Chapter 38: A Fairy Tale (1)

“Hello! Viewers in front of the TV! I’m Kawaru Shinon, the idol reporter of the Chronos School press club!

Yes, I’m live at the intense scene of the Eden Treaty signing ceremony!

I’m currently in front of the Old Cathedral of Tonggong, where the official agreement between Gehenna Academy and Trinity General School is scheduled to be signed.

Oh, it’s intense! Both sides are engaged in a tense standoff, neither wanting to show even the slightest opening!”

Who will pull the trigger….”

-Click-

I turn off my cell phone, which is loudly playing Chronos School’s official broadcast, and stand beside Nagisa. The peace treaty between Trinity and Gehenna, the Eden Treaty, was about to begin.

Unfortunately, the Arius matter couldn’t progress any further.

However, since Senior Azusa informed me of the location of the passage leading to the Arius branch school, I was able to have the Justice Task Force seal off that location.

“Sigh… No matter how much effort we put in, ingrained perceptions don’t easily change…”

“It can’t be helped. Still, it’s a miracle that we’ve managed to shift their view from seeing them as lifelong enemies to just people they dislike.”

With Seia’s return, the position of Tea Party host was transferred back to Seia, who was originally supposed to hold the position.

However, considering Seia’s physical condition, as she had been hospitalized until recently, Nagisa was chosen to represent the Tea Party at the Eden Treaty.

The Sanctus faction expressed their disappointment, but they were a moderate faction and deeply concerned about Seia’s already poor health, which had worsened due to her recent hospitalization, so they were understanding.

The Filius faction was delighted that their faction leader would be the first name inscribed on the historic treaty.

As for Pater… they’re a group of Gehenna-haters; would they even want their name on a peace treaty with Gehenna?

Therefore, as the bodyguard of the Tea Party faction leaders, I remained constantly by Nagisa’s side as her escort during the Eden Treaty event, where she was responsible for the oath and proceedings.

Sensei said he would visit the Old Cathedral. There shouldn’t be any major issues since both the Justice Task Force and the Prefect Team were providing security.

I’m concerned about the Arius situation, but it was decided to prioritize the Eden Treaty for now.

Senior Azusa mentioned that about half of the Arius forces were used in the recent night raid, so we shouldn’t have to worry about an attack for a while.

Additionally, once the Eden Treaty is concluded, the friction between the Prefect Team and the Justice Task Force will be significantly reduced, allowing us to focus more on the Arius matter.

“By the way… I know this because I heard it during a previous visit… but an airship… I wish they’d consider our situation a little, as we have to find a place for it to dock…”

“It’s certainly inconvenient for us… but if Gehenna draws that much attention, the promotional effect will be significant, right?”

Just before the Eden Treaty was to be officially enacted, discussions were held regarding transportation and scheduling.

Since the treaty was being held at Trinity, it was suggested that it would be more ideal for Trinity to provide transportation for Gehenna’s key figures.

However, Gehenna suddenly made the shocking announcement that they would arrive by airship to increase their visibility.

I don’t know where they obtained the airship, but it caused us considerable trouble in finding a suitable docking location.

“Kikikikikit… Watch closely, Iroha! Today! A new chapter in Gehenna’s history will be written!””

“Makoto… What are you planning…”

Natsume Iroha, one of the few sensible members of Pandemonium Society, was holding the controls of the airship, which Makoto had acquired through some unknown means,

She listened to her superior and senior Hanuma Makoto, Iroha replying appropriately.

Thinking it’s the usual nonsense, and not wanting to take it seriously, Iroha decided to listen and find out just for a change of pace, and in order to kill time, she listened while steering for the long journey.

“Hahaha! Listen carefully, Iroha! Today, Trinity will be erased from Kivotos!

“Yes, so what did you do?”

“This airship carries the elite forces of my proud allies, who hate Trinity more than anyone else!

We’ve devised a perfect plan where we’ll first attract attention from the ground and air, while they infiltrate through a secret passage!”

“And what is this proud alliance?”

…Normally, I wouldn’t give it much thought, as Makoto often displays strange behavior towards Trinity and the Prefect Team. However, this time, the term “proud alliance” caught my attention, prompting me to ask again.

