Korean original:  https://arca.live/b/counterside/55949571

 Counter:Side IF

 BOOK I: Twisted Fates

 BOOK II: Rise of the Administrator

 BOOK III: Legacy of the Voice

 BOOK IV: Minuet of Draco Serpensque

 BOOK V: The Urban Fairytale

 BOOK VI: Karin's Counterattack

 BOOK VII: Old Veteran

 BOOK VIII: Mater Matriae

 BOOK IX: Waltz in the Dark

 BOOK X: Bellum Replacericum

 BOOK XI: The Origin

 BOOK XII: Imperium Sine Fine

 -----------------------------------

 BOOK FOUR

 Minuet of Draco Serpensque

 "I can't believe someone actually came here for us…."

 Rita said while massaging her shoulder as she looked at Yubin and Dash. She just collapsed there a few minutes ago and barely could stand.

 Summoning Omerta to change its forms into sword or spear or bow, she tested her Counter ability and cracked her neck while listening to Dash.

 "That's what I said, sis! They're called Six Wings and really, really so cool! To me, they looked like an angel, she cut down that powerful Corruptor without any difficulty!" Dash said.

 Rita sighed and pushed her.

 "I get it, I get it. …Don't be too excited, it's annoying."

 "Ugugu…."

 Like a puppy, Dash made a slightly sad face.

 Amy giggled and approached them.

 "How's the shot, girl? Eternium works well on your body, right? So… you're Rita, I assume?"

 Rita said. "I am. But can you not call me like that? You look younger than me, after all."

 "Oh, is that so?"

 Amy sparkled her blue eyes.

 "Oh, sweet! I haven't heard such compliment for a while! Hmm, what about miss, then?"

 "…Actually I didn't mind it that much. Call whatever you want, I don't care."

 Let out a deep sigh, Rita leaned her back against the wall. Yubin also came to her and said.

 "Well met, Rita. Fortunately we were not too late."

 Rita glared at his face.

 '…Is he working for the administratorate? or…? How could he even get here anyway?'

 "To think you'd descend down to this hell just to save someone like us, You really had no better things to do, aren't you?"

 "……."

 "…Thank you. I will remember this until my death."

 It feels so awkward for Rita to express her gratitude.

 She has lived such life of struggle, but not just against Corruptors but humans as well. Relying on others is just a foolish weakness… That's what she thought.

 Rather those "people" are more vicious and vile than Corruptors.

 They're manipulating others to leverage their own benefits.

 That's why….

 She can't believe a miracle like this happened to her.

 It still feels like she's in a dream.

 Yubin asked. "Are you okay, though? If you can't walk…."

 Rita shook her head. "I'm just fine. Don't worry about it." But she felt dizzy and when she tried to get up. Dash hurried to assist her.

 "What are you doing? Get off."

 "Don't be shy! I want to help you, just like you took care of me!"

 'That's not what I'm saying. You're probably exhausted too….'

 But Rita didn't say anything.

 Then Jisoo came into the room and reported. "Commander, I informed the president of Coffin. He said he can offer a device to help us to chase The Scavengers."

 "Perfect. Now, let us return in haste."

 Just like the night they remembered in our world, stars above greeting them with multiple colors. With Yubin and his Six Wings, Rita and Dash boarded to ADS Ash Savior.

 Their fates are now completely twisted, entering the new destiny.

 Looking outside the window, the garrison looked smaller and smaller. Dash watched it with pity in a sad mood. Rita asked.

 "Kid, what are you looking at? Was there something you left?"

 "No. It's just… that building will be completely forgotten now. It'd be so lonely…."

 "…Stop thinking weird stuff."

 Rita leaned her body and gently tapped Dash's head.

 "Ah, Ahaha… I'm sorry. It just felt like that… somehow."

 "Whatever. Now you act like Dash that I know, so it's fine."

 "Oh… I'm not entirely sure what does that mean…."

 Rita was trying to say something but gave up.

 Then from the ship's kitchen, Yubin brought some pizzas cooked in the microwave and laid them on the table. Dash poked it with her index finger.

 "Yikes, it's too hot…. Mr. Yubin, wasn't it hot for you?"

 "Well, I'm a Counter too. It wasn't too much."

 "Whoa… maybe your Counter rank is super high, then."

 Rita looked at Yubin with interesting eyes as he tried to eat them with chopsticks. "You don't use fork? Oh, right. I heard Japaneses prefer to use those things."

 Yubin replied as he ate. "Actually, I'm Korean."

 "My bad. Your colleague looks like one, so…." Rita turned her eyes to Jisoo and continued. "Right, an asian swordsman… it's called Samurai, right?"

 Jisoo took off her eyepatch and said. "Me? Japanese? Don't I look like a Korean?"

 '……?'

 Rita tilted her head. 'Why did she even cover her eye? It looks completely fine. Maybe she's trying to focus with her left eye?"

 Amy replied instead Rita. "Nah, I don't think so."

 "I didn't ask you."

 "To me, you look rather like a Taiwanese…."

 "I said, I didn't ask you."

 "No, but seriously, how can we recognize a Korean? Maybe eating Kimchi, wearing… Hanbok? Whatever? and doing Taekwondo… did I call it right?"

 Since Amy is talkative person, so she just kept saying even if Jisoo tried to stop her. but then again, Jisoo suddenly felt that question struck her head.

 'Come to think of it… she has a point. How am I different from others?"

 Just like that, Jisoo was lost in thoughts, and Amy next to her kept speaking something in Korean language.

 Anyhow as they're talking to themselves, Rita shrugged and bit the pizza. Dash too blew it a few times and began to eat.

 '…….'

 Rita thought. 'Well, it's just mediocre, I guess….'

 Even though she was still being cynical, she liked the warmth of it.

 '…Right.'

 Who are they anyway?

 At first, she assumed they might be an expedition force but they looked so different. Unlike the common Taskforce combatants armed with heavy firearms and armors, they looked so casual. And, only three of them are here, with this huge powerful dimensional warship.

 No….

 Rita knew it. The Counterside they had been was having completely different speed of time. It would be extremely difficult to them to receive the signal she sent.

 In other words, They came as if they knew Rita was here in the first place. That's the only way.

 Rita stopped eating and asked. "Can I ask something?"

 "Yes?"

 "How did you even know we were here? The communication devices in the base were so old, honestly I didn't expect it'd work. We didn't make it, right? Rather… you came here, knowing we were in trouble."

 Yubin answered. "Rita Arsenico of Horizon Finance. A few months before, ventured with Wilbur Whateley."

 What…?

 "Wait, you're not wrong about that but…." Rita opened her eyes wide. "How did it happen months ago, not a few days ago?"

 Then Dash too, raised her head and said. "That's right! There is no way that we could survive for months in there…."

 Yubin said. "The speed of time itself is related to the speed of light itself."

