The Queen’s triumphal return
—Final adjustments were needed.
White Queen adjusted her clock cautiously, cautiously. Gevurah… A place of transformed Reiryoku and rules set by the late Dominion.
And its altering effect on Angels.
The possibility had been discovered, what was left was to realize this.
…She thought about Kurumi Tokisaki’s unusual powers. Her outstanding combat capabilities, her ferocious fighting spirit, her tenacious Astral Dress <Elohim> and <Zafkiel>. They were all annoyances, however White Queen was on par.
Of course, <Lucifugus> was a powerful weapon capable of overwhelming <Zafkiel>. <Zafkiel>, having many weak points, was at a disadvantage.
Therefore, the other aspect was the difference in war potential. Empties did not suffice. They could only play a supporting role after all. Then there were the Three Executives—Knight, Rook, Bishop. Their cost was not worth it.
Therefore, the answer was simple.
Something Kurumi Tokisaki does not have but White Queen does. That was a rich history.
In other words.
Imitate the bullet which was the source of the real Kurumi Tokisaki’s power—the Eighth Bullet.
So she adjusted her astronomical clock cautiously, cautiously.
◇◇◇
Explained in a word: quick.
“Fumu. In short, we settled them easily.”
“Well… First shooting <Aleph> at yourself then <Zayin> at the fake Hibiki freezing her. The fake Kurumi Tokisaki used her as a shield then threw her which caused the fake Kurumi to lose balance. Then you moved behind her at lightning speed and rapidly shot her… Kurumi-san, your power is amazing.”
In reality, without Kurumi’s strength there was a high chance that the battle would have been prolonged.
However, she took two actions to their utmost efficiency and finished them off instantly.
“I know their weak points and I can come up with countermeasures.”
“Uncounterable brute force?”
Kurumi laughed boldly and nodded.
“That me lacked experience. She was just a smoothed-over husk. Anyhow, what do we do now? Do we continue our journey?”
“—No, this is the end.”
Hibiki's expression appeared as if she was waiting impatiently for the rain on a sunny day.
“Is… that so?”
“But, there’s one thing we can do. How about we live here forever?”
Hibiki asked with a carefree smile while saying the unthinkable.
“…What do you mean?”
“My guess is that time had stopped outside. This is my mind’s world after all. That means, if we spend ten hours or ten days here… even ten years, the time has stopped over there probably.”
“In this empty area?”
“I can create anything here, anything.”
Hibiki spoke in earnest. Kurumi pondered for a while then asked.
“What if I say no?”
“Have you forgotten? This is my mind’s world. I can think of anything. I can easily trap you in here forever.”
“… Is that so?”
“… That is so.”
A period of silence… Hibiki may have been right. It was natural to get lost in the maze that was Hibiki’s emotions. Unless, if she thought about letting Kurumi go, the world’s time would continue to stand still.
“If Kurumi-san wishes it to be true… would you like me to repeat school life again? If just do this and this… heave-ho.”
Hibiki spun around—her Astral Dress had transformed.
“You know about this uniform?”
“Before, Kurumi-san was describing it when I had asked about it. I thought it might look kind of like this.”
That was the uniform of Kurumi’s school that she used to attend.
“Why don’t we walk for a while?”
Kurumi was—slightly surprised at Hibiki’s suggestion and hesitated.
She saw a vision. It was not Hibiki, but a classmate, a great friend. She remembered looking at the long, long shadows cast by the evening sun and talking about silly conversations to amuse themselves.
By the time they noticed, it was evening. The red sunlight struck their eyes.
Kurumi’s Astral Dress had been changed to a uniform as well, possibly courtesy of Hibiki.
“I don’t mind.”
“Then let’s go.”
They walked. The road was long and hazy, they could continue forever.
Ah, that was right. They had gone home together like this over and over before. There had been instances where Kurumi visited her house and she visited Kurumi’s house. There were possibly days where they had purchased a light meal at the convenience store and conversed absent-mindedly.
Calm, soft, kind days. It was a task going through the day, each day was fun, nothing else mattered during those days.
“Hibiki-san, have you ever had a cold?”
“Oh, not at all. It’s not like the Neighboring World doesn’t have the cold but sickness is from the mind.”
Understandable. If that were the case, Hibiki would undoubtedly never get sick.
“You don’t miss your healthy self until you’ve gotten sick. That’s just how humans are.”
One understands after a loss. The jewels that were those days were like health itself to Kurumi.
But she cannot get it back. She advanced, so she had to take responsibility.
“—Move forth, my youthful self.”
She said and breathed in heavily. She escaped from that vision. She held back the tears. “It’s going to be ok,” she whispered to herself.
Suddenly, she remembered a story she had learned about back in English/Japanese class at school. A monologue of a man who had left his hometown.
The old house, the mountains and waters of the hometown was getting further. With it, the beautiful memories as a child were getting fainter and fainter. It was saddening.
It could not be helped, Kurumi thought. Abruptly, Hibiki said.
“Now that I think about it, maybe that’s how the Neighboring World came to be like this.”
“What do you mean?”
“That beautiful, unsparing, sweet, lonely world was… maybe the result of one girl’s inner thoughts flowing out.”
“Oh, how romantic.”
Kurumi stared in surprise.
“I think you might be right, unexpectedly. My intuition is usually right after all.”
“Right.”
Hibiki noticed and frowned. Kurumi had let go of her <Zafkiel> unnoticed.
“Where are your guns?”
Kurumi shrugged at Hibiki’s suspicious question.
“There are no enemies here.”
“—Ah, it’s no use. She couldn’t be surpassed,” Hibiki thought.
Threatening Hibiki with a gun would have been the easiest solution. Hibiki was prepared to release Kurumi if she had been truly enraged or had started shooting.
She would not have accepted it. There was no temptation to stay here forever. Hibiki meant it to be a joke and she thought Kurumi would never accept it.
Hibiki’s announcement was undoubtedly a provocation towards Kurumi.
However, Kurumi put down her weapons. It was a trivial action but one that stuck Hibiki’s heart.
Kurumi Tokisaki trusted Hibiki Higoromo. They were not enemies so they negotiated. It was not violence or madness, it was just sincere feelings towards Hibiki.
That’s why she knew there was no winning.
“…Let’s return now.”
“Yes,” Kurumi smiled slightly as she nodded at Hibiki’s suggestion.
Hibiki, reluctant to part, touched the ground where Kurumi had fallen from at the beginning.
“I’m not White Queen.”
“My name is Hibiki Higoromo.”
“I am Kurumi Tokisaki’s—friend.”
“I will fight—with Kurumi Tokisaki.”
She introduced herself and pledged. At the same time, a strong wind had surged. The mind’s world was breaking and reconstructing.
It was returning to Hibiki Higoromo’s consciousness.
“Now, Kurumi-san.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s fight together. To the end, together.”
—Kurumi-san had shown her a beautiful, beautiful thing.
In that case, throwing a tantrum was sheer stupidity. Hibiki Higoromo would start over once more and once again become Kurumi Tokisaki’s best friend.
Kurumi felt faint slightly. She had noticed what was going on and felt relieved.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be waiting for you, Hibiki-san.”
Kurumi disappeared leaving Hibiki behind.
Hibiki’s tears were not tears of sadness, but tears of joy from knowing that Kurumi had trusted her.
Come now—let us proceed to the battle.
◇◇◇
She had awoken. She opened her eyelids. In front of her was Kurumi Tokisaki who looked shocked slightly.
“Hibiki-san, right?”
“Yes! It’s me, Hibiki Higoromo!”
Hibiki smiled and Kurumi understood. A splendid smile that did not suit the situation. It was decided.
