Tasogare-iro no Uta Tsukai:Volume1 4th Play

4th Play: The Oath-maker Sings, O World Dyed in Twilight

Part 1

“Just now, that was……?”

An abnormality in the campus. The first to discover it had been a female teacher patrolling around the fourth-year school building.

The shrill noise sounded like both a weeping voice and a wail. Right now, except for the few people including her who were on patrol, the students and teachers should have already proceeded to the multipurpose hall.

Was that someone’s voice just now?

The location of the voice wasn’t very far or very close, but sounded unusually indistinct. When she turned her head to look at the fourth-year school building behind her, she immediately felt a slight shake through her high-heeled shoes. What could it be? Although it felt like an earthquake, the vibrations weren’t regular. The center of the shaking wasn’t very far. For no particular reason, she thought of giants from fairytales, who walked around with heavy footsteps.

At first glance, the fourth-year building didn’t seem abnormal. The moment when the female teacher turned to walk in the direction of the path, it happened. Her body felt as heavy as lead. There usually shouldn’t be any people in the resources building, which was close beside the fourth-year building. But right now, that whole building was swaying.

“Wha…… What’s going on?

In that instant, a deafening explosion noise made her crouch down reflexively. That was a burst of noise more fierce than thunder, as if its sole purpose was to disintegrate her eardrums.

After cautiously opening her eyes— she began to doubt what she was seeing. The roof of the resources building had already vanished without a trace. Instead, something as large as a chimney rose up from inside the building. Moreover, there were five.

What……is this……

The darkness of the night became hazy.

As if jeering at the situation, seven-colored lights illuminated Tremia Academy. Under the shine of those lights, the figure fleeing out of the resources building finally came into complete view.

“—Ah!”

She let out a sharp, blood-curling scream. Her diaphragm was completely contracted, and the hairs all over her body stood on end. This was despite the fact that she had the position of a Recitation instructor. Recited creatures such as SalamandesSmall red spirits or unicorns, she had seen many times before. In other words, even if she faced that kind of opponent, she should be confident in herself and remain unmoved.

But even so.

……It’s impossible. This isn’t something I can deal with alone.

Without the slightest hesitation, she turned and escaped from “that”.

The glass cup on the table hit the floor, and shattered after emitting a crisp sound. The chandelier on the ceiling shook violently. The window frame vibrated fiercely, and cracks like spider webs appeared on the glass window.

“W-What? An earthquake?”

Ada, who was leaning against the wall, shouted loudly.

“B-But…… Isn’t it somehow strange?”

Rather than a reply, Mio’s voice tone sounded more like a screeching soliloquy.

While holding onto the unbalanced Mio’s shoulder, Kluele sneaked a glance at a corner of the great hall. Luckily, there weren’t many people rushing towards the emergency exit.

“Mio, let’s take the chance and escape!”

Kluele whispered covertly into Mio’s ear.

“Eh? But…… Nobody has started to evacuate yet!”

“That’s why we have to take advantage of the confusion and get out right away!”

This earthquake seemed a little suspicious. Although it was currently still shaking, it had been stopping and starting. Shaking for a while, then becoming calm, then beginning to shake again.

“Hey, Kululu…… What is that……”

Mio suddenly asked, pointing outside the window. The school lights illuminated the world enshrouded in darkness. There should be multi-colored lights, but instead, the scene outside the window was dyed blood-red— A fire?

Without waiting for Mio’s consent, Kluele grabbed her hand and rushed towards the emergency exit. Like bubbles, her small misgivings gradually grew. But the one thing she didn’t doubt was that something bad had happened in the school.

“Headmaster!”

A female teacher opened the main door of the multipurpose hall, and loudly called for the school’s leader. Perhaps it was because she had wildly rushed here, that her clothes were a mess and her breathing was rushed.

“What is it? What happened?”

“All teachers and students, please quickly escape from here!”

It was a sentence that made everyone absolutely horrified. Forcing the voice from her throat, her expression was twisted in fear.

Under normal circumstances, the customary words should be “Please seek refuge.” But instead, she had said “Please escape from here.” That kind of tone made it seem like something was about to attack.

“A monster is headed this way!”

“Monster?”

“It appears to be a Recited creature, but…… it isn’t something we are able to deal with. Call the neighboring regions to provide assistance immediat—”

At that moment, the glass of the lights on the ceiling shattered, and something burst into the hall.

Just like it was mocking the female teacher’s mention of asking for assistance.

“E-Earthquake?”

The sudden shaking caused Neight’s legs to become unstable. Before he had time to regain his balance, he fell to the ground.

“No, don’t you think it’s strange?”

The Rainbow Color Reciter had fallen down to one knee due to the vibrations. Looking around, his gaze fell in the direction of the fourth-year school building.

At that instant, the night’s darkness which had surrounded that building dispersed. The sky overhead became even more blazing red than sunset. After that, countless objects on the ground flew towards the blaze. From far away, they looked like bats.

[……This guy is……]

Arma, who stood on Neight’s shoulder, shuddered uncontrollably. This Recited creature who possessed night vision seemed to be able to see “that” above them.

[Neight, tell everyone inside the multipurpose hall to seek refuge immediately! If they are all gathered in one place, it will attract their attention!]

“Eh? What do you mean—”

Before the creature could answer, Neight personally saw the frightening entity.

As another vibration shook the ground, “that” stepped on the trees in the direction of the fourth-year building, and approached closer. The faint outlines of several whip-like heads could be seen moving amidst the buildings.

“Is that…… Hydra……?”

The Reciter beside him raised his gaze and muttered. His words were mingled with doubt and bewilderment.

To the Reciter, when speaking of a snake with several heads, the first thing he thought of was a hydra. It should originally be a High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation of Blue Recitations.

A so-called “Water Snake” should be dark blue.

But “that” which was approaching from several hundred meters away, appeared to have deep crimson scales. Moreover, what should have been nine heads had now become only five, less than the normal number. But from what had entered his field of view, the central head was red. The other four were blue, green, yellow, and white. In other words, it had heads of five colors. In addition, what caused people to become even more speechless was its immense body. If it stretched out its neck, it could exceed twenty meters. Although a hydra was originally considered a large creature, its body length should only be around ten meters. But compared to this one, even dragons would seem like infants.

[Five colors…… Were all of the Recitations conducted simultaneously?]

Through his shoulder, Neight could sense Arma’s shuddering.

“—That sort of thing…… Is it even possible?”

Even worldwide, Reciters who were able to conduct multiple colors of Recitations at once could be counted on his fingers, and the most would be two colors at once. On this world, the only one Reciter could possibly Recite all five colors at once, and that was the one with the title of Rainbow Color Reciter, Xins.

“Could it be…… With the <Egg>, someone……”

“<Egg>?”

“It’s a fiendish catalyst. All five have all been locked inside the resources building.”

The hydra’s green head rose up like a sickle. Facing upwards, it opened its mouth and maintained that position without moving. Although they didn’t know what it wanted to do, they should take the opportunity when it stopped moving and warn everyone inside the hall to take refuge. But just when Neight decided to take action, the Reciter beside him grabbed his arm.

“Wait a moment. You will be discovered if you move wildly!”

The green head spat out something at the sky. Four or five of the things in the sky spread their wings and flew in Neight’s direction. They looked like small birds, but weren’t. As they approached, their figure became more and more clear. They had three heads……

Chimera!

Just when he shouted, he was pushed down by the Rainbow Reciter. The beast’s claws swiped past the spot he had been standing a second ago. Having suddenly missed its target, the chimera’s claws sank deeply into the ground.

A beast with the three heads of a lion, goat, and dragon.

The beast changed targets from the distant Neight to the Reciter wearing a coat.

“Xins-san!”

Had he already predicted it? Xins had moved a long time ago. The chimera pounced on empty space when it landed, and the Reciter took out a yellow object from inside his coat. The chimera kicked the ground, but he didn’t run away. The gold coin between his fingers emitted a dazzling golden-yellow light.

——[Yellow SongSurisuz]——

On the diagonal between him and the chimera, flowing at a fast speed from the yellow light, rose a sphere giving off a blue-white flash. Floating in the empty space, with a circumference like it could be encircled by both arms, the sphere began to emit beams of light at the chimera. The light beams were extremely thin, like string that could be snapped at a touch.

As the light wrapped around the chimera’s claws, several other chimera with a body weight heavier than Neight let out a shrill scream. Their whole body shuddered, trembled, and finally stopped moving.

It was a Yellow Recitation’s Noble AriaSecond Scale Recitation, Will-o'-wispSmall yellow spirit?

“I’ve never heard of a hydra calling out chimeras…… That hydra probably swallowed the <Egg> after it was born.”

