I declined Maria, and headed towards library to wait for senpai.
The school library is in a separate building than the normal classrooms.
Built as a 2-storey building, it is considerably large, with many collections inside.
âAh, Raika kun.â
Charlotte senpai, who is one of the committee member of the library notice me, and wave her hand from the loaning counter.
âThen, letâs talk over there.â
âHow about your duty?â
âIâm not in duty today. I simply sit at the counter, waiting for you.â
âIs that so.â
Convinced, I follow Charlotte senpai.
She guides me through many bookshelves inside the library.
The books that is filling the bookshelves now looks less readable, and the smell of old ink and paper tickles my nasal cavity.
âPeople donât come here often, thatâs why I thought here is a good spot to have a secret conversation.â
âI agree. This is good.â
Both me and Charlotte senpai take a chair each, and sit opposite to each other.
âIsnât here a little dusty?â
âNo, I donât mind.â
I opened my bag and take out the bread that I already purchased earlier.
Senpai has her own lunchbox.
After she open her lunchbox, I can see numerous handmade dishes.
âDid you made it after I send you back this morning?â
âUhm, yes.â
âThat is amazing.â
She is an ordinary person.
It takes a great deal of courage to keep on living normally after experiencing that extraordinary event in life.
Iâm impressed, this girl really isâŠ
âYou think so? Ra-Raika kun, arenât you eating too?â
And, for some reason she recommended her own box lunch.
âIs that okay?â
âYup.â
âThen, Iâm going to eat.â
I picked a piece of egg, and bring it inside my mouth.
The egg was nicely grilled, as I chew it I can feel that itâs melting down inside my throat.
âThis is delicious.â
âRe-really.â
Charlotte senpai face turns red and she too take a piece of egg.
Somehow, I feel like her cheek is getting loose.
Even she feels that her own cooking is delicious.
âŠâŠnow then, should we move ahead to the main subject?
âSenpai. Letâs continue from yesterday.â
âUrgh!? Cough!â
Hearing me suddenly speaking, senpai was surprised and start coughing.
I hurriedly hand to her my PET bottle.
âHere.â
âcou-coughâŠâ
After pouring down the tea down her throat, she gives a relief sigh.
âThank you, Raika kun.â
âNo, Iâm sorry to surprise you.â
I apologize and have my tea returned.
Then I start talking about the matter again.
âSo, this is about our upcoming battle.â
ââŠâŠâ
â?â
The way she returns my PET bottle, doesnât it feel slightly weird?
âWould you like more?â
âEeh!? No!â
Charlotte senpai shook her head furiously.
I feel like that behaviour is suspicious somehow ⊠⊠Well never mind.
It really is a bit weird.
I continue eating the bread, and drink the tea.
âAh!â
ââŠâŠ. anything wrong?â
âNononono! Nothing at all!â
Charlotte senpai shakes her head harder than before.
Well, if you tell me yourself that there is nothing, then.
âSo, it is about the battle.â
âUn. It is hard aloneâŠâŠso, me and Raika kun should work together, right?â
âThatâs right.â
I nodded.
âThe duration of the Myth War is exactly a year. During that time, Iâll protect Charlotte senpai. Because of that, I want Charlotte senpai to help me achieve my purposes.â
âYour purposes?â
Senpai tilted her head sideway.
Then I, dropped my voice lower.
ââŠâŠ10 years ago, when I was running away with my sister, we were attacked by a God. I tried to protect my sister, but was defeated and fainted. My sister has been missing since.â
The word came out one by one, and then I took a deep breath.
âMy main purpose is to find my missing sister, by taking advantage of this Myth War.â
ââŠâŠâ
Charlotte senpai is silent.
She tried to say something, but every time she opened her mouth, she will immediately close it again.
âSoâŠâŠum, for our cooperation, what do you want me to do.â
âFirstly, this alliance is to increase our mortality rate. Secondly, I want you to act as a spy.â
âSpy?â
âSenpaiâs BrĂŒnnhilde is from Celtic Mythology. So now I want you to make check whether the God from Celtic Mythology is involved in that accident 10 years ago or not.â
I look directly into senpaiâs eyes.
âI know what Iâm asking for is dangerous. This is like purposely involving senpai in my private affair. However, in the unlikely event I promise to protect my seniors by betting my life. Thatâs why.â
âOkay. I understand.â
When I tried to add more words persuading, Charlotte senpai replied such.
That is a positive replyâŠâŠbut she is shaking her head too much, and Iâm confused by the contradictory action.
ââŠâŠis that really fine? This might be different from what youâre thinking right now, since it is very dangerous?â
âI know the risksâŠâŠbut there is no way I can survive this war myself, plus.â
ââŠâŠ?â
After saying that, her face looks softer.
I wait for the next word.
After a few second, she opened her mouth again.
âIâm happy that I could be a help to Raika kun. After all, Raika kun already saved me twice now.â
âTwice?â
The only time that I could remember is the last night one. Is there other?