 "…What?"

 "Those so-called Countersides are parallel worlds, as you know. Each universe has its own physical laws."

 Rita and Dash only could vaguely guess what he meant.

 After glancing at the window, Yubin told her. "Anyway, then you probably don't know what happened recently in our world."

 "What happened?"

 "It'd be better to see by yourself."

 While they were talking, the ship already arrived on earth. From the floating ship Rita looked outside. There….

 "That's Italy, and there is Turkey… what is that? A strange ship is stuck on Istanbul…! Also, strange mist is coming from them. not just one, but so many others are out there… What is happening?"

 Yubin took a sip of cola, then answered.

 "Replacer, Terraside, Sythetic Corruption Wave… This world is on the verge of complete doom. It's rather unfortunate that you escaped from that hell just to face another one."

 .

 .

 .

 At orbit around the earth, The Capital ship of The Replacers.

 The man who was called Dominic stood silently. While he laid down his eyes upon earth, Replacer Queen came to his side.

 "Deputy Commander."

 "…It's you."

 Then Jaina, too, turned her eyes on earth as well.

 Breaking silence at last, King mumbled.

 "It's been a month… no, maybe more days passed."

 "Soon the world shall be ours," Queen said with a strangely excited voice. "Within three months, by Synthetic Corruption Wave mankind will be turned into Replacer like us: Half-Human and Half-Corruptor."

 King corrected her. "No, it's not ours. It is for new humanity."

 "…Right. Excuse me, sir."

 "……."

 King asked in a deep and charismatic voice.

 "What about Wilbur of Jehuty Biotech?"

 Jaina flipped her finger and ordered her subordinate behind the door.

 "Sir! Bishop, get him here!"

 Then the door which the electric lines of light flowing through its surface opened then Bishop dragged Wilbur to them.

 "You damn little…! Let me go, I didn't do anything wrong…!"

 Wilbur kept trying to shake off and struggle harder, but when he finally saw Replacer King then finally stopped out of fear.

 "Y-You are…!"

 "Dean Conner… no, Wilbur Whateley."

 His eyes in the helm shined blue.

 "…Elysium. You couldn't hide your pact from me in the end."

 "T-That's…."

 "Eckhart Society is nothing but the Darklord's pawns. Eventually they shall become the enemy of humanity… us."

 "W-Wait, I didn't know that! And have you ever warned me anything? no matter how dangerous friends I made, or how abnormal experiments that I conducted! A-And even you had a deal with them!"

 Replacer King said.

 "…You talk too much, and make me so as well. Do you think that I never could notice that? The only reason why I kept you was to see what the *scholar* of the society can do. You were sent here to spy on us…. we knew that from the very beginning."

 "What…? No way, how could you know… and how?"

 Then Wilbur's face became pale and begged for mercy.

 "N-No, I don't want to die! I will do anything! Y-Yes, I won't work for them anymore! And I can tell you everything about them that I know! Please, I will do anything!"

 "…Anything, you said?"

 "That's right! I will do anything for the glorious Replacers!"

 Then King turned his back and said as he walked out.

 "Your creativity is the only quality proven. …Make him Replacer Pawn."

 Queen saluted him. "Understood, sir!"

 Wilbur couldn't say anything, with a very shocked and terrified face, couldn't even dare to guess what will they do to him.

 And to the side of King walking alone, shadows waved and the voice of woman was heard.

 "…Pointless and worthless man, indeed."

 That voice belonged to only one and King knew it. Because it felt like as if the size of soul itself is filled with void. King replied without turning his body.

 "It seems like you're everywhere but also nowhere. How can you get in here without being noticed?"

 "It is what I am… and soon it shall be so."

 "Adversaria."

 "You can simply call me Ga-Eun."

 King now looked back at the girl, he saw her eyes like the star frozen. He questioned.

 "To destroy the Darklords I allied you. You understood that, are you not?"

 "You'd have no reason other than that to keep me around… even now what you feel about me is simply repulsion."

 Indeed King realized his mind was read. But quickly he tried to deny.

 "Emotion has no value on me. Soldiers are recognized for their devotion and contribution. Why would I hate you?"

 "…Do you want me to guess whether you're really believing what you said or not?"

 The man and the girl just looked at each other.

 "A relationship filled with hatred and doubt… it's no different from the world below. You too, are not bored with this, aren't you?" Ga Eun said.

 Then she just vanished, Like as she appeared from nowhere.

 "……."

 King couldn't find anything to say.

 What is this Ga Eun to him? She's definitely one of the most powerful Counter he has ever seen.

 But… more than that, he felt something very unfamiliar… such influence made him wonder. Why did he feel such negativity about her?

 …Perhaps this too is related to her Counter ability as well?

 Whenever King saw her, he couldn't feel anything but ominous feelings. but regardless The Replacer needs her skills now. So he decided to let this pass for now.

 At the same time….

 Morning. ADS Coffin, ADS Albion, ADS Ashsavior, all three ships were landed on the airfield, and everyone gathered in there.

 Yubin who discussed how to track down The Scavengers, Rita who is tousling Dash's hair as she's rubbing her eyes. Eddie and his team that casually wearing sunglasses and stood there without guns. Dorothy and her friends with very serious and slightly nervous eyes looking at the sky.

 Then there are Roy and Elizabeth talking to each other while Morgan and Ryan are checking the ship, next to them there is Lily following them and holding a tray. There is Regina thinking about something very seriously alone. Lycoris was calling someone with her phone, Lin Xien crossed her arms and looked at Aki talking with Lucid. Jisoo was asking Hansol about his sword, and Amy was dozing off in the corner.

 Then.

 Making clanking sounds, Olympian came with Jia.

 "You're late, Boss!" Dorothy yelled as soon as she saw it.

 Then everyone turned their heads in the direction. Up close they saw Jia walking with it as if linking her arms to Olympian's side arm part.

 "…Do you really have to walk like that?"

 Administrator said through Olympian's speaker.

 "Can I not?"

 "It's hard to move."

 "Then…." Jia raised her index finger to her cheek and thought for a while then asked like a little girl. "Can I ride on your back then?"

 "What?"

 …What is she thinking?

 As soon as they returned from England she acted like this.

 Through the screen Administrator could see her excited face, and he had no reason to deny that, however.

 "Fine, then."

 Then Administrator lowered the Olympian's canon. Jia sat down on it then the machine raised its posture so her body could slide down to its top. Jia felt like a witch on a broom, so giggled.

 "Fufu… Wow. You're so gentle."

 "……."

 As Olympian and she came to everyone, they glared at Jia. Administrator said. "Don't worry about her, She's having a little trouble on her legs."

 Dorothy said. "Oh… so that's why sis walked like that."

 "……."

 Did it look like that?

