Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 5 Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - A War where a Hero Doesn't Exist

Part 1

The holy religious country of Aleclasta was founded based on the teachings of the Church of Richard.

Its capital wasn't located on the ground, rather it floated high in the clouds, the city of Aslanda.

In the innermost part of the island was the headquarters of the Church of Richard.

However opposite of the ornate cathedral, engraved with its teaching, lied a secret space that only a small number of the senior clergy knew of.

It was an open air garden filled with countless flowers in full bloom.

Yet for all it's beauty only a chosen few were able to step foot into this secret garden.

The view from there was like the perspective of a God looking down on the earth, Alayzard.

In the center of the garden was a white table.

The top two of the Church were sitting there side by side.

"Well, it seems to be finally entering the main battle...... much faster than expected," muttered Pope Volk, and after sipping his cup of tea, "And how is the current situation?"

"Conceivably not wanting to repeat the same mistakes that cost them the last war. Disdiya mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, and at the moment only a small handful of troops are left to guard the most significant checkpoints along its border. It appears they are determined to win."

The second-in-command in the Church -– the Archbishop Miranda answered with a smile. She quickly added,

"Sherfied is following the same strategy as last time in deploying its troops with only tens of thousands of mobilized. However, excluding General Zechs, their Secretary of affairs Loutier and Queen Listy are also taking part in the military campaign this time around."

"Hmm...... then on that point, Sherfied is also bringing out its full strength."

Volk lightly squeezed his long beard looking very pleased,

"Is the battlefield still the central plains surrounding the Wandering forest?"

"-- No, it seems to be the neighboring Grand Canyon of Gorudono this time."

Miranda pointed out the rocky terrain along the eastern part of the Wandering forest was the battlefield.

The armies will probably have to advance along the bottom of the canyon. However with the intricate channels of the ravine, and the towering almost vertical rock face on both sides of the road attacking through this route will be extremely restricted. Disdiya will be forced to divide up its large army into several small squadrons.

"This has to be a tactic of Akatsuki's to lure the enemy...... but how can Emperor Baram allow himself to fall this easily into his trap?"

"It's probably because Forestnium is still enshrouded by that powerful barrier."

Miranda replied and,

"With it, it is impossible to invade Forestnium. Disdiya can only target their new Demon King, Akatsuki. In that event Akatsuki has chosen Gorudono as the battlefield, and Disdiya can do nothing but comply."

"But still, it's the perfect place for ambushes or guerrilla warfare. It will be too easy to fall into a trap. Additionally the most crucial factor is the narrowness of the road. It is unsuitable for their army movements. Up to now Disdiya easily had the numerical advantage in the open plains, and so far their army was no match for Akatsuki. Now that the battlefield has moved away from the plains into the canyon, wouldn't it give them even less of a chance of winning?"

"I believe Emperor Baram also concurs with that, and is still confident there is a good chance of winning."

The reason was very simple.

"All of Akatsuki's actions have proven one thing so far. The purpose of this war is to facilitate a peace agreement, and he will unlikely kill any of Disdiya's soldiers during the battle."

Baram must have calculated a scheme to beat him at his own game. Since his opponent had no intentions of killing, even if the battlefield's topography was very disadvantageous to his side, until the end he can exploit human wave tactics(tl note -- google) to obtain victory.

"Oh, so then......Akatsuki is going to fight alone this time?"

"No. He seems to be fighting alongside his comrades."

The Church of Richard wasn't only this country's religion, but its followers were in nearly every corner of Alayzard. Which of course includes Disdiya and Sherfied as well. On the battlefield there were no lack of believers in the Church of Richard, thus Aleclasta was able to grasp in real time the situation.

Miranda with a laugh,

"Not his so-called comrades that live in Galevain, but his personal friends. If I'm right then they're people Akatsuki brought from his own world."

"Ah...... come to think of it there was an unfamiliar girl at the peace agreement and at the duel with him."

"Yes, besides that young girl there seems to be several others like her."

"If Akatsuki is letting them fight their strength must not be underestimated."

No matter which side, Disdiya or Akatsuki, they were both prepared for an all-out decisive battle. Then Volk spoke in a teasing tone:

"Say Miranda, which side do you think has a greater chance of winning?"

"That goes without saying, no? Your Holiness should also be well aware."

After she said that, out of corners of Miranda's mouth emerged a deep cold smile.

Which side will win this war? Such a thing was a matter of course.

It was not Galevain even with Akatsuki's support. It was not Disdiya, and further it was not Sherfied.

That's right, the real winner will be Aleclasta. The same Aleclasta who took the wait and see approach towards Disdiya's request for cooperation in the war. On the surface they were abiding with the teachings of Church of Richard to avoid meaningless disputes as much as possible.

In fact, this decision fully highlighted the wily old Pope Volk.

If Disdiya wins, Aleclasta was fully prepared to denounce their victory because it was not in line with international justice. It was not only Sherfied that commissioned a third party to re-investigate the annihilation of the surveillance forces. Aleclasta had already obtained their report that hinted at a possible coverup. Even if it was pure speculation of a third country it was enough to change the direction of international public opinion. Not to mention that there were many believers of Church of Richard in Disdiya. The will of the people for a long time now has been under the control of Aleclasta.

In contrast, if Akatsuki and his companions gained the upper hand, Aleclasta was prepared to step in at the appropriate time to support Disdiya, and even go as far as to play the role of the peacemaker. Once the mediation was successful, the world's perception would have dramatically changed in their favor.

True peace won't be brought about to all the people of Alayzard by the former Hero. It won't be by the militaristic nation that was trying to strike down the demonic race, and neither will it be the non-committal magical country.

Rather it will be through the implementation of an anti-war doctrine that Aleclasta held from start to finish.

"Well...... this war will let the people see their respective future."

The Pope of the Church of Richard Volk Rem Aleclasta IV exposed a proud smile,

"I truly wonder, how many people truly realize the significance of this war."

Part 2

The air was stretched taut.

A silence that would make anyone hold their breath filled the air. The tension was caused by the upcoming battle that would decide the future of Alayzard. Blind to the heavy atmosphere around him, Ousawa Akatsuki stood atop a towering cliff. Dressed in clothes fit for a Demon King he was overlooking the soon to be battlefield of Gorudono Grand Canyon. On the other side of his field of view was Disdiya and Sherfied's allied armies starting to move into formation.

Akatsuki couldn't help but show a fearless smile while staring at such a situation.

"Disdiya about 700,000 maybe even 800,000 troops, while I count only several tens of thousand for Sherfied. I don't want to be hurtful, but unexpectedly the calculating Baram had the audacity to lead his army here."

He laughed,

"Is that all... ... If you plan on killing me you should of brought another million and then maybe you could of tried your luck."

Between the the allied forces and Akatsuki there was a total of three channels. One in the center, one to the north, and one to the south.

The necessary preparations were already in place. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou had taken up their positions a long time ago. The four were fully aware of the battle plan, and also understood there was no need to rigidly adhere to their positions.

Akatsuki believed since it was those four they would be able to successfully accomplish their tasks.

Therefore Ousawa Akatsuki grandly declared the war had begun.

"Come, your enemy -- the Demon King is standing right here."

Part 3

Meanwhile, Emperor Baram issued his commands through the use sound amplification magic.

"I, Baram Dy Alon Disdiya hereby order -- All soldiers to begin the military onslaught!"

After receiving the command Disdiya's army sprang into action.

Their vanguards were the first to advance along the central path.

Tens of thousands of soldiers quickly made their way through the small ridge recess on the rugged ground. But their onrush was immediately halted.

Out of nowhere resonated a voice.

"-- I advise you to turn back at once."

The incoming voice was clearly transmitted to the soldier's ears.

"Or else you WILL get hurt."

However, not even one soldier paid head to such a request. 'Whoosh' they all continued on at full speed.

"I'm sorry...... but you were warned."

The voice came from the sky.

"There -- above us."

One of the soldiers yelled out. The squadron immediately focused their attention towards the sky. Floating in mid air was a girl that had several layers of magic already well underway. And the next moment, an intense sandstorm enveloped the area.

"Attack formations! This storm is nothing to us!"

One of Disdiya's soldiers shouted as he lowered his stance.

"Yeah...... I also think that this level of attack is weak."

The girl coldly stated. In fact, the sandstorm was just a front, the soldiers soon understood what the girl meant. Disdiya's soldiers invariably stopped as painful cries disseminated all around.

"Wah... ... My eyes... ...!"

The naturally rocky terrain at the bottom of the canyon made it impossible to move without opening their eyes. However even if they opened their eyes slightly the incoming sand particles would enter their eyelids blinding them. The soldiers were forced into a painstaking situation.

