– Row, Row, Row your bow, Gently down the stream 〜♪ If you see a crocodile, Don’t forget to scream 〜♪. The small build walked while singing a song to himself. With a light pace, as if he was going to a picnic. And the soldiers who were protecting the outside of the headquarters died out at last, only the commander remained. The commander realized with that abnormal scene. With the existence of the《Blazer》who could manipulate others to his heart content as if they were dolls. – You…! No, you, no way…! The commander threw the machine gun away that was out of bullets and made his face to stiffen, being unable to believe and to realize what sprouted inside him while turning a pistol to his comrade. Because that《Blazer》was supposed to be their ally in the first place. He didn’t get the meaning of killing them. The commander couldn’t hide his confusion. On the other hand, the small figure who crossed the bloody snow surface and walked until he was in front of his eyes, – Row, Row, Row your boat, Gently in the bath 〜♪ If you see a spider, Don’t forget to laugh〜♪」
He put one of his index fingers on the dimple that surfaced on his childlike face in the back of the hood while singing and showed a smile on his face. Hey, you smile too. As if the child comforted him. Then, the lips of the commander also acted against his will and were lifted to their limits―― The next moment, the commander shot his temple with the pistol he had and died. While he had the face of a dead person, with a smile that was frozen in fear.
◆◇◆◇◆ When all of the members standing on the steep place except him died out, the small figure in a hoodie, 《Marionette King》Or=Gaule, let a sigh go out. – So boring. There was no way for the powerless《adherents》to be a match for me, one of the highest leaders of《Numbers》, huh. It was no different from committing suicide, even though they were challenged. No, in the first place, why did they point their guns at him, who was the senior leader of《Rebellion》? After his thinking reached so, Or=Gaule noticed. He had never come to the headquarters in person, not until now. – Aha ! Oh well, they don’t have to know who I am. But, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I did it thoughtlessly. So forgive me. Everyone does mistakes after all. Or=Gaule apologized with an open and great sincerity to the dead bodies at his feet then stood in front of the main gate of Rebellion headquarters.
The towering, gigantic double iron door weighed approximately 20 tons on one side. There was no way that the average Blazer would slightly move it, a non-Blazer was out of the question, of course. Or=Gaule put both hands on such extreme weight, – I’m hooome! He lightly threw it open, like opening a wicket gate. Then, at that moment. – All the members, kill hiiiiiiiim!!!! Around 50 soldiers who were on alert after they heard the chaos outside attacked Or=Gaule, firing at him all at once. Not only with machine guns, but also with anti-tank rifles and rocket launchers. They struck the enemy who entered the headquarters and threw the door open with all the firepower they had. – Attack, attack, attack! Attack, attack, don’t stop attacking! He may be a 《Blazer》, but we can kill him if we attack him with all this firepower! The 《Numbers》Or=Gaule is a traitor! Don’t let him go back alive!!!! 「「「Yes sir!!!」」」 The firing had no interruption, it lasted for tens of seconds. They used excessive violence against one human being.
While the《Blazers》had some resistance to physical attacks, they weren’t going to be safe after suffering this much fire. However… and unfortunately for them, the other party wasn’t an ordinary 《Blazer》. Or=Gaule, a《Desperado》that went through《Brute Soul》――he started to laugh as if having peculiar spasms in the middle of the rainstorm of metal and flames. – Aha aha aha! To think you have blessed my new departure with this amount of crackers, you’ve made me so happy! – It-it’s not working!? -Tha-that’s not it! They aren’t reaching him! He’s repelling all of them! – Im-impossible! How can he, to this barrage…!? Or=Gaule told to the frightened soldiers while smiling. – I have to return the favor to such wonderful celebration. That said, Or=Gaule stuck his right hand out towards the soldiers. And then, he snapped the thumb with the middle finger of his right hand, -《Grand Guignol》 *TN: Grand Guignol (wikipedia) ――A snap sounded.
That dried sound echoed nicely in the cavities of the marvelous rocky mountain that were made during the cascade-like sound of gunshots. 「「「――――――――――」」」 Immediately after that, the nearly 50 soldiers crumbled down. It wasn’t a metaphor. They literally became small pieces of meat similar to saikoro steak and crumbled down.* *TN: Saikoro means dice, so diced steak in this case. – My, my. Not even one of them dodged it? This was too easy. Or=Gaule showed disappointment to the remnants of the soldiers that were annihilated with a blow of his Noble Arts. – When I came for the first time to the headquarters with Sensei, a scary old man with a scary weapon in hand made me feel really nervous, but after all he’s just a foolish man who relies on the big tree called《Tyrant》. The shortage of talented people that《Rebellion》has is so serious that is indispensable to leave a company to defend the headquarters. There were no more enemies that blocked his path. Or=Gaule traversed the pool of blood that oozed out from the pieces of flesh and went towards the descending staircase of the entrance. (Even if I don’t wait for them, if it’s in this easy mode―― ――)
But, the moment Or=Gaule tried to go down the stairway leading to Rebellion headquarters. – ――――!?!? An invisible, strong and quick shock hit Or=Gaule. His small body was easily pulled out from the ground by that shock and caused him to be blown off to the entrance. He turned around in the air, so he certainly didn’t fall, ――but a few drops of blood fell at his feet with a splat. Blood overflowed from the laceration that appeared on the right cheek of Or=Gaule. Or=Gaule’s impregnable defense warded off the blasts that blew against him, the barrage and the bullets that rained incessantly on him. An invisible 《Spiderweb》surrounded him. And the blow that pierced it was ―― – … aha aha aha. Hmm? So there is a proper hard boss after all. Or=Gaule wiped the blood that flowed from his cheek and set his eyes of different color on the figure of the enemy that was walking up the staircase while spraying a choking-like pressure. A one-armed gigantic person who wore an overcoat, an《Apostle》. He was―― – So you were at the headquarters today, huh. Wallenstein-sensei.
