Arc 8: Vincent Vollachia
Arc 8, Chapter 9 "Decide to Love"
--The retreat from the Imperial City of Lupgana.
Even though they decided it was a necessary decision, it was the biggest change since the beginning of the empire.
Not only did the emperor allow the "enemy" to march on the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Capital, which is the emperor's knee, but the emperor had to abandon the castle and the capital and flee, and his authority could not be spared from a loss.
It's more likely--,
"Since we don't know what that creepy bastard will do, I think it's best that you make the right decision."
"Kakakakka! It's unheard of for an emperor to abandon his castle and run away, isn't it? At least, I've never heard of it until I was this age."
"Don't laugh, General Olbart! When I think of His Excellency's feelings...... I think of myself! I am sure that under your command, I will retake the castle and the Imperial Capital! I will surely, under your command, recapture the castle and the Imperial City!"
"Wahwaaah, are you gonna run away? I'm sure yooou're quick to judge! Bokah, I'm not thinking of crushing the enemy, so I think that's a good direction to go."
And no one was there to say no to Vincent's decision.
This point is worth mentioning because the positions were assigned on the basis of practical ability rather than on the basis of loyalty. Although there were some rebellions because of differences in ideas because of this, ultimately the most important person in his heart had betrayed him, so the slight difference in loyalty was only an error.
Anyway, let the retreat begin.
"Olbart Dunkelkenn, go and buy yourself some time. If left unchecked, Mogro Hagane will be killed sooner rather than later. --We can't let them breach the reservoir yet."
"Good grief, I'm sure you're going to get a lot of use out of the old man. Goz would be fine, wouldn't he?"
"Lightness and agility are the true nature of the Shinobi. Don't fight them, just do your job."
"......I'm telling you, if you focus on flying, even I can't catch you, okay?"
Overhead, the dead Balleroy Temeglyph flies, tearing through the sky of the Imperial Capital. Hearing Olbart implicitly tell him of the troublesome nature of his opponent, Vincent still entrusted his role to the monstrous old man, saying that the skill of the best flying dragon rider in the Vollachia empire was still alive and well.
Olbart is right, the same role could be played by Goz, although he may not be suitable for the job.
However, there is a role that Goz needs to do if they are to talk about suitability. This loud, hot-headed "general" is unusually trusted by the generals.
That's why,
"Goz Ralfon, take advantage of your insane voice volume. From now on, all we need is manpower to retreat from the Imperial Capital. We will follow the generals who have scattered around."
"Hah! Leave it to me, Sir! Now!!"
With a nod or two, the upper-body naked Goz jumped onto a pile of rubble close at hand. There, taking a deep breath, Goz gave voice to a world roaring with the battle of the giant mogros.
A ridiculously huge voice objects to the shaken air of the Imperial City.
"--Hear me, Sword-Wolves of Vollachia!! We the Sword-Wolves are commanded by His Excellency Vincent Vollachia! Obey my voice! Obey!!"
When Goz's order, loud like the sound of a magic stone cannon shell, was issued, Vincent, who had his ears covered, looked at Olbart as if he were testing him. Olbart, who was also covering his ears, shook his head loosely,
"I can't do that. I'm not the right person for the right job."
With just that, Olbart's figure ascends to the heavens, leaving behind a shadow.
The old man ran up the wall of the Crystal Palace, which was cracked by the aftermath of the battle, and jumped to Mogro's huge body on the way up.
Olbart said that it was like a flying opponent that was out of reach, but with the secret arts unknown to the Shinobi's armament, they would probably have a myriad of ways to counter it.
If the monstrous old man joined the front, it would reverse some of the mogul's inferiority complex.
"Sir, is there anything you want us to do?"
"--. How many of you 'stargazers' are around?"
While Goz is gathering people, Vincent asks Ubilk, who is not available. Ubilk responds, "I seeee," while holding up the fingers of his hands to his cheeks,
"As far as I can tell, there are twenty-seven oooof us."
"There are more than expected. Then go around opening the doors of the residences from one end to the other. The emperor and his soldiers will abandon the Capital. If they remain in the city, they will be throwing away their lives."
"Yes, sir! This is it, thiiiis is it. I wanted to do this...... a stance against the "Great Calamity" with the entire Vollachia Empire."
"Do it fast."
Vincent exhaled, dismissing Ubilk, who could not contain his excitement, with an abhorrent sigh as the true meaning of his role as a "stargazer" was fulfilled.
Then he looks at Berstetz, who is silent so as not to disturb their thinking and contemplation.
The ringleader of the civil war--the man who was one side of Chisha Gold and who brought chaos to the empire by ousting Vincent from the throne.
"You've been very quiet."
"In the present situation, having two directive heads can only be a seed of confusion. If the sword-wolf were born in a two-headed form......"
"Is it your job to take the other's head off?"
"I will gladly give you my old head if you need it."
With his hands clasped behind his back, Berstetz nonchalantly states his own resolve.
He is a man who is far from armed to fight, but what burns inside him is the pride of being a man of the empire. Vincent does not believe that Berstetz rebelled out of a lust for power, nor does he believe that the words he just uttered were a stopgap excuse.
Plain and simple, the driving force of Berstetz is his devotion to the empire.
That is why, if he sees a crisis in the empire, he will immediately let go of his previous policies and plans, and will not hesitate to stand on the same side as Vincent in this way.
"When Goz Ralfon and the 'stargazers' and others are ready, we will begin our retreat as soon as possible. Berstetz Fondalfon, have your say. Don't take too long."
"--Your Excellency, follow your own thoughts if you must retreat."
"----"
Vincent asked for a short statement of opinion, to which Berstetz responded.
Although his words were enigmatic, Berstetz did not want to mislead Vincent. After a moment of contemplation, Vincent understood the truth of his words.
To trace one's thoughts is to say the thoughts of Vincent Vollachia.
--That is, the thought that Chisha Gold followed until just now.
"If General Chisha has been aiding the usurpation of the throne with his own private person, on behalf of His Excellency, for his own reasons, then......"
"He was supposed to guess what the 'Great Calamity' would be and prepare for it."
"It is as you see it. And it is something that only Your Excellency, the Emperor, can realize, and that only You, the Emperor, can realize."
Closing one eye at Berstetz's words, Vincent ponders.
He understands the opinion expressed by the Prime Minister. --No, it is reasonable. Even without the advice of Berstetz, Vincent would have come to the same conclusion if he had taken his time, but he shortened it.
Chisha risked his own life and remained on the throne in the form of Vincent. And what if he left Vincent something more than a "destination" that was supposed to be interrupted?
It is--,
"--Your Excellency! All the generals have returned with the faces of soldiers! What do you think?"
Just as Vincent's thoughts were getting there, Goz jumped wildly from the pile of rubble.
If you look around, you will see that the Imperial soldiers are gathering one after another around them, clanging their swords and armor--a group of sword-wolves. They must have been confused and anxious at this unprecedented situation. However, when they heard the call of the "Lion Knight" Goz Ralfon, and learned that the Emperor of Vollachia was waiting for them, their expressions and their way of being tightened.
