Vol 10 Chapter 5

If you are looking for Vol 10 Chapter 5 you are coming to the right place. is a Webnovel created by . This lightnovel is currently . Chapter 5Episode 5 – First Ruin ──Babel──

– Part 1

「Then Rudi……no, Lux-san will depart from this country already then?」

The morning of the next day.

Lux who somehow managed to get up borrowed Philuffy’s shoulder and came to the place of the blind girl, Stefa Hersmice.

Saved by Philuffy’s consideration, the necessity of pretending to do honeymoon was also gone, so Lux had stopped dying his hair since the battle against Rosa.

The same like before, they entered a deserted tea house without any sign of customer and talked about the particulars of the event this time.

Lux told Stefa that he was a member of Seven Dragon Paladins who came to Heiburg for an investigation, and he also told her everything about what happened in the underground market and the showdown against Rosa.

Originally Lux also invited Calensia to come along with him and Philuffy that she should meet with Stefa, but Calensia apologetically smiled and refused.

『I was unable to do anything even while knowing about Rosa’s wrongdoing. My family got taken hostage and the best I could do was to protect myself──. There was no choice left but to kill Rosa. Someone like me have no qualification to meet Stefa.』

Calensia told Lux that included within those hostages was none other than Stefa herself. She asked Lux to tell Stefa a message from her.

And then she said that she would prepare a countermeasure against Rosa’s main subordinates the Servants who were currently staying in the new kingdom, put Rosa into isolation, and also gathered proof of her wrongdoings until now.

Or rather, Calensia would also fly to the new kingdom around the same time with Lux’s return there, so at that time she would bring with her the records about the transaction with the Dragon Marauders for him too.

Rosa herself was terribly wounded. It was judged that she wouldn’t be able to ride Drag-Ride for three months.

Although it couldn’t be said that it was completely settled, with this the case this time could be closed and headed toward the conclusion.

By the way, Tillfur and Noct returned to the new kingdom ahead. They would report about this matter to Lisha, Relie, and Lord Dist.

『Ah, speaking about that, if there is something that you want, I’ll tell it to the headmaster you know? Lux-chi too cannot be underestimated eeh.』

Tillfur said that when she was about to depart. Most likely it was about the reward that Magialca mentioned before he departed to Heiburg.

It must be also Relie’s instruction for them to choose a present for his little sister’s birthday in the place of Lux who was worked to death by this mission.

He was also aware about the matter of present for Philuffy’s birthday in the corner of his head, but in the end he didn’t find anything like that in Heiburg’s party and the underground market.

And so, Lux consulted Tillfur who was from a family background of famous craftsman and told her about the image of what he wanted.

『Hmmph. Is this for present to give to someone? I also ree-ally want a present.』

She teased him with wide grin like that, but it felt like she would send his letter obediently.

A few days later after sending off the two.

The time for Lux to also go back to the new kingdom finally arrived.

「I’m still unable to believe about the matter of Rosa. That’s why, as soon as I obtain the permission, I want to go meet her.」

「I’m sorry that I cannot be of use to you. Even though I should also ask various things about Lady Rosa myself.」

Lux who collapsed because of Over Limit’s backlash was unable to meet with Rosa since then.

He only heard from Calensia that she was confined in an underground dprison.

「N

o, I’m thinking to go meet her with my own legs. Certainly, Rosa pushed me aside at that night, even so, there was still the vestige of her past self remaining.」

That was the reason why Rosa didn’t kill Stefa and kept her away.

「I’ll ask Calensia to allow me to meet Rosa one more time. I want to be brave and try to talk to her. Really, thank you very much.」

The blind girl who was using cane smiled slightly and bowed her head to Lux.

Lux too was also helped by her information and guidance.

He said his thanks for those and parted from her.

When he went outside first, an unexpected person was waiting for him in front of the bar.

「Thanks for your hard work Lux-kun. I’ll also go back first to Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality after this. Surely even that Greifer is worried right now.」

「Thank you. We were saved that Coral came here.」

「No. More importantly I’m glad. That you didn’t kill Rosa at that time. Thanks to that, I can have a bit of confidence with my own thinking.」

「Eh……?」

「Nn, no. It’s about my own circ.u.mstance. Rather than that──now」

Coral suddenly brought his lips closer to Lux’s ear and quietly whispered.

「Be careful Lux-kun. I investigated in my own way about the chain of events this time, but there was something strange.」

「Something, strange……?」

Lux asked back to Coral with a doubtful expression.

「Yes. This time, I investigated the King of Vices independently because of the special mission from Vanheim Princ.i.p.ality. And then using the opening when Lady Rosa got defeated, I tried searching inside the military command room but──, there was trace of doc.u.ment that everything was Rosa’s deed.」

「……And, what about it?」

Lux tilted his head, unable to understand what Coral meant.

Rosa was making a deal with Dragon Marauder through the underground market and the military’s stock was just as he expected.

To be able to obtain the proof of that, wasn’t that something to be happy about without reserve?

「And yet, when I looked at the crucial places like her office or the commander’s room, I couldn’t find the key of the vault where the things for the transaction were gathered. I also didn’t find the place of the treasures and Elixir from Ruin that she should have procured from the transaction. I couldn’t even find anything that is like cipher.」

「That’s, in other words……?」

Lux didn’t understand the meaning of what Coral wanted to say.

「I cannot say anything concrete. But something is strange. Even though there is proof remaining, the crucial Ruin’s treasures are mostly undiscovered. I could only find two rare parts of Drag-Ride and a single horn flute. The number doesn’t match up at all.」

「…………」

After hearing Coral’s story, certainly something felt strange.

Were the treasures handed over already to the Servants?

No, even that felt out of place somehow.

But, Lux was unable to express it into words and they parted like that.

「Sayonara Lux-kun. Let’s meet again, don’t die okay?」

「Coral yourself, be careful.」

Coral only said that and turned around, then he flew his EX Wyvern and went up high to the sky.

Lux waved his hand and sent off the back of his friend, then he fell into his thought.

Even though the proof of the transaction remained, the route to the treasures was unknown.

Did Rosa herself hide the treasures somewhere on the off chance that she got defeated?

Either way, he could do nothing but waiting for Calensia’s report.

「Let’s go too, Phi-chan. If we don’t hurry back, something serious might happen in the new kingdom──」

「Yes」

Philuffy nodded shortly and headed to a deserted back alley.