◆◇◆◇◆ 《One-armed Master Swordsman》Sir Wallenstein, who confronted Or=Gaule while going up the stairway, narrowed his eyes sharply like a falcon and asked the traitor in front of him. – What’s your plan, Or=Gaule…? – What is my plan? About what?? – About everything. I’m asking what are you scheming since you have abandoned the manipulation of our eyes and ears without permission, and even attacked the headquarters this time. – What I’m scheming? Hmmm〜? What I’m scheming? Or=Gaule cucked his head in puzzlement to Wallenstein’s close questioning loaded with a strong coercion. He gave his straightforward motive. – Because I got bored, you know. – … what? – I’ve been manipulating puppets at《Rebellion》you see, and performing various roles like setting up wars and instigating wars. On the other hand,
protecting peace by mediating between people was quite funny, you know? I was able to enjoy the lives of various people, it was fairly stimulating. … But, I had enough. Like when you feel you’re doing something by inertia? It was at that moment, when I was on a boring task similar to taking care of children, that I met her! Or=Gaule looked like he had a feverish dream, thinking about her in the void. – She trampled me down and looked down on me. A righteous indignation that burned in the back of those scarlet eyes. I unconsciously ended up being captivated by her. It was such a beautiful thing. And then, I thought. I want to make those eyes become dim. I want to stain her noble heart and see how it rots away! I haven’t embraced this feeling since my older sister. My dear older sister. My older sister I loved so much. … That’s right, there’s no doubt, I’m in love with her. That’s why, I must go. To where she is. Right now. However―― Or=Gaule, who made a stop, put his line of sight back on Wallenstein from the empty space and continued. – However Sensei and the rest aren’t going to allow it, are you? You’re going to get in my way, right? Since that is extremely annoying, I decided to dispose of old toys before playing with new ones. That’s why I’ll kill you, alright? I’m grateful to Sensei and I respect you like a father, but I have to kill you, alright? But Sensei will surely understand, yes? Because Sensei taught me that『A very outstanding being that goes through one’s ego』is the only truth of this world! Then Or=Gaule opened his arms in a slow motion and spread all of his fingers. Wallenstein, who knew that was Or=Gaule’s preparing-to-fight stance, – … I see. I understand perfectly.
As if complying with it, he stood ready and carried on his shoulder the long sword that he had in his left hand and spat out. – You were the student with the worst grades, but that was also because you were extremely slow. You were completely beyond help. A mad dog that doesn’t even distinguish is jumping down at its companions’ throats…. What you have is a directionless malice. The distortion of your soul spreads ruin and hits happily and indiscriminately without reason, we thought that you would become our strength to disavow the order of the world and that you would lead《Rebellion》… but it was a mistake. The biggest disgrace of my life. The result of my blunder will not go unless I wipe out the disgrace with my own swo…! Or=Gaule burst into laughter as if he had heard a joke. – Wipe out your disgrace? By yourself? A ha and how? Is Sensei perhaps, the Sensei who suffered an embarrassing defeat against a B-Rank studentknight thinking of killing me!? To me, a《Desperado》just like《Tyrant》!? Aha aha aha! Which one of us is the senile one who doesn’t see that is jumping down at their companion’s throat!? Wallenstein-sensei! Right after that, – ―― A shadow fell on the lightning that illuminated Wallenstein. Surprised, Wallenstein looked back and witnessed. The figure of a giant of rock that brandished its arms behind him. 《Deus Ex Machina》 The Noble Arts of《Marionette King》Or=Gaule that manipulated a thread Device at will, developing a connection with inorganic substances. While Or=Gaule distracted Wallenstein by having a talk with him, he was cutting down a wall of rock behind him and made a huge rock puppet.
Wallenstein also noticed its presence, but it was too late. The rock puppet swung its arms of rock and bashed Wallenstein, sweeping him sideways. The body of Wallenstein that suffered a direct hit was blown off lightly to the side and crashed into a wall of rock. And then, Or=Gaule didn’t let the fatal weak spot of the enemy go unscathed. – Hyaaa――――――!!!! He moved the rock puppet to go after Wallenstein who sunk into the wall. Fists of rock hit him. Over and over and over again, even if he was beaten with all that. Without worrying that cracks would run through the rock and that the cavities would begin to collapse. While he was mincing Wallenstein, Or=Gaule shouted in a high-pitched voice. – Aha aha aha! I won’t let anyone disturb my『happy life』. Because anyone, even I, has the right to live happily! Yeah, merrily, merrily, merrily! His own righteousness. Towards this, – Is your joke over? Wallenstein returned with a calm voice that was no different from not long ago. – Eh…!?
The hits should have inflicted enough damage to turn a human into minced meat. However, and because the voice of Wallenstein didn’t feel damaged in the slightest. Or=Gaule gasped, stopped the blows done by the rock puppet and looked closely to the inside of the cloud of dust that hung over thanks to the blows. Wallenstein was――standing up. Without a single scratch. That’s right. The fists of the rock puppet were striking only the wall of rock surrounding him. How in the―― Wallenstein didn’t give him time to think about the question. – Berg Schneiden. *TN: Both this term (in German) and in Japanese (山斬り) mean “mountain cutter” A flash. 《One-armed Master Swordsman》swung the sword as if rotating his body.