âYou help me once at the school gate when I was falling, remember?â
âThat is not a big deal.â
âNo way, I was really happy that time!â
Charlotte senpai said with an unusually loud voice.
âAnyway, as long as I can stay with Raika kun, I donât mindâŠâŠâ
âThank you very much.â
I give my thanks.
Anyway, for now everything is okay.
If Charlotte senpai actively acted together with me, then her safety is assured.
As I explained in advance, the proposition of the alliance is to raise each otherâs survival rate.
ăââthat is some interesting stuff you thinking there. ă
BĂĄlor unexpectedly give his remark.
âŠâŠabout what?
ăââthe alliance of two Divine Apotheosis. Over the three times the war was held, you are the first one to come out with this idea, Raika. ă
The only thing the God is seeking is to be the absolute.
Having a mentality as a being that is always competing with each other, it is not a shock that they donât have a value of sharing or idea to create an alliance.
ăââwhile exploiting the [control] to advance in the war with dominance, you didnât let go of your own personal agenda too. Not only that, preparing a spy to accomplish your own desire. This Devil God is having a mixed feeling. ă
Then, you have another plan?
ăââIâm not saying that Iâm against this plan. In fact, Iâm quite amused. ă
Uhihihi, BĂĄlor gave a cheerful laugh.
ăââJust use my Eye however you want, and rampage in this war. I want to see how a human is going to destroy this war. ă
I refuse, there is no way I will win in this war for your sake.
ăââThat is just fine. I canât even win in this war against the LĂș, and I want to be on the side only. ă
âŠâŠ
ââThe Sun God, LĂș. [A God Excelled in Hundreds of Craft]. Also, known as âLĂș of The Long Armâ.
Meanwhile, BĂĄlor is the king of Fomorians, who has tormented the Danann for a long time.
Soon after, both of them clash, with LĂș claiming the victory after killing BĂĄlor by using the God-slaying spear, Brionac, ultimately leading the Danann clan to victory.
In other word, BĂĄlor and LĂș is a nemesis.
By the way, the [One True God] is not the victorious God, but it is to be elected from the winner mythology. In this case, if the Celtic Mythology win, then wonât it be LĂș?
ăââwell~ I guess so. ă
If you dislike LĂș so much, then why did you participate in this war?
ăââI donât originally want to enter this war. I was forced. The Representative War is for all God, thatâs why. ă
You are not Danann tribe God, so if you die then nobody is going to get upset. But let say if you win, is there any profit?
In short, this is useless no matter however the result is.
ăââoi, you really have no mercy on me huh. ă
Who is going to pity you, you bastard?
I spit that out, and BĂĄlor got silenced.
âŠâŠdonât tell me, he is going to act rebellious now?
He is surprisingly weak inside?
Whatever, it is not my job to comfort him.
âUmâŠRaika kun?â
âNo, sorry. Is there anything else?â
Seems like Iâm too engrossed with BĂĄlor story.
I return back my focus at Charlotte senpai.
âAh, you see, seems like BrĂŒnnhilde san is mad at me for making the decision just now.â
âBrĂŒnnhilde?â
Apparently Senpai and BrĂŒnnhilde seem to be able to communicate in the head.
âGood timing. Senpai, I have something to talk with her. Can you switch for a while?â
âUeh? W-wake her?â
âYes. I will wake her using my Evil Eye. Please look here.â
âO-okay.â
I look straight into Charlotte senpai eyes.
âA, awawawa.â
A flustered voice comes out of her mouth.
âItâs okay. I wonât let BrĂŒnnhilde take over your body.â
âY-your face, itâs too nearâŠâ
ââŠâŠ?â
I didnât quite hear what she said.
For the time being, I donât feel that she is refusing, so I activate my left eye power.
The soul of BrĂŒnnhilde [Dominated] residing inside this body ââ I need to pull it out.
âAwaken, BrĂŒnnhilde.â
ââââââ
At that moment, senpai neck suddenly becomes flaccid.
ââŠâŠwhat now?â
The next time she raised her head, sheâs already been replaced by the grumpy BrĂŒnnhilde.
âYou probably already know the gist from when youâre inside senpai. I want you to act as my spy.â
âDonât fuck with me. Why a knight such as I must tooâŠâŠâ
âDo you even think you have the right to make decision?â
âKuhhâŠ!â
I donât want to have another pointless interrogation session, I should rub this off fast.
âAside from acting as my spy, you will also work as senpai bodyguard. In case she suddenly faces a dangerous situation that might threaten her life, you must manifest right away. This is an order.â
âRoger.â
She meekly obeys my orders. Can I say that this is a success for now?
ââŠâŠe,eh?â
As soon as BrĂŒnnhilde answers my order, her neck fall again, and this time it is senpai.
Because right now is not an emergency, BrĂŒnnhilde is in standby mode again.
This concludes BrĂŒnnhilde role.
Then, the chime rings.
âFrom now on, letâs be together as much as we can after lunch break and after school. I need to make sure that senpai is safe.â
When she heard that, her face turn beet red again.
