Tatara flashed the chainsaw with irritation. Since she cut down the thorn ivies that had grown towards her, - Hey! What the hell is this compact, slow and exasperating movement!? Stop playing around and take it seriously! She shouted in frustration at the enemy attacks that were too slow and felt had no motivation at all. But, - *Giggles*… Your voice doesn’t sound so calm, does it, Fia? - …! - It’s true for this as well. You’re annoyed when this is done to you. Ein saw through it, that it was a bluff. - Fia. Your reflect is certainly a powerful ability. But no matter what ability you have, you can’t keep using it. The magic powers of a Blazer are limited. It's the same with your reflect. That’s why you activate your reflect at the moment of impact with your sharpened reflexes. ──Therefore, it’s powerless against the pressuring force that gradually increases from slow movements, isn’t it? - Tch! What Ein pointed out was exactly Tatara’s weak point. Tatara's 『reflect』 was weak against Ein's attacks that dragged things out. After all, she couldn't read the apex of power and speed, and couldn't measure the timing to set up 『reflect』. But,
- So what!? I don't need to use Noble Arts against such slow ivies! I'll chop them with 《This》! Yes. Ein certainly found out her weakness. However, there was no need to rely on 『reflect』' in the first place against such a slowpoke attack. She would cut through everything that was coming at her and reach Ein. A sharp wind noise──grazed Tatara’s earlobe who tried to switch the direction of her thoughts. - ──! Ah! A whip mark done by a thorn ivy. A single ivy from the approaching carpet of thorns whipped in a trajectory to behead Tatara. Tatara, who sensed the approach of this killing intent with her sense of hearing, managed to come out relatively safe by immediately activating 《Total Reflect》, but, ──A strong impatience appeared in Tatara’s expression who avoided being whipped. She comprehended the enemy’s intentions. Yes, - Certainly, such a slow movement won't catch a quick assassin. But… if I use a fast attack to stop your movement and a slow attack to catch you at the same time, you'll have to quickly switch between 『reflect』 and
『evasion』 to pull through my attacks. … How long can you really keep doing such tricks? - …! Immediately after, it started. Wriggling, the carpet of thorns surrounded Tatara, closing in on her feet. The approaching whip attacks that stretched out from there went for the head with the sharpness of a kamaitachi. Slow attacks and fast attacks. They attacked in waves. Tatara’s 『reflect』 was a defensive ability. As long as it activated with the opponent's attack as a trigger, timing the attack was more important than anything else. However, if two types of attacks with completely different timings were unleashed at the same time, it was almost impossible to do. Attack, counterattack, defense, none of the reference points could be grasped, and her rhythm fell apart. In the first few minutes, Tatara was able to overcome the waves of attacks with reflexes that had been cultivated through training since childhood, but as Ein pointed out, this was a stopgap accompanied by an unusual amount of exhaustion. It wouldn't last long, - Guh!? First, her right leg was caught by a creeping thorn ivy. - Tch!
Tatara hurriedly raised 《Jizurimukade》 overhead to cut off the ivy that was crawling up her right leg. The right hand holding the Device was also entangled in the ivies that slowly grew from directly below, making it impossible to swing it down. At that moment, her left leg and even her left hand were grabbed by the ivies crawling up, - Alright. I caught you… ♪. 《Dirty Rose》 raised the corners of her mouth and smiled. What appeared in that smile was a terrifyingly strong──sadistic desire. - Ah, ah, gy────gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Right after that, a shriek that resembled a scream burst from Tatara’s mouth. The tangled thorn ivies began to twist her limbs. It wasn’t just one or two twists, but four, five, six…. They didn’t care if tendons were twisted off, bones were shattered, or the skin was pierced. With slow, unhurried and lagging movements, they twisted with a force that could not be opposed. Like wringing a rag. - Aaaaa! Giiiiii〜〜〜〜〜〜〜!!!! - Does it hurt? *Giggles*. it hurts, doesn’t it? If your arms and legs are twisted slowly like this, fufu, it hurts a lot, doesn't it? My heart aches too. But I can't make it easier for you because of your abilities. So I apologize in advance. I’m sorry.
- Huh…!? - *Giggles*. It looks like you know what's going to happen now. Ein’s words didn’t hide her joy. Tatara was at a loss for words at the sight in front of her. Her body was lifted up into the air with her limbs tied up in a sprawled manner. The thorns with countless sharp and long spines wrapped around her defenseless body. The view was enough to understand the hell that awaited her after this, - I’ll hug you slowly, cute Fia. - A, gi, uuuu~~~~! - Slowly… slowly…. - Ah, aa, aaaaaaaaaa~~~~~~!!!! Little by little, little by little, the thorns constricted her body. The countless spines growing on the thorns pierced through her flesh without a hurry, and the large amount of blood that was wrung out wet the thorn carpet reddishblack. Just like the torture device 『iron maiden』. Tatara tried many times to escape with 『reflect』, but it was all for nothing. The thorns’ restraints loosened a little, but it was only for a moment. The constricting force of the thorns was slowly but surely getting stronger. The reflected force was pushed back by the sustained applied force. Even Tatara, who was trained to endure torture as an assassin, was unable to
bring an end to this situation, and faced with this unbearable pain, a heartbreaking shriek echoed. In such a state, 《Dirty Rose》 approached Tatara with an ecstatic smile on her face, gently placed her hand on her stiffened cheeks, - Ara ara, you open your mouth and shout in such a way. … You obviously want it, Fia. She thrust a thick thorn ivy as big as her arm into her opened mouth. - Bpw!?!?!? - You have a small mouth. It’s not easy to go deep. - Bo──oh… obuoo!?!? Pushing back the sobbing with all her might, a thorn was forcibly thrust into her mouth. Blood bubbles and vomit overflowed from the small space between Tatara’s lips, which were almost open to the point where her jaw would dislocate. It was a pain already beyond human tolerance. Tatara’s eyes went white, and at the same time, fluid spilled into the puddle of blood beneath her feet. - Ara. Not only did you spread vomit from your mouth, but you also wetted yourself with a bit of urine. That’s unacceptable as a lady, Fia. - … I’m, about to… die… Sto… please. An unbearable plea rushed through her mouth. However, what was in front of her wasn’t a person who listened to such things,
- Ahaha! Don’t panic. You’re not dead yet. This won’t kill you yet. Even the people in that house were still alive until now. So it’ll hurt more and more. Enjoy it, Fia. Alright. Next, should I punish that nasty hole for wetting itself? Saying that, she lifted the skirt of her dress and tried to put her hand into Tatara’s crotch. At that moment. 『Hey, heyyyyyyyy! Wait a minute, you $&%) womannn────!!!!』 The live camera that witnessed the fight between Stella and Johan caught Ein’s vicious crime. Ein stared back at the drone's camera with a blatantly disappointed expression. - What’s wrong, commentator-san? I'm in combat right now. 『Fuuuuuuuck! Don’t “what’s wrong” me, you sadist! What the hell are you doing, you shithead!? No matter how you look at it, 《Futen》 is already groggy! Deliberately attacking more than necessary to decide the fight, and abusing an opponent who has lost the will to fight, are against the regulations! I’m disqualifying you!』 Every war had its rules. In particular, this was an act of war that was held under the rules of the 《League》. The rules were established in accordance with humanity, to the extent that they didn’t interfere with the freedom of both countries.
