Chapter 80: The Beginning of the Battle

A sudden surge of light filled the air. Squinting against the glare, Misono Mika narrowed her eyes.

"Ah—what…? Sensei, that thing…!?"

"It's all right now."

"Huh—what…?"

It was such an unbelievable statement that she froze. Unsteady on her feet, Mika scanned the area, but the massive figure had already vanished.

"Sensei, what in the world did you—wait…?"

She tried to approach him, but her battered body wouldn’t cooperate. Losing balance, she stumbled forward.

"Ah…! …Huh?"

"Mika, are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah… Sensei, what’s going on right now?"

A large, warm hand supported her back and knees. She didn’t even need to look—she knew exactly what kind of carry this was. The kind meant for nobles or damsels in distress. No, no, that wasn’t the point! She tried to think straight, but her foggy mind only spun in circles.

"You were about to fall."

"I… I can tell that much, but that’s not what I meant…"

His expression didn’t change, and Mika couldn’t bring herself to press further.

"…Sigh. So, Sensei, what are you planning to do now?"

"First, I need to get you to the Rescue Knights."

"And from there?"

Mika pointed toward the catacombs’ entrance with a finger bent and dripping blood. Her last attack had caused the collapse, sealing the passage completely.

"Ah—r-right, that’s true…"

"More importantly—how did you even get in here?"

"When I arrived, it was already collapsing. I just barely managed to squeeze through."

"…So that’s why you look so beat up. You never think things through, do you?"

"Ugh…"

Mika’s eyes flattened into a cold, deadpan stare. Sensei could practically feel it stabbing into him. Even so, he started thinking.

If too much time passed without their return, Asiri was supposed to come this way—that was part of the plan. They’d even accounted for cave-ins; according to Mayumi, the others had tools prepared for excavation if needed.

But now, every second mattered. The evacuation of the Arius students was almost complete. Atsuko’s so-called “contract” had been fulfilled. There was nothing left binding Kirihana Suou.

"…You really can’t help yourself, Sensei."

As his train of thought stalled, Mika stirred in his arms.

"Mika, you shouldn’t move yet—"

"Ahaha, maybe you’re right. This is probably my limit."

She tapped her legs lightly to test her strength. Then, using her teeth, tore off part of her outer jacket and wrapped it around her barely moving left arm.

"Don’t push yourself. You can barely stand."

"You say that, but you’d be in trouble if I didn’t do something, wouldn’t you?"

"…"

Her eyes burned with determination. He knew there was no stopping her now.

"You’re relying on everyone, right, Sensei? You can rely on me too. But this’ll be the last time… once it’s over, I’ll probably collapse."

"…"

"Sensei. Suou-chan, and everyone else—please, save them. I’ll be waiting back in Trinity District."

"…Yeah. Leave it to me."

She tightened the makeshift bandage and secured a bomb to it, pouring the last of her mystical energy inside. Once she used it, her strength would be gone—she’d barely have enough power left to stay alive, no stronger than an ordinary student.

"Here I go…!"

Ignoring everything else, she stepped forward—deep, deep forward—and slammed her frail, broken fist.

"I can make it back alone… but that girl can’t… Sensei… I’m counting on you…"

"…Yeah."

And with that, she carved a path leading to the surface.

---

Meanwhile, far away—at Trinity District.

"So tell me again—why the hell are we just sitting here waiting around?"

"…"

Members of the Arius Branch School and the Supplementary Lessons Department were currently in contact.

This task had been assigned by Kashiwano Mayumi. With Asiri busy controlling that yellow bird, the job of negotiating with the Arius students had fallen to the Supplementary group instead.

"First Squad Leader, honestly—"

"Quiet. Shio, you’re sure that message came from Joumae Saori?"

"Yes, definitely. These people are allies… my sister arranged it."

Her sister—meaning Kirihana Suou. Mentioning Suou’s name made Shio far too easy to sway, which both Sau and Yako regretted when they put her in charge of communications.

