Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia

It was a world of snow and ice.

The average temperature was minus ten degree. There was almost no time where there was sunshine, snow and blizzard were continuing everyday.

That was Odins world.

Mountain range with elevation of ten kilometer was standing in the way like wall, forest of needle-leaved tree with height over a hundred meter was spreading at the foot of the mountain. Odins palace was proudly looking majestic with that forest behind it.

The wooden palace looked similar with Queen Landreds palace at Baldin Kingdom in Atlantis. But rather than the palace, what was worthy of mention was the large fighting arena created beside it. It was a circular fighting arena with diameter that reached even ten kilometer. It was as though it was the center of this world, roads were spreading in radial shape from the arena, forming a city.

It was a townscape without decoration, giving impression of simplicity and frugality. Triangle roof and wall with wood texture laid bare. The entrance of the building was located at the second floor, perhaps as countermeasure against snow and cold, there were also a lot of house with double layered window. There was also building with height nearly a hundred meter among them, but all of them were made from wood.

The residences here were all other world people who came because of Odins invitation.

The residence of this world was warrior whether they wished it or not, they were forced to fight daily at the arena. All of those battles were for the sake of this worlds god, Odin.

And then even now match was being carried out in the arena.

HAAAAAAAAAH!

Chidorigafuchi Aines fist cut through air.

Aines Heart Hybrid GearZerosstruck the opponent with severe punch. Terrific impact sound and sparks scattered, the shockwave rolled up the snow on the ground.

It was a critical hit. However the enemys armor was thick.

What blocked the fist was the neck of a giant boar. It was a lump of steel with height two meter in total, and its width reached a meter, stopping Aines fist right from the front.

That object was a magic weapon that took the shape of boar. However it had no torso, it was like only its head was cut off. The internal mechanism was unclear, but as expected it seemed to use something that resembled magic mechanism. Its small eyes shined blue and the light of magic power was circulated on the metallic surface.

Chih

Aine took distance in one go using her thruster and slid on top of snow. The snow piled up on the arena was four, five centimeter thick. The raining down snow from the sky was currently sparse. As though recalling it, at the other side of the fluttering down snow there was a warrior that was accompanying the boar head.

That mans name wasFrei.

Tall body that was nearly two meter and light armor that looked as though it was one with the body. His beautiful golden hair lengthened until his back and his well-featured face looked masculine like Greek sculpture. His shoulder width was wide, and long legs stretched out from the splendid body built of inverted triangle. Actually it was a splendid manly body, but the majority of that body was mechanized, Aine didnt understand what kind of appearance he originally had.

Fufufu, I never thought that someone ranked below a hundred like you with divinity number around 53000, can survive more than a minute against this me. As expected from someone who attracted the attention of Odin-sama.

Thats really just annoyance for me.

Aine put her right fist to the front, and pulled her left hand before it. At her wrist was a shining silver ring. The number floating there was 113. That was the worth of Aines existence in this world.

But you see Aine. You cannot possibly reach this Frei who is within ranking top ten, the so called Odin Ranker. Even if miracle occur, you wont be able to defeat this me.

He lifted up his left hand to make a show at Aine. The ring at that wrist was shining with number 10.

Aine kicked on the ground before Frei could finish talking. She closed the distance in an instant. But in reaction to Aines attack, the giant boar cut in between the two of them once more. The boar stopped Aines fist with its nose and then it opened its mouth. That force bounced off Aines arm.

Kuh!

Aines arm overreached and her defenseless flank was exposed.

Now, Gullinbursti!

Flame was spouted out from the largely opened mouth of the boar of steel(Gullinbursti). It was a beam shaped flame that was compressed into high density. Aine defended against that flams pressure using Life Saver.

tskyou!

The pressure of the flame was tremendous, Aines body was sliding on the arenas field. Even with Life Saver protecting her, the armor of Zeros was heated up. That heat instantly vaporized the arenas snow and white smoke enshrouded the area.

A shield of that level cannot block my attack!

Frei withdrew the sword hanging on his waist.

Laevateinn!

The blade shined radiantly and rolled up tremendous heat and wind. And then it emitted radiance like sun, and it was swung down toward Aine. However there was more than a hundred meter distance between them. Regardless of that the shockwave and flame blown away Aines body like leaf.

KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

She was rolling many times on the arenas snow. And then a violent spray of snow was raised and Aines body became unmoving. A communication window was opened beside the collapsed Aine.

Oi Aine! Get a hold of yourself!

The beautiful girl with blonde hair and dark brown skin projected in the window called at her with urgent voice.

Kudont yell like that, Gravel. I can still stand.

Aine rotated her body as though she was turning in her sleep, put her hand on the ground, and raised her upper body with trembling hand. And then she stared at Frei and his follower Gullinbursti through the air that was hazy with steam.

Gravel, how much that guys divinity number?

Frei is currently at 124000. As expected from rank 10. Although he is at the lowest seat, he is still an Odin Ranker.