There Sharis of the Triad was waiting in advance as promised.

「Even princess Lisha and others are waiting eagerly for your return. Now, both of you, please change into your pilot suit.」

Sharis was staying alone here was to carry Lux and Phillufy using Wyvern’s flight, in order to avoid the troublesome procedure of crossing border.

Lux was unable to use Wyvern because of his exhaustion, and Philuffy using her Typhon to run on the ground would be too conspicuous.

Tillfur and Noct already left Heiburg. They were going to catch up with them before long.

「Sharis-san, you don’t need to force yourself. It’s really far from here until the port city Triport.」

This time, the Triad who came to a.s.sist them were also really helpful.

Lux said that with the intention to be considerate to Sharis, but Sharis’s face was lacking composure.

「No, unfortunately there is no room here for presuming on your kindness. We held back from telling Lux-kun so you wouldn’t feel worried while resting, but the current situation in Triport is already getting dangerous.」

「-……. That’s, don’t tell me──」

Sharis nodded shortly and directed a serious gaze at him.

「Yeah, the stationed troops of Heiburg Republic had arrived at the eleventh floor the other day. If we are unlucky, the Ragnarok might be liberated within these few days.」

Lux held his breath. Even Philuffy opened her eyes slightly wider.

If the thirteenth floor was a.s.sumed to be the highest floor, then there was only one floor left that was separating Heiburg military from it.

If Heiburg military’s plan was progressing just like Rosa mentioned, then there was high chance that they would direct the Ragnarok to Triport deliberately.

「Please Sharis-san. Bring us as quick──」

「I intend to do so, leave it to me.」

The leader of Triad nodded in respond to the nervous voice of Lux.

Right after that, the Wyvern carrying the two flew high to the sky and rushed in full speed.

– Part 2

Several screams and sound of destructions were resounding intermittently above.

「Haa, haa……. Haa……-!」

An underground prison that was enclosed with stone walls around.

A girl was being hung down with chain inside.

She was only barely clothed with worn out rag. Her expression was completely haggard.

「Why, why……. Why」

She kept her hollow gaze directed toward a corner of the prison and continued to murmur with hoa.r.s.e voice that sounded delirious.

When Rosa was defeated by Lux, a single leg and arm of hers were broken. She was only given simple treatment before getting restrained like this.

Even though she had persisted on the path of evil, she was defeated.

Rosa’s faith was smashed. She was spared from death after begging for her life.

Surely she was already abandoned.

In that case, everything was over already.

The things that she had sacrificed to come this far, and then the thing that she tried to protect until now too.

「Why. If in the end something like this will still happen to me then……, everything that I did until now was──」

Rosa groaned with a grieving expression.

Then, in a timing that was as though in concert with her voice, the underground prison’s door was slowly opened.

「──!? A, aa……」

Seeing the face of the woman who appeared, Rosa’s body was shaking fiercely.

The woman was soaked with blood.

And then, the smile that was distorted in joy, giving a hint of the slaughter that had ended above just now.

Guessing the tragedy that would happen to her after this, Rosa’s expression was dyed with despair.

「How do you do Rosa? I’m bringing good news for you. I want you to cooperate with me one more time. By doing that, you will be able to come back once more to your position.」

Saying that, the woman in front of her presented her plan.

A few minutes later, Rosa’s figure vanished from the prison.

– Part 3

「This place, is port city Triport……?」

They had Sharis flying in full speed until they arrived in the new kingdom. After entering the new kingdom’s territory, they ran on land until here using Philuffy’s Typhon.

By the way, midway Sharis used up all of her strength and fell exhausted, so she rested while right now only Lux and Philuffy arrived ahead in the port city.

The time was already dusk. The red evening sun was sinking into the horizon, illuminating the port city beautifully.

It was a port city with history that was governed by Celis’s father, the feudal lord of new kingdom’s west territory.

Even though there was Babel located relatively nearby, it should be a lively and bustling port city due to the protection of the troops commanded by Dist, but──.

「Somehow, it’s quiet. Also, the smell is strange too.」

Philuffy was unusually making a dubious face. She was staring at the silent townscape.

They also couldn’t see merchant s.h.i.+p from the port, and there was almost no sign of people.

A desolate atmosphere was drifting off, as though the city had been abandoned.

「There is also Onee-chan’s company here, so──I’ll go take a look for a bit, okay?」

After staring at that sight absentmindedly for a while, Philuffy suddenly said while looking at a large building far away.

「Yes. It’s all right already after coming this far, go ahead.」

「……Understood.」

He wasn’t just being considerate of Philuffy, Lux himself also had something he wanted to investigate before the sun set.

Thus Lux was going to head to a place where he would be able to get a clear view of the port, then──.

「Oh, you there, are you a Drag-Knight who came from the new kingdom? You are really young though.」

Suddenly when Lux turned around, a bald and thin old man addressed him.

「No, I’m still a military cadet. Rather than that, did something happen to this Triport?」

「It’s unbelievable. Heiburg’s force has only come here for around two weeks, but those guys are devouring this city completely.」

The old man lamented Lux’s question while speaking about the current situation.

In order to conquer Babel, this port city was made into a base. Since then, Abysses were attacking frequently.

Even recently when the Ruins were invigorated, Abyss would appear with the frequency of five, six times per month, but right now more than ten would appear in a day.

Nothing serious happened due to the conspicuous effort of Lisha and others who a.s.sisted the new kingdom, but citizens who got scared and escaped to the neighboring city appeared without end. Heiburg troops were increasingly acting as they pleased.

「What’s more, a rumor from somewhere is circulating, saying that a specially large Abyss called Ragnarok will appear soon. The population of this Triport is reduced until less than a third. Even they are unable to walk around outside at daytime in fear of Abyss. At night they have to give reception to Heiburg soldiers who finished working. It’s only natural that everyone hates it with this situation.」

「……-!? What are the soldiers of the new kingdom doing?」

Lux asked in hurry, but the old man sighed and shook his head.

「Unfortunately, during these two weeks the number of people who can fight are decreased by a lot. Thanks to that large swarm of Abyss, most of the Drag-Knights were injured.」

「Is, that so……」

No matter how active Lisha and others were in their effort, they weren’t able to stop all the Abysses that appeared. And their Drag-Ride operational time was also limited.

