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1“Yeah, you’re right. There’s no other thinkable reason”  
2“You’re not very humble huh”  
3While joking like that, Shidou looked at Kotori’s eyes.  
4“But, I am a little surprised. When did you learn to do this?”  
5“It’s lady etiquette. Boys make astonishing results after 3 days………..people say that but, don’t you think that goes for females too?”  
6After saying that, Kotori looked up as to provoke Shidou.  
7“Even I won’t stay a child forever.-------dilly dally any longer and I will leave you in the dust you know, Onii-chan”  
8“--------“  
9Shidou gulped with wide eyes after hearing Kotori’s words.  
10And after a while, he snorted as if he couldn’t handle not laughing.  
11“Hahaha…….i give up. I never would have imagined Kotori would make me go doki with such a method”  
12“Those are some nerve pulling words…………wait, Shidou, what did you say?”  
13Kotori unintentionally stopped dancing and asked again. Right now, Shidou said something she could not allow to miss.  
14And at the same time, a fanfare echoed from the incam after a moment later.  
15It’s not like she did not heard it but, after Shidou made a leisure smile, he repeated what he said without trying to play it off.  
16“Aah………..you got me good. As expected from Kotori, I lost”  
17“……………!”  
18Kotori was the one who blushed after hearing Shidou’s words while he looked right at her eyes without looking embarrassed at all. Kotori looked away a little and puffed up her chest to act tough.  
19“Fu-fuun………..this is normal. Making Shidou fall for me is the same as twisting a baby’s hand to me”  
20“Aah, I never would have imagined Kotori to make such a mature approach. I lost to that gap. When Kotori asked me for a dance, I thought you would make me go doki by exposing the back print of your panties at me after your skirt fully flips up when you make an exaggerated fall during the middle of the dance”  
21“That’s just too stupid as expected!? Rather, I don’t wear panties with back prints anymore!?”  
22“I know. it’s a joke, a joke”  
23Kotori said that while laughing. Kotori [……Seriously] sighed.  
24“…………Anyway, you going doki, means I cleared the condition right?”  
25“Yeah, of course.------I look forwards to midnight, my Cinderella”  
26After saying that, Shidou kissed the back of Kotori’s hand. Kotori turned shocked after that sudden action.  
27“Wha……..Wha……….!?”  
28“Hn? Isn’t your face red. Hey adult Kotori-san, I thought you won’t get bewildered from something like this?”  
29“-------Th-that’s so obvious! This is just a greeting, a greeting!”  
30After Kotori showed off to make herself look tough, Shidou distorted his lips amusingly.  
31“You got that right. Now that I think about it, we kissed twice if we count 5 years ago and this year’s June. You won’t get panicked from something this small after all that huh”  
32“O-of course. We…..done it twice already”  
33Even while saying that, Kotori felt her face turning really hot. Twice. Yes. Kotori and Shidou kissed twice before. Of course, Kotori remembers it clearly but now that she is conscious about this reality again, her heart started to beat regardless of her own will.  
34After Shidou smiled as if he saw through Kotori’s heartbeat, he brought his lips closer to Kotori’s ears and whispered to her.  
35“Kotori will not stay a kid forever so……..let’s make it an adult kiss for the third time”  
36“Heh?”  
37Kotori’s voice overturned when she heard the words he said with his breath tingling her ears.  
38“A-adult……kissh……?”  
39Her gears stopped turning after being so shocked. ----Kiss. An adult kiss. No, she knows that word in the end. She knows the knowledge on what it was pointed to. But, the kiss she performed 5 years ago and of course half a year ago, was in the end just their lips touching so somewhere inside Kotori’s heart, she does not mind what if the kiss she had to give to Shidou by midnight was different from usual. ----But, eh, he’s joking, what the heck is that. Adult, seriously no way. No, I am not against it but I am just not mentally prepared, how do I put this-----  
40“-----Hamu”  
41Right when Kotori’s head overheated, Shidou’s lips suddenly chomped on Kotori’s ears.  
42“Uhyaaaa!?”  
43She jumped up at the sudden act. Shidou *ahaha* laughed maybe because he saw her do that.  
44“I guess, it’s still too early for you huh Kotori?”  
45“Gu-guu……….”  
46Kotori glared at Shidou angrily but somewhat in a relieved manner.  
47 
48Part 3 
49“Kotori-san! You’ve done it!”  
50After Miku welcomed her energetically, Kotori, who has still not recovered from her blushing cheeks, replied back and slightly raised her hand.  
51“……..Yeah, somehow”  
52“Umu, you’re amazing Kotori!”  
53“It was….a beautiful dance”  
54“Hnn……Thank you”  
55Kotori slightly nodded to all the Spirits who spoke. But,  
56“It’s unfair that Kotori is the only one getting the adult kiss”  
57The moment Origami said that with her quiet voice, Kotori’s face boiled up as if she recalled back the exchange she had with Shidou just now.  
58“Li-like I said! That’s only Shidou saying what he wants………!”  
59“Okay okay, please calm down. More importantly, can I be next?”  
60Miku placed her hands on Kotori’s shoulder to calm her down (Incidentally, she was breathing wildly at her neck and was patting Kotori’s butt) and said that before, Kotori [Hiii] gasped while her eyes popped out.  
61“………..Y-yes, of course I don’t mind”  
62“Thank you very much. Therefore, I have something I want to try out so can I order these?”  
63After Miku placed her hands beside her mouth as if to have a secret conversation, Kotori brought her ears closer to her while being oddly cautious. While talking with a soft voice, she explained the contents to her.  
64“………..and that’s the gist of it”  
65“I see, I understand. I will get onto it so give a signal when the times come for it”  
66“Okay! Thank you very much”  
67After Miku said that energetically she *fuuu* blew into Kotori‘s ears.  
68“Ahyaaaa!?”  
69“Ufufu, well then everyone, I will be going now”  
70“Wh-why you……!”  
71Kotori shouted loudly while pressing her ear. Miku placed her hands on her mouth gracefully and made a big bow, she then winked back before walking towards Shidou.  
72“-----Heeyy, thank you for picking me, darling. It is your Miku”  
73Once Miku reached Shidou, she waved her skirt by turning around before taking a pose while literally bouncing her breast. Well, it’s not like she was specifically picked but, this is just for the atmosphere.  
74“Oh, it’s Miku next huh. haha, that looks good on you”  
75“Thank you very much. Ufufu, darling you look wonderful. But, don’t you think you will look good in a night dress like mine? Can you still use Natsumi-san’s power again? How about matching with me after turning into Shiori-san!”  
76“Aah, I think I can still do it. But, should I really transform? If Shiori wears that, I think Miku will get a nosebleed fountain right?”  
77Shidou talked to her in a forced manner. Miku twisted her body in reflex.  
78“Heck. Yeah! Even If I am close to death from blood lose, I will not regret anything if the last moment I see was Shiori-san in a daring night dress! One with a lot of back exposure!”  
79After Miku made that passionate speech while her eyes were glowing, Shidou pat her head to calm Miku down.  
80“Haha, that’s an honor. But, I will be murdered by your friends if we lose the amazing idol from something like that. No----before that, if Miku really died from something like that, I might have no choice to follow you while crying”  
81“Darling…….! You thought so far for me………!”  
82Miku covered her mouth while her eyes turned moist after hearing Shidou’s words.  
83“……….this happens every time but, what are you doing Miku?”  
84Right when Miku was deep in her emotions, she could hear a voice coming from the incam on her right ear. Miku turned away from Shidou before replying back with a soft voice.  
85“What should I do Kotori-san? To me, being buried together with darling is totally okay with me but, I want darling to have a proper fulfilled life. But, I don’t know if my blood capillaries can handle the impact from Shiori-san………..”  
86“Like I said, what are you talking about!? I told you we are running out of time!”  
87Kotori screeched loudly. Miku scratched her cheeks.  
88“Hah, oh yeah. Sorry Kotori-san. It’s just that, I somehow got all worked up after talking to a sweet version of darling”  
89“Seriously………..get a hold of yourself. Are you really okay?”  
90“Yes, leave it to me. Okay, it’s time I get this going”  
91After Miku said that with a soft voice, she made a smile while looking back at Shidou.  
92“So with that done, darling. We finally got some time together but since we are rushing, I will be making you fall for me now”  
93“Heee? That’s quite some confidence you have there. What are you going to do?”  
94Shidou said that amusingly. After Mikue opened her mouth while turning around, she let out her loud voice.  
95“----Okay everyone, I am counting on you all!”  
96Responding to Miku’s order, the musicians with their instruments, females in glamourous outfits who were all standing by at the corner of the hall all appeared on the stage and a glowing silver stand mike was placed on the middle of the stage.  
97After Miku confirmed all that, she went up the stage while her heels were making knocking sound, before standing in front of the mike.  
98Instantly, the lights in the hall dim down and a spot light was set on Miku. To match with that, the gallery in the hall all *Waaa* lived up, and clapped their hands.  
99Miku waited until the applause ended before looking behind and send a signal to the musicians there.  
100The musicians then made small nods and started playing jazz.  
101Miku moved her body according to the music’s rhythm and with the stand mike in her hands-----she started singing with a sweet voice.  
102“-------------------------“  
103It’s a tune with her traits. It’s an English song. This song is totally different from the songs Miku sing as an idol.  
104However, the feelings put into it was no different.------it’s a very very sweet and lovely song.  
105Yes. The moment Miku told Shidou that she was going to make him fall for her, there was only one method for this.  
106After Miku took the mike off the stand, she strides about the stage with a captivating walk style; she then walked over to a female who was dancing according to the tune and while stroking the female’s chin, she looked towards Shidou provocatively.  
107And to match with that, a spot light hit Shidou. Shidou opened his eyes wide in surprise.  
108“Fufuu”  
109After Miku smiled charmingly, she got off the stage in tune with the band and walked towards Shidou. The spot light pouring onto Miku and the back dancers moved accordingly with her.  
110And once Miku reached Shidou, she took his hands and leaded him around. Shidou looked a little surprise but, he left his body to Miku’s hands.  
