CH 4

Episode 4: Second Ruin 『Maze』(Dungeon)

Part 1

At the early morning next day.

Lux woke up early before the sunrise and then he headed toward the practice ground inside the military ground.

He had took confirmation from Coral who was in the same room with him that it was permitted to use the place. The place was empty as he expected, perhaps the factor that it was right after the exam also played a part of it.

“Now, then……”

After changing into his pilot suit, he wore Wyvern on his body and carried out basic operation as replacement for warming up.

And then he released the control of tuning just like how Lisha taught him.

“-……!?”

Several images of light were floating around him, with ancient letter, symbol, and graphic reflected in them.

Originally it was a function that was literally to tune things like the Drag-Ride’s output, armament, and so on. Usually this function wasn’t used while fighting, but now he was deliberately starting up while keeping the function activated.

(As I thought, controlling Drag-Ride in tuning mode is, considerably difficult……)

One could concentrate better if information and options were limited to a certain degree.

The control of Drag-Ride was already complicated and numerous in the best of time. Adding the fiddling of even its output value in the middle of battle gave a degree of difficult that was nearly ill-advised.

“However──……just a bit more”

After taking a deep breath and fired himself up, Lux repeated basic action while keeping that state on.

After around an hour passed with some light rest in between, his stamina finally reached the bottom and he fell on his knee on the ground.

“──Haa, haa……”

He was breathing hard with his shoulders heaving while crouching on the spot. Then suddenly he heard footsteps from behind him.

The moment Lux stood up to turn around, a towel was dropped on his head.

“……Wah!?”

Lux’s sight was plunged into darkness and he panicked.

When he took the soft white towel, there was a familiar face there.

“Morning, Lu-chan.”

“Ah……”

It was a lovely face that was expressionless and absentminded with trace of childishness remaining in it.

Philuffy in pilot suit appearance was standing there.

Different from usual, her hair was tied into a short ponytail. That appearance looked fresh and surprising.

“Phi, Phi-chan. Why are you here──?”

“I’m also always, doing morning training. Then, I heard Lu-chan’s voice, from here.”

After saying that with a dispassionate tone, Philuffy slowly took back the towel.

“Wai-, what are you doing Phi-chan!?”

“You will catch cold, if you don’t properly wipe the sweat, you know?”

Philuffy was wiping Lux’s sweat using the towel with serious face and a tone that sounded a bit chiding.

But, it was embarrassing to have a girl that was his childhood friend to do that much for him, so Lux was flustered.

“I, I’m fine you know!? I, it’s only this much. I can wipe myself alone so──!”

There was no people around, but Lux turned his head left and right to check.

“It’s okay, I’m finished already.”

Philuffy finished her work while he was doing that and she put the towel on Lux’s shoulder.

Like that she was then staring very still at Lux with her pure eyes.

“-……!?”

Perhaps because she had just been training, Philuffy’s skin and face were slightly flushed, and there was a faint scent of sweat from her. They made Lux’s heart throbbed fast.

Compared to her childhood, her breasts, her thighs, and other places had grown into an amazing feminine body. He thought of that once more while looking at her face from nearby.

“Wha, what’s wrong? Is there something on my face──”

“Ei”

“Waah!?”

Lux’s body half rotated just from Philuffy lightly jerking his arm.

In the blink of eye he was made to turn his back on her and he felt bewildered once more.

“Wha, what are you doing Phi-chan!? My sweat is already──”

Philuffy’s body clung closely on the back of the flustered Lux. Then she whispered to him with indifferent tone.

“Checking a bit. Whether your body, is hurt.”

“Yo, you don’t need to do that, I’m really not tired! ──Uwah!?”

Honestly speaking, he was on tenterhooks because Philuffy’s large breasts were touching his back.

When Lux twisted his body to shake her off, his foot got entangled and they fell down together.

“Aa……”

Lux leaked out a voice after falling.

When his hand reflexively moved to stand up, there was Philuffy’s body right below him.

“So, sorry-……!]

The large breasts that didn’t lose shape even when she was lying down face up flew into his sight, causing Lux’s head to boil up.

Philuffy who was expressionless as usual kept staring at Lux and she suddenly moved her lips.

“It’s okay, to not endure you know?”

Philuffy’s question that was said with her usual serious face made Lux turned stiff.

The warmth and softness of Philuffy’s body that was glued to him.

After getting conscious of that, Lux’s heart was pounding hard like an alarm bell, his consciousness turned blank for a moment.

“Because Lu-chan, you look like you are brooding over something.”

“──Eh?”

After Lux whispered toward those words that suddenly came at him, Philuffy showed a faint smile.

“Since the past, Lu-chan would immediately endure. You would hide your true feeling.”

“…………”

That voice sounded somewhat nostalgic.

And yet it also sounded somewhat lonely. Philuffy formed her words with such voice.

“I’m happy, that you are doing your best for our sake, but──. It’s fine, to be more honest with your own feeling, you know?”

“……Such, thing”

‘Isn’t true’. For some reason he became unable to say that when he looked at Philuffy’s straightforward gaze.

*GOOOON*. Suddenly the sound of large bell that informed the time rang at the area.

“Oh……, I need to return to my room soon──”

“Right. Later, Lu-chan.”

They stood up, and then after exchanging only those words, Lux parted with Philuffy and returned to his room.

The straightforward words of his childhood friend caused a mysterious feeling to sprout inside him.

Part 2

There was an emergency call. Almost all the officers as well as the officer cadet who were the examinees of Class Promotion Exam were gathered on the Canopy at the upper part of Ruin’s Gear’s center.

The Drag-Knights were lined up. In front of them was a stage, where the principality’s princess, Milmiette, and the man who was the mayor of Ruin’s Gear were standing side by side.

“Everyone──first, thank you for your hard work in the Class Promotion Exam this time. The joint exam with New Kingdom Atismata that was being held for the first time has also ended safely, I believe that it will give a result where we can hope for even better development.”

Milmiette first showed a smile that was like a flower and greeted formally.

But, in contrast with those words, it was as though the atmosphere didn’t feel relaxed.

“Originally we will break up with this. But, just as everyone of the New Kingdom Atismata also knows, recently the appearance rate and the atrocity of the Abyss from Ruin are gaining strength. The second Ruin, the Dungeon existing underground this Ruin’s Gear is also not an exception.”

*Murmur*. The gathered Drag-Rides looked at each other’s face after hearing those words.

“Originally, the number of Abyss appearing from Dungeon is fixed, but that number will overflow if it’s left alone for a long period, and they will climb up from the door at the bottom. Originally this kind of situation happen once every few months, but regardless of the frequency of subjugation that we has increased in this Ruin, the situation is that the Abysses are going to flood out.”

“……!?”

The female students who came from Academy and the military officers gulped.

“Perhaps everyone can already imagine it after I talk this far, but I wish to ask the cooperation of everyone from the new kingdom, in exterminating those Abysses that has been increasing too many inside the Dungeon.”

After she was speaking that far, the mayor stood on the stage and spoke out the outline of the mission.

The Dungeon that was existing underground the Ruin’s Gear.

The underground was divided into five levels in total. In this mission they would descend down those levels, defeated as many Abyss as possible, and decreased their number.

However, in the mission this time, they would only step in until the second level.

The reason was because there were few cases where powerful Abyss appeared in low level.

“Of course, originally there is no merit in this talk for the ladies and gentlemen of New Kingdom Atismata. Naturally we are planning to pay the compensation for your effort, but we are thinking to grant one more reward for it.”

After the grey haired mayor with moustache stepped down, Milmiette continued the talk once more.

“The result that everyone raised in this suppression mission will be treated as a special supplementary exam of this time’s Class Promotion Exam, and the score will be added into the exam’s evaluation.”

“……Ooh!?”

The dazzling smile and words of Milmiette caused the depressed officers to lift their face.

“Of course, cooperation with every officers and defeating many Abyss safely will be evaluated even higher. After all if one neglected to cooperate in their hurry for achievement, they will also fall behind in the real battle. Inside the Ruin, the Drag-Knights of our country who are serving as examiner will take the lead. It will be our happiness if those with spare energy can come forward and cooperate in this by all means.”

Milmiette bowed, then a commotion that somewhat resembled a cheer rose.

“Fuu. The princess of this country can say a good thing too huh.”

Tillfur who was beside Lux by chance showed a small smile after hearing that.

At the exam this time, she seemed to be lacking in confidence what’s with the obstruction in the middle of it too, so she must be relieved inside her heart for this chance.

The subjugation would be done by team of three or four people. Fundamentally entering into the third level was forbidden.

It seemed that this judgment came from the thinking that although the Dungeon was vast and deep, but because the passage itself wasn’t that wide, moving in large group would be obstructive.

This suppression mission would be performed for around three hours.

Of course, continuously operating Drag-Ride through all that time would be impossible, so they would take rest inside the Dungeon, or outside.

Everyone gathered comrades and prepared, then at the lobby they would apply for participation as team. After that they would gather under the Canopy──in front of the spiraling corridor that continued toward the Gate underground, and they would enter in order from the team who got the permission first.

“It seems that the content of the supplement exam this time is advantageous for us whose main strength is cooperation.”

Sharis of Triad who was listening to the talk from right nearby called out like that to her comrades Tillfur and Noct.

Right at that timing, Noct who was there met Lux’s eyes.

“Ah……”

The other day they parted without him unable to say anything to her. Lux was troubled about how he should greet her.

(What should I say, that can assure her……?)

While he was hesitating in front of her with such thinking──,

“Good morning Lux-san. Were you hurt from the exam yesterday?”

“Ah, I, I’m fine. I’m completely──”

Unexpectedly it was Noct herself who broached the topic about the exam that he thought would be hard to talk with her.

“Is that so, I was a bit worried.”

“Eh……?”

Lux tilted his head in puzzlement. Noct spoke with her usual calm expression.

“Yes. We are talking about Lux-san who is kind to girl here, so you will surely think about various methods in order to console me who might be feeling down. I was worried whether you would be lacking in sleep because of that.”

“N, no, it’s not like I was thinking that──”

Noct’s exactly right guess caused Lux to object with red face.

“Is that so, that’s unfortunate. It doesn’t matter that I am the roommate of your little sister, the matter about me won’t really weigh in your mind that much isn’t it?”

“Tha, that’s not true. That, I was worried──about the matter of all of you the Triad.”

Noct looked at Lux with contemptuous eyes when he said that with an earnest tone.

“Yes. As expected you were thinking about that kind of thing weren’t you? Surely it’s a method of touching our body to console──”

“Just what kind of person Noct think I am!?”

When Lux retorted in panic, Noct’s expression suddenly loosened.

“I’m glad. Because I thought that Lux-san would be troubled, that you were unable to help me in the exam the other day.”

“I was just concerned about you, but instead I made you worried!?”

“Yes. Being considerate to the surrounding is the duty of Leaflet family that came from the lineage of servant. I still cannot lose against Lux-san.”

The girl who was his junior smiled slightly at the exhausted Lux and she said that to him.

“Okay, oka─y. Then we will prepare as well. Lux-chi too, let’s meet again inside the Ruin.”

As soon as the mood relaxed, Tillfur came rushing in.

“Ah, that──can you allow me to join the Triad’s team together too?”

「……」

Hearing this, the Triad members were speechless for a moment with their eyes snapped wide open.

“E, eh……? Is it, no good……?”

Seeing Lux being troubled, Sharis grabbed Lux’s head into her underarm.

“Wah……!?”

Due to the posture, Lux’s face hit Sharis’s chest. His face suddenly heated up.

Her body was toned, with the sensation of soft breast pressed on him.

And from her body floated her trademark the rose fragrance that tickled Lux’s nose alluringly.

“Fuh…so even that innocent Lux has become very proactive. You truly want to make all three of us fall for you, don’t you?”

Sharis said that jokingly with a mischievous smile.

“Wa ha haa, Lux-chi is so bold. As expected a boy is really different eh─”

“Yes, Lux-san too is finally developing a great interest in girls. I judged that it’s my obligation to report this to Airi.”

“I, I said it’s not true!? I don’t have that kind of strange ulterior motive, I just──”

Even Tillfur and Noct got into the joke and Lux became even more panicked, it was then,

“We truly understand. Thank you for worrying about us.”

Sharis released Lux from under her arm, and gently placed her finger along his chest.

“But, only this time some of us want to try things. So we are going to rely on you at another chance. For now, please go to the other girls who are waiting for you.”

“Okay…… Then everyone, be careful.”

With some hesitation, Lux agreed and slowly left.

After he talked with Lisha and others about the grouping, Lux returned to the lodging house for once to see Airi’s face.

Part 3

“Fuh, it somehow went well. Although we originally agreed to this, you do not have any regrets, Tillfur, Noct?”

Sharis was seeing off Lux’s back while speaking to her two compatriots.

“Yes, we hope that we don’t add to Lux-san’s burdens by more than this.”

“Actually, I was really happy though……. He is properly worrying about us too──”

With a joyful and lonely expression, Tillfur sighed.

While Airi was alone in her dorm room last night, the Triad girls made some plans in advance.

In order to help Lux, the three decided to distance themselves instead from him.

Although it was because of Buzzheim’s evil design and added with a coincidence, it still resulted in them dragging down Lux at the Class Promotion Exam.

If they who didn’t even have the strength to skillfully use Divine Drag-Ride were near Lux, they would become a hindrance to him.

The words that Singlen said at the exam yesterday stabbed the chest of the Triad.

To re-evalute their strength again from the beginning, the three decided not to request Lux’s assistance and fought by themselves.

