Questioning the cruelty of the world is answered with a voidless echo
It took Kurumi Tokisaki only a second to process the fact that Hibiki Higoromo was abducted by the White Queen.
A dreadful yet unsurprising turn of events.
Ever since the first battle with the White Queen, this scenario was in Kurumi’s mind.
The thought that harmless Hibiki would not get involved or targeted in this feud was abandoned since the first confrontation with White Queen.
So Kurumi was not stunned for that reason.
Furthermore, the White Queen’s tone of voice was nostalgic.
It was undoubtedly Kurumi Tokisaki’s friend’s voice.
Despite that the Kurumi who fights in the Neighboring World was a clone born from <Het>, she was still a part of her past.
Once a great friend who she inevitably parted ways with.
Sawa Yamauchi was her name.
Deep breaths. Kurumi changed her thoughts while exhaling.
“Kurumi Tokisaki!”
“Ariadne, are you okay?!”
Tsuan and Haraka Kagarike ran towards them.
Ariadne got up with a pale face.
“What happened?”
“Hibiki was abducted by White Queen.”
The news was casually stated and Tsuan had a remorseful look on her face. Kurumi had been kept away from Hibiki due to Tsuan’s petition to fight.
“My fault, I’m sorry.”
“No…”
Kurumi shakes her head and reassures the remorseful Tsuan. Even if it’s Kurumi and Hibiki, they weren’t together 24/7… probably.
Despite how vigilant they may be, there were undoubtedly going to be cracks. This development was expected.
“Besides, how’s Ariadne-san—”
“I-I’m fine. If anything, I should be apologizing.”
“No, it was fortuitous that you survived an encounter with the White Queen.”
For the White Queen, it was a race against time. Kurumi and Hibiki were apart, but if they sensed any irregularities, they could have easily regrouped in turn in order to aid her.
The White Queen judged that Hibiki Higoromo was more important than even the top of the Quasi-Spirits, the Dominions. Arguably the most powerful figures in each region.
In other words, White Queen recognized that Hibiki Higoromo was Kurumi’s ultimate vulnerability.
“I wonder if Hibiki is alright?” Ariadne questioned with a slant of her head.
“…Probably, for now.”
They know. They are aware. They had previously discussed with Hibiki about what the White Queen might do to her, what she would do to her. However, the Queen may also act on a whim, taken by the moment, so there may be a chance the assumption would not be the course of action the Queen would take.
The White Queen is strong. In the sense of her combat capabilities, her Three Executives and the existence of countless chess pieces, Empties, who are willing to die for her.
But that wasn’t the worst aspect.
If it were only that, then she could be categorized as simply “just strong”. The true worst aspect was the White Queen’s malice. The intent to destroy the Neighboring World and the intent to harm Kurumi Tokisaki was far more savage than anyone else.
If it’s the will to fight, she will fight back. If it’s the intent to kill, she will kill her in kind.
However, one cannot fight back malice with simple retribution. One must think ahead, hold her back, find her faults, and most of all, must be willing to cut her down.
If she has the utmost malice, simply killing Hibiki Higoromo would not satisfy her. There was a hunch that she absolutely will challenge [Kurumi].
“…What should we do?”
The Fifth Region Gevurah’s Dominion and Tsuan’s master, Haraka Kagarike, questioned the group. Kurumi replied with a solid gaze.
“We will go to a decisive battle at the Second Region Chokmah.”
The party then flew to the Second Region Chokmah where Maya Yukishiro, Carte À Jouer and her four best cards, as well as Cistus, awaited.
◇◇◇
Fu, she awakens. She slowly opened her eyelids and sighed.
“What is wrong, my Queen?”
Queen quietly laughs at Rook’s words.
“I was having a dream.”
“A dream… Was it about the past, or a fantasy?”
There are two types of dreams: dreams about the past and dreams about one’s deepest thoughts.
“Fumu. …The past, I should say. The past I should have abandoned long ago, that has not crossed my mind until the present… But it can’t be helped as I met once more with Kurumi-san.
The memories were brought back from dormancy. Hehehe, what an odious person…”
Missed, hateful, regretful to part, yet abandoned past.
Rook sensed something dreary in White Queen’s calm tone of voice so hurriedly changed the topic.
“Preparation for sortie is complete. Ready to begin on your order.”
“Not everything. It was arranged to let the thing Summoner summoned go on a rampage.”
“I’m—very sorry about that.”
“It was not your responsibility. The thing went on a rampage of her own. To be entirely honest, I didn’t think she would be stopped.”
“The former Dominion of Gevurah’s power bent the rule of the region. That skill, or so it is called, was able to close the gap in power?”
Gevurah was a region where the rules of a fantasy RPG world were at play. There, you did not require a combat-oriented Unsigned Angel to fight as you could gain skills, experience, and magic upgrades to compensate for any shortcomings.
Of course, this only applied in Gevurah and did not matter in the destination of Chokmah, or any other regions for that matter..
Quasi-Spirits in Gevurah were good combatants, however they were not the strongest in the Neighboring World. If they relied solely on the skills gained in Gevurah, they were unable to fight in other regions, or at least put at a severe disadvantage compared to a Quasi-Spirit with a powerful Unsigned Angel and invaluable combat experience.
“…Let’s forget that has happened. We cannot use that thing twice. It was meant to be an opening act.”
“Yes… It is about time.”
“Yes, it is about time we destroy the Neighboring World and make everything mine.”
“There is one thing I’d like to ask, my Queen.”
“Yes?”
“What will you become after that? A god? Or—”
“I’m not sure, I’m not interested.”
White Queen replied bluntly, cutting off Rook’s further comments. Rook hastily apologizes and bows her head.
If everything goes to plan, all of the Neighboring World’s Reiryoku will be in White Queen’s hands. The Neighboring World will be destroyed and Quasi-Spirits will be extinct. What is left will be the void and the Queen.
However, that was an overwhelming amount of Reiryoku.
With that power, it was possible to rebuild the Neighboring World, return to the other world or continue to exist forever.
However.
Those were not White Queen’s wishes.
Brief silence.
“Well… General. I’ll leave it to you for now. I will be going to sleep. If anything happens, we shall swap.”
White Queen spoke as she closed her eyelids once again.
“Queen…”
The Queen stood up in response to Rook’s call.
“Now everyone, let’s overrun Chokmah. They are expecting a decisive battle—so we will crush their hopes with overwhelming despair.”
White Queen walked with Rook and opened a massive door, on the other side was a vast number of life-forms.
There were countless of them. The girls who were referred to as Empty—sub Quasi-Spirits soldiers who lacked identities and wills to live.
Their army outnumbered the Quasi-Spirits.
“They don’t even know that the Empties who were invading were just surpluses.”
To become a Quasi-Spirit, one must die or be dragged into the Neighboring World. The ones
who lose their reason to live turn into Empties.
However, the Empties here were different. They were built through the power of White Queen’s <Lucifugus>. They were born through the Gemini Bullet <Teomīmu>. Unlike <Zafkiel>’s <Het> where past clones are summoned, <Teomīmu> summoned degraded copies of White Queen.
However, this was its downfall. The Queen simply could not accept the existence of a degraded, inferior copy of herself. Consequently, she altered this ability. In order to create a different army, she diluted these copies in order to create a force of meaningless troops. She inputted the command “obey the Queen” into the degraded copies.
“Empties.”