I see, more than double of mineindeed he has a reason to be full of confidence like that.

Aine stood up somehow. Gravel stared at her figure with a grim look.

What will you do? Surrender?

Dont joke! If I become Odin Ranker, I will be given the right to challenge Odin you know? I finally arrived until where I can face a Ranker through this one year!

Gravel really understood how Aine was feeling to the degree it felt painful.

Gravel and others arrived in this world two months ago. However at that time Aine was already here for nearly ten months, passing her time here. During that time she had continued fighting by herself until this point.

Iwill defeat that guy, and then, defeat Odin.

And then, return back to the original world once more. Together with everyone, with Kizuna, once more!

Besides there is rumor that this Frei imitated Odin and try to follow the same evolution. So to speak he is inferior copy of Odin. This is a good training stage.

Then, you plan to use that?

Aine didnt answer that question and glared at Frei.

Fufufu, Aine. So you plan to challenge Odin-sama?

Frei was walking slowly with his favorite sword, Laevateinn in one hand. His face was overflowing with composure that said he could defeat her anytime.

Yes. Ill challenge her. I cannot stay longer than this in a world like this! Ill defeat Odin, and then return to my original world.

What fool.

Why? Even you were summoned from another world originally right? Dont you want to fight Odin, win, and return to your former world?

Frei suddenly let out a chuckle.

I forgot already abut such past matter. Besides, I dont have any attachment to my former world. My current objective is only to defeat god.

He boasted so and then stared at the palace of Odin.

But, I am still far away from gods level. There is still more battle to come for me to repeat and evolve. I will also obtain you weapon after I defeat you.

I guess. Then, Ill receive that sword from you.

Aine stared at the shining sword Frei was holding with a fearless smile. The rule of this world was that the winner could take one weapon and authority from the loser. Like that the strong became stronger, attaching their body with various abilities.

As though to shake off Aines gaze, Frei readied his sword and showed an unpleasant expression.

You can end here! Aine!

Frei brandished his sword. Aine wasted no time to put one of her hands forward.

Frei thought whether she was begging for her life with that movement.

But the next moment, a magic circle spread from Aines palm. The shining bright pattern was slowly rotating while advancing toward Aine. And then, it accelerated suddenly and pushed through toward Aines back, and it stopped there.

What-!?

Frei opened his eyes wide at Aines transformation. Because that figure changed instantly. Her armor was simpler than before, but it was increasing to be more beautiful and brighter. And then her shining silver hair was changing color to pink color.

You have such abilitywha-!

Freis face warped. The divinity number of Aine that he always monitored was reflected in his eyes. The number was exceeding 80000.

The divinity number isincreasing?

The phenomenon that he had never witnessed until now caused Frei to trickle cold sweat on his forehead.

Thats impossible. Its necessary to steadily accumulate divinity number. How is such rapid increase acceptablebut.

In reality, the number reflected in his eyes were continuing to increase.

Wha, whats with that bluffeven if you raise your divinity number with some kind of method, you still wont reach my number!

The automatic repelling equipment that accompanied Frei, Gullinbursti came out to the front. In the case it detected the enemys divinity number and judged that the enemy could be a threat to its master, it would block the attack and launch attack at that target. It was a follower and shield with absolute obedience. That Gullinbursti was trembling fiercely with intensity that it had never shown before.

Whats wrong? Aines doesnt have that much threat

Frei opened his eyes wide.

The divinity number of Aine that was continuing to increase had gone over 120000.

Code Breaker!

The floating magic circle behind Aine emitted light and enveloped Aines body. And then with Aine as the center, a dome of magic circle was formed.

Kugo! Gullinbursti! We are still the one on top! If its now

Gullinbursti assaulted Aine. And then it leaped inside Aines magic circle. That was the area under Aines rule. A land of death that dissolved all magic formula.

At that moment, the boars charge stopped.

!? Gullinbursti!

Aines fist lunged mercilessly toward Gullinbursti that stopped moving.

The iron boar that didnt even twitch until now from all attack had Aines fist sinking into it. Its nose was smashed, and from there crack ran through its whole body.

It seems Code Breaker is also effective against these guys.

After the arm was pulled back, that arm turned to the side.

Pulverizer!

From another magic circle that unfolded ahead of that hand, a huge cannon was pulled out. And then that cannon muzzle was put on the forehead of Gullinbursti.

At that moment, terror ran through Freis back.

Thats impossible.

She was supposed to be an opponent that could be easily defeated.

Despite sowhat was with this number?

Aines divinity number that was reflected in Freis eyes was over 150000.

Fire!!

The corruption armament that Aine readiedPulerizerlaunched tremendous light. It was a ruthless light, pulverizing all time and space an existence possessed. A hole was opened instantly on the boars forehead, and at the next moment, Gullinbursti was smashed apart into pieces in a whirl. And then the light of destruction that was fired from Pulverizer headed straight to Frei.

U! GOKAAAGUAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

He raised scream of death agony and he got blown away. It was an arena with diameter of ten kilometer. He went through the arena from the center until the end of the arena in one go. And then he crashed on the wall that faced Odins palace and his body was smashed apart.

Impossiblethis, me islike this

Freis body was literally crumbling. At that moment, cheers were raised from the arenas surrounding. The warriors of this Odin world that observed this battle extolled Aines victory. There were no person with the same appearance with the other, stern men, female type that fought with speed, they had various appearances.

The warriors of this world were fellows who were similar like Aine, taken away from another world to this place. Most of them fundamentally possessed the same shape with human, but there was difference in little details like their body build, skin color, etc.

The warriors who were blessed with such variety were yelling and raising their arm in excitement above the fence.

They were extolling Aine, but that didnt mean they wanted to get along with her. They were saying, fight with me next. Aine turned back her face from the crowd with fed up face.

You did it Aine.

The window floating beside her face was showing Gravels relieved expression.

Naturally.

Aine showed a smile as though to say hows that and her left hand brushed off her pink colored hair. A ring was shining at that wrist. The number 113 that was floating there was overwritten into 10.

Aine used her thruster to float in the air. And then she flew until the wall where Frei was smashed. There she discovered the remain of Frei who only had upper body without both his arms. She matched her window with that figure and pushed on the analysis button.

Hmmpheven with this your divinity number is still 50. Perhaps I should say that it is as expected that its not 0. Do it all over again from one okay.

Saying that, Aine picked up Freis sword Laevateinn that fell nearby.

Aa how rude of me. Its not from 1 I guess. Do it all over again from 50.

When Aine turned on her heel to leave, a voice came from overhead.

That was quite enjoyable for me, Aine.

!!

Tension ran through Aines whole body. The clamoring crowd was also falling silent as though they had been doused with water.

When she looked up, there was a figure standing at the palaces balcony.

Silver hair that looked shiny. Beautiful face that looked like ice. An eye patch on the left eye of that beautiful face that gave off discomfort. And then tight muscular body that was trained, added with largely dangling breast completed her feminine beauty. It was the crystallization of beauty that transcended human.

An armor that imitated ice dragon protected that body. However what it protected was only arms and legs, her head and torso looked mostly defenseless. Tiny bit of plates that were shaped like crystal and dragon scale were covering her sides and groin, while the armor at her breast was in the shape of dragon claw grasping that breast. That shape seemed to display the beauty of that breast instead.

Huge spear that was hanging to left and right from her back wasGungnir. It was rumored that there was no existence that couldnt be defeated by that spear, it was this worlds strongest weapon. In addition was the huge dragon head floating behind herFafnir. It was equivalent with Freis boar, this dragon head was Odins follower, but its strength couldnt be compared with Freis Gullinbursti. Furthermore it was a two headed dragon. A beautiful girl like ice holding a legendary spear who was protected by dragon. That figure was exactly a divine war goddess.

Machine godOdin.

Odin flew down from the balcony and landed lightly in front of Aine.

Fufufu, as expected from someone who caught the eye of this me. If you keep accumulating diligent training like this, perhaps in few decades later you might reach divinity number around 500000. Aim for even higher ranking.

Aine reflexively clicked her tongue.

Inside her heart rage was welling up, thinking if this woman was planning to lock her up in this world for decades.

At that time when she was about to say her resentment to Odin, a pained voice could be heard from below.

UuO, Odin, sama.

Frei who became a wreck groaned with feeble breathing.

I, I still, havent loseagainst, this girl, against this kind of low ranking, this me who is an Odin Ranker couldnt possibly lo

The low ranking is you now, Frei.

Odin stared at the wreckage of Frei with her one eye coldly.

The ranking is absolute. Know that just a difference of one rank is like a difference of heaven and earth. To say nothing of that way of talking, toward this Aine who is an Odin Ranker right now

Freis face distorted in shock.

Then, its better for Aine to deal the finishing blow, so that body cannot even be repaired anymore.

Odins cold eye shined blue.

Frei couldnt say anything, he could only gritted his teeth with all his strength. That strength broke his faces construction and fluid spurted out. And then, he was simply keeping silent.

Even Odin Ranker is like thisthe warrior that Im looking for is still far ahead from here huh.

Odin whispered that and then she looked around at the spacious arena.

Average warrior cannot grant further strength to this me who has reached the territory of god. I am here waiting impatiently for the appearance of a warrior carrying even stronger power, and new ability.

And then you will steal that power, and become even stronger?

Aines defiant speech caused Odin to glared at her sharply with her right eye.

Something like that. But I have expectation to you Aine. If Aine become even stronger, the warrior around you will also grow stronger. They will steal the way Aine fight and surely even stronger people will appear by incorporating that. Such evolution of battle will create even stronger warrior.