 To explain their strategic situation: President Jia said that her informant Jane contacted Revenant and finally found the hideout of The Wizard; Administratorian province of Japan was invaded by Corruptors so they asked the reinforcement.

 It's necessary to finish them both as quickly as possible. Not just for the Replacers but the Darklords are about to mobilize their army.

 Soon Administrator shall face a full-scale war. So if any of them are left unchecked, they could threaten Administratorian territory while the main force is dealing with the army of Corruptors.

 Olympian asked Elizabeth. "Lady Pendragon."

 "What is it?"

 "There are more enemies than we expected in Wizard. It might be better to send Lily and Lycoris there."

 Technically they're still being hired by Elizabeth.

 Lily didn't make any change of attitude, but Lycoris looked at both Olympian and Lisa with puzzled eyes. Elizabeth said with a slightly disapproval tone. "The head priestess of Nanahara said, they're attacked by Corrupted Divine Beast, Yamata no Orochi. Would we have a chance without them?"

 After the Edel incident, Prydwen Institutation decided to act together with Olympian and Coffin Company.

 '…Another divine beast.'

 Hansol and Quietus won't be necessary to deal with mediocre Replacers.

 Then perhaps….

 "Hansol and Aki will be reassigned to your group."

 "Sir Hansol, you say…?"

 Elizabeth glared at Hansol's Quietus which flares its hatred undying.

 That might be more than enough.

 "Very well. If we have both Sir Burnett and Sir Hansol…."

 Aki who just stood next to Lisa became nervous. '…Eh? Am I going to Japan?'

 And something like that dragon… again?

 Olympian said. "I fear the possibility our enemy might attack us during the operation. Jia and I will stay in the headquarters, just in case."

 Jia made a warm smile and waved her hand. In the monitor room Administrator read through the paper and said. "Then, I'll call the assigned combatants of each division."

 (0)Coffin HQ: Olympian, Jia, Lin, Eddie, Charlie, Jessica, Jisso.

 (1)Wizard Hideout: Dorothy, Skia, Liona, Lucid, Regina, Lily, Lycoris, Dash.

 (2)Japan: Hansol, Aki, Elizabeth, Ryan, Morgan, Roy, Amy.

 With that, they boarded ADS Coffin and ADS Albion, the two ships departed to their destination.

 And then the two who were not on the list: Yubin; Rita.

 To secure abducted Horizon from unexpected enemy, with ADS Ashsavior they jumped to the unknown dimension.

 About twenty minutes later.

 ADS Alibion reached Nanahara shrine.

 They could see a tall shrine gate which a few stone snakes wrapping up its pillars. Behind that, they could see the dimensional gate open.

 "Can you guys see that? Someone's already fighting." Hansol said. Then Aki recognized them. "Minato-san? Masaki-san? And… that must be Chifuyu-san!"

 They fought back hard to stop the Corruptors coming from beyond the darkness.

 Elizabeth also looked at them and mumbled. "So it was that much desperate like the head priestess said… if we delayed any longer then this position could have fallen to Corruptors." Then she expanded the wings of light and ordered. "Sir Hansol, we should join them at once! The rest of you will take orders from Sir Burnett!"

 Morgan reloaded his rifle, and Ryan pulled his gloves put on tightly. Roy raised his shield and spun the chain. Leaving them behind, Hansol followed Elizabeth who flew out from the ship like a jet.

 The green aura of Quietus ignited like the infernal flames.

 'This thing even can kill Darklords, huh?'

 …If the legend is true.

 Then whoever or whatever is the enemy, I'd have a chance.

 'From now on, maybe nobody has to die or hurt if I do well.'

 But such thought - not only gave him responsibility but also pressure too.

 Though Nanahara Chifuyu did her best, yet the battle was about to be overwhelmed.

 Just like a skilled Samurai of the Sengoku era, she cut down her enemies with unpredictable steps and leaps. But to the army of the netherworld was too much for one swordswoman.

 "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain… and, with this strike…!" As if dancing she swings her sword left and right, she controlled the space surrounding her and prevented Corruptor Onis holding nailed bats coming closer.

 As she wiped her forehead and looking at her front, Minato's arrow pierced the Oni at the left, following that from her right side the purple flame running on ground crashed into another Oni.

 But they reached their limit. Minato yelled desperately. "Chifuyu, too many of them are coming again!" Just when he pulled the string of his bow, an Oni attacked him. Barely could dodge it, Masaki threw another flame as covering fire.

 "I can handle as many as these kinds… Oryaah!"

 Another burn shot ended the life of Corruptor, effective as much as he bragged.

 Chifuyu slashed the neck of a Corruptor and said, while focusing on battle. "Then it's fine, Minato-kou. Tell my sister to send the reinforcements as quickly as possible."

 "But I can't leave you alone here!"

 "Nor I can allow myself to show my back to enemy. Also, I should protect our city from the Corruptors."

 "How can I go after I heard that?! Then… huh?"

 All of sudden, from the sky very sharp blue energy blades were falling.

 They struck down all the enemies, divine forces that thrust the head of Oni and other Corruptors encircling Chifuyu.

 "What's this…?"

 Then she saw a western woman who proudly stretched her azure wings.

 Chifuyu sheathed the katana and met Elizabeth's eyes. "I am the second daughter in House Nanahara, Nanahara Chifyu. I'm deeply grateful for your help."

 Then Elizabeth descended to ground slowly, gently picked the edge of both sides of her skirts, gracefully bowed. "Head of Pendragon family, Leader of the Prydwen, Elizabeth." She continued. "Just like they said, your swordsmanship is remarkable."

 Chifuyu tried to say something but immediately she heard another strange sound from the warp gate, she warned Elizabeth as she clenched her sword again. "Not yet. Be prepared, Elizabeth-sama."

 "Not yet…? Wasn't it over?"

 "They're coming!"

 And from the beyond of darkness more Corruptors came.

 There are more Oni-type Corruptors. Spider-type Youkai Corruptors that lower body is insect and upper body is woman, Youkai Corruptis with many eyes and arms, floating big eyes and hands, or Corrupted wolves or birds or foxes with many tails.

 Soon Roy positioned himself in the optimal formation considered(Only one of them used rifle and he was Morgan) thus it's the best for combatants to take melee stance. so, at both wings Amy and Ryan stood; in the centre Roy himself stood with his pitch-black shield.

 Crescent shaped formation, which is like what Hannibal used in the battle of Cannae: If this was used defensively in ancient battle then from edges it would be broken; but he commands Counters having different powers and durability.

 Roy shouted. "Come! We should take better ground!" Listening to that, Chifuyu and others rushed. Roy told to Morgan as he thoroughly looked at the foes.

 "Though I've fought many Corruptors, yet never have seen things like them before…."

 "I've read about the tales of Jipangu's monsters. Are you scared?"

 "What? I didn't say that. You know I have been the dare-devil from the kid."