The Rainbow Reciter’s expression had already lost its former composure.

“……Go!”

“Eh?”

After realizing that Neight didn’t understand his intentions, he quickly explained.

“The task of guiding the other students is up to you. The headmaster has probably already realized, but it’s better to be safe.”

“W-What about Xins-san?”

Gazing above the head of the silent Reciter, Neight understood his reasons. Numerous bat-like creatures flew in the sky, and were instinctively circling above their heads. Above them, they couldn’t all be……

“At most, I can act as bait.”

At first, his tone of voice sounded like he was joking. But right now, there were still many of the creatures left.

“Everyone, don’t panic! Starting with the students closest to the emergency exit, head for shelter in the first-year building!”

The sounds of students screaming and fallen glass being stepped on echoed throughout the great hall.

“Homeroom teachers of first-year students, make sure the way forward is clear. Second-year and third-year homeroom teachers, take care of anything that has entered the school building. Anyone else, take care of the creatures outside! But pursuing them is forbidden!”

Had the headmaster’s orders really been heard by all of the teachers? The hall filled with screams caused new fear, and the fear stirred up even more chaos.

“—Mio, are you okay?”

A sharp pain caused her mind to turn blank, and Kluele couldn’t help but wince.

“I’m……fine. Kululu…… Sorry…… I’m sorry…… I……”

Mio usually looked up to Kluele, but now the situation was completely reversed. With her hands on the floor to support herself, Kluele raised her head and looked around. Beside her, Mio was sobbing.

“Kluele, are you okay?”

Grabbing Kluele’s hand, Serges came closer. Kluele used the arm she was able to move and pushed her away.

“……I’m fine. You go first, I’ll be right there.”

After that, she turned her gaze back to the figure of her crying friend.

“Mio, you should also go first.”

“No! No matter what you say, I will definitely go together with Kululu!”

Really, how stubborn! Although she wanted to say it out loud and tease her, with all the strength gone from her body, it was impossible. Pressing down on her left shoulder, Kluele leaned against the wall and slowly stood up from her sitting position on the floor. Although it was a simple action, it caused her breathing to become faster.

“Don’t move! If you move, the blood won’t stop!”

“……If I keep sitting here, I won’t be able to escape if the beast comes.”

The left shoulder part of her dress had been dyed a deep red. Turning her head away, she once again pressed her right hand tightly to her left shoulder. The way of stopping bleeding that she had learned in first aid class, she hadn’t expected to put it to use one day.

Glancing at the blood sticking to the palm of her right hand, Kluele curved the corner of her mouth.

“Leave this to me. Go!”

The Rainbow Color Reciter moved the will-o’-wisp behind his back while pointing at the hall.

“B-But—”

It was absurd. There was no way that one person alone could deal with so many opponents.

[Neight, let’s go.]

Neight’s words were interrupted.

“……Arma?”

The creature standing on his shoulder acted normal…… No, he spoke in a tone of voice slightly colder than usual.

[First, we have to ensure the safety of the people inside the hall. There are already many chimeras who have headed off in that direction. In the worst case, there are already people who have been injured.]

Arma never rushed. He was able to correctly analyze a situation better than anyone else, and was able to evaluate the priority of which action to take. Neight had already felt like this one or two times before.

……This Night creature is really cool-headed, or at least calmer than I am.

“Xins-san.”

Neight didn’t regard him as a Rainbow Reciter, but instead as the person who made the promise with Mother. Neight directly faced the person who had kept his side of the promise.

“I will work hard to study Night Color Recitations. Therefore— Someday, you have to see it!”

Without even waiting for a reply, Neight dashed away without looking back.

Very well, I promise. Because that is the agreement between her and myself.

He watched the back of the still-learning Reciter, who rushed towards the hall.

On the face of the Rainbow Reciter was an ordinary, calm expression.

“Alright. For the sake of this, I have to survive. I’m counting on you to work hard!”

The lightning spirit didn’t make a noise, but emitted a stronger light in reply.

Part 2

The chimera lay on the floor, unable to move a single step.

This chimera had suddenly broken through the ceiling and landed in front of the emergency exit, blocking the passageway. Next, facing the nearest target —Mio, the chimera advanced— But because Kluele pushed her aside instinctively, Mio wasn’t injured. However, contrarily, Kluele’s left shoulder received the attack.

Perhaps it wounded an artery. The dress’s left shoulder was dyed deep red, and the flow of blood still hadn’t stopped.

“Kluele, are you okay?”

Kate, a teacher who had originally been leading the students to take refuge, now ran over to them.

“What about you? ……Please go back and stay with everyone else. I need to stay here and rest for a while.”

Even simply opening her mouth caused extreme pain, but she still let out the last of the air from her lungs and with great effort, forced out a voice from her throat.

“I’m your homeroom teacher, so I can’t abandon you, no matter what.”

The female teacher looked down and shook her head.

“But…… There are more than thirty students in the school building who sensei is in charge of!”

She really didn’t want to act this forceful, but the teacher shouldn’t accompany her, who couldn’t move. She had more important things to do.

Had the electric cables been cut off? The chandelier above her head flickered on and off. If there were no lights, then heading to the first-year building would not be easy. Therefore, it was necessary to help other students get to refuge as early as possible. Even if she didn’t want to, the teacher should understand that point.

After a little while, an abandoning look appeared in Kate’s eyes.

“……After I confirm that everyone else in the class has safely taken refuge, I will come back. Until then, I will leave it to you, Mio.”

After confirming that the girl had nodded, Kate hurried away.

Of the noisy sounds coming from outside, it was unclear which were people yelling and which were the monster’s roaring. Outside the window was the scene of burning trees. Only a few minutes after experiencing the sudden earthquake, in the time it took to count a few hundred seconds, their surroundings had become this miserable.

“Why…… Why would something like this happen……”

Into the cloth bound around Kluele’s arm as a bandage, the girl sobbed.

“Mio, don’t cry. If you want to cry, wait until a happy time to cry tears of joy.”

“……I’m not crying!”

Closing her mouth, the girl tied the bandage into a tight knot.

“Thank you. Like this, I just need to rest a bit and I’ll be fine.”

Kluele felt like vomiting from loss of blood. She closed her eyes and took slow, regular breaths.

The chandelier made a sharp creaking noise…… That’s bad. The power outage now would only cause the uproar outside to become more serious.

Suddenly—

“Kluele-san! Mio-san! Are you there?”

The sound of a familiar voice, along with someone stepping on broken glass, could be heard.

“……Neight-kun?”

As if responding to Mio’s mutter, the front door of the hall swung open, and a young boy wearing a robe appeared. After seeing that figure, a large weight was lifted from her heart.

……I’m glad. Although everyone else was outside, they appeared to be safe and sound.

“Neight-kun, you have to quickly go take shelter in the school building!”

“But, I heard from Ada-san that you two are still here…… Kluele-san, you’re injured!”

“Um, ah, this isn’t much.”

She didn’t like having people worry about her. Before Neight could approach, just when she wanted to stand up with the support of the wall—

At that moment, the lights of the hall’s chandelier went out.

“Eh……”

Not knowing the circumstances inside the hall, the boy gasped in surprise. Before Kluele could open her mouth, Mio, who stood within the darkness, shouted loudly.

“Neight-kun, wait. This place is covered in broken glass. If you walk around aimlessly, you’ll get hurt! Until the lights come back on, stay still for now.”

“I-I understand.”

A cold, frozen silence engulfed the hall.

Looking out the window, the outside was also eerily quiet. It was like the shouts and screams until now hadn’t been real. Had something happened? Or was it because nothing had happened, that it was this quiet? Neither possibility could be ruled out.

It was just like a desolate and lifeless earth.

……Such a depressing imagination, isn’t it?

Kluele gritted her teeth and continued to put pressure on her shoulder.

Suddenly, like the chiming of a clock, the sound of breaking glass shook her eardrums. Not once. Two times, three times. The sounds gradually grew louder and closer together.

“Neight-kun, you’re not allowed to move around!”

After a second of silence.

“Eh…… I didn’t move……”

Hearing the contradictory reply, before she could feel dumbfounded, Mio’s whole body was enveloped in fear.

Other than us, there was still something else inside this building?

Faintly, she felt a hot breath on her skin.

“Mio, duck!”

The chandelier lit up. Before Mio could take a breath, in the dark, Kluele grabbed Mio’s dress and pulled her downwards. Something flew past above her head. The flickering light shone upon a three-headed monster.

—Chimera. To have appeared at such an unexpected time!

Kluele clenched her teeth. It was bad. Among the three of us, there wasn’t anybody able to use a Recitation that could fight off this monster.

