AntiMagic Academy “The 35th Test Platoon” Vol 13 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Total War

"...This feels a little strange."

While staring at the chaos beneath, Ootori Sougetsu felt slight discomfort. Now that Takeru knew his ident.i.ty as the G.o.d of this world, he could no longer act roundabout like he used to.

It was necessary to direct Takeru's hatred towards himself. The method was simple. Have Kiseki kill his comrades and then have her suicide. That's when Takeru will lose his sanity and become a complete G.o.d-Hunter out of his own will.

Along with the G.o.d's death, the world will be destroyed.

That was the scenario Sougetsu came up with. The greatest destruction he had desired.

Originally he was supposed to keep the fact of him being the G.o.d a secret, and have Takeru kill him while unaware of that fact.

His schedule went crazy. It was because of that traitor, the ex-captain of EXE, Mineshiro Kazuma. Although Sougetsu broke Mineshiro's fangs, they ended up falling right beside Sougetsu's heart.

Still, that did not mean things wouldn't go the way Sougetsu wanted them to. He knew the nature of the man called Kusanagi Takeru, his attachment to his comrades, his love for his little sister. If Sougetsu robbed Takeru of these, Taker would surely come to kill him.

That's why the information provided by Mineshiro Kazuma was not a problem.

If there was a problem, it would be...

"That intent to kill was normal."

The murderous intent Takeru directed towards him.

That killing intent was a problem.

Although Takeru did direct a real killing intent at him before, it always included "hesitation". In current state, with his comrades and sister alive, he definitely wouldn't kill the G.o.d. That's why it was natural for him to hesitate in his intent to kill.

"............But that's the real thing."

He felt it when Takeru screamed his name, a chill that stung his skin. That was certainly, a manifestation of the real intent to kill.

——It felt just like the intent to kill Kusanagi Orochi had directed towards him.

"...It can't be."

Sougetsu paled in confusion.

Orochi was dead. His goal and Takeru's goal could not overlap with each other no matter what, he knew that ever since he first met Takeru. That's why he knew Takeru would come back when he was kidnapped to Magic Academy by Orochi.

He was also convinced that Orochi would not tell Takeru the truth about his ident.i.ty. Orochi was not a fool. He knew that there was no need to tell Takeru the truth considering they would fight one another.

On the other hand, he could also a.s.sert that Orochi would not kill Takeru. He, who lost Kusanagi Mikoto would not bring himself to kill a relative. Moreover, because of the contract with Gungnir, Orochi's body was at its limits and he had no power or time left to oppose a G.o.d-Slayer. That's why rather than to destroy Takeru and Mistilteinn, he would rather use the remaining power he had to become a G.o.d.

Takeru learning of the world's truth should have been a miscalculation from Orochi's and Gungnir's point of view as well. The number of their opponents increased and they ended up battling against one another, resulting in their power running out and defeat. As a result, as the one with destruction as his goal, Sougetsu was able to get rid of the most vigilant enemy, which had benefited him.

However, a thought that he might have been wrong, had appeared in his head just now.

——It might have been the worst miscalculation so far.

Sougetsu's miscalculation was not being there, when Takeru killed Orochi.

There was no mistake that Orochi had died.

If they interacted afterwards and Orochi with Gungnir had given something to Takeru——

If it was something connected to Takeru's killing intent——

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

Sougetsu squinted, pa.s.sing through his head was the last moment of Hoshijiro Nagaru.

Hoshijiro Nagaru, who was the same mythological existence as him, had given up her life to slow him down back on the fragment of the mythological world.

She gave up her life to slow him down.

He noticed, and realized that he should have hurried.

Hoshijiro Nagaru has decided that it was worth exchanging her life to retain him on the fragment of mythological world. If Hoshijiro Nagaru was in contact with Orochi, there might have been a reason for her to give up her life in there. No, even if they weren't, Hoshijiro Nagaru might have predicted what was happening and gave up her life.

There was a possibility that Orochi, Nagaru and even Gungnir have intended to do this right from the start. In case they were unable to alter the world themselves, they would entrust it to Takeru adn others.

Back then for just a few hours, Sougetsu wasn't here, in this world.

He did not know what happened in here.

And while he wasn't there, the two fought, and Orochi was beaten.

Orochi died. But what about Gungnir? Did that fox perish along with Orochi? What if she was not destroyed, but cancelled the contract and survived?

And what did she give them, while he wasn't here?

What was it?

"..."Deification"...!"

As the truth came to his mind, Sougetsu's mouth formed an arc, but he grit his teeth at the same time.

The only thing that gave right to become the G.o.d was Gungnir which had combined the performance of G.o.d-Hunting and Deification. The G.o.d-slaying Sacred Treasure Lævateinn did not have the deification function.

Mistilteinn too, was merely a reproduction of Gungnir. A faulty reproduction that had only copied the G.o.d-slaying characteristics. As a countermeasure against G.o.ds, it was made to "Absorb Magic Power" that G.o.ds had.

A degraded copy, that was a suitable name for it. The only thing the old humanity required, was the Sacred Treasure's ability of "G.o.d-Hunting". That was enough.

However, what if using 《Twilight Enchant》 Mistilteinn had absorbed G.o.d's Authority and used it without converting to its own magic power?

What if Mistilteinn was given the operative procedure for "Deification" from Gungnir?

——Would it not become possible for Kusanagi Takeru and Mistilteinn to become the G.o.d of this world?

The probability was small. A demon's soul and a real Sacred Treasure were one thing, but a demon's soul and a Sacred Treasure's replica combination didn't make it sound realistic.

However, he could not state it was impossible.

Sougetsu opened his eyes wide and covered his face with one hand.

"Ha... hahaha... What a system... It never goes as I want it to, this world....!"

He cursed this world's system.

Created as a G.o.d-slaying being he was supposed to have destroyed humans along G.o.ds. However, G.o.ds have put on futile resistance and caused the collision of worlds resulting in a chaotic world where worlds of G.o.ds and humans have intermingled.

Sougetsu considered this world abominable, yet loved it at the same time. Considering the meaning of his life was to kill G.o.ds, destroying this world which was filled with magic that was a G.o.dly element, had become his reason to live.

With great joy he had been aiming for this world destruction. However, once again obstructing his destruction, was the legacy of G.o.ds.

At this rate, everything would repeat itself. And there was a possibility of defeat.

The world will continue to exist, despite being a step away from destruction.