That flash easily cut the rock puppet standing in front of him, as if cutting butter. It didn’t stop there. Evidently as its name indicated, it vigorously cut the summit of the surrounding mountains including the white peak where the Rebellion headquarters was. – ――woow. The summits rolled down and slid from the severed section. And the whole starry sky spread out. Or=Gaule was lost for words due to the scene of such level of destruction that shook the ground, ――While he was in a state of commotion, Wallenstein got near him in a big way, – 《Grand Guignol》…! Or=Gaule intercepted the aggressive movement without a moment’s delay. He snapped his fingers, the Noble Arts that turned the soldiers into minced meat not long ago released wide suppressing slashing attacks that began shooting threads stretching around him. ――But, – ―――― The slashing attacks by means of thousands of threads that offered no escape slipped the moment they touched Wallenstein, the cutting on his skin didn’t happen. Wallenstein passed through the net of slashes without trouble and held the long sword aloft, – Hmph! He brought it down, aiming at Or=Gaule.
However, the impregnable barrier where no bullet went through was deployed by the threads, by Or=Gaule’s Device, surrounding him. Even when it was a hit that cut the mountains open, it was impossible for Wallenstein to cut the Device of the《Desperado》Or=Gaule who surpassed him in magical powers; that sword that came downward was prevented by the spiderweb. ――The long sword, the killer of enemies, was averted. Wallenstein revealed a gap at the end of his attack. Or=Gaule pulled the strings to return the favor. However, (Huh!?) Amazement floated on the face of Or=Gaule. The thread didn’t move as if it was caught by something. The reason was―― – 1000% of――frictional force. Your thread was caught and tied up. He told him so, then Wallenstein swung the downward long sword to mow him down. The barrier of thread that caught the long sword was pulled by its movement, wrenching it open, – Guh, fuh!? Wallenstein put to good use the reach of his large body and kicked him, striking the abdomen of the defenseless Or=Gaule. The body of the small Or=Gaule was vigorously blown off like a soccer ball, rolling several tens of meters across the ground and hit a wall of rock.
– *Cough* *Cough*! It huuurts〜… – You stupid piece of shit never change, huh. Indulging in your own power that led to《Brute Soul》when you don’t understand the basics of fighting another Blazer such as compatibility difference of abilities. Wallenstein approached Or=Gaule once again while spitting out the disdain that made him feel disappointed. Or=Gaule tried to stand up in order to recover his posture, but, – !? His hands slipped to press against the ground and his face hit the ground. – I’m, not, touching, it… I’m slipping! – Of course. Because all the friction of your footing is gone already. – Friction… Oh… come to think of it, that’s certainly Sensei’s ability―――― – The moron remembered it this late in the game. My sword controls 『Friction』. There’s an absolute difference in compatibility between the ability of your『Thread』that can’t show its strength if it doesn’t make contact with the body of the opponent whether to control them or kill them and the ability of my『Friction』that rejects every physical contact. It doesn’t matter whether《Brute Soul》is present or not. You literally are unable to touch me with your abilities. He couldn’t stand up. The absolute death was approaching him. In order to get out of this predicament, Or=Gaule tried to lift himself using his own thread, but he noticed. There was no place to hook the thread on, the ceiling of the battlefield and the surrounding high mountains were cut off by Wallenstein.
– A ha…, there’s no way, Sensei… that you’ll go serious against a child, right? Or=Gaule smiled wryly due to the cunning behavior of Wallenstein who saw through him from the beginning. In regard to that, Wallenstein didn’t respond to the frivolous talk, he just stood in front of Or=Gaule, – I would be angry if it was another disciple who had betrayed my expectations, and I would lament that I’ll have to deal with them with my own hands, but… I have zero expectations about you, Or=Gaule. You’re just a shitty brat with a colossal strength. … Once I’m finally able to dispel my disgrace, I will feel very refreshed. He brandished the long sword in order to decapitate Or=Gaule. – Die. The verdict of a mechanical voice without emotion or compassion. Or=Gaule understood so. The next moment, Wallenstein swung the sword downward without hesitation and energetically cut his neck without feeling anything as if cutting a vegetable, or that’s what it seemed to be. In the presence of such certain murderous intent, – Aha aha aha…! Or=Gaule laughed, looking happy. While spilling blood that overflowed from the internal organs that were wounded by the kick of Wallenstein. Did he become desperate before the inescapable death? … It wasn’t that.
Because the sneer of Or=Gaule was… mockery. Because he was ridiculing Wallenstein all that he could. – … what’s so funny? Wallenstein frowned. Or=Gaule repeated while laughing mockingly. – Aha it’s funny. Because while Sensei knows that I’m a human being, he also knows that I’m just a shitty brat that only has a colossal strength! … So why did he think that a shitty brat would have an honest 1 VS 1 match against a strong person like Sensei!? – ――――――――gah, haa!?!? At that moment. Something pierced the chest of Wallenstein and then it was taken out. A black arm grabbed the pounding heart of Wallenstein. – You are senile just like I thought. Wallenstein-sensei.
◆◇◆◇◆ A sharp pain in the chest was produced when a black arm sprouted and wrenched open the ribs. Wallenstein, who couldn’t understand what happened, stared dumbfounded at his pounding heart clasped by that arm. And then, a change happened after a short while. The grasped heart began to dry up rapidly and completely in the hands of the black glove. The heart lost its freshness and youthfulness and wrinkled like a dried tomato. The ability with the potential of a phenomenon that could attack him. Wallenstein knew only one. – Im, po, ssible…! This ability… is, no, way, y, y―――――― But, his awareness went silence. Because the whole body of Wallenstein also began to dry up completely and abruptly like his heart.