Excessive violence against the competition was considered to be especially malicious among them. This was a serious transgression that a red card could be thrust at them at the discretion of the administration. In this case, it was the right of Boomer, who was in charge of the commentary and the direction of the situation. However, Ein let out a forced sigh and said. - Hmm. When I think about what you said, it’s a misunderstanding, commentator-san. 『Huh!?』 - You also understand at least the abilities of the representatives, don’t you? If so, you should know. That girl's ability is 『reflect』. The power to push back a strong impact to the opponent as it is. In order to defeat her, I had to attack bit-by-bit with slow attacks. Even I’m reluctant to do such a terrible thing. 『Gg….』 As Ein said, the commentator gathered information about the abilities of the ten representatives as a preliminary preparation. This time was the case, too. In particular, Tatara participated in the 《Seven Star Sword Festival》 using the same pseudonym, so he knew the summary of her abilities. Therefore, when told that it was an unavoidable act due to the special characteristics of the enemy's abilities, he couldn’t talk back that strongly. However,
(She’s too …) Cruel. Even Boomer, who had plenty of experience handling rough matches in the underground industry, hesitated to continue. Tatara who was caught in the thorn ivies was in a dangerous situation to the extent it could be grasped from a distance. Attacking such an opponent was no longer a battle, but one-sided abuse. However, Boomer couldn’t arbitrarily declare Tatara unable to fight. This was a war, not a normal match. In battles between independent nations, it was considered taboo that referees and commentators selected by the management side, the 《League》, judged the outcome of the match outside of the regulations, as it would give rise to the self-will of the 《League》 in the war. Ein broached Boomer who was worried about how to judge. - But don't worry. If Fia surrenders, I won't attack any more. … I'll confirm it now, so please wait. She turned around to the dying Tatara again, - It’s as you heard, Fia. When trying to face each other head-on, you knew that you couldn’t defeat me, didn’t you? Surrender and… swear to be my younger sister. If you do that, I’ll stop doing awful things. No, that's not all. Since it’s you, you can continue that boring job as a hitman. I don’t understand why you're obsessed with 《Abgrund》, but if it's for your sake, I'll help you out. … After all, just as you love me, I love my little sister who
followed me like a puppy because she adores me. ──Now. Let me know your answer, Fia. Urging her to do so, she pulled out the thick ivy that was shoved into Tatara’s throat. - Ble-bleeeeerghhh!! At the same time as the ivy was pulled out, a muddy stream of blood and digestive fluids mixed with pieces of meat was vomited. Unable to speak in such a state, Tatara continued vomiting and coughing for a while. Eventually, when the vomiting finally subsided, - … Gi, gigigi…, giha, hahaha…! This time she began to swing her twisted and crushed limbs and laugh. In a clear, derisive tone. Ein frowned at Tatara’s behavior. - What’s so funny? On the other hand, Tatara gasped, - … You really, haven’t changed at all. … You, think that everything will go your way. I’m sure you said it, didn’t you? There’s no way I’m going to do as you wish! Did you think that I was being attacked without having a countermeasure, you fucking idiot!?!? When she insulted her──she activated it. - 《Damage Reflect》 ────!!!!
- Ah────? At that moment, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the rose garden, and fresh blood splattered from Ein’s whole body with the force as if smashing a water balloon. ◆◇◆◇◆ - Gi, ah, ──aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?!? 『Wha-wha-what just happeneeeeeeed!?!? The moment 《Futen》 Tatara activated some kind of Noble Arts, blood gushed out from Ein’s body!? Nno! That’s not all!? This is──』 The commentator who was watching the battle in the courtyard with a drone noticed another event that happened at the same time Ein’s body was wounded. That was, 『Wha, she’s healed! Tatara’s wounds, which looked like worn-out dirty rags, have completely healed!? S-she’s──no, I get it! This is damage 『reflect』! It’s a result of being injured. Does that mean that she 『reflected』 the damage itself to the opponent────!?』
- That's right. It's pretty easy to understand, isn’t it? Gigigi. Tatara was impressed by the insight of the commentator, thinking that he wasn’t the host in the A-Rank League for nothing. The cryptic and mysterious event that happened on the battlefield just now was exactly the machinery that he had just said. - Da-damage reflect…!? - That's right. It reflects damage taken back to the opponent with the 『causality』 of receiving damage. That’s my secret weapon──《Damage Reflect》. It was a slow react version of 《Total Reflect》, so to speak. It was exactly the Noble Arts that instantly defeated 《Scharlach Frau》 when she attacked Hagun Academy. 《Scharlach Frau》 Toutokubara Kanata had the terrifying power to scatter dust-like fine blades in the air, and to enter the opponent's body by breathing, slashing from inside and outside. A difficult opponent to control in a normal encounter. However, that power was also meaningless in front of Tatara’s 《Damage Reflect》. Tatara pushed back the sword wounds inflicted on her whole body by Kanata to Kanata along with the causality of having received sword wounds. This causal reflection was an exchange that took place in a higher dimension, one level above the physical phenomena.