“But, I might have done something bad towards Tilfur. I stole away the time where you can be together with him.”

Sharis spoke teasingly.

“Wai-……!? Sharis yourself, even though just now you pushed your breast on Lux-chi!”

“Yes, I think that’s quite bold of Sharis. ……In fact, you like Lux-san, correct?”

“──Fuh. I was just giving him a bit of nice memory in my onw way as my feeling of gratitude. No, though it’s not a mistake that I’m pleased with him.”

image

“Is that really true～…… ? Sharis, even though she has been putting act as a big sis but she is actually pure, so she is unexpectedly weak against straight advance though~, ……and she like younger one too.”

“Yes, although we are childhood friends, this is the first time I have seen you do this type of thing towards a man.”

“… We, well, time to get back to the topic on hand.”

Sharis’s face was slightly reddening from Tillfur’s mischievous laugh and Noct’s fixed stare. She then made a forced cough.

“Our goal is to accomplish this by our own strength. ──Now, let’s go and do what we can with our all.”

Sharis repeated the instructions from the start. The other two nodded understandingly.

The three of them stepped forth toward the passage of Drag-Ride hangar that was borrowed from Ruin’s Gear

Part 4

“Airi, are you in there?”

After knocking gently on the door and hearing a”Come in,” Lux entered the room.

Exuding her usual cold atmosphere, Airi sat at her desk reading.

“Is something the matter, Nii-san? You are going to join the aforementioned suppression mission aren’t you? Isn’t it better to quickly prepare?”

“Ahaha……. No, there is something that troubled me a bit.”

Saying that, he talked about how after he was rejected from accompanying the Triad, he went to where Lisha and others were.

Lux was thinking to group with Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, or Celis who he got along well with and belonged to Syvalles together, but Instructor Raigree who was there told him that he was forbidden to accompany them.

The instructor said,

“On the surface the task is officially to destroy the Abyss, but it is also a supplement exam to test the teamwork in facing the Abyss. You all the user of Divine Drag-Ride, don’t group among yourselves. Split up and devoute yourself in supporting the other students.”

It was like that.

Now that he was told that, it was the natural decision.

Lisha and others, the four of them were on another level of strength that was nearly EX Class and had a high chance of passing the exam, thus it would be unnecessary for them to force themselves to achieve victories in the campaign.

Also, the second ruin [Dungeon] is very deep.

It was better that the members of [Syvalles] who had experience going to the Ruins before to be split accordingly to support the other cadets.

That was how they are told.

“Even though I’m thinking of supporting Lux with the Drag-Ride that I’ve newly created at great pains……”

After the warning, Lisha became upset.

“I understand what you are saying, and it’s the correct reasoning. But I still feel a little dissatisfied emotionally.”

Krulcifer showed a smile with hidden meaning while agreeing.

“It’s unfortunate……. Even though, I’ve been carrying the snack for Lu-chan’s share too.”

“……Ahh, nn. Please bring it for me at the next chance. This time Phi-chan can eat them all yourself.”

Lux showed a wry smile while comforting his usually expressionless childhood friend.

“Even though I wanted to peel the orange for you.”

“You really don’t need to do that!? Going that far will make me embarrassed okay-!”

After his panicked exclamation, Celis also came to his side.

“It can’t be helped. I originally wanted to use this opportunity to repay Lux for all the times you helped me but──no, Its definitely not that I just want to be with you, okay.”

“Then please at another chance. For today please become the strength for the others.”

Like that he parted with the girls and Lux returned to the lodging house.

“Haa, nii-san is very popular. However, please stop getting intimate with your classmates now while enrolled in the academy. Otherwise, I would feel ashamed.”

“Wha, what are you saying!? Everyone is just treating me well I’m telling you.”

Airi’s accusation made Lux’s face to redden as he panicked.

Then however, Airi’s sighed deeply as she muttered something quietly while averting her face away from Lux.

“……Nii-san’s denseness is already at the territory of serious illness after all. As I thought, is the cause because he is dragging along the matter of the past?”

“Eh…?”

“Never mind. It’s not like I want to see someone like the womanizer Nii-san anyway.”

Airi said in exasperateion while looking out the window.

“I will wait in the lobby of the Ruin. It seems that the people of Seven Dragon Paladins will also be there, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Mm, got it.”

Lux nodded and smiled.

“Airi, other than this, has anything notable happened recently?”

“…Not really.”

Lux smiled wryly when Airi answered with some hesitation.

“Okay, but if anything happens please let me know. Although I may be unreliable, I am still your big brother after all.”

“-…..!?”

The words Lux said made Airi trembled for a moment.

Although Airi immediately returned to her usual calm expressionless, and she showed a faint smile.

“I understand. Good luck, Nii-san.”

“Nn”

After acknowledging this, Lux showed Airi a smile as he left.

A few seconds later, the expression that she forcefully made finally crumbled, and Airi fell onto her bed.

“My uniform will get wrinkled……”

Such thinking was crossing the back of her mind even while she was unable to bear it.

There was no way she could say it.

For some unknown reason, Singlen was showing an abnormal fixation toward Lux.

It wasn’t only the persistent persuasion to join the Seven Dragon Paladins, he may also knew things about Lux’s past when at the old empire and even about Lux’s eldest brother Fugil.

So──in order to prevent the two from getting even more invoved with each other, Airi kept quiet about last night’s events.

The Dragon Marauder’s spy may had already infiltrated the New Kingdom.

And then, the important nobles of various countries who were financing Dragon Marauder were searcing for trigger of war.

If the content of the old document that Airi deciphered was reported to the upper brass of the new kingdom, the history and knowledge about the old empire until now would be overturned and a great chaos would occur, the brunt of it would surely──be pointed at Lux and Airi.

As the final survivors of the Old Empire, amd then as criminals, there was the risk that thye would be doubted of having ties with the Lord(Creator) of Ruin.

“If it is only me that ends up hurt then it is still fine. But──“

The worst case would be if Airi was taken hostage, and Lux would fall into the grip of the New Kingdom.

Furthermore, there were also people within the consul who desired to take advantage of Lux.

She didn’t want to become a burden for his big brother for more than this.

“I, what should I do……”

At that moment, a knock suddenly came on the door causing Airi to get taken aback and she held her breath.

“Who is it?”

She asked as she placed her diary where the ancient document was hidden in a safe spot on her desk.

“Please do not panic. I am with Wanheim Principality.”

Hearing the sound coming from a young girl, Airi relaxed as she opened the door.

“-…..!? You are──”

“Could you come with me? Miss Airi Arcadia”

The one who appearead along with a few followers was Princess Milmiette.

Part 5

“Now then, what to do from here.”

In order to participate in the suppression mission, obviously he needed to fix his equipment.  However he was refused from teaming up with the Triad, and it didn’t look like he could accompany Lisha or the others this time.

“Should I try aksing the other classmates?”

Lux pondered such thing while opening the door of the lodging room──then,

“Wah……!?”

“──Eh?”

Someone sitting on the bed was taking off their shirt, rolling the shirt off their arm.

The exposed smooth white-skinned back appeared in front of Lux’s field of vision.

“So, sorry-!? I didn’t expect someone to be in the middle of changing here──”

Reflexively, Lux closed the door at the sight of the half-naked androgynous youth.

However, after his panickedly yelled that, he noticed something strange.

“Eh……? Looking closesly, could you be……Coral?

image

“Oh, ah, um……that’s me. I’m also a boy, so there’s no problem here. Come in.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. Then, I’m coming in……?”

When Lux timidly entered inside, Coral who had already changed into a pilot suit was inside the room.

No matter how androgynous his appearance and body, Coral undoubtedly should be a boy.

And yet, for some reason a slight guilt welled up inside Lux. Even Lux felt it mysterious.

“Um, about that──sorry that I suddenly made such a strange voice.”

Coral apologized with a somewhat shy smile.

“Oh, that’s fine. It was my fault for forgetting to knock──anyways, is Coral also taking part in the mission?”

He did not watch Coral’s fight at the All-Dragon Battle last time, it was understood that given his ability to use EX Wyvern meant that his strength was High Class at the very least.

From the results of the examination, it didn’t look like that Coral necessarily need the extra points, but…

“Well, everyone in my country is basically participating. After all this is our own country.”

“I see.”

Thinking about it, it was really the natural development.

“Sorry to make you accompany us playing out at night last evening. But──did you able to relax a bit from it?”

“……Thank you. Because of that, I was able to get along slightly with Greifer.”

After hearing Lux’s words, Coral put his hands together.

“That’s good then. Lux is really very kind just as I thought.”

Coral spoke with a voice that was mixed with relieve and delight. Lux smiled wryly to that, saying”No such thing.”

There were the matter of what Singlen said, Airi whose condition was somewhat strange, and the matter of Triad, even so Lux’s feeling had slightly beome light.

“Then, this is an opportunity that is hard to come by, do you want to join us in the suppression mission?”

“That, do you mean──”

Lux was bewildered at Coral’s invitation.

“Mm. In the upcoming suppression mission in the Ruin, I hope that you and me, along with Greifer, can be in a team together. Is that okay?”

“-……!?”

*chiri-*, a sharp pain ran behind Lux’s eyes and static that looked like sandstorm ran at the back of his mind.

(Again……? Just what is this? This pain──, I have felt it before)

Before Lux was able to confirm what made him uneasy, the feeling soon went away.

“……What’s the matter?”

“Ah, its nothing. I hope that I will not trouble you too much then.”

Although he was hesitant whether he should help the other girls, but they were also encouraged by Instructor Raigree that they assembled team together with their allied country Wanheim Principality.

After Lux gave his answer, he changed out of his uniform into his pilot suit.

“Wah……!?”

“Wha, what is it…?”

“No, nothing……Don’t’ worry about me.”

Coral answered with a troubled smile for some reason. Lux thought it strange while he finished his getup.

He was carrying compass, protable food and drinking water in his bag, then they joined with Greifer.

“I don’t really care, but why are you purposefully teaming up with this fellow from another country…….”

“It’s fine right? Greifer doesn’t have many friends anyway.”

Coral retorted at Grefier who was a bit annoyed. Then after they stopped by at the base inside the palace──the lobby, the three of them went towards the entrance to the Dungeon.

After arriving at the bottom of the spiral staircase that was hollow like ant lion larva’s pit, the Drag-Knights of both countries were already gathered in large number.

“Lux! If anything happens, call me immediately! I will rush to your aid!”

Hearing Lisha’s energetic voice, Lux awkwardly waved.

Altough the three of the Triad were also present, for some reason that Buzzheim was also present.

His injuries were tied with bandages, making it hard to imagine how he could operate a Drag-Ride. Moreover, his proctor license should also have been revoked.

It seemed like he was merely there to see off the beginning of the mission as a member of the military. However, he glared at Lux with hound-like eyes like usual.

“…………”

“Relax. Buzzheim already doesn’t have anything to do with this part of the exam.”

Coral, who noticed where Lux’s line of sight went, had understood the situation.

However, Greifer muttered peevishly.

“……I wonder? Well, I’ll be keeping an eye for you.”

“Next team! Number 17, come forward!”

“It’s our turn now.”

After being called by the proctors, Lux and his comrades walked up.

If the Gigas that came to the new kingdom was excluded, this would be his first time entering the Ruin of another country. Lux was feeling nervous of that while he braced himself.

As Lisha’s knight too, it would be the best for Lux raise his Class.

Besides that, in order to protect the city from the magical beasts, he would give his utmost effort.

(But…for what?)

Singlen’s words stuck to his mind.

He had decided that he would not hesitate…and yet why was his feeling like this.

“Let’s go, Lux-kun.”

Coral gently touched Lux’s back, indicating Lux to exit. In front of the site, Lux summoned <Wyvern> and pulled out his sword.

“Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of strength. Follow my sword and fly, Wyvern!”

He pressed the button on his hilt and said the chant.

Light particles gathered around him at high speed. His body became covered with streamlined blue armor.

A few seconds later, while standing on the pentagon on the floor that was called the Gate, an orange light gradually rose, giving Lux a feeling of floating on air.

Feeling like their consciousness was separting from the body, the three of them entered the Dungeon.

Part 6

The rooftop of the Palace that was overlooking down on the spiral staircase continuing to the Dungeon──the edge of Canopy.

Singlen, wearing his usual armor suit was lying down on the edge that was made of stone, where a single mistaken step would make him fall down for few dozen mel.

As his eyes followed Lux disappearing in to the Dungeon, he stared lazily back towards the rear of the main troops.

“I have returned, my lord.”

The air behind Singlen slightly rippled.

As if he was covered by a bed sheet, an old knight wearing a white mask and white jacket appeared.

“You are late, Zwei. Did anyone tail you here?”

“There has been no action at all. Are they saving their capability? Or else, perhaps the Dragon Marauder too isn’t planning to make a move carelessly here.”

“Who knows…If I were them, I would not hesitate at this chance. Right now that the danger of Ruin is increasing and each country is hardening their defense, there may not be another chance where they can move this easily if they miss this one.”

“…True.”

The old knight’s husky voice agreed with his master’s opinion.

“Then I’ll order the Knights of White Ridge to stay vigilant. To prepare for the worst case scenario—“

The old knight prepared to leave. Singlen, stabbed the sheath of his Sword Device onto the ground, elucidating a small thud as it landed.

“Well, hold on a second, Zwei. Although you were an able man since in the past, your decision making is just a bit too premature. We certainly were requested to protect this city. ──But, no one will evaluate us highly just from extinguishing a small fire that cannot be seen. Haven’t we experienced that many times in the past, let’s be a little cleverer here. We will make use of our lesson.”

