V5 ch - 2

V5 ch - 2 - A War without a Hero/ A War where a Hero doesn't Exist
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1

The holy religious country of Aleclasta was founded based on the teachings of the Church of Richard.

Its capital wasn't located on the ground, rather it floats high in the clouds, the city of Aslanda.

In the innermost part of the island was the headquarters for the Church of Richard.

However opposite of the ornate cathedral engraved with its teaching lies a secret space that only a small number of senior clergy know of.

It was an open air garden filled with countless flowers in full bloom.

Only a chosen few were able to step foot into this secret garden.

The view from there was like the perspective of God looking down on the earth, Alayzard.

In the center of the garden was a white table.

The top two of the Church were sitting there side by side.

"Well, it seems to be finally entering into the main battle ...... much faster than expected."

After sipping his cup of tea, Pope Volk muttered,

"--And how is the current situation?"

"Conceivably unwilling to repeat the same mistakes of the last war, Disidiya has in total mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops. They are only leaving a small number of troops to guard the important points along its border. It seems they are determined to win."

The second-in-command on the Church -– the Archbishop Miranda replied with a smile,

"And Sherfied has mobilized tens of thousands of its troops the same as last time. However, it seems apart from General Zechs, their Secretary of affairs Loutier and Queen Listy are taking part in the military campaign."

"Hmm......That means Sherfied is also pulling out all its stops."

Volk lightly squeezed his long beard looking very pleased.

"Is the battlefield still the central plains that surround the Wandering forest?"

"--No, it seems to be the neighboring Grand Canyon of Gorudono this time."

Miranda pointed out the rocky terrain along the eastern part of the Wandering forest was the battlefield.

The armies will probably advance along the bottom of the canyon. However with the intricate channels of the ravine, and the towering almost vertical rock face on both sides of the road attacking through this Wandering forest route will be extremely restricted. Disidiya will be forced to divide it's large army into several small squadrons.

"This has to be a tactic of Akatsuki's to lure the enemy ...... but how can Emperor Baram fall this easily into his trap?"

"It's probably because Forestnium is still enshrouded by that powerful barrier."

Miranda replied,

"Since it is impossible to invade Forestnium, Disidiya can only target Akatsuki their new Demon King himself. In that event he has chosen Gorudono as the battlefield, and Disidiya couldn't do anything but comply."

"But, it's the perfect place for ambushes or guerrilla warfare. It will be easy to set up traps. Additionally the most crucial factor is the narrow road unsuitable for army movements. Up to now they easily had the numerical advantage in the open plains, and so far Disidiya's army was no match for Akatsuki. And now the battlefield is moved away from the plains into the canyon, wouldn't it give them even less of a chance of winning?"

"I believe Emperor Baram also concurs with that, and still thought that there is a good chance of winning."

The reason was very simple.

"Akatsuki has proven already one thing in his previous battles. The purpose of this war is to facilitate a peace agreement, and he will unlikely kill any of the Disidiyan soldiers in the fight."

Baram must have calculated a scheme to beat him at his own game. Since his opponent has no intentions of killing, even if the battlefield's topography was very disadvantageous to his side, until the end he can exploit human wave tactics(google) to obtain victory.

"Oh, so then......Akatsuki is going to fight alone this time?"

"No. This time he'll fight with his friends."

The Church of Richard is not only this country's religion, but its followers were nearly throughout every corner of Alayzard, which of course includes Disidiya and Sherfied. On the battlefield there were no lack of believers in the Church of Richard, thus Aleclasta is able to grasp in real time the situation on the battlefield.

Miranda with a laugh:

"Not his so-called comrades that live in Galevain, but his personal friends. If I'm right, then presumably they are people Akatsuki brought from his own world."

"Ah......come to think of it there was that unfamiliar girl at the peace agreement and at the duel with him."

"Yes, besides that young girl there seems to be several others like her."

"Since they are the people Akatsuki entrusted the battlefield to their strength should not be underestimated."

Considering that this was a situation in which both sides were about to all-out with their decisive battle. Volk spoke in a teasing tone:

"Say Miranda, which side do you think has greater chance of winning?"

"That goes without saying, no? Your Holiness should also be well aware."

After she said that, the corners of Miranda's mouth emerges a deep cold smile.

Which side will win this war? Such a thing was a matter of course.

It was not Galevain even with Akatsuki's support, it was not Disidiya, and further it was not Sherfied.

That's right, the real winner was Aleclasta. Aleclasta took the wait and see approach towards Disidiya's request for cooperation in the war. On the surface they were abiding with the teachings of Church of Richard to avoid meaningless disputes as much as possible.

In fact, this was a decision fully highlights the wily old Pope Volk.

If Disidiya wins, Aleclasta was already fully prepared to denounce Disidiya victory because it was not in line with international justice. It was not only Sherfied that commissioned a third party to re-investigate the annihilation of the surveillance forces. Aleclasta has already obtained their report that hints at the likelihood of a possible coverup. Even if it was speculation of a third country it was enough to change the direction of international public opinion. Not to mention that there were many believers of Church of Richard in Disidiya. The will of the people for a long time now has been under Aleclasta's control.

In contrast, if Akatsuki and his companions gain the upper hand, Aleclasta is prepared to step in at the appropriate time to support Disidiya, and even go as far as to play the role of the peacemaker. Once the mediation was successful, the world's perception would have dramatically changed.

True peace won't be brought about to all the people of Alayzard by the former hero. It won't be by the military nation that is trying to strike down the demonic race, and neither will it be the noncommittal magical country.

Rather it will be through the implementation of an anti-war doctrine that Aleclasta held from start to finish.

"Well......This war will let the people see their respective future."

The Pope of the Church of Richard Volk Rem Aleclasta IV exposed a proud smile.

"I really don't know, how many people understand the significance of this war?"

2

The air was stretched taut.

A silence that would make any one hold their breath. The tension was caused by the upcoming battle that will decide the future of Alayzard. Mindthe heavy atmosphere Ousawa Akatsuki stood atop the towering cliff. Before his eyes, dressed in the Demon King outfit, was the battlefield of Gorudono Grand Canyon. On the other side of his field of view was Disidiya and Sherfied's allied armies starting to disperse.

Akatsuki couldn't help but show a fearless smile while staring at such a situation.

"Disidiya has about 700,000 maybe 800,000 troops, while Sherfied has several tens of thousand. I don't mean to be hurtful, but unexpectedly the calculating Baram had the audacity to lead the army here."

He laughed,

"Is that all... ... If you planed on killing me you should of brought another million and then maybe you could of tried your luck."

Between the the allied forces and Akatsuki there was a total of three channels. There was one in the center, the north, and the south.

Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou were already assigned an area to make the necessary preparations.

The four were fully aware of the battle plan, and also understand that there was no need to overdo it and needlessly stick to their positions.

Akatsuki believed that since it was those four they would be able to successfully accomplish their tasks.

Therefore Ousawa Akatsuki grandly declared the war has begun.

"Get a move on. Your enemy -- the Demon King is right here."

3

A little while later, Emperor Baram issued his commands through the use sound amplification magic.

"I, Baram Dy Alon Disidiya hereby order -- the military onslaught!"

After receiving the command Disidiya's army sprang into action.

The vanguards were the first to advance along the central path.

Tens of thousands of soldiers quickly made there way through the small ridge recess on the rugged ground. But the vanguards advance was immediately blocked by a barrier.

Out of nowhere a clear voice resonated.

"-- I advise you to turn back at once."

The incoming voice was clearly heard by the soldier's ears.

"Otherwise you will be injured if you advance any more."

However, not even one soldier stopped at such a request. "Whoosh" they all continued on at full speed.

"It's regrettable... ...but you have been warned."

The voice came from the sky.

"There -- above us."

One of the soldiers screamed. The squadron immediately focused their attention towards the sky. Floating in mid air was a girl that had several layers of magic already well underway. And the next moment, the nearby area was enveloped in an intense sandstorm.

"Assume the formation! Winds of this degree is nothing. There is no need to fear it!"

One of Disidiya's soldiers shouted as he lowered his stance.

"Yes..... I also think that this level of attack is not very effective."

The girl coldly stated. In fact, the sandstorm was just a front, the soldiers soon understood what the girl meant. Disidiya's soldiers invariably stopped as painful cries disseminate all around.

"Wah... ... My eyes ... ...!"

At the bottom of the rocky ravine naturally to move forward they must open their eyes of course. However even if they opened their eyes slightly the incoming sand particles would enter their eyelids blinding them. The soldiers were suddenly plunged into a miserable situations.

If they close their eyes they can't see the road, if they open their eyes they can't see anything. The march was completely stopped, but still the soldiers did not give up.