111The place they are heading, was a grand sofa prepared from who knows where. It’s as if that corner was the only spot with the air of a bar.  
112After Miku made Shidou sat there, she gently sat on his thighs and while performing a princess carry, she continued singing the song.  “----------------, ----------“ Her sweet breath was mixed into the tune while she stroke Shidou’s cheeks, and poked his nose with her finger. Shidou *haha* made a wry smile.  
113Adding on, beautiful female back dancers appeared behind and beside the cautious Shidou. When this is viewed from the sidelines, it looks like a prodigal prince of somewhere, indulging himself in his luxury.  
114Nonetheless, the one most intoxicated in this situation was definitely Miku. While singing on her beloved Shidou’s lap, she’s being surrounded by beautiful women. This situation was so dreamy for her so much that it’s not surprising if she wakes up on her bed an instantly later.  
115“--------------“  
116Miku sang in a tune sexier than before------  
117While pointing at Shidou lastly, [Bam] she made a gesture as if she shot through his heart.  
118“Darling-----I love you”  
119After saying that, she winked at him.  
120“…………..!”  
121At the same time Shidou opened his eyes wide-------the fanfare echoed in Miku’s right ear.  
122“Ufufu, looks you went doki huh, Darling”  
123“Aah……………apparently so. It’s quite frustrating that I was dropped in a front approach”  
124Shidou said that with a wry smile. Miku smiled while touching Shidou’s lips with her finer.  
125“That is not true. -----did you forget? I am an onee-san older than darling by 1 year you know? I think its fine to get bullied once in a while”  
126After Miku said that, Shidou raised his hands to show that he lost while making a small smile.  
127Part 4 
128“……………….Haa”  
129In a place a little further away from Shidou and Miku, the Spirits who were all looking at the event all regained their composure a beat later.  
130“That…..was kind of amazing”  
131“U-umu…………”  
132“……….oh yeah, Miku was a singer. I thought she was a monster that would kidnap girls who stayed up late at night”  
133“Natsumi-san……………”  
134Yoshino made a wry smile after hearing Natsumi’s words. Kotori coughed to change the topic.  
135“Well, this result in 6 people clears with this. Only 2 left. Next off------“  “--------I’ll go”  
136Origami raised her hands before Kotori could finish her sentence. Kotori then made a somewhat worried face for some reason.  
137“Origami huh……….un, I don’t have rejections but, please be very careful okay? The [Doki] Shidou mentioned is pointing towards the actions, words and cute gestures of a female so, it’s different from suddenly stripping down and attacking him okay?”  “I know”  
138“Also, the kiss will still be done midnight in the end okay? it will be a problem if Shidou runs away so don’t try to steal his lips forcefully okay?”  
139“It’s okay”  
140“Just because kissing is not an option, don’t do anything higher level than a kiss okay?”  
141“…………………”  
142“Why the silence there!?”  
143“Light joke”  
144“……uuunnn”  
145Origami turned the hem of her dress and walked over to Shidou after ignoring Kotori who was still making a difficult face.  
146Half-way through, she passed by Miku, who looked reluctant to leave Shidou.  
147“Oh my?”  
148After Miku looked over to Origami, “Good luck” she wished Origami by winking and waving her hand to her.  
149“……………”  
150The moment they pass by, *Pan*she hit Miku’s hand as if to receive a baton. Maybe Miku was happy because of that; she [Kyaaaa!] twisted her body on the spot.  
151After Origami walked forward while hearing that voice behind her, she reached Shidou who was siting leisurely on the sofa.  
152“------Shidou”  
153“Aah, it’s Origami. Heee, this is the first time seeing you like that”  
154Once Origami talked to him, Shidou in his tuxedo replied back while smiling. This is a little wonderful. Shidou gives off a strong neuter image but, he looks a little more adult than usual because of the formal outfit. It gives off an elegant and gentle feel. It’s like a bewitching wolf who tricks pure girls.  
155Origami half-consciously crawled her right hand on her legs. A small digital camera was placed inside the leg holder equipped on her right leg. Of course, it’s already powered. With Origami’s skill, she is able to make a save data of Shidou within an instant.  
156However.  
157“………..uh?”  
158Origami frowned her eyebrows. The right hand extending towards her legs was suddenly stopped.  
159Instantly, she thought it was the work of Kotori who followed her, or a 
160<Ratatoskr> member but----she’s wrong. The hand that grabbed Origami’s right wrist was none other than Origami’s own left hand.  
161Yes. It’s as if it was trying to stop Origami’s actions.  
162“This is…………”  
163She made a dubious face at this weird development. But, she immediately understood the reason. A thought that don’t approve Origami actions appeared inside her and was disturbing Origami.  
164How should this be put into words; it feels like an angel and evil was debating inside her head.  
165Naturally it’s not visible but, the image of a small angel with Origami face flapping her wings appeared in front of Origami, deployed inside her mind.  
166(Shidou’s tuxedo appearance is valuable. I must take a photo no matter what happens)  
167In response; a devil with Origami’s face (Her hair is long for some reason) appeared.  
168(N-no you can’t. Everyone’s hard work will be lost if he feel disgusted here!)  
169(It’s okay. Shidou is kind. He won’t get disgusted from something this small)  
170(That might be true but, that’s not what I meant……..!)  
171It’s not like she did not feel that the roles of the angel and devil was reversed for some reason but, anyways, both Origamis was causing a fierce war inside her head.  
172Maybe Shidou noticed Origami in such a state; he titled his head in wonder.  
173“Origami? What are you doing?”  
174“………..Nothing”  
175She lost the opportunity. After Origami relaxed her hands, she made a small sigh.  
176Her right hand reached to the camera once more right when her left hand relaxed. It was stopped again. As expected, if the opponent is herself, it’s impossible to look for a chance.  
177“Origami……………?”  
178“It’s okay. There’s no problem”  
179After replying to Shidou who asked her again, Origami moved to Shidou’s side.  
180“Can I sit?”  
181“Aah, of course”  
182After saying that, Shidou urged her to his side. Origami sat down in a very ladylike manner. And while looking at Shidou, she showed a gesture of holding a glass.  
183“Since we are here, want a shot?”  
184“Ahh, that sounds good”  
185Shidou nodded to Origami’s suggestion and raised his hands. The <Ratatoskr> member disguised as a waiter quickly walked over and bowed down respectfully.  
186“Sorry for the wait”  
187“I want a toast but, is there something we can drink here? ----Origami, want to make a request?”  
188“Dom Perignon”  
189After Origami said that without changing her expression, Kotori’s voice echoed from the incam in her right ear.  
190“…………..hey wait, that’s wine!........seriously, change it to chanmery”  
191Chanmery is a non-alcohol carbonated drink similar to champagne. Her words probably reached the waiter’s Incam too. After Kotori made that order in a tired manner, [Understood] the waiter said that before leaving.  
192Immediately after, the waiter came back with the chanberry and wine glass on a silver tray.  
193“Here you go”  
194The waiter said that after pouring chanberry in the glass which was lined up on the table. The liquid poured in the glass with a splash gave off a mysterious glow because of the glow poured down by the chandelier.  
195“Okay, Origami”  
196Shidou extended his hands to the glass.  
197“Wait Shidou, what’s that?”  
198But, Origami pointed forward as if to interrupt him.  
199“Hn? Where?”  
200“That. A little higher”  
201While saying that, Origami put her right hand into her pocket. She then took out the small powder medicine pack she snuck in before trying to pour its content into Shidou’s glass with eye blinding speed.  
202However, at that moment, the angel and demon appeared inside Origami’s head like just now. Her left hand pinched the edge of the powder medicine pack top stop her right hand.  
203(Let go. This is a good chance. An adult kiss might be possible if he drinks it)  
204(Calm down! Kotori-chan just told you not to go for the kiss right!?)  
205(Of course, I remember. I don’t plan on looking away from those words)  (Then----)  
206(It should be safe if Shidou’s the one who wants it)  
207(What kind of medicine is thisssssssssssss!?)  
208Together with the devil’s scream, her left hand’s resistance got stronger. The thin pack holding the medicine ripped apart because of the strong force from both side, causing the white powder to scatter about.  
209“Kuh-----“  
210“So, what’s wrong, Origami? I don’t see anything in particular?”  
211“……………my mistake”  
212After Origami said that while grinding her teeth, Shidou made a wondering face and looked over to Origami.  
213“Rare events do happen sometimes I guess………..well whatever. Anyway, let’s toast”  
214“………….”  
215After Origami nodded, she took the glass together with Shidou.  
216“Toast”  
217“Toast”  
218They made the glass kissed each other, and that resulted in a beautiful clank.  
219Once Origami placed the edge of the glass to her mouth, she drank a sip of chanmery. The comfortable feel of carbonated air stimulated her throat.  
220Toasting with Shidou, and drinking it. That action itself can make children drinks become very sweet quickly.  
221Nonetheless, she can’t deny the fact her plan was messed up badly. Originally, Shidou will turn into a full moon werewolf without even waiting for a few minutes after drinking this and would be lust for Origami’s body but………….i cwant do hwelp it if I fwailed[12d 1]. Anyway, nwext[12d 2]……….  
222“……………….”  
223A weird feeling attacked Origami causing her view to sway, and that made her lean against Shidou.  
224“Hn, what’s wrong Origami”  
225“…….i think……I am…….dwunk[12d 3]”  
226“Oi oi, from chanmery?”  
227Shidou made a wry smile. It’s true that Origami drank a non-alcohol drink. 
228There’s no way she would get drunk. Unless something weird is mixed in------  “…………………..”  
229At that moment, Origami recalled something. She recalled swinging the secret medicine around, right before the toast. Perhaps at that time, a small amount of the medicine entered Origami’s glass.  
230---This is bad. This is very bad. Even though I have to make Shidou fall for me; if I am in this state then………  
231“………..Itsuka-kuuun………..”  
232Within her hazy consciousness, Origami heard her voice come out from her own mouth.  