The Empties reacted to the Queen’s call. General swung her saber and announced calmly.
“White Queen will give thou life. Now fight, and die.”
The Empties responded to the sound of White Queen’s saber instead of her voice.
“Sacrifice yourself to the Queen. Life, war and everything you possess. Sing the song of destruction loudly, cheerfully, and meet a benevolent death, trembling in rapture for your service.”
A cheer of joy thundered in response to General’s words, scattered shouts of praise combined with unified gushes from the mindless army.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“We give our life to the Queen!”
“For the sake of the Queen! For the sake of the Queen!”
And one last unified surge of empty voices:
“For the sake of the Queen!”
The Queen was showered with enthusiastic faith, enthusiastic screams and warm, warm love.
“What an uproar,” the Queen muttered in a cruel, cold voice.
For White Queen, they were a despised existence. Just like everything in the Neighboring World.
◇◇◇
“Your name?” The girl asked her.
“Hibiki Higoromo.”
“What is your Unsigned Angel?”
“<King Killing>.”
“Age and residence?”
“I don’t know. Probably Japanese?”
“Why are you alive?” The girl didn’t falter as she questioned Hibiki further. Hibiki slanted her head at the question.
“Hmmm… I want to make Kurumi Tokisaki’s wish come true.”
“Why are you here?”
“I was captured.”
“Why are you alive?” The girl repeated, not breaking her stare from Hibiki.
“Like I said…” Hibiki whispered. Such unnerving words, spoken by an existence so abnormal.
“Why are you here?” She was asked again. Hibiki felt her resolve shake.
“Stop… Please stop…”
“Why do you exist? Why are you alive? Why are you here? Why do you think it’s acceptable to be here? Why are you not dead yet? Almost everything about you is akin to an Empty.”
The answer blanked. The thought didn’t go away. Head spinning, she felt like she had forgotten how to breathe and was suffocating.
Of course, this was brainwashing. She understood that they were trying to diminish her sense of existence and her very own identity. She understood this, but silence was agony and she was afraid to lie. After replying to the rapid fire questions, she had slowly forgotten who she really was.
Her Astral Dress and Unsigned Angel had been altered. Her identity itself was being rewritten, defining features, what made Hibiki Higoromo, Hibiki Higoromo. It was as if she was not herself anymore.
The reflection persistently questions. The concept of herself was being torn asunder.
Calm down, her heart screams with all the power it can.
…First of all, my name is———ah, um, Hibiki, if I remember correctly. Yes, my name is
Hibiki. That’s right. That’s probably right. It’s not wrong. I… I’ve forgotten my last name but that’s alright.
Right now, I am one of the Three Executives.
Which one was I? Bishop, Rook or Knight? One of them. The one who controls the Three Executives is the Spirit, the White Queen. She is the enemy of Kurumi Tokisaki and has taken control of me.
While trying to calm her racing thoughts and compile what she knew, Hibiki desperately resisted the sudden, invasive urge to serve the Queen.
Imagine—being blown away endlessly by a tremendous wind.
Imagine—the destination is a cliff, blown towards it. Struggling desperately to not fall off it.
Imagine—nails slowly tearing off, fingers breaking, fingerprints being grazed off.
Imagine—just before falling, desperately holding onto the edge of the cliff.
Imagine—the tremendous wind continuing to blow as the fingers part from the cliff one by one.
The wind slowly erased Hibi◾◾ ◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾. Whispering to abandon something that must not be forgotten, something that she cherishes.
There was no help. There was no savior. There was no miracle.
There was only the harsh reality that she will turn into another person.
It must not be forgotten.
Her existence, it must not be forgotten. It must be clung onto. It must be held onto. Ah, but the fingers, they keep slipping. There is no hope for me once I fall into hell. That would be the end of it. Persevere to my limits, persist, persist—!
Ah… but.
There is no point in persisting.
Because. Of course.
It will not change the outcome.
Soon I will part ways with the person I had forgotten the name of.
The unnecessary thoughts struck a devastating blow. Screaming, I was blown away by the ferocious storm down into hell.
I had forgotten who I was or who I cherished.
I rolled over quickly.
—Ah, ah. After all it was that simple.
As if she was tired of it, as if she was neglecting it, she sighed a breath of relief.
It was as if she didn’t hear it herself.
◇◇◇
They moved from the Fifth Region Gevurah to the Second Region Chokmah at blinding speed. Haraka Kagarike forcibly opened a shortcut between the regions, and the gate was forced open. The party ran across the <Shamayim Kaveesh> to Chokmah.
“But Master, why are we having a decisive battle at Chokmah?” Tsuan asked as they traveled.
Haraka scratched her head and replied.
“Ah—Tsuan, you know that I’m not good at explaining difficult matters… Well, honestly, I don’t know.”
“I know. So I won’t rely on you and I’ll swing the question to Ariadne instead.”
“Did you need that lead up? Whatever, please explain it to us Ariadne.”
“Eh~ How bothersome…” Ariadne let out a soft sigh.
“Please, somehow!”
“I was talking a lot to Hibikin just then but I guess it can’t be helped. Please inquire to Maya afterwards. My explanation is a bit brief.”
Ariadne puffed out her cheeks alongside slouching, creating a dramatic scene of an arduous exhale. She reopened her eyes after a moment, keeping them half-lidded as if to emphasise her reluctance.
(Below is Ariadne’s explanation.)
Well, where were we? Oh yes, about Chokmah. There’s no point hiding it anymore, so I’ll tell you outright. Chokmah is the “control hub” region. It controls the Reiryoku in the Neighboring World and distributes it to the other regions. I suppose it’s like an invisible water pipe with invisible water?
Anyway, we—we, as in Haraka-chan, Maya-chan and I, feared that someone would manipulate this hub and use it for evil. Needless to say why…
If Reiryoku can be controlled artificially then a Quasi-Spirit capable of manipulating the crux of Reiryoku flow would be omnipotent. We happened to discover this in Chokmah while we were exterminating bad Quasi-Spirits. We caught them just before they were able to harness it.”
“Ah—that was rough. We were just new Dominions back then so that must have been a while back now.” Haraka interjected.
Yes. You have since aged, Haraka. Don’t get mad, don’t get mad, I’m only joking.
Now… Going back to what I was talking about. At the time we decided that no matter how trustworthy someone may be, we will never tell them of this fact.
Ah, relief.
I could finally tell this secret.
No matter how intimate, no matter how reliable, we could never disclose the fact. Also, Haraka-chan and Maya-chan were just a little uneasy.
“Well of course… The friend right in front of us could have destroyed the Neighboring World if they were tempted to. I don’t want to say it like this but we were afraid of each other.”
Yes, yes.
I was more fond of you two after the fact though. I was trying to read both of your every thoughts with the utmost effort. Such as, right now Haraka-chan is hungry and Maya-chan wants to read a new book.
“Hey, hey… That’s kinda embarrassing… The only thing I know what you’re thinking about is wanting to sleep and that’s it.”
That’s because that’s what I want to do.
Well, it’s established that White Queen first targeted Binah. This is the region where she was “born”… Then she planned to take over every other region using Empties as her pawns.
At first we suspected she was just another strong but infuriatingly cocky, brazen Quasi-Spirit. We did see those types of girls appear from time to time.
But we quickly found out that was not the case.
