How far have we advanced with Shiroko? According to what Mohe told me, we were practically within the enemy’s effective range, so I signaled to Shiroko and started running at full speed.
With my basic physique teetering on the edge of insanity and Shiroko being a sporty girl with great stamina, keeping up a full sprint for a while wasn’t too difficult.
The problem, however, was that the distance we needed to close was about 2 km, making that “while” feel excessively long.
Still, there was a need to close the distance.
“The tank of Saint Nephthys is equipped with a ZIS-S-53 cannon.”
According to Shiroko, who had a chance to spot the tank from a distance, their effective range exceeds 1 km. I could probably take a couple of hits, but Shiroko would be in serious trouble if she got hit even twice.
Thud—
So, making a quick breakthrough was a matter of life and death. When a shell landed next to Shiroko, sending sand flying, I couldn’t help but flinch in surprise.
Neither side had perfect visibility, but it was somewhat more advantageous for the enemy. Dodging incoming shells in a blocked line of sight was basically impossible.
… I say it again, I’m fine, but Shiroko is in danger.
And to be honest, I don’t want to be on the receiving end of that. Pain is pain, no matter how tough you are.
Thud—
“Ugh…”
…But reality is indeed cruel. If it weren’t for my Halo, I’d be a goner right now, and it’s a relief that I can hold on with just a groan… honestly, it’s really heating me up.
“Mika, you okay?”
“Don’t worry, just keep running… it’s just a little painful.”
It’s painful and feels dirty. Ah, but this might leave a bruise. Would Hina get mad on my behalf if she sees it?
At some point, as the distance was sufficiently reduced, I was able to spot the enemy tanks. Exactly four.
Just as the distance closed and my view opened up, the tank fired again.
In a split second, I saw the cannon aimed toward me and hesitated to dodge, but then I held back. Shiroko was right behind me, closely following. I wasn’t standing her behind just for show in this situation, after all.
Raising my arms to shield my head, another shell caused a jarring pain. It snapped me to attention like a cold water splash in the middle of winter.
I immediately stopped running, grabbed Shiroko’s wrist, and dove to the side. Sand sprayed up, signaling that the bombardment had passed.
“Run…!”
We ran again. A shell struck my side, making me hold my breath. But as long as Shiroko is okay, that’s what matters.
…Honestly, I didn’t care about that. Finally, we had sufficiently closed the distance.
Having not faced delinquents or gang members for a long time, I let a cluster of stars bloom from my fingertips once more. Moments later, this cluster of stars, having left my hand, was sucked into the cannon of the tank that hit me twice…
Kuaaaang—!!!
It created a dazzling explosion.
That made one tank neutralized; now it was time to take care of the others.
As I turned to the left tank, Shiroko quickly assessed the situation and gracefully hopped onto the now neutralized tank.
Using the tank as cover, Shiroko deployed a drone. The drone, immediately targeting the troops to the rear, rained down small missiles on the white-painted Automaton troops similar to those of Kaiser, utterly obliterating them.
After evading the cannon’s aim and hopping up onto the tank, I distinctly remembered this same tank had shot me in the side.
But now that I looked, they didn’t even shut the hatch completely… Well, I can’t complain since it made it easy for me to clear out the Automaton inside. What can I say? It feels somewhat like incomplete combustion.
Ping—!
As the tanks were being neutralized one by one, a familiar sound echoed from a distance. Naturally, the troops in the rear were nothing but bowling pins as soon as Hina got involved. With Nonomi joining in, the two twin machine guns unleashed fire, and the infantry didn’t stand a chance, getting swept away in seconds.
Our side’s casualties amounted to just Shiroko’s minor gun wounds and three bruises on my body, so it could be considered an unproblematic victory.
“…I didn’t ask you to protect me by taking the hits.”
“Oh, Shiroko-chan! What do you mean by protecting?”
“Did you really think I asked if you were confident in following along without any meaning…?”
Shiroko, who approached with concern rather than dissatisfaction, grabbed my arm and lifted me up. While I could have held my ground, I simply let Shiroko do what she wanted.
As Shiroko examined the clear bruise on my right forearm, her ears drooped. It shouldn’t feel like I had done anything wrong, but why does this feel like I’ve committed a grave sin…?