If they closed their eyes they couldn't see the road, however if they open their eyes they can't see anything. The march was completely stopped, but still the soldiers refused to give up.

"Bear with it... ... This magic can't last forever!"

"Archers aim at the sky. I don't care if your eyes are closed just shoot!"

"Magicians move to the front! Create a barrier to stop the sandstorm!"

The solder's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he also made proper judgment. He saw that the sand filling the sky was entering their guns jamming the bolts making them useless. Additionally he took into account that the arrows would easily be affected by the wind, making it impossible hit what they were aiming at. Rather he had them indiscriminately fire a volley to threaten and restrict their target. At the same time he had the idea to use the attack to call forth the magicians, but not to attack. With such poor visibility using magic was quite dangerous. One mistake could have sent the rock walls falling down on them causing massive casualties.

However, the situation did not improve. Although the barrier blocked the sandstorm from reaching them. Sand was already in their eyes making it hard to see. Yet Disdiya's vanguards weren't discouraged. Even if the speed was greatly reduced, they were still able to resume their march.

"-- Much earlier than expected, but I knew this method alone would only go so far."

Even with the loud sandstorm the girls voice was exceptionally clear.

"Your magicians should have been used to defend from the rear. Sending them to the front was your undoing."

The wind carried the girl's voice to ear's of the tens of thousands of soldiers along the central path. Then suddenly a huge wind storm surpassing one hundred meters per second uprooted Disdiya's soldiers from behind.

Part 4

"Wow......the Vice president is really amazing."

Chikage Izumi was in charge of guarding the north path. When she saw how the battle was progressing in central path she couldn't help but leak a voice of admiration for her.

Launching a long range spell at the magicians hiding in the back normally would be very troublesome. However, Haruka took advantage of the soil with the sandstorm to lure the magicians to front completely exposing them to the threat of fire. Then she used a powerful storm to blow them away from behind. Still before the attack even started she made air cushion along the rocky wall. This way the enemy that was flung aside at most would just be knocked out and in now way endangering their lives.

"...... However this is no time to praise her."

Chikage turned back to the front. Making use of her AD she summoned a longbow and shot countless water arrows at the tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers coming towards her.

"Arrows alone apparently isn't enough ... ..."

Chikage focused her consciousness, a huge magic formation appeared in front of her. The dry valley moments ago was engulfed in a flood of muddy water sweeping away the numerous soldiers.

"Rest assured you won't drown. The flood created by my magic was designed so as long the water was in contact with the skin it will allow for oxygen to enter your body without the need for your lungs."

And the flood itself also cushions the soldiers from crashing into the rock wall preventing any serious damage.

...... But then again.

Considering the magic's power and the results, Izumi Chikage can't help but think: regardless if it was Haruka or herself their magical power had significantly increased. For a while after they came to Alayzard everyone had lost their ability to use magic. It was because the dimensional shift caused their consciousness channel between the body and soul to become unstable, not allowing for a smooth to link to construct magic.

Izumi Chikage was reminded of when she was first summoned to another world and how it took a while for her magic to awaken. Perhaps this situation was the same as last time, and her soul and body were in a precarious state. But perhaps because of the second visit to a different world Chikage and Haruka's magical abilities have recovered and now was a lot stronger than it was before.

And it was not just in terms of brute force, but also things like flexibility and configuration. That was why her flood was able to have "oxygen infiltration" and "protective cushion" attributes added.

......If I had this power earlier.

Back in JPN Babel, when the cockatrice training program went berserk or when Phil Barnett I would not have ended up blindly thrashed. Also when I was first summoned to the alternate world Banrakua, I could have been able to do more. Even if it wasn't something outrageous like defeating a Demon King and redeeming the entire world like Akatsuki.

However Izumi Chikage doesn't care how she had gained her new power.

Since she met Akatsuki and Miu she wanted to get stronger.

So that she was no longer be a burden to the others. Enough power to fight alongside Akatsuki. Enough power to protect Miu and Kuzuha her best friends. Now Chikage could raise her head high, because she was standing together with them facing the enemy.

"...... It makes me happy."

She had a dazzling quiet smile as she once again faced forward.

After the flood waters receded, the bottom of the canyon was clearly visible. And on the valley floor were standing several huge rock walls -- from behind those barriers countless Disdiya's soldiers jumped out.

The armed soldiers thrust out at Chikage at full speed.

But, they only ran a few steps before they all clasped over forward.

"Wh-what's happening......?"

Seeing their sudden loss of balance and puzzled looks, Chikage smiled as she explained their inner doubts,

"My bad -- I slightly increased the density of oxygen, that's all."

If you inhale concentrated oxygen it will cause severe dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Not only will you be unable to walk, it will also be difficult to concentrate in order to use magic.

-- In the fight against Zahhaku, she removed the hydrogen from the water causing the density of the oxygen in the area to raise allowing it to immediately detonate.

This attack used the same principle.

After she extracted the oxygen she condensed it increasing the concentration around the target.

But it was not as simple as replacing the hydrogen with oxygen. If you assume the hydrogen extraction was the "point", then whole area was the "space", and the difficultly in control was incomparably larger. Moreover, if the oxygen density was too low it will not be effective, and if it was too high it will cause permanent damage to the body.

Only through the complete mastering of her own power was it possible to realize this higher dimensional magic.

Suppressing her ego, Chikage said with a smile,

"-- Well, I think you will get used to after a while."

The smile on her face suddenly turned into a wry smile,

"However, I'm sorry to say...... I can't give you that time to adapt."

As she finished, a large amount of water once again emerge out of thin air mercilessly flushed away Disdiya's soldiers in the torrent.

Part 5

The Disdiyan empire's Emperor Baram was station with the main unit where all the soldiers originally branched off from. He was surveying the battle in the center and north route. Even though both armies were in a bitter battle, Baram's expression remained calm firmly believing everything was going his way.

Magic consumes a lot of energy. And unlike Akatsuki, who has an endless supply of Ki within his body or can replenished it from everything around him, their magic attacks can't go on indefinitely. Furthermore both of them are taking preconditions not to harm any of Disdiya's solders. Naturally, this takes a lot more effort than just going all out. Most likely they were not going to be able to keep this up much longer.

......Such foolish mimicry.

Baram starred off into the distance at the overhanging cliff were Akatsuki was calmly standing.

In order to realize your worthless ideals, you even involved other people in this messy business.

It's best to keep those eyes wide open -- so you can watch as those two girls die for you.

Balam grunted coldly.

"Your Majesty, there are still many troops than haven't attacked yet. Do you want me to attack from the south?"

The commander of the Royal Knights standing beside him raised a suggestion.

However, Baram shook his head.

"Out of the three routes the south is the most narrow and intricate. We would have to divide our troops up too much causing us lose our superiority. It is not necessary to devote soldiers there. I will leave the south to Sherfied. My army will concentrate on the central and north route only. Send out the order, no matter how fierce their attacks are there is no need to fear. The enemy has no intentions of killing anyone. We will use this to give those who can no longer fight a chance to fall back and recover before being sent back out to the battlefield."

Then he declared in a lower voice.

"Take your time, there's no need to rush. We are fighting a war of attrition, step by step we will force them into a dead end."

Part 6

After a while the battle at the Grand Canyon turned into a stalemate.

Disdiya continued to attack, while Galevain continued to defend.

From the start of the war, both sides have been maintaining one attack and one guard quota.

-- However its been three hours since the fighting began, and this equilibrium was beginning to collapse.

Disdiya's soldiers were gradually braking through Galevain's defensive perimeter set up in the central and northern channel.

"......Sure enough, our numerical advantage is going to be the tie-breaker."

The whole of Gorudono Grand Canyon had yet to completely turn into a battlefield. The south route had not let become a fight.

Sherfied's army was set up in formation around the circumference the south channel. Listy was closely monitoring the activity in the central and north channel.

In the central route, there was the girl who introduced herself as Haruka. She attended the peace agreement and the duel with Akatsuki. And in the northern route, there was a girl they seen for the first time -- perhaps she was also a companion of Akatsuki's like Haruka. Both of them alone were respectively holding off the invasions of tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers.

"Those two's power appears to be comparable with us."

"Yes...... and there tactics were able to hold up until now, it is really remarkable."

Standing on the left and right were Loutier and Zechs, who calmly praised the power of those two girls.

But......

Listy thought: it won't be long before they were overpowered the way things were going. Zechs and Loutier didn't say it, but in their heads they must have the same view.