"----"
It is a terribly horrifying and hateful way to be a human being in an empire.
But in order to fight the disaster that would eventually come, the sword-wolf must not forget his hunger. Vincent looked up over his head in retrospect, thinking that these were the years and months that had been spent for this purpose.
To accumulate national strength, to maintain the discipline and morale of the soldiers, and to leave behind an empire that would be able to withstand the calamity. --He has no intention of leaving it as it is.
"Mogro Hagane! Don't let the tramps use the magic cannon! As long as you keep that promise, I will grant you your wish!"
"----"
It is impossible to tell if the utmost possible vocalization reached Mogro, who is in the midst of fighting the most powerful creature in the world right now, the dragon.
However, that praiseworthy "Metia" listens sincerely to what people say. He looked as if he didn't even know where his ears were, but he trusted him there.
Then, having skipped his instructions to the assembled "generals", Vincent lowered his gaze and looked around at the faces of the generals gathered around him.
He continues, looking at those sword-wolves, whose will to fight is undiminished.
--If Chisha Gold has fulfilled all of Vincent Vollachia.
"We are leaving the Imperial City! We are heading northwest to the fortified city of Garkla!!"
He said loudly that there must be some measures left in the land to fight against the "Great Calamity".
△▼△▼△▼△
--The battle for the future of the Vollachia Empire had changed shape, and both the Imperial soldiers and the rebels who made up the battlefield were beginning to realize it.
The degree of confusion that spread throughout the area, and the change in its hue, was remarkable, and the sword-wolves, who were fascinated by the battle and therefore sensitive to its flavor, sensed the intervention of tactless intentions.
Then, when the commanding officer's order came in, the slightly cooler heads and competitive instincts of those who had been honestly exchanging contraries changed their minds.
With this, the two sides, which until just a few moments ago were engaged in a battle of swords, ceased to be enemies and became a pack of wolves, with the titles of "Imperial Soldier" and "Rebel" painted on their faces as "Imperial People".
At the time, Vincent Vollachia and Serena Dracroy had just raised their voices as commander-in-chief in the Imperial Capital and in the siege of the city, respectively.
However, the changes that everyone in the empire perceived, the circumstances that compelled them to move. There is still a battlefield that burns red hot and consumes everyone, regardless of any of these things.
--The "Spirit Eater" Arakiya, the first pinnacle of her protection, and her opponents were Priscilla Barielle and Yorna Mishigure, the opulent and bewitching matriarchs.
"--I love you."
While the world is dominated by red radiant flames, Yorna, who has lit a fire in one of his own eyes, dashingly kicks the ground.
The hem of her kimono was flipped glossily, and when Yorna's long legs, tall for a woman, touched the ground, the next moment the earth rose up and aided her sprint, both in speed and momentum.
This is not the Demon City of Chaos Flame, but only the land surrounding the Imperial City, the knee of the Emperor of Vollachia.
Far away, beyond the memories of a past that has become distant, both as Yorna Mishigure and as Sandra Benedict, she once hoped for an Imperial Capital that seemed far away.
That Imperial city, holding hands with a man who is so noble and of such a different status that she is afraid to whisper that she loves him, with something that is never within her reach.
Yorna's "Soul Marriage Technique" can only be granted to one's loved ones.
--If so, how can Yorna not love this land that she loved so much and her love for that person that will never fade away?
"--And I was robbed."
Iris, a young girl who fell in love with the then Emperor of Vollachia, known as the "King of Thorns".
Many praised the "King of Thorns" and blessed their future together for the bravery, intelligence, and health of the girl who decided to shelter, support, and travel the road with him for the sake of the emperor who was forced off his throne.
However, that future lost its perfect ending due to the treachery of the earth rats, who were deceived by a wily wicked man who skillfully manipulated their sweet talk, and the wolves, whose merit and conceit were taken advantage of by the wolves.
The paradise that the "King of Thorns" was supposed to build was forsaken to build the promised world, and the emperor, ruled by delusion, connected the soul of the girl who was supposed to disappear to the soil of the empire with the blood of traitors.
Since then, Iris has been reborn again and again, changing her name and appearance.
She loved someone, was loved by someone, and lived on.
But at the same time, she couldn't help but love this Vollachia Empire, only the land of the empire. Perhaps she hated it because it was so far away from her dream.
But, however, such things were trivial compared to what was truly important.
"--I love you."
She doesn't have to decide if she can love them, just that she will.
It is not an empire with only happy memories. Happiness and unhappiness have been two sides of the same coin, both when she was Iris and throughout her many lifetimes after she was no longer Iris.
The same is true for Yorna's beloved children who live in the Demon City--sometimes she is choked up with love, and sometimes she is angry at their cheekiness.
"--All shall be of the same fullness."
Yes, the burning earth cheers when 'love' engages with a sound in Yorna.
The ground, which was only supposed to catch the foot that was stamping on the ground, began to rampage in a good mood, and the bouncing earth served as a foothold for Yorna, throwing her high into the sky.
Spinning around, Yorna's thick-soled heel falls into Arakiya in the air.
By assimilating it with the surrounding atmosphere, Arakiya tried to penetrate it. However, Yorna's kick burst through the brown skin that should have slipped through.
"--ah?"
Her shoulder exploded from the kick, and Arakiya gasped a little from the impossible impact.
Arakiya's body, which had been assimilated by either fire, wind, or shadow, exploded upon impact, and her expression, which had rarely displayed such fiery emotion, was colored with pain and surprise.
For Arakiya, who had been making the most of her "spirit-eater" trait to gain an advantage in her battles with all kinds of enemies, the blow came as a bolt from the blue.
But Yorna is neither surprised nor satisfied with the fact that it hit her. She raises her upper body using her heel as a fulcrum, swings the flue held by her slender fingers, and unleashes a follow-up shot.
"Eh, ah, wa"
The sound of something hard hitting flesh is continuous, and Arakiya's expression is distorted in rapid succession.
A thin voice escapes from Arakiya's throat, as if she cannot comprehend what she is being subjected to. It is an attitude that rejects the fact of suffering rather than the suffering itself.
Why, asks Yorna, to both of Arakiya's eyes that are wide open, even the one that is not visible.
"If there is love there, tactless frankness is meaningless."
"Love......?"
"Are you the foster sister of my ill-disciplined daughter?"
Yorna's answer, with a beaming smile, filled Arakiya's face with incomprehension.
When she receives an answer, her cheeks harden when she doesn't understand the answer, and Arakiya escapes the freely flying sky at high speed, causing a wave of natural phenomena that looks like a natural disaster.
Yorna, which is in the hollow, has no way to avoid its onslaught of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
"And that was before we made peace with the Empire."
Spinning words from her loosened lips, Yorna runs through the air on a foothold of the earth that rises one after another.
If we decide to love the Vollachia empire as a whole, with its many resentful and happy feelings, we will respond to Yorna's affection and the earth's ardent shoulder will continue to be a part of it.
