As soon as the Defense Team hurriedly finished their preparations and disembarked from the ship, the Nameless Guardians, who were already closing in, greeted them. However, since the fact that the Nameless Guardians were approaching had been anticipated, the Defense Team did not panic and countered.
While the Defense Team bought time, our infiltration team had also finished preparing to set off.
“…At this point, I think I could take down anyone in ten seconds.”
“Heh… I can’t let that comment slide.”
Toki, equipped with Aabi Eshuh, was admiring the power, comparing it to when she had backup from Eridu. Her expression didn’t quite show it, but it was clear she was impressed.
“Neru-chan, this isn’t the time for jokes.”
“Wah? No way. Just because it’s this situation, does that mean I can fight whenever I want? You wanna die, for real?”
Seeing Neru huff and puff, I decided to hold my tongue. I thought about saying, “Aren’t you the kind of person?” but feared the consequences.
It wasn’t me who would face those consequences, after all.
I lightly warmed up and checked my condition. The temporary treatment and bandages were a bit bothersome, but they wouldn’t hinder my fighting.
…What would Nagisa say if she saw me like this?
First, she would probably check the injuries cautiously and breathe a sigh of relief that they weren’t too serious. Then she’d grill me about how I got hurt, and since I wouldn’t be able to lie to her, I would probably blurt out that it was to protect Rion.
‘Really, what on earth are you made of? At this point, it seems like you don’t hear a single word I say. Maybe I should just stop talking; then you won’t have to hear my nagging, right?’
…Wow. Nagisa’s voice is echoing in my head. It’s like I’m getting scolded in my imagination before I actually get scolded.
I can’t even guess how long and how much effort it would take to soothe pouting Nagisa, but what else can I do? After all, my behavior calls for it.
“Good luck, infiltration team. And Mika-chan, take this.”
Himari handed me a cube whose identity I didn’t know, covering it with my hand. She looked up at me while holding it with both hands.
“This is a hacking tool I made, a device linked to a mirror. It’s crucial for this operation, so please take care of it. Mika-chan can hold onto it, or if not, you can pass it to Asuna. I’ll leave that decision to Mika-chan.”
“…Got it.”
I thought it would be better to pass it to Asuna, but it’s generally best to ask the person directly. So I decided to confirm it later.
“And one more thing.”
“Yeah, I’m listening.”
“Favoritism isn’t very good, you know.”
“…Huh?”
Himari’s meaningful words brought a faint blush to her face. With just that small change, her frail impression seemed to create an illusion of her being much healthier.
“I mean, honestly, I’m smarter than Rion, and my beauty is second to none in Millennium, plus I have this urge to protect you. Isn’t it way better? Yes. Picking up anything carelessly is going to lead to problems, Mika-chan.”
“…Wow—oh?”
Hearing Himari’s words made my brain feel like it momentarily stopped working.
Separately, I almost blurted out, ‘Isn’t our Noa-chan the one boasting the best looks in Millennium?’ but I held it in with great effort.
Honestly, everyone here has an appearance that wouldn’t be compared to elsewhere, and saying it would only give Himari a chance to cling stubbornly and create a ruckus seemed too obvious.
Anyway, Himari sure is a bothersome girl.
“P-please just pretend I didn’t hear that. Well, I’ll be going now.”
After I clamped down my mouth for several reasons, did she finally feel embarrassed? Himari entered into late damage control.
Covering her ears that were turning brighter than just a blush, she turned her back on me. I glanced at the wheelchair, which had dents and scratches, and shook my head.
The urgent matter at hand was Aris and the Ark; I decided to think more about the feelings of the two geniuses later. Whatever happens, preventing the world’s destruction takes precedence.
Heh heh. I’m curious about the performance of explosives handled by SRT… It pleases me that I can blow them up as much as I want here. There shouldn’t be unreasonable situations where I’m shaken down by the accountant of the seminar presenting specifications, so this time I’ll make sure to assist the leader wholeheartedly.
“…Didn’t Yuzu go through that unreasonable treatment every time because she had to clean up after? She lost weight from the stress, you know?”
“…Oh my.”
I unintentionally blurted that out after hearing Akane’s words, and she smiled awkwardly, looking troubled. Seeing the slight fear beyond that trouble made me smirk internally.
It seemed like she properly suffered due to a rather unpleasant incident last time, but that was purely her own doing, so I didn’t feel overly sorry for her.
“By the way, I’m surprised we had such a cute underclassman with us! I was totally taken aback!”
Asuna, who was slapping the gloves of Aabi Eshuh, was giggling. Toki, the one being referred to, made a perplexed expression, and Neru frowned at her.
“Cute? Not a chance. She’s as persistent as a little thorn; that’s far from cute. Though I do like that aspect about her.”
Watching Karin, who had a poker face and seemed uninterested, cast a side glance at Toki, I could vaguely see a future of her integrating naturally with the C&C.