“Mu. That gaze, is there something wrong with me?”
“Please be assured, Hibiki-san. You are always weird.”
“Can you not diss me so smoothly!?”
“Well, setting that aside. By all means, take a look at the mirror afterwards. Your Astral Dress is in an interesting state.”
“Huh?”
As Kurumi said, Hibiki Higoromo’s appearance was different. Her face and figure were the same but her simple Astral dress had turned into a military uniform. In her hand was a saber—the second Unsigned Angel <King Killing>.
Her appearance undoubtedly resembled that of White Queen—
“Don’t mess with…!”
This enraged both Rook and Bishop.
“Now, Hibiki-san.”
“Yes, what is it!?”
“Let’s fight together. Show me your strength.”
“… Roger!”
Kurumi diverted the assaulting duo. Hibiki weaved through the gap Kurumi had created. Her body felt as light as a feather.
“Here I come!”
Hibiki swung her saber down with a cheerful shout. Rook stopped the blow. Unsigned Angel <Vermillion>—the red scythe.
Hibiki exhaled sharply and put her strength into the saber’s blade.
“…!”
Rook was pushed back. Hibiki had attained tremendous strength and used it to swing her saber haphazardly. She lacked swordsmanship and was using her Reiryoku wrongly. In other words, she was like a child playing with a gun.
Even if they are playing, the trigger can be pulled and the strength of the bullet would be the same. Rook was on the back foot, being pursued.
“Bishop!”
Bishop reacted to Rook’s call and attempted to move behind Hibiki. However, once she tried to step forward, a bullet had obstructed her action.
“Kurumi… Tokisaki…!”
“Well, asking Hibiki-san to take on two people is too cruel. For now, please go along with Hibiki-san’s practice.”
Kurumi laughed cheerfully.
The scythe and saber intersected, and a shriek of metal colliding could be heard. Hibiki’s swordsmanship was unskilled and clumsy. It was easy for Rook to manage. She regained composure, gained distance from Hibiki then swung her scythe from below.
Hibiki leaped as she swung her saber severing the scythe, the blade floated in the air.
“Split, forward.”
Rook clicked her tongue, splitting her scythe and throwing at Hibiki, who was currently afloat.
“Wa, to, ta!”
Hibiki hurriedly twisted her body to dodge the attacks. Consequently, failing to land and tumbling clumsily.
Rook, not wanting to miss the opportunity, swung her scythe down—she felt a chill down her back. The instant she stopped momentarily, the chill was justified.
Hibiki stood up, or more like leaped up.
Hibiki had aimed for Rook’s heart and thrusted her saber with great strength.
“Oh. That was no good. What a shame.”
If Rook’s decision was delayed, there was no doubt that her heart would have been penetrated. She shuddered at this truth. She had realised this was evidence that the situation was deteriorating.
In other words, the current Hibiki—was rapidly growing stronger.
Rook gritted her teeth in resentment and shouted.
“Stretch.”
Her scythe had grown in length. She swung her large scythe sideways and inspected the distance between Hibiki. Hibiki commenced her attack once more indomitably but the scythe’s reach was too great and prevented the tip of her blade from reaching.
“Hibiki-san, she’s put distance between the both of you, you can’t be thoughtlessly keeping a distance like that!”
Cheerful support could be heard from far behind.
“Participate in the battle please!”
“I am!”
Kurumi was right. She was support fire to check Bishop and watch over the battle between Rook and Hibiki. Furthermore, she supported the Quasi-Spirits fighting against the swarms of Empties.
“Besides, you will be fine. Hibiki-san, you can win.”
Kurumi declared.
Hibiki looked surprised momentarily but gained confidence.
“I’ll trust you!”
If Kurumi had said Hibiki can win, then Hibiki trusted that.
To the very, very, very end, she was going to follow Kurumi.
“You, little…!”
Hibiki parried the attack with her saber with all her might. She slid the blade to close in on Rook. Rook had the ability to split, burn and throw her scythe.
Due to the number of countermeasures available, her decision making was consequently slow. In which case, she had bad compatibility against Kurumi.
Conversely, Hibiki Higoromo who just charged straightforwardly had good compatibility against Rook.
Unhesitatingly, Hibiki went for the neck. Rook’s best course of action was to jump back and keep distance while throwing away her scythe temporarily.
But, Hibiki’s existence had erased that option. She was just one Quasi-Spirit and one that had stolen the Queen’s power. Rook definitely could not just run away from her.
There was a strong emotion an Empty does not usually possess.
Hatred.
Seeing Hibiki as a badly built imitation of the Queen was the cause of defeat.
The blade of the saber slammed into Rook’s shoulder.
It had eaten through from the right side of her body to the left side of the neck. Rook disappeared before blood even had the chance to spill from her mangled body.
“…Hie, I won.”
For them, it was honorable to die and disappearing meant the birth of another one of the Three Executives. Even for them of all things, Bishop was dumbfounded and looked at the victorious Hibiki.
“What are you…!?”
Losing to such an imitation—was such a disgrace!
Bishop charged.
“Wa, to, ya!”
Hibiki let out a strange sound as she dodged Bishop’s slashes. Hibiki desperately dodged as if it had made contact, Bishop’s sword would cause her to feel a stronger gravity.
“You, little…!”
Hit, hit, hit! She would be defeated if it had hit—!
“Uhm, are you okay with that?”
Hibiki made distance between them as she asked.
“What—”
Hibiki pointed afar with an innocent face.
There was a girl with a crazed smile.
“I didn’t think you would forget the existence of Kurumi-san. I think that’s unbelievable.”
Bishop panickedly reacted to those words and turned but was shot in the heart and the crown of the head.
“Ah.”
She opened her mouth as if she was stupid. Bishop's body unraveled and disappeared.
Hibiki ran towards Kurumi with high spirit.
“… We did it, Kurumi-san! We won!”
“Yes, yes, it was our victory… But, the vital Queen is absent.”
“Yes. I was worried about that also…”
“Do you know about anything? Hibiki-san, even if for a moment, you were White Queen…”
“No, no. I was still me… I was desperately trying to not lose my awareness against White Queen so I had no chance of looking at my surroundings. It was like rowing a boat at night in stormy seas.”
It was not “like”, but exactly that.
“Besides, it was amazing that you knew I was transformed into White Queen…”
“Despite how I look, I’m actually malicious. I thought about it from the Queen’s perspective and it was easy. And also, there were some things that felt out of place when I was observing.”
“… I believe Kurumi-san is terrifying. Being able to think clearly about that during a battle.”
It was exaggerated to say it was bird’s-eye view but it was a special kind of talent that she was able to have a third person point of view without being absorbed in the battle in front of her.
Not to mention the ability to think logically about something other than the battle, an impressive feat.
“The Three Executives were annihilated, so if the Queen doesn’t arrive, then the mob… If so, we will soon have our triumphal return.”
“Mhm, I don’t want her to come.”
“If she doesn’t come, if anything, we’ll be troubled.”
If the Queen does not come, then it would mean she had another objective. And that would undoubtedly be a fatal blow.
“But their situation was very disadvantageous. If she had attacked us normally, we would’ve lost… probably.”
“Probably.”
“?”
“Hibiki-san, do you remember when we fought against the Queen in Binah?”
“I was only able to see the very end…”
“It was a close battle. I had to think to my absolute limit. I overturned and invalidated a battle that should have 100% ended in my defeat.”
“… I see.”
“She may be afraid of that. Not “probably” be able to win. But she wants to be 100% sure she can win.”
“B, but. Losing her army would mean getting her priorities wrong.”
