth hard.
*Mishi* *mishi*. This creaking sound was either from [Byakshiki]'s armor or from my own bones. Gradually, I couldn't tell.
But, even so, I still...!
"I won't, admit defeat...GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
I forced my blade back.
However, the next moment, the left arm of the unmanned machine stabbed over.
"Damn—"
I was ready to take damage.
--At that moment, a sudden explosion saved me. A figure flew by the unmanned machine, and it knocked the black frame off and pulled me away.
"Wha-What's going on?"
"ICHIKA, GET AWAY FROM THERE!"
It's a voice I've heard before.
But I'm somewhat shocked that it sounded clearer than ever, especially for such an appropriate occasion.
"Kanzashi..."
So—it seems that she can stand up, and come to help.
Thinking that, I couldn't help but be happy.
I was happy, so happy, that I started smiling.
"Do-Don't smile! HURRY UP!"
"Got it!"
I carried Houki and got away.
Then, [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles hit the unmanned machine continuously.
"—"
It used its energy shield to block it, but the unmanned machine's movements stopped completely.
Houki and I used this opening to get to Kanzashi.
"So it seems that that's still not enough...to beat it."
"Then what?"
"How about [Reiraku Byakuya]...?"
"No can do. I don't even have enough energy left."
Really, the situation's so critical that it's laughable.
But even so, neither Kanzashi nor I looked like we wanted to give up at all.
"We can recover the energy through my [Kenran Butou]..."
"Can you do it? [Akatsubaki] took quite a lot of damage."
"...I'm okay. But, I need some time."
"If that's the case...I'll, buy some time...during this time."
Kanzashi automatically requested to fight.
Buy time. It sounds really simple, but this means that, until I recover, she would have to be a meat shield.
"No way. It's too dangerous."
"No time to hesitate...besides, there's, no other way..."
That's right. What Kanzashi said was true.
Right now, we're relying on [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles to hold down the opponent, but this isn't a long-term plan.
(If that's the case, I'll—)
Believe.
Kanzashi.
Houki.
Myself.
My friends.
Just pure belief.
"Tatenashi-san, I'll take revenge for you."
"Hey...don't just, kill me off like that..."
Severely injured, Tatenashi-san tried to get up. Her swaying body looked like it would collapse anytime, and I hurriedly supported it.
"This..."
"[Mysterious Lady]'s Aqua Crystal...?"
"It's a charm..."
I grabbed onto the thing that was given to me tightly.
"I understand...it's like a memento."
"...Ichika-kun. Once I'm all healed up, I'll definitely, definitely, beat you up violently."
Tatenashi-san said that with the blood drained off her face
But her face was still smiling.
It's weak, but it's an immovable smile.
"If that's the case, well."
"Let's try it."
"...Yes."
I, Houki, and Kanzashi all nodded our heads firmly.
Tatenashi-san gave a thumbs up, and said,
"Do your best, first years."
Having gotten the Student Council President's support, we immediately went into action.
◆
(If I use the [Multi Lockon System], I can create...an opening to attack...for Ichika...)
However, [Uchigane Nishiki] which Kanzashi pilots doesn't have an automatic tracking function process on it.
(If that's the case—!!)
Kanzashi closed her eyes and gathered her concentration.
She then opened her eyes suddenly, and the armor on the arms and legs scattered into light particles and disappeared.
The 20 digits of hers that were released seemed to be confirming their existence as they move about.
"I can do it...[Uchigane Nishiki], manual guided system...activate, 48 shots salvo."
Floating with the power of the [PIC], Kanzashi opened her arms wide like a Saint bearing the cross.
Holographic keyboards appeared at her digits, one above and one below at all the limbs.
The 5 digits of her hands and feet were assigned 2 ball-shaped keyboards each, 8 keyboards altogether, and she started entering all the information manually.
"Atmospheric conditions...mobility of each missile, time lag...interference between the explosions. Should be able to create an offensive power large enough..."
Several windows opened up in front of Kanzashi.
In other words, she was guiding each of the 48 hi-capability missiles manually.
"Suu...haaa..."
She inhaled some air, and exhaled it.
She cleared her thoughts, gathered her concentration to the maximum, and then—
"Can you run away from this [Mountain Storm]...?"