"Stick it out ... ... This magic can't last forever!"

"Archers aim towards the sky. I don't care if your eyes are closed shoot anyway!"

"Magicians to the front! Create a barrier to stop the sandstorm!"

The solder's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, and calmly judged the best solution. He saw that the sand and dust was filling the sky and entering their guns jamming the bolts making them useless. Additionally he considered that the arrows would easily be affected by the wind not hit the target they were aiming at. Rather he had them indiscriminately fire a volley to threaten and restrict the target. At the same time he had the idea to used the attack to call forth the magicians, but not to attack. In this situation with such poor visibility using magic can be quite dangerous. They could of self-destructed if the magic mistakenly hit the rock wall and broke apart crushing them.

However, the situation did not improve. Although the barrier blocked the sandstorm from reaching them. They already had sand in their eyes and couldn't open them. Yet Disidiya's vanguard wasn't discouraged. Even if the attack speed was greatly reduced they still resumed their march.

"--Earlier than expected, but I knew this method alone would only go so far."

Even with the loud sandstorm the girls voice was exceptionally clear.

"Your magicians should have been used to defend from the rear, sending them to the frontline was your greatest mistake."

The girl's voice was transmitted to their ears by the wind to Disidiya's tens of thousands of soldiers in the central path. Then suddenly a huge wind storm of over one hundred meters uprooted the soldiers from behind.

4

"Wow ......the Vice president is really amazing."

Chikage Izumi, who was in charge of guarding the north path, was looking at the state of the center path and leaked a voice of admiration for her.

A long distance to attack the magicians hiding in the back normally would be very troublesome. However, Haruka made use of the soil to lure out the magicians with a sandstorm, completely exposing the artillery barrage. Then she used a storm wind to blow them away from behind. Still before the attack even started she made air cushion along the rocky wall. This way the enemy that was flung aside at most would just be knocked out and in now way endangering their lives.

"......However this is no time to give praise."

Chikage turned back to the front. Making use of her AD she summoned a longbow and shot countless water arrows at the tens of thousands of Disidiya's soldiers coming towards her.

"Arrows alone don't appear to be enough ... ..."

Chikage focused her attention and unfolded a huge magic formation in front of her. The dry valley in moments was engulfed in a flood of muddy water sweeping away the numerous soldiers.

"Rest easy you won't drown. The flood I created as long the water is in contact with the skin it will automatically send oxygen into the body without going through the lungs."

In the same way the flood itself cushions the soldiers that crash into the rock wall. There is no possibility of serious damage.

...... But then again.

Considering the magic's power and the results, Izumi Chikage can't help but think: regardless if it was Haruka or herself their magical power has been significantly upgraded. For a while after they came to Alayzard everyone had lost their ability to use magic. It was because of the dimensional shift caused their consciousness channel between the body and soul to become stable, not allowing for a smooth to link to construct magic.

Izumi Chikage was reminded of when she was first summoned to another world and how it took a while for her magic to awaken. Perhaps this situation was the same as last time, and her soul and body were in a precarious state. But perhaps because of the second-visit to a different world, Chikage and Haruka's magical abilities have recovered and now was far stronger than it was before.

And it was not just in terms of brute force, but also things like flexibility and configuration. That's why the flood created by her magic was able to have the "oxygen infiltration" and "protective cushion" attributes added.

......If I had this power earlier.

Back in JPN Babel, when the cockatrice training program went berserk or when Phil Barnett, I likely could have been able to fight more. Also in the alternate world Banrakua that I was summoned to first, I might have been able to do something more. Even if it wasn't something outrageous like defeating the demon king and redeeming the entire world like Akatsuki.

However Izumi Chikage doesn't care how she has gained her new power.

Since she met Akatsuki and Miu she wanted to seek more power.

The power to be able to fight alongside Akatsuki, and no longer be a burden to the others. The power to protect Miu and Kuzuha her best friends. As of today, she can raise her head high and stick out her chest because she was standing here and fighting with them.

"I'm so happy ......"

She had a dazzling quiet smile as she once again faced forward.

After the flood receded, the bare rocks at the bottom of the canyon were clearly visible. Several of the soldiers created a towering rock barrier from the soil on the valley floor -- from behind the barriers countless Disidiya's soldiers jumped out.

The armed soldiers thrust out at Chikage at full speed.

But, they only ran a few steps before they all clasped over forward.

"Wh-what's happening......?"

Right away they were puzzled at their loss balance, suddenly Chikage informed them of their misgivings:

"My bad -- I merely elevated density of the nearby oxygen, slightly."

If you inhale concentrated oxygen it will cause severe dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Not only will you be unable to walk, it will also be difficult to concentrate in order to use magic.

-- In the fight against Zahhaku, she extracted the hydrogen out of the water causing the density of the oxygen in the area to be raised allowing it to immediately detonate.

This attack used the same principle.

After she extracted the oxygen she condensed it increasing the concentration around the target.

But it was not as simple as replacing the hydrogen with oxygen. If you assume the hydrogen extraction was the "point", then whole area was the "space", and the difficultly in control was incomparably larger. Moreover, if the oxygen density was too low it will not be effective, and if it was too high it will cause permanent damage to the body.

Only a thorough complete mastering of her own power was it possible to realize this higher dimensional magic.

Suppressing her ego, Chikage saaid with a smile:

"-- Well, I think you will get used to after a while."

The smile on her face suddenly turned into a wry smile.

"However, I'm sorry......I can't give you that opportunity."

As she finished, a large amount of water once again emerge out of thin air mercilessly flushing away Disidiya's soldiers in the torrent.

5

The Disidiyan empire's Emperor Baram was station with the main unit where all the soldiers branched off from. He was surveying the battle situation at the center and at the north route. Even thought both armies were in a bitter battle, Baram still remained calm and firmly believed that there wasn't any problems.

Magic consumes a lot of energy. And unlike Akatsuki, who has an endless supply of Kei within his body or can replenished it from everything around him, their magic attacks can't go on indefinitely. Furthermore both of them are under the precondition of not harming any of Disidiya's solders. Naturally, this takes more concentration than just going all out. It was likely that they were not going to be able to keep this up too much longer.

.......Such foolish mimicry.

Baram was starring at Akatsuki who was calmly standing on the overhanging cliff on the other side.

In order to realize your worthless ideals, you even involved other people in this messy business.

It's best to keep those eyes wide open -- so you can watch as those two girls die right in front of me.

Balam grunted coldly.

"Your Majesty, we still have many troops that have not advanced yet. Do you want me to attack from the south?"

The commander of the Royal Knights standing beside him raised a suggestion.

However, Baram shook his head.

"Out of the three routes the south is the most narrow and intricate. We would have to divide our troops up too much causing us lose our superiority. It is not necessary to devote soldiers there. I will leave the south to Sherfied. My army will concentrate on the central and north route only. Send out the order, not matter how fierce their attacks are there is no need to fear. The enemy has no intentions of killing anyone. We will use this to give those who can no longer fight a chance to fall back and recover before being sent back out to the battlefield."

Then he declared in a lower voice.

"Take your time, there's no need to rush. We are fighting a war of attrition, step by step we will force them into a dead end."

6

After a while the battle at the Grand Canyon turned into a stalemate.

Disidiya continued to attack, while Galevain continued to defend.

From the start of the war, both sides have been maintaining one attack and one guard quota.

--However its been three hours since the fighting began, and this equilibrium is beginning to collapse.

Disidiya's soldiers were gradually braking through the Galevain defensive perimeter set up in the central and northern channel.

"......Sure enough, our numerical advantage is going to be the tie-breaker."

The Gorudono Grand Canyon has yet to turned completely into a battlefield. The south route has yet to become a fight.

Sherfied's army was set up in formation around the circumference the south channel. Listy was closely monitoring the activity in the central and north channel.

In the central route, there was the girl who introduced herself as Haruka. She had attended the peace agreement and the duel with Akatsuki. And in the north route, there was a girl they seen for the first time -- perhaps she was also a companion of Akatsuki's like Haruka. Both of them alone were respectively holding off the invasions of tens of thousands of Disidiya's soldiers.

"Those two's power appears to be comparable with us."

"Yes... ...and there tactics were able to hold up until now, it really is remarkable."

Standing on the left and right were Loutier and Zechs who calmly praised the power of those two girls.

But ......

Listy thought: it won't be long before they were overpowered the way things were going. Zechs and Loutier didn't say it, but in their hearts they should have the same view.

In fact the performance of the two was absolutely worthy of praise. After all those two alone faced tens of thousands already which wasn't easy, not to mention the two also stopped the enemy's attack without killing any of the soldiers. The difficulty of this task was absolutely beyond anyone's imagination.