 "Right, who can argue with that? You haven't changed one bit."

 When slightly exhausted Chifuyu passed him, Roy hit the ground with shield. "Amy, Ferrier! Forward! Aki, you assist Amy! Thaddeus, assist Ferrier! Go!"

 'Hmm….'

 Roy turned his head to look at both left and right wings, then looked at Elizabeth.

 'She became stronger than me. I said before, not a simpleton like me but a dignified princess like her is more suitable for leading our institution, but she really became a worthy leader.'

 Morgan said as he was shooting down the enemy. "Impressive! How could you guys hold back this many Corruptors?"

 From behind Morgan and Ryan, Masaki said. "I mean, barely. If you guys didn't come then we'd be dead." Though his speech manner was arrogant, his attitude was rather honest.

 Ryan cracked his fist. "So, this is demon of Japan. Very well, I always wanted to test my strength on something more… exotic." Then punched a Corruptor Oni, immediately it was knocked out.

 Minato went behind Amy and anxiously looked around, then recognized Aki. "Wait… Aki? Is that you? Why are you here?"

 "Ah…."

 "Oh, that's not important right now. Come on, we have monsters to defeat!"

 "I… umm."

 Amy also made a great performance. Many yoyos hung on her fingers, now they were spinning like electrons of atom, their blades cut down the Corruptors extremely quickly.

 "Wow, so these are the so-called Youkais? They looked very threatening in TV shows or movies." She feels no danger, apparently. "I think, even if I wasn't a Counter I might handle these!"

 Aki mumbled. "I couldn't expect Amy is this strong too…."

 But more are coming as much as they killed.

 With Elizabeth Hansol engaged, but unlike Lisa who aggressively sniped out the high-level Corruptors, he cautiously observed the situation. He wanted to see how the battle is developing now.

 He's beginning to develop the sense and perspective of commander too, learning under Olympian.

 '…I don't think we can win like this.'

 'No. Think again, Hansol. How many enemies are out there anyway? That's the most important thing, that I had to think about that.'

 'They're sending even more right now…. Though we took excellent formation, but not in a good position either. hmm?'

 Chifuyu suddenly ran forward all of sudden.

 "No! Even if she's a Counter, she was already tired…!"

 She certainly looked like so.

 Chifuyu was a woman with determined personality. Even now she's overestimating herself, decided to take another challenge by herself.

 Facing a Spider Corruptor, she tried to cut off its leg….

 But she whiffed.

 And, from its mouth, it spat out web. Though Chifuyu dodged one and another, tried to attack it at the same time, but it didn't work.

 "*puff* *puff* W-Why…?"

 Did they send stronger enemies?

 Or maybe there be still a weakness in her mind?

 That's not it.

 Even before her adolescence, she dedicated her life to Samuraihood and walked the path of swordsman.

 Whatever the enemy she would face, She will have a duel with them. The only thing she needed was a sword. That's why she didn't care even if she became the lowest Rank Counter. Because she will not permit herself to rely on anything but her honest swordsmanship. But….

 Her body itself was attuned to the strength from Counter Watch, even if it wasn't that significant.

 Because of that, when her CRF energy was exhausted, she felt her body wasn't like what it used to be. So, when the Spider Corruptor spewed out web again, she couldn't avoid it.

 "Ku… How could I?"

 How cunning…!

 The Spider Corruptor knew that Chifuyu would dodge, so it repeated as if setting up traps in chaotic patterns on unpredictable spots to corner her, and now she was ensnared.

 Pinch.

 Her heart raced by the instilled, natural fear.

 But Chifuyu is very strong at the moment like this. She closed her eyes. The voice and sound around her became muffled: Her focus was only seeking the murderous intention of her enemy.

 'With the mind's eye… I will feel it…!"

 The Corruptor must seize this chance and try to deliver a deadly blow. I must cut it down at the exact moment.

 Only one chance is given.

 But as she concentrated her mind like that, Instead she could feel the utterly destructive and insanely hostile presence between her and the enemy.

 "W-What… What is this? No way, is this Orochi herself…?!"

 That was Hansol. And his sword, Quietus, didn't really cut the enemy but rather completely annihilated the very existence of enemy from its soul. The Spider Corruptor turned into green ashes and screeching extremely loud sound as if tearing its own lung.

 'This is….'

 What even is this?

 Unexplainable emotions filled his heart.

 Awe? Conscience?

 Hansol tightly held his sword. Then he slashed his sword in half-moon shape against the Corruptors.

 As they were hit by the green fires released from Quietus, they moved their limbs crazy. Soon their heads were falling as if withered leaves, body whole went rotten, then even the ashes are burnt to nothingness.

 Elizabeth looked at that and mumbled. "The sword which can even defeat Darklords… It is as strong as the legend told, though I couldn't expect it this much."

 …What if.

 If we could find Hansol much sooner….

 Hansol stared at his sword. When he felt the instinct of danger, he swung the sword at that direction. Those human hands like blooming flowers from the ground were all dry dead, as if their souls be inactive.

 The projectiles of fire completely wiped out everything in that direction as well.

 'With this power, I can even obliterate Sollicitatio…!'

 But Hansol now realized his own thought was changed very unusual way.

 Something inside him has been also altered… it's not mere his attitude.

 Looking at the mess created by cold-blooded and desolate Quietus, Roy muttered as he finished off a Corruptor with his chain. "When I picked it up, it wasn't even doing anything." Then threw the chain and pierced a flying Corruptor, pulled it then bashed it with shield.

 "Sir Hansol, eh? I never expect that there will be two knights for Prydwen."

 Though the word knight itself doesn't mean that much to him, but he felt strangely friendship with Hansol.

 Hansol turned his eyes to the warp gate again.

 Already horde of Corruptors were completely gone by the flames of Quietus.

 "What… is this? Did you slay them all?"

 Chifuyu asked as she finally wiped out web on her face.

 There was nothing but green ashes and completely violated corpses of Corruptors. She asked. "…I couldn't imagine that a powerful warrior like this still exists in modern times. May I ask your name?"

 "I'm Yang Hansol of Fenril Squad in Coffin Company, second in command."

 Chfiyu opened her eyes wide. "…Squad? And you mean, you're not a captain?"

 She couldn't believe it. What kind of company that is? And someone like him is merely an assistant squad leader?

 "For now, I'm deputy squad leader."

 Hansol asked. "But that's not important. We don't want to drag this battle any further. Where is Orochi?"

 Chifuyu answered. "These Half-Youkai and Half-Corruptors were come from the Mirror World, obeying to the old snake god, Orochi. It is apparent that she's commanding them from there."

 "Mirror World…?"

 "My apologies. It's our term for calling Counterside. Long before in this land, our priestesses dealt with Corruptors and Corruption Waves."