The 6 missile covers on the wing thrusters on her shoulders slid open.
In the meantime, the 6 groups of 8 consecutive shots were formed by particles, and all 48 shots were ready to be fired.
"Give me your strength, [Uchigane Nishiki]!"
*DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON!*
With booming sounds, the missiles flew out at the same time.
"Direct link, check...! Manual lock, start...!"
The missiles rushed at the [Golem III].
This time, it flew in differently, using complex 3-dimensional movements to close in at a fast rate.
"—"
The [Golem III] deployed the malleable shield, and intended to shoot down the missiles with its left arm.
However, the guided missiles that were supported manually dodged and accelerated like the [Golem III] as they changed directions and accelerated, thoroughly crushing the middle of the malleable shield units.
Having lost its defensive ability, the [Golem III] hurriedly used its thrusters to back away. However, it didn't get a chance to rest, as the next wave of missiles came roaring like wolves.
The legs, arms, shoulders, waist, head, abdomen. It got swallowed by the storm of explosions caused by the missiles.
"—"
But even in this situation, the [Golem III] still wanted to change the situation and gathered all its energy on the left arm. It wanted to shoot the infrared lasers at Kanzashi, who was defenseless as she controlled the missiles.
"I WON'T LET YOU!!"
Appearing in front of Kanzashi was Houki.
She raised her arms forward, deployed her [Fold-Out Armor], and created a powerful energy shield, blocking all the infrared lasers.
At the same time, the [Golem III] changed the infrared lasers to high-efficiency rapid-fire as it tried to break through Houki's shield.
"Ku! [Akatsubaki]! Show it to me, your strength!"
As if responding to Houki, the shoulder unit on [Akatsubaki] slid open.
That shape looked like a huge crossbow with an arrow on it.
"What, is this...?"
The panel that suddenly popped out showed this message.
?Experience level gained to a certain value. Construction of new equipment is complete. Variable output Blaster Rifle [Thousand Pierces][7D 13]. It's an outstanding piercing armament with the largest firing range—?
"Alright! Enough with the ridiculous explanation!"
Shutting the window, Houki kept her shields open and bent down.
--This is a weapon that could vary its output. It's unlikely to hit without using all the [PIC].
Without knowing why, Houki understood it all, and summoned the scope on her right-eye.
"I'll take your left arm."
*BEEEEEEPPPP!!!*
Using her [Fold-Out Armor] like usual, the crimson red energy bullet was shot out under huge compression.
The attack came from the shoulders on both sides, and it rushed forward with shockingly scorching heat that burned the land, and the [Golem III]'s left arm was blown away.
"—"
But since it was an unmanned machine, it wouldn't feel pain.
The [Golem III] barely tried to support the body that lost balance, and used [Ignition Boost] to rush at Houki.
"...I'll leave it to you."
"Okay!"
Flying above Houki's head, Ichika used [Ignition Boost] to enter the battle.
Wielding [Yukihira Nigata] in his right hand, he let out the extremely powerful energy of [Reiraku Byakuya].
"UOOOOOOHHH!!!"
The [Golem III] used the blade on it's right side to slash to the left.
And Ichika used both hands to raise the blade above his head, exerting all his strength into it.
*KLANG*...
"—"
The [Golem III]'s blade got destroyed by Ichika's [Yukihira Nigata].
"It's over now!"
Using a horizontal slash, he ripped the [Golem III]'s hard armor to reveal the core in it.
Ichika used all his strength in his left hand to smash the block-shaped object that was glowing golden, and the [Golem III] was knocked aside.
"—"
The core of the IS was made of 'A Rare Metal'. Though it was supported with a power assist, it wasn't something that could be destroyed with one hit.
However—
"It's a charm."
Between the core and the parts was an object that was flashing.
It's actual name was [Aqua Crystal], and it had the functions of the [Aqua Nanomachines]. It was the IS [Mysterious Lady]'s armament.
And naturally, the pilot is—
"Fuu..."
Sarashiki Tatenashi.
Though all blurry due to the severe loss of blood, that hand of hers raised up to the sky, and the movements of the fingers looked like they were holding a switch.
