Infinite Stratos - Volume 7, page 13
She didn't feel relieved.
Neither did she feel fear.
She just felt completely empty.
*ZOOM*...
"—Huh?"
The blade didn't land on Kanzashi, and the figure that appeared in front of her hugged her as if it wanted to protect her.
Tightly, it hugged her tightly.
"Onee...chan...?"
The figure hugging her tightly was Tatenashi.
She used the last ounce of her strength to fly over and protect her imouto with her body.
And blood spilled out as she took a slash on her back.
"Onee..."
She called out softly, and Tatenashi's body fell.
"ONEE-CHAN! ONEE-CHAN!!"
Kanzashi hugged Tatenashi, who collapsed onto the floor, and shook her body. The warm blood covered Kanzashi's hands.
"No...don't...onee-chaaan..."
"Aha...how many years, has it been, since you last called me that...?"
"Onee..."
Tatenashi smiled.
She looked really happy, as if the only thing that made her relax was that her little sister was okay.
"Why...must you...do that?"
"To save my sister. Do I need a reason...?"
"But! But...it-it's useless..."
"Useless...of course not."
"It's useless! There's no such thing as a hero in this world!"
"Is that so...?"
Smiling no matter when, Tatenashi was always so gentle.
"But...but...!"
Kanzashi still couldn't hold her tears back.
Seeing her little sister like this, Tatenashi gave a 'Really, you...' look as she gently stroked Kanzashi's head.
"...It's not, useless..."
"Huh...?"
It sounded soft, but she could hear it clearly. It was Ichika's voice.
"A flawless...hero, it doesn't exist..."
Ichika's head continued to be grabbed by the [Golem III], and his arms and legs swayed lifelessly.
However, that voice became even more forceful.
"A flawless hero like that...would never cry, and would never smile..."
*Gugugugugu*. Ichika exerted strength into his body and tried to stand up.
Right now, he was embittered, tattered, awkward-looking, and pathetic. However—this figure looked even more dazzling than anything else.
"Therefore. I!"
*BEEP!*
The finger on the left hand [Setsura] released an energy claw.
Then, he slashed the arm of the [Golem III] that was binding him.
"I'm a human. I can cry, I can laugh, and I do fail. However—I won't give up! I won't run away from a battle. THAT'S WHAT A HUMAN IS!"
The [Golem III] that was counterattacked suddenly pulled its distance.
"HOUKKKKKIIII!!!!!"
"LEAVE IT TO MEEE!!"
[Akatsubaki], which finally recovered from the close-ranged explosion, appeared and broke through like the wind..
"Tatenashi-san's attack should have worn the shields out."
Using [Fold-Out Armor]'s thrusters to close the distance, Houki kept her body low.
"—"
*JYAGINK!!* A sharp metallic breaking sound could be heard. [Golem III] was sliced in half right down the middle, and it exploded.
"Are you alright, Ichika?"
"—Watch your back, Houki!"
"What!?"
Another [Golem III] that still had some energy left in it rushed at Houki.
"GAAH!"
Houki was slammed to the ground, and she hurriedly got up, changed directions, and left that position with her booster.
But the accurate hits came at Houki.
"Damn it. If this keeps up, Houki will...!"
Ichika opened his wing thrusters as he tried to fly.
But he was stopped by Kanzashi's voice.
"Wa-Wait...!"
"Kanzashi...?"
"Wait...don't go. You...your IS, it's...at its limit..."
"No way. I need to go save Houki."
"Wh-Why...? Are, aren't you...afraid of...death...?"
Seeing Kanzashi look so troubled, Ichika curled his lips up.
"Of course I'm scared."
"If that's the case...why...?"
"Well, I'm more afraid to run than to fight."
"Huh...?"
"If I run, I feel that I won't ever be myself again."
It's a declaration full of decisiveness.
To Kansashi, whether it was the emboldened words or the faith that matched it, they didn't exist anymore.