233“Hn? What’s up, Origami, that’s sudden”  
234“In the first place…….It’s also your fault Itsuka-kun for being 
235yourself……….why are you so cool? This just……….gives me no choice but to want to take a photo of you…….”  
236“Origami? What are you saying……….?”  
237Shidou said that with a dubious tone but, Origami could not help it at all anymore. She continued firing her words like a broken dam.  
238“………….whenever I think of Itsuka-kun, it just feels fluffy inside of me……….but it feels a little painful at the same time------what is this called……..”  
239Origami continued on while snuggling against Shidou.  
240“Itsuka-kun ………I love……..i really love you. I love you so much……………that I am helpless against it”  
241“……Origami----“  
242Shidou called Origami’s name in a meek voice.  
243---She thought she heard the fanfare in her right ear at the same time but, the current Origami has no idea what that meant at all.   
244
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251
252Part 5 
253The transporter from DEM industries which departed from Neryl Island, was maintaining a high altitude while steadily flying.  
254Although they fell into emergency state after being attacked by a spirit during the departure from the island, there weren’t any problems after that. If this goes on, they will probably reach the designated place according to the planned time.  
255When the pilot Knox was thinking that, there was a sudden response from the communicator.  
256“-----this is control room. DF0806, please respond”  
257“Yes, this is DF0806”  
258“Please change in the flight route. Make a detour from E139”  
259“Change in flight route?”  
260While saying that, Knox and his co-pilot Burton looked at each other.  
261“Did something happen?”  
262“There’s a battle between executive chief Mathers and an enemy presumed to be a Wizard from <Ratatoskr> in the initial route. This is only a safety precaution but, we can’t allow any mistakes”  
263Knox made a dubious face after hearing the contact from the control room.  
264“Battle? In a place like this?”  
265“Yes. I will repeat again”  
266Knox asked the reason why a battle occurred at that spot but, the control room did not reply and urged him. The person in contact was not a flexible one.  
267“Understood. DF0806 will change the planned flight route; heading to designated spot with a detour at point E139”  
268After Knox answered, the control room [Over and out] said that before cutting the communication.  
269“……………..and, you’ve heard it. We are changing path”  
270“Understood……………..but even so, this is quite cautious. Even though it’s a battle between Wizards, there’s no way it would happen in such a high altitude. As expected, our cargo is a special one huh”  
271Burton shrug his shoulders while saying that.  
272It’s not like Knox could not understand that but he quietly swung his head.  
273“That might be the biggest reason…………but that is not all. You heard him. The one fighting is Mathers. A shooting war between normal wizards is one thing, but that Onee-chan coming out is a whole different story. We might get skewered by a lance from below if we fly nicely”  
274“N-no way man……….”  
275---and. The moment Burton said that while sweating profusely.  
276Crazy values were shown in the cockpit’s meter, and the alarm was ringing.  
277Next off, as if something is tracking them, the transporter was shaking vigorously.  
278“! What……is this”  
279“N-no way, is it missed shots from executive chief Mathers……….!?”  
280“Idiot, there’s no way it would reach this far! Before that……this is not a Wizard. It’s Reiha readings!”  
281“Wha……..!?”  
282Burton’s face turned pale after hearing Knox’s words.  
283It was only natural. This transporter was just attacked by a Spirit some time before.  
284“Does this mean that <Nightmare> caught up………!?”  
285“No………..this is a different reading than before. And this……….!?”  
286Knox gasped before turning behind.  
287Of course, there’s only the seat Knox is leaning against, and the cockpit wall.  
288But, what lies behind there is the cargo; inside there, [Material A] with several layers of seal placed should be there.  
289At that moment, Burton noticed something. The vibration just now was not an impact from outside, and it’s something coming from inside the craft.  
290“Impossible-----!? Thi-this is a joke!? [Material A] should be in complete hibernation……..!”  
291“That should be the case. But this…………….”  
292After saying that, Knox noticed a weird value shown on the meters.  
293There were 2 Reiha readings there.  
2941, was this transporter. Another one------is the point they were ordered by the control room to detour at. And both of them were giving off a reading as if they were resonating.  
295 
296Part 6 
297“……….Alright!”  
298Kotori, who was looking at Shidou and Origami from afar, made a guts pose after seeing the results of the event.  
299“I was worried there for a bit but, I guess this is what you call fortunate error. Unlike her usual extreme approaches; by showing her affections to him directly, a good gap was formed I guess”  
300While giving an explanation, Kotori folded her arms and nodded. Incidentally, Origami immediately regained and continued approaching Shidou as if nothing happened so, Kotori ordered a organization member to make her leave.  
301“This makes it 7 of us. But we can’t lower our guard. We must do it as fast as possible------“  
302And, Kotori stopped her words there.  
303---She probably noticed this. That, Tohka who was together with Kotori looking at Shidou’s, was making a somewhat complexed face.  
304“Tohka? What’s wrong?”  
305“……………!”  
306Tohka twitched her shoulders when Kotori called out to her.  
307“Mu……No, how should I put this………when I heard Origami said she loved Shidou, this part here feels kind of tight……………”  
308While saying that, she pressed her chest.  
309“I know saving Shidou is top priority. There’s not time to worry about something like this. But……….”  
310Tohka messed her hair up because she was feeling troubled.  
311“I understand…………but don’t understand. Why would I feel this way? Even though I have to hurry up and save Shidou now, these hindering thoughts won’t leave my head”  
312“Tohka…………”  
313After Kotori exhaled, she patted on Tohka’s head.  
314“…………..Sorry. Please bear with it now. But, those feelings aren’t hindering thoughts. It’s extremely proper----valuable and precious”  
315“Really?”  
316“Yes. And most likely, we will have such feelings sooner or later. That’s why----I want to save Shidou”  
317“Muuu……….i wonder about that”  
318She feels like she gets it and don’t get it at the same time. But, Tohka nodded.  
319She oddly feels satisfied with it after hearing that the feeling of wanting to save Shidou is connected to [That].  
320Maybe she felt relieved after seeing Tohka; Kotori [Alright] tapped on Tohka’s back.  
321“Okay, you’re last, Tohka. Are you ready?”  
322“………umu! Leave it to me!”  
323After Tohka answered energetically, she started jogging over to the sofa Shidou was sitting on.  
324But, since she’s wearing a dress and shoe she is not used to, her leg’s tangled up half-way causing her to have a great fall.  
325“Uguh!”  
326“Tohk!? Are you okay!?”  
327“Mu……No problem!”  
328After Tohka answered that while waving her hands, she stood up while rubbing her face which took a hit with a thud before starting to walk in a calmer pace.  
329However, Tohka did not head straight to Shidou and took a small detour.  
330It was the long table lined against the wall of the hall. Over there was a mountain sized feast that even looking at it looks fun.  
331“Ooo………this is amazing!”  
332And apparently, all these food can be eaten as much as she wants. After Tohka’s eyes glittered, she prepared 2 of the biggest plate and started to place any food that looks delicious on it in a non-reserved manner.  
333Kotori’s voice echoed through the Incam at that moment.  
334“Hey Tohka, what are you doing? It’s okay to eat but, Shidou is more important………..”  
335“Umu, I know. It’s okay”  
336After Tohka replied back, she took the 2 mountain filled plates and walked to Shidou.  
337She then built 2 mountains on the table in front of the sofa.  
338“Oo Tohka----wait, this is amazing.  
339Shidou opened his eyes wide after witnessing that. Tohka [Umu!] puffed her chest.  
340“Shidou, you did not eat since morning right? I thought you would be hungry. So-
341----“  
342Right when she reached there in her sentence, Tohka’s stomach *Gyuuu*………grumbled.  
343“Mu…………..”  
344Her cheeks blushed unintentionally, after hearing her stomach grumble at precise timing.  
345Maybe because he heard that; Shidou made a surprised face before------starting to laugh unbearably.  
346“Fu…..haha, ahahahaha”  
347“Mu-muu……..you’re wrong. It’s true that I am hungry but, that’s not everything………”  
348“Fu, fufufu……no, I get it. Thanks, Tohka”  
349Shidou said that while wiping the teardrop squeezed out of his eyes. He then *pon* pointed to the seat beside him.  
350“I am as hungry as you too. So let’s eat. They food is already ready after all”  
351“………umu!”  
352After Tohka made a big nod, she sat beside Shidou.  
353“Okay then, let’s dig in”  
354“Umu, let’s-----Ah, stop right there Shidou!”  
355“Hn? What’s up Tohka?”  
356Shidou tilted his head after hearing Tohka suddenly shout.  
357After Tohka took her fork, she poked the roast beef and brought it to Shidou.  
358“Okay Shidou, [Ahhn]”  
359“Oi oi, that’s full marks for service. ------well, I guess I’ll accept it”  
360After saying that, Shidou opened his mouth wide and chomped down at the roast beef Tohka presented to him.  
361“How’s it! Is it delicious!?”  
362“Hn…….yeah, it’s delicious. Naturally the food itself is tasty and by having Tohka feeding it to me makes its tastiness increase a hundred fold”  
363“Mu, Re-really? It’s kind of embarrassing”  
364While making an embarrassed smile, Tohka poked a dish once more with her fork. But at that moment, Shidou stopped Tohka.  
365“Wait a second. It’s my turn now. Here, Ahhn”  
366After Shidou said that, he presented her a roast beef just like what Tohka did just now.  
367“Oooh! I’ll be taking it then. Ahhn………..”  
368After Tohka said that, she closed her eyes waiting for Shidou’s fork, and opened her mouth widely.  
369---but.  
370“Mu……..?”  
371Tohka brought her eyebrows suspiciously. Food was not brought to Tohka’s mouth even after a few seconds-----and instead, she could hear *clank* something falling on the table.  
372Next, Kotori’s panicked voice could be heard from the Incam worn on her right ears.  
373“Tohka! Open your eyes!”  
374“Mu……..?”  
375She opened her eyes after being told.  
376Tohka gasped at the same time she did that.  
377Shidou who was there a few seconds ago, was no longer there.  