Slowly, the chimera moved closer.

“Kluele-san!”

Neight wanted to run over, but Kluele stopped him. It was absurd. This kind of opponent wasn’t something that a student who had just entered high school could deal with.

“Just hurry and run away! Mio, you too!”

“No…… I will stay together with Kululu until the very end…… Because I was the one who injured you……”

“Idiot! Stop being stubborn at this kind of time!”

The details of Neight’s Night Color Recitations weren’t clear. Mio’s Green Recitations included few creatures that were able to attack. Actually, her Red Recitations were probably the best to deal with it.

I have to at least call out a flame…… No, even if I was able to call out a flame, its power wouldn’t be enough to drive away this creature. And even more important was the catalyst—

Kluele looked around, searching for something able to be used as a catalyst. Suddenly, her gaze stopped on the body of the Recited creature on Neight’s shoulder. That Night creature was silently looking back at her.

No, more precisely, at my left shoulder?

Ah……

I’ve got it! An available catalyst, a catalyst able to be used for Red Recitations, there was only this.

“Neight, back away!”

With difficulty, Kluele stretched her right hand towards the table. She grabbed a glass cup that hadn’t been smashed on the ground by the vibrations and threw it at the chimera.

Although it hadn’t expected that move, the monster swept its tail and flung the glass cup to one side. It glanced at the spilled liquid on the floor, and exposed its mud-colored teeth in a mocking manner.

The three-headed animal kicked off the floor.

There was no time to untie it. Kluele used her mouth to bite down on the bandage around her left shoulder— and ripped open that layer of bandages.

Like a red waterfall bursting free of a dam, red blood splashed onto the back of her hand.

'Do you want to withdraw into your shell once more, or struggle to escape?'

Even without you saying it, I know!

—Please, let it succeed……

The blood boiled. The blood sticking onto her right hand emitted a radiance, and gradually evaporated.

Next, a ball of flame arose from her right hand. Still lying on the floor, Kluele threw it with all of her strength.

The flame that she had used all the strength in her body to throw approached the monster. At that moment, it stopped its footsteps. Although the flame swept past the tip of its nose, the place it landed wasn’t on the creature’s body, but rather beside its foot. It looked disdainfully at the flame that had fallen to the ground, and narrowed its eyes.

“……Do you think you’ve won?”

Although Kluele looked pale from loss of blood, she curled up the corners of her mouth.

“It’s my win. Come again next time!”

Because she had originally been aiming for under its foot, missing its body was supposed to happen. The glass cup filled with alcohol that she had thrown in the beginning, and that the creature had swatted it aside, was all part of Kluele’s plan. Because from the start, she had planned to throw the flame at the alcohol spilled on the carpet.

In that instant, before the monster had time to sense the change under its feet, the alcohol caught fire.

In short, under its feet was an ocean of fire. Its whole body engulfed in flames, the chimera let out a scream. Struggling painfully to spread its flame-covered wings, it started to fly towards the ceiling.

……Well, it seems that it’s escaped.

As if her strength had been sucked dry, Kluele collapsed to the ground.

“Kluele-san!”

While calling out her name, Neight hurriedly headed for her side. The pure white dress she wore was stained red by blood, and her complexion looked even paler in comparison.

“……I’m sorry, let me rest for a bit.”

The girl’s body shivered. The cause was both the chill from losing a lot of blood, as well as the pain from being scratched by the creature’s claws.

“I’m sorry…… I’m unable to do anything…… And you always end up helping me.”

Neight was unable to look straight at Kluele’s face, and stared down at his own feet. He resented how he could only speak those words but was unable to handle the responsibility.

He couldn’t do anything, could only have other people to protect him.

By his mother Evhemary, saved by the Rainbow Color Reciter, and now he even received this girl’s protection.

But— if it’s like this, then for what purpose did I make that promise?

'This is a Recitation created for your sake. Therefore, Neight, I will teach this only to you.'

The promise he made with Mother.

'The day when you master Night Color Recitations, I hope you inform me. I would also like to see it.'

The promise he made with the Rainbow Reciter.

'I will follow your example and try my best.'

The promise he made with the girl in front of his eyes.

For what purpose do those promises exist?

The promised Night Color Recitation, for what purpose does it exist?

All of those oaths mixed together, and like a large whirlpool, dashed against the water’s surface of his heart and memories.

Among those, only one sentence, the one most simple sentence, remained completely.

'Neight…… What is a Recitation?'

The most basic, but a problem without a solution, one that nobody knew the true answer to.

Mother, this might not be the answer that you thought of, but……

“Kluele-san…… You said to me today, if I were to become afraid of failure.”

Biting hard on his lip, he was just able to suppress the emotions emerging from the depths of his heart.

But, even so. I’ve already found the answer.

Everyone knows the feeling of being afraid, everyone knows the feeling of being in pain— That’s why, I also want to do something.

Not just for the promise I made with Mother, but for everyone’s sake.

“……Neight?”

She was still pale and weak, but even so, she gazed at him.

“But, I don’t want to fail anymore.”

Like he wanted to cut off his uneasiness, Neight continued.

“Just one thing, I…… Please allow me to challenge myself.”

“That’s—”

Before Mio could finish speaking—

[Night Color Recitations, do you intend to challenge it?]

The Night colored creature on Neight’s shoulder that had been silent until now, opened its mouth seriously.

Rather than a question, that tone of voice sounded more like a confirmation. Therefore, Neight nodded his head without hesitating.

It was a Recitation that his mother had taught him. But, there was a high wall that he had to climb over—

[The problem is the catalyst.]

It was like he had thought. Had this Recited creature sensed what was on his mind?

“Neight-kun, what do you mean by that?”

“……I don’t know what the catalyst necessary for conducting a Night Color Recitation is.”

Like he was beseeching her, Neight turned to face Mio with an uneasy expression.

“My mother let me see the catalyst only once…… But as for how to prepare it, I……”

[Night-colored flame.]

The creature on the boy’s shoulder continued to speak.

[There is only one true essence among Night Color Recitations. That specific catalyst, is a Night-colored flame.]

Night-colored flame— The girl wearing a dress pondered those words with an amazed expression. Of course she would think about that problem. Flames had always been red. What had to be done to change it into the deep hue he saw at that time?

[I have certainly seen it also. But, I didn’t ask how it had been created.]

That’s right. The final Recitation that Mother had taught, it did not require a catalyst.

She had conducted it with her bare hands, the last thing Mother had taught him— Twilight-Colored Song.

Twilight. When the sun sets. That is, announcing the beginning of night, the bell of time.

In the limited Night Color Recitations, the very first song Mother had recited.

“If I don’t know it……”

Neight bit his lip. If there was no catalyst, it was impossible for him to complete a Recitation with his own power.

“Neight. With that Recitation, what can you do?”

“……I don’t know.”

Face to face with Kluele, who had been continuously staring at him, Neight unhesitatingly spoke the truth.

—But, I want to believe.

The last Recitation that Mother taught me. A Recitation for the sake of fulfilling my promise with the Rainbow Reciter.

Those two are surely the same song.

“Th-That……”

“……It doesn’t matter, you don’t have to finish speaking— I understand what you mean.”

Still smiling, the girl slowly continued to speak.

“That must be a very important song to you.”

Even though he hadn’t said it out loud, the girl before him already completely accepted it.

[Neight, I really admire your resolve. But in reality, without a catalyst, you cannot expect any results.]

“Night-colored flame……huh. Mio, do you know anything—”

Kluele turned around to ask the silent girl.

For a few seconds, Mio wordlessly closed her eyes—

“Night-colored flame…… Ah…… Aaah……”

Suddenly, her voice echoed throughout the hall.

“I got it! I have a clue about the Night-colored flame!”

……She has a clue?

[Really?]

“Yeah, it’s probably not wrong. But, some things are required to create it. I’ll go get it— Ah……”

Mio hesitated. She threw an anxious look at her friend.

“Mio, go ahead.”

She slowly shook her head.

“……Kululu?”

“I’m fine. And as for Neight……”

Still resting on the floor, the girl looked at him with moist eyes.

“—I won’t do anything unreasonable, I promise.”

No words were needed. Neight nodded his head once in assent.

“Mio-san, after you’re ready, please come to the schoolyard. I will go first.”

“I understand. I’ll be right there. ……Kululu, please, you have to stay safe!”

“Don’t say such ominous words. I won’t die.”

Wiping away her hesitation, the girl wearing the pearl-colored dress headed towards the emergency exit passageway. Please go quickly as well— Without a reason, Kluele’s gaze followed Neight’s back as he headed towards the front gate of the hall.

……This is fine, right?

