Interlude: Death Words

A powerful blow and heat exploded in his chest.

His vision was clouded with a crimson veil.
Blood. A huge amount of blood gushed in all directions.
Together with the blood, something very similar to the insides fell to the ground.
Only then did he realize that all this was from his torn chest.
A weakness quickly ran through his body to his head and consciousness began to fade.
The grip loosened and the device, the materialization of his soul, slipped out of his
fingers.
The knees trembled and the upper body, left without support, as in slow motion,
collapsed in a sea of blood.
The crimson veil quickly changed its color to black.
But before you say goodbye to life and fall into oblivion,
Before he loses it all
- I love you, Stella.
With a smile, he still manages to say goodbye to his beloved girlfriend.
During all the time he spent with her, he never regretted meeting her.
At the same moment ... The mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane loses the last crumbs of
consciousness.
Plunging into darkness, he will never wake up again.
 Chapter 22: Sword God
“We were constantly told: don't do anything bad, be kind to others, love each
other. But ... you won't be forcibly happy, right? What should we do who cannot feel
happy without bad things? The world denied us, tried to suppress us, forced us to live
an insipid life. This is terrible, right? This world is very selfish. But now is the time
when we no longer need to control and restrain ourselves. We will no longer obey
anyone. We will destroy all the rules and leave only one thing - the weak, must obey
the strong ... But we should not worry. We were born strong beings. Let's kill whoever
we want. Let's rob whoever we want. Let's enjoy our new life! We will have a lot of
fun! "
The Puppet King Or Goul. It was this man who led a group of terrorists who responded
to his selfish statements and attacked the army of the Rebellion .
After destroying the base of the Rebellion , he turned into a puppet of Prince Kledland
Johan to start a war against the Vermilion Empire. He chose a historical issue as
justification for the attack.
Many believed that he attacked Vermilion in revenge on Stella Vermilion,
who destroyed his puppet Reisen Hiraga at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival .
With these words, Iris, his older sister, who knew him better than anyone else in the
world, did not agree.
"He saw in you an interesting toy that helped him pass the time."
Iris's words were correct. Or-Goul did not seek reasons for his anger. He was simply
a creature who took pleasure in the suffering of people. That is why he deliberately set
Kledland and Vermilion against each other, knowing that the past of these countries
was difficult, and that they were currently trying to establish contact with each other.
As a result, according to his plans, the Kledland army staged a massive
invasion. Vermilion, at the ready, immediately gave a worthy rebuff.
But perhaps unfortunately for Or Ghaul, his plan of all-out carnage was thwarted by
the resourceful and courageous First Princess of Vermilion, Lunaise Vermilion. She,
having learned about the battle between the two countries, went to Lucerne and offered
Or-Goul a deal, which he simply could not refuse.
Her "devilish currency" thrown on the negotiating table was the sentence "I will kill
my family if Vermilion loses the war ." With this deal, she wanted to force Or Ghaul
into a War of Representatives that would obey League rules .
... However, with her trick, she immediately abandoned the huge military support from
the League . Indeed, in the War of Representatives, controlled by the rules of
the League , a third party had no right to intervene in hostilities.
Thus, five knights-magicians were responsible for the further fate of Vermilion:
Crimson Princess Stella Vermilion, Princess Yaksha Nene Saikyo, Black Knight Iris
Ascarid, Hulking Assassin of Yui Tatara and Mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane.
It was these five knights who fought the decisive battle.
And when that decisive day came, the advantage was entirely with the crimson
team. Four battles and three victories. Absolute domination by Vermilion.
The Kledland team was left with only one survivor of the war, namely the Puppet King
Or Gol.
It was decided that a knight of the 4th rank of the Higher League of Kings of Knights ,
the Black Knight Iris Ascarid, who was a real blood sister for Or-Goul, would face
him in battle .
She was the guarantee of an easy victory. Her motivation for this war was
unmatched. After all, her enemy, Or-Goul, committed mass murder in her home
village.
It was from that day that Iris blamed herself for not being able to stop her brother in
time. She lived with the sole purpose in life - to stop her brother and break the chain
of tragedies.
Her incredible determination was close to " damnation ." It was this that deeply stuck
in her head and gave her the strength to overcome her own limits. Or-Ghaul had zero
chances to somehow hold out against her.
After all, Or-Goul was originally part of the forces of the Rebellion . Working behind
the scenes, he possessed unique powers and controlled puppets around the world. His
ability is not bad ... but they were completely unsuitable for open combat. As proof,
without Habub's support, he would have died in battle with the One-armed Swordsman
Sir Wallenstein. What can we say about the victory over Iris.
Besides, Iris was not alone. Stella quickly dealt with Johan and came to
help. Somehow Or-Goul managed to repel their onslaught, but everything comes to an
end. His opponents are too strong and it's a matter of time before they catch and kill
him.
The fact that he would lose in a fight with them was not even discussed.
But…
That did not happen.
In the immediate moment before his death, Or-Goul burst into tears and begged for
mercy.
His words succeeded. Iris remembered her true desire and attacked Stella to protect
Or-Goul.
Of course Stella was angry. Burning with righteous anger, she tried to find out from
the betrayed Iris why she was doing this.
But her words were not heard and Iris did not back down.
She understood that she would not be able to forgive herself for this and that people
would not forgive her for her betrayal either. But Iris did not retreat from her previous
goal and continued to protect her brother.
Only thanks to her did Or-Goul manage to escape from the battlefield.
But, at the same moment, the Mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane came out to them. He
informed Stella that he would fight the Black Knight Iris Ascaris himself. And he
ordered her to continue pursuing Or-Goul.
Mediocre Knight vs. Black Knight, Crimson Princess vs. Puppet King. The war
entered its final decisive phase.
◆◇◆◇◆
- This happened! The war between Cledland and Vermilion is entering its final
phase! Half of the Cledland capital Lucerne has been destroyed by the efforts of
reckless idiots, the other half is turned into the desert! But now, in the center of
chaos, spraying sparks in all directions, a black and lilac flame collided!
The helicopter with the commentator sank lower to the ground.
Mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane vs. Black Knight Iris Ascarid. A clash of two knights
with incredible skill.
- The traitorous Black Knight Iris-Gole put all the strength of her body into swinging
her battle halberd. The blade, surrounded by tremendous magical power, is ready to
crush, crush and destroy everything in its reach ...! Asphalt, concrete, steel ... any
obstacle!
Everything Iris touched with her halberd was blown out of her way like a raging
hurricane. However, in the middle of the destruction, the lonely silhouette continued
to calmly stand before her.
The mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane, every wave of her storm he met with a lightning
swing of his katana.
- The mediocre Knight manages to restrain her onslaught! The Black Knight's battle
halberd makes circular motions, while the Mediocre Knight parries with direct
attacks! Before the Black Knight's halberd reaches full strength, the Mediocre
Knight meets her weapon along the shortest path! Incredible! The attack power of
the Black Knight is at least three times higher, but it is the Mediocre Knight that
knocks back his opponent!
Everything is as the commentator said. It was Ikki's attacks that pressed the
enemy. Iris's body kept back and forth.
But that shouldn't be. No matter how Ikki attacked, Iris was not supposed to
retreat. Her entire body is protected by the Orichalcus spiritual device .
However, Ikki succeeded. He used his sixth secret blade, the Dokuga no Tachi . This
technique is capable of destroying the enemy's body, ignoring any armor. With every
thrust of his katana, he constantly used this technique. His every blow went through
the thick armor and dealt damage to Iris.
But,
- Do not forget that the Black Knight does not have simple armor! Her armor can be
aptly described as the apogee of "resilience"! Unbeatable armor with unparalleled
protection and healing power was unmatched in the League! None of the Mediocre
Knight's Doguk no Tachi can inflict serious damage on the Black Knight while she is
wearing the Orichalcus! Again and again all her wounds are healed in an instant ...
A quick U-turn and Iris swings high. With enough strength, she abruptly lowered the
halberd down. The blade went deep into the ground, destroying the asphalt
pavement. Like a machine-gun burst, the pebbles flew towards Ikki.
Iris' attack is useless against knights who can protect their bodies with magical power,
which, like a barrier, protects them from physical attacks. However, the Mediocre
Knight is fighting against her, so this is a completely different conversation.
- Hell! The Black Knight is using dirty technique! Mediocre Knight is an F-
rank knight , his magic power is on the level of ordinary people! The Black Knight's
attack is like a machine gun shot! If he somehow does not shy away, he will only be
left with minced meat!
Ikki was now in position after using the Dokuga no Tachi technique . While aiming
for something, he looked completely defenseless. There was little time for evasion, he
could not manage to avoid the enemy attack.
But,
- The mediocre Knight has once again proved that the impossible is possible! Like
an impregnable fortress, his body still stands still!
- What!? Iris wondered. Her face under the helmet took a dumbfounded look.
Pebbles, as if shot from a machine-gun burst, slipped around his body. With a
minimum of strength, Ikki was able to use a technique that protected him from a deadly
attack.
- "Tenyi-muho" [1] ! Exactly! This guy had a similar technique all this time!

[1]《天衣無縫》 - (perfect natural beauty). Ikki copied this technique from

Kuraudo Kurashiki.

" Tenyi-muho ". Ikki may not have mastered this technique as well as Kuraudo, but he
still managed to defend himself. The large pebbles couldn't get through his katana
lunges.
- The mediocre Knight cut all the flying pebbles! The Black Knight's attack is
completely repulsed by him! In fact, one could argue that their fight has returned to
the very beginning! Three minutes have passed since the start of their fight, but none
of them have been able to damage their opponent! Absolutely equal fight !!
A-rank knight and F-rank knight. Offense, defense, the amount of magical powers - in
all this Iris must lead, but she was never able to hit her opponent.
If you follow common sense, such a course of battle between them is simply
impossible.
Ikki's incredible sword skill made the commentator's voice tremble.
However, the commentator did not yet know that an equal fight before his eyes was
just a snag. He was just about to meet Ikki Kurogane's terrible insight.
- Gha ...
Immediately after the painful cry, the course of the battle changed dramatically. Iris's
battle halberd was thrown back when it met Ikki's Intetsu . However, such a fate befell
not only weapons. Following her halberd, Iris's body was torn off the ground by Ikka's
powerful blow.
- Incredible! Where does this power come from? Was the Mediocre Knight hiding his
strength all this time !? Wait! Is he ...!
The veteran commentator, who has watched the latest Seven Stars Sword Art Festival
finals numerous times , immediately noticed. Three minutes have passed since the
beginning of the battle. One hundred and eighty seconds. This time was enough for
the talented swordsman Ikki Kurogane to fully study and analyze Iris's movements.
“The third secret blade is Madoka ! A technique that steals the power of an
opponent's attacks and releases it immediately during a counterattack! With her help,
the Mediocre Knight managed to corner the Crimson Princess at the festival!
" Madoka " - one of the most sophisticated techniques of all the hidden blades
Ikki. She did not protect him from the enemy attack force in any way. Stealing enemy
power, he circulated it in his body and released it in his counterattack. Speed, strength,
angle of attack - if Ikki misses any of this, the stolen enemy power will explode in his
body.
And the result of the mistake is only one - death.
However, all fears are in vain, because such a technique is used by Ikki Kurogane. His
insight, like a " magic mirror ", is able to copy the skills and personality of his
opponent.
A knight who instills fear in his rival. Three minutes had passed since the start of the
battle, but unlike Iris, Ikki never stopped gathering information about his
opponent. Combinations, movements, breathing, even thoughts ... every detail that
shaped a knight named Iris.
Having collected all the information, it is not surprising that from that moment on, the
fight turned into ... a solo performance by Ikki Kurogane!
- Ghaaaaaa !!!!
- Mediocre Knight, takes over the initiative! Taking a big step forward towards the
Black Knight, he disrupts her position for circular attacks! The Black Knight, as we
can see, does not like this approach! She wants to attack with her giant battle
halberd! But the Mediocre Knight is ready for this! Swiftly closing the distance, he
crosses his katana with her halberd!
AND,
- Oh, he took another big step! The distance between their bodies is
minimal! Everything is bad for the Black Knight! Take a look at her battle
halberd! The Black Knight cannot swing at such close range! Step back! She's trying
to retreat! But everything is useless, because her every movement is controlled by
the Mediocre Knight! He will not allow you to break the distance! And his weapon is
capable of attacking with ease at such close range!
AND,
- OOOO!
- He used! The second secret blade is "Retsuko"! It was with this technique that the
Mediocre Knight crushed the Failure in the semi-finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art
festival! The Black Knight, spilling blood from all the cracks in his armor, steps
back. Does he put "Dokuga no Tachi" into every blow of "Retsuko" ?! Is this even
possible !? His opponent is not capable of any defense! Neither distance nor armor
matters to a mediocre man! Mediocre Knight! The most unusual F-rank knight .
- Haa!
Of course, Iris didn't give up. Ikki's " Retsuko " threw her back, and now she tried to
put all her strength into her limbs to restore balance.
Swinging her battle halberd, she wanted to counterattack.
But Ikki didn’t allow it. His series of attacks was too fast, Iris's eyes were too slow to
track his attacks.
- The seventh secret blade - "Raiko"! An incessant series of blows by the Mediocre
Knight! The Black Knight cannot react in any way ... Moreover, the speed of Ikki's
blows is growing! The series of attacks does not stop! The Mediocre Knight is still
attacking! And its speed is only increasing! And even now it is increasing ...! The
speed is still growing ...! God, this will end someday ... !? The commentator cried
out in surprise.
Finally, the speed of his attacks increased so much that no one else could track the
movement of his katana.
The rate was much higher than ordinary " Raiko " . Ikki created a new technique
through the evolution of the Kekujitsu Isshin-Ryu - Retsu no Kiwami Amatsukaze
style .
This secret sword art was passed down only in the Kurogane family. Ikki learned about
him when he fought against his brother Ouma Kurogane. During that practice fight,
Ikki safely copied this technique.
" Kekujitsu Isshin-Ryu - Retsu no Kivami Amatsukaze " used all possible speed of a
person.
After copying such a powerful technique, Ikki spent a lot of effort to bring it to an
excellent state.
In fact, Ikki created a new technique that combined " Raiko " and " Kekujitsu Isshin-
Ryu - Retsu no Kivami Amatsukaze "
The name of this technique was ...
- "Heavenly Lightning" !!
From about 90 to 108, the blows merged into one lightning-fast. Thunder peals tore
through the night sky of Lucerne.
Iris could not defend herself from such a powerful blow. Her body was thrown
backward and she fell on her back.
“What a terrible ability! Even the Black Knight Iris Gole could not resist him! She,
an A-rank knight, has nothing to do with the worst F-rank! Just look, a pool of blood
is spreading under it! And it gets bigger and bigger! The Black Knight is losing too
much blood! A very terrible wound for a person! Is that where their fight ended !?
- Til-chan, have you seen? Even a rank 4 knight can't do anything to this guy!
- Yeah ... We could never beat him even if he got into a handstand.
- Groom-san is amazing!
"Ikki-san is so awesome ...!"
The residents of Vermilion erupted into loud applause as Ikki managed to crush the
Black Knight on screen.
- Dad! Didn't Ikki just win !? Astrea asked Sirius excitedly.
- ...
- Dad ...?
Sirius's expression refused to brighten. Astrea, living with him for a long time,
understood that something was bothering him.
All this time Sirius fiercely resisted Ikki's marriage to his Stella.
But,
… Despite all the screams and swearing, it looks like he was really worried about Ikki
right now.
“…… This guy is really good at fighting. I'm very impressed, really. If it were the A-
rank League , no doubt he would have won. But now they are fighting to find out
whose path of the knight and ego is stronger ... The knight, nicknamed
"The Enduring " will not give up so easily.
As if hearing Sirius and Astrea's words, Iris staggered to her feet.
The heavy bleeding stopped pouring from her Orichalcus armor .
Not even Heavenly Lightning was able to do any effective damage to Iris.
- Can not be…
“His technique is shocking, it's true, but… the battle between these knights is
inherently dishonest. Black Knight A-rank, and Mediocre Knight F-rank. The
difference in strength between them is colossal, ”Sirius said, confirming the harsh
reality.
He spoke the truth. No need to harbor false feelings, accept it as an inevitable reality.
Right. Ikki Kurogane did just that. He understood this better than anyone.
“… Damn fool…! Why did you refuse Stella's help ...? - said Sirius, shaking his fist
at the monitor.
◆◇◆◇◆
After the whole combination, Iris calmly got to her feet. Watching her every move,
Ikki took a deep breath.
"Well ... it's not torture."
"Raiko", "Madoka", "Dokuga no Tachi", "Heavenly Lightning" ... and other powerful
techniques. By combining them together, Ikki tried to crush Iris.
But there was only one result.
"Everything is useless"
Iris fully recovered and got to her feet. Even her breathing was not lost and was still
even.
On the other hand, Ikki was already quite exhausted after the last offensive. From the
very beginning of the battle, he did not stop attacking and defending himself.
"I lost"
My sword art is superior to her. My attacks are more virtuoso and stronger. But what
good is it if I can’t damage her.
Her defense is at a completely different level unattainable for me. I would even call it
dishonest. No matter how it sounds, her armor is strong, because it is strong.
Her techniques are not as versatile as Stella's, and not as versatile as Tatara's. But even
without these advantages, Ikki recognized Iris's absolute strength.
Such strength on the part of his opponent was quite natural, because she put so much
determination into the current battle. Iris was ready to do anything to protect her
younger brother, who has committed many atrocities in this world.
Iris-Gole decided to share her brother's grave sin. And no matter how sad her former
comrades were, she decided to follow her true desire to the last.
Her determination is strong. And the stronger the determination, the stronger the
magical powers.
The device of the knights is the materialization of the soul ... therefore, her armor
" Orihalcus " has the same " resilience " and indomitable will. Until her resolve fades,
Iris, wearing the Orichalcus armor , will rise again and again after any damage taken.
Ikki, after the previous attack, was once again convinced of this. First, he needs to
crush the Orichalcus armor , and for this he needs to crush Iris's feelings and
determination.
There was only one way to do it,
"... There is no other choice."
You need to use the technique with which he defeated Stella in the final of the Seven
Stars Sword Art Festival .
Put all your feelings, thoughts, history, will ... put all of yourself in that incredible
blow.
The last secret blade is " Oikage ".
But there was a problem. Unfortunately, Iris watched his final against Stella.
Before hitting " Oikage ", clear preparatory actions are needed to build up the force in
the blade. When he gets into the iai position and starts holding the Intetsu with his
hand, Iris will no doubt be vigilant. In addition, she is well aware of the severe
depletion of his body after he uses " Itto Rasetsu ".
Realizing such an unpleasant fact, Ikki's eyebrows went up.
"But now ... there is something worse."
After all, not only Ikki was thinking "how best to use Oikage to crush Iris-Goul in this
battle"
- Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!! Letting out a loud scream that broke the lingering silence
of the night, Iris darted off and attacked Ikki.
◆◇◆◇◆
- Began! This time the Black Knight decides to take the initiative! How fast!
Crushing the ground beneath her feet, she flew like a rocket towards Ikki. As the
distance between them narrowed, Iris made a wide circular horizontal sweep of the
halberd towards Ikki.
- Side Impact! How powerful!
Without even trying to trick her opponent, she just swung her halberd with all her
might.
Naturally, such a blow could not hit Ikki. Ducking to the ground, he easily dodged her
attack.
But,
As soon as the battle halberd flew over Ikki's head with the speed of a cannonball shot,
the private house located behind him was blown off the face of the earth.
- What !? How is this possible! A gust of wind from a halberd swing blew away a
house in this residential area!
However, Iris hasn't finished yet. Another sweep and she cut through the atmosphere
again. The blade of her halberd rushed down to the ground to crush the crouching Ikki.
Just like the last time, her attack was amazing. To dodge, Ikki had to jump sharply to
the side.
- ...
The battle halberd, with all its strength, pierced the ground, smashed the asphalt road
into small pieces and caused a web of huge cracks that rushed to the foundations of
private houses to destroy them.
Her strength was exactly the same as that of the Battle of Caldia, when she saved Ikki
from being crushed by the leg of a 300-meter BB.
Precisely, that was the real power of the Orichalcus . As mentioned earlier, the healing
power of Orichalcus could be used for more than just defense. Any blazer could
increase the speed and power of their attacks, unleashing colorless magical power. But
there is a limit to everything. There are limitations when subsequent amplification can
cause serious damage to the physical body. And it was Iris's healing power that erased
those limitations. With this power, Iris was able to ignore any injuries and continue to
build her strength.
That's right, with the help of this feature she managed to push off BB's foot.
And now this incredible power of Iris, who once saved Ikki's life, was directed against
him.
Realizing this fact, Ikki's face darkened. It is dangerous to fight an opponent who,
without fear of injury, is capable of attacking with such tremendous physical strength.
"We need to deal with her before the rhythm of her attacks increases ...!"
- " Heavenly Lightning " ...!
Ikki managed to get ahead of Iris, who was already swinging for the third time. It was
this incredibly fast series of punches that temporarily incapacitated Iris. Now his goal
was to hit all key joints of Iris's limbs so that she could not move.
Unfortunately for Ikki, the same attack will not work on Iris twice.
Not caring for tendon ruptures and broken bones, she put even more magical power
into her movements, as if trying to replicate the speed of Ikki's Heavenly Lightning .
- Hey Hey! Is she trying to challenge the Mediocre Knight and reach his speed
!? What a stupid move on the part of the Black Knight !!
Everything is correct. As the commentator pointed out, it doesn't matter how much
magical power you put into your movements. You won't be able to compete with Ikki's
superior speed.
Iris's movements were not keeping pace. " Heavenly Lightning " began to strengthen
Ikki position in this battle. Loud rumbles of thunder did not stop ringing with every
movement of Ikki.
You can't overtake Ikki's speed, all the spectators who watched their battle thought so.
But,
... Already a couple of minutes later, something happened that no one expected.
- AND!?
Iris's battle halberd began to keep pace with Ikki's Celestial Lightning attacks .
One out of five, one out of three ... one out of two. Iris's movements accelerated so
much that fresh blood never stopped oozing from the slits of her armor, due to the
excessive amplification.
And after a couple of moments,
- God! You're kidding! I refuse to believe it! "Heavenly Lightning" of the Mediocre
Knight is completely repulsed! The Black Knight has reached the speed of the
Mediocre Knight ...! But how!? This is simply impossible! Her movements weren't
that fast at the start of their battle !!
"Already this speed ... !!"
Ikki, like Boomer, was also convinced of Iris's incredible acceleration.
This increase can only be explained by one thing. Iris used her famous ability, which
is why she was nicknamed " resistant ".
While fighting in the A-Rank League , her damaged body was rebuilt into a stronger
one to withstand the high stress; broken bones healed and became stronger, and
physical strength grew steadily. This ability, which was rightfully considered Iris's
trump card, helped her take 4th place ...
" Enhanced Recovery ".
- I understood! No doubt the Black Knight used Boosted Recovery to achieve such a
boost! Another circular horizontal swing of the halberd! God, what speed! Not
giving a damn about the momentum, the Black Knight instantly returned the halberd
to its original position!
Flesh and tendons are torn
Bones, all twisted, are crushed into pieces
But thanks to her monstrous restorative power, which continued to maintain her
human form, Iris did not stop swinging her halberd.
Each time it healed her, Enhanced Recovery made Iris's body stronger and
stronger. That is why with each new swing, Iris's speed only increased.
- "Heavenly Lightning" has been surpassed! The Mediocre Knight no longer has the
speed advantage! In such a situation, he needs to immediately stop useless attempts
to counterattack! Run, fool, while you have the opportunity!
Good advice. After all, " Enhanced Recovery " increased not only speed. Iris's attack
power grew steadily as well. If Ikki can't dodge, he won't do a simple bone fracture,
Iris's halberd will chop his body to pieces.
Powerful attacks sweep before his eyes at a speed greater than Celestial Lightning . In
such a situation, there really is only one thing to do.
- Hey! You don't want to be crumbled! Run away, faster !!
- Ikki-kun, please run ...!
Sirius and the other inhabitants of Vermilion shouted loudly as they watched the
broadcast of the battle. And although their voices could not reach the battle in
Kledland, Ikki, continuing to fight, and without their advice, knew what to do.
Now he needs to retreat and somehow break out of the zone of defeat of Iris's halberd.
But,
"She haunts me ...!"
-… !?
Iris quickly chased after Ikki. Quickly closing the distance, she again entered Ikki's
critical zone.
- The mediocre Knight cannot escape from the Black Knight! A little more and she
will again impose her fight! The obvious fact commentator shouted.
In fact, the words about Ikki's incredible speed are too exaggerated. From the outside,
he may have looked fast, but Stella's flight or Iris's running as they unleashed their
magical power far exceeded his speed.
In support of this, Iris chased him very quickly.
Ikki was already beginning to feel the gusts of wind from swinging Iris's halberd
scraping his skin and cutting his hair. But even in such a desperate situation, Ikki
continued to maintain a minimum distance when the halberd could not touch him.
Ikki, you are amazing, words of admiration burst from Iris's heart.
Lose life from one enemy hit. Despite its fragility, continue to fight against numerous
strong opponents and win with only one thin katana in hand.
Without a doubt, this boy in the future could become a swordsman stronger than
Edelweiss.