No matter how excellent defense or evasion ability she had, she couldn't prevent it or avoid it. And there was another terrifying aspect of this Noble Arts. It inflicted a large amount of damage on the opponent with certainty, and at the same time, it completely healed her wounds. Yes, she was undoubtedly left in a state without a single scratch. It was exactly a Noble Arts of offense and defense. - Although, if I ended up losing consciousness with a single blow like that gorilla, I wouldn’t be able to reflect it, but──you’re a sadist. You weren’t going to kill me so easily. You thought of torturing me to the limit while I was conscious. … That’s why I deliberately endured it to the limit, all to increase the amount of damage that can be returned, and decide this match with a single blow. Like I said, this is a certain result for me. Saying that, Tatara repositioned the chainsaw Device again. She pointed her blade at Ein, who writhed in so much pain that got Tatara ready to die. External damage and internal damage, so double damage. In addition, her limbs were twisted and broken to the point of being twisted off. Tatara knew because she was just like that until just a little while ago. A turnaround and the like from now were──impossible. Therefore, - I’s not my hobby to torment my target. I'll make it easier for you with one blow, you fucking aneki!
『The roles have completely changed! Tatara closes the distance with Ein at once! Alright, decide the match right n──』 - Don't loooook dooown on meeee, you fucking braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!! 『「──── !?!?」』 At that moment, Tatara’s legs stopped at the insight and voice of Ein, which were filled with a burning, killing intent. No, she was unable to move. In that hundredth of a second, it happened. - Now, I shall create hell! 《Astarotte》!! Ein shouted the name of the Device that she had implanted in her own womb. Then, due to 《Damage Reflect》, something protruded from the stab wounds that opened up on Ein’s body, spraying blood. A tree trunk writhed like a snake. The tree trunk protruding from inside Ein’s body instantly tore Ein’s body apart due to the internal pressure, manifesting in this world with a mass thousands of times greater than Ein’s body, - Ahahaha! Ahahahahahahahahahahaha!! Amidst Ein’s resounding loud laughter, it spread its roots in the earth and stretched towards the sky.
It kept stretching and stretching. Eventually, when the trunk reached a height of 50 meters and reached near the roof of the Kradleland royal castle, it spread branches and leaves in all directions instead of just above, covering the entire courtyard with shadows. - Y-you…! 『Amaa────────zing! Holy cow! A huge ass tree has sprouted, breaking through Ein’s body! A trunk colored like a carrion! Black leaves like shadows! It looks ominous like a tree from the demon world!』 - I completely agree. To think that this is the form of my life. I apologize. - ! Tatara noticed Ein’s resounding voice. A large tree suddenly appeared in the courtyard, breaking through Ein’s body. About the middle part of the trunk swelled up, forming an uneven shape in the form of Ein’s upper body. Yes, this big tree was Ein herself. - …I didn't know you had such a technique, you fucking aneki. - Fufu, by letting my Device 《Astarotte》 consume all my magic power, the first 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 germinated. As you can see, it doesn't have a very beautiful appearance, so I didn't want to use this technique, but it’s something that sticks with me more than I would, so I don’t have a choice. I’ll also go all out and teach you a lesson, Fia. Mediocrity like you is nothing more than a toy to be played with by a genius──! 「──!」
At that moment, Tatara heard a 『big heartbeat』 that made the atmosphere vibrate low. Coincident with that, from the roots of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》, something penetrated the earth. It was a malice-filled magic power. The magic power released from the roots of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 seeped into the ground in an instant and began to destroy the world. The first change, a visible one, was the roses planted in the rose garden. The roses grew at an abnormal speed, no, they began to become huge. That wasn’t all. The thorns grew huge and branched into many thorns, creating bulb-like things here and there. The bulbs regularly changed their shape while repeating expansion and contraction like a heartbeat, and when they finally fell from the thorn ivies──they bit the ground with their own limbs. Lions, wolves, crocodiles, and serpents modeled after thorns── 『What the hell!? Am I having a nightmare!? All of a sudden, the roses in the rose garden started to enlarge to look like a jungle, and monsters started to crawl from there! Their number is 100, no, 200!? Fuck! A ridiculous number of monsters are creeping up on Tatara!』 - These things are 《Magic Flowers》…. Did you turn the ordinary plants in this area into 《Black Magic Flowers》? - Yes. By polluting the soil with my magic power, I can freely remake the surrounding vegetation. That is the power of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》, the trump
card of 《Dirty Rose》! Literally, the ability to remake the world! Immediately after Ein said so, the rose beasts created by 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 attacked Tatara all at once. Claws brandished by lions. Fangs of wolves. Jaws of crocodiles. The constriction accompanied with the spines of the serpent's thorns. Tatara pulled through this number of attacks in waves with her characteristic bearing after pushing against damage with 《Damage Reflect》. Tatara’s movements were smooth and light. However──to her regret, the number of the opponent’s moves were unusual. Crushed by the violence by weight of numbers, Tatara’s movement was gradually restricted. Tatara not only dodged, but also began to fight back by tearing apart the approaching rose beasts with her chainsaw. But this was a bad move. Because the rose beasts that were torn in two gave birth to a new half from the cut surface, increasing their number. At this rate, it was a matter of time before she was surrounded on all sides and crushed to death. What to do? Contemplated Tatara. But the rose beasts didn’t allow Tatara to deliberate.