This was due to her absurd speed in advancement, but also how she fought With a visceral, aggressive intent to destroy the Neighboring World. She made sure to attain what she needed to achieve her goal and where it was at any given point in time.
After a few invasions she had realised that Chokmah was her destination—a place to ascend to the level of gods.
◇◇◇
“…Is that so.”
Kurumi murmured. As she muttered, she looked down at her gun and then glanced towards Ariadne. Ariadne flinched, sensing danger.
“Please be assured. I don’t intend to take the place of White Queen.”
“I wish I could trust you.”
“There is no need to. However, you’ll mentally strain yourself before the battle if you stay alert unnecessarily.” Ariadne replied with a sigh.
Strange, she thought. Originally, she was going to tell Kurumi Tokisaki about this fact. Sooner or later she was going to find out about it. Hiding it would have made the anxiety worse.
Well, she understood something was different between now and back then. Hibiki Higoromo wasn’t here right now. At first glance Kurumi didn’t look any different. However, without Hibiki, she had a dangerous aura. No place to go, no place to return… She was like a sobbing lost girl.
She displayed immense combat capabilities and killing intent as if to fight that brief feeling of sorrow. Like a viper rearing to strike, Kurumi was on edge, trying to push down the nagging feeling of concern and loss.
If she decided to, the currently unstable Kurumi Tokisaki is capable of destroying the world. If Hibiki was here, she would say something nonsensical and Kurumi would return to her normal self and sigh at her innocently.
“If only Hibikin was here.”
“Even if Hibiki-san was here, nothing would be different.”
Ariadne smiled at Kurumi, arguing or agreeing with her would result in a fight breaking out.
“Well everyone, we’re here.”
Ariadne hastily stops after hearing Haraka speak. The gate was already open with Chokmah on the other side.”
“Wow… it’s been a while.”
Ariadne thought she would never return to this region again.
With Ariadne and Haraka present at Chokmah, one could believe they were here to destroy the Neighboring World.
There was a narrow passage on the other side of the gate. The wall, floor and roof were all bookcases. Books were spread all over… Interestingly, the books on the roof did not fall down.
“Haven’t they been invaded?”
Haraka shook her head after Kurumi’s question.
“If that was the case, they would’ve left a message. If there’s no message then it’s fine, probably.”
“… Reiryoku is stable. There’s no disturbance or sign that would be characteristic of war. If they haven’t been annihilated, it should be okay. Or maybe they have been.” Ariadne hummed.
“Don’t say that,” Haraka frowned and poked Tsuan’s head. Tsuan happily accepted the poke.
“…mhm. You all look energetic.”
Maya smiled upon welcoming Ariadne and Haraka. A rare sight indeed, to see such a sincere little smile. Upon looking at Maya’s smile Ariadne sensed defeat in the simple action.
“That’s good…”
Haraka sarcastically laughed at the solemn muttering.
“Nah, it wasn’t good at all.”
Haraka knew that Ariadne’s words contained the joy of being able to reveal the secret and ending up not betraying her friends.
Even though it was almost time to fight.
Even though soon she might disappear.
But now… she was no longer holding onto that secret. The three could finally get closer together. They were all very happy.
“So Maya-san, is it right to say that this is where we will be having our decisive battle?”
Maya coughed to get back to her senses after Kurumi’s question.
“Sadly, that seems to be the case.”
“How are Cistus and Carte doing?”
“Follow me.”
Maya pressed on taking the lead.
“Kurumi Tokisaki, where did you hear that the Second Region will be the battlefield?” Maya asked as they walked.
“Eh, well Ariadne vaguely told me.”
“Right… We cannot afford to not trust you. So please, I beg you, don’t choose that option.”
“The option to destroy the Neighboring World?”
“Yes. After fighting the White Queen, I doubt we will be able to stop you.”
“Even I can’t guarantee that I will be able to come out unharmed.”
Kurumi stopped her words. She had almost said it, but she felt a sense of impending doom if she dare uttered it.
“——After the Queen, I will be fighting you all next.”
Kurumi was cool-headed, cold-blooded, heartless and inhumane.
However.
She opposed the idea of destroying the world. It was taboo to her. However, she wondered how she could convey that or how she can make them believe her. Ah- yes.
Kurumi let out an incomprehensible groan. Turning away from everyone, she instead opted that she will mention it to Maya, Ariadne, and Haraka who were clustered together.
“… I wouldn’t do something so thoughtless while Hibiki is here,” she muttered.
The three looked at each other with a strained smile. Tsuan was peeved that she was left out.
◇◇◇
“Ku · ru · mi · -sa · ma——!”
The former Dominion of Binah, Carte À Jouer, came running like a faithful hound.
Wearing a silk hat and clothes fit for a handsome nobleman with a star shaped mark on her face.
Self-proclaimed number one fan and follower of Kurumi Tokisaki and the type to blunder at essential moments. She had four playing cards as her underlings who she commanded (but was often taken lightly by.) Carte was a girl overloaded with character.
“I’ve been wanting to see you, it has been too long!”
“Ah, yes, it has been a while… but wouldn’t this be the second time that we’ve encountered each other? Besides, I’ve spent a longer time with your subordinate Spade-san over there…”
Hearing this, one of the playing cards, Ace of Spades, tapped her hands. She was flat but her expressions were rich like that of a human. Also, Ace of Spades had black hair and wielded a katana, emphasizing a valiant appearance valiant. However, they were fabricated and stylized due to her being a playing card above all else.
“Huh, now that you mention it. I have been with her longer than you have, master. Ah, sorry master.”
“You don’t look sorry at all! Be more considerate to your master!”
“Even if you say that…”
Ace of Spades shrugged as she hopped around.
“Being made fun of by a subordinate and getting beaten up by White Queen… I’m so unlucky…”
“My ringleader, just being alive is a stroke of luck.”
Kurumi nodded in agreement with Fourth of Clover’s words.
“That playing card-san is right. Surviving an encounter with White Queen is a stroke of good luck indeed, Carte-san.”
“I know that, but…”
“I shouldn’t be talking but, I think we were beaten up good.” (Ace of Spades)
“I think we were exterminated.” (Nine of Diamonds)
“We were swiftly defeated and I think we yelled while crying “please hide in the walls!””
(Twelve of Hearts)
“You’re meant to have different personalities after dying, but why do you remember such unnecessary things!?”
“The previous previous previous generation left an honest memo!”
“A memo!?” (Fourth of Clover)
“Of course, it’s full of master’s embarrassing stories and stories which makes us question your femininity.” (Nine of Diamonds)
“If you became a tyrant, we would spread these memos to the rest of the Neighboring World.”
(Ace of Spades)
“You guys really are plotting something outrageous!? Also, I’m worried what kind of emotional damage I’m going to receive from this!”
“Playing cards, are you willing to sell this information? I will keep it a secret.”
Carte shrieked as Maya showed interest.
Half smiling and half amazed watching this chaos, someone had tapped Kurumi’s shoulder.
“Oh, Cistus.”
Another Kurumi Tokisaki, but this clone wore a yellow Astral Dress reminiscent of a sunflower—A clone who was a prisoner in Binah.
“I was pulled around all over the place but we eventually arrived at Chokmah. This is the White Queen’s Promised Land.”
“It seems like that.”
Kurumi glanced at Cistus’ face. She had the same face but differed to herself—an existence who took a separate path.