But,
"I cannot lose"
Right. Ikki can hit me ten thousand times, but I won't get hurt. The only thing I need
to watch out for is that demonic blow that decided the outcome of the final of the Seven
Stars Sword Art Festival .
"I have nothing to fear"
After all, before attacking with that terrible technique, he needs a lot of time to
prepare. Watching that battle of yours, I have gathered enough information about you.
Ikki, you can never defeat me. It's a matter of time before you fail. The outcome of the
battle has already been decided.
But,
"Ikki, do you realize this yourself?"
Are you under pressure?
After all, it is simply impossible to attack the enemy. If Ikki tries to go on the
offensive, the battle will immediately end on that attack.
With each hit, Iris's strength is increased by Enhanced Recovery . The whirlwind of
endless wide swings of the halberd grew faster and more powerful. With every passing
second, Ikki's situation only got worse.
And there is no way to fix it. Unlike his rival, Ikki's powers can only be depleted. He
is already struggling to maintain the pace so as not to be absorbed by the fierce
pressure of the Black Knight.
Blow after blow, lunge after lunge ... all led to the fact that Ikki was critically mistaken.
-…!
And finally it happened.
The blade of the halberd plunged with all its might into the ground. Ikki's legs
immediately lost support and his defensive stance was broken.
This is exactly what Iris wanted,
"Now…!"
Here is a long-awaited chance! Iris would never miss such an opportunity to
attack. Quickly pulling the halberd out of the ground, without even swinging, she
attacked again.
Compact Strike [1] - " Ishizuki " [2]

[1] The author himself decided to characterize such a blow

[2] Strike with a spear in the belly or chest of the opponent.

There is no need for a strong blow to kill a knight who does not have decent magical
protection. Even on the verge of death, Ikki will despair over our difference in
strength.
Iris achieved her goal and the halberd blade touched Ikki's chest.
-!
Her blow should have killed him, but it didn't.
The moment the blade sank shallowly into his chest, Ikki's body jerked into
motion. Circling around the hilt of her halberd, Ikki's Intetsu struck Iris in the side of
her hull.
- Ghah!
- Oh, it's Madoka! Even despite his predicament, the Mediocre Knight manages to
keep his cool!
Ikki's instant counterattack proved to everyone that he hadn't given up
yet. Immediately after his blow, Iris's body was thrown backwards.
Naturally, she received no damage.
Since it was originally a compact attack, Ikki used Madoku to give her back the same
little power. Even if Iris took a little damage, her armor would heal such a wound in a
second.
However, her mind was greatly shocked.
"He planned it from the beginning ..."
Watching Iris from a distance, there was no sadness or despair in Ikki's eyes. His gaze
remained as calm as at the start of the battle.
At the same time, Iris made sure that Ikki deliberately allowed her to break his stance
in order to catch her on a counterattack and break the distance.
"What amazing insight ..."
Even though he was forced to fight in an unequal battle, his concentration did not
deteriorate in any way.
However, not only Iris, the commentator was also struck by the incredible maneuver
from Ikki.
- Ha ha ha! This guy is the craziest and coolest in my commenting career! It looks
like he really has cast iron eggs!
“Ahah,” Ikki chuckled bitterly, over the words of the commentator, who either
humiliated him or praised him.
This grin hit Iris even more. Why is he still able to smile in such a difficult situation?
... Does he really believe in a ghostly chance of winning?
"Take it easy"
I am a knight in whose power many people are convinced. Shake yourself, don't let
your will flinch.
It doesn't matter how Ikki continues to maintain his fighting spirit, because in the end
the alignment of the battle has not changed. All of his attacks cannot hit me, but mine
are still deadly to him.
No need to worry. As strong as Ikki's resolve is, I will definitely catch
him with Enhanced Recovery .
This is my victory, the outcome of the battle is predetermined by fate.
Therefore,
"Forward…!"
Leaping forward, Iris swung the halberd at Ikki three times.
She needs to finish the fight as quickly as possible in order to come to the aid of her
little brother. Every second is worth its weight in gold ...
◆◇◆◇◆
While Ikki struggled to fight Iris, Stella desperately tried to capture Or Ghaul, who
was trying to escape from her as he moved through the Lucerne Administrative
District.
"I wonder if I can break away from the chase," thought Or-Goul, smelling the
burning heat of the pursuer on the back of his head.
All this time, he moved with the help of threads across the sky, which were everywhere
stretched between the high-rise buildings of the administrative district. But no matter
how quickly he jumped from one strand to another, Stella's flight speed far exceeded
his capabilities.
Before you can safely leave the fighting in Cledland, you need to shake off the
pursuer. And for this he needs to somehow slow down Stella.
Stretching out his arms, Or-Goul spread his fingers wide and began to quickly
manipulate the threads in which his magic flowed. Its threads are versatile, they are
used not only as invisible paths for movement.
- " God from the Machine " ...!
Following the movements of his fingers, skyscrapers, torn from their foundations,
trains and cars began to gather in one place, forming a huge humanoid figure, whose
height reached more than three hundred meters. A giant stone golem, connected and
manipulated by threads, stood in front of Stella and lowered its fists down, trying to
crush the small insect that was pursuing its master.
However, for Stella, " God from the Machine " was not a serious threat. Such a golem
was easily dealt with when she fought against Or-Goul's puppet at the Seven Stars
Sword Art Festival . Such a stone giant could only just wave his fists, which was not
scary for Stella.
Without any hesitation, Stella swung the Levatein .
A flash and a crimson glow ran down the giant's hand from fist to
shoulder. Immediately after the blaze, a powerful gust of wind created by Stella's
slashing attack ripped off the golem's arm and smashed it to pieces. But Stella hasn't
finished yet. Without slowing down the speed of flight, she immediately in the wake
of the previous attack inflicted a new one in the chest of the giant.
Her " Levatein ", like a knife through butter, easily penetrated the stone golem and cut
a huge hole twenty meters in diameter.
"God from the Machine" is a pile of debris connected by threads. If you make a huge
hole, then the tension between the threads will weaken, and the technique will not be
able to maintain its shape.
Like a slightly previously spaced hand, the body of the stone doll began to fall down
to the ground. Surprisingly, such a strong technique could not stand against Stella even
for a few seconds.
- Such an outcome is quite expected. It would be naive to believe that this doll can
handle Stella-chan, ”Or-Goul muttered.
However, this may sound strange, but he was not in the least upset by the rapid
destruction of the stone doll. After all, his goal was originally for Stella to destroy the
golem.
- ...
In the next instant, Stella's continuous flight stopped. A huge number of threads
entangled every part of her body.
That's right, that was Or Ghaul's plan. He deliberately tied the "God from the
Machine" to the ground with threads so that when Stella blew him to pieces, the
threads would entangle her entire body.
Now that Stella is tied to the ground with threads, it will be difficult for her to continue
chasing.
- Be a good girl and stay on the ground! - said Or-Goul, making sure that his plan
really stopped Stella.
But,
- " Flame of Purgatory "!
As soon as Or-Goul turned away from Stella, searing heat painfully hit him on the
back.
How is this possible? After all, there is still a distance of one hundred meters between
them.
Looking back in surprise, Or-Goul noticed that the Levatane , raised high into the sky
by Stella, was ablaze with heat. A huge pillar of fire, soaring into the heavens, coiled
like a dragon.
Circling, breaking apart and becoming one again ... the pillar of flame turned into a
shining fiery sword.
"Heck! My threads ...! "
Unable to somehow resist, his threads, flaring up, completely burned out. As soon as
the shackles disappeared, Stella immediately stood up and swung her sword, shining
with blinding light.
- Burn to the ground! "Fire Salamander" !!!!
The slash divided the sky like the horizon.
- Aaaaaaa! - shouted Or-Goul, in a hurry to escape the impending tsunami of light.
Continuing to jump from one thread to another, he quickly descended to the ground.
Having barely managed to descend, the tsunami of light turned into ash everything
that was located above eighty meters in height. Not only were the skyscrapers burned
down, but the entire Or-Goul web.
“The games are over, Or-Goul,” Stella said coldly as she descended to the ground.
Maneuvering before Or-Goul's eyes, she tried to land directly on him, but the boy
managed to avoid such a violent attack at the very last moment.
- Although the act of the idiot Ascaris added unnecessary trouble, I will not allow
you to escape, - as if voicing a death sentence, Stella plunged the tip of the golden
sword into the ground.
Now there is no one near Or Goul to protect him. The loop on the neck has finally
waited for its moment.
“Pha-ha-ha.” Despite the severity of the moment, Or-Goul laughed loudly.
When Stella reminded him of Iris's deed, Or-Goul couldn't help laughing. He himself
had not expected Iris to do something like that.
“A-ha-ha, I was also very surprised by nee-san's actions. I could not even think that
at that moment she would decide to lend me a helping hand. What was she thinking
about? What a stupid thing to do, ”said Or-Goul, continuing to laugh.
But,
- Wait a minute! - Or-Goul's last remark made Stella's face pale. “… How dare you
say something like that in such a situation… Right now she is fighting for you, and
you call her stupid…! Can't you feel anything at all !?
- Should I feel something? Such a situation seems amusing to me, no more, ”Or-
Goul asked, bowing his head inquiringly.
His wide smile, as if carved into his face, did not go away during a conversation with
Stella.
- Blood relations? Or maybe a feeling of love? When I use my " puppet puppets "
and make them kill, these feelings are transmitted to me along the threads, very
pleasant. Previously, I had to manipulate her through the threads ... but now my
sweet nee-san works even without them. It seems that even after that event, she
loved me all this time. It all looks like an interesting experiment.
- Oh, you piece of shit ...! Stella pressed her lips together so hard in anger that she no
doubt hurt herself.
“Yeah, that's what I think of myself, too,” Or-Goul laughed happily. His wide eyes
agreed with Stella's words. - I myself do not understand what is wrong with me. It is
not normal to enjoy the suffering and pain of others. I understood that my views
were alien to other people, so I always pretended to be normal. But I hated all this, I
did not consider myself an ordinary person. Everyone in the village loved me, I
received many awards, at school I was the very first in academic performance. I have
always received many love letters. My father and mother always told me that they
are very proud of me. Even my birthday was always celebrated by the whole
village. I was forced to smile, but all these things were disgusting to me. I should
have felt happy, but it was just a pretense ... I hope, Stella-chan, do you understand
how bad I felt before?
- …You…
“Oh, I told you so much about my past.
Raising himself abruptly from the ground, Or-Goul raised his fingers to the corners of
his mouth and looked closely at Stella standing in front of him.
“Come to think of it, only Stella-chan is following me. Your duet with nee-san fell
apart, and I no longer need to run away, ”said Or-Goul.
He stretched his arms out to the sides, like wings, and stuck out his fingers wide. The
Puppet King was more ready for battle than ever.
In response to his movements, Stella tightened her grip on the Levatein handle .
“You seem to underestimate me.
- Stella-chan, on the contrary. You are looking down on you.
- How else. All this time, you cowardly tried to escape from me, - Stella grinned,
looking at Or-Goul's dirty cloak from a long chase.
However, in an exchange of barbs, Stella blundered. Or Ghaul hastened to correct the
misunderstanding.
“Oh, I didn't mean myself… you're looking down on my nee-san.
- AND? What are you talking about?
“I didn’t expect you to haunt me alone. Leaving Ikki alone with nee-san, you think
it's a healthy thing to do? Are you not afraid that he might die?
Or-Goul's words made Stella's face harden sharply.
“… Ikki is strong.
- He's strong, I don't even doubt it. Even I probably won't be able to defeat
him. There is nothing I can do about his incredible sword art. I think even if his
opponent is God, Ikki will easily deal with him. As long as the enemy can be
" shredded ", he has no equal ...
But,
- My nee-san is completely different. It cannot be "shredded ". As brilliant as his
sword skills were, he could never defeat Nee-san. Her armor is on a completely
different incomprehensible level.
- ...
“Enough time has passed since the start of their battle. Probably, the commentator
will soon announce the result that Ikki-kun has died. How much longer is he left to
live? Five? Ten seconds? Stella-chan, maybe you want to go back ...? Don't even
hope I won't let you escape !!
Moment and Or-Goul went into action. From each finger of his right hand, threads
flew out like whips.
Five strands flew into the sky. Sharp and thin at the same time, they silently attacked
Stella.
The flesh will rip and blood will rush in all directions. Of course, Or Goul will not be
limited to one attack. Swirling in a dance, Or-Goul prepared to shoot the threads from
his left hand.
- You said everything?
-…?
A perfectly planned attack was unsuccessful. Not even a sword; Stella grasped the
threads tightly with her bare right hand and began to drag Or-Goul toward her.
- Yes you are right. For Ikki, Ascaris is not a very good opponent. But Ikki will win
anyway. He made me a promise ... that he would not die! - Stella answered to Or-
Goul's provocation.
She perfectly understood how Iris and Ikki were different in strength of the knights.
Even so, Stella knew ... Ikki is not the kind of person who makes promises in vain.
Without a doubt, he has a plan to win.
Or-Goul does not know this, Iris does not know this ... perhaps, except for me, no one
in this world believes in his victory.
- I ... believed in him!
I just can't help but believe in him. Indeed, on the eve of the decisive battle, he sealed
the promise with a kiss.
Even in that battle against Taote, he believed in me when I, Stella Vermilion, had
already surrendered.
No matter how strong or weak the enemy is ... we promised each other to always win
and not die.
"... I hate the thought that someone other than me can hug Stella."
He promised me that he would not disappear from my life, and would always hug me
tightly.
Right. For Ikki, it's as easy as shelling pears. He always achieved everything in life
only thanks to his incredible strength!
- I'll say it again. I have no regrets at all. After all, your sister is fighting the most
famous mediocre knight in this world. I don't need to worry and worry about
him. After all, now I, the Crimson Princess and the knight-magician of the League ,
must fulfill my mission ... Puppet King Or Gol, right now I will kill you !!
During her heated words, Stella struggled to pull on the thread that was wrapped
around her left arm. Ohr-Goul, whose right arm was still tied to these threads, jerked
forward and lost his balance.
And that's exactly what Stella wanted. Swinging, her sword flew down to decapitate
Or-Goul.
The enemy failed to shatter her strong bond with Ikki, so Levatane was falling harder
and faster than before.
… Unshakable trust in your partner played an important role in this decisive battle.
◆◇◆◇◆
- The battle between the Black Knight, who went over to the side of Kledland, and
the Mediocre Knight continues! At first, their fight was equal, but after the Black
Knight decided to use the "Enhanced Recovery" ability, which helped her take the
4th place in the world rankings, the advantage completely switched to her side! With
every blow, the Black Knight grows stronger and stronger! The mediocre Knight can
only run and dodge ...!
The commentator accurately described the course of their battle. Even the inhabitants
of Vermilion understood that Ikki could not be defeated.
He was no longer able to fight on equal terms with Iris. Her battle halberd flew through
the air, disregarding the force of inertia. With each swing, Empowered Recovery
made her attacks grow stronger and faster, and the gust of wind never stopped cutting
through Ikka's flesh.
Ikki used " full control " to help him dodge Iris's terrifying attacks. But he was
powerless against the gust of wind created by the swift sweeps of Iris's halberd.
His clothes were torn in many places, blood did not stop pouring from numerous
wounds, and his breathing was very far from even.
It was clear to all viewers that the guy was close to exhaustion.
“… It's a matter of time before he falls off his feet.
- Enough Ikki! You need to surrender!
- You have already shown yourself enough!
- She will kill you! You gave us your word that you will win, but we, the inhabitants
of Vermilion, do not want your death! Stop!
Loud applause turned into screams of despair. Everyone who watched the broadcast
understood that Ikki could only be saved from Iris by declaring defeat or fleeing the
battlefield.
All this time, the audience was desperately rooting for Ikki, but now everyone realized
that the fight had long gone into one goal. And if nothing changes, Iris will soon
overtake Ikki.
Nobody wanted him to die, so everyone screamed desperately for him to run away.
But,
- Ghah !!
- Ah, Mediocre Knight, taking advantage of the impulse from crossing the weapon
with the Black Knight, retreated! Once again, on the verge of death, he managed to
retreat and survive! Now the speed of the Black Knight, thanks to the "Enhanced
Recovery", is much higher than the "Celestial Lightning" of the Mediocre
Knight! Even so, in spite of the approaching exhaustion, he still retains the utmost
concentration! Using "full control" he decides to balance further on the border
between life and death! But why!? What the hell is the point in continuing to resist !?
Things were pretty bad for Ikki, but despite everything, he continued to fight.
Why is he fighting? Why doesn't he just give up?
No one understood the reason for his action. And the inhabitants of Vermilion even
more so.
But,
As he continued to fight against Ikki, Iris began to understand the real reason for his
stubborn struggle.
"Really ...!"
The guess scared Iris so much that her face under the helmet turned very pale.
Why is this boy continuing to fight against her? After all, if he continues this senseless
struggle, she will overtake Ikki, catch and kill. The commentator described the current
situation absolutely accurately.
According to the most favorable forecasts, Ikki will be able to hold out against Iris for
another ten minutes.
In ten minutes, " Enhanced Recovery " will expand her limits so much that even the
talented Ikki will not be able to handle her.
Iris will definitely win. It's not even discussed.
But,
There is no guarantee that Or-Goul will be able to hold out for these ten minutes
against the Crimson Princess.
-…!
Everything is bad. Iris isn't fighting to defeat Ikki. She renounced everything to help
her younger brother.
There is no point in defeating Ikki if Or-Goul is dead by then. Such a victory is akin
to defeat.
The thought of it chilled through her body.
When she betrayed her team, she was disqualified as a representative of the war. After
defeating Habub, who posed a serious threat, Vermilion had only to defeat Or-Goul in
order to win the war.
In other words, Iris has nothing to do with the events of this war anymore. Defeating
her is not necessary.
All this time, Ikki pulled the fight with her to buy more time for Stella.
To defeat me, he needs to use the technique he used at the Seven Stars Sword
Art Festival . This is the only Ikki technique that poses a serious threat to
the Desperate and can crush the Orichalcus armor with ease .
But due to the fact that I know everything about her, Ikki is unable to use this
technique. Therefore, Ikki decided to continue the protracted battle and catch the right
moment when he could use his trump card.
This was the real goal of the Mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane.
In terms of strength alone, Mediocre Knight will lose one hundred out of a hundred
matches against the Black Knight. There is too much difference between them. In a
direct fight, he has zero chances of winning.
However, victory in battle is not determined by strength alone.
The " circumstances " for which one is fighting is also an important factor.
Iris does not believe in Or-Goul's victory and rushes to help him. And Ikki completely
trusts Stella and tries to buy her as much time as possible.
The impatience that grows with time only increases the likelihood that Iris will give
up " winning " in a drawn-out fight and decide to dash forward to " win " a quick fight.
Ikki Kurogane had foreseen this from the beginning and waited.
In a battle with her, Ikki could only count on victory.
- Ah! Though the Mediocre Knight used the momentum of the enemy attack to
escape, the Black Knight quickly closed the distance again! He's trapped! The
advantage in incredible speed has long been lost! The Black Knight has cornered
him! Is this the end of the Mediocre Knight !?
Iris, hearing all these screams from the commentator, could not contain a crooked grin.
Did I corner him? What an idiocy.
All this time, he was the only one driving me into a corner.
All this time, he did not attack me during the " Enhanced Recovery ". Only I, tirelessly
waved the halberd.
One-sided fight ... it was he who drove me into a trap. He was like a fighter who
tolerates all enemy attacks, just for the sake of a lucky chance to counterattack.
It all sounds like a bad dream.
"I have never met a knight who chooses such methods of victory ...!"
No matter how bad the situation was, no matter how he conceded to the enemy, Ikki
continued to do everything to win.
What a formidable opponent. Although, this was to be expected.
The mediocre Knight was considered the weakest from birth, but he did not give up
his values.
Rubbish. Good for nothing. Useless. Ikki ignored all these words and continued to
fight in battles that seemed impossible to win.
He fought and won.
And now this incredible guy Iris has to fight against. You can't even talk about an easy
victory.
"What should I do?"
Trust the little brother to last ten minutes before Enhanced Recovery takes over Ikki?
Or immediately throw yourself into the trap of the enemy in order to come to the aid
of your younger brother as soon as possible?
Just thinking about it, Iris's forehead broke out in cold sweat.
- ...
However, she did not hesitate long over the answer.
- What's happening!? The Black Knight, fighting a one-sided fight thanks to
Enhanced Recovery, suddenly takes a step back! What for? She decided to take a
break !?
The day my brother was born
When he squeezed mine with his little hand, I realized ...
To protect this warmth, prepare to sacrifice something dear.
I missed those quiet days when my brother was not yet imbued with the idea of
violence ... Perhaps he was trying to cope with his incomprehensible feelings that
distorted his heart, but ... I was a bad older sister, for this reason he did not tell me
anything and did not ask advice.
He fought everything alone.
And the result of his struggle was that terrible tragedy.
I won't leave him alone anymore. I will stay with my brother and will always hold his
hand.
I will spend all my time with him; I will eat the same food as he; constantly telling
him that he is not alone.
And let the world consider my act shameful - do not care. I am ready to fight against
the whole world.
It doesn't matter who despises or hates me, for the sake of my family I am ready for
anything.
And maybe one day ... the very warmth that I felt in that little hand will light up in it
again ...
"Yes, everything will be so"
I have nothing to worry about. I do not care what intrigues the enemy builds against
me.
Our thoughts are the source of our magic, they can easily decide destinies. My
feelings, kindled in my heart, will not lose to anyone.
“Get ready. Right now I will show you the real power of the Orichalcus ! "
- The Black Knight has ended the one-sided battle and gained distance! Raising her
battle halberd high above her head, she unleashed a tremendous amount of
magic! Magic, completely covered her entire body! Does she really want to end the
protracted battle right now !?
"Begins ..."
Everything is as Ikki expected. Iris abandoned the protracted battle, and decided to
end the battle with one short fight.
To save her brother, she deliberately gave up on the winning strategy and decided to
play to Ikki's tune.
… I don't think her choice is wrong.
She herself is free to build her own destiny, perhaps with this decision Iris tried to
break the chain of suffering.
"... The strength of this person is incredible ..." - a thought flew through Ikki's head.
Iris probably realized that the constant healing and strengthening of physical strength
with the help of " Enhanced Recovery " carried danger ... fatal danger to her body.
But for the person she wanted to protect, Iris was willing to sacrifice everything, even
herself.
Feelings so strong ... can I crush them?
"I must win ...!"
Ikki quickly dealt with the momentary weakness in his heart.
He also has people he wants to protect. Moreover, he promised his beloved girlfriend.
Inspiring his ego, Ikki prepared to confront Iris. Gripping the grip of the Intetsu
firmly , Ikki strained his back and stood up. Directly across from him, Iris was ready
to fight.
Don't think about failure. Forget defeat. Be strong and keep striving for a happy future.
In opposition to Iris's unrealistically powerful magical power, Ikki activated his trump
card - " Itto Rasetsu ".
Blue magical light exploded in his body. But now, having learned magic control at the
top of Edelberg, Ikki did not allow magic to just escape from his body.
Two knights with opposing feelings are ready to face one last time.
Their feelings are equally strong and they do not want to give in to each other.
Only one of them had the future.
- HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
- HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!
Here and now. The decisive moment in the battle between the Mediocre Knight and
the Black Knight has arrived.
◆◇◆◇◆
Ikki and Iris. The long battle where Iris was chasing the retreating Ikki came to an
end. Now everything will be decided in a quick fight, in which it will be revealed
whose feelings are stronger.
Of course, Ikki decides to be the first to take the initiative.
Before just hitting Iris's battle halberd, Ikki deliberately took a step forward and began
holding the katana with his hand.
It was the very art of the iai sword that helped him to defeat Stella at the Seven Stars
Sword Art Festival .
But it's not that simple. There are a number of conditions that must be met if he wants
to use that technique.
The first is the mandatory activation of Itto Rasetsu . To use all his body strength in
one moment, he simply needs to remove the limitations of the body.
The second is to get ready and use the art of the sword iai. To empower the katana
with incredible speed and power, he needs to firmly hold the blade with his left hand.
And the last - the need for a situation when the enemy will run directly at him. If they
both rush at each other, Ikki, in close proximity to the enemy, will be able to activate
his technique, thereby accumulating more strength and increasing the power of the
slashing attack.
Having fulfilled all these three conditions, Ikki's technique can become the " last " in
the life of his opponent.
But the problem was that Iris was aware of all the preliminary preparations. She
attended the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival and saw him fight Stella.
This is why Ikki was unable to use this technique from the very beginning of the battle.
But Ikki did not refuse to use this technique. By using his mental powers to the
maximum, he deliberately created a situation in the battle where Iris would allow him
to enter " Itto Rasetsu " mode .
Now all the conditions are met and the Mediocre Knight is ready to attack with the
fastest and strongest blow.
In opposition to his long preparations, Black Knight Iris-Gole raised her halberd high
above her head and left her torso unprotected, as if inviting Ikki to strike her there.
Her control over magic was as high as that of the Crimson Princess. Releasing a
tremendous amount of magical power, she condensed it and formed an additional
magical barrier around her body.
Despite the immediate danger, she wanted to let Ikki hit her.
Probably not even Orichalcus will be able to withstand Ikki's attack. Still, Iris believed
in herself. After all, it was not for nothing that she was a knight in the League , whose
protection was unmatched.