“…………”

Singlen smiled as he said this, exuding a deep, unending darkness.

The old knight suddenly realized the true meaning behind his words.

“…That”

“Catching the big fish requires patience. Keep in mind we will prioritize the Milmiette ojou-sama’s safety first.”

“Yes, sir.”

After this brief response, Zwei disappeared.

Singlen did not care as he looked over the doors of the palace.

“…Fugil, ah. What will your brother do next? I am looking forward to it.”

Singlen’s face held a deep smile.

However, his dark voice was not heard by anyone.

Part 7

“This…is the Dungeon?”

As his body moved past the door, Lux could not help whispering as his witnessed the incredible interior.

Although the Academy’s lectures and pre-mission meeting described what he needed to know, it was still a view beyond his imagination.

“What’s up? Is this your first time entering a Ruin?”

“…its very spectacular.”

In response to Coral, Lux could not say any other words to describe his impression.

However, those were his real feelings.

In Lux’s mind, the Dungeon was supposed to appear as caves.

With cold, dark, inorganic rocks channeling through them.

However, the scenery in front of him surpassed his imagination.

Directly in front of them was an altar-like patio.

Around the patio was a field of flowers.

Above the patio, instead of a blue sky, something like moss that gave off a pale yellow fluorescent light made the area appear just bright enough.

Rather than a cave, it was more like a courtyard with walls surrounding it on every side.

“Here in the middle is the exit to the outside world. There are also places like this far away from where we are with a lake and other scenery, isn’t it interesting?”

As Lux curiously looked around, Coral gave his explanation.

As they approached, the other female students would stop to look in adungeonment.

“Oh, honor student-sama! Our task is to suppress Abyss here yeah? Don’t treat it like a picnic.”

“Greifer is still the same! Our mission should last just a few hours, yet you still get nervous. Or is it that you just want to finish quickly and get back to Princess Milmiette?”

The two of them began to quarrel.

Lux looked at the two with a wry smile as a thought crossed his mind.

“So now…how many levels are we going to raid?”

“According to the records the exploration has only reached until level four. The area looks spacious, but it’s actually quite complicated. After we pass three levels, the amount of powerful Abyss and harsh environment will increase…”

“I see.”

Listening to Coral’s answer, Lux breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed that in this Ruin, the existence of Automaton that was called Gear Leader hadn’t been confirmed.

Without that Hayes who was called as Lord, the possibility that something happened in Ruin must be low.

“Shall we begin? Although there are only a few Abyss here, don’t let your guard down and take them one by one!”

Lux nodded to Coral’s words, then they too began the Abyss extermination.

Far in the darkness, a scream could be heard.

“That sound, its Hind huh.”

“Even though this creature looks like a deer, it is very ferocious. Be very careful!”

Lux listened to Greifer and Coral’s instructions as he drew his weapon.

The suppression mission began with this team that was formed for the first time.

Part 8

“Listen to me! Greifer is amazing? I failed so many dishes that I cooked yet he took it as a challenge and ate all of it!”

“….I-Is that so?”

At the same time.

Under the Canopy, deep in the halls of the Dungeon above the door, Princess Milmiette and Airi were there.

Why was she sitting next to the princess of Wanheim Principality?

It seemed that Coral arranged a lot of security to ensure Airi’s safety, but having a lot of guards made her nervous.

“Coral is the son of my distant relatives, but because of the death of his parents from illness, he was adopted as my escort. As the assistant of Greifer of the Seven Dragon Paladins, I think that sooner or later his visit to the new kingdom will also increase, please treat him well then.”

“It’s no problem. That…If I may say so, could you excuse me for a few minutes?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was too preoccupied with talking. I will send a guard to accompany you.”

“I-I’ll be fine by myself!”

Princess Milmiette had good intentions, but being surrounded by male officers was troublesome.

(How to say it…this person, she is too pure that it’s hard to deal with her……)

Other than that, a lot of eyes and ears around made Airi felt uneasy.

Because of the ancient document that she deciphered was hidden in a parcel in Airi’s bag.

She exited the Lobby and brought her feet toward the toilet.

Airi had been very cautious until there.

However, right after she finished her business and exited the building, for a moment she let her guard down.

“──!?”

“Hey!”

A silhouette quietly approached from the shadows.

A man with a cloth covering his face snatched Airi’s bag.

“Thi-Thief! Stop! Please stop-…!”

She was shouting while knowing that it was in vain.

Even though she was hit and knocked down, she stood up quickly and began to give chase. However, she could not catch up.

The man ran towards the cover of building inside the Palace. As if replacing that man, a Wyvern flew out from there while holding the bad and fled down the spiral staircase.

“──Eh!?”

Airi was stopped by the unexpected scene.

If the man flew outside, it would be hard to find him. And yet the man was heading to the bottom of Palace──to the entrance of the Dungeon where there would be no place to escape.

He was a thief, so why would he run towards a place with a dead-end.

Although a lot of Drag-Knights had gathered due to the suppression mission, however, if an outside went down there he should still get noticed.

Unless this man was originally a Drag-Knight who was a part of the suppression mission and had received the permission to participate ──.

“What exactly is going on…?”

The situation was puzzling.

But after thinking about it for a few seconds, the possibility made Airi tremble.

From between the gaps in the cloth, the thief’s face appeared similar to that of one of Buzzheim’s men.

“Surely…it can’t be…”

At that moment, Airi remembered a scene from last night.

When Singlen visited Airi’s room last night, he used words that suggested that Airi was secretly in possession of the something that was connected to the Ruin.

「Those guys are sending spy to every country. It will be dangerous if they know you are hiding the secret of Ruin. What I want to say is be cautious.」

Wjat if supposedly Buzzheim overheard this conversation…

“-…!?”

Airi’s heart beat furiously, and she felt her consciousness fading.

If the ancient documents were exposed, they would lose the place that they had obtained in the new kingdom.

People will question their relationship with the Lord(Creator), then they would be imprisoned once more, or else──.

(There is no time to hesitate)

Airi rushed back towards the Lobby to inform others of the emergency.

This matter of robbery couldn’t be reported to the military officer of Wanheim Principality.

Since there was no evidence that it was one of Buzzheim’s people, and it was only Airi’s speculation.

She couldn’t act against the military officer of another country without solid evidence. And even if for example she had something like that, they would obviously feign ignorance.

That means she couldn’t stop Buzzheim through normal means.

“Nii-san, I──…”

Airi hesitated to discuss this with her brother. Airi rushed down the spiral staircase as though she was being pushed down. As she approached the Gate of the Dungeon, Noct came into her field of vision.

“What’s the matter Airi? Your face doesn’t look good.”

“…”

Tillfur and Sharis of the Triad were also there. Perhaps they had just finished resting and returned here.

However, Lux and Lisha and other members, the users of Divine Drag-Ride were not there.

Perhaps it would be best to seek their assistance first, but there was no time for that .

Buzzheim could not use a Drag-Ride due to his injury, and most of his followers shouldn’t be accompanying him, only a few of them──.

“Noct, there is something I need your help with. Could you please help me?”

When Airi noticed, she had cut to the case.

She said that she wanted to go into the ruins to catch the thief.

Part 9

“Fuu…we did pretty well. And just now our team finished the fourth battle.”

Coral said this with a smile as the firewood crackled.

They were surrounded by rocks on all sides with a thin lawn covering the ground like a blanket.

They were resting in an open space of the northeast part of the Dungeon’s first level.

It seemed there were several resting places called Camp scattered throughout the Dungeon.

They were not originally part of the Dungeon but set up one by one by Wanheim Principality as they explored. Next to them, water from the waterfall parted to create a basin around them.

Lux and Coral were resting in shabby tents set up in the vicinity.

“I doubt there is poison in the water, but it’s still likely better to not drink it. If we can understand the situation upstream, then our safety will also increase, but there is no guarantee for that.”

“Got it.”

The teapot and water they had at hand came from a part of the food they brought in advance.

Since they were only exploring for a day, there was not a need to bring too many provisions in advance.

“──However, there is no doubt that Lux will be promoted here.”

As Lux sipped his tea, Coral smiled and congratulated him.

Based on the pocket watch they had, there was less than an hour before they needed to return.

They exterminated Abyss following the instructions of the examinees who were here and there and repeated that several times.

While Lux could only use Wyvern to fight, Greifer and Coral were quite strong so the mission went smoothly.

In the main exam, he acted in the way that lowered his evaluation several times, but with this Lux’s promotion to Middle Class should be without a problem.

He would continue to uphold his reputation as Lisha’s knight.

(Buy why is it I wonder……. Why am I feeling this superficial?)

Lux put down his tea cup and began strolling around the tent in a daze.

There were no more Abyss around and only the sound of quiet water flowing could be heard, but…

“Oi”

“Wah!?”

There was a voice that suddenly came from the side, then a Dagger stabbed the floor in front of him.

When Lux jumped backward in panic, Greifer wearing Cuelebre arrived at his side.

“Don’t loiter around as you please. We are resting right now but don’t wander too far from the tent.”

“Ah, sorry…”

Lux hurriedly apologized. Greifer grunted towards the side.

(Aa, when I thought that our relationship has finally improved slightly…)

Greifer’s blunt attitude towards Lux made him felt down as he walked back towards the tent, it was then──,

“That was dangerous, Greifer! Anyways, you need to explain to him about that!”

“What do you mean?”

The words of Coral who was exiting the tent confused Lux, while Greifer was showing a bothersome face.

“Haah, the Portal(transfer device) is in that direction. Didn’t I explain it before we entered?”

“Oh…”

Lux noticed what Greifer’s intention was.

Inside this Dungeon, other than stair that went underground, there were things called Portal installed at several floors.

The Portal’s shape was simply a group of rocks in a circle that was easy to notice, but because it could only transport things from the upper floor to the lower floors in one-way trip, the team could be in danger of getting separated at the moment they stood at that spot without noticing it.

Lux noticed that while he presented a different attitude on the surface, Greifer was quite concerned about Lux’s safety.

In any case, the man is really quite caring no matter what he said.

“Thank you Greifer. I’ll switch with you to patrol around now.”

Lux said this with a smile, while for some reason Greifer gave an uncomfortable glance to the side.

“I ain’t feeling like drinking tea, so I’ll refrain. We are going to return back soon anyway right? Rather than that──”

Greifer had an indifferent look as always as he stood up wearing his Cuelebre.

“A communication from Dragon Voice came in. There seems to be something strange going on. The men of new kingdom who weren’t too hot at the exam this time──that team seems to raise some abnormal results for this exam.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? With that the possibility the people of new kingdom’s military getting promoted will increase.”

Coral tilted his head while Greifer continued to speak.

“That’s if they are doing it in proper way. According to the proctor, it seems that team took care of about a dozen Abyss or more already.”

“Eh..?”

Upon hearing this, Lux reacted to the conversation for the first time.

Strange.

The New Kingdom’s Drag-Knights, with the exception of the captain Dilwy, should be consisting of only Low or Middle Class Drag-Knight.

Of course, that Class in the end was only one indicator of strength, but it was hard to imagine that they would all suddenly show such results inside this unfamiliar Ruin in foreign country.

“Seems that the Abyss on the second level ain’t a match for them, thus they went towards the entrance to the third floor. I wonder, what is their trick?”

“…………”

As Greifer said these words, a grave expression appeared on Coral’s face for the first time.

However, he sighed immediately and returned to his usual demeanor.

“That is concerning, but no rules were broken, so there is no problems.”

“If that’s so then it’s okay. It is still a bit early, but how about we start heading back?”

At Greifer’s suggestion, Lux stood up.

But, at that very moment. *Dong!* The Dungeon began shaking vertically.

“Earthquake!?!”

Right after Lux judged like that, the pale yellow light that illuminated the cave began to flash bright red.

“That’s!?!”

Lux recalled a past situation in the Ark that was similar with this. He pulled out his Sword Device.

“Someone broke into the third floor!? This is bad, at this rate──the Ruin will enter alert state!”

Coral who saw that also called out his EX Wyvern and equipped it.

“Greifer! I’m going to confirm the situation. You go outside the Dungeon and await instructions from Princess Milmiette.”

“Gotcha. Hey, prince, let’s go back to the Palace.”

“Hold on! I am going to go take a look as well!”

Lux requested to accompany him, but Coral calmly shook his head.

“I can’t take you along towards a part of the dungeon that you are not familiar with. Although you are concerned about the officers of the new kingdom, please bear with it for now.”

Saying that, Coral glided out while driving EX Wyvern.

He traveled through the dungeon and quickly disappeared from the field of vision in the blink of an eye.

Part 10

“…w-what is this shaking! What is happening!?”

“I-It’s not our fault!? Although we accidentally chased the Abyss towards the third floor, just because of that, the Ruin become like this…!”

“Captain Dilwy! Did you see!? Should we retreat…”

It was a team that was composed of only male officers.

The squad captain, Dilwy and three Drag-Knights of the new kingdom military. They were panicked at the sudden change in situation and showed the weak-kneed expression that was exactly opposite with until now when they were defeating a lot of Abysses.

Their steady advance untilnow was solely thanks to Dilwy, while the other three were only given the leftover. There was no sense of duty or dignity as knight in that.

“──Haah”

Dilwy raised a smile of mockery towards them.

His old wound had healed. His right arm now had strange black pattern on its surface. That arm was holding a knife that was left behind by the robed man last night.

No, not so much as healed, but it was even stronger than before.