“Um… please don’t do that next time. Watching someone else get hurt on my behalf isn’t a good feeling.”
“Ahaha, that’s just a misunderstanding. I didn’t take the hit for you, I just couldn’t dodge, and hey, I did grab Shiroko-chan and dodged earlier, didn’t I?”
“I saw you hesitate before that. I’m not falling for such obvious lies.”
“…Haa. Mika, not again?”
While I pondered what to say to lift Shiroko’s mood, Hina, who had come close, let out a sigh upon seeing us. It dawned on me that being this close might indeed lead to misunderstandings.
“Wow—☆ You two are so close! I’m jealous!”
“No, um, this is really a misunderstanding…”
“Shiroko, Mika is normally someone who does things like this, so no matter how often you tell her, she’ll never listen. So, if you want to persuade Mika… you just have to be stronger than her, like me.”
Oh dear, that sounds like a dangerous statement. Discussing strength in front of Shiroko…
And aside from that, I couldn’t let that comment slide!
“Hina-chan, what did you mean by that…?”
“If I remember correctly, our duel record is 11 to 10, and I’m slightly ahead. So I don’t see any problem asserting that I’m stronger.”
“That’s mostly due to battles unrelated to strength, though.”
Upon hearing my response, Hina stood beside Shiroko with an expressionless face. Then, seamlessly, she took my arm and began to trace the bruise with her fingers.
“I didn’t get hurt in the middle of a mission like someone else, Mika.”
Then she removed her gas mask and pressed her lips against its surface.
What can I say? It was such a provocative scene that I wouldn’t be surprised if it ranked top three in my life of sinful feelings. The sensation when Hina’s tongue subtly brushed against my skin was surreal to say the least.
Hina was certainly aware of the difference between her and my situation. I charged through enemy forces head-on while she maneuvered to a position where she could wipe out the enemy when the skirmish broke out.
Yet, by mentioning this injury, she was subtly pointing out my weakness.
“I’m definitely telling Nagisa about this. No compromises.”
“Gah!”
Suddenly, I involuntarily hiccupped. A wave of apprehension washed over me as I imagined Nagisa’s divine punishment cake.
“I expected at least a scratch, but seeing it with my own eyes feels entirely different. I feel like I’m boiling over with rage; maybe I’ll have to take care of those who are approaching from the south as well.”
The change in tone indicated this wasn’t directed at me.
“Uh-huh, I agree! It’s a crime to harm Mika’s body! She’s supposed to be an idol!”
…Wait, did Nonomi actually remember that stuff? She’s truly disturbingly passionate about idols. That’s kind of scary.
“Yeah… with a tank captured now, Mika shouldn’t get hurt again. If we charge in and take down two more, it’ll be an easy victory.”
“Well, having a strategy meeting is great and all, but Hina-chan, shouldn’t I just let go of you now? Yeah.”
After hearing my words, Hina once more stroked my bruise and let go of my arm. Then, she leaned her head into my chest.
“In fact, I’m used to it by now. If anything, I’d feel it odd if you weren’t like this. But… just know your body isn’t exclusively yours.”
After brushing away the gritty sand tangled in Hina’s hair, I opened the comms.
[This is FOX 5. RABBIT 3 has successfully cleared some enemy troops. Where are the remaining enemy positions?]
[Just a moment. The enemy is… uh-oh. I’d recommend avoiding further engagement and moving instead.]
[It’d be nice to have a sound reason for that. We’re in a position to easily wipe out enemies since we’ve captured a tank.]
[Hehehe… well, it seems there’s no need to dirty your hands anymore.]
Boom—
The ground shook with a rumble. It clearly came from the south.
[Understood. I’ll join the teacher right away.]
From the south, the sounds of cannon fire and gunfire erupted, throwing everything into chaos. In an instant, I caught a glimpse of Vina’s halo before it was engulfed by a stronger sandstorm.
Yeah, that’s the way to go. There’s no perfect victory like conquering the enemy without fighting.
Now, more than anything, I have to convince Hina not to tell Nagisa about my injuries.
Otherwise, my throat’s purity, already compromised, will be at risk…!