It's not so easy to cut it. When Ikki hits her, his katana must slow down. And that will
be enough. If Ikki's blade slows even for a split second, Iris will smash his head with
her powerful halberd blow.
In order to prevail in this decisive battle and withstand the flames of Ikki's feelings,
Iris must put all her determination and will into Orichalcus .
A sharp blade " Intetsu " cut the armor " Orihalkus" ?
Or fax reliability " Orihalkus " stop the blade " Intetsu "?
The sharpest blade will collide with the toughest armor ... their fight has moved
towards that end from the start.
- ...
At the most decisive moment, when both rivals rushed to each other, one of them made
a fatal mistake.
The mistake was made by the Black Knight Iris-Gole Ascaris.
All this time, she was focused on the speed of Ikki's katana, which was moving so fast
that the shadow did not have time to move behind the blade of the blade. This was
precisely her mistake. She did not fully understand the nature of the Ikki technique.
After all, Ikki's katana was not only fast, but also very strong.
Ikki put into his incredible blade all his skill trained in torment, all his soul and all the
physical strength of his body. He put into the katana everything that shaped Ikki
Kurogane's personality ... and not only. In addition to all of the above, he put in the
culmination of his development - the essence of " Desperate ".
Iris had to guess.
Ikki always defeated enemies that could not be defeated.
He was inferior in strength to his opponents. He lacked skill. But he won anyway.
And now this desire to win was put into that single blow.
He just couldn't lose. The moment he prepared to strike at Iris, his blade, which carried
the entire history of his victories, merged with the gravitational pull of the fate of
the Desperate , which had a great influence on the causality of this world. Ikki's
nascent desire intervened in the history of the world and reduced to ashes the page
where Ikki was to lose.
The die is cast, the Rubicon is crossed. In the battle between the Desperate, the victory
is won by the one who first intervenes in the causal relationships of the world.
His desire destroyed possible defeat and formed at the tip of his blade as a causal force
to cut everything in its path
This was the real essence of the last secret blade - " Oikage ".
◆◇◆◇◆
- …and
The true nature of the " Oikage " technique , which cut its fate.
It was only at the last moment that Iris noticed how the blade of the Intetsu , as if
through a haze, passed through her Orichalcus armor and pierced deeply into her
body.
The Orichalcus armor , cut by Ikki's causal desire, cracked and shattered into black
dust.
Ghah.
Iris coughed violently and spilled blood from her mouth. Together with the blood, her
knees, weakened, could no longer maintain an upright position of her body, and she
began to fall to the ground.
However, a complete fall was avoided. Ikki stepped forward and grabbed her body
tenderly.
“I won,” Ikki Iris said with dignity, limping limply on his chest.
Their battle is over.
“… Yes…” Iris agreed, nodding weakly at his words.
The wound Ikki inflicted on her is so deep that it has reached her spine. Her intestines
have been cut into pieces and are unlikely to function now.
But that's not the point
Of great danger was the side effect of Enhanced Recovery , which she used
continuously during their battle.
Everything in the world has a limit. Iris's body was so strong that it had long gone
beyond all limits and without the Orichalcus armor it could not function. The moment
her Orichalcus was destroyed and the restorative power ceased, her body began to
self-destruct.
Her organs began to explode from their own contractions, muscles tore from excessive
tension, and high blood pressure killed her brain cells.
Only thanks to the flesh, Iris still retained her human form.
And, unfortunately, such serious destruction of the body cannot be healed with the
help of recovery booths. After all, the physical strengthening of the body with the help
of " Enhanced Recovery " has a permanent effect. This process does not obey her will
in any way. Whatever methods of treatment are now applied to her, the body will never
stop self-destructing.
Now ... nothing will help her. And Iris was well aware of this.
She understood that all her actions in this battle were a one-way ticket. Still, she
continued to use Enhanced Recovery ... despite the fact that only death awaited her.
Iris knew the inevitable consequences.
"Shiver…"
Suddenly to herself, Iris noticed that her body was trembling.
Is it fear?
Fear of dying despite betraying her friends and the person who raised her?
The thought struck her as so disgusting that Iris brushed it off instantly.
There must be some other reason ... The source of the tremors must lie elsewhere.
Her body is dead. All physical strength left her body after that injury.
Then ... why am I shivering?
"…and…"
Her question needed no answer.
After all, it was not Iris herself who was trembling, but the one who held her all this
time.
- ...
A tremor, not entirely clear to her, was transmitted to her body through the
flesh. Without a doubt, the man who struck her to death could not help crying.
“… Exactly. Ikki is not the kind of person who enjoys the death of people "
Especially when a man was dying, killed by his own hands.
He never craved battles where you have to cross weapons with a friend. How much
pain and anguish did he experience from his act?
"... Such thoughts ... such a will ... I have never met people like him ..."
He never allowed insults or bullying on his part. He has always been a real knight
who, for the sake of his chosen path, continued to fight.
And ... even now.
He struggles to hide the expression of bitterness.
He spoke his words of victory with dignity to the enemy. After all, he understood that
he could not disrespect the person whose path he had just interrupted with his sword.
He must be making a titanic effort.
"Still ... not allowed"
Not. I cannot afford to let this amazing boy waste his kindness on me.
Before I leave, I must ease his agony. He shouldn't feel guilty towards me. This is not
acceptable at all.
Fighting death, Iris scraped out the particles of her power from the dead body and took
a deep breath.
“… Ikki… kun.
I have to tell him this.
- Please ... forget about me ...
Those hoarse sounds that came out of her throat can hardly be called a voice. But
luckily, Iris was lying on Ikki's chest, so her words reached him.
You don't have to carry this burden. Just forget about everything. Forget Iris as a bad
dream.
"Never," Ikki refused and put his hand on Iris's head. “People like you will no doubt
be criticized ... History will brand you as a villain. But for me you will remain an
incredibly kind woman who, in order to save her family, turned the whole world into
her enemies. My sword will forever remember the moment when I defeated such an
incredible knight. This is my path of a knight, and I will follow it to the end.
As Ikki spoke, he did not stop hugging Iris tenderly.
- ...
Unfortunately, all of his words ... did not reach Iris.
Her hearing is impaired, and the light in her eyes has faded.
She saw nothing and heard nothing.
But the warmth that penetrated her cold body made it clear to Iris that this person
would never forget her.
This feeling ... could not but be pleasant for her.
- Thank…
The words of gratitude by themselves came out of her mouth with the last air.
All she wanted to say was said. She has nothing more to add.
- ...
With the last words, Iris turned her consciousness to her body.
"…I'm so tired…"
The last vitality is used up.
I didn't even have the strength to breathe, my eyes closed.
I see ... so this is what death is.
I'll go to sleep and never wake up again.
All my bitterness ... my fears ... have gone somewhere. Only a feeling of comfort
seized my body. The feeling that I am about to be able to finally rest.
Come to think of it ... I've never felt so peaceful since that tragedy.
Whenever I closed my eyes, the bloody scene in the church where I kill my parents
and friends would pop up in my head.
All my life, I, Iris Ascaris, have lived with the aim of killing my brother and avenging
his every atrocity as if it were my own sin.
It was only at the end that I realized my true feelings. I remembered that promise when
I held that little hand in my hand.
But I couldn't keep those words ... even though I tried.
I used all my strength ... all of myself ...
But,
"Sorry ... I did my best ... but I lost ..."
Black Knight Iris-Gole Ascaris fully embraced her ending.
With a calm expression on her face, she fell asleep in eternal sleep under the first rays
of the sun
◆◇◆◇◆
- Oh my God!!!! A decisive moment has just happened before our very eyes! It ... it
was definitely Oikage! The same Mediocre Knight technique with which he won the
Seven Stars Sword Art Festival !! When the Mediocre Knight and the Black Knight
rushed towards each other, "Oikage" destroyed the "Orichalcus" armor! The
mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane defeats the Black Knight who has betrayed the
Vermilion team !!!! - shouted the commentator in a voice of complete delight. - The
Black Knight doesn't move! The mediocre Knight, with mourning movements, lays
her body on the ground. Is the Black Knight dead? I can send a rescue team to the
site, but it looks like it's too late. No matter how much medicine develops, it is
impossible to resurrect the deceased. But! We must not forget that she has betrayed
the League! Don't mourn this stupid idiot who decided to support the Puppet
King! There are more important things now. Namely, the victory of the Mediocre
Knight! This damn guy was able to beat such a formidable opponent !!
Words of gratitude came not only from the commentator. All the inhabitants of
Vermilion, who watched the fight Ikki on the live broadcast, could not resist loud
applause.
- Incredible ...! Ikki-san won!
- What a heartbreaking fight ... How did he manage to win?
- I hope he didn't overdo it!
All the inhabitants of Vermilion were happy that Ikki was able to survive. Only Sirius,
speechless from what he had just seen, could not join the general fun.
"…This guy…"
The King of Vermilion was a real warrior, so in this battle he saw much more than
ordinary people.
The broadcast clearly showed how they clashed in the last decisive battle and Ikki
stabbed Iris deeply in the stomach.
But Sirius understood that such an outcome should not have happened. The Black
Knight led on all fronts and would have won if she continued to pursue Ikki. There is
no room for haste in war, she could not risk for victory.
However, Iris abandoned the previous tactics and this was in Ikki's hands.
Iris' impatience reached its peak and in order to help Or-Goul, she decided on a
dangerous act. Ikki from the very beginning of the battle understood that he had very
little chance of winning. To deal with the enemy, he had only one way. Iris pecked at
the result of the battle in front of everyone.
Surely when he sent Stella to chase Ohr-Goul, that was also part of his plan. From the
very beginning of the battle, the Black Knight fought at the dictation of Ikki.
"Did he foresee everything in advance ...?"
Based on sound logic, the Black Knight should have won this battle. But the result is
the opposite. The whole battle from the very beginning to the end went under the
dictation of Ikki. The enemy acted as he expected. And the outcome of the battle came
out the way Ikki had planned.
There was no danger. Ikki calculated everything and beat the fourth most powerful
knight in the world.
This is not a lie or a trick. People understood this perfectly.
Knights of the League watching his fight from a distance. Influential people who
watched the replay of his battle a little later.
They all changed their minds about him.
Previously, Ikki was a promising rookie who took out the Crimson Princess at
the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival . But after defeating the Black Knight, he was
officially recognized as a knight representing the League .
Prior to this war, several nicknames had already been assigned to Ikki. Mediocre
Knight, Uncrowned King of Sword, King of Swords of Seven Stars.
With some nicknames, he went through most of his life.
And now, to these three, one more has been added - the Sword God Ikki Kurogane.
◆◇◆◇◆
The commentator and all the inhabitants of Vermilion were overjoyed at Ikki's victory,
but the latter did not share their feelings.
Ikki wiped the blood off his face with a handkerchief and looked at Iris. Her face was
so ... peaceful.
- Thanks, yes?
Iris's last words from her lips were gratitude.
…But why?
Why did you thank me? After all, I am the one who killed you and thwarted your
attempt to help a dear person.
However, he will never receive an answer to his question. Of course, one can assume,
but all speculation will be far from the truth.
It is necessary to accept that the person from whom he could ask the answer has left
this world ... forever.
- ~~~~~~~~~~ !!!!
All people die.
But the feeling that arises when you intentionally deprive someone of life ... It is like
magma burning inside the body.
His path as a knight, which he followed all his life, has left a deep rift. Overwhelmed
with pain, Ikki most wanted to scream.
He was convinced that if he tried to throw out all these feelings, he would feel better.
But,
… It's not time yet.
The war is still going on.
Although Ikki had used up all his reserves of magic and stamina, he was ready to fight
on.
He had no doubt about Stella's victory over Or Ghaul. But something can always go
wrong, and he will be forced to continue the struggle.
- ...
Leaning on the Intetsu , Ikki got to his feet. " Itto Rasetsu " is a technique that expends
all the physical and magical powers of the body at once.
However, the exhaustion of the body caused by the recoil of the technique is small
compared to when he fought at the Seven Stars Sword Art festival or against the
Raikiri.
This result has been achieved thanks to Edelweiss training.
Ikki had greatly improved his control over his magic and was now able to use his noble
arts more effectively. Previously, he thoughtlessly released energy with his whole
body and as a result, she severely wounded him. Now he could concentrate energy
pointwise in his body and pour most of it into his katana.
His body is still capable of movement if physical strength returns. And for Ikki, as a
person whose control over the body is perfect, there is no problem to regain physical
strength.
Having scattered his consciousness in the flow of blood, he walked with it every part
of his body.
This examination of the body was clear-cut. He intentionally activated a physiological
process called autophagy [1] .

[1] Autophagy is the ability of a cell to absorb its own constituents. It is a natural
defense mechanism that allows small particles to adapt to new conditions of
existence. For example, autophagy is triggered when a cell lacks nutrients.

Initially, this process is used by the body to urgently restore energy by decomposing
its own body. But Ikki deliberately activated this process to restore physical strength,
sacrificing the maximum power of physical characteristics.
Five minutes. It took so long for Ikki to develop physical strength in order to be able
to fight again.
Even if in this way he is not able to restore the reserves of magic, but this way Ikki at
least will be able to move.
Turning his head, Ikki looked back at the lying Iris.
-… I will not ask for forgiveness. Like your little brother, I also have people I want
to protect.
Immediately after these words, Ikki closed his eyes to increase concentration and
speed up the process.
He needs to get ready for the next fight as quickly as possible.
 Chapter 23: Wrath of Vermilion
- Death of the Black Knight is officially confirmed by the rescue squad! It seems in
this fight, due to the "Enhanced Restoration", her body was strengthened so much
that it self-destroyed itself. Do you understand the last fight !? Personally, no! After
the Black Knight dies, the Mediocre Knight kneels beside her body and closes his
eyes! Is he going to pray for the Black Knight's soul? I’m sure not! This guy is much
cooler and stronger than he looks! Surely he did not succumb to feelings, but simply
restores strength for the next fight ... Exactly! This battle was won by Vermilion's
team, but the war is not over yet! The last member of Kledland's crew, the Puppet
King Or Goul is still alive! However, we don't need to worry! I watch the fight
between Or Ghaul and the Crimson Princess on cameras in the administrative
district. The Crimson Princess took over the edge from the start! She does not stop
hunting for Or Ghaul! It's just a matter of time before she catches him and kills him!
"Ikki ..."
The commentator's voice echoed across the sky over Lucerne. Thanks to him, Stella
and Or-Goul learned about the result of the battle between Ikki and Iris.
Despite the fact that a member of her team won the fight, Stella's heart sank in pain at
Ikki's decision to kill her opponent.
- God, nee-san, what have you done! Because of you, the situation has become even
more complicated ...! You were the 4th strongest in the world, how could you lose! -
Or-Goul sighed heavily and began to accuse Iris of being useless.
This man's selfish behavior knew no bounds.
- Yes. You have lost your last protector. Nobody else will come to your aid, ”Stella
said.
Make the leap to the Ohr-Goul, she lifted her high above his head " Levateyn ".
Or Goul will no longer be able to escape. After all, a huge wall of fire, more than a
hundred meters high, appeared behind his back.
Although, not only behind the back. The wall of fire, surrounding Stella and Or-Goul
from all sides, took the form of a circle with a diameter of thirty meters.
Or Goul could no longer escape. In addition, with the previous technique, Stella cut
off all the skyscrapers of the administrative district, so Or-Goul will not be able to
escape by air either.
- Everything is over!!
As the commentator pointed out, it's a matter of time before she catches and kills
him. Developing even more speed with her fiery wings, Stella swung her sword.
Or-Goul is in a fiery trap, there is no way for him to escape.
However,
“A-ha-ha,” an unpleasant laugh escaped Or-Goul's lips.
His expression didn't sound like he was about to give up.
- Oh, Stella-chan. You are such a fool. Are you well aware of the current situation
and do you seriously believe that I will continue to fight by the rules?
-…!
Stella tried to hit " Levateynom " Or-Goul, but could not hide his embarrassment.
After all, right immediately before her attack, four children jumped out from under the
rubble, and, spreading their small hands wide, tried to close Or-Goul with their
bodies. It was not only their sudden appearance that frightened me, but also the
expression on their faces. All the children smiled with a wide smile, as if glued on.
- Ah, haa !!!!
Stella was forced to swing her sword aside. Such a sharp maneuver threw Stella out
of balance, and she collapsed to the ground. The sword, whose trajectory had changed,
plunged into the ground with all its might. The viscous surface of the asphalt road
could not absorb the impact of such force and cracked. Cracks rushed to the
neighboring building, located on the border with the wall of fire, and brought it down.
The destruction caused a huge column of dust.
And when the dust veil cleared a little ... many figures of people appeared on the site
of the destroyed building.
There were more than a hundred of them, and all of them, like children, had a wide
smile on their faces.
Without a doubt, all of these people were residents of Cledland who had been turned
into puppets by Or Goul.
- Oh, how not good it turned out. Looks like your attack blew a hole in the
underground vault.
- Oh you! Puppet King, what are you doing! The commentator shouted as he saw a
multitude of inhabitants appear on the battlefield.
According to League rules , this shouldn't have happened. It was, that neither is, an
emergency.
On the other hand, Or-Goul shrugged his shoulders at such a loud cry.
- All complaints, please, to Stella-chan. This one here, without hesitation, destroys
everything that is horrible. Her attack destroyed the underground shelter, where
civilians were evacuated. It's not my fault.
- You bastard! Don't be an idiot! All civilians in Cledland were to be evacuated to
the suburban areas. They must not remain on the battlefield! This is a serious
violation of the rules ...
- Enough. I'm fed up with you.
Hearing all the commentator’s words addressed to him, Or-Goul raised his eyebrows
and waved his right hand, as if warding off the annoying mosquitoes. Immediately
after his sweep, a flash of light ran across the night sky and the commentator's
helicopter was cut in two.
- This is ... AAAAAAAA !!!!
Amid loud screams from the commentator, the helicopter crashed to the ground and
exploded outside the wall of fire.
“I’m not interested in rules anymore. After all, I agreed to play on them only because
Lunaise-chan's offer seemed interesting to me. I'm a terrorist! When I lose, there is
no reason for me to fight by the rules. So what, Stella-chan? What are you going to
do? If you don't remove the wall of fire, the people of Kledland will burn alive in it!
Immediately after Or-Goul's words, civilians began to rise from the destroyed shelter
and walk towards the wall of fire, never ceasing to smile broadly at Stella. If she
doesn't cancel her technique, they will indeed burn alive in the wall of fire.
- ...
Whether Stella wants it or not, she is forced to lift the barrier. As soon as the fiery wall
dissipated, more than a thousand people came from the other side.
All these people left the underground shelter and came here. They could not control
themselves, because Or-Goul manipulated them with his favorite technique " Puppet
Theater ".
He brought in even more people on purpose to make sure to stop Stella's attack.
- I thought so! Stella-chan, you are so kind! Come on, dolls! Hold Stella-chan and
buy me enough time to escape!
Obeying his order, the dolls immediately ran towards Stella.
A huge crowd, like a tsunami, rushed towards her.
However ... the threat is questionable.
Or-Goul's " Puppet Theater " is capable of enhancing the physical abilities of puppets,
but the degree of enhancement is still unknown. With her Dragon power, Stella can
deal with a large crowd of people.
But she didn't want to maim them. All these people are just victims of the enemy's evil
technique. And Stella promised to protect civilians.
Man is too fragile in front of her Dragon power . If Stella uses this power, someone is
bound to die.
Everything is very bad, Stella is forced to cancel even the protective flame that
surrounded her body. After all, it can also accidentally cripple them.
Stella has no right to any resistance. Frozen in place, she is forced to be consumed by
a stormy stream of puppets.
- Hey you! Idiots!
At the moment when Stella had already accepted this alignment of the situation, a loud
indignant voice rang out on the battlefield.
- ORAAAAAAAAA !!!!
- AND!?
The crowd of puppets, threatening to crush Stella under them, was carried away by a
powerful burst of a suddenly appeared person. Like a battering ram, he smashed all
the people around Stella. A few seconds later, a detachment of people appeared on the
battlefield, all of whose members were dressed in a red coat of happiness. Lining up
in front of Stella, they did not allow the crowd of puppets to approach her.
- And here we are! I'm tired of sitting still and doing nothing!
“Otou-san… !?
Right. Stella's father Sirius Vermilion, who was supposed to be in the Vermilion
Empire, appeared on the battlefield along with the Imperial Guard.
- The most beautiful!
- The most charming!
- For the beloved Stella!
- UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU !!!!
Thanks to this strange unit, it became hot on the battlefield. However, not only they
came to the rescue.
- I'll hold them! " Star Ocean " !!
- And I, Milli-chan, will mark all hub dolls! Immobilize only those I shoot!
- Yes sir!!!!
The troops of Vermilion, among whom were Stella's friends - Tilmitt and Milliaria,
arrived on the battlefield and immediately rushed to neutralize the inhabitants of
Kledland.
Tilmitt's ability made it possible to turn any road into a swamp, which slowed down
the movement of people.
And Milliaria, thanks to the slowdown in the flow of people, found a puppet that Or-
Goul turned into a hub for controlling a large number of people. After observing for a
long time for Ikki, who at the Battle of Kaldia, discovered many such hub dolls, she
herself learned to find them.
“Imagine for a moment that the battlefield is a surface of water on a rainy day. The
commanders will be drops here, and the ripples from them will be the soldiers under
their control. "
When Milliaria first heard Ikki's explanations, she did not understand.
- I will not allow harm to my beloved homeland!
But in a crisis, talent blooms much faster. Using her keen eyesight, Milliaria found
one hub doll after another and shot paint at them from her spiritual device - a
musket. And then there was little to do. Vermilion's army under the command of Sinad
and the League's knights-magicians neutralized the hub dolls. More and more people
were freed from the magic of Or-Goul's control.
- Stella-sama! Leave them to us!
- Stella-sama! Your goal is still Or Goul! Please deal with him and end this stupid
war !!
All obstacles have been removed. Stella could again continue her battle.
Watching all this orgy, Or-Goul remembered how in the past the Black Knight fled
from Lucerne with Stella and her comrades.
- " Divine Gate " of the Winged Prime Minister ...! Did you ask nee-san to prepare
this technique in Kledland ...!
- Tatara taught me a lot. This war is fundamentally different from all the previous
ones where I fought ... It is difficult to predict what will become of Kledland while
he is in your hands. Therefore, it would be logical to prepare a contingency plan in
case of unexpected coincidence of circumstances .
The Vermilion Army didn't just follow the broadcast and cheer for Stella. All this time,
they regrouped with the remnants of the League's magic knights , waiting for the
moment when the situation could change dramatically.
And this moment has come. Or Goul did something that was different from
the League's " rules of war ." The army immediately took advantage of the efforts of
the Black Knight and moved to the battlefield using the Divine Gate technique .
- The League is not just a union of nations. Due to its enormous size, it is impossible
to respond in time to all hostilities. Moreover, some people have more power over
the League . But…! When peaceful people, whom the League is committed to
protecting, are in danger , it is outright denial of the League's existence ! It is already
impossible not to react to this! You are a terrorist who has committed a serious
crime. You shouldn't be surprised at our sudden intervention. I'll say it again. You
little idiot made the situation worse yourself. And now only you, the Puppet King Or
Goul, are guilty of your own death!
- Oh you…! "Gran ...
- I will not let it!
-!
Stella immediately intervened when Or-Goul tried to finish off all the people with
powerful technology. Stella's left hand was still holding the threads of Or-Goul, with
which he had previously tried to finish her off. Pulling the threads sharply towards
him, Or-Goul's right hand, tied to them, reached forward towards Stella.
- Haaaaa!
With a wave of the Levatein , Stella cut off his right arm to the forearm.
A grimace of pain immediately distorted the boy's face. Having lost his right hand,
Or-Goul is forced to defend against Stella's attacks with only one left hand that has
survived.
However, this resistance did not last long. Furiously flapping her fiery wings, Stella
incinerated his left arm to the elbow.
-～～～～!
Stella hasn't finished yet. Quickly moving into a stance, she swung the Levatein in
a wide circular horizontal sweep .
- Oraaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!!
Flash.
And Stella's Levatane cut off both of Or-Goul's legs.
Or-Goul completely lost all limbs and began to fall to the ground under the influence
of gravity. However, he managed to avoid a complete fall, Stella firmly grabbed him
by the chest and lifted him up.
- I understood! I got it! I give up! I give up! I will never do anything wrong
again! Please do not kill me! I don't want to die! I don't want to die !!!!
“Okay,” Stella answered shortly to Or-Goul's pleas.
- AND!?
- This man will decide your fate. He will save your life, if, of course, he believes
your delirium !!!! Stella shouted, throwing Or-Goul's body into the sky with all her
might.
Under the power of the Dragon, Or-Goul flew high into the sky. It was there that he
was to realize the meaning of Stella's words just spoken and to see a golden glitter
quickly approaching him.
This shine ...
- Johan ...!
- " Big Circus " ... !!!!
A knight instantly appeared from the " Divine Gate ", riding a large golden war
horse. With the speed of an arrow fired, he approached Or Goul.
Johan Christoph von Kolbrand, Prince of Kledland, embroiled in a string of
assassinations of the Puppet King.
Right now, with the support of Lunaise Vermilion, who sat behind him on a warhorse,
he yearned for revenge for his murdered friends, family members, and nobles.