“Cistus, I have a question.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“I would like to go back to the real world. Even now, I will not change my mind. But what will you do?”
Cistus went silent. Kurumi decided to wait for her to speak.
“… I have an objective. I have that as my priority right now.”
Kurumi nodded.
“Yes, that is right…”
To defeat the Spirit of Origin, that was the objective, target and dream of all Kurumi. Even for clones born from <Het>, even for the real Kurumi fighting in the other world. It was ingrained in their hearts as the utmost priority.
“… That’s why we must return.”
Cistus woefully reached that conclusion. Kurumi sensed many emotions from Cistus, however she avoided pointing that fact out.
“That’s not true, me.”
They have the same face, voice, manner of speech and wielded the same weapons. However, their experiences were far too different. Cistus isn’t aware of what Kurumi and Hibiki Higoromo had been through together.
Even if they are clones, their experiences start to diverge once they take different actions. Their enjoyments, fears, griefs, everything.
“You’re right. I was wrong—besides, where has Hibiki Higoromo-san gone?”
“She was abducted.”
Kurumi answered Cistus’ question casually.
“… Is it okay?”
Cistus asked worriedly. Kurumi laughed boldly.
“We originally expected that something like this would happen. Hibiki and I suspected that the Queen would do such a thing. Thus, we devised countermeasures.”
“Countermeasures…”
“Our number one concern is Hibiki’s life… But since she wasn’t killed during the encounter we can conclude that is not an issue. It’s unlikely that she would kill her later rather than then and there. If the Queen went into the trouble of abducting her, there must be a reason.”
“A reason… To gather information?”
“No. White Queen is well aware of the information regarding me. Such as my fighting capabilities. There is only one other thing a devil would do. Cistus, you could probably guess.”
“… Make her your enemy.”
Kurumi nodded. Cistus frowned worriedly.
“That means—Does me—you, intend to fight Hibiki Higoromo-san?”
Cistus stopped herself from using the word “kill.” Kurumi laughed and nodded.
“Yes yes. I will fight her. I’m prepared to do that. And I will win, I won’t let her take victory away from me.”
Fighting and winning is not enough. That’s because fighting will mean the White Queen will win. She wants to hurt Kurumi emotionally, Kurumi was well aware of this.
Fighting, winning and not letting her take it away.
“Do you plan to help Hibiki-san?”
“Yes, yes. I am a Spirit, Kurumi Tokisaki. Something that simple would be a piece of cake.”
Hibiki Higoromo was Kurumi Tokisaki’s ally. Therefore, she would get her back no matter what.
“You’re being greedy me.”
“Oh, did you just notice?”
Kurumi and Cistus both laughed.
“By the way, White Queen’s true identity is—”
“…?”
Cistus tilted her head in puzzlement.
“That is not Kurumi Tokisaki’s inverse.”
“What…!?”
Cistus was astonished. Kurumi told her the reality that even Kurumi herself is struggling to come to terms with.
“She is Sawa Yamauchi. That important friend during the time when we were all innocent and pure. That is her true identity.”
Even though Cistus was a clone, her knowledge of the past was in sync.
“But Sawa-san was—”
“Yes. I, more specifically the real me…”
Killed Sawa. She mercilessly shot and killed the monster that was engulfed in fire. Without knowing the identity of the monster like a hero of justice… she listened to that woman’s demands.
“What… do we do?”
Kurumi felt that was something that Hibiki would ask.
“Fight her. We will face her as long as she’s the enemy. We will eliminate her with determination. We mustn’t be distracted by the past, as she is now a criminal.”
Yes.
It did not matter how kind-hearted or irreplaceable Sawa Yamauchi was.
Right now, she intends to destroy the Neighboring World—if that is not a sin then, what is?
“I didn’t expect her to be Sawa-san…”
Cistus was left speechless. There was too steep a difference between the White Queen as this world knew her, and Sawa Yamauchi as Kurumi and the real world knew her. From a kind, gracious girl to a cold, relentless tyrant. It was near impossible to fathom.
“Yes, I wonder… If that is actually Sawa-san?”
“You confronted her, right?”
Kurumi nodded hesitantly.
The White Queen has a presence. One look at her indicates that she must be defeated. But during the abduction of Hibiki Higoromo, the Queen’s tone of voice was undoubtedly Sawa Yamauchi’s.
“There is no way I would have forgotten her voice.”
A sealed away memory. Having said memory be unlocked in an instant was an indescribable experience.
“But… Until now we thought she was Kurumi Tokisaki’s inverse.”
Cistus’ rebuttal.
She was right. Before hearing her voice, Kurumi also thought that White Queen was an Inverse. Kurumi Tokisaki who has gone inverse… or possibly something different.
“Her face, ability, everything indicated that she was an Inverse.”
The Demon King she controls, <Lucifugus>, consisted of an astronomical clock, a saber and a gun converse to <Zafkiel>.
She controlled space with her ability. It was undoubtful that she was an Inverse.
It was too much just to be a coincidence.
Besides, White Queen’s face… is that of Kurumi Tokisaki.
“Kurumi Tokisaki. Are you done?”
Maya asked as if she sensed the conversation was nearing its end.
“We have already sealed the gates connecting Chokmah and my subordinates have all evacuated. The barricade is almost complete but I’m not skilled in combat, I need your opinion.”
“Mhm…”
There were enormous stone pillars, the place was like a giant aqueduct. According to Maya, on the end was the gate to Keter. This is where they started building the barricade. Meticulously filling the gaps between the pillars, they have put up a colossal castle wall.
“We tried to build up our defenses as much as we could…”
“Well, you’re not wrong. However, it didn’t go beyond my expectations.”
“Yes.”
Tsuan raised her hand.
“What is it, Tsuan-san?”
“Kurumi Tokisaki is a gunslinger so you’re suited to holding a castle. However, I am a hand-to-hand combat type and I’m not suited to holding a castle. What should I do.”
“…Who knows. Out of everyone here, who is able to fight at range?”
Haraka Kagarike, Maya Yukishiro and Cistus raised their hands. Ariadne shook her head. Her Unsigned Angel was a string so it could only be short to mid range at most. It was not suited to fight at long ranges. Carte and the playing cards would fight together so they were also close range fighters.
“We should split offense and defense.”
“Wouldn’t we be separated?”
“If so, we need a method to stay connected. Haraka Kagarike-san, you’re capable of fighting at both close-range and long-range, correct?”
Haraka smiled smugly and thumped her chest.
“Leave it to me. But what do you want me to do to “stay connected”?”
“Fight with Tsuan, and if the defending force is struggling, move accordingly. If the defending force is coping, then fight close range. You are a commando.”
“OK. I’m quite skillful. If it's a short distance I can transition or move at high speeds. I’ll manage.”
“That means, Ariadne, Carte and I will be on offense?”
“No. I will be joining you.”
“You too, Kurumi Tokisaki?”
“Yes. Think about the situation, Tsuan-san. Do you think I’m suited to defending?”
“It doesn’t suit you, not at all. Kurumi Tokisaki is fundamentally the type to crush, pulverize and then slam her opponents into a rubbish bin.”
“… You’re attacking me, right?”
Tsuan nodded as Kurumi looked at her suspiciously.
“Yes, a lot. I’ll give you a love heart as well.”
“For real, you’re really lacking in the communication department, my disciple.”
Haraka muttered.
“Basically is it right to say, Cistus and I will be defending and the rest will be attacking with Haraka switching between?”