Sougetsu relaxed his body and looked up at the dark, cloudy sky.

Destruction had become distant.

His wish had become distant.

If Takeru and Mistilteinn kill Sougetsu and become the G.o.d, the world will continue to exist.

To bring destruction upon this time, there was no choice but to draw and die simultaneously.

It wasn't realistic. He couldn't leave this world's destruction up to a draw.

Sougetsu only bet when he was playing around with human hearts.

He would never bet with his wish.

"............Very well."

He clapped his hands and looked away from the sky.

Having his wish right in front of him just earlier, Sougetsu decided to stop reaching out to it.

Mistilteinn and Kusanagi Takeru.

The only means for him to kill himself. One and only existence in this world capable of destroying this world.

That's how important chess piece Takeru was for Sougetsu.

A mere weapon of suicide, a pathetic, pitiful p.a.w.n that danced like Sougetsu wanted him to... was to stop his destruction and become the G.o.d?

Ridiculous.

It was too ridiculous, therefore——

"So, I just have to kill you."

——I will crush you with all I have, Sougetsu vowed.

A wind blown upwards from the ground, swaying his hair.

Spreading his both arms, he looked down on Takeru. The circ.u.mstances have become reversed. Even though he was overwhelmingly advantageous when it came to battle power, it made no difference in this case. For Sougetsu personally, he was at a disadvantage.

He experienced this for the first time. Was inferiority really such dreadful thing? It was the worst. Just because of possibility of being killed, he's turned good-for-nothing. He could no longer look at things from a high perspective. If he's killed, he loses.

Therefore.

He had no choice but to continue living.

Sougetsu picked a draw.

"Killing you and aiming for destruction anew doesn't sound too bad. Mmm, it might even be fun."

He chose to continue.

"The old humanity has accomplished replication of a Sacred Treasure... one day it should become possible again. I will make it possible...!"

The real goal in creation of Relic Eaters was to artificially create a Sacred Treasure. To say, Relic Eaters were failed creations of Sacred Treasure. He tried to extract power from Mistilteinn, but it turned out impossible to do without contracting with a person who had a non-human soul.

Therefore Sougetsu tried to make it come true with the remaining G.o.ds' power inside him.

But in the end, it was his own power. A G.o.ds' logic was that they could not kill themselves. With Sougetsu's power itself, it was impossible to draw out a G.o.d-Hunter's power.

That's why instead of creating a Sacred Treasure, he made Takeru and Mistilteinn form a contract, trying to kill himself. Thinking of it now, it was a mistake.

That mistake followed further. Women of Kusanagi household inherited only the body of demons, not knowing they did not inherit demons' souls he first made Mistilteinn contract with Kusanagi Mikoto which resulted with Mistilteinn forming personality of Lapis. As he thought about it, there was no end to his miscalculations.

"I guess it's my fault for being lazy. This is how it ends up. It's about time I finally learn."

Joyfully, angrily, Sougetsu reflected on this result.

And with delight, he looked forward to next destruction. If they had become an existence aiming for the seat of G.o.d, just in case, he could not leave Kusanagi Takeru and Mistilteinn alive.

That's interesting. The difficulty level went up. So far there was only victory or draw, but now a possibility of defeat appeared. As a G.o.d of destruction, he felt it become worthwhile.

"Kusanagi-kun. From now on I shall face you not as my p.a.w.n, but as my enemy."

The child of demons who had cut down countless fantastical beings, G.o.d-Hunter's contractor. If you are to take off your collar and stand up to me, I, Ootori Sougetsu shall not show mercy.

Very well. I shall break those fangs.

Sougetsu had once again spoke to them the same words. Not as the chairman of the AntiMagic Academy nor the chairman of the Inquisition——but as this world's G.o.d.

"——Come at me, you worms...!"

In the swirling darkness, on the branch of the red tree, Ootori Sougetsu made a wide cat-like smile.

Losing Kiseki's control the Hyakki Yakou stopped swallowing the world. That's what Ootori Sougetsu ordered it.

No matter how much Hyakki Yakou ruins the world, no matter how much it takes away, the world will not be destroyed. The land, the air, the sky, the entire universe will continue to exist unchanged. It was no good.

Sougetsu who chose to continue living, had aimed Hyakki Yakou not at the world, but at an individual.

At a fool who was a G.o.d-Hunter yet attempted to become the G.o.d at the same time——at Kusanagi Takeru.

＊＊＊

《"Host...!"》

Hearing Lapis' voice, Takeru stopped moving towards the big tree. The earth trembled and the ground beneath Takeru cracked.

"Again...?!"

In addition, leaves on branches of the big tree have turned into liquid and white-ish eyeb.a.l.l.s appeared on them, countless mouths bared teeth and let out ear-splitting screams as the leaves turned into deformed monsters.

Even as they killed them, there were countless more. They continued to flow in from ahead.

"Haa... haa... there's no end to them...!"

Firing aurora bullets, Usagi made way by erasing the demon army in front of them.

Every time they moved forward, Hyakki Yakou had flowed down on them.

Still, they were able to proceed. If they move closer to the tree little by little, to where Kiseki is——they will be able to reach Ootori Sougetsu.

《"Kusanagi! Hyakki Yakou is acting strange! The spread cells are converging in one point!"》

Ouka reported from the sky through the magic connection.

"What do you mean...?!"

"Don't know, but be careful... the concentrating bits are——"

She paused there, and descended from the sky towards Takeru.

"...Beneath us!"

The moment Ouka landed, the vibrations beneath that spread every time Hyakki Yakou wriggled had come to stop.

Silence. Silence appearing in this situation felt nothing but sinister.

About five meters in front of Takeru something was wriggling inside the crack.

It was a life-sized demon that looked like a woman.

Clad in dark red miasma thick enough to be visible by naked eye. Her hair was long enough to reach the ground and she had four arms with long claws. She had cracked pale skin, unthinkable to be that of a human's. Her appearance wearing a blood-stained white kimono made Takeru think of an ancient princess.

She wasn't a cell with undetermined form nor incarnation and felt like a proper individual.

Her appearance was somewhat reminiscent of Kiseki, but Takeru understood at a glance that her essence was completely different.

A fear he had never felt before had penetrated him from his feet up to his brain.

This one's dangerous. Takeru's soul warned him to run away, and at the same time unconsciously called for him to destroy it. He did not know why was his soul so contradictory, but it was something caused by the fact he was born into the bloodline called "Kusanagi".