During that time the forces of Lord Dist also fought and used up their strength.

If this was the case, he needed to report about Rosa’s matter even for a second faster.

How her sin was exposed in Heiburg, and Babel’s conquering had to be stopped.

「I’m sorry, who is the current commander of the force that is dispatched here?」

「Hm……? No, I’m just a mere sailor. I don’t know the detail about Heiburg military. It seems the commander is taking command in the frontline base nearby Babel, but more importantly, that collar, could it be you are──」

「Ah, yes. I’m Lux Arcadia. A prince of the former old empire……」

Lux smiled with a troubled look while pointing at his own collar.

At his period of doing ch.o.r.es, he hadn’t staying for long at Triport, so his face wasn’t well known here.

But, the silver hair and eyes that were characteristic of the imperial family.

And then the collar of criminal was the symbol of that, but because of the madder red color of the evening sun, it seemed the old man didn’t notice until now.

「I, is that so……. You are──then, excuse me.」

「……?」

The bald old man showed agitation while trying to leave from that place.

Even though Lux was feeling something out of place, he could only tilt his head in puzzlement.

「Is it as I thought, that everyone is in the front line fortress near Babel?」

Although from the story that the Triad told him, he heard that even the soldiers of Heiburg stopped the Ruin conquering at sunset.

In other words, no Abyss would appear from now until tomorrow.

Lux judged that his option at present was to reunite with Philuffy here, and then linked up with Lisha and others who returned from the frontline.

「Today will come to an end soon huh──」

Looking closer, the evening sun had set completely. The curtain of night was starting to descend.

When Lux focused on meeting with Philuffy, a strange presence suddenly came from behind.

「Hoo, so this is that famous Black Hero? Aren’t you still a cute boy?」

The one who appeared was a woman of blooming age wearing black military uniform.

Similar like Rosa, she was enveloped with arrogant hostility that overwhelmed other people. That bearing of hers resembled the imperial family and n.o.bles of the old empire.

「You are──」

「What, I’m just checking. It will be troublesome if you make excuse of being another person.」

While Lux was bewildered, the woman walked closer with a fearless smile. Her military boots were making clicking sound on the ground.

「My name is Gutefelica, the general of Heiburg Republic. Traitor Lux Arcadia. I will capture you now and present you to the world alliance.」

「……Wha-!?」

The moment she told him that, Lux’s expression showed bewilderment.

「Oops, don’t move. My subordinates are already behind you. You won’t be able to dodge a barrage from Breath Gun with that injured body.」

The moment Gutefelica introduced herself, the s.p.a.ce behind her distorted and Drag-Ride appeared from the empty spot.

It was two Heiburg soldiers wearing general purpose Drag-Ride who appeared.

Using the function of special equipment type, they were hiding using camouflage.

「What are you planning? Pointing weapon at someone in the middle of city like this」

As expected even Lux had to raise both his hands with a doubtful face.

But, in contrast Gutefelica didn’t change her bewitching smile and brought her face closer to Lux.

「Well well, aren’t you a kid with worse perceptiveness than I thought? Are you listening? I’ll give you a hint. It was the old man just now who told us about your location. He is a citizen of this port city. The notice that those who informed your location will be given money reward has been spread in this city since a long time ago.」

The moment Lux saw the wicked smile of Gutefelica, a shudder ran through his back.

Now Lux realized the fatal carelessness he had committed.

The sense of liberation from the nervousness when he was staying in Heiburg and his exhausted body was dimming his thought.

「Hoo, you are making a clueless face. Then I’ll point out your wretchedness once more right now. You illegally infiltrated Heiburg to attempt an a.s.sa.s.sination at Lady Rosa in order to stop Heiburg military from conquering Babel. You d.a.m.n traitor──the rebel against world alliance!」

Gutenfelica smugly threw a ridiculing and mocking gaze at Lux.

The moment Lux sensed that, his hand almost reached out toward his Sword Device, but he stopped.

「Good kid. Nothing good will come from you making ruckus here. I’ll be affectionate to you if you are obedient. It will be as my pet though……」

「My, you’re wrong. That conclusion is a misunderstanding.」

「……!?」

A girl’s voice suddenly came from somewhere.

The moment everyone there was taken aback, something unusual happened.

「Gu, AAAH!」

「Wha, what. The Drag-Ride’s control is──」

「What are you all doing-!?」

Heiburg troops who were riding Drake suddenly raised their Blade against Gutefelica.

Even so as expected from a general, she reacted even against the surprise attack and barely dodged.

At the same time she pulled out her Sword Device quickly. At that timing, Lux’s body floated to the air.

「Chih! You think you can get away! Surround the town and search him! Don’t let him escape from this city-!」

But, while she was obstructed by two Drakes, Lux was safely rescued from that place.

What took away Lux and carried him was the work of a Drag-Ride that was similarly in camouflage.

It was one of the students from the Academy who he knew well in the side of the new kingdom.

「Yoruka!? Why are you here──!?」

「Aruji-sama is asking a strange thing. I am always by Aruji-sama’s side.」

Lux realized that he was rescued by Yoruka who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami.

She was also requested by the new kingdom and came to guard this Triport.

「What is this situation? Philuffy, is she safe!?」

「There is no need to worry. She is also being sheltered by the headmaster. But, although she herself has no charge against her, in this situation right now it will be better if she don’t show herself.」

It seemed that the treatment as criminal didn’t reach as far as Philuffy.

But, although he comprehended the current situation, there were several inexplicable things.

「──Now, I believe around here will be fine.」

Suddenly Yoruka stopped Yato no Kami’s leap and put down Lux on the ground.

There they seemed t be in a neighborhood for the wealthy within Triport. Relatively big residences were lining up.

Surely there were a lot of traders here who did business in the port.

「It seems the general just now is still pursuing, so I will lure her suitably before giving her the slip. If Aruji-sama goes straight this street, you will arrive at our hideout.」

「Thank you. But, don’t be reckless. I still don’t comprehend this situation.」

「As you will it, Aruji-sama.」

Yoruka kicked on the air once more and left along with a bewitching smile.

After seeing her off, Lux started walking through the street of the residential district.

Perhaps because the sun had set completely, there was few pa.s.serby. Under the evening darkness, Lux was feeling a strange gaze on him.

After parting from Yoruka, he could clearly hear the sound of footstep following him.

