Infinite Stratos - Volume 1, page 15
"Yamada-sensei, please drink this coffee."
"Huh? I-Is-isn't that the one you poured salt in..."
"Here."
Facing the coffee (with some salt) being forced onto her, Maya can only weep as she accepts.
"I-I'll take it then..."
"The coffee is hot, just gulp it down in one go."
THERE'S A DEVIL HERE!
"Sensei, please allow me permission to use my IS! I can deploy it right away!"
"I would really want to, but--look at this."
Chifuyu knocks on the flatscreen display and changes the intel screen. These values are the data on the 2nd arena.
"The barriers are set at level 4...? And the doors are all locked--is it that IS's doing?"
"That's the case. Because of that, we can't evacuate nor send support."
Though Chifuyu's saying this calmly, on a closer look, her hands are unable to unrestrain her anxiety as she knocks onto the screen.
"If, if that's the case, why don't we ask for support from the government under the excuse of an emergency situation!--"
"We've done that already. Right now, the elites who have trained for 3 years are forcefully entering the system. Once we get rid of the shields, we can let the squads attack."
Having said that, the increasing anxiety causes Chifuyu's eyebrows to twitch. Treating that action as a signal of danger, Cecilia restrains her emotions as she sits down on the bench.
"Sigh...so we can only wait..."
"What's the matter? We won't be sending you into the assault squad, so don't worry!"
"Wh-What are you saying?"
"Your IS armaments are suited for taking on many suits, it would be a hindrance when used to take on one enemy, while being along many other suits."
"Such thing! To say that I'm--"
"Have you done any combined training before? What was that mission? How do you use a wide range weapon? What's the setup of the enemy? Did you think of what the enemy level is? The suit's operation time--"
"I-I got it! That's enough!"
"Humph, its good that you get it."
Giving an 'I surrender' pose, Cecilia shakes her hands to prevent Chifuyu from going on rattling about what seems to be an hour long lecture.
"Sigh...I'm really unhappy about my own ineptness.."
Due to fatigue, the sigh is even longer than the previous one. Then Cecilia notices something.
"That's strange? Where's Shinonono-san..."
In contrast to Cecilia, who's looking around, only Chifuyu's looking sharply in a different direction. However, nobody has the time nor mood to realize this.
◇
"Ugh..."
Though I got close enough to land a 1-hit kill, my attack got dodged easily.
This is already the 4th time I missed.
"Ichika, you idiot! Aim properly!"
"I am!"
I've been attacking the enemy suit at angles and speed that it's normally impossible to dodge. However, the propellers output throughout the suit are extremely abnormal, so much that it actually took it less than 1 second to get away from my reach! And no matter how Rin tries to attract its attention, it will prioritize reacting to my sudden movements and dodging it.
(How troublesome...)
My shields reserves are less than 60, I have only 1 chance to use the Barrier Void attack.
"Run, Ichika!"
"O-Oh!"
The enemy will normally counterattack wildly after dodging. Those extremely long arms let out roars of wind as they spin around at us like a spinning top. It continues to fire lasers at us while spinning rapidly, making it impossible for us to react in time.
"Ahh, damn it! This guy's irritating!"
Rin impatiently fires her impact cannons--however, the enemy's arm swats that invisible impact. That's already the 7th time.
Anyway, with Rin supporting me, I've managed to evade the enemy's firing barrage. As far as I know, it's under the circumstances, in which the lasers are fired while spinning, that their reach is only half the usual.
"...Rin, how much shield reserves do you still have?"
"About 180."
This is energy that can't be used as an attack...or the HP (health points) in those games. Though she lost most of her shield reserves, at least she's better off than me. Speaking of which, my 'Yukihira Nigata' really eats a lot of energy.
"It's a bit tough...with the current firepower, I guess there's a single-digit chance of us breaking through that guy's shields and stop it, right?"
"At least it's not 0."
"You're really unbelievable. Of course the larger the probablity, the better! You always keep yapping away about how health should come first, just like an old geezer, an yet, you're the type who'll buy the lottery or play those slot machines, right!?"
"Shut up..."
On a side note, I've never taken in the lottery. I just can't gamble. During Middle School, I ended up treating Gotanda to who knows how many drinks. Humans only have their own savings, and the so-called pensions are just urban legends.
"--Now what?"
"If you can run, run."
"Wha...stop treating me like an idiot! I'm still a representative cadet! It's not funny to run away with my tail behind my back!"