The clan of demon-hunters, Kusanagi.

And the variant that appeared in front of him——could only be described as a "demon".

It wasn't a demon like Kiseki or other Kusanagi women, where they became ones as a result of curse. The curse was kneaded and hardened and concentrated on one point, completing this variant.

She wasn't part of Kiseki's body, more like the root of Kiseki's power, the source of Hyakki Yakou. The curse put on Kusanagi had reproduced a demon that was destroyed by Kusanagi's long ago.

It was just like summoning magic.

With the long hair flowing down her back, the demon opened her mouth.

Her mouth was lined with a number of small teeth, opening it so wide it seemed like her jaw was dislocated, she turned her face towards the sky. Raising a slender hand, the demon made a vermilion magic circle appear beneath her feet.

Unlike on magic circles used by Mari and others, numerous letters that seemed like cursed symbols have invaded the ground.

《"HATEFUL KUREHA CHILD OF DEMON BLOOM'D CRIMSON CHILD OF DEMON FEAST ON A WEEPING CHILD AND BLOOM CRIMSON THE PREGNANT WOMAN, THE UNBORN CHILD WHEN WILL THE CHILD OF DEMON COMETH FORTH?"》

Hyakki Yakou started chanting using old language.

It wasn't just Takeru who trembled, unable to move. The other three members of the platoon also had their conscious blown away by fear.

Takeru clenched his teeth and lowered his hips.

That thing is dangerous.

He had to stop it before activating, otherwise the entire location would be eliminated.

"Ouka!"

When Takeru yelled, trembling Ouka had came back to herself.

"——We're stopping it!"

At the same time he kicked off the ground. Closing in the distance all at once, he charged at the demon.

He didn't know where were her weaknesses, or whether they even existed in the first place. He attacked her head at full power with the full-powered Unicorn Destructive Lance.

However——before the thrust reached Hyakki Yakou, it was blocked by a red barrier.

The stake Ouka had fired right after Takeru also was defended the same way.

《"Protective barrier... so this is the "Demon" property magic...!"》

"If it's magic——then...!"

《"Activating "Twilight Enchantment"!"》

He mitigated the recoil from having his attack blocked by standing his ground, then once again charged at the Hyakki Yakou.

The blade clad in azure-colored flames had slashed onto the barrier at once.

A moment after the impact, the flames started absorbing magic.

No magic could stand up to Mistilteinn. It's all absorbed and becomes her power.

《"——?! Aghh——!"》

And yet, Lapis who was absorbing magic – screamed, and the 《Twilight Enchantment》 was interrupted. Demon magic power that was being absorbed had spouted from the blade. It was as if the sword had rejected and spat it out.

Again, the attack was blocked and Takeru took a step back.

"Lapis, what happened?!"

Takeru asked. Lapis answered him even while panting in pain.

《"I-I don't know... the absorbed magic power, it... it tried to erode me..."》

Although she was in the shape of a sword, he could feel Lapis tremble slightly.

This has never happened before. The undetermined ancient property "Demon". It was an unknown power that was uncertain to even be magic power. When they were in G.o.d-Hunter form nothing happened when they absorbed it, so why now...

《"...Its nature might have mutated when... the magic was formed. It's my first time seeing something like this...!"》

Even while fixing his sword stance, Takeru grit his teeth.

Absorption with enchantment was too dangerous. It was unbeatable against magical opponents so far, but no one would have thought the absorbed magic power would fight back.

Magic the demon had concentrated in its hands has formed a big reddish-black sphere. Several eyeb.a.l.l.s have been implanted into it and it looked like a distorted meat lump reminiscent of an egg.

If it activates, probably it'll be all over. Despite being on his way to kill the G.o.d, he had his way blocked by a demon. He did not have the time to waste here, but at this rate they would be destroyed before the world is.

"It's not working! I don't know the operative procedure, so I can't pierce it...!"

Ouka moved to Hyakki Yakou's side and tried to pierce it with a stake, but everything was blocked.

"Crush it by force!"

She had the guns disappear and made a stake-releasing mechanism appear instead.

"Wait, Ouka! That barrier is——!"

Before Takeru's voice reached her, Ouka had pierced her fang into the barrier.

The fang pushed against the barrier.

《"...Such density...! But I'll force it down——!"》

Ouka focused her gaze as she attempted to break through the barrier.

Cracks appeared on the barrier as it was near breaking, but then.

——A chill ran down Ouka's back.

Eerily, an eye appeared on the tip of the fang colliding with the barrier.

Numerous eyes emerged on the fang's surface, like bubbles.

"——What?!"

Ouka hurriedly released magic and the fang disappeared.

That decision was correct.

《"It eroded magic...!"》

Were she to continue, the fang would have been eroded by Hyakki Yakou. With its magic power eroded, even a Relic Eater would be eroded by Hyakki Yakou. Were that to happen, it was unknown what it would result with.

Feeling danger, Ouka tried moving away from the demon.

Seeming to have sensed Ouka's movements, the demon acted. Spreading out another pair of arms she made a magic bullet appear and stretching her hand she pressed it against Ouka. It seemed like it was possible to pa.s.s through the barrier from the inside. The female demon's arm extended and bent like a whip as it slipped through the wall.

Ouka gasped. Arms extended up to her side started glowing with vermilion color.

Takeru moved.

Ejecting magic power he closed the distance to Ouka in an instant and cut the demon's arm from above. He wasn't able to cut it off, but the arm was pushed away.

Ahead of where it extended to, the magic bullet burst out and along with a sound of a woman's scream, something that looked like a ma.s.s of human bodies had burst in all directions.

Takeru landed, raised his face, and immediately leaped again.

There was one more arm with a magic bullet in hand.

Ahead of where it extended to, were Mari and Usagi.

Seeing Ikaruga turn into an elf and try to create a barrier, Takeru yelled.

"Don't use magic! Usagi!"

Ikaruga stopped moving, instead, Usagi raised her rifle.

"——Fhh...!!"

Adjusting her breathing to one particular for snipers, she squeezed the trigger. She fired an anti-magic bullet at the demon arm that extended while wriggling and was near them.

Were she to be late even if just by a second, the magic bullet would directly hit them and exploded. After waiting for the moment arm's movement has stopped, Takeru leaped. After moving next to Usagi, he kicked away the arm powerfully.

The arm was blown upwards and the magic bullet burst in the sky.