In fact the performance of the two was absolutely worthy of praise. After all those two alone faced tens of thousands which already wasn't easy, not to mention they also stopped the enemy's attack without killing any of the soldiers. The difficulty of this task was absolutely beyond anyone's imagination.

However, it was impossible for this to continue for eternity.

They appeared to be weary, yet somehow they were still managing to maintain the equilibrium. The moment when that collapses it will only take a split second for Disdiya take hold of this war.

...... But why was Akatsuki not taking any action......?

Listy was watching him just stand here on top of the cliff.

She believed Akatsuki was already aware of the situation and how detrimental it was to Galevain.

However, since the beginning he remained motionless.

Perhaps this was all part of his plan and then when the time comes -- Listy thought so when.

Suddenly, the Sherfied front line burst into an uproar.

"-- What's going on?"

Zechs returned to the troops under his command in order to report back, but a knight loudly answered first in a perplexed voice.

"It's the enemy, the enemy is attacking! A single attacker came through the southern route, and is engaging with our army!"

"No way......!?"

More than surprised, Listy subconsciously looked up at the distant cliff.

However, Akatsuki was standing atop the cliff not moving same as before.

It was an unexpected situation. Other than the Akatsuki, she never thought there was a second person who would be this reckless.

What genuinely surprised Listy was not that a single person attack them, rather it was that unbelievably Akatsuki targeted the Sherfied army.

"There is only one of them? Is this idiot trying to end his life!"

Trying to verify the situation, Zechs raised his voice, almost to a roar.

"It is a child! A small and thin girl riding on the back of a lion, no that is a huge Golem!"

"A girl......?"

"-- This is strange."

Listy couldn't help but frown, beside her Loutier immediately pointed out the unnaturalness of the situation. Everyone thought that the person who matched Akatsuki's degree reckless had to be a warrior much of the same mold as him.

"She is biding her time at the back of the army, but to assign a small girl to infiltrate the enemy ranks......?"

"Yes, it really doesn't seem like Akatsuki's style."

Maybe that little girl's strength was on par with other two girls defending the other routes. But according to common sense, it was impossible that Akatsuki would leave a little girl to take such a risk. This surely must be part of some plan. However, with all the fighting going on, it was tough to determine Akatsuki's true intention.

"It seems there is no other choice but to directly ask her...... the reason."

"I have the same feeling."

Zechs and Loutier spoke as they stepped forward.

Since the other took the initiative to provoke the war, Sherfied had to keep up rear support.

"Listy, I'll be right back. I'll go have a little chat with that idiot somehow -– even if by force."

"Yes...... I'll leave it to you. Use your own discretion, and do not push yourself too hard."

After returning a nod, Zechs set his sight on Loutier.

"Lulu, that little girl came to challenge you."

"Yes, I am the one responsible for the southern route."

"Very good -- Well then, I will leave it to you grant her Majesty protection."

"Yes, sir."

After the able-bodied second lieutenant nodded, Zechs and Loutier began to run.

As she watched the backs of those two of them leave, Listy El Da Sherfied softly spoke.

"...... Both of you please be careful."

While gazing into the distance she lightly prayed.

"I believe in you -- Akatsuki."

Part 7

After she received the task of standing off against the lone female attacker, Loutier used flight magic so she could rush to the front line as soon as possible.

Before the campaign began Sherfied's officers and soldiers received orders to avoid combat as much as possible. This command was in line with Akatsuki's 'I do not want anyone unfortunate sacrifices in the war' wish.

-- However avoid fighting didn't mean they shouldn't retaliate if attacked, and let them onslaught us.

Since Akatsuki was willing to let this girl alone challenge an enemy's camp, he must have recognized her strength. Therefore an ordinary soldier would be no match for her. Out of Sherfied's faction probably only Listy, Zechs or Loutier could compete with her.

Therefore Loutier Trum used her flight magic. She used a different principle of wind magic to move forward. The auxiliary magic used didn't catch the wind, but rather split the atmosphere in front of her allowing her to rush to the destination without any resistance.

Soon after, the front line came into view.

The soldiers had descended into chaos.

A huge lion huge was running amok, back and forth breaking apart the formation with a small girl on its back. Seeing this Loutier immediately stopped mid-air, and raised her magic gun to the ready.

"Everyone move away from the target! I'm going to fire!"

After receiving Loutier's instructions the Sherfied soldiers scattered in all directions at once, leaving all but one in the empty space. She aimed at the small assailant left in the center and fired.

An ear piercing high-frequency laser beam rang out out of the blue, impartially hitting the target in front of her -- then the huge lion ahead made a beeline for her.

This of course was a warning shot meant to intimidate the other party, but it didn't stop the little girl and the lion.

The lion dashed diagonally forward then jumped atop the steep rock wall. Taking a horizontal posture towards Loutier, and darted away.

......The girl and the lion have no intention of involving the other soldiers......?

If she stayed in the canyon mixed in with the other soldiers, naturally Loutier couldn't keep on shooting.

Yet the girl deliberately chose the hard road. Loutier was free to keep shooting at her several more times. The girl moved up and down along the rock face, dodging the incoming shells while continuing to outflank her.

"Uhh... ... There's no way."

Seeing that her shots couldn't stop the girl, Loutier focused her mind.

The magic formation unfolded as she unleashed her magic. Only this was not a magic attack.

What she chanted was a defensive barrier of the highest level.

Moreover it was not used to protect herself.

The barrier was stretch out in front of the lion that was continuing to scamper away. And the next moment -- A loud bang echoed. The lion collided with the transparent wall, not visible to the eye.

The girl that was riding on the back of the lion was thrown into the air because of the momentum.

"-- Argh"

Still, the girl adjusted her posture in the air, and prepared to landed on the ground. Just after she landed the Sherfied soldiers encircled her. Loutier slowly descended from the sky in front of the girl. The girl was petite. In contrast with her giant lion sidekick made her seem even more immature and delicate.

......It seemed a like overkill......

Filled with anticipation of meeting the small girl in the front of her, Loutier can't help but smile. This girl alone rushed into the enemy's camp, so she believed that her strength must equal the other two girls defending the central and north path, or maybe even have more ability than them. It seemed that Loutier overestimated her strength. Although the average soldier would be no match for this girl, she wouldn't pose much of a threat to Loutier.

"Are you a fellow of Akatsuki's? You alone jumped into the enemy's camp, you must be up to something. Its a pity but I can't let you plan to succeed."

Loutier composed herself as she told her quietly.

"If you have a letter or message from Akatsuki, please hand it to me directly. I can pass it on, and please get out of here at once. Like Akatsuki as well as your other two fellows attitudes towards the coalition forces, we have no intention of hurting you."

At this time, the girl looked carefully at Loutier.

"Pointed ears, silver hair, plus a magic gun -- Are you Loutier-san?"

"Yes, I am."

Surely she must heard what she looks like from Akatsuki. Perhaps this girl was trying to confirmed whether to trust us. It would have been better if he passed on his message himself, but -- the girls next words were the exact opposite of what Loutier expected.

"If you know Ousawa-kun then you know how he acts, and I'm sorry but I can't walk away from this."

The reason was simple, the girl goes on to say:

"Because we are just like you -- and to us, there are things which are non-negotiable."

Part 8

In the central route Disdiya's soldiers were gradually pushing up the invasion line.

Facing such a situation Nanase Haruka made a somewhat grave expression.

...... I'm practically being beaten back by them.

The battle in the central channel has been going on for three hours. Haruka was still using magic to attack, while the enemy has been readjusting their countermeasures to it.

Disdiya's soldiers were used to the terrain, since the majority of their country was a desert, and their military was mostly comprised of earth magic users. Haruka's wind magic was on the opposite end of the spectrum. So to speak, they have the worst relationship compatibility with each other. The wind created by her magic was just obstructed by an object they created with their earth magic. The fight began with a sandstorm, strictly speaking this was only meant as a surprise attack. In fact the magical ability of Disdiya to manipulate sand was greater than Haruka's, so long ago her sandstorm magic became ineffective.

The situation grew into a test of who can hold out the longest. She started out with all kinds of various magics to attack, but the enemy quickly adapted to it then started to use their magic to strike back. For some time now both sides have been going all out with their offensives. Haruka needed to break out from this pattern to once more push them back. Through changing her magic with even more different permutations and combinations she could buy more time.

...... At least the number of soldiers were substantially reduced.

However, Disdiya was capable sending the soldiers on the front lines to back in order to rest. Then replaced them with fresh soldiers who could still fight. If it continues like this they will breakthrough Haruka's defensive perimeter when she exhaust's her stamina.