However, it was an impossible story for this to continue for all eternity.

They appear to weary, yet somehow they were still managing to maintain the equilibrium. The moment when that collapses it will only take a split second for Disidiya take hold of this war.

......But why was Akatsuki not taking any action .....?

Listy was watching him just stand here on top of the cliff.

She believed that Akatsuki was already aware of the situation and how detrimental it was to Galevain.

However, since the start he has remained motionless.

Perhaps this was all part of his plan and then when the time comes -- It was when Listy thought so.

When suddenly, the Sherfied front line burst into an uproar.

"--What's going on?"

Zechs returned to his troops under his command in order to report back, but a knight loudly answered first in a perplexed voice.

"It the enemy, an enemy is attacking! A single attacker came through the south route, and is fighting with our army!"

"No way ......!?"

More than surprised, Listy subconsciously looked up at the distant cliff.

However, Akatsuki was still standing atop the cliff not moving same as before.

It was unexpected situation. Other than the Akatsuki, she never thought there wasn't second person who would be this reckless.

What genuinely surprised Listy was not that a single person attack them, rather it was that Akatsuki unbelievably targeted the Sherfied army.

"There is only a single person? Is this idiot trying to end his life!"

Trying to verify the situation, Zechs raised his voice, almost to a roar.

"It is a child! A small and thin girl riding on the back of a lion, no that is a huge Golem!"

"A girl......?"

"--This is strange."

Listy couldn't help but frown, beside her Loutier immediately pointed out the unnaturalness of the situation. Everyone thought that the person who matched Akatsuki's degree reckless had to be a warrior much of the same mold as him.

"She is biding her time at the back of the army, but to assign a small girl to infiltrate the enemy ranks.....?"

"Yes, it really doesn't seem like Akatsuki's style."

Maybe that little girl's strength was on par with other two girls defending the other routes. But according to common sense, it was impossible that Akatsuki would leave a little girl to take such a risk. This surely must be part of some plan. However, with all the fighting going on, it's tough to determine Akatsuki's true intention.

"It seems there is no other choice but to directly ask her......the reason."

"I have the same feeling."

Zechs and Loutier spoke as they stepped forward.

Since the others took the initiative to provoke a war, Sherfied has to keep up rear support.

"Listy, I'll be right back. I'll go have a little chat with that idiot somehow -– even if by force."

"Yes.....I'll leave it to you. Use your own discretion, and do not push yourself too hard."

After returning a nod, Zechs set his sight on Loutier.

"Lulu, that little girl came to challenge you."

"Yes, I am the one responsible for the south route."

"Very good -- Well then, I will leave it to you grant her Majesty protection."

"Yes, sir."

After the able-bodied second lieutenant nodded, Zechs and Loutier began to run.

As she watched the backs of those two of them leave, Listy El Da Sherfied softly spoke.

"Both of you please be careful ....."

While gazing into the distance she lightly prayed.

"I believe in you -- Akatsuki."

7

After she received task of standing off against the lone female attacker, Loutier used flight magic so she could rush to the frontline as soon as possible.

Before the campaign began Sherfied's officers and soldiers received orders to avoid combat as much as possible. This command was in line with Akatsuki's "I do not want anyone unfortunate sacrifices in the war" wish.

-- However avoiding fighting with the enemy does not mean we shouldn't retaliate when they attack and let them onslaught us.

Since Akatsuki was willing to let this girl alone challenge an enemy's army, he must have recognized her strength. Therefore an ordinary soldier would be no match for her. Out of Sherfied's faction probably only Listy, Zechs or Loutier could compete with her.

Therefore Loutier Trum used her flight magic. She used a different principle of wind magic to move forward. The auxiliary magic used didn't catch the wind, but rather split the atmosphere in front of her allowing her to rush to the destination without any resistance.

Soon after, the front line came into view.

The soldiers have descended into chaos.

A huge lion huge was running amok, back and forth breaking apart the formation with a small girl on its back. Seeing this Loutier immediately stopped mid-air, and raised her magic gun to the ready.

"Everyone move away from the target! I'm going to fire!"

After receiving Loutier's instructions the Sherfied soldiers scattered in all directions at once, leaving all but one in the empty space. She aimed at the small assailant left in the center and fired.

An ear piercing high-frequency laser beam rang out out of the blue, impartially hitting the target in front of her -- then the huge lion ahead made a beeline for her.

This of course was a warning shot meant to intimidate the other party, but it didn't stop the little girl and the lion.

The lion dashed diagonally forward then jumped atop the steep rock wall. Taking a horizontal posture towards Loutier, and darted away.

......The girl and the lion have no intention of involving the other soldiers .....?

If she stayed in the canyon mixed in with the other soldiers, naturally Loutier couldn't keep on shooting.

Yet the girl deliberately chose the hard road. Loutier was free to keep shooting at her several more times. The girl moved up and down along the rock face, dodging the incoming shells while continuing to outflank her.

"Uhh... ... There's no way."

Seeing that her shots couldn't stop the girl, Loutier focused her mind.

The magic formation unfolded as she unleashed her magic. Only this was not a magic attack.

What she chanted was a defensive barrier of the highest level.

Moreover it was not used to protect herself.

The barrier was stretch out in front of the lion that was continuing to scamper away. And the next moment -- A loud bang echoed. The lion collided with the transparent wall, not visible to the eye.

The girl that was riding on the back of the lion was thrown into the air because of the momentum.

"-- Argh"

Still, the girl adjusted her posture in the air, and prepared to landed on the ground. Just after she landed the Sherfied soldiers encircled her. Loutier slowly descended from the sky in front of the girl. The girl was petite. In contrast with her giant lion sidekick made her seem even more immature and delicate.

......It seemed a like overkill ......

Filled with anticipation of meeting the small girl in the front of her, Loutier can't help but smile. This girl alone rushed into the enemy's camp, so she believed that her strength must equal the other two girls defending the central and north path, or maybe even have more ability than them. It seemed that Loutier overestimated her strength. Although the average soldier would be no match for this girl, she wouldn't pose much of a threat to Loutier.

"Are you a fellow of Akatsuki's? You alone jumped into the enemy's camp, you must be up to something. Its a pity but I can't let you plan to succeed."

Loutier composed herself as she told her quietly.

"If you have a letter or message from Akatsuki, please hand it to me directly. I can pass it on, and please get out of here at once. Like Akatsuki as well as your other two fellows attitudes towards the coalition forces, we have no intention of hurting you."

At this time, the girl looked carefully at Loutier.

"Pointed ears, silver hair, plus a magic gun -- Are you Loutier-san?"

"Yes, I am."

Surely she must heard what she looks like from Akatsuki. Perhaps this girl was trying to confirmed whether to trust us. It would have been better if he passed on his message himself, but -- the girls next words were the exact opposite of what Loutier expected.

"If you know Ousawa-kun then you know how he acts, and I'm sorry but I can't walk away from this."

The reason was simple, the girl goes on to say:

"Because we are just like you -- and to us, there are things which are not negotiable."

8

In the central route Disidiya's soldiers were gradually pushing up the invasion line.

Facing such a situation Nanase Haruka made a somewhat grave expression.

......I'm practically being beaten back by them.

The battle in the central channel has been going on for three hours. Haruka was still using magic to attack, while the enemy has been readjusting their countermeasures to it.

Disidiya's soldiers were used to the terrain, since the majority of their country was a desert, and their military was mostly comprised of earth magic users. Haruka's wind magic was on the opposite end of the spectrum. So to speak, they have the worst relationship compatibility with each other. The wind created by her magic was just obstructed by the object they created with their earth magic. The fight began with a sandstorm, strictly speaking this was only meant as a surprise attack. In fact the magical ability of Disidiya to manipulate sand was greater than Haruka's, so long ago her sandstorm magic wasn't any longer effective.

The situation grew into a test of who can hold out the longest. She started out with all kinds of various magics to attack, but the enemy was quickly adapting to it then started to use magic to strike back. For some time now both sides have been going all out with their offensive. Haruka needed to break out from this pattern, once more push them back through changing her magic with even more different permutations and combinations to buy more time.

.......At least the number soldiers have substantially reduced.

However Disidiya was capable sending the soldiers on the front lines to back in order to rest. Then replaced them with fresh soldiers who can still fight. If it continues like this they will breakthrough Haruka's defensive perimeter when she exhaust's her stamina.

But -- Nanase Haruka was undaunted. She turned her head and glanced up at Akatsuki standing on the cliff.

...... I believe in you.

She thought that the strategy he came up with beforehand was worthy of trust. Therefore, all she has to do was defend the battlefield until her physical strength and energy runs out.

That was what she secretly swore in her heart as she turned her head back forward. Then suddenly out of the corner of her eye was a shadow.

"-- Huh?"

Unlike the rest of Disidiya's soldiers at the bottom of a ravine he was running on top of the cliffs.

.....When on earth did he appear?

Nanase Haruka was unable to hide her inner agitation. She knew the identity of that person. He was the Crimson sword king of Sherfied and his target was obvious. He was running on top the cliffs for Akatsuki. She had seen his strength in action during the duel.

But knew that the present situation was very dangerous, and had to keep her emotions in check.

"Come down here and face me!"

Haruka immediately concentrated her mind unleashing a magic formation, creating an intense tornado out of the wind. The tornado ran along the mountain walls keeping parallel with the horizon meant to hit Zechs.

9

Even after Zechs discovered the tornado quickly approaching he didn't stop.

He chose to intercept it rather than dodge. Pulling out his crimson long sword from its sheath, in a flash he slashed vertically. The wind caused by the edge of blade bisected the approaching tornado from top to bottom. As Haruka watched it happen, she then readied to launch a second wave as fast as she could.

"-- Too slow."

There wasn't enough time for her to use magic. She could only watch as Zechs jumped over the cliff.

On the other side of the cliff stood a youth. That youth was none other than Ousawa Akatsuki smiling confidently. As soon as Zechs landed he dashed towards Akatsuki.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

He shorten the distance in an instant, wielding the crimson sword he sliced straight down.

No tricks, he just swung down from overhead. But -- Akatsuki didn't move.

"--------------------!"

A hairs breath away Zechs had stopped his blade.

Confronted with Zechs slash, Akatsuki didn't move a muscle, not even batting an eyelash.

-- But this wasn't from an absolute confidence that he could react in time.

Of course, this was also not a situation in which he was convinced that Zechs would stop his sword either.

"What..... the....."

Zechs mumbled as he groaned, then he turned his right wrist sideways smashing the sword hilt into Akatsuki's head. He straightway collapsed over -- the split second he hit the ground his body broke apart into countless fragments.

It was an earth puppet. Unlike an ordinary Golem, its makeup was fundamentally different focusing on toughness.

The elaborate puppet's color and texture were flawless, it look no different from Akatsuki himself.

......What the hell, since when?

Zeks Doltrake now believed that since the beginning of the fight, from the moment the two forces crossed swords that it was just a puppet that was standing there. Then that means -- Akatsuki had no intentions of joining the fight from the start? No, there was no way he would have run away.

"That bastard......!"

Zechs looked back at the battlefield behind him.

There was no doubt, at this very moment -- Akatsuki was ​​somewhere on the battlefield.

10

-- That was a earth puppet of Akatsuki on top of the cliff.

This information shocked all the troops in the Gorudono Grand Canyon. The enemy had lost sight of their primary objective, shaking the morale of the soldiers. Even as far away as the southern channel, Loutier Trum was greatly affected.

"Akatsuki is missing .....?"

Loutier glared at the small girl she was facing off against, and wrinkled her brows --

"Nope, I'm right here."

A familiar sounding voice reached her ear.

"----------!"

Loutier failed to react right away to the significant change in the situation.

The surrounding soldiers of Sherfied all fainted together, softly they fell down to ground. Now it was Loutier Trum's turn to be surprised.

"You, when did you ....."

It wasn't a word but a fearless smile that answered her trembling comment.

In front of her eyes before she was even aware -- Ousawa Akatsuki was calmly standing next to the young girl.

11

Akatsuki has appeared at the south route.

The news immediately reached the ears of Baram, who was with Disidiya's main force.

"Swordsmen and magical squads, head for the south!"

The Royal Knight's standing next to Baram gave the instructions. It was a reasonable assessment.

"Hold on -- That won't be necessary."

However, Baram indifferently withdrew their instructions and --

"Command the artillery to fire towards the North."

"......Huh? But the enemy's magic has caused a sharp rise in oxygen concentration of the northern channel. Once the shelling hits the region it might trigger large scale explosions."

"Yes, that is my intention. That Akatsuki guy has appeared in the south channel. That means it will take that guy awhile to reach the North for support. This is our best chance to wipe out the enemy in the north."

"But the damage to our army......at the very least let me send a messenger, so they can set up a protective barrier -–"

"No, doing so might alert the enemy. Just because the enemy does not want to kill. You must not forgot the very nature of war. Listen well, war is cruel, and part of that is some sacrifices are inevitable."

Baram Dy Alon Disdia said very calmly,

"After the explosions and landslides stabilize, command the rear forces to charge in -- OPEN FIRE!"

Emperor Baram ordered the the dozens of artillery to fire, simultaneously.

After a few seconds --

The explosions razed the north route, and the ensuing shock wave rocked every corner of Gorudono Grand Canyon.

12

The area around the intense explosion was scorched black, the force of impact caused the nearby walls to cave in. The immense boulders crashed to the ground, stirring up a sand cloud that wrapped around whole area masking the entire length of the north channel.

-- And when the sand cloud dispersed the tragic reality of war appeared.

It was quiet, as if formerly fierce battle never happened. The clamor of the battlefield was gone, all that was left over was the mass of rubble. Nobody was able to respond in time to the sudden explosion or to the collapse. The girl was the focused on the tens of thousands of troops, while Disidiya's soldiers were desperately fighting with the girl. No matter which side, they both were startled and crushed under the rock slide.

Even thought the north route was buried in rubble the war was still not over.

"Hey -- Do we start looking?"

As the sand cloud settled the Disidiyan soldiers in the back line begun to search the scene.

Their primary purpose certainly wasn't looking for their own who survived, but to confirm the death of the enemy. They used earth magic to rapidly clear away the rubble. And after a little while they found her.

"Found her -- here!"

Under the piles of rubble they were amazed to find the girl lying there unconscious. The girl's body was covered in mud, however there was no blood on her clothes. It seemed she escaped the worst death scenario and wasn't crushed to death by the falling rocks, but still she wasn't lucky enough to survive the bombardment. However for the sake of caution, one of the soldiers reach out to check her pulse to confirm her fate. When he touched the nape of her neck, the girl's body instantly disintegrated, and turned it into a pile of dirt.

"Eh.........!

The soldiers were stunned and did not know what had happened for a moment, but they did not have much time to think.

Suddenly a column of water gushed out from ground and transmogrified into a huge dragon swallowing all the soldiers present.

"That, that can't be......"

The soldiers fortunate enough to escape from the attack, clearly saw the girl riding on the water dragon's back.

"Sorry -- I wont be brought down that easily by you."

"How, how is....."

The soldiers who witnessed the girl's wry smile could hardly believe their eyes. The fact that laid before them was that they were unable to defeat this enemy, which stupefied all of the soldiers. Also a deep sense of despair set in. The reason was simple, the enemy was not all alone anymore. On the water dragon's back there were at least sat twenty girls. If those twenty girls were just comrades that rushed over to help out, Disidiya's soldiers would not have been as surprised. But the problem was -- not only did the girls on the water dragon's back all dressed the same, they all looked exactly alike.

"-- What is going on?"

The girl that crumbled into a pile of dirt a little while ago was the answer.

"We spent a lot of effort to defeat the enemy, but it turned out this......"

But, no one answered, and no one answered. Because they did not want to admit.

After wasting several hours, and at the expense of countless fellow soldiers they were unable to defeat the enemy. And the enemy before them was just an imitation, only a earth puppet.

13

"That was a masterpiece of yours."

Knowing about the situation in the north route, Loutier looked at the girl standing next to the Akatsuki.

The petite girl nodded to confirmed her speculation.

"Yes...that was a "Puppet" made from my magic. It used a hair from her head as a medium. That way not only will they move according to her will, but also they will be allowed to use her magic through the medium."

After learning the secret, Loutier muttered:

"Then -- All of the girls."

That was to say, that girl Haruka fighting in the central route was also merely a puppet. Loutier judged she was clearly correct.

"Yes...the real girls are in a safe place far away from here."

The girl then place her hand on her chest and said she was also a puppet herself.

......No wonder her strength was below expectations.

Loutier finally understand why when compared to the girls in central and north channel, the girl sitting on the back of the lion was clearly inferior to them. But it was only natural, after all, she had to maintain the shape of Akatsuki's elaborate earth puppet all that time, and also had to create a puppet of her own as well as for other girls. However, the twenty girls on the water dragon's back should be puppets that can't use magic. No matter how abundant her magic was there should be no way she could maintain that many puppets at the same time. So the real puppet there should only be one, and all the rest were dummies to distract the enemy.

"Yup, I think you should already know. We really don't intend on killing anyone in this war."

Akatsuki broke the silence with his smile, slowly started to explain the truth about this battle.



"You know me -- other than myself, how could I let a woman face such a dangerous fight?"

After hearing what Akatsuki said, Loutier could not help but feel the same way. That certainly might be true. Also earlier on when she heard that a girl charged in alone, it didn't seem at all like Akatsuki's style.

Her inner doubt at long last was answered.

Then......

.......Why did Akatsuki appear here?

The girl said that a hair was used as a medium for the puppets so that the magical power of the person could pass through. And that it used as the basis in order to create them with her earth magic, but Akatsuki cannot use magic. Even if his ki was in the hair for example, its very essence was different from the magic. Theoretically it should be impossible to create a puppet

In other words -- that was not a puppet in front of her, but Akatsuki himself.

However, the girl was just a puppet so Akatsuki had no need protect her. In that case, what reason does he have to be here? The key to ending the war was stopping Baram. Then he should be targeting Disidiya's main unit, and not here. But he did do that, and now was in south which was not as strategically important.

"--Is it really that mysterious why I'm here?"

It seemed that he read Loutier's mind.

"Do you not still get it yet, Lulu?...... Think about what is right here."

Then Akatsuki smiled and said, "Let me tell you." while laughing. When he finished talking, Akatsuki silhouette suddenly vanished.

"--------!"

Loutier tried to take a stance as she panicked. Akatsuki appeared silently beside her, and place his hand on her shoulder.

"My target, Lulu..... is you."

The instant that sentence passed her ears, Loutier felt a slight prick on the neck. Her consciousness was immediately wrapped in a dark vortex.

14

Akatsuki had taken action.

Without damaging Loutier a light chop deprived her of consciousness. He took the unconsciousness high elf lightly in his arms, and then look to Kuzuha.

"Well then Class Rep...... just as planned, take Lulu back with you to Forestnium as soon as possible."

Ousawa Akatsuki calmly said：

"This guy is a priestess that specializes in high level recovery magic. Lulu will surely be able to cure Riruru of her injury."

"Yes, no problem......"

Kuzuha's puppet crumbled as she nodded, and transmogrified into a lion golem.

This definitely would be the fastest way to carry her back to Forestnium.

-- The ultimate goal of this battle was to have her treat the seriously injured Riruru. This the was promise to Kuzuha, also Akatsuki's own desire. That was why, this particular battle plan was drawn up. The plan was to pin down Disidiya in both the central and north channel. He deliberately chose that particularly conspicuous location in order to attract the enemy's attention. He even let Kuzuha storm into the Sherfied camp alone. All of her actions were to lure out the Chief Executive of Sherfied and then capture her.

Akatsuki laid the unconscious Loutier on the earth golem lion's back.

"Be careful on the way back.......this guy is a cherished companion of mine."

The Lion nodded as to convey its understanding. Then turned around and hurried away back down the south channel she came from. At that rate, she should be in Forestnium in not time.

Therefore Akatsuki thought to himself that he accomplished one of the goals of the operation.

"Well, I guess its about time for me to act."

After muttering, Akatsuki jumped. The second objective -- was to devastate Disidiya's army.

Akatsuki jumped around seven or eight meters back and forth between the rock walls until he reach the precipice. Then immediately headed in the direction of the central channel.

"-- Vice president!"

Haruka turned back while floating in mid-air a little ways away after hearing him call out to her.

Akatsuki nodded -- indicating the first phase of the operation was a complete success.

"----"

Her face lightened momentarily as she returned a nod. She altered her magic that was active in the central route. She lowered the protective wind cushion on the rock walls before casting it anew. Haruka left her post at the central route, and flew to the north route ready to support Chikage in her battle. So far, it was all going accordingly to their original plan.

However, there were still soldiers of Disidiya remaining in a central route. But who was going to deal with residual enemies? That answer was obvious. Therefore, Akatsuki Ousawa jumped down from the top of the cliff.

He landed at the bottom of the ravine with a loud bang -- In the middle of the central route.

"Ah------!"

It was like the heaven God general descend. The soldiers one by one flinched and retreated backwards, unable to hide their inner fear.

Akatsuki informed them with a fearless smile.

"Eh, what are you hiding for?.......The Demon King that you guys came here to defeat is right in front you."

After saying so, he took a step forward.

"Akatsukiiiiiiii--"

The thunderous shout to Akatsuki descended from behind, Zechs Doltrake. He found this place after he destroyed the earth puppet of Akatsuki from atop the cliff, and jump down right after. However, Akatsuki didn't look back.

-- Then.

A high-pitched metallic sound screeched as Zechs's blade was stopped before it hit Akatsuki's body. Between the two, a young man stepped in dividing them.

"-Eh!"

Zechs quickly jumped back, opening up some distance.

The young man took up a defense posture as he crossed knuckle armor on both hands.

"Aha...you see that Akki? Not just anybody can appear at a crucial moment like that."

"You jest. Up until now, what have you doing, eating or sleeping? Huh, so it possible for you to work hard.

"Gee thanks. That habit you have, really. Akki you don't have to go Tsundere."

"Hey, Kaidou--"

He informed Kaidou who was joking around, while looking straight ahead in a serious tone.

"--I will leave this guy to you."

"Ah, no problem."

After the short conversation ended, there backs where facing each other.

Akatsuki summoned his black Demon sword, and took a step forward.

To Disidiya's tens of thousands of soldiers he announced loudly:

"Time is of the essence, so I'll make this quick. Are you ready -- because I wait for no man."

15

The sounds of weapons clashing and cry's of Disidiya's soldiers continuously began to grow in the background.

"...... And, now "

Kaidou Motoharu focused all his attention to the front again, staring into Zechs eyes.

"You prefer to have a showdown with Akki, huh? Unfortunately, I can't allow you to so."

"Ha", then he smiled,

"Too bad, now its my turn -- Whoa!"

Kaidou didn't have time to finish speaking. He had to quickly twist his neck to the side. The crimson blade went past the tip of nose, severing several of his hairs covering his forehead.

"Eee, scary......You should at least wait until I'm done talking to you, right?"

"You're just a puppet, anyway. I don't have time to waste on you."

Zechs coldly snorted, "punpun" Kaidou waved his head angrily.

"Gimme a break, I am the real thing! You almost cut my head off, I would of died!"

Kuzuha's power was limited, she could only have three puppets at one time. Therefore Akatsuki assigned them to Haruka, Chikage and to Kuzuha herself. Naturally, the remaining Kaidou had to go into battle with his real flesh and blood body.

"If your afraid to die..... you better withdraw quickly."

Zechs indifferently said so,

"Otherwise, I'm not going go to easy on you -- Gah!"

However, it wasn't possible for him to say his whole piece, because Kaidou punched him to the punch. Even if his body had on a layer of armor, it failed to stop the heavy blow sending him skidding backwards for some distance.

"Arrgghhhh, are you kidding me? Your the one who complained about my sneak attack when you where talking. Ahhh, why am I'm talking so carefree --"

Kaidou laughed.

"--Oh, you didn't take me seriously, did you?"

"I don't know who's more contemptuous ... ... Unarmed and you still want to go head to head with me?"

As saying so, Zechs lifted the crimson sword once again. Kaidou upon seeing this, can not help but sigh:

"There's nothing that can be done......because I was entrusted by the people."

His expression became serious.

"And responsible for protecting the children. I was careless and let one of the children get hurt. Once is enough for this type of lesson, there wont be a second time."

"I see...... since neither one of us is going to back down. It can not be helped then."

Zechs seemed to have resolved himself,

"I do not have time to fight with anybody other than Akatsuki -- prepare yourself."

As soon as finishing saying so he stabbed towards Kaidou.

"Ah.....Tch!"

Kaidou was dogging left and right, barely escaping the continuous slashes.

Zechs's assault was rather sharp, forcing him to use his AD summon knuckles to resist. He was able to stop the first attack on Akatsuki because it was an attack at his back so Zechs wasn't giving it his all. He was also reminded that Zechs announced his presence aloud to Akatsuki was all the more proof.

But that wasn't the case now, every sword strike had in it his best effort. And this was far from a favorable situation, since they were only separated by no more than an arms length.

"Your good at running away......its top notch."

"Well, it's not like I want to die."

Zechs sarcastically praise him, while Kaidou's answer was also very frivolous.

Although Zechs's sword was sharp his intent was not to kill Kaidou.

...... Amazing.

Kaidou couldn't help but fell admiration. Even if his slash were to hit, it probably wouldn't draw blood. At best, he would suffer a fracture or lose consciousness.

Western-style swords have an edge on both sides, so there was no so-called back of the knife. Making it impossible not to cut the enemy, but Zechs had the skill of the master -- thus avoiding a killing blow. If Kaidou stopped dodging, Zechs was sure to sever only his consciousness with a blow. Under these circumstances, it might be more dangerous if he were to avoided the attack unskillfully.

Naturally with his knuckle armor he should attack with his fists, and avoid kicking as much as possible.

......But I can't lie down here .....

After all, Akatsuki left the mission of handling Zechs to me.

And I took on this myself, and I should at least contribute a little.

Therefore Kaido Motoharu went on a counterattack. Simultaneously,

"Gah--!"

Zechs's body was suddenly blown back from a powerful impact felt on his side from the empty space.

After landing awkwardly, Zechs stared at him.

"An invisible attack..... Physical magic?"

"What do you think?"

Kaidou smiled nonchalantly.

"Don't worry about it. When you find the answer, you would've already been defeated by me."

Just as he finished speaking, Kaidou carry out a long range attack.

A series of invisible attacks came upper and lower, front and back, and left and right, in all directions. However,

"Tch......!"

Zechs swung his sword, used nimble footwork, and twisted his body to avoid Kaidou's offensive.

"Oh, amazing!......you really did that, eh."

He most likely did that by observing Kaidou's breathing and line of sight to predict the direction to some degree and the timing of the attacks. Kaidou had heartfelt praise. It must be in this way he was able to compensate for his handicap of not being able to use magic up to now.

"With that move you would be able to deal with most opponents. It is definitely more than enough and to spare."

Kaidou laughed, but unfortunately he was not most opponents.

"It's regrettable -- but I have already encountered a fellow that could read breathing and sight to predict attacks."

Kaidou changed the way he attacked to a tactic that was specifically designed to combat people who use breathing and line of sight to fight. To put it bluntly, it was to alter your own breathing and used your line of sight as a feint to deceive the enemy.

Kaidou tactic was effective. Zechs's body was left open to a barrage of attacks, gradually slowing him down.

"......Ga... ... ahhh!?"

"Wow .....you were able to avoid some of those shots. Was that because of intuition backed by experience?"

However the situation developed to this point, Kaidou had obtained the upper hand. Although Zechs's swordsmanship was unrivaled, his weak point was that he does not have the ability to use magic. Where Kaidou was concerned, there was already nothing for him to fear from Zechs.

......He seems to be a friend of Akatsuki's so it would be best to knock him out quickly.

Right when Kaidou was ready to give the final blow –-

"-- Don't underestimate me."

A low voice accompanied by high-pitched sonic boom was heard by Kaidou.

Not good!

Kaidou subconsciously dodged right, the rock behind him was suddenly split in two. The cross section was cut to a shine. Kaidou distorted his face as he squeamishly and unintentionally let out a "Ga".

"It's unfortunate.......but as a swordsmen, I also have a long range invisible attack."

After fixing his sword stance, Zechs coldly reported.

Kaidou understood that just a moment ago, he used a lightning fast sword slash indiscernible to the naked eye. The high-pitched sonic boom was a by product of the sword taking the shape of wind and exceeding the speed of sound.

"Lets try it, your attack and my sword -- Which will be faster?"

Zechs raised his sword again.

"Eh......The situation has reversed?"

Confused, Kaidou scratched his cheek, and felt a wet sensation on the tip his index finger.

A closer look, it was a bright red liquid -- blood.

"Oh......"

Kaidou abruptly narrowed his eyes, harboring a dangerous color in his pupils.

He laughed.

"Quite interesting -- Well then, I'll play seriously with you."

16

Zechs Doltrake clearly felt there was a significant change in atmosphere.

The reason was obvious. The youth before him was suddenly emitting a intense grudge.

......A prolonged fighting was....... very disadvantageous for me.

Zechs didn't understand the true character of the enemy's attack. Therefore he couldn't fully anticipate the enemy's next attack. But, it was impossible for the opposite party to dodge his supersonic sword strike. His best chance would be a preemptive attack before his opponent could do anything.

......That said, I don't want to accidentally kill him.

Zechs tightly gripped the handle of the sword, the blade faintly shined crimson. It's the shine of a magic sword. Once he brandishes the sword now it will cut the enemy -- Zechs's will was in direct action to other party's spirit, that was being aimed at him.

The attack will penetrate through all magical defensive barriers. Since Zechs was unable to use magic, it became the reason why he won fame as the crimson sword king throughout Alayzard.

So -- the first to act will be the victor.

"Take this--!"

Along with the shout, he swung the crimson long sword. In an instant the energy emitted would reach the other party, and his consciousness would be severed --

But ......

"Giiiiiiin!"

After the harsh metallic crash, Zechs sword was stuck mid-air.

"------Eh?"

Zechs was surprised. The sword had been stopped before the attack was released. His right hand clearly felt a strong reaction, the feeling of being blocked.

And the next moment --

"Gah..... This is .....?"

He lost all control over his body, and collapsed to the ground. Then he noticed the abnormal condition of his body and what had actually happened. An invisible attack hit me. In addition, to the one that caught my sword -- the true character was not physical magic.

"This is a...... chain?"

"--Correct answer!"

As he said so, the young man snapped his fingers.

An object that was coiled around Zechs's body became visible, a silver chain.

"Not too bad -- For your country, you wanted to win at any cost just to fight Akki."

The young man laughed as he said so. Zechs couldn't believe what he just heard.

"However, you intended to lose on purpose to Akki, right?"

"..............!"

Zechs was left speechless, because nobody knew of his plan, he never said one word of it to anyone.

As a General of Sherfied, he has always been a spiritual pillar for the soldiers. If he were to be defeated, the soldiers would have definitely lost their confidence. Then his defeat could have been used as an excuse for Sherfied's retreat. At the same time also proving Akatsuki's power. Akatsuki planed to show off his overwhelming power to Disidiya forcing them to agree to a cease-fire, sending them back to the peace treaty negotiations table. Zechs's plan was undoubtedly to secretly help Akatsuki.

That's why he persisted on a showdown with Akatsuki.

"But now you don't have to go through the trouble. The Queen's right hand, the high elf, is now our prisoner. This alone constitutes sufficient grounds for a retreat."

"Don't tell me......that bastard already knew what I was thinking?"

"It might not of been like that. Otherwise I would not have been left to deal with you."

After a short pause.

"--I see, you have come here."

Just as he finished speaking, the youth jump back several steps at once.

Then, innumerable wind blades pierced the place where the youth previously stood.

"No way.....!"

The Zechs looked up at the sky. Just to check who it was that flown here from the south route by magic. He was amazed to find it was Listy with her magical wand in hand.

"You idiot......! What are you doing here!"

Anxious and irritation filled Zechs's heart as he criticized Listy, who landed right in front of him.

"I was going to ask about what you were doing! Did I not tell you? Please don't try and overdo it!"

Listy mercilessly scolded Zechs. The young man who he was fighting with had already disappeared. Listy looked around anyway just to make sure that the enemy left, and wasn't somewhere overlooking Zechs.

"Let me see now, how I can help you with this chain--"

"Ohhh, I'm sorry......it wont be possible break the chain."

Suddenly, a voice of the young man rang out of thin air.

Zechs listened to the young man speak along with Listy.

"But don't worry, it will automatically fade away after a while."

Well......

"By the time the chain disappeared the fighting should be over."

17

After Nanase Haruka left the fighting quickly came to an end in the central channel.

Ousawa Akatsuki ran through the lot in merely ten minutes.

Seeing the disparity of power between the two sides, the remnants of the Disidiyan army temporary retreated.

Within that short period of time, Akatsuki succeeded in suppressing most of the central channel.

"Hmm, now what to do......"

Akatsuki had his <Demon sword> over his shoulders, as he thought to himself.

The remainder of the Disidiya's forces were in the north route and back with the main unit. Should he go straight to the north support Chikage, or directly rush into the Disidiya's main force to end this war as soon as possible?

......As a precaution I had better take a look at the situation in the north.

Ousawa Akatsuki make his decision on the spot and put it straight into action.

"Oh wow, this is amazing eh--"

A carefree voice came from behind. Looking back, Kaidou was standing there with his hands joined together behind his head. He was looking at countless soldiers, who fainted after they were blown away into the right and left rock walls.

"I wish I did it as flashy. Not only are they all consciousness, they are littered everywhere I can't get through except where Akki has passed. Is this the matchless skill Moses had?"

"This was nothing.......I just ran through."

Akatsuki laughed.

"--Did you settle it?"

"Ah, that redheaded general wont be able to move for a while. Not long after that Queen arrived to pick him up. It shouldn't be too much longer before they leave the battlefield."

"......I see."

Since Zechs and Listy were together there's nothing to worry about. If it was only one person, it's hard to say if they would act on impulse, but if it's two people then things would be different. After all, one person's selfishness would also trouble the other, consequently they would be less likely to jeopardized each other. So as long as the two of them were together, it can be expected that they would curve each others reckless behavior.

.......There won't be a need them to fight any further ......

So from this point on it will be Akatsuki's fight.

"Okay, let's go."

As he said that Akatsuki was ready to go when an intense bang with a fierce roar shook Gorudono Grand Canyon. The repetitive deep bass was blasting the atmosphere.

"Akki this is......"

"Ah, it's the north -- I'm going."

After the brief conversation, Akatsuki and Kaidou took turns kicking off the footholds on the left and right sides of the mountain walls. At the top of the cliff they left as fast as they could to the north channel.

After Akatsuki and Kaidou arrived at the scene, they looked down from cliffs they were standing overlooking the bottom of valley in the north route. The fighting had ended, there were no signs of the puppets that Haruka and Chikage were manipulating.

Or any traces of Disidiya's soldiers that were fighting.

With the exception of one person -- a knight in golden armor was standing there.

......That surely was the guy.......

Akatsuki knew who he was by his appearance. Undoubtedly he was the knight that was beside Alphonse and Baram at the peace negotiations.

"Akki, that's the guy."

In a quiet voice Kaidou called out. Akatsuki was already told everything.

That was the knight who was the originator of the tragedy in Forestnium. Then it seemed the knight heard Kaidou's voice as he raised his head to looked to the top of the cliff. With the height difference of several tens of meters separating them they were able to recognize each other.

Even so -- a clash was inevitable.

".....I finally found you."

Akatsuki clenched his fists.

......It was you ... you ...!

Who killed Ulm, and wounded Riruru. Who made Miu and Kuzuha cry. Who put Sherfied, Listy, and the others in this predicament. The peace that we all aimed for -- it was all trampled by your cowardly mimicry.

"Kaidou.....Don't lay a finger on him."

In a low voice that naturally came out. Then Akatsuki drew his magical black sword, and took a step forward.

"I'll smash the bastard."

And at the same time as he said so he kick off the ground towards the bottom of the ravine.



While nosediving at the armored Knight, Akatsuki raised the black sword.

Without any petty tricks. He increased his body's physical strength through renkan keikikou, and used the momentum of the fall to form an attack at the maximum limit of his power.

Gravity accelerated the fall, the distance between him and armored Knight shortened in one breath.

"Uuurrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh--!"

Akatsuki put everything he had in the sword strike.

However, the armored Knight took up a stance intending to take the attack head on and not avoid it.

-- He just casually raised his sword with one hand, and swung it horizontally.

"Gakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!"

After the deafening noise of the impact the earth was depressed around the armored Knight. The destructive power in Akatsuki's slash was obviousness, based on the aftermath it gave birth to.

But ......

"With one hand, huh ....."

After their swords crossed, Akatsuki stared at armored Knight.

He thought that no one would have been able to stop that attack, but the Knight block it easily.

Akatsuki heard how powerful the enemy was from Kaidou and Kuzuha. Therefore he did not think he would beat him with one blow. However, Akatsuki was using both hands while he only used one to wield a sword that blocked him. Besides withstanding the power in the strike, he even resisted the fall and did not move an inch. These signs prove one thing, the other party knows full well about the power of Akatsuki's renkan keikikou.

"............"

The armored knight silently waved his sword tossing both Akatsuki along with his sword back. Akatsuki regained his balance in the air, smoothly landing on the ground.

At the same time, the ground where he landed was destroyed by the armored Knight's wave shot from his sword slash. He used his magic sword to fend off the attack, then he sent out a shock wave to disperse the sand cloud that filled the air. Followed by a dash cutting the distance, and stabbed at the knight. However, it was also blocked easily by the armored knight.

"-- Take this!"

As the blades hit Akatsuki used them as a fulcrum, lifting his body to the side allowing his right leg to he kicked out.

Hitting the side of the armored knight's head.

"Bakii" along with the sound of hitting metal, the armored knight staggered to his left. The shock wave cause by the kick should of penetrated the armor, and surly rocked his brain. Akatsuki was confident it was a solid hit.

How.......he started to say, but Akatsuki swallowed his words. The armored knight not only didn't fall, but instead reach out and grab the Akatsuki's right foot slamming him to the ground.

"Gaaaaah"

The strong impact was felt on his back cause him to momentary stop breathing, followed by an intense pain. However, there was no time to rest, because the armored Knight swung his sword straight down at his lower body.

"--Damn!"

Akatsuki avoided it by rolling to the side, barely escaped the danger. He took advantage of force to stand up to swing the demon sword horizontally.

The resulting rush of air shot out missing the target, because the knight had disappeared. So Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

He found the enemy standing in a small cave half way up the rock wall.

"Son of a ......"

Akatsuki glared at the armored knight who in-turn responded by taking action. He turned his back to Akatsuki, and slashed his sword towards the rock wall. After a shrill sound, a huge v-shaped crack quickly spread on the wall. After a moment of silence, the cave's ceiling began to give way above the knight's head accompanied with a bang similar to sound of an earthquake. In face of rapidly approaching rockslide the armored knight raised his sword continuously hacking apart the rocks.

The falling rocks where turned into countless smaller ones that poured down on Akatsuki, who was on the ground below.

However......

"--Hey, This is a basic textbook strategy!"

Akatsuki laughed as he looked up at the falling rocks.

He jumped up with his magic sword in hand and crushed rocks coming at him while he look for other rocks to get a foothold to slowly climb up. Just as Akatsuki cut through an enormous rock -- the armored knight suddenly attacked from the front.

"Another textbook move!"

This attack came as no surprise to Akatsuki. He received the attack with his demon sword. The two of them used the falling rocks around them to get footholds on. Using the rocks the battlefield became three-dimensional as they freely tried to cut each other.

The roar of the rock's crashing into the ground one after another was the BGM, while their swords crossed over and over again.

--Akatsuki's attacks began to gradually overwhelm the armored knight's.

"Is this all you have? Come at me again!"

Akatsuki's sword strikes were holding the armored knight at bay. At first the Knight's strength greatly puzzled him, but it was within the range he could cope with. The other could only use his one sword to attack, while Akatsuki could still use both his hands and feet to fight. As formidable of an enemy he was, it was difficult for him to fight against Akatsuki ever changing patterns of attacks.

It's just --

......Strange......?

Akatsuki suddenly had a indescribable feeling. He always felt that something was a miss -- but he did not know what it was. His heart started to beat faster and faster, a sinking feeling came to mind. Like the time when Phil Barnett turned his body into the evil dragon Zahark. The same sense of another impending crisis

Just when two swords crossed once again.

......! Is this guy --!

After he become aware of this feeling, Akatsuki could not help but to hesitate.

However, right this moment he was in the middle of a battle and it was beyond his control at this point to give up.

"Woo oh oh oh oh --!"

With a roar the Black demon sword was forcibly swung, the armored knight was tossed backward along with Akatsuki. The Knight straightened his stance mid-air avoiding the falling rocks, then rushed to get the ground one step ahead of Akatsuki.

Akatsuki chased after him. The two men returned their fight back to the ground.

18

Standing on top of a cliff Kaidou Motoharu was watching the fight between Akatsuki and the armored knight.

After they resumed their fight on the ground it only intensified.

Judging from both sides, attacks and defense, that he saw, Kaidou calmly believed that Akatsuki had the edge.

But ......

......His fighting style seems to have changed ......?

From where he was, Kaidou could see Akatsuki continuing to wave his Demon sword. But something didn't feel right to Kaidou about the way he was moving his body. Kaidou had witnessed several of his fights up till now including the one at JPN Babel school's ranking tournament when Akatsuki and the others were ambushed by the three of the student council members, excluding Hikami Kyoya, and then the fight with the high dimensional dragon. Even in that one, Akatsuki won in the end.

But I did not notice until a little while ago that Akatsuki now was showing less confidence and ease with his body.

And now that they were back on the ground -- he wasn't acting like his usual self.

......That bastard in the armor was indeed a powerful enemy sure, but –-

Kaidou couldn't help but suspiciously say:

"Come on Akki.......this is nothing like your usual style."

19

"Gaaaaaa --!"

After blocking a flurry of slashes Akatsuki jumped back, putting space between them.

He stared at the armored knight in front of him, trying to calmly judged the situation.

......That bastard was gradually getting used to my attacks.

Even thought Akatsuki was the first to familiarize with other's movements, but now he was gradually picking up Akatsuki's patterns. The reasons were obvious enough, Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

.......There's no other way than.

Akatsuki secretly made a wry smile in his mind, and also made a decision. So he looked at the armored Knight before quietly telling him:

"Apparently, as it stands now I can't beat you --"

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. And,

"For me to defeat you....... I just need to become stronger."

At the same time he said so his body began to emit a dazzling light.

Overflowing from his body was a torrent of Ki.

This was the same move Akatsuki used during the duel with Listy and the others, using renkan keikikou he was able to exceed the limits of his body. Taking into account the condition he would be in following the battle Akatsuki didn't plan of using this in the first place, because of great burden it puts on the body. However the immediate situation left him no other choices.

"This is the only way to defeat you."

The powerful Ki gushed out from his whole body as Akatsuki faintly smiled. And,

"Ready--"

Akatsuki bent his knees and lowered his waist, sprinting ahead like a shooting star rapidly approaching the armored Knight. Godspeed, was the only way to describe it. The distance was shorten in an instant. He was holding the demon sword up high as he swung it straight down.

A strike that could kill him in one hit.

Then, in the middle of his swing.

"......Do you really want to do that?"

Ousawa Akatsuki clearly heard the armored Knight's voice.



"-- That person is watching."



"--?"

The Knight's sudden words stopped him for a moment at which he stared blankly. At the same time gave him a chance to look out from the corner of his eye to see "that person". His hesitation left the black sword immobile half way in the air.

"Damn -!"

Akatsuki realized he was still in the middle of swinging down the black demon sword, however the armored knight showed no signs moving.

And then -- the shadows of two people interlaced them.

20

Listy just by chance happen to get there at that precise moment.

After the chain that was binding Zechs disappeared. Drawn in by the sounds of the intense fight, she was lead to the north. Allowing her to see with her own eyes Akatsuki and knight in golden armor -- at the exact second the outcome of a battle occurred.

".................."

Listy stood there transfixed, she almost couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The Armored Knight's sword -- run through the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

While Black Sword of Akatsuki's had stopped only several centimeters above the knight's helmet.

A fraction of a second was the difference that divided victory or defeat.

That tragic millisecond lead to his loss.

The Knight pull his sword out from Akatsuki's chest. His body slowly fell down towards the ground, as if it was a slow motion replay -- then the knight drove a kick to the center of his body. All power left Akatsuki's body as he topple over backwards. Listy clearly saw the whole spectacle step by step.

"-----------!"

Listy was too busy to dwell on it, as she immediately used her flying magic. Before Listy even noticed she was heading to the bottom valley towards Akatsuki at maximum speed. From the war standpoint, Sherfied's Queen should have been unimaginably far away from the this place. But she completely lost the ability to think of anything -- other than that of Akatsuki.

"Stop it.......Don't hurt him any further!"

In a moment, Listy got between the armored knight and the fallen Akatsuki.

Fresh blood was gushing out his back through the hole in his chest, and spreading out on the ground. Without the slightest hesitation she held her wand out towards him.

Disidiya's armored knight's eyes turned hostile.

......Lulu's recovery magic should be able cure him, somehow .....

The anxiousness inside Listy's heart grew the more she started to think of way to save Akatsuki. Loutier was taken away by Akatsuki's companion. As long as I carry him to the Demon's village, then perhaps there was a shred of hope. Now was not the time to fight with armored Knight. What's important was to find a way to get out of here as soon as possible. She looked over the knight's armor from head to toe for a flaw, Listy was desperately trying to think of ways get away with Akatsuki.

But -- at this time.

Listy still hadn't sorted out her anxiety, but the situation suddenly changed.

"Paquin" a crisp metallic noise was heard. The armored knight's helmet was split in two and fell. Even though Akatsuki's slash never hit the powerful Ki around the blade had cut the helmet.



-- And.

At that moment -- the curtain on the biggest tragedy of this war was raised.



"......Lies ......"

Listy El Da Sherfied stood there dumbfounded.

The armored knight's true identity was seen for the first time. He had a face that she was very familiar with.

So she lightly called out the name of the armored Knight.

"Le ... on......"

She was shaking as she said his name.

The Golden armored Knight was -- Leon Aceperio, who gave a her a peaceful smile.

The evidence was starring her in the face. There was no way it was a different person, it was unmistakeably that person in question.

Leon looked down at Akatsuki's face, who was lying behind Listy.

"What happen Akatsuki -- that was not like you."

He said while laughing, and exposed a mocking grin.



"Five years ago -- when you personally killed me. You did it without the slightest hesitation."



"What ......?"

Listy did not understand right away the meaning of Leon's words.

Akatsuki was hovering before the gates of life and death, and the long dead Leon was standing before her eyes. Just one of those things was already enough to caused so much havoc in her mind. Nevertheless...... Leon now added that astonishing revelation, it was even more unacceptable. All together, it was beyond the scope of what Listy was able to comprehend.

Akatsuki -- killed Leon.

Putting aside Listy and the mess that her mind was in, the cruelty of situation did not stop there. On the contrary, it continued to proceed. Leon slowly moved forward, it was not necessary to think about what he intended to do. He's going to finish the enemy -– end Akatsuki's life.

"-----! Stop!"

Along with her heartbreaking voice, Listy hurried to hold back Leon. In an attempt to restrain him with magic somehow, she focused her consciousness. However his feet didn't stop moving. The state her mind was in, there was no way for her to focus enough to use magic to stop Leon.

-- However, there was another person who had moved on her behalf.

It was Sherfied's pride, the person known as the Crimson sword king Zechs Doltrake.

Zechs jumped in to protect Akatsuki and Listy.

"Stop -- Leon."

As he quietly said so, Zechs drew his crimson sword, and with no hesitation pointed it at Leon.

...... Why ......?

His behavior only confused her more. How can he be so calm right now? It was as if Leon being the enemy was natural.

But -- the confrontation between the two did not last long.

"Uh-oh......Seriously, give me a break."

A familiar voice called out from behind. Listy turned to look back at that moment, a young man was standing there. It was the young man that overwhelmed Zechs. He had Akatsuki on one his shoulders as he also said "not good".

"Sorry, I know you three are busy over there, and its rude to interrupt old friends catching up, but I need to speed things up. If this guy over here dies, I wont be able to go back my former world anymore."

"Ah.....your one of Akatsuki's companions."

Leon narrowed his eyes,

"--Do you think you can walk away?"

Just when Leon was about to take a step, the atmosphere suddenly changing.

"-!"

Listy couldn't help but gasped.

While carrying Akatsuki the young man grinned, an overwhelming aura enveloped the whole area around them.

It was an aura of death -- the young man laughed a few times "Fufufu".

"Don't be so fast to act. Ah, I'm a pacifist, and basically just an onlooker on the sidelines. Umm, probably that's true.....but If Akki dies, then I'll properly be your opponent at that time."

So --

"You best begin to pray, and hope that Akki survives......I'm not like Akki, and I'm sorry to say I have no attachment to this world. Frankly, if you force my hands -- I'll crush you without a care."

After that, the young man with Akatsuki disappeared without a trace.

"Hmm ...did he escape? Akatsuki's friend is quick on his feet."

After seeing that, Leon laughed to himself "ha".

Then turned away from Listy and Zechs, and started to slowly walk towards to Disidiya's main force.

"......!"

There was no way that she was going to let him leave like that. She still had many questions for Leon and wants his answers. Why are you here? What did you mean when you said Akatsuki killed you? Therefore Listy tried call out to him to stopped him from slipping away.

"It's useless Listy -- Don't."

Zechs grabbed her shoulder.

"No, let me go ... ...! Zechs why? Don't you care at all?"

Listy's disheveled hair covered her face as she cried out hysterically.

"Why? I don't get it! Tell me...... Leon！"

But, nobody responded to her question.

Leon's back got smaller and smaller the farther he went away.

In the end, she still didn't understand anything -- as she was left standing there.

21

The decisive battle of Gorudono Grand Canyon came to a close.

Akatsuki was critically injured -- From Disidiya's standpoint, they believed their original purpose was accomplished. Without a means to get past the strengthen protective barrier around Forestnium continueing to stay here would be useless. So Emperor Baram immediately issued the withdrawal.



--The sword of Disidiya defeated the new Demon King.

The outcome of the battle was immediately spread throughout every corner of Alayzard.




***************** allied armies/ coalition forces
***************** バーンラクア  ---  Banrakua
***************** 赤き剣王 --- Crimson sword king
***************** ナツクルアーマー --- knuckle armor

line 424 --- might differ from chapter 1