However, this was a mistake.

《"——Host!"》

Although he was able to prevent the magic bullet's explosion, there was an abnormality on his right leg he used to kick the demon's arm.

Numerous eyes appeared on the armor he had on his right leg.

Lapis instantly released the Witch-Hunter form and scattered the armor. Losing Witch-Hunter's strengthening, Takeru landed on the ground and staggered before holding his body up by using the sword instead of a cane.

The arm that was blown away had returned to Hyakki Yakou with a slithering sound.

The crystallization of demons inside the barrier that the demon was trying to activate, was already as big as a car.

Takeru breathed roughly as he thought of what to do.

《"Witch-Hunter form is also magic... it appears its invulnerable to everything else but physical attacks."》

"So we won't get eroded if we attack physically, huh."

《"Most likely. My main body that is the sword was not eroded. However..."》

Though, just by understanding that their situation did not improve. While the demon built big magic with one pair of arms, it used the other pair flexibly.

Takeru resolved himself and raised his sword. Ouka must have guessed what was he thinking, as she released the vampire form and pulled out the handgun from her waist.

"...We have to beat her without using magic."

His hand clenching the sheath trembled.

It wasn't shivering due to fear, it were convulsions. Takeru himself, no longer had the sensation of holding a sword.

＊＊＊

The crystallization of demon's curse. Looking down at the ancient demon created by concentrating the curse, Sougetsu peeked at Kiseki standing next to him.

Demons. Beings that terrorized the old j.a.pan's ancient era, fantastical organisms destroyed by members of Kusanagi clan. Of course, Sougetsu did see them before.

However, that was merely a single demon.

Holding the undetermined ancient magic property "Demon", she was hailed as the queen of demons.

Her power, even a little of it, did erode everything in existence and created new demons. Old j.a.panese took this characteristic as reincarnation and feared her.

The reason Kusanagis have inherited the demons, was because their power was sealed inside Kusanagi's bloodline in order to prevent demons' resurrection. The method used for sealing it was unknown even to Sougetsu. According to a theory, onymouji's have summoned a j.a.panese mythology's Sacred Treasure and using it they sealed the power inside Kusanagis, but Sougetsu didn't know the details.

Soul into men. Power into women. The distribution of this seal was a desperate measure meant for preventing demons' complete revival.

Were the child be born with both a body and a soul of a demon, it would be nothing but a demon.

That seal was handed down to their descendants but kept weakening, the demon power continued to swell inside Kusanagi women's bodies' and finally reaching Kiseki, was pretty much released.

"If a being with a demon soul and body is a demon... then how do we call a demon without a soul?"

A soulless demon. As a result of Sougetsu taking control of Kiseki's soul, the empty sh.e.l.l of an ancient demon was unleashed from its seal and took form of that woman.

And was holding that ma.s.s of meat.

That sight was just like that of a mother's giving birth to a child.

"Now then... I have no idea what will come out. I look forward to it."

Even now, that he put away the destruction in time, Hyakki Yakou was his strongest card.

The power of demons could not kill the G.o.d, but it was enough to kill Kusanagi Takeru.

But that would be too boring.

The path of destruction is far away. The days full of entertainment are waiting.

So to start with how about we have demons return to the world, Sougetsu thought.

"What she needs inside there is... probably you... Kusanagi-kun."

It wasn't his style to act himself and he wasn't suitable for that kind o thing. Sougetsu's power as a G.o.d was scattered during the reconstruction and he didn't have much power to fight by himself.

That's why,

"How convenient. Before you reach me, you will have that soul of yours stolen by a demon."

As expected, same as always, I'll just look at everything from above.

Leaning Innocentius on his shoulder, Sougetsu looked up at the sky.

A bright red moon was peeking out from behind the clouds.

＊＊＊

He knew from the start it would be a difficult battle.

Takeru was reminded of how much did he rely on power of magic... how much he relied on Lapis.

Now that he lost the benefit of strengthening magic from Witch-Hunter form, he was about to reach his limit. It was even worse than losing sense of pain as his forcibly-moved body has been coming close to becoming unable to move.

He couldn't do anything about his trembling limbs with his will alone. Occasionally his field of view narrowed and sounds have grown distant as if he covered his ears. Aside from the physical burden, his brain was at its limits.

Even as he protected himself from the demon's claws, his body was slightly blown away.

Although he did brace himself to kill the impact, his trembling legs could not support his body and they folded. He wasn't in pain, but his heart beat fast and he was out of breath.

The demon's arms grew and with sharp nails tried to rupture Takeru.

"——Ghh!"

Unable to avoid or return attack, Takeru tried to use the claymore as a shield.

Using the nanomachines Ikaruga made a shield. Although more than a shield it was more of a simple plate, the blue crystal's antimagic performance was the real thing.

After blocking the attack, Ouka immediately returned fire with handguns. Although it seemed like anti-magic weapons were effective, they did not deal any serious damage. After moving away from the arms that attacked her, the demon has remained inside the barrier and did not try to move outside.

Unable to use Vlad, Ouka tasted the same feelings as Takeru.

"Takeru, you okay?!"

While remaining wary of the demon, Ouka turned her back towards Takeru. Feeling pitiful that he cannot say he's all right, Takeru stood up by using the sword as a support.

"Sorry... I'm holding you guys back..."

"You're the one who's exhausted the most. Don't force yourself."

"Haha... y'know what you're even saying? No choice but to force myself now."

"I guess you're all right if you can waste your breath."

d.a.m.n you, he wanted to respond, but his breathing was so rough he couldn't say a word.

While maintaining a spherical barrier that covered her entire body, the demon prepared some unknown large-scale magic and protected herself from physical attacks with the second set of arms.

The moment anyone approached within ten meters of her, she swung her arms at high speed like whips.

It would be safe to say that it was a perfect defense. Despite being a demon, she fought like a witch.

The ma.s.s of meat the demon was holding in its arms grew even larger and looked reminiscent of a fetus. They had to stop it before it activated.

Although the erosion has stopped, even as the demon was casting the big magic, the leaves falling from the giant tree continued to turn into demon incarnations and attack.

Stopping them, were Mari and Ikaruga. Ikaruga created defensive barriers and Mari wiped out the demons that pa.s.sed through the imperfect barriers. Mari's magic power hasn't recovered in such a short time, so just like with Mother Goose, she inscribed 《Drain》 seal on Ikaruga's body and used magic by absorbing magic power from elf-turned Ikaruga.

