Date A Live Fragment: Date A Bullet - Volume 7 - Chapter 2

There was no tomorrow for the combatants

 Tsuan chose to ignore Rook and Bishop. Due to her ability to cause tremendous widespread damage, she was instructed by Kurumi to reduce the number of Empties. She charged at the swarms of troops. 

 “Get blown away.” 

 She slammed the halberd into the ground creating a fissure which swallowed the Empties. 

 Each swing pulverised one to eight empties. 

 She left no opportunity for a counterattack. Tsuan could be described as a small hurricane, a tornado or a black hole. Being near her meant unconditional death. 

 However, the Empties did not fear death. They had already lost individuality and sense of self. Their minds were like a network and functioned as a whole. 

 Therefore, they concluded that someone will collapse under the pressure of sheer numbers. 

 The Empties who surrounded Tsuan sacrificed their life for only slight damage to her. And so, Tsuan was slowly getting damaged. 

 If Tsuan was described as a beast, the Empties were the soldier ants. The fierce soldier ants are able to surpass the power of the beast. 

 Ariadne Foxlot and Carte À Jouer protected each other and battled steadily. 

 The glimmering playing cards and the flickering silver thread diced up the approaching Empties adequately. 

 “Ariadne, they went that way! Hold them back!” 

 “How bothersome!” 

 Ariadne groaned as she swung both her arms. 

 “Unsigned Angel, <Taiintaiyounijuyonsetsuki>—Hitotachi Setsukaseisō! Cutting across, put your head down!” 

 Carte ducked quickly, Ariadne’s thread of mercury spiraled together. Like a swing of a sword, the Empties were mowed down. 

 Ariadne Foxlot’s Unsigned Angel is a thread of mercury which she is able to control the shape of. 

 She could form a sword, a net or a whip. 

 Also, the object is not rigid necessarily. 

 “Stretch!” 

 The blade squirmed like a snake, doubling in length. The Empties who thought they were out of the range of attack were promptly sliced into pieces. 

 “…You cut a bit of my hair!?” 

 “Dodge with splendor. That’s the sort of image you’re trying to sell!” 

 Ariadne shutdown Carte’s protest. 

 “Image and reality is different! Besides, a normal person would tell the other to duck before cutting. If you start swinging and tell me to duck, it’s no wonder I’m gonna react late!” 

 “…” 

 “Please don’t go silent, that’s scary.” 

 “Hahaha!” 

 “Don’t laugh, that’s even worse!” 

 Ariadne apologized as she swung her thread. Honestly, the situation was dire. Even if they were to win, they had to expect one or two casualties. 

 Ariadne was certain that she would be one of said casualties. 

 She chose the path of laziness. She was not trying to protect the secret like Maya was and she was not trying to improve the situation like Haraka was… She acted as if she did not see or hear anything. 

 She wanted to be proud that being lazy was the right choice. However, amidst the danger, she wondered: was there something that she should and could have done? 

 Maya and Haraka were trying their best. Not to just govern their region but to also keep a secret. 

 But she did nothing. 

 She was paying the price for it now. She felt disgusted about herself but simultaneously was relaxed. 

 —To fight to the death here. 

 It was decided. She was relieved that it was decided, it had been a long time since she did not feel drowsiness. 

 Was it Kurumi Tokisaki’s doing? That was the thought. There was a strong wind. Anyone who came near was kicked about, taken in and thrown around. 

 Normally, she would be furious of the situation but for some reason she felt slightly thankful. 

 “Oi!” 

 Ariadne came to her senses after hearing Carte’s voice. An Empty with a bisected body was creeping up onto her. 

 While half-smiling she sent Reiryoku into her Nitro Dress. 

 “Ah—” 

 It was checkmate, Ariadne thought. Ignition had begun. There was no time to cut the fuse. There was less than a second before Ariadne would be directly hit by an explosion. “Would I be able to form a mercury shield on time?” She thought to herself while using all her strength. 

 She judged that it was a tad too late. It was a plight, she thought. The battle was long and she had to fight so she felt sorry to the others for dying here. 

 …she wanted to live. 

 She still wanted to fight. She had to fight. 

 This feeling was like being struck by lightning, but she could not make it. 

 There was less than a second before the Nitro Dress would activate. 

 There was less than a second. 

 A second—————? 

 “<Zafkiel>—<Zayin>.” 

 Time had stopped. The Nitro Dress did not explode and the bisected Empty disappeared before she could see the outcome. 

 “<Taiintaiyounijuyonsetsuki>—<Ibarakazura>!” 

 With the whip she had formed, she promptly wrapped then threw the explosive at the Empties. 

 Time resumed—there was a magnificent explosion. 

 Somehow, she was still alive. Just now, was the effect of Kurumi Tokisaki’s Angel <Zafkiel>’s time stopping bullet. 

 She noticed she could still continue to fight. Her body moved and was mowing down Empties. 

 “I’m glad you’re ok! But, I can’t forgive you for troubling Kurumi-sama!” 

 “I know!” 

 Ace of Spades shrugged her shoulders in shock. 

 “She’s just jealous that your life was saved by Kurumi, don’t worry about it.” 

 “Don’t gouge out my heart so precisely! It’s like you read my mind! Well, I’m not going to bother Kurumi-sama!” 

 “The honor student doesn’t get remembered by their classmates.” (Nine of Diamonds) 

 “Why do my playing cards always hurt my feelings!? Damn it!” 

 While letting out a hopeless cry, the unfortunate handsome girl that is Carte, charged at the Empties. 

 “That can’t be helped.” (Four of Clover) 

 “If she didn’t open her mouth she would be an unrivaled tomboy… but why is our master like this?” (Ace of Spades) 

 “We shouldn’t abandon her though. Everyone, let’s try our best!” (Twelve of Hearts) 

 The playing cards ran exultantly. 

 Ariadne turned around as she was tapped on the shoulder. Haraka Kagarike handed her a talisman. 

 “Have a little break. You must be tired. I’ll take it from here.” 

