Emissary from the Dark Night
October 2, 2026. Friday. 18:53.
UCIA Japan Branch Investigation Base
Ground Base. Cafeteria.
Continuing from yesterday noon, the cafeteria was lively. We had washed off our sweat in the shower. The schoolgirls had changed into casual clothes and gathered in the cafeteria. It was probably the first time this many women were sitting at the table. Chris and I, and the four schoolgirls from Alsard. Including the Chief, that makes seven people. Perhaps being considerate of such a situation, Kamikura and Hayama were having dinner at a different table.
As expected, everyone was surprised by the amount Chris ate. Chris is a little skinnier than the standard body type. But she eats. She just eats. Especially after moving her body intensely in combat training.
”A well-balanced diet is essential for building a body. I won’t say to eat as much as Chris, but everyone should eat meat particularly well.”
Today’s dinner is a steak lunch. The tenderness and taste of the meat satisfied even the two high-class young ladies.
”This is… on par with the steaks we usually eat.”
Matsuyuki-san was impressed.
”Oh. By the way, do you usually eat out a lot?”
The Chief asked.
”No. There haven’t been any dishes worth going out to eat lately. It’s a waste to spend time traveling, so recently we’ve hired a skilled chef at home.”
Matsuyuki-san said casually.
”Matsuyuki-senpai is a gastronome, after all.”
She reacted to Kirimine-san’s words.
”You are similar, aren’t you, Yuika? Although you seem to go to fast food and family restaurants to match Hojo’s level, the quality is too poor, so I wouldn’t really recommend it.”
She seemed to be saying it out of concern, but her words pierced Hojo-san’s heart a little.
”It’s not that Ayuka-chan says she wants to go. It’s just that she accommodates Mayumi-chan, so we end up in places like that――”
Kirimine-san followed up like that. Hojo-san was floating a wry smile.
”Come to think of it, Ayuka-chan――were you called to the staff room again about Mayumi-chan?”
Kirimine-san said worriedly.
”Yeah… It seems she often doesn’t attend classes. I understand what Mayumi is saying, but…”
Hojo-san answered, looking down slightly. To such a Hojo-san, Chris opened her mouth.
”Hey. Is Hojo-san’s younger sister, by any chance, the MAYU-chan who’s been famous in the Japanese fighting game community lately?”
Chris, full of curiosity.
”I didn’t expect――someone from the UCIA to know. My sister is an e-sports scholarship student. She’s been a girl who loves games since she was little…”
According to Hojo-san’s story, in order to improve her skills, she often skips classes and hangs out at fighting game events and arcades in the city. It seems there is a lot to be gained from exchanging information with her peers, and her sister’s argument is that offline interactions are also important. E-sports lounges have also been increasing recently. According to Chris, Hojo-san’s younger sister is quite a celebrity in that community. She also seems to be good at retro arcade games and the like.
”Skipping classes is certainly not a good thing. But if that’s the reason, I feel like it can be accepted to some extent… Seeing that she gets called in frequently, is there perhaps some other reason?”
Matsuyuki-san said so while wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. Her way of eating is also elegant.
”Well, um, it’s embarrassing for me as well, but Mayumi’s grades in theology, or rather, her faith in Goddess Alsard is non-existent, or rather… She seems to have hostility instead… And it frequently comes out in her words as well. That is making the teachers very angry.”
Hojo-san seems to be seriously troubled. Certainly, from Hojo-san’s position, it must be a very serious problem. Hojo-san has excellent grades even in the theology department. She is also a selected member of AMGE. If she safely graduates from the girls’ academy high school section, she is someone who would be granted the rank of priest in the church.
”That is certainly bad. Faith in the Goddess is the foundation of the Alsard Girls’ Academy. Well, if you are troubled by various things, don’t keep it to yourself. If there’s anything I can do to help――I will cooperate.”
Matsuyuki-san spoke so in a slow tone. Personality-wise, she might be similar to the Chief. She appears to act cool on the surface, but seems to be caring.
While having such an exchange, the enjoyable dinner time came to an end. With the pickup car arriving from the church, the schoolgirls prepared to leave the base. However, Tachibana-san was playing a game in the game corner at the back.
”――Aoi. Your ride will be here soon.”
Even as Matsuyuki-san said so, she kept playing with her eyes fixed on the screen. Perhaps because the game’s BGM volume was set rather loud, she might not have heard.
”Ah, Tachibana-san says she wants to play here for a while. The Chief seems to be taking her back later, so you don’t have to worry~.”
Chris answered with a smile.