But -- Nanase Haruka was undaunted. She turned her head and glanced up at Akatsuki standing on the cliff.

...... I believe in you.

She thought the strategy he came up with beforehand was worthy of trust. Therefore, all she had to do was defend the battlefield until her physical strength and energy runs out.

That was what she secretly swore in her heart as she turned her head back forward. Then suddenly out of the corner of her eye was a shadow.

"-- Huh?"

Unlike the rest of Disdiya's soldiers at the bottom of a ravine he was running on top of the cliffs.

...... When on earth did he appear?

Nanase Haruka was unable to hide her inner agitation. She knew the identity of that person. He was the Crimson sword king of Sherfied and his target was obvious. He was running on top the cliffs headed for Akatsuki. She had seen his strength in action during the duel.

She knew that the present situation was very dangerous, but had to keep her emotions in check.

"Come down here and face me!"

Haruka immediately concentrated her mind unleashing a magic formation, an intense tornado was created out of the wind. The tornado ran along the mountain walls keeping parallel with the horizon meant to hit Zechs.

Part 9

Even after Zechs discovered the tornado quickly approaching he didn't stop.

He chose to intercept it rather than dodge. Pulling out his crimson long sword from its sheath, in a flash he slashed vertically. The wind created from the edge of blade bisected the approaching tornado from top to bottom. As Haruka watched it happen, she readied a second wave as fast as she could.

"-- Too slow."

There wasn't enough time for her to use magic again. She could only watch as Zechs jumped onto the cliff.

On the other side of the cliff stood a youth. That youth was none other than Ousawa Akatsuki smiling confidently. As soon as Zechs landed he dashed towards Akatsuki.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

He shorten the distance in an instant, wielding the crimson sword he sliced straight down.

No tricks, he just swung straight down from overhead. However -- Akatsuki didn't move.

"--------------------!"

A hairs breath away Zechs had stopped his blade.

Confronted with Zechs slash, Akatsuki didn't move a muscle, he didn't even bat an eyelash.

-- But this wasn't from an absolute confidence he could react in time.

Of course, this was also not a situation in which he was convinced Zechs would stop his sword either.

"What...... the......"

Zechs mumbled as he groaned, then he turned his right wrist sideways smashing the sword hilt into Akatsuki's head. Straightway he collapsed over -- the split second he hit the ground his body broke apart into countless fragments.

It was an earth puppet. Unlike ordinary Golems, its makeup was fundamentally different as it focused on toughness.

The elaborate puppet's color and texture were flawless, it look no different from Akatsuki himself.

...... What the hell, since when?

Zeks Doltrake now believed since the beginning of the fight, from the moment the two forces crossed swords it was just a puppet standing there. Then that means -- Akatsuki didn't intend to fight from the start? No, there was no way he would have run away.

"That bastard......!"

Zechs looked back at the battlefield behind him.

There was no doubt, at this very moment -- Akatsuki was ​​somewhere on the battlefield.

Part 10

-- It was just an earth puppet made to look like Akatsuki on top of the cliff.

The information shocked all the troops in the Gorudono Grand Canyon. The enemy had lost sight of their primary objective, shaking the morale of the soldiers. Even as far away as the southern channel, Loutier Trum was greatly affected.

"Akatsuki is missing......?"

Loutier glared at the small girl she was facing off against, and wrinkled her brows --

"Nope, I'm right here."

A familiar sounding voice reached her ear.

"----------!"

Loutier failed to react right away to the significant change in the situation.

The surrounding soldiers of Sherfied all fainted together, softly they fell to ground. Now it was Loutier Trum's turn to be surprised.

"You, when did you......"

It wasn't a word but a fearless smile that answered her trembling comment.

He was in front of her eyes, before she was even aware -- Ousawa Akatsuki was calmly standing next to that young girl.

Part 11

Akatsuki was spotted in the southern route.

The news immediately reached Baram's ears, who was with Disdiya's main force.

"Swordsmen and magical squads, head for the south!"

The Royal Knight's standing next to Baram gave the orders. It was a reasonable assessment.

"Hold -- That won't be necessary."

However, Baram indifferently withdrew their orders and --

"Command the artillery to fire on the North."

"......Huh? But the enemy's magic has caused a sharp rise in oxygen concentration of the northern channel. Once the shelling hits the region it might trigger large scale explosions."

"Yes, that is what I'm hoping for. That Akatsuki guy has appeared in the south. That means it will take that guy some time to reach the Northern channel for support. This is our best chance to wipe out the enemy in the north."

"But the damage to our army...... at the very least let me send a messenger, so they can set up a protective barrier -–"

"No, doing so might alert the enemy. Just because the enemy does not want to kill. You must not forgot the very nature of war. Listen well, war is cruel, and part of that is some sacrifices are inevitable."

Baram Dy Alon Disdia very calmly said,

"After the explosions and the landslides stabilize command the rear forces to move in -- OPEN FIRE!"

Emperor Baram ordered the the dozens of artillery to fire, simultaneously.

A few seconds later --

Explosions razed the northern route, the ensuing shock waves caused every inch of Gorudono Grand Canyon to quake.

Part 12

The area around the intense explosions was scorched black, the force of impact caused the nearby walls to cave in. Immense boulders crashed to the ground stirring up a sand cloud that wrapped around the whole area, masking the entire length of the north channel.

-- And when the sand cloud dispersed the tragic reality of war appeared.

It was quiet, as if formerly fierce battle never occurred. All that was left was a mass of rubble. Nobody was able to respond in time to the sudden explosion or to the collapse. The girl was focused on the tens of thousands of troops, while Disdiya's soldiers were desperately fighting with the girl. No matter which side, they both were caught surprised and crushed under the rock slide.

Even though the north route was buried in rubble the war was still not over.

"Hey -- Do we start looking?"

When the sand cloud settled Disidiy\'s soldiers on the back line begun to search the scene.

Their priority certainly wasn't searching for their own survivors, but to confirm the death of the enemy. They used their earth magic to rapidly clear away the rubble. And after a little while they found her.

"Found her -- She's here!"

Under the piles of rubble they were amazed to find the girl lying there unmoving. The girl's body was covered in mud, however there was no blood on her clothes. It seemed she escaped the worst death scenario and wasn't crushed to death by the falling rocks, but still she wasn't lucky enough to survive the bombardment. However for the sake of caution, one of the soldiers reach out to check her pulse and confirm her fate. When he touched the nape of her neck, the girl's body instantly disintegrated, and turned it into a pile of dirt.

"Eh........!

The soldiers were stunned and didn't understand what just had happened, however they did not have time to think about it.

Suddenly a column of water gushed out from beneath ground and transmogrified into a huge dragon swallowing all the soldiers in the immediate area.

"Th-that is impossible......"

The soldiers fortunate enough to escape the attack clearly saw that same girl riding on the water dragon's back.

"Sorry -- I wont be brought down that easily by you."

"How, how is......"

The soldiers who witnessed the girl's wry smile could hardly believe their eyes. They were incapable of defeating the enemy. That inescapable fact stupefied each and every one of the soldiers. A deep sense of despair also set in. The reason was simple, the enemy was not alone anymore. On the water dragon's back sat at least twenty girls. If those twenty girls were just comrades who rushed over to help, Disdiya's soldiers wouldn't have been as surprised. But the problem was -- not only did the girls on the water dragon's back all dress the same, they all looked exactly alike.

-- What did all that mean?

The first girl who turned into a pile of dirt said it all.

"All that effort to take down just one, but it was just......"

But, there was no answer, more they didn't want to give an answer. Because they did not want to admit it.

After spending several long hours, and at the expense of countless fellow soldiers being struck down by the enemy. It was just an imitation made from the ground.

Part 13

"That was a masterpiece of yours I take it."

After learning of the situation to the north, Loutier looked at the girl standing next to the Akatsuki.

The petite girl nodded to confirmed her speculation.

"Yes...... that was my magic which created the "puppet." I used one of her hairs as a medium to make to her the master. That way it will move according to her will, but also allows her to use her magic through the medium."

After learning the secret, Loutier muttered:

"Then -- All of the girls."

That was to say, that girl Haruka fighting in the central route was also merely a puppet. Loutier thought it had to be the case.

"Yes...... the real girls are safe far away from here."

The girl then place her hand on her chest and revealed she was a puppet herself.

......No wonder her strength was below expectations.

Loutier finally understood why when compared to the girls in central and north channel, the girl sitting on the back of that lion was clearly inferior. But it was only natural, after all she had to maintain the shape of Akatsuki's elaborate earth puppet the whole time, and also create a puppet for other girls as well as one for herself. However, the twenty girls on the water dragon's back shouldn't all be puppets able to use magic. No matter how abundant her magic was, there should be limit to the amount of puppets she can maintain at the same time. So there should be only one real puppet, and the rest were just camouflage to distract the enemy.