Yorna once again came within a whisker of Arakiya, ducking a rain of fire, a spear of water, a great wave of wind, and a slash of light at every turn.
The advantage of the earth reaching where Yorna stepped out, the advantage of Arakiya being in the air no longer worked for Yorna, who inevitably reaches the same height.
"--uwah"
It identifies with spirits in the atmosphere and is permeable to enemy attacks.
Arakiya, whose evasion is a habit, was slow to react to the approaching danger of Yorna and took a kick to her smooth-skinned exposed torso squarely in the face.
The destructive force penetrates the back side of Arakiya's body, shaking the world of flame, which is reddened by the great wind she had identified with.
"--ngh"
Finally, pain is etched on Arakiya's face, overcoming her surprise.
Definitely a sign that Yorna's attacks are putting Arakiya on the back foot. It is a trend that can be proud of dominance and victory so far, but Yorna was not optimistic either.
Because--,
"I don't care about you......!"
Cheeks contorted in pain and anger, Arakiya gripped and slammed a tree branch into Yorna.
It is a simple, unremarkable item that was simply picked up and never breaks even in the midst of natural disasters, and like a great sword treasure, it demonstrates its true value in the hands of a "spirit eater".
Yorna catches the swinging branch with a smoking pipe along her upraised arm. The edge of her mouth quivers slightly, and the two ladies stare at each other at close range.
"Kh......"
The power of the received tree branch, it made Yorna's throat moan through the smoking pipe.
Yorna's "Soul Marriage Technique" can transfer pain and wounds to a favorite item that she has worn. Naturally, it is a secret art that requires a reasonable amount of attachment and backing.
However, Yorna's hairpins, earrings, and obi clasps, all of which were donated by her beloved child, a resident of the Demon City, have not disappeared. Nevertheless, Yorna herself suffered pain.
The answer is simple and clear--love is never a one-way street.
"--I love you."
If they decide to love the empire, which is a mixture of love and hate, and if they decide to discipline Arakiya, which has fallen into hostile relations with them, they must aim to be compatible with each other instead of imposing love unilaterally.
This was the opposite of the original use of Yorna Mishigure's "Soul Marriage Technique".
△▼△▼△▼△
"----"
In the air, Yorna and Arakiya face off in a fierce battle.
Priscilla, who held the dazzling "Yang Sword" in her hand while carrying a flame in one eye, the proof of being loved, frowned at the sight of her mother and infant sisters clashing without obstacles.
As a user of the same "Soul Marriage Technique", she understands the logic behind what Yorna is doing.
But because they are also users of the "Soul Marriage Technique," Priscilla could also understand the forbidden nature of what Yorna was doing.
"You focus only on the strengths of your art, and pay no heed to its weaknesses. You too, mother, are reckless."
The mechanism by which Yorna ignored Arakiya's characteristics as a "spirit eater" and allowed her own attacks to pass through was solved at first glance, but it required the precise handling of secret techniques and the readiness to receive wounds herself.
The "Soul Marriage Technique", which both Priscilla and Yorna handle with impunity, is a secret art that requires such rare talent that no heir has emerged in history, and requires a miraculous sense of equilibrium for practical use.
Early on, Yorna's attempt was a risky gamble that would not only prevent the attack from reaching Arakiya, but could even sever her connection with the loved ones who had given her gifts.
"----"
Priscilla is neither foolish nor heartless enough to turn her head and wonder why Yorna would take that risky gamble and face Arakiya.
For the sake of Priscilla, Yorna took on that taboo.
--Priscilla to prevent a situation in which she would have to take Arakiya into her own hands.
"With my concubine's Yang Sword, I don't have to go through the same crisis as your mother did."
Cutting what you want to cut and burning what you want to burn are the essence of the characteristics of the "Yang Sword".
When its true value is demonstrated, the white flame can deliver Priscilla's slash without regard to its characteristics, even to Arakiya, which has all natural phenomena on its side.
It allows the attacker to reach the opponent while maintaining the effect of "Soul Marriage Technique".
This is exactly what Priscilla and Arakiya did in the first act of their reunion after nearly a decade, and Priscilla could not have conceived of the same trickery under the circumstances.
So Yorna is fighting in front of Priscilla like that, smacking her on the head.
"Such as hitting my concubine on the head......"
It was tempting to quip, "You think you're a mother", but that's exactly what it was.
Looking back on her own mind, Priscilla reflected that before Yorna poked her in the head with a smoking pipe, she was indeed in an uncharacteristic state of feverish excitement.
She knew that she had to take matters into her own hands.
However--,
"--Is this the fate of the 'Spirit Eater'?"
It is inevitable that a created race such as Arakiya would be endowed with specially distorted characteristics.
In order to handle strong power, one must pay an appropriate price. The same is true of Priscilla's "Yang Sword" and "Soul Marriage Technique", not to mention Arakiya's "spirit-eating" power.
Of course, Priscilla was told what kind of being she was born to be when she followed Arakiya. She even did her own research. However, she was not careful enough.
The result of giving Priscilla, a pillar to Arakiya, who cannot stand without a place to stand on.
"If a sunbeam like my mistress hides, the world is as good as closed in darkness."
For ten years, Arakiya lived in a world closed to darkness.
Or did not someone, even if it was impossible for someone else to serve as Priscilla's replacement, did someone cast even a ray of light on the fading of the light?
When she decided not to take Arakiya, she wished it had been Vincent.
"It's impossible."
Frowning at her own thoughts, Priscilla dismissed the idea.
She was mistaken when she was Priscilla--Prisca, then a young and bright girl. She thought her brother could entrust her, but that was a false idea.
Whenever the Imperial siege is steered in such a radical direction, and whenever she learns of the strength of the "Nine Divine Generals" other than Arakiya gathered by her brother, Vincent Vollachia, she realizes. She understands.
Vincent was going to fight something very different and greater than rebellion.
And he had no intention of surviving at the end of the battle. When the battle was over, to whom did he intend to entrust the throne he had lost?
He could not change the direction of Arakiya's loyalty for the sake of that someone else.
"Nonsense."
Everything is built up on the board on the table and the world is constructed accordingly as a matter of fact.
That is Vincent's strength, but no matter how good his wits are, if his envisioned perfection is wrong, the distortion of the constructed world will be undeniable.
He will pay for that unawareness one day. Or maybe he will receive it in this battle, but--.
"We have been apart for ten years. Enough, brother, you should leave your sister alone."
Priscilla steps forward, rubbing dishonor on her opponent who is not present here.
The sky is tinged red with flames, and the earth is raging at the mercy of the "Flamboyant". It is as if heaven and earth are all refusing the intervention of Priscilla, the sun.
But to such a hubristic world, however, Priscilla Barielle--No, the daughter who was Prisca Benedict, has only one word to say.
"--The world is made to suit the mistress."
△▼△▼△▼△
It was wrong then to describe what Arakiya felt as humiliation or disgrace.
Humiliation is not without a name that can be disgraced with contrition.
Shame is not without pride, which is humiliated by falling behind.