378But, Tohka immediately noticed it. Shidou did not disappear and was crouching down around her feet while pressing his chest.  
379“Shi-Shidou! Are you okay! What’s going on!?”  
380“Gu------aaa-aAaaAAAAaaAAAAhhhhh!”  
381It happened the moment Tohka called Shidou in a panicked manner. Right after she thought Shidou shouted painfully, his body started glowing----and caused a strong impact wave.  
382“Kuh………..!?”  
383She was easily blown away because she could not brace herself from the sudden turn of events. Tohka rolled behind a few meters before finally stopping after hitting a table.  
384“Tohka! Are you okay!?”  
385“Mu………..aah, it’s Kotori. I am okay. More importantly, how’s Shidou!”  
386She lifted her face while rubbing her painful head.  
387She then confirmed Shidou who was floating while coated in dense Reiryoku. His outfit turned back to his school uniform from the tuxedo. Most likely, it’s because his transformation ability was released.  
388“Shidou!”  
389Even though she shouted-----there was no reply. It’s not like was asleep but, he was emotionless, and his blank gaze was looking at the empty sky.  
390“Kotori, what is happening to Shidou!”  
391“I don’t know………! There was supposed to be some time left to the time limit!”  
392After Kotori and Tohka replied to each other with shouts, a change occurred to the Shidou floating in front of them.  
393The mass of Reiryoku lurking around Shidou increased in brightness before, that light covered the whole facility.  
394“Shidou--------“  
395Faster than Tohka was able to finish her sentence.  
396---The beam released by Shidou, pierced through the ceiling of the party hall.  
397 
398Chapter 5: Spirit's Dance 
399Part 1 
400In the sky, a flash of light came from the clash of two swords.  
401Ellen was wielding the high output laser knife <Caledfwlch>. In confrontation, Mana had equipped her <Vánagandr> with the sword <WolfTail>.  
402No matter from what angle, Ellen drew the image of her territory in order to catch the release of the attack. A barrier appears before the collision of the sword. Repeatedly clashing in close proximity, Ellen uses the opening from Mana’s last attack to counterattack. Mana quickly evaded and counters Ellen's attack before she could release her next one.  
403However, <Caledfwlch> was a sword entirely made of magic. Structurally, it was class apart from <WolfTail>, which was a real sword coated with magic. A greater structure yielded a greater maximum output value.  
404However, Ellen’s sword has a greater consumption rate of magic, whereas Mana has the advantage of prolonged use. However, no one in the world could match Ellen in terms of magical power output. Mana couldn’t rely purely on strength alone; to compensate she needs to use her techniques. Not giving Ellen any time for a respite, she continued her high-speed attack.  
405But the opponent is the strongest wizard. She wasn’t an opponent Mana could easily defeat. Ellen correctly predicted Mana’s attack and gave a counterattack that finally broke Mana’s defensive shield. In fact, even now there is still no wound on Ellen’s body.  
406However, Mana’s purpose is not to defeat Ellen, their fight is to buy enough time for Kotori to save Shidou. It would be wrong to launch a desperate attack to wound Ellen. Her utmost priority is to extend the duration of the fight.  
407If this continues, it should be enough to win the desired amount of time. No matter how long, as long as they were able to successfully rescue Nii-  
408But at that moment.  
409Down below, the <Ratatoskr> facility suddenly started to shine, emitting a pillar of light towards the sky. A violent shockwave pushed her back.  
410"...... What!?"  
411She could not help but stare at the scene. Her attention taken away, her defenses momentarily faltered, leaving her completely exposed.  
412This kind of moment is enough to make a fatal blow to an opponent.  
413"You’re full of openings."  
414"Ku -"  
415Shocked, but it didn’t completely eliminate the power of her defense. However, just like a smash volleyball her body fell down towards the ground.  
416"Waaah ......!"  
417She quickly used her Territory as a buffer to absorb the impact. The ground became distorted like there is an invisible sphere pushed onto it.  
418"Ku… you've done it now. …But what was that earlier?"  
419While the fight wasn’t over, she briefly toured around the pillar of light. Then, Mana gasped. Shidou was floating, surrounded by light and spiritual power.  
420"Nii-sama!?"  
421Hearing her voice, Shidou slowly turned his eyes to Mana.  
422His consciousness is hazy, his eyes blurry, he looked like he was drugged by something.  
423Then, his lips parted something to Mana.  
424"Ah — Mana. I'm glad. So you were fine."  
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432Shidou whispered with a gentle voice.  
433"......Nii-sama?"  
434After listening to Shidou’s words, Mana knitted her eyebrow; something was off with what he just said.  
435On the surface it sounds like Shidou is worrying about her body. That is understandable, since at this very moment, Mana is still fighting with Ellen and got a serious blow from her just earlier.  
436However — for some reason, Mana thought that Shidou was also trying to say something else.  
437Shidou, in a state of ecstasy, opened his mouth and continued.  
438"I was… worried about you. Ever since you've been kidnapped by those DEM guys… but I'm glad… I'm really glad…"  
439"......Kidnapped? Nii-sama, what are you saying?"  
440"Mio ......Didn’t that person help you out?”  
441"What are you talking about, Nii-sa —" Before she could finish, she felt a sharp pain on her head. She pushed her forehead with her hand and frowned.  
442"Ah ......!"  
443It is very clear that this is not a simple headache. - Mio. The instant Shidou spoke that name, a scene she never seen before came flashing in her head.  
444"T…This is…"  
445The scenes in her head were changing like a camera shutter. She saw the park where she played with her friend, a teacher teaching in a class, her birthday where Shidou celebrated with her.  
446And then – the back of a girl with long hair.  
447"Ah ......"  
448The moment that girl came to mind, her vision began to flicker.  
449For some reason, Mana couldn't remember the girl's face. She knew she know her, but —  
450And that was when something interrupted her thoughts. Mana heard Ellen's voice from above her, "— Lost in your thought in front of me? You underestimated me a bit too much." Ellen followed her words by preparing for an attack.  
451"! ...... Oh -"  
452At that moment, Ellen has landed towards her side, and raised her <Caledfwlch>.  
453But it was too late; Mana was in a state of panic.  
454"......!"  
455However, she has not been burned by a laser knife.  
456Before <Caledfwlch>, could hit her, Shidou resorted to using the spiritual power surrounding him to block the magic powered sword.  
457"Oh ......?"  
458Ellen issued a surprised voice, while staring irritably at Shidou.  
459"— Itsuka Shidou. Don't you look so wonderful right now. Even though I don't know what happened, I can see why Ike wants you that much." Ellen said, while her lips gave a fearless smile.  
460But in contrast, Shidou could only make a grim look.  
461"D - E, M ......"  
462Growling like a wild animal, his breathing became more and more disorderly.  
463"- Wuwa ah, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"  
464At that moment, the spiritual power that curled around Shidou increased its intensity and blew away both Ellen and Mana who were nearby. "......!"  
465"What!?"  
466Mana deployed a territorial field to absorb the impact. Stopping mid-air, she raised her voice and shouted.  
467"Nii-sama! What is this! And what was that earlier — who is Mio-san!?"  
468But Shidou did not answer. Even though they weren’t far apart, Shidou could hear any of Mana’s words. He kept growling like a beast and continued releasing an enormous amount of spiritual power.  
469"......"  
470Anyone could see from a glance that Shidou is behaving irrationally, but if possible, Mana would have wanted to ask him more.  
471However her current opponent is the world’s most powerful wizard. She could not allow herself for even the slightest negligence. Mana grinded her teeth and averted her eyes away from Shidou.  
472Part 2 
473"Cough ...... cough ......, Is everybody okay!?"  
474In the party hall now destroyed by the light of Spirit Power, Kotori raise up her voice asking if everyone is okay, while coughing from a cloud of dust.  
475Then, from the side came a familiar voice.  
476"Woo ...... What happened ......?"  
477Tohka got up from the ground to look around. At the same time Kotori was also raising her head.  
478Shidou‘s earlier attack suddenly opened a large hole in the celling and wall. However, it looks like the spirits and <Ratatoskr> staffs were all safe.  
479"...... W-what was that". Kotori then heard an unexpected voice.  
480“Kotori-san!"  
481The voice came outside from the crowd; Kotori could not help but stare.  "The voice, is that ......!?"  
482Yes, the voice came from Shidou’s real sister, Takamiya Mana.  
483More than that, beside her was a DEM’s magician. Ellen was also wearing her CR-Unit, and slowly raised her knife.  
484"Mana! What are you doing ......!"  
485Ellen quickly departed from the line of sight. In response, to Kotori, Mana expand her <Wolf's Tail> on her right hand and raised up her voice.  
486"I'll tell you the details later! For now… I'm leaving Nii-sama to you!"  
487The two flew into the sky, Ellen issued a slash. Magical light scattered like sparks from the collision.  
488So, she was the countermeasure that Reine meant. Kotori said as she scratched the back of her hair.  
489"That girl really ...... she disappeared without even tell me her contact information......!"  
490However, it really was good that she was keeping Ellen busy. Kotori would really like to complete Mana’s request of saving Shidou.  
491- But.  
492"Ah ......"  
493Seeing Shidou's appearance, Kotori unintentionally let out a trembling voice.  
494This is neither the usual gentle Shidou, nor is it the previous playboy Shidou.  
495The “thing” standing there releasing the colored light could not have been called a human.  
496Standing at the center, the dense spiritual force around Shidou was swirling on and off like a heartbeat. Kotori felt a slight shock from this phenomenon. The air, ground, and space were all shaking in response to Shidou’s power.  
497No, more than that. Part of the spiritual power was forming the shape of a metal fragment. It was like a spirit that was wearing her astral dress.  
498Then, after seeing what Shidou looked like.  
499Kotori heard an ominous siren from her headset.  
500"Ah -"  
501This was a different alarm from the one that detects a spacequake or a spirit’s abnormal mental status.  
502Kotori has only heard that alarm once before that.  
503And that was when they told her to remember it during testing, saying it would be the best if she never hears it again.  