"Yup, I think you should already be aware that we really don't intend to kill anyone in this war."

Akatsuki broke the silence with his smile, and slowly started to explain the truth behind this battle.

"You know me -- how could I let a woman face such danger instead of going myself?"

After hearing what Akatsuki said, Loutier could not help but feel the same way. That certainly might be true. Also earlier when she heard that a girl charged in alone, it didn't seem at all like Akatsuki's style.

Her inner doubt at long last was answered.

Then......

...... Why did Akatsuki appear here?

The girl said that a hair was used as a medium in the puppets so that the magical power of that person could pass through. And that it was her earth magic that created them, but Akatsuki cannot use magic. Even if his Ki was in the hair for example, its very essence was different from the magic. Theoretically it should be impossible to create a puppet

In other words -- that was not a puppet in front of her, but Akatsuki himself.

However, the girl was still just a puppet there was no need for Akatsuki to protect her. In that case, what reason did he have to be here? The key to ending this war was stopping Baram. Then shouldn't he be targeting Disdiya's main unit, and not here. But he choose not to do that, and now was in south which was not as strategically important.

"-- Is it really that big of a mystery why I'm here?"

It seemed that he read Loutier's mind.

"Do you still not get it, Lulu?...... Think about what is right here."

Then Akatsuki smiled and said, "Then let me tell you" while laughing. When he finished talking, Akatsuki silhouette suddenly vanished.

"--------!"

Loutier tried to take up a stance as she panicked. Akatsuki appeared silently beside her, and place his hand on her shoulder.

"My target, Lulu...... is you."

The instant that sentence passed her ears, Loutier felt a slight prick on the neck. Her consciousness was immediately wrapped in a dark vortex.

Part 14

Akatsuki had made a move.

Without damaging Loutier a light chop deprived her of consciousness. He took the unconsciousness high elf lightly into his arms, and then looked to Kuzuha.

"Well then Class Rep...... just as planned, take Lulu back with you to Forestnium as quickly as possible."

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly said,

"This guy is a priestess that specializes in high level recovery magic. Lulu will surely be able to heal Riruru."

"Un, no problem......"

Kuzuha's puppet crumbled as she nodded, and transmogrified into a lion golem.

This was definitely the fastest way to carry her back to Forestnium.

-- The ultimate goal of this battle was to have her treat the seriously injured Riruru. This the was a promise to Kuzuha, also Akatsuki's own desire. That was why, this particular battle plan was drawn up. The plan was to pin down Disdiya in both the central and north channel by deliberately picking that conspicuous location to attract their attention. He even let Kuzuha storm into the Sherfied camp alone. All of her actions were to lure out the Chief Executive of Sherfied and then capture her.

Akatsuki laid the unconscious Loutier on the earth golem lion's back.

"Be careful on the way back...... this guy is a cherished companion of mine."

The Lion nodded as to convey its understanding. Then turned around to hurry back down the south channel she came from. At that rate she should reach Forestnium in no time.

Therefore Akatsuki thought to himself that he accomplished one of the goals of the operation.

"Well, I guess its about time for me to act."

After muttering, Akatsuki jumped. The second objective -- was to devastate Disdiya's army.

Akatsuki jumped around seven or eight meters back and forth between the rock walls until he reach the precipice. Then immediately headed in the direction of the central channel.

"-- Vice president!"

After hearing him call out to her, Haruka turned back while still floating mid-air a little ways away.

Akatsuki nodded -- indicating the first phase of the operation was successful.

"----"

Her face lightened momentarily as she returned a nod. She altered her active magic in place in the central route. She lowered the protective wind cushion on the rock walls before casting it anew. Haruka then left her post at the central route, and flew to the northern route ready to support Chikage in her battle. So far, it was all going accordingly to their original plan.

However, there were still soldiers remaining in a central route. But who was going to deal with residual enemies? That answer was obvious. Therefore, Akatsuki Ousawa jumped down from the top of the cliff.

He landed at the bottom of the ravine with a loud bang -- In the middle of the central route.

"Ah------!"

It was like the heaven God general descend. The soldiers one by one flinched and retreated backwards, unable to hide their inner fear.

Akatsuki informed them with a fearless smile.

"Eh, what are you hiding for?...... The Demon King you guys are looking for is right in front your face."

After saying so, he took a step forward.

"Akatsukiiiiiiii --"

The thunderous shout to Akatsuki descended behind him from Zechs Doltrake. He found this place after he destroyed the earth puppet of Akatsuki from atop the cliff, and jump down right after. However, Akatsuki didn't look back.

-- Then.

A high-pitched metallic sound screeched as Zechs's blade was stopped before it hit Akatsuki's body. Between the two, a young man stepped in dividing them.

"-- Eh!"

Zechs quickly jumped back, opening up some distance.

The young man took up a defense posture as he crossed knuckle armor on both hands.

"Aha... you see that Akki? Not just anybody can appear at a crucial moment like that."

"Surely you jest. Up until now, what have you been doing, eating or sleeping? Huh, so it is possible for you to put in some work."

"Gee thanks. That habit of yours, really. Akki you don't have to go Tsundere."

"Hey, Kaidou --"

He informed Kaidou who was joking around, while looking straight ahead in a serious tone.

"-- I will leave this guy to you."

"Ah, no problem."

After the short conversation ended, there backs where facing each other.

Akatsuki summoned his black Demon sword, and took a step forward.

To Disdiya's tens of thousands of soldiers he loudly announced:

"Time is of the essence, so I'll make this quick. Are you ready -- because I wait for no man."

Part 15

The sounds of weapons clashing and cry's of Disdiya's soldiers continuously began to grow in the background.

"...... And now."

Kaidou Motoharu focused all his attention to the front again, staring into Zechs's eyes.

"You prefer to have a showdown with Akki, huh? Unfortunately, I can't allow that."

"Ha", then he smiled,

"Too bad, now its my turn -- Whoa!"

Kaidou didn't have time to finish speaking. He had to quickly twist his head to the side. The crimson blade went past the tip of his nose, severing several of the hairs covering his forehead.

"Eeeh, scary...... You should at least wait until I'm done talking, okay?"

"You're just a puppet, anyway. I don't have time to waste on you."

Zechs coldly snorted, "punpun" Kaidou waved his head angrily.

"Gimme a break, I am the real thing! You almost cut off my head. I would of died!"

Kuzuha's power was limited, she could only have three active puppets at one time. Therefore Akatsuki assigned them to Haruka, Chikage and to Kuzuha herself. Naturally, Kaidou was left out and had to go into battle with his real flesh and blood body.

"If your afraid to die...... you had better withdraw quickly."

Zechs indifferently said so,

"Otherwise, I'm not going go to easy on you -- Gah!"

However, it wasn't possible for him to say his whole piece, because Kaidou beat him to the punch. Even if his body had on a layer of armor, it failed to stop the heavy blow sending him skidding backwards for some distance.

"Arrgghhhh, are you kidding me? Your the one who complained about my sneak attack when you where talking. Ahhh, why am I'm talking so carefree --"

Kaidou laughed.

"--Oh, you didn't take me seriously, did you?"

"I don't know who's more contemptuous ... ... Unarmed and you still want to go toe to toe with me?"

As saying so, Zechs lifted the crimson sword once again. Kaidou upon seeing this, couldn't help but sigh:

"There's nothing that can be done...... because I was entrusted by the people."

His expression became serious.

"And was responsible for protecting the children. I was careless and let one of the children get hurt. Once is enough for this type of lesson, there wont be a second time."

"I see...... since neither one of us is going to back down. It can not be helped then."

Zechs seemed to have resolved himself,

"I do not have time to fight with anybody other than Akatsuki -- prepare yourself."

As soon as he finished saying so he stabbed towards Kaidou.

"Ah...... Tch!"

Kaidou was dodging left and right, barely escaping the continuous slashes.

Zechs's assault was rather sharp, forcing him to use his AD summon knuckles to defend. He was able to stop the first attack on Akatsuki because it was an attack at his back so Zechs wasn't giving it his all. He was also reminded that Zechs announced his presence aloud to Akatsuki was all the more proof.

But that wasn't the case now, every sword strike had in it his best effort. And this was far from a favorable situation, since they were only separated by no more than an arms length.

"Your good at running away...... it's top notch."

"Well, it's not like I want to die."

Zechs sarcastically praise him, while Kaidou's answer was also very frivolous.