So they do consider pride issues in selecting a representative cadet! Cecilia herself would say such things as well.
"Is that so? I'll cover your back then."
"Wha? Ah, mm...thanks--"
The laser barely sweeps past Rin, who's blushing for some reason. Damn it, we're in a battle now. Though we weren't too careless, we still try to focus as much as possible.
"...You know, Rin, that guy's movements are like something."
"Something? Are you thinking about a spinning top?"
"That's the appearance--what is it called? It's a robot that a car manufacturer created, right?"
"Is there?"
So you don't know? Seems like it's called 'ASI...'[1D 1] something
"No, well... doesn't it resemble a machine?"
"The IS is a machine!"
"I don't mean that! I mean...is there really someone inside it?"
"Ah? It's impossible for an unmanned IS to mo--"
Speaking up till here, Rin suddenly became silent.
"--Speaking of which, the enemy doesn't seem to attack when we were talking, right? It seems like it's interested in listening..."
As if pondering, Rin recaps the battle up till now. Her rather strict expression is different from usual.
"No wait, there has to be somebody inside. An IS can't move without anyone in it. That is how it is."
I read about it in the textbooks before. An IS definitely can't move without anyone inside.
But is that really true? Even now with the latest technology, it's not impossible. No matter what, we just can't remain silent about that.
"If, and just if it's an unmanned suit, what do we do?"
"What? Can we win if it's unmanned?"
"Yup, if there's no one inside, we can continue to attack without holding back."
The power of the 'Yukihira Nigata', including the 'Reiraku Byakuya', should be dangerously high, therefore, I couldn't use my full power in training or in matches, but if it's unmanned, it's okay even if I don't consider the worst case scenario.
--And i have a plan.
"You can't hit it even if you go all out, right?"
"I'll make it count the next time."
"How conceited. Though it's impossible, let's just see if it's really an unmanned suit!"
Does she know that I have a plan? Rin smirks brazenly. That's an expression she would show a year ago, a 'if you're wrong, you're treating me crepes from the shop in front of the station!' look. This gal's really evil, stop threatening for money from someone who's working part time! Really.
"Ichika."
"Hm?"
"What will we do?"
Rin shows a 'I'll help out, but if we fail, you'll...let's leave out the rest' expression. We exchange looks with each other; the scenario is just like an ancient saying of 'heart to heart'.
"I'll give the signal, and you hit that guy with your shock cannons with all you got."
"Okay. But what if I miss?"
"That will be alright."
--I have my own ideas.
"Then get ready--"
While I get into attack position, the audio broadcast of the arena lets out a loud voice.
"ICHIKA!"
*Cree*--carrying a loud extended echo along with it was Houki's voice.
"Wh-What are you doing..."
Looking at the audio room, the umpire and commentors have collapsed onto the ground! They probably got hit when the door opened, right!? And it looks like they won't be able to recover in the short term. Uwahh...
"IF YOU'RE A MAN...IF YOU'RE A MAN, EVEN IF YOU CAN'T WIN, YOU HAVE TO DEFEAT THAT KIND OF OPPONENT!"
She shouted, and the *cree--* echoes rings from the speakers. I use my hi-zoom sensors to look at Houki through a 10x zoom, and can see her panting 'ha...ha...' as her shoulders tremble. She looks angry, yet anxious, a really unbelievable look.
"..."
--Damn it! The moment I noticed it, the enemy IS seems to have gotten interested in the voice that came from the audio room. Its sensors turn away from us as they look at Houki.
"RUN, HOUK--"
Ahh, damn it! Since it's too late to say it, then--looks like I can only do this!
I get ready to attack and turn on my ignition boost. Closer in, I can see the cannons of the enemy IS aiming at Houki.
"ATTACK, RIN!"
"I-I got it!"
Lowering her arms and pushing her shoulders out, Rin gets ready to fire the largest impact cannon shot as I deploy my 'energy field wings' behind me.
"Hold, hold on a minute! What are you doing, you idiot?"
"Doesn't matter, hurry up and fire!"
"Ah, really...I don't care what happens to you!"
Feeling the high energy reaction behind me, I activated 'ignition boost'.
The 'ignition boost' works like this--the energy that's released from the wings behind will concentrate and compress all the power before releasing it, using inertia to release a sudden burst of speed.
This means that I can use external forces, and the 'ignition boost' speed will be proportional to the amount of force added.
