The night before the operation, I was in a room in the building we were hiding. Shadow-san came to the room which was vacant because she had said that she wanted to speak alone with me. Well, what the heck does she want to tell me?
âOkay, there is nobody around here. What do you want to talk about?" Tsuchio
Activating the equipped magic tool, I light the room. Shadow-san stood in front of me. She has her hair up today. When I thought what was holding it up, I saw a suitable string. Well, it's not strange even if...
âYour identity? At first, you were a shadow demon and there is no doubt. Then, you evolved several times and were helped by Spirit-san after you humanized. At that point, your destination of evolution had already been squeezed. It was confirmed by having been given protection. Is that a definite evolutionary destination?" Tsuchio
Shadow-san nods. But Shadow-san hasn't evolved since she became a human-type. It was hard to understand even if she evolved, but...indeed, I should know from the amount of magic power. So what's going on here?
âEh, you actually evolved!?â Tsuchio
Seriously, even if her magical power increased, I should have noticed absolutely....
â...Yes, Shadow-san was good at hiding her magic power. You would be a fool not to hide it." Tsuchio
I might have noticed it if I touched her directly, but Shadow-san is a shadow. I rarely have a chance to touch her. I know touching her is pretty fine, but other than that it's like touching a human.
âSo, how did you evolve? Your appearance hasn't changed and...can you show me your real magical power?" Tsuchio
When I say so, Shadow-san took my hand and put it at the center of her chest. Mu......because her whole body is like a water balloon or rubber ball, I don't get so excited. I wonder if Shadow-sanâs reaction is too fancy.
When I touch Shadow-san, it is surely hindered by something. Is she suppressing magical power with her magic.... That would reduce her usable magical power. Shadow-san, who had evolved before I knew, had always fought while holding down her original ability.
Shadow-san solves that magic. As soon as that happened her magical power changed markedly. To the extent that it can't be compared and this powerful magical power...is more than twice, from her restricted strength....
âWhy did you hide this......if you had such magical powers,it would have been quite easy fighting that Chimera, for example. Moreover, you still hid it.... If suddenly such a big magical power appears, will someone come? Well, that's probably... fine, what about changes in appearance?" Tsuchio
Shadow-san nods. Because her appearance didn't change, she might have control of her magic. Shadow-san, I wonder what kind of person she will be.
âThen, can you show me the real Shadow-san? So that I may give you a real name at last." Tsuchio
Shadow's body ripples and her purple black skin peels off. From inside, a dark black light is shining again. The skin gets lost steadily and the light fills the room. Although it isn't dazzling, I cannot see Shadow-san. And what was standing on the spot where the light fell....
ă...You finally saw it. Well, I didn't want to let you see it as much as I could.ăShadow-san
â...That's terrible, I wanted to meet the humanized Shadow-san." Tsuchio
What was standing in front of me was a japanese-looking woman who hasn't been seen since I came to this world. Her height isn't very tall, but her chest is. She has black hair, but the surprising thing is that face. Why...why is it like me? No, she didn't possess a male face. I wonder if she has the same atmosphere or facial expression. It's exactly like a mirror. Her big, clear blue eyes are still innocent enough to be feminine. She wears a dark blue blazer and a gray skirt! I'm so cute. I'm not a narcissist, but I look nice.
ăThat's not it. What I am supposed to be in this situation is that Iâm forced to do so. That is the time of a battle that cannot be lost at all.ă Shadow-san
âWell, before, I was told by Rin that she saw a girl that looks exactly like me. Was that you, Shadow-san?â Tsuchio
ăThat's right. When Rin was in danger, I didn't hesitate to help.... Both of you fainted, so I could disguise myself once more.ă Shadow-san
âJust like a doppelganger? But youâre a woman.â Tsuchio
ăThat's because I'm your shadow. If you think of Yin and Yang, then Yin is a woman and Yang is a man.ăShadow-san
â...Is that so?â Tsuchio
ăUnexpectedly, I changed with such simple things. To be precise, Iâm not a doppelganger... well, you can think that Iâm Tsuchio as a woman.ă Shadow-san
âWell, I as a woman......Tsuchino?" Tsuchio
ăTsuchino?ă Shadow-san
âYes, Tsuchino. It's your new name." Tsuchio
ăTsu...Tsuchino? Yeah, that sounds good. Somehow, we really seem like twins.ă Tsuchino
âNot brother and sister?" Tsuchio
ăOkay, elder sister. Because a woman becomes an adult earlier than a man. I can't give up on this as much as Tsuchio!ăTsuchino
âOh well, I don't mind that much. Well then let's get into the main subject...other than the figure, what else could you do besides the increase in magical power." Tsuchio
ăI will explain one by one. First of all...ăTsuchino
We are fighting Ruu right now and a moment ago, a white flash explosion wrapped her in smoke and dirt. Nichrome fired a large number of missiles and Rin caused a thunderstorm to descend. Her figure is longer visible without having to wait for the smoke to clear up.