”――Good grief. I wonder if she is aware that this is a military facility. I’m sorry, but I leave her in your care.”
Matsuyuki-san bowing deeply. Following her, Kirimine-san and Hojo-san also bowed.
The time was passing 21:00. After the schoolgirls went home, I finished my desk work in the office and went to the cafeteria for a break, where Chris and Tachibana-san were still playing games in the game corner at the back. I went to watch them.
”You’re still playing, huh.”
On a display spread across three screens horizontally, two fighter jets were shooting down enemies while dashing through space. Then, along with a warning sound, a large whale-shaped battleship, acting like a boss, appeared.
It was a fierce attack, but the two managed to evade it and safely destroyed the large battleship, then gave each other a small high-five in joy.
”Man~, I’m so happy there’s a schoolgirl who likes retro games this much~. You’ve played this quite a bit, haven’t you, Aoi-chan~. I can tell by watching your movements~.”
”Chris-san, you’re amazing. Your movements are almost perfect. I didn’t think you could master an old model to this extent.”
I had been watching Tachibana-san’s state for a relatively long time today, but I feel like this is the first time I’ve seen her smile this much. Or rather, her expression had been mostly dark. I also feel like she had been somewhat avoiding Matsuyuki-san.
After their play ended, we were drinking coffee at the table.
”My friend used to love that game very much. So I also…”
Tachibana-san said so. She spoke as if nostalgic for the past, but somehow her eyes looked lonely. Since her way of speaking is in the past tense, right now…
”Are you not hanging out with that friend anymore?”
It might be awkward, but I tried asking anyway.
”I haven’t seen Kei-chan for about 7 years now… The last time we played together was when I was in my third year of junior high school.”
Instantly, a heavy silence ran through… As I thought, I shouldn’t have asked. Chris was also at a loss for words.
”U-Um, you know. If you’d like, you can play here during training. And sometimes on my days off, I take Asami and hang out at Hi in Akihabara. If you’d like, let’s go hang out together next time~.”
Chris said so gently and cheerfully.
”――Yes. Thank you very much…”
She said so quietly. However, what is it… I feel like she’s clearly forcing a smile.
The darkness in her heart that Tachibana-san must be carrying might be quite deep…
<To all UCIA staff. An emergency meeting will be held. Everyone, please gather in the Operations Room immediately. I repeat――>
Suddenly, an announcement from VARIS played through the base. Did Tetsuya and the others contact us? No, something about the announcement feels urgent. This is the first time this has happened. My chest feels unsettled.
”I’m sorry. Please take your time and relax here.”
”Aoi-chan, see you later.”
And Chris and I hurried to the Operations Room.
When we entered the Operations Room, Kamikura and Hayama were already on standby.
”What happened? A new incident?”
I sat at the table for now. Chris, perhaps checking something, suddenly started operating her terminal.
”VARIS! What does DEFCON 3 mean!? Tell me all alert information, including the radars of the US Forces Japan and the Self-Defense Forces! What’s happening at Yokota and Yokosuka!?”
Chris, changing her color, skillfully operated her terminal.
<Sensor fusion complete. DEFCON 3 was issued just moments ago to all US Forces Japan, including Yokota Base, Atsugi Base, and Yokosuka Base. A total of two aircraft, an EA-18G and an F-35A, from Misawa Base are scrambling to the Tokyo metropolitan area. A total of four aircraft, F-15EXs and F-22s, from Yokota Base are scrambling.>
(!?)
I doubted my ears at the report from VARIS. What in the world is going on? DEFCON represents the military alert level of the US military. Starting from 5, the alert level gets higher as it approaches 1. DEFCON 3 is a considerably bad situation.
”It’s an emergency, everyone!”
The Chief rushed into the Operations Room in a great panic.
<――The situation has been updated. A fire has broken out at the Sagami General Depot. DEFCON 3 has been issued to the entire US military, including the mainland. Reinforcements are being requested from the Air Defense Command and the Ground Component Command. Combat is currently occurring at the Sagami General Depot. It appears multiple enemies, suspected to be AWs, are attacking the facility.>
”VARIS! Activate Emergency Information Control Mode! Launch all three Astraeas parked at Yokota over here! Two on autopilot to patrol the airspace over Shinjuku. I will manually pilot the other one!”
Chris hurriedly left the Operations Room.
”Chief! I will listen to instructions remotely from the system room! This place might be attacked too. I will prepare for defense with the anti-AW UCAV!”
”――Understood! I’ll hear the details later!”