Or Ghaul, of course, tried to defend himself.
Dirty, covered in blood, he tried to resist to the last.
"Damn ... I have no arms ... no legs ...!"
But it was too late.
He has nothing to defend with.
And there are no people who could protect him.
A selfish person who enjoyed destruction and violence ... the moment of reckoning
still came for him.
- NO NO NO NO!!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE ... - Or-Goul shrieked.
But it's over. His scream did not sound for too long.
The spear of the swiftly approaching knight sank into Or-Goul's wide-open mouth and
smashed his head into small pieces.
◆◇◆◇◆
Or-Goul's body, whose head had been blown up by a knight in the sky, briefly hovered
in the air and immediately flew back to earth. Stella, Johan, and others on the
battlefield watched closely for his fall.
Having touched the ground, the body scattered into small pieces of meat throughout
the area.
Crimson chunks of flesh, a pool of blood. These remains were proof that a human had
died in front of their eyes, and not the puppet Reisen Hiraga.
This is victory?
Did they really kill the devil?
The answer to this question was received from the residents of Kledland, who slowly
began to move away from Or-Goul's manipulative technique.
- Oh ...
- Moving, moving ...! I can move my body myself!
- Indeed! Freedom! Yohan-sama saved us all !!
The effect of the " Puppet Theater ", which forbade a person's consciousness to control
his own body, fell asleep after Or-Goul's death.
The residents of Cledland, who had been manipulated for a long time, began to rejoice
over the restoration of their own control. Their gaze immediately fell on a mixed army,
consisting of the army of Vermilion and the knights-magicians of the League .
- Sirius-sama! Citizens of Vermilion!
- Ah ...! So they killed the Puppet King and scattered his technique ...!
- Yes, for sure it was ...!
- HEY !! LISTEN !!!!
Suddenly, over the battlefield, there was a loud shout from the commentator, whose
helicopter had been shot down by Or-Ghaul. Coughing loudly, Boomer shouted into
the microphone:
- This son of a bitch shot down my helicopter ...! Well, okay! After the Crimson
Princess gave Johan Christoph von Kolbrand a powerful slap, he came to his senses
and smashed the bastard's head! The Puppet King's body has turned into a pile of
minced meat! No rescue team needed, no doubt this bastard is one hundred percent
dead! Usually my work comes to an end when one of the participants gives up, but
this time the entire opposing team is dead! Well, then it remains to summarize the
results for the viewers! The battle between the Crimson Princess and the Puppet
King is over. The winner is the Crimson Princess !! The team from Kledland has
completely lost its members! Therefore ... The Vermilion Empire is winning this war
!!!!
- YESAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
The loud roar of victory echoed over the Lucerne sky.
The inhabitants of Vermilion shed tears of happiness that they managed to avoid the
death of an entire nation. The residents of Cledland were greatly relieved that the
horror was left behind.
Watching such a beautiful picture, Stella finally allowed herself to take a breath and
relax her shoulders.
-… Fuh.
- Stella-chan.
A golden horse descended from the sky in front of her.
- Yohan-nii ...
The golden horse, shimmering, turned into golden dust, which was quickly dispersed
by the wind. All that is left of him are Johan and Lunaise. Leaning on Lunaise's
shoulder, Johan walked over to Stella and bowed.
- Thank you, Stella-chan ... thanks to you, I was able to avenge everyone ... thank
you very much ...
- Well, in this situation, you were powerless. I had to help you.
- Haha, really. I was very sorry…. I could not protect anyone ... My father, my
mother, my friends ... my subjects ... - unable to restrain himself, Johan sobbed.
In this war he lost the most. The heartache won't go away so easily after revenge.
But,
“But you managed to protect Luna-ane,” Stella said.
You don't need to blame yourself for not being able to protect anyone.
- No matter how much you cry or regret, the dead will not come back to life. But ...
they always watch over us. They all saw you, Yohan-nii, selflessly get rid of the
control of the Puppet King and kill him. Somewhere high above, Luke and others
scold you loudly for continuing and continuing to accuse yourself of powerlessness.
“… They were incredibly good people. I will always remember their kindness ... and
it hurts so much.
- I understand.
“But now… I am all alone.
- Yohan-nii is not alone!
- AND?
“I was unable to protect all the inhabitants of Vermilion. Even now, after Or-Goul's
death, my heart is very heavy. But I'm not alone! After all, we all have people who
are ready to support you in difficult times, ”Stella said, looking at Lunaise, who was
still supporting Johan.
She didn’t answer her look, so Stella looked at Johan again.
- …Thank…
What did he thank her for?
However, it doesn't matter. Stella's words could breathe some life into Johan's eyes.
- You will thank me after you settle everything here. The people of Cledland are still
confused. I don't think it will be easy for you anytime soon. But still, I believe that
you will succeed, Yohan-nii.
- I understand ... Lunaise-san promised to help me ... Now we need to go ...
- Good luck.
Stella watched a couple of them until they were completely lost in the crowd of people.
- It's all over ... - Stella said, raising her head up. Perhaps her words were addressed
to people who closely watched their battle high in the sky.

"Row, row, row forward ... Slowly along the river ~ ♪"
"There is no happier us in the world ... At least don't look for it ~ ♪"

-…!?!?!?
A voice that sounded like a breath of wind came out of nowhere. Stella's entire body
trembled sharply with chills, as if all her blood had turned into icy water.
Impossible.
This voice shouldn't sound.
The owner of this voice died ... everyone saw him die ...
- Ah ...!

"Row, row, row forward ... Slowly along the river ~ ♪"
"But if suddenly there is a crocodile ... Immediately shout ~ ♪"

In panic, Stella looked around to take another look at the voice's owner's corpse.
Or Goul is dead.
As expected.
His limbs are cut off
Head smashed
After a hard landing on the ground, all of his organs are scattered around,
He is no doubt dead.
But for some reason, his dead body jumped up.

"Row, row, row forward ... Slowly along the river ~ ♪"
"But if you meet a spider ... you just laugh ~ ♪"

His headless body, shattered into pieces and devoid of limbs, rose, and the scattered
pieces of meat and debris were forcefully sewn to the dead body with threads.
The revived corpse instantly began to wiggle its hands with hostility.
- Yohan-niiiiiiiii !!!! - Stella screamed, sensing mortal danger.
- AND!?
- Stella !?
Close.
Rapidly closing the distance, Stella ran towards Johan and Lunaise, towards which the
enemy's attack rushed.
The silver threads, ripping through the air, met with Stella's " Levatein ", who held out
her sword as a shield.
- Grargh!
Stella felt the blow of a terrible force with Levatein . Despite the fact that they were
still fine threads, she felt as if her sword had been struck with a heavy iron hammer.
Thanks to the power of the Dragon , Stella managed to stay on her feet. But a blow of
such force instantly knocked all the air out of her lungs, and the recoil ran through her
entire body in a painful spasm.
Now Stella would have to rest and temporarily leave the stage, but this opportunity
was not given; new threads are on the way.
First, second, third, fourth. Swinging her sword furiously, Stella beat off one thread
after another. Their power did not diminish in the least, Stella with the power of the
Dragon barely managed to take their blows.
Incredible destructive power. If Stella misses at least one ...
-…!
Imagining terrible pictures in her head, Stella frantically beat off the threads.
But,
Something she missed and noticed too late.
- Heck!
Each time Stella beat off another spiritual thread, she, materializing a new one,
entangled her body.
Tying tightly to every part of her body, the threads dug painfully into her flesh.
Stella tried, as before, to get rid of all the threads, but ...
"Why…! Why are they so strong ...! "
To her immense horror, Or-Goul's threads, which Stella had calmly ripped with the
Dragon's power earlier, did not give in.
"What the heck…!?"
- Stella !!!! - shouted Sirius, noticing something was wrong.
He and the others on the battlefield immediately ran to her aid.
- Back !!!! Don't you dare approach me !!!! - in a voice close to a scream, Stella
refused to support.
The strength of Or-Goul's tight-fitting threads was much stronger than before.
It is too dangerous for other people to approach her.
Stella's decision turned out to be correct.
The Puppet King Or Goul. A blazer that manipulates the world at will with the help of
shadow threads. His real strength was not revealed in battle.
However, this does not mean at all that his strength is not worth attention. Do not
forget that only he can take control of all residents of any country.
Now think about what would happen if a huge number of alleged victims for the
collection gathered in one place?
What happens if this person turns into a puppet himself and begins to control all this
power alone?
The answer to this question stood before Stella.
Trump ability of the King of Puppets Or-Goul.
The worst and most disgusting technique on earth, which can only be activated after
death.
All evil intentions that seek to bring pain and destruction spread even after death.
All this hate
All her incarnation ... will materialize again.
The name of this technique is " Games of the Dead "
- Well, now it's time for the final.
 Chapter 24: Tears of a Corpse
Or-Goul's remains were slowly rising from the ground.
The scattered pieces of meat crawled along the ground and began to gather together in
one heap.
All of them were sewn together with threads. Those pieces that were not suitable for
use were replaced with ordinary boulders and other debris.
As a result, Or-Goul completely regained his human form. Even his smashed head
regained its former shape.
- Stella-chan, this is awful. The sweet little boy shed tears and asked you to save his
life. But you killed him anyway, ”Or-Goul began mockingly. - You're a killer,
killer! The same as me! A-ha-ha!
Even in her worst fantasies, Stella could not imagine that the slain enemy could stand
up again.
She was unprepared for a sudden counterattack and now fell directly into his trap.
- You…! I'm not that ... You're the first ... - Stella croaked in response to Or-Goul's
mockery.
This man attacked Cledland and brought war to her homeland. How could she keep
him alive after all that had been done?
- What? Do you want to speculate about which murders are correct and which are
not? I always thought that murders were all the same. But you think differently,
right? You’re sure that you’ve always acted “ right ” and I did the “ wrong ”. But
Stella-chan, mind you. You killed me first. Does this mean that your murder is also
" wrong "? A-ha-ha, ”Or-Goul laughed at his just said words.
- What are you talking about ...
- A-ha-ha.
All this time, Or-Goul restrained Stella with threads from his right hand. With a wave
of his left hand, he began to stitch together various debris to create a doll.
Blue and red buttons. White hair, apparently made from mop threads.
This doll looked a lot like him.
Slowly moving the doll towards him, Or-Goul opened his mouth again.
“You’ll have to wait until I’ve put in all the necessary actors for the puppet show. By
the way, it will be called the Blood Cross . This performance will tell you the story
of a poor boy who was born in a small village.
◆◇◆◇◆
Fifteen years ago, on the outskirts of France, in one of the villages surrounded on all
sides by mountains and forests, a boy was born.
His name was Orleus Gole.
His father ran a small restaurant in the village. The institution did not bring much
wealth, but thanks to agriculture, their life was quiet and peaceful.
A strong father that any villager could rely on. A kind mother with a beautiful voice. A
tough older sister who always looks after him.
Favorable conditions for a happy childhood.
But ... the boy was not happy.
Because the things that brought joy to ordinary people did not evoke any feelings in
him. The boy felt truly happy only when someone was in pain or suffering.
The boy noticed this when he was three years old.
It was at this age that he began to mock his friends and make them cry. He was so
happy that he became addicted to such pranks.
The boy wanted to mock them even more in order to feel even happier.
If the adults hadn't stopped him, some of his friends could have died.
... It was after this that the boy harbored a grudge against his kind parents and older
sister.
After all, his kind parents, wrinkling their angry faces and shouting, whipped him hard,
despite all the tears.
Even his beloved nee-san, who usually stood up for him, this time did not react to his
tears.
And not only family. The kind uncle who treated him to candy. Sister Yui, telling
many interesting stories ... The boy did not expect that all adults are capable of making
such scary faces.
... It was at that moment that the whole world turned upside down for him.
Having learned a hard lesson, the boy realized that the things that made him happy
were actually " wrong ."
From that day on, the boy locked up all the old sources of " joy " inside himself and
began to desperately practice the " right " things that were taught to him by his parents.
He closely watched people and tried to do what people wanted from him. The boy
perfectly got used to the role of the " right " kind child, whom his parents and all other
adults so wanted to see in him.
After some time, he became a favorite for every resident in the village.
He even managed to make peace with all his old friends and become their only and
best friend.
The environment around the boy, whom all the inhabitants of the village again fell in
love with, again filled with smiles.
But within himself the boy felt only severe stress. After all, he remembered his true
source of " joy ".
In order not to be hated by everyone again, the boy, not sharing the general happiness,
continued to smile like a doll.
... Every day without interruption, for several years ... In the end, the boy could not
stand it and something broke inside him.
At first, he stopped feeling the taste.
Then he ceased to perceive colors, everything became monotonous for him.
He could no longer sleep at night.
A little later, he became aware that due to the severe stress he was experiencing all
this time, his brain atrophied by about twenty percent.
But he did nothing. The boy knew that if he tried to return the old " joy ", the world
would turn upside down again and he would be punished again.
It was at this time that the powers of the blazer were born in the boy.
Perhaps it was a gift of fate.
The boy acquired the " puppeteer " ability , which allowed him to control the brain of
any victim with the help of steel threads, similar to nerves.
It was this power that saved the boy.
He realized that he would be able to regain his former "joy" again and that no one of
their inhabitants would punish him.
And even though it was "wrong" , the boy could no longer live the same life. He began
to use his abilities for " wrong " purposes.
So that no one would suspect something in his village, the boy stretched his threads to
the neighboring town.
He began to control and mutilate the bodies of residents.
He rubbed into the trust of the children and mocked them.
Thanks to him, happy families began to collapse.
Using threads, the boy read the feelings of each resident. He changed their manner of
behavior, deeds, actions. With his power, violence swept the city.
Pain, sadness, despair before killing loved ones. All these sweet emotions were
transmitted through threads to his atrophied brain. The boy felt himself come to
life. He was very, very pleased. For the first time in a long time, he was finally able to
truly feel happy.
… But those days did not last long.
One day, his abilities were spotted by a man investigating the strange chaos that swept
the city.
... His " wrong" actions again became apparent. This man personally came for him.
◆◇◆◇◆
It happened in the evening.
It was his birthday that day. The celebration was to be in the church. But since it was
he who was the birthday boy, he was not allowed into the church so that he would not
see all the holiday preparations in advance.
So Orleous decided, as usual, to go to the outskirts of the village and walk along the
river bank.
Only here he could have fun.
After all, soon ... the party will begin on the occasion of his birthday. He will again
have to endure and, like a doll, shine with happiness and smile.
Therefore, in order to make himself pleasant in advance and come to the holiday truly
happy, Orleus decided to play again in that city.
He was so " played with dolls " that he noticed late as a stranger in a black cloak went
down the river bank and walked straight towards him under the bridge.
It was too late to react. Orleus' small body was roughly grabbed by the breasts and
lifted up.
- W-what !? Orleus panicked as he was roughly pushed against a stone pavement.
He lifted his face up and was frightened. After all, the eyes of a man who looked down
at him shone with wild animal fire. There was little human in this look.
"Who is this man?"
“The number of attacks in this region has increased dramatically recently. Public
safety has deteriorated dramatically ... I investigated all this chaos and realized that
this was the work of someone else's hands, - said the stranger, looking at the pale
Orleus.
-…!
- Boy. Your power can help the Rebellion destroy this world full of lies. You must
come with me, Orleus Gole.
“N-no… no…
Although he did not understand even half of the stranger's words, Orleus accurately
grasped the fact that the stranger knew his " doll games ".
It's all very bad. If he tells someone about this in the village, the whole world will
again turn upside down for him.
He was very scared that someone would find out about his leprosy. It was at this point
that he decided to use the puppet's powers to shut this man's mouth.
But,
- Useless. Our abilities have some similarities. But your ability will never be able to
make physical contact with me, Wallenstein.
No matter how the boy tried to tie his threads to his nerves and hold him back, his
threads only glided over the surface of this person's body.
Meanwhile, the man pressed him more and more against the stone support.
- The strong rule this world. You have no right to refuse me. If you want to fight me,
I will kill you.
The man's hand pressed hard on the boy's chest, and he began to choke.
Through this violence, Orleus realized that the man was not just threatening him. In
the same way as he himself a little earlier mocked children, this man really intended
to kill him.
“P-please don't kill me… I don’t want to die…”
But there was not the slightest compassion in the man's eyes. The situation was very
different from when his parents punished him.
I don't want to die, please don't kill me. At all these pitiful requests, the One-Armed
Swordsman Wallenstein widened his eyes in surprise.
- Hehe, a-ha-ha-ha! Wallenstein burst out laughing. - Boy, do you want to live?
-…?
Not realizing the meaning of Wallenstein's words, Orleus stammered back.
- …I got it. I changed my mind.
After these carelessly thrown words, Wallenstein abruptly released the boy, and he
crashed to the ground.
- Boy. I give you the choice. In a week I will return to this village again. If you
remain the only survivor in this village, I will take you to the Rebellion ... But if at
least someone survives, I will personally kill everyone! And you too!
At the same moment, a huge sword appeared in his empty hand. Waving it lightly
- I'll kill everyone.
He cut a stone bridge.
-!
The stone bridge immediately collapsed into the river and raised a pillar of spray.
It was at this moment that the boy realized that the man would really kill
everyone. Standing in front of me, Wallenstein will definitely fulfill his word.
The boy will not be able to escape from him.
The village police could not oppose anything against him.
Even a strong nee-san is useless.
“I cannot… accept… your choice…
Kill everyone or die with everyone. This is far from a choice that young children can
handle.
But,
“A-ha-ha, that's not true,” Wallenstein laughed at Orleus's cry. - You will certainly
make the right choice. Before coming into contact with you ... I watched your life for
a long time. You were born into a happy and kind family, where everyone loved
you. Such distortions in your soul could not have germinated in such an
environment. Therefore, only one thing remains ... you were born pure evil.
- No ... no ... I'm not bad ...
- Do not get me wrong. I do this because I want to save you.
- …AND?
“Think about it this week and make a choice. Whose hand do you want to die
from? Mine or your villagers? I am sure that the correct answer will surely be born
in your head ...
◆◇◆◇◆
The one-armed Swordsman Wallenstein disappeared in front of the boy.
But he promised that he would be back in a week.
Trembling with fear of death, the boy ran away from this place.
But where to run? Where to be saved?
Should he warn the adults?
Love your family, love your neighbor, love your friends. These " right " things were
instilled in him from childhood.
There will be a birthday party at the church right now.
Everyone loves him, so every resident will come to church.
Exactly. It is there that it will be convenient to tell everyone about the impending
danger.
…But. In addition to adults, there will be children at the party. If he speaks right during
the celebration, it can create panic and scare them.
There is still a lot of time. This man gave him a whole week. His story should only be
heard by adults.
The boy was smart enough, so he decided to wait until the party was over, when the
adults started cleaning. Children will go home and he can calmly tell everything to
adults.
His birthday party proceeded as Orleus had thought it would. All the villagers gathered
at the church to congratulate him.
They gave him gifts, sang songs, laughed. It was like he was the son of the whole
village at the same time.
- I'm glad you were born.
- I am very proud of you.
- We are so happy that we have you.
All the people surrounding the boy smiled dazzlingly at him.
Except for the boy himself ...
On that day, even pretending was a burden for him.
His beloved nee-san immediately noticed something was wrong and asked what was
happening to him.
The boy shook his head negatively and began to assure her that everything was fine
with him ... but it was still difficult for him to smile.
An endless stream of congratulations pulsed in his head and caused pain.
“Think about it this week and make a choice. Whose hand do you want to die
from? Mine or the inhabitants of your village? "
Right ... the boy finally got it.
For the first time in his life, he met a man who was not going to scold his " wrong "
actions. On the contrary, he even sympathized with the boy.
All this time ... Orleus did not live.
The opportunity to live the way he wanted was taken away from him in childhood.
All the villagers tried to instill in him things that were considered " right ".
But they did not please the boy. People deceived him, pretended to love him. They all
took away his real life.
It was at this moment that the boy's mind sank into despair. A strong feeling of hatred
rose in his heart.
I hate my parents, who told me they loved me, but in fact, they were slowly killing
me.
I hate my nee-san, who said she would always be on my side, but she also killed me.
I hate all these people who robbed me of my happiness when they forced me to follow
the " right " things.
I hate this whole false world that forbids me to be happy.
The boy suddenly laughed.
His sister, who had been with him all this time, was the first to notice the ugly smile
on his face.
- Thank you everybody. I am the happiest person in the world. After all, I am loved
by so many people. All your wishes for all the best are dear to me. So I
decided. Today I will make the best day of my life! - Without stopping to smile, he
said.
◆◇◆◇◆
- Thus, the boy destroyed everyone in the village. For each person, he chose a
special, sophisticated method of killing. It all looked like he had finally released all
the long-accumulated anger out. This birthday was the happiest in his life. After he
killed absolutely everyone, the boy immediately went to the Rebellion ...
In the form of a puppet show, Or-Goul completely recreated his birthday. After
finishing the show, he immediately asked Stella:
- Hey, Stella-chan! You still believe that your actions were not " wrong ", but what's
the difference between us? I killed for my own happiness. And you wanted to protect
your own happiness, so you used what you thought was “ right ” and killed me
without hesitation. I don't see any difference between us, Stella-chan!
- Grargh !?
Or-Ghoul moved his right hand. His threads, responding to his movements, dug even
tighter into Stella's body.
The threads tore at her flesh, crushed her bones, pinched her airways. Stella's face
instantly turned a deep red.
Stella tried desperately to resist the threads that dug hard into her neck. But the enemy
entangled her entire body, and she could not reach her neck with her hands.
- Stella! Wait, we'll help you now! - shouted the troops of Vermilion and the knight-
magicians of the League .
They ran straight to her in unison.
But,
- Too noisy.
- GRARGHXXXXXX !!!!
All the help, desperately running to help, fell to the ground. All their bodies were
finely chopped to pieces.
To those who saw this terrible sight, it might seem that Or-Ghoul cut them with steel
threads ... but this is not true.
He used the gravitational pull of the Desperate fate . Just like the Edelweiss at the top
of the Edelberg.
After the " Play of the Dead " ability was activated , Or-Goul's strength changed. He
has become much stronger than Stella.
Not one simple person could defeat the Desperate . By challenging him, they
automatically signed up for their death.
If you are unable to take the next step and overcome your destiny, then it is better to
remain standing still.
An isolated area surrounded him. Glancing at the pile of flesh at his feet, Or-Goul
sighed in displeasure and opened his mouth.
- Right. In our world, too few people can control their own lives. Society itself
decides that the " right " and what is " no ." It bases its behavior on ethics and laws
and prevents people from living fully. But I opened my eyes. All these " right "
things are actually real violence that wants to subdue all the " wrong ""people. I
agree with Wallenstein-sensei's words that our world is full of lies. The strong
dominates the weak, this is the real truth in this world. Even people who consider
themselves good continue to oppress people who are considered bad. Realizing the
real truth, I decided for yourself to fight this world with all your might. After all,
every creature has the right to happiness. The only chance for happiness is to fight ...
Kind Stella-chan, bravely fighting against three members of the Akatsuki Academy.
Brave Stella-chan, desperately fighting for the life of her nation It's all so noble ...
But you're a killer, Stella-chan. You're a hypocrite, just like my nee-san. You know,
I really enjoy watching the full moon follow the rules and only appear at night. But
what happens if she will confuse her schedule ... I am sure she will be very happy
!!!!
- ...
Or-Goul, putting even more strength into his right hand, made the threads squeeze
Stella even tighter.
Stella, who was already suffering from a lack of oxygen, could not resist.
Like an insect caught in a web. Stella's pale limbs hung limply to the ground, and the
last spark of light began to fade in her eyes.
A little more and the threads will cut her flesh, cut the bone and decapitate her.
But before it happened,
- You made your choice and decided to become our enemy ...
-… !?
A knight appeared in Or-Goul's field of vision.
Moving over the remains of the dead soldiers, with the speed of an arrow fired, he
plunged his dark blade into Or-Goul's forehead.
This lightning strike ... no doubt it was the first secret blade - the Saigeki .
“… So don't make yourself a victim… It's disgusting.
The knight who defeated BB and the Black Knight reappeared on the battlefield.

Ikki Kurogane looked at the enemy with a face full of disgust and hatred.
But Or-Goul, impaled by his katana, on the contrary, was delighted at his appearance.
- A-ha-ha, I was waiting for you, Mediocre Knight. I believed that you, Ikki
Kurogane, would definitely show up here.
◆◇◆◇◆
- Ha!
When Or-Goul continued to live even after a penetrating wound to the head, Ikki
immediately realized that such attacks against him were useless. Before Or-Goul could
react in response, Ikki slammed him in the shoulders, drew his blade, and jumped back
a distance.
- So you're in control of your dead body now? What an unpleasant ability.
- Ha ha ha, right. This kind of technique is especially unpleasant against you, Ikki-
kun.
Unlike his sister Iris, the direct blow with the blade did not inflict a mortal wound on
Or-Goul.
- I heard from the commentator the result of your battle. You have defeated the
fourth-strongest knight in the world. I didn't even imagine that you would be able to
win. Although, judging by the comments, you scratched out a victory with
difficulty. How are you feeling, Ikki-kun? What is it like to be a killer like me?
- Disgusting.
- Ha ha ha, you exaggerate.