Kluele closed her eyes and let out a breath. Actually, she didn’t even have the strength to breathe. The feeling of wanting to vomit, her headache, and even the pain in her right shoulder couldn’t be felt. Her whole body was engulfed by an intense sleepiness. She hadn’t expected to hang on for so long.

……Really, I didn’t expect my willpower to be so strong.

Without making any noise, the girl fell unconscious.

Part 3

“Headmaster, the students have already taken refuge in the first-year building!”

“I understand! Leave a few people in that building, and everyone else should come here!”

At the same time, the screaming sound that could nearly rupture eardrums rushed into his ears. Turning around to look, the wings of the two wyverns that he had called out had been bitten into tatters.

…….How could there be such a monster!

Zea Lordfill wiped away the beads of sweat which had appeared on his forehead. It wasn’t caused by the thick smoke rising from his surroundings or by the heat, but rather by the overwhelming pressure emitted by the monster before his eyes that made his body scream.

Although the hydra moved rather slowly, it was still gradually approaching. The Green High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation’s wyverns were simply incapable of withstanding it. Blocking its advances was the limit. Furthermore, if they stopped attacking for even a little, the five heads would summon chimeras one after the other.

Even having reinforcements arriving tomorrow morning was an optimistic estimate. Could they last until then? This wasn’t an outcome to look forward to.

“Not just quality…… Even quantity, our side has a disadvantage……”

Glancing overhead, he cursed the mental state that was like vomiting blood.

The number of chimeras called out by the large snake wasn’t ordinary. Because they spread out in the sky and landed everywhere around the school, our fighting forces have been scattered. Because he hadn’t made an appearance, Xins should also be holding back the chimera attacks.

If there was one more powerful Reciter…… If there was a technique-user who could rival the Rainbow Reciter……

But, he immediately shook off the thought that had risen to his mind like a blister.

Ugh, I’ve become weak. No, I can’t think about such dreams. I can’t let my concentration be disrupted.

—The school has to be protected by the headmaster.

***

“Enne, go check if there are any students who haven’t escaped yet. We will be doing something here.”

The tall teacher with the sleeve of his scarlet robe pulled up to his elbow gave this instruction to the female teacher wearing a white robe.

“But compared to a moment ago, the number of chimeras here is even more……”

“If it’s only for a while, we can still withstand it. The safety of students has the priority.”

“But……”

Just when the female teacher wanted to argue back, someone put a hand on her shoulder.

“—It’s already been more than ten years since Elfand, hasn’t it?”

A teacher wearing a water-colored robe pushed up the glasses on the bridge of his nose while showing a bitter smile.

“We’ve all known each other for so long. You should have a little confidence in your students, all right?”

That arrogant tone of voice made her expression relax slightly for a split second. This egghead was the same as when she first met him, and hadn’t changed at all.

—But that’s true. So many years have passed already, haven’t they? We’ve been together for such a long time.

If so, at this time…… No, because it’s this time, I should believe them.

“……Be careful.”

She smashed the flask in her hand onto the ground. The glass shattered after making a sharp noise, and white smoke to be used as a catalyst enveloped her surroundings.

——[White SongArzus]——

From among a thick, fog-like mist, three winged white horses appeared after letting out a neighing sound that echoed throughout the school. It was White’s Noble AriaSecond Scale Recitation, Pegasus. It was the Recitation she had dreamed of ever since she was a student.

She got onto one of them, and issued an order to the two people behind her.

“Zessel, Mirror! You two support them, I’ll be right back!”

***

Let’s ring the bell of the Color of Night
“—Isa Yer she riena xeoi pel”

Let’s ring the bell of twilight (beginning)
[—sheon lef dimi-l-cori riec-c-wavir]

A boy wearing a deep blue robe sang the <OratorioSong of Praise>.

He stood in the center of the school’s central campus.

It was a strange scene. Except for the center circle— Other than the diameter of only several meters, the surrounding one hundred meters in all directions was engulfed in flame. Inside that was only one person, the boy with his eyes closed to the dazzling scene.

The flame was needed to be used as a catalyst. This inexperienced Reciter could only use the catalyst to compensate for his skill. Therefore, he needed a large amount of flames.

Gradually, the heat could be felt even in the central space, the red tendrils of flame approaching closer. There was nowhere to escape to. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before he would undoubtedly be engulfed by the sea of flames.

Even so—

The boy didn’t have a distressed expression. It wasn’t that he couldn’t feel the heat. His small cheeks were covered with beads of sweat, and the tips of his wet hair shone with the same color drops. He was frightened at surrounding himself with flames. But, he certainly felt an emotion which exceeded that feeling.

I love (desire) only you
“miqvy elmei nehhe virgia-c-fifsia”
I love (desire) you
—elma Ies neckt evoia twispeli kei

For this reason, do you quietly cry alone?
“zette ovan Yer be zarabearc solituqs”
For this reason, no matter where you cry, I will go to welcome you before anyone else
—zette Yer cana arcasha Loo ifex LoR zarabearc sm ferme

Not existing anywhere, Until evening (the small you)
“Lears neckt ele ravience Shadir”
You are here, Until the beautiful one (person with large desires)
—Lom giris leya mihhya lef hid, ravience Stalwari

Standing alone without anybody knowing, was the dusk-colored song user. The <OratorioSong of Praise> of twilight which nobody had heard before.

Then, in the place of the one who should originally be here, I shall at least watch over this small, nighttime traveler.

[……Evhemary. A lonely little girl. My only acknowledged Reciter.]

Directly above the school, even higher in the sky than the group of chimera. Arma lifted the tip of his nose up towards the ChannelRecital Gate that was opening slowly but surely.

The girl had once been ridiculed by the people at her side, but with the passing of time—

[As I thought, Neight is your son.]

As if washing away the disgrace in his mother’s place, the son sang the song that his mother had left behind. Looking at that figure, even Arma didn’t notice his own expression becoming gentle.

After that, all he needed to do was wait.

Wait for the moment when the flames enveloping the world are dyed in the color of night.

He wasn’t standing on the boy’s shoulder, but rather on the situation descending to the ground. Arma gazed up steadily at that boy.

***

Even so, it was still tiresome……

Xins used the sleeve of his coat to wipe away the sweat flowing into his eyes. The will-o’-wisp by his side was already the third one. Even though it was a Recited creature of the second scale, its power wasn’t unlimited. After being used up to a certain degree, it would disappear without a warning.

He was also like that. Fatigue wore down his attention, and the success rate of his Recitations was inevitably dropping.

Right now, the headmaster seemed to be restraining the hydra. But to that monster, even a wyvern wouldn’t be a good opponent. Except for the one head dealing with the situation here, the remaining four heads continued to spit out chimeras.

Although he wanted to go and assist the headmaster, simply knocking down the chimera took all of his strength. And while he was doing that, the hydra would call out even more chimera. It was a vicious circle. He was just barely able to fight against them for now, but how long could this balance last?

He took out a small flask from inside his coat. Ripples wavered and rose to the yellow water’s surface. Although it was a catalyst usually used only in emergencies, its amount was decreasing.

“……It’s become an astonishing recital contest.”

Without even a bitter smile, Xins pulled open the lid of the flask.

The building two hundred meters away from the first-year school building was, in other words, the second year school building. Inside it should be the material used to create Night-colored flames.

Holding her breath, Mio walked down the lane leading to the building. It wasn’t to escape the gaze of others, but so that she wouldn’t be spotted by the monsters circling overhead.

The lights of the school occasionally illuminated the figures of the chimeras. The teachers should have already taken care of them, but the number of chimeras hadn’t changed much from the first time she had seen them. It was merely the kind of change like turning from a hundred to ninety.

……It would be bad if I were to be seen this time.

Green Recitation isn’t suited for battle. There was nothing in her repertoire to drive away the three-headed beasts, let alone defeat them. At any rate, she could only pray to not be discovered.

Appearing as if she was connected to the shadow of the school building, after she left the first-year building, she moved forward as if treading on the shadows of plants.

“This here is…… The final obstacle……”

She spoke out loud to remind herself. In front of her was the straight path from the first-year building to the second-year building. There were no places to hide, nor any trees or grass. This section of the asphalt path was about fifty meters long.

How fast is my running time?

The painful heartbeats in her chest became stronger. Although there were nearly a hundred monsters overhead, sprinting this distance shouldn’t take more than ten seconds. I definitely won’t be noticed. I shouldn’t be noticed. Even if I happen to be noticed, I can escape as long as I enter the building. Anyhow, I can’t just stay here and let time pass. I can’t let Kluele be alone.

—She ran.

Not looking overhead or behind her, she stared fixedly in front of her.