<Emergency has occurred. Emergency has occurred. Possibility of attack by AWs. Base defense forces are permitted to use all equipment. All personnel, please act according to the emergency manual. I repeat――>
Along with the announcement, a warning sound echoed violently.
”Damn it! The enemy’s movements are too fast! Himemiya, evacuate to the system room anteroom with Tachibana, who is in the cafeteria! From then on, follow Chris’s instructions! Understood!”
Saying so, the Chief threw off the jacket she was wearing.
”Chief! I will also fight after evacuating Tachibana-san!”
Since the enemy has launched an attack, I cannot be the only one to evacuate. But the Chief grabbed me by the collar.
”Don’t be ridiculous! A superior officer’s orders are absolute. As you are now, you’ll only be dead weight! Be aware of your own abilities! The enemy’s target is you!”
The Chief’s angry roar. It’s incredibly frustrating… I clenched my fists and bit my lip.
”Kamikura and Hayama, prepare your equipment in the materials warehouse and intercept the enemy at the front! Stephen and I will head there immediately as well!”
”To think they would launch a simultaneous attack on US military facilities! They’ve really done it now!”
”Hayama! Show absolutely no mercy!”
Leaving the Operations Room with Kamikura and Hayama. I ran to the cafeteria at full speed.
”Tachibana-san! Please evacuate here quickly!”
I thanked Tachibana-san, who intentionally hadn’t moved from that spot.
”What in the world――is going on!?”
”I’ll explain the details later! Come with me!”
I took Tachibana-san and headed straight for the system room anteroom. I hadn’t expected them to launch an attack at this timing. They are also launching an attack on the US Forces Japan facility in Sagamihara. Speaking of the Sagami General Depot, it is a strategically important facility where a large amount of US military supplies are stored. According to VARIS’s information, there are multiple enemies. There is a high possibility that multiple enemies will attack here as well.
<――The situation has been updated. Unidentified objects are rapidly approaching the airspace over Shinjuku. Number: 5. Base defense forces, please establish a defensive line at the entrance. Closing of all bulkheads in the Ground Base connecting passage is complete. Special Agent Asami Himemiya, proceed to the system room immediately. I repeat――>
The situation is changing moment by moment. If five Judgement-level AWs launch an attack, this place certainly won’t hold. We will be annihilated. This is a truly bad situation!
”Tachibana-san! Please stay right here!”
”Himemiya-san. If the opponent is an AW, I will fight too!”
Tachibana-san said so, but in this emergency situation, that cannot be permitted. According to the emergency manual, we must do our utmost to protect civilians. I can’t possibly involve her in a battle.
”I’m sorry. I can’t send a civilian, and a schoolgirl at that, into a battlefield!”
Saying so, I rushed from the anteroom to the system room.
<UCIA Special Agent, Asami Himemiya confirmed. Permission granted to enter the system room.>
The sturdy door opened. I ran down the narrow, dimly lit passage. Eventually, I reached the system room where Chris was.
”Asami! Sit in the cockpit right now! What you have to do is practically the same as remotely operating a surveillance drone!”
I immediately sat inside the VARIS control terminal, which looked like a fighter jet cockpit, put on the helmet, and closed the canopy.
<CBLS (Cybernetics Brain Link System) connection started. Brainwave control sensitivity is good. System link 97%. Commencing connection to UCAV/AWS-XF01.>
The operating system booted up on the VR screen inside the helmet.
”Asami. From now on, I want you to become the eyes of the Astraea I am piloting. I think you can see a 360-degree image centered on your aircraft, but all you have to do, Asami, is watch that image carefully.”
”What do you mean? Just watch…?”
”――Anti-AW Combat UCAV. AWS-XF01 Astraea. A state-of-the-art prototype brought to Yokota from our home country three days ago. It was highly classified, so I couldn’t tell anyone. I was astonished when I saw the data, but in our home country, research into the magic manipulated by AWs has advanced considerably, and they have succeeded in developing an engine that converts special particles existing in the atmosphere into energy. The Astraea is equipped with it. The newly delivered rifles were equipped with the same mechanism, right? The fact that they can miniaturize it to that extent means the basic theory must have been established years ago.”
”I thought it was impossible, but… as I suspected…”
”Though they haven’t yet reached the point of generating massive amounts of energy. It’s strictly supplementary. The Astraea is equipped with avionics (aviation electronics) premised on VARIS’s backup, and a wavelength-type attack prediction and evasion system that incorporates the human sixth sense as a system. I never thought they would deploy it into actual combat this quickly, but… I’m counting on your intuition, Asami!”