They attacked incessantly, and finally, one lion approached and thrust its fangs into Tatara’s neck. At this, Tatara started her last means of defense. But, 『Gaaoooooo──!!!!』 - !? Tatara was at a loss for words. The power of the lion's claws that tried to capture her and the power of the fangs that tried to crunch her thin neck. The lion didn't flinch even though 《Total Reflect》 was let loose accordingly. In front of Tatara, it raised its claws and fangs as if to tear off an invisible wall, overwhelming her. With all its might, whether its fangs were broken or its arms were torn. (It’s trying to push《Total Reflect》 back...!) And as she failed to repel the lion, other rose beasts approached Tatara and bared their fangs. It was a very bad situation. In this critical situation──Tatara made a choice. - Ga, haah!? Tatara’s body, not the lion’s, was repelled in a big way, rolling on the ground. 『Ooh! That’s smart! Tatara fires 《Total Reflect》 at herself, takes the power of trying to stand on and the power of the monster's claws with her Device,
and repelled her body out of the monster’s reach!』 Of course, since both of the originally opposing vector forces twisted into her, the impact penetrated Tatara’s body without any protection. A strong pain hit Tatara, but because she was prepared, she could endure it. Tatara didn't even show her agony on her face, she immediately landed safely and stood up, (Alright, now to get…!) - “Get outside the range of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》”, that’s what you’re thinking, no? - ! - Ahaha! Why are you so surprised? I can see through what an ordinary person like you thinks! - Ugh! Ein laughed loudly at Tatara who tried to run out of the courtyard. At the same time, something strange occurred in the direction Tatara was heading. The enlarged roses in the rose garden stretched their vines at a tremendous speed, blocking Tatara’s path with a hedge of thorns. And that wasn’t all. The hedge of thorns. The sharp spines that grew on the ivies created buds at the tips. The buds immediately began to open as if a video was being fastforwarded, making multicolored tulips bloom.
That was, - 《Trigger Happy》──! As she realized, an ear-piercing chorus of screams erupted, it came. As soon as muzzle flashes seared her eyes, a fusillade like a tsunami came. It was no longer a barrage with a density that could be avoided with her bearing. With Tatara’s kinetic vision trained to the point where she could see each single raindrop, it wasn’t a number she couldn’t capture. (Calm down! If you see through each shot properly and match the timing) You can make it. Tatara, who encouraged herself, beautifully matched 《Total Reflect》 with the 55 seeds in the trajectory that would hit her body among the flying bullets, or rather, among the 《Trigger Happy》 seeds, but, - Gha!? Right after that, a mist of blood gushed out from Tatara’s whole body. Tatara’s knees collapsed from the damage caused by the bullets passing through her body. And her enemy didn’t let this decisive moment pass. The ground burst open behind Tatara. What Tatara saw when she turned her gaze at once were the thick roots of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. Roots similar to serpents with a thickness of 3 meters blew away the soil and appeared.
The roots squirmed in the air, and when they bent greatly, they whipped Tatara. Tatara, who fell to her knees, could not dodge them immediately. There was one thing she could do. Tatara immediately unfolded a reflect, - 《Total Refle》──. But resistance was futile. The roots of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 sent Tatara flying, 《Total Reflect》 included. It wasn't that the activation of the ability wasn't in time. It wasn’t a question of timing. It was the same with Stella back then. A very simple brute force approach. (It doesn’t give a damn…) Yes. Whether it was the rose beasts, the shooting of 《Trigger Happy》, the whipping just now, or even one of the many attacks of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》, it wasn’t something that Tatara’s power could repel. There was a very remote difference in ability there, therefore. - Cough, cough! Oh, giii...! - Haha! Aha! Kyahahaha! You were acting so brave until just a moment ago, it serves you right, Fia! Yes! You’re lying on the ground like a dirty worn-out rag, it suits you so well! If I hadn’t taught you, a struggler at 《Abgrund》, how to fight, you wouldn’t have survived and wouldn’t exist!
Ein’s loud laughter rained down on Tatara, who was convulsing from the impact of the blow that struck her whole body. The monsters created by 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 rushed to devour the prey that had stopped moving. She was more and more driven into a corner. Meanwhile, - …… If I hadn’t taught you, huh…. Tatara remembered in her blurry consciousness. At Ein’s words, the scene of the distant days she spent at 《Abgrund》 was recalled. ◆◇◆◇◆ An assassination organization that had existed and been active since long before 《Rebellion》, which had now become a global criminal organization. Despite the fact that almost all of the assassinations that became turning points in history had such a strong influence that they were even rumored to be their work, it was an armed force that existed in hell, an even deeper place in the world of shadows, whose location and members were all shrouded in mystery.