Although Zechs's sword was sharp his intent was not to kill Kaidou.

...... Amazing.

Kaidou couldn't help but fell admiration. Even if his slash were to hit, it probably wouldn't draw blood. At best he would suffer a fracture or lose consciousness.

Western-style swords have an edge on both sides, so there was no so-called back of the knife. Making it impossible not to cut the enemy, but Zechs had the skill of a master -- thus avoiding a killing blow. If Kaidou stopped dodging, Zechs was sure to sever only his consciousness with a blow. Under these circumstances, it might be more dangerous if he were to avoided the attack unskillfully.

Naturally with his knuckle armor he should attack with his fists, and avoid kicking as much as possible.

...... But I can't lie down here......

After all, Akatsuki left the mission of handling Zechs to me.

And I took on this myself, and I should at least contribute a little.

Therefore Kaido Motoharu went on a counterattack. Simultaneously,

"Gah--!"

Suddenly, Zechs's body was blown back from a powerful impact felt on his side from the empty space.

After landing awkwardly, Zechs stared at him.

"An invisible attack...... Physical magic?"

"What do you think?"

Kaidou smiled nonchalantly.

"Don't worry too much. When you figure it out, you would've already been defeated by me."

Just as he finished speaking, Kaidou carried out a long range attack.

A series of invisible attacks came upper and lower, front and back, and left and right, in all directions. However,

"Tch......!"

Zechs swung his sword, used nimble footwork, and twisted his body to avoid Kaidou's offensive.

"Oh, amazing!...... you really did that, eh."

He most likely did that by observing Kaidou's breathing and line of sight to predict the direction to some degree and the timing of the attacks. Kaidou had heartfelt praise for him. It must been his way of compensating for his handicap of not being able to use magic.

"With that move you would be able to deal with most opponents. It is definitely more than enough and to spare."

Kaidou laughed, but unfortunately he was not most opponents.

"It's regrettable -- but I have already encountered a fellow that could read breathing and sight to predict attacks."

Kaidou changed the way he attacked to a tactic specifically designed to combat people like him. To put it bluntly, it was to alter your own breathing and used your line of sight as a feint to deceive the enemy.

His new approach was effective. Zechs's body was left open to a barrage of attacks, gradually slowing him down.

"......Ga... ... ahhh!?"

"Wow...... you were able to avoid some of those shots, huh. Is that like some sort of sixth sense gained from all your experience?"

However the situation developed to this point, Kaidou had gained the upper hand. Although Zechs's swordsmanship was unrivaled, his weak point was his inability to use magic. Where Kaidou was concerned, there was already nothing for him to fear from Zechs.

......He seems to be a friend of Akatsuki's so it would be best to knock him out quickly.

Right when Kaidou was ready to give the final blow –-

"-- Don't underestimate me."

A low voice accompanied by high-pitched sonic boom was heard by Kaidou.

Not good!

Kaidou subconsciously dodged to the right, the rock behind him was suddenly split in two. The cross section was cut to a shine. Kaidou distorted his face as he squeamishly and unintentionally let out a "Ga".

"It's unfortunate...... but as a swordsmen, I also have a long range invisible attack."

After fixing his sword stance, Zechs coldly reported.

Kaidou understood that just a moment ago, he used a lightning fast sword slash indiscernible to the naked eye. The high-pitched sonic boom was a by product of the sword taking the shape of wind and exceeding the speed of sound.

"Lets try it, your attack and my sword -- Which will be faster?"

Zechs raised his sword again.

"Eh...... The situation has reversed?"

Confused, Kaidou scratched his cheek, and felt a wet sensation on the tip his index finger.

On closer look, it was a bright red liquid -- blood.

"Oh......"

Kaidou abruptly narrowed his eyes, harboring a dangerous color in his pupils.

He laughed.

"Quite interesting -- Well then, I'll play seriously with you."

Part 16

Zechs Doltrake clearly felt the significant change in atmosphere.

The reason was obvious. The youth before him was suddenly emitting a intense aura.

......A prolonged fighting was...... very disadvantageous for me.

Zechs didn't understand the true character of the enemy's attack. Therefore he couldn't fully anticipate the enemy's next attack. But, it was impossible for the opposite party to dodge his supersonic sword strike. His best chance would be a preemptive attack before his opponent could do anything.

...... That said, I don't want to accidentally kill him.

Zechs tightly gripped the handle of the sword, the blade faintly shined crimson. It's the shine of a magic sword. Once he brandishes the sword now it will cut the enemy -- Zechs's will was in direct action to other party's spirit, that was being aimed at him.

The attack will penetrate through all magical defensive barriers. Since Zechs was unable to use magic this was the reason why he won fame throughout Alayzard as the Crimson Sword King.

So -- the first to act will be the victor.

"Take this--!"

Along with the shout, he swung the crimson long sword. In an instant the force emitted would reach the other party, and his consciousness would be severed --

But......

"Giiiiiiin!"

There was a harsh metallic crash, Zechs sword was stuck mid-air.

"------Eh?"

Zechs was surprised. His sword had been stopped before the attack was released. His right hand strongly felt a reaction, the feeling of being blocked.

And the next moment --

"Gah...... This is......?"

He lost all control over his body, and collapsed to the ground. Then he noticed the abnormal condition of his body and what had actually happened. An invisible attack hit him. In addition to the one that caught his sword -- the true character was not physical magic.

"This is...... a chain?"

"--Correct answer!"

As he said so, the young man snapped his fingers.

The object coiled around Zechs's body became visible, a silver chain.

"Not too bad -- For your country, you wanted to win at any cost just to fight Akki."

The young man laughed as he said so. Zechs couldn't believe what he just heard.

"After all, you intend to lose to Akki on purpose, right?"

"............!"

Zechs was left speechless, because nobody knew of his plan. He never said one word of it to anyone.

As a General of Sherfied, he has always been a spiritual pillar for the soldiers. If he were defeated, the soldiers would have definitely lost their confidence. Then his defeat could have been used as an excuse for Sherfied's retreat. At the same time would also prove Akatsuki's power. Akatsuki planned to show off his overwhelming power to Disdiya forcing them to agree to a cease-fire, and sending them back to the peace treaty negotiations table. Zechs's plan was undeniably secretly helping Akatsuki.

It was the reason he persisted on a showdown with Akatsuki.

"But now you don't have to go through all the trouble. The Queen's right hand, the high elf, is now our prisoner. This alone constitutes sufficient grounds for a retreat."

"Don't tell me...... that bastard already knew what I was thinking?"

"It might not of been like that. Otherwise I wouldn't have been left to deal with you."

After a short pause.

"-- I see, so you have come here."

Just as he finished speaking, the youth jumped back several steps at once.

Then, innumerable wind blades pierced the place where the youth previously stood.

"No way......!"

The Zechs looked up at the sky. Just to check who it was that flown here from the south route by magic. He was amazed to find it was Listy with her magical wand in hand.

"You idiot......! What are you doing here!"

Anxious and irritation filled Zechs's heart as he criticized Listy, who landed right in front of him.

"I was going to ask you what you were doing! Did I not tell you? Not to overdo it!"

Listy mercilessly scolded Zechs. The young man who he was fighting with had already disappeared. Listy looked around anyway just to make sure the enemy left, and wasn't somewhere overlooking Zechs.

"Let me see now, how I can help you with this chain--"

"Ahhh, I'm sorry...... it's impossible to break the chain."

Suddenly, a voice of the young man rang out of thin air.

Zechs listened to the young man speak along with Listy.

"But don't worry, given a little time it will fade away."

Well......

"Oh, by the time the chain disappears the fighting should be over."

Part 17

After Nanase Haruka left the fighting quickly came to an end in the central channel.

Ousawa Akatsuki ran through the lot in merely ten minutes.

Seeing the disparity of power between the two sides, the remnants of the Disdiyan army temporary retreated.

Within that short period of time, Akatsuki succeeded in suppressing most of the central channel.

"Hmm, what to do now......"

Akatsuki had his <Demon sword> over his shoulders, as he thought to himself.

The remainder of the Disdiya's forces were in the north route and back with the main unit. Should he go straight to the north to support Chikage, or directly rush into the their main force to end this war as soon as possible?

...... As a precaution I had better take a look at the situation in the north.

Ousawa Akatsuki make his decision on the spot and put it straight into action.

"Oh wow, this is amazing eh--"

A carefree voice came from behind. Looking back, Kaidou was standing there with his hands joined together behind his head. He was looking at countless soldiers, who fainted after they were blown away into the right and left rock walls.