"I am stating a fact," Ikki replied, not reacting in any way to Or-Goul's
mockery. “Me and Ascarid-san… we chose our path in life, and were ready to die for
it. Responsibility for the outcome of the battle lies entirely with me.
Armed with a blade, I was determined in that battle.
No… I mustered my resolve when I embarked on the path of the knight-magician.
Death by battle. The chances of death are the same for me and for my opponent. This
is a fact, you just need to come to terms with it.
I am ready to grieve, ready to mourn her death. But never regret.
“It was my decision to kill Ascarid-san. I'm not going to deceive anyone and say that
her death was necessary for the common good.
“… A-ha-ha, I'm sick of the fact that we are on the same ground. I hate you Ikki-
kun. After all, murder is one of the funniest things in this world, - Or-Goul answered
in a bored tone to Ikki's words.
For a moment the smile faded from his face, but soon he grinned again.
- Even if I was bored, I still killed you. All this time I've been waiting for this. If I
kill you in front of Stella, I wonder what her reaction will be?
His right hand was still holding Stella back. So he held out his left hand to Ikki and
made a gesture like he was about to snap his thumb and middle finger.
- This movement ...
- As you know, " Grand Guignol " is a technique that attacks on the area. She lets
out a web around me and kills everyone. Last time we met, you neutralized this
technique with Itto Rasetsu , but now you are too exhausted after your fight with
Nee-san. Moreover, after my death, I became much stronger. I no longer need to
worry about my body. So what, Ikki-kun? How do you want to prevent my attack
now !?
Immediately after those words, Or-Goul put his energy into clicking.
- " Grand Guignol " !!!!
A deafening sound.
Having received the signal, his device, which formed a shield in front of him from
many threads, relaxed the tension between the threads. A thousand sharp thread-blades
shot in all directions.
The total number of filaments was amazing, but with the help of dynamic visual acuity,
Ikki was able to track the trajectory of each.
In addition, this was not the first time Ikki had seen this technique, so he knew its blind
spot.
Land surface.
" Grand Guignol " Or Goul - a technique, an attack on the area. Despite the fact that a
thousand threads are produced at once, they all have a linear path. The power of each
strand is much less because the power is distributed equally to each strand. The threads
can cut through human flesh, but they are not strong enough to cut stones.
-!
Ikki quickly jumped into a hole nearby.
The battlefield was still the administrative region, where Stella and Or Goul had fought
fiercely before.
The entire area was covered with pits and crevices.
But,
- Ha! What about them !?
Apparently Or-Goul assumed that Ikki would do something similar.
- Looks like you, Ikki-kun, hid well ...! What about all those people behind you
!? You don't mind when I crumble them into dust !!
Mockery.
Ikki's act led directly to a tragic result.
After all, there are still many Kledland residents and soldiers in a daze after Or Ghaul's
intimidation.
They are not able to defend against this technique in any way.
Being cut into pieces, such an inevitable outcome awaited each of them.
Didn't Ikki think and doom them to death?
Not. Ikki didn’t protect them because it wasn’t necessary.
-… !?
Suddenly, the blades changed their trajectory just before slicing the first victim into
pieces.
Or-Goul's face was greatly surprised when, instead of shredding people, his Grand
Guignol flew over their heads and rushed high into the sky.
Was any of them capable of defending?
No, it couldn't be.
The thread turned off the previous trajectory without any resistance. It was as if space
itself had been distorted in front of them.
Only one knight in the world possessed such power.
“Is she here, too,” Or-Goul muttered in surprise and looked up.
On one of Stella's dilapidated skyscrapers with his back to the moon, there was a small
figure.
- Princess Yaksha ... !?
Or Goul made a big mistake when he averted his gaze from his opponent.
Ikki, instantly seizing the chance, jumped out of the pit and cut off Or-Goulu's right
arm, thereby freeing Stella from the tight embrace of the thread.
- * Tsyk *!
- " Grand-Guignol " is a kind of throwing your own shield. After you use this
technique, you will become vulnerable for a while.
“You managed to cut off my arm. Hope you don't get too smug after that!
Ikki freed Stella from Or-Goul's gripping threads.
But due to severe fractures, Stella cannot move. Her consciousness is clouded due to
lack of oxygen.
An ordinary knight will need at least a day to recover. Even Stella with
the Dragon's healing power takes a minute to recover.
The same was true of Princess Yaksha Nene Saikyo, who, although she arrived on the
battlefield, was in no hurry to intervene in the battle.
I know why she doesn't fight.
All this time she followed the movements of Or-Goul.
This helped her at the last moment to squeeze the last strength from her body and save
those people.
She's too exhausted for another fight. Of course, after all, not so long ago she had to
fight with Habub, the strongest mercenary, who ranks fifth in strength in the world.
Princess Yaksha is not very good at defending and attacking at the same time.
Therefore, she chose protection. More precisely, I made her make this choice when I
dodged enemy vehicles.
Until Stella regains consciousness, the only person who can stop Or-Goul is me, Ikki
Kurogane's Mediocre Knight!
One minute to recover.
It's too time consuming.
"After the fight with nee-san, he is very exhausted, he will not hold out," thought Or-
Goul, attaching the severed arm back to his body with the help of threads.
- Now I am much stronger than Stella-chan. If you can, try to defeat me ...!
Now I can do whatever I want.
Not being distracted by containing Stella. Or-Ghoul released long threads from the
fingers of both hands. He concentrated all his magic in threads to make them more
powerful. The threads flying freely along any path were like whips. Whatever they
touched, everything was cut by them.
Even stones and buildings.
Without Princess Yaksha, this place would be a sea of blood.
Even for Ikki, who was already using Itto Rasetsu , these threads were deadly.
One hit and his life will be interrupted.
Many threads attacked Ikki without interruption.
But,
- ... Ha!
-… !?
Despite the fact that thin, sharp threads were difficult to track with the eye, Ikki was
able to dodge all the continuous attacks
No matter how much Or-Goul waved his arms, he could not even cut a hair off Ikki's
head.
Why?
After all, now Or-Goul has an advantage in power and speed.
Why can't I shred the guy who should be very exhausted !?
-!
Or-Goul's disappointment knew no bounds. But this is an ordinary fact, nothing can
be done about it.
There is no skill or strategy in his movements.
Or-Goul was simply swinging the threads randomly at high speed.
Fighting the knight with Iris' power again would be dangerous for Ikki. But Or Ghaul
is just an amateur. No matter how much force he puts into the power and speed of his
attacks, he won't even be able to touch Ikki.
The mediocre Knight is on a completely different level.
Many people tried to overcome the pinnacle of skill, but only Ikki managed to succeed
and reach the level of the Sword God.
Or Ghaul was an ordinary amateur. He lacked skill, so he didn't even try to figure out
why his attacks did not hit this opponent.
Even more irritated, Ohr-Goul's movements only grew rougher. And this provided an
excellent opportunity for Ikki's counterattack.
- AND…!?
The battle changed dramatically when Ikki counterattacked.
Undaunted by Or-Goul's attacks, Ikki rushed towards him.
Or-Goul's strength increased after the Game of the Dead was terrifying. But Ikki was
already used to resisting powerful techniques that were able to instantly kill him.
He didn't even feel the pressure. After all, all his life Ikki only fought in battles where
his life was at stake.
Slipping through the gaps of Or-Goul's attacks, Ikki attacked and further damaged Or-
Goul's dead body.
Although Or-Goul's body was immediately restored after each attack, Ikki took
complete control of the battle.
- Awesome! Groom-san has taken over the initiative!
- He manages to resist the attacks of the Puppet King even at such a small distance!
- He managed to defeat the Black Knight! He will win now!
While Ikki continued to fight against Or-Goul. The wounded soldiers began to come
to their senses and rise from the ground. Without taking their eyes off the battle, they
were desperately cheering for the F-rank knight's duel.
Or-Goul's face grew even more displeased.
"What's wrong with this guy ...!"
His magic power is at zero. He is weakened after " Itto Rasetsu ", his physical strength
is far from being in the best shape.
Why? Why does he keep fighting?
I cannot believe that he will be able to defeat me.
But the feeling that rises from the heart along with the icy sweat. Right at the same
time the world turned upside down for me.
I know it ... is it fear?
Fear of a spectacle beyond comprehension.
Most hated feeling for Or Ghaul.
- Don't bury yourself !! You are just a small fish that will be crumbled by me !! -
shouted Or-Goul, trying to get rid of this feeling.
He stamped his right foot so hard that he split the ground with his feet.
However, Or-Goul did not stop there. His toes released a cobweb of threads.
- " Revolving Arena " !!
A circle with a radius of ten meters around it was covered with cobwebs, the threads
of which were constantly moving and twisting.
An enemy stepping on its web will immediately slip and fall.
... But not Ikki.
- AND!?
It didn't bother Ikki at all that the support under his feet was constantly moving. His
body has been hardened through dozens of workouts.
Calmly moving along the moving support, Ikki again began to attack the defenseless
Or-Goul, who was focused on supporting his technique.
Ikki's pace did not slow down at all, even after the enemy's sudden technique. The
audience of his fight could not resist loud applause when a magnificent fight took
place in front of their eyes.

"Not that ...!"

Stella's face grew even more pale as she watched Ikki fight.
This pallor was associated not only with anemia due to lack of oxygen.
Anxiety. She felt the battle was drawing to a close.
Undoubtedly, Ikki's skill allowed him to seize the initiative in this battle. His strength,
as always, was amazing.
However, even such an incredible fighter cannot fight forever.
Ikki has already used the Itto Rasetsu against the Black Knight. This devilish
technique, in exchange for enormous power, took away all physical and magical
strength.
It is not normal that Ikki is still capable of fighting somehow.
He did something with his body and it helped him fight again on the battlefield.
But,
"He doesn't move well ... but it's not because of fatigue ..."
Stella read Ikki Kurogane better than anyone else.
Ikki's movements, which drew thunderous applause, were far from ideal.
He managed to deceive everyone, but Stella immediately noticed that his attacks
lacked speed.
And not only speed.
Everything looked as if all of Ikki's physical characteristics had dropped at once.
Probably all of this because he squeezed the last crumbs of strength from his body.
But this cannot last forever. Ikki looked like a stub of a candle about to go out.
"Move ... come on ...!"
After all, in a minute it will be too late.
Stella was desperately trying to restore all the functions of her body. But being close
to death, even the Dragon's metabolism could not restore her body so quickly.
And this moment has come.
- How annoying it is! Why don't you just stop resisting! Just poking your blade at me
like that, you won't be able to defeat me! You know that, right !?
"I understand it better than anyone ... But I don't need to defeat you," Ikki replied to
Or-Goul's irritable words.
After exchanging a line with the enemy, Ikki immediately turned to Stella.
- Stella! You are welcome! Listen to me carefully !!
Interrupting for a second, he continued his words.
- Right now I will die here !!!!
- ...
- Stella, I think you yourself know how this battle will end! Sorry, but I can't beat
him! I have no strength for this !! All I can do now is buy some time for you to
recover. Unfortunately, this is only one minute. But I believe that this is enough for
you!
That is why he stubbornly continued to fight all this minute.
“I’m sorry that I cannot keep my promise, which I gave you yesterday! But I want
you to know something! Stella, I am very happy to have met you!
Without stopping to fight Or-Goul, Ikki continued to speak the words that poured
directly from his heart.
“We met you at Hagun Academy that day. We fell in love with each other and did
not stop competing with each other. That is why I managed to become so strong
!! Everything that I have achieved in my life is only thanks to you, Stella! I have
never regretted since the day that I met you! After all, all the time spent with you is
the greatest treasure for me !!
How proud was he to meet her?
Probably strong. After all, even on the verge of death, Ikki did not stop smiling
happily.
- Therefore Stella! Whatever happens in the future, I hope you won't regret meeting
me! Please don't think that it was a mistake! After all, I'm not the only one who got
stronger after that meeting !!
Ikki believed that Stella had the same feelings that he did. It was this faith that helped
him hold the Intetsu firmly in his hands.
- Show me! The power of the knight I loved so much !!!! We met and became
stronger ... !!!! We ourselves paved the way for this !!!!
Concentrate.
Until the promised minute, you need to hold out another fifteen seconds.
He is obliged to protect his beloved at the cost of his life.

- ... THINK I JUST SO COULD ACCEPT YOUR WORDSAAAAAA !!!! Stella

yelled.
Her powerful voice ripped through the air over the battlefield.
"What is this guy talking about?"
For the first time in her life, Stella felt a fit of intense anger. Feelings overwhelmed
her so that her head was about to explode.
I will not let it.
I will not admit what this man just said.
After all, you promised me.
That you will definitely survive.
"You sealed your promise with a kiss !!!!"
- Move! Move! Move! Move!
Stella never stopped putting all her strength into motionless limbs.
- Move! Move! Move! God please! Move, come on! I just have to get up!
Unfortunately, the pleas were in vain.
No matter how hard Stella hit her thighs, her legs refused to move. She didn't even
feel any pain.
The sensitivity did not return to her legs.
Feeling shaken, Stella watched the fight in despair.
- Aaaah! - could not contain a new cry of Stella when the course of the battle
changed again.
Fifty seconds later, Ikki's movements deteriorated further.
Surprisingly, he still hasn't taken any damage.
The production of energy through autophagy is highly questionable.
The resulting energy cannot be compared to the power of the Puppet King Or-Goul.
It was only thanks to his incredible concentration that Ikki managed to hold out for so
long.
But everything comes to an end.
The last drop of "fuel" is used up.
Ikki's legs, as if petrified, came to an abrupt halt in place under an incessant barrage
of attacks.
Or-Goul immediately noticed and seized the opportunity.
The attack and his left hand pierce Ikki's heart.
-!
However, Or-Ghoul did not feel that he was piercing someone's flesh.
Ikki's body, which he pierced, was covered with smoke and dissolved.
Blende.
Or-Goul did not expect the enemy to mislead him.
The fourth secret blade - " Shinkiro "
Ikki's technique, which, with the correct movement of the legs, created residual images
and deceived the opponent.
Before his legs stopped, Ikki put the rest of his strength into this technique.
Realizing that he had been led, Or-Goul, with a displeased face, changed the position
of his left hand and released the sharp threads towards Ikki.
However, even this movement was calculated by Ikki.
He understood that Or-Goul's skill level was extremely low. Therefore, he again
decides to attack with his threads.
Before Ikki's "fuel" ran out, Ikki assumed the desired position of Intetsu . The blade
was pointed towards the enemy in order to cut five sharp threads.
The force that easily held Stella, upon contact with the Intetsu , tore Ikki's body off
the ground and threw it back.
This is exactly what Ikki planned. He wanted to retreat from Or-Goul using his own
power.
One minute of the fight between Ikki and Or-Goul passed.
Ikki Kurogane fulfilled his words. By condemning himself to death at the hands of the
Puppet King of Or-Goul, he won a minute of time.
Stella could not help but respond to Ikki's determination.
Once her limbs fully recovered, Stella used the Dragon's power to take control of her
cardiopulmonary function. By increasing the speed of blood flow, she forcibly
circulated oxygen throughout her body. It would take an average knight an entire day
to recover from dysfunction, but not Stella.
She regained her motor skills and, powerfully pushing off the ground, ran at full speed
towards Ikki.
- I'm going ...!

But at the same moment Or-Goul took action. His right hand ripped open Ikki's chest.
- ...
Or Ghaul was far from stupid. Just as Ikki managed to dodge the left slash, the Puppet
King released a thread and wrapped it around his real body. Ikki hoped to break the
distance from the recoil of his blow, but he himself fell into a trap.
Or-Goul pulled his body sharply towards him and slashed with his right hand.
Plunging the threads deep into Ikki's body, Or-Goul ... pulled them out abruptly.
In the same second, Ikki's chest exploded from the inside.
The pectoral muscles and diaphragm are torn to shreds; internal organs with blood
rushed to the ground.
Irreversible destruction of the human body.
- I love you, Stella.
Before falling into a pool of blood and flesh, the last words of the Mediocre Knight
Ikki Kurogane echo across the battlefield.
Even before he died, the happy smile did not disappear from his face.
◆◇◆◇◆
- ... Ha.
Ikki collapsed to the ground in front of Or-Goul's feet.
His entrails were scattered on the ground, and the pool of blood under his body was
growing rapidly.
- A-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha !!!! - Laughed the King of Puppets Or-Goul, unable to contain
himself before this terrifying look. - He tried to fight, but the result still came out as I
planned! All his resistance was in vain! What a wonderful view! Ha ha ha ha ha !!
Without stopping loudly laughing, Or-Goul began to vigorously trample Ikki's insides,
scattered at his feet.
With special effort, he crushed each organ one by one.
Finally his foot touched the back of Ikki's head.
- Hey Stella-chan. Do you like this sight? - asked Or-Goul to Stella, who did not
have time to come to Ikki's aid.
- ...
Faced with unacceptable reality, Stella's face did not reflect any emotion.
The protective mechanism of the psyche worked, so for a while she lost sensitivity.
With a slow, staggering gait, Stella walked towards Ikki's body, which turned into a
bloody mess.
- Oh, what a pity. You don't seem to like the current look of Ikki-kun, ”said Or-Goul,
refusing to move away from his body. “Stella-chan, if you hadn't lost sight of the fact
that I could get up even after death, Ikki-kun would not have made a mistake and
died. No, I'd rather put it differently. Stella-chan, you understand that if you had not
met Ikki-kun, he would still have remained an ordinary F-rank knight and he would
not have been overtaken by the fate of turning into a pitiful corpse, which is only
suitable for dog food !?
A cruel truth revealing an unacceptable reality.
Or Ghaul specifically drew attention to facts that could not be denied.
AND,
- It's all your fault, Stella-chan! You killed Ikki-kun !!!! - solemnly announced Or-
Goul and crushed Ikki's head in front of Stella.
- …I do not…
The skull was fractured and the brains were leaking out. In addition to blood, the earth
was also wetted with cerebral fluid.
This blow ... it cut the last thread of sanity in Stella's head.
- GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHAAAAAA ■ AAAAAAAAA !!!!!!!!!!
Along with a deafening scream, a searing flame burst from Stella's body.
It was powerful enough to burn heaven and bitter enough to break the hearts of all
listeners.
A shout announcing that her consciousness was on the verge of destruction.
Despair over the brutal reality was killing her from within.
And in the end,
- HAAA ■ HAAAA ■ HAAAA ■■■■■■■ HA
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■point !!!!!!!!!!
The disintegration of consciousness began to manifest itself in a visible form. The cry
of sorrow gradually turned into the roar of a monster, and the appearance of Stella
reflected in the flame increasingly lost its humanity.
A pair of large horns sprouted in the middle of the head, folded wings appeared behind
the back, and a long pointed tail stretched out from the coccyx.
" Excessive awakening ". The phenomenon in which the appearance of the body took
on the actual appearance of the soul, which discarded its humanity after achieving
" awakening ".
No doubt this transformation was caused by the destruction of her consciousness.
At the sight of Stella's new appearance, Nene Saikyo turned deathly pale.
" Excessive revival " - is not just another step to increase the capacity blazer. This
phenomenon truly turns a person into a demon.
Earlier, Nene realized by herself that such a force could not be controlled.
“Everything is very bad !! Such a huge amount of heat right in the middle of the dense
crowd! "
- Run away faster !!!! Everyone, run as far as possible !!!! - Nene shouted from her
height to people.
But she immediately noticed that not everyone would be able to carry out her
evacuation order.
From a great height, she had an excellent view of the inhabitants of Cledland.
Many of them were injured. They can't go far.
On the other hand, Or-Goul instantly jumped away from the blazing heat of Stella.
- A-ha-ha-ha! Yes! How good! This is the cry I expected from you, Stella-chan !! I
so wanted to see your grief! I dreamed of feeling your despair !! Oh, how sweet ...
and delicious! How wonderful it is to continue living and enjoy all these feelings!
The grief of Stella, who lost her loved one.
The despair of the inhabitants of Vermilion, who only had to watch as their beloved
Stella destroyed herself.
Disappointment for Nene as she tries unsuccessfully to deal with the situation.
Confusion of people who did not understand where to run,
All these feelings, mixing with each other, turned into pure chaos, which so much
pleased Or-Goul.
- Come on ...! Shout even louder! Suffer even more! There was always a wide,
happy smile on your face! I want to smile just like you!
Even when Or-Goul staged a birthday massacre, he didn't laugh so happily.
It’s not fair.
Every creature in the world has a right to happiness! Everyone should laugh with the
same radiant, wide smile as Stella's.
- Come on…! Cry even harder! More anger! More despair! Destroy everything
you've tried to protect your whole life! This comedy ... it will be a great start to an
age of destruction and chaos !!!!
Intense pain. Despair.
Or-Ghaul strove to subjugate all this to himself.
Manipulate Stella's threads. He wanted to make that very decisive push, after which
nothing can go back.
A little more and he will be able to carry out his plan.
- ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ !!!!
-… !?
Or-Goul's threads were unable to reach Stella.
At the moment when Or-Goul was already close, Stella hit her head on the ground.
- AAAAAAAAaaaaa ....
After waiting a little time, Stella again began to violently beat her head on the ground.
Again and again.
This behavior made her start to worry.
Did she completely lose her ego during the " over-awakening "?
This was to be expected, because right before her eyes, a loved one died.
... But in her behavior there was something else strange, not entirely explainable.
Stella was now in a state far from calm. But the blazing heat, which had almost reached
a critical point, abruptly eased its rage and intensity.
“… Hey! This is not what I wanted! - shouted Or-Goul, watching her from above.
He hoped that emotions would completely absorb Stella and she would burn
everything around her.
After all, such a result is easy to assume, knowing Stella's feelings that she is now
experiencing.
Stella's appearance is far from human.
Black pigmented skin. Pattern in some parts of the body, reminiscent of dragon
scales. Wings. Pointed Tail. Huge horns.
This whole transformation is caused by " excessive awakening ."
But why hasn't Stella started to rave before.
- Hey! Ikki-kun died in a stupid fight trying to protect you, Stella-chan! He only died
because of you! Don't you wanna be angry !? Don't want to cry and beg forgiveness
!? Are you so insensitive? - tried to provoke Stella Or-Goul again.
But,
- Deceiver ...! Didn't you promise me ...! Stella screamed with all her might.
Her speech was ordinary, human. The roar of the monster disappeared completely.
◆◇◆◇◆
"Deceiver ...! Didn't you promise me ...! "
The words that Stella shouted were not directed at Or-Goul. After all, at the moment
she simply could not hear his voice.
Then who was she yelling at?
Whom did she scold?
Before her eyes was only the dead body of her beloved.
- Liar ...!
Sadness trickled down her cheeks incessantly, and anger burst out in searing heat. Her
angry gaze gazed at the remains of Ikki, tragically killed by the enemy.
- You promised you would survive! You said you wouldn't let anyone stand next to
me!
Reproach.
He did not keep his communication.
- Ikki, you are a liar !!!!
I knew there was a lot of suffering in this world.
But for something like this to happen to me.
I find it difficult to breathe because of the sadness that overwhelmed my heart.
The pain is tearing me apart from the inside. I cannot contain her.
Can't I just stop breathing? Then I will die earlier, before this pain finally finishes me.
How easy is it to come to terms with loss?
If you could forget everything ... how much time would it take?
- ~~~~~~~~~ ...!
"... I hope you will not regret meeting me ..."
Before his death, Ikki said these words.
"... I am very happy that I met you ..."
"…I love you…"
Nobody forced him to say all these words.
Unforgivable.
If you loved me that much, you should have known what it would be like to be alone.
I just wanted you to love me and keep living.
I just wanted you not to leave me.
I just wanted you not to die.
“You sacrificed yourself to protect me…! Ikki, you knew I didn't want all of this !!
You knew my desires perfectly and still ignored them.
For the first time in my life, I harbor so much anger towards a person.
- Will not forgive…! I will never forgive you !! Do you know why I will not regret
my choice !? Because I don't care about your desires either! Oh, and what do you say
to that !? You were the first to trample my feelings! I thought you were serious about
what I said! And all this time you were just playing with me!
Right.
I don't know what Ikki wants.
And what's the difference now, they won't come true anymore.
Never.
But,
“I will not regret everything that has happened since I first met you. This is my
decision!
-… !?
Stella raised her gaze sharply from Ikki's remains to Or-Ghaul, who was still confused
by her actions.
May it hurt so much that I want to die.
Let me be so sad that I can't breathe.
I will never throw away or forget all this time spent with you.
But first I need to fight the enemy, even though my heart is torn apart.
Ikki was proud of me until the last second. Even on the verge of death, he did not give
up his feelings.
He was proud of all the time he spent with me; proud of our rivalry; proud of me.
I cannot betray his pride!
- I will prove to you that after our first meeting, I became much stronger ...! I, Stella
Vermilion, have not been chasing you for nothing !! And I will become even
stronger! I will make you wish you were by my side anymore !!!! Stella shouted,
raising her sword high above her head.
She is completely ready for battle.
Ikki Kurogane chose the path of death, but she was going to continue to punch the
path to life with her sword.
“Onii-sama fought to protect you, and you played such a drama.
- …and
Just after her last words, a voice rang out.
This dark tone was all too well known to her. Stella's head instantly turned back to see
a person who shouldn't have been here.
Behind her
- But I'm glad that you still came to your senses. After all, if you said that it would
have been better not to date onii-sama, I would have lashed out at you like during the
Hagun Academy qualifiers.