 “Ah, yes. I will.” 

 Naturally, thinking she would fight to the death, Ariadne thought that a rest was unnecessary. However, it was necessary to rest to continue fighting. 

 She moved to the rear and took a breath. 

 She was relieved that she was still alive. Having taken a breath, not even a minute had passed but she returned to the war front. 

 Though, Ariadne glanced at Kurumi Tokisaki. 

 Kurumi Tokisaki’s <Zafkiel>—an ultra superpower capable of wedging time into the world. 

 However, the truly horrifying (it should be praised as “amazing” but to Ariadne, it was a compliment) aspect was not that, but the timing. 

 If Kurumi was one second late, she would not have made it. As Ariadne was there, she knew that in the situation, the explosion would come in a second. 

 Kurumi also grasped that situation while fighting other enemies. She targeted that moment and fired. 

 A magical superhuman skill. 

 That is what saved Ariadne. 

 “…Thank you!” 

 Kurumi did not reply. More precisely, there was no opportunity to reply. 

 It was a matter of speed. 

 Knight skillfully controlled the bent blade of the longsword while Kurumi blocked strikes with her firearms and fired at point blank range. 

 Attack, defense and speed, they were on par in every aspect. However, this was a close range battle and in which case, Kurumi was at a disadvantage. 

 However, her specifications are able to overturn this. She wielded her firearms like a sword, fired at point blank ranges to quickly build up an advantage. 

 “…Ha!” 

 Knight’s attacks were stern and well adjusted, Kurumi thought. She showed proficiency holding the longsword. 

 She was not swinging recklessly but in a controlled, disciplined manner. 

 “German school of fencing…” 

 “You know a lot!” 

 German school of fencing is a system of combat developed in the 14th century revolving around longsword. If Kurumi’s memory serves right, the system values seizing the initiative in combat. Knight enjoying herself took the vom Tach (roof) stance—where the blade of the sword points upwards. 

 “I didn’t think you’d know about that.” 

 “Kihihi.” 

 Why did she know about it? During a period of time, a lot had happened. That period of time was private and treading in it was similar to walking into a minefield. Kurumi thought and hoped Knight would not ask. 

 Knight was continuing to fight and the conversation was not continuing. Kurumi was relieved. 

 “Now—here I come!” 

 With great momentum she swung her sword down from above, an attack known as Oberhau. Kurumi took a defensive stance and slammed her rifle to block the attack. 

 The counterattack to an Oberhau is a basic skill in German school of fencing so naturally there were ways around that counterattack as well. 

 If Knight swung her longsword now it would not have reached Kurumi. Kurumi having struck her rifle, the muzzle was currently pointed directly at Knight. If she pulled the trigger, it would have been a direct hit. 

 (—Then!) 

 A thought, not through instinct but through experience. Paying attention to Kurumi’s hand on the trigger, Knight swung her longsword around as if to wrap around Kurumi’s hand. Knight was paying attention to Kurumi’s hand so as to not miss the timing of when she would pull the trigger. 

 Kurumi pulled the trigger, but Knight was faster. 

 A fraction of a second difference rendered Kurumi’s shot fruitless and Knight’s slash managed to hit a mark. 

 “…!” 

 Knight’s slash grazed Kurumi’s arm. A noticeable amount of blood spilled out, some of which landed on Knight’s face. 

 “Ha——aa.” 

 The sweet scent of blood intoxicated her. 

 She liked Kurumi Tokisaki’s blood. 

 “Now, now, let’s fight. Kurumi Tokisaki!” 

 Kurumi made an odd expression after that call. An expression of sorrow, anger and pity. Knight faltered for an instant but brushed it away as she swung her longsword with vigor. 

 “<King Killing>—!” 

 Knight’s sword was named the same but appeared different to the one which shattered. Hibiki Higoromo’s Unsigned Angel which boasted tremendous unwieldiness, terrifying appearance and useless fighting capabilities. 

 “…I see. So, you claim to be Hibiki Higoromo.” 

 “Correct. That’s right!” 

 Knight—Hibiki Higoromo nodded while making an eerie smile. 

 Kurumi sighed several times. 

 “Well then, I will have to stop you. Knight, I will give you a few options.” 

 “Options?” 

 “You can either submit to me or be killed by me. They’re the two options. What will you pick, Knight?” 

 Knight chuckled at the question. 

 “The only option is for you to die!” 

 She stepped forward performing an oberhau once more. Kurumi planned a counterattack with her antique firearms while dodging, but Knight had changed attacks partway, pulling a feint. 

 Kurumi had forsaken defending and judging ballistics and compensated by changing position with a sidestep. Knight had already changed from a vertical swipe to a horizontal swipe, targeting Kurumi’s vulnerability—Knight had sliced towards Kurumi’s left armpit. 

 “…!” 

 Kurumi’s bullet went astray. Using the recoil and sidestep, she was able to get by with a graze. 

 However, a painful sensation beyond expectation had struck Kurumi. 

 “This is…” 

 It was pouring. Not blood but Reiryoku. No, it was getting plundered? 

 “This is my ability. Every time I damage you, I also rob you of your Reiryoku.” 

 As she said this, her numerous bullet wounds were healing. 

 “Go on, go on. Keep attacking me. All I need to do is carefully damage you. Well, well. I wonder how long it’ll take for you to kill me? I hope for your sake, that your little friends won’t be dead before then.” 

 A crafty mockery—Kurumi Tokisaki chuckled at the provocation. 

 “I don’t need that much time to defeat you.” 

 She posed with her antique guns and loudly declared. 

 “<Zafkiel>—<Aleph>.” 

 She accelerated. Her speed surpassed Knight’s perception. She pointed the muzzle before Knight’s astonished eyes— 

 ─ 

 Haraka Kagarike floated talisman while looking over the battlefield. Thanks to Tsuan’s rampage, Carte and Ariadne were able to deal with a calmer situation comparatively. 

 The battle was even, however this was due to only facing the Empties. 