 Chifuyu closed her eyes for a moment then opened, showing her strong-willed eyes. "To prevent more coming to this world, we must destroy a certain object that opened this warp gate."

 "How many enemies are out there?"

 "I do not know."

 …….

 Should I go inside?

 While thinking something like that, Elizabeth came down and said. "What will you do, Sir Hansol?" She heard everything and asked.

 "What if I go alone?"

 "It is commendable of your courage and bravery, but if we cannot take a risk to lose you."

 Chifuyu also said. "I, too, disagree with that. Even with your otherworldly power, to deal with Orochi you must proceed with caution." Then she asked Elizabeth. "Is there any other suggestion?"

 "I propose… that my ship has stealth function. ADS Albion can carry us undetected, so we can destroy the object and return immediately."

 Chifuyu smiled. "A brilliant plan, Elizabeth-kou." Hansol nodded. "I agree too."

 Lisa met their eyes then she too, gave a small nod. Then she ascended and shouted to Roy. "Roy! We're going inside that warp gate with Albion so hold the position until we return!"

 Roy deflected attack from a Corruptor rushing toward him, and defeated it by thrusting chain on its neck. He then looked at Lisa and yelled. "What? Why are you doing that all of a sudden?!"

 "You fool, how long do you think we can hold our position like this?"

 "Are you kidding me? That definitely looks like a trap! We should wait for more reinforcements-"

 "If I be careful then what will be even a problem?!"

 Actually it's reasonable for being cautious like Roy. But in this situation, both risk and reward should be considered. Though… Lisa always being like this. If she had something on mind, then she must have to do it.

 Knowing his childhood friend always acted like this, he sighed and shouted. "Okay, fine! Do it then!"

 "I won't forgive you if you lose to mere Corruptors before we return!" She said so, and called ADS Albion and grabbing the hands of both Hansol and Chifuyu, she boarded the ship with them.

 Watching them from a distance Roy muttered. "You, too… be careful. It's not like I can protect you like before."

 Into the so-called "Mirror World", Counterside….

 After ADS Albion finished the jump, they could see a lot of things were different from regular "Other World". They could see nothing of modern civilization(even if it's Corrupted or ruined) but distorted scenery of wilderness.

 Could this be also considered as Corruptors as well? Anyway, they passed the forest and river, they could see the old medieval Japanese town.

 Perhaps sensing something, Chifuyu opened her eyes sharply and said. "It might be around here…."

 "…Is that a person?" Lisa muttered as she saw a man who looked nothing like Corruptors. Chifuyu explained. "In this land, long before there were many warriors who tried to avenge their lords by borrowing the power of Corruptors. Foolish men of Sengoku-era who believed such action as loyalty."

 She closed her eyes and muttered poetically. "…Fell to evil, due to their promise sworn to be good. How ironic, how Miserable."

 Hansol looked down. Many Onimushas in Chonmage hairstyle, made a very serious face and their eyes looked like burning flames in darkness.

 Hansol told the two. "While Albion is maintaining stealth, I will go down and destroy something connects this dimension with ours. But I don't know what should I search and break…."

 Chifuyu unsheathed her katana. "I will accompany you. This specific Counterside has the identical terrain, like the reflected version of real world. This looks like our town… then we need to go to the shrine."

 Elizabeth released the winged energy from her back. "Then I will stay here. Since only I can fly, I can defend the ship from any flyers coming."

 "Very well."

 "Good luck. Hansol-kou, this way…."

 From invisible ADS Albion the two swordsmen landed on the rooftop of old Japanese house, then like ninjas they jumped from building to building. Though it's rather unfamiliar maneuver to him, Hansol could mimic Chifuyu's technique thanks to Counter Watch's power.

 Skillfully they could not be detected by those fallen Samurais - "Shadow" Corruptors - and safely reached the shrine of The Mirror World.

 Hansol looked around. "I see… it's really resembled to our world. Mirror World, huh? That name surely makes sense…."

 So Counterside like this, too, exists. Hansol thought.

 Inside the temple, they could find the warp gate linking to their reality.

 Chifuyu suddenly raised her right hand to stop Hansol. Maybe she felt something hostile. "Orochi… It's strange. That beast isn't here."

 '…What? She said as if that Corruptor is supposed to be here."

 Hansol asked. "Why did you think you could find her here?"

 "That Dimensional Lift is the ancient spell cast by Orochi herself. Isn't it strange? The snake herself opened the path but she's not guarding it."

 …What?

 "Then this is our chance, isn't it?"

 "It's uncertain. This might be a trap set up by that cunning beast."

 Chifuyu said. "Anyhow, it's the situation that we must walk into a serpent's mouth. I will such for the source of spell energy, so can you watch my back?"

 Hansol silently nodded, and Chifyu walked up the stairs without making noises.

 In front of them… It was strange.

 No enemy was found. This made Chifuyu more alert, so she poked and touched the Temple's gate, urn, and cash box, almost every object there with doubt.

 "Oh… *Sigh*."

 It's tiresome.

 '…If my sister was here then she could do it easily.'

 She lacked talent for something like this. That's why she chose the path of warrior and not priest. But doing this really reminds her of the old days.

 And no matter how much she tried to focus to detect the presence of evil or Corruptor, it's difficult.

 Then.

 By instinct of warrior she felt something.

 She knew it. She heard the footsteps not belonged to Hansol.

 "Who's there?!" Chifuyu yelled in an angry voice. The waves on the ground becoming more and more louder.

 She moved her blade quickly, but it was coming from behind. Too late to react, she thought, she couldn't dodge this attack.

 Kang!

 However with the sound of steels clashing, the sneak attack was blocked by Hansol.

 It was her.

 "You brought a strange friend… Swordswoman of Nanahara." Replacer Bishop, the pink-haired woman with the mask.

 But they couldn't even guess who she was.

 "Who are you…?" Hansol pointed his blade at her. Chifuyu also came next to him, and she looked at the surrounding area whether there were more enemies or not.

 Bishop said. "It's really not important who am I- W, What?!"

 Nobody expected or assumed this is going to happen, not only Bishop but Hansol himself too.

 This sword of hatred actually tainted her steel claw with fires of oblivion which was eating the metal and rotting to nothingness, eventually or rather quickly crawling toward her arm.

 "T-Tch! W-What is this? What even is this?!"

 She quickly pulled herself back and threw her weapon. The green flame literally burnt the material itself, even the ashes, nothing was left there.

 Chifuyu couldn't believe her own eyes.

 To her the power like this is unthinkable. When warriors fight each other they're exchanging attacks and defending steel with steel. Not only he predicted this assassin's move but just that blocking led to this consequence….

 'This man… not only his skill of swordsman, but his sword itself is… too powerful."

 What blade is that? There are other swords like that in Korea?

 'What if I met this man as an enemy….'

 "Chifuyu, you can attack her from behind while I'm facing her."

 "Got it."