(Is it a new pursuer from Heiburg military? Or else──)

Lux once more felt for real that there was prize money for his head.

Right now limited to this place, even the citizens of Triport would tattle about Lux’s location.

He had to somehow give the slip to his pursuer, but right now it was hard to even escape for Lux.

When he was thinking that, a girl who was walking from slightly far away quickly took Lux’s hand and broke into a run.

「This way. Our hideout is underground slightly far from here.」

「Krulcifer-san!? Why──」

The echo of that familiar voice made Lux murmured with nostalgic feeling.

After she took off the hat hiding her face, she brushed up her long blue hair which exposed the side of her beautiful face.

The overseas student who was Lux’s cla.s.smate and was extremely intimate with him was there.

「You noticed a bit late, but I’ll forgive you. It looks like Lux-kun too has gone through various troubles.」

She displayed her usual cool smile while telling him that.

Lux sighed in relieve, then he heard the faint sound of Drag-Ride moving from behind.

「Wait! What are you doing monopolizing the achievement by yourself!? I’m also here you know!?」

Almost at the same time, he saw a blond hair tied into a side tail swaying beside him.

Lisha wearing Drake was on his side unnoticed.

「I wonder what are you talking about? It was you who decided to focus fully on using camouflage and probing device because it will be conspicuous to wear Drag-Ride in the open.」

「That’s true but……, right now it’s fine. There is no sign of anyone in pursuit or the reaction of other Drag-Ride.」

「……Haa, good grief. Then, let’s proceed straight to the safe house like this.」

Prompted by Krulcifer who sighed in exasperation, they knocked on the back door of a church.

「──It’s me. I bring him with me.」

After Krulcifer shortly said that, the church’s door was opened.

Then, a young nun wearing a veil appeared and slowly beckoned to come in.

It seemed there was also citizen who was cooperating with Lux.

「Thank you very much. You saved us.」

When Lux’s expression relaxed in relieve and he said his grat.i.tude, the nun quickly turned around and looked up at Lux with a reproachful gaze.

「Your welcome. It prove to be worthwhile for me to be waiting. It is difficult to follow up Nii-san who is bringing trouble right as soon as you came back.」

「Wait, Airi!? Why are you dressed like that──!?」

「Does it looks good on me? Because Nii-san did bad thing and I almost got captured, I have no choice but to hide like this. After all they were trying to capture me who is your little sister to be used as bait to lure out Nii-san.」

「…………」

Airi’s smile that was plainly filled with thorn caused Lux to stiffen in mute amazement.

「How about you let him off with that much? The case this time should be something unpleasant for him too.」

When Krulcifer calmly persuaded her so, Airi climbed down a stair inside a small room and started walking inside an underground pa.s.sage.

「This way. Everyone is waiting already.」

「This place, just where──?」

Lux muttered while looking around the long dark pa.s.sage. Airi immediately replied to him while keeping her gaze to the front.

「It’s a hidden pa.s.sage for use of a rich person.」

After telling him that frankly, Krulcifer added some more explanation for him.

Originally it was an underground waterway for manufacturing work, but it was also constructed as emergency hideout as well as an escape route. It seemed that it was further connected to the church and other escape route.

It was a hidden pa.s.sage because of the consideration of the city’s nearness to the Ruin Babel.

There was nothing underground, but it could connect to the inside of each residence.

Even the new kingdom military didn’t know about the information of this pa.s.sage.

After walking for a while inside the dark pa.s.sage with a lantern in hand, they opened the lock of a door that connected to a side path.

From there they climbed up a stair to directly above, and came out into a bas.e.m.e.nt that was like a wine cellar.

「This seems to be a villa that also doubled as a warehouse of Aingram conglomerate. It’s not known publicly, so you can relax here.」

Following Krulcifer’s guidance, Lux entered inside the residence.

They headed to the living room of the mansion where all the windows were covered with curtain and they finally could relax.

「And so, we were able to collect Lux safely. Originally I planned to open a celebration wine for the success of the secret investigation but──」

Lisha faltered mid-sentence.

「Just what is happening in this city? About the reward money for me being a traitor──」

「It’s not just this city, it’s the whole country Nii-san. Right now Nii-san is in the position where even the new kingdom prepared money reward for your head. Even I originally should be captured by the new kingdom military as bait to lure out Nii-san.」

When he listened to the detailed story, it seemed that before the Triad could report about Rosa’s backroom dealing, a report that Lux was a traitor who tried to a.s.sa.s.sinate Rosa came.

And then the female general Gutefelica who was leading the Heiburg troops began to oppress the people of the new kingdom since half a day ago.

First the Drag-Knights including Lisha and others had their action restricted to only around the port. They were forbidden to approach toward Babel.

Furthermore, Heiburg military was searching since the morning without regard of the citizen or new kingdom military. They even broke into the houses.

Because of that rough intervention, the heart of the citizens suffered damage and they were seething with tense anger.

「Even so, just what in the world happened……?」

The story sounded simple, but there were several incomprehensible parts.

Seeing at the chronological order, the next day after that evening where Lux fought Rosa and cornered her, a messenger from Heiburg with the message that Lux was a traitor had already departed to here.

「However, how did the other side exposed my infiltration? There should be no proof or any──」

「There is a proof. I was also astonished at first though……」

Lisha hung down her head with a sigh.

Like that, Lux touched the sword belt on his waist.

Originally there were two Sword Devices hanging from there. Now one of the sheaths was empty──.

The Sword Device of his Wyvern was lost amidst the confusion of that battle.

Without the corresponding Sword Device, the Drag-Ride couldn’t be moved. Because of that, even now his Wyvern was unable to be moved from the warehouse of Aingram conglomerate located in Heiburg capital Hidehelm──.

「Then, don’t tell me……?」

「Yeah, the Sword Device that those Heiburg lots handed in was certainly something with your name Lux, engraved on it. The name of the possessor of general purpose Drag-Ride is recorded in the new kingdom, so there is no mistake.」

Lisha informed with a bitter face.

Lux’s name was engraved on his Sword Device since the beginning, added with that, if he was told to try to summon his Drag-Ride to proof that it wasn’t his, then he would have no way to make excuse.

「That’s why, until the enemy that set the trap for Nii-san is defeated, Nii-san need to hide like this here. If Nii-san is discovered, Nii-san will be apprehended right away and new kingdom’s position will become bad.」

At present, Lux was suspected as an a.s.sa.s.sin, and the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom were distanced from Babel.

