Aboard the bridge of the Fraxinus ship, the main monitor showed a view of the guard post at the top of the Tenguu Tower, with fragments of glass flying everywhere. At the same time, a violent alarm came from the loudspeakers.
- ... !? This is-
- Two strong spiritual waveforms have been detected! One of them shows values of category E! - What……!?
After hearing Minowa's words, Kotori frowned.
In other words, rather than a normal reading of the Spirit, an entity endowed with the spiritual power of an Inverse Spirit had appeared.
Despite this, the current situation was not completely unexpected. After all, Tohka, who had invested himself, should now be at the observatory.
No - the use of the preposition would have been inadequate.
On the main screen, two spirits stood quietly against the glass curtain wall, their long wind- blown hair dancing in the breeze.
- ...!
As Kotori's attention was focused on the monitor, another loud noise reverberated on the bridge once more.
It was the echo of a piercing siren, blood-stained.
However, it did not originate on the ship itself. The earthquake alarm was issued only after observing the power of the spirits of the two.
Usually, the earthquake alarm arose by observing the spatial fluctuations that occur when spirits of the neighboring world appear in this world.
Of course, in this country, the AST would not allow these abnormal readings of the spiritual wave to go unnoticed.
The crowd in the street immediately dispersed. Everyone was in a hurry to evacuate the nearby shelter.
Kotori glimpsed the scene reflected on the main screen before making a frustrated face as he clenched his fist.
<Ratatoskr> was an organization aimed at saving spirits. They could not just sit back and watch this emergency unfold.
However, nothing came to Kotori's mind when he tried to invent a specific method to solve the current situation. The use of Fraxinus weapons and CR units might be able to suppress fugitive spirits, but it would be no different from the deplorable methods of DEM and AST. Then, unless they were able to manually handle the power of the Spirits, the problem would drag on even more.
However, it was impossible to seal the spiritual power of the Spirit, no matter how they used the capabilities of Realizer devices. If so, Kotori and the others had so far -
- Good….
- There was something missing. Kotori frowned at the pain that suddenly hit his head.
It looked like a very complex puzzle that lacked a vital component. Without that missing part, it would be very difficult to assemble.
- Commander!
While Kotori was thinking of a circle, it returned to reality after one of the crew members called her.
On the deck of the lookout, the battle between the pair began when they both pulled the ground-no; Rather, it was when they stepped on the wall. The two had already been ignoring the gravitational force the moment they started fighting.
One of them wore a dark astral dress and held a single-edged sword: the Inverted Spirit, Tohka. The other person had a floating blond hair, a Spirit that clung to a halberd in the form of a key - if one listened to the words of Origami, then that person would seem to be Mukuro.
Both sides ran on the wall as they dispersed abnormal levels of spiritual power. With each change of their weapons, the layers of glass covering the observation platform would be destroyed one after another by the consequences of their spiritual power, while foamy fragments dispersed in the sky.
- ... Anyway, we can not just wait and see ... At least the damage to the environment can be ... Kotori was about to instruct the crew, but suddenly he interrupted her.
The sound sounded indicating communication from the outside line. - Communication ... Where did you come from?
- A general line - It comes from the Origami mobile phone! - What was that……? Hurry up and put us through!
When Kotori issued the command, the sound of Origami's voice echoed in the loudspeaker after a whisper of static noise.
- Kotori-chan .... It's Origami.
- Origami! What have you been doing!? Tohka and ... who is that other Spirit !?
"I'm sorry, I'll explain later ...! The time is finishing! Quick, help me! To continue like this will not work. Can you stop their movements with the territory of Fraxinus? "
"That is ... manageable, but it is impossible to completely suppress a Spirit of such force. At best it will only make them feel that their body has become heavier ... "
While Kotori was talking, another voice echoed through the speaker.
The voice did not come from Origami, but it sounded quite distinctly masculine. "After that, leave it to me ...!"
"What……"
Kotori opened his eyes in amazement.
The man's voice unexpectedly originated on Origami's phone, and yet Kotori was surprised by the quiet feeling at that voice.
- You, what are you talking about? Saying that I leave it at the end ...
- There is no time to explain all the details, I have a way to stop them, so please, believe me. Can you help me?
(I.e.
That serious voice made Kotori pause for a moment. But then.
- ... Expand the territory to the area where Tohka and Mukuro are fighting! At the same time, deploy <Yggdrafolium> to minimize damage to your surroundings!
- Commander !?
The crew members were astonished. After all, although it was also part of Origami's request, but for Kotori to really listen to the words of a strange man ...
However, for some reason, even after Kotori had made the decision, there was a subtle sense that it was positively adequate. It was as if they had done it before; As if there had been several times when this boy had made the same request; Just as there had been some occasions - with their irrationality.
Kotori pulled out his Chupa Chups and returned his jacket before speaking. - Enough, run it right away. This war belongs to us.
"C-How are you, Itsuka-kun?"
Origami turned to Shidou with an uncomfortable expression. He nodded and handed her the cell phone.
- Well, they're willing to help us. - Really, that's great ...
- Well ... It is true that having Origami to act as an intermediary was a great help. After Shidou said it, Origami shook his head in response to a fufu sound.