*THOMP!* I feel a huge blast behind me. That's the blast from the impact cannons. While hearing the creaking sounds formed through the frame, I continued--to accelerate forward.
"---WOOHHH!!"
The 'Yukihira Nigata' in my right hand lets out a giant glow, and I can see the center release an even larger energy blade than the 'Yukihira Nigata'.
--'Reiraku Byakura' can be used. Output exchange exceeding 90%.
This information isn't heard, but understood. The first time I touched the IS, I had this feeling of having all the senses in the world, a consciousness that seems to have 10 times the focus...and most importantly, I feel the energy rising up withing me.
(I...will protect Chifuyu-nee, Houki, Rin--and everyone else!)
The one strike hacks the enemy's right hand.
Howver, my entire left hand got countered. Seeing the heat source, it seems like the enemy wants to counterattack with the lasers under close range.
""ICHIKA!!!""
I heard Houki and Rin shout--don't worry. Didn't I say that I have a plan?
"...Is the target locked on?"
"Perfectly!"
The voice came over. Though I feel that she can be too talkative sometimes, at this moment, her voice has never been so reliable.
At that moment, the 4 Blue Tears spear through the enemy IS from the stands.
That's right. The attack just now broke through the barrier.
*BAM!* The attack causes a small explosion, and the enemy IS falls onto the ground. Unshielded, the enemy shouldn't be able to take even a single second of the Blue Tears combination attack.
Though humans can expect it, an unmanned suit can't surpass the attack functions out of what it knows. A great person seemed to once said that free-will is humans' greatest advantage, and that is the case here. Humans are cunning creatures who can operate differently and use tactics that robotics wouldn't think of.
"That was close."
"If it's Cecilia, it's possible."
I replied in a confident tone. Since she's an opponent I fought before, I know best how strong she is.
But are my words too unexpected? Her response seems rather barmy.
"Is, is that so...that, that's to be expected! Besides, I'm Cecilia Alcott, England's representative candidate!"
Right now, the conversation is held through a private channel. I don't know how to talk to someone I'm fighting for the first time, as for the opponents I talked to before, I can use the communicator records to reply.
It feels like using the rear right side of the head to talk on the phone.
"Hoo, either way, this is ov--"
--Enemy IS detection confirmed! Warning! Locked on
"?"
The left hand, the only remaining part of that IS, is aiming at me from the floor at maximum power.
While the laser strikes, I charge into it without hesitation.
In this white surrounding, I can feel the blade cutting through the armor--
◇
"Uu..."
Being woken up by all the pain in my body, I open my eyes.
Not knowing where I am, I look around. This seems to be the infirmary, and I'm lying on the bed.
In the small and cramped space that's separated by the curtain, it makes me feel tight yet comforting. I continue to look around as my consciousness registers both these conflicting feelings as I try to understand what's going on.
(Hm...what's going on...? What happened after I was attacked--)
"You're awake?"
The curtain got pulled aside. Taking action before she confirms what's going on...ahh, that's definitely Chifuyu-nee.
"Your body didn't get any fatal injuries, but there are bruises all over your body. I guess you'll feel like you're living in hell, so get used to it."
"Yes..."
I'm still dazed. While hearing Chiifuyu-nee's words, I continue to wonder why my body is covered with wounds. My eyes naturally turn to look outside the window. The sky is gradually turning a deep red; it should be school dismissal time.
"You got hit by the largest blast of the impact cannons and yet you turned off the IS's absolute defense? To think that you could survive."
Hearing Chifuyu-nee's description, I still can't remember anything. Huh? I thought the absolute defense isn't something that can be shut down?
"Anyway, good to see you are safe. I would be unable to go on with my everyday life with ease if someone of my family dies."
Right now, Chifuyu-nee's expression is a lot more gentle than usual. As a family member who relies on me, she can only reveal such a look.
"Chifuyu-nee."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Nothing, well...sorry for making you worried."
Surprised by my words, Chifuyu-nee smiles.
"I'm not worried about you, as you wouldn't die that easily. Besides, you're my younger brother."
That's a strange type of trust you have. However, I know that this is Chifuyu-nee's way of hiding her awkwardness, so I'm not really bothered by it.
"Then, I got other things to settle. I'm going back to work. You can go back to your room once you finish resting."
Chifuyu-nee merely said this as she quickly walked out of the infirmary. She's really someone who's serious at work; that is the ideal adult to me.
"Ah--ahem, ahem!"