“The seed of war huh. I see, so that is how it was…”

“Cap-Captain Dilwy! Let’s retreat quickly”

“Aah, it is already that time huh…then, let’s have a farewell soon.”

The men in his squad let out a sigh of relief hearing Dilwy’s words.

No one there noticed how Dilwy was like a completely different person from his normal demeanor.

Part 11

“This sound, what happened–!?”

Equipped with her Wyvern, Sharis was surprised and wondering what was happening?

The Triad and Airi were searching for Buzzheim on the second floor when the sudden chaos ensued.

Perhaps it was time to head back, there were no signs of other Drag-Knigths around them.

“Isn’t this bad!? How come this feels like the last time in the Ark?”

“Yes, I judge that the possibility is high. But according to the Radar, it will still take a little more until we catch up with Buzzheim and others who seem to be the robbery culptrit, about 70 mel ahead──”

“…..”

Airi bit her lips with a complex expression while being held by Noct’s Drake.

They heard explanation about the Dungeon’s alert state when they received instruction regarding this suppression mission.

About five minutes after the color inside Ruin changed, the stairs connecting the third floor and the second floor would be blocked. And there was danger that many Abyss would appear.

That ancient document absolutely had to be taken back.

──However, she also couldn’t expose the Triad to even more danger than this because of her selfishness.

“…As long as we have my Drake, we will be able to communicate within the Ruin using Dragon Voice. There’s about 50 mel left till we get to the stair connecting to the third level. They should be there.”

Noct said this in response to seeing Airi’s troubled face.

Sharis also spoke to the undecided Airi.

“Let’s go. There is no time to waste. The despicable thieves, as someone serving as the Academy’s vigilance committee, I will not stand them unless we pay them back.”

“That’s true~, they also harassed us a lot at the exam~”

“Yes, I will continue detecting the Abyss, so please leave securing the path of retreat to me.”

“──My apologies, everyone.”

Airi let out a weak voice toward the Triad who were considerate and helpful to her.

“I’d also like to test my skills after all. Let’s go Tillfur, Noct.”

“Roo~ger”

“Yes, my Lord” (English)

Tillfur and Noct responded to Sharis’s statement with a smile.

Right in front of the staircase leading to the third floor, it was discovered that Buzzheim and a small group of people were taking position there.

Buzzheim did not have any Drag-Ride equipped but he was holding on to Airi’s bag. However, the four men of Wanheim Principality’s military officer with him each were equipped with general purpose Drag-Ride.

Sharis quickly aimed her breath Gun and gave a warning.

“A warning towards all of you the officers of allied country Wanheim Principality! You are in possession of something that belongs to the civil official of our New Kingdom. If you return it now, I will nor report your deed to your superior and the incident will not turn into serious matter. But if you refuse, we will take it back by force!”

In response, Buzzheim face shifted from surprise into a sneer.

“…Just when I thought what you are going to say, but could you have gotten the wrong people? The package was something that was given by an acquaintance of mine.”

He said this as he retreated behind his subordinates.

“So you are refusing to return it. If so, I won’t be so polite in taking it back.”

The moment the finger of the Wyvern Sharis controlled touched on her Breath Gun, one of the followers wearing Wyrm rushed ahead suddenly.

He released a barrier to protect himself from the assault, so that he could forcefully charge forward even while deflecting bullet.

“The standard reaction huuh. That’s no good you know──”

Aware of the enemy’s movements, Tillfur who was similarly wearing Wyrm intercepted the enemy.

Tillfur’s Hammer swept aside the enemy’s Blade, making him lost balance. Then she landed a decisive blow to the shoulder of her opponent’s armor.

“Ga, ahh……!?”

When the man flinched backwards after witnessing that smooth blow, Sharis who had switched her weapon followed with an attack by her Blade. The enemy’s armor was dispelled after his Force Core received impact.

Furthermore, Noct kept covering Airi while pulling the trigger of her Breath Gun to hold back the other men who tried to join the fray. The three of them splendidly coordinated their strategy and acted all at once.

“This is checkmate, Buzzheim-dono.”

“Ku…!”

As Sharis’s sword was pointed at him, the defenseless Buzzheim groaned.

The outcome was decided.

If they returned with full speed from now, they could go back before the blockade of the stair between second floor and the third floor was completed.

As soon as Airi had a slight peace of mind, Buzzheim loudly called out.

“I-I will not give it back to you! I know that I am holding the evidence of of you hiding something that will lead to the Ruin’s secret! If you hurt me, I’ll expose everything in court! You wouldn’t want that. After all──”

“Is that so──then I’ll have you entrust that so called Ruin’s secret to me.”

“Na..!?”

The sudden incoming voice made Buzzheim, his men, the Triad, and Airi all freeze in place.

Standing there was a young man with delicate features clad in EX Wyvern, Dilwy Froias.

(Even though I don’t want it to get seen by this person too who is an army officer of new kingdom──)

Seeing how things have been going, Airi was desperately thinking about what to say to Dilwy.

However, the necessity of this disappeared a moment later.

“Wh-what are you saying!? Who will…ahh!”

*Zan-*, the EX Wyvern’s Blade swung and cut off the head of Buzzheim.

“-…!?”

Right after Airi and the Triad felt terrified, Dilwy’s Blade slashed once more.

Accompanied by the sound of air being cut away, the silver flash ran through the air and lopped off the head of the rest of Buzzheim’s followers who were dumbfounded.

“Wha, what are you──”

Giving a glance at Sharis who whispered with pale face, Dilwy carelessly snatched the blood soaked bag of Airi from the arm of the headless Buzzheim.

His presence was completely the same like his usual quiet attitude without any change.

But that was instead felt so hair-rising terrifying.

“Ah, sorry to frighten everyone.”

Dilwy said it with a deadpan face without revealing any emotion, as though what he had done was even less than crushing a bug.

“The squad that came with me are already heading back. Although it is quite difficult to communicate using Dragon Voice from this third level to the ground level, but in the unlikely chance you girls manage to call for help, it would be quite troublesome.”

“What are you saying? You…”

Sharis said with a slight trembling in her voice.

“Enough with the chit-chat. After all, threats require the necessary steps. So, how much should I say I wonder? Right, it’s nearly impossible for you to call for help. If you draw your weapon against me, then you will die. I will cut the hands and legs off of the three girls around you one by one before cutting their neck. Do you understand now? Well then, this thing about the way to the Ruin’s secret, could you please explain? Airi Arcadia?

“…………”

Airi could only shiver as the saliva in her mouth dried up.

Her heart and mind were unable to comprehend the reality in front of her.

However, one thing was obvious.

That, this man──was a horrifying enemy.

“Having said that, I did not expect that I can be this strong. Although my right wrist is now working thanks to that strange man──well, I don’t need to mention that too.”

“──Sharis, Tillfur, are you in position? The reaction is close.”

Adorned with her <Drake>, Noct whispered while holding a tense expression.

“Well, there is no other way──let’s go!”

Right after that call, Sharis’s Wyvern flew to the side.

Taking a deep breath, Noct grabbed Airi and she with Tillfur ran following Sharis.

“Sorry, but we aren’t a match against him! Your safety is the highest priority, Airi!”

Sharis shouted while searching for a different path to get to the second floor.

The understanding of the nearby terrain and the detection of Abyss had been finished using Noct’s Drake.

“It appears that you all are unable to understand your own strength from the Class promotion exam, huh? I was threatening because all of you have no escape.”

Dilwy spoke with a calm tone as he chased them with EX Wyvern.

“Unfortunately, I understand about myself. Your worry is unnecessary!”

When they arrived at spacious, straight channel, Sharis fled towards the cramped passage at the side.

“──!?”

In that moment, a roar from the darkness before them sounds out through the air.

“Indeed you are the commander’s daughter. That’s not half bad.”

Dilwy who noticed the Triad’s intention whispered with a fearless smile.

Sharis’s plan was to escape by making fellow formidable enemies clashed with each other.

A ferocious medium-sized Abyss intercepted Dilwy from the front.

Part 12

On the other side, since the mission was about to reach the time limit, and the Ruin entered the alert state, 90% of the Drag-Knights were returning to above ground.

It was not only to escape the changing, deteriorating terrain but also to intercept the Abysses that were summoned around the Ruin. The combat force needed to return back for that.

“What do you mean? Why can’t we go rescue them!?”

In the middle of the Lobby where many Drag-Knights were gathered, Lisha, dressed in pilot suit flared up at the commander of Wanheim.

“That is because, due to the regulation regarding the Ruins, people the New Kingdom shall not enter the Dungeon while it’s in alert state……”

“I already said that we can! Give us the permission already!”

As Lisha slammed her fist on the table, a voice came from behind them.

“──Good grief, could you please be quiet, your highness the princess of new kingdom.”

“-…!?”

A man in a blue coat made a sudden, unexpected appearance.

The Blue Tyrant──Singlen Shelbrit who had been concealing himself since last night.

Although the air was tense, he did not waver at all.

His dull black pupils were deeply dark like an abyss.

With that pair of eyes staring at her, Lisha slightly faltered.

“Can you explain to us? Our comrades are still trapped inside there.”

Singlen shrugged toward the grim gaze of Krulcifer standing beside Lisha.

“Oh? It seems that I was overestimating all you. I thought that although you all are just noble daughters playing around, you all are still people who belonged to the military after a fashion, looks like I’m wrong.”

“Don’t mess with me! There isn’t much time, so I can’t be sitting around pretending to make conversation with you!”

Krulcifer pushed out her hand to the side to hold Lisha back.

“The priority of the army is to protect Wanheim Principality’s princess Milmiette here──is that what you are saying?”

From Krulcifer’s words, Singlen merely responded with a  smile.

Of course, although half of that reason was only a pretext. The truth was that they wanted as much combat force as possible to wipe out the Abysses that were appearing near the entrance quickly.

Thinking about it now, from the start this was the reason that princess Milmiette purposefully came to observe the exam personally.

If they recruited the officers of new kingdom to exterminate Abyss and the Ruin entered alert statem, they could gather combat force near the Dungeon’s entrance and made them protect the city. That was their aim.

The princess was a necessary presence to achieve each of these goals under just cause.

“This me who is holding the right of command this time have given the command to those in the Ruin to retreat. Well, do not worry, I will send in my men to search. If you’re lucky──hm? Aah”

There, a man wearing a white coat representing the White Ridge Knights whispered in Singlen’s ear.

“I see, it’s quite regrettable. Just now, it seems that the entrance to third level is blocked, and the bunches on the third level became stuck inside.”

“What──!?”

Hearing that, even the expression of Instructor Raigree who was keeping calm changed drastically.

At the second and third level, there was a mechanism to blockade the level entrance.

Thus, it was strictly forbidden to enter the third floor. However, some did it accidentally.

Such as the forces of Buzzheim and the troops of Dilwy.

Additionally, the members of the Triad and who entered last Airi were also imprisoned on the third level.

“It can’t be helped. The investigation of Ruin is always accompanied by accident. We will send in rescue team after the alert state is dispelled, made up from those who still have spare strength left at that time.”

Those words from Singlen changed the atmosphere.

“── Don’t screw around.”

A cold voice passed through the the noisy Lobby.

From behind Lisha, Lux showed up while walking towards Singlen.

“Are you saying that you are abandoning them knowing that they are left behind? You’re abandoning fellow Drag-Knights while having the strength to save──”

Lisha and Krulcifer were surprised at how Lux spoke with such a menacing force that was unlike him and they stared at his face.

“Don’t lose your temper handyman. This is also the decision o fthe consul managing Ruin’s Gear. The ones trapped on the third floor are mostly Middle Class or lower anyway. They are just obsolete bunch who fell behind without any significant ability or quality. In this current world──there is no leeway to save the weak.”

“The weak……you say?”

Singlen chuckled at the Lux’s quiet voice that contained rage.

“There also seems to be a few officer cadets mixed among those bunches. But, keep in mind, they are still military people. They should be resolved even with this kind of situation. A Ruin that is moving into alert state will summon a lot of Abyss to its surrounding in no time at all. In a situation where the enemy’s battle force surpassed yours, it’s the basic to do defensive battle at the base. You are planning on going to rescue them for the sake of your own so called sense of justice, and expose the people of the city to danger?”

“…………”

Lux had no words in response.

Lisha and others, along with the other military personnel who until now were insisting to rescue their comrades held their breath without being able to say any more objection.

Singlen’s words were fundamentally correct.

Plus they cannot disobey the man who was the current commander of operations.

Whispered sighs spread like at his words.The commotion was drawing back like ripple.

Even Wanheim’s military personnel who were demanding to send rescue team, along with the offices of the New Kingdom, they came to think that there was nothing they could do. However,

“So what?”

“…huh?”

Lux’s sudden words broke the silence.

He weaved through the gap of the bewildered soldiers and confronted Singlen.

“You said they are weak? That those who are left behind inside the Ruin, are bunches without significant ability or quality. That here, there is no leeway to save them.”

“I said that, so?”

“Your decision is mistaken.”

Lux muttered these words as he glanced around. Then he continued.

“Rescuing the suriving allied combat force is also our job. In this suppression mission, when the time limit is passed, even if we exterminate Abyss after that, it won’t add anything to our exam evaluation.”

“And?”

“The possibility is high that our allies who are left behind inside the Dungeon likely entered the third level because they fought the Abyss in an unexpected situation and headed toward the third floor while the time hadn’t run out. Or perhaps they chose that in order to save their comrade who was in the verge of danger. That’s why they ended up left behind inside the Ruin.”