Hibiki was right. No matter how many times the Three Executives can be resurrected with <Akrab>, there was a limit. That bullet required a significant amount of time just like <Het> (in other words, Reiryoku but White Queen had the capabilities of an inverse so Kurumi guessed that the weapon would use time).
A strong power would normally require a large consumption.
As a general rule, this consumption may be in the form of Reiryoku, time or something equivalent.
Kurumi pondered for a moment—then realized.
“… Hibiki-san, when you were abducted do you remember where you were taken?”
“No idea. After we got through the warp zone, I was put into an empty room.”
“No. Did you go to another region?”
“Ah, that… I don’t think I did, no.”
“That means, you were brainwashed before being sent to another region… In that case…”
Kurumi and Hibiki were at Geruvah. In that nonsensical fantasy world, there were rules in place like no other region.
Alteration of one’s ability.
Foul play originating from unstable Reiryoku and rules. Kurumi had also used <Yud Aleph> and <Yud Bet> previously unusable outside of Geruvah.
In short, White Queen undoubtedly knew about Geruvah’s special characteristics.
That was right… Was that the reason the Queen commenced a surprise attack on Geruvah?
For example, was that fake spirit summoned by the summoner a decoy?
Wait, wait, wait.
If Kurumi was in the Queen’s situation, what would she do? The number of abilities <Lucifugus> has was equal to that of Kurumi’s, twelve. At least one of which may be difficult to use or unneeded.
And so, if she could alter the ability, what ability would she desire?
—That was Kurumi Tokisaki’s power.
In any case, she had gathered knowledge about <Zafkiel> through Cistus. Naturally, there may be bullets she was unaware of but she would know of the main bullets that Kurumi uses.
… In front was Hibiki Higoromo.
She was turned into White Queen.
Ah, no way. That, but, if, if that was the case.
“Kurumi-san?”
“Hibiki-san, it might be that…”
Kurumi disclosed her thoughts. At this time, it was valuable for Hibiki to listen. If her guess was wrong, Hibiki would point it out using her bountiful knowledge.
“… What do you think of my analysis?”
“I don’t want it to be true but I can’t find any flaws… Say Kurumi-san, which ability do you think she would imitate? You think <Zayin>?”
“No, incorrect.”
Stopping time was undoubtedly strong. The finishing blow can be dealt with one shot, granted that it hits.
However, Kurumi had an even more powerful bullet.
That was a bullet not easy for the cloned Kurumi to use, a trump card of trump cards.
“Uhm, then—”
It was understandable that Hibiki was incorrect. She had not seen the true power of that bullet. There were only two Kurumi’s created from the bullet. The young Kurumi who was lost in combat at Binah and Cistus.
That was that bullet. As a matter of fact, it can be used to multiply indefinitely. Of course, there was a limit but for combat it may as well be disposable.
Ah, she imagined the worst thought.
—The fact that she possesses <Akrab> to transform Empties to the Three Executives.
—The fact she had tortured similar Kurumi Tokisaki to analyze the bullets’ characteristics.
—The fact she had abducted Hibiki Higoromo in Geruvah and transformed her into White Queen.
“Kurumi Tokisaki, do you have a moment?”
Haraka Kagarike asked Kurumi through telepathy.
“… What is it?”
“The Empties have all stopped moving… Can we attack them?”
Upon hearing this, Kurumi looked around hurriedly.
The Empties stood still as if time had stopped. Even Tsuan hesitated to attack and observed the situation.
“Did we… win?”
“No, this is different.”
She crushed Hibiki’s guess. Such wishful thinking would not allow her to go through the upcoming hell.
… Soon, that girl was coming. Before that, everyone must be notified.
“Everyone, can you hear me?”
Including Hibiki, who was next to her, Kurumi asked everyone on the battlefield using Haraka’s talisman. Everyone affirmed and Kurumi started talking.
“You may be all aware but White Queen was actually Hibiki-san transformed into a fake. In other words, the real Queen is not here. But Chokmah’s Reiryoku hasn’t been interfered. Of course, she hasn’t headed to Keter.”
“How would you know that? She might have found another way to control Reiryoku.”
Haraka feared the situation where White Queen was controlling Reiryoku while sending the Empties to fight the war.
“That is a low probability. There is no way she had found something like that at this time.”
“… But, then why didn’t she come here to fight? If White Queen was here, we probably would have lost.”
Kurumi rejected Tsuan’s word.
“Probably. Even if she brought out our full potential, it would not lead to defeat. If you think about it, that would not lead to certain victory for her. Also, the Empties and the Three Executives was too uncertain.”
Even if the Empties threw their lives away, they would not reach the Dominions. The Three Executives were strong but had to be revived using <Akrab>.
…Of course, they were adequately strong.
But, they could probably not defeat Kurumi (Knight was eliminated already), Rook and Bishop’s powers were already known to them.
“The Queen doesn’t have many more opportunities despite what we may think.”
“Wait. If that’s so—she hasn’t run away and she hasn’t come to fight like we expected. Then, What is she planning?”
Maya Yukishiro asked and Kurumi prepared to answer.
“The Queen is—planning to imitate.”
“… Imitate?”
“My power, that is. By that I mean something that had been stolen from Cistus. The Queen had analysed it tenaciously and altered her ability at Geruvah.”
They all gulped.
“… Say. Which one of your abilities would White Queen imitate?”
Ariadne asked.
“The most powerful bullet I can use with <Zafkiel>. Also, the bullet I avoid using due to me being me. The eighth bullet—<Het>.”
“Kurumi-san, that’s…!”
“<Het> is able to bring back the past… Specifically, I can choose a moment of myself in the past and make a copy of myself.”
“I am one such example.”
Cistus muttered while sighing.
“Wait, wait, wait! What do you mean by that? Do you think White Queen would make uncountable copies of herself and then come?”
“—That’s exactly right, Haraka Kagarike.”
The one who replied to Haraka’s panicked words was not Kurumi.
“Kurumi-san…”
“Here she comes. This is the worst, truly.”
Kurumi sighed and watched attentively at the approaching Empty.
The Empty was ripped apart from her collar while making an ecstatic expression.
Then the pure white darkness arose from the split apart shoulders.
“White Queen…”
“Hey, Kurumi Tokisaki. Did you enjoy the side show?”
Kurumi sighed in despair slightly from hearing the strong tone of voice.
“Well, well, well. That tone of voice again?”
“She doesn’t want to talk to you it seems. You shouldn’t hope to be able to talk to her once more.”
White Queen—“General” announced.
“<Het>.”
“… Oh, you noticed?” The Queen laughed slightly at Kurumi Tokisaki’s words.
“Yes, yes, I did. A sly tactic that suits you well.”
White Queen shrugged at Kurumi’s provocation.
“Say what you want. Now, everyone. Time to “Overrun and Coronate”!”
She clicked her fingers.
She used the torn Empty as a place to stand and more White Queen showed up successively.
“No way…”
Hibiki muttered astonishingly. One, two, three—
In front of Kurumi were five Queens. They appeared like the original. Their weapon was a saber and white antique gun—<Lucifugus>.
“Five of you…”
“Are you worried?”
“No way. In fact, isn’t this too few? Or was that your limit?”
“Not at all. The limit was due to the number of people available.”
“Number of people—”
Kurumi realized upon hearing those words. Oh no…! They needed to dispose of those girls!
“<Het·Akrab>—!”
However, White Queen was faster and had started shooting the approaching Empties.
“It took some time but it went well. Your <Het> and my <Akrab> both had its pros and cons. For you the time consumption was too much and for me the strength of the units were limited.”
That’s why they were combined.