While deflecting attacks with whip-like arms, the demon watched their movements.

She took a stance that was completely defensive. The arm-whips with glittering nails were adjusted in our direction and set-up like a snake.

"She's coming, prepare...!"

"Usagi, how much anti-magic bullets you have left?!"

Takeru asked, and in response Usagi, who was kneeling on one knee gave her report.

"Three weiss crystal bullets."

"Focus on one spot. Anti-magic bullets should be able to pierce...!"

Weiss Crystal had the strongest material with the highest anti-magic power. It pierced through normal defenses like they were paper.

Ouka's 《Earl's Fang》 was eroded because it was magical, but a simple physical attacks aren't absorbed and make cracks in the barrier.

If fired at with a rifle and a weiss crystal bullets, it was possible they would break through.

"After Usagi fires all shots... I'll finish her off...!"

Takeru took off his uniform's necktie and wrapped it around his hand on the sword's handle, which was still trembling. After tying it tightly with his teeth, he glared at the demon.

"I'll... hunt that demon down...!"

There was an emotion inside Takeru which told him "not to forgive" the demon. It was probably the Kusanagi blood that was flowing inside his veins. The demon curse that tormented Kiseki all this time was now right in front of him, there was no reason to withhold his anger.

The demon that took shape of that woman in order to give birth to that piece of meat.

He didn't think he could cut down the curse on Kusanagi. It wasn't like the demon inside Kiseki would disappear.

And yet, there was no choice but to defeat it here.

"It's reckless... is what I can't say. Show me what you've got, captain."

Still turned with her back to him, Ouka instigated Takeru. He furrowed his eyebrows and made a bitter smile.

How nostalgic, he thought. They were the words Ouka said to Takeru when they went out on the first mission. They did really well to survive so far.

"We can't hold out much longer! It's up to you, Takeru!"

"To think I would end up becoming a fuel tank... Kusanagi, give me a ma.s.sage once we're home."

Receiving Mari's and Ikaruga's encouragement, Takeru raised the sword.

"I will not miss at this distance. Leave it to me."

Usagi put the second weiss crystal bullet in her mouth and pulled the bolt.

《"Ready any time, Host."》

Having his back pushed by Lapis, Takeru nodded.

He lowered his waist to gather power in it and took a posture twisting his bones and muscles.

Closing his eyes, he slightly loosened his concentration. He stopped controlling the brain functions just a little, releasing the double-edged power.

Sound grew distant, the world has turned slow. Smell disappeared, other sensations in his body were already gone.

When he got rid of everything that obstructed him——Takeru opened his eyes.

"——Let's go!"

""Roger!""

Immediately after, Ouka moved forward.

Rushing in while holding a shield and a handgun she attracted the demon's attacks.

——*hyoop*!

Along with a sound of air being cut, an arm extended like a whip and slashed at Ouka with claws. The blue crystal shield absorbed the attack excellently, though a normal shield would be cut apart like a piece of cake and Ouka would have been blown away by the impact.

And yet, it withstood. Even if just for a short time, it gave them the moment required for victory.

"Saionji!"

While protecting herself from the demon's furious attacks Ouka cried out. Usagi squeezed the trigger, releasing weiss crystal bullet. A sound of bursting has come out and a pure white bullet point approached the barrier.

It landed on the barrier. However, it only caused the barrier to undulate like water's surface and did not break it.

There was no time to feel shaken. Usagi loaded another bullet.

"?!"

While the empty case danced in the air, the demon's arm that had been aiming at Ouka had bent again and stretched for Usagi this time.

Ouka attacked the arms with handguns, but with just a handgun-level of firepower she was unable to change their trajectory.

Takeru didn't move. Retaining his stance he continued to gather strength.

——The reason he didn't move, was because he believed in his comrades.

Momentarily, a mithril wall appeared in front of Usagi. The demon's claw pierced into the mithril wall and it stopped.

It was Ikaruga. Using nanomachines she converted the ground beneath Usagi into anti-magic material and built a wall. In exchange, the barrier she has been maintaining has disappeared. Using nanomachines while maintaining the barrier was s till impossible for Ikaruga.

"Nikaido!"

"I know!"

Mari replied and used Ikaruga's magic power in order to expand a barrier instead of her. The tsunami of Hyakki Yakou demon's incarnations that tried to break through was halted again.

At the same time, Usagi acted. Peeking out from behind the mithril wall in front of her, she fired.

Bullet landed. Of course, right on target. And yet, there was no change in the barrier.

Usagi pulled out the the last bullet from her mouth and put it inside the gun.

She believed. She believed that this one shot will connect them to victory. That's why she did not hesitate.

It's the sniper who always overturns the current battle situation. Next bullet loaded. The demon moved before the last shot was released and attacked Usagi along with bizarre scream.

Usagi didn't move. She focused on firing the bullet.

——Because she believed.

Ouka slipped in from the side to Usagi and prevented the attack with a shield. As a result of blocking it, the blue crystal shield shattered.

The enemy's claws approached Ouka's open belly.

But she did not resolve herself to die or anything.

——Because she believed.

Usagi's beloved gun, Rabbit Fang peeked out from below Ouka's armpit.

Looking only in front, Usagi squeezed the trigger.

The last bullet was fired and flew straight for the barrier.

*CRACKLE*...!

The sound of barrier crumbling had echoed. Usagi's last bullet pa.s.sed through the slight opening in the barrier which cracked away.

It pa.s.sed through the barrier——and pierced into the demon's forehead.

The demon's scream reverberated inside everyone's ears. The claw which was about to slash Ouka had deviated from its trajectory and only scratched her forehead.

However——the demon was alive and the large-scale magic wasn't interrupted. The barrier was also maintained.

While breaking through the barrier, the bullet's power dropped and it wasn't sufficient.

A failure.

No——none of them would give up just because of this.

Everyone in here——believed in him.

"Well done, Usagi."

Usagi smiled proudly as she glared at the demon.

These were the words she heard many times already. This time too, she smiled as if to say "naturally".

Takeru's eyes, who has been standing still behind Usagi, have shined red in the faint darkness.

The strength he gathered has resulted in loud crackling noises, ready for release. He no longer felt pain. Even though his body was broken, his bright eyes showed that his will was not.

He let it out.

The power that defined him——his swordsmanship.

"Unicorn's——Destructive Lance!!"