The skin that lost water was cut in a lattice pattern, the eyeballs lost their contents and became thin membranes that hung down, his flesh thinned. And then, the arm that grew from his chest grabbed the face of Wallenstein that was drying up like a mummy, ――And tore it off. A completely different man appeared from the bottom of the skin of Wallenstein that was tore off. A man cladded in a black and gloomy outfit with a dried and ruffled hair. Or=Gaule welcomed that man. – Yo! I was confident that you would come. 《Haboob》 *TN: Haboob is a strong wind carrying a mass of dust and sand that has been lifted from the ground in very dry areas such as deserts. 《Haboob》, to the friendly welcome of Or=Gaule, he―― – … Don’t go “yo!” me you fool! He grabbed the fallen Or=Gaule by the collar and raised him carelessly with one arm and turned bloodshot eyes to him. – Wawa, I’m against violence…! – You summon people when you are about to get killed all of a sudden. Aren’t you making fun of me? – T-take it easy, you saved me in the end, didn’t you? – If I didn’t have come, you would have died!
– I think we can become good pals and that we can gather when needed and when it’s indispensable. – Tsk…! A rebuke perceived as useless against the attitude of the carefree and easygoing Or=Gaule. 《Haboob》threw the body of Or=Gaule away. – Ouuch… you’re way too violent. – Who’s your pal? I’m disgusted. I came here because I was interested in that『War』and『Promise』you brought about. – Promise? – Don’t feign ignorance. The event where I’ll crush the carefree countries of Kledelland and Vermillion――where I’ll get to enjoy everything. That’s the promise. I’m keeping up with your bad taste only because you said that, you see? If that was a lie… then I would have killed you instead of that old man Wallenstein. – Oh, it’s about that. Of course it’s true. All I want is Stella-chan, then you can kill, commit crimes and dominate all that you want. 《Haboob》showed a savage smile to the response of Or=Gaule, – Kuku, alright. I’m not interested in brats. I’ll just collaborate with your bad taste to get my own country. He pledged again to support Or=Gaule. – With that decided, let’s not waste time. I’ll go and dispose of the remaining trash at once. We don’t want too many killjoys interrupting the merrily merrily war after all.
Then《Haboob》walked towards the stairways to go down to Rebellion headquarters. No, he was about to start walking. ――But, – Ara ara. But if isn’t the I-want-everything man that demands compensation for『killing』? That’s why I dislike lowly『mercenaries』. – Gufu? Gufufu—!? He stopped his feet when the faces of two familiar persons were going up the stairways. – Kuh. With what mouth the《Hitman clan》hired by《Rebellion》has the nerve to say so? – Oh my. Excuse me. If I was the same as those worthless guys, then I wouldn’t be here today, don’t you think? – Both《Dirty Rose》and《BB》came! These two people were a man and a woman. Or=Gaule, who saw the figures of a corpulent man like a daruma and a slender woman with a beautiful black hair, gave them a welcome with his voice.* *TN: Daruma: Red-painted good-luck doll in the shape of Bodhidharma.
In response to this, the corpulent called《BB》bared his gums like a horse with an「I〜!」(Yes!) and laughed, – Likewise. Thank you for the wonderful offer. You have my thanks, 《Marionette King》. The woman called《Dirty Rose》 gave her thanks for the invitation of today. Then Or=Gaule asked to the woman called《Dirty Rose》. – You were coming up from the headquarters, meaning that, you already? The woman nodded, – Yes. All the guys inside except《Tyrant》have been dealt with. Like this. She gently moved her body to the side and made way for a group that was coming up the stairways behind her. Or=Gaule knew well the faces of the group coming up. Those were 7《Numbers》that were in the headquarters aside from《Onearmed Master Swordsman》and himself. They were gentlemen well known as billionaires and leaders of countries in the public world. But, – Ufufu… they’re beautiful, aren’t they? Their appearances had changed. Flowers had sprung up from the bodies of the seven gentlemen coming up the stairs with unsteady gaits.
Not only from their noses, mouths and ears, but also from the eye sockets by pushing the eyeballs outside, they also made their way through flesh and skin from all over their bodies. Blooming of roses. Beautiful roses of red, yellow and blue colors were blooming. 《Dirty Rose》stared at them, appearing to be in ecstasy, – I’m more than tired of working behind the scenes. It’s a sacrilege for life to『kill』for the sake of money. Human life is… for the purpose of making beautiful flowers bloom. Don’t you think so? – You mean this…? Are they alive? As they are now? – Ufufu. Yes, they are. You noticed it clearly. The realization of Or=Gaule made the mood of《Dirty Rose》to improve and she talked about it with garrulity. These were magic flowers combined by her ability that grew explosively when embedding seeds in the liver of a living human being. Those made beautiful flowers bloom that got nutrition from parasitized human flood. – And the great thing about these children is that, as you have noticed, produce glycogen by photosynthesis and send it to the rooted liver without ever killing the parasitized human being. The nerves of the limbs are cut into shreds by the thorns that extend all over the body and while they can’t walk by their own volition, the nerves and sense of pain that influence the internal organs aren’t damaged and the metabolism of the host is prompted by giving continuous intense pain to it with the thorns that pierce the body from inside, forcing it to stay alive. … So? Don’t you think my children are very pretty? Yes,《Dirty Rose》was proud, was very proud of her own combined magic flowers.