The girls with no identity who could be found anywhere had disappeared and were replaced with a new clone of the Queen.
Now there were six. Seven including the original. The most villainous spirit who brought fury to the Neighboring World was there.
“—How vulgar. So that’s why you collected the Empties in the first place.” Kurumi spat out.
“That’s right. In truth, I didn’t need underlings or fanatics. I wanted those girls as material. Because isn’t that so? Copying an absolutely strong individual—resulting in an army of absolutely strong individuals. It will be the strongest army. I’ll prove that to you right now.”
At the same time as the words, the five Queens each shot an Empty in unison.
“<Het·Akrab>.”
The five bullets turned the five Empties into Queens.
“No way… this is… absolutely… impossible!”
Hibiki shrieked, stupefied. Even the Dominions, like Haraka who was watching over the situation from afar, sensed a deep feeling of defeat and despair.
“It isn’t impossible.”
Just one person, that one girl stood. One girl who faced the despair, glaring and wanting to bite.
“What will you do, Kurumi Tokisaki?”
“What I’ll do is simple. Defeat you. Not the clones but the original you. If I do that, all the rest will die together and disappear.”
White Queen let out an inhumane laugh after hearing Kurumi’s direct words.
“That might be the case. But do you think I’ll let that happen?”
“Isn’t it absolutely confirmed?”
“Wow… Plain and simple…”
Hibiki let out a strained laugh and calmed down. White Queen was one person initially. Then five and now including the original, six plus six, twelve bodies.
Of course, their numbers would increase rapidly.
But, there must be a limit.
…They had to think like that or they could not go on. Honestly, it was a desperate situation.
“This is Hibiki. Everyone—Please annihilate the Empties! Otherwise the Queen will multiply to the point it would be no joke!”
“Cistus. Please come to the front line with Maya-san.”
“But then—”
“I will head there. I will definitely not let them get to Keter.”
Kurumi declared. The two went silent before affirming.
“Now…”
Kurumi looked at Hibiki and placed her hand on Hibiki’s shoulder.
“Hibiki-san, I can’t help you this time. Luckily, you have power. Please fight in a way that you don’t die.”
“…I’ll do it…!”
Hibiki’s response was clear. She was scared but was not held back by despair.
“Now, finally. Everyone, I have—”
Kurumi hesitated slightly and muttered.
“Gained good allies. We will all survive.”
Everyone gulped.
Kurumi silently started running, as to hide her embarrassment.
“Ah…”
That was bad.
That was foul play.
In that case, it could not be helped. They must desperately stay alive no matter what!
As everyone’s spirit became one, simultaneously, the group of White Queen and Empties started their attack like an avalanche.
◇◇◇
Kurumi’s words made Tsuan’s brain go numb.
“Ohh…”
Her totally exhausted body had regained strength. She cracked her neck and watched the approaching White Queen.
“… All right, let’s fight.”
That Kurumi Tokisaki, the crazed skillful monster, had said she had gained good allies.
If that was so, she must survive. There was something in the way of survival.
“Mhm… You lot.”
The roar which followed a deep breath was similar to Lion’s roar than a monkey’s. Ferocious, fiendish, brutal and carnivorous roar.
Now, she was fighting by herself. But she was not isolated. As Kurumi had said just now, there were people she could rely on.
“Oh. Looks like you’ve rejuvenated.”
“Of course. I’d like to see someone who wouldn’t be energetic after hearing those words.”
“You sound like a sore loser.”
White Queen was right.
Tsuan’s entire body was bloodied. One eye was closed shut from a cut on the eyelid. At least three fingers were broken and holding the grip would cause excruciating pain.
That was not it. Her body was shot and blasted, her skin and organs were worn-out. Even so she did not appear to be holding back any pain.
“Did you cut off your sense of pain?”
“Wrong. I’m probably just a little—perseverant.”
Tsuan turned to see around ten White Queens. They held their guns and saber and surrounded Tsuan. They opened their mouths all at once.
“But your Astral dress is tattered.” “Your Unsigned Angel is cracked.” “You have deep wounds.” “It might be difficult for you to stay alive let alone to win.” “Even if you stand and fight, it’s all futile.”
Tsuan tilted her head in puzzlement to White Queen’s words.
“I want to ask one thing. Is any of them a reason for me to not fight?”
It was indeed strange for Tsuan.
She was used to being beat-up. Fighting often became futile.
Besides, fighting was fun but painful. Fun but sad. Fun but resulted in despair.
Pointless, futile and heartless.
But this was usual for Tsuan. That was what it meant to be fighting.
“The Queen is happy because there is only victory and glory in fighting. But there is certainly loss and humiliation… Ah, that’s right. You don’t even understand, that’s why—”
“I did not want to fight you.”
“…You sound like a sore loser.”
“Not particularly. You can interpret it how you want. Come, I don’t want to do it but let’s do it.”
She stanced with her Halberd—Unsigned Angel <Lilaps>.
The gaze of the girls in front of her was no longer fixated on Kurumi Tokisaki. That was enough.
Those words were enough to understand it.
“Mhm. Fighting for your allies—feels good.”
A refreshing and beautiful form. Tsuan laughed as if she was enjoying herself for a change. Then she started her honest assault.
Carte À Jouer was mismatched.
She liked beautiful manly clothes but she also wanted to wear cute clothes from time to time.
She used her playing cards as a subordinate but she also respected her superiors.
She thought love was unnecessary but she also wanted to feel love from time to time.
Especially, back when she lived in Binah and hearing rumors about the Compile—A serene boy who would appear brightly like the sun.
Carte, of course, feared death. But there was one thing she feared more than death.
That was dying on the battlefield.
If she were to die, it would be a small leak that sinks the big ship. The fighting playing cards would disappear and the surrounding would turn into a rout.
If that were to happen, they would all die.
Carte thought that would be the loss to the world.
Ah, but it was unbearably scary. If she lost her will it was doubtful she could control her playing cards.
“And so what should we do, everyone…? Everyone…?”
Carte asked feebly to her subordinates, the four playing cards.
“Doesn’t matter. Just have strong will!”
Ace of Spades spouted a correct opinion while on the brink of being shredded.
“Like I said before, just think that it’s fortunate to be alive! Besides, it’s important that we don’t die here, that’s why we’ve been fighting so hard!”
Four of Clover encouraged with her hips cut half way through.
“We’re almost at our limits so make sure you send more newcomers!”
Nine of Diamond announced their imminent destruction. She could no longer fight after taking a blast from a Nitro Dress.
“Please don’t be sad! There are always replacements!”
Twelve of Hearts laughed while disappearing.
The playing cards were struggling way more than Carte. Even then, they boldly laughed and encouraged her.
“—No, I won’t be sad. I’ll choose your successors properly.”
There was a reason to live.
The playing card threw away their lives for her. If she died, the small, cheeky and very cute cards would die in vain.
She used those words as determination.
“Now,” “the rest,” “is up to you.” “Good luck!!”
The playing cards disappeared from White Queens’ fierce attacks. But—
“More to come. <Servante Éphémère>!”
The new playing cards were born. Carte was about to cry thinking about the playing cards who she spent a long time with—even so, she lived on.
Everyone will survive—those words from Kurumi left a deep impression on Ariadne Foxlot, but she was skeptical.
But it left a deep impression.
“Kurumi-san, you’re a nicer person… Than I first thought…”
No, if asked if Kurumi was a nice or bad person, she was probably a bad person. Her true nature was cruel. Provided, even if she was bad, it did not mean she was cold-hearted.
It also did not mean she was warmhearted.
But, one might say, it left a deep impression. Also, there was no need to worry from here on.