The nighttime road nearly caused her to trip. It was clearly a short distance, but her head hurt from lack of oxygen. As she seized the crucial moment, that heavy pressure seemed like it would crush her.

However. The girl ran the whole distance.

Just when her hand touched the building, she collapsed exhaustedly.

“I still……haven’t done anything yet…… I have to find that and deliver it to Neight-kun……”

Staggering, Mio began advancing towards the inside of the second-year school building.

Her destination was the chemical preparation room.

At the same time.

——[Red SongKeinez]——

A teacher wearing a scarlet robe called out a crimson lotus flame. The two chimera, approaching the building where the students were taking refuge, were completely surrounded by the deep crimson whirlpool. Backfire— A moment before the whirlpool of fire was about to engulf the teacher himself……

——[Blue SongRuguz]——

In front of the man wearing the scarlet robe appeared a thin film of water. Although it looked like a thin wall that would be penetrated at a touch, it blocked the raging blaze.

“Zessel, don’t be too excessive.”

“Hm? Did I make eye contact? Did I ask for your protection?”

Zessel gave a low laugh at the colleague standing beside him.

“Either way, it can’t be helped if I don’t get burned a little.”

“……You’re making an unusual argument.”

While constantly moving his line of sight, Mirror returned a forced laugh.

“How many have you stopped?”

“Five. It’s rather annoying that they don’t attack at the same time.”

……Damn, are there only two imitation rubies left? While being alert for anything overhead, Zessel confirmed the number of catalysts remaining in his breast pocket. The attack was too sudden, and he was in a pained situation with nearly no equipment.

Although he wanted to finish it quickly with something of the First or Second scale, he was worried that an attack could come from overhead at any moment, making him unable to focus his attention. Also, the creatures he could call out with a Prime AriaThird Scale Recitation were equally matched against the chimera. Therefore, bit by bit, he had retreated to just in front of the school building.

“…..Enne, why so slow?”

“I had to rescue some students, so I took some time.”

She immediately said the answer she had prepared beforehand. She understood the feelings of Mirror, who muttered in a low voice. Because, she was thinking the same thing.

Even so, right now, he had no choice but to believe it.

“I’m going to end it with a Second scale Recitation. Until then, please cover me.”

Zessel gripped a ruby in his right hand, and before his companion could reply, he had already closed his eyes. Beside him, only the fluttering sound of Mirror’s deep blue robe reached his eardrums.

At that instant, the bushes that were only a few meters away from him rustled. In the illumination of the embers, appeared a shadow with three heads.

“Zessel!”

Mirror uttered a shout that was close to a shriek.

……So it was hiding there!

Without even the time to be speechless, he downgraded his Recitation from the Second scale to the Fourth scale. If it were a flame, he could immediately— No, that’s no good!

Zessel felt regretful. The chimera was too close. In the short distance, even Mirror wouldn’t have time to make a film of water. If he were to use a flame, he would undoubtedly also be caught up in the whirlpool of flames. Although he thought up a few methods to withstand the attack, none of them were sufficient to reverse the situation. What could he do?

“Zessel! What are you doing?!”

The monster didn’t miss that instant of hesitation. By the time he came to his senses, the beast’s teeth were already approaching before his eyes.

“Oh no—”

He was unable to move his body or close his eyes. He felt prepared for those teeth to impale his body.

At that instant—

——[ReturnNussis] ——

Without warning, a quiet, solemn voice resounded.

Before Zessel had understood the word ‘return’—

The chimera was dragged into its shadow.

At that moment, all that remained was a *plunk* sound, like a rock being thrown into the water’s surface.

“Wha-!”

How could such a thing have happened? Looking around, he couldn’t feel the presence of any person or thing.

“Are you alright?!”

Mirror ran over. Because of what had just happened, Zessel was unable to make a sound. The fact that a Recited creature was sent back means, that was also a Recitation just now? But—

“What happened just now……”

Zessel forced a voice out of his throat. Mirror was also standing still with a dumbfounded expression. On his face seemed to be written, ‘If you who was standing beside me doesn’t know, then how am I supposed to know?’

Commonly referred to as ‘Reverse Song’, it was a technique to send back a creature that had been called out. But a type of Reverse Song where it had been pulled into its shadow? Even he himself, who had the position of a Recitation teacher, couldn’t tell what color the Recitation had been. Could it be a Recitation that he had never even heard of, let alone see for the first time?

“Mirror, did you hear it?”

“Hear what?”

He questioned back. Could it be that it was just a hallucination?

—Sheesh, you’re even a teacher, so pull yourself together—

Immediately after the chimera had been sent back, the wind that had blown past his ear seemed to have carried that sound from somewhere. It was a voice he remembered hearing a long, long time ago.

***

[Bird without feathers. Chick who broke out of its shell. You are—]

From some faraway place, sounded an unclear voice like an echo. Whether it was male or female couldn’t be distinguished. A sound that didn’t belong to this world, with a mysterious tone.

[Kluele.]

Finally, she realized that the voice was speaking to her.

It was a word she remembered hearing before. That’s right, it’s my name.

[Call out to me. Give me a name.]

Who are you?

[I am you. Your wings. Come, wake up.]

I don’t really understand. ……Even though I don’t know who you are, I’m sorry. I’m already very tired.

[Even so, you must fly. Let’s go together. Under the small, small night.]

Night. That word caused something to respond somewhere in her heart. The threads of her consciousness that should have been severed gradually connected back together. Night……night……night color…… Something tightened in her chest.

Why? Even though she was already exhausted, she felt the feeling that she must move. She felt the feeling that she must go.

But, she didn’t know for what. She didn’t know for whom.

‘Night’, who is it talking about? Hey, tell me.

[Come, wake up.]

The voice didn’t answer. Wake up. Those words disappeared, and the world became quiet once again.

***

“Take these children into that building!”

The number of students who had been burned by the leaping flames and students who had frantically escaped when the beasts attacked, was more than expected. The Pegasus could only carry two students at a time to the school building. Although she had brought along three at first, she needed more than twice that number.

Under the scorching heat of the flames, she wiped away sweat from her forehead.

—There probably aren’t any more people there.

“Is anyone still there? If so, answer me!”

The surrounding flames made crackling noises, and prevented voices from being transmitted very far. She passed the second-year building, the third-year building, and arrived at the four-way intersection near the schoolyard. The bushes shook with a rustling sound, and she reflexively turned around.

“……Is someone over there?”

It could be a student who was injured and unable to move, and couldn’t cry for help even if he wanted to. This premonition passed through her mind.

“Enne, get away from there!”

She heard someone’s voice. At that moment, she didn’t realize that those words were directed at her. Ignoring the warning, she took a step forward—

……Eh……

She made eye contact with six lines of sight within the bush. It couldn’t be!

Before she had time to feel afraid, someone rushed directly in front of her. A dry grass colored coat filled her view.

Roaring, the chimera flew towards them. The Reciter used his left hand to block its claws. Even from her position, Enne could hear the terrible sound of claws ripping through flesh.

[ReturnNussis]

Using his right hand to touch the beast’s body, the man muttered. After emitting a green Recitation light, the figure of the beast gradually became hazy. After confirming that it had completely disappeared, the man turned around while breathing out a deep sigh.

“Although you’re always calm, if you become engrossed in one thing, you won’t be able to see something else that’s unexpected. You haven’t changed since the times back in Elfand, Enne.”

“X-Xins?”

The person before her eyes was a classmate from Elfand.

“Long time no see. Because we’ve both been busy with the recital contest, I haven’t had time to come say hi. What about Zessel and Mirror? They should also be teachers here, right?”

While surveying his surroundings, he mentioned the names of the people who had been with her until a moment ago.

“They should be over by the first-year building.”

Before she finished speaking, Enne realized that the man in front of her was holding his left arm protectively.

“Xins, you can’t possibly be……”

“—Is it that bad?”

He averted his gaze. Sure enough…… He had a broken bone.

Using his physical body to block the chimera’s claws wasn’t simply bad, but reckless. But there wasn’t anything else he could have done to save her. In a situation where his friend and enemy were close to each other, using a Recitation would cause both sides to get hurt. In order to protect her, he could only a technique that involved touching the enemy directly, which was using a Reverse Song to send it away.

“……I’m sorry. I…… What can I say?”

Considering in terms of power, compared to her, one of the Rainbow Reciter’s arms was clearly more power.

“You don’t need to feel sorry. It could have been a student collapsed there. But I’ve already searched this area, so I knew that couldn’t possibly have been a student.”

While wrapping his left hand in his coat, her classmate kept an eye on their surroundings.

“However, it was bad timing. Just when it had started to move……”

In a position to surround the two of them, the beasts began to descend simultaneously.