Arakiya had no attachment to the name or to pride of any kind.
He is the most honorable general in the empire, the highest rank of "Number Two" in the "Nine Divine Generals" except for Cecilus, who is said to be completely wrong, and is an absolute strongman with the "spirit-eater" characteristic that is unparalleled not only in the empire but in the entire world.
Despite being blessed with the status and ability that so many people want so badly, they could never become the "pillars" that support Arakiya.
Like a beast in the field, Arakiya defines herself as such.
A beast that lives by hunting other creatures has no pride in its fangs and claws. --No, Arakiya just thinks so, but do beasts have their own pride and style?
If so, then Arakiya's self-perception is far from even a beast.
Fire, wind, water, earth, light, shadow, and untouchable phenomena.
An event in which there is no intervention of the will, only the realization of the desired thing.
Arakiya wanted to be a phenomenon, neither human nor beast.
She wanted the phenomenon to be, just as she did not feel humiliated or embarrassed.
If that's the case--,
"I am--"
Arakiya tries to cope with the attack like the sword forest barrage being unleashed, but she can't cope with it. However, he could not cope with it. The wind was caught and the blows left pain and weight inside Arakiya.
A cry of anguish escapes, and Arakiya's face is distorted with grief. In her battles as a "spirit-eater", she does not often have to experience pain. However, she is not weak against pain.
Arakiya has already experienced all kinds of pain and suffering as a child.
In order to obtain this "spirit-eater" trait, the adults around her tried every conceivable technique, ticked and repeated it to Arakiya.
She is not afraid of pain. She doesn't cower, remembering the past.
But the fact of being delivered was greater than the pain for Arakiya.
The fire will not hurt or even die if it is extinguished by water.
Is Arakiya nothing but a fire that causes pain and death when it is extinguished by water?
Arakiya was afraid of being denied herself that it could not be a phenomenon.
"I--"
"--Shut up."
Rushed by frustration, she tried to speak up, but her opponent's slap popped her in the face.
The power of the attack obliterated Arakiya from the neck up, who was assimilated by the flames, and although it quickly regained its original form, the pain was still there, as was the injury to Arakiya's psyche.
In order to resist what seems to be neither humiliation nor disgrace, but rather a denial of her existence, Arakiya rises to the ground as if to cling to herself and turns her palm toward Yorna, who jumps on her.
She doesn't know how it works, but both Prisca and Yorna were letting Arakiya's attacks escape somewhere. As soon as Yorna sealed that technique, the opponent's attack began to reach Arakiya, and at the same time, Arakiya's attack began to reach Yorna.
"--"
Just one shot, one blow.
Yorna herself has raised the level of her physical abilities, either through unknown techniques, magic, or artifice, but if she does not use techniques that allow her to escape damage, then Arakiya's attacks will pass straight through.
If only it would hit--,
"The Princess and......!"
If she can get rid of Yorna out of the way, it will be just her and Prisca.
As long as that happens, surely it will all fall into place again.
"If you want something, it's more constructive to go get it than to wait, right?"
Yes, Todd also said that.
Todd's words strangely resonated strongly with Arakiya.
She doesn't think it is because of convenience or because of human favoritism.
Todd's words were devoid of any emotion toward Arakiya. That was comforting. Just as one does not love fire or water, Todd thought nothing of Arakiya.
To be treated so vacantly was Arakiya's salvation.
So--,
"----"
A tree branch in his hand, it burns from the butt to the tip at once, turning into black dust.
The branch is just something she picked up and has no special power. It is merely a clear marker that defines where Arakiya directs her power when she tries to use her power.
The fact that that wooden stick burned out was a sign that it had unleashed a firepower that did not need to be contradicted.
The "Spirit Eater" Arakiya, reputed to be the most powerful in the empire, had only ever unleashed her maximum firepower in a skirmish with Cecilus Segmunt.
The attack on Cecilus caused no damage, but Vincent, the emperor, was told that a second attack would not be tolerated because of Arakiya's outrageous act of burning the northern part of the Capital to the ground. Later, at the suggestion of Chisha, the burnt field was reused as a reservoir, but the blow was powerful enough to rewrite the map.
"--The world is made to suit the mistress."
--The slash of a single voice, full of dignity and confidence, drowned it out.
The blink of the "Yang Sword" swallowed the flames that were supposed to scorch the world black.
Prisca jumped up beside Yorna, her long, beautiful hair shattered by the hot wind, her flame-lit eyes, her unlit eyes, and her twin eyes reflecting Arakiya.
And then--,
"Mother."
The moment her lips moved, Yorna turned behind Prisca and unleashed a ferocious kick.
Prisca, who had her own foot on the sole of the released kick and converted the momentum of the kick into her own forward force, shot out and approached Arakiya at a speed that could be mistaken for light.
Prisca then raised the "Yang Sword" in her hand,
"Arakiya."
With that single word, she seals all of Arakiya's body movements and flashes.
The reflexive defensive action of Arakiya, the evasion that identifies with the atmosphere, and everything else was twisted and crushed, and Prisca's flash mercilessly pierced her entire body.
"----"
Arakiya's consciousness is cut off.
Ironically, it was cut off, just as it was when the northern part of the Imperial Capital was burned to the ground, just as it was hit by Cecilus's flash right after it unleashed its maximum firepower.
Only, at the end, it was heard.
"The concubine's Yang Sword slashes what it wants to slash, burns what it wants to burn. --And strikes what it wants to strike."
As she said it, the falling Arakiya did not realize that Prisca had swung the "Yang Sword" --Not its blade, but its hilt at her.
△▼△▼△▼△
--The boy laughs. He always laughs, no matter what time of day it is.
Even if the sky changes color, the earth cracks violently, the world is struck by a natural disaster never seen before with those blue eyes, and unprecedented events confront him, he will laugh.
Am I crazy? Aah, I'm crazy.
Am I drunk? Aah, I'm drunk.
Not in battle, not in drunkness, not in color, not in blood.
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, drunken, drunken, drunken, that boy keeps laughing.
Otherwise--,
"--Well, what busy person wouldn't want to see a boring actor on stage?"
Tears can spill over for nothing. But is it possible to laugh for nothing?
If so, then laughter is the beginning of something. Laughter means the beginning of a story.
I don't care if it is a story that has already begun or a story that starts here.
Laughing is a sign that you are ready to go on stage, so the boy defines it.
Therefore--,
"Please, by all means, try to laugh. We've done all the preparation and made all the arrangements. It would feel better if you laughed so hard!"
"----"
"Are you wondering why I'm here? If you think that one of your people disobeyed you or talked to you, you are mistaken! I've only come this far on a hunch!"
He claps his hands and smiles radiantly, stomping the ground with his Zori and looking good.
Behind him was the watertight wall of the reservoir, cracked and still flowing with water, and the boy standing there--Before Cecilus Segmunt's eyes was the figure of the enemy.
It is--,
"I'm torn as to what to do with you. --Deliberation: Required."
--It was a short "witch" with a large number of dead people behind her.