"As I’ve said repeatedly—the squad’s escape has been delayed. Kirihana-san went to help but was attacked by those black-clad students."

"Black students… the Justina Council of Saints, huh…"

In theory, Beatrice shouldn’t have been able to command the Council after the rewritten contract. Yet reports from Arashisaki Fili and Sakabo Shio, who were present during its manifestation, suggested that both Beatrice and even the Arius teachers had used it. And on top of that—

"Tch. Useless after all. So they’ve countered it, huh…?"

None of the Arius students could summon the Council anymore. That technique they’d once been so proud of—hoping to use it for their advantage—had proven unstable and untrustworthy. No one wanted to rely on it now.

"Yeah… the Council… not many left… and none strong… but still, they used them…"

"Fine then. All the more reason we should go back them up. Wouldn’t that solve the problem faster?"

Finally losing patience, Akae Sau spoke up.

"The decision rests with the squad leader. There could be unknown risks involved."

"And what guarantee do we have that the squad leader’s decision is the right one?"

"Are you saying my sister is wrong!?"

"H-Hey now! Let’s not fight!"

Tension sparked through the air like static.

"Uh, isn’t this getting kind of bad…!?"

"…Yes."

Shimoe Koharu and Urawa Hanako could feel the tension rising. Their job was to keep the Arius students under control—but already, several were preparing to rush to the front lines. Worse, some were beginning to sense that something about this “stand-by order” didn’t add up.

If possible, they needed to redirect the situation—or at least buy some time.

"U-Um… excuse me…?"

"Hm? You mean me?"

Not knowing their intentions—or perhaps knowing and choosing to help—Ajitani Hifumi raised her hand hesitantly.

"Y-Yes, um…"

"Ahaha! Let me guess—you picked me because I seemed easiest to talk to?"

"Uuh…"

Rei’s teasing hit the mark.

"Hmm, good instinct. Those people are kinda scary, huh? So, is it something you want to ask everyone?"

"I-If possible!"

"Got it, got it! Hang tight!"

Rei gave Hifumi a couple of light pats on the shoulder, then took her by the hand and led her forward.

"Hey everyone! This girl’s got something she wants to ask!"

"We’re busy. Later. Or ask that one who’s been standing around doing nothing. She’s got the time."

"You’re impossible…!"

"Gah! Yako, calm down! And Sau, you’re always like this! You just—ugh—"

Yose tried to mediate, but her voice wavered—and before long, she and Yako both began drifting away from the group.

"What the hell now?" Sau muttered, confused by their sudden behavior.

"Wh—nothing! What is it, Rei?"

She realized her mistake instantly. Standing behind her was Yasuteru Rei—one of the physically strongest in all Arius. But that wasn’t the issue.

"…Then that’s fine."

If the other side was at fault, Rei wouldn’t hesitate to throw a punch. Relieved that her fists were staying down, Sau let out a quiet breath.

"Anyway, this girl’s got something to ask everyone. She’d like all of you to hear it."

"From Trinity, right? Considering they helped us, I’ve no reason to refuse. So then—what is it you wanted to ask?"

The group, who had been arguing moments before, shifted to polite curiosity. They gathered around.

"U-Um… is there anyone here who knows Shirasu Azusa-chan…?"

"Shirasu… ah, the one from the Eighth Squad, right? The white-haired girl with wings?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Hmm… Yako-chan, Yose-chan, what do you think?"

Normally, Rei and Sau had little to do with the Eighth Squad—they were from different units. They recognized the faces and names, sure, but that was about it.

"Shirasu Azusa… if I remember right, she infiltrated Trinity, didn’t she? I see. That means you—or rather, all of you are…"

"Azusa-chan’s friends, right?"

"Y-Yes!"

Whether it was Yako or Yose, both only knew of Shirasu Azusa’s situation from reports. Under the guise of assassinating Kirifuji Nagisa, Kirihana Suou had led an attack—but was betrayed by Misono Mika and seriously wounded. When the Eighth Squad went to rescue her, they were cornered, and in that desperate moment, Shirasu Azusa was forced to reveal her true identity and flee.