<Connection to AWS-XF01 complete. CBLS link strength 83%. Commencing synchronization to radar and fire control system.>
”We’ll be over Shinjuku shortly. Number of enemies: 5. Asami, you just need to carefully observe and sense the enemies. However, you can also use attack weaponry. Two identical aircraft will also engage on autopilot, but I’m leaving the enemies behind us to you, Asami!”
A bird’s-eye view of my aircraft from diagonally above and behind is projected. A radar is displayed on the lower right, and various armament information is aggregated on the lower left. The distance to the five red dots coming from the 12 o’clock direction is getting closer. Close. The distance is less than 20 kilometers. Judging from the movement of the numbers, the enemies are also rapidly approaching us.
”――Look out!”
A terribly bad premonition I suddenly felt. An instant before I shouted that, Chris put the aircraft into a steep dive while rolling it. A split second later, an energy body like a reddish-black bullet of light flying from the front grazed the aircraft.
”――That was close! Your intuition for sensing danger is genuine, Asami! Keep it up!”
Chris charged into the multiple enemy AWs while doing a barrel roll with the aircraft.
”I won’t let you near the Ground Base!”
Countless bullets glowing pale blue are fired from the machine guns attached under both wings of the Astraea. Is it equipped with the same mechanism as the new rifles delivered to the UCIA? The enemy AWs instantly scattered, but perhaps one was hit, as one reaction on the radar disappeared.
<Confirmed loss of one reaction. 4 enemies remaining.>
VARIS is supporting us with voice. It should be hard to visually spot enemy AWs in the bird’s-eye view, but thanks to the system highlighting them, their movements are easy to grasp. In the target camera image, particles like black shadows are swirling, but something like a human wearing a black robe can be faintly seen. The fact that this attack got through means they aren’t Judgement-level AWs. But there is one particularly fast AW.
<Enemy A-1 threat level increasing. No change in threat levels for A-2, A-3, and A-4. Setting A-1 as the priority target.>
Before I knew it, multiple enemy AWs were marked and their threat levels were measured. The fast one is A-1. Is this also calculated based on my senses…?
”Not good! Something’s coming!”
Although Chris closed in on A-1 while turning, she couldn’t quite catch it in range. The enemy’s movements are also considerably fast. Then, a reddish-black energy bullet fired from A-1 lands a direct hit on the Astraea operating on autopilot in the rear.
<Astraea Unit 2 hit. Numerous civilian facilities at the projected crash site. Initiating recovery request.>
Unit 2 falling towards the city of Shinjuku at night while spewing fire. Eventually, when it landed a direct hit on a building, a large explosion occurred. With this scale, considerable damage is expected. The Astraea is a fairly large UCAV. Its size is probably almost the same as a large fighter jet.
”Asami! A-4 is circling around behind us! Engage it!”
”Leave it to me!”
This control is amazing. The screen switches instantly just by thinking about it. I lock onto the AW flying and approaching from behind and pull the trigger. Pale blue bullets fly toward the AW at high speed, but perhaps sensing it, the AW evades them. At that moment, a communication comes in on our end.
<――To friendly aircraft. This is the Special Operations Squadron belonging to Yokota Base. We will now provide cover. We will take on A-2, A-3, and A-4. We leave the high-threat level A-1 to you. We will assist as soon as we finish cleaning up.>
Friendly aircraft from Yokota Base. Two F-22 air superiority fighters. Two F-15EXs. These four aircraft are reassuring. The Astraea is the same, but anti-AW weaponry is probably also equipped on the F-22s and F-15EXs. I can’t hide my surprise that an anti-AW unit also existed in the Air Force.
”We can’t cause any more damage on the ground!”
Chris tails A-1 as if driving it from a low altitude to a high altitude. The enemy moves fast too, but even though this is a UCAV, its performance is almost the same as a fighter jet. No, because it’s unmanned, maneuvers impossible for manned aircraft are also possible. Chris launches a machine gun attack on A-1 while skillfully evading the reddish-black bullets of light it fires occasionally.
<Confirmed loss of enemy A-4 reaction due to attack by friendly aircraft. 3 remaining. Change in enemy AW behavior pattern. A-1, A-2, and A-3 have invaded the Ground Base connecting passage.>
”They got away! They’re coming this way! Asami, get back to the anteroom!”
Chris said so and contacted the friendly aircraft.
”This is Information Controller Christiana Harris of the UCIA. I appreciate the cover from the Black Mobius unit. I urgently request backup for the ground forces.”