Arc 8, Chapter 9 "Decide to Love"
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--The retreat from the Imperial City of Lupgana.
Even though they decided it was a necessary decision, it was the biggest change since the beginning of the empire.
Not only did the emperor allow the "enemy" to march on the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Capital, which is the emperor's knee, but the emperor had to abandon the castle and the capital and flee, and his authority could not be spared from a loss.
It's more likely--,
"Since we don't know what that creepy bastard will do, I think it's best that you make the right decision."
"Kakakakka! It's unheard of for an emperor to abandon his castle and run away, isn't it? At least, I've never heard of it until I was this age."
"Don't laugh, General Olbart! When I think of His Excellency's feelings...... I think of myself! I am sure that under your command, I will retake the castle and the Imperial Capital! I will surely, under your command, recapture the castle and the Imperial City!"
"Wahwaaah, are you gonna run away? I'm sure yooou're quick to judge! Bokah, I'm not thinking of crushing the enemy, so I think that's a good direction to go."
And no one was there to say no to Vincent's decision.
This point is worth mentioning because the positions were assigned on the basis of practical ability rather than on the basis of loyalty. Although there were some rebellions because of differences in ideas because of this, ultimately the most important person in his heart had betrayed him, so the slight difference in loyalty was only an error.
Anyway, let the retreat begin.
"Olbart Dunkelkenn, go and buy yourself some time. If left unchecked, Mogro Hagane will be killed sooner rather than later. --We can't let them breach the reservoir yet."
"Good grief, I'm sure you're going to get a lot of use out of the old man. Goz would be fine, wouldn't he?"
"Lightness and agility are the true nature of the Shinobi. Don't fight them, just do your job."
"......I'm telling you, if you focus on flying, even I can't catch you, okay?"
Overhead, the dead Balleroy Temeglyph flies, tearing through the sky of the Imperial Capital. Hearing Olbart implicitly tell him of the troublesome nature of his opponent, Vincent still entrusted his role to the monstrous old man, saying that the skill of the best flying dragon rider in the Vollachia empire was still alive and well.
Olbart is right, the same role could be played by Goz, although he may not be suitable for the job.
However, there is a role that Goz needs to do if they are to talk about suitability. This loud, hot-headed "general" is unusually trusted by the generals.
That's why,
"Goz Ralfon, take advantage of your insane voice volume. From now on, all we need is manpower to retreat from the Imperial Capital. We will follow the generals who have scattered around."
"Hah! Leave it to me, Sir! Now!!"
With a nod or two, the upper-body naked Goz jumped onto a pile of rubble close at hand. There, taking a deep breath, Goz gave voice to a world roaring with the battle of the giant mogros.
A ridiculously huge voice objects to the shaken air of the Imperial City.
"--Hear me, Sword-Wolves of Vollachia!! We the Sword-Wolves are commanded by His Excellency Vincent Vollachia! Obey my voice! Obey!!"
When Goz's order, loud like the sound of a magic stone cannon shell, was issued, Vincent, who had his ears covered, looked at Olbart as if he were testing him. Olbart, who was also covering his ears, shook his head loosely,
"I can't do that. I'm not the right person for the right job."
With just that, Olbart's figure ascends to the heavens, leaving behind a shadow.
The old man ran up the wall of the Crystal Palace, which was cracked by the aftermath of the battle, and jumped to Mogro's huge body on the way up.
Olbart said that it was like a flying opponent that was out of reach, but with the secret arts unknown to the Shinobi's armament, they would probably have a myriad of ways to counter it.
If the monstrous old man joined the front, it would reverse some of the mogul's inferiority complex.
"Sir, is there anything you want us to do?"
"--. How many of you 'stargazers' are around?"
While Goz is gathering people, Vincent asks Ubilk, who is not available. Ubilk responds, "I seeee," while holding up the fingers of his hands to his cheeks,
"As far as I can tell, there are twenty-seven oooof us."
"There are more than expected. Then go around opening the doors of the residences from one end to the other. The emperor and his soldiers will abandon the Capital. If they remain in the city, they will be throwing away their lives."
"Yes, sir! This is it, thiiiis is it. I wanted to do this...... a stance against the "Great Calamity" with the entire Vollachia Empire."
"Do it fast."
Vincent exhaled, dismissing Ubilk, who could not contain his excitement, with an abhorrent sigh as the true meaning of his role as a "stargazer" was fulfilled.
Then he looks at Berstetz, who is silent so as not to disturb their thinking and contemplation.
The ringleader of the civil war--the man who was one side of Chisha Gold and who brought chaos to the empire by ousting Vincent from the throne.
"You've been very quiet."
"In the present situation, having two directive heads can only be a seed of confusion. If the sword-wolf were born in a two-headed form......"
"Is it your job to take the other's head off?"
"I will gladly give you my old head if you need it."
With his hands clasped behind his back, Berstetz nonchalantly states his own resolve.
He is a man who is far from armed to fight, but what burns inside him is the pride of being a man of the empire. Vincent does not believe that Berstetz rebelled out of a lust for power, nor does he believe that the words he just uttered were a stopgap excuse.
Plain and simple, the driving force of Berstetz is his devotion to the empire.
That is why, if he sees a crisis in the empire, he will immediately let go of his previous policies and plans, and will not hesitate to stand on the same side as Vincent in this way.
"When Goz Ralfon and the 'stargazers' and others are ready, we will begin our retreat as soon as possible. Berstetz Fondalfon, have your say. Don't take too long."
"--Your Excellency, follow your own thoughts if you must retreat."
"----"
Vincent asked for a short statement of opinion, to which Berstetz responded.
Although his words were enigmatic, Berstetz did not want to mislead Vincent. After a moment of contemplation, Vincent understood the truth of his words.
To trace one's thoughts is to say the thoughts of Vincent Vollachia.
--That is, the thought that Chisha Gold followed until just now.
"If General Chisha has been aiding the usurpation of the throne with his own private person, on behalf of His Excellency, for his own reasons, then......"
"He was supposed to guess what the 'Great Calamity' would be and prepare for it."
"It is as you see it. And it is something that only Your Excellency, the Emperor, can realize, and that only You, the Emperor, can realize."
Closing one eye at Berstetz's words, Vincent ponders.
He understands the opinion expressed by the Prime Minister. --No, it is reasonable. Even without the advice of Berstetz, Vincent would have come to the same conclusion if he had taken his time, but he shortened it.
Chisha risked his own life and remained on the throne in the form of Vincent. And what if he left Vincent something more than a "destination" that was supposed to be interrupted?
It is--,
"--Your Excellency! All the generals have returned with the faces of soldiers! What do you think?"
Just as Vincent's thoughts were getting there, Goz jumped wildly from the pile of rubble.
If you look around, you will see that the Imperial soldiers are gathering one after another around them, clanging their swords and armor--a group of sword-wolves. They must have been confused and anxious at this unprecedented situation. However, when they heard the call of the "Lion Knight" Goz Ralfon, and learned that the Emperor of Vollachia was waiting for them, their expressions and their way of being tightened.