You will only plunder from those people who are raised like that wont you? Its really a nice position to be a god huh, you can just exploit the harvest of the people.

However Odin lifted the corner of her mouth and showed a faint smile.

Thats nothing more than the result of victory or defeat. If you hate that, then you just need to defeat me. One is plundered from because they lose. I am always fair(), fair you know.(TN: The second fair is said in English.)

And then Odin looked up at the sky that was covered with thick cloud.

This world exist for the strongs sake. The weak exist to be their food. And then there is no limit to the evolution of strength.

Odin talked about her conviction and this worlds providence with a face that was half in ecstasy. But, for Aine it was inconsequential story.

Machine god Odin, I challenge you.

Odin stared with dubious expression at Aine who declared that.

Its fine even if you dont be that impatient right? Even if you fight me now, Aine has no chance of victory. Aine will become stronger if you mature more. Even if I steal your current ability it wont really be helpful.

Dont screw around-! If I defeat you and obtain the power of machine god, I should be able to even go back to my original world. I will absolutely defeat you, and return to my original world, to where everyone is!

Aine faced Odin and took her stance. The magic circle on her back was also increasing in radiance.

Geezcant be helped then.

Odin sighed deeply looking disappointed.

Then, here I go.

At that instant, the atmosphere Odin was clad with changed. Terrific fighting spirit and wind poured out from her body which flapped Aines hair. It felt like her heart would break just by getting showered by that killing intent.

Kuso this is machine gods true power.

In this one year since Aine was summoned to this world, there were two warriors that challenged Odin. Both of them were rank number one.

However the result was atrocious.

It wasnt even a fight, they were toyed around by Odin as she pleased, and then destructed. And then their ability was plundered and those two were obliterated from this world.

But, I wont end like that.

The armor of Odin that was like ice shined and emitted sublime light. And then that light was similar like Aines Code Breaker, it was spreading with Odin as the center into hemisphere shape.

This dome of light was the first obstacle in defeating Odin. The dome of light was light of god. Just by touching that, all kind of energy would be sucked and materialized impediment on the body function.

Perhaps its like a superior version of Graces Harvest.

But, based on what she had tested on Frei just now, Code Breaker should be able to erase it. Aine persuaded herself like that.

Code Breaker!

A dome made from magic circle was spreading with Aine at the center.

Aathe technique that broke Freis defensive wall before this huh.

Odin showed a happy smile.

GOOOOOO!

The magic circles rotation sped up along with Aines yell of fighting spirit, its size was increasing. And then the dome of magic circle and dome of gods light clashed.

The two domes disappeared along with fierce light and impact.

Now!

Aine readied Laevateinn that she had plundered just now and thrust at Odin. However, the two headed dragon standing by behind Odin, Fafnir cut in between them. It was an odd follower with feather growing on the dragon head, but even Aine about how terrifying it was. One of the warrior that challenged Odin before was unable to even touch Odin and got crunched by Fafnir.

This dragon head was similar with Freis boar, it would automatically detect target that could threaten its master and attacked back. One of Fafnirs heads was heading toward Aine.

Looks like it more or less recognize me as opponent huh!

Aine swung up Laevateinn with unskilled motion. At that time, for an instant the figure if her comrade wearing red armor flashed in the back of her mind.

It will be better if I at least learn sword too.

Aine struck Laevateinn to Fafnirs head as though to shake off that thinking.

Eh!?

Certainly she wasnt an expert of sword, but she felt quite a feedback. Besides the ability of the sword itself was considerable. As expected it was impossible for it to give no damage. That was what she thought but,

Fufufu, you wont be able to cut this child with just that much you know.

Fafnirs armor didnt even get scratched from Laevateinns slash. It was as though the whole impact of the sword was blocked, and then the metallic surface of the head was subtly undulating to redirect that power.

Kuh! Then!

Aine discarded Laevateinn and took out Pulverizer once more from magic circle.

The area around Aine distorted. The atmosphere was whirling and electrical discharge ran in the air. And then she pulled the trigger without a moments delay.

Ill leave it to you! Pulverizer!

The light of destruction ran toward Odin. But, this time the other Fafnir thrust itself into Pulverizers firing line.

Light that enveloped the whole arena flooded out. Aine was convinced that she at least obliterated Fafnir inside that light.

I can do this!

Next it would depend on how much damage she could inflict on Odin. However it was impossible for her to be unharmed from this. Aine was feeling that she was approaching near toward Ataraxia, toward Kizuna.

However that hope of Aine was smashed apart by the reality that appeared before her eyes.

No way

At the other side of the explosion smoke and vapor, a huge dragons head was floating.

Pulverizer didnt work.

Are you sleeping Aine?

Such voice resounded in her ear.

Something shuddering was running through her whole body.

She was dumbfounded in less than half a second. But that time for Odin was a time that bored her to tears.

-!?

Aine laid out Life Saver and opened her thruster in full throttle. She retreated from the battle line in the blink of eye. A distance of more than three kilometer was opened between both sides.