"I wish I did it as flashy. Not only are they all consciousness, they are littered everywhere. I can't get through except where Akki has passed. Is this the matchless skill of Moses?"

"Nah, this was nothing...... I just ran through."

Akatsuki laughed.

"--Did you settle it?"

"Ah, that redheaded general wont be able to move for a while. Not long after that Queen arrived to pick him up. It shouldn't be too much longer before they leave the battlefield."

"......I see."

Since Zechs and Listy were together there was nothing to worry about. If it was only one person, it was hard to say if they would act on impulse, but since its two people then things were different. After all, one person's selfishness would also trouble the other, consequently they would be less likely to jeopardized the other. So as long as the two of them were together, it can be expected that they would curve each others reckless behavior.

......There won't be a need them to fight any further......

So from this point on it will be Akatsuki's fight.

"Okay, let's go."

As he said that Akatsuki was ready to go when an intense bang with a fierce roar shook Gorudono Grand Canyon. The repetitive deep bass was blasting the atmosphere.

"Akki this is......"

"Ah, the north -- I'm going."

After the brief conversation, Akatsuki and Kaidou took turns kicking off the footholds on the left and right sides of the mountain walls. At the top of the cliff they left as fast as they could to the north channel.

After Akatsuki and Kaidou arrived at the scene, they looked down from cliffs they were standing overlooking the bottom of valley in the north route. The fighting had ended, there were no signs of the puppets that Haruka and Chikage were manipulating.

Or any traces of Disdiya's soldiers that were fighting.

With the exception of one person -- a knight in golden armor was standing there.

......That surely was the guy......

Akatsuki knew who he was by his appearance. Undoubtedly he was the knight that was beside Alphonse and Baram at the peace negotiations.

"Akki, that's the guy."

In a quiet voice Kaidou called out. Akatsuki was already told everything.

That was the knight who was the originator of the tragedy in Forestnium. Then it seemed the knight heard Kaidou's voice as he raised his head to looked to the top of the cliff. With the height difference of several tens of meters separating them they were able to recognize each other.

Even so -- a clash was inevitable.

"...... I finally found you."

Akatsuki clenched his fists.

...... It was you ... you ...!

The one who killed Urumu, and wounded Riruru. Who made Miu and Kuzuha cry. Who put Sherfied, Listy, and the others in this predicament. The peace that we all aimed for -- it was all trampled by his cowardly actions.

"Kaidou...... Don't lay a finger on him."

A low voice that naturally came out, then Akatsuki drew his magical black sword, and took a step forward.

"I'll smash the bastard."

And at the same time as he said so he kick off the ground towards the bottom of the ravine.

While nosediving at the armor Knight, Akatsuki raised the black sword.

Without any petty tricks. He increased his body's physical strength through renkan keikikou, and used the momentum of the fall to form an attack at the maximum limit of his power.

Gravity accelerated the fall, the distance between him and armor Knight shortened in one breath.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh--!"

Akatsuki put everything he had in the sword strike.

However, the Knight took up a stance intending to take the attack head on.

-- He just casually raised his sword with one hand, and swung it horizontally.

"Gakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!"

After the deafening noise of the impact the earth was depressed around the armor Knight. The destructive power in Akatsuki's slash was obviousness, based on the aftermath it gave birth to.

But......

"With one hand, huh......"

After their swords crossed, Akatsuki stared at armor Knight.

He thought that no one would have been able to stop that attack, but the Knight block it easily.

Akatsuki heard how powerful the enemy was from Kaidou and Kuzuha. Therefore he did not think he would beat him with one blow. However, Akatsuki was using both hands while he only used one to wield a sword that blocked him. Besides withstanding the power in the strike, he even resisted the fall and did not move an inch. These signs prove one thing, the other party knows full well about the power of his renkan keikikou.

"..........."

The armor Knight silently waved his sword tossing both Akatsuki along with his sword back. Akatsuki regained his balance in the air, smoothly landing on the ground.

At the same time, the ground where he landed was destroyed by the armor Knight's wave shot from his sword slash. He used his magic sword to fend off the attack, then he sent out a shock wave to disperse the sand cloud that filled the air. Followed by a dash cutting the distance, and stabbed at the knight. However, it was also blocked easily by the Knight.

"-- Take this!"

As the blades hit Akatsuki used them as a fulcrum, lifting his body to the side allowing his right leg to he kicked out.

Hitting the side of the armor Knight's head.

"Bakii" along with the sound of hitting metal the armor Knight staggered to his left. The shock wave caused by the kick should of penetrated the armor, and surly rocked his brain. Akatsuki was confident it was a solid hit.

How...... he started to say, but Akatsuki swallowed his words. The armor Knight not only did not fall, but instead reached out and grabbed Akatsuki's right foot slamming him into the ground.

"Gaaaaah"

The strong impact felt on his back caused him to momentary stop breathing, followed by an intense pain. However, there was no time to rest, because the armor Knight swung his sword straight down at his lower body.

"--Damn!"

Akatsuki avoided it by rolling to the side, he barely escaped the danger. Taking advantage of force to stand up to swing the demon sword horizontally.

The resulting rush of air shot out, but it missed the target because the Knight had disappeared. Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

He found the enemy standing in a small cave half way up the rock wall.

"Son of a......"

Akatsuki glared at the armor Knight who in-turn responded by taking action. He turned his back to Akatsuki, and slashed at the rock wall. After a shrill sound, a huge v-shaped crack quickly spread on the wall. After a moment of silence, the cave's ceiling began to give way above the Knight's head accompanied with a bang similar to sound of an earthquake. In face of the rapidly approaching rockslide the armor Knight raised his sword continuously hacking apart the rocks.

The falling rocks where turned into countless smaller ones and poured down on Akatsuki.

However......

"--Hey, Did you read this from a textbook?"

Akatsuki laughed as he looked up at the falling rocks.

He jumped up with his magic sword in hand, and crushed the rocks coming at him. While he look for other rocks to grab a foothold to slowly climb up. Just as Akatsuki cut through an enormous rock -- the armor Knight suddenly attacked from the front.

"Another textbook move!"

This attack came as no surprise to Akatsuki. He received the attack with his demon sword. The two of them used the falling rocks around them to get footholds on. Using the rocks the battlefield became three-dimensional as they freely tried to cut each other.

The roar of the rock's crashing into the ground one after another was the BGM, while their swords crossed over and over again.

-- Akatsuki's attacks began to gradually overwhelm the armor Knight.

"Is this all you have? Come at me again!"

Akatsuki's sword strikes were holding the armor Knight at bay. At first the Knight's strength greatly puzzled him, but it was well within the range he could cope with. The other could only use his one sword to attack, while Akatsuki could still use both his hands and feet to fight. As formidable of an enemy he was, it was difficult for him to fight against Akatsuki's ever changing patterns of attacks.

It was just --

......Strange ......?

Akatsuki suddenly had a indescribable feeling. He always felt that something was amiss -- but didn't know what it was. His heart started to beat faster and faster, a sinking feeling came over him. Like the time when Phil Barnett turned his body into the evil dragon Zahark. The same sense of impending crisis.

Just when two swords crossed once again.

......! Is this guy --!

After he become aware of this feeling, Akatsuki could not help but hesitate.

However, right this moment he was in the middle of a battle and it was beyond his control at this point.

"Woo oh oh oh oh --!"

With a roar the black demon sword was forcibly swung, the armor Knight was tossed backward along with Akatsuki. The Knight straightened his stance mid-air avoiding the falling rocks, then rushed to get the ground one step faster than Akatsuki.

Akatsuki chased after him. The two men returned their fight back to the ground.

Part 18

Standing on top of a cliff Kaidou Motoharu was watching the fight between Akatsuki and the armor Knight.

After they resumed their fight on the ground it only intensified.

Judging from both sides, attacks and defense, that he saw, Kaidou calmly believed Akatsuki had the edge.

But......

...... His fighting style seemed to have changed......?

From where he was, Kaidou could see Akatsuki continuing to wave his Demon sword. But something didn't feel right to Kaidou about the way he was moving his body. Kaidou had witnessed several of his fights up till now including the one at JPN Babel school's ranking tournament when Akatsuki and the others were ambushed by three of the student council members, excluding Hikami Kyoya. And then the fight with the high dimensional dragon. Even in that one, Akatsuki won in the end.

But he did not notice until a little while ago, that Akatsuki now was showing less confidence and ease with his body.

And now that they were back on the ground -- he wasn't acting like his usual self.

...... That bastard in the armor was indeed a powerful enemy sure, but –-

Kaidou couldn't help but suspiciously say:

"Come on Akki...... this is nothing like your usual style."