"----"
It is a terribly horrifying and hateful way to be a human being in an empire.
But in order to fight the disaster that would eventually come, the sword-wolf must not forget his hunger. Vincent looked up over his head in retrospect, thinking that these were the years and months that had been spent for this purpose.
To accumulate national strength, to maintain the discipline and morale of the soldiers, and to leave behind an empire that would be able to withstand the calamity. --He has no intention of leaving it as it is.
"Mogro Hagane! Don't let the tramps use the magic cannon! As long as you keep that promise, I will grant you your wish!"
"----"
It is impossible to tell if the utmost possible vocalization reached Mogro, who is in the midst of fighting the most powerful creature in the world right now, the dragon.
However, that praiseworthy "Metia" listens sincerely to what people say. He looked as if he didn't even know where his ears were, but he trusted him there.
Then, having skipped his instructions to the assembled "generals", Vincent lowered his gaze and looked around at the faces of the generals gathered around him.
He continues, looking at those sword-wolves, whose will to fight is undiminished.
--If Chisha Gold has fulfilled all of Vincent Vollachia.
"We are leaving the Imperial City! We are heading northwest to the fortified city of Garkla!!"
He said loudly that there must be some measures left in the land to fight against the "Great Calamity".
△▼△▼△▼△
--The battle for the future of the Vollachia Empire had changed shape, and both the Imperial soldiers and the rebels who made up the battlefield were beginning to realize it.
The degree of confusion that spread throughout the area, and the change in its hue, was remarkable, and the sword-wolves, who were fascinated by the battle and therefore sensitive to its flavor, sensed the intervention of tactless intentions.
Then, when the commanding officer's order came in, the slightly cooler heads and competitive instincts of those who had been honestly exchanging contraries changed their minds.
With this, the two sides, which until just a few moments ago were engaged in a battle of swords, ceased to be enemies and became a pack of wolves, with the titles of "Imperial Soldier" and "Rebel" painted on their faces as "Imperial People".
At the time, Vincent Vollachia and Serena Dracroy had just raised their voices as commander-in-chief in the Imperial Capital and in the siege of the city, respectively.
However, the changes that everyone in the empire perceived, the circumstances that compelled them to move. There is still a battlefield that burns red hot and consumes everyone, regardless of any of these things.
--The "Spirit Eater" Arakiya, the first pinnacle of her protection, and her opponents were Priscilla Barielle and Yorna Mishigure, the opulent and bewitching matriarchs.
"--I love you."
While the world is dominated by red radiant flames, Yorna, who has lit a fire in one of his own eyes, dashingly kicks the ground.
The hem of her kimono was flipped glossily, and when Yorna's long legs, tall for a woman, touched the ground, the next moment the earth rose up and aided her sprint, both in speed and momentum.
This is not the Demon City of Chaos Flame, but only the land surrounding the Imperial City, the knee of the Emperor of Vollachia.
Far away, beyond the memories of a past that has become distant, both as Yorna Mishigure and as Sandra Benedict, she once hoped for an Imperial Capital that seemed far away.
That Imperial city, holding hands with a man who is so noble and of such a different status that she is afraid to whisper that she loves him, with something that is never within her reach.
Yorna's "Soul Marriage Technique" can only be granted to one's loved ones.
--If so, how can Yorna not love this land that she loved so much and her love for that person that will never fade away?
"--And I was robbed."
Iris, a young girl who fell in love with the then Emperor of Vollachia, known as the "King of Thorns".
Many praised the "King of Thorns" and blessed their future together for the bravery, intelligence, and health of the girl who decided to shelter, support, and travel the road with him for the sake of the emperor who was forced off his throne.
However, that future lost its perfect ending due to the treachery of the earth rats, who were deceived by a wily wicked man who skillfully manipulated their sweet talk, and the wolves, whose merit and conceit were taken advantage of by the wolves.
The paradise that the "King of Thorns" was supposed to build was forsaken to build the promised world, and the emperor, ruled by delusion, connected the soul of the girl who was supposed to disappear to the soil of the empire with the blood of traitors.
Since then, Iris has been reborn again and again, changing her name and appearance.
She loved someone, was loved by someone, and lived on.
But at the same time, she couldn't help but love this Vollachia Empire, only the land of the empire. Perhaps she hated it because it was so far away from her dream.
But, however, such things were trivial compared to what was truly important.
"--I love you."
She doesn't have to decide if she can love them, just that she will.
It is not an empire with only happy memories. Happiness and unhappiness have been two sides of the same coin, both when she was Iris and throughout her many lifetimes after she was no longer Iris.
The same is true for Yorna's beloved children who live in the Demon City--sometimes she is choked up with love, and sometimes she is angry at their cheekiness.
"--All shall be of the same fullness."
Yes, the burning earth cheers when 'love' engages with a sound in Yorna.
The ground, which was only supposed to catch the foot that was stamping on the ground, began to rampage in a good mood, and the bouncing earth served as a foothold for Yorna, throwing her high into the sky.
Spinning around, Yorna's thick-soled heel falls into Arakiya in the air.
By assimilating it with the surrounding atmosphere, Arakiya tried to penetrate it. However, Yorna's kick burst through the brown skin that should have slipped through.
"--ah?"
Her shoulder exploded from the kick, and Arakiya gasped a little from the impossible impact.
Arakiya's body, which had been assimilated by either fire, wind, or shadow, exploded upon impact, and her expression, which had rarely displayed such fiery emotion, was colored with pain and surprise.
For Arakiya, who had been making the most of her "spirit-eater" trait to gain an advantage in her battles with all kinds of enemies, the blow came as a bolt from the blue.
But Yorna is neither surprised nor satisfied with the fact that it hit her. She raises her upper body using her heel as a fulcrum, swings the flue held by her slender fingers, and unleashes a follow-up shot.
"Eh, ah, wa"
The sound of something hard hitting flesh is continuous, and Arakiya's expression is distorted in rapid succession.
A thin voice escapes from Arakiya's throat, as if she cannot comprehend what she is being subjected to. It is an attitude that rejects the fact of suffering rather than the suffering itself.
Why, asks Yorna, to both of Arakiya's eyes that are wide open, even the one that is not visible.
"If there is love there, tactless frankness is meaningless."
"Love......?"
"Are you the foster sister of my ill-disciplined daughter?"
Yorna's answer, with a beaming smile, filled Arakiya's face with incomprehension.
When she receives an answer, her cheeks harden when she doesn't understand the answer, and Arakiya escapes the freely flying sky at high speed, causing a wave of natural phenomena that looks like a natural disaster.
Yorna, which is in the hollow, has no way to avoid its onslaught of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
"And that was before we made peace with the Empire."
Spinning words from her loosened lips, Yorna runs through the air on a foothold of the earth that rises one after another.
If we decide to love the Vollachia empire as a whole, with its many resentful and happy feelings, we will respond to Yorna's affection and the earth's ardent shoulder will continue to be a part of it.