"Then, I'm going."
Summoning [Yukihira Nigata], Ichika increased the output of the wing thrusters to the maximum and flew off.
"Why..."
Staring blankly at Ichika's back as he left, tears welled up in Kanzashi's eyes.
--It's alright if I can be that strong.
--It's alright if I have the courage to fight.
--Me, me, me.
--Alright, alright, alright.
"I..."
The tears landed on Tatenashi's face.
"I'm really a coward..."
She kept thinking of reasons not to fight, yet she didn't take a step out.
Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable.
"I...really can't, do this...onee-chan..."
Crying could be heard.
She felt so unhappy that she wanted to go crazy, yet she couldn't move.
"You're not useless."
"Huh...?"
Kanzashi felt that she heard Tatenashi's voice, and thus hurriedly looked at her chest.
However, Tatenashi, who lost consciousness, didn't move at all.
"What's so bad about it? Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable. Who made us humans anyway?"
That's right. It was Tatenashi's voice.
Is that the illusion that normally happened?
But this voice that touched her heart was filled with warmth.
"Therefore, Kanzashi-chan. Just be weak, just smile. Accept all these. Once you accept that, you can stand up, because..."
"I-I'm human...?"
"That's right. And also—you're the little sister I'm so proud of."
Gently. It felt that she was gently smiling back.
"..."
Kanzashi put Tatenashi softly onto the floor, not moving away as she stood up on both legs.
"I'm going...onee-chan."
Her tears, they weren't flowing anymore.
◆
"Are you alright, Houki!?"
I continued to hack at the unmanned machine, and slid my body in to protect Houki.
"Ichika!? Yo-You idiot! Who'd rush in like that at such a state!?"
It's true that [Byakushiki]'s completely battered.
And with the [Absolute Defense] being disrupted by that unmanned machine. The pain on the flesh pricked at me.
"So can I leave it like this?"
"Wha-What?"
"—Houki, I'll protect you."
"U...!!"
That's right. I'll protect.
Houki, Tatenashi-san, Kanzashi.
"WHAT KIND OF GUY AM I IF I CAN'T PROTECT MY FRIENDS!!"
*GALINK!!*
I forcefully pressed my blade down and used the momentum to spin and slash at the unmanned machine itself.
(--Too shallow!)
This slash didn't cause fatal damage to the enemy. In my haste, I overdid it.
"Ichika! Danger!!"
Houki used her body to knock me away, and then she got bathed by the attack of the infrared lasers.
"AAAHHHHH!!"
"HOUKI!"
"Fu-Fu...this level, I can still..."
Perhaps intending to deal a fatal blow to Houki, the unmanned machine raised its blade.
"HOW CAN I LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THAAATT!!!"
I rushed into the unmanned machine's range and blocked the blade from below.
"Guuu...!!"
It was a heavy hit. And not just a simple slash, it also means that my IS energy's wearing out.
(Will...it end here? In this place, without knowing anything!?)
I gritted my teeth hard.
*Mishi* *mishi*. This creaking sound was either from [Byakshiki]'s armor or from my own bones. Gradually, I couldn't tell.
But, even so, I still...!
"I won't, admit defeat...GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
I forced my blade back.
However, the next moment, the left arm of the unmanned machine stabbed over.
"Damn—"
I was ready to take damage.
--At that moment, a sudden explosion saved me. A figure flew by the unmanned machine, and it knocked the black frame off and pulled me away.
"Wha-What's going on?"
"ICHIKA, GET AWAY FROM THERE!"
It's a voice I've heard before.
But I'm somewhat shocked that it sounded clearer than ever, especially for such an appropriate occasion.
"Kanzashi..."
So—it seems that she can stand up, and come to help.
Thinking that, I couldn't help but be happy.
I was happy, so happy, that I started smiling.
"Do-Don't smile! HURRY UP!"
"Got it!"
I carried Houki and got away.