Reveal her identity. Just six simple characters in Japanese—an expression so fragile it could be blown away by a single breath.

"…Regarding that incident, we never wanted it to happen either. We’re deeply sorry."

"N-No! It’s not like that, um…"

But the truth was plain to see, written in their eyes. Shirasu Azusa had undoubtedly formed bonds in that place—bonds of friendship and trust. And in the end, she was forced to cast them all aside.

There was no need to imagine how deep that wound must have gone.

"…Azusa-chan isn’t here right now. We can’t find her anywhere."

"…Ah, I see. Then you’re not aware of what’s happening."

"Huh…?"

The words carried a hidden weight. Hifumi’s gaze wavered slightly.

"Shirasu Azusa is… part of the Squad. Right now, she’s surely…"

"…!"

"Eh!? W-Wait, she’s part of it!?"

Hifumi couldn’t speak. Koharu’s shocked voice broke the silence instead.

The Squad—Arius’s elite special forces, known as the pinnacle of the academy. They were currently accompanying Mayumi on a mission to rescue Kirihana Suou. A small, hand-picked team, each member highly skilled and experienced. That was what the Arius students had explained earlier.

In other words, Azusa was there. On the other end of that transmission. She knew they were looking for her—and still chose to remain silent.

"…Why?"

It wasn’t just that. The Squad’s current mission was to rescue Kirihana Suou. According to the reports, they were heading toward the Arius Autonomous Zone—the birthplace of the “Halo-destroying bomb.” A place nothing short of lethal.

"Um, are you feeling alright?"

"Your face looks pale… maybe you should sit down!"

"N-No… I’m fine, really."

She could piece it together. Azusa must have had her reasons—she didn’t want to drag them into danger. But that truth only made it clearer. They were the ones being protected, kept apart by an invisible wall.

"…!"

"Hifumi… are you okay…?"

It struck her. Heavy—unbearably heavy.

"…Yes."

"Hifumi-chan…"

It sank deep.

---

"Kashiwa Mayumi! Are you sure Suou’s really up ahead!?"

"The tracker says so! But we’re up against that monster—don’t expect any guarantees!"

"Calling her a monster, huh…"

There was no time for complaints. They sprinted through the unstable rubble as fast as they could. Sensei had gone to handle Mika. As for Suou and the others—they had to deal with that themselves.

"Suou… what are you thinking…?"

At one point, it had seemed like Suou had infiltrated the Arius District, but her signal was now coming from outside—headed toward another location entirely.

"This reading—!"

"The Council of Saints…!!"

Their thoughts scattered as several members of the Council appeared ahead. Judging by the signal, Suou hadn’t gone far yet. They were close—very close.

"Damn it…!"

Of course, Kirihana Suou had anticipated this. The summoned Saints were among the strongest. They could be dealt with one by one—but not fast enough to catch her before she revived.

"We’re so close…!"

Just a little farther to the Arius District. Suou was within reach—if only they could extend their hands. Yet the distance felt endless. Their small arms couldn’t bridge it.

Meanwhile, the tracker’s signal was rapidly fading. Just as despair began to take hold—

"Ugh, enough of this! I’m done overthinking! Asiri!!"

"Eh!? W-What!?"

Mayumi’s voice cut through the chaos, loud enough to halt both her squad and the battle with the Saints. Everyone turned toward her in shock.

"Get ‘that’ ready! And bring in reinforcements too!"

"Ehh!? Right now!? That’s a long distance, you know!? Besides, my own defense—!"

"Just bring them here! Along with those… squad leaders or whatever!"

The moment Asiri heard “get that ready,” she instantly understood Mayumi’s intent.

"Ah—so that’s your plan! Got it! I’ll send Pii-chan back to you!"

"Of course! Squad!! I’m only saying this once, so listen up!!"