 Bishop mumbled.

 "If Orochi was here…." Chifuyu opened her eyes wide as she was running.

 Hansol just approaches her as he holds burning Quietus firmly.

 Bishop threw a smoke bomb in return. Then quickly, she ran in the other direction. With that probably they couldn't know where even she is, so she can swiftly move around and shoot them.

 Just like the same style she used against Yubin.

 However….

 "You can't escape!" Chifuyu said as she grabbed Bishop's neck from behind who tried to pull off her pistol. The enemy was subdued very easily, and unexpectedly.

 "Girl, you knew who Orochi is."

 In thick smoke, she moved the blade to her neck.

 "Answer me. Who are you? How did you come here? Why did you attack us? If you honestly answer then I will spare your life."

 "I thought I could enjoy this a little bit more… but it was over so quickly."

 "Do not spit out unnecessary words. My blade is sharp."

 Though Chifuyu rather has a beautiful voice of refined lady, yet her tone now is threatening and fearsome. But Bishop wasn't scared and made a mocking smile.

 "Unnecessary, you said? I don't think it's not good to admit the skill of one's opponent. So, with respect you deserve… The second daughter of Hourse Nanahara, you came here to close the warp gate, aren't you?"

 "……."

 She leered at Bishop without a word. A few seconds later she answered. "Indeed so."

 "Then destroy Torii, shrine gate of this mirror world. You saw the stone snakes in real world, right?"

 "You mean…? Those statues were working as mediums?"

 "Hmm… Hmm… Yes, perhaps you can say so. It's auxiliary devices. If you cannot destroy that, then it does not do anything. Well, that's all the hints I can give. Can you let me go now?"

 Chifuyu held her katana to her throat. "I still have questions. Who are you? What is you to Orochi?"

 "No way, you're begging more hints? You must play fair."

 "You concubine of Corruptor, did you forget that your neck is held by me?"

 "Oh, how scary. Fufu, Fufufufu…."

 At that moment.

 All of sudden, from somewhere… very disturbing screams, crying voices were heard. As if they were fallen into unthinkable pain and pleasure, that very distorted so can't tell even whether it's from man or woman, let alone how many of them are.

 They were come from Bishop's body.

 Chfuyu was startled for a second, but she gripped Bishop's arm harder. "You dare to test the Samurai's gut?"

 But Hansol was different. He immediately remembered. He heard this and saw this. Edel. Edel used this strange move. So he urged Chifuyu. "Get off from her, Now!"

 "Hansol-kou… What's the matter?"

 Hansol yelled. "It's very similar to the enemy whom I fought before! It's dangerous!"

 Then Chifuyu felt something from her fingers. Bishop's arm, as if grotesque and small worms are moving, so in hesitation she persuaded herself that she's doing this not because she's a coward but Hansol's advice, she released Bishop.

 Bishop taunted her with amused face. "What happened to Samurai's gut?" Then Chifuyu could see the surface of her body is waving unstably as if black maggots dancing. "Shame, if it was slightly late then I could get you."

 And then, Bishop itself sucked into the ground, it seemed so.

 While the smoke blocking their sight was gone, Hansol saw the shadow of Bishop was also disappearing. "She's doing the same thing with that Darklord…!" Then remembering his sword threw green fires to his enemy, he swung Quietus at her.

 'Wait… can I use it like this?' Though it was rather uncertain since Hansol barely knows anything about this artifact, but thankfully it responded as he intended. five burning hatred erased the thick air and flied to his foe. But….

 "Our meeting is over for now. Don't need to miss me, though. I will see you soon… Fufu."

 He didn't act fast enough.

 Bishop escaped with the darkness beneath her feet, And the green energies from Quietus just ran into the shrine gate and its pillars, then the structure collapsed.

 Just like Bishop said, the warp gate itself was starting to distort and twist from inside then completely gone.

 "…What an amazing power, Hansol-kou. You're remarkably strong." Even though Chifuyu is obviously aware that Hansol is her ally but witnessing the tremendous strength of Quietus made her terrified. "I never have seen any sword like that. What's its name? What exactly is it?"

 But since he himself doesn't know it well so Hansol said in an uncertain voice. "It's called Quietus and they said it's used to kill the Dark Lord in the past… but not more than that I know."

 "…Is that so?"

 "Though it doesn't feel completely over, but I guess our plan is succeeded. look, Miss Elizabeth is coming, we should move."

 In the direction Hansol pointed with his finger, ADS Albion was coming as it turned off the stealth field. Elizabeth was flying next to it, seemingly fought with something. Chifuyu silently withdrew her Katana.

 '…Indeed, it's strange as he said. What's the point of this invasion if they'd end it like this?'

 'Who was that woman exactly…? Hansol-kou said he fought her before, obviously somewhere else. Then his enemy also came to Japan…? for what?'

 The more she thinks, the more questions come up. Chifuyu shakes her head and decided to report everything to her sister. Anyway, Chinatsu probably knows the situation better than herself.

 They went to Nanahara estate.

 At night that shiny moon greets, In the front yard where the Sakura petals falling. As they met Nanahara's head priestess Chinatsu she was informed of everything happened in the day.

 Hansol heard that while they were fighting with Bishop, Elizabeth confronted Orochi who came from nowhere.

 Chinatsu sincerely apologized that even though she knew that, she had to send local Counter or Taskforce units, but she also feared that Orochi might create another portal from the Mirror World to invade in another path so couldn't act. Regardless nobody blamed her since the defense was successful at the end.

 For the upcoming battle, they discussed until the night.

 The goal was very simple: To seal or kill off this Divine Beast Orochi. However, since it was a very obscure subject that nobody knows about her that much, they couldn't come up with any brilliant idea and only exchanged the vestige of information about so-called ancient guardians.

 When Chinatsu looked at the Japanese clock hung on the wall, she clapped and said. "We should eat dinner. Oh, I know! How about doing barbecue party?"

 'Right! Chifuyu, too, really likes it.'

 'Also, since our guests are from far distant lands, I fear they wouldn't like Natto and other vegetables."

 Though she was thinking that….

 Rather Elizabeth was slightly disappointed since she expected exotic traditional Japanese dishes. Though Chinatsu suggessted in a very bright mood, so she didn't feel like to give her own suggestion.

 And that was an hour ago.

 In free time, Hansol was just napping in his room then he awoke because of the sounds that two people talking.

 What are they speaking?

 "Don't worry, it's totally fine."

 "No, Masaki. Why would he allow that? It's very dangerous weapon."

 "Do you think he'd act so petty like Japaneses?"

 "What…? You're Japanese. Why do you talk about your own people like that? I don't understand…."

 Hansol rubbed his eyes and put on glasses, opened the door.

 "Uh… well, I was sleeping inside, Did you not know? Haha…."

 Maybe he was born with a good and kind nature, his attitude was still quite polite.