Then, [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles hit the unmanned machine continuously.
"—"
It used its energy shield to block it, but the unmanned machine's movements stopped completely.
Houki and I used this opening to get to Kanzashi.
"So it seems that that's still not enough...to beat it."
"Then what?"
"How about [Reiraku Byakuya]...?"
"No can do. I don't even have enough energy left."
Really, the situation's so critical that it's laughable.
But even so, neither Kanzashi nor I looked like we wanted to give up at all.
"We can recover the energy through my [Kenran Butou]..."
"Can you do it? [Akatsubaki] took quite a lot of damage."
"...I'm okay. But, I need some time."
"If that's the case...I'll, buy some time...during this time."
Kanzashi automatically requested to fight.
Buy time. It sounds really simple, but this means that, until I recover, she would have to be a meat shield.
"No way. It's too dangerous."
"No time to hesitate...besides, there's, no other way..."
That's right. What Kanzashi said was true.
Right now, we're relying on [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles to hold down the opponent, but this isn't a long-term plan.
(If that's the case, I'll—)
Believe.
Kanzashi.
Houki.
Myself.
My friends.
Just pure belief.
"Tatenashi-san, I'll take revenge for you."
"Hey...don't just, kill me off like that..."
Severely injured, Tatenashi-san tried to get up. Her swaying body looked like it would collapse anytime, and I hurriedly supported it.
"This..."
"[Mysterious Lady]'s Aqua Crystal...?"
"It's a charm..."
I grabbed onto the thing that was given to me tightly.
"I understand...it's like a memento."
"...Ichika-kun. Once I'm all healed up, I'll definitely, definitely, beat you up violently."
Tatenashi-san said that with the blood drained off her face
But her face was still smiling.
It's weak, but it's an immovable smile.
"If that's the case, well."
"Let's try it."
"...Yes."
I, Houki, and Kanzashi all nodded our heads firmly.
Tatenashi-san gave a thumbs up, and said,
"Do your best, first years."
Having gotten the Student Council President's support, we immediately went into action.
◆
(If I use the [Multi Lockon System], I can create...an opening to attack...for Ichika...)
However, [Uchigane Nishiki] which Kanzashi pilots doesn't have an automatic tracking function process on it.
(If that's the case—!!)
Kanzashi closed her eyes and gathered her concentration.
She then opened her eyes suddenly, and the armor on the arms and legs scattered into light particles and disappeared.
The 20 digits of hers that were released seemed to be confirming their existence as they move about.
"I can do it...[Uchigane Nishiki], manual guided system...activate, 48 shots salvo."
Floating with the power of the [PIC], Kanzashi opened her arms wide like a Saint bearing the cross.
Holographic keyboards appeared at her digits, one above and one below at all the limbs.
The 5 digits of her hands and feet were assigned 2 ball-shaped keyboards each, 8 keyboards altogether, and she started entering all the information manually.
"Atmospheric conditions...mobility of each missile, time lag...interference between the explosions. Should be able to create an offensive power large enough..."
Several windows opened up in front of Kanzashi.
In other words, she was guiding each of the 48 hi-capability missiles manually.
"Suu...haaa..."
She inhaled some air, and exhaled it.
She cleared her thoughts, gathered her concentration to the maximum, and then—
"Can you run away from this [Mountain Storm]...?"
The 6 missile covers on the wing thrusters on her shoulders slid open.
In the meantime, the 6 groups of 8 consecutive shots were formed by particles, and all 48 shots were ready to be fired.
"Give me your strength, [Uchigane Nishiki]!"
*DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON!*
With booming sounds, the missiles flew out at the same time.
"Direct link, check...! Manual lock, start...!"
The missiles rushed at the [Golem III].
This time, it flew in differently, using complex 3-dimensional movements to close in at a fast rate.
"—"
The [Golem III] deployed the malleable shield, and intended to shoot down the missiles with its left arm.