They couldn’t even enter the front line base that was for defense and were forced to intercept the arriving Abyss from the rampart that was adjacent to this Triport. They were forestalled.

「By the way, Celis-senpai is──?」

He saw Yoruka just now, and the Triad weren’t here because of their role as information messenger. It concerned Lux that he still hadn’t seen Celis’s figure.

「My? It’s good news seeing you still care about Celis-senpai. It doesn’t look like you have been united with that childhood friend of yours in the honeymoon.」

Krulcifer reacted to Lux’s muttering and whispered so with a smile.

「Se, see, it’s just as I thought. I, I believed in Lux all this time……!」

「What are you saying while making a face that looks relieved from the bottom of your heart like that……」

Lisha crossed her arms and puffed out her chest. Beside her, Airi who had changed into uniform retorted.

「Wai-!? Don’t make fun of me. I and Phi-chan only pretended to be husband and wife in order to infiltrate, such thing──」

Lux was saying that while he reflexively recalled the days of his travel the he spent with Philuffy.

The memory of riding together the shaking coach and the bashful memory of getting treated like husband and wife.

And then, how Philuffy saved Lux when he was suffering from the course of defeating Rosa, and how she was nursing him wholeheartedly.

How she was supporting him with kindness that was unchanging since the past.

His chest was naturally getting heated while recalling that.

(Wait, just what am I thinking……!? Even Phi-chan, it’s not like she──)

He was charmed by her even while denying his own thought.

No, in the past his thought was filled with nothing but changing the old empire, but perhaps, since that time he had actually felt about Philuffy──.

「Yes yes. I understand you all are trying to break the tension, but let’s stop here. After all Celis-senpai too had just come back.」

Lux was suddenly returned to his senses from Airi’s voice.

When he looked there, he found Celis who had just climbed the stair of the underground room and stood inside the living room.

「Lux──!? You are safe!」

The moment he was about to greet her, Celis suddenly hugged him tightly.

The trained firm slender body, and the soft sensation that was characteristic of a girl.

It seemed she had fought just before this, the scent of her sweat was tickling Lux’s emotion.

「……Wait, what are you doing Celis!? Hugging Lux out of nowhere like that──」

Lisha who saw that turned red and flared up. Hearing that Celis was also taken aback and got away from Lux.

「Pa, pardon me! That’s, it’s because I’ve been worried about Lux all this time. I also heard how he was wanted with money reward as a criminal, and there was also his deathly battle with Lady Rosa……」

「……Ahaha, I’m fine. Though I’m a bit tired, but as senpai can see I’m lively like this.」

Lux quickly smiled and answered like that.

His dear and reliable comrades from the Academy.

He only went to Heiburg for about a week, but even Lux himself felt lonely there.

He had already blended completely into the ordinary days he spent with these girls.

「But, I’m reflecting. To be overcome with emotion and hugged like that without thinking about Lux himself, I have done something unbecoming for the captain of Syvalles.」

Celis’s cheeks reddened while she hung her head down. Lux smiled wryly.

And then, he slowly took her hand.

「Thank you very much Celis-senpai. For protecting the new kingdom while I wasn’t here──」

「Lux……」

When he told her his feeling of grat.i.tude with a straightforward gaze, Celis’s cheeks blushed slightly.

He had heard about Celis’s strenuous effort from Triad.

In the battle this time, she stayed in this Triport longer than anyone and defeated Abyss continuously.

Her stamina and skill that she had trained by disciplining herself strictly everyday.

And then, the strong heart that allowed her to accomplish that was something that Lux respected.

When an indescribable pleasant atmosphere was flowing between Lux and Celis──,

「My? You were really worried about her weren’t you? Although, the one who was waiting for your return here isn’t just Celis-senpai you know?」

「Ah, yes. Thank you, Krulcifer-san. And also Lisha-sama too.」

「That’s right! We too were doing various things while waiting for you!」

「Yes yes. Please leave that kind of thing for later, How astonis.h.i.+ng all of you are, to be able to compete for Nii-san so harmoniously in an emergency situation like this.」

「A, ahaha……」

The three girls faltered from Airi’s retort that was said with a completely exasperated tone.

「Although, your body won’t hold if you don’t rest, so let’s take a meal and bath. I’ll say this though, Nii-san. Please enter the bath alone tonight okay?」

「Wai-!? What’s with that way of talking as though I am usually entering bath together with someone!?」

When Lux was fl.u.s.tered, Airi sent him a reproachful gaze.

「Nii-san got helped by Philuffy-san anyway right? The backlash from Over Limit should make Nii-san unable to move your body properly after all.」

(Even my physical condition got completely seen through-……!)

It seemed that Noct properly reported even that kind of information too.

「Wha, wha-wha-wha-what is the meaning of that Lux-!? Don’t tell me, you and that airheaded girl, together in the bath──!」

「It’s a misunderstanding! She only helped me wiping my body.」

「I, is that so. Then, I can feel relieved.」

For some reason Celis let out a relieved sigh hearing that and patted down her chest, but Krulcifer was smiling with a suspecting gaze at him.

「As expected from Lux-kun’s wife. She is even more ahead than me who is your fiancée candidate.」

「Why is Krulcifer-san’s gaze to me is cold for some reason!?」

「And so, the bath has been heated up, so please say it if Nii-san need help. If so I will help out Nii-san as your little sister.」

「Ah, right. Please……」

Lux smiled awkwardly while getting guided toward a separate room in the mansion. And then he entered the bath.

He was uneasy wondering if whether someone like Yoruka would barge in, but fortunately nothing happened and he was able to finish his bath safely.

After that, while everyone was alternately taking a bath, the Triad who were leading Philuffy and Yoruka with them were also coming into the mansion from the underground.

It seemed, Celis’s father who was protecting this city, Lord Dist and headmaster Relie had talked to them. Everyone was eating dinner together in the living room while having a meeting.

「Then, I’m thinking to carry out a strategy meeting to chance our original plan from here on. Everyone, it’s okay to eat at the same time, but please listen carefully.」

Everyone nodded at Airi’s words and they began to eat quietly.

On the table that was brightly illuminated with lamp, various dishes that had been prepared before they knew it were lined up until there was almost no s.p.a.ce left.