504"...... Of all the lies people give -"  
505Kotori was able to feel her fingers trembling slightly. She feels like there is a crack in her very existence. Her heart started beating fast. Breathing became difficult. Her view started distorting. Kotori feel like it's difficult for her to just standing still.  
506Kotori's consciousness was disrupted by the sound of the alarm of the demise for few moments.  
507"----------------!"  
508On the issue of humanity, she could not believe the roar Shidou gave. Like an electrical discharge phenomena, the spiritual power crackling, illuminating the surroundings.  
509"......!"  
510Shidou bent his legs, stepping on the ground for take-off. The height between the ground and underground facility meant nothing to him. Shidou mowed down the trees in his way and started moving to somewhere.  
511"Kotori-san! Are you okay! We should follow Darling!"  
512"............"  
513Kotori raised up her face at Miku's words. Kotori tried opening her mouth, but no words are coming out. Kotori can't say it because saying it would means she decided to do perform the absolutely worst instruction.  
514However, in Kotori’s thoughts… For this country.  
515For this world.  
516For humanity.  
517And most importantly for Shidou himself.  
518It is the mission of <Ratatoskr>'s commander — the responsibility of the one who has been saved by Shidou five years ago.  
519Kotori open her mouth, tried to keep the shake in her voice to minimum.  
520"...... Everyone .—Standby here I’ll try and do something."  
521After listening to Kotori’s words, the spirits where very surprised to hear what she said.  
522"Standby? Let us do something together."  
523"Agreement. This is unlike Kotori."  
524 
525The Spirits looked at her with a surprised expression. Kotori isn’t surprised at their reaction. Kotori would be the same if someone said this to her, but they don't know the circumstances. However Kotori can't have their company.  
526Taking a deep breath, Kotori tried very hard to maintain a constant volume.  
527"— As I said, it is for me to do something with Shidou. Just leave it to me. <Ratatoskr> already prepared something for a case like this." The Spirits nodded to her while still feeling a little uneasy. Kotori answered to them and walked up the stairs to the ground. Shidou is still moving while mowing down any tree in his way. If he continues, no doubt he would reach the town.  
528Then, she took out a small device from her dress pocket.  
529-It was something Kotori was determined never to use, the key of destruction  "......" Kotori reached out to the device with a trembling finger.  
530She scanned her fingerprint, then scanned her retina, input the password and placed her finger on the button. The button activates <Dainslaif>; the satellite weapon that is always aiming at Shidou.  
531 
532"...... I'm sorry, Onii-chan."  
533Kotori softly muttered to herself  
534"Please forgive me… who can't find another ending."  
535But - at that moment.  
536She felt an intention to kill from her left side; Kotori was left in a sense of disarray. Then along with a click, her temple felt an icy touch.  
537Kotori immediately realized. – She is being pointed at gunpoint. "......!"  
538Kotori moved her eyes to that direction. Over there, Origami who should still be in the underground facility with the other spirits. With dangerous eyes and her 9mm gun, Origami open her mouth with a cold and calm voice.  
539"What is that thing in your hand? What are you going to do to Shidou? Itsuka Kotori, you —"  
540But, Origami stopped before she was finished. Then, with little insight, Origami twitched her eyebrows in surprise.  
541The reason was Kotori’s face  
542- Her crying and distraught face.  "…Explain. What does this mean?"  
543Origami frowned and continued.  
544For an intelligent mind like Origami, it is would be impossible to easily fool her. But if she were to continue, Origami would certainly impede her. Kotori completely lost hope and opened her mouth.  
545"...... To Kill, Shidou"  
546After listening to the Kotori’s Origami gave an even more sinister look.  
547"What do you mean is this an order from <Ratatoskr> ?"  
548"…You're only half correct."  
549Kotori said self-deprecatingly.  
550"…Shidou right now is a time bomb. The spiritual power within him is rapidly expanding. If we leave him like this, it would be an explosion even larger than the South Kanto incident." "......"  
551Origami borne her teeth.  
552"…. And that's why you're killing him?"  
553"…Yes. That's the final job of me who has 'failed'. If Shidou is killed before he is at his limits, then we can keep the explosion to minimal. It's a choice between seeing ten millions of people die, or seeing only Shidou die. If someone tells me to choose, I'll choose the latter. — Because even Shidou, probably don't want to see such many people die because of him."  
554"............"  
555Origami fingers trembled gently. Kotori turned her eyes back to Shidou.  
556"If I press this button, <Dainslaif> on the satellite orbit will released its Magic Power cannon."  
557"<Dáinsleif> ......?"  
558"...... It was created after a detailed investigation of Shidou’s body, the curse sword made specially to kill him."  
559- That is <Dainslaif>. Kotori doesn’t know a worse way to use Realizer. Even if Shidou has Kotori's regeneration power, he can't regenerate himself if every single bit of his body is destroyed.  
560"...... You're kidding. That is <Ratatoskr> practice?"  
561A killer look appeared in Origami’s eyes, she continued.  
562"…Don't mess around. Is this the <Ratatoskr>'s way of doing things? Kill him once he can no longer keep the Spirit Power that is sealed within him? Before that, the one who made Shidou seal Spirits' Spirit Power was <Ratatoskr>. They used him for their own purpose, and once he become inconvenient to them, they're going to get rid of him? Even though you thought of Shidou that much, why did you agreed to —"  
563"— No!"  
564As if to cut-off Origami, Kotori said something with her trembling throat.  
565"Even though Shidou's power miraculously matched with <Ratatoskr> objective — but at the least Chairman Woodman was concerned about what may happen to him. He said nothing good will come out of sealing Spirit's power in human body. He suggested us to find another way to do it. But… it was already too late. The moment Shidou was found out by <Ratatoskr>, he already sealed one Spirit within him." "Could it be that ......"  
566"Yes — that was me."  
567Kotori said with a shaking voice.  
568It is a contradiction that can't be avoided since <Ratatoskr> found out about Shidou's power from when he sealed Kotori's powers.  
569"There was a possibly of Shidou becoming like this since five years ago. But even if you returned the Spirit Power to the Spirit, the Path won't be disappeared… five years ago; I put a time bomb into Shidou without knowing.  
570"…But won't letting him seal even more Spirits only increase the risk of him come to his limit?"  
571"…There's no other way. …There is only one way to stabilize Shidou."  
572"What is that?"  
573"— To have Shidou extract all the Spirit Powers he has and release it outside his body as a Sephira crystal."  
574"…! That is —"  
575Sephira crystal, the mysterious crystal that <Phantom> had, the jewel crystal contained the spiritual power that turned Origami into a spirit.  
576"You're right. But could it possibly be done…"  
577"...... Yes, we can’t do it even if we take back 100% of our spiritual power. I let <Ratatoskr> analyze over me several times. To extract a Sephira that has been united at the particle level, it requires a lot of Spirit Power to do it. To put it simply — we have to seal all the Spirits within Shidou just to do that."  
578"......"  
579Origami opened her eyes in amazement.  
580From her reaction she could see that she had a great deal of suspicion towards <Ratatoskr>.  
581It isn’t hard to understand. In fact, Kotori doesn’t entirely trust <Ratatoskr> either.  
582"But - everything is too late."  
583There is no extra time to continue talking. Kotori took a deep breath, and prepared to inject the button with her finger.  
584However, at that time.  
585"Kotori! Origami!"  
586Kotori heard Tohka’s voice from behind. Turning around, she saw that all the other spirits were there as well. They followed her up to the ground just like Origami.  
587“We came outside to follow you! All this happened, why didn’t you come and discuss it with us!?"  
588Kotori surprised at how Tohka knew the situation. Kotori then realized that she still had her headset equipped. Anyone with a headset could tune into their channel to talk with each other. That means everyone also heard the conversation with Origami earlier.  
589Kotori was certainly aware of this feature of the headset, but in front of a dangerous situation, she did not consider it because it was an emergency.  "...... I'm sorry, but it’s all over -."  
590"It is not over yet!"  
591Tohka shouted at Kotori.  
592“I don't know the details! But if you think the situation right now is desperate, that is because Kotori thinks she’s alone!"  
593"............!"  
594Kotori heard Tohka’s words.  
595She felt as if her heart had been tightly squeezed.  
596"Every… one…"  
597The spirits all nodded at Kotori.  
598"Giving up is so unlike Kotori-san!"  
599"Yes… let's save Shidou-san…"  
600"............"  
601Kotori's finger that is placed on the button is shaking. The memory of when they gave her this terminal came to her mind.  
602Back then, Kotori was very scared of it. Even though it's just in case of emergency, Kotori couldn't sleep at the fact she had a way to kill Shidou in her hands.  
603Ah, ah, but.  
604However, Kotori is now different from her past self. The determination, experience, and more than anything — her comrades who share the same idea as her.  
605Then there's no way she can't come up with another conclusion.  
606Kotori let the key fall out of her hands.  
607Part 3 
608"Why, ah, why don’t you attack, Commander Itsuka!?”  
609From the darkened room came a cry of impatience.  
610An irritated voice echoed in the gloomy room. Out of all five people in the room, only two people are actually here. Eliot Woodman and the other is Karen Mathers. The others are holograms of <Ratatoskr>'s executive members who are participating from all over the world.  
611"Attack! Attack, Commander Itsuka! "  
612"............"  
613Clayton, an older man who is reminiscent of a roaring Bulldog.  
614Although his behavior very consistent with his usual actions the opening round table...... But today Clayton has a reason to be angry. This is because the screen at the center of the round table of <Ratatoskr> had predicted the worst case scenario  
615The boy's Spirit Power level is still rapidly rising. If this continues, it might result in a disaster like 30 years ago again. Even though the other two don't say anything, they also make a similar expression.  
616"Sir. Woodman”  
617Of the two people, one was wearing a monocle, reminiscent of the rat man. Frazer Douglas spoke as he swiped the sweat from his forehead.  