Without hesitation, Mayumi stopped using her drone and tossed both the communicator and tablet to Joumae Saori.

"I’ll hold them off here! You go after that idiot—now!"

"What!? Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way you can stop them!"

"S-She’s right! Those things are insanely strong!"

The squad protested Mayumi’s reckless declaration. It was true—if she could stall the Saints, they could catch up to Suou. But Mayumi’s combat ability wasn’t nearly enough. Just as they were about to argue further—

"I’ve got a plan!! Don’t you care about her!? Don’t you want to save her!?"

"…!"

Her fierce yell silenced them.

"…Understood. We’re counting on you here!"

"Yeah!!"

Avoiding the Saints, the squad rushed forward.

"Phew… haven’t done this solo in a while."

Watching them go, Mayumi pulled something from her pocket—a blue, metallic object about the size of a notebook.

"Let’s see if I can handle this without the upgrade… well, I already sent the signal anyway."

Raising it, she took a strange stance.

"Alright then… let’s do this!!"

The air filled with the whir of machinery and a burst of brilliant blue light.

---

…Saori and the others’ presence—I can sense them. Did they actually take down those Saints? No way, those things were tough… unless that machine they connected with did something.

"Haah… ngh… damn it…!"

The injuries from fighting Mika were worse than expected. Before facing Beatrice, she needed to recover somewhere—if only she had time.

"This way!"

"…Like hell I’m letting you catch me!"

Even breathing sent sharp, nerve-stabbing pain through her body. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to keep running. Just a little more—just a little farther. If she could climb to the top of this building, Saori and the others would never catch up.

"Huff… huff…!"

With each step, her legs grew heavier, colder, slower. She slammed her fists against them, forcing them to move.

"Suou!!"

"…!!"

A bullet struck near her leg, freezing her in place.

"Haah… finally caught up…! Everyone, over here!"

Damn it. So close… No, it’s not over yet. If she could just stall for a bit longer—

"Suou…!"

"You look like hell. Well, after fighting Mika, I guess that’s no surprise."

"Sorry, but we’re restraining you first. We can’t risk another escape."

Thick chains—she had no idea where they pulled them from—wrapped tightly around her. It was almost nostalgic. The first time she’d met Saori and the others, they’d tied her up just like this.

"There. That should hold."

"Let’s get the bleeding stopped first… painkiller’s going in now, little pinch."

"…!"

A brief sting—and slowly, the pain began to fade.

"Her left arm’s a mess… what on earth did you do to it?"

"Not just her arm—her whole body’s wrecked. Leader, hand me that ointment."

"Got it."

Before long, she was completely wrapped in bandages. They must’ve infused the treatment with mystic energy—she could already feel herself healing.

"…Back then, Suou was the one treating me like this."

"…"

Right. Azusa hadn’t originally been part of this squad. It really did bring back memories.

"Suou, don’t try anything stupid. We’re on one of the higher floors here. There’s no way out—not even through the window. You’re wounded and outnumbered. You can’t escape this time."

"…"

"Sorry for the rough treatment. But it’s the only way you’d actually listen."

Focus. Channel the mystic energy into recovery. Forget the left arm for now. Just a few more minutes—don’t move until they arrive.

"At least answer me."

"…Sorry."

"What the hell are you doing, Suou…?"

Buy time. Don’t listen to their words.

"While you were being held by Trinity, I took the liberty of checking your room."

"…"

"There was a false bottom. The desk drawers were built with a double layer—and they even had traps inside. What exactly were you hiding there?"

…So they found it. Good thing I moved the notebook ahead of time. By now, the Council of Saints should’ve retrieved it and brought it along with the supplies—to that place.

"That’s not all. No one in the Arius branch claims to have seen you more than ten years ago."

"…"

"Suou… why do you treat us like your little sisters? No—why did you save us?"

Why, huh. That’s… a good question.

At first, it was just instinct. I didn’t like what I saw. I didn’t want to turn a blind eye. That was reason enough to step in—there was no logic behind it. But now… I don’t even know anymore.