 Haraka with her talismans was searching for the whereabouts of the girls. The Three Executives—Rook and Bishop. 

 Knight was fighting Kurumi, so there was no issue. If Kurumi could not handle her then no one could. 

 However, the problem still remains. The other two had suddenly disappeared. 

 “Maya, have they appeared at the back?” 

 “… No, no one is here. We have been fighting the Empties that have gotten through.” 

 Maya replied to Haraka’s telepathy. 

 “We can send Cistus as a reinforcement without issue. Haraka, what do you think?” 

 “We can’t find the whereabouts of two of the Three Executives—Rook and Bishop.” 

 “They’re not here.” 

 “But, there is no reason for them to stay still. I think something is up.” 

 “Maybe… they’re waiting for the Queen?” 

 “That could be it. Even then, we can’t be certain. Why hasn’t the Queen shown up yet?” 

 Maya tilted her head at Haraka’s words while being barricaded in. 

 “That… I’m not sure.” 

 Even if they put up a good fight now, the Queen’s arrival will flip the situation. The Empties will start to fight with wild enthusiasm and the Three Executives will be revived over and over. 

 “…Maybe they’re being cautious of Kurumi Tokisaki.” 

 “Ah… Might be that…” 

 “Her movements, ability and tactics. If they aren’t able to grasp that they won’t be able to get a decisive win.” 

 There was no possibility that White Queen feared the Dominions. The only person she may fear was the person who was able to fight back in Binah, Kurumi Tokisaki. 

 Kurumi Tokisaki said with a bitter look, “Using a football analogy, that situation was like losing from beginning to end but managing to score at the very end and resulting in a draw. I wouldn’t call that a victory.” However, that in itself was a miracle. 

 “That means, there next plan of action is—” 

 Maya quickly turned to Kurumi. She was engaging in a one on one battle with Knight but one of Knight’s comrades approached them slowly. 

 “Haraka! One of the Three Executives, Rook, came forth! She’s targeting Kurumi Tokisaki! Support her!” 

 “Alright, understood!” 

 Slowly, the situation on the battlefield had started to change. The second phase had begun. 

◇◇◇

 —strong. 

 Like a storm, the assault was a peek into Kurumi’s true seriousness and madness. Mixed with <Aleph>’s acceleration and <Bet>’s debuff, her enemy was one-sidedly beat up. 

 She relentlessly fired her best shots at Knight to kill her sadistically, moreso logically. 

 “—This could be bad if this goes on…” Knight growled. 

 However, Knight was not without a plan. She was able to heal using the Reiryoku robbed with <King Killing>. But similarly, Kurumi used <Dalet> to heal herself. She was trying to minimize the amount of Reiryoku being robbed. 

 Knight’s Unsigned Angel was able to absorb Reiryoku from inflicting wounds but when the wound was closed, it can no longer do so. 

 Even so, Kurumi’s amount of Reiryoku was only decreasing. Only about half remained. With more perseverance, she will collapse into a state where she will no longer be able to manifest <Zafkiel>. 

 That was the target. 

 It was the plan to thoroughly check Kurumi. Knight stanced with her longsword and Kurumi launched an attack—but stopped completely. 

 “Fu—mu.” 

 She muttered while gazing at Knight suspiciously. 

 “…What’s the matter?” 

 “Nothing, how should I put this. You’re foolish.” 

 “What a rude remark!” 

 “When it comes to that, is it right to say you’re plotting something? There’s no presence of the Queen and you’re not attacking me foolishly in a group.” 

 “Of course,” Knight thought. Kurumi’s other ability was <City of Devouring Time>. This ability absorbs time from her surroundings to replenish Kurumi’s time which was spent using <Zafkiel>. 

 However, it had countermeasures. First was to avoid surrounding Kurumi with a mob of Empties. It also took time to activate and its range was short. Knight was aware that there was sufficient time to avoid it. 

 “When it comes to that, your objective can be narrowed down to one thing.” 

 Kurumi grinned and laughed. 

 “——Rook!” 

 Knight shouted. The following flew out from Kurumi’s blind spot: 

 “Burn.” “Shine.” “Split.” “Soar.” 

 The red scythe—Unsigned Angel <Vermillion>. 

 It split as it burned brightly and surrounded Kurumi leaving no room for escape. 

 “<Zafkiel>—<Aleph> <Bet>!” 

 She shot <Aleph> at herself to accelerate herself and <Bet> at three-tenths of the scythes to slow them down. 

 On top of that, she shot down all the scythes. 

 “…ts!” 

 Rook watched in twisted, disgusted reverence. 

 It was not about the admirable ability or skill, it was her judgement. If she stopped the time of three-tenths of the scythes, she judged that she could shoot them all down with minimal use of <Zafkiel>. She determined that if she did not use <Bet> in fear of wasting time, she could not have handled the scythes but if she used it too many times, it would have been an unnecessary use of time. 

 She took no damage, wasted nothing and dodged Rook’s attack at high speed and efficiency. Kurumi was far stronger than once before. 

 “For someone being reborn by <Akrab>—” 

 Kurumi turned and exchanged gazes with Rook. Rook felt as if her back was frozen, not due the fear of death but the fear of Kurumi Tokisaki herself. 

 Kurumi announced while laughing. 

 “Rook. You really don’t amount to much? Your growth rate is zero. That woman is surely discouraged by your performance, no? Kihihihi.” 

 “…You little!” 

 Rage exceeded fear. Kurumi stopped Rook’s attack dead in front of her and fired her pistol. 

 Rook, forgetting herself in rage, disregarded the bullet and closed the distance. 

 Rook swung her scythe <Vermillion> downwards, sideways and diagonally but Kurumi laughed loudly and dodged the attacks by a hairbreadth. 

 “Knight! Seize her!” 

 “Yes, yes. I’ll do it.” 

 Knight with her easy-going tone of voice flew towards Kurumi’s chest. The number of attacks doubled but Kurumi continued to casually dodge by a hairbreadth. 