618"This will really go on to create a massive spacequake. Why did you give the <Dáinsleif> emission rights only to Commander Itsuka? "  
619The person who exudes the appearance of a cartoon cat agreed with the rat man. He is the last person on the round table: Gillian Almsted  
620"That ah. Even then, she’s just a junior high school student. The person in question is her brother; do you really think she can make the right judgment? "  
621"............"  
622Woodman mumbled in his head that if he gave them the permission, they would have pulled the trigger without any delay.  
623<Ratatoskr> is the organization set up to save the spirits. However, only the Woodman centric fractions implement this idea at heart. The others more or less only participate for their own kind of benefit.  
624Prioritizing their own interests, Woodman does not deny this as he thought it was a normal thought process for a human.  
625Once the risk become higher than the return, they're ready to cut down their ties with the Spirits  
626Therefore, Woodman gave the <Dáinsleif> emission to Kotori, the only trustworthy candidate.  
627Even if it means forcing Kotori to accept a mission that meant possibly attacking her favorite brother.  
628"Gentlemen calm down."  
629Woodman said to the round table.  
630"Indeed what is happening now may be that we can expect the worst case. However, this does not mean that it's all a foregone conclusion."  
631After listening to the words of Woodman, Clayton became very angry  
632"All this time you're still talking about! In the end, how are you going to change this situation! "  
633"Who knows? But as long as Commander Itsuka does not give up, I also will not give up."  
634Woodman's eyes became sharp; the other three have made a very dissatisfied expression.  
635However, the possibility of Shidou’s recovery existed only in Woodman’s selfawareness. What is the problem if you insist - that he does not think this "possibility" that exists deserves to be told in front of this trio.  
636All he could do now is buy enough time for Kotori.  
637"Ah ...... I know. I say this somewhat reluctantly. Then so be it. From now, for every one minute that passes, I will give you one percent of Asgard Electronics’ shares."  
638"What ......!”  
639The three people were surprised to hear the Woodman's words.  
640That is, of course. In addition to being the only outside agency outside of DEM to manufacture the Realizer, Asgard Electronics, is <Ratatoskr> core technology source, and also Woodman's lifeline. For these three individuals, the deal was too good to be true.  
641But these three men did not answer immediately. The conditions proposed are too tempting, so the three of them actually became suspicious.  
642Woodman smiled. - That's good. The more they worry, the more time he can give to Kotori for her fight.  
643But the spiritual power value displayed on the screen continued to rise; loud sirens interrupted the pondering trio.  
644"......! "  
645Clayton gasped.  
646"...... There is no other way! It’s impossible to stop a spiritual force that has gone berserk! Now the only thing we can do is to destroy him as soon as possible! "  Three-dimensional image of the Clayton screamed, pulling out from his arms a small device.  
647"......! Clayton, that is."  
648Seeing the device, Woodman gasped.  
649Clayton was holding out on an item that only Kotori and Woodman had in their holdings: <Dáinsleif> startup device.  
650"Clayton, why do you have that?"  
651"There’s an old saying in Japan, “Be prepared and have no regrets."1  
652"Stop it! Do not do such stupid things!"  
653Clayton ignored Woodman’s pleas, and did not hesitate to press the button.  Part 4 
654"............"  
655Kotori was rubbing down with the back of her tears and twitching nose.  
656"......You guys should laugh at me. I said so many great words, but when the real trouble hits this is what I look like now."  
657Kotori said in self-deprecating tone. But Origami quietly shook her head.  
658"Did not say such a thing. You still are really great as Shidou’s sister."  
659"Origami ......"  
660“There must still be a way. Do not give up."  
661As Origami was talking, the spirits all nodded in an attempt to cheer Kotori up.  
662".We cannot be this dictionary that has no words."  
663"Consent. We will come to help."  
664"...... I do not know specifically how to do it, but there is always the right way."  But - at this moment.  
665Kotori was knocked off the ground from the same warning sound from before.  
666“— <Dainslaif> activation code detected. Commencing attack on the target.” 
667"...... !?"  
668Kotori could not help but gasped, as she picking up the device. Although convinced that she got it wrong, but the screen shows that <Dáinsleif> has been started.  
669Origami’s face is filled with fear, as she looked towards the activation device.  
670"Did it activate from the impact of you dropping it?”  
671"! I don’t know what happened; it wasn’t designed in a way where you can easily manipulate it! -"  
672Although she does not know why, but now <Dáinsleif> has indeed started. To cancel the launch, Kotori hastily tried to grab the activation device.  
673But it was too late.  
674Like a meteor across the night.  
675Kotori’s field of vision is filled with light.  
676"Shidou - !!"  
677Kotori shouted all she could while extending her hand toward Shidou.  
678But that cannot change a person’s fate. Shidou’s body is engulfed in the light.  
679The attack hollowed out the ground. The impact had blown away Kotori and others who were standing nearby  
680— Or so she thought that would happen.  
681"Huh ......?"  
682Kotori stiffen her body, and blinked her eyes few times before she raising her face up. The other spirits also did the same.  
683Kotori widen her eyes. She thought for a second that Shidou used his Spirit Power to block <Dáinsleif>‘s attack, however, that is different.  
684"What -"  
685Kotori’s eyes widened in amazement.  
686For a moment, she thought it’s was Shidou using his surplus of spiritual power to launch a shield, but -.  
687[-Phew, that really was dangerous]  
688I do not know when to it appear here, but another spirit appeared near Shidou  No...... Kotori didn’t know if she could even call that thing a spirit.  
689That is because even its gender was disguised, covered by a layer of noise.  
690"You are -!"  
691Kotori said with slightly trembling fingers. The others, with varying degrees, had the same reaction as Kotori.  
692In particular, Miku and Origami have also met that ‘being’ first-handed. Miku looked badly shaken up. Origami stares at the noise with a cautious and alert look on her face.  
693Yes, it was the spirit who could create other spirts.  
694The one who turned Miku, Kotori, and Origami into spirits by giving the Sephira crystals.  
695- The being that is called <Phantom> is here now.  
696"<Phantom> - ?!"  
697Kotori loudly called out its name.  
698Even though you can see its shape, you cannot identify what kind of shape it. This strange sense of presence, even though they want to forget, you can’t really forget it’s out there. And five years ago, it appeared before a young Kotori in the same form that it has now.  
699Everything about that being is surrounded by mysteries. No matter how much Kotori investigated, she couldn’t not even the slightest clue of fans. Obviously you want to make sure of things and the things you don’t know, but with 
700<Phantom> right in front of them, Kotori was left speechless for a few seconds.  
701It is surrounded by a mosaic, "some object” that makes it impossible to distinguish quality of the sound.  
702[......It seems humans also do things recklessly too.]  
703- <Phantom> jokingly said that and turned herself around. The barrier that covered above Shidou like an umbrella then disappeared.  
704"...... I don’t want to hear that from you-!"  
705Kotori frowned in response to <Phantom>‘s words.  
706Kotori thought that she is an indirect cause that caused Shidou to become like this. Because she turned Kotori into a Spirit five years ago and made Shidou seal her, it caused him to take the risk of going berserk.  
707In her thoughts, Kotori’s mind could not help but create numerous questions.  
708Why is <Phantom> now suddenly here right now?  
709And why did she protect Shidou from <Dáinsleif>?  
710"<Phantom> ...... what are you exactly?"  
711However <Phantom> does not seem to acknowledge the question, and continued to move towards the direction of Shidou.  
712[…I see, his condition is pretty dangerous. I could understand your painful determination. — But if he does not continue to live, then I will be very troubled.]  
713"You ...... What are you say ......?"  
714Kotori raised up her voice with confusion. <Phantom> then came down in front of Shidou as if she don't care about the spiritual power whirled around him. [...... Good Boy]  
715-<Phantom> said with a gentle voice and touch Shidou's forehead.  
716"--------------------------!"  
717Shidou sent a shiver that almost made it seem like the sky is screaming. His body is writhing in pain.  
718"Gaa - ah, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"  
719"Shi… Shidou!?"  
720"Darling!"  
721What did you do to Shidou?"  
722"Agreement. The situation is becoming worse."  
723-In response to the spirits, <Phantom> breath out a sigh a little.  
724[— To greet me in such a tone. Even though I just gave you a chance.]  
725"What did you say ...... !?"  
726"! Kotori! Look!"  
727Kotori frowned, judging by her tone, Tohka seemed quite surprised.  
728Kotori then noticed that the spiritual forces surrounding Shidou has become slightly weakened.  
729“This is…”  
730[…From now on is your domain. I wish you a good luck. —Goodbye, my dear children]  
731"...... !? Say what -"  
732Kotori raised her voice at <Phantom>'s words. However, <Phantom> did not reply. She turned over and disappeared into the air  
733"! Hey, wait a minute!"  
734"Kotori-san...... now with this, Shidou-san, he ......"  
735Yoshino said in a quiet tone.  
736Kotori stamped hard with her foot, "......'you’re right," she said in an affirmative nod.  
737"Although I do not know how it happened, but a gap surrounding Shidou’s spiritual power has opened. In this case, maybe we still have time."  
738"! Really, Kotori!"  
739Tohka suddenly stared, while Kotori nodded and went down.  
740"Yes. ...... But we’re also just a step from the worst case scenario. A step forward, but the desperate situation has not changed. We have to pass through the spiritual power and share a kiss with Shidou, but as of now we - "  
741"What ah, just a kiss. Is that not so simple?"  
742"I agree. So, there is no problem."  
743After finishing, both Kaguya and Yuzuru took each other’s hand and made a pose.  
744"Actually...... you don’t know how difficult it is to do it ......"  
745Kotori was still frowning. But Kaguya and Yuzuru loosened their lips and closed their eyes in order to increase their concentration.  
746And then -  
747"Ha! - Now, the power of children of the hurricane appears!"  
748"Confirmation, it appears now.”  
749Calling out at the same time, both girls were wearing the same strait-jacket dresses.  
750-They had both had equipped their limited astral dress.  
751"What ......!"  
752Kotori held out her breath. The Yamai sisters were using the little remnants of their spiritual power to give a little show of force.  