Yorna once again came within a whisker of Arakiya, ducking a rain of fire, a spear of water, a great wave of wind, and a slash of light at every turn.
The advantage of the earth reaching where Yorna stepped out, the advantage of Arakiya being in the air no longer worked for Yorna, who inevitably reaches the same height.
"--uwah"
It identifies with spirits in the atmosphere and is permeable to enemy attacks.
Arakiya, whose evasion is a habit, was slow to react to the approaching danger of Yorna and took a kick to her smooth-skinned exposed torso squarely in the face.
The destructive force penetrates the back side of Arakiya's body, shaking the world of flame, which is reddened by the great wind she had identified with.
"--ngh"
Finally, pain is etched on Arakiya's face, overcoming her surprise.
Definitely a sign that Yorna's attacks are putting Arakiya on the back foot. It is a trend that can be proud of dominance and victory so far, but Yorna was not optimistic either.
Because--,
"I don't care about you......!"
Cheeks contorted in pain and anger, Arakiya gripped and slammed a tree branch into Yorna.
It is a simple, unremarkable item that was simply picked up and never breaks even in the midst of natural disasters, and like a great sword treasure, it demonstrates its true value in the hands of a "spirit eater".
Yorna catches the swinging branch with a smoking pipe along her upraised arm. The edge of her mouth quivers slightly, and the two ladies stare at each other at close range.
"Kh......"
The power of the received tree branch, it made Yorna's throat moan through the smoking pipe.
Yorna's "Soul Marriage Technique" can transfer pain and wounds to a favorite item that she has worn. Naturally, it is a secret art that requires a reasonable amount of attachment and backing.
However, Yorna's hairpins, earrings, and obi clasps, all of which were donated by her beloved child, a resident of the Demon City, have not disappeared. Nevertheless, Yorna herself suffered pain.
The answer is simple and clear--love is never a one-way street.
"--I love you."
If they decide to love the empire, which is a mixture of love and hate, and if they decide to discipline Arakiya, which has fallen into hostile relations with them, they must aim to be compatible with each other instead of imposing love unilaterally.
This was the opposite of the original use of Yorna Mishigure's "Soul Marriage Technique".
△▼△▼△▼△
"----"
In the air, Yorna and Arakiya face off in a fierce battle.
Priscilla, who held the dazzling "Yang Sword" in her hand while carrying a flame in one eye, the proof of being loved, frowned at the sight of her mother and infant sisters clashing without obstacles.
As a user of the same "Soul Marriage Technique", she understands the logic behind what Yorna is doing.
But because they are also users of the "Soul Marriage Technique," Priscilla could also understand the forbidden nature of what Yorna was doing.
"You focus only on the strengths of your art, and pay no heed to its weaknesses. You too, mother, are reckless."
The mechanism by which Yorna ignored Arakiya's characteristics as a "spirit eater" and allowed her own attacks to pass through was solved at first glance, but it required the precise handling of secret techniques and the readiness to receive wounds herself.
The "Soul Marriage Technique", which both Priscilla and Yorna handle with impunity, is a secret art that requires such rare talent that no heir has emerged in history, and requires a miraculous sense of equilibrium for practical use.
Early on, Yorna's attempt was a risky gamble that would not only prevent the attack from reaching Arakiya, but could even sever her connection with the loved ones who had given her gifts.
"----"
Priscilla is neither foolish nor heartless enough to turn her head and wonder why Yorna would take that risky gamble and face Arakiya.
For the sake of Priscilla, Yorna took on that taboo.
--Priscilla to prevent a situation in which she would have to take Arakiya into her own hands.
"With my concubine's Yang Sword, I don't have to go through the same crisis as your mother did."
Cutting what you want to cut and burning what you want to burn are the essence of the characteristics of the "Yang Sword".
When its true value is demonstrated, the white flame can deliver Priscilla's slash without regard to its characteristics, even to Arakiya, which has all natural phenomena on its side.
It allows the attacker to reach the opponent while maintaining the effect of "Soul Marriage Technique".
This is exactly what Priscilla and Arakiya did in the first act of their reunion after nearly a decade, and Priscilla could not have conceived of the same trickery under the circumstances.
So Yorna is fighting in front of Priscilla like that, smacking her on the head.
"Such as hitting my concubine on the head......"
It was tempting to quip, "You think you're a mother", but that's exactly what it was.
Looking back on her own mind, Priscilla reflected that before Yorna poked her in the head with a smoking pipe, she was indeed in an uncharacteristic state of feverish excitement.
She knew that she had to take matters into her own hands.
However--,
"--Is this the fate of the 'Spirit Eater'?"
It is inevitable that a created race such as Arakiya would be endowed with specially distorted characteristics.
In order to handle strong power, one must pay an appropriate price. The same is true of Priscilla's "Yang Sword" and "Soul Marriage Technique", not to mention Arakiya's "spirit-eating" power.
Of course, Priscilla was told what kind of being she was born to be when she followed Arakiya. She even did her own research. However, she was not careful enough.
The result of giving Priscilla, a pillar to Arakiya, who cannot stand without a place to stand on.
"If a sunbeam like my mistress hides, the world is as good as closed in darkness."
For ten years, Arakiya lived in a world closed to darkness.
Or did not someone, even if it was impossible for someone else to serve as Priscilla's replacement, did someone cast even a ray of light on the fading of the light?
When she decided not to take Arakiya, she wished it had been Vincent.
"It's impossible."
Frowning at her own thoughts, Priscilla dismissed the idea.
She was mistaken when she was Priscilla--Prisca, then a young and bright girl. She thought her brother could entrust her, but that was a false idea.
Whenever the Imperial siege is steered in such a radical direction, and whenever she learns of the strength of the "Nine Divine Generals" other than Arakiya gathered by her brother, Vincent Vollachia, she realizes. She understands.
Vincent was going to fight something very different and greater than rebellion.
And he had no intention of surviving at the end of the battle. When the battle was over, to whom did he intend to entrust the throne he had lost?
He could not change the direction of Arakiya's loyalty for the sake of that someone else.
"Nonsense."
Everything is built up on the board on the table and the world is constructed accordingly as a matter of fact.
That is Vincent's strength, but no matter how good his wits are, if his envisioned perfection is wrong, the distortion of the constructed world will be undeniable.
He will pay for that unawareness one day. Or maybe he will receive it in this battle, but--.
"We have been apart for ten years. Enough, brother, you should leave your sister alone."
Priscilla steps forward, rubbing dishonor on her opponent who is not present here.
The sky is tinged red with flames, and the earth is raging at the mercy of the "Flamboyant". It is as if heaven and earth are all refusing the intervention of Priscilla, the sun.
But to such a hubristic world, however, Priscilla Barielle--No, the daughter who was Prisca Benedict, has only one word to say.
"--The world is made to suit the mistress."
△▼△▼△▼△
It was wrong then to describe what Arakiya felt as humiliation or disgrace.
Humiliation is not without a name that can be disgraced with contrition.
Shame is not without pride, which is humiliated by falling behind.