Or=Gaule nodded greatly to her. – Yeah. I think you have a very good taste. I like it. And then he pushed him aside, – They smell good… 《BB》was attracted to the smell of the bloody roses. 《Dirty Rose》felt great because he had an interest in her own magic flowers, -Oh, 《BB》. You also realized the beauty of them? You can admire them more. She suggested, ――but, – They look tasty〜♪ – Ah. The next moment, and without even having time to stop him, 《BB》began to pick and munch the bloody roses. – Tasty〜. 《Dirty Rose》revealed discomfort on her good-looking face because of 《BB》’s action. – … I came to the understanding that barbarians can’t understand the beauty of flowers. – N-now now, it’s not that《BB》has bad intentions, alright? Or=Gaule seemed to soothe《Dirty Rose》 as the only friend of《BB》and, – So? Now that the remaining《Numbers》were brought to an end, 《Tyrant》is the only one remaining, right?
《Haboob》asked《Dirty Rose》. 《Dirty Rose》replied with a nod. – Yes. Those seven aren’t Blazers, just your normal scoundrels… but 《Tyrant》is a《Desperado》 that divides the world into three parts. Still, I’m not going for the《Throne》as I’m not going to be able to obtain it by myself. – What a coward. – I want to say that I’m prudent. As you know, this is our biggest job. – There’s no need for that. He was already an old man half a century ago, wasn’t he? I’ll blow him away to the world of the dead. 《Haboob》, who said so as if he spitted out, beat his fists to inspire himself. But to such《Haboob》, – No, there’s need for that. Or=Gaule stopped him. – …? What do you mean? Or=Gaule answered the question that returned. – Because…《Tyrant》isn’t in the headquarters. Or=Gaule told to the three people. He knew the secret of《Rebellion》because of his ability that was extremely suited for intelligence. Only three people among the《Numbers》… those were Kazamatsuri Kouzou, 《Grand Professor》and another person they didn’t know――knew the whereabouts of《Tyrant》.
《Haboob》and《Dirty Rose》, who heard so, opened their eyes in wonder first, then――they burst into laughter. – Buh, ahahah! What you’re saying is terrible! – Kukuku… then again, what comes to mind is the old geezer Wallenstein. – Really? Well, in that case, then we finished the things we had to do here. 《Rebellion》no longer had the power to get in their way. The anxiety about their future was eradicated. In that case, then all he had to do was… to enjoy himself. Or=Gaule looked at the three people who gathered in response to his call and said. – By responding to my call and by having you come to this place today… I feel that you think the same as me. And that is… “that the world is boring”. 「「「――――」」」 – I’m saying that everyone speaks in unison. Don’t do bad things. Be kind to others. Love each other. That is, color your lives and be happy…really!? … And the humans that can’t experience happiness with that, what should they do then? We, who can’t feel happiness without doing bad things, what do we do? This is what the world says to people like us. Subdue yourselves, frivolously flatter the ones around you, live insipid lives as if eating sand. … That’s a terrible story, no? Telling us to die for the sake of our own happiness. The world is selfish. That’s why, there’s no need for us to control ourselves. There’s no reason to go along with their selfishness. There’s only one rule that exists in this world. The stronger ones force through our ego, that’s the divine providence. But there’s nothing to worry about. Because we were born in this world as strong people――
– Let’s kill as we wish. Let’s steal as we wish. Let’s eat as we wish. Let’s rejoice our one and only live as we want and as we desire, alright? Merrily, merrily, merrily! – Even if you didn’t tell me. – Yes… let’s have fun. – Gufufu ♪. With the answers of the three, Or=Gaule nodded in satisfaction and made his body jump all of a sudden. – Okay then, let’s go. Let’s make this world an even funnier one with our strength! And then, the demons that lived in the world of shadows started to walk. To the world in the light. To Kledelland.
◆◇◆◇◆ – … So that happened… The tragic event that occurred at the Rebellion headquarters.
Tsukikage, who read it all from history, muttered surprised. – What did you see? Tsukikage. Tsukikage told all that he saw to Kouzou who asked. And Kouzou, who heard everything, showed discomposure to the situation that was worse than he expected. – The plotting to overthrow the world of《Marionette King》 is within my calculations, but《Dirty Rose》, 《BB》and even《Haboob》 are involved in this matter? Moreover, they’re going to crush both Kledelland and Vermillion? But why… – 《Marionette King》interacted with Stella-hime as《Hiraga Reisen》. Perhaps, at that point, 《Marionette King》ended up having some sort of interest in Stella-hime, don’t you agree?
In other words, his responsibility that borrowed the power of the world in the shadows to avoid the worst future. It wasn’t going to finish by being somebody else’s problem. He had to do something about it. – This is a race against time. I will report it to the League immediately. Can I do so? Kouzou returned a nod. – This I will also share this exact information with League. Collective information should save time. – Thank you. – It appears that the situation is more urgent than we thought. At any rate, we should contact League and move to《Wing Prime Minister》. If it’s us, then we should be able to manage this event very well. I will cooperate with the《Numbers》that survived and put《Rebellion》back on its feet. The existence of a third power called《Rebellion》is essential to maintain the shape of the present world. We can’t let it be damaged. The reckless behavior of《Marionette King》was going to bring a great shock to the public world soon. When that happened, it was clear as day that the public opinion would start moving the extermination of《Rebellion》. However, if the third potency called《Rebellion》was damaged… then there would be no obstacle that prevented the hostilities between the two potencies《League》and《Union》, and the world… would very likely head towards the hopeless future that Tsukikage had dreamed of. And that had to be avoided at all costs.