“It’s Arius! Kikikikikit! We’ll burn Trinity, and our Gehenna and Arius will rule the skies of Kivotos!”

“Sigh…. Makoto…. Arius hates our Gehenna even more than Trinity. There’s no way such a group would join forces with us.”

-Clank Clank-

Makoto seems to have messed up again. I had some knowledge of this through a letter from Trinity, but now that I think about it, it was a letter that Makoto had passed on to me because she found it bothersome.

As if to prove this, as soon as I finished speaking, Arius forces appeared around us and began pointing their weapons at us. I had wondered where they got this airship, but it seems the airship itself was a trap.

“Sigh…. You’ve done it again, Makoto.”

The Arius personnel restrained me and several executives, including Makoto, manipulated the navigation system, and began to escape casually. Oh… life…

-Kwaaaaang!!-

The Old Cathedral inside Trinity is engulfed in flames. The massive airship begins to burn away its long history.

-Drip Drip-

The sky begins to weep. The sun is no longer visible. The once endlessly bright sky is now gone. The hatred we’ve harbored, the sorrow we’ve carried, all unfold here.

History crashes to the ground.

Our history rises above the ground.

“Team II, report.”

“Team II, cleared the Old Cathedral security forces, entry into the Old Cathedral complete. We’ll soon engage the main force of the Justice Task Force. Leader?”

I could see Team I slowly descending from the airship with parachutes, having successfully completed their mission. The first operation was a success.

“Ah, we’ve finished up here as well.”

Since the previous operation failed, the enemy’s vigilance had increased, preventing us from using the bombs and cruise missiles we had prepared.

Well then, we’ll simply turn to Gehenna for those means.

Fortunately, they were complacent, believing that an invasion would be impossible for a while due to our troop losses. So, despite their increased vigilance, they still left us an opening for invasion.

“Team III is engaged with Hina and the Prefect Team! Team V is breaking through the external entry point as planned!”

“Understood. We’ll join you shortly. Trinity and Gehenna…. The time has finally come to settle the long-standing debt of hatred.”

Hiyori’s engagement signal comes through the radio; our revenge is about to begin.

I take out my half-broken mask and put it on. Memories of that time flash through my mind. He’ll be desperate again this time, I’m sure. Just try and stop me.

“Arius, bearing the name of paradise on our backs, will judge all of you.”

If you can bear the sins you’ve created over so long, all by yourself.

“…Ugh…Ugh…?!”

“Haha… You didn’t lose consciousness… Nagisa…?”

It was purely reflexive. I was delivering additional information about the Eden Treaty schedule, which was about to take place in the Old Cathedral,

and resolving some minor conflicts between the Prefect Team and the Justice Task Force, when I encountered Sensei.

I was going to finalize the schedule with Sensei and show him around the Old Cathedral… but that’s where the incident began.

As soon as the schedule was finalized, the Old Cathedral began to shake. It started to collapse and burn. From that point on, it was pure instinct.

What made me different? If it were me in the past, I would’ve prioritized my own survival… or perhaps given up on life altogether. But at least the current me seems to have made a different choice.

“Sora…? Why… How…?”

“Hahaha… It’s my duty, isn’t it?”

Look, isn’t the evidence traveling through my nerves and reaching my brain?

The smell of something burning, a searing pain, is clouding my mind. I smell blood. Blood is clinging to my wings, making them difficult to move.

I apologize, but Nagisa’s face was covered in blood, most likely mine.

“…Please get up… Nagisa…

“…Ugh, don’t move! If you…”

Fortunately, I wasn’t completely buried under the debris. So, I gathered my wits amidst the searing pain starting from my back and wings, and I woke up.

I use my relatively unharmed left hand, instead of my bloody and burning right hand, to help Nagisa up.

“….I’m…fi…ne…Ugh…”

“Y-You!”

Fine my ass… A red-hot iron pipe was impaled in my right wing. I tore a piece of my skirt, wrapped it around the wound, and pulled the pipe out.

It’s not generally a good idea to pull out something impaled like that, but my right wing is probably beyond saving anyway… I could be panicking, but… I have to get up because what’s on my shoulders is too heavy for me to panic.