Arakiya had no attachment to the name or to pride of any kind.
He is the most honorable general in the empire, the highest rank of "Number Two" in the "Nine Divine Generals" except for Cecilus, who is said to be completely wrong, and is an absolute strongman with the "spirit-eater" characteristic that is unparalleled not only in the empire but in the entire world.
Despite being blessed with the status and ability that so many people want so badly, they could never become the "pillars" that support Arakiya.
Like a beast in the field, Arakiya defines herself as such.
A beast that lives by hunting other creatures has no pride in its fangs and claws. --No, Arakiya just thinks so, but do beasts have their own pride and style?
If so, then Arakiya's self-perception is far from even a beast.
Fire, wind, water, earth, light, shadow, and untouchable phenomena.
An event in which there is no intervention of the will, only the realization of the desired thing.
Arakiya wanted to be a phenomenon, neither human nor beast.
She wanted the phenomenon to be, just as she did not feel humiliated or embarrassed.
If that's the case--,
"I am--"
Arakiya tries to cope with the attack like the sword forest barrage being unleashed, but she can't cope with it. However, he could not cope with it. The wind was caught and the blows left pain and weight inside Arakiya.
A cry of anguish escapes, and Arakiya's face is distorted with grief. In her battles as a "spirit-eater", she does not often have to experience pain. However, she is not weak against pain.
Arakiya has already experienced all kinds of pain and suffering as a child.
In order to obtain this "spirit-eater" trait, the adults around her tried every conceivable technique, ticked and repeated it to Arakiya.
She is not afraid of pain. She doesn't cower, remembering the past.
But the fact of being delivered was greater than the pain for Arakiya.
The fire will not hurt or even die if it is extinguished by water.
Is Arakiya nothing but a fire that causes pain and death when it is extinguished by water?
Arakiya was afraid of being denied herself that it could not be a phenomenon.
"I--"
"--Shut up."
Rushed by frustration, she tried to speak up, but her opponent's slap popped her in the face.
The power of the attack obliterated Arakiya from the neck up, who was assimilated by the flames, and although it quickly regained its original form, the pain was still there, as was the injury to Arakiya's psyche.
In order to resist what seems to be neither humiliation nor disgrace, but rather a denial of her existence, Arakiya rises to the ground as if to cling to herself and turns her palm toward Yorna, who jumps on her.
She doesn't know how it works, but both Prisca and Yorna were letting Arakiya's attacks escape somewhere. As soon as Yorna sealed that technique, the opponent's attack began to reach Arakiya, and at the same time, Arakiya's attack began to reach Yorna.
"--"
Just one shot, one blow.
Yorna herself has raised the level of her physical abilities, either through unknown techniques, magic, or artifice, but if she does not use techniques that allow her to escape damage, then Arakiya's attacks will pass straight through.
If only it would hit--,
"The Princess and......!"
If she can get rid of Yorna out of the way, it will be just her and Prisca.
As long as that happens, surely it will all fall into place again.
"If you want something, it's more constructive to go get it than to wait, right?"
Yes, Todd also said that.
Todd's words strangely resonated strongly with Arakiya.
She doesn't think it is because of convenience or because of human favoritism.
Todd's words were devoid of any emotion toward Arakiya. That was comforting. Just as one does not love fire or water, Todd thought nothing of Arakiya.
To be treated so vacantly was Arakiya's salvation.
So--,
"----"
A tree branch in his hand, it burns from the butt to the tip at once, turning into black dust.
The branch is just something she picked up and has no special power. It is merely a clear marker that defines where Arakiya directs her power when she tries to use her power.
The fact that that wooden stick burned out was a sign that it had unleashed a firepower that did not need to be contradicted.
The "Spirit Eater" Arakiya, reputed to be the most powerful in the empire, had only ever unleashed her maximum firepower in a skirmish with Cecilus Segmunt.
The attack on Cecilus caused no damage, but Vincent, the emperor, was told that a second attack would not be tolerated because of Arakiya's outrageous act of burning the northern part of the Capital to the ground. Later, at the suggestion of Chisha, the burnt field was reused as a reservoir, but the blow was powerful enough to rewrite the map.
"--The world is made to suit the mistress."
--The slash of a single voice, full of dignity and confidence, drowned it out.
The blink of the "Yang Sword" swallowed the flames that were supposed to scorch the world black.
Prisca jumped up beside Yorna, her long, beautiful hair shattered by the hot wind, her flame-lit eyes, her unlit eyes, and her twin eyes reflecting Arakiya.
And then--,
"Mother."
The moment her lips moved, Yorna turned behind Prisca and unleashed a ferocious kick.
Prisca, who had her own foot on the sole of the released kick and converted the momentum of the kick into her own forward force, shot out and approached Arakiya at a speed that could be mistaken for light.
Prisca then raised the "Yang Sword" in her hand,
"Arakiya."
With that single word, she seals all of Arakiya's body movements and flashes.
The reflexive defensive action of Arakiya, the evasion that identifies with the atmosphere, and everything else was twisted and crushed, and Prisca's flash mercilessly pierced her entire body.
"----"
Arakiya's consciousness is cut off.
Ironically, it was cut off, just as it was when the northern part of the Imperial Capital was burned to the ground, just as it was hit by Cecilus's flash right after it unleashed its maximum firepower.
Only, at the end, it was heard.
"The concubine's Yang Sword slashes what it wants to slash, burns what it wants to burn. --And strikes what it wants to strike."
As she said it, the falling Arakiya did not realize that Prisca had swung the "Yang Sword" --Not its blade, but its hilt at her.
△▼△▼△▼△
--The boy laughs. He always laughs, no matter what time of day it is.
Even if the sky changes color, the earth cracks violently, the world is struck by a natural disaster never seen before with those blue eyes, and unprecedented events confront him, he will laugh.
Am I crazy? Aah, I'm crazy.
Am I drunk? Aah, I'm drunk.
Not in battle, not in drunkness, not in color, not in blood.
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, drunken, drunken, drunken, that boy keeps laughing.
Otherwise--,
"--Well, what busy person wouldn't want to see a boring actor on stage?"
Tears can spill over for nothing. But is it possible to laugh for nothing?
If so, then laughter is the beginning of something. Laughter means the beginning of a story.
I don't care if it is a story that has already begun or a story that starts here.
Laughing is a sign that you are ready to go on stage, so the boy defines it.
Therefore--,
"Please, by all means, try to laugh. We've done all the preparation and made all the arrangements. It would feel better if you laughed so hard!"
"----"
"Are you wondering why I'm here? If you think that one of your people disobeyed you or talked to you, you are mistaken! I've only come this far on a hunch!"
He claps his hands and smiles radiantly, stomping the ground with his Zori and looking good.
Behind him was the watertight wall of the reservoir, cracked and still flowing with water, and the boy standing there--Before Cecilus Segmunt's eyes was the figure of the enemy.
It is--,
"I'm torn as to what to do with you. --Deliberation: Required."
--It was a short "witch" with a large number of dead people behind her.