Lux continued speaking matter-of-factly with calm demeanor.

“In the army, order is absolute. However, a knight that is able to make his own judgements considering the changing situations isn’t the same like a coward who is merely fliching in front of enemy and only tries to survive without problems. You ──which of the two are you?”

A burst of commotion spread throughout the Lobby.

Lux faced the commander of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen who was also appointed as the commander of the operation this time, with opposing attitude right to his face.

“……….…”

Singlen mulled over Lux’s words quietly for a few seconds before giving an empty smile.

“Kukukukuku. You’re a more interesting man than I expected. My opinion of you has slightly changed. But see, you are a powerless human. At this place, you are unable to ignore the rules set by Wanheim Principality.”

“Certainly. ──Save ony one exception.”

Right after Lux answered, *Bang!* the door of the Lobby was kicked open and a man entered.

It was another member of Seven Dragon Paladins the same like Singlen, Greifer.

“I spoke to the geezers at the government office. If it is Seven Dragon Paladins who are recognized by the World Agreement, it seems they can exercise a unique authority even toward a Ruin of another country yeah? Especially in emergency cases, they can trespass into Ruin without going through protocol──”

“Greifer…”

“Well, my duty too originally was to protect the princess, but I also gotta go to search for that Coral.”

Lux felt his conviction from that sentence.

Right after that Lux turned again to face Singlen.

“I swear to the vice-captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit. At this very minute, I aspire to become the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata!”

“-…!?”

The words of Lux took everyone by surprise.

As the ripples of noise spread, an uninhibited smile emerged on Singlen’s face.

“You’re taking a big step just to save your sister huh. The man who before this refused to join by that much.”

“Time is running short. Even if you disagree, I will go to rescue them even if I have to violate the rule.”

“──Fuh, fine then.”

Lux’s words caused Singlen to hold his laughter.

“I already obtained the consent of the people in authority. The last descendant of the old empire, the ruined prince Lux Arcadia. I’ll recognize you as the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata.”

Singlen loudly announced at the top of his voice toward everyone present.

While the Lobby was in commotion due to the surprises, Lux walked away as though he was parting through the officers.

Midway as he passed Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, and others, he stopped momentarily and whispered.

“My apologies, Lisha-sama. Please take care of the rest.”

Lisha understood what he meant and nodded back with a confident smile.

“…Got it, get the better of that twisted man and leave him speechless.”

“Yes.”

Lux nodded with a serious expression and then he stood at the edge of the spiral staircase’s entrance that connected to the Dungeon’s Gate.

“You’re ready, prince?”

Lux nodded his head wordlessly and pulled out Bahamut’s Sword Device.

Greifer also readied the Sword Device of Cuelebre. Together they kicked the handrail and jumped down to the center.

The people and the military surrounding them didn’t even have time to be surprised as a roar thundered from the Ruin.

──BIiiiiiiIIIII-!

“──!?”

Countless Abyss emerged from below the widely open spiral staircase through the Gate.

The first to approach them were the Gargoyles, Chimeras, and other winged beasts that flew at them in a straight line from the central hole.

Lux and Greifer both pushed the button of their Sword Device and equipped their respective Divine Drag-Ride.

“──Yoruka, I’ll leave them to you!”

After Lux’s sharp shout, numerous cuts appeared across the air. Just from that, the many Abysses were cut apart and scattered everywhere in the blink of eye.

After a breath, a Drake’s camoflauge function was lifted, and a black haired girl with exotic foreign clothes was revealed piloting a Divine Drag-Ride.

“I have been waiting impatiently for your command, my lord.”

The assassin Drag-Knight who was formerly called as the Empire’s Assassin Blade──Kirihime Yoruka.

In order to obtain assistance in this Ruin of foreign country where they were in a situation that was under many restrictiosn, Lux called for her even with the understanding of the dangers.

“Uoh!? Who the hell is this woman?”

“Don’t worry. She is my──ah, my companion.”

Lux who wasn’t an imperial family of the old empire anymore found it hard to call her as his servant or subordinate, so he spoke that.

Yoruka was falling while cutting down winged Abysses one after another that crossed path with her, as though being vanguard for Lux and Greifer.

Three people landed on the floor where four Abyss were cleared out at the same time. They then took position on the Gate’s entrance that was enveloped with dim darkness.

When Lux and co stood above the Gate wearing their respective Drag-Ride, they were immediately pulled into the inside.

At the same time Yoruka pulled out her Sword Device, and countless windows of light floated from her shoulder armor.

“Search Frame – On(Probe Mechanism – Boot Up)”

At the same time with Yoruka’s whisper, countless lines of light spread radially from her shoulder armor and spread widely, crawling in high-speed along the ground and walls of the Dungeon.

The Divine Drag-Ride of special equipment type, Yato no Kami was provided with functions like enemy search, camouflage, support, supplement, repair and so on. Its abilities were a few ranks above the general purpose Drag-Ride, Drake. (TN: The special equipment type here refer to Drake-type Drag-Ride that is installed with various ability that Wyvern-type and Wyrm-type doesn’t have)

“──My lord, your younger sister is still safe and sound. The three others around her are all right as well. From the coordinates, they are to the northeast part of the third level.Although they are moving little by little.”

Most likely, they were searching for the exit of third level while running away from enemy at the same time.

The three girls of the Triad were doing everything they could to protect Airi even under this situation.

Their escape route was blocked, and they were left behind. In that desperate situation, they didn’t give up and continued to fight.

Just this fact made strength welled up in Lux chest.

“Yoruka, can I ask you to guide us through the Dungeon? I want you to derive the shortest route while avoiding battle with Abyss as much as possible.”

“Affirmative my lord.”

Yoruka responded, at the same time she drove the four legs of Yato no Kami and jumped with a movement as though she was kicking midair.

That special armament that was called <Vacuum Step> made it possible to make that frame of special equipment-type Drag-Ride that possessed no ability to fly to move as though it was sliding in the air.

“I see, for you to have this kind of terrifying ally, looks like you prince got more then meet they eye huh.”

Greifer exclaimed in admiration from Yoruka’s expert performance. From time to time, he sent flying the Abyss that was coming from behind using his Tail Blade.

After a few minutes moving in high speed through the corridor, leaving behind the flowing scenery, Yoruka who was going ahead dropped her speed.

“We have arrived, my lord. It is right below us.”

“-……!?”

Seeing the scene, Lux could not help but be shocked.

Each floor had a large stair set up leading to the bottom. The entrance of the stair to the third level there was sealed by a solid iron lattice.

“Hah, just something like this──!”

Greifer filled his Tail Blade with energy and slashed, but only sparks flew out.

“──This is not an ordinary iron lattice!?”

Lux also followed, slashing his black great sword──Chaos Brandhe, but it bounced off the same.

The thick lattice around the size of an adult’s arm was only scratched a little.

It could possibly take them half an hour in order to break down the lattice.

“Nothing could be done, huh. Destroying this barrier is the key, but another way into the third floor is──”

“…………”

Lux bitterly kept thinking.

(Calm down, there should be other ways. If I remember right, when they explained this Dungeon’s structure description──)

[Lux-san! Are you close!? Please respond!]

“-……!?”

At that moment, communication came through from the Dragon Voice of Noct’s Drake.

[I am here, Noct! We are above your position on the second floor! But──]

“I know what you want to say, Lux-kun. We also tried it. If only we could destroy the partition between us, we will be able to escape somehow. ──But”

“Sharis-san! Airi! Everyone else too──”

Across lattice that divided the area──near the large stair, he could see the figure of the Triad and Airi.

They seemed to have struggle too, but as expected it seemed they also failed to destroy the lattice from the third floor side.

It was evidenced by Sharis’s weapon being in tatters.

“……Lux-kun, we are still safe. Don’t be too rash. The alert state of this Ruin won’t last for long right? Then it’s fine. If it’s just a few minutes, we will hold on somehow.”

“I’m rea-ally frazzled but, compared to Celis-senpai’s training this is still better perhaps.”

“Yes, I am used to waiting.”

Although Sharis and others showed a smile, it was obvious they were bluffing.

Their forehead and neck were covered with sweat, and ragged breathing could be heard.

They were fatigued from the Class promotion exam, in addition to the mission to suppress the Abyss that they participated in without resting.

On top of all that, they seemed to have been battling with some sort of formidable enemy several times as evidenced by the cracks in their armor.

“My lord, there is an influx of Abyss coming from behind us. On your younger sister’s side, there is the presence of Drag-Ride approaching. From their situation, it does not seem like that it’s an allied Drag-Knight.”

“…………”

Lux had an idea about a party who would aim at Airi.

TheDragon Marauder, whose goal was to explore Ruin and obtain treasures through any means to weaken the power of countries that currently were in possession of Ruin.

This threat was approaching the Triad and Airi from their side.

“Don’t worry about my safety, Nii-san. I am still okay—“

And then, Airi called out from behind Noct.

She had the same calm and graceful usual tone, with a smile of a young lady that smoothly navigated the society.

Lux also understood that she was acting tough.

“Airi, I understand.”

Thus, Lux also answered with his usual gentle smile.

Just like what he had done many times since their childhood in the past until now, he used the same voice like when he patted her head and told her this.

“I will come save you soon, so wait just a little bit more for me.”

“-……!?”

Lux’s words made Airi’s expression froze.

The mask of calmness she would always keep on her face gradually collapsed and her shoulder began trembling.

“N-Nii-san, what are you talking about. ……It won’t work, please consider the situation. In any case, the second level and the third level are completely separated now!”

Even so, Lux calmly breathed in without a single twitch on his expression.

“No──there’s a way.”

“──Eh?”

Lux calmly made a statement to that caused Airi and the Triad to stir.

“There is a one-way Portal in this Dungeon that connect to the lower floor. If we use that, we can get to the third floor evne from here.”

“Please hold on!? What are you thinking!? The Portal in this Dungeon will only lead you to the bottom! In order to save us, even you will be locked in. I don’t──want to become Nii-san’s burden anymore!”

“Airi…”

Seeing Airi shouting sadly, someone placed a hand on her head.

“We are also begging you. Don’t be too rash, Lux-kun.”

Sharis cut in with a gentle expression.

“I am very glad you are coming to save us. However, this is our responsibility. After all, we the Triad got lured here by that bunch. We were unable to see through their aim and exposed Airi-chan to danger.”

“Yes, we too do not wish to be a hindrance anymore to Lux-san.”

“We-ell, you don’t have to worry so much. We’ve survived till now, haven’t we──”

And so Sharis and Noct requested, and Tillfur echoed their sentiments with a wry smile.

They have obviously been through quite a bit with all the wounds over their body, but the four acted tough so not to burden Lux even more than this.

“No matter what, we the Triad will do our utmost to protect your sister. So──”

Sharis said it with a somewhat lonely tone, but also with the conviction of a warrior.

But──

“──Yoruka, can you confirm the location of the transporter at the third level?”

“What…!?”

The words that Lux said with serious face caused the face of the three Triad to change color.

“Why do you go so far…”

While Airi whispered with a stunned look, Yoruka gave her report to Lux indifferently.

“It looks like it’s a little far from here. It’s position is to the northeast.”

“Understood. I want you to stay here and lure the Abyss swarm that come. Can I leave it to you?”

“It is regrettable that I cannot join you my lord, but it cannot be helped isn’t it.”

Yoruka responded with a hearty smile and she took a stance with her katana-type Blade.

“Let’s go, Greifer!”

“Got it. I too gotta go find that Coral.”

Lux steered Bahamut towards the Portal.

“Everyone! Hold on a bit longer!”

Right after he yelled, he left the stair in the blink of eye and quickly flew wearing through the corridor.

Before long they found a circle engraved with some unknown text. They landed on it.

The time it took the Portal to move them towards the interior of the Ruin was quite short.

The light began to overflow around Lux and Greifer along with the Drag-Ride.

“Sorry, Greifer for dragging you with me.”

“Hah, I have not gotten weak enough that I require your highness’ concern.”

In reply to Lux’s apology, Greifer laughed confidently.

In that moment, their weight seemed to disappear and their vision is covered by light.

As their field of vision cleared up, some medium sized Abyss were coming.

It was a situation that if it was the average Drag-Knight, this would become an assault that was like an ambush where they wouldn’t even be able to react.

However, the two members of of the Seven Dragon Paladins didn’t waver at all even in this siutaiton and they moved.

“──Photon Dive.”

As sharp teeth and claws approached, Greifer’s Cuelebre was wrapped in light.

The Divine Raiment that performed invincibility for a few seconds repelled the attack of the Abyss before his eyes, it was at that moment Lux’s Bahamut took action.

“Reload on Fire.”

Time was compressed, and then his speed was accelerated by several fold which he used to launch super speed slashes.

Criss-crossing slashes from a blade resulted in the beast’s body to be completely hacked to pieces.

Originally, it required preparation to counter the enemy’s attack. However, Greifer’s Photon Dive created an opening that allowed Lux to attack.

“You took the prey, huh. Oh well, not much time left anyway, I’ll forgive you.”

“Much appreciated.”

Lux expressed his appreciation, then continued flying towards where Airi was.

However, although the Ruin was under alert state, surprisingly few Abyss appeared.

He felt it strange even while they arrived at the location of the Triad and Airi.

Across from them, the girls were facing a man.

“So you all also came here?”

The Silver Flash, Dilwy Froias.

A military officer who at this occasion was serving as a group leader leading the soldiers of new kingdom who were taking exam here.

“Well yeah. Rather than that where is your comrades? Also by the way, have you seen a Drag-Knight with a girly face named Coral or a man named Buzzheim?”