There was a little girl with dazzling silver hair. It was Lorelei Shizuku Kurogane.
◆◇◆◇◆
“Haven't seen each other for a long time, Stella-san. Since our last meeting, you have
been badly burned. I never thought that the image of the ganguro [1] would become
popular again, ”Shizuku joked.

[1] Ganguro is a trend in gyaru fashion. Very strong tan, white lipstick and white
eyeliner. The horror is shorter.

The girl's sudden appearance on the battlefield left Stella extremely stunned.
- Why are you here…!?
“There are too few knights with medical technicians in your empire of
Vermilion. That is why your League headquarters has turned to other member states
for help. In an amicable way, the Knight in White should have come to your aid. But
now in Japan it is extremely unsettled, so I arrived instead. Yes, even without this
application as a volunteer, I still found a way to come here, - said Shizuku, calmly
walking towards Stella.
Straight ... to Ikki's corpse.
“Oh, you’re the same little sister who cried helplessly at the body of her brother, who
almost drove off after Amane-kun’s attack,” Or-Goul said with a wide grin. “As you
can see, your precious brother has become a bloody stain on the ground. How do you
like such a sight? What do you feel? Come on, don't hold back your emotions
...! Please let me hear your cry of despair! Hope it will be as enjoyable as Stella-
chan's.
Through the puppet Reisen Hiraga, Or-Goulu was aware of her strong bond with her
brother.
But,
- Agree. Onii-sama always likes to act recklessly. It looks like he doesn't know how
to do it any other way ...
-…!
All the while, Shizuku looked at the remains of her beloved brother lying in front of
her. But instead of despair and pain, her eyes radiated intense tenderness.
-… He is such a person, that is why I love him. You should get used to it too, Stella-
sama, ”Shizuku said with a smile and shrugged.
There was no sadness in her eyes.
Only love. There was a bright light in her eyes.
"Shizuku ...?" Why do you…
This behavior of the girl embarrassed not only Stella, but also Or-Goul.
It seemed to them that Shizuku should have immediately attacked Or-Goul, who had
killed her brother. This would be perfectly expected reaction.
But now ... it was as if a completely different person was standing in front of them.
Previously, she screamed and cried a lot when her brother nearly died. This happened
after the semifinal match at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival .
Failure of Shinomiya Amane. Ikki almost died from his Nameless Glory .
“Stella-sama, why are you looking at me with such a surprised look? I promised
myself that I would not let my brother die before me. That stupid situation ... will
never happen again!
- AND?
While the others tried to move away from their confusion, Shizuku reached Stella. One
more step and she was right next to her brother's corpse.
Kneeling down and folding her hands as if about to pray, Shizuku closed her eyes.
I remember my fear and despair that day.
Onii-sama was dying in my arms, but there was nothing I could do.
I still regret the day Onii-sama left our home.
It was then that I vowed to myself that I would always follow him.
I just cried and got angry ... a feeling of powerlessness squeezed my heart.
There was no way I could save Onii-sama.
…Absolutely.
I was lucky that Kiriko-sensei arrived on time.
Onii-sama is too reckless. Things like that will happen to him all the time.
If I am not able to protect Onii-sama from the temptation of death, he will definitely
leave me someday.
That is why I went to Kiriko-sensei and asked her to teach me.
Gritting my teeth in extreme pain, I deliberately remained conscious in order to fully
experience with my body the greatest healing technique of the Knight in White. I
absorbed all her knowledge and skills.
I've changed. Now I'm not the kind of girl who can only cry.
Ikki Kurogane, my dear onii-sama ... is dead.
As powerful as the healing technique is, it is too late. Even Kiriko-sensei, the greatest
medical knight, would not save Ikki from death.
Raising the dead is still terra incognita for humanity.
Ikki will never be able to return.
It is a fact. This is the reason. This is destiny.
Then what to do?
I promised myself that I would not allow anyone to take it from me.
Only one woman can be with him.
Only one woman can make him smile.
Even if God tries to take the Onii-sama from me, I will kill him!
If fate tries to take Onii-sama away from me, I will destroy her!
Nobody can do something like that ... except me, Shizuku Kurogane.
Because Ikki's happiness is my happiness! My decision is unshakable in the face of
any harsh reality!
Return onii-sama? It's easy!
My love can handle even fate.
" Blue World "
◆◇◆◇◆
As soon as Shizuku spoke the name of the technique, a magical glow erupted from her
body.
Warm, gentle bluish light; it was not as bright as Stella's blazing flame.
The radiance, just radiating from Shizuku for a while, converged behind her and took
the form of angel wings. Shizuku gently spread her wings and shining feathers
fluttered in the air and showered Ikki's corpse.
At the same moment
Ikki's blood and flesh, which came into contact with the feathers of the angel's wings,
began to disintegrate into bluish phosphorescence.
- This is ... " Blue Samsara " ...! - Stella exclaimed when she saw this unusual
phenomenon.
- Nearly. The Blue World is an improved version of the Blue
Samsara technique . Unlike Blue Samsara , it can be used on other people. I
specifically applied this technique on onii-sama to decompose it into individual cells,
and then restore it.
- You are capable of this !?
- I will not rest until I achieve good luck.
Quite convincing words.
Shizuku was determined to revive Ikki.
“Stella, I will always help onii-sama. This is my job and I am the only one capable of
it. But don't forget, there are things that only you are capable of, Stella, ”Shizuku
said, opening her eyes. Her gaze was directed directly at the revived corpse of Or-
Goul. “Look at Or-Goul's head. The Prince of Kledland had blown her apart, but
now she is fully restored to her shape. Stella, if you look closely, you will see that it
is collected from a heap of various garbage. My Blue World technique directly heals
the body, while Ohr-Goul's Play of the Dead technique simply unites the scattered
body parts and sews them together with debris using threads.
- He will not be able to recover again if you turn his body to ash ...! - Stella thought.
Despite the fact that the Puppet King can directly control his body parts, he is
powerless in front of the ashes.
Stella came up with the idea of how to defeat the immortal enemy. She just needs to
completely burn Or-Goul's entire body, every cell of him, so that he cannot recover.
- So that's why Ikki sacrificed his life to save me ...
“If you finally understand everything, please take care of this garbage. He's too
callous, ”Shizuku said sharply and closed her eyes again. Now she needs to focus on
her noble art, and not be distracted by chatter.
More and more of the scattered body parts of Ikki disintegrated into bluish
phosphorescence. Forming into small balls, they circled around Shizuku.
To be honest, Stella was worried if Shizuku would succeed.
But she resolutely pushed the thought out of her mind.
After all, Stella knew Shizuku is a person who definitely deserves trust. She will
definitely restore Ikki. And it is not discussed.
Instead of doubting, now I must do what I was instructed to do.
But first you need to prepare.
- All, please be attentive !!!! Stella screamed.
Her cry was addressed to all the soldiers of Vermilion and the League gathered on the
battlefield.
- Right now I will go all out to destroy this garbage! But I need your help! Who else
is on their feet, help others! Protect them, lend a helping hand! And then no one will
die ...! Not me, not Ikki, not you! Everyone will stay alive, and we will return to
Vermilion together !!
"Hime-sama ...!" You have come to your senses!
- Yeah! Our Stella-sama is still fighting! We won't give up either!
- Forward, forward, forward! Form a protective circle! Protect the citizens of
Cledland and the rest of the wounded!
- YESAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
Vermilion's army was the first to react to Stella's words and began to regroup.
Many knights stepped forward to form a circle with a diameter of 30 meters with Or-
Goul in the center. They were going to be human shields between the enemy and the
inhabitants of Cledland.
Ordinary soldiers, not possessing magic power, rushed to the wounded and began to
take them deeper into the Kledland, away from the barrier.
Excellent coordination. Without unnecessary movement, everyone did their job
quickly.
The atmosphere of panic and excitement disappeared.
Earlier, Stella put everyone in despair with her condition. But now she has managed
to rekindle everyone's fighting spirit and instill confidence.
- Hey, Stella-chan! Are you okay !? - Nene addressed her with alarm in her voice.
Now Stella's appearance was very different from the usual human.
Nene herself verified that all this demonic power is capable of destroying a person's
consciousness.
But,
- It's all right, - Stella quickly answered her words.
There was a firm conviction in her voice.
In fact, Stella felt exactly the same as Nene when she was transformed through " over-
awakening ."
Burning desire, like a stormy stream, still circulated in her chest.
It was incredible anger towards Or Goul.
If Stella relaxes even a little, this anger will eat away at her mind and burn out her
whole life along with anger, sadness and other feelings.
But still she firmly declared that everything was fine with her. After all, she coped
with her regrets.
Though she was consumed by anger and sadness, she did not regret meeting Ikki.
All this time the back of this man loomed in front of her. As an elusive goal, Stella
tried to achieve it over and over again.
That's why she won't let that back disappear in front of her for anything,
- You don't have to worry. Whatever happens, I will never lose myself.
She just needs to control the seething flow of feelings. Without this power, it will be
difficult to deal with the enemy " Game of the Dead " technique .
Stella voiced all her words to Nene, looking straight into her eyes.
“Okay, then try to avoid a protracted battle! You must finish him off with one
powerful technique! I, Princess Yaksha, pledge to protect everyone present from
your monstrous power! Therefore, you can not worry about others and attack with
full force! The main thing is to remember, you must destroy him with one powerful
technique! - said Nene, after a short pause.
- Got it! Stella nodded vigorously.
After Nene's words, she doesn't have to worry about those around her. Her gaze went
to Or-Ghaul.
"Everyone's so animated ..." Or-Goul began in an irritable tone. - Will Ikki-kun come
back to life? Impossible! Ikki-kun is dead! Isn't it clear from his gutted corpse !?
With every word his voice grew angrier and his face darker.
When Or-Goul killed Ikki, he wanted to see Stella's suffering, her grief, despair.
But she was much stronger than he expected. She completely coped with the longing
for the death of Ikki, and was even able to re-inspire all the people around.
All of this was extremely unpleasant for Or-Goul.
“ Well, then I'll have to kill more people! Let's see how long your fuse lasts! I will
prove that your tricks are nothing in front of the Puppet King!
Immediately after his words, Or-Goul began to move. Not hiding his intense irritation,
he swung his right hand sharply and snapped his fingers. A silver whip-like flash ran
across the sky.
Previously, Nene fought with them. But now she concentrated all her strength to
protect others from the power of Stella. All Or-Goul's anger fell upon the soldiers,
without any obstacle.
- HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
However, his click was unsuccessful.
- AND…!?
- A bit more…!
- Need help! Our row is at the limit!
- Received! Who can help them!
- Hey! The guy behind me! The moment the blow touches my shield, support me as
much as possible! But don't overdo it!
The knights quickly began to change their formation. After coping with the
intimidation of Or Goul, they reduced the circle around Or Goul to 20 meters, thereby
increasing the thickness of the defense.
The knights in the first row, equipped with shields, were supported by the second
row. The second row is the third. The third is the fourth. And the fourth row is the
fifth.
By rapidly changing the formation around Or Ghaul, the combined forces of
Vermilion and the League's Mage Knights significantly reduced the striking power of
enemy vehicles.
“We did it, Commander-in-Chief Dandalion!
The old swordsman, who had arrived on the battlefield with Shizuku and led the
deployment of forces to Kledland, nodded in satisfaction.
- Nice. If we cannot cope alone, then we just need to unite all together. All our
comrades are here, so we are capable of anything ... unlike that guy.
- Tts, - Or-Goul clicked annoyedly. His face took on an even more annoyed look
when his attack was successfully deflected. - … And if so?
The next thing he wanted to try to do was abort Ikki's recovery.
Shizuku was still within the protective circle of soldiers. Since Ikki's corpse lies here,
she cannot leave the dangerous place.
Now Shizuku is engaged in the hard work of disassembling Ikki's body into individual
cells and then reconstructing them. Obviously, any interference can interfere with her
work.
Therefore, Or-Goul decided this time to direct his anger towards her.
- HAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
-!
Once again, Or Ghaul's attack was unsuccessful.
A huge ax enveloped in flames deflected his threads.
- Do not even hope! Now I am your target! Sirius shouted, using his device as a
shield to protect Shizuka and Ikki.
Twice.
Twice this little fry had interrupted his plans. It was as if they were making fun of Or
Ghaul.
“You’re just garbage under my feet! All your resistance is absolutely pointless! But
nothing! My " Puppet Theater " will show everyone who is in charge here ...!
If Or-Goul turns everyone into puppets, he no longer needs to confront Sirius and the
others.
However,
- I won't let you do that !!!!
- Gha!
Naturally, Stella was not going to sit on the sidelines. Spreading her fiery wings, Stella
closed the distance with Or-Goul at breakneck speed to pierce him with her huge
sword.
- HAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!
Without any hesitation, she attacked decisively.
But Or-Goul was ready for this.
Right now, his " puppet " abilities were completely concentrated only in his body. It
was this that allowed Or-Goul to surpass the strength of Stella's Dragon , which had
been proven in the previous battle.
- " Stage Wear " [1]

[1] 4. 《活 劇 衣装》- well, or theatrical costume can be translated.

This garment, sewn from his spirit threads, is capable of protecting Or-Goul from
attacks of Stella's full power.
Or-Goul himself wanted to attack Stella with his fists, the physical strength of which
was increased after the " Game of the Dead ".
Such an attack should have been much more effective than an attack with sharp
threads.
But,
"I made a mistake…!?"
Or-Goul's speculation was completely crushed after the first blow with Stella's sword.
Her attacking power exceeded all his expectations.
It was obvious, though. After all, now Stella is fighting with a body that has undergone
a transformation due to " excessive awakening" .
An unusual-looking body took on the shape of her soul, which abandoned
humanity. The characteristics of such a body can in no way be compared with an
ordinary human body.
As soon as Stella's blow touched his body, Or-Ghaul was lifted off the ground and
thrown back under the cheers of the soldiers.
Hundreds of thousands of soldiers cheered loudly for Stella.
- ~~~~~~!
This loud support put a lot of pressure on Or Ghaul. And Stella was only gaining
momentum and attacking with even greater force.
Unable to hold back her onslaught any longer, Or-Goul swayed and lost his balance.
And that's exactly what Stella wanted. A quick swing and the Levatane cut off Or-
Goul's leg.
- Yeah! She did it!
- Hime-sama! You need to end him with one attack!
The severed leg is instantly swallowed by the flame; falling to the ground, it crumbles
into black dust.
Or-Goul, having lost his leg, immediately falls to the ground. Decisive moment. Stella
will never miss such a moment for a new attack.
She jumped onto Or-Goul's chest and pressed it down with all her might. An
immobilized enemy is incapable of any resistance. Sweep and Levatane Stella
prepares to impale Ohr Ghaul.
- Everything is over! Alone, you can never defeat me!
Her sword fell lower and lower. A little more and this blade, blazing with heat, will
pierce Or-Goul's body and burn every single cell.
Before being " annihilated ", the sparkling smiles of all the inhabitants that he
destroyed during his birthday celebrations surfaced in Or-Goul's head.
- I never liked that I was lonely !!!!
- !!!!
- I realized this truth long ago! Nobody understood me because they had a different
set of values! There was nothing I could do about it !!
Scream.
A furious cry escaped Or-Goul's chest. Clenching his right fist tightly, he shot it at
Stella.
Normally, in such an immobilized position, he would never hit his opponent, but now
he is a doll himself.
His entire body is sewn from many parts. Severing his right hand from his forearm,
Or-Goul slammed into Stella's chin.
An incredible blow. Stella's body, having received such a powerful impulse, flew up
high.
Stella did not take much damage, but the distance was again recruited between her and
Or-Goul.
- I'm not bad at all! You are all making me a villain! Even now, obeying your selfish
logic, you are trying to kill me !! I just wanted to laugh happily, like everyone else
!! Devil! I am the devil on the other side of " rightness "! I want to laugh! I will
definitely laugh at your corpse! I will kill everyone with my " power " and trample
all your " righteousness " that you forcibly preach in this world! I will create my own
world where I can smile calmly !!!!
An ominous black aura instantly burst from Or-Goul's entire body as he screamed out
loud.
His left hand was pointed towards Stella. Now, with his movement back, Or-Goul was
ready to snap his thumb and middle finger again. His Stage Costume has completely
unraveled into separate sharp threads. Or-Goul prepared to use the most powerful
noble art he could ...
" Le Grand-Guignol "
Technique, the power of which is not comparable to the conventional Grand Guignol .
As soon as he finishes preparing, hundreds of thousands of threads will scatter
throughout the administrative region ... no, this power, which can be called the
culmination of the Puppet King, will destroy all people in Lucerne.
This mass slaughter st Or Goul wants to end the war by his victory.
From Or-Goul's angry expression and aura, Stella's intuition sounded the alarm.
She must not retreat. The battle between Desperate is a battle for destiny.
Now the enemy with all his soul and body yearns for victory; if she escaped, she
wouldn't have a chance.
Whoever wins this battle will win the war.
- Rip the heavens, Flame of Purgatory !
Soaring high in the sky, Stella also decided to use her most powerful technique.
A rising crimson glow colored the sky, turning the night into a bright day.
However, there is a darkness that a ray of light will never reach.
Light against darkness. Two magical entities of different colors colored the world. But
such opposites cannot exist together for a long time.
This moment has come.
The dragon's wings flapped loudly high in the sky. Giving acceleration to her body,
the Crimson Princess quickly flew down. Get down as low as possible and defeat the
Puppet King with your powerful magic technique.
Meanwhile, Or-Goul was also concentrating all his magic in his left
hand. Concentrating all his power, he planned to pull the trigger of his technique and
destroy everything around him.
The distance was getting smaller.
The collision of black and white magical power caused an aurora in the atmosphere.
AND,
- Burn to the ground! " Fire Salamander " !!!!
- Get the applause! " Le Grand ...
At the same moment.
- …and?
Or-Goul's body was covered with deep cuts.
◆◇◆◇◆
Excited, Stella didn't notice at first. However, upon seeing the strange sight directly
with her own eyes, her thoughts reverted to the previous one-minute battle between
Ikki and Or Goul.
Stella watched their battle closely and remembered that the fight was almost one-sided
except for the final attack.
Ikki seized the initiative from the very beginning of the fight and attacked Or-Goul
many times. But if you compare the number of wounds and recoveries of Or-Goul,
and the number of Ikki's attacks themselves ...
They didn't match. There have been many more attacks than attempts to recover.
Stella, knowing Ikki Kurogane's true strength, immediately sensed that something was
wrong.
But then she could not understand ... what Ikki was up to.
But now the answer was completely before her.
After all, for all these sudden cuts on Or-Goul's body, it is not Stella who is
responsible, but the Mediocre Knight Ikki Kurogane.
In that battle, when he was buying time to restore Stella, he used two types of different
attacks at once.
The first - it's about bykn Aries attacks with a sword, which is perfectly visible to any
human eye.
The second is a special type of blow that was supposed to decide the outcome of the
battle. Delayed attacks that inflict scars that will not open unless you use excessive
force or movement.
The fifth secret blade is " Kuruisakura " [1] .

[1]《狂 い 桜》- Sakura's Madness

No matter how many hits with this technique, the target will not receive damage.
The wound can only open at that very critical moment in order to turn the outcome of
the battle.
Right. Ikki wasn't just making time for Stella.
Or-Goul's abilities as a warrior are too low. He could not see such cunning attacks.
But Stella ... she had to feel.
Battle Royale has been chosen as the battle format for the current war.
Ikki took into account all the factors surrounding him and brought the war to the final
decisive line.
He knew that Stella always followed him. Therefore, he did not doubt her victory.
And ... all his tactics gave exactly the results that Ikki had planned.
"Heck…!"
Too sudden damage. Everything went white before Or-Goul's eyes.
Fatal mistake.
Due to damage, Or-Goul was unable to fully cast Le Grand-Guignol ; his threads did
not take the desired shape, which was conceived by the technique.
Such an unfinished technique could not stop Stella's powerful burst.
- Ghah!?!?
After severing all the threads in her path, Stella plunged the Levatane into Or Ghaul
and sewed his body to the ground.
- I already said. You will lose to us! - Stella shouted, simultaneously activating with
her words " Fire Salamander ".
By an unknown force, heat melted the earth in an instant; a high column of flame burst
out from the place where the " Levateus n" had been stuck .
If not for the gravity force of Princess Yaksha, the heat burned everyone in the Lucerne
administrative region.
- Not! I don't want to disappear! I do not want! - shouted Or-Goul.
His whole body was engulfed in flames, but he was still on his feet.
He didn't want to die.
Slapping himself with his hands, he tried to bring down the flames and avoid the fate
of turning to ash. By throwing out a huge amount of magic with his body, Or-Goul
wanted to reduce the power of the " Fire Salamander ".
But everything is useless.
After all, in the end, " Levatein " pierced right through his chest.
The heat and flame can no longer be stopped. Or-Goul's body, consumed by the
flames, gradually turned to embers. His toes and hands have already turned to ash.
“Th-This is awful! Everyone was always trying to get rid of me! I didn't want to be
like that! If there was an opportunity, I would like to be born on the other side! Why
has no one ever wanted to help me!
- ... Of course, I also think that your circumstances were unfortunate ... - Stella
answered to Or-Goul's cries.
A distorted consciousness that couldn't feel happy about ordinary things.
The reality of the birth of such a person. It was she who helped awaken Or-Goulu such
a powerful force.
To be honest, Stella couldn't even put herself in his place.
He must have been very lonely.
But,
-… Even in your life there were people who loved you and were ready to sacrifice
themselves.
-… !?
Or Ghaul stated that for him the " right " thing is about violence. A person with such
a difficult fate will inevitably hate the whole world.
But still…
He had the opportunity to escape loneliness.
He could get help.
There was only one person near him. The woman, who abandoned everyone and
turned the whole world into her enemies, was ready to do anything for Or-Goul.
- But you didn't care about them ...!
- ...
- You can take offense at me! It's inevitable, you hate the whole world! But I will
never accept your words that no one wanted to help you! I will never believe that
nobody loved you! The reason why you disappear alone does not lie in the
" correctness " ... You yourself are to blame for this outcome, because you have
never loved anyone !!!!
In the past, Or-Goul could not love his family and other people due to distortions in
consciousness.
But Iris ...
She suffered the most from Or-Goul, but she still never stopped loving and protecting
him as a member of her family.
If Or-Goul had reacted to her love, perhaps something would have changed in him.
No, something must have changed in him.
But Or-Goul didn’t react. And this is his fully conscious choice.
If so, then Or-Goul is far from being a poor child who has been oppressed by the
" right " people.
He is a real selfish coward who only thought of himself.
- Ah ... ah ...
The real truth hit Or-Goul's chest harder than Stella's blade.
But, unfortunately, nothing can be returned back.
Regret from missed opportunities squeezed his chest with all force.
- WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!! - burst into tears Or-Goul.
An explosion of emotion occurred within him, but he could no longer do anything.
His regrets
His cry
Everything was engulfed in flames and burned to the ground.
Flaring up for the last time, Or-Goul's body completely turned to ash and night fell
back onto the battlefield.
A strong wind, blowing in their direction, began to sweep away his ashes and carry
away.
Even the world denied him and wanted to completely get rid of his traces of existence.
But before the ash of Or Ghaul was completely blown away by the wind, Stella held
out her hand.
- Dispel over the sea ... At first I really wanted to do this, but I will not do it. Out of
respect for Iris-san, I will put your ashes in her grave.
Stella managed to scoop up a handful of ash.
- If you really regret that you even cried; apologize and ask for forgiveness only
from her.
Immediately after her words, Stella turned the other way.
At a slow pace she walked towards the people who believed and waited for her.
As a sign of her victory, Stella raised the giant golden sword high above her head.
Thus ... the protracted war between Vermilion and Kledland came to an end.
 Chapter 25: End and Aftermath ...
Opening my eyes, I realized that there was darkness around me.
She was everywhere - on the sides; up and down.
There was nothing around me; I was floating in a completely empty space.
But I did not sink or float.
I was just in a dark world with no light, no sound, no heat.
... Is this death?
I remember what happened to me.
Pain from ripped chest.
Strange sensation after the viscera fall out.
Without a doubt, a person cannot survive such injuries.
I'm dead.
Ikki Kurogane could not survive.
…But,
Why did I open my eyes?
Why should I peer into this darkness if my consciousness has disappeared?
I do not know.
I don't understand anything, but it seems to me that something is happening.
Shine.
Light pierced through the dark mist.
A small ray the size of a fist fell on my recumbent body.
Like a guide, he seemed to invite me to follow him.
Ikki reached for the light. His hand began to move and tried to grasp this ray.
At the same moment
- Oh ...!
Ikki Kurogane's world has returned its colors.
Before his eyes was an unfamiliar ceiling. Bright LED lights dazzled Ikki's eyes.
Squinting his eyes, Ikki was already starting to ponder an escape plan when he realized
that he had been in bed the whole time.
Opening his eyes again, he began to look around more closely.
And it was then that his gaze crossed with the man.
- Ste ... lla ...? - muttered Ikki, seeing his beloved in front of him.
- ~~~~~~!
Stella, holding a vase of flowers in her hands, froze.
Her ruby eyes opened wide and her lips quivered.
But it only lasted a moment.