That was the house where Tatara lived──《Abgrund》. There, young girls who had been left out of the outside world were gathered and raised to become 《Abgrund》 assassins. The 《Sisters》 had no names. Everyone was called by the number they were assigned. Tatara, the biological child of the family head of 《Abgrund》, was no different. Because they had to become anyone in any country if necessary. For the 《Abgrund》 girls, the self-consciousness called 『individual』 was unnecessary. Therefore, adults didn’t allow 《Sisters》 to become 『individuals』. This education as an assassin was thorough not only on the mental aspect but also on the physical aspect. What deserved a special mention was the food that was served. Meals weren’t food, instead, supplements were provided so that there was no waste or surplus of nutrients. They controlled the growth of each individual with daily blood and urine tests and weekly body measurements and just gave them the amount of nutrients they needed. While cultivating the perfect mind and body as an assassin through exhaustive quality control, the 《Sisters》 received technical training after growing to some extent. Said training took cruelty to extremes. Even in basic combat training the use of 《Illusory Form》 was not allowed, and because they always crossed swords with other 《Sisters》 and adults in a
serious manner, getting seriously injured was an everyday occurrence. If they got excellent results in training, even if they got injured, they immediately received medical treatment in 《Capsules》, but that didn’t happen most of the time. Only basic treatments such as disinfection, hemostasis, and suturing were performed so that they didn’t die, and the rest was left as is until the next training. They didn't even get prescriptions for painkillers. As if being told that they had to be strong if they didn’t want to feel pain. The 《Sisters》 who suffered stab wounds and lacerations were tormented by the burning pain of their wounds. Inside their rooms, in the hallways, everywhere, the girls crouched and writhed in agony. After combat training was over, 《Abgrund》 was truly worthy of being called hell on earth. ──That was the world she lived in when she was called 《Fia》. And it was her daily routine. It couldn’t be said that she, who hadn’t been blessed with a very good physique since she was a child, had a good athletic ability, she was injured every day. … That day too. 『Guu, u, uuu~~~~…!』
Training to avoid gunfire. Unable to dodge the bullets, Fia, who had two bullet wounds in her abdomen, curled up in a corner of the courtyard where the evening sun shone in, shivering with pain in her abdomen as an incision was made to remove the bullets. In the midst of the unbearable pain, she recalled the sight of the outside world she was taken to during training. It was the expression of a child of the same age. A squinting expression with a wide-open mouth and lifted cheeks. A smile. ──That was what she learned. It appeared that people made that when they felt happy. But she had never smiled. She had received training to smile, but she had never been able to smile naturally. Because she had never felt something like happiness. That didn’t exist here. There was nothing but pain and fear here. Why wasn't she born there? Why was she born in a place like this? The grief over her own circumstances accelerated her misery, and tears overflowed from between her tightly closed eyelids. At that moment.
『Are you crying again? Crybaby Fia』 『…!』 She opened her eyelids at the seemingly amazed voice. With the scarlet sky behind her, standing in her tear-filled vision was an older girl called 《Ein》 among the 《Sisters》. 『Poor little thing. If you don't like that kind of pain, then you should avoid it』 『… Shut up. Aneki thinks that she understands how I feel…?』 Cursing at her, Ein crossed her arms and nodded. 『Hmm. Well, I'm always the best in all classes in training, and I'm a genius who has already been entrusted with 『work』～. I can easily survive even 《Selection》, you know? I don't really understand the troubles of mediocre people』 『….』 It was a really angry response. But what she said wasn’t wrong. As Ein just said herself, she was a real genius who always kept ranking number one in every class and every field. She had never seen her injured even after the battle training when 《Abgrund》 became hell. She was a person from a completely different dimension than herself. In the coming 『Selection』──the final test for the 《Abgrund》 assassins, the 《Sisters》 would kill each other and survive without any problems.
Kill each other. When she thought of such a future, it was painful to make eye contact with her. That was why she turned her eyes away from Ein. ──No, to be precise, she tried to turn her face away. But, 『What?』 She couldn't do it. Ein’s hands suddenly stretched out and held her cheeks. And without even having time to make a protest, her lips were blocked by Ein’s. 『～～～～!?』 She was flustered and surprised by Ein’s behavior that was too wild. However, Fia was also an assassin in the making. She immediately thrust Ein away, 『Wh-what the hell do you think you’re doing──』 At the protest, Ein smiled so as to tease her with a 『giggle』. 『How is it? The taste of your first kiss. It’s very sweet, isn't it?』 『Huuh!? What are you talking──… !?』 Immediately after, an almost raised voice stopped coming out of her throat. An unknown shock that she had never felt arose in her mouth. It flowed into her mouth from the lips put against hers. Dozens of times sweeter than protein, the only sweet thing she knew.
The faint fragrance that rose in her nose. What the hell is this── 『Oh? Fia, you’re pretty cute when you smile』 『… Eh?』 What was pointed out, she only noticed it when she put her hands on her cheeks. Unknowingly, her lips were being lifted. It was the first 『happiness』 she felt in her life. Because of that, she wanted to know. The identity of this happiness. 『H-hey. What is this!? I don't know what it is!』 When she asked her in a pestering manner, Ein took out a crumpled wrapping paper from her pocket and told her. 『It’s chocolate』 『This…?』 『Yes. You can get it if you succeed in your task or are the best in training. Well, Fia, you’re a perennial loser, so there’s no way that you would have known』 『If I’m the best… in training….』 She received knowledge and knew about chocolates in name only. It was a confectionery that was widely spread in this world. But to think that such a thing existed in this hell──