753Indeed, using the limited astral dress to so early could be very dangerous. The path is still too narrow. In the worst case, they might die before reaching Shidou.  
754"...... From Natsumi’s example, it probably will only maintain for about five minutes."  
755Kotori gave a serious expression while she spoke, but the Yamai Sisters merely laughed.  
756"Kaka did not expect the accident of little time."  
757"Consent, the Yamai sisters don’t have enough time to overdo it."  
758Nodded slightly to each other, they let the wind wrapped around their bodies and flew into the sky.  
759- The rest are marching towards the forest, at the direction of where Shidou is.  
760Part 5 
761<Wolftail>  
762And <Caledfwlch>  
763Their collision in the darkness created a burst of shed sparks.  
764"Ha!"  
765"Too naive."  
766Ellen easily guarded after experience the same attack from Mana several times already, she turned her body to attack Mana’s belly.  
767At that moment Mana attempted to deploy her territory in order to freely escape from behind However, since the reaction had a moment of delay, it did not fully offset the power of the blow. Mana coughed at the pain in her stomach.  
768“Even though you said you’d stop me that was quite a timid attack. You think you could kill me with something like that?"  
769"Hmp… kill, kill you said. You don't know other way to win, do you? Even though your Magic Power is the strongest, it seems like your intelligent is still not enough."  
770"This really is a cheap provocation ah. Do you think I would fall for that?” Ellen responded with a brave face forward. When Wizards are using a Realizer, a slight disturbance can caused the sensitivity of Territory to drop. Ellen couldn't be provoked so easily. Anyhow, with the title of the world’s strongest wizard, that level of interference should not have any reaction anyway. "Ha… I didn't expect you to do so. I don’t think anything of you. I always thought you were somewhat dull ever since I was at DEM."  
771"Don't joke around. There's no way I'd have any faults."  
772"No, I saw you tripped several times where there's nothing around. Also I saw you take two breaks when you carry the documents from the second floor up to the fourth floor." "!? How do you know that?"  
773"Anyway, while I have something to say, the Wizards in the second group are not calling you 'Shikkou-buchou' but rather 'Moyashikko-buchou'"2  
774"......"  
775A blood vein popped up on Ellen's forehead. Ellen quickly made a swing towards Mana with her <Caledvwlch>. Mana evaded the attack and began laugh at her.  
776"Oh ~? Didn't you say you can't be provoked?"  
777"You give me to shut up! What is this unpleasant nickname ah ......!"  
778Ellen cried out impatiently. When she returned to England, no doubt her subordinates will all get a harsh 'special training’.  
779Incidentally, Mana just thought up that nickname on the stop just now. If Ellen used her head a little, she would have realized that the second groups full of Wizards were all from England. There is no way they would understand a silly Japanese joke. Obviously, they can understand just a little, but ...... it seems to Ellen was too angry to even consider that.  
780But - at this time  
781Ellen raised an eyebrow as she listened to her communication device.  
782"- Ah ...... what you say is" Material A "is.??"  
783Ellen knitted her brows and clicked her tongue before lowering her <Caledvwlch>,  
784"How lucky you are. — But remember, you won't have a chance next time."  After saying these words, Ellen manipulated her territory and flew towards the night.  
785Mana decided not to follow her. After all, her aim is to buy some time. There's also no guarantee that she will win if she followed her.  
786However, it is true that there is an even more important reason.  
787The name Shidou said earlier still keeps swirling in her mind.  
788"…Who is Mio-san —"  
789Mana mumbled under the darkness of the night.  
790Part 6 
791In front of a gradually expanding forest, the beast surrounded by a dazzling light is moving forward at an incredible speed.  
792Both Kaguya and Yuzuru witness this scene from the sky.  
793"Yuzuru are you ready!?"  
794"Answer. Of course. I’m not like Kaguya who would miss an opportunity because of fear.  
795"Well, look what you are saying if you think the child of the hurricane will be afraid of this thing!"  
796"Negative. Not that I'm worried about that. But, yeah, I would be worried if Kaguya really wants to kiss and hesitates at the last second.”  
797"What ......! It is impossible ah! That kind of thing is quite easy and simple for me!"  
798Yuzuru started to exaggerate as she voiced suspicion at how defensive Kaguya got.  
799“Really? I suspect Kaguya has gotten uncharacteristically good at kissing because she’s been practicing with a cat.”  
800"I have not done anything like that! Can you not tell lies!?"  
801"Imitation. Meow ah...... Kaguya is very strange if she’s replacing Shidou with a cat.”  
802"Why are you imitating me!? I’ve never once said lines like those!”  
803Kaguya raised her voice, “Yuzuru, you don’t have to copy me in order to synchronize our attacks.”  
804They both reduce their height while moving through the trees, surrounding Shidou from both directions.  
805"...... Yuzuru, now!"  
806"Answer. Understand"  
807They each nodded to each other as; they released strong winds from both Shidou’s left and right side. With that much amount of wind pressure, Shidou movements began slowing down.  
808They both know that they were unable to completely stop him with their limited amount of power. Yes. The battle has only just begun.  
809"<Raphael> - [El Re'em]!"  
810Kaguya shouted. A wing grew out of her shoulder, armor covered her arm, and a lance appeared in her hand.  
811"Ha!"  
812Kaguya attacked Shidou's barrier made of Spirit Power with her lance. Intense wind coiled up in the surroundings. The barrier that surrounded Shidou broke apart for a short moment.  
813The little gap could hardly be called a good chance. But with the Yamai sisters’ speed, it may be enough.  
814"Echo <Rapheal > - [El Na'ash]!"  
815Yuzuru shouted, throwing her pendulum type angel towards Shidou.  
816However, her purpose was not to unleash an attack. But to use of [El Na'ash] chains to bound Shidou’s hands, sealing his actions.  
817"Chance. Kaguya!"  
818"Coming!"  
819At that moment, the two closed in on Shidou. As his hands and feet were shackled, the two whispered something.  
820"Shidou - Now, we’ve come to save you."  
821"Debt of gratitude. Just like what Shidou once did for Yuzuru."  
822Yuzuru and Kaguya said that and move their faces near Shidou and placed their lips onto Shidou's lips  
823"......! "  
824At that moment, both Kaguya and Yuzuru feel their bodies are getting hot. 
825Almost like a flow of blood that has been stopped is now flowing again. "This is ...... The path is open?"  
826"Agreement. Probably. When Yuzuru is still holding Shidou down, everyone please —"  
827Before Yuzuru could finished her words, "- Ah ah ah ah!"  
828Shidou howled as he also broke free from [El Na'ash] inhibitions. Releasing a strong shock wave, Kaguya and Yuzuru were soon blown away from Shidou.  "Wuwa -!"  
829"Effect. He escaped."  
830Liberated from the shackles, Shidou once again began frantically moving forward.  
831Subsequently, the two prepared to catch up again to Shidou. However—  
832From their eyes, crossed a huge silvery white rabbit.  
833"Yoshino?!"  
834Kaguya shouted that name while a spirit riding a bunny moved on forward. In response, Yoshino gently nodded her head.  
835"- < Zadkiel >!"  
836With Yoshino’s command, the huge rabbit-type angel opened its mouth, so that the surroundings are then covered by cold air. The moisture in the air began condensing and froze the ground, rocks, trees, and even Shidou's legs.  
837Because of the ice obstacles, Shidou once again stopped moving. Yoshino then gave the command for < Zadkiel > to forward towards Shidou.  
838Then she let < Zadkiel > dropped to the ground, she leaned forward and stuck close to Shidou’s face.  
839"Shidou-san...... please go back to normal."  
840Yoshino then placed her lips onto Shidou's. She feels that her body is getting hot. Her Astral Dress glowed with a faint light.  
841Yoshino then called the person who is clinging on her back,  
842Natsumi-san, please also…!"  
843"Y-Yes…"  
844Following Yoshino’s urging, Natsumi slowly struck her head out from the back of < Zadkiel >.  
845Incidentally, Natsumi is the only one who is not wearing her Astral Dress. It's not because she don't want to help Shidou, but she already used up her Spirit Power in the middle of Shidou's capture. That's why Natsumi can't manifest her Astral Dress. "I did not carefully consider the results before ...... now I’m causing distress for Yoshino. I want to die."  
846"What?"  
847"N-Nothing… I have to help Shidou."  
848Natsumi responded in nervous voice. When Natsumi tried to lean herself forward from <Zadkiel>, she slipped her hand and fell to the ground on her face.  
849"Damn!"  
850"N-Natsumi-san!"  
851"No, I'm fine, I'm fine ......"  
852Natsumi pushed her nose while wave her hand to Yoshino. Even though she said fine, her eyes are teary and there is a blood coming out of her nose.  
853T-Then Shidou, I'm sorry it has to be me. …It was originally your fault for not handing me the Spirit Power, that's why I'm this in form. Don't sue me because I kissed you while you're out of conscious… I'm going to kiss now, okay? Okay? If you don't want to, then say it."  
854"Um, Natsumi-san, we don't have time…"  
855Then, at that moment.  
856"- Ah!"  
857Shidou grit his teeth, by pulling out all his strength and he shattered the ice on his legs. Shidou then went to attack Natsumi who is nearby.  
858But – Before Shidou's hand could touch Natsumi.  
859A silver tube emerge next to Shidou, it unleashed a sound track that tightly tied up Shidou’s body.  
860"Ufufu~ I made it in time~."  
861At that time, Miku emerged in her astral dress; she had used her angel <Gabriel > to block Shidou’s attack on Natsumi.  
862"Miku......"  
863"Are you okay, Natsumi-san? If you want to thank me just give me a kiss~"  
864"W-who will do that!"  
865"Um, looks like Shidou-san is trying to move again…"  
866Natsumi then realized the situation when Yoshino said that. She thought for a second and, after a moment of hesitation, lightly placed her lips onto Shidou's. That's it! It's okay now right! That's counted as kiss, right!?"  