Landing nearby, Greifer raised some questions.

Lux intended to ask a question, when Sharis made a tense voice.

“Both of you be careful! That man is suspicious! Buzzheim and his men were also killed by him!”

Lux and Greifer were puzzled after hearing those words.

But, Dilwy, who didn’t look bothered at the slightest, began laughing softly.

“That is a misunderstanding. They were attacked by some parasitic Abyss. And these kids saw me clean up the situation so they think I killed them. Why would I kill people of my own country and the soldier of Wanheim?”

“So…what is that thing in your hand then?”

“Oh this. This is something Buzzheim-dono dropped. I picked it up to hold on to it for now. But the content is somewhat suspicious for this to be his item. Inside there is a diary of a girl and some ancient archives from Ruin slipped in between.”

“…………”

After he muttered, he opened that ancient document and traced its text in a display.

“Even though I look like this, I am very interested in these treasures related to Ruin. I also once spent my time deciphering ancient text. I don’t understand the exact content of this text because I’m not that knowledgable though.”

“What are you saying──”

“The only thing that I understand from this text, is Holy Arcadia Empire──only that name. I’ve never heard that this kind of ancient document has been submitted. I have connection with the consuls of the royal capital see. If this document is something that you secretly concealed, then you two will need to be questioned for the responsibility……no, about the connection between that old empire and the Ruin.”

“──?!”

Airi had a tragic expression after hearing this.

The secret that she thought should not be known to others was exposed now.

“Lux Arcadia. And Airi Arcadia. Are you two siblings knows about something? The old empire, and its connection to the Ruin that is described in this ancient document. The true identity of the two of you the imperial family of the old empire──”

Dilwy’s words surprised everyone at that place.

Between the intermittent alarm sounds and shaking red light, Lux breathed calmly.

“……I don’t know. Even if I did I wouldn’t tell you.”

He stared at Dilwy with cold eyes.

“You want to ask why…it is because you are a Dragon Marauder’s spy, infiltrating the new kingdom’s military looking for a chance.”

“──?!”

As Lux asserted this, everyone there was tense.

“Why did you take your comrades into the third level of this Ruin? It is well known that the dungeon is deep, and exploring it is not allowed. For such an honest and loyal soldier who is famous like you, why would you commit such baffling act?”

“…You think too highly of me, Lux-kun. I am not perfect. Even I will make a miss when several unfortunate accidents piled up one after another.”

Lux continued staring at Dilwy who was smiling bitterly.

“The purpose of the criminals Dragon Marauder is to plunder treasures in the Ruin in order to hamper the countries’ military power. You caused the ruins to enter an alert state, you also provoked Buzzheim to steal the ancient document my sister had, in order to lay the blame on her, while you yourself will search for the secret of the Ruin──”

“……I have said several times already, kid. Buzzheim-dono was killed because he was possessed by Abyss. Are you so committed to make me out as a traitor so you can escape from my question?”

“The Portal to go to the third level is a one way road that go from above to below. That’s why, in the case you go down the level without using that, you won’t be conscious of the stair location. Can you grasp the route I used from the place where I was transferred to reach until this spot?

“…………”

Lux’s question elicited only silence from Dilwy and his expression vanished.

“The corpse we saw had no trace of possession because of Abyss. In other words──”

“There isn’t anything else to say, meek man. You are the traitor who killed your own comrades.”

Greifer calmly finished Lux’s words, and held up his Tail Sword.

Lux and Greifer deliberately showed an ignorant attitude based on their suspicion of Dilwy.

“—Hu”

As Dilwy heard their words, the atmosphere changed.

“It seems that I underestimated you a little. The true identity of the Black Hero was you, a kid that appeared to be nothing special. Honestly, it was hard to believe.”

“Then, as expected my bag was stolen becauase──?”

As Airi whispered, Dilwy’s shoulders shook in laughter.

“You misunderstand, it was purely by chance. I was just watching you. I happened to overhear your conversation with Singlen and induced Buzzheim by giving him hint to steal the bag with the ancient document. Another option would be using the magic flute to mae the Abyss kidnap you.”

“The plan was well-planned but the execution was stupid. Do you truly believe you can deal with two users of Divine Drag-Ride by yourself?”

Taking Greifer’s words as a signal, Lux also raised his great sword.

When the explosive situation reached the limit, Dilwy’s both eyes snapped open and he flew high.

“-……!”

The celing was flashing with the red warning light.

From there, he swooped down and unleashed a stabbing attack with his Blade.

From above──especeially from right overhead was the position that Drag-Ride found it the most difficult to defend against.

When Lux and Greifer barely avoided that attack, the Blade of  the EX Wyvern Dilwy was riding grazed through.

“This guy…!?”

*Ceng!* As the crisp sound of air being sliced resounded, a slash drawing the trajectory of creascent moon came flying.

Greifer twisted his body to avoid the attack. Then Dilwy quickly turned his right wrist resulting in a second cut, third cut, till fifth slash cutting the air.

Criss-cross. Cascading shocks from the slashes crossing many times over were also moving towards Lux next.

Lux avoided the slashes by a mere millimeter, as the rocks behind him became engorged with countless deep cut marks.

“Shot Blade(Dragon Teeth Shot Sword)──, a rare weapon that general purpose Drag-Ride can use huh……”

Although the performance was not equal to that of special armament of Divine Drag-Ride, rare weapon with level of performance that was close to that existed.

The Shot Blade, it could release energy from the forward motion of it blade, releasing arrow-like shots with a slash.

Lux heard from Sharis that Dilwy’s famous ”Silver Flash” nickname came from the fact that he was more skilled than anyone else with using that special armament.

“That’s quite something. So the rumor that you are a man who cannot stand anymore in front line because your right hand is broken and unusable is just a bluff huh. That’s some personality you got there.”

“You are incorrect──. Until last night, I was a weakling exactly like your description.”

“…What do you mean?”

Dilwy quietly smiled while listening to Lux’s question.

“Why!? Why would──! You who are my father’s direct subordinate, why would you collude with the Dragon Marauder?”

As the daughter of the deputy commnader of the New Kingdom’s military, Sharis shouted at that conversation, resulting in Dilwy’s exasperated sigh.

“Stupid question. A rich lady who happen to stand out among the weakling and is contented with her lot won’t get it. You see, I have aaalways been dissatisfied. Five years ago, I was injured by the ‘calamity’ of Blackend Kingdom, and after returning home, I entered under the banner of the new kingdom as Drag-Knight of moderate faction.”

“Then, you…!?”

“You are of the rebel army that inherited the will of the Old Empire…is that correct?”

Tillfur and Noct flared up, but Dilwy snorted.

“That’s a shallow thinking. I am not interested in that sort of label. Whether it is the Old empire or the New Kingdom, it doesn’t matter. I, Dilwy Froias, being born as a man in a family of knights only aim to become the strongest Drag-Knight.”

“-……!? For that sort of goal, you abandon the New Kingdom to join the Dragon Marauder? You go so far as to ignore her majesty’s kindness in promoting you as a non-commisioned officer──”

When Airi shouted incredulously, Dilwy wordlessly pulled out his Shot Blade.

It cut through the air with a strange sound and the shockwave pierced the air flying towards Airi’s neck.

Noct moved to block the attack but her defense was broken, with the shockwaves hitting even her clothes.

“Guh, ah…!”

“Noct!?”

“Shut up please. Did I ask for your opinion? Mindless pawns will be mindless pawns, you can just feel satisfied as you are being used. Someone not even aiming for the top, not even lamenting their own powerlessness, existing just to complete the orders given to them. How can incompetent like that understand my distress?”

“-……!?”

His words caused the Triad to show pained expression.

But the next moment, two Drag-Knights attacked towards Dilwy’s sneering face.

“──Don’t screw around.”

Lux’s Bahamut flew parabolically.

He used the momentum from the free fall to add some power to his attack as he swooped past.

The use of the free fall part of the flight path (Downflow) was a higher level technique with more force than a stabbing attack.

Even if Dilwy’s skill let him rivaled EX Class Drag-Knight, it should be difficult to counter the power in the incoming attack, but──.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitudes.”

“……-!?”

At the moment they crossed each other, Dilwy’s <EX Wyvern> released a barrier which shocked Lux.

It was a parrying technique that made use of tuning, to create sharp force field that averted attacl from left to right.

That is the special move of barrier manipulation that the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit showed Lux.

Dilwy grinned wickedly and swung his Blade to Lux whose attack was evaded and showed a defenseless back.

He is aiming at the brainstem part, where the barrier of the armor was thin.

Greifer’s Tail Sword blocked that attack which assaulted in a timing of certain kill.

The force by their attacks caused both of them to be repelled backwards away from each other.

“Hah, what a terrifying person, to be able to use even that vice captain-sama’s technique. Well, you ain’t gonna win against me with just that though.”

“…Seven years ago I once studied under Sir Singlen. At that time I was unable to learn any of his moves. But now, I finally obtained skill of that level.”

Dilwy muttered to himself intoxicatedly.

“Wanheim Principality’s Seven Dragon Paladins…… If it’s you who start from being a lowly orphan and climbed up until being the princess’s aide, you should be able to understand my pride too aren’t you?”

“Unfortunately, I ain’t interested in your life. Let’s finish this quickly yeah, Dragon Marauder’s spy.”

“You are after all, just a wild dog lured by bait. ──Then, let me finish you off here.”

While taking Greifer’s shower of attacks one after another, Dilwy suddenly fired towards the ground with his Howling Howl.

“-……!?”

Large amounts of dust suddenly arose inside the gloomy underground of the Dungeon, and then numerous silver flashes of light headed towards Greifer.

“──Photon Dive!”

Greifer’s Cuelebre wasted no time to activate its Divine Raiment of invisibility and all the slashes from the Shot Blade were deflected.

This was the battle style of Greifer and Cuelebre that excelled in defensive ability.

Not giving the opponent the opportunity to counter-attack and dragged it into a battle where they could only defend while destroying all path of retreat──it was like a seasoned hunter tracking his enemy before giving the final blow.

However, he was affected by the smoke cloud that made him lose track of Dilwy’s silhouette.

“──What!?”

As Greifer’s eyes search for his lost target, EX Wyvern jumped out from behind Airi and the Triad.

“-……!?”

“──Reload on Fire.”

But, Lux who stood on his way a moment quicker activated Bahamut’s Divine Raiment.

Using his time compression, he released consecutive high-speed slashes.

The slashes aimed towards EX Wyvern’s wrists and shoulders in an attempt to break the barrier. But in that moment, Lux noticed something and he changed his movement.

Five Daggers were thrown in parabolic arc from behind Dilwy.

Lux immediately knocked them down and at the end he aimed at Dilwy’s armor.

But, his attack was barely blocked by Shot Blade and a distance was opened once more between them.

“Even though I was hiding inside smokescreen so my attack pattern wouldn’t be read, even so my movement was still predicted──that’s really something isn’t it? I’m getting a better opinion on you two now.”

“…………”

Having two Divine Drag-Rides as his opponent at the same time, Dilwy still revealed a composed expression.

Seeing this, Lux had a strange sensation in his chest.

Although Greifer too maintained a casual attitude, he gradually began to frown with suspicion.

(Certainly, he might be already a brilliant Drag-Knight from the beginning, but──)

No matter how he was using an EX Wyvern with stacked up tuning and he was an expert of a rare weapon, but would that be enough to make him able to fight the current Lux and Greifer until this much?

“It looks like, your royal highness is also confused huh?”

Greifer suddenly said such thing as he stood there.

“It’s really strange. With that Drag-Ride and armament, it’s not like that sort of move is impossible──but, no matter how I see it that man is strange. I cannot say it well but, he ain’t a normal human for sure.”

Lux agreed with Greifer.

But, he still wasn’t really confident with his hypothesis.

“Is that it? That is your limit? The name of Seven Dragon Paladins is going to cry you know?”

Greifer steps forward to meet the mocking Dilwy.

“You’re on. I’m also tired hearing your lecture, I’ll finish this in the next move.”

Then, Cuelebre flew and threw numerous Daggers towards Dilwy.

“Stupid man. Do you not understand that these tricks don’t work on me?”

In response, Dilwy moved his Shot Blade swiftly in various arcs to release shockwaves.

The mesh-shaped shockwaves entangled the Daggers and deflected them.

In long-range battle, Dilwy’s Shot Blade held the advantage.

When Greifer activated Photon Dive to defend against the silver flashes heading towards him, Dilwy grinned.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitudes. How incompetent can you be to use the same move twice in a battle.”

Dilwy formed a barrier forcefield in the timing of impact to parry the attack from right to left.

Greifer’s slash was dodged and he stood still with his defenseless back exposed to Dilwy.

“I have seen through the amount of time you can operate your Divine Raiment. ──You should apologize to your princess from the other world.”

Without missing the opportunity, Dilwy slashed at his back.

However──,

“…what!?”

Instead of what Dilwy expected, Cuelebre’s Photon Dive did not end, the light wall was deflecting the slash toward the back.

Realizing his mistake, Dilwy attempted to flee from Greifer’s thrust, however it was too late.

“──The one incompetent is you right? I fought a woman who saw through this right from the start y’know?”

The stretching Tail Blade drew a spiral trajectory to avoid Dilwy’s barrier and pierced his barrier.

As the blade cut across his chest, droplets of fresh blood rushed out.

“Gobah…!?”

Dilwy vomited blood as his eyes rolled back.

At that moment──the outcome was decided.

“…As I thought. It is easy to deal with opponents that you do not need to worry about killing.”