To Kouzou’s idea, – Understood. Tsukikage showed understanding. Then, at that moment. – Ah! While the two adults worried about the future of the world, Rinna raised her voice as if she had noticed something and asked Charlotte. – Char! Come to think of it, weren’t《Worst One》and《Crimson Princess》in Vermillion right now!? – If I remember correctly, they were saying something like that at the previous party. – …! The face of Sara went blue with this realization of Rinna. Certainly, at the celebration party held at《Ichibanboshi》, those two were saying that. That they were going to Vermillion using the remaining time of summer vacation. Yes. To Vermillion, to where《Marionette King》headed to. – I know Ikki’s phone number…! The two were in danger. Not if I inform them immediately, Sara took out her cell phone. ――But, – It’s not connecting… But why… The cell phone of Sara wasn’t the only one that wasn’t connecting.
It happened the same to Tsukikage’s cell phone that was trying to contact League headquarters. – My cell phone isn’t connecting either. Was the transmission equipment damaged in the last attack perhaps? – That is strange. The transmission equipment should have been working when I got in contact with you, but―― Kouzou cocked his head in puzzlement, and at that moment. – Kazamatsuri-sama! This is an emergency! One of the《adherents》who had changed their facial expression slipped into the five people. – What happened!? The《adherent》, with a ghastly pale face, informed Kouzou who asked with an unusual look. – A message came from a northwest sentry box just now! Three armed helicopters are rapidly advancing towards the headquarters! – What did you say!? – Their model is Albatross and made by Rockbell Company! It has about three times the speed of the catalog spec and there is only one potency who has it! The invaders are the American ESP forces ——《Psion》and 《Superman》Abraham Carter…!! 「「「…!」」」 One of the potencies that trisected the world. The strongest man in《Union》 where the largest countries were connected.
And that man was coming straight to Rebellion headquarters. That was… nothing but a declaration of intention to stir the world. – All worldly things are impermanent, huh… Kazamatsuri Kouzou. The man who kept protecting the shape of the current world from the world in the shadows understood so. The fate of the era, of the world, and of the stars was about to start moving accompanied by great undulations. The means to stop it were no longer in his hands. (I’m sorry. Ryouma)
Chapter 7: Visiting Kledelland A phone call came from Johan, the First Prince of Kledelland to Lunaize. The matter was about『How to respond to a report from《International MageKnight League Headquarters》where it mentions that an extremely dangerous criminal called 《Marionette King》Or=Gaule belonging to 《Rebellion》is hiding in the outskirts of Vermillion and Kledelland, so I would like to have a prior consultation before the war as that is when the traffic of citizens of both countries intensifies』. And, in addition to that, Johan said this. The samurai who defeated《Crimson Princess》in a distant east country. He wanted to talk with《Worst One》Kurogane Ikki before the war. He was also interested in him as a knight. A request coming from Johan’s curiosity. As for Lunaize, she wanted Ikki to give priority to the strengthening of Tilmitt and company, but since they got Kledelland to forcibly approve the proposal of Ikki, a person of another country as their representative, she lent him to Johan. Therefore, Lunaize reluctantly gave her approval and asked to accompany Ikki.
When Ikki was asked so by Lunaize who was preparing his position as the representative team member of Vermillion as proof of his own value and made various preparations in advance to persuade Sirius, there was no way he could refuse. Thus Ikki, Lunaize and Stella who was clinging herself to Ikki since he was going, the three of them got on a small, royalty-exclusive airplane heading straight to Kledelland. – Kledelland and Vermillion are countries that are having wars though that is in accordance with League’s rules, so I thought that both countries had a more critical relationship, but to think that in reality it was close enough for both royalties to keep in touch in private. Ikki, who was summoned and heard the details in the middle of the route, said honestly surprised. Stella agreed with him. – Certainly, it’s an odd story now that you mention it. I played with Johannii when I was very young, so I’ve been considering it like it was natural. But when studying abroad in Japan, I understood well that my family is, how to say it, special. And then, Lunaize said to the two of them. – Naturally, we weren’t on good terms from the beginning. After all, “Vermillion is a country that won its independence because of the war against Kledelland”. – The hate existing between both royalties and countries was never shallow, they continued competing with each other for a long time and the citizens were also educated to hate each other. It was like that for hundreds of years. They kept passing the hatred from father to son, from son to grandson, they’ve been continued hating each other for hundreds of years. But it doesn’t mean I’ve gotten their reasoning for the pain and disgrace though. … Don’t you think it’s a ridiculous tradition?