 Knight by herself could not win, switching to Rook made no difference. They had no choice but to call in their final backup. 

 Though humiliating—even for Kurumi, having easily dodged the two’s attack, the Three Executives would still prove to be difficult to handle. Bishop was to be summoned and phase two of the plan would begin. 

 “Bishop.” 

 Bishop emerged from the shadows in reply to Rook’s call. 

 “Understood.” 

 “Well, well, well. A third person.” 

 Kurumi created a distance between them temporarily. She smiled as she saw the Three Executives in a line. 

 Bishop—a blue-haired girl, Rook—a black-haired girl and Knight—a white-haired girl. Their Unsigned Angels were a rapier, scythe and longsword respectively. 

 “Now, three of you, please come at me.” 

 Kurumi beckoned to them. They commenced their attacks: Rook appeared angry, Knight laughed and Bishop was expressionless. Rook took to the skies, Knight assaulted and Bishop tried to attack from a blind spot. 

 Preempt, evade, block and counter. She was using every method to compete against the Three Executives. Kurumi had avoided taking any fatal damage so far but she was unable to damage them either. 

 It was a race against time. Both parties thought this. 

 “<Zafkiel>—” 

 “Not gonna happen!” 

 They approached to counter both <Aleph> and <Bet>. It was a success if one of their attacks made its mark on Kurumi. Naturally, Kurumi could not commence her attack. 

 While the Three Executive’s Knight was Hibiki Higoromo, it was difficult for Kurumi to attack. 

 Therefore, Knight was positioned at the front with Rook and Bishop as support. 

 Every instance Knight damaged Kurumi, led to her Reiryoku leaking and reducing the time available to use <Zafkiel>. 

 After the situation reached a point of no return, White Queen would depart for the front. The Queen would have achieved her dream once she had raised Kurumi Tokisaki’s decapitated head. 

 —To sum up, that plan had collapsed. 

 There were many reasons. The most important was misreading Kurumi Tokisaki. 

 Kurumi knew the fear of losing something important. Through experience, she also knew what actions would cause her to lose said important things. 

 If you hesitate, you die. If you are timid, you will be killed. She had lived life as if on a tightrope. It was the real Kurumi’s memory but was carved into the clones as well. 

 Also, Kurumi Tokisaki was cautious, logical and near freezing cool-headedness to grasp the situation desperately. 

 A battle against time—She had to stop them from executing their plan before running out of time to use <Zafkiel>. 

 Kurumi held back the feeling of impatience and leaped backwards to create distance. She called out to the pursuing three foes in order to stop them. 

 “Ah, ah. That’s enough.” 

 “… What…?” 

 Kurumi laughed at Rook who was looking at her with suspicion. 

 “How shall I say this? Who thought of this? It wasn’t Hibiki since she knows me well.” 

 “Uhm… What are you talking about? I don’t understand at all.” 

 “Well then, I’ll tell you. Knight, you’re not Hibiki are you?” 

 Knight stopped suddenly. 

 “H—” 

 Knight stopped and almost asked “How?” but realised that would answer Kurumi’s question. Knight was solely Knight and no one else. Her Unsigned Angel was not named <King Killing> but <Twilight Bringer>. 

 She gained a face similar to Hibiki Higoromo, learned her pattern of speech and conducted herself to act as if she was Hibiki Higoromo. 

 Knight was able to achieve a safe position this way. Kurumi would be unable to fight back if she perceived Knight as Hibiki Higoromo. While Knight would continue to rob Kurumi’s Reiryoku. 

 “Well… It was a good idea. There was a mysterious factor but I couldn’t help but to watch the situation unfold.” 

 “Mysterious factor…?” 

 “If you were originally Hibiki-san. Your position is strange.” 

 Indeed, if Kurumi perceived Knight as Hibiki Higoromo, it was difficult for her to fight. This is why Knight was positioned in the forefront. This was the correct decision. However, the story was different when it came to defending another person. 

 “If Knight was Hibiki, the most important of the three would be Knight. She shouldn’t move to protect the other two. Rook and Bishop could be resurrected countless times by the Queen after her arrival. They’re not worth sacrificing Knight for.” 

 Knight being the shield and Knight protecting the other two were similar but the notion was different. 

 The former had a reason, the latter did not. 

 “You can say that I’ve reached a conclusion that Knight is not Hibiki. Now… I know you are all too mean to answer. However, which one of you is Hibiki Higoromo-san? If you answer, I will offer to kill you easily. You’ll be resurrected anyway right?” 

 The Three Executives were furious but did not react to Kurumi’s provocation. 

 “Not yet,” they assured themselves. “Soon, she will make a triumphant return.” 

 “Well, if that’s the case, I will crush you annoying people.” 

 Kurumi announced and commenced her attack fiercely. 

 Knight hesitated but understood her role and moved forward to stop Kurumi’s attack. She had somehow used her Unsigned Angel <King Killing>, formerly <Twilight Bringer>, to prevent Kurumi from damaging her. 

 Frightening. Death was not frightening but dying without reason was frightening. Kurumi quickly saw past their plan. They were yet to be useful to the Queen. 

 An enormous clock manifested behind Kurumi. 

 “<Zafkiel>!” 

 Kurumi shot herself and then pointed the gun at Knight. She shot <Aleph> at herself and she was planning to shoot either <Bet> or <Zayin> to slow or stop Knight’s time, respectively. Anyhow, it was ok as long as Knight sliced Kurumi before getting shot. 

 Accelerate for the Queen. The attack was fierce and her steps were rapid. All she had left was to swing down her sword for the finishing blow. 

 A miracle happened. She dodged a bullet. There was no missing this opportunity. She slashed down with a roar. Kurumi watched the longsword approach absent-mindedly. She did not attempt to dodge. It may have been due to having her confident shot be dodged or she had a reason. 

 A fraction of a second difference in reaction time had decided the outcome. 

 “—I’ve got it now!” 