However, the guided missiles that were supported manually dodged and accelerated like the [Golem III] as they changed directions and accelerated, thoroughly crushing the middle of the malleable shield units.
Having lost its defensive ability, the [Golem III] hurriedly used its thrusters to back away. However, it didn't get a chance to rest, as the next wave of missiles came roaring like wolves.
The legs, arms, shoulders, waist, head, abdomen. It got swallowed by the storm of explosions caused by the missiles.
"—"
But even in this situation, the [Golem III] still wanted to change the situation and gathered all its energy on the left arm. It wanted to shoot the infrared lasers at Kanzashi, who was defenseless as she controlled the missiles.
"I WON'T LET YOU!!"
Appearing in front of Kanzashi was Houki.
She raised her arms forward, deployed her [Fold-Out Armor], and created a powerful energy shield, blocking all the infrared lasers.
At the same time, the [Golem III] changed the infrared lasers to high-efficiency rapid-fire as it tried to break through Houki's shield.
"Ku! [Akatsubaki]! Show it to me, your strength!"
As if responding to Houki, the shoulder unit on [Akatsubaki] slid open.
That shape looked like a huge crossbow with an arrow on it.
"What, is this...?"
The panel that suddenly popped out showed this message.
«Experience level gained to a certain value. Construction of new equipment is complete. Variable output Blaster Rifle [Thousand Pierces][7D 13]. It's an outstanding piercing armament with the largest firing range—»
"Alright! Enough with the ridiculous explanation!"
Shutting the window, Houki kept her shields open and bent down.
--This is a weapon that could vary its output. It's unlikely to hit without using all the [PIC].
Without knowing why, Houki understood it all, and summoned the scope on her right-eye.
"I'll take your left arm."
*BEEEEEEPPPP!!!*
Using her [Fold-Out Armor] like usual, the crimson red energy bullet was shot out under huge compression.
The attack came from the shoulders on both sides, and it rushed forward with shockingly scorching heat that burned the land, and the [Golem III]'s left arm was blown away.
"—"
But since it was an unmanned machine, it wouldn't feel pain.
The [Golem III] barely tried to support the body that lost balance, and used [Ignition Boost] to rush at Houki.
"...I'll leave it to you."
"Okay!"
Flying above Houki's head, Ichika used [Ignition Boost] to enter the battle.
Wielding [Yukihira Nigata] in his right hand, he let out the extremely powerful energy of [Reiraku Byakuya].
"UOOOOOOHHH!!!"
The [Golem III] used the blade on it's right side to slash to the left.
And Ichika used both hands to raise the blade above his head, exerting all his strength into it.
*KLANG*...
"—"
The [Golem III]'s blade got destroyed by Ichika's [Yukihira Nigata].
"It's over now!"
Using a horizontal slash, he ripped the [Golem III]'s hard armor to reveal the core in it.
Ichika used all his strength in his left hand to smash the block-shaped object that was glowing golden, and the [Golem III] was knocked aside.
"—"
The core of the IS was made of 'A Rare Metal'. Though it was supported with a power assist, it wasn't something that could be destroyed with one hit.
However—
"It's a charm."
Between the core and the parts was an object that was flashing.
It's actual name was [Aqua Crystal], and it had the functions of the [Aqua Nanomachines]. It was the IS [Mysterious Lady]'s armament.
And naturally, the pilot is—
"Fuu..."
Sarashiki Tatenashi.
Though all blurry due to the severe loss of blood, that hand of hers raised up to the sky, and the movements of the fingers looked like they were holding a switch.
"Kachink."
Tatenashi pressed the finger.
The next moment, [Golem III] was absorbed by the explosion within, and vanished without a trace.
. "Yeah..."
Using her last ounce of strength, Tatenashi gave a thumbs up.
Seeing her like this, Ichika, Houki and Kanzashi all looked like it couldn't be helped, gave thumbs up—and started smiling.