Stella closed her eyes, as if trying to control herself and opened her mouth:
“… You finally woke up.
Unlike the previous scream, there was a slight rebuke in her voice now. Still, it was
definitely Stella's voice.
- Awoke…?
- Something is wrong?
- ... Am I really alive ...
- It's true.
Talking to Stella, Ikki lifted his upper body up in bed.
Although every movement was a little painful, he could still move.
His hands reached out to his chest, Ikki immediately felt his own heartbeat. His lower
body also moved. He felt his legs wrapped in a futon.
His body is completely healthy.
And the realization of this reality greatly shocked Ikki.
- I'm really alive ...
Everything looked so incredible that he wanted more clarification from Stella. She, as
if feeling, opened her mouth and told how he managed to survive.
“Shizuku has arrived at the request of the Vermilion League headquarters . And she
... was able to restore Ikki by disassembling him into cells and recombining again.
- Incredible ...
... Is she really capable of this?
Isn't this real " raising the dead "?
All of this sounded incredible, but Ikki knew that Stella had no reason to lie.
If she said so, then it really happened.
Shizuku did manage to reverse the cycle of samsara.
A real miracle.
- It's amazing…
- The war ended happily with the victory of Vermilion. Ikki, thanks for the work
done.
-…?
Stella's words made Ikki feel extremely uncomfortable.
After all, from the very beginning of the conversation, she did not look in his direction.
And this vase with flowers in hand.
... It seemed to him that their reunion should have happened much more sensual.
But now Ikki felt ... lonely.
However, now is not the time for such feelings. He wanted to know fully what
happened after he died.
Vermilion won, but Stella is alive. What he had planned came true completely. But ...
how many sacrifices did it take to achieve such a result?
- What about the others? There were ... so many civilians.
- Nobody else died. Everyone worked hard and helped each other. Of course, even
after the past three days, the chaos will not soon settle in Kledland ... But I think
Yohanu-nii and Lune-ane will still be able to calm them down, - Stella answered,
still not looking at Ikki.
"So Yohan-san is okay?"
“I can't say for sure that he is okay, but Luna-ane is with him all the time. I think
everything will be fine.
- And Saikyo-sensei? If I remember correctly, she was badly injured.
- Sensei is a knight of the A-rank League . There are enough somatic cells in the cell
bank and there will be no difficulties in recreating a new hand ... But as for the
Tatars ...
- Tatara-san? What with her?
- She lost part of her face and right arm. She has destroyed half of her digestive
system. The lower body is completely destroyed. She, like you, Ikki, was very
seriously injured, - Stella answered sadly.
Stella said that it was only thanks to a powerful stimulant that Tatara managed to
survive. The analgesic effect helped Tatara not to die of painful shock, and the
hemostatic effect did not bleed.
“I asked Shizuka, and she healed Tatara’s brain that was decaying from the
stimulant… but still her body…
The damage to the body is too great.
You cannot fully recover even with healing capsules. Even if she somehow regains
the lost body parts, the nervous system will remain damaged.
Moreover, to restore all the missing parts of the body, the previously mentioned
somatic cells are needed. And this is a very expensive service in a cell bank. If you are
not a rich man, not a dignitary and not a blazer, which is very important for the nation,
then you may not even count on something like that.
But even so,
“I'm glad I survived,” Ikki said, hitting his chest.
Life is Beautiful.
As long as you are alive, any wounds can be healed. Like Moroboshi.
“It looks like Shizuku was working hard while I was sleeping.
Ikki simply has to thank her for his resurrection.
- Hey Stella. Can't you call Shizuka into my room? - Ikki asked and Stella
For the first time in their conversation, Stella looked at Ikki.
-… Actually, all this time she did not leave you anywhere.
- AND?
Surprised, Ikki looked around the room again, but saw no one. His sister was not in
this five-by-five tatami room.
- I don't see anyone here ...
- There! - said Stella, pointing with her fingertips to Ikki's chest.
"What ... what do you mean by this ...?"
- I understand that you are surprised and confused, but please calm down and listen
to me carefully. Ikki, you know very well that you died that day. Your body has
suffered very serious damage. Even the Tatars were doing much better ... But
Shizuku managed to bring you back, supplying your body with his own cells.
- …and
Stella's words washed over Ikki's mind like cold water.
- So your gesture that Shizuku is in me ...
- Yes, I literally meant it. Shizuku became part of Ikki's body.
- ...
Ikki's head started spinning, as if the world had just turned upside down.
If you think about it, the story is mysterious.
Ikki's injuries are much more serious than those of Tatara. But unlike her, he now lies
in bed completely intact.
Where could the lost fragments of his body come from?
- Really ...!
Why didn't he think about it right away?
Why? Why…?
- Why ... why did this fool do this ...!
- AND!? Hey what's going on!? Ikki, why are you crying !?
“But Shizuku sacrificed herself to help me! Whaaaa !!!!
Tears came to my eyes.
A cry of pain escaped from his throat.
But before Ikki completely covered the whole gamut of feelings,
- AND!? What !? You're wrong! Hey Shizuku! Do not be silent! Say something! -
Stella exclaimed.
And at the same moment
- Hee-hee, I'm sorry, but I could not resist. I wanted onii-sama to be a little worried.
The voice of the man Ikki had already said goodbye to in his mind came from the right
side of his ear.
- S-shizuku? Is it really you, Shizuku !?
- Yes, onii-sama.
- Shizuku!
Ikki turned excitedly to the source of the voice. Then he saw
- …and?
That a palm-sized Shizuku sat on his right shoulder. There was a wide mischievous
smile on her face.
- Good morning, onii-sama.
“What… what… what… What the hell is going on?
◆◇◆◇◆
Despite Ikki's loud cry, a chirping joyful laugh escaped from Shizuku's throat.
"Onii-sama, are you so worried about the size of your cute little sister?"
- AND!? What!? But you are so tiny! You seem to have turned into a drop! Ikki
exclaimed.
After all, he immediately noticed that in addition to the reduced size, Shizuku's body
had practically become translucent. It's like she's turned into steam through her Blue
Samsara technique .
“What… what happened to you!
Ikki was in complete disarray, so Shizuku decided to clarify.
- Stella already explained to you a couple of minutes ago. Your remains, onii-sama,
were badly damaged, and your somatic cells continued to deteriorate rapidly. If I
hadn't hurried, then your body parts that could still be used have also
collapsed. Therefore, I was forced to use my own body as a " link " to restore yours.
Say what you like, they were blood relatives. Her trick was completely successful, so
the smile on Shizuku's face still hadn't left.
“… But as long as I act as a" link "and borrow my somatic cells for your restoration,
I have no body. That little figure that you see was created from the remains of
somatic cells that were not needed in the process of your recovery. That is why my
current size is the limit for what I can do.
“Shizuku, but doesn't that mean you’re not alive now !? Albeit temporarily, are you
completely attached to me !?
- Hee hee. You know, onii-sama, I always thought it was great to become your flesh
and blood.
- In no case!
“… Don't worry, I won't do that. After all, I understand that you, onii-sama, will be
against it. At the moment, the restoration of your body is complete. Your body is
already capable of creating new cells by itself. I have merged with you to speed up
this process. Therefore…
In the same instant, Ikki's entire body glowed with a bluish, magical glow. The light,
focusing on one point, began to form a human image in front of Ikki. After a couple
of seconds, the intensity of the aurora decreased and the bluish light began to change
colors.
... And now his dear little sister again stands in front of Ikki.
“If you’re so worried, I can undo our merger,” Shizuku said with a proud smile,
thrusting out her small chest.
She detached from Ikki's body without any problems and returned to her normal size.
- …Good…
The realization that Shizuku sacrificed herself was an unbearable thing for Ikki. But
now that everything was back to normal, Ikki's tense body relaxed. He was so glad
that Shizuku was okay that he almost fainted. To support his sharply weakened body,
he leaned his right hand on the bed and took a deep breath.
Calming down and waiting for his raging emotions in his chest to subside, Ikki was
finally able to thank his little sister for miraculously saving his life.
- Thank you, Shizuku. It was only thanks to you that I was saved from inevitable
death.
- Ah ~~~~~ ♡
Upon Ikki's thanks, Shizuku reacted with a strange reaction. Her eyes gleamed
feverishly, which looked scary, and her breathing became heavy.
“It’s like heat is building up inside me. Onii-sama is so cute right now that I find it
difficult to stay calm. I can feel a strange desire waking up inside me ~ ♡
Shizuku gripped her shoulders tightly with her hands as if she were holding her body
from falling.
“You have done a great job to achieve such results ... I think I understand how you
feel, Shizuku,” Stella said.
Stella's face flushed a little; her gaze, which was looking at Ikki, was defocused, and
her mouth was slightly parted, as if she had no control over it right now.
-…? - Ikki bowed his head inquiringly, seeing in front of him the strange reaction of
the girls.
As soon as Ikki moved his head, his pajamas slipped off his shoulder.
His shoulder was completely exposed.
Ikki immediately tried to pull up his clothes, but ...
- AND?
At the same moment I noticed the strangeness.
Looking at his hands in his pajamas, only one thought entered his head.
Have his hands always been this small?
It seems not, Ikki never complained about too long sleeves.
-!
Ikki looked up and accidentally saw his appearance in the reflection of the window.
All extraneous thoughts instantly flew out of my head. After all, what he saw in the
reflection was he, Ikki Kurogane, only with the appearance of an elementary school
student.
- AAAAAAAAAAAAAA !? It is me!? Have I become a child !? Impossible
!! What!? Why is my voice so high now !!
`` Ah ~ Little Onii-sama's panic is so cute ~
Shizuku !? Why did I turn into a child !?
“When I broke the fusion and took all my somatic cells with me, the support of your
original body became impossible. This is your true appearance now, onii-sama.
- So now I ...
“There is a limit to my magic and concentration, so I cannot be inside you all
day. Moreover, I understood that onii-sama needed a body that he could control. But
your somatic cells were too few, so I thought and figured it was a good opportunity *
cough * ... ! So I tried and recreated the onii-sama from my childhood!
Is it good? Shizuku hugged Ikki's small shoulders with a proud smile.
Even though her words sounded suspicious before coughing, Ikki knew it was
necessary.
When Shizuku left his body, it is simply impossible to maintain the same size without
a sufficient number of somatic cells. That is why, in order for Ikki to somehow move,
there was only one choice - to reduce its size.
- So this is how it is. It looked like it was impossible to do without it.
- You are not going to mind?
- At first I was surprised and even scared. But your words completely convinced me
that this is a necessary necessity ..
- This is not my trick, I really could not help it. It was the only choice.
- I understand.
No matter how suspicious it all looks, there is nothing to be done.
There is no point in further discussing his appearance. Most of all now he was
tormented by a completely different question.
- I'm right that with my appearance ... the physical capabilities of the body have also
greatly decreased?
"That's right," Shizuku nodded. “Onii-sama, your physical capabilities are about the
same when you were ten years old. Now you can no longer behave recklessly. After
all, your body will not stand and break.
- That's how ...
“Besides, Stella, even though onii-sama looks adorable, you shouldn't do anything
obscene to him. After all, he now has a small body and a difficult fate. Stella, if I
find out that you have tried his nightly Itto Shura again , I will immediately spread
this information on social media.
- Hey! I wasn't even going to! What are you even thinking about!
“I think you are a monkey who has a passion for onii-sama all year round.
- It is not true!!
- However, if I merge with the body of Ikki, then I do not mind your
intercourse. After all, there is no guarantee that the child who will be conceived
during this time will belong to Stella.
- Ikki! I'm afraid of your little sister! How did it happen that she grew up such a
person!
Ikki didn't know the answer to that question either. After all, he ran away from home
when he was still in high school.
Perhaps his escape was to blame for his sister's behavior.
“I only ask you not to act unreasonably. Onii-sama was badly injured and lost about
thirty percent of his body. Please don't forget this.
- Good. I promise not to act unwise, ”Ikki nodded.
Perhaps the whole seriousness of Shizuku's words did not reach Stella, but Ikki took
her words carefully.
Even without her words, just listening to his body, Ikki felt that his physical strength
had significantly decreased, and his cardiopulmonary function had lost half of its
capacity.
Feels like his physical capabilities have dropped by fifty percent. If he tries to move
his body as before, then obviously nothing good will come of it.
In the current position, he needs to develop completely different ways of moving his
body.
But before,
- Um, Shizuku. I’m wondering if I’ll stay like this forever ...?
If so, then this is a pretty serious disadvantage. Even if Ikki develops new movements,
muscle strength is limited in a body with a small skeleton. And this is a very serious
drawback, because he is always used to fighting in close combat.
However, Shizuku responded negatively to Ikki's concerns.
- No you are not right. As already mentioned, I used the growth space of your body
for recovery. Onii-sama, you are still sixteen years old, and people can usually grow
to twenty-five. Therefore, you still have the makings for physical growth. If you
make the most of my technique, you can go back to the old look in six months.
- Six months ...! So I can return to my original body in six months !?
- According to my calculations, yes. Your body has not yet lost the opportunity to
grow and develop, therefore ...
- I understood, then it's okay. My current state is too cheap to be resurrected.
Within six months, it will be able to return to its previous size. Having experienced
the endowment. Ikki patted his chest.
Suddenly, the door to his hospital room swung open wide.
- ABOUT! Ikki Kurogane's little sister is here.
On the threshold stood a woman dressed in a beautiful bright red kimono. No doubt it
was Princess Yaksha Nene Saikyo.
Casting a glance at Ikki in bed, a sweet smile blossomed on her face.
- You finally woke up.
- Yes. Thanks to Shizuku.
- And by the way, you are now so cute and small. You know that?
- Yes ... This is also thanks to Shizuku ... - said Ikki, and lowered his head towards
Nene. “Thank you very much for watching my battle on the battlefield closely. If I
were alone, I could still buy time, but I would not be able to protect all the people
around me.
- This is teamwork. You don't need to thank me for my help.
- Not really. I want to thank you for leaving the role of suicide for me and not
intervening.
Then Nene unexpectedly appeared on the battlefield, she, too, could well intervene in
Ikki's fight against Or-Goul.
But she didn't. She completely trusted Ikki and waited for Stella to fully recover.
It was all about the civilians of Cledland. The League's vanguard forces were
destroyed, leaving the inhabitants of Kledland unprotected.
If Nene joined Ikki, a thousand ordinary people could die. No… the number of victims
could have exceeded tens of thousands while they were killing Or-Goul.
But no one was hurt, because Nene completely focused on protection.
Although the decision to throw a teammate may have been hard for her. Moreover,
she was his teacher at the Hagun Academy.
But still, Nene did not let feelings get the best of herself and continued to be guided
by reason. Namely, completely surrender to the protection of the inhabitants of
Vermilion and Cledland.
Although Nene was very worried about Ikki, she did not deviate from her intended
goal.
That is why Ikki wanted to thank her for such a choice.
However, at the words of Ikki, Nene just shrugged her shoulders.
“Fool, you don’t have to thank me for choosing to die on the battlefield. Your fight
was so aggressive. I just had to protect everyone around. Especially since Stella-chan
was more worried. She cried so much, screamed and raged at your corpse.
- Hey, wait! No need to say too much! Moreover, I was able to pull myself together
on my own! - Stella protested when Nene's words came about her.
However, Ikki was not worried.
His death should surely have upset Stella ... but she's not such a weak person that
bitterness could crush.
This girl proudly bears on her shoulders the fate of the country. It's not so easy to break
her.
Only Stella is able to turn anger into her own strength.
He only used Kuruisakura because he trusted his partner completely.
- Come on! After all, now everything is fine and everyone survived!
"So ... Do you have any business with Shizuku?"
- Oh, exactly! - Nene remembered her original goal and looked at
Shizuku. “Kurogane-chan, I brought you good news.
- What are you speaking about?
“I just got a message from the League headquarters . It concerns your ability to
" raise the dead" . Death was captured by everyone, but you were able to push your
desire against fate. Therefore, from now on, the League officially promotes Lorelei
Shizuku Kurogane to A-rank knight ... everything will be officially approved, of
course, only after all the paperwork.
“Shizuku, isn't that amazing !? Among all the knights-apprentices, only Stella and
Ouma-sama have A-rank!
Ikki was genuinely glad of the news just said, but ...
- ... Only I raised my rank? Shizuku asked.
Discontent was evident in her tone.
`` Didn't Onii-sama prove himself much stronger?
- Don't talk nonsense, - answered Nene. - Ranks in the League are not medals, but
just a system for managing blazers. All these pompous old men are not going to
change anything in the system for the sake of some knight who has gone beyond the
standards.
"Grrr," Shizuku growled angrily.
The truth made Shizuku terribly angry, but she couldn't do anything about it. Indeed,
a knight who can lose his life from one shot of a bullet cannot even be assigned an E-
rank. The League leadership could not make exceptions.
“Well, after all, League ranks are just decorations when it comes to" awakening . " I
don't think there are people left who look down on Kuro-kun after the finals of
the Seven Star Sword Art Festival and that recent heated battle. And by the way ... -
said Nene, turning towards Ikki. “Since you woke up, Kuro-boy, I also have something
for you. The secretary of the French branch of the International League of Mages-
Knights Levi Ascaris left a message for you.
- Ascaris ...
Ikki's breath caught in his last name.
After all, this surname has long been borne by the Black Knight Iris-Gole. This woman
must have been her relative or guardian in some way.
-… Please voice them to me.
Nene nodded affirmatively and opened her mouth:
- “I am grateful that my daughter did not feel despair and regret in the last minutes
of her life. If you have any difficulties in the future, please contact me. I, Bayonet
Levi Ascarid, undertake to personally help Kurogane to the best of my ability. "
- ...
- Why did you open your eyes so wide? Thought that you would be scolded without
hesitation in expressions?
- …Yes. This is exactly what I was waiting for.
“She’s saddened, no doubt, but that’s no reason to take it out on you. Iris-chan was
an independent person ... and that was exactly her real desire.
- …Probably.
It wasn’t said out loud, but Ikki realized that with these words Levi was trying to
protect him. Even though he killed her precious daughter, she did not want to admit
even the possibility that he would try to reproach himself and torment himself for that
act.
“Saikyo-sensei ... What about Iris-san?
- Her body was sent to France. She will be buried with the ashes of Or-Goul in her
home village.
- ... That's how. Great.
- The support of Bayonet Levi Ascaris is equivalent to the support of the entire
French League headquarters . Enlisting such allies is much more valuable than
raising some rank.
- ... But am I worthy? I don't think I deserve that kind of attention to myself.
- You're wrong.
- AND? - Ikki was surprised at such categorical words of Nene.
- There are at least three reasons. First, Kuro-boy, it is not up to you to decide
whether you are worthy of such attention or not. Second, it is useless to refuse. This
Baba Bayonet is not the kind of person who just scatters words and refuses
them. Third, Kuro-kun, you must not give up such valuable connections right now.
- Do I really need them ...?
- Kuro-boy, after this war your position has changed a lot. You are no longer the
talented kid who won the student festival. After you defeated the Black Knight, the
4th most powerful in the world and fighting under the banners of the International
League of Mages-Knights , you actually took her place and became the main fighting
unit of the League .
-…!
- After such a lot of people with their cockroaches in their heads will start roaming
around you. Some of them will experience admiration, some passion, some will
envy. And of course, there are those among them who will want to try to deal with
you.
Thus,
“As your sensei, I advise you to recruit more allies.
Nene's advice made Ikki feel bad memories.
Hagun Academy. Qualifiers for the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival . It was then that a
conspiracy was arranged against him, as in the best drama.
... There will always be people in the world who are ready to use the most vile methods
to destroy others.
Ikki didn't quite understand how to protect himself from this. If that incident occurs
again, he will fall into the trap again. And not only he can suffer. Many people who
are dear to him may also have problems.
To fight this ... there was only one force in the world - the political one.
Therefore, Nene's advice is very reasonable.
“Okay, then please tell her that I will count on her in difficult times,” Ikki said after a
little thought.
Ikki's answer completely satisfied Nene, and she loudly hit Shizuka on the shoulder.
- Well, on this note I say goodbye to you. Sis Kurogane, we have to go.
- Hey! Now I can not! I'm busy treating onii-sama!
“It's been thirty hours. You deserve a little rest.
- Ah. It looks like I can’t get out of it, ”Shizuku muttered in displeasure at Nene’s
decisive words. “In that case, onii-sama, I will have to leave you for a while.
“Shizuku, thank you very much for everything you've done for me. There are not
enough words in the world to express my gratitude to you, ”Ikki Shizuku thanked
before she left the room.
Hearing his words, a wide smile appeared on Shizuku's face, very rare for her.
“Oh yes, I forgot to say something important.
She stopped at the doorway and continued her words with a smile on her face.
- Onii-sama. When I announced that I would not mind becoming your flesh and
blood, you flatly refused. Surely you think this is too terrible, right?
- AND? Well yes…
“But what you did to Stella last time was much worse.
-…!
The words of contempt from his sister's lips made Ikki forget his breath. The wide
smile on Shizuku's face, as if glued ... there was no joy in it.
Anger, intense anger. That's what was reflected on her face.
- To die during a battle and to die intentionally are two completely different
things. You cannot use strategies in which death is required to achieve the best
result. People using such strategies are the worst scum in the world. I'm fine, because
I love you, onii-sama, and I'm already used to your antics. But Stella is completely
different. You told her you loved her. You swore that you would always stay with
her. When you've said these words, you need to be ready to take responsibility for
your love.
- ...
“Onii-sama, this time I'm not going to be on your side. Therefore, please do your
best to have your loved one forgive you.
After bowing to her brother and saying goodbye, Shizuku immediately left the room.
Even after she left, the room felt freezing cold.
◆◇◆◇◆
- ...
After Nene and Shizuku left, Ikki looked at the door for a while.
"But what you did to Stella last time was much worse."
The words echoed over and over in his head.
Suddenly a crimson light filled everything before his eyes. It was Stella's hair
fluttering behind her.
Loudly knocking her heels, she went to the door and reached for the handle.
- Wait ... - Ikki said reflexively, thinking that right now she would leave his room.
But a sound came to his ears.
* Loud grinding *
The sound belonged to the key. It looks like right now, with the help of it, they were
locking the door with special fury.
Hearing such an unpleasant grinding, Ikki shivered and shrank. His little body has
become even smaller.
“Um, Stella… you’re angry now… huh? - Ikki said timidly, watching her from the
bottom up.
However, Stella was not even going to react to his words. Ignoring him, she took a big
step, went to the window and grabbed the curtain.
* Loud grinding *
Stella pulled and drew the shade so hard that sparks fell from the hard rubbing of the
hooks and the cornice.
Thanks to her quick movements, the hospital room was plunged into darkness.
Ikki was left alone with the eyes of the Crimson Princess blazing with anger.
- Ah! - Ikki cried out.
Now he was not a frog tempted by a snake.
Before those flaming dragon eyes, he was just a pathetic insect.
- W-wait! Stella, please calm down! I'm really sorry I broke my promise! But at that
moment, so that no one died, only this plan came into my head! Ikki whispered
desperately.
But his words did not stop Stella. Step by step, she got closer to Ikki.
In the face of such a frightening reality, he could only continue to make excuses.
- If I fought along with Saikyo-sensei, then there would be no one to protect the
common people ... I had little strength, I could not deal a decisive blow to the Puppet
King ... Therefore, I decided to buy time for you and use the trick that you had be
sure to notice ...
" When you have said these words, you need to be ready to take responsibility for your
love. "
“… I cannot accept such excuses!
Exactly ... no matter how profitable my strategy was.
Those scornful words of Shizuku ... she's absolutely right.
I wanted to become one family with Stella. Therefore, I had a responsibility to her.
I promised to always be with her, I promised to love her, so my decision ...
Isn't it selfish?
You can't think of a worse way to make your soul mate suffer.
It was only after Shizuku's words that I realized ... how intense the pain was, tearing
my chest.
I could not even imagine how painful the death of a loved one is.
"God ... I doomed Stella to such suffering ..."
- I am really sorry! I will do anything to make amends for your anger towards me ...!
Even after his death, Stella ended the battle. She lived up to Ikki's trust, but ...
After my act, she clearly will not be calm and good-natured.
I hurt Stella so much that Or-Goul couldn't even dream about it.
Therefore, the only thing I can do now is just ask for forgiveness.
And until she forgives me, I have no right to any excuses.
- ... You can do anything? Stella asked, hearing Ikki's last words.
- Of course!
- Then with every good morning and good night you must kiss me.
- Good!
- And also every day for an hour you have to describe in poetic form what you like
about me.
- I-got it.
- Keep in mind, verses should not be repeated.
- I will do everything possible…!
- After that, when you have enough material, you will compile a collection of poems
of love for me and put it into circulation.
- AND!?
- And you are obliged to spend all royalties only on the satisfaction of my desires.
- Um, Stella ...?
Something is wrong.
Ikki peered carefully into the darkness and noticed that Stella's head was dropped
down.
- Hee-hee, a-ha-ha-ha!
Unable to hold back any longer, Stella exploded with laughter.
- Okay, it was a joke. I'm not angry anymore.
- Really?
- Yes. Shizuku said everything that was on my tongue, Stella Ikki replied with a
smile.
Her smile was far from happy. Bitterness was perfectly read in it.
"Are you really not angry anymore?"
- I was very angry. All this time I have been waiting for you to wake up to count all
the bones in your body.