Seems like somebody just brushed past Chifuyu-nee...or should I say, the one who deliberately coughed must be Houki. Can't be wrong here.
*Shua!* She pulled the curtain aside with both hands. The half-opened curtain is now opened completely by Houki...eh, there's no need to open it completely!
"Yo, Houki."
"Hm, nn."
The childhood friend with a ponytail straightens herself as she snorts.
What should I say? She's not angry, but she's definitely not in a good mood.
"Th-That, well, as for the battle today..."
"Hm? Speaking of which, how was the match? It didn't count, right?"
"Ah, ahhh, that's to be expected, since a lot of things happened."
That's true, but when will the next match occur? I would be really grateful if it could be held after I recover.
"Wh-What were you thinking!?"
"Huh?"
I suddenly got scolded. What is she angry about? Is she really angry? It looks like she's acting angry to hide some other emotions."
"I told you to win...but you could have left it to the teachers, right? Haven't you heard of 'overconfidence will lead to self-destruction'?"
"Ah, so I won?"
"Stop talking about winning!"
What's with her?
Houki's panting as her shoulders continue to tremble. Why are you so angry--ah!
"Were you worried about me?"
"Of, of course not! Who would be worried about you?"
You weren't...at least worry about me a bit! You're my childhood friend after all!
"An-anyway! You're grateful for the training you had, right!? We will continue with it, you got it!?"
"Ah--okay, okay, I got it."
"Good that you know...I'm heading back to the room."
Not waiting for me? What a cold childhood friend.
"...Ichika."
"Hm?"
"That, during the battle...you were, were, were..."
Funny?...Or something like that?
"Cool...no-nothing!"
I couldn't hear the front part clearly, but since she said that it's nothing, it should be nothing, right? I'll just treat it as nothing!
"Okay then."
Houki briskly walked out of the room as if she was escaping. Whatever the case, please remember to close the door! Also, if possible, I really hope that she can pull the curtains up for me!
"Hooo...I really want to sleep..."
I got dragged into a deep slumber, probably out of fatigue. Without any resistance, I just sleep comfortably on the bed.
"..."
Hm? What is it? Seems like someone's breathing on me, and the persons seems close. Who is it? Speaking of which, how long did I sleep? What time is it?
"Huh? I-Is-isn't that the one you poured salt in..."
"Here."
Facing the coffee (with some salt) being forced onto her, Maya can only weep as she accepts.
"I-I'll take it then..."
"The coffee is hot, just gulp it down in one go."
THERE'S A DEVIL HERE!
"Sensei, please allow me permission to use my IS! I can deploy it right away!"
"I would really want to, but--look at this."
Chifuyu knocks on the flatscreen display and changes the intel screen. These values are the data on the 2nd arena.
"The barriers are set at level 4...? And the doors are all locked--is it that IS's doing?"
"That's the case. Because of that, we can't evacuate nor send support."
Though Chifuyu's saying this calmly, on a closer look, her hands are unable to unrestrain her anxiety as she knocks onto the screen.
"If, if that's the case, why don't we ask for support from the government under the excuse of an emergency situation!--"
"We've done that already. Right now, the elites who have trained for 3 years are forcefully entering the system. Once we get rid of the shields, we can let the squads attack."
Having said that, the increasing anxiety causes Chifuyu's eyebrows to twitch. Treating that action as a signal of danger, Cecilia restrains her emotions as she sits down on the bench.
"Sigh...so we can only wait..."
"What's the matter? We won't be sending you into the assault squad, so don't worry!"
"Wh-What are you saying?"
"Your IS armaments are suited for taking on many suits, it would be a hindrance when used to take on one enemy, while being along many other suits."
"Such thing! To say that I'm--"
"Have you done any combined training before? What was that mission? How do you use a wide range weapon? What's the setup of the enemy? Did you think of what the enemy level is? The suit's operation time--"
"I-I got it! That's enough!"
"Humph, its good that you get it."
Giving an 'I surrender' pose, Cecilia shakes her hands to prevent Chifuyu from going on rattling about what seems to be an hour long lecture.
"Sigh...I'm really unhappy about my own ineptness.."
Due to fatigue, the sigh is even longer than the previous one. Then Cecilia notices something.
"That's strange? Where's Shinonono-san..."
In contrast to Cecilia, who's looking around, only Chifuyu's looking sharply in a different direction. However, nobody has the time nor mood to realize this.