Neither did she feel fear.
She just felt completely empty.
*ZOOM*...
"—Huh?"
The blade didn't land on Kanzashi, and the figure that appeared in front of her hugged her as if it wanted to protect her.
Tightly, it hugged her tightly.
"Onee...chan...?"
The figure hugging her tightly was Tatenashi.
She used the last ounce of her strength to fly over and protect her imouto with her body.
And blood spilled out as she took a slash on her back.
"Onee..."
She called out softly, and Tatenashi's body fell.
"ONEE-CHAN! ONEE-CHAN!!"
Kanzashi hugged Tatenashi, who collapsed onto the floor, and shook her body. The warm blood covered Kanzashi's hands.
"No...don't...onee-chaaan..."
"Aha...how many years, has it been, since you last called me that...?"
"Onee..."
Tatenashi smiled.
She looked really happy, as if the only thing that made her relax was that her little sister was okay.
"Why...must you...do that?"
"To save my sister. Do I need a reason...?"
"But! But...it-it's useless..."
"Useless...of course not."
"It's useless! There's no such thing as a hero in this world!"
"Is that so...?"
Smiling no matter when, Tatenashi was always so gentle.
"But...but...!"
Kanzashi still couldn't hold her tears back.
Seeing her little sister like this, Tatenashi gave a 'Really, you...' look as she gently stroked Kanzashi's head.
"...It's not, useless..."
"Huh...?"
It sounded soft, but she could hear it clearly. It was Ichika's voice.
"A flawless...hero, it doesn't exist..."
Ichika's head continued to be grabbed by the [Golem III], and his arms and legs swayed lifelessly.
However, that voice became even more forceful.
"A flawless hero like that...would never cry, and would never smile..."
*Gugugugugu*. Ichika exerted strength into his body and tried to stand up.
Right now, he was embittered, tattered, awkward-looking, and pathetic. However—this figure looked even more dazzling than anything else.
"Therefore. I!"
*BEEP!*
The finger on the left hand [Setsura] released an energy claw.
Then, he slashed the arm of the [Golem III] that was binding him.
"I'm a human. I can cry, I can laugh, and I do fail. However—I won't give up! I won't run away from a battle. THAT'S WHAT A HUMAN IS!"
The [Golem III] that was counterattacked suddenly pulled its distance.
"HOUKKKKKIIII!!!!!"
"LEAVE IT TO MEEE!!"
[Akatsubaki], which finally recovered from the close-ranged explosion, appeared and broke through like the wind..
"Tatenashi-san's attack should have worn the shields out."
Using [Fold-Out Armor]'s thrusters to close the distance, Houki kept her body low.
"—"
*JYAGINK!!* A sharp metallic breaking sound could be heard. [Golem III] was sliced in half right down the middle, and it exploded.
"Are you alright, Ichika?"
"—Watch your back, Houki!"
"What!?"
Another [Golem III] that still had some energy left in it rushed at Houki.
"GAAH!"
Houki was slammed to the ground, and she hurriedly got up, changed directions, and left that position with her booster.
But the accurate hits came at Houki.
"Damn it. If this keeps up, Houki will...!"
Ichika opened his wing thrusters as he tried to fly.
But he was stopped by Kanzashi's voice.
"Wa-Wait...!"
"Kanzashi...?"
"Wait...don't go. You...your IS, it's...at its limit..."
"No way. I need to go save Houki."
"Wh-Why...? Are, aren't you...afraid of...death...?"
Seeing Kanzashi look so troubled, Ichika curled his lips up.
"Of course I'm scared."
"If that's the case...why...?"
"Well, I'm more afraid to run than to fight."
"Huh...?"
"If I run, I feel that I won't ever be myself again."
It's a declaration full of decisiveness.
To Kansashi, whether it was the emboldened words or the faith that matched it, they didn't exist anymore.
"Then, I'm going."