“Sounds good. It’s a nice balance.”
“Cistus will be holding the rifle, I trust you with cover fire.”
“Sounds busy…”
“If there were more numbers we could plan accordingly… Can we rely on reinforcements?”
Maya closed her eyes after hearing Kurumi’s question.
“Just in case… I requested the other Dominions to send reinforcements. However, we shouldn’t rely on them.”
“Why not? Will they not make it in time?”
“… That could be the case, but this is what I asked in the request:”
——I would appreciate it if you are able to send reinforcements however, I would like to erase their memories after the battle.
“Maya-chan did you say that?”
“There was no way I was going to stay silent about it. I have been keeping it a secret for so long. I couldn’t say “please risk your lives for us” and then deceive them after the battle…”
“The Neighboring World is a dangerous place. Was there a need to get fixated on such detail?”
After normally requesting for support, it would have been wise to just deceive them after the battle and remove their memories. In other words, she should have remained quiet.
However, Maya could not do that.
“… Alongside Ariadne and Haraka, I am one of the senior Dominions. I had been alive for a long time carrying out administrative work. When a new Dominion arrived, I would ascertain if I could trust them or not. They were all friendly to me without knowing my ugly character.”
Excluding the unusual former Dominion of Malkuth, “Doll Master”, majority of the Dominions were carefree, simple-minded or possibly heartening and sincere girls. Dominion meetings were fun, no matter the importance of the agenda.
“It was saddening to see a traitor or a brainwashed individual. It was saddening but… Before the White Queen showed up, everyone was normal.”
A dejected and sad expression.
Ariadne sighed deeply. Maya Yukishiro was a person who was too serious, preferred the company of books, and was a little hard to cling to.
“Maya…”
Haraka called out to Maya who wiped under eyes with the sleeve of her clothes.
“My apologies. If reinforcements come then I will be grateful and happy… I just don’t want to get too many of my friends involved.”
“And we’re okay?”
“No, but… Cast your lot with me…”
“Yukishiro-san. Your concern of getting others involved is respectable.”
Maya nodded to Cistus’ comment.
“Y- yes.”
“However, don’t forget. That friendship you’re feeling is also reciprocated generally.”
“Hm?”
“Well, it might hit you eventually. Now, it’s time for forming tactics. Who should be in
command?”
“Of course… it should be Kurumin right?”
“Kurumi Tokisaki, number 1.”
“You, I guess.”
“Can you please, me?”
Everyone’s eyes were concentrated on Kurumi Tokisaki. She cleared her throat and announced.
“Now, everybody. —It’s time to prepare for battle.”
◇◇◇
——Binah, <Shamayim Kaveesh>
Knight, Bishop and Rook.
White Queen’s three executives, based on chess pieces. They commanded the crazed empties at the gates leading to Chokmah.
Rook appealed irritatedly.
“Will it still not open?”
Bishop coped with composure.
“Their security is rigorous. They prepared themselves. It doesn’t appear to be in the other regions. Since there is no time limit, we’ll definitely get there.”
Knight was silent. She looked up at the sky with no regard to her surroundings.
“Knight, what do you think?”
Knight looked back at Rook robotically.
“…I don’t care. We’ll finish sooner or later. There’s no need to get worked up about it.”
Rook clicked her tongue and Bishop nodded in agreement.
“Besides, with this secure lock, they’re getting prepared on the other side. Do we have a countermeasure? Do we assault recklessly?”
Knight asked. Rook looked concerned initially, but something came to mind and she started laughing.
“It’s hard to believe that just then you were crying because you were scared of transforming.”
Knight looked at Rook shocked.
“Does it matter what we used to be?”
Who oneself was —it did not matter anymore.
What one’s identity was —right now, was to serve the Queen.
What one’s name was —Knight was her title. That was enough.
“That… doesn’t matter.”
“Instead of looking at the past, we should look to the future. After this opens, we swiftly annihilate them for the Queen. That’s why I asked if there was a plan. I was only born recently so it’d be troublesome if you two are not reliable.”
“… Knight is right. Let’s explain our plan.”
Unhappy with Bishop’s reply and frowning, Rook joined the explanation reluctantly.
“It will be brief but here is the plan.”
─
“…So what is your opinion?”
Knight let out a deep sigh after hearing Bishop and Rook’s plan. There was a clear despised look on her face.
“… Is there a problem?”
Irritated, Rook drew closer but Knight replied calmly.
“I only have complaints. What is it with this flawed plan?”
“What do you mean?”
“For example, in the left wing you’re relying on a large monster. If “her” time were to be stopped then it won’t be possible. In the center, you’re going by the assumption that Rook will survive, but if she is eliminated five minutes into the battle, it won’t work.”
“Wha—”
“That is…”
Rook was lost for words due to anger. Bishop hesitated to speak.
“Are you confident you can survive for five minutes, Rook? She is the opponent. We only have records of the fight but you have already lost twice. Second loss was instantaneous, instantaneous. We are strong but our powers don’t change. The power of your <Vermillion> is known to them from head to toe. Right?”
“T- that’s… the case…”
“…You look afraid, Rook. You may not have the memory but the truth is there. The shared memories which we were given show her ferocity.”
“…!”
“Do you think we can fight for the Queen with only that?”
“We can… We can fight! What would you know!? I am—”
Rook cannot remember what she was before. She could not but she did not care. She was happy about being White Queen’s important chess piece.
She did not care about sacrificing her life if it was for love, devotion and gratitude for the Queen for looking at her.
“Is that so? I wish you good luck using that unknown number of potential abilities then, whatever it may be.”
Knight casually carved up Rook’s sublime determination. Rook stepped forward but stopped sensing Knight’s killing intent.
“Are you starting an internal conflict? I’m shocked to hear your dedication.”
“Stop, Rook… and you too Knight. Our plan did have some flaws. We shall discuss now to fix those flaws.”
Rook hung her head as she reflected on Bishop’s words.
Knight threw words at the two ruthlessly.
“Are you happy? You all may be getting ahead of yourselves since you are now stronger due to being part of the Three Executives. But I know her well. She will read through your half-assed plan and crush you. The opposition we will be facing is on par with the Queen, the powerful spirit—Kurumi Tokisaki.”
Knight stated—while smiling boldly.
◇◇◇
—Letters arrived.
It arrived to the Dominions and successors of Yesod, Hod and Netzach. In other words, Rinemu Kirari, Mizuha Banouin, Retsumi Jugasaki and Yui Sagakure. The sender was the Dominion of Chokmah, Maya Yukishiro.
It was stated that the letter is to be read when alone. Everyone obliged except Rinemu. She opened it recklessly in a cafe while talking to friends and staff. After seeing the contents of the letter she rushed to a toilet.
Maya’s letter was rather nonsensical. Rinemu, who knew her for a long time, and Mizuha, who is used to reading well-ordered text, figured out the absurdity of the situation instantly.
This letter is a call for help.
And a confession of a sin.
Chokmah’s secret, the reason behind hiding it and its current state.
The fact that White Queen and her army were going to put a stop to this and had started an assault.
…Also that, even if they win against the Queen. The message was that “We can’t trust you so we will be erasing your memory.”
Mizuha Banouin was shaken by this and stood up to consult Rinemu.
Retsumi Jugasaki frowned and scratched her head.
Yui Sagakure agreed with the logic.