âEh? But wonât the war only occur during night-time?â
âThere is still a possibility that the enemy might break the ruleâŠâŠâ
I take one key out of my uniform pocket.
âThis is the dorm master key. Every night other than Sunday where war is not taking place, please use this key every day to come to my room. If you use the rooftop, then you should be able to come to the menâs dormitory side even from the girlâs dormitory side.â
I just got the master key for the dormitories this morning.
Of course, since I used my Evil Eye, there is no way the dorm supervisor will notice it.
âMemememememe, in Raika kun room, e-every day?â
I nodded as a sign of yes towards this girl who is exaggerating it too much.
âI know that senpai canât leap inside my room like BrĂŒnnhilde. My room is at the corner of the 4th floor. Please be careful not to get caught by another person.â
âB-but.â
âThis is for the sake of protecting you, Senpai.â
I canât protect her unless she is by my side 24/7.
At first, senpai looks like she has many thing in her mind, but eventually, she is convinced, and take the key from my hand.
âNow, letâs get back to classroom. Can we meet at the gate after school is finish?â
âSu-sure.â
After making promise with senpai, we left the library together.
âWell then, after school.â
âYes. See you.â
Since Iâm in the different grade than senpai, we parted away at the staircase.
At that moment, I can feel someone at my back.
âRaika senpai.â
Just from the greeting, I already know who is it.
âMaria?â
Looking back, I see her face.
From the looks of her eyes, this is related to our mission.
âDid you overheard what I was talking about just now?â
âI didnât hear what you guys were talking about, but ⊠âŠ.â
âBut?â
Then, her eyes turn wide.
âInside a closed room! Just the 2 of you! Just what are you guys talking about!? Plus, it was for a very long timeâŠâŠIâm so worried, I didnât even get to sleep last night!â
She grabbed my arm, and shake it hard while screaming at me.
Because of a sudden inquiry from the British girl, the students who passed us all give a weird glance.
âCalm yourself Maria.â
I take away her hands, and firmly hold her shoulder.
ââŠâŠâ
For the time being, looks like Maria has regained her sanity. Still, she has that going to cry and resentful face.
We move to the shadow under the stairs, elusive from the crowd.
âSoâŠdid you receive any reply from the Church?â
âYes.â
Maria answered with a dumbfounded face.
She can communicate with our leader at the Church by using magic. This is a big advantage. The problem is that it takes forever to receive the reply.
âRegarding the matter of Raika kun participating with the Representative War, the Vatican says âContinue your missionâ.â
âWell~ that is within expectation.â
Even though magical communication is possible, this island is basically isolated form the rest of the world.
The only way to get in is by taking a ship, thatâs why it isnât easy to send personnel.
Even if we are to use the transport machine, it is doubtful whether we can arrive at this island where the God roam free.
BĂĄlor inside me is the proof, and I doubt me alone is enough to destroy the Sacrament Control Organization.
In the first place, the one behind them is the God from the Seven Mythology.
If we poorly advance, then even the Eucharist of the Church might get eliminated easily.
Then itâs better for me and Maria to continue our investigation. We just need to wait for the right time to defeat them all.
âThere is a change in situation. There is a high possibility that this mission will involve a battle. Just be sure that youâre always prepared for the worst.â
âUnderstood.â
Maria nodded.
Then.
ââŠâŠso, what is exactly the thing youâre talking with Charlotte senpai?â
Immediately after we finished with the urgent matter, she starts persistently asks.
âDidnât I already say about how Charlotte senpai involvement in this war? Iâm just asking her for an alliance.â
âAlliance?â
âAh, that is we canât survive without each other. Thatâs all.â
âIs that itâŠâŠstill, you need to tell me first in advance.â
âSince senpai agreed for it, there is no problemâŠâŠif I had been refused, have you killed her?â
âThatâŠâŠâ
Maria diverts her eyes.
If she had refused my invitation, then Charlotte senpai is basically my enemyââat least that is what her conclusion will be.
She tends to be a bit extreme when it comes to eliminating any potential harm surrounding me.
Even when we were in training facilities, she is always wary with the person who is team up with me.
Especially when it comes to defending me, sometime she gives more priority to me without caring much about another ally.
That is one of her dangerous trait. Because of it, I usually refrain myself before talking to her about my alliance.
âEven without the alliance, she is still the victim involved with the heretical God. Donât forget that she is one of our target for protection.â
ââŠâŠI understand.â
Facing downward, Maria give a small nod.
âIf that is what Raika senpai has decided, then Iâll just follow it.â
âYes.â
I give a breath of relief.
ăââoioi, you sure this much is enough? Just in case, donât you want to use the Evil Eye on her? ă
Shut up.
Ignoring BĂĄlor advice, I thank Maria.
âThank you, Maria.â
âNo. This is because Iâm your partner, Raika senpai.â
After saying that, she pulled the hem of my uniform.
âThatâs why, itâs a given that Iâll always support senpai, you know? If something happens, donât hesitated to ask for my help.â
And she asks me such.
Her pushing attitude is so cute. I canât resist patting her head.