"Kachink."
Tatenashi pressed the finger.
The next moment, [Golem III] was absorbed by the explosion within, and vanished without a trace.
.
"Yeah..."
Using her last ounce of strength, Tatenashi gave a thumbs up.
Seeing her like this, Ichika, Houki and Kanzashi all looked like it couldn't be helped, gave thumbs up—and started smiling.
◆
"Un..."
Her consciousness still blurry, Tatenashi slowly blinked twice.
The white ceiling's dyed orange.
"O-Onee-chan..."
Tatenashi turned to the voice who called her.
Kanzashi was probably waiting for Tatenashi to recover, and stood up from the chair
"Are you, awake...?"
"Yes... This is...?"
Tatenashi still wasn't fully awake, and she asked Kanzashi in a somewhat dazed tone.
"The school's, medical office..."
"Not the infirmary...owowoww."
Her mind still blank, Tatenashi tried to stand up, but the moment she was about to do that, she was stopped by her pain and a panicking Kanzashi.
"You still can't move, yet...it's not fatal...but, your wounds aren't light..."
"Okay..."
After that, Tatenashi and Kanzashi continued to remain silent for a while.
--It had been a long time since the sisters had had such a conversation.
Both of them were thinking that.
The older sister who was always mindful of her younger sister's thoughts.
And the younger sister who feared the older sister.
However, those things felt like lies, and both of them naturally became silent.
(It's really thanks to Ichika...)
Tatenashi remembered about asking Ichika to pair up with Kanzashi.
Thinking about it, it was really strange.
(Why did I ask him in the first place...)
At that time, she didn't really realize something, but she just believed it.
That it'd be okay to leave it to him.
(Did I...)
Gradually, Tatenashi started to blush.
(Want to flirt around with him...)
Suddenly realizing that she started to blush, Tatenashi hurriedly turned to the window to avoid letting her younger sister detect it.
"Onee-chan..."
"Wha-What is it?"
"What happened...? Your face, it's red...?"
Not good. It seemed her agitation was about to show.
"Most likely due to the sunset..."
"Really...?"
Silence took place after that.
After about ten minutes, Kanzashi hesitated, and finally decided to say.
"We, erm, y'know...onee-chan..."
"Mn?"
"I'm sorry...for all this time..."
"Don't worry about that."
"Bu-But..."
She labeled others randomly, created a wall on her own, and kept running.
Facing herself like this, Kanzashi couldn't help but be so ashamed that she couldn't forgive herself.
"I'm...one useless imouto..."
"That's not true."
Tatenashi endured her pain and got up, hugging Kanzashi, who was about to cry out.
"You're my precious imouto. A very strong one, my younger sister—"
Kanzashi's head continued to be patted, and unable to take it any further, she teared up.
"Onee-chan...onee-chan..."
"Nn."
In the medical office with only two people, the sisters finally broke their frozen bond, and their souls finally interacted.
Only the sunset remained, watching over both of them silently.
◆
"Hmm..."
Why did it end up like this?
"My turn. Yosh, 2 Fives."
"I'll put 2 Sevens then."
"Nuah! I wanted to put Seven!"
"Then, I'll pass."
"My turn? Then, I'll put two Aces."
Right now, Houki, Cecilia, Rin, Charl and Laura are playing Daihinmin[7D 14]?in my room.
'As punishment for not pairing up with us, you must listen to one request from us'—just like that, the five of them requested this at the same time.
And my response was that I couldn't do that for 5 people, and so the winner will take it! Just like that, the victor would be decided by Daihinmin.
"I say, can't you settle this another day? A lot of things happened today. You must be really tired already, right? And you're all injured—WAU!"
A pillow got thrown over, and the one who threw that was Rin. It seemed that she threw that with her injured right hand as she let out a strange moan and squatted down.?What's she pulling now?
"This little thing isn't much of an injury at all!"
"That's right! I hope you don't underestimate the Representative Cadets."
"Mn. Besides, there are things girls can't back away from."
"There's no one in our squad who'll waste time saying such nonsense about being treated as casualties with just this damage."
"Speaking of which! If you think that you are fine, be gentler to me! Get me juice! And snacks!"
Ahh, Rin re-->>