 Minato hurried to apologize. "Look, we were too loud, you know! I'm very sorry…."

 But Masaki on the other hand, just acted like usual. "I mean, we're about to eat dinner anyway. Well… Oh, there it is!" And then he went to touch the sword Hansol used. "Wow… so what's the name of this big boy again?"

 Masaki asked while he closely looked at its blade and handle.

 "Yo, bro. Wasn't this shooting fire or something like that?"

 Hansol crossed his arms. "It seems that only works when I wield it. Lady Elizabeth and Sir Roy said even they can't do that."

 "Oh, is that so? Can you show me?" Then Masaki handed over the sword while he was grabbing its blade.

 …Though that might be the right manner in other situation, since this artifact is a very dangerous weapon….

 Hansol made a dry laugh. "Well… you should be more cautious to treat that artifact. Put it down, I will show you."

 "Oh, you're right."

 Masaki carefully dropped it. "Here."

 Then Hansol picked it up then swings it twice. From its blade the undying hatred which is green desolate flame coldly erupted again. The two looked at it with intrigued eyes.

 Especially Masaki himself.

 "Oh… great. It's even with my purple flame!"

 But Hansol stared at it with very serious eyes. It's unsure even for himself what was he thinking or feeling.

 Not realizing his attitude, Masaki asked casually. "How does this even work? Is it created by Administratorate?"

 "Lady Elizabeth said the sword itself chose me."

 "Okay, That sounds like a medieval knight fairytale."

 Then Masaki looked at Hansol's face and asked.

 "Right, I'm sorry but I have stupid memory but… your name is Hansol, right?"

 "Yes. And you're Masaki, and…."

 For some reason, Hansol already felt comfortable with Masaki, but looking at Minato, he looks like to prefer to not be that much personal yet.

 "Minato-san, right?"

 "Yes? Ah, Yes."

 Then Masaki acted friendly. "Oh, You're remembering our names? They said hero recognizes heroes."

 Hansol kept making dry laugh. "Ah, ahaha… Well, I guess so."

 "That's right! See, Minato. How about recruiting him in Ogami Masterminds?"

 "What? That's just your own thing. Well… shouldn't you ask him first?"

 "Right, right. How about that, Hansol? You will make a great member."

 Hansol politely declined….

 "Well… that's a very glamorous proposal, but I need time to consider…."

 "Tell me whenever you like."

 Then Masaki said after he saw the phone screen.

 "It's about time!"

 "You mean the dinner?"

 "Yeah. Probably they finished the preparation."

 Then Masaki grabbed Hansol's hand and went outside. Minato followed, scratching his head.

 When they were outside they could smell roasting beef. Ryan and Morgan changed their attires to something more casual. But Roy was in that same black one….

 The formal suit looks like long coat.

 Shirt.

 White tie.

 …And sunglasses.

 How can he even see anything when he's wearing sunglasses at night?

 Hansol asked. "Sir Roy, so… you're still wearing the same thing."

 "What?"

 "You don't have to wear that all time, isn't it?"

 "Yes, I have to. Why not anyway?"

 Morgan said as he threaded the meat and vegetable onto the skewer. "Just leave him alone, Hansol. He even sleeps without changing his clothes."

 "Whatever… it just feels right."

 Ryan smiled. "Remember what grandmaster Burnett said? To be a real gentleman, your suit and body must become one."

 Morgan replied as he took a bite. "Yeah, I do. Funny words."

 "The man was so uptight even for the standard of the institution."

 "Maybe we're not being too strict for Roy…."

 While listening to them, Roy yawned. "Man, you guys are always ending up talking about me."

 "……."

 Not interrupting their conversation, Hansol thought.

 'Prydwen Institution… What kind of organization is it? Though we became friends but I know nothing about them.'

 Maybe he should ask Boss since he knows a lot, thinking something like that, Aki called from there. "Hansol! Masaki-san, Minato-san!" Amy also was sitting next to her and drinking soda.

 Minato said. "Man… I'm hungry already. Hansol, let's go."

 "Sure."

 But then something crossed Hansol's mind.

 "Do you know Aki?"

 "Well, I do. She said she went to Korea and we couldn't see each other for a long time."

 "Is that so? No, wait… was that the time around when she joined Coffin Company?"

 Minato shook his head.

 "No, she needs to meet her friend in Korea… Min Seo, I believe?"

 "I haven't heard that before. She didn't even tell anything about herself."

 "She's… a girl like that."

 But after saying that Minato somewhat felt bad because it sounded like he talked about Aki badly, so rephrased it. He too, like Hansol, rather kind and sincere guy.

 "I mean… it's not bad, but she's the type of person that not talking about herself but listening to others."

 "Ha, haha… well, you're right."

 Then the three came and sat down.

 Aki asked Masaki.

 "Hey, What were they talking?"

 Masaki seemed to not care at all. "I don't know."

 "Oh… you're so petty. Always being like that."

 "You can ask them by yourself."

 "No. I think they won't tell."

 "…Then why did you even bother me?" As Masaki grumbles, Amy says: "Hansol, Chinatsu and Elizabeth called you. They want to sit together with you to discuss something…? Or whatever."

 "Oh, okay. Where are they?"

 "Look, there."

 "Huh. How couldn't I see it?"

 Hansol stood. "Then, excuse me…."

 The rest was starting to eat. Minato grabbed the soda on his side, Masaki was bickering with Aki for trivial subjects, and Amy was just eating without any word.

 Party, huh?

 It wasn't so bad. The wind feels very nice and cool. In his eyes the stars illuminate much brighter colors than usual. Hansol felt like his life of struggle against Corruptors felt like a lie at this moment, as he seeing his friends joyously eat and laugh together.

 "So… Amy said the Priestess called me."

 "Oh, Hansol-sama!"

 Then Chinatasu pulled the chair next to her and asked him to sit. "Well, it's nothing. I hoped to learn more about Coffin Company and others from you."

 As Elizabeth put down the cup on the table and said, Chifuyu spoke at the same time.

 "Sir Hansol, This…"

 "Hansol-kou, That…"

 Lisa looked at Chifuyu and making a gesture with hand. Chifuyu nodded, and said to him. "That power you showed me at noon was unforgettable. With your help, we could stop the invasion from Mirror World. Thank you."

 Though he didn't think about that by himself….

 That wasn't feat which mere one swordsman can accomplish. He was busy to fight everything in front of him, but how did it look to others?

 "It was my glory to protect this land, fight together with a true warrior like you."

 "You honor me too much…."

 Though it was a shallow imitation of his own impression of knight, Chifuyu smiled.

 Chifuyu then made a serious look again. "We reported this battle to your boss. He had a hunch about the enemy we faced…."

 "I can explain from there, Sir Hansol." Elizabeth said as she was drinking tea.