<Currently, the anti-AW special forces unit WF (Wolf Fang) is heading to the Sagami General Depot for rescue. They will head your way as soon as things are settled there. Try to hold out until then.>
Along with the end of that communication, the screen switched. It seems it switched to autopilot.
”Asami, go back to the anteroom. I’ll be right there too.”
It seems Chris still has something to do. I got out of the canopy and hurried back to the anteroom.
(…Tachibana-san isn’t here.)
I returned to the anteroom. However, Tachibana-san, who should have evacuated here, was gone… Could she possibly have headed to the entrance to defend it? No good. I can’t be the only one evacuating here. The enemy’s target is me. If I stay here, there’s a high chance they will eventually enter the base. If that happens, I’ll end up involving Chris as well.
<Enemy AWs have breached the closed bulkheads and are rapidly approaching the Ground Base. Base defense forces, Code Red. I repeat――>
I left the anteroom. I headed to the materials warehouse to prepare my equipment. As for weapons, there is the new rifle, but there’s no guarantee the plate carrier can withstand an AW’s attack. But it’s better than not equipping it. There is also body armor, but equipping it would drastically reduce my mobility.
The enemy is right there. In a great hurry, I equipped the plate carrier and headgear, and put spare rifle magazines in my pockets.
Leaving the materials warehouse, I ran down the passage leading to the entrance. Gunshots and explosion sounds could be heard from outside. The engagement has already begun. When I came out to the entrance, it had already turned into a battlefield.
The Chief and the base defense forces were engaging three AWs dancing in the air in the wide space of the rotary. Fire was rising from the parked large UAVs and wheeled armored vehicles. They were the first things to be destroyed.
”Himemiya-san!”
Tachibana-san came running, holding a brilliantly shining longsword in her right hand and wearing a habit. Those are probably the longsword and habit for exorcism used in AMGE. I was surprised, but did she anticipate this situation and bring her equipment――?
”I have bestowed divine protection upon everyone. I wasn’t in time for the defense forces, but please step back inside for now! I will bestow divine protection upon you too, Himemiya-san!”
I wanted her to evacuate to the anteroom, but I no longer had the leeway to say such things. Tachibana-san should be a considerable fighting force against AWs. If she bestowed divine protection upon the Chief and the others, their combat power must have increased considerably. I had evacuated Tachibana-san in accordance with the Chief’s orders and the emergency manual, but right now I don’t know if that decision was correct.
The one thing I can say for sure right now is that unless we combine everyone’s strength, we cannot overcome this critical situation.
”Goddess of Water, Astneia. Bestow your divine protection upon me. Water of heaven and fire of affection, let my praying voice resonate!”
Tachibana-san chanted and bestowed divine protection upon me. The divine protection of the Goddess of Water, Astneia. My body movements became slightly lighter.
It was then. The glass doors of the entrance shattered into pieces. A violent shockwave almost made me lose my balance involuntarily. And an AW clad in intense black particles invaded the base while levitating its body. An intense pressure ran through my body.
”I have come to pick you up… Himemiya Asami.”
A voice mixed with noise that could not be distinguished as male or female echoed directly in my mind. As expected, the enemy’s target is me.
”I won’t let you lay――a single finger on Himemiya-san!”
Tachibana-san standing in front of me and readying her longsword.
”It seems… you didn’t listen to my warning.”
She swiftly swung her longsword. But the AW deployed a Frontal Protection Field (Shield) and completely blocked the attack.
”This time――it’s my turn!”
A large scythe emitting a reddish-black aura instantly appeared from the AW’s right hand. Then, it swung the large scythe down from above aiming at her. Tachibana-san guarded it with her longsword. The attacks of both sides clashing fiercely. I want to assist, but at this point-blank range, I can’t use the rifle on full auto. I would end up involving her.
”――You’re in the way!”
A powerful shockwave was generated from the AW’s thrust-out left hand. Although she readied her longsword and guarded against it with a Frontal Protection Field (Shield), perhaps the power was too strong, as she was blown backward. Being outside the range of the shockwave, I did not miss that opening.
<Charge complete. Energy fill rate 100%.>
”Take this!”
I readied the rifle, captured the AW in the scope, and pulled the trigger. Along with considerable recoil, bullets drawing pale blue trajectories were fired continuously. I took accurate aim and continued pulling the trigger until the magazine was empty.
”――That’s no good. Holding such a dangerous thing.”