『How is it? Have you found a small hope in your situation?』 『!』 『*Giggles*. What are you surprised about? Human observation is the basic skill of an assassin, and since I'm a genius, I can at least understand what Fia is thinking. Anyhow, you were cursing your own circumstances, weren’t you? You were thinking, “Why was I born in such a house?”, weren’t you?』 『Uh….』 Everything was seen through. Unable to stand the embarrassment, she turned her face away. Ein said to her. 『But that's a wasteful problem, Fia』 『…Eh?』 『Certainly, this place is a poor environment, and our situation isn’t something you can necessarily call a blessing, but… we’re still alive. It's weird for me, an assassin, to say it, but we’re living species. If you die, you won't be able to smile like you did before. So, find something to live for in the life you have been given. People who just live as they were made to live can’t lay their hands on true happiness or fulfillment』 It’s the same for people born in any circumstances, said Ein. 『… Well, you appear to like the taste of chocolate for now, so why don’t you make an extra effort with the goal of securing first place in training?』 『W-who liked what?』
『It’s tasty. When you roll chocolate that is this sweet on your tongue, a flavor and sweetness many times stronger than before spread throughout your mouth』 『*Gulp*…』 『*Chuckles*, Fia is easy to understand』 『S-shut up! Even Aneki is working hard because she wants this…!』 Unable to endure the frustration of being treated with contempt, when she talked back, Ein stared in puzzlement for a moment and denied it. 『Hmm? Not really. I don't like sweet things that much. My purpose in life is something else』 『Really?』 She was frankly surprised by this denial. After all, she couldn't think of any other 『happiness』 in 《Abgrund》. What was it then? Interested in it, she asked, and Ein lifted the watering pot that had been placed at her feet and answered while watering the flower bed in the courtyard. 『My purpose in life is to take care of the flower bed in this place every day. Do you remember? Until three years ago, there was nothing in the courtyard. I’ve nurtured all the flowers in this place. I survive day after day to take care of the flowers. It makes me very happy to see the flowers I've taken care of bloom beautifully. 『…Is that so?』
『You lack power of femininity. You'll have a hard time setting that kind of honey traps』 Honestly, she really didn’t get it because she had never considered flowers to be beautiful until now. But Ein looked very happy when she took care of the flowers── She was jealous. She felt that from the bottom of her heart. … Did it start from that day? Instead of just staying alive, she started trying to live. First of all, she aimed for chocolates as a reward, the only happiness she knew. In order to obtain chocolates, she had to be the best in daily training. However, at that time, she didn't have the strength to accomplish it. But she didn't want to give up. She was tired of the days when she just despaired over her circumstances. So, she decided to use Ein as a reference to gain the strength to break through those days. She was the best among the 《Sisters》. There was no better model than her. From everyday life to training, she always followed Ein with her eyes and analyzed every move of hers. When she luckily was in the same group as her, she even shamelessly asked her to teach her directly. Ein complied with pleasure, albeit with a mixture of teasing.
With Ein’s help, her true strength improved dramatically over the next three years. To the extent that it wasn’t uncommon to be the best in training. However──she still was no match for Ein. The reason she didn't feel frustrated about that was probably because… she respected her. She respected her elder sister, who generously taught her techniques, but still remained at a height that she couldn't reach. And because, Because she was a figure that she strongly respected and had been chasing for a long time, ──She was the only one who noticed Ein’s change. The very first thing that made her feel uncomfortable was a combat training with knives and no abilities. The 《Sisters》 who were training kumite with Ein had several shallow wounds on their bodies, and that made her suspect. Ein was a girl with abundant talent who kept choosing the very best in every situation. There was no hesitation or waste in her movements. Waste meant no excess.
For herself──and her opponent. Considering the skill difference between Ein and the 《Sisters》 that Ein was fighting that day, she disabled them without inflicting a single wound. In fact, Ein had always done so until now. Being her opponent in 《Abgrund》’s training meant that instead of losing, they would get to be defeated gently without getting hurt. But that day was different. Even the people themselves who were hurt were carefreely enjoying the difference between them──narrowing; Ein didn't deny it──but it looked like a creepy scene. And the creepiness got worse with each passing day. Similar events happened almost every day after that. Ein’s actions, which were like a quiet, fluent, flowing nocturne, began to mix with harsh noises like scratching glass, as if they gradually grew louder and deafening. And when the two of them were entrusted with the annihilation of an antigovernment army base in a conflict zone, 『… Aneki, what are you doing…? Aren’t they still alive…?』 『*Giggles*. Hey, Fia. Don't you think flowers blooming in life are very beautiful?』 When she saw the targets who were still alive turned into 『flower pots』 and Ein covered with blood admiring the roses that bloomed in their eye sockets, the discomfort inside her solidified into something definite. ──Ein lost her mind.
She played with the targets’ lives. As an assassin, that was a very meaningless act. The act of an ordinary lust killer. It wasn’t an action that her elder sister, who had been her model the whole time, would do. What kind of change was happening in Ein’s mind? … Well, such were the circumstances. It wasn’t unusual for 《Sisters》 to lose their minds. On the other hand, when executing the given mission, there were those who reluctantly used their 『last resort』 and broke. But she wondered if that kind of thing was limited to her elder sister. She couldn't help but worry. ──She was worried. So that day, she visited Ein, who was taking care of the flowers in the courtyard as usual. 『Ara, Fia. It seems you were the best in that group. You made it』 『… It’s just that the others are spineless』 The courtyard dyed in the sunset, just like any other day. There, she faced Ein and cut to the chase without even greeting her. 『Hey, Aneki. What’s going on with you lately?』 『What's going on, you ask?』