Meats of beef, pork, poultry, and lamb that were roasted with pepper and rock salt.

Consomme soup that was filled with a lot of vegetables.

And then bread and cheese, pickles and the like were also provided plenty.

They weren’t really in the mood to make a ruckus, so the girls were eating quietly.

During that time, Airi was speaking about the summary of the chronological events until now.

The Sword Device of Lux’s Wyvern was stolen unnoticed and fell into Heiburg’s hand. It was then used as proof for sticking a criminal charge to Lux.

The captured Rosa made use of some kind of method and escaped from Heiburg’s prison.

And then, before long there was a risk of Ragnarok’s appearance when the deepest level of Abyss was reached and conquered.

「It will be Heiburg soldiers who fight with the Ragnarok, but if they run away, the nearby town will be attacked. For them, it will be great if they can defeat it successfully, but if it become dangerous, they can run away and leave it to the new kingdom.」

「Could we also abandon this city and take some distance?」

Yoruka who was listening to the talk made a frank remark, but Lisha immediately lifted up her face.

「There is no way we can do that you ero woman! If we leave from here, what will happen to this city!?」

「Right. Besides, it’s unfortunate but if we escape then the Ragnarok will come attacking everywhere inside the new kingdom’s territory. Even if we retreat temporarily, at the end we will have to fight it all the same.

「Yes. Also, I cannot let the name of my father, one of the four great n.o.bles who are governing this west territory to be besmirched further.」

「Munya……. I’ll, work hard too.」

After Lisha, Krulcifer, and then Celis spoke their determination. Philuffy also nodded in agreement.

On the other hand, the Triad was standing still with a conflicted expression.

「Honestly though, I’m scared. The strength of someone like me won’t be any use against Ragnarok.」

Tillfur smiled bitterly with an embarra.s.sed look.

「I understand your feeling. After all at the battle against Yggdrasil, even everyone with their Divine Drag-Ride still wasn’t a match even after fighting as group.」

「Yes. We too aren’t slacking off in our training, but as expected I judged that the burden is too hard if speaking about defeating Ragnarok.」

「…………」

Lux and others couldn’t deny those words.

In fact, even Bahamut with Over Limit only won barely in a hair’s breadth.

If the Ragnarok lurking within Babel appeared this time, it would be difficult to fight it properly using general purpose Drag-Ride.

「My, it’s fine if you three escape right away you know? Either way, it will be us who are going to face this so-called Ragnarok.」

「Wait, Yoruka. Saying it like that is──!?」

Lux spontaneously opened his mouth hearing Yoruka telling the Triad insensitively like that with a carefree smile.

But, Sharis smiled with a sigh ‘fuh’ and faced Yoruka.

「I’m thankful that you said that, but there is also no way we can do that. Especially when this time Lux-kun and missy Philuffy are also tired. Even our insignificant strength can be of some use if we focus on working behind the scene.」

「Well, I’ll try doing my best somehow.」

「Yes. We will simply accept Yoruka-san’s consideration thankfully.」

Tillfur clenched her fist, while Noct concluded it like that.

Yoruka making practical conclusion like that was the usual thing, but hearing Noct saying 『Yoruka’s consideration』, Lux felt happy inside his heart.

‘Just leave the dangerous thing to me’──Certainly what Yoruka said could also be interpreted like that.

Airi and Noct said that they would become Yoruka’s friend even if for form’s sake only, but Lux slightly felt it how they were really meeting each other halfway.

「Then, we will carry out the mission from tomorrow! Lux and little sister, don’t leave this hideout for a while.」

And then, after everyone said their piece, the dialogue was concluded.

They could see the direction for their action tomorrow.

First they would search for the Servants or perhaps Rosa. It might be them who stole Lux’s Sword Device in Heiburg and brought it here.

The role for that information gather would be the responsibility of Yoruka and the Triad whose faces weren’t really known within the enemy camp.

Lisha and others, the main force of the new kingdom would be standing by before the front line base east of Triport like usual……that was how it would be.

And then tonight, because the time had become late, everyone would stay here.

「Err, I will be in the same room with Airi?」

They went up to the second floor and got shown into a bedroom with two beds lined up.

「It can’t be helped right? Nii-san right now isn’t in completely good health. Or perhaps, Nii-san want to sleep with other girl?」

「Yo, you misunderstand!? I didn’t say anything like that──」

「I wonder about that? Nii-san surely has enjoyed the honeymoon life with Philuffy-san a lot, so maybe Nii-san feels it lacking to be with me your little sister?」

「Look here, I was doing that for the mission more or less though……?」

「I’ll believe it for now. Rest well, Nii-san.」

Airi ignored Lux’s objection and turned off the light.

Silence was filling inside the room, but as expected Lux was unable to sleep.

「Is Nii-san still thinking some kind of needless matter?」

It seemed Airi sensed Lux’s atmosphere that was like that. She called out to him from beside.

Within the bedroom that was covered with azure color, Lux slowly formed his words.

「I’m wondering, if I failed once more just as I thought……. Just like in the past, when I tried to do something about the old empire’s tyranny and the chauvinism somehow.」

「…………」

After investigating Heiburg, he was convinced that it was the same like that time, that evil structure couldn’t possibly be overturned as long as the ringleader wasn’t defeated.

And then, Lux was cornered in his battle against Rosa.

He tried to make it so that the knights, authorities, and the imperial family members of the old empire survived as many as possible, but due to Fugil who was also one of the performers like him in that revolution, Lux’s effort was denied along with his betrayal.

「However, even I, it’s not like I was dreaming that everyone could be saved. And then even if I sent them to prison, I think that they would still get sentenced to death as the result.」

「…………」

「I thought that I’ve made my resolve. I also believed that I know how the path to protect this new kingdom won’t be that indulgent.」

「But, Nii-san couldn’t do it right? Making yourself to kill Lady Rosa.」

「Yes…….」

Lux didn’t look at Airi’s face. He kept looking up at the ceiling and muttered.

「Phi-chan, when I was about to get swept up by the voices of the surrounding, she stopped me.」

「Nii-san isn’t feeling, that she was in the way?」

Airi unexpectedly cut into the matter sharply, but there was no malice within her voice.

It looked like she was simply asking in the attempt to ascertain Lux’s feeling.