Toki’s isolated school life was Rion’s original sin, but now that Neru caught on quickly, Toki wouldn’t have to continue living in solitude. I was sure that was a relief.
…Although the process became complicated in various ways, I felt confident that if this matter resolved well, everything would work out fine.
So, I too must fulfill my responsibilities.
“Alright, our little video game addicts.”
“…Not a child!”
Heueng… You’re not denying that you’re addicted to video games, right?
“I think saying ‘love for games’ is a better expression than ‘addiction.’”
I smiled as I looked at the indistinguishable Saiba Sisters. And then, I captured Yuzu, who was standing behind them with a determined expression that seemed almost invisible.
“Okay, then. Shall we set off to rescue Aris-chan from now on?”
I didn’t think the Game Development Club would be a huge help in terms of power, but honestly, that didn’t really matter. After all, the strength of the infiltration team was complete with just me, Neru, and Toki, who was piloting Aabi Eshuh.
Our strong desire to save Aris. With that alone, these three won’t fall short, and they might even create some kind of miracle.
With the twin sisters responding energetically to my question and Yuzu firming up her determination, the infiltration team was ready to move out.
Wakamo was helping her underclassmen in the Defense Team for a bit, but she would soon join us once we moved.
We were welcomed by our Teacher and Rion as we departed from the ship. The Teacher was there to take command over the Defense Team, while Rion clearly followed just because of me.
Surprisingly, I didn’t sense any hostility in the gazes of the Game Development Club directed at Rion. Watching that, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of conversation had taken place among them.
“Everyone, be careful not to get hurt. And Mika.”
“Yeah, Teacher.”
“You don’t have to bear all the responsibilities alone. Keep that in mind.”
“…”
It felt as if the Teacher could see right through me when he said that, so I stared at him blankly.
However, the Teacher wouldn’t know. The truth that no one in Kivotos could understand the responsibility I feel right now.
The moment something goes wrong with Aris, all the responsibility will fall squarely on me.
Even though my motivation to rescue Aris isn’t solely because of that, the existence of that responsibility drives me to rush even harder.
“Thank you, Teacher. But I’m not alone, right? Yep, this is a joint operation where everyone is putting in effort together. So, you can expect good results from here.”
Although the words were directed at the Teacher, my gaze eventually landed on Rion.
She, being so self-centered, had no clue how to cooperate with others. This operation would provide her with a completely new experience.
I must succeed in this endeavor. For Aris and for everyone…and for Rion and me.
The moment something goes wrong with Aris, Rion will surely collapse. In that situation, I would also have committed an irremediable sin.
I took a step closer to Rion, who seemed to be looking uneasy, and hugged her. She reciprocated naturally, perhaps surprised by the act and shuddered a moment later.
“Aris-chan will be fine. Yep. We all came here to make it so. So let’s do our best in our own places, Rion-chan.”
“I understand. I won’t let you down, Mika.”
Rion, who had been saying this quite resolutely, paused for a moment before continuing.
“…If this goes well, there’s something I want to tell you.”
Though we weren’t looking directly at each other, I easily understood what Rion meant. Her thumping heart was a clear reflection of her emotions.
I had said I would think about it later, but that might be a bit difficult.
Letting Rion out of my embrace, I looked directly into her eyes and smiled.
“No, you don’t need to say it. I’ll give you an answer right here and now.”
I pushed down on my toes, lifting my body. With one hand resting on the nape of her neck, I lightly pressed my lips against the tip of her nose while whispering.
“Just so you know, this is a down payment, okay? There won’t be any failure in rescuing Aris-chan.”
“…”
“And just to warn you in advance, persuading our Husband is going to be a lot more difficult than you can imagine… so be prepared.”
“…Thank you.”
Since Rion was identified as the main culprit of this event, Nagisa would likely dislike her far more than she would dislike Haruna. If I attempted to expand the circle of lovers here, no matter how generous our Husband might be, he would certainly be quite upset.
Nonetheless, I resolved to accept Rion.
I wanted to support her, who had once crumbled before me, and was now gradually changing.
Of course, if one were to ask if it was just that, the answer would be a resounding no.
After all, I’m a greedy person eager for love. I want to return what I receive, to receive even more love in return, and to give that back again, like a gluttonous lover.
Rion hadn’t raised her head and kept it low until the moment I stepped off the ship. I was certain that the words tossed out by the Saiba Sisters next to her had a significant impact.
Though Neru and the Teacher had scolded me, I lightly brushed off their words.
I even flinched for a moment at Momo’s direct remark, questioning if I was trying to raise every flag possible.
…Ah. Let’s truly think of Himari’s matter later.
Our beloved archangel would undoubtedly discover that I was trying to bring two people at the same time and would probably try to strangle me.
There’s a limit to how aggressively I can persuade.