!? -

Rapid feeling of acceleration.

Her body was pulled to the back intensely. The vibration was fierce, her field of vision blurred. Thruster malfunction? Wrong. She was pushed by somethi,

No, before that,

Terrible impact attacked her whole body. Dreadful pain caused her consciousness to be getting farther. Her body was paralyzed by impact that could break the bone in her whole body.

Something struck her? However, she didnt remember,

She saw a broken scenery.

She felt like she saw the scene of her Life Saver turning into pieces.

And then Odins spear(Gungnir) that came flying.

KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Aines body instantly traversed through ten kilo of arena and crashed on the wall. And then the strongest weapon Gungnir was stabbing on her chest.

Aine was pierced by spear and got crucified on the arena wall.

Come on look, you turn out like this. You are still not in a level that can fight me.

Odin too had arrived in front of Aine unnoticed.

Gua

And then Odin grasped her favorite spear that was stabbed in Aines chest. Fresh blood gushed out from the wound.

Gih!

Aine was gritting her teeth.

Even at maximum your divinity number is around 200000 right? Im more than a million you know?

Aines eyes opened wide in shock and despair.

Odin pulled out Gungnir from Aines body.

Gugahah!

Aine spouted out blood and fell on the ground. Bright red blood was flowing out from her collapsed chest and the ground was dyed red.

Odins hand was grasping Laevateinn that Aine discarded.

This is nothing great, but Ill take it anyway.

The sword of sun melted inside Odins hand and vanished. And then she turned her back on Aine with Gungnir on her shoulder.

You look like you can still become stronger, so I wont deal the finishing blow. If by any chance you survive, be more diligent.

Aines sight was sinking into darkness.

What are you saying after opening a hole in my chest. Im going to die, normally.

She was unable to say even that, unable to even move her lips.

I am, dying? Here?

Aine! Oi, get a hold of yourself!

Someones voice came into hearing. But, she couldnt see anything anymore.

Kizuna.

She wanted to meet.

One more time.

She whispered so inside her heart, and then her consciousness sank to the bottom of darkness completely.

From the location information of Golden Dragon that Nayuta grasped and the information of Odin that they obtained from Osiriss database, it was clear that Golden Dragon was at Odin world. Battleship Ataraxia and Oldium departed from Osiriss world and headed toward Odins world.

The two giant battleships were advancing through the gulf between world and world, a space where there was nothing, where nothing could possibly exist. The space where there was only true darkness spreading was suddenly flowed with beautiful mystical light. The torrent of radiant lights in various colors was beautiful, powerful, and fleeting like the radiance of life.

That radiance, was light that was flowing out from a world somewhere due to some kind of reason. It was life force, it was magic power, it was a light of cause and effect that contained the law of that worlds characteristic. That light was floating around the space that separated world and world. Some light would reach another world. In the world the light reached, it would reveal the providence of another world and spring out various abnormal phenomenon. In other word this light was supernatural phenomenon and miracle.

AU collision that attacked Lemuria and Atlantis could also be said as phenomenon that was caused by that light as the cause.

Seen like this it was a beautiful light, but for the people who got dragged into tragedy due to that radiance, they would be unable to be charmed simply by its beauty.

Vatlantis acting emperor, Grace Synclavia was also one of those people.

She was standing alone in the viewing room of battleship Ataraxia, sending a brooding gaze outside as though she was trying to find an answer at the flowing light. However the calmer she was thinking, the more the illusion that Osiris showed her got resurrected at the back of her mind.

Kizuna who became the new emperor of Vatlantis, then Aine and Grace who became his empresses. However, Kizuna and Grace, and also the people of the empire wished to offer up Graces life. If Grace didnt die, they wouldnt be able to be happy. Saying that they demanded for Grace to sever her own life.

Of course there was no way they were saying that in reality. That was only illusion that Osiris created by taking advantage of the guilty feeling inside Graces heart. Zelcyone explained it to her like that.

However Grace was unable to assert that it was a dream that wasnt worth worrying about.

That was the voice that hounded her to take responsibility for the Another Universe Conflict. Mere illusion was completely taking root inside Graces heart and entangled it completely.

So you are here Grace.

The automatic door opened and a familiar voice and presence entered inside.

Nii-sama

When she turned around Grace thought oh no. Her face and voice looked like she was going to cry even now. Like this Nii-sama would be concerned of her. When she thought that, she made a complete change and showed a bright expression.

Whats the matter? There is still time until the meeting.

Yeah. I want to talk with Grace.

Kizuna approached the window to stand beside Grace.

With meumu. Ill welcome that anytime.

Grace narrowed her eyes.

Yes. Until just before this they attended the same school and often talked with each other. Though it was also days of falsehood, but it was happy days. She really idolized him like her big brother. Now that she thought back, it was like she was monopolizing Kizuna while Aine wasnt there, she even felt apologetic. However it was fact that she had fun. She couldnt deny that.