Summoning [Yukihira Nigata], Ichika increased the output of the wing thrusters to the maximum and flew off.
"Why..."
Staring blankly at Ichika's back as he left, tears welled up in Kanzashi's eyes.
--It's alright if I can be that strong.
--It's alright if I have the courage to fight.
--Me, me, me.
--Alright, alright, alright.
"I..."
The tears landed on Tatenashi's face.
"I'm really a coward..."
She kept thinking of reasons not to fight, yet she didn't take a step out.
Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable.
"I...really can't, do this...onee-chan..."
Crying could be heard.
She felt so unhappy that she wanted to go crazy, yet she couldn't move.
"You're not useless."
"Huh...?"
Kanzashi felt that she heard Tatenashi's voice, and thus hurriedly looked at her chest.
However, Tatenashi, who lost consciousness, didn't move at all.
"What's so bad about it? Weak, ugly, cowardly, and unreasonable. Who made us humans anyway?"
That's right. It was Tatenashi's voice.
Is that the illusion that normally happened?
But this voice that touched her heart was filled with warmth.
"Therefore, Kanzashi-chan. Just be weak, just smile. Accept all these. Once you accept that, you can stand up, because..."
"I-I'm human...?"
"That's right. And also—you're the little sister I'm so proud of."
Gently. It felt that she was gently smiling back.
"..."
Kanzashi put Tatenashi softly onto the floor, not moving away as she stood up on both legs.
"I'm going...onee-chan."
Her tears, they weren't flowing anymore.
◆
"Are you alright, Houki!?"
I continued to hack at the unmanned machine, and slid my body in to protect Houki.
"Ichika!? Yo-You idiot! Who'd rush in like that at such a state!?"
It's true that [Byakushiki]'s completely battered.
And with the [Absolute Defense] being disrupted by that unmanned machine. The pain on the flesh pricked at me.
"So can I leave it like this?"
"Wha-What?"
"—Houki, I'll protect you."
"U...!!"
That's right. I'll protect.
Houki, Tatenashi-san, Kanzashi.
"WHAT KIND OF GUY AM I IF I CAN'T PROTECT MY FRIENDS!!"
*GALINK!!*
I forcefully pressed my blade down and used the momentum to spin and slash at the unmanned machine itself.
(--Too shallow!)
This slash didn't cause fatal damage to the enemy. In my haste, I overdid it.
"Ichika! Danger!!"
Houki used her body to knock me away, and then she got bathed by the attack of the infrared lasers.
"AAAHHHHH!!"
"HOUKI!"
"Fu-Fu...this level, I can still..."
Perhaps intending to deal a fatal blow to Houki, the unmanned machine raised its blade.
"HOW CAN I LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THAAATT!!!"
I rushed into the unmanned machine's range and blocked the blade from below.
"Guuu...!!"
It was a heavy hit. And not just a simple slash, it also means that my IS energy's wearing out.
(Will...it end here? In this place, without knowing anything!?)
I gritted my teeth hard.
*Mishi* *mishi*. This creaking sound was either from [Byakshiki]'s armor or from my own bones. Gradually, I couldn't tell.
But, even so, I still...!
"I won't, admit defeat...GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
I forced my blade back.
However, the next moment, the left arm of the unmanned machine stabbed over.
"Damn—"
I was ready to take damage.
--At that moment, a sudden explosion saved me. A figure flew by the unmanned machine, and it knocked the black frame off and pulled me away.
"Wha-What's going on?"
"ICHIKA, GET AWAY FROM THERE!"
It's a voice I've heard before.
But I'm somewhat shocked that it sounded clearer than ever, especially for such an appropriate occasion.
"Kanzashi..."
So—it seems that she can stand up, and come to help.
Thinking that, I couldn't help but be happy.
I was happy, so happy, that I started smiling.
"Do-Don't smile! HURRY UP!"
"Got it!"
I carried Houki and got away.
Then, [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles hit the unmanned machine continuously.