『Don’t evade the question. … I don't want to say this because you’ll get carried away, but your work is perfect. Whether it's infiltration, combat, or assassination, there’s no waste at all in none of your movements. Your movements were always the best. … But not recently. It’s not becoming of you. … Tormenting targets that are still alive like that is just a waste of time』 When she got close, saying that wasn’t typical of her, Ein muttered 『I see』 in a soft voice, 『Fufu, you noticed, Fia. It's not like you've been observing my movements all this time just for show』 She admitted that she was aware of her change. … Being aware of the change was different from the 『mental collapse』 that many 《Sisters》 have had until now. If so, the question was why. Was there something in her private life that caused resentment to pile up? Ein showed denial by shaking her head horizontally when she asked that question──and said. 『Fia. Do you know what an assassin needs most?』 『…?』 『Conscience. We live by killing other people. And that will always be the case. For us, our hearts that mourn the opponents are nothing but a burden that slows our bodies. Compassion for others is nothing more than thorns that torment my mind. It's better to throw away such things. … That’s why I decided to kill myself』
『… Huh?』 『Right now, inside me, a personality that is the most suitable for surviving this hell, has no consideration for others, and loves cruel acts, in other words, murders, is being formed as a new me to replace the current me』 『──!』 She decided to kill herself. She didn't understand the meaning when it was said, but when supplemented by the following words, she got to understand. 『W-what nonsense are you doing?! Stop that!』 The scolding that came out of her throat on the spur of the moment was close to a scream. Ein, who was before her eyes, turned into something other than Ein. Because she felt a fear that made her heart freeze. However, while she was strongly confused, Ein remained calm as if it were someone else's problem, 『I can’t do that. You see, I’m a genius. Fia said it as well. There’s no waste in my work. My talent has always chosen the best way to survive this hell. Yes, to survive without getting hurt. And it’s a self-evident truth that once the optimization of behavior is finished, the optimization of the mind begins next. … Putting it the other way around, it was inevitable that this would happen eventually』 Saying so, she rubbed the flowers in the flower bed that she had taken care of until now. 『… They withered. They were so beautiful』
As if she regretted leaving them like that somehow. With her gesture and fleeting face in profile──she understood the fact that Ein had already accepted the changes that were happening in her heart. But, 『A-are you okay with this, Aneki!? Being replaced by such an insane personality…! Are you okay with losing yourself!?』 This was completely unacceptable. She had been following in her footsteps the whole time. If she was gone, who should she follow as a model? For her, Ein was, 『That reminds me, Fia. I haven’t talked to you like this in the courtyard since the day I kissed you. Have you found your purpose in life since then?』 She changed the subject abruptly. 『Aneki! I'm asking you a question right now──』 『Answer me. Please』 『──!』 The voice of protest was interrupted by Ein’s strong tone, becoming speechless until the end. It was a talk about Ein now, so why? She was suddenly dissatisfied, but she reluctantly responded to Ein’s unobjectionable gaze. 『… There’s nothing great about having a reason to live』
She hadn’t found anything that could be positively talked about. However, 『But I was able to have the backbone to not lose to this shitty situation. I’ve already killed many people and have seen many deaths. I don’t want to pretend that all of it never happened. It’s too late to believe that I want to become a decent person. That's the worst 『escape』 that should never be done. I’ll live as a pro until the end and die like a dog as a killer. And if there’s any logic to your circumstances… I think I can be proud of this shitty life』 As she answered, she felt embarrassed about what she was talking about. Don’t follow Aneki’s rhythm. Now I have to stop Ein from doing stupid things like deleting herself. Changing her mind, she glared at Ein’s face again, but, 『Yes. Isn’t that great? ♪』 At the expression of Ein in front of her, she became speechless. It was the happiest she had ever been, and with an expression like she had been saved…. 『Then you can't die in next week's 《Selection》. Live as a pro, live and survive… otherwise, you won’t look cool. … So Fia. You can't lose. Even if you face me after I’ve changed, you absolutely──』
- … Yeah, you don't need to tell me. ◆◇◆◇◆ Memories of a distant past. Grumbling to the longing that no longer existed, Tatara smiled wryly. Yes, if she had said that at that time. What crossed her mind was such an unsettled regret. But now, five years later, her feelings had finally caught up with what she told her about her way of life. 『Uh-oh! 《Futen》 Tatara Yui uses her Device as a walking stick and stands up while staggering! It looked like she completely received a very strong blow, but can she still do it!?』 The damage from the tree root strike still reverberated dully through her body. Her body was as heavy as lead, her eardrums were ruptured, and the sounds were distant. However, it could still be offset to some extent with 《Total Reflect》. … Her body still moved.
She was still alive. In that case, she had to carry out her duty as a 『pro』 until the very end of her life. Because that was the path she chose for myself. … She especially came here decking herself out. She decided to show her what kind of flowers bloomed from the seeds she gave sweet water that day…! - Let's go. Aneki. - Ara, to think that you called me properly without adding 『fucking』 to it, could it be that you finally understand my position? At this, Tatara pulled the starter of 《Jizurimukade》, carried the roaring rotating blade in her hand, - Not yours. She started running. 『The injured Tatara stepped forward! And charges at Ein, who has turned into a huge black tree, without hesitation! A, dash of determination to decide the match here and now! But──』 - Do you think you can do something about this difference in strength with vigor alone!? At the same time as a scornful laughter resounded from the big tree, the rose beasts went round and cut in front of the running Tatara. Then they all jumped at, blocking her way.
An overwhelming violence by weight of numbers. Like a tsunami that mercilessly swallowed everything. In the face of the overwhelming obstacles, 『Nice, Fia. You have all three wastes』 Tatara… was wearing a smile on the corners of her mouth. 『First is waste of stamina. Sometimes this points to the waste of stamina, and conversely, it also points to having too much stamina. The march of the mission that you’re going to do from now on. Therefore, from the action you should take, calculate backwards the stamina necessary to achieve your goal, and show your highest potential without sparing anything』 (──Yeah, I know) The distance to 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 was estimated, 50 meters in a straight line. In that case, until I use all I have to run those 50 meters…! There was a way. Only one. Tatara flicked out that way from behind her back teeth with her tongue. - ────! In an instant, the thorn tsunami that swallowed Tatara burst open.