「I was thinking that I won’t be able to save everyone if I don’t kill Rosa. But, cutting off her head at that time when she was already unable to move is something that I couldn’t do. Besides, it felt like something is out of place. I felt resistance about killing her unrelated with the matter of good and evil and her sin.」

「Is there still some unresolved puzzle left? In regard to her──」

Lux quietly casted down his eyes and nodded powerlessly.

(Wait──why didn’t she, go to meet her until the very end?)

Thinking carefully, there were several inexplicable things in that battle.

And then, he didn’t understand that uncomfortable feeling because he was only paying attention to Rosa.

「However, Nii-san is calm even after going through that aren’t you? Haa, it’s vexing but perhaps it was the correct choice that Philuffy-san accompanied Nii-san.」

「Wai-!? You too Airi, don’t make fun of me like the others.」

「Why is it I’m unable to use Drag-Ride……. Even I──」

When Airi was about to say something, at that time.

–

──*DOooOONN!*

–

An intense explosive sound resounded outside.

「……-!?」

The two immediately brushed aside their blanket and got up right away.

Their body stiffened from nervousness wondering if their location had been found out, but in that moment, sound of bell and people’s angry yell could be heard from outside.

「Abyss! Abysses appeared from Babel-!」

「Everyone run away, we are going to get attacked too-!」

「……!? No way, don’t tell me!」

Lux immediately approached the window and he was about to open the curtain, but Airi who was also standing up grasped Lux’s hand with a nervous expression and shook her head slightly.

「I’ll wake up the Triad and have them take a look at the situation. Nii-san, please don’t show your face outside. No matter what you mustn’t do that.」

「…………」

‘Why’──He was about to ask, but Lux guessed Airi’s thinking.

In any case, Lux right now couldn’t get involved.

Right now Lux couldn’t move Bahamut fully, and above all else he was a wanted person. If he went outside, Heiburg military would notice.

Airi who was living in the position as criminal since the past had strong wariness in that aspect.

Thinking back now, it was also unnatural how the people’s voices were calling out without any mention of Heiburg.

By any chance, could it be a lure with the expectation that it would make Lux opened the curtain or even rus.h.i.+ng outside?

「If this is a trap, then the opponent is really outrageous. Heiburg’s King of Vices is──」

Airi muttered with sweat trickling down from her forehead slowly.

Could it be that before they could determine Rosa’s location, the other party had already made their move this quick?

The two went down to the first floor in hurry. There, the familiar members were already changing into their pilot suit.

「It looks like the opponent is also really in a hurry. To think that they will make their move this quickly.」

First Krulcifer muttered that while brus.h.i.+ng up her hair.

Responding to that, Lisha lifted up her face with an unusually tense expression.

「But, if the Abyss attack is a trap, if we can confirm that it’s their lie, even without us going outside──」

「No, most likely we won’t be able to do that. They have the horn flute, if we fall behind it will be too late.」

Celis kept her hand supporting her chin and muttered with a bitter expression.

Seeing everyone hesitating to speak in bafflement, Airi came to a sudden realization in surprise and she spoke.

「They have thoroughly let Abysses get away outside from the tower until now, exposing the city to danger while advancing their investigation at the same time. Are they going to hesitate after this far?」

「I can also hear the sound of horn flute, so I think, that’s not wrong.」

Hearing what Airi pointed out, Philuffy pressed her ear and muttered that. Krulcifer also nodded in agreement.

「It seems they are also desperate. They are intending to concentrate their full force to search for Lux-kun who is in this city right now.」

「If we are keep hiding like this, the town will be destroyed by the Abysses from the horn flute’s command. But, if we go out to intercept, it will be easier for them to search for Lux and little sister, is that it?」

After Lisha muttered as though she was asking herself, everyone wordlessly nodded.

And then, if the Ragnarok was released in this confusion, the situation where all of them were separated from each other would be taken advantage of and they might get annihilated.

The situation was already overwhelmingly disadvantageous for them.

「But, there is also an opening that we can take advantage of. There is someone playing the horn flute to control the Abysses and making them attack here, that means──」

Receiving Airi’s pleading gaze, Lux nodded.

「Everyone, please. I want you all to cooperate and quickly intercept the Abysses that are advancing here due right now due to the horn flute. We have to protect the people of Triport and the force of Lord Dist. And then──」

「At the same time, we will locate the person who is using the horn flute to manipulate the Abysses. That’s the plan right? If we catch them red-handed, then we can make an excuse to capture them.」

Krulcifer continued like that. Celis also nodded.

「An operation in a scale this large surely has a chain of command. If we can ascertain it……」

「Looks like we have no other choice. Right now is the chance while the enemy is attacking.」

「Then, Nii-san──please decide the strategy.」

Prompted by Airi, Lux quickly made his decision.

And then, a few minutes later.

Lisha and everyone else moved in counterattack.

– Part 4

「Fufufufu! This is exhilarating! The old empire that once oppressed Heiburg utterly. To be able to trample these guys like this──life is full of surprise.」

A woman wearing EX Wyvern was looking down on the blazing townscape while laughing.

She was enjoying that wartime fire through her white mask while playing flute above a viewing platform.

That was the tone of horn flute to manipulate abyss that was excavated from Ruin.

「Noow then. Let’s suppress the firepower a bit more while tormenting them slowly. There is also the next mission after this, doing this moderately──!?」

Numerous Abysses that the masked woman were manipulating using the flute were shot by blue flash one after another that froze them.

Right after the Abysses like Gargoyles and Chimeras had their movement stopped, a pursuing attack smashed them into pieces.

「Freezing bullet and sniping……, the user of these is──」

*Bis.h.i.+-!*, at that moment, a streak of light was fired and hit the Drag-Ride the woman wore.

The Blade she was holding froze. The moment her eyes snapped open in surprise, a girl was flying before her eyes.

「You look like you are having fun, can you allow me to join too?」

Krulcifer wearing Fafnir readied her Freezing Cannon and thrust its muzzle toward the enemy.

「You came faster than I thought. A lowly keytool of Ruin that was chased away from Ymir Theocracy like you dare to──. Are you trying to have the new kingdom to keep you as their pet by acting loyal to them?」

「I wonder where is Lady Rosa? My bad, but I have no free time to play with a small fry like you.」

「──Hah」

Krulcifer ignored the provocation and told the woman so. The woman bared a wicked grin under her mask.