Was it for atonement? Out of some worn-out sense of pity? None of those felt right. Even so, I couldn’t bring myself to explain it to Saori and the others. Once again, silence was all I could offer.

"…Suou. I hate to ask this. I know it’s unpleasant—but still, I need to hear the same answer you gave me back then."

All five of them stared straight at me. Not with suspicion or fear, but with genuine concern.

"…Who are you, really? What’s your goal?"

My goal? That’s obvious. To save everyone. And to kill Beatrice.

That’s why I can’t drag them into this.

"…Not talking, huh. Fine. Let’s go back for now. Heal your wounds first—we can talk after—"

"—after."

"Huh…?"

That’s why. I can’t stay with you anymore. Still, for that short time we were together… I was happy. Really happy.

"…Thank you… and I’m sorry. Goodbye, everyone."

"Wh—what are you—gah!?"

I pulled the pin from the grenade in my hand. The explosion tore through the room, propelling me backward with its shockwave—straight toward the window.

"Suou! That way—!"

"…!"

Beyond the shattered glass, the airship awaited. I crashed through and rolled onto its deck.

"Heh, mission success… ow ow ow… Hey, could you guys get these chains off me?"

The Council of Saints stationed inside recognized my intention and quickly unbound me. I had planned to regroup on the rooftop, but… this worked out better than expected.

"Alright, let’s see… supplies are good, plenty of them. The contract’s here too… perfect. Looks like Makoto followed my instructions."

Now the Council of Saints wasn’t just a prototype—it was official. Signed under me, the representative of Trinity, and Makoto, the representative of Gehenna.

I’d ordered the Council to release the Pandemonium Society after forcing Makoto to sign the pact. Seems it went smoothly. Which means this airship is mine—and mine alone.

"Alright then, take me to Beatrice."

"……"

As soon as I said that, my body felt weightless. My stomach churned as gravity slipped away.

"Ugh… rough ride. I’m taking a nap. Wake me when we reach Beatrice."

I slumped into a chair, leaning against the soft cushion. The warmth, the gentle sway—it all made me drowsy. Maybe this would be my last sleep before eternal rest… what a stupid thought.

"……"

From somewhere far below, I could still hear Saori and the others calling out, trying to stop me. But there was no way they could reach me now. Not this high in the sky.

I’d already ordered the Council to collapse the entrance to the district and set traps. No one would be able to enter for a while… probably.

"……"

Damn… I’m so tired. Just a little… rest… should be fine…

---

"…Huh?"

A shaking sensation roused me back to consciousness. As I’d instructed, they woke me when we reached Beatrice’s location. Gotta admit, these guys are surprisingly adaptable.

"…Okay. This height should be fine."

Looking down, I realized just how high up we were. Well, I’d practiced this a few times before, and I’d done something similar from a building in the past. If Nel managed it, then I should be fine too.

"You guys wait here. Stick to resupplying the materials… and, depending on my instructions, handle that, okay?"

"…"

"Hmm… no response, huh? Always tricky. Oh well."

During my short rest, my body had healed considerably. Not fully, but enough to fight.

"Alright, let’s go!!"

I planted my foot on the window frame and leapt with all my strength. Gravity accelerated me, energy building with every passing second.

"The target is inside that building… right?"

I tossed the bomb downward, smashing through the roof—and there it was. A red aberration with a head like a white bud, covered in countless eyes.

The root of all evil. The being that stole Cyan and Anna’s lives. The one who had tormented everyone for ten long years.

"…!!"

I braced my fist near my waist, using the bomb’s blast to accelerate my fall. All those eyes snapped toward me. It had noticed me.

"O-o-ohhhhhh…!"

But it was too late.

"Bea-triiiiii…eeeeeeeeeeetch!!"

"…Gah…!?"

With the full force of my fall, the bomb’s explosion, and ten years of pent-up rage, grief, and killing intent—all of it—I drove my fist straight into Beatrice’s face.