◇
"Ugh..."
Though I got close enough to land a 1-hit kill, my attack got dodged easily.
This is already the 4th time I missed.
"Ichika, you idiot! Aim properly!"
"I am!"
I've been attacking the enemy suit at angles and speed that it's normally impossible to dodge. However, the propellers output throughout the suit are extremely abnormal, so much that it actually took it less than 1 second to get away from my reach! And no matter how Rin tries to attract its attention, it will prioritize reacting to my sudden movements and dodging it.
(How troublesome...)
My shields reserves are less than 60, I have only 1 chance to use the Barrier Void attack.
"Run, Ichika!"
"O-Oh!"
The enemy will normally counterattack wildly after dodging. Those extremely long arms let out roars of wind as they spin around at us like a spinning top. It continues to fire lasers at us while spinning rapidly, making it impossible for us to react in time.
"Ahh, damn it! This guy's irritating!"
Rin impatiently fires her impact cannons--however, the enemy's arm swats that invisible impact. That's already the 7th time.
Anyway, with Rin supporting me, I've managed to evade the enemy's firing barrage. As far as I know, it's under the circumstances, in which the lasers are fired while spinning, that their reach is only half the usual.
"...Rin, how much shield reserves do you still have?"
"About 180."
This is energy that can't be used as an attack...or the HP (health points) in those games. Though she lost most of her shield reserves, at least she's better off than me. Speaking of which, my 'Yukihira Nigata' really eats a lot of energy.
"It's a bit tough...with the current firepower, I guess there's a single-digit chance of us breaking through that guy's shields and stop it, right?"
"At least it's not 0."
"You're really unbelievable. Of course the larger the probablity, the better! You always keep yapping away about how health should come first, just like an old geezer, an yet, you're the type who'll buy the lottery or play those slot machines, right!?"
"Shut up..."
On a side note, I've never taken in the lottery. I just can't gamble. During Middle School, I ended up treating Gotanda to who knows how many drinks. Humans only have their own savings, and the so-called pensions are just urban legends.
"--Now what?"
"If you can run, run."
"Wha...stop treating me like an idiot! I'm still a representative cadet! It's not funny to run away with my tail behind my back!"
So they do consider pride issues in selecting a representative cadet! Cecilia herself would say such things as well.
"Is that so? I'll cover your back then."
"Wha? Ah, mm...thanks--"
The laser barely sweeps past Rin, who's blushing for some reason. Damn it, we're in a battle now. Though we weren't too careless, we still try to focus as much as possible.
"...You know, Rin, that guy's movements are like something."
"Something? Are you thinking about a spinning top?"
"That's the appearance--what is it called? It's a robot that a car manufacturer created, right?"
"Is there?"
So you don't know? Seems like it's called 'ASI...'[1D 1] something
"No, well... doesn't it resemble a machine?"
"The IS is a machine!"
"I don't mean that! I mean...is there really someone inside it?"
"Ah? It's impossible for an unmanned IS to mo--"
Speaking up till here, Rin suddenly became silent.
"--Speaking of which, the enemy doesn't seem to attack when we were talking, right? It seems like it's interested in listening..."
As if pondering, Rin recaps the battle up till now. Her rather strict expression is different from usual.
"No wait, there has to be somebody inside. An IS can't move without anyone in it. That is how it is."
I read about it in the textbooks before. An IS definitely can't move without anyone inside.
But is that really true? Even now with the latest technology, it's not impossible. No matter what, we just can't remain silent about that.
"If, and just if it's an unmanned suit, what do we do?"
"What? Can we win if it's unmanned?"
"Yup, if there's no one inside, we can continue to attack without holding back."
The power of the 'Yukihira Nigata', including the 'Reiraku Byakuya', should be dangerously high, therefore, I couldn't use my full power in training or in matches, but if it's unmanned, it's okay even if I don't consider the worst case scenario.
--And i have a plan.
"You can't hit it even if you go all out, right?"
"I'll make it count the next time."
"How conceited. Though it's impossible, let's just see if it's really an unmanned suit!"
Does she know that I have a plan? Rin smirks brazenly. That's an expression she would show a year ago, a 'if you're wrong, you're treating me crepes from the shop in front of the station!' look. This gal's really evil, stop threatening for money from someone who's working part time! Really.
"Ichika."
"Hm?"
"What will we do?"