Ikki, who was asked for his point of view, returned a short nod. – … I think so. It’s just that… forgiveness is many times difficult than hate. – Exactly. It’s a silly discussion, but it’s also an inevitable discussion. Human history was a history of war. There was no nation that wasn’t burdened with their actions. If a country like that were to exist, they wouldn’t have the problem of “what to do”. – But, thirty years ago, something even more ridiculously stupid appeared, and worse than such stupid tradition. – Was that perhaps Otou-sama? Lunaize nodded at Stella’s realization. – Yes, Chichi-ue, in other words, King Sirius. King Sirius marched into Kledelland alone and accessed to the throne, fought the opponents, the army of Kledelland, stepped on the royal palace and said to King Clef who was in an isolated state. 『If you hate me, then I’ll quarrel with you as much as I want. The war of around one hundred years ago, should then be brought back by the countries?』 *TN: Chichi-ue is a very formal way of addressing one’s father. – Oh, ooooh… – S-so heroic, don’t you think? Though it gives a feeling of an international problem if a mistake was made…
Lunaize laughed at the two who were speechless. – Even when there wasn’t a mistake, it was an international problem indeed. He’s truly a big fool. … But, King Clef didn’t seem to think he would make a fool of himself. I can’t get to hate this amazing guy, he said. And then he appeared to come to a realization. About the foolishness of forcing a fake anger and fake hatred to the citizens. Since then, the two countries have stopped the education of planting hostility in their citizens towards the other country, and so they have been improving their relationships little by little by carrying a positive cultural exchange. The current war still inherits the name of a territorial conflict, but… to tell you the truth, this war doesn’t make much difference whether who wins or loses. – Is that so? – Because the side that wins the rights of the gas fields agrees to be responsible of the infrastructure improvement of the side that lost them after the events of the matter were carried out. This war now is more like an inname-only joint exercise. – So a lot of food stalls will be part of this, riiight? Ikki, who heard that, understood and realized that the reason the side of Kledelland accepted his participation in the war was because, for argument’s sake, he defeated《Crimson Princess》. In other words, this war was like a friendly party between two countries, so it wasn’t like going for the victory was either good or bad. Assuming it was the same for the other party, then a thinking like that would be the best if the events were to get exciting because of it. – Nevertheless, Otou-sama did so. I heard it like to the degree of a rumor, a story of a problem triggered in the old Kledelland. I thought it was a trivial thing because it was about Otou-sama after all. – I didn’t know about it until I heard it from King Clef. People in general kept it a secret, thinking that I would get angry if it was known by me. In fact, since King Clef’s ability wasn’t great, that would have become the cause of a new war most probably.
– But they were able to work out the ill feeling between Vermillion and Kledelland because your heroic Otou-sama wasn’t a slave to such old tradition, yes? But Lunaize shrugged her shoulders with Ikki’s words. – Hmm, I wonder about that. A political idea saying『Considering the national sentiment, we will maintain this form of war but we will make it to be reduced to a formality and split the profits evenly』and coming from Chichi-ue is utterly unthinkable. I think that the guidance of Haha-ue was in this series of reforms. *TN: Haha-ue is a very formal way of addressing one’s mother. – I have the same feeling. Even now, the internal administration and diplomacy are being led by Okaa-sama. I’m sure the mastermind is Okaasama. (Come to think of it, the other thing Stella said before…) When Stella came to Japan, she said that Consort Astraea put King Sirius, who strongly opposed her, in prison. It seemed that there was an absolute power balance between those two people. (… I shall make sure to not anger Ogibo-san) *TN: Ogibo = mother in law.
– Well, that’s why Vermillion and Kledelland have taken an appeasement policy initiated by both royalties to ease the ill feelings of the past. The cultural exchange between the royalties that Ikki surprisingly recalled is a part of that. Even most of the children, or us in that case, became so close regardless of the political situation. – Johan-nii has been unable to act on an equal basis with Luna-nee since ages ago. They truly are like real brother and sister. – If so, then he’s like an Onii-san to Stella. Stella nodded greatly. – Yup. Johan-nii is one of the strongest knights in this region, and he got me to accompany him to train well. – Though I mostly feel like you just beat him viciously and one-sidedly, didn’t you? Lunaize let a wry smile show and looked at the windshield of the airplane. And told the two of them. – Hey, it can be seen now. That’s Lucelle, the capital of Kledelland.
◆◇◆◇◆ Lucelle, capital of Kledelland. Ikki and company got down to the airport for use of government and persons concerned and finished the entry procedures there. And obviously there was no carry-on baggage inspection or interrogations since they had a VIP treatment. It all ended with Lunaize only exchanging two, three words with the person in charge and the three of them passed the gate. They got in a limousine coming from the airport main gate and moved to the town center of Lucelle. They arrived at a square, the meeting place with Prince Johan. And so, Ikki, who came for the first time to Kledelland, had his breath taken away with the scenery. – This is… a wonderful townscape. The Art Nouveau architecture stood in a line as if encircling the plaza. A scene that overflowed a western feeling, like it embodied the townscape of a medieval Europe.
It was so beautiful that Ikki, who didn’t like taking pictures, wanted to put it in a frame. – Lucelle, the city itself, is a World Heritage. It’s worth seeing it. – Yeah, totally. I feel like I did a time travel right into the medieval times. – Fufu, Art Nouveau architecture doesn’t go back too much in history, but it seems that Asians get captivated by images of Europe. It’s very popular among tourists from over there. Now you finally came. You can walk around the city with Stella later. – I second that! Let’s do so, alright, Ikki!? – Sure. We’re finally here so―― – If you like, you can spend the night alone. In any case, you’ll stay here until the end of war. And I’ll say nothing to Chichi-ue. – W-what are you saying, Luna-nee!? Yes, Stella was blushing because of Lunaize’s straightforward way of speaking, – Lunaize-san! A well-dressed young man called out to the three people and ran up to them. – My apologies. Have I kept you waiting!? Lunaize showed a malicious smile on her face to the man who asked like he was worried about them and returned. – No. We thought of coming thirty minutes earlier to our meeting with you so we just joined together to get rid of idle time. – Ah, ahaha… thank you for your consideration.
And Stella, – Long time no see! The last time we met was at last year’s Christmas? – Yeas, you are correct. It’s been half a year. I have heard you did great in Japan. That you outrivaled《Wind Sword Emperor》. I even heard that the 《Mage-Knights》of Japan are strong; as one would expect of Stella-chan. – Fufun. Well, they weren’t opponents for me, you see. And so, she exchanged greetings with the young man. With what he had seen so far, Ikki was able to tell who he was without him being introduced yet.