No. It wasn’t bad timing. They had definitely hovering in the sky all along, waiting for an opportunity. Waiting for a moment when this man who was a threat to them got injured.

Looking behind her, she saw that there were more than ten chimeras. If they attacked all at once, even the Rainbow Reciter would have a hard time dealing with them. The only remaining catalyst she had left was an opal ring she wore on her finger.

Failure is not allowed— In this case, she should call out a Pegasus. The failure rate for two of them was greater than for one.

……I’m fine either way. But she had to get him out of here. Not just the chimera, but in order to defeat the hydra who was controlling everything behind the scenes, only this man had a chance of succeeding.

“Xins…… I will be calling out a Pegasus, so please get on right after it’s out.”

In a low voice, she instructed him, who stood behind her.

After hearing her words, his back shook.

“Enne— You haven’t changed.”

His voice sent shivers up Enne’s spine. It wasn’t a low, overpowering sound. Instead, it was the reverse, a calm tone of voice.

However, why did his calmness make her feel afraid?

“Because it was something difficult for you to say, you talked more quickly…… I won’t escape by myself.”

This time, his words left Enne speechless.

As she had expected. She had already somewhat sensed it back in Elfand. I really hate that about you. Why are you able to notice even this type of thing?

“No! I beg of you, escap—”

Before she had finished speaking, Enne’s voice suddenly stopped.

Because the man before her eyes showed a calm smile.

“I don’t want to lose any more of my acquaintances.”

It was an extremely lonely smile. A smile that seemed to see though everything, and felt despair towards something.

Out of the more than ten chimera, half of them formed a group that flew forward directly ahead of her.

——[Red SongKeinez]——

The wave of heat from the flame burned everything. No, it should have burned everything. In the moment when pain burst across his hand, Xins’s concentration was broken. The resulting flame was far from the small flame that the Rainbow Reciter had expected.

A chimera broke through a gap in the flame. This unexpected situation made him freeze. This was bad. There wasn’t even time for Enne’s own Recitation!

“Xins!”

This time, his coat would certainly be pierced by the claws of the beast. That kind of scene was on the verge of turning from illusion to reality……

From <Goetia Seventy-second pillar>, Twenty-eighth key, Berith
—orbie clar, dremre : Goetia : Berith—

Directly underneath the attacking chimera, from inside the shadow of that beast, appeared a knight driving a crimson horse.

It was a knight wearing pitch-black armor, holding a lance the same color as his armor. Due to this sudden intruder, the chimera was swatted away. Effortlessly, with one swing of the lance, the chimeras that were about to attack were also swatted away.

—It’s strong.

The fact that the chimera, which were equal to a Third scale Recitation, was so easily defeated means this knight is a Noble AriaSecond Scale Recitation? But, she had never seen this kind of Recitation before. Just who did this?

The way that the knight disregarded their doubt and faded away without a trace made it seem like a dream. However, fallen chimeras that the knight had knocked down were scattered around the two of them.

“……Enne, was that your Recitation?”

Still in shock, Enne shook her head. That’s my line! However, only one thing was certain. The Reciter who saved us just now wants us to survive.

“Xins, let’s keep working hard.”

As if protecting his back, she pressed closer to him.

“Because it’s a life that we went through the trouble of taking back, even until the very last moment, we can’t give up.”

“—Enne, I take back what I said earlier.”

Standing back to back with her, he spoke in a serious voice.

“You’ve changed. ……You’ve become strong.”

***

“……Neight.”

He remembered the final words of his mother, who had been lying on the bed, eaten away by her illness.

In her dying moments, what she wanted to pass on weren’t words of farewell or words of love, but Night Color Recitation’s High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation— the <OratorioSong of Praise> for calling out Night Color’s True Spirit.

“This is a Recitation created for your sake. Therefore, Neight, I will teach this only to you.”

With a great effort, Mother extended her right hand from her place on the bed. Still averting his gaze, Neight gripped her hand in return. Mother’s hand had become too skinny. Simply looking at it made him feel sad. However, he couldn’t move his gaze away.

“Do you think Reciting is difficult?”

There couldn’t be a correct answer to that kind of question. Although he was young, even he understood this.

But even so, right now he could only reply, “It’s difficult.” Because right now, from all of the Recitations that Mother had taught him, success couldn’t be mentioned. Failure had become natural.

“But, I think you will be able to successfully conduct this Recitation.”

Still holding onto Mother’s hand, Mother squeezed his hand slightly.

“What’s needed isn’t skill, but the feeling of wanting to protect someone you treasure. Convey that thought to True Spirit of Night. Because, the True Spirit of Night is lonely……”

Unlike before, this was the first time that she had given advice something not about his skill, but about his mind.

“Because it understands the pain of being alone, it will definitely protect you from being lonely. —Un, it will protect…… It will surely protect…… you……”

A burst of strength was transmitted through Mother’s hand, which he grasped. But in the next instant, it stopped like a thread being cut.

Mother?

“Hey, Mother. Mother?”

He called out over and over again, gripping Mother’s hand the whole time.

……She’s just asleep, right?

Surely she will call out my name again. Surely she will grip my hand again.

Hey, isn’t that right, Mother?

***

In this night (place), You (I) are in solitude (alone)
“Isa jes qusi xin fears toga peg ilmei shel”
I promised, I will send you my song
—Hir qusi clar, cori, Ema lef memori

That melody is the music (tremor) of the heart, The tone quality (dance) of tears
“jes kless qusi medolia lef cirkus, medolia lef zarabel”
That melody is the scratch (shivering) of the heart, The song of praise (festival) of tears
—jes kless qusi sari lef sophit, faite lef zarabel

It drenches the world, Because it is a drop (song) of the frozen (beloved) night
“Hir sinka I, bekwist WeR muas ririsia harmone lef twispel”
It drenches the world, Because it is the embrace (song) of the beloved night
—Hir sinka I, bekwist HIr qusi celena poe lef wevirne spil

The Song of Twilight hadn’t ended. Turning imagination into reality, and singing it. The overflowing imagination in the outside world becomes sound, making eardrums resound, and then creating a circuit of new imagination.

By practicing, even without an <OratorioSong of Praise>, Recitations up to the Second scale can be conducted. Just like that Rainbow Color Reciter had done before our eyes.

But High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation did not follow this principle, because the True Spirit could only be called out under specific conditions. Three restraints— By only using a specific catalyst and singing a specific <OratorioSong of Praise>, that song can’t reach the True Spirit. Only by discovering the catalyst and <OratorioSong of Praise>, and finally calling out its true name, it can be considered complete.

I have already heard the <OratorioSong of Praise> from Mother. Next, as long as I have the catalyst, I could surely be capable of calling it out. Because Mother had said that. I have also met the promised person, as well as promised Kluele-san and Mio-san.

—I will convey those feelings to the True Spirit of Night—

I will convey them. I want to protect this place of everyone’s precious memories.

Wiping away sweat, Neight continued his Recitation.

***

Carrying several sealing containers with both hands, Mio climbed up the stairs two steps at a time.

Her destination was the highest place in the second-year school building, a place where she could survey the scene below. Stealthily looking out from the classroom, the campus had long ago become a sea of fire. If she didn’t hurry, her special preparations would come down to nothing.

“As long as I have this……”

Night-colored flame. The key to solving the mystery was the mixing catalysts experiment that she had done together with Neight and Kluele.

And there was one more thing. That was, when she had been chatting with Kluele a few days ago, the words they had unintentionally mentioned.

'How did Kululu do on this time’s combined test? Didn’t you say that you failed the guessing questions?'

'Me? About the same as last time, I just barely made it into the top one hundred. Compared to the people in my grade, I’m ranked second!'

'Eh? Because the questions this time were really easy. All you had to do was to remember what our textbook said about the reactions of each colored flame to get three questions correct.'

Creating flames which weren’t a naturally existing color wasn’t by magic, by chance, or through a miracle. Actually, it was a technique of mixing catalysts that everyone knows about. If a hard-working person who studies Recitations reads the textbook once, they can find the answer.

The brown containers in her arms bumped against each other. I have to hurry, but I can’t let them break. If the containers crack, the substances inside will oxidize rapidly, and degenerate.

“Wait for me, Neight-kun!”

The door leading to the roof finally appeared in the far end of her field of view.

……Is this the end?

Crestfallen, Zea Lordfill knelt on the ground. The catalyst in his hands was nearly gone. Although he had sent Jessica to get more, she wouldn’t return for the time being. In reality, they were already helpless.

The hydra approached them with slow movements. Their defensive line had already been broken through, and there was nothing more protecting the first-year school building where the students were taking refuge. Although there were several teachers in the first-year building as backup, their catalysts had been nearly used up.