Rin shows a 'I'll help out, but if we fail, you'll...let's leave out the rest' expression. We exchange looks with each other; the scenario is just like an ancient saying of 'heart to heart'.
"I'll give the signal, and you hit that guy with your shock cannons with all you got."
"Okay. But what if I miss?"
"That will be alright."
--I have my own ideas.
"Then get ready--"
While I get into attack position, the audio broadcast of the arena lets out a loud voice.
"ICHIKA!"
*Cree*--carrying a loud extended echo along with it was Houki's voice.
"Wh-What are you doing..."
Looking at the audio room, the umpire and commentors have collapsed onto the ground! They probably got hit when the door opened, right!? And it looks like they won't be able to recover in the short term. Uwahh...
"IF YOU'RE A MAN...IF YOU'RE A MAN, EVEN IF YOU CAN'T WIN, YOU HAVE TO DEFEAT THAT KIND OF OPPONENT!"
She shouted, and the *cree--* echoes rings from the speakers. I use my hi-zoom sensors to look at Houki through a 10x zoom, and can see her panting 'ha...ha...' as her shoulders tremble. She looks angry, yet anxious, a really unbelievable look.
"..."
--Damn it! The moment I noticed it, the enemy IS seems to have gotten interested in the voice that came from the audio room. Its sensors turn away from us as they look at Houki.
"RUN, HOUK--"
Ahh, damn it! Since it's too late to say it, then--looks like I can only do this!
I get ready to attack and turn on my ignition boost. Closer in, I can see the cannons of the enemy IS aiming at Houki.
"ATTACK, RIN!"
"I-I got it!"
Lowering her arms and pushing her shoulders out, Rin gets ready to fire the largest impact cannon shot as I deploy my 'energy field wings' behind me.
"Hold, hold on a minute! What are you doing, you idiot?"
"Doesn't matter, hurry up and fire!"
"Ah, really...I don't care what happens to you!"
Feeling the high energy reaction behind me, I activated 'ignition boost'.
The 'ignition boost' works like this--the energy that's released from the wings behind will concentrate and compress all the power before releasing it, using inertia to release a sudden burst of speed.
This means that I can use external forces, and the 'ignition boost' speed will be proportional to the amount of force added.
*THOMP!* I feel a huge blast behind me. That's the blast from the impact cannons. While hearing the creaking sounds formed through the frame, I continued--to accelerate forward.
"---WOOHHH!!"
The 'Yukihira Nigata' in my right hand lets out a giant glow, and I can see the center release an even larger energy blade than the 'Yukihira Nigata'.
--'Reiraku Byakura' can be used. Output exchange exceeding 90%.
This information isn't heard, but understood. The first time I touched the IS, I had this feeling of having all the senses in the world, a consciousness that seems to have 10 times the focus...and most importantly, I feel the energy rising up withing me.
(I...will protect Chifuyu-nee, Houki, Rin--and everyone else!)
The one strike hacks the enemy's right hand.
Howver, my entire left hand got countered. Seeing the heat source, it seems like the enemy wants to counterattack with the lasers under close range.
""ICHIKA!!!""
I heard Houki and Rin shout--don't worry. Didn't I say that I have a plan?
"...Is the target locked on?"
"Perfectly!"
The voice came over. Though I feel that she can be too talkative sometimes, at this moment, her voice has never been so reliable.
At that moment, the 4 Blue Tears spear through the enemy IS from the stands.
That's right. The attack just now broke through the barrier.
*BAM!* The attack causes a small explosion, and the enemy IS falls onto the ground. Unshielded, the enemy shouldn't be able to take even a single second of the Blue Tears combination attack.
Though humans can expect it, an unmanned suit can't surpass the attack functions out of what it knows. A great person seemed to once said that free-will is humans' greatest advantage, and that is the case here. Humans are cunning creatures who can operate differently and use tactics that robotics wouldn't think of.
"That was close."
"If it's Cecilia, it's possible."
I replied in a confident tone. Since she's an opponent I fought before, I know best how strong she is.
But are my words too unexpected? Her response seems rather barmy.
"Is, is that so...that, that's to be expected! Besides, I'm Cecilia Alcott, England's representative candidate!"
Right now, the conversation is held through a private channel. I don't know how to talk to someone I'm fighting for the first time, as for the opponents I talked to before, I can use the communicator records to reply.
It feels like using the rear right side of the head to talk on the phone.
"Hoo, either way, this is ov--"
--Enemy IS detection confirmed! Warning! Locked on
"?"