「Fine. My name is Zecta Bergios of the Sky Punishment, one of the Servants. I’ll give a special lesson to this spoiled Ojou-sama who is only used at the mock battle game.」

Above the viewing platform with the view of the port city, Krulcifer’s fight began.

– Part 5

「Ple, please. The Abysses are attacking! Help──gafuh!?」

One guard who was running from the flying Abyss pursuing him was atrociously blown away by a bomb blast.

「For a guard to be the first one to escape, how foolish. Just because you don’t have a Drag-Ride──」

A wharf located at the west of Triport.

In that place that became remarkably quiet because in these few days there was no more s.h.i.+p coming, a completely black man was standing wearing EX Wyrm.

The land battle type Wyrm was hiding a potential of being able to be loaded with a large amount of armaments, but that man’s armament was only one. Thick chain that was like rope with th.o.r.n.y iron ball attached on its end.

The Smas.h.i.+ng Punishment Goldia.

That was the name of this masked man who possessed muscular body.

「A worthless town. And then──a worthless country. What meaning a soldier that possess no strength at all could have?」

A m.u.f.fled voice was raised under the mask as though he was questioning himself.

Next he readied his iron ball once more and threw it toward the soldier who was still barely alive.

The iron ball flew with powerful speed that even the eyes couldn’t follow, however its trajectory changed and it sank into the ground of the wharf.

「Nuu……」

When he noticed, even the Drag-Ride that Goldia himself was wearing already got heavy.

A gravity field that was tinged with purple light was restraining him.

「It’s amazing how you can boast like that when you are only facing weaponless people. It’s you who is the most worthless! If you surrender right away then I’ll let you off with only getting half-killed!」

Lisha who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat was proclaiming from the sky.

The targeting of Tiamat’s special armament, the giant cannon Seven Heads had already capture Goldia.

「For the princess of the new kingdom to personally come out, that’s some fort.i.tude. Allow me to test your caliber.」

The large man’s mouth distorted into an arc shape at the appearance of a powerful enemy.

Right after that, the he started to move as though dragging his body even with the gravity field sealing his body movement.

– Part 6

In front of the government building at the center of the port city.

In front of that place where the commanding officers of the force, including Lord Dist were gathered, the third Servants appeared.

The elite Drag-Knights, Servants who were the direct subordinate of the King of Vices wouldn’t expose their bare face at new kingdom.

A tall man whose face was covered with white mask was calling even more Abyss using a horn flute.

「……Are you the Drag-Knight of a perished country that we heard from Dragon Marauder, Kirihime, something?」

「My? So you know my name? Even though I’m planning to conceal myself.」

Saying that, Yoruka dispelled the camouflage of Yato no Kami and showed herself before the man.

On the other hand, one of the Servants, the Flame Punishment Viji was also wearing the same type of Drag-Ride, the special equipment type, EX Drake.

If it was the same type that also possessed probing device, it could also see through the opponent who had the camouflage function activated.

「If you stop the sound of that flute and tell me the location of Rosa Granhide, I won’t mind to at least let you keep your life you know?」

Yoruka thrust out her katana-type Blade and declared so, but Viji wasn’t moved.

「The like of a dog who changed master from the old empire to the new kingdom like you, it’s astonis.h.i.+ng that you can still bark like that.」

Viji sneered even more and blew his flute──but, the next moment. The flute was split into two along with the mechanical right arm that was holding it.

Even though Yoruka should be still outside the range, and yet she approached instantly and slashed. That technique caused Viji to blink in amazement.

Viji moved his EX Drake’s four legs in a hurry and leaped backward. Yoruka’s eyes narrowed slightly.

「Unfortunately I have no emotion. There is no need for that kind of pointless talk. But──if you still have the leeway to speak once more, then I don’t mind of if you continue you know?」

「……Kuh!」

Viji who instantly sensed danger activated the knapsack mechanism on his back that was a rare armament.

Right after that, when Yoruka leaped to pursue him, the surrounding buildings were enveloped in flame.

– Part 7

「You guys are quite something. To be able to rush to where we are in a straight line like this.」

And then, at the front line base at the east where it was the nearest to Babel.

On the parapet in front of it, a woman with bared face was standing.

The woman general who was commanding Heiburg Republic military that was staying here loosened her cheeks at the entrance of a worthy opponent.

「Pus.h.i.+ng into this city is troublesome, but as expected something like conquering Ruin is suffocating. It’s far more interesting to fight facing human opponent. Don’t you think so, Celistia?」

Celis who was wearing Lindwurm was glaring silently at her opponent above the parapet.

「Unfortunately, I find it hard to agree with your opinion. After all when fighting human opponent, there are many more things that needs to be considered.」

「Hou? Then how about you go save the citizens who are being attacked by Abysses? There are no one who needs to be saved in an empty place like this.」

「……How long you are intending to vent your resentment to the new kingdom? Do you want to repay back the debt that you received from the era of the old empire by that much? To even go as far as carrying out this kind of plan.」

Gutefelica was playing dumb, but Celis didn’t follow along with her act.

She sent her an aloof gaze that overwhelmed other people and asked quietly.

That this situation was the plan of the King of Vices to destroy the new kingdom.

Celis was talking with the a.s.sumption that Gutefelica was also approving this plan of causing a sham Abyss attack to lure out Lux who was currently a wanted man.

「How strange. I thought that if it is you, you will be able to understand my feeling.」

Gutefelica’s shoulders were shaking while chuckling ‘ku ku’, she glared at Celis with a haughty expression.

「Aren’t you sick of it? Days of simply protecting the populace from Abyss, I’m extremely bored of it. It was even more so since that strategist, one of the Lords, Hayes came.」

She looked up to the sky with a faraway look, and then she slowly put her hand on the handle of her Sword Device.

「When that girl put Gigas under her control, we also had no more need to fight against Abyss. There was also no chance to wield the power that I trained for several years in order to pay back the debt to the old empire. Is there other story crueler than this?」

「If it’s for the sake of satisfying that desire, something like peace is undesirable──you won’t even mind to hurt anyone, is that what you think?」

「I heard about the rumor of you even in Heiburg you know? You are piling up Drag-Ride training more than anyone right? Aren’t you bored? To be unable to even wield the skill that you had trained──!」

She quickly pulled out her Sword Device while talking and equipped an EX Wyvern with chantless high-speed summoning.

Her