The Photon Dive’s duration on Cuelebre.

Normally Greifer would deliberately fixed the duration of his Divine Raiment to a certain period and lifted the effect in short several seconds to mislead people of the timing of his invincibility.

Although Lux heard about this matter from Krulcifer after the All-Dragon battle, it was still a splendid plan.

“Now then, we gotta think about how to get out of here. Although most of the Abyss seems to be gone outside, we still need to find that Coral.”

The relaxed Greifer turned away from Dilwy’s dead corpse.

At that moment, Lux noticed something strange.

“Behind you! Greifer!”

“────”

Greifer heard Lux and turned back around while holding up the Tail Blade as a shield.

However, his defense was a little slow. And Dilwy’s Blade bit deeply into his armor.

“Guh, ah…!?”

Greifer was blown backward, but he somehow held his ground.

Dilwy, who should have been completely dead, continued to move.

His chest was cracking, like dried fish.

“Wha…what the hell is this guy?!”

Greifer who was normally aloof had a distorted expression from shock.

It wasn’t an illusion nor a fantasy. Dilwy, who could not have possibly survived the fatal injury, was giving a gruesome smile.

His hand was not holding the EX Wyvern’s control lever, but a small knife.

There was a strange burst of seven-color aura coming out of the knife.

“…I will not lose. Because that hero has saved me! I who was clinging even to Dragon Marauder looking for hope, is filled with this light……!”

“What did, you mean!?”

“Let me awaken! My voice, my cry, my shout, if they are reaching….. Grant ”Baptism” throughout my whole body, guide me! Oh ”Elixir”!”

*Stab*. Dilwy, with his trembling hand, inserted the knife into his own left chest. With the knife in his chest, he underwent another strange mutation.

“-……!? Wh-What is that? What is happening!?”

Sharis who was watching from the side was stunned as she whispered.

While Everyone present was taken by shock, Dilwy’s body that was still wearing EX Wyvern was suddenly──transforming.

The same black pattern that was running on his right wrist spread out from his left chest to the rest of his body.

His body was like a pale flame wrapped in waves of heat, being colored darker and darker.

His skin became darker than night, while his hair turned white.

His eyelids opened wide, showing eyes radiating a scarlet red light like fresh blood.

“Wh-What is that…? It is not the Drag-Ride──but he himself that is changing──!?”

“Yes, the cause of calamity that occurred in various places, could it be……”

“Nocturnal……, is this the new type Abyss──!?”

Tillfur, Noct, and Airi were shaking as this devil began to make its first sound of its birth in this world.

“SHAaAAAAAAAaAAAAaaAAAAaAaAAAAAAAH!”

It was the roar of devil from a human that wasn’t a human.

That monstrous shriek was far more terrible than the Abyss that was the nemesis of human. The screams shocked the walls o fthe Dungeon as well as the eardrums of everyone present.

The time passing seemed to be a mesh of nightmare with reality as the devil flew together with the Drag-Ride.

“──!?”

Fast.

Compared to the winged Abysses they fought previously, he was considerably faster.

EX Wyvern creeped along the ground in a very low flight.

If a blunder was made──no, with a speed that wouldn’t stop even if it crashed on the opponent, Dilwy who was changed into devil attacked Lux.

“Kuh…!”

He did not have time to use Reload on Fire to accelerate time.

Lux swung his great sword using Quick Draw and slashed horizontally at Dilwy who was approaching like a bullet.

──But,

“Ku ku ku──this is the strength of the so called Black Hero?”

“……-!?”

Lux was shocked as the dark voice reached his ear.

Dilwy’s Shot Blade met Lux’s Chaos Brand, resulting in the projection of some intense sparks.

“…Gu!?”

Lux was blown directly to the side from receiving the charge’s gust of wind.

Dilwy who looked like he was going to crash on the rock wall sharply dove up on the spot.

He quickly somersaulted through the air, then moved towards Greifer next.

“What..!? This thing──”

From a super low-altitude flight to rapidly rising followed by a rapid dive into a backflip.

The more preeminent someone was in handling Drag-Ride, the more they would understand just how impossible that movement was.

Drag-Ride couldn’t be moved with just pure operating skill.

Things like the burden on the rider’s body and stamina, the timing of breathing, and so on existed.

No matter how proficient someone was at swimming, they wouldn’t be able to dive underwater for tens of minutes without breathing.

Thus, witnessing Dilwy making impossible movements for a Drag-Knight created a moment of opening in Greifer which Dilwy took advantage of. Greifer was blown away.

“Chih…! This damn monster”

Lux and Greifer adjusted their movement in preparation for pursuing attack.

But unexpectedly Dilwy and the EX Wyvern flew until near the ceiling of the hall, taking a position to look down on everyone there.

“──!? Everyone, quick! Defend yourselves!”

Lux immediately understood his intentions, and at the same time he flew to where Airi and others were at.

The devil’s eyes glowed deep red and grinned wickedly while overlooking the scenery.

Next, the right hand armor gripped the Shot Blade which began to emit light energy.

“──Silver Flash, Hail Fang”

*Gin-!* With a roaring sound that could be heard splitting through the air, a flash of shockwave that drew an arc like crescent moon was fired.

Originally, the silver flash the Shot Blade fired was limited to several shots per breath because of the burden on the user’s stamina and mind.

But this attack appeared to be an unending torrent of rain of light pouring down on the Dungeon’s zone.

“────”

Several hundred overlapping sound of slicing wind and the destruction sound of the ground getting pulverized could be heard.

The storm of hail that reached them in less than a second erased the stifled scream of the girls, blowing away even their consciousness and thought.

Their breathing stopped in their tenseness and fear, and ashes were swept up that blocked their vision.

As it felt like the endless nightmare was ending──before long, Airi opened her eyes.

“……U, ah.”

Due to the aftermath of the attack, dust covered their bodies.

The previously sturdy walls of rock were cut apart, and the terrain was completely different.

While lying on the debris, Airi gingerly moved her fingertips.

Fortunately, her body was intact.

In addition, the Triad were lying around her with their Drag-Ride cancelled off.

“Everyone──please, get ahold of yourself.”

Perhaps due to being strained to their physical limit, the three of them could only stir a little bit.

Airi intended to call for help but as she looked up, the scene made her at a loss for words.

“──Ha, hah, ku…a”

Buried in the rubble with Bahamut, Lux was breathing hard.

Fatigued from all the fighting, Lux’s face had an anguished expression and his whole body was dripping with sweat.

“End Action huh……. a hidden move of Drag-Ride operation that was introduced during the Old Empire days, a technique that unleashed unlimited slashes. But even it has to end, and it seems your strength has finally reached its limit.”

“Damn……, it”

In an equally ragged state, Greifer in Cuelebre was laying at the opposite side of Lux.

The invincibility of his Photon Dive could only be maintained for about 10 seconds at maximum.

So, on this prolonged, uninterrupted attack that lasted more than ten second, he naturally could not make it out unscathed.

At the same time, Lux too was protecting Airi, and the Triad using End Action and he succeeded, but it took everything he had to do so.

The two of them were exhausted until very nearly the limit while they did their all so only their Divine Drag-Ride wouldn’t get desummoned.

That was their only way to resist in their current state.

“──Magnificent.”

Dilwy smirked in intoxication in the air as he looked down from above at everyone who was standing still unable to move.

“Ah, what a wonderful power.”

He kept muttering to himself heartily.

“The officer cadets of the new kingdom, a Seven Dragon Paladins, the Black Hero……I transcended and surpassed all their strength. Dilwy Froias is able to return in his true form as a Drag-Knight who aimed for the seat of the strongest like in the past. I will be able to realize the dream that I have held through a long time from here on. I’ll immediately build a new legend. I can surpass the Blue Tyrant──the mentor who once abandoned me. If it’s the current me, even that will soon come true.”

Dilwy ended his intoxicated self-praising words, and moved his venomous red eyes towards Lux.

“Although the outcome has already been decided, I do have some questions left for you, Lux Arcadia.”

He opened Airi’s bag and pointed to one of the lines of text in the ancient documents.

“The name of ”Arcadia” recorded in this ancient text. I wanted to ask before I killed you if you are associated with these Ruin, and know something about it.”

“……You have already betrayed everyone, what is the point? Just what do you intend to obtain by becoming the strongest Drag-Knight whatever for the sake of Dragon Marauder?”

Although his breathing was ragged, even then Lux’s eyes weren’t dead.

Seeing this, Dilwy’s jet black face twisted as he laughed with bared teeth.

“The Dragon Marauder you say…? I have no more business with them. My goal was to attain even greater power from this Ruin. In order to prove my strength as Drag-Knight, I need to cause more chaos and great war……!”

His body was wrapped in dark desire and resentment.

It was the answer of the man who was writhing in agony from being toyed by the reign of the old empire and the distortion of the era.

His path as Drag-Knight met setback, his hope stolen, and after clinging on his past for a long time, this was his true real nature.

“Don’t make me ask you a second time, Lux Arcadia! Give me all the knowledge you own, show me the path to reach the deepest layers of these ruins! Otherwise──”

Dilwy turned his ominous crimson gaze towards Airi and the Triad, and he yelled.

The roar of devil shook the air around him. Right then,

“Understood. It looks like, this is as far as it goes.”

Airi who was dirtied by the dust of the smashed rock wall slowly stood up and muttered.

“Nii-san over there──No, that person who I called brother and used by me, the Lord(Creator) of the Ruin is ignorant of my true identity. Asking him is useless.”

“Ai,ri…?”

Lux who stood up trying to rally up Bahamut saw his sister’s cold expression and icy eyes.

“Hou, you are saying that you are a survivor of Ruin, connected to the name of Arcadia written here? That you were hiding it all this time until now?”

“More accurately speakling, I just forgot about it. In order to protect my own safety──but, there is no meaning even if I hide it in this situation. Even I value my own life.”

Airi spoke these words fluently.

Then, she looked at the bewildered Lux with a cold expression.

“When I found that old document, I remembered. That my true identity is one of the Lords, Aeril vi Arcadia, and also my original purpose and mission──”

“Y-you, what are you saying…? What is the meaning of this, Airi missy!”

Airi turned a deaf ear to Sharis, who could only move half her body.

“In any case, the man who I called as “Nii-san” and used as my guard is not usable anymore. But──at the present, even I the Lord is unable to completely control the Ruin. If you promise that you will guarantee my life, I will cooperate with you to a certain degree you know?”

“Hou…”

The expression of the devil who heard that distorted inhumanly in joy.

“I do not think you have any other choice. By yourself, you won’t be able to use the true function of the Ruin fully.”

“Very well…”

‘Ku ku’, the devil Dilwy’s shoulders shook with laughter.

“Now, come over here. I’ll listen to the story of this so called Lord without rushing.”

“──Then, excuse my leave, everyone.”

Airi whispered without any emotion as she moved towards Dilwy.

“…wait, a minute, Airi.”

Noct and Tillfur were conscious but could not move as they lied on the floor.

Airi glanced coldly at that as she walked towards Dilwy, and then──,

*Zan-*

A jet black dragon landed down between them in a position that seemed to shield Airi from the devil.

His heart was beating furiously and he could not control his breathing. His body also clearly displayed his fatigue. But Lux was somehow able to move his body.

“……You are in my way. I have already said I don’t have any use of you anymore.”

Airi coldly criticized as she said with slight frown.

But,

“──I won’t let you go. I have already decided that I won’t let anyone take away those I cherish anymore.”

“Hah”

Dilwy’s eyes shot towards Lux. Looking into his determined eyes, Dilwy laughed and readied his Shot Blade.

Multiple silver flashes pierced Bahamut’s fragile barrier.

Not being able to withstand the impact, Lux’s upper body cracked with multiple red lines.

“Gu…!”

However, he did not back down as he rushed toward Dilwy before him.

Even as his body was swaying due to physical exhaustion, he slashed down an attack using his great sword with a sharp trajectory. Dilwy casually evaded it and struck Lux’s body with his Shot Blade.

Even so, Lux immediately regained his fighting posture and charged forward once more.

However, before Lux’s great sword found its mark, Dilwy deflected it with his own sword.

“You still try even though you know it is futile, how unsightly. So the true identity of the Black Hero is only something like this.”

Lux unabatedly continued his assault while ignoring Dilwy’s scornful words.

In contrast, Airi began to feel pain as she witnessed the scene.

“Stop──please, stop already!”

Airi yelled seeing the heavily wounded Lux showing no sign of stopped fighting even then.

“Why, are you doing something like that!? You, you don’t need to fight for my sake anymore, so why──”

“I changed my mind. Although I’m still interested in you, I’ll bring you down here. Together with everyone else too.”

Dilwy made a quick backhand stroke and flashes of silver flew towards the Triad who were lifting up their upper body.

Lux flew and intercepted the roaring silver flashes.

“-……!”

Due to the pressure of the impact, Lux’s face was covered with thin red lines.

Even through all of that, Lux continued to glare at Dilwy with fearless eyes.

“Lux, kun……”

“Lux-chi……”

“……Lux, san”

The members of Triad were speechless seeing him covering even their tattered self.

Witnessing this scene, Airi had a faintly pained expression on as she held her hands on her chest.

“-……!?”

“I can’t understand. Are you that stupid?  Even though there is no reason to save your sister who already betrayed you, even though there will be no advantage saving those useless small fries in this situation. Ku ha ha ha ha. Is it just like Singlen said? You really don’t have any reason to fight, you try to save someone just because you want to be loved? A pitiful──”

“──Shut up”

“What?”