The left hand, the only remaining part of that IS, is aiming at me from the floor at maximum power.
While the laser strikes, I charge into it without hesitation.
In this white surrounding, I can feel the blade cutting through the armor--
◇
"Uu..."
Being woken up by all the pain in my body, I open my eyes.
Not knowing where I am, I look around. This seems to be the infirmary, and I'm lying on the bed.
In the small and cramped space that's separated by the curtain, it makes me feel tight yet comforting. I continue to look around as my consciousness registers both these conflicting feelings as I try to understand what's going on.
(Hm...what's going on...? What happened after I was attacked--)
"You're awake?"
The curtain got pulled aside. Taking action before she confirms what's going on...ahh, that's definitely Chifuyu-nee.
"Your body didn't get any fatal injuries, but there are bruises all over your body. I guess you'll feel like you're living in hell, so get used to it."
"Yes..."
I'm still dazed. While hearing Chiifuyu-nee's words, I continue to wonder why my body is covered with wounds. My eyes naturally turn to look outside the window. The sky is gradually turning a deep red; it should be school dismissal time.
"You got hit by the largest blast of the impact cannons and yet you turned off the IS's absolute defense? To think that you could survive."
Hearing Chifuyu-nee's description, I still can't remember anything. Huh? I thought the absolute defense isn't something that can be shut down?
"Anyway, good to see you are safe. I would be unable to go on with my everyday life with ease if someone of my family dies."
Right now, Chifuyu-nee's expression is a lot more gentle than usual. As a family member who relies on me, she can only reveal such a look.
"Chifuyu-nee."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Nothing, well...sorry for making you worried."
Surprised by my words, Chifuyu-nee smiles.
"I'm not worried about you, as you wouldn't die that easily. Besides, you're my younger brother."
That's a strange type of trust you have. However, I know that this is Chifuyu-nee's way of hiding her awkwardness, so I'm not really bothered by it.
"Then, I got other things to settle. I'm going back to work. You can go back to your room once you finish resting."
Chifuyu-nee merely said this as she quickly walked out of the infirmary. She's really someone who's serious at work; that is the ideal adult to me.
"Ah--ahem, ahem!"
Seems like somebody just brushed past Chifuyu-nee...or should I say, the one who deliberately coughed must be Houki. Can't be wrong here.
*Shua!* She pulled the curtain aside with both hands. The half-opened curtain is now opened completely by Houki...eh, there's no need to open it completely!
"Yo, Houki."
"Hm, nn."
The childhood friend with a ponytail straightens herself as she snorts.
What should I say? She's not angry, but she's definitely not in a good mood.
"Th-That, well, as for the battle today..."
"Hm? Speaking of which, how was the match? It didn't count, right?"
"Ah, ahhh, that's to be expected, since a lot of things happened."
That's true, but when will the next match occur? I would be really grateful if it could be held after I recover.
"Wh-What were you thinking!?"
"Huh?"
I suddenly got scolded. What is she angry about? Is she really angry? It looks like she's acting angry to hide some other emotions."
"I told you to win...but you could have left it to the teachers, right? Haven't you heard of 'overconfidence will lead to self-destruction'?"
"Ah, so I won?"
"Stop talking about winning!"
What's with her?
Houki's panting as her shoulders continue to tremble. Why are you so angry--ah!
"Were you worried about me?"
"Of, of course not! Who would be worried about you?"
You weren't...at least worry about me a bit! You're my childhood friend after all!
"An-anyway! You're grateful for the training you had, right!? We will continue with it, you got it!?"
"Ah--okay, okay, I got it."
"Good that you know...I'm heading back to the room."
Not waiting for me? What a cold childhood friend.
"...Ichika."
"Hm?"
"That, during the battle...you were, were, were..."
Funny?...Or something like that?
"Cool...no-nothing!"
I couldn't hear the front part clearly, but since she said that it's nothing, it should be nothing, right? I'll just treat it as nothing!
"Okay then."
Houki briskly walked out of the room as if she was escaping. Whatever the case, please remember to close the door! Also, if possible, I really hope that she can pull the curtains up for me!
"Hooo...I really want to sleep..."
I got dragged into a deep slumber, probably out of fatigue. Without any resistance, I just sleep comfortably on the bed.
"..."
Hm? What is it? Seems like someone's breathing on me, and the persons seems close. Who is it? Speaking of which, how long did I sleep? What time is it?