From here on, without exaggeration, Ariadne had to sprint at full speed to reduce the number of Empties turning into the Queen and also to bring back a decapitated head of the Queen.
“Unsigned Angel, <Taiintaiyounijuyonsetsuki>—Hitotachi Shiseiouka.”
The mercury thread wove into four weapons. A sword, lance, axe and shield—they were all connected to Ariadne by a thread and circled around her.
“Hard…”
Controlling one weapon was easy for Ariadne. But increasing the number required more complex operations. The labor did not simply increase two fold. She had to move the sword to the right while moving the lance in a different location… If so, the burden on her did not just double but increased exponentially.
It was equivalent to a secret skill, or moreso a forbidden skill. Besides, this secret of secrets was to be used on the premise that it would be a short decisive battle.
However, the current Ariadne required it.
“Heave-ho!”
The three striking weapons, sword, lance and axe minced the Empties while the shield protected Ariadne from White Queen’s gunfire.
“Hard…!”
It was a matter of if her brain will fry or her body will run out of energy first. At any rate, she must fight insanely before that.
…Ah, for how long.
“What’s wrong, Ariadne Foxlot?”
“!”
She turned back—she was shot. It only grazed her shoulder but she was blown back.
“Gu…!”
The pain was as if something was possessing her. The flowing blood and trembling consciousness but she had to keep fighting. But crawling seemed comforting. She understood that she would die but she wanted to lie down one last time.
Then there was a voice.
“Let’s wager. You, Haraka Kagarike or maybe Maya Yukishiro.”
“…?”
White Queen made a wicked smile and said.
“Do you think I could guess which one of you will die first?”
“…Now you’ve said it…!”
The anger relieved the pain. Ariadne stood up and summoned her Unsigned Angel. Even so, she calculated that this enraged attack could not be maintained for long.
Without anger, there was only so much her spirit could compensate for her exhausted self.
Deep breath. She decided—to do what she could.
“I’m still going…!”
White Queen giggled and aimed her gun for a counterattack.
Haraka Kagarike descended to rendezvous with Maya Yukishiro.
“—Are you ok?”
“Not really.”
Haraka let out a strained laugh while holding her talisman between her fingers. The situation was deteriorating to the point her near limitless supply of talisman needed to be conserved.
Before arriving, Maya had fought with many White Queens. She burned through half her books and sustained light damage.
“Well, thank you for coming. It’s like a life-prolonging treatment.”
“… That might be it. I did you a disservice.”
Maya dropped her shoulders in guilt.
“This is the path I decided to take. Besides, if we had to resist or the Neighboring World would be destroyed. Even so… There’s a lot of them.”
Ironically, the mob Empties had turned into the most powerful menace.
White Queen—the clones focused on transforming the Empties rather than fighting Haraka and Maya. Haraka and Maya attempted to block the shots from contacting the Empties.
Even then, the numbers did not stop growing.
The feeling of impending death crept into the two’s mind.
“Luckily, the increase in numbers is slow. It’s too early to fall in despair.”
“You say that but… they’re already past a hundred bodies?”
Every instance the White Queens shot the Empties, they emerged.
“They should have gone over a thousand bodies by now. Kurumi Tokisaki must be fighting hard.”
“—Could be it.”
They continued to fight while conversing. Haraka’s talisman and Maya’s books scattered flames, ice and in extreme cases, boulders to massacre the Empties.
But the Queen intervened.
“Ku…!”
“Why oppose? Why ridicule? Your life is already over.”
White Queen’s saber glimmered and cut Haraka. In no time, Maya, who was covering Haraka, was cut too. They instantly defended with their weapons but still sustained severe damage. They rolled to take distance but there were more White Queens waiting for them.
“The wound…”
They first had to treat their wounds, Haraka thought with her talisman in hand. Her vision was flickering like an old lightbulb in a room.
Naturally, the White Queens would not overlook them. They pointed their guns—Haraka and Maya thought this was the end.
There were eighteen gunshots. The White Queens fell and faltered.
“Kurumi Tokisaki…!”
A voice mixed with resentment. Kurumi, who was far-off, boldly smiled.
“It’s your fault that you’re in my firing range.”
Even so, her golden clock left eye was still on the “real” White Queen.
“You’re wary. Do you think I’ll head to Keter while leaving you here?”
White Queen asked, Kurumi replied with a sardonic laugh.
“Of course, I do. I believe you’re that kind of person.”
“Don’t you think I’m a fake? Or that you’ve spent your time fighting a fake?”
“Well, well, that could be the case. If so, can you prove that by dying?”
They exchanged provocations. Kurumi was certain that the one she was currently fighting was the real White Queen. Even if the appearance and conduct were the same, there was a disparity between the real and the fakes.
White Queen laughed sarcastically and shrugged her shoulders.
“Sorry. I said something stupid. As expected, I’m not good at finding weak points like “Lady”.”
““Lady” …?”
Kurumi asked suspiciously.
“We have multiple personalities. I, “General”, excel at fighting, “Lady” seduces and corrupts Quasi-spirits, “Executioner” specializes in execution, “Agent” infiltrates, “Politician” commands the Empties and—“Overlord.” Isn’t it needless to explain who the last one is?”
“I see. Division of roles. You didn’t rely on anyone in the Neighboring World from the very
beginning.”
“Correct. I didn’t trust, rely on, bond with or lift anyone but myself. The only thing we need—”
White Queen had realized something and mumbled.
“…is ourselves.”
“Right… So, can I ask one last question?”
White Queen laughed at the word “last.”
“Go ahead.”
“Is she asleep or awake right now?”
“She is our master personality. I’m not sure if—she is asleep or awake.”
White Queen let out a strained laugh.
“Oh, that’s a shame. Then please tell her: I’m not sure what you’re thinking or plotting or what objective you’re trying to achieve but—”
A reunion would be surprising but not joyful. There would be sadness and not happiness.
Hearing Sawa Yamauchi’s name evoked the memory of that gloomy agonizing moment.
…Even so.
“I’m happy to be able to reunite with you. If we’re enemies, I’ll certainly kill you, however.”
“—Is that so. I’ll let her know.”
Silence. They giggled and White Queen talked.
“Now, this is our combat. I won’t let anyone intervene this time—”
“Yes, let’s settle this. Firstly, between you and I.”
The clones looked on as White and Black clashed.
◇◇◇
—And so, Hibiki Higoromo thought to herself.
She had become stronger, so she had leeway. She had leeway, so she decided to think while fighting.
Therefore, she thought about all the inconsistencies without missing a single detail.
There was one thing that was out of place.
She calmly, calmly thought about that thing. That, was concerned with White Queen if Kurumi was to be excluded. Only Hibiki established this.
The rate of the clones increasing was slow.
It only took approximately a minute for the Empties to transform into White Queen after being shot with the special bullet.
The infection rate should have been comparable to a running zombie disease.
(Nn—It’s slow.)
She counted the number of White Queens while she dodged their bullets, blocked attacks from their sabers and occasionally counterattacked.
It was indeed slow.
It was not to tease them; even White Queen did not have such freedom.
Then what could have been the cause for this?
White Queen fired a shot at Hibiki—dodged. It had hit an Empty who was behind her coincidentally. The Empty looked disappointed, closed her eyes and disappeared.
That scene was nothing out of the ordinary.
Another pattern. The White Queens who aimed their shots at the Empties. The Empties accepted the bullets dreamily and transformed into another White Queen.
Hibiki confirmed this, instead of targeting the transformed White Queen, she targeted the White Queen who had shot the Empty.
“…!”
The Queen leaped backwards—and gained distance. Hibiki, not allowing that to happen, closed the distance. The Queens shot at Hibiki in a rush.