- That's wrong. Itsuka-kun was the one who transmitted those words. "No, Kotori does not remember me at the moment.
Origami shook his head again to refute his claim.
- Maybe that's not wrong, but surely it's not just that in this case. This time you naturally understood your words because you two are brother and sister.
- Is that so…
Shidou scratched his face after giving a wry smile. Then he took a deep breath and hit his face to regain his concentration.
"But we're finally on the starting line. We must find a way to stop Mukuro and Tohka. At this point, we do not even know how Mukuro's relationship levels are, let alone if the establishment of the seal through a kiss with memories still sealed will restore Tohka back to normal ...
Anyway, sink or swim , We can only bet everything in a single opportunity. " Shidou clenched his fist and looked at Origami.
- ... Please, I can not stop both of them by myself ... Can you lend me a hand too? - Itsuka-kun ...
Origami smiled slightly, making a promise of his own.
- Of course, if I let Itsuka-kun go by himself, I will definitely disagree with myself later. Origami exclaimed, spreading his fingers and turning the body to continue-
- And besides ... I'm very happy that you want to trust me. Being able to accompany Itsuka-kun - Girls are not content just to be protected, you know.
- Origami ...
As Shidou uttered his name, Origami looked over his shoulder before giving a mischievous smile to Shidou. Then she pulled out something that looked like a silver dog tag from her pocket and held it over her forehead as she squealed a confirmation whistle.
- Approval, Tobiichi Origami. - <Brynhildr> deployed.
The next instant, a slight light surrounded Origami's body, and the elegant silhouette of the metal armor enclosed its frame.
The CR units were the technological culmination of the miraculous invention known as Realizers. It was the only instrument that allowed humans to fight on equal terms against Spirits.
Not only was she prepared, but Origami had also superimposed the unit CR <Brynhildr> with a pure white astral dress that looked like a wedding dress.
- This is-
-Fufu. Have you fallen in love, Itsuka-kun?
Even as Origami jokingly responded, her cheeks glowed reddishly as if she were somewhat embarrassed by her own words.
- Well, uh, I did not mean that. - Hey, haha ...
After Shidou slowly loosened his mouth in reaction to the embarrassing response, he quickly regained his composure by sharpening his gaze.
- Come on, Origami. - Yes ... Itsuka-kun.
As they both said it, they entered the battlefield simultaneously.
● ●
... The streets resounded with the hustle and bustle of a turbulent siren.
As he watched the waves of people rushing toward the shelter, Natsumi wrinkled his confused eyebrows.
- ... The earthquake alarm? That means……
- Could it be that ... are in trouble because of Tohka-san ...?
As if to answer Natsumi's statement, Yoshino replied in an anxious voice.
Although they had no inclination to think so, the possibility was very high. She nodded her head in agreement.
After what had happened, Natsumi was now looking for Tohka and Origami, which suddenly showed drastic changes in their respective personalities. Although Kotori said to leave everything to her, not one of the Spirits could obediently remain silent and wait.
Although they knew practically nothing of what happened to these two, it was obvious that the complication did not include at all an ordinary and trivial matter.
The issue not only focused around Origami acting more frank and sincere than usual. Instead, the main dilemma was Tohka, who, after collapsing from a violent headache, emitted a violent aura as he lifted his head.
Despite the resemblance to the time Nia had invested, they still did not know the reason behind it. But that was ...
- Yosshi! Nattsun!
When she lost herself in her thoughts, Natsumi came back to reality when she heard someone calling her.
Granting a special and unique nickname was a typical feature of Nia.
Looking in the direction of the voice, they saw Nia and the other Spirits, who had also been in search of Tohka. It seems that everyone had gathered before coming here.
- What happened, you found it?
- No, but it looks like something happened on the other side of the Tenguu Tower. We should go there to check it out!
Nia pointed in the opposite direction from which the flow of people emerged. Natsumi and Yoshino, after exchanging looks, nodded.
● ●
- Haaaaah!
- Just insignificant gestures!
The Angel in the shape of a key and the Sword of the Demon King faced countless times. At the same time, the discharge of spiritual power behind each impact formed a compact explosion that instantly dilated, producing dazzling light and deafening shockwaves that spread in all directions.
To boot, the angel in the form of a key, <Michael>, after having changed its appearance from a key to that of a halberd, was creating numerous miniature doors at irregular intervals,
launching attacks to point to the blind spots of Tohka.
For an ordinary person, it would be unfeasible to catch a glimpse of the flash of a swift blow of the sword. No - not even a Spirit should be able to deflect the cut. In this sense, both parties
were locked in a mutual stagnation. Seeing this, Tohka issued a statement of slight praise to his opponent.
Since <Michael> could seal the power of the Spirit, it was only temporarily because the other side boasted of the potential to open the seal. It seemed to resemble the sublime beauty of a blossoming bud. The consolidated murderous intention and hostility were directed towards the destruction of the halberd.
The observation deck crystals that Tohka and Mukuro used as points of support as they fought flew piece by piece after their battle.
Tohka turned and jumped to the top of the observation deck, advancing toward the iron section of the tower.