 Knight turned around and puffed her chest at Bishop and Rook. She eliminated her most difficult opponent with a stroke of good luck. Now to clean up the rest. There was no need for the Queen to depart. They had to defeat the Dominions and create the path to victory for the Queen. 

 “…?” 

 Then she realised. Her vision was going dark. There was no pain but she felt her body temperature plummet. She attempted to move her hand to stand up—but it did not move a millimeter. 

 “What… Happened…” 

 “Kihihihihi. Envisioning a convenient future has its merits and demerits.” 

 Kurumi Tokisaki’s voice. Knight was more concerned about her words than the fact she was still alive. However, Knight did not want to hear it. 

 “The future isn’t fixed. Decisions will change the outcome. Your actions are different between the future you wished for and the future you were forced to witness.” 

 “What—” 

 “<Zafkiel>—<Hei>.” 

 Just then, Kurumi had shot the bullet of future sight at both parties. As Kurumi saw the future, she could predict Knight’s actions. 

 Knight was able to see the future and jumped to the conclusion that it would be the outcome. The future she saw was misleading as Kurumi changing her actions caused that future vision to be an illusion. Kurumi had shot before being able to comprehend the deception. 

 From third person, it only appeared that Knight had charged recklessly and had been shot. For a certain kill, <Aleph> and <Bet> were not used. 

 Time consumption was great, but she wanted to get rid of Knight. 

 “So, which one of you is next?” 

 “Kihihihi,” she laughed. Bishop and Rook held their Unsigned Angels at the ready and did not react to her provocation. 

 “Now, are you next, Rook-san?” 

 “—No, we’re not next.” 

 “…!” 

 Kurumi understood what that meant and formed a grim expression. 

 Bishop and Rook kneeled. An Empty approached as if sleepwalking and stood before Kurumi. 

 A voice came out within her. 

 “—Now, this is the decisive battle, Kurumi Tokisaki.” 

 Empty shined dazzlingly and split apart like a door. From there emerged an arm, a leg and a body. 

 “What a twisted triumphal return.” 

 Kurumi said, annoyed. White Queen had finally appeared, passing through the Empty. 

 There was an uncomfortable feeling—an alarm was going off within Kurumi. That was the least of Kurumi’s concerns. The strongest and the worst enemy of the Neighboring World was before her and Kurumi’s spirit was heightened while she felt a contrasting emotion. 

 “…Your voice has returned to normal.” 

 “Of course. Right now, I am “General”.” 

 Without a doubt, that emotion was fear. 

 Chokmah, the final battleground. Finally, the confrontation between the two disasters had begun. 

◇◇◇

 —With the Queen's appearance, the advantageous war progression had instantly halted. 

 “Oh no, their morale had risen.” 

 “Tsuan! Fall back!” 

 Tsuan leaped back as per Haraka’s command to fall back but the Empties stretched their bodies and grasped Tsuan’s feet. 

 “Damnit…!” 

 “Tsuan! Talisman <Doppelganger>! Make it in time!” 

 The Nitro Dress had activated and there was no escape. However, a Haraka look-alike doll formed from Haraka’s talisman managed to cover the explosive. The Empty had exploded and Tsuan was blown back by the explosion. 

 “Gu…” 

 Tsuan had stumbled but stood up. The giggling Empties’ voices had hit her ear. 

 “You’re strong.” “Mhm, very strong.” “But, you can’t win against us.” “There’s no way you can win.” “The numbers are different.” “The amount is different.” “Our thoughts are different.” 

 “Can you perish,” 

 “Somewhat solitarily,” 

 “Alone, for us?” 

 The Empties laughed———and so did Tsuan. 

 Tsuan was laughing. 

 “Thank you for the awesome joke. I see, you are all countless soldiers who don’t fear death. But, if you’re countless then I will crush you endlessly. I’m really good at a game of never-ending Whack-A-Mole. Oh, also. Now I’ve deciphered your breathing and movements. So you’ll never hit me with another Nitro Dress again.” 

 “Fufu.” “How stupid.” 

 “How did you,” 

 “manage that?” 

 “The one currently holding it is—” 

 Tsuan sprinted like a hurricane and crushed an Empty. 

 Then she kicked away the disappearing Empty, instantaneously. The soaring disappearing Empty was blown apart by the Nitro Dress. 

 “I guessed it was that one judging by the suspicious behavior. Seems like I was right. Is anyone else holding one?” 

 The Empties stopped laughing, went into silence and regretted their error. Their correct course of action was to assault without giving Tsuan an opportunity. 

 “…Alright, there is. You, you and you. I’m going to crush you now so, uhm, what was it? You know… uh…” 

 Tsuan thought about it momentarily but remembered. 

 “Say your prayers!” 

 Tsuan swung <Lailaps>. She rampaged, rampaged and rampaged. She would run out of energy and collapse eventually but the Empties had one problem. 

 The problem was when that would happen. 

 Haraka Kagarike gave out a sigh of relief seeing Tsuan swing her halberd with enthusiasm. Blocking the explosion with the body was successful. 

 However. 

 “We’re getting pushed into a corner…” 

 The Empties’ aggression was increasing gradually. Tsuan was battling hard but Ariadne and Carte were being pushed back. 

 The reason was the White Queen. Due to her arrival, the Empties’ morale had exploded. “Please take a look at me!” They shouted as they attacked Ariadne and Carte fearlessly. 

 Fanaticism—adoration—which was both attributed to White Queen’s charisma. A crafty charm capable of alluring even the Dominions. 

 Dominion of Tiphereth, Oka Miyafuji and Dominion of Netzach, Yui Sagakure both sided with the Queen. 

 It was a simple concept. There was no faulting the Empties for being seized by the Queen. The living corpses pushed forth like an avalanche—like zombies in a horror movie. 

 “Haraka, Ariadne is in a dire state. Please support her!” 

 “Okie-dokie!” 

 Haraka started running in reply to Maya’s telepathy. While she ran, she looked at the one and only hope, Tokisaki Kurumi. 

 …On the far side of the battlefield, a violent carnage had unfolded. 