Kicking off the ground, Takeru set free the gathered energy. Taking advantage of the springs all over his body he charged at Hyakki Yakou.

Inside the slow-motion world Takeru felt his bones crack, but he had no time to bother with that.

Concentrating his power in a single point he struck the barrier. Takeru screwed in the sword inside the gap through which the bullet has pa.s.sed.

With a loud sound, the crackle made by Usagi in the barrier has spread throughout the barrier.

Hyakki Yakou has wound back the arms it used to attack Usagi and Ouka, to use them to push Takeru away from the barrier. But her attack was hindered by Usagi and Ouka.

The sword and the barrier collided, struggling against each other.

It wasn't enough. He needed one more decisive step until the barrier is completely crushed.

Takeru squinted and instructed Lapis.

"Lapis, a kodachi...!"

《"Understood."》

Lapis responded to his order and had a kodachi appear in mid-air.

Takeru caught the kodachi with his left hand and——pierced the crack in the barrier with it.

Taking his hand off the small kodachi stuck in the barrier, he stepped in with his left leg.

"Double-Edged style——Monk with Iron mallet!"

And with strong momentum he thrust his left knee, hitting the handle of the pierced-in kodachi. All in order to spread out the crack and crush the barrier in front of him.

*CRACKLE*... *CRICKLE*...!

Cracks spread through the barrier. Takeru hit twice, thrice in a row with his knee.

"AAAaAaAAaa——rrRGH!"

*CRACKLE*!!

Finally the barrier broke and there was nothing separating the demon and Takeru.

The demon bared her teeth and let out a bizarre scream.

Catching the kodachi that had been released into open air, Takeru sharply squinted.

After pulling back her arms, the demon tried to respond to Takeru who was in front of her. She was fast. Seeing how he broke through the barrier, she must have recognized him as a top priority target to kill.

The distance between them was mere five meters. It was too far for him to reach with a sword, he wasn't close enough and he had to get closer.

Two pairs of claws aimed straight for Takeru's neck. Their reach and speed were higher than his. He was unable to catch up to that speed without strengthening.

However, Kusanagi Double-Edged style was swordsmanship for hunting demons.

It was swordsmanship for countering demons who were stronger, better-built and faster.

Takeru coped with the threat like it was natural.

"——Ghost Light Firefly!"

This was the perfect technique for exchanging blows with a monster while not in Witch Hunter form. Even though Takeru's speed could catch up with the demon's speed, his body could not. That's why he predicted the attacks and received them with the minimum necessary movements.

Then by parrying and utilizing the recoil, he increased the power and speed of his own sword. The stronger the opponent was, the faster the opponent was, the stronger and faster he became.

The demon's claws were tremendously fast and powerful.

However——

"So this is about what's a demon worth...!"

She was overwhelmingly inferior to the enemies Takeru has fought so far. Haunted, Kurogane Hayato, Kusanagi Orochi. The difference between her and those monsters was like heaven and earth.

Kusanagi utilized the demons' power in order to surpa.s.s them. Takeru inherited that blood and that way of life. Normal monsters had no longer any chance of winning against Kusanagi Takeru. Even with just his own body, he had countermeasures against them.

"Don't underestimate the Kusanagi...!"

While increasing his speed as if engraving a rhythm, Takeru howled.

His speed exceeded the demon's speed, his slashes' power surpa.s.sed that of demon's.

Takeru stopped parrying and repelled the demon's claws. Because of the rebound, her arm had been greatly blown away and her bosom was open.

She desperately tried to protect herself. Matching Takeru's attack timing she brought back her both arms and crossed them.

But contrary to the demon's expectations——Takeru's attack didn't follow.

In silence the demon maintained the large-scale magic, unmoving as it defended herself. The moment she released her defense by uncrossing her arms——

"It's over."

——Takeru put the sword in the sheath and lowering his hips he pulled it out all at once.

He reduced the tempo and immediately unleashed a full-body blow. By shifting the timing of the attack he chose the certain opening. Taking to the heart what Orochi had taught him, Takeru used it in practice.

Kusanagi Double-Edged style's Heavenly Demon. The second fastest and certain finisher in the Double-Edged style, right after the secret art.

Thanks to Usagi's bullet piercing through the barrier and hitting the enemy, Takeru understood how strong she was.

There was no need for excessive strength.

——The strike which didn't even let out a sound, has ended in the blink of an eye.

While grasping the pulled out sword, Takeru faced forward with his breathing paused.

The vermilion magic circle expanded beneath the demon had faded away and disappeared without a sound.

While still raising her hands up, the female demon's head has started sliding down and fell to the ground.

Behind him he could tell Ouka and Usagi exhaled.

Takeru too, restarted breathing he had stopped.

——Something touched his cheek.

"——?!"

He immediately raised his head and found what has touched him.

It was——the thing the female demon was trying to activate. Unable to maintain its body, it turned into a melting ma.s.s of flesh. The thing which appeared like a freshly-born fetus took Takeru's head in both hands and brought its dead-looking, huge face closer.

A failure of a demon child. The unknown product of magic that the female demon was trying to activate. It showed its last attempt to resurrect itself into this world.

Takeru couldn't move even though he wanted to.

The reason for that was because his touched cheek has already started its erosion. He could hear the voice of his comrades screaming behind him, but the screams faded away. The erosion wasn't affecting his body.

Takeru felt his consciousness leaving his body.

Before he could understand it was what was called "soul", a voice sounded in his head.

Give it back.

Was that the will of the demon whose body and soul were divided and sealed?

What the demon child desired from Takeru, was his soul.

He had no way to resist. Just like Mari's control over her soul was easily taken away by Sougetsu, he too could do nothing. The soul was absolute and at the same time, uncertain.

Takeru's soul was attracted to the demon child. It was because that was how he ought to be. The demon soul was attempting to return to demon body. That was all.

In the deepest darkness, his existence has been attracted. Throwing his narrow body he flowed into a wide s.p.a.ce. From a dark s.p.a.ce, into a darker s.p.a.ce.

The cramped feeling he had sensed ever since he was a child, disappeared.

The demon soul in human body. That inconsistency was being corrected. If at this rate his soul will combine with demon body, Hyakki Yakou will be truly unleashed. The gathered curse would grow exponentially and it would resurrect with power so mighty, it would be incomparable to the time when it was destroyed several thousands years ago.