867"Ah, Natsumi-san, what a waste -”  
868Following Natsumi’s lead, Miku leaded towards Shidou’s face. After exchanging a kiss, Miku let out her tongue and licked Shidou's lips. Yoshino and Natsumi could not help but blush at her actions.  
869"Ufufu… a kiss with darling, and an indirect kiss with Natsumi-san… what a good deal~"  
870"What…!? Indirect kiss!? I don't…"  
871After saying that, Natsumi noticed something that shook her shoulders.  
872"Wait, eh? That means I also did indirect kiss with Yoshino…?"  
873Natsumi blushed. After seeing her reaction, Yoshino also felt embarrassed.  
874However, this situation did not last long. Shidou broke the pipe that was restricting his body and continue moving forward, pushing <Zadkiel> out of the way  
875"Kya…!"  
876Yoshino manipulated her <Zadkiel> to keep her balance. Miku escaped with Natsumi who had fell face first into the ground once again. "Looks like everyone who went ahead of us already succeed. Let's go too!"  
877"I know."  
878Kotori covered herself in flames while Origami covered herself with light. Both rushed into the sky in order to pursue Shidou.  
879Shidou, who has lost conscious, is simply a monster. It can be said that he is now a walking disaster in human's form.  
880Yes. He is a 'Spirit' by AST's definition.  
881However Kotori doesn't feel despair. Or rather, she even feels a strange upsurge of her emotions. Even though the situation is still desperate, the small hope to be able to save Shidou is like a miracle to her. — Even though she doesn’t want to thank <Phantom> for it.  
882Kotori grunted while looking at Origami.  
883"Origami, can you do it!?"  
884“Of course.”  
885Origami gave a brief reply, as she gilded towards Shidou’s direction.  
886"- <Metatron >"  
887As the sounded echoed, a large number of feathers appears before Origami’s head, linking together to form the composition of a crown.  
888Origami raised his hand at the same time; each wing that formed < Metatron > began breaking apart. The scattered crown released a shining light as she glided past the ground  
889Of course, Origami didn't want to hurt Shidou, only trying to block his way.  
890"-!"  
891Reacting to the assault, Shidou jumps beyond the line of sight and into the sky.  
892“Ah ah ah!"  
893Then in his hands, he summoned a sword-shaped angel < Sandalphon > which he attempted to use to cut past Origami.  
894"Origami!"  
895Kotori called out without thinking. Even if Origami was in her limited astral dress, a direct attack from an angel could be fatal.  
896However, before < Sandalphon > could land a hit on Origami, her body suddenly disappears in a flash of light. The next moment, she reappears in Shidou’s arms.  
897"-"  
898Origami placed her hand on Shidou's cheek and pushed her lips onto his lips.  
899Shidou immediately showed the same twitch response and gave out a roar while waving his <Sandalphon >.  
900Origami’s body disappeared again appeared a few meters behind Shidou. Grasping this opportunity, Kotori attempted to close in on Shidou.  
901"Ah - ah ah ah!"  
902Aware that Kotori was closing in, Shidou swung his <Sandalphon> , releasing a wave of spiritual energy towards Kotori's direction.  
903Kotori evaded the attack. Sure enough, Shidou's reaction is gradually changing. Back with the Yamai sisters, he was just a walking disaster. Then he showed a violent reaction towards with Natsumi. And now he is pointing an Angel to fight with his 'enemies'.  
904His resistance is getting stronger, and although that makes things more difficult, but from another perspective, Shidou is gaining more intelligence- that is, his human perception is gradually being restored.  
905"- Shidou"  
906Kotori opens her arms in order to get close to Shidou.  "-!"  
907Shidou swung down his < Sandalphon >, but Kotori did not avoid the attack. Blood starts to gush out from her wound. "  
908"Kotori!"  
909Origami called her name in worry, but Kotori only held out her hand to say that she was fine. Flames then started licking her wound, healing it.  
910Even though her wound is already healing, that doesn't mean she didn’t feel any pain. This pain is her atonement for the fact that she was going to kill Shidou with her own hands.  
911"Onii-chan"  
912Kotori was clinging onto Shidou, and then tenderly kissed him.  
913"...... I’ll be waiting for an Adult kiss next time."  
914Kotori said with a gentle smile.  
915"--------!"  
916Shidou issued a silent roar as he escapes from Kotori’s hands. He began to march once again.  
917"Only one left"  
918Kotori places her hands on her wound and issues a groaning sound. The flames had not completely healed her wound. However, she also felt an increasing amount excitement as her feeling of pain faded.  
919In any case, there only remaining one. And after the last person kisses Shidou, the path will be restored between the Spirts and Shidou will go back to normal.  
920With hazy eyes, she looks on towards Shidou’s direction.  
921In Shidou’s direction, there is a beautiful princess in purple Astral Dress waiting for him while holding her golden sword on the ground.  
922The sound of his voice blew the leaves and as he cut down the trees in his way. 
923The strength of his spiritual power teared through the night like a triumphant roar. In response, Tohka could feel that every inch of her skin is shaking.  
924Tohka calmly opened her eyes, while holding < Sandalphon >‘s hilt straight ahead.  
925The spiritual power gradually formed a vortex, Shidou is also holding 
926<Sandalphon> in his hand. When he saw Tohka blocking his way, he prepared to swing his <Sandalphon> at her.  
927“Hmm..”  
928Tohka knocked the attack back perfectly, and ran closer to the approaching Shidou.  
929As the two < Sandalphon > collided with each other, their collective spiritual power created an explosion of sparks.  
930Up, and down. The attacks came from every angle, Tohka notices her defenses is starting to waver. The impact from their attacks is released to the surroundings, causing Tohka's feet sink down to the ground.  
931It was a weird feeling. Tohka never though that Shidou was capable of fighting with her in such a degree.  
932But the Shidou before her is not really the real Shidou. Tohka’s eyes became sharp as she swung her < Sandalphon > with all her might.  
933"Ah ah ah ah ah!"  
934Clang! Accompanied by a loud sound, Shidou’s < Sandalphon > flew from Shidou’s hand and into the sky, slowly dissolving into light particles fluttering in the wind.  
935Although, Tohka is no match for Shidou in terms of spiritual power, her skills in swordplay made up for the big difference. As Shidou was swinging his < Sandalphon >, Tohka predicted the attack and seized the opportunity. "Shidou, now I'll save you."  
936Tohka gave a determined nod, as she moved into Shidou’s arms. She held her hand to his chin, close to his lips.  
937- However, at that moment.  
938"-! Gaa ah ......!"  
939Suddenly, she felt a tingling sensation in her chest; Tohka clutched her chest in pain.  
940"This is ......"  
941At that instant, both < Sandalphon > and her limited astral dress began to dissipate. It appears she has finally run out of spiritual power.  
942She felt a strong force pulling her body down. Without her limited astral dress, Tohka’s body is in direct contact with Shidou’s spiritual power.  
943"Ku—" "----"  
944Shidou gently waved his hand. But even with only this action, Tohka is blown away striking her back to a tree.  
945"Ah ......!"  
946Tohka's back landed hard on a tree, her consciousness became hazy. Her body's bones and muscle are in pain due to the friction.  
947"Tohka!"  
948"Tohka-san......!"  
949She heard Kotori and the other’s from the sky.  
950However, before they could use their Angels to help Tohka, she raise up her voice.  
951"- Wait a minute!"  
952"…!? What is it, Tohka!"  
953Kotori replied with a surprised tone. However, Tohka remained calm and continued.  
954"Please… don't help me. I feel this is something I have to do myself."  "......Tohka"  
955Understanding Tohka’s thoughts, Kotori waved her hand to stop the others.  
956Tohka thanked Kotori and slowly walked towards Shidou’s direction.  
957"----!"  
958Shidou gave a loud resounding roar.  
959Even if the others have opened the paths, the vast majority of spiritual power is still sealed in Shidou’s body. If Shidou attacked now, she would certainly lose.  
960"Ah ......"  
961Tohka ignored the pain and dragged her body forward towards Shidou.  
962Her vision blurred her consciousness hazy. There wasn’t anywhere on her body that wasn’t in pain. However, she could waste the last chance that everyone made for her  
963"Ha ha ...... ......"  
964The spiritual power surrounding Shidou increased in intensity, as if it was trying to deny Tohka access. Tohka feels like she jumped into a sea of sulfuric acid with her body. The invisible power licked over her body, leaving only a pain that nearly made her lose consciousness.  
965However, Tohka did not stop her pace. If Tohka gives up here, she would be unable to rescue Shidou. Everything they’ve done so far will have been for naught. She absolutely could not let that happen.  
966"Shidou… so you always fought… while feeling this pain…?"  
967Even though Shidou has Kotori's regeneration powers, he is still a human with normal sense of pain. Tohka painfully realized for the first time how Shidou must feel when he encounters with Spirits and Wizards without an Astral Dress  
968However, Shidou never gave up. No matter how many times he feels pain, no matter how many times he has been beaten down, Shidou always stood up to save Tohka and other Spirits.  
969Tohka didn’t know the reason why Shidou was doing that much to save Spirits. It's unreasonable that Shidou must end his life here.  
970No -  
971"............ I”  
972Tohka mumbled to herself.  
973Indeed, Tohka was indebted to Shidou’s kindness. Yes, it was that very kindness that had saved her.  
974And, it must be a problem if someone as nice as Shidou cannot be saved.  
975However, Tohka was moving forward not just because of that.  
976If it were only to repay a debt, Tohka would have collapse a lot time ago.  
977But inside her, there is a feeling that won't let her give up no matter what the hardships is. "— Ah, I see."  
978At the end of her painfully road, for the first Tohka finally understands what this feeling is.  
979Even though she heard about it several times, this is the first time that it has matched up with the feeling inside her  
980The feeling is "love".  
981It was a different “love” than the one she had for Kotori and Yoshino.  
982Tohka loves Shidou, and because of that feeling- she desperately wants to save him.  
983"- Shidou"  
984Tohka calls out his name, using her right hand she grabs Shidou’s necktie.  
985Then, she pulls Shidou toward herself — and kissed him.  "----"