- Right in the hospital?
- What? You can save time on transportation.
- Ah ...
“But I reconsidered my feelings. Ikki-san, you have a wonderful sister.
"... I've always been proud of her," Ikki agreed with a nod.
It looks like Shizuku saved him this time too.
“… But that's not the only reason I'm no longer angry.
Right. There was another good reason why Stella simply could not be angry with Ikki.
“Of course Shizuku's reproach also influenced, but ... I'm so glad I saw you alive,
Ikki ...
- Stella ...
- ~~~~~!
Unable to contain her feelings, Stella sat down on the bed and hugged Ikki's small
body.
- I'm sorry ... If I predicted that he would be able to move even after his own death,
you would not die ... Ikki, please forgive ...
Stella apologized for her own mistake.
She considered herself responsible for the act of Ikki, which cost him his life.
These words of apology were logical.
…But,
- Stella, you don't need to apologize ...
Right. A technique that activates after the death of your enemy. It is very difficult to
predict something like this.
Even Ikki had no idea that Or-Goul had something like that up his sleeve. Therefore,
if you ask for forgiveness, then only he needs it.
“I should have guessed that Or-Goul's trump ability. If I knew about her, I would not
let you go alone. If I were stronger ... I would not have been killed and this
conversation would not have happened.
Ikki and Stella were worried about theirs. But now all these torments are left behind.
Then what should they do now? What can they do in this situation?
Only one.
Gently freeing himself from the embrace, Ikki pulled back a little and put his hands
on Stella's trembling shoulders. After exchanging glances, Ikki sighed heavily and
opened his mouth.
“Together we must become even stronger. So that something like this never happens
in our life again, - said Ikki, wiping hot tears from Stella's cheeks.
A new promise made to them.
- ... Uh-huh.
Finally, a really happy smile came across Stella's face.
Misunderstanding and hostility disappeared. The boundaries are erased. Both lovers
felt the heat rise in their chests again.
As expected, their lips began to close. As if checking if the partner had disappeared,
Stella and Ikki merged into a kiss.
Sharing warmth with his beloved and feeling the heat of Stella's lips, Ikki remembered
the place where he was after his death.
Absolute darkness without heat, sound and light.
Monotonous space.
Once he is there ... he will never forget that place.
If he dies again, Stella's life will be a living hell.
I will never go back there. I will stay with her forever.
I need to get even stronger.
I swear, from now on, I will cling tightly to happiness ... I want to feel it deeper.
“Oh no,” Stella tried to pull away. - I'm very sensitive now. If we go further, I'm
afraid I won't be able to stop.
Ikki agreed with Stella's words. He, like her, was also now extremely excited.
But unlike her,
“Sorry, but the way back is closed.
- Hey !?
“… I can't hold back anymore.
Ikki's small hands gripped Stella's back and neck. Now she will not be able to leave
and escape.
With a rough movement, he pressed his lips firmly into hers.
It was no longer an ordinary lip-synching, but Ikki didn't care.
Not so long ago, he felt the loneliness of death. And right now he wanted to fill this
chilling cold with Stella's warmth.
- Stella ... Stella ...
“… Ah.
For a moment, Stella was shocked by Ikki's wild behavior, which absolutely did not
match him. But as she felt the tremor of his body, understanding arose in her head,
and she relaxed her shoulders.
Her beloved was completely chilled, and now he wanted to plunge into her warmth.
It was very nice for Stella.
"It's all true, it's like I'm waking up after a nightmare ..."
With a gentle movement, she wrapped her arms around Ikki's small body.
And that was the signal.
That he can do whatever he wants.
And that is exactly what Ikki wanted. Their kiss grew deeper and ...
- STELLAAAAAA! ARE YOU THERE!!
- Stella-chan! Something terrible has happened!
Suddenly for them, the locked door swung open with a loud bang.
- Oh!
- Oh ...
- Oh ~~~~
Stella's parents appeared on the doorstep. Namely Sirius and Astrea Vermilion.
There was no screen, so they immediately had a beautiful view of Stella and Ikki,
tightly clutching each other and kissing.
- W-what ... what DO YOU ALLOW YOURSELF!?!? Sirius flashed.
After the end of the war, he changed his mind about Ikki,
But right now, his paternal instinct took over him again.
- Dad !! Now is not the time !!
- It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! Mum! Mum! You will rip my ass off !!!!
Sirius' rampage was instantly stopped. Astrea gripped his buttocks tightly.
Continuing to hold on to Sirius and completely oblivious to his screams, Astraea
turned to Ikki:
- Ikki-san, you finally woke up ~ It's great!
With a special smile that neither Stella nor Lunaise had inherited, Astrea rejoiced at
Ikki's recovery.
In response, Ikki and Stella quickly broke the affinity. Although Ikki was extremely
uncomfortable, he still found the strength to answer.
- Y-yes, thanks.
- Fu-fu. Immediately after the end of the war, we brought you to Vermilion
Hospital. Are you okay? Nothing hurts?
“N-no, it's okay. True, thanks for your concern. I feel very good now.
- I believe ~
- ~~~~~
Ikki and Stella's faces flushed at the same time.
They did not hide their relationship. But just like that, catching the eyes of adults while
they exchanged affection ... it was extremely embarrassing.
With a mischievous smile, watching the embarrassed faces of Ikka and Stella. Astrea
opened her mouth again.
- Ikki-san, after the war, you are the hero of Vermilion. I would like to thank better
for everything you have done for us ... but I have to do it later. Stella-chan.
- What?
Stella immediately looked up at Astrea's changed tone.
- The point is that Tatara-san ...
Astrea told Stella the story in detail.
- What !? But why!?
The mother's words both confused and angered Stella.
◆◇◆◇◆
“As promised, I have prepared for you a small plane with an autopilot system.
The action took place at the Vermilion International Airport, which was still closed
during the hostilities. In front of a small jet parked on the runway were Daniel
Dandalion, secretary of the International League of Knight Mages in Vermilion, and
Yui Tatara in an electric wheelchair.
Glancing at the bright red jet plane, Tatara nodded in satisfaction.
“This is my reward for participating in the recent war. But isn't it too generous?
“Don't worry, the king himself gave permission for such a gift. If you are not
satisfied with the color, we have models in a different color.
- It’s just the color that worries me the least ... The question is quite different. Can
the head of the League branch provide such things to one of the assassins of
the Rebellion ?
- Oh, that's what you mean. You know, all I know is that you are an apprentice
knight from Akatsuki Academy. I have no more information about you.
“Hah, it looks like the Winged Prime Minister will soon have new chores,” Tatara
said mockingly, casting a glance at Dandalion's sly face.
The League branches and the League headquarters are two different things. League
branches are local organizations created by member states to interact with the main
headquarters.
Therefore, usually League branches listen more to the decisions of the local
government, rather than the orders of the headquarters.
The main point of the League has always been that small countries can cooperate with
each other in the face of a military threat from a large state. If the League interfered
excessively in the internal political affairs of its member states, this would negatively
affect its expansion.
This organizational structure has created a dilemma of understanding for Member
States. But it was this dilemma that tied the hands of the League during Vermilion's
military campaign.
Despite an obvious enemy, the League could not go on an open offensive.
A real headache for the man at the head of the entire faction.
"Perhaps in the future there may be a centralized power"
And if this happens, then Tatara will be able to start getting " work " from the League .
“The situation is bitter, but this is the prose of life,” thought Tatara, well versed in the
world of murderers.
After making her predictions about the future and assessing her present, she sighed
heavily.
Before returning to her professional work, she must heal the body.
"As soon as I return to Abgrund's house , I need to start rebuilding my body ... and
then immediately rehabilitate."
But this will take about a year.
For such a long time, the road to the professional path will be closed to her, but there
is nothing she can do about it.
Indulging in such gloomy thoughts, Tatara slowly moved in a wheelchair to the plane
to hit the road.
- Do you really want to leave right now?
“I’m already tired of being sulky in your castle for so long,” Tatara answered
Dandalion resolutely.
- Stella-sama will be sad.
“I don’t care,” the girl said shortly.
There was a distinct note of irritation in her voice.
The name of the girl Dandalion spoke. Only thanks to her ... Tatara was able to survive.
According to the information that she heard later, the urgently arrived rescue team
tried to cure her, but due to the monstrous destruction of the body, their help was
ineffective.
In return for saving her life, the Angel Dust stimulant destroyed her brain.
Only thanks to Stella, they were able to save her. Over and over again, Stella
desperately pleaded with Lorelei, who was not eager to spend her strength on saving
the life of the terrorist.
... But Lorelei was right.
The killer is not the person who should be lent a helping hand.
They should have simply forgotten about her.
"But…"
They didn't do that to her. Even if not completely, but her life was saved.
And this fact depressed Tatara.
Oh, this girl. If I stay here longer, who knows what might occur to her.
Therefore, we urgently need to leave this empire.
This is what Tatara thought as she approached the plane.
But,
- WAITIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!
A voice rang out.
The voice that Tatara least wanted to hear came from somewhere above.
Reflexively raising her eyes, a clear blue sky appeared before her.
And the brightly shining sun.
This crimson sun was falling rapidly right on her.
Bad feeling. A sixth sense, trained over a long career as an assassin, yelled at Tatara
about danger.
Trusting her instincts, Tatara immediately activated her noble art. The reflective
barrier spread completely around her.
Intuition did not disappoint Tatara, because in a moment the crimson sun fell from the
sky onto the jet plane and blew it up.
- AAAAAAAA!?!? - Tatara shouted, when the figure of Stella Vermilion appeared
in the red-black flame against the background of the burned wreckage of the plane.
- Fuh. It looks like I made it. Nice.
- Gorilla !? What are you doing!? You wanted to sit in front of me on the courts? -
Tatara exclaimed when she realized that her departure had been canceled by a rude
act.
But Stella, ignoring her protest, shouted:
- What are you doing, Tatara! Why did you run away from the hospital !? You
promised at the holiday party to try a delicious cake from Bonnie's house with
me ! Moreover, your injuries ...
Stella's face turned pale when she saw Tatara's body completely wrapped in
bandages.
-… Where are you going to go with such a body?
“Your parents should have told you. I am going back home.
- But you have nowhere to go!
Thanks to the efforts of Dirty Rose, Abgrund's house was completely destroyed. This
is what Stella had in mind when she said the last phrase.
“… Listen, Tatara. The news has not yet been officially announced, but once
Kledland calms down a bit, Luna-ane and Yohan-nii will announce their
engagement.
- Congratulations.
“In this regard, Luna-ane renounces her right of succession. In other words, I am the
next queen.
- Great, but it doesn't concern me, - with a bored face Tatara deliberately sluggishly
answered Stella's words.
It was a sign on her part that she did not want to continue the conversation.
But Stella was not going to stop.
“So I want to hire you when I’m queen.”
- … AND?
At Stella's last words, Tatara was speechless. After all, what her interlocutor said
sounded absurd.
- Not as a killer, but as a personal bodyguard for yourself. Your abilities are just
perfect for such a task. Naturally, you will be entitled to benefits. Well, the place of
residence.
Vermilion is not a very rich empire. But if you enter the elite Imperial Guard, rest
assured that the perks will be decent.
“You fought for Vermilion's existence. Nobody will mind, on the contrary, everyone
will be only happy. Why don't you quit your dark job then and start a new life in
Vermilion?
Stella with all the cordiality tried to persuade Tatara. Her proposal could have been
extremely interesting.
But,
... Tatara saw through and through what Stella was hiding behind her emotions.
- So you want me to give up the profession of a murderer and join you for benefits
when you become queen?
- B-be sure! We will do our best to meet your needs!
- Hehe, not bad. So let's discuss some of the nuances. Please come closer. I don't
want those League bastards to hear us.
- Now!
Like a dog, wagging her tail, Stella jumped off her seat and ran to Tatara. And that
was exactly what she needed. As soon as Stella got close enough, Tatara turned the
joystick and the wheelchair, rolling forward, kicked hard in Stella's shin.
- AND!? Hey, what are you doing! - Stella exclaimed with tears in her voice at the
unexpected act of her interlocutor.
“It looks like we didn't understand each other,” Tatara said with disgust.
-…!
“There was some confusion due to a misunderstanding, so let me clarify the real
situation. First, I did not fight for your empire. I am the murderer of
the Abgrund house and did my job. Second, I and only I are to blame for my
injuries. So I don't need any sympathy, especially from you.
- ...
The last phrase of the Tatars made Stella fall into silence. After all, she herself
understood that the proposal " to fight for Vermilion " was only a pretext invented in
a hurry.
And this is not good, such things should be carefully considered.
“If you are really going to become the queen of your empire, you need to be more
careful with people like me. I do not fit your environment. Whatever happens to me,
I no longer have anything to do with your life.
- No you have !!
- …AND!?
- You are dear to me, Tatara !!
The main reason Stella didn't want to let go of Tatara was because she was very
attached to her.
- It was Tatara who made me stronger! It was you who pointed out all the flaws to
me, so only thanks to you I was able to defeat Or-Goul! And that is not all! You
fought bravely for Vermilion to the very end! I don’t want you to heal your wounds
and leave me !!
Stella completely abandoned all contrived reasons. She didn't care about them
now. The person in front of her helped her to protect the most precious thing in her
life.
And now Stella didn’t want Tatara to return to the world of darkness alone.
If she lets her go now, they won't meet again.
Don't go away. The whole sight of Stella crying spoke of it.
- ...
This time, Stella's words silenced Tatara.
… To tell you the truth, she expected something like this to happen.
First match at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival . It was then that Stella fully showed
her real herself.
She shouldered the difficulties of others that she should not have faced
personally. Despite the enormous danger, she fought against three at once. That's what
Stella Vermilion was behind the man.
I knew that ... but I got too close to her anyway.
I had acted carelessly, and now I am trapped.
But,
Despite everything, this situation was not unpleasant for Tatara.
The feeling that she is in someone's heart ... was pleasant to her.
If she dies, then at least one person will shed tears over her.
Tatara behaved coldly towards Stella, told her nasty things ... but she did not hate her.
Tatara liked Stella's kindness. And even though she could not honestly admit this
because of her callous nature, Tatara did not want to lose this feeling.
… But within herself, she understood that she had no right to her kindness.
Therefore,
-… Our relationship is not so close.
-!
- But all the same, thanks for your concern, - Tatara thanked.
Her words to Stella came from the heart, but ...
“I don’t want to disturb my lifestyle, even for your sake,” Tatara said flatly. - I am a
killer. And already killed a dozen people.
- But this is because you were born in that place ...!
- You're right, my place of birth cannot be called safe. However, this does not
change the fact that I am a murderer. The people I killed will never be resurrected.
- ...
- Moreover, in my opinion, it would be stupid if a person like me, who knows
nothing about a peaceful life, ended his existence like this.
“But living a decent life and trying to atone for your sins is much better than
continuing to be a murderer!
- You are not right.
- Why!
“Because I don’t think I’ve done bad things.
-… !?
“Before going down the path of redemption, one must first feel regret for all the
people I have killed…” said Tatara.
Inside herself, she understood that she did not have such feelings and that they were
unlikely to appear.
It is bad to kill and harm people. Such a simple rule was not instilled in Tatara.
Who do you kill this time to get another bar of chocolate? That was the choice she
faced all her life.
She did not remember the faces or names of her victims. Killing has become a daily
routine for her.
Therefore, the path of redemption is simply impossible.
“I'm a killer monster. When I realized this, there was no way back. How many masks
have I changed, how many personalities have I discarded ... no, I'm not going to pose
as a victim, supposedly forced to do all this because of a bad place.
I am not going to become a coward and abandon the chosen path.
I will not be able to correct any of my past actions, so the only thing I can do ...
- I want to continue to live as before.
I want to live like a villain and am not going to change anything in my lifestyle ... I
will continue to do bad things. And maybe someday, if I manage to survive in this
damn world, I will feel joy.
- This is my choice and my struggle. Thanks again for your concern, but don't get in
my way.
- …you…
All the feelings that Stella felt inside her could not be expressed in words.
Although the Tatara's answer was sharp, it was also decisive.
Stella didn't like him ... but she could only bite her elbows in frustration.
Stella could only surrender.
Another's will cannot be so easily crushed. Stella figured it out on her own.
Therefore,
- …I understood. Sorry, I won't hold you back anymore.
Stella's surrender brought a smile to the Tatara's face.
- Do not worry. Yui Tatara never existed. I'm just a ghost that everyone soon forgets
about, ”Tatara said.
Immediately after her words, she turned away from Stella and rolled in a wheelchair
towards the small multi-colored planes that Dandalion carefully prepared again.
- Whimper.
Stella's sobbing sob came from behind Tatara.
But there was no sign of pursuit from her.
Stella was torn apart by two opposing feelings at the same time. She wanted to rush
forward and stop Tatara, but at the same time she accepted her will and could not stop
her.
- Sob sob.
Stella's sobs became more frequent.
Tatara's heart felt pain and longing, but she convinced herself that this was her
punishment.
From the beginning, she should not have played with the heart of this girl capable of
such kindness.
- Whimper ~~~~ ya.
Keep forever in your heart the feelings of the girl who was hurt.
Tatara rolled towards the plane faster so that she would not hear more of Stella's sobs.
But until she reached the end of the journey, the sobs sounded louder behind her.
- Wow ~~~ ...!
Stronger…
- UAAAAAAAAAA.
And stronger ...
-
UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAA !!!!
- Lord! What else was this !?
Against the background of loud crying, there was a loud click, as if something had
cracked in Stella.
Where does this sound come from?
Ah, here's the thing. Stella's head is lifted up strongly.
If Tatara leaves everything as it is, then most likely Stella will break the cervical
vertebra.
And this is already too much. Sharply turning the wheelchair, Tatara aptly threw
something at Stella.
Card. The card hit the bridge of Stella's nose with a straight edge.
- AND!? What are you doing ~~~~~!
“That was the only way to shut you up! I will not change my choice, so stop crying!
- What! I wasn't going to convince you! Tatara, you fool! - Stella protested in
response to the rude words of the Tatara.
Reluctantly reaching for the card that Tatara threw at her, Stella's eyes widened with
amazement.
"Is it ... a business card?"
- Yes. This is my killer's calling card.
- Do murderers have them?
- AND? Why not? It's a business, after all, - Tatara shrugged her shoulders over
Stella's naive question. “This card has all my contact details ... If the king approves
of your marriage to the guy who led Vermilion to victory, please contact me. I will
come to your wedding ... Now stop crying at last! Annoying!
It was ... an unexpected concession from the Tatara.
Do not forget and form some kind of connection with her.
Stella's eyes, which had just oozed with sadness, brought back life and sparkled
brighter than rubies.
- Tatara! Is always! You must always contact me!
- Oh my god ...
“… Hey! Here are my contact details! Be sure to save them correctly! I want to
communicate with you! This is not up for discussion! If you deceived me, I will
clothe the whole world, but I will find you!
“… Got it.
Why did I turn around? In her head, Tatara cursed herself many times while Stella,
with burning eyes, wagged her tail in front of her.
No doubt I've just done an unnecessary thing. It can come out sideways to me and cast
a shadow over the intended lifestyle.
But maybe ... I wanted to do it?
- ...
Stop digging into yourself, I already spent a lot of time on Stella.
It's time to finally say goodbye and take a break.
Grunting displeasedly, Tatara turned away from Stella and did not turn to her again.
She even ignored Stella 's cheering exclamations of "remember to add my contacts"
and "please don't overexert yourself . " Having silently reached one of the colorful jet
planes, Tatara climbed into it and closed the door tightly behind her.
After that, she immediately hurried to the control panel and turned on the autopilot,
not forgetting to enter the coordinates of Abgrund's house .
"Oh"
Only on the plane did Tatara remember one thing that she forgot to tell Stella.
However, if she now opens the door, then Stella will certainly come running to her
and start wagging her tail again.
And this is so ... annoying.
Moreover, Tatara didn't really want to contemplate Stella's smile when she told her
about something.
The door remained closed and Tatara started the plane's engine.
Trusting fully on autopilot, Tatara grabbed the phone from her pocket and deftly typed
an email with one hand to the new contact she had just added.
- My name is Vier. At our next meeting, I will respond only to this name.
As soon as she pressed the send button, the plane picked up speed and took off.
- ~~~~~~~~~~!
"At our next meeting"
The words of a friend, whom she thought she would never meet again, completely
washed away all the despair in Stella's heart.
- Weeeeeeeeer! We will definitely meet again !!!! - Stella shouted, running towards
the plane.
She did not stop waving her hand until the plane completely disappeared over the
horizon.
Stella was overflowing with courage and determination right now.
At the next meeting, she was going to completely change Vier's mind.
At first, Stella accepted her will and desire and just let her go.
But after this letter ... not all is lost.
Vier can still choose a new meaning in life.
After all, until now, even though she never admits, she has not managed to find the
meaning of existence.
But I ... can help her.
She may be annoyed, she may be angry
But I won't give up.
I will try again and again.
And sometime in the future, my words will surely reach her heart.
Until then, I'll wait. After all, not a single person in the world should lead a
meaningless existence.
Yes, Vier?
 Epilogue: Justice Diving
The war between Vermilion and Kledland ended with the death of Or-Goul's chief
terrorist, thanks to Ikki's clever actions.
The crisis has come to an end. Both countries started helping each other to heal their
wounds.
The damage is great, many people died or suffered as a result of this war. Nevertheless,
by supporting each other, both sides will be able to overcome all difficulties.
But…
Unfortunately, not everything can be settled.
Before unleashing a war between Vermilion and Kledland, Or-Goul attacked and
completely destroyed the Rebellion 's headquarters .
International League of Mages-Knights.
Alliance of the Great Powers.
The uprising was the only force maintaining the fragile peace between the two
factions.
But now the Uprising has been destroyed. Irreversible consequences are about to
make the world change.
The League and the Alliance ... The era of open confrontation between these two
factions has already arrived.
The first clash occurred two weeks before the Vermilion military campaign. Once the
headquarters of the Rebellion , located in the Alps, was destroyed, countless armed
soldiers landed on the decapitated peaks of the Alps.
On the back and on the sleeves of each soldier's uniform was the "PSYON" emblem,
indicating that they were all " psychics" of the largest nation in the world - the United
States.
- Charlie! We must protect Dad!
- So exactly my lady !!!!
- The color of magic. " Brush of the Demiurge ".
Glancing at the enemy soldiers, Rinna Kazamatsuri, Charlotte Corday, and Sarah
Bloodlili prepared for battle.
They wanted to protect at all costs Kuza Kazamatsuri, who was both the head of
the Rebellion and the father of the girls, and the Prime Minister of Japan, who had
arrived at the request of an old friend.
But,
- You three. Calm down, ”said Kuzu Kazamatsuri in a determined tone.
- But dad!
“I know how strong you are with me, but you cannot defeat him…” said Kuzu
Kazamatsuri, throwing a frown at the gray-dull sky in front of him.
Countless skydivers continued to descend the gentle peaks of the Alps.
But among them there was a special one ... descending the slowest of all, he descended
the mountain without a parachute.
A blond blond with bumpy hair, half of his face was hidden by a visor.
- After all, this is the commander of the " psychics ", who is also Desperate ...
Superman Abraham Carter.
In the United States, which is the largest military power, this " psychic " was the
strongest combat unit.
To resist this is simply dangerous. Moreover, when the Uprising is defeated and most
of the Numbers either died or were still on assignment. Therefore, Kuzu decided to
stop his daughters.
While they were exchanging phrases, Abraham Carter descended from heaven to
them. Looking at them from under his visor, he opened his mouth and spoke in a tone
in which not a single emotion was felt.
- Japanese Prime Minister Bakuga Tsukikage. The head of the largest Kazamatsuri
conglomerate, Kuzu Kazamatsuri. As the US envoy for global justice, I must ask you
one question. All of you standing in front of me at this moment ... who are
you? Friends? Or enemies?
 Author's Words
Thank you for reading Chronicle of a Failed Knight Volume 15 .
First, a little about the author's experiences.
When I wrote the postscript at the beginning of September ... there was an earthquake,
typhoon and other terrible things.
Although the earthquake happened in Hokkaido (it touched me weakly), I suffered
from a typhoon, because my home is located in Osaka.
So far I have moved to Tokyo and, in principle, everything is fine with me. But in my
parents' house the tiles were blown off the roof and now the house is flooded with
torrential rains ... My friend's car was seriously damaged, all the windows were broken
and the shed was seriously damaged.
Perhaps, among you, readers, someone has suffered. We all knew the horror of the
disaster ... After all that had happened, I realized that I needed to better prepare before
the warning.
For example, it is important to have cash on hand, even if not a lot. After all, when the
electricity goes out, all ATMs are de-energized.
As for my house, it was destroyed a little. Even the electricity was cut off ... But,
fortunately, my family and cat were not hurt.
Okay, maybe it's time to get back to the piece. This volume was the last, and the story
of Vermilion ended. The next arc will take you back to Japan and tell the story of Ikki's
former rivals.
After all, not only Ikki and Stella fought in Vermilion. In Japan, too, oh, how not
calm. Hi Or-Goul (he is again).
I could write more details here, but I think it's not worth it ...!
I hope you, like me, will look forward to the release of the new volume!
In the end, I would like to thank the people who helped this volume come out.
The publisher and his editor, illustrator, and of course you, my dear reader.
Thank you very much!
See you in the next volume.