Dragged by the soul, as his consciousness as a human was about to disappear and turn back into that of a demon.

Someone caught his arm.

A soul had no arm. And yet, he felt it was grasped by a warm hand.

《"I won't give this person to you."》

A nostalgic voice.

《"As long as I'm here, I won't let you make a single scratch on his soul."》

A voice he was used to hearing.

《"Host's soul is already connected to me. It is no longer yours."》

Although there was no feelings in it, power grew in him just by listening to it.

The consciousness he was losing, was returning.

He was pulled back, back to the cramped s.p.a.ce.

His own, comfortable body.

《"Give him back. This person is my Host. Don't touch him with your filthy hands, monster."》

Yeah... that's right.

Indeed. I won't give it to anyone, I won't let anyone take it.

I'm host yours only, and,

You are a sword, mine alone——Lapis.

——*swishh*...!

At the same time Takeru opened his eyes, he held the handle tied to his hand and thrust it at the piece of meat that was covering him.

The demon let out a filthy scream and squiggled with its tentacles. Apparently while his soul was being pulled in, he was being swallowed by the piece of meat.

His eyes met with the demon child's. He glared back at the demon's red eyes devoid of will, with his own red eyes shining with will.

"As long as we're here, neither Kiseki nor I will let you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds do as you want... Shut up and get lost...! If not, I'll cut you down...!!"

While piercing the sword deeply Takeru twisted the sword to scratch the wound. A scream roared and the demon child grew fangs in survival instinct, then tried to bite Takeru. It wanted desperately to be released from its seal. Takeru whose body entire body aside from his arm were immobilized by the demon flesh had clenched his teeth to endure it.

That's when,

——Takeru, protect yourself!

When he started to lose himself, he heard a voice.

His sharpened consciousness has sensed a presence.

Something was coming directly from above!

《"Host, defense! I'm activating Witch-Hunter form!"》

Ignoring the enemy's characteristic of absorbing magic power, Lapis wrapped Takeru's body with armor. As told to by Lapis with a panicked voice, Takeru pulled out the right arm from inside the demon child and guarded himself upwards.

That moment.

"Kusanagi Double-Edged style——Mantis Slope!"

A tremendous impact a.s.saulted Takeru's sword.

At the same time, the ma.s.s of meat that was covering him was blown away by the shockwave.

Takeru withstood that shockwave and fell on his knees.

Thanks to that, he was released. Takeru raised his head while confirming his body was all right.

And there was,

"...You owe me, Takeru."

There was a girl who muttered that as she confirmed Takeru was safe. He couldn't see her face since it was shadowed, but he opened his mouth and spoke her name.

"Kanaria...——!"

In that moment. The city swallowed by red meat and the giant demon tree have suffered numerous explosions.

"W-what's that...?!"

It looked like flame was spreading.

As tremendous heat and light caused him to squint, a roaring sound pa.s.sed through the sky. He looked up to see what's going on, and saw three aircrafts pulling a tail of smoke behind them as they moved towards the giant demon tree.

"Fighters..."

While Takeru stood there in shock, Kanaria shook off the meat sticking to Lævateinn and made a sullen expression.

"Reinforcements from Inquisition's branch. Kanata persuaded them to come."

"So, they're allies...?"

"Temporarily. There's much more coming."

As Kanaria said that, a sound of rotors came from behind him.

After the fighters retreated from the big tree while avoiding attacks, about thirty combat helicopters and transport helicopters have approached Takeru and others.

Helicopters wiped out the demon incarnations from the surroundings with hydra rockets. The demon incarnations and stretching waves of tentacles have attacked them, but magic barriers have covered helicopters hindering the attacks. Most likely sorcerers and witches from the Heretic Alliance riding in the helicopters were in charge of defense.

Dragoons were released from transport helicopters and the moment they landed, they started battling with incarnations. Following them, late, sorcerers and witches got off and started supporting Dragoons.

It weren't just members of the Heretic Alliance. It was the Inquisition cooperating with Heretic Alliance.

It was an unbelievable sight. Witches and Inquisition temporarily cooperating.

Out of one of three helicopters that came down beside Mari and Ikaruga, showing herself from the boarding hatch was the Heretic Alliance's vice-leader, Oonogi Kanata.

The combat staff of the Heretic Alliance followed Kanata and got down while wary, after which the rescue teams ran up to Mari and Ikaruga. Sage and Yuzuho were also together with them.

"We will maintain this location, everyone cooperate and stop Hyakki Yakou's a.s.sault! Enemy will push again soon, take off immediately after collecting the rescuees! Hurry!"

Holding the intercom against her ear, Kanata gave orders to her subordinates. Accompanied by the rescue team, she walked beside Takeru.

Her grim expression quickly returned to that of a meddlesome big sister.

"Everyone's all right... is what I cannot say, but I'm glad you're alive."

"Oonogi-san... I-is this all your doing?"

"Yes. Hyakki Yakou's directly targeted Shikoku, Kyūshū and Honshū branches, and except for a few forces they were all completely destroyed. The reinforcement team heading for the capital were moving around in confusion so I called them."

Called them. Did Inquisition really cooperate with heretics just because she called them? Takeru wondered.

"Now that the chain of command has collapsed, it matters not whether we are Inquisition or Heretic Alliance. Everyone wants the same, doing something about this situation."

Certainly, it was as Kanata said. In this situation where it seemed like the world was ending, it mattered not whether they were Inquisitors or witches. Both groups had no choice but to cooperate.

A little relieved, Takeru softened his stiff expression.

"...As expected of an ex-EXE member."

"Currently EXE has the role of supervising Inquisitors, so considering the higher-ups are dead even I have the command."

When she said that while puffing up her chest with a "he-hen",

"——You have no commanding authority. You were expulsed from EXE."

A voice came from behind her back.

Kanata's boastful expression collapsed and she made a displeased one.

"...Well, that's true. In fact, if not for this person's recommendation the Inquisition's remaining forces wouldn't moooove..."

She pointed with her thumb backwards.

A man was slowly walking from behind her in Takeru's direction.

"Kurogane-san...!"

When Takeru spoke to him, Hayato frowned and confirmed the situation surrounding them before looking at Takeru. His expression seemed to relax just a little, but he ended up looking down at Takeru with his usual intimidating expression.

"You're safe. It would be troubling if you weren't."

"Kurogane-san, it's great you are okay..."

"I don't need you to worry about me, don't underestimate me."