“Woah!”
Hibiki deflected the bullets with her saber—she did not know how she could perform such a feat. It was Hibiki’s body but was not at the same time. She was energetic as if a jet engine was placed on an automobile.
Was there suspicion with their movements?
(There was.)
Hibiki thought as she kicked around the Empties.
The other Queens protected the Queen who shot the Empty.
That meant one thing. Hibiki, knowing she was intercepted by White Queen, announced her inference.
“I got it, everyone! The only ones with the ability to create clones of White Queen are the original five! The rest doesn’t have that ability! If you kill the five, we can stop the increase!”
—Everyone, including Kurumi, gulped.
The words were like light into the darkness. If only they could check the first five—
“That is a good theory. But, Hibiki Higoromo, there is a fault. How would you know which ones are the original five?”
Hibiki froze from White Queen’s words.
“Uh. That is…”
“You can’t, right? This countermeasure would suffice.”
The White Queens took out not their saber but their guns and shot at the Empties simultaneously.
“Wha—!?”
Hibiki was speechless. The Empties fell in succession, but one would transform into White Queen.
“…Doesn’t matter if it's friend or foe. It doesn’t matter if the Empties perish, right?”
“Instead of transforming the ten in front of us, one should do for the time being. We already outnumber you and it’s about time your resistance crumble.”
White Queen was right, they had increased from one hundred to over two hundred bodies. Unlike the original White Queen, the others could not use <Lucifugus>. They were replicas, but Empties physical abilities paled in comparison to the Queens’. It was enough to rival Dominions.
And so, it was all about time and numbers.
White Queen was more advantageous as the war was prolonged.
“Ah, no—!!”
Ariadne had made a mistake. Her precise mercury thread had grazed Haraka’s shoulder.
“…ts!”
“S, so… Sorry…!”
The gushing blood soaked the ground. It was not a severe wound, but the impact was great. She deeply regretted not her mistake but the fact she had injured an ally.
“Don’t worry about it! If there are this many of them, it was bound to happen!”
Haraka did not worry.
She did not turn towards Ariadne—there was no time. She pushed through the pain and earnestly threw her talisman at the Empties.
However, continuing to fight with willpower alone had its limit.
Agony, exhaustion and despair all hurt their willpower.
If their legs stopped moving, it was all over.
“Ah—”
Ariadne fell. She could not even lift a finger. Her threaded sword and shield had disappeared.
“It was no use—”
This was it.
That was what she could achieve. Seeing Ariadne fall may cause Haraka or Maya to give up. She felt sorry for that.
—Did she regret it?
The aspect she did regret was that she should have been stronger. She did not regret choosing to fight. Her eyelids started closing. Her drowsiness was severe.
This was forfeit.
Falling, falling, falling and being crushed with nothing left behind.
Realizing Ariadne had fallen, Haraka and Maya instinctively tried to run towards her.
White Queens were not missing such an opportunity. They pointed their sabers at the girls— suddenly from a distance, countless kunai headed towards the Queens.
“!”
“<Shichihōgyōjya>·<Goenmason> “Protect”! ”
A wall of flame surrounded Ariadne, Maya and Haraka. They thought for a moment it was another one of Queen’s abilities, but the wall intercepted between the three and the Queens.
“Maya, is this you…?”
Haraka asked and Maya shook her head.
“Then, someone else?”
It was not Carte, Cistus or Tsuan. Maybe Hibiki Higoromo?
“Wrong. It looks like… a miracle, no, how should I put this, my, wish, came, true.”
Maya spoke intermittently.
The White Queens deemed the three as unable to battle and had scattered. Bullets and water
rained down.
“This is… reinforcements?”
The Queens revealed their surprised look but regained composure. It did not matter how many Quasi-Spirits had arrived. There were already over two hundred Queens.
However, it was bothersome if the Empties were defeated. Luckily, it was about time they were all about to fall except Kurumi Tokisaki.
They quickly had to deal with the reinforcements and—
“Wha!!”
It was not a sound but a shockwave. A voice from one girl had surged across the battlefield.
“Th, this… noisy cutesy voice must be from!”
Hibiki was the first to realize. The girl stood beautifully, gorgeously and flashy.
She held a microphone, an Unsigned Angel <Amadeus>, no combat capabilities. However, currently, certainly, it could be powerful.
That was because her voice could—reach the whole battlefield.
“H E L L O! Yay! Dominion of Yesod, Rinemu Kirari! Arrived belatedly! Aria-chan, you ok—!?”
Rinemu Kirari—singer who came running through the shortest distance without hesitation after reading Maya Yukishiro’s letter.
“Hmph.”
White Queen aimed the gun at her and pulled the trigger.
“Oh?”
The bullet came flying. Rinemu absentmindedly watched as it approached. The girls in suits around her frantically guarded Rinemu.
“Senpai… gosh… you’re too fast… wheeze… wheeze…”
And then, behind her staggered Mizuha Banouin. She ran at full speed and was breathing heavily.
“Uhm… Rinemu-senpai… Should I have come here? There are so many… White Queens… mountain… of them…”
“But they asked for our help! If we die or not is a trivial problem!”
“That’s a big problem!”
“It’s fine! We won’t die. Because, I believe that we won’t!”
The words echoed throughout the battlefield, people who knew Rinemu and those who did not, the words reached them all. One person dumbfounded and the others laughed.
“I will be honest, frankly are you stupid?”
Said the security Quasi-Spirit for Mizuha. Rinemu puffed out her chest confidently.
“Who knows. Anyway, let’s sing. There’s only one thing they expect of us!”
Rinemu grabbed her microphone.
“Yes. Well, I can only do that anyway… Everyone, I will be in your care…”
Mizuha shook her head apologetically and announced to the security Quasi-Spirits. They refuted.
“No, we’re willing to give up our life for you Mizuha-sama. Do this or that—we are your fans.”
“Uhm… Please also protect Rinemu-senpai.”
The security became sulky and turned away. It was obvious to everyone except Rinemu and Mizuha that Mizuha was deeply in love with Rinemu.
“… Hey, you guys… If you don’t protect me as well, I’m going to be scared!!”
“Well, we’ll protect you, it can’t be helped.”
Rinemu agreed. She called out to Maya standing afar.
“Mayamaya—! You’re still alive right—!? I’m going to sing believing that Aria-chan and Haraka are alive too!”
“W- we’re going to sing!”
They said without coherence.
The two stars started singing.
You and I who drift in the gap between Dream and reality
Will you sink? Will you soar into the sky?
If you fly, you get hurt
If you sink, you will go quiet
“… Maya…”
“Ariadne, have you realised?”
“Nn.”
Ariadne got up. The fact that a song was echoing through the battlefield was like having an absurd dream.
“What happened?”
“You lost consciousness from exhaustion. I want to let you sleep but I can’t really let you.”
“That’s fine, I’m ok… Nevertheless, Rinerine came.”
“That girl is fundamentally stupid.”
Maya said with blushed cheeks. She was happy Rinemu came. Also, the fact Rinemu did not scold Maya when she should have.
“It’s not just Rinemu, look.”
Haraka pointed at Retsumi Jugasaki and her subordinates. They were firing their Unsigned Angels, guns and water guns, at the Queens.
“Now, now keep shooting! They’re Kareha’s enemies! Pull, pull, pull the trigger! Hod’s new Dominion, Jugasaki, remember me! Woo, it’s a battlefield—!”
Ariadne took a deep breath and nodded in satisfaction.
It felt like the disorderly thoughts and exhausted body was reset.
The body felt light and the mind functioned well. She judged that she could still fight.