And then there was Rinemu Kirari.
“… Mou, is she stupid!? Maya-chan you idiot!!”
She let out a big, big sigh and stormed out of the toilet.
◇◇◇
“I checked the security of the gate just then. I think it will be forced open in about two hours time.”
Maya stated as she looked at the gate connecting to Binah. Tsuan tilted her head.
“Our preparation is ready. Why don’t we open it?”
“If there is two hours to spare, I would like you to use this time to help each other out. I don’t mind it being opened if there is nothing to do…”
“Stop, stop. We still need to talk about things. I want to think of this as a break.”
Haraka said as the atmosphere was relaxed.
“Now, Maya and Ariadne, let’s chat.”
Maya and Ariadne accepted.
“What’s wrong, me? ”
Kurumi sighed at Cistus’ question.
“I’ll be here alone. Call me if you need anything.”
“I understand. Yes, maybe I should rest too.”
Kurumi and Cistus turned their backs on the gate. Only Tsuan, Carte À Jouer and the four playing cards were left.
“My chance to speak to Kurumi-san…”
“You shouldn’t disregard her wishes to be alone.” (Ace of Spades)
“Just think of it as self-righteousness.” (Four of Clover)
“Besides, you can talk to us.” (Nine of Diamonds)
“Please think that that’s what we were born for.” (Twelve of Hearts)
The four playing cards looked at each other as Carte complained then announced.
“Why now…”
Carte fell to her knees. They certainly realised what was revealed.
“Oh right… Communication disorder…”
The playing cards left her as is but Carte wished that she could play with a crab while tears go down her face.
Then only Tsuan was left.
She wanted to talk to someone but hesitated to bother Kurumi or Haraka. She was not close enough to Carte and Cistus. That only meant she had to be alone.
“What should I think about for two hours…”
Tsuan muttered absent-mindedly. Barricading was complete. She has prepared her Astral Dress and practiced swinging <Lailaps>, ensuring it was guaranteed to make an irritating woosh sound.
In other words, there was nothing to do.
Since there is nothing to do, Tsuan absent-mindedly pondered.
She had no memory of the past. She was suddenly alive, fighting and training in the Neighboring World.
She was either easily influenced or had a resolute self which managed to ward off everything.
It was fun fighting. It was fun fooling around with my master and comrades. She had no fear in putting her life on the line.
“—Is that so. But I think that’s a little sad, Tsuan.”
She couldn’t understand that before. However, now she could understand that a little more.
The girl who broke her nose was trying to destroy the Neighboring World.
She cherished the past so she was trying to take hold of the future.
“Don’t dwell on the past” is a common phrase. However, some things are more apparent when one cherishes the past.
But she could not remember anything while lying down and looking at the sky.
Kurumi Tokisaki wants to return to his world.
If so, what should Tsuan do?
“…What should I do?”
What concrete actions should Tsuan take?
She has established what actions she should take but she pondered about whether or not to
commit to said actions.
That means—
“… oh right.”
Tsuan realised that her crucial life decision was right in front of her.
Then, Cistus.
Cistus liked flowers. She understands that this was unusual for Kurumi Tokisaki’s clone. This does not mean Kurumi Tokisaki dislikes flowers, if anything, she may like them.
But the fact that she liked flowers less than Cistus was not a problem.
When Cistus was captive in Binah, having a certain something taken away from her, flowers were her only salvation.
The flowers blooming in the courtyard were her sole source of comfort.
Being robbed of her memories and powers. She lost everything. Only flowers were—
“… Ah, yes…”
Cistus realised this reality and eventually came to terms with it.
She was Cistus. When she decided that name she was now a different existence from Kurumi Tokisaki.
That’s why she had the temptation to resist going to the other world.
She was floating lightly like a dandelion seed.
But Cistus knew the time had come to make a decision. Granted she survives the upcoming battle.
Besides, she is unsure if she will survive.
“It was a short life, me.”
Cistus did not mind. She let out a short sigh.
Carte was down.
“Ha…”
“You look down” (Nine of Diamonds)
“Perhaps, are you worried that Kurumi-dono has realised your sadness?” (Ace of Spades)
Carte glared at the merciless playing cards.
In reality, she could not deny it.
“However, rather, just be at ease!” (Four of Clover)
“Please think about it like that!” (Twelve of Hearts)
“What do you mean?”
The playing cards tilted their heads. The cards huddled up and started whispering. After a game of rock, paper, scissors, Ace of Spades were pushed out.
“If I were to be honest, master-dono is bracing yourself too much, especially in front of others.”
“Ah-”
Carte felt her heart seize up, breath hitching.
“You’re emotionally stressed so that is why you mess up in pivotal moments. You try to impress others then you bomb it. Frankly, you’re not suited to be a Dominion.”
“Oh… Oh… You’re really roasting me now…”
She was being criticized. However, it felt like the truth was being disclosed.
“Well, you are strong enough to be a Dominion. You also do have charisma. It can’t be help of the fact─”
“I do have a communication disorder after all…”
“There are Quasi-Spirits who struggle with interacting with others.”
“But, Kurumi-sama is an exception…”
“I’m relieved that you are fangirling. If it came to a real conversation, you might start squealing.”
“… I can’t deny that!”
Carte groaned in disappointment. Ace of Spades sighed and tapped her on her shoulder.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to force yourself to interact with others.”
“Well… that might be the case.”
So Carte thought. Being admired was nice but she despised actually talking to her admirers. She felt like she was watched even when she wanted to lounge around.
She went through day to day being tense but that slowly whittled her emotionally.
“All right! After this battle I’ll—”
“Why would you say something as if you’re going to die…”
“That’s fine. After this battle I will… I will become a shut-in! Indoors for life! I’ll eat and drink chips and cola until I get bored. I’ll lounge around until I die. I don’t care what others see.”
“You’re going from one extreme to the other…” (Nine of Diamonds)
“It’s a good trend!” (Four of Clover)
“Either way, try your best in the upcoming battle! We have to first think about surviving this!” (Twelve of Hearts)
“Of course! Mhm… I’ve set a good goal! Let’s give it our best!”
Carte raised her fist into the air as if she had made a breakthrough.
Maya Yukishiro, Ariadne Foxlot and Haraka Kagarike absent-mindedly stared at the sky.
Haraka wanted to drink some alcohol but Maya and Ariadne both opposed the idea firmly.
“Why not?”
Haraka protested sulkily as Maya took away her glass.
“Do you think we’re not aware of your terrible drinking habits?”
“That’s right. Nothing good comes out when Haraka gets drunk.”
“You think so?”
Haraka tilted her head. Maya and Ariadne made eye contact with each other and sighed.
“You don’t remember…”
“It was foolish of us to rely on Haraka’s memory.”
“Hey, hey. I actually don’t remember a single thing!? Am I that bad when I’m drunk!?”
“…well, let’s leave that aside.”
“No, don’t leave it aside. I think that’s the most important topic right now!”
“Isn’t it nice being able to be together without any sinister feelings?” Ariadne asked with a soft tone of voice, cutting through Haraka’s squeals. She muttered with a slight feeling of loneliness.
Haraka nodded in reply.
“… That’s true. We’re trying desperately to keep the secret.”
“I distrusted you two.”
“I too, distrusted both of you.”
“If I’m being honest, me too.”
Everyone confessed bitterly, but now it seemed more like sweet reminiscence.