As usual there was no courtesy, he was a person who conveyed his emotions very briefly. How he appeared when he charged in to fight with Haunted, seemed to be a dream.

"...What about him...?"

"I fulfilled my promise... Is what I would like to say, but I wasn't the one who killed him."

Hayato glanced towards the helicopter. Takeru followed his sight and saw a boy folding his arms as he leaned with his back on the helicopters boarding gate.

Takeru stared at him... at Kyouya, but Kyouya did not match his gaze. Instead, Kyouya made a gesture as if clenching the stars on his shoulder.

With just that, Takeru understood. Kyouya was able to fulfill his revenge.

Takeru felt like he was saved, just a little bit. It was because unable to save Yoshimizu, he felt responsible for Kyouya becoming like this.

With this, Kyouya could finally concentrate on his life. In order not to waste his revenge, Takeru had things to do.

Next, was his turn.

"...Kurogane-san. Sorry for suddenness... but will you listen to my selfish request?"

Raising his knees from the ground, Takeru stood up. Both his arms and legs were trembling furiously, but his body wasn't wasted yet. His soul wouldn't allow it to.

Takeru looked at straight at Hayato.

Hayato also returned a strong gaze.

"Depending on contents. Speak."

"I can't... give you details. Still, please listen to my request."

"No. Speak everything."

Answered immediately, he was refused unless he speaks details.

That's the person Hayato was. Even if Takeru spoke of everything honestly, Hayato wouldn't listen to his request anyway. Hayato would deny Takeru's choice.

However, as Hayato was that kind of a man, Kusanagi Takeru was also stubborn man.

"I'm sorry. I won't. But please listen to me, please."

Lowering his head he forced his wish through. As it was.

Forcing his selfish wish through. That's the kind of man Kusanagi Takeru was. Hayato knew that well, he became aware of it when the two's egos clashed. Even if Hayato continued to ask, Takeru would never ever yield. Hayato once already acknowledged strength of Takeru's ego.

He probably didn't have intention of contending any more. Not wanting to continue with the refusals, he listened to Takeru's request.

"Using the forces we have now, please send me to where Ootori Sougetsu is. If you do, I will take care of the rest."

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

"I will save the world. This is something only I can do."

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

"Leave——the world in my hands."

While aware he was saying something outrageous, Takeru seriously told Hayato his request.

Hayato continued to receive Takeru's gaze, until finally squinting.

"No matter the situation you always prioritize yourself, huh."

"I was told the same by him as well. I am aware."

"Don't think awareness is an excuse."

"...He told me this as well."

Takeru scratched his cheek with a bitter smile.

Still squinting, Hayato continued to stare at Takeru. Takeru too, continued to stare back. Were there any hesitation in his will, Hayato wouldn't agree. Even if it was a bluff, even if it was a lie that he didn't hesitate, Takeru didn't allow himself to look away.

He already decided.

"............I have never cursed my powerlessness this much as I am now."

"?"

Takeru tilted his head, as if to ask for the meaning. He thought that "powerlessness" was a word that had nothing to do with Kurogane Hayato, never ever thought he would hear that word come out of his mouth

"To think a child like you would have to carry that burden..."

Hayato turned his back to Takeru.

"It makes me feel worthless of an adult."

That back was ragged and beat-up, but as big and strong as always.

Takeru had no way of knowing what regrets was he carrying. No one was capable of understanding him.

He knew nothing of the strongest man's weakness. No matter how abnormal inhuman power he held, all alone there were things he couldn't do.

Adults knew of their powerlessness. They knew of what was impossible to do. That's why they were able to guide the reckless kids who knew not of their weakness.

Stimulating their weakness, adults convey strength to the next generation.

Kurogane Hayato cursed himself for only being able to do that. Although he considered the way he was called a Hero Vessel a nuisance, in this long battle he finally noticed his true feelings.

He wanted to be a hero.

How he wanted Takeru to pull out, was a proof that he did wish for that.

He wanted to be the one to save the world and display his strength, be the one to lead the next generation. He, an adult, should have become the sacrifice.

It was Kurogane Hayato's ultimate law.

That's why, having to cast these words made him feel pathetic.

"——I leave the world to you, Kusanagi."

Hayato understood that a sacrifice accompanied Takeru's wish. In this instant he has seen through the fact that Takeru intended to save the world at the expanded of himself.

Moreover, Hayato already cast his words.

Takeru grit these words hardly.

It was way too heavy a burden to carry.

However——he wouldn't be Kusanagi Takeru if he didn't accomplish this.

"Roger. I will save it for sure."

Gritting Hayato's wish in his teeth, he received it as an order from a superior.

Still turned with his back to Takeru, Hayato started walking.

"Oonogi, change of plans. Order the Heretic Alliance to prioritize delivering Kusanagi Takeru to his objective. I will gather Inquisitors."

"...Understood."

After hearing everything Kanata said nothing in response. She only accepted Hayato's request. She probably saw through what Takeru intended. She knew well enough that he had strong enough will to make Hayato break.

Hayato gave orders to Inquisition, Kanata – to Heretic Alliance.

All adults in this place moved for their sake.

Strongly rea.s.sured by them, Takeru quietly said his thanks.

Thank you very much.

"...Takeru, what were you talking about with Captain Kurogane?"

Ouka who was receiving treatment from support team, had come beside him. Mari, Usagi and Ikaruga were together with her. Takeru immediately changed his thinking and to conceal his destiny, he raised his eyebrows and greet his friends.

"Rejoice, everyone. Inquisition and Heretic Alliance will help us out save Kiseki."

"Yeah... I heard the communications from Captain Kurogane. However."

Pushing past Ouka, Mari and Usagi questioned him.

"What do you intend to do about the Chairman? You aren't planning to kill him, are you? Can we trust him? Kusanagi, you heard something, haven't you?"

"I told you I will support you, Takeru, but kind of scheme is that? I can't trust that person!"

The support witches behind them were saying "Don't move so much yet〜" in panic, but the two didn't listen. Bending backwards unconsciously he tried to calm the two.

"I-I didn't hear the details either. Kurogane-san and Oonogi-san apparently have a plan, Chairman... in case that b.a.s.t.a.r.d gets a hold of someone's soul the plan will be revealed, so they told me not to tell anyone..."

For a lie thought up on spot, he thought it was quite convincing, but——

"Whhhaat is that supposed to meaaan?! You agreed on such uncle