Kizuna showed a behavior as though he was hesitating, but he nodded to himself as though resolving himself, and then he talked to Grace with excessively serious face.

Graceits not like I have experience shouldering a heavy responsibility like you. Im just a first year student, a man who became Amaterasus captain just because of the course of events. Thats why I understand that Im not in a position where I can say anything like a big shot. But, I can at least listen to your worry.

Nii-sama.

The previous day she was also seen standing alone like this by Kizuna before the decisive battle against Osiris. Surely he was concerned to herself all this time since then. However,

What, no need to worry. Even like this Im an emperor even if unworthy one. There is also some amount of problems that worried my mind. Its something I used too so its futile to worry about me you know, Nii-sama

Kizuna abruptly embraced Graces shoulders and pulled her closer. Grace unconsciously flinched at Kizunas hand that circled her shoulders. Kizunas palm was warm, and the arm embracing her was gentle. However she felt that this warmth and gentleness was something that she couldnt accept.

Grace is the emperor of Vatlantis Empire. But, you are also my little sister.

Eh

If you are unworthy emperor then Im also an unworthy big brother. Even if there is no tie of blood between us, Im thinking of myself as your big brother. Thats why, share your hardship to me too.

Howeverthats

Grace yelled inside her heart. That she wanted him to stop doing more than this. If not,

The mask I put on will be torn off.

Ni, Nii-sama is a worrywart. Im not really

I dont know what kind of bitter illusion Osiris showed you. But, that was merely illusion.

Graces breathing stopped unconsciously.

He know? Nii-sama, know I saw illusion.

Both me and Aine, we wont abandon Grace. Absolutely.

Its no good

Grace looked down, her shoulders were shaking.

Im, at my limit.

Its no good. Nii-sama and Nee-sama wont be able to be happy, with me alive.

A drop fell on the floor.

Tear was overflowing from her red eyes.

Grace!

Kizuna embraced Graces slender and small body onto his chest.

What stupid thing you are saying! Im going to get angry you know!

Kizunas voice that was filled with serious anger caused Graces body to tremble. When she lifted her head, an earnest gaze was staring at Grace. That straightforward black eyes smashed Graces mask. The face of a girl that distorted in sadness appeared from underneath that mask.

Because, because! The damage to Lemuria is because of my fault. There is no way that the Nee-sama of someone like me can be together with Nii-sama who is the hero of Lemuria! But, if I die, if I take responsibility and get executedmy sin will be settled with that. Nee-sama can be free with that.

Graces tear hotly wetted Kizunas chest.

Stupid idiot! Thats not true at all!

Kizuna was yelling angrily from the bottom of his heart while he strongly hugged Graces body.

They absolutely must not separate. He couldnt let go of her here. If his hand let go of her here, Grace would really go to a place where his hand wouldnt be able to reach. Such fear was attacking Kizuna.

Nayuta prepared a transient livelihood for them at Ataraxia before. Inside that, Grace called Kizuna as elder brother, and Kizuna also came into contact with Grace as her brother.

Kizuna didnt know how long that life had actually went on. However, surely it was a long time to the degree that Kizuna treasured Grace like she was his real sister. This wasnt something that could be made sense somehow with logic.

For that reason, Kizuna turned his heart into demon and spoke.

Listen well Grace. What you said isnt a method that will save us, and its also not a noble self-sacrifice. Something like that is just escaping.

Grace spontaneously raised her head. Her eyes were looking up at Kizuna. What were inside those eyes were shock, astonishment, and an expression as though she couldnt believe it.

Such thingNii-sama

Kizuna gritted his teeth.

You are just trying to avert your eyes from painful reality and escape. That isnt an act of taking responsibility, but abandoning responsibility.

Graces face warped in vexation and sadness. Tears were overflowing out once more from those eyes.

Then, what are you telling me to do! I dont know! I dont know Nii-sama! I, Ijust, what should I do, if even Nii-sama, say something like that to meIm, alreadyuh, u, aaah

Like that Grace raised her voice loudly and cried out.

I dont want, anymore, hics-, waaaaaaan

She cried like a mere girl without caring about shame or appearance. Her mouth opened, her eyes and nose went red and tears were spilling down without stop. She pushed on Kizunas chest with weak strength. As though she was trying to run away from that place.

But, Kizuna didnt let her go.

He put his strength into his arm and embraced Graces body onto his chest.

What you have to do no matter what, is not running away. Its to fight.

fueeheguh

Grace was sobbing convulsively while turning moist eyes at Kizuna.

Are you listening, Grace?

Grace was looking up at Kizuna for a while, her mouth closed up before long and she nodded.

If you say that you destroyed Lemuria and killed people, then you need to save even more than those.

However Grace shook her head and let out a sob.

Su, suchthing, how can I, hics

Lemuria and Atlantis, save both of those worlds.