âLet's go, Tsuchino!" Tsuchio
ăOK, Tsuchio!ă Tsuchino
Tsuchino took my hand and we went into a shadow. Shadow-san who became Tsuchino made it possible, part 1.
Along with Tsuchino, I became able to move from shadow to shadow. We move straight and jump out of Ruuâs shadow in a flash. We tried it several times, but it seems quite strange.
In front of us is Ruu's familiar back. I can see Lime thrusting over my shoulder. In my hands, I drew a star talisman, a new talisman and a improved talisman. Behind, Tsuchino is about to release her magic. Ruu shouldn't be able to move with the missiles and lightning and even if we cannot beat her now, we do some damage!
The moment I tried to throw my talismans, an impact ran into my flank and I was blown away. I was beat against the wall, but Tsuchino released her magic regardless of it. Extraordinarily bright black rays gather together and become huge drills and thrust into Ruu. At the same time, Lime, who altered her arms, attacked.
Ruu catches Limeâs arm and Tsuchinoâs magic, with both arms together. Tsuchinoâs drills appeared to be antagonistic to Ruuâs reinforced scales, but fell down shortly. From Ruu's arms, flames are released. Truly, you can't avoid that magic in a moment.... Meanwhile, Lime aims at Ruu's body. If it is a scaleless body, Lime's claws would pass through. If it is too deep, it can lead to a fatal injury and if it is light, it will be small. As planned, a few shallow lacerations run on Ruu's belly. Although Lime tries to pursue, a kick came from the bottom and she retreated backwards. Tsuchino already returned.
âFather, are you alright!?â Lime
âSomehow...I was just hit by her tail." Tsuchio
ăEven though we had appeared right from behind...how did she notice?ăTsuchino
âIt's a simple story. Ruu just reacted the moment we had appeared and attacked." Tsuchio
ăRidiculousâŠ!ăTsuchino
âEven though my claws are attached with poison...she is also strong against poison." Lime
âIt is Ruu indeed. Well, this is enough for us. Rin!â Tsuchio
Rin jumped out from the entrance of the stairs. She is electrically charged with lightning and magical power is overflowing from her horn. The electric current coming out from her horn sparks violently.
âNow, please wake up, Ruu-san!â Rin
Rin suddenly rushed at Ruu. Ruu who held a flame fist against her waist, drew out a beautiful fist-thrust.
The horn and fist collide and the flame and thunder compete against each other. A wind is raging, the floor cracks and the aftermath pierces the wall. Even trying to cover, you will get caught when approaching, so Iâm afraid of erroneous firing and releasing magic.
The magics which were clashing against each other blew Ruu and Rin away and slammed them into the walls of the hall. The best attack strategy which was to fight head on has only caused little damage, thatâs why I can't say it was a success....
âRin, are you alright!?â Tsuchio
âI'm fine! But this was the most likely strategy to win the first move, right? Do you have a next move?â Rin
â... Do we have to attack at the same time?â Tsuchio
âFor now, that's the best. It's going to be the time to unveil a new weapon." Nichrome
âOh, you made one." Tsuchio
âThe rest of the ingredients are few, but... it is not a situation where you can be stingy. Because I manufactured it super-quickly, there is a problem in appearance and durability." Nichrome
âIt's better than nothing. What kind of weapon is it?â Tsuchio
âIt is a blaster type weapon that ejects magical powers. I made it as countermeasure to Ruuâs breath. Therefore, it looks like this.â Nichrome
While I was talking with Shadow-san, did Nichrome make such a thing? Then, is it safe even if the breath is released tentatively?