……Just what could be done? If they issue a warning to the first-year building, they probably have to first make mental preparations for an even greater level of panic than before.

He gazed at the gradually advancing monster. Although it wasn’t certain who had used the <Egg>, he didn’t expect that such a monster would appear inside the school.

“……Hm?”

The hydra suddenly stopped moving, like it was frozen. Not only its footsteps, but even all of its five heads had become rigid. The only exception was its eyes. Only its eyeballs turned and glared at its surroundings ominously.

What is it looking for? Just what was it?

Unable to understand its puzzling behavior, even the elder in charge of the school could only stand still.

***

“Just now…… What happened……”

Not only her lips, but even her tongue felt dry. Even her throat hurt from the sounds she had just uttered. In a position with her back leaning against the wall of the hall, Kluele was unable to find out the situation outside.

—How long was I unconscious for?

Recited flames would usually disappear after a few minutes. Because the flame she Recited had already disappeared, it meant that it had already been a longer time than that. The bleeding from her left shoulder had also stopped. Had it been an hour? Or merely a few minutes?

“……It’s quiet…..”

In the hall enveloped by silence, only the sound of her voice echoed. The wind blowing from somewhere carried the crackling sound of flames. This was the first time she thought that being lonely was frightening. The first thing she thought of was the faces of her family. After that faded away, her next thought was of her friends’ faces.

—Are Mio and Neight both safe and sound?

However, it would be troubling if they weren’t safe. When would the teacher Kate, who had promised to return, come? But she couldn’t have too many expectations right now. Under these circumstances, she didn’t even know if anything had happened over at the first-year building.

She heard the clinking sound of glass being stepped on. Is it Kate-sensei?

But, the following groaning sound that entered her ears crushed that hope in a split second.

“……I hate being so stubborn.”

The beast with wounds all over its body gradually lessened the distance between them. Its moss-green body had become scorched black, and smoke rose from the mane on its lion head. It seemed that this was the chimera she had driven away before she fell unconscious. Was it unable to move its burned wings? Dragging its feet, it gradually approached her.

What to do? Use blood as a catalyst again? But I’ve already lost too much blood. If I lose more blood, I feel like I will fall into an eternal rest which I won’t be able to wake up from. This is my body, so I know it the best.

“It’ll be bad either way……”

Haven’t I already worked hard enough?

[Beloved bird who left its nest, bird who is hatching. Singer without wings.]

A voice? Again. However, she could hear this more clearly than last time.

[I am your wings. Call out my name.]

She had thought that it was merely in a dream, but she had certainly heard it. It wasn’t a hallucination.

Call out— But, I don’t have anything that I can use to Recite anymore.

[A catalyst is not needed to call me out. The blood you spilled has called me out until now.]

'Do you understand the reason why I asked what catalyst you will use?'

'When you were conducting the Recitation, if the catalyst you had used was not a gem but ‘something else’ instead—'

But, I don’t even know the <OratorioSong of Praise>……

[A <OratorioSong of Praise> is not needed. Bird that must hatch, the sound of you tearing off your shell awoke me.]

'Even among True Spirits, there are those that do not use words.'

'Little girl, you are torn between two things. It is a conflict between growth and stagnation. Just like a little bird that wants to break free of its shell, but is unable to come out.'

Whose words were those? They were things she had listened to emotionlessly and without a second thought, but now welled up from the depths of her memories like a fountain.

[The three restraints have been removed, the conditions already met. You have already completed my Recitation.]

…….Completed the Recitation?

Like déjà vu, a vague scene suddenly crossed her mind.

What she had called out during the recital contest— Enveloped in brilliant flames, emitting a dazzling radiance, illusory feathers not belonging to this world.

Feathers burning fiercely. Flames taking the shape of feathers.

That is—

That isn’t a memory of the past, but a scene from this place that had certainly happened, as if it had been protecting her.

[All that remains is to call out my name. Come.]

In her weak gaze, the scorched avenger leaped at her.

But even so, her consciousness was still focused on the voice speaking to her.

[As long as you don’t return to your shell, I will once again awaken from the ashes. As long as you don’t turn your back to me, we will be able to meet a new dawn together. Kluele Sophi Net. Come, call out my name.]

From her pale lips, Kluele let out a faint breath.

The Red Song that even sound couldn’t resist.

But, the song sung by the girl crossed through the hall, crossed over the school—

Somewhere in the world, the heart of the thing waiting for this very moment trembled.

The beast’s claws touched something. Something soft.

Although it wanted to rip it apart, contrarily, the beast’s claws were engulfed by flames. What his claws had caught onto wasn’t the girl’s flesh, but the great crimson wing in front of her.

[I have always been waiting for you to be born. Kluele, my perch.]

While one of its wings protected the girl, the bird flapped its other wing.

Just that one motion. With just that, a scorching wave of heat filled the hall. After emitting Recitation light, the chimera was forcibly sent away.

[Can you move?]

Kluele gritted her teeth and stood up, but this already took all of her strength. Moving any more was impossible. She was sure that if she let her mind relax, she would fall back into unconsciousness. Her mind wouldn’t follow her body.

[In that case, let me carry you. Come, tell me the path you wish to take.]

After saying that, the red True Spirit— PhoenixDivine Bird of Dawn used its wings to embrace the girl.

[Until the ends of the world, if you wish it. Kluele, where will you fly to?]

The first place to cross her mind was the first-year building where her friends were taking refuge. Had Ada, Serges, and all of her other classmates safely taken shelter? As long as they could reach the school building, surely they were safe.

Next, she thought of the figure of the girl wearing a pearl-colored dress. The girl who had always accompanied her, and said that she would go get the supplies necessary for creating Night-colored flames. However, if it was her, she wouldn’t take reckless risks. Although she always acted childish, she displayed her intelligence when it was an important time. This was something Kluele knew well.

“I……”

Finally, she thought of the face of the young, still learning Reciter who wore a deep blue robe. Nobody used the same Recitation as him, the lonely Reciter. The easily dejected, introverted song user who always failed. Only that child requires someone by his side. Someone who could encourage him when he fails, and enjoy the happiness together with him if he succeeds.

—Someone who could wait by his side and quietly watch over him.

[Have you decided?]

The bird deity urged her a second time. Silently, Kluele nodded.

Covered in sweat, Neight’s shoulders moved up and down as he gasped for breath.

The air filled with blazing heat burned his lungs. The expanding shimmer of hot air made him dizzy.

The flames snatched away oxygen and gave him a headache. The temperature sapped away his physical strength and ate away at his body.

But, even so— he continued to sing.

Crossing over the flames, crossing over the campus, crossing over the school…… For the sake of her, who was somewhere in the world, listening for this song.

Part 4

“Already…… The fire is……!”

She understood after she saw it from the roof. The whole school was engulfed in a sea of fire. Only the area around the first-year building was peaceful, which caused a huge weight to lift off her heart.

“Neight, you idiot. It’s too unreasonable.”

Although the fact that the campus was covered in fire made her afraid, when she saw him standing in the middle of the fire, she almost dropped the things that she carried in both arms. It seemed that if she had arrived even a little bit later, she would have been baked.

“……But, this shows how much he believes in me.”

I don’t want to let down his expectations and trust. I will show him how to call out Night-colored flames.

She moved one of the things she carried in her arms into one hand. Next, all I have to do is throw this into the midst of the fire. By doing so, the campus will be filled with Night-colored flames. What she was about to do, was merely a junior chemistry experiment that everyone had done before.

Night-colored flames. Its true identity is ‘flame reaction’.

Normally, flames burn with a red color. However, if a specific metal is added to the flame, it will have an entirely different appearance. When some kind of metallic salt, for example alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, are added to the flame and heated, the electrons of the metal atoms created after oxidization will be in a high energy state.

But because the resulting state is unstable, the energized electrons will turn back to their base condition. When the electron changes to a low energy state, the disparity in energy between the two states will cause energy to be released in the form of light. When the light’s wavelength reaches the wavelength of visible light, the flame will appear to take on the metal’s natural color.

—In other words, to create flames that will emit Night-colored light.

A silvery-white metal with a soft structure, and can immediately oxidize in air.

Element number 37 ‘Rb’ —Rubidium.

It comes from the word ‘red-purple firerubidius’. This can cause Night-colored fire to wake up.

Night Color Recitations. The Recitation that shouldn’t exist is completed by using flames that shouldn’t exist.

Now all there is to do is believe in him, just like how he believed in me.

“Neight-kun, it’s coming!”

With all of her strength, Mio threw the containers from the roof down to the campus.

The five-headed hydra instinctively looked around at its surroundings.