Bothworlds?

Thats right. Right now the world disappeared completely because of Deus ex Machina. Both Lemuria and Atlantis. At this rate sooner or later our worlds will end. That is not a problem in the same dimension like taking responsibility of Another Universe Conflict anymore. After all there is not even anyone hounding for responsibility, and the one who need to take responsibility will also get obliterated together.

Thatshics, true, but

Right now we are trying to return the world to before. To do that the strength of Atlantis world is indispensable. The strength of the de facto ruling country Vatlantis is necessary. The emperor of Vatlantis Empire, Grace is essential.

Kizuna touched Graces cheek and wiped her tear.

I guess right now Grace is fighting in order to look for Aine. And, you also have the reason of taking back the configuration information of Atlantis world arent you? There, can I ask you to also add a reason of saving our Lemuria too?

SavingLemuria.

The configuration information that Deus ex Machina stole. Inside there, there are a lot of city and people that cannot be compared with the ruined city and dead people from Another Universe Conflict. I want to save them, those people!

And then Kizuna embraced Graces body strongly once more.

Ni, Nii-sama?

Besides, Grace. In the first place you are mistaken at the fundamental aspect.

Kizunas eyes were moist. It looked like tears were almost falling off from there.

If you die, how can I and Aine become happy with that!? You are talking about our important little sister dying here. If that happen we will be sad, pained, miserable, we wont be able to stand back up! To say nothing of the life that we will obtain by sacrificing a little sisterthats only hell! How can you think something like that will make anyone happy! There is no way that will happen! Thats stupid!

Kizunas eyes were also tinged with tears. He hugged Grace tightly on his chest so that she wouldnt be able to see that. However, Grace understood. That Kizuna was crying for her sake.

Grace opened her mouth timidly.

Is doingsomething like that, enough?

Its enough.

Grace wiped her tears and bit her lips that almost let out sob once more, and then she nodded firmly.

Im fine already, Nii-sama.

Grace separated her body slowly from Kizuna, as though pushing his body back. And then she rubbed her face scrubbingly before smiling cheerfully with eyes that were completely dry from tear.

Ive troubled you Nii-sama.

I need to do something like big brother sometimesaa, thats right. Ill escort you until Oldium.

Kizuna said that and offered his hand, but Grace pulled back as though running away from that hand.

Ill return alone. Thank youNii-sama.

And then she pretended to back away, before suddenly she stepped forward.

!?

Grace leaped into the chest of Kizuna who was taken by surprise suddenly within a moment, and stole his lips.

Graces soft lips texture was conveyed to Kizunas lips.

When he thought ah, Grace was already drawing back as though she was jumping away. And then she smiled mischievously.

Keep it a secret from Nee-sama okay

She turned on her heel and exited the viewing room with light footstep.

Grace

Kizuna scratched his head as though thinking She really got me there and he smiled.

You narrowly escaped death.

A dreadful voice echoed inside the viewing room where there should be no one else.

-!?

When Kizuna looked around the viewing room in panic, there was a silhouette of someone leaning on the wall.

When you made Grace-sama cry, I was just about to kill you.

That person moved from the wall and walked toward Kizuna with her hands crossed.

Ze-! Zelcyone!? Since when, you were there

Zelcyone raised one eyebrow and glared at Kizuna.

From the beginning. There is no way Ill leave Grace-sama alone when she was like that. You fool.

When shock left him, shame rapidly came inside him. Kizunas cheeks were dyed red.

Shit, now she mentioned it Zelcyone has the ability to hide herself! Or rather all that was heard!? Or rather it was seen! SHIIIITTT!

He unconsciously wanted to stamp his feet in emotion. However, he had cornered Grace and made her cried that much. He wouldnt get killed right away, but by any chance perhaps a punishment time was waiting for him. At the very least he needed the resolve to get half-killed.

Kizuna who resolved himself with such thinking had his shoulder lightly tapped by Zelcyone.

Well, that was passable.

E?

Ending it there, Zelcyone exited from the door that Grace used without even glancing at Kizuna.

Kizuna who was left alone standing blankly the suddenly looked around inside the room in panic as though he remembered something. As expected this time there was really no one left.

Feeling a strange solitude, Kizuna returned to his own room. In the middle of walking, he thought of the meaning of Zelcyones words once more and crossed his arms.

Passablethat means, she gave me passing mark with thatright?

When he touched the door of his own room, it opened automatically to welcome Kizuna inside. It was a spacious room where bed and desk and chair were standing alone. Kizuna didnt stop and headed toward a large window that was right in front of him.

The outside was dark, sometimes light of another world was flowing. Kizuna stared at the face of himself that was reflected on that window and murmured to himself.

When the battle is overis it.

Grace was thinking about when this battle was over and time of peace came. At that time, what would happen with the two worlds of Lemuria and Atlantis?