Even with a full-auto barrage of all rounds fired at point-blank range, no damage was inflicted on this AW. Everything was nullified by the Frontal Protection Field (Shield) deployed from its left hand. Most likely, A-1, the only one moving quickly in the sky above, is this AW. There’s no time to swap magazines. I threw the rifle behind me and drew my handgun from its holster.
”Get back! Himemiya-san!”
Tachibana-san rushed in from behind with tremendous speed and swung her sword. But the AW blocked the slash with its large scythe.
”――I have no business with you!”
It unleashed a shockwave from its left hand again, and followed up with its large scythe against her as she endured it. She deployed a Frontal Protection Field and guarded with her longsword, but she was blown away by the power. The attack was clearly penetrating the defensive barrier.
It was an instant. The AW circled around behind me. At the same time, an impact ran through both of my hands, and the pain caused me to drop my handgun. Then, the AW held my body with one hand. It’s no use. I am completely immobilized. It’s not arm strength. My movements are sealed by a powerful, invisible force.
”Let’s have you behave now. Lord ‘Judgement’ is waiting. Please cease your futile resistance.”
”――Himemiya-san!”
She, who had been blown away, stood up and readied her longsword again. But she couldn’t launch an attack because of me, who was captured like a hostage.
”Behave yourself… Do not irritate me any further!”
A red magic circle floated up from the AW’s right hand. Not good!
”Tachibana-san! Look out!”
The moment the magic circle increased its red brilliance, a powerful reddish-black bullet of light was fired at her. Perhaps it landed a direct hit, as a violent impact transmitted over here as well.
”……”
The AW was wary for a while of her, who seemed to have collapsed after sustaining terrible damage, and then, still levitating, it carried me in its arms and went out from the entrance to the rotary outside. Incredible speed. In an instant, we ascended right above our comrades who were engaging outside the base.
”Himemiya!”
Kamikura’s voice echoed in the underground space. The base’s defense forces were almost completely annihilated. The Chief and the others, who had received divine protection from Tachibana-san, were barely surviving, but they looked to have taken considerable damage. They were bleeding from various places. However, two women wearing black robes were also lying there covered in blood.
”――Don’t shoot! You’ll hit Himemiya!”
The Chief called for a halt to the firing. The few surviving defense force members looked confused. The Chief, Kamikura, Hayama, and Stephen readied their rifles and took aim all at once.
”My name is ‘Death’. The one who reaps foolish lives… I will have you all――disappear together right here and now!”
The words of ‘Death’ echoing directly in my head. A tremendous chill ran through me. Everyone’s lives here are in danger!
”Everyone, run away right now! Hurry!”
I shouted instantly. Sensing that, everyone started evacuating into the base all at once. However, just as Tachibana-san emerged from inside the base covered in scratches, she immediately deployed a large magic circle at her feet, forming a large Omnidirectional Protection Field (Barrier).
”White moon and the darkness of night. Countless swords descending from pitch black. Let the blades of judgment that tear through everything rain down!”
No good. The chant is finishing.
(!?)
It was then. The amethyst ring worn on my right hand began emitting an intense light, and the AW lost its balance from that light. My body suddenly became lighter. The invisible force that was holding me down stopped working. Not missing that momentary opening, I unleashed an overhead kick with all my might aimed at the head of ‘Death’.
”――Curse you!”
When the kick landed a direct hit on the head of ‘Death’, the strength of ‘Death’ holding me weakened, and I fell from the air. From this height, it won’t be a problem if I can land properly. If it was my bare body, I probably wouldn’t get off with just broken bones if I messed up, but perhaps because divine protection had been bestowed upon me, I felt absolutely no danger to my life.
”Eh…?”
At that moment, my body suddenly became lighter. Being gently caught in someone’s arms, I descended slowly to the ground just like that.
”――Are you alright? Himemiya-san.”
”A-Asagiri-san…”
The one who gently caught me as I fell and set me down was Asagiri-san.
”――Please leave the rest to me. It’s not on the level of ‘Judgement’, but that is a quite powerful AW.”
Asagiri-san, clad in the church’s glittering habit, levitated to the same height as ‘Death’.
”――Leave. I will not permit any further outrage. And swear right here and now that you will never lay a hand on her again. If you cannot do that, I will strike you down right here.”
Asagiri-san’s voice echoing directly in my head… It was different from her usual calm, clear voice. It was a low, quiet voice filled with anger.
”The ’Messiah’ of Alsard… You cursed pawn of the Goddess. My name is ’Death’. You would do well to remember it.”
Saying so, ’Death’ emitted a dazzling red light and vanished in an instant…