Part 19

"Gaaaaaa --!"

After blocking a flurry of slashes Akatsuki jumped back, putting space between them.

He stared at the armor Knight in front of him, trying to calmly judged the situation.

......That bastard was gradually getting used to my attacks.

Even thought Akatsuki was the first to familiarize himself with other's movements, now he was gradually picking up on Akatsuki's patterns. The reasons were obvious enough, Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

......There's no other way than.

Akatsuki secretly made a wry smile in his mind, and also a decision. So he looked at the armor Knight before quietly telling him:

"Apparently, as it stands now I can't beat you --"

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. And,

"For me to defeat you...... I just need to become stronger."

At the same time he said so his body began to emit a dazzling light.

Overflowing from his body was a torrent of Ki.

This was the same move Akatsuki used during the duel with Listy and the others, using renkan keikikou he was able to exceed the limits of his body. Taking into account the condition he would be in following the battle Akatsuki didn't plan of using this in the first place, because of great burden it puts on the body. However the immediate situation left him no other choice.

"This is the only way to defeat you."

The powerful Ki gushed out from his whole body as Akatsuki faintly smiled. And,

"Ready --"

Akatsuki bent his knees and lowered his waist, sprinting ahead like a shooting star rapidly approaching the armor Knight. Godspeed was the only way to describe it. The distance was shorten in an instant. He was holding the demon sword up high as he swung it straight down.

A strike that could kill in one hit.

Then, in the middle of his swing.

"......Do you really want to do that?"

Ousawa Akatsuki clearly heard the armor Knight's voice.

"-- That person is watching."

"--?"

The Knight's sudden words stopped him for a moment at which he stared blankly. At the same time gave him a chance to look out from the corner of his eye to see "that person." His hesitation left the black sword immobile half way in the air.

"Damn --!"

Akatsuki realized he was still in the middle of swinging down the black demon sword, however the armor Knight showed no signs moving.

And then -- the shadows of two people interlaced them.

Part 20

Listy by chance happen to get there at that precise moment.

After the chain binding Zechs disappeared. Drawn by the sounds of an intense fight, she headed north. Allowing her to see with her own eyes Akatsuki and Knight in golden armor -- at the exact second the outcome of a battle occurred.

"................"

Listy stood there mesmerized, she almost couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The armor Knight's sword -- ran through the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

While Black Sword of Akatsuki's had stopped only several centimeters above the knight's helmet.

A fraction of a second was the difference that divided victory or defeat.

That tragic millisecond lead to his loss.

The Knight pull his sword out from Akatsuki's chest. His body slowly fell towards the ground, as if it was a slow motion replay -- then the Knight drove a kick to the center of his body. All power left Akatsuki's body as he topple over backwards. Listy clearly saw the whole spectacle step by step.

"-----------!"

Listy was too busy to dwell on it, as she immediately used her flying magic. Before Listy even noticed she was heading to the bottom valley towards Akatsuki at maximum speed. From the war standpoint, Sherfied's Queen should have been unimaginably far away from the this place. But she completely lost the ability to think of anything -- other than that of Akatsuki.

"Stop it...... Don't hurt him any further!"

In a moment, Listy got between the armor Knight and the fallen Akatsuki.

Fresh blood was gushing out his back through the hole in his chest, and spreading out on the ground. Without the slightest hesitation she held her wand out towards him.

Disdiya's armor Knight's eyes turned hostile.

...... Lulu's recovery magic should be able cure him, somehow......

The anxiousness inside Listy's heart grew the more she started to think of way to save Akatsuki. Loutier was taken away by Akatsuki's companion. As long as I carry him to the Demon's village, then perhaps there was a shred of hope. However, now was not the time to fight the armor Knight. What was important was to find a way to get out of here as fast as possible. She looked over the Knight's armor from head to toe for a flaw, desperately trying to think of a way get away with Akatsuki.

But -- at this time.

Listy still hadn't sorted out her anxiety, but the situation suddenly changed.

"Paquin" a crisp metallic noise rang out. The armor Knight's helmet was split in two and fell. Even though Akatsuki's slash never hit the powerful Ki around the blade had cut the helmet.

-- And.

At that moment -- the curtain on the biggest tragedy of this war was raised.

"......Lies ......"

Listy El Da Sherfied stood there dumbfounded.

The armor Knight's true identity was seen for the first time. His face was very familiar to her.

So she lightly called out the name of the armor Knight.

"Le... on......"

She was shaking as she said his name.

The Golden armor Knight was -- Leon Esuperio, who gave a her a peaceful smile.

The evidence was starring her in the face. There was no way it was a different person, unmistakeably it was that person in question.

Leon looked down at Akatsuki's face lying on the ground behind Listy.

"What happened Akatsuki -- that wasn't like you."

He said while laughing, and exposed a mocking grin.

"Five years ago -- when you killed me you did it without the slightest hesitation."

"What......?"

Listy couldn't understand right away the meaning what Leon said.

Akatsuki was hovering before the gates of life and death, and the long dead Leon was standing before her eyes. Just one of those things was already enough to caused havoc in her mind. Nevertheless...... Leon now added that astonishing revelation, it was even more unacceptable. All together, it was beyond the scope of what Listy was able to comprehend.

Akatsuki -- killed Leon.

Putting aside Listy and the mess that her mind was in, the cruelty of situation did not stop there. On the contrary, it continued to proceed. Leon slowly moved forward, it was not necessary to think about what he intended to do. He was going to finish off the enemy -– end Akatsuki's life.

"-----! STOP!"

Along with her heartbreaking voice, Listy hurried to hold back Leon. She attempted to restrain him with her magic somehow. She focused her consciousness, however his feet didn't stop moving. The state her mind was in, there was no way for her to concentrate enough to use magic to stop Leon.

-- However, another person moved on her behalf.

It was Sherfied's pride, the person known as the Crimson sword king, Zechs Doltrake.

Zechs jumped in to protect Akatsuki and Listy.

"Stop -- Leon."

As he quietly said so, Zechs drew his crimson sword, and with no hesitation pointed it at Leon.

...... Why......?

His behavior only confused her more. How can he be so calm right now? It was as if Leon being the enemy was natural.

But -- the confrontation between the two did not last long.

"Uh-oh...... Seriously, give me a break."

A familiar voice called out from behind. Listy turned back to look, at that moment a young man was standing there. It was same young man that overwhelmed Zechs. He had Akatsuki over his shoulder as he also said "not good."

"Sorry, I know you three are busy over there, and I know it's rude to interrupt old friends catching up, but I need to speed things along. If this guy over here dies, I wont be able to go back my former world anymore."

"Ah...... your one of Akatsuki's companions."

And Leon narrowed his eyes,

"-- Do you think you can walk away?"

Just when Leon was about to take a step, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"-!"

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

While carrying Akatsuki the young man grinned, an overwhelming aura enveloped the whole area around them.

It was an aura of death -- the young man laughed a few times "Fufufu."

"Don't be so fast to act. Ah, I'm a pacifist, and basically just an onlooker on the sidelines. Umm, probably that's true..... but If Akki dies, then I'll properly be your opponent at that time."

So --

"You best begin to pray, and hope that Akki survives...... I'm not like Akki, and I'm sorry to say I don't have any attachment to this world. Frankly, if you force my hand -- I'll crush you without a care."

After that, the young man with Akatsuki disappeared without a trace.

"Hmm... did he escape? Akatsuki's friend is quick on his feet."

After seeing that, "ha" Leon laughed to himself.

Then turned away from Listy and Zechs, and started to slowly walk towards Disdiya's main force.

"......!"

There was no way that she was going to let him leave like that. She still had so many questions for Leon and wanted his answers. Why are you here? What did you mean Akatsuki killed you? Therefore Listy tried to call out to him and stop him from slipping away.

"Don't -- It's useless Listy."

Zechs grabbed her shoulder.

"No, let me go......! Zechs why? Don't you care at all?"

Listy's disheveled hair covered her face as she cried out hysterically,

"Why? I don't get it! Tell me...... Leooooooon！"

But, nobody responded to her question.

Leon's back just got smaller and smaller the farther away he went.

In the end, she didn't learn a single thing -- and was left standing there.

Part 21

The decisive battle at Gorudono Grand Canyon came to a close.

Akatsuki was critically injured -- From Disdiya's standpoint they believed their original goal was accomplished. Without a means to break through the strengthen barrier around Forestnium continuing to stay here would be useless. So Emperor Baram immediately issued the orders to withdraw.

-- The sword of Disdiya defeated the new Demon King.

The outcome of the battle was immediately spread to every corner of Alayzard.

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