The countries of Lemuria and the countries of Atlantis, Vatlantis Empire, Izgard, and Baldin, how would their relationship be? What would happen with the responsibility of war?

Kizuna was desperate with the battle before his eyes and didnt think of the matter ahead of that seriously. In the first place Deus ex Machina that they were currently fighting was extremely powerful enemy, they had no leeway to even think about the matter after they were defeated. He had such reason.

Speaking about the matter next year was laughable, but thinking of the current difference in battle strength, it would be a miracle if a peaceful world could arrive.

Even so Grace who was seeing at the future ahead was perhaps just as expected from an emperor of a country.

Kizuna tried thinking about his own future.

First was the remaining two Deus ex Machina. According to the information they obtained from Osiriss database, they seemed to be opponent with different level compared to Hokuto and Osiris that they had defeated until now. In the end could they be defeated? First it was already unknown from there.

Kizuna shook his head.

This is no good. No matter what my thinking keep looping.

Supposing if the battle ended, what would happen? Perhaps, he would cooperate with Japans revival. The war would be over already then. There would be no battle. In other words,

Whether it was Heart Hybrid Gear, or Amaterasu, they would become unnecessary.

-!

He felt like his chest was constricted.

He would not be Amaterasus captain and returned to normal school. Aine and Himekawa, Yurishia and Sylvia, his relationship with them would also be gone.

When he thought that, he felt a feeling of loss to a degree that shocked even himself.

Wha, what? This feeling.

Feeling of desolateness that he couldnt describe suddenly visited him.

It was a feeling as though he was left alone in a cold, boundless wasteland.

Stupid. What am I thinking.

Kizuna placed both his hands on the window and hid his face that was reflected there.

If that happen, then I just need to walk through a new life. Besides, even everyonethey wont become like complete stranger just with that. Surely we can move from being comrade to friend. Sylvia, Hayuru, Yurishia, Scarlet and Ger-san and, Aine,

ah

What would happenwith Aine?

She would be Vatlantis Empires emperor,

At that time the electronic sound that informed a visitor rang. That sound caused Kizunas body to twitch.

Thats just ringtonewhat am I doing, feeling jittery like this.

Kizuna smiled wryly and approached the door, then he touched the door that he had no habit to lock since he was at academy Ataraxia. As the result the door opened smoothly to the side.

HaHayuru?

The one standing there was Himekawa Hayuru, her cheeks was slightly red.

So, sorry for the suddenness. That, there is something I want to talk about a bit

Inside Kizunas chest, his heart jumped in a big way. If a peaceful world come, wont we become complete stranger? Because he was thinking something like that just now, he felt like she was coming here to say to him that they were breaking off their relationship permanently.

Just, whatah, no. First, come in

Kizuna turned his body aside and urged Himekawa to enter the room.

Pardon me.

Himekawa said reservedly and entered inside the room hesitatingly. Kizuna reacted sensitively to every single move of such Himekawa.

What is she want to talk aboutrather than that first I need to offer her a chair.

Then, Hayurulets see. Over there.

There was no chair for guest in this room. Kizuna pointed his hand toward the bed.

Himekawas face turned bright red instantly.

Wha, what are you thinking! Tha, that, thats too sudden! To invite me to the bed just three second after I entered the room, the mood need a bit more or something

Tha-, thats not it! Thats not what I mean! There is no chair, so sit in the bed, thats what I mean!

-.?!!

Himekawas bright red face became even redder. It was so red it felt like steam might came out from her head. She suddenly got teary eyed and her face was trembling while she was biting her lips.

Aa, geez-! Im really-!

She hid her red face with her hands and looked down. Kizuna also held his head reflexively.

You got influenced too much by your own imagination here, Kizuna! Calm down!

Hayuru, that, it was my bad, I talked in a way that invited misunderstanding.

Himekawa lifted her face and glared at Kizuna with eyes that looked moist with tear.

Please pay attention to your act a little bit more! Because of that I got embarrassed like this!

Kizuna thought that it was mostly because of karma, but anyway first he prioritized pacifying her down.

Himekawa made an expression of bad mood and dropped her waist on the bed loudly.

Good griefyou spoiled the atmosphere right from the beginning.

The beginning?

Kizuna put a distance of one person between him and Himekawa, and he sat down on the bed beside her.

Its nothing.

She irritably looked upward with cheeks that were dyed red.

So, about the talkwhat is it?

Thats

Himekawa hesitated to say.

Actually, there is something I want to discuss a bit.

Kizuna gulped for a moment.

Wha, what is it, why that formal? You dont need.to be reserved or anything right?

He was saying that while being unable to suppress his heartbeat that was getting louder.

Im not, really being reserved though

Himekawa fidgetingly entangled her fingers with each other and then she stole a glance at Kizuna.

Himekawa took a deep breath, and breathed out.

She turned toward Kizuna as though she was determined about something.

Then, Ill say it. Actually

Her straightforward eyes were reflected on Kizunas eyes.

I, love you.