 "Actually, Yubin of Six Wings already encountered with her before. Bishop, from the Replacers…."

 "…What? Replacer?"

 Chinatsu said. "Strange, isn't it? I really couldn't understand why the Replacers have anything to do with this."

 "But that's probably true. Our boss has really strange connections… I believe what he said is absolutely true, and that worries me more. Not just for Orochi but Replacers too…."

 However.

 Still we have Quietus, Sir Roy, and Lady Elizabeth. And House Nanahara as well….

 "Yet, I'm very sure we can handle this."

 Was it a mistake that they could see something malevolent in his eyes?

 Though from his voice and attitude, they could see a knight who will bravely face any enemy without fear.

 Lisa took a sip of tea.

 'Indeed….'

 If she herself is the wing, then Roy is shield, Sir Hansol is sword.

 All pieces are prepared. And just like that Orochi is Divine Beast: She herself has that strength.

 "Lady Pendragon, what do you think about the current situation?"

 "We haven't encountered any Replacers yet. More than anything, to them Japan isn't strategically important region since they didn't even throw Lost Ship. Also, I asked Miss Chinatsu what enemy she had to deal with until this point… they were all Youkais… Corruptors, never they have seen any Replacer."

 "Then what about the possibility that Replacer units were gathered here but chose to not engage with us yet?"

 "It's highly unlikely. They're using all their strength in North America region. True, there are so many strange points we can't overlook. If they were allied then why the Replacers wouldn't aid Orochi's Youkai forces? But if they're having no relation then why this… Replacer Bishop was appeared at there?"

 Elizabeth continued. "But then… this Replacer Bishop, they used her for assassination or espionage. No unit is assigned to her."

 Hansol crossed his arms and nodded. "The equipment she had was also just for hand-to-hand melee combats too."

 Elizabeth said. "It is clear that we must defeat Orochi in order to end this issue. She's the one who sent the Corroptor Youkais, and opened the portal. I can't really imagine Replacers participated in this that much." She took a sip of tea again.

 'She's right… with the sword that can kill even the Darklord.'

 They're so finished.

 I will destroy them.

 Whatever or whoever they are, I will make them give up their own soul.

 …….

 '…Huh?'

 What… why did I think that…?

 "……."

 …Whatever.

 Hansol kept thinking as he sighed.

 Though it didn't feel that bad, but his mind didn't take any clear direction or attitude.

 It's not like he feels any depression or powerless feelings. but….

 'Isn't the mercy the virtue of knight? But then….'

 …….

 Hansol shook his head. Something, rather unfamiliar ideas kept crossing his head.

 'Not right now that I need to think about something like this. I don't need to feel guilty since it's not like about war between mankind….'

 Hansol never considered himself a sadistic individual, but also he didn't really care whether Corruptors felt pain or not.

 And clearly he can say so right now, this is the struggle between Corruptor Aliens and Humans. Fair but bitter fights.

 "Well…."

 Hansol looked at Chinatsu. The priestess seemed to listen to the air that cherry blossom petals dancing by soothing breezes. Maybe she felt Hansol's gaze upon her, Chinatsu opened her eyes gently.

 "Tonight is very soft and warm. Don't you think?"

 "I think so."

 Upon her graceful auburn hair a leaf was fallen, then it leniently flew away to the sky again. In the mood of impression to watch the white moon soaking under the deep blue sky, she raised her Sake cup as if trying to receive its light in it, her swinging sleeves and skirt were flowing like her tender smile.

 Though Hansol didn't look deep much into her appearance personally, She definitely had the dignity and beauty of old Japanese priestess who inherited the tradition and prestige.

 "This land is the blessing of Mother Nature herself. For all lives and the great river and mountains, just like our founding mothers persisted in preserving it, I will protect them even if I have to give up my own life. So I pray to wind, may I become beneficial for the friends who help us."

 With those words, she filled her mouth. Chifuyu only closed her eyes with a stern look. Also, maybe Lisa thought the young priestess is good enough for her, she smiled and held out her cup.

 Then Chinatsu poured Sake with elegancy.

 "You see, maybe our destiny was intertwined from long before… never expected that there was a bloodline chosen by the divine beast in the far west."

 "*giggle* You see, unusual powers are always calling each other."

 "This is my gratitude for you, Hansol-kou." Chifuyu too, grabbed the sake bottle and served Hansol.

 Then, strangely Chinatsu made a cute, mewling voice. "Aww, Chifuyu! It was my duty to take care of the honored guests!"

 For some reason, Chifuyu made a grin. "For this but I can't give up, milady. We're sharing a drink as fellow warriors." Then Chifuyu stretched her hand holding a cup. "Mine too, I ask." Hansol did so as well.

 "All the paths of strength are to lead the one at the end. Let this night become an unforgettable one for each other. You're the true knight whom I respect, also I hope to be remembered as an honest and strong Samurai. Let the sky and earth say, fate guided us to remember each other."

 Like that, the knight and the samurai exchanged their cups, they did so-called the ceremony Sakazuki.

 .

 .

 .

 Meanwhile, ADS Coffin is en route to Gronia.

 Regina was sitting on a chair and looked outside the window. She can't help herself but keep thinking what was Edel tried to do to her or where Rivet went without a word to her. Why? How? She could only hope that she might meet them again, if she'd work together with Coffin Company that saved her.

 Then she looked at a young woman whtih dark blue hair, so she said to everyone. "Look! I think I found that Revenant…!"

 Lily and Lycoris in the bridge heard that and landed the ship. Lucid woke up Dorothy, Skia, Liona. When Regina tried to leave, Dash approached.

 "Umm… Miss Regina?"

 "Yes?"

 She was about to say but suddenly she felt so cold and shivered. Regina sighed. "It'd better to not come close. That's my Counter ability."

 "But, Y-You know, I wanted to talk to you, but you seem to be lost in your own thought…."

 "Is that so?"

 Though she herself didn't really mean it, but she gave the unfriendly aloof impression of obscure aristocrat. Still, Dash tried really hard to find the word to keep the conversation… though it didn't work at the end.

 They met Revenant.

 When Leah finally saw them, she made a thin smile.

 "You guys are from Coffin Company? I've been waiting for you."

 Lily said. "So you're the informant who the master mentioned."

 "Master? Oh, did you mean the boss? Or the president of Alphatrix? Sure. Anyway… call me Leah."

 Lycoris tilted her head. "But isn't that your real name? Why did you…?"

 "To my good-hearted friends, I want to be remembered as who really I am."

 After looked at the combatants, she asked. "But young ladies like you are also part of this plan?" Dorothy reacted. "Sometimes we can do better than the adults like you."

 Leah made a soft, gentle expression. "No… I didn't mean it that way. You guys are doing great. I wish I had a sister like you."

 Dorothy took it seriously. Maybe she also sympathized with her mood from seeing the ruins