“Sorry for making a mistake.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Haraka slapped Ariadne’s back as she apologized.
“That hurts.”
Ariadne frowned. The flame still surrounded them. The Queens shot screening fire at them but had stopped attacking.
However, it was dying down.
“I predict it will last another thirty seconds. Until then, we need to prepare for another battle.”
“Roger!” “Alright.”
The flame disappeared. Instantaneously, shots from the Queen were fired towards them. The three girls were not naïve enough to waste their time.
“Break the seal—The First Book · <Novum Testamentum>!”
The glowing sword Maya summoned from her book, Ariadne’s woven shield and Haraka’s talisman all deflected the bullets.
However, during that time more Empties gladly died for White Queens—in other words, transformed.
“Everyone, are you ok!?”
Countless kunai were thrown between the Queen and the Dominions.
“Yui Sagakure… It was you after all.”
“Yes… We couldn’t shut our eyes to this battle. I suspended business at Netzach and joined this battle.”
“Even so, how did you make it on time?”
“—If I’m honest, I was already traveling towards Chokmah before reading the letter.”
“What do you mean?”
“My sister… read that this place would become a battlefield.”
“… Yuri-chan did?”
Yuri Sagakure, former Dominion of Netzach, the girl who betrayed White Queen and was defeated by Kurumi Tokisaki.
“If something were to happen, it’ll be at Chokmah. We should prepare for that…” That was her testament.”
“You believe in that?”
Yui smiled at Ariadne’s words with a hint of loneliness.
““This is my testament. Whether you want to believe it or not is up to Yui-chan.” That’s what she said beforehand. If she says something like that… I want to believe it.”
Yui Sagakure was a doll built by Yuri Sagakure, she herself understood this. But the dolls Yuri had built were still girls. It was enough for her to trust the testament of the older sister—who had betrayed her once.
“… Well you came thinking realistically, so I’ll let it pass.”
Maya said as she moved her gaze towards Yui Sagakure.
“The reinforcements from Geruvah and Tiphereth are coming but they may take some time.”
“If we can hold off until then, we may have a chance to win—”
Ariadne refuted Maya’s words.
“No. We have to defeat the Empties and stop the Queens from multiplying, or we won’t be able to win I think—enemy is coming!”
Clones rushed at the four of them from below. They protected themselves from bullets while killing the Empties, but the Queen’s attack intensified, hindering the process of killing the Empties.
The clones’ strafed and assaulted simultaneously. They desperately warded off the attacks which were like a tidal wave or an avalanche.
But there was one thing that was different to before.
Rinemu Kirari and Mizuha Banouin’s voices echoed throughout the battlefield—that was it, that made them overflow with courage. The Queen’s clones scowled and seemed unaffected by the song. They did not even attack the two.
The clones closed in on the Dominion of Hod, Retsumi Jugasaki. However, she skillfully managed her range. She repeatedly retreated then shot and shot then pushed forth to reinforce without interruption.
“Oh, transmission!”
The transmission talisman on her chest vibrated.
“Did they come here to sing? What a useless existence…”
The real White Queen muttered in surprise—in other words, “General,” Kurumi giggled.
“Was it unexpected? I can’t forgive your arrogance, so I want to aggravate you. Retribution, revenge, karma, determination and mission—my objective comes in many forms but the want to defeat you is very real.”
“No matter how many are in the mob, the mob’s power and influence will never change.”
“Is the mob you’re referring to the small fries who are around us?”
“Oh, shouldn’t that hurt you also? Because you’re a clone too, right?”
Kurumi laughs slightly in response to White Queen’s words.
“It doesn’t add up. Cistus and I fought while being prepared to die from the instance of our creation. We didn’t differentiate disadvantageous battles from overpowering battles. We just pushed through desperately.”
There were no differences in death. It just ends. Battles have advantages and disadvantages but never absolutes. Death was like a lingering apparition.
“It’s pitiful that you were all sent to the battlefield casually without that mindset. Of course, that includes you “General”.”
“Rubbish…!”
It was the first instance in the battle where “General”’s emotions were exposed.
Hibiki Higoromo sent a telepathic communication to Haraka Kagarike. The reinforcement who had arrived—Rinemu Kirari. If Hibiki’s intuition was correct, she was the key to the battle.
“Haraka-san, do you have a moment?”
“Yeah, what’s up? I’m fighting right now so keep it brief.”
“Can we contact Rinemu Kirari-san?”
“I’ve given her a transmission talisman already so I think you can if you wish. But, I don't think she can come here… no, she’ll come… She basically lives off reflexes.”
“She’ll come, One hundred percent. Anyhow, I want to request her for something. Maybe she can stop White Queen from multiplying.”
“… Explain that to me in detail.”
Haraka’s tone of voice changed.
White Queen brandished her saber over her head. Kurumi blocked the strike and smiled smugly. The Queen felt a chill.
“Kihihi,” an ominous laugh.
“I wondered why you weren’t using that often. Could you be—tired? More accurately, you used too much time and Reiryoku.”
“…!”
White Queen showed an irritated expression.
“You made <Het·Akrab> and furthermore you made five special clones. You then immediately proceeded to this decisive battle. The reason you were late wasn’t because you were pompous but because you truly pushed it to your limits.”
“…I thought you'd see through me later… The reinforcements gave you an emotional leeway.”
As Kurumi judged, “General”’s time and Reiryoku was diminishing more than usual.
She could have replenished it with time, but she could not afford to slow down and lose her Empties. That would be putting the cart before the horse. Therefore, this was the only timing to join the battle. The number of White Queen clones reached over three hundred and approaching four hundred.
“General” believed that was enough to beat Kurumi.
It did not matter how many reinforcements were coming, there was no way to defeat four hundred clones.
That should have been the case.
“… Alright Hibikin! I think it’s the one Retsuu hit with the paintball! I think she’s the one you’re talking about.”
White Queen did not tremble. She judged that she would only tremble when faced with Kurumi Tokisaki.
However, upon hearing that telepathic message, “General” felt a shock shoot through her heart.
“Wha… Impossible…!”
She panicked and turned to the clone shot with the paintball—she was shocked. Black paint had stuck onto her Astral dress and she was undoubtedly the clone that could use <Het·Akrab>…!
“—Jackpot. But, how do you know?”
“Oh, Kurumin can talk too? It’s a bit hard but the sound of her bullet is different! I heard two other clones with different sounds so I’m on the search!”
“A different—sound.”
“General” was too shocked to speak.
Now that it was mentioned. That was right. <Het·Akrab> had a different sound compared to normal bullets. A bullet to wound others and a bullet to transform the target. Their roles were different, so their sounds were bound to be different.
But that was it. Even though that was it, even if it was not a striking difference, Rinemu could differentiate the firing sounds.
—The Queen put off being shocked. She had to remove Rinemu Kirari as quickly as possible!
Sounds. There were sounds. Rinemu listened as she sang and differentiated the myriad of sounds in the battlefield. Her absolute sense of pitch was in the realms of magicians.
Her singing deflected sounds which she used to grasp the situation of every individual. From there, she individually differentiated every sound. Sound of Empties… pure, busy, inconsistent and a mismatched mixed chorus. Cutting that out was simple.
The sounds other from White Queen… Kurumi Tokisaki, Cistus, Hibiki Higoromo and others’ sounds were cut out. Remaining was White Queens’ which could be split in four categories.
Firstly… The Queen near Tokisaki Kurumi. Her sounds were unique, her conduct stood out from the clones. Cutting that out was simple.
Secondly… The Queens in large numbers. They were mostly clones. The sounds of the saber crossing were loud.