 Kurumi, who was spotted far away, appeared like a shooting star. An autonomous shooting star. Likened to a fighter plane. 

 Her trajectory was unlike a normal person. 

 The problem was the White Queen who was able to compete with this. She shot, she cut with her saber, she was shot, she was struck by the rifle. 

 They both exhibited unbelievable amounts of talent and Reiryoku. 

 However, Haraka judged that the competition would not last. Rook and Bishop were watching for an opportunity to join the battle. 

 …Of course, White Queen and Kurumi Tokisaki shared a common connection (according to Kurumi). However, the White Queen was a slightly different problem. 

 It was certain that there was an intention on using the chess pieces, Rook and Bishop. Even Kurumi was unable to win against the addition of two possessing powers on par with Dominions. 

 Haraka was in anguish. 

 —Should she help Ariadne or Kurumi Tokisaki? 

 She was the only one able to make that decision. Time until destruction approached. Which was the correct decision? Haraka tightly gripped her hand holding a talisman. 

◇◇◇

 Hibiki Higoromo’s current situation was like a small boat being swept by a tidal wave. The wind was ruthless, and grazed at her spirits while the sprays of water froze her body and soul. 

 If the small boat were to capsize and sink, it was game over. Her spirit would never recover from that. 

 “You little…!” 

 She gritted her teeth on the brink of breaking apart while controlling the boat. She held back her fear of losing her puny existence and sailed towards her destination. 

 A gift from god came down to her occasionally. 

 “It’s in the way!” 

 It was a rope from the heavens. Solid and divine, it led to a safe and peaceful location. 

 Hibiki knew that this was a trap. If it was up to the person who could not remember her face or name, she would not give her such peaceful help. 

 So, Hibiki was forced to control the boat while on the verge of tears. 

 ─ 

 “—I swear,” Kurumi told her. 

 If Hibiki Higoromo was abducted by White Queen and if Hibiki Higoromo was turned into Kurumi Tokisaki’s enemy. “—I will save you. However, a somewhat violent method must be used.” 

 “Can’t you cut it off at “I will save you”!? Now I’m worried about the “somewhat violent method” part!” 

 “But, if Hibiki-san has been turned into the enemy, it must be brainwashing, right? To break free from this, you need violence.” 

 “Is there no love!?” 

 “Love aside, there is an emotion. But, I am a Spirit of disaster. I can only think of these methods.” 

 “So… what is it specifically?” 

 “That’s—” 

 What Kurumi thought was fairly violent but was sure to break free from the brainwashing. 

 “…Let’s also choose a password.” 

 “A password?” 

 “A secret word that only we will understand. However, you will need to try and forget it.” 

 “???” 

 Hibiki tilted her head. Kurumi coughed and began to explain. 

 “Are you ready? This word is special. A complex word only you and I know about. If you can remember this word, it means you acknowledge that you are being brainwashed.” 

 “Then, that’s bad?” 

 If Hibiki were to remember the word then it would be important to her. If so, then she would confess it once she was brainwashed. 

 “No. Here’s the crucial moment. I need Hibiki-san to forget the word at once. Only recall it when I mention the word.” 

 “W- what… If I think it’s important then how can I forget about it?” 

 “You go into your deep consciousness with a self suggestion then seal the password. After that, attach the concept of Hibiki Higoromo onto the password.” 

 Hibiki thought about Kurumi’s words for a moment then clapped. 

 “…Ah—I get it now. So it’s like this? Put a password on a compressed file and have Kurumi-san remember the password while I react to the password and instantly uncompress Hibiki_Higoromo.zip!” 

 “???” 

 This time, Kurumi Tokisaki tilted her head. 

 “In short, I forget the password and you remind me of the word?” 

 “Yes, Yes. That’s right. Now, I will tell you the password.” 

 “Ok!” Hibiki chirped, eyes glittering. Then, she carved the word into herself. 

 “Now I will start the suggestion.” 

 “Suggestion…” 

 “Like a hypnosis of sorts.” 

 “Is it a lewd hypnosis!?” 

 Kurumi chopped the excited Hibiki on the head to silence her. 

 “Please apologize to all the hypnotists in the world, Hibiki-san.” 

 “Sorry… Hypnosis and suggestion reminds me of lewd things.” 

 “Hibiki-san, is your head a field of Rafflesia flowers? Anyhow, please sit down and close your eyes.” 

 Hibiki nodded and followed the instruction obediently. 

 “Ok.” 

 “Now… Hibiki-san. Do you remember how we met initially?” 

 “Yes, of course.” 

 Kurumi fell down. Hibiki believed this was fate. Holding back the fear of having her existence destroyed, she used <King Killing> to steal Kurumi’s appearance and ability. 

 “Please imagine this. That memory is in your hand right now. Yes, imagine it as a book. Choose a title and put the details of the memory into the book. Please imagine that.” 

“Y, yes.” 

 Hibiki closed her eyes and thought intensely. She put the memory into a hardcover book, placed a title and closed it. 

 “You are now in a library. There are no library visitors. A special non-self-serve library. There are only bookcases, not even a reception.” 

 “There are… bookcases…” 

 Hibiki imagined. According to legends, Chokmah was filled with bookcases. Hibiki did not dislike books but was not particularly fond of them either. But imagining a bookcase was an easy task. 

 “Hibiki-san, what do you think you should do?” 

 Hibiki absentmindedly stood in front of the bookcase and looked down at her book. 

 “It’s an important book… so I’ll put it in the bookcase…” 

 “That’s no good.” 

 “Eh…?” 

 Kurumi covered Hibiki’s eyes with her hand to stop Hibiki from opening her eyes instinctively. Kurumi whispered softly into Hibiki’s ear. 

 “You can’t put our important memories into the bookcase. You have to put it into a sturdy safe.” 

 “A sturdy… safe…” 

 “Your bookcases will be destroyed. Your books will be stolen and burned.” 

 “That’s—” 

 She did not want that to happen, not at all. 