"—"
It used its energy shield to block it, but the unmanned machine's movements stopped completely.
Houki and I used this opening to get to Kanzashi.
"So it seems that that's still not enough...to beat it."
"Then what?"
"How about [Reiraku Byakuya]...?"
"No can do. I don't even have enough energy left."
Really, the situation's so critical that it's laughable.
But even so, neither Kanzashi nor I looked like we wanted to give up at all.
"We can recover the energy through my [Kenran Butou]..."
"Can you do it? [Akatsubaki] took quite a lot of damage."
"...I'm okay. But, I need some time."
"If that's the case...I'll, buy some time...during this time."
Kanzashi automatically requested to fight.
Buy time. It sounds really simple, but this means that, until I recover, she would have to be a meat shield.
"No way. It's too dangerous."
"No time to hesitate...besides, there's, no other way..."
That's right. What Kanzashi said was true.
Right now, we're relying on [Uchigane Nishiki]'s guided missiles to hold down the opponent, but this isn't a long-term plan.
(If that's the case, I'll—)
Believe.
Kanzashi.
Houki.
Myself.
My friends.
Just pure belief.
"Tatenashi-san, I'll take revenge for you."
"Hey...don't just, kill me off like that..."
Severely injured, Tatenashi-san tried to get up. Her swaying body looked like it would collapse anytime, and I hurriedly supported it.
"This..."
"[Mysterious Lady]'s Aqua Crystal...?"
"It's a charm..."
I grabbed onto the thing that was given to me tightly.
"I understand...it's like a memento."
"...Ichika-kun. Once I'm all healed up, I'll definitely, definitely, beat you up violently."
Tatenashi-san said that with the blood drained off her face
But her face was still smiling.
It's weak, but it's an immovable smile.
"If that's the case, well."
"Let's try it."
"...Yes."
I, Houki, and Kanzashi all nodded our heads firmly.
Tatenashi-san gave a thumbs up, and said,
"Do your best, first years."
Having gotten the Student Council President's support, we immediately went into action.
◆
(If I use the [Multi Lockon System], I can create...an opening to attack...for Ichika...)
However, [Uchigane Nishiki] which Kanzashi pilots doesn't have an automatic tracking function process on it.
(If that's the case—!!)
Kanzashi closed her eyes and gathered her concentration.
She then opened her eyes suddenly, and the armor on the arms and legs scattered into light particles and disappeared.
The 20 digits of hers that were released seemed to be confirming their existence as they move about.
"I can do it...[Uchigane Nishiki], manual guided system...activate, 48 shots salvo."
Floating with the power of the [PIC], Kanzashi opened her arms wide like a Saint bearing the cross.
Holographic keyboards appeared at her digits, one above and one below at all the limbs.
The 5 digits of her hands and feet were assigned 2 ball-shaped keyboards each, 8 keyboards altogether, and she started entering all the information manually.
"Atmospheric conditions...mobility of each missile, time lag...interference between the explosions. Should be able to create an offensive power large enough..."
Several windows opened up in front of Kanzashi.
In other words, she was guiding each of the 48 hi-capability missiles manually.
"Suu...haaa..."
She inhaled some air, and exhaled it.
She cleared her thoughts, gathered her concentration to the maximum, and then—
"Can you run away from this [Mountain Storm]...?"
The 6 missile covers on the wing thrusters on her shoulders slid open.
In the meantime, the 6 groups of 8 consecutive shots were formed by particles, and all 48 shots were ready to be fired.
"Give me your strength, [Uchigane Nishiki]!"
*DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON!*
With booming sounds, the missiles flew out at the same time.
"Direct link, check...! Manual lock, start...!"
The missiles rushed at the [Golem III].
This time, it flew in differently, using complex 3-dimensional movements to close in at a fast rate.
"—"
The [Golem III] deployed the malleable shield, and intended to shoot down the missiles with its left arm.