Thirdly… This was the loudest sound. Constant gunfire sounds that sounded like rain. Bang, bang, bang, it ripped through the air with a creaking sound. This accounted for most of the sounds on the battlefield.
But the fourth… within the rough seas of gunfire sounds was the existence of an unusual faint sound. It sounded like gunfire but more sinister. Something was shooting it. Every shot was followed by a rustling and rumbling sound. When that ended—the second and third groups of sounds could be heard.
That was it.
“I found her, Retsuu! Mark the one I’m pointing at!”
“Understood. I can at any time!”
That was how Rinemu Kirari exposed the Queen’s special clones.
Realizing this, the White Queen clones naturally rushed at Rinemu Kirari.
“Ahhh, lots are coming!”
“Mizuha-sama, please evacuate! Even we can’t hold them off!”
The security said as they pulled Mizuha back.
“Eh, what about me!?”
“Y, yes. Rinemu-senpai as well!”
“No, they’re targeting you! We’re the ones getting involved so you have to deal with it yourself!”
The security said as they grabbed and dragged Mizuha away.
“Wai, one hundred percent sound argument.”
“Senpai—!”
“Rinemu-san, are you alive?”
“Say, Hibikin. Is there any way to oppose them!? I’m kind of dying here!”
“Ah, yes. Course of, we do.”
“…? Ah, of course. Just because it’s in industry, switching words around makes things unclear.”
“They’re probably coming. Well then, I’m busy as well! Ah, please find the two remaining special White Queen clones. The fate of the Neighboring World is in your hands, Rinemu-san!”
“I don’t like that sort of pressure!”
Rinemu said as she ran. Someone crashed into her from the front. Rinemu toppled but that someone had grabbed her hand and pulled.
“T, thank you very much—”
“You’re welcome.”
A girl in military uniform laughed smugly.
It was White Queen’s clone.
“Gya—!”
“Oh, what a nice scream.” “But we can’t be charmed by that.” “You’re dangerous.” “We’ll get rid of you immediately.”
They pointed their antique gun and saber; they grabbed her hand so she could not run away…
Even if they did not grab, there was no chance of escape.
“Hibikin! What was the plan you were just talking about—!?”
—Answer. Someone was coming to help.
Mercury thread, talisman, sword fabricated from books, playing cards and kunai.
The clone holding Rinemu’s hand was subjected to a concentrated attack and disappeared.
“Every… one…”
That was it. If those girls were around, there was no need to rely solely on Kurumi Tokisaki. They ruled and managed the Neighboring World, they also argued and talked, and they agreed and disagreed with each other.
Ariadne Foxlot, Haraka Kagarike, Maya Yukishiro, Carte À Jouer and Yui Sagakure.
“Thank you.”
“Forget that, hurry up and find the Queen.”
“If you have the time to thank us, can you please find the Queens making the strange sounds.
Otherwise we perish.”
“Keep at it, I beg you!”
“Please hurry, we can’t hold off for much longer!”
“Everyone’s desperate! Well it can’t be helped! By the way, the ones around us are not it. That sound came from about a hundred meters from here!”
Everyone reacted wide-eyed to those words.
“Alright, I’ll hurl you.”
“Hurl? Aren’t we flying?”
“Yep, throw.”
Rinemu was wrapped with a mercury thread. She had a bad feeling about this.
A talisman was stuck onto Rinemu’s head. She had a bad feeling about this.
Maya and Carte held onto Rinemu’s hips. She had a very, very bad feeling about this.
“Uhm, everyone? What are you doing? Isn’t this weird?”
“Rinemu.”
“Yes?”
Maya looked into Rinemu’s eyes. This girl looks like a bisque doll, Rinemu thought. She was envious as she had to maintain her idol appearance————oh?
“Sky.”
“Yes.”
“Flying.”
“We hurled you.”
Rinemu let out an un-idol-like scream. The wrapped mercury thread forcefully hurled them, and the talisman boosted their speed resulting in Rinemu flying like a missile.
“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
“Don’t scream. Look, is a hundred meters around here?”
“A BIT FURTHER!”
Rinemu performed her duties while screaming
The war progressed one step further.
◇◇◇
“Unbelievable,” “General” lamented while looking over the battlefield. The battle she should not have lost, the battle she should have completely won.
That was what it was supposed to be but.
For some reason, nothing went to plan. Everything stopped like an adhesive tape had tangled in a cog.
—ah, that was it.
“Is something wrong? You stopped moving.”
Kurumi Tokisaki giggled as she brought about an out of this world allure. This girl always had leeway. That was how she presented herself.
She never changed that no matter the dilemma, the despair, the discouragement. She continued to stand.
“I’m not worthy of being “General” if I’m going to panic at this degree.”
—Sigh.
If so, it was a suitable time to disappear. Before that White Queen was determined to shoot the arrow of despair.
“…Why do we sub-personalities exist?”
“Well, how sudden. I don’t know about the circumstances of the Inverse.”
“Pft… Well, don’t say that. We were born from “Overlord.” But we weren’t just born from her.”
The personalities did not diverge from the cruelty of the situation.
It was not by nature.
“General” and the other personalities were—
“<Akrab>’s true power. We are all batteries that were given a useful personality… The Three Executives were mere leftover power.”
“…From the beginning to the end, you were all alone.”
“Us, I think. I prepared for this battle thinking it was a good opportunity. <Het·Akrab> was the trump card of trump cards to use to oppose you. But…”
Acceptance.
“Your victory. You had got through the traps and overturned the war potential to win this battle against me.”
But—
“That was a victory against me and not White Queen.”
She pointed her antique gun at herself.
Kurumi prepared for a self-enhancement bullet but that was not the case. This was simply suicide. Offering to kill oneself was the “General’s” last action.
“If my personality dies, the exhaustion of Reiryoku you desired will be no more.”
White Queen—“General” said gently smiling.
“Goodbye. No… it was fun. If I had won, it would’ve been more fun, I think.”
She shot herself.
Kurumi could not move. She was confused from not understanding what had happened… She had foretold the development of the situation.
Coming.
She was coming. The girl with the power to freeze someone with her voice.
For a short while, the Queen remained motionless.
“…Ha.”
One breath. That was all it took to change the atmosphere. She stood still with imposing air in the serious battlefield. It was not the presence of “General.”
She had a soft presence unsuitable for the battlefield. She smiled slightly.
“Hello, Kurumi-san.”
—what a friendly voice.
A joyful echo in an unbelievable place.
Therefore, it was a glimpse of madness.
The surroundings were friends and foe, killing each other, grieving and a battlefield lingering with the smell of blood. Even then, the girl greeted as if it was a normal place.
“Are you Sawa-san?”
“Hm… Do you think so? You can believe that with this appearance?”
Kurumi was nearly pulled into darkness. If the girl in front of her had shot her, she was bound to be dead.
However, the girl in front of her—the Queen named Sawa Yamauchi showed signs of embarrassment.
“With that atmosphere… I’m sure of it.”
“We’ve both changed. Ah, Higoromo-san? She’s still alive. That’s good… Well not too good for me, though.”
She sighed.
“… But you abducted her.”
““General” wished for me to abduct her. I just granted that wish. I made her go through hardship recently.”
—Danger.
It was just a mundane conversation yet, cold sweat erupted from Kurumi’s back. It could not be helped to feel a sense of madness behind that peacefulness.
“… Why?”
“Hm? What do you mean why? Why am I alive? My objective? Or everything?”
“Everything.”
Everything was a mystery.
White Queen… Sawa Yamauchi pondered for a little while.
“Well, speaking of. This is the last time we’ll get to spend time with each other, so I’ll tell you everything.”
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