 “But, if you put it into a safe it will be ok. Put the important book into the safe and lock it. Using a password to unlock it.” 

 Hibiki nodded and placed everything into a sturdy steel box. 

 “Password—” 

 “A safe needs a password, no?” 

 “Yes, the password is…” 

 “While closing your eyes, I’ll tell you one letter at a time. Please write this on a piece of paper.” 

 In front of Hibiki was a desk with paper and a pen. 

 She carved the password one letter at a time carefully. The password was strange, embarrassing and something no one would bring up. 

 “…Is this ok?” 

 “It’s not good but it can be overlooked in an emergency.” 

 “Well, you’re right. Emergency, emergency, hehe. “Kurumi Tokisaki—”” 

 Hibiki recited it multiple times to remember it. 

 Kurumi judged that Hibiki had remembered it and announced her next instruction. 

 “Good. Now, burn the paper with the password and forget it. Especially that word.” 

 “Eh, but…” 

 If she did that, she would forget the word surely. Especially since she had never previously thought about the word which came after “Kurumi Tokisaki—”. She would understand the word of course but it was not related to Kurumi and a connection could not be made. 

 It was something she would remember if she did not try to forget. 

 If told to, it was something she could forget. 

 “Now, that’s good. Burn that paper at once and forget it. The password is set. I’ve remembered it so you don’t need to.” 

 Hibiki did as she was told. 

 After three seconds, Kurumi clapped her hands. Hibiki blinked in surprise to the sudden noise. 

 It felt like she was having a dream. 

 As if she was talking about something important… No, there was a conversation… It was clear until a moment ago but the important memory had disappeared into the fog. 

 “This is the end of that. Let’s not discuss this. Also, Hibiki-san, you’re not allowed to think about it. Forget it like the memory of what you ate a week ago.” 

 “Y, yes…” 

 As instructed, Hibiki forgot about what had unfolded. 

 ─ 

 On the rocking boat appeared an unbalanced safe by Hibiki’s feet. Hibiki could not remember why it existed. She remembered through necessity that the safe must be kept even though everything else had been taken away from her. 

 “Please, someone, please help—” 

 She tried to hold back her timid voice. It was unacceptable, she thought. Whatever happens, asking for help was the worst. 

 The rough seas continued forever. It was not calming down, it was endless and there was no land to sail to. 

 That’s why—there was only one thing to do. 

 “Remember the lost word and open the safe…?” 

 The safe was locked securely. Hibiki was struck by a wave while thinking about what could be done. At the same time, a low pitch sound was heard. Hibiki went pale. 

 There was a gaping hole in the boat. 

◇◇◇

 Deep breath to compose herself. 

 Once then twice. Barraging while stepping backwards. The White Queen pushed through the barrage fiercely. 

 “Hahaha! What’s the matter Kurumi Tokisaki!? You’re fighting a defensive battle.” 

 “Ah, how bothersome…” 

 It was natural to be irritated. The Queen had appeared but also Kurumi was not confident. 

 Confidence in—which one of Rook or Bishop was Hibiki Higoromo. 

 Knight with the deliberate tone of voice was eliminated from being a suspect but the other two were a mystery. …If Hibiki was able to break through the brainwashing, she would have left “herself” as a clue. 

 In other words, she had been completely sealed. Kurumi judged that the plan of making Hibiki appear obvious was too risky for them. 

 However, that was not entirely out of the question for them as they used Knight to imitate Hibiki. 

 “Though, this is a real headache…” 

 Kurumi shot while spinning. The Queen cut the bullets with her saber. 

 The two behind her—Rook and Bishop did not seem to move. 

 “Are you thinking about them?” 

 Kurumi looked irritated at the Queen. The Queen shrugged and informed her. 

 “Why don’t you battle them? I’m sure you could tell which is which. I expect that from you.” 

 This time, the Queen took a leap back to make distance. 

 “Rook, Bishop. Keep her company.” 

 The Queen clicked her fingers. As if anticipating it, they enthusiastically roared and started their assault on Kurumi Tokisaki. 

 “…<Aleph>!” 

 “Die…! Please die! For me and her!” 

 “Die! Sworn enemy! If only you weren’t here…!” 

 They threw insults while lunging at Kurumi. Kurumi looked back at them and the Queen with cold eyes. There was no way Kurumi would leave the Queen free. Kurumi pointed her flintlock at her—realising this, the Queen snickered. 

 The one muzzle was pointed at her regardless of the other two approaching. Kurumi was not allowing her the opportunity. 

 That meant handling the Three Executives, Rook and Bishop, with one hand. This was a major handicap while searching for clues on which one of them was Hibiki Higoromo. 

 …Of course, she had a plan. If she used the password cleverly, Hibiki Higoromo’s memories would return and in turn would be released from the brainwashing. 

 However, this plan was risky. If Hibiki Higoromo’s conscience was leftover and on top of that, had retained her memory then the parasitizing Rook or Bishop would use their might to destroy her. 

 The password would not come up in the battlefield. 

 If it were to be shouted, everyone would turn around in confusion but instantly realise that was the password to release Hibiki. 

 She needed absolute proof. 

 Which of the Three Executive was Hibiki Higoromo. 

 …There is no conclusion. Kurumi thought to herself. 

 Rook and Bishop were both at full power and did not show any indication that they were Hibiki. Should she choose with intuition? Kurumi grit her teeth—and felt a sense of discomfort. 

 Something was off, different and not in sync. It was too obvious to miss. 

If I was—in the Queen’s position… 

 By that meaning, in the position to cause Kurumi the most grief. For example, making them both appear to be Hibiki and confusing Kurumi until she perishes. 

 Possibly, making one appear as Hibiki but being the opposite in reality. The girl she saved with certainty turned out to be a fake. 

 Those possibilities came to mind. However, they didn’t choose either options and are just Rook and Bishop uttering words full of resentment and continuing their attacks. 

 There was no suffering, confusion, doubt or uneasiness. There was nothing special. 

 It was as if… As if— 

There was information that needed to be hidden…? Kurumi thought to herself. 