It was scattered and chopped up. - What the…! - Uoooooooooooooooooo──! It was none other than Tatara’s 《Jizurimukade》, who screamed, that cut and tore the rose beasts. Tatara slipped through the rose beasts’ claws and fangs, cut them down with a fast, second swing, and continued running. She didn’t stop. Tatara headed straight to Ein while pushing her way through the crowd of beasts. ──That wasn’t a move that her real strength was originally capable of doing. Physical ability, judgment and decisiveness. Everything was beyond the limits tolerated by the abilities of the individual called Tatara. That was why Ein, who was a fellow student, understood immediately. - I see, you used 《Angel Dust》…! 《Angel Dust》 That was the name of the trump card given to each 《Abgrund》 assassin. A one-way ticket that, once used, there was no turning back. In exchange for instantaneously raising the ability to concentrate to the limit and being able to show all of one's potential abilities, it was the most brutal
『stimulant』 in the world── that caused serious defects to the brain and body. Of course, using such a thing was naturally illegal in a League-controlled war, but, (Neither you nor I are human beings who play fair and square in the first place! I won’t let you say something petty like I’m cheating!) - Stupid girl…! Cursing at Tatara who burned her own life and finally made a hole in the beasts' enclosure, Ein launched another attack. The soil polluted by 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. From there, well over 100 《Trigger Happy》 bloomed around it, a barrage that was indeed too excessive to kill a single person. Deafening, piercing screams standing in numerous rows followed by countless bullets being spat out. In front of this line of fire, Tatara, 『The second waste is waste of time. Shortening of battle time leads to improvement of potential. Don't waste every second by moving your body aimlessly. Always analyze all the factors that make up the battlefield, think thoroughly, and search for the optimal solution to run through this instant with maximum efficiency』 - 《Total Reflect》…! - It’s useless! You didn’t learn a thing from what I just said, Fia! Now that 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 has been activated, your reflect isn’t an obstacle at
all──!?」 Instantly, Ein’s mockery turned into speechlessness at the sight that was too unbelievable in front of her. That was, 『Oops!? What's going on!? 《Dirty Rose》’s gunfire isn’t hitting! ──No, more than not hitting, she’s not taking aim at all!? The bullets just go around Tatara, not even a single bullet can make a line of fire to catch her! Tatara closes the distance with Ein without hesitation in the rising cloud of dust!』 - W-what… is this!? Of course, Ein wasn’t missing on purpose. This phenomenon was caused by Tatara’s own abilities. (Bingo…!) In the incessant rain of bullets, Tatara was convinced that she had chosen the best in this situation as she ran straight through the open road the size of a person. Ein’s 《Magical Flowers》, including 《Trigger Happy》, each one of them was an atypical individual. They had their own mode of life. It didn’t mean that everything was controlled by Ein like her own hands and feet. If so, how did 《Trigger Happy》 narrow down the target in spite of having no eyes?
──The answer was the high-pitched scream-like sound that was heard before shooting. Tatara, who had sharpened her sense of hearing in the process of training as an assassin, grasped it. That was high frequency. 《Trigger Happy》 pinpointed the target's location using 『echolocation』 by emitting a high-pitched scream-like sound before shooting. In that case, 《Trigger Happy》 couldn’t aim properly if the 『sound』 that reverberated when it collided with itself was reflected haphazardly. And this interpretation of Tatara was on the mark. She went one step deeper into Ein’s life. (15 more meters…!) But, - You’re like a monkey sitting in the palm of Buddha's hand, Fia. - ──! - Why are you so full of yourself just for getting past my 《Magic Flowers》? Whose palm do you think you're in right now? Now that 《Yggdrasil Abyss》 has been activated, all the soil in the area is like a part of my body. There's no place for you to escape!! Right after that, the ground below Tatara’s feet, no, the entire surrounding ground burst open. Rolling up the polluted soil, what appeared was a line of green bamboo javelins with sharp tips.
《Bamboo Javelins》 They all thrust towards the sky from an area of 30 meters around 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. With a density that didn’t allow Tatara to dodge anything. These 《Bamboo Javelins》 were much more powerful than before thanks to the grace of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. They were similar to 《Trigger Happy》 and the rose beasts, they didn’t have the strength to strike back Tatara’s reflect──along with a splash of blood, something was launched on the bamboo grove. It was Tatara’s left arm that had been torn off. - With this──…!? It’s decided. Ein’s conviction, however, was shattered the next moment. Because the bamboo grove was cut down and Tatara broke through it despite being wounded all over, having one arm being torn off by the thrust of the 《Bamboo Javelins》, and having her sides, thighs, one ear and hair cut off. 『The third waste is waste of leeway. You're still trying to get more leeway, Fia. What's required of us isn't to repel the opponent's attacks in a cool way or to eclipse them splendidly. What is require is to stab a blade into the target's life without fail. If you do so, there's no need to forcefully repel. There’s no need to have leeway. Just a little bit of it is fine. All you have to do is change the angle a little so that your life isn’t in danger』
It was impossible to perfectly hit back the attack power of 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. That was why Tatara barely avoided the javelins’ trajectory. Enough so that it wasn’t a threat for her life. However, the damage was great. Her legs were barely attached to her torso and were no longer connected to her nerves. Her right eye couldn’t see because it was deeply gouged out when her right ear was cut off. She held onto her life only. But her body was already dead.
Only her right arm could move properly. However, 『Give away your flesh and bones. We are assassins. You don't have to look cool to win. ──You should win without fail. That's all』 - Oooooooooooooooooooo────!!!! If it was just to shorten the remaining distance of 10 meters, it was enough. Tatara broke through the bamboo grove as if crumbling down. The moment her body collapsed, she hit the ground with her right hand holding the Device──reflecting the declining energy. After changing the power to launch her body forward, and after closing the remaining 10 meters virtually rolling over, she stabbed the chainsaw blade into 《Yggdrasil Abyss》. - … I arrived, at last. After fulfilling her purpose, Tatara let out a big sigh of relief, - ────And? Ein spilled a scornful laughter at Tatara who almost stabbed the blade into her. - You arrived? Yes, that’s right. You certainly arrived, no? But is that all? Is it over!? Rushing into me while having your hair cut, your arms torn off, and being exhausted like that, can you say that you’re satisfied with retaliating with the bite of an insect!? Ahahaha! Your extremely miserable sense of accomplishment is at it again, Fia!