Lux commanded with a cold, yet threatening tone.

“Don’t you notice anything? Why Airi said those words, why she went as far as lying, pretending to be unrelated to us.”

“-……!?”

Airi’s cold mask was on the verge of collapse at Lux’s words.

“Airi wants to save us. Even if it gains the resentment of her friends, even if she has to become the villain, even though she cannot use a Drag-Ride, even so she is constantly thinking about what she can do, and fight.”

“……..”

“I remembered……. Whether as the prince of the Old Kingdom, or a criminal of the New Kingdom, the reason I fight has not changed in the slightest since the past.”

In order to protect the people important to him.

No matter how powerful and unyielding the authority(plot) Lux faced, he swore he would accomplish its destruction in his own way.

“Since I failed at that time──I thought that it would be fine if I entrust my dream to someone else.”

Lux thought that his path was to protect Lizsharte, the princess of the new kingdom, and cooperated for the sake of her ideal.

“But, I’m wrong. It won’t be meaningful if my ideal doesn’t come true together with it.”

When an enemy that he couldn’t match was standing in his way, if he had to consider his important people as weak and abandoned them like Singlen──he would rather fight, became stronger, he swore he would protect them.

“I’m──not going to give up anything. I won’t let someone like you, take away even a single one of these girls who are important to me.”

Although blood was dripping from his head and whole body onto his armor, Lux’s willpower didn’t wither in the slightest.

“──Hah! Then I will teach you your helplessness right here! You powerless hero!”

Dilwy sharply flew forward and brandished up his Shot Blade, rushing toward Lux.

He violently drove his EX Wyvern and struck with a terrific slash.

“You can’t protect anyone! Let me show you!”

Dilwy released silver flashes towards Airi.

Lux intended to block the attack, but the number of attacks were too great and several slipped through him──however,

“Don’t worry about us, Lux-kun!”

Sharis shouted from behind.

The Triad stood up once more in their Drag-Rides and worked together to make a solid barrier to shield Airi.

“What are you all doing! Don’t move so carelessly! Wearing Drag-Ride in that condition will make you──”

“It’s all good, Airi-chan.”

Sharis smiled even as blood was dripping from her forehead while the other two also nodded in agreement.

“Even though we look like this, we are not playing around. We cannot just lie down sleeping. It doesn’t matter even if we are powerless in the present situation, we can’t just stand around doing nothing after seeing how you and Lux are fighting.”

“We-ll yeah, we can still move after a fashion……”

“Yes, we will fight until our last breath.”

“You all……”

Airi whispered while the three of them were adjusting their formation.

“Thank you──everyone.”

Lux thanked them as he resumed his battle with Dilwy.

With the three’s assistance, the task of protecting Airi was left to them. Lux was gradually pushing on Dilwy.

But──,

“Let me tell you……all of your struggling is futile!”

Dilwy once again soared towards the ceiling while waving his Shot Blade.

“You are definitely finished this time──Silver Flash, Hail Fang!”

“You’re gonna be the one to die yeah, blackened uncle.”

Unnoticed by anyone, Cuelebre rushed to meet EX Wyvern that was going to unleashes storm of slashes from the silver flash once more.

“──You!?”

“I’m thinking that I’m not gonna die here for the sake of our princess. I too ain’t able to bear it see, that I keep getting looked down by sleazebag like you.”

Greifer concentrated all his energy and with a dazzling, shining light cut down with the Tail Blade.

Seeing the spiral curve of the attack, Dilwy was snickered.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitude.”

The moment just before the blade’s tip touched, a forcefield of barrier that was formed with diagonal track repelled the attack of Tail Blade──wasn’t what happened here.

“What-…!?”

“Don’t underestimate someone else too much, uncle. Certainly I’m really reckless, but can learn y’know?”

The blade with multi joint drew an arc with a movement that avoided the barrier and entangled the blade of the Shot Blade.

It was a deluding attack that pretended to aim at the body but actually attacked the opponent’s weapons.

“Your struggling is futile! ──How unsightly, you stray dog!”

But, Dilwy who was taken by surprise counterattacked with Howling Howl without delay.

The impact was several times more powerful than the attack output of an average Drag-Ride, and Greifer was blown far backwards.

“……-!?──Well fine, I’ve made an opening I guess. I’ll leave the rest to you yeah, your highness.”

Cuelebre’s armor was broken while Greifer said with a fearless smile.

To his words, Lux responded with only brief comment.

“──Yeah, I won’t hesitate anymore to fight for my own sake.”

The moment Dilwy turned into offense and exposed a large opening, Lux held aloft his great sword.

“It’s futile──no matter how many times you try, I am much faster than you!”

Dilwy was able to defense faster than Lux could swing down his sword.

He moved with an extraordinary speed and Drag-Ride operation technique that only the current him could achieve.

He unleashed an attack using his Shot Blade to bisect Bahamut with all his strength, however, the forcefield of barrier that was generated from Lux’s left to his right completely repelled that attack.

“──Whaaat-!?”

“──Battle Array – Vicissitude”

One of the Drag-Ride operation techniques that the strongest Drag-Knight of Blackend Kingdom, the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit used.

Dilwy who couldn’t learn that technique until he was turned into devil borrowing the power of Baptism witnessed it with his own eyes.

How can this kid use this technique!?

Just from seeing it only a few times during the Class promotion exam he──.

Even more shudder of terror ran through Dilwy without giving him any time to soak in his shock.

“──Battle Array – Aeon Fire.”

“……!?”

The special move that even now Dilwy couldn’t use.

By collecting all energy from the barrier, propulsion, and driving force into the Blade, a blow with explosively increased might could be unleashed.

The attack broke through the EX Wyvern’s barrier of maximum output and cut down feeply into the shoulder.

“Guh, gahhhh…!”

His blackly dyed shoulder was soaked red from the spilt blood.

Blown to the floor, Dilwy tried to take action to defend from Bahamut’s pursuing attack. However, EX Wyvern was slow to react as he tried to take a defensive posture.

“……The machine isn’t moving!? Why?! My body is still──”

Although his body was moving, the Drag-Ride was not responding.

Given the impact of Lux’s attack attack on the Force Core in his shoulder, he was unable to move for a few seconds.

“I won’t lose…! After attaining this power! Against a bastard like you, I won’t──”

Dilwy screamed and struggled as Lux moved nearer.

He operated his Drag-Ride with all his available strength to defend against Lux’s sword and slashed back──, Lux didn’t overlook that obvious counterattack.

“──Reload on Fire”

Instantly, countless slashes from the great sword cut through EX Wyvern’s armor.

The wrist armor, Force Core, back wings, and other joints to move the armor were slashed apart by the instantaneous slashes, bursting and scattering the EX Wyvern.

“Impossible…!? Wh, WHYyyYYY-!? I should have taken it back! The power that I should be able to obtain in my hand, and yet──”

Dilwy frantically screamed as his armor fell apart.

He picked up the Shot Blade with his own flesh and blood hand and brandished it, but then that hand along with the sword was cut off.

“──Then, that strength must be just an illusion right? Monster uncle.”

“Gahh……! GUSHAaAAAAaAaAaAaAAA-!”

The Blade of Cuelebre that Greifer drove flickered and the tip of the blade gouged the heart.

Cracks of light emerged from his body as this monster that was once a man gave his last screams of sorrow.

Similar to an Abyss with its core destructed, that body broke and dissipated into the dust.

Part 13

[So──that handyman brat, he really used my technique, the Battle Array?]

After the fight subsided, one man was moving in the shadow.

It was a strange looking Divine Drag-Ride flying through the passage of Dungeon at high speed──It was Zweigbergk the old knight.

At the surface, he was following Singlen’s orders to rescue Lux and others who were left behind in Dungeon but,

[Sir-, but I don’t understand. My lord’s Battle Array that is making use of tuning is the best technique for a Drag-Knight. No matter how outsanding Lux Arcadia’s skill is, it should be impossible to learn it in that short of a time period…..]

The expression of the old knight didn’t change. However he sent back a reply with Dragon Voice that was mixed with irritation somewhere. But,

[That’s simple. Isn’t the answer obvious already, Zwei?]

[By that, you mean?]

Singlen maintained his calm attitude while answering.

[That guy had already known about it. He couldn’t use the two Battle Array that I use, but he knew them.]

[…………]

[The use of tuning is impossible if one is not knowledgable about the control interface of Drag-Ride. But that guy, he must have attempted the finesse of the technique many times since in the past. Even though he did not know the mechanism of tuning, he himself wasn’t satisfied with just devising three hidden techniques. Even after that, he constantly thought whether there is something more that he could do, and day after day, on and on, he continued to work hard groping for new techniques. That’s how it is.]

[No way, such thing is……]

‘Hard to believe’, Zwei let out such voice.

[He crossed sword with me at the exam. When he saw that my skill is clearly superior, that guy immediately switched his fighting style. He moved not to defeat me, he fought in the way to steal my techniques──that guy always hardened his defence at the tournament in royal capital most likely isn’t just for training his foresight, he also aimed to learn the technique of his opponent’s attack even just by one more.]

Singlen’s exultant tone caused Zwei to become silent.

[In a situation where that guy cannot help but joining Seven Dragon Paladins, he realized my trap while leaping into it in order to save his comrades. Until that point it’s according to my expectation, but it’s unexpected that he also stole two of my techniques. Even though his face looks like he cannot even kill a bug, but he is scheming like a strategist. He cannot be dealt with normal method, is what this mean.]

[…………]

[I was thinking of him as one of the pawns connected to Fugil, but he is a man more terrifying than I imagined. The time ahead looks amusing……don’t you agree, Zwei?]

Even while in one side Singlen was showing vigilance toward Lux, his tone sounded as though he was amused.

Zwei nodded in agreement to that before he immediately cut off the Dragon Voice’s communication.

Part 14

“……That was a tiresome battle. Good grief.”

“Are you all feeling okay? Greifer, everyone?”

Greifer took a breath, then he saw a new EX Wyvern flying in front of him.

The one who was riding it was a youth with androgynous features, Coral.

“You……where did you go until now?! Do you know how long we have been looking for you──”

“Sorry. I desperately shook off the many Abysses that appeared here in the Dungeon. If I carelessly brought them over here, I am afraid it would put you all in danger so──”

“Haa, well, doesn’t matter. Although there are lots I wanna say, for now let’s leave this place first.”

The moment Greifer muttered, not far from them, the sound of a something being opened was heard. Yoruka wearing Yato no kami landed down.

“It is great you are alright, my lord. I followed your instructions and secured the escape route.”

As a result, it seemed that she eliminated a large number of Abysses in the area by herself.

The lights in the surrounding also returned to their original color, and the alert state of the Ruin was finally ended.

“Let’s retreat now. We are going to talk later, after we ensure everyone’s safety.”

Greifer agreed with Coral’s suggestion after examining the surroundings.

The Triad also stood up somehow, while Lux who had dispelled his armor was standing in front of Airi.

“………….”

Airi could not lift her face to meet Lux’s eyes.

The matter of the ancient document that she was hiding.

The matter about whether she and Lux were really related by blood with the Ruin or not, which was still unclear at this point.

The matter of how she showered harsh words to Lux and others, even though it was in order to save them.

And above else, the matter of how she got caught into the evil design of Dilwy of the Dragon Marauder, which exposed everyone to danger. All those matters made her unable to lift up her face.

However──

“I’m sorry Airi. You feel pained for my sake.”

Even so, Lux said in his usual tone while sounding somewhat apologetic.

“Airi, I completely understand how you are feeling. It’s all right already, so──”

The words of her big brother that were the same like usual made Airi’s feelings erupted.

“-……!? Nii-san! Just what are you saying!?”

The tears that she was trying to hold back dripped down, then she knocked her hands on Lux’s chest powerlessly.

“We might be different from what we thought you know!? We might not be a mere criminal of the ruined old empire, we might be people related to Ruin! If that’s really the case, then from here on, it’s unknown what is going to happen to me or Nii-san!”

Airi feared these things all this time.

The possible realities weighed on her so she could not help but shout.

“Even just now too! Why didn’t Nii-san just abandon me?! I don’t want nii-san to suffer because of me anymore! So why──”

“I don’t feel miserable or anything.”

He murmured as he gently held Airi stroking the hair that was the same color as his.

“I have never imagined anything I have done to protect Airi to be painful. There is also nothing that I thought as painful or I regret doing for you. Just being able to protect my only important family makes me happy.”

“…Why”

Airi could not bear it and she buried her face in Lux’s chest with a sob.

“Why is nii-san always like this!? Are you idiot!? Why are you always, for the sake of someone like me──”

“……I’m sorry that I made you worry. But, I won’t change my mind. No matter what kind of secret is hidden inside us, I will always be Airi’s big brother, that’s why”

Lux gave off a slightly shy smile as he stroked his sister’s back gently.

“It will surely be all right. It’s alright, that’s why──don’t cry anymore.”

“tsu……U, AAaAAAAAAH!”

Airi raised her voice in contrast with Lux’s words.

She wanted to hold back in front of the others, but the tears would not stop.

The family who continued to stay at her side since she was a child, when she had been frail and helpless as she lost her mother.

The big brother who since the period of old empire, had continued to protect herself no matter how much he got hurt.

Even though he was always slow and insensitive, even though when the time came he would forcefully shoulder everything alone.

His voice’s warmth and his chest were warm, the reassurance from his hands stroking her hair, they caused the tears to spill out without end.

Inside the Dungeon, a girl’s sobs echoed.

And then, the incident closed its curtain.