 It was something more important to the Queen than causing Kurumi suffering. There was not 

 much except— 

The primary objective. Arrival to <Keter>. 

 However, Kurumi and others were here to prevent this. Even then—the Queen was attempting to achieve the following: stalling. They were trying to spend as much time as possible. 

 “Ah.” 

 Kurumi pondered about the situation for a brief moment. How they were fighting, how the progression of battle was disadvantageous and everything else. 

 She realised, discerned and saw through it. Kurumi turned towards her. 

 “—It’s you.” 

 She was not looking at Rook or Bishop. 

 “…Aha.” 

 Realizing her gaze, White Queen laughed. 

 After thinking about it, White Queen’s attitude was suspicious. She observed how Kurumi fought but she did not seem to fight for victory or have a sadistic approach at all. 

 She was the sole person on the battlefield to be acting out of character. 

 If she is not White Queen, then what was she? 

 Obviously, Hibiki Higoromo. She appeared as White Queen. It was the bullet called <Akrab>. That was not only capable of creating the Three Executives but also White Queen herself. 

 —Of course, this reasoning had its flaws. 

 However, Kurumi perceived that this was White Queen’s most crafty trap. White Queen must be killed while Hibiki Higoromo must not be killed. White Queen would put them together. 

 Now, she had made her decision. 

 “Hibiki-san!” 

 White Queen did not move in response to Kurumi’s call. It did not matter if it was exposed. Kurumi Tokisaki was prepared that she would go through miserable suffering to get Hibiki Higoromo back. 

 Firstly, was the wall that is White Queen. 

 “Oh, calling me Hibiki Higoromo. Are you confused?” 

 White Queen laughed. Kurumi glared at her as if she got on Kurumi’s nerves. She shot at White Queen without hesitation. The Queen dodged with all her might and attempted a counter attack. 

 A deep breath. 

 “Hibiki-san, the password!” 

 “…!” 

 Kurumi opened her mouth and said it to the Queen—more precisely to the person Kurumi confidently thought was within her, Hibiki Higoromo. 

◇◇◇

 Constant rough waves, thunderous roars and gale. Everything struck Hibiki Higoromo. Hibiki persevered and waited. 

 She cannot call for help. She was not allowed to hold onto the thread of salvation. 

 However, there was a hole in the hull of the boat. The boat was sinking slowly but surely. 

 It was a sign that Hibiki Higoromo was going to disappear. Even then, Hibiki waited. 

 She stared at the safe, waiting for the forgotten “thing.” 

 Not yet… Not yet… Hurry… Hurry…! 

 The boat had sunk. 

 Her foot became submerged and the safe sunk even further. There was no opening the safe at this rate. 

 Hibiki did nothing but prayed and stared intently at the safe. There was nothing else she could do in her current state. 

 And so, Hibiki prepared herself and breathed in heavily. 

 She grabbed the safe and sunk deeper and deeper into the ocean. It was suffocating and the pressure was crushing. She would die soon—or more precisely, Hibiki’s self would melt away. Even then she held onto the safe tightly. 

 The sound of a voice came in abruptly. 

 “Kurumi Tokisaki likes the Star Festival and bamboo leaf castella.” 

 —ah. 

 The voice came from the heavens, descended into the ocean and reached the sinking Hibiki. Instantly, her memory was unleashed as if being released from a chain. She was completely absorbed in shouting at the safe. 

 “Kurumi Tokisaki likes the Star Festival and bamboo leaf castella!” 

 The safe opened. The numerous sealed letters and photos covered Hibiki. 

 “That’s right… That’s right, that’s right, that’s right! I’m… My name is Hibiki. And I’m… On a journey with Kurumi-san…!” 

 It was a long journey. They fought, killed, became idols, were even captured, were nearly tortured, escaped and fought against each other in swimsuits. They also played poker, searched for a culprit and fought in a fantasy RPG world together! 

 In the safe were all the memories together. The memories were important, dear and beloved. 

 That’s why Hibiki Higoromo was determined. 

 “In a place like this…” 

 In a place like this. 

 “I won’t die in a place like this!” 

 She flew out of the water as she shouted. She clenched her fist. This body was originally Hibiki Higoromo’s. There was only the parasite that was buried within her by the Queen’s <Akrab>. 

 She stretched her arms. It extended. After regaining her memories, she was able to grow. She easily filled up the ocean and started to struggle for supremacy against White Queen. 

 “You little…!” Hibiki snarled. 

 It was a sensation similar to tearing one’s skin. The Queen had adhered to her being and was not coming off easily. As expected, it was difficult to remove White Queen by herself. 

 However. 

 “Kurumi… san…! Please!” 

 If there was Kurumi Tokisaki’s help! 

◇◇◇

 “Please!” 

 That call was undoubtedly from Hibiki Higoromo. Even if her voice was different and her face was the Queen’s, there was no mistaking. 

 It was apparent that she could not resist against the Queen by herself. Of course, Kurumi and Hibiki had thought about a plan for this situation. 

 “I’m not sure what will happen—so be prepared! <Zafkiel>!” 

 She chose the ninth bullet. It allowed for Kurumi to share senses with the target. A bullet not suited for combat. 

 “<Tet>.” 

 At that instant, Kurumi saw the ground vanish. 

 “As I thought…!” 

 Normally, sharing senses with something (or someone) with <Tet> caused her to gain the ability to read their memories. A given amount of memories is experienced in an instant and ends. 

 However, right now Hibiki Higoromo was White Queen. Two pasts and bodies were adhered and the concept of White Queen was interfering. 

 In that case, what will happen with <Tet>? 

 …The answer was, instead of encountering a bug, it initiated a cheat code. Kurumi was able to use the connection as a rope—she decided to jump. 

 “Here we go…!” 

 She landed at Hibiki Higoromo’s memory, a dream. Kurumi had turned into a “Psycho Diver” and trespassed into Hibiki’s mind in order to allow Hibiki to gain victory over the Queen.