"Do you want to strip Muku of company?" To incite loneliness in Muku?
Mukuro made a short wailing groan as he prepared to begin another quick assault, not a second later.
- To kill. To kill. Muku will kill anyone who dares to take Nushi-sama from her.
- Humph! Not just thieves and not bites. Try to punch me with that key, woman. If you can do it, just try.
- Your comments are incorrect ...!
In response to Tohka's mockery, Mukuro prepared to use <Michael>.
As in response to that action, Tohka felt a strange sensation scattering through his body. It was as if she had been swallowed by an invisible, viscous liquid. The weight of his body felt heavier, and it became more and more annoying to move his limbs.
- …… What is this?
For a moment, he thought it was Mukuro's job. No. Mukuro also showed the same sense of immobility. He directed his line of vision toward Tohka with an expression asking, "What did you just do?"
It seems that none of them was to blame. Perhaps the ones behind this were the humans Shidou and Origami ... or one of his collaborators.
However, such annoyance would not change anything for Tohka. The enemy must be annihilated, nothing more.
- Take that!
It seemed that Mukuro had the same idea as Tohka. She kicked upward to accelerate into the sky and used <Michael> to send an endless avalanche of continuous, dense offensives.
Tohka inhaled a small breath and prepared to aim a penetrating blow directed at the handle of <Michael> to reject the assault.
Hmm?
Possibly due to being faced with such offense and defense, Tohka frowned slightly.
There was no doubt that each of Mukuro's blows was stained with a power that might deserve to be a lethal blow.
However, what was the best way to describe it. Tohka's intuition told him that Mukuro would not use this attack to decide the outcome of the battle there and then.
Any action taken by the other party should also be hampered by invisible force, and it was not as if Mukuro had no intention of killing Tohka.
It was difficult to say, but yes, it seemed that it was preparing the way for the final blow. As Tohka was thinking, Mukuro made a discreet move. Using a Herculean effort to move <Michael>, he aimed to destroy it with a penetrating attack.
However, as a result he had lost Tohka taking precaution, within the thin time difference, turning his body to avoid attack.
But, in the next moment.
- <Michael> - <Unlock -Rātaibu>.
After Tohka turned his body to avoid <Michael>, Mukuro used his angel to open a door behind Tohka.
--Tsk.
For an instant, he thought an attack would break through that door, but it was not. The door began to breathe as it sucked in the surrounding air.
Tohka, who was standing near the steel tower, was thrown into the sky. Perhaps the other side of the "door" was connected to a space with a large pressure difference.
Although Mukuro predicted that this would not be enough to trash Tohka in its entirety, it presented nothing more than an opportunity to attack a vulnerable opening.
- <Unlock -Rātaibu>!
Listening to Mukuro's cry interrupted Tohka's thought process.
The huge door that had opened in front of Tohka must have been at least a hundred meters in diameter. It swallowed all the nearby lumps of iron, stone, wood, along with any other polymer that made up the structure.
- Chi ---
Perhaps the gravitational well was strong enough to attract even a massive building. Tohka set his posture holding <Nahemah> and directed his blade toward the building.
In one cut, the sword cut the building just like a line. The two halves avoided Tohka and fell to the ground.
But in that moment.
- <Michael> - <Solution -Jerez>!
Just after realizing the door between the large sliced buildings that Tohka had recently precipitated, a key-shaped halberd stabbed out from within.
(I.e.
Having already prepared for another sword stance, even if she had turned around, it would be too late.
When the end of <Michael>'s spear was about to impale Tohka, he passed through a wedge of the falling building.
So--
- What……?
Tohka frowned instinctively.
The enormous constructions surrounding Mukuro, as well as the Tohka Astral Dress, were instantly annihilated.
Although it had been torn, it was not engulfed by the door - it only faded in the air from the point.
However, time did not wait for consideration. As the door continued to expand, thereafter, Mukuro continued to launch an incessant attack using <Michael>.
- Hah!
- These useless acts of yours ...!
Tohka defended himself against Michael's attack as he moved out of the way using momentum. After landing on the ground, he summoned again the Astral Gown that had been completely erased a few moments ago.
Having said that, the Astral Gown had not yet been completely restored to its original state. Even for one Spirit, the creation of an Astral Gown that served as an absolute strength required a considerable amount of spiritual power. The fact that the Astral Gown was lost without lowering the entry power meant that the added quantity had been cut off.
- ...
While Tohka was monitoring Mukuro's movements without hesitation, she felt the remnants of spiritual particles in her surroundings.
- The spiritual power that constituted my Astral Gown remains in the air - this is not total
destruction. It seems to me that the key can disintegrate molecules and spiritual particles. I see, so this is your triumph letter.
- ...
Mukuro did not respond but he matched his field of vision with Tohka's on the floor. In response, Tohka took a stance to use <Nahemah> in a superficial way.
In front of her was a worthy opponent.
Even though her emotions were overlaid with killer notions, Tohka could still stare calmly at her opponent's breach - That's right, it was horrifying because she was so calm.
Humph. You're a decent fighter, even with your childish face.
After giving a thin smile, Tohka turned <Nahemah> to aim at his beautifully worthy rival.