“Maya, you know, you’re a shut-in so you didn’t come out much when we invited you.”
“… I only left Chokmah when I knew your precise location.”
“I was suspicious of Haraka when she was flying around between the Regions.”
There was a moment of silence.
“We ended up not betraying anyone.”
“I wish I had trusted you both.”
“That’s wrong, Maya-chan. It couldn’t be helped that we didn’t have any reason to trust each other.”
“But—”
Maya wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “I wanted to befriend you both. I didn’t want to distrust you two.”
There was suspicion. There was fear. That is why they could not play. Even if they yearned for intimacy, there was another feeling crawling within.
Haraka felt slightly embarrassed. She tried to take a swig but she sighed as she realised she was not holding a glass. She had the same opinion. Maya was in tears and Haraka looked away feeling bad.
“But worse didn’t come to the worst.”
They both looked up after hearing Ariadne’s words.
“We didn’t betray each other… If I’m being honest, there were things I didn’t want to touch on. I was also polishing up a plan.”
“That is—”
Ariadne grinned evilly.
“We might as well confess. What we thought. What we did. There’s something, right?”
Maya and Haraka both tensed up. The pensive atmosphere vanished like a mist. They both looked at each other awkwardly and embarrassingly.
“…Um… I snooped around to see the state of Chokmah on several occasions…”
“A few times I tested if I could tamper with Reiryoku…”
Ariadne laughed.
“See, everyone thought about it at least once. Now it’s just a funny story. Say, why didn’t you two betray?”
Maya and Haraka tried to recall what they felt at the time. The power to rule the Neighboring World was within their grasp. They thought it was feasible if they worked over a plan.
But why didn’t they commit?
It wasn’t out of unselfishness. Maya and Haraka were selfish enough, that’s why they plotted a plan.
Even then, they decided not to go forth with it.
“For me, it was because I love you both. Haraka will get angry. Maya will be disappointed. Those thoughts made me go soft. So, going forth became bothersome.”
“Me too! … That was the case for me too… I didn’t want to disappoint you both.”
“Ditto. I thought that Maya would probably cry and Ariadne would get really pissed.”
Ariadne laughed softly.
“That’s how it is.”
At the end, they didn’t betray each other because they all valued each other dearly.
They didn’t want to break a trust with a potential to be deepened. As friends, they didn’t want to do anything embarrassing. Maya Yukishiro, Ariadne Foxlot and Haraka Kagarike all love each other.
“We didn’t betray even though we distrusted and distrusted. I believe, within us, there was a sense of wanting to trust.”
Humans cast a doubtful eye at their lover or a trusting friend from time to time. However, not because they want to be betrayed.
They doubt them because they love and want to trust them.
“Ariadne, you’re…”
“What is it?”
“You’re surprisingly a poet.”
Maya nodded at Haraka’s statement. Then they both made a complacent smile.
Ariadne sulked and looked away. Her cheeks were flushed.
——Kurumi Tokisaki had three problems on her mind.
One was that she could not remember ◾◾◾◾’s name. The boy she had met before. She was certain that she was getting closer to him.
She does not remember everyone she had ever met but being unable to remember the name of the boy she had fallen in love with was cruel and unreasonable.
“… No, I shouldn’t think about unnecessary things.”
She muttered to herself and pondered about the next question. The Neighboring World was like a dream. It may be an afterlife. If so, there were few points which were incomprehensible.
There were Quasi-Spirits who remembered their death and others who didn’t.
There were Quasi-Spirits with very old memories and others who had none.
Adventure after adventure, the Quasi-Spirits who Kurumi and Hibiki had met mentioned this.
It was only a guess but there was a hint of a wish. Even then, there was an inscrutable fact which broke down with one hypothesis.
The time differed between the Neighboring World and the other world, in other words the real world. Separated would be a better word than differed.
It was certain that there was history in the Neighboring World. When the spirits roamed, when the spirits disappeared, Quasi-Spirits’ original dispute, the formation of Regions, the election of Dominions and then finally the arrival of White Queen and Kurumi Tokisaki.
There was a flow of time, but the Quasi-Spirits arriving to the Neighboring World were from varied periods of time.
They had a starting point. The instance when they were born into the Neighboring World. After that, there was a discord between the time in the real world.
There were Quasi-Spirits from the similar time periods as well as others who have passed long ago but have appeared in the Neighboring World after Kurumi.
Those who retained their memories of the other world had varied cultural areas and time periods.
The only commonality between them was that they were girls and nothing else. Race, home country, lifestyle and others.
Quasi-Spirits from the past who arrived after oneself.
Quasi-Spirits from the future who arrived before oneself.
Kurumi had discussed this mystery with Hibiki Higoromo previously.
“—Well, the Neighboring World was originally a mysterious world. It’s no surprise that time flows differently from the other world.”
Hibiki said as she held a pen between her nose and upper lip. What she said seemed true but Kurumi wished that Hibiki didn’t make a stupid face while stating the fact. She forgave Hibiki because Kurumi accepted that was who she was.
“I feel like you just insulted me just then.”
“You’re just imagining things. Besides, why are you not surprised about it?”
“Firstly, it’s certain that this world didn’t used to exist. The earth formed about 4.billion years ago, right? Homo sapiens emerged twenty thousand years ago. This world existed for… hmm… less than a ten years ago. Probably.”
Hibiki estimated that the Neighboring World’s history dates back to about 3to 5years ago.
“So this place is a new world. Mhm, frontiers! So there is our problem. That’s why the Quasi-Spirits are from different time periods.”
Hibiki had something in mind and was writing something in midair with her pen.
She accumulated Reiryoku and realized an object which felt out of place.
“Uhm… what is this?”
It couldn’t be helped that Kurumi hesitated. The object was a miniature train track.
“It’s for an explanation. The longer rail is the time of the real world. The shorter rail is the time for the Neighboring World.”
Kurumi nodded. Hibiki placed a train on each track.
“This is the flow of time. Time goes one way and both can only move one direction. Do you understand this?”
“Yes, of course.”
“These two will move in parallel. Their speed is the same. One second is one second. One year is one year and—”
Hibiki moved the trains to the middle of the tracks. With her pen, she drew a line between the big train and the little train.
“It’s incorrect to say that the Neighboring World and the real world are not connected. In reality it is connected marginally. Compiles are a good example. That is a call from the real world.”
Hibiki tossed her pen and traced the line.
“Along with Compile, there is one more thing which is connected to the real world…”
“Quasi-Spirits.”
“That’s right. Quasi-Spirits come from the real world to the Neighboring World. At this instance the time in these lines is entirely a mess. The lines are not straight but have bends in them.”
“Why does this happen?”
“I said before, their speeds are the same, right? However, their relative velocities may be different.”
“…?”
Kurumi tilted her head. Hibiki muttered “Oh, that’s cute.” Then she held the two trains in her hands. After that, she moved the train on the “real world” train track slowly and moved the train on the “Neighboring World” train track quickly.
“The population of the real world is far greater than that of the Neighboring World. All the components are entwined complexly. There are strict physics in place and Reiryoku is very faint, right? Compare that to the Neighboring World, where there is way too much. Even fleshy beings that should abide by the laws of physics don’t follow it.”
“Does that mean the real world is pushing us away?”
“No, this line is stopping us. If you estimate the size difference between the worlds: the slower real world is holding the Neighboring World back. Metaphorically, the real world is an anchor.”