This blond young man was a person that called themselves Kledelland. The very moment Ikki presumed so―― – And finally… the one who defeated the strong Stella-chan twice is you, yes? The blue eyes of Johan were turned towards Ikki. – Nice to meet you, Kurogane Ikki-san. I am Johan Kristoff von Collbrand. Thank you for responding to my selfish request today. – I-it’s nothing, it is I who should say so, thank you very much for the invitation, I am deeply honored. – Since the broadcast of《Seven Stars Sword Art Festival》was carried out even here, I was able to see the matches. … You were amazing. You could fight with Stella-chan as your opponent without holding back. I am still overwhelmed by Stella-chan’s strength. – … I feel obliged.
– I am very interested as a fellow knight in what kind of training Ikki-san is carrying and what kind of opinion he has when it comes to the sword. Please allow me to study them. – W-well, I wonder whether or not I can be helpful like… Due to the polite attitude of Johan, Ikki ended up being in a more than necessary modest state. Honestly, he had a troubled reaction because he was treated politely by the person who was the Prince of the country. At that moment, – That’s a good greeting, isn’t it, Johan? The grim-faced Lunaize forced her way through and put herself between Ikki and Johan. And then, – Your scarf is all twisted. I always say to you to pay attention to your personal appearance, hmm? You have great looks, but your laziness stands out. Alright, don’t move. I’ll fix it for you. – P-please wait, Lunaize-san. There are people in front of us and watching us, it’s embarrassing… – If you’re embarrassed, then be careful to not show an embarrassing appearance. … Besides, Ikki is having a hard time because your greeting is way too formal and you’re not thinking about your status. Keep your pacing in mind. That’s what they call a proper decorum. Lunaize boldly pointed out the cause of discomfort that Ikki evidently felt while adjusting the scarf. Johan also noticed his own oversight that was pointed out by Lunaize. – A, ahaha…. I am no match for Lunaize-san, am I?
He apologized to Ikki with an「I’m sorry」while Lunaize kept quietly standing upright immovable until the scarf was fixed. Stella paid a sidelong glance to the two of them and whispered into Ikki’s ear. – You see? They truly look like brother and sister, no? And. However, the impression Ikki had about the scene differed a bit. (The thing is… more than brother and sister, they look like…) *Grrrrrrrrrrr*… – Ah! A sudden strange noise was heard by the ears of the four of them. Lunaize glared at Stella, the source of that noise while making her eyebrows twitch. – … Are you serious? Stella. – I-I can’t help it, you know!? I haven’t lunched yet! – Yes, but girls of your age don’t make noises come from their bellies, they just don’t. – M-My energy consumption goes negative after awakening the power of the dragon! So don’t blame me, alright!? Johan, who saw Stella giving excuses and her face getting deep red, put a smile on his face.
– Now that you mention it, it is the right moment to lunch. So, what do you think? Would you like to eat something before discussing a counterplan regarding the aforementioned suspicious individual? Food stalls with war as their objective are appearing in the square over there. He suggested to the three of them. Stella immediately approved the suggestion. – I say yes! You too, right, Luna-nee!? – … I was talking seriously by the way, that making your stomach rumble is unbearable. – Alright then, let’s go there by walking right away, shall we? And thus, the four people began to walk towards the center of the park near the National Stadium of Lucelle, the place where the war between Vermillion and Kledelland would take place. They walked for ten minutes or so to their destination. Although it was a short distance, since the Prince of this country and the Princesses of the neighboring country were walking side by side, gathering the eyes of everybody was a natural thing. Crowds formed at both ends of the path the four people were going through. 『Oh! It’s Prince-sama!』 『The Princesses of Vermillion are here too!』 『Even when looking at them live, they are truly beautiful, aren’t they…?』 『Kyaa! Lunaize-sama! She’s so cool!』
『We’re looking forward to the matches! Though the victory will be ours this time!』 – Whaat!? I’m participating as a representative from this year, so you rather be prepared! Stella and Lunaize replied, raised their voices and waved their hands to the welcoming voices that reached them from the left and right. Such scene was truly amicable, it didn’t let the ill feelings of the past be felt at all. They could see the result of the appeasement policy that the royalties of both countries had been carrying out actively. But, (H-huh…?) Ikki, who was watching such genial scene, stopped walking with a strong sense of discomfort. In the crowd. An unnatural wide-opened『hole』was there. A blank space―――― (No, that’s not it) It wasn’t a blank space. Ikki opened not only his sense of vision but his five senses and gazed steadily at that『hole』. The flow of sound, the stagnation of the atmosphere, the signs――
He compensated for the unnaturally and partially removed visual information and, he saw it. Rising to the surface as it if revealed itself. The place where the only thing that could be seen with nothing but his eyes was a blank space. A woman was standing there. A silver-haired woman who was staring at him with eyes of different color and who quietly surrounded him at a distance without letting anyone other than Ikki that she was here. The appearance that was cladded in such air――Ikki knew it. (That person is… but why is that person here…?) – Ikki? – Waaa…! As he was directing all his concentration to that woman, Ikki made his body quiver when his shoulder was tapped by Stella. – D-did something happen? You were all absent-minded… Stella was also surprised by the overreaction of Ikki and asked him in a bewildered state. To this, Ikki attempted to return his sight to the woman of seconds ago while returning a vague「Ah, no …」. However, another townsfolk from this city was standing where the woman of moments ago was standing. The figure of that woman wasn’t there anymore. Because of that, – … it’s nothing.
– Geez. If you keep staring at the emptiness, then we’ll leave you behind, alright? – S-sorry. I’ll pay attention. Ikki apologized to Stella and quickened his steps.