However, the guided missiles that were supported manually dodged and accelerated like the [Golem III] as they changed directions and accelerated, thoroughly crushing the middle of the malleable shield units.
Having lost its defensive ability, the [Golem III] hurriedly used its thrusters to back away. However, it didn't get a chance to rest, as the next wave of missiles came roaring like wolves.
The legs, arms, shoulders, waist, head, abdomen. It got swallowed by the storm of explosions caused by the missiles.
"—"
But even in this situation, the [Golem III] still wanted to change the situation and gathered all its energy on the left arm. It wanted to shoot the infrared lasers at Kanzashi, who was defenseless as she controlled the missiles.
"I WON'T LET YOU!!"
Appearing in front of Kanzashi was Houki.
She raised her arms forward, deployed her [Fold-Out Armor], and created a powerful energy shield, blocking all the infrared lasers.
At the same time, the [Golem III] changed the infrared lasers to high-efficiency rapid-fire as it tried to break through Houki's shield.
"Ku! [Akatsubaki]! Show it to me, your strength!"
As if responding to Houki, the shoulder unit on [Akatsubaki] slid open.
That shape looked like a huge crossbow with an arrow on it.
"What, is this...?"
The panel that suddenly popped out showed this message.
«Experience level gained to a certain value. Construction of new equipment is complete. Variable output Blaster Rifle [Thousand Pierces][7D 13]. It's an outstanding piercing armament with the largest firing range—»
"Alright! Enough with the ridiculous explanation!"
Shutting the window, Houki kept her shields open and bent down.
--This is a weapon that could vary its output. It's unlikely to hit without using all the [PIC].
Without knowing why, Houki understood it all, and summoned the scope on her right-eye.
"I'll take your left arm."
*BEEEEEEPPPP!!!*
Using her [Fold-Out Armor] like usual, the crimson red energy bullet was shot out under huge compression.
The attack came from the shoulders on both sides, and it rushed forward with shockingly scorching heat that burned the land, and the [Golem III]'s left arm was blown away.
"—"
But since it was an unmanned machine, it wouldn't feel pain.
The [Golem III] barely tried to support the body that lost balance, and used [Ignition Boost] to rush at Houki.
"...I'll leave it to you."
"Okay!"
Flying above Houki's head, Ichika used [Ignition Boost] to enter the battle.
Wielding [Yukihira Nigata] in his right hand, he let out the extremely powerful energy of [Reiraku Byakuya].
"UOOOOOOHHH!!!"
The [Golem III] used the blade on it's right side to slash to the left.
And Ichika used both hands to raise the blade above his head, exerting all his strength into it.
*KLANG*...
"—"
The [Golem III]'s blade got destroyed by Ichika's [Yukihira Nigata].
"It's over now!"
Using a horizontal slash, he ripped the [Golem III]'s hard armor to reveal the core in it.
Ichika used all his strength in his left hand to smash the block-shaped object that was glowing golden, and the [Golem III] was knocked aside.
"—"
The core of the IS was made of 'A Rare Metal'. Though it was supported with a power assist, it wasn't something that could be destroyed with one hit.
However—
"It's a charm."
Between the core and the parts was an object that was flashing.
It's actual name was [Aqua Crystal], and it had the functions of the [Aqua Nanomachines]. It was the IS [Mysterious Lady]'s armament.
And naturally, the pilot is—
"Fuu..."
Sarashiki Tatenashi.
Though all blurry due to the severe loss of blood, that hand of hers raised up to the sky, and the movements of the fingers looked like they were holding a switch.
"Kachink."
Tatenashi pressed the finger.
The next moment, [Golem III] was absorbed by the explosion within, and vanished without a trace.
. "Yeah..."
Using her last ounce of strength, Tatenashi gave a thumbs up.
Seeing her like this, Ichika, Houki and Kanzashi all looked like it couldn't be helped, gave thumbs up—and started smiling.