“I see…”
“But… then…”
Hibiki mumbled.
“What’s wrong?”
“No- nothing. Anyway, Kurumi-san be careful. If you exert your powers incorrectly when traveling to the real world——”
“I may be thrown well into the past or the future, right? I will be careful. Though, I wouldn’t know how to control my powers.”
“Right.”
Hibiki laughs lightly. The conversation about the Neighboring World’s time had ended.
Different time axis and the fear of traveling to the past or possibly the future. They were to be of concern when she had arrived to that stage.
… And finally the third question.
“Hibiki-san.”
She held her middle forehead in pain. There was nothing that could be done for the first two problems apart from leaving it to time. The third problem was an emergency and was in a disastrous state.
The preparation was complete.
It was no surprise that White Queen would use Hibiki as a weak point of Kurumi. Kurumi did not trust White Queen’s goodness of heart. If anything, she believed that White Queen was full of malice.
Murder or hostage. There were the two options. But, they were both poor plans. If Hibiki was murdered, there was no point in capturing her in the first place. Holding her hostage would not stop Kurumi. If Kurumi submits, it would be the end either way.
However, Hibiki was not murdered but captured. At this point White Queen’s intention was clear.
Rook, Bishop and Knight.
The loyal Three Executives were born from the White Queen’s ability <Akrab>. They were soldiers possessing an irregular ability.
When the Queen shoots an Empty with <Akrab>, they would “emerge” as one of the Three Executives.
That would also work on Hibiki Higoromo. White Queen used her captured pieces in a way more so like Shōgi than chess.
“…That should be it.”
The Queen’s thoughts were obvious. It was almost certain that she would use dispatch Hibiki as a soldier to fight in the final battle.
Almost. White Queen may kill Hibiki on a whim. That was a possibility. If the Queen’s ill intentions were beyond expectation, murdering Hibiki would be the best course of action.
It was correct to say it was troublesome.
If Hibiki Higoromo is murdered, Kurumi Tokisaki will lose. It was already at the point of no return. It had to be done. Like improvising in a once in a lifetime play.
Kurumi had to rely on the assumption that even if Hibiki Higoromo submitted to the Queen, she would have “something important” ingrained in her.
“Oh, great.”
She let out a big sigh. Her heart was racing since the person who calms her down normally was not present.
Time moves on.
Two hours passed, the time had come for Chokmah to become a warzone.
◇◇◇
The gate to Chokmah opened.
There were bookcases filled with books on the floor, walls and roof. Knight laughed at the interior design which was somewhat monomaniac.
The infantry moved in a coordinated line as instructed by the Three Executives.
“There seems to be no trap.”
“Did they surrender?”
“Hahaha, no way—”
Knight brushed off Rook and Bishop's words. The path was completely straight and no one was around.
However, they sensed something off instantly.
“…They’re here.”
“Right?”
Rook expression stiffened. As long as White Queen exists, their existence would not disappear. If she used <Akrab>, the next Rook will be summoned.
The current Rook’s consciousness will be lost. She was not afraid of death however, she was afraid she would not be useful to the Queen.
They descended down a staircase, it was getting dark and gloomy. Rook was humming as she walked and then frowned at Knight.
Rook and Bishop adored the Queen.
However, the new Knight was different. She had a casual tone of voice and showed no respect towards the Queen. The two notified the Queen that Knight might rebel.
But—the Queen replied with a smile. This Knight was special.
Having her as an ally almost burned them with jealousy.
Knight noticed their gaze and laughed at them smugly.
“What is it? Is there something wrong with me?”
“No…”
“It’s ok. There is no need to worry. I am here to serve the Queen and destroy Kurumi Tokisaki. That was established, so that is how I will work. Now, let's kill, let's kill.”
Knight pulled out her sword and headed down the underground path.
The one waiting for them was an embodiment of disaster. Exhibiting a tremendous thirst for blood, like a nightmare. She stood there like a grim reaper than a spirit.
Kurumi Tokisaki was there.
“Welcome, everyone.”
Hearing her voice, Rook, Bishop and Knight stood in front of the Empties.
“Oh, is the Queen not here?”
“She’ll come soon. After we’re done killing you all.”
Kurumi giggled at Rook’s words.
“You’re good at fooling around. Do you think you can accomplish anything with numbers?”
“We sure do.”
Knight zipped one step forward. Kurumi grimaced. Knight’s face distorted out of pleasure after seeing that expression.
“We’re going to kill each other. Isn’t it strange? You’re too hung up on me and forgetting everyone else. So, isn’t death the only thing left?”
“… I see. That’s the state she has left you in. What a malicious method fitting for the Queen.”
Rook and Bishop grew angry after hearing Kurumi’s words.
“Stop it, you two. This is a battle between her and I.”
They stopped after one step as Knight pointed her sword at them.
“This was our plan. I keep her in check while you kill everyone else. Don’t make me say it twice.”
“… I know.”
“Understood.”
Rook and Bishop reluctantly eyed the Quasi-Spirits positioned behind Kurumi.
The girl who goes by the name Biscuit Smasher, Tsuan. The Dominion, Ariadne Foxlot and Carte À Jouer. Behind them was Haraka Kagarike.
At the rear, a barricade was erected. Stationed on top was Dominion of Chokmah, Maya Yukishiro and the other Kurumi Tokisaki.
This was all of them.
Even if they were superior individually, there was no winning in this circumstance. The only concern was Kurumi Tokisaki.
“I’ll introduce myself. I’m Knight, one of the Three Executives serving the Queen.”
“Well, well. Thank you for your polite introduction. My name is Kurumi Tokisaki.”
Kurumi did a curtsy elegantly and gave a happy smile to Knight who was pointing a sword at her.
“… You can smile like that?”
“Yes. In this high-pressure circumstance, my pride is not giving up my smile.”
“Is that so. You shouldn’t be smiling in this situation. Since, we will be fighting each other.”
They exchanged glares.
Knight’s smile disappeared unnoticed and her breathing stopped. It was as if time had halted. Kurumi felt a chill down her back. She had a premonition of being killed and was certain the girl in front of her was extremely powerful.
“By the way—”
Knight opened her mouth. Simultaneously, she moved forth at a fleeting speed. Kurumi had a slightly delayed reaction due to tilting her head to Knight’s words.
With a clever trick, Knight was able to close the gap in ability between Kurumi and herself.
A single stroke, a single kill. Knight envisioned Kurumi’s abdomen getting sliced apart.
However.
“Well, well, well. What a contemptible stopgap.”
“Stone the crows…”
Kurumi held <Zafkiel>’s firearms crossed over each other to block Knight’s sword.
“Can… I… Kick you?”
Knight asked dumbfoundedly. Kurumi smiled slightly at the familiar expression.
—ah, a difficult enemy to the very end.
Deep in her heart, Kurumi mocked herself. Then she commenced the battle with a phrase fitting for the battlefield.
“Now, let our date (battle) begin, Knight.”
——<Zafkiel>.
Kurumi’s Angel began to move.
“Yes! For the Queen—wait no, for me! Please, join me on this date (fight to the death).”
——<King Killing>.
Knight’s Unsigned Angel came into motion.
A longsword appeared instead of a familiar claw.
Thus, the spirit and the knight clashed. With the existence of the Neighboring World on the line, the battle had commenced.
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