It felt a bad premonition. Although it didn’t know where the chill came from, something was about to threaten it.

It has no rivals. It understood that, but was concerned by it.

That must be eliminated.

Rapidly, the white-colored head conveyed a signal to the other heads.

Everything must be eliminated.

The green one agreed.

But, where is our enemy?

The yellow head and blue head questioned suspiciously.

Don’t know. But, we must find it.

Four heads, eight lines of sight glared at its surroundings.

……That.

Suddenly, the red head, which had remained silent until now, moved. Its gaze was aimed at the area where flames burned fiercely.

That fire, when had it turned into that kind of black color? Until now, those flames had been the same color as me.

All of the heads turned their view towards the indicated direction. Ten eyes gazed at the small creature within the flames. Wearing the blazing black flames like clothes, the small, seemingly insignificant Reciter.

—That?

Is that the opponent we must eliminate?

***

“Xins…… What is this?”

Enne, who was in charge of protecting his back, muttered in a small voice.

……What?

Holding a catalyst in his right hand, he raised his eyebrow.

“—This is…… A song?”

When he listened attentively, at that moment, Xins’s whole body shook.

The tender tone crossed over the campus, crossed over the flames, peacefully penetrating the entire school.

The roaring sound of flames. The fiercely blowing wind. However, amidst those, he could hear a faint melody.

Sorrowful and lonesome, but a somehow nostalgic tune.

He had heard this somewhere before—

Let the Night Color’s woven song (oath) come to you
“Yer she saria stig lef xeoi peg pel”
Night Color’s celebratory chant (oath) beneath you, Everywhere (long), Eternally (long), Forever
—Yer she saria stig lef xeoi, Yer zayixuy-c-olfey she ora

O forgotten child
“U da lostasia dremren”
Even if the world (everyone) forgets you, I will not forget about you
—O la laspha, yupa Lom dremre neckt lostasia U meide

The frozen feelings in his heart were revived for a moment.

—This song is…… That time’s……

There wasn’t any possibility other than that. A Recitation poem filled with tragic emotions, longing for an end, a tune desiring loneliness.

But now, the lyrics were different. The one singing is…… No, it shouldn’t be Evhemary.

The lyrics, timing, and singer were all different. But even so, only that tune is— No matter how much time passes, it hadn’t changed or lost its delicate and pure sound.

Come, O child who has been born
“Isa da boema foton doremren”
Come, O child who has been born, A new wind has begun to blow
—Isa da boema foton doremren O hearsa neighti loar

Welcome back to the midst of slumber (cradle)
“O univa sm thes hypne”
The time of slumber (cradle) ends, Because the promised bell declares it
—eposion lef hypne, eposion lef xeo, elmei jes muas defea

And then I—
“ende Years besti……”
And then you
—ende Wer she pridia……

The woven song paused momentarily. That foretold the end of the <OratorioSong of Praise>. The song’s ending stanza arrived at the last bar of music.

He was finally able to hear the end —At that time, the girl had personally stopped the Recitation poem.

The poem of Night he had been waiting for was finally completed. The final lyrics that had never been sung before……

“……So there was……a continuation……”

The memories and melody overlapped. It was engraved in his heart even now, that girl’s tears.

Within the nearly eternal passage of time, the final dream had become hazy like a phantom.

Everything— Xins remembered.

***

Had it noticed……?

The approaching rumble in the ground caused Arma to narrow his eyes. What an amazing guy. Even though the ChannelRecital Gate still hadn’t opened, it could sense the minute presence leaking out from the <OratorioSong of Praise>. But this was also because the creature that was about to be called out was fairly powerful.

Did he make it in time? Even looking at it optimistically, the situation was still very dangerous.

Neight’s song had already ended. Next, by adding a catalyst, the conditions for a High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation would be met.

But, the flame hadn’t changed color. It was still red.

Although he felt uneasy, but…… Right now, there was still enough time to escape. He couldn’t lose Neight here, or else he would be unable to face Neight’s mother.

“I will wait.”

He hadn’t spoken his thoughts aloud, but the boy who had been standing by his side for a long time had already sensed them.

“I promised Mio-san.”

Not even blinking, Neight stared at the crimson wall of fire.

That action made Arma sigh for the first time in his life. Faced with the crisis approaching before his eyes, the boy had chosen to make an oath at the most uncertain hour, not knowing whether or not it could be accomplished.

He hadn’t noticed until now. He had thought that Neight’s personality didn’t resemble his mother’s, but he seemed to have inherited her stubbornness.

……However, perhaps it is because of this that I am attracted to Neight.

[It doesn’t matter. Just do as you like, I will accompany you until the very end.]

While he spoke those words, a sharp sound— The sound of breaking glass bottles resounded throughout the campus.

When the sharp shattering sounds faded away, the surrounding flames were dyed in the color of night.

Mio-san, thank you.

All of the conditions are fulfilled. ……Next, it’s time to see whether or not I have the skill.

He breathed out all of the air that had settled in his lungs.

[I will watch until the very end.]

He nodded at the Night-colored Recited creature.

Although it was Night-colored flames, its temperature hadn’t changed. Flames as a catalyst. Although it was of the highest quality, it was also the hardest to control. By making even one mistake, the strength of his concentration and imagination that he had accumulated up until now would all be broken. There was no second chance.

Even with his naked eyes, he could confirm that the hydra was coming towards him. Five colors being used simultaneously, called out a Recited creature that exceeded human knowledge. And above its heads were a large amount of chimera that could be counted by the tens.

But Mother said, the True Spirit of Night will surely protect everyone.

……Everything depends on me……

The strength of his concentration didn’t waver. However, he could feel a different portion being eroded by heavy pressure. His whole body was covered in sweat from the heat, and it soaked into his robe.

Even if he stood there motionless, he still felt dizzy. When he thought to breathe deeply and straighten his back—

———Eh? ———

Just then, his body lost balance.

A migraine. His whole body felt lethargic. His sight was fuzzy, and his whole field of vision became a mirage. Because he had been overly focused on the <OratorioSong of Praise>, he hadn’t noticed anything abnormal about his body until now.

Acute heatstroke. The wave of heat emitted by the surrounding flames was too much for the body of a thirteen year old boy.

[Neight!]

Even the sound of Arma’s voice sounded like a hallucination. He who had collapsed amidst the black flames, felt like the consciousness of a different person. The sweet temptation was like being in a dream.

No. I can’t just collapse like this. Even though he understood this, his legs wouldn’t move.

As if about to embrace the boy, the black flames extended its arms.

Eh…… I can’t. I definitely can’t. I promised. I already made promises with many people.

Because I want to do something. I want to do something for everyone’s sake……

Before the flames licked Neight.

Someone supported the boy wearing a robe. Someone jumped in between him and the flames. Neight clung to that hand without being aware of it. —But, who?

“Neight, like usual, you’re forcing yourself too much.”

With a knocking sound, a fist lightly struck his head.

“I can’t help you conduct the Recitation, but, I can at least stay by your side—”

—Mother?

He thought that voice was an illusion. But, I’m certainly holding onto that arm.

He rubbed his eyes. The person in front of his eyes wasn’t Mother. A pure white dress filled his vision. After he lifted his head, he saw a girl with a bandage wrapped around her left shoulder.

“……Kluele-san?”

The girl nodded, and gave a faint smile.

“……No way, how did you come here? No, before that, hurry up and escape! The fire is already out of hand, and the hydra is coming!”

She didn’t respond at all to his explanation, but only gazed at him with calm, steady eyes.

“Is the <OratorioSong of Praise> completed?”

His lips didn’t move. Before he knew it, the hallucination vanished, and the illusionary figure disappeared. He couldn’t even hear the sound of crackling flames surrounding him. Only her figure was reflected in his field of view, only her voice resounded in the depths of his heart.

After nodding, that girl gripped his right hand.

“It’s okay. I will also stay with you. Let’s sing together.”

For the first time, Neight felt glad amidst the flames.

Because the surrounding heat could sweep away what was flowing out of his eyes.

“Thank you very much. ……This time, I’m really okay now.”

In the sky— As if it was blessing the two of them, the bird deity’s red feathers fluttered down like layers of snowflakes.

Together, the Night Color Reciter and the girl willingly stretched their hands into the Night-colored flames.

The Night-colored flames didn’t burn the two people. Its radiance illuminated them brilliantly.

Twilight-colored light floated in the sky above—

Neight sang the promised song, the promised name.

And then I—
“ende Years besti……”
And then you
—ende Wer she pridia……

Woman of origin, of twilight (Evhe), You smile in the dawn
Ive lef Armalaspha— La Selah she maria sm neight

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