âIt's not good. If I shoot at Ruu's breath, it is speculated that this will definitely lose the bid. It would be good to hit directly in a standing condition, but in reality, such a thing won't happen. Please think about a method to earn time." Nichrome
âRoger that. Ruu would have also exhausted her magical power and be injured also. It should be somewhat easier to do. Lime, Rin, you guys are the vanguard, I, Tsuchino and Nichrome are the rearguard. Let's go!â Tsuchio
Before Ruu got slammed against the walls, Lime was going to slash. She pretended to hit back with her arms, but she stung with a lance from behind. Lime moves around intensely, while Rin takes some distance to prepare her thunder horn again. Apparently, Ruu doesn't seem to care about Lime and focused on Rin. There are fine scratches, but...then, how can I help? At that moment, Ruu grab Rin's arm and slammed her to the ground. Next, she raised her arms to knock Rin down, but jumped away as she saw Lime aiming at her neck.
âLet's go, both of you.â Tsuchio
âTwin missiles, lauch.â Nichrome
Combing earth, metal and water star talismans in sequence, pale blue, condensed water bullets are created in my hands. A missile pod jumps out from both sides of Nichromeâs lamia body and aims at Ruu.
âMaster, are you okay? You never used so much magic power before.â Nichrome
âI practiced a little, so I can manage about three or four stars. Five is a tough one, though.â Tsuchio
Shadow-san, who became Tsuchino, made it possible, Part 2. Shadow-sanâs magical power is shared with me and hence, the amount of my magical power has increased greatly. The reason is that we are linked by shadows. That said, it doesn't mean that I can use everything freely. It takes time to extract magical power from Tsuchino, so it isn't a substitute that can be used during battle. Usage is when writing talismans. With new paper, making stars became easier. To create them, my little magical power is enough. Well, I know the amount of magical power that I can control. However, there is quite a lot of loss.
ăOkay, let's shoot!ăTsuchino
Above Ruuâs head, a black light falls. Nichromeâs missiles are added to it which blow off the black light and consequently cause an explosion. Furthermore, when I throw my water bombs, a torrent of water that collides with the flames is released and it scrapes the floor and the ceiling.
Our sight is filled with brown smoke, black bomb smoke and pure white smoke. I'm grateful if some of it worked....
â...Tsuchino!!â Tsuchio
ăTsuchio, here!ăTsuchino
Tsuchino pulls my hand and we go into the shadow. Something hot was on the top of my head and a burning smell sticks to my nose.
We jumped out of Rin's shadow. The wall of the hall is melted on the line when seeing. Is that Ruuâs fire? That's right, Nichrome!?
âMaster, are you alright!?â Nichrome
â...That's my line! You idiot!â Tsuchio
âIdiot is a terrible thing. If I hadn't warned you, I would be crying now!â Nichrome?
âBut if you're hurt, I won't care!â Tsuchio
Nichrome was equipped with a machine gun for long-distance combat, but...both hands and barrel are gone. On top of that, there is also a line of burn marks on her chest.ă
âI need to redo my hands. The chest injury isn't a problem for combat.â Nichrome
âNot good. What about you, Lime, Rin!?â Tsuchio
âI'm fine, but I didn't expect my barrier to be cut.â Rin
âJust a bit tired, but I got her a little bit. Nichrome, good judgment.â Lime
Lime also has a scar on the side. It has hardened and has not regenerated yet. A rope of flame was rolled over both arms of Ruu and hung on the ground. I don't feel like having seen that for quite a long time.... She usually told that she was hit earlier and doesn't want to use it. Ruu was hit by our strategy, which can be seen from the bleeding and bruises in some places.... Although I was prepared for the sh*t, we aren't unscathed.... As you can see, there is something to come after all. If I said such a thing, I know that we will only die.
â...Tsuchino, we can't win this way. Let's do it.â Tsuchio
ăOkay?ă Tsuchino
âYou don't have to do anything good. No matter what the result is, I will definitely not regret it." Tsuchio
ă...Haa, that's why I hate it. Tsuchio, when it comes to such a situation, it was decided to do it absolutely. Therefore, is it really that good?ăTsuchino
âYes, I'll show you how we're doing it." Tsuchio
ăAbsolutely...but youâre Tsuchio and I am Tsuchino!ă Tsuchino
âSorry. Everyone, earn a little time. I will do that." Tsuchio
âI can still fight! It is necessary for Tsuchio, so come on body...!" Rin
â...I'm sorry, father. I am miserable myself. I canât keep elder sister down..." Lime
âIt is the last resort, Master. I can still fight. I should fight until all of us collapse." Nichrome
âThat's not good. I understand it by the former meeting and there are still things I want everyone to do." Tsuchio
â...Understood.â Everyone
We won't be able to win if we can't get Ruu back. Therefore, I have to do everything I can. That's it, even if I need to sacrifice myself.
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