I hear gunshots from outside. Damn it, it’s nothing short of a terrorist attack… I cover Nagisa’s body with my still-intact left wing…

“…I’ll escort you… Nagisa… The Knights Hospitaller should still be operational… We’ll join up with the Justice Task Force and…”

“Please stay still… You’re clearly not in a good condition…”

“No… The one who needs to be… ugh… the safest… here… is you, Nagisa…”

I interrupt Nagisa’s words and refute. My vision blurred for a moment. My halo is probably flickering a bit right now…

I’m still alright. I can maintain my consciousness. My burned right hand is throbbing, but I have to endure it. I hold Daedalus in my right hand and guide Nagisa with my left.

It’s painful, but I have to endure. Unfortunately… luck doesn’t seem to be on our side. In the distance, I see several figures wearing familiar equipment.

“.II Team, reporting. It’s that woman from before. Her injuries appear… severe. Kirifuji Nagisa is also spotted beside her. The Justice Task Force also seems to be nearby, so send reinforcements this way. We’re engaging.”

“Haha… It seems you know me…”

“You’ll soon forget.”

“Fall to the ground!”

“Dust to dust.”

I fire a single shot with all my might. The rocket launcher the enemy was holding spews fire.

The flames, split in mid-air, rush towards Nagisa and me.

A red flash cuts through the air, advancing.

What I’m aiming for isn’t them, but the remnants of the wall that still retains its shape between them and me.

-Kwaaang!!-

“This… opportunity… Let’s go…”

“Ah… Please…”

I buy us some time by collapsing a larger piece of debris than I anticipated. As the debris falls, the onrushing flames are extinguished. My vision becomes even more blurred.

Still… I think… I’m okay. In the distance, a familiar figure, probably the person I can trust the most in this situation, comes into view.

[…?! Sora?! Nagisa?!]

“Sensei… Seniors….”

“So, Sora?! Nagisa?! What on earth…what…”

“Sora… Don’t tell me the debris…’

“
Mika, Kenzaki, and Hanekawa appeared with Sensei. Mika’s expression was one of shock, but this is enough…

Nagisa is unharmed… that’s sufficient…

“Please… Why… Why go so far…”

When I turned around, Nagisa’s face was filled with tears. Of course… It must have been an incredibly painful experience. I can only apologize, as it was impossible for me to prevent this scene.

“Please don’t cry… It’s my job… I had to do it…”

Unfortunately, they didn’t give me any time to comfort and console Nagisa.

-Clack Clack Clack Clack-

“We’ve reached the operation area. Kirifuji Nagisa and the target confirmed…. And we’ve found the remnants of the Justice Task Force. No, …. Correction.

Not remnants, but the full force of the Justice Task Force and the major power Misono Mika spotted. We’re engaging now.”

They’re really persistent. Did they clear away the debris or find a way around it to reach us here?

“Arius branch school… I see…”

“Ha…haha… Things aren’t going smoothly…”

My condition isn’t great… but still, it would be better for Mika or Kenzaki, who are exceptionally strong and unharmed, to escort Nagisa and Sensei. I was about to take out Daedalus, prepared to sacrifice my life here, when…

“Sora, take a rest.”

“No… I should stay…’

Hanekawa stops me. Why? If I don’t stop them here, Nagisa or Sensei…

“Sora.”

“…Yes… Mika…”

Mika’s words calm me down for a moment. Even if I stay, I won’t be able to buy much time… In that case, it would be better to stick close to the two for their close protection.

“Hasumi.”

“Yes… I know. Tsurugi.

Thank you. From here on, Sensei and Nagisa’s safety is the top priority. I will take the escort and the injured and leave this place.”

“Yeah, leave the rampaging to me.”

“Ahaha… Yeah… Please… Hasumi…”

With those words, I left the scene under the escort of Hanekawa and several Justice Task Force members.

“I’m going to hang those trash, worse than those damn horned bastards, up on display in Trinity Square.”

“Crushing these vermin to death!!!!!!! It’s me!!!”

With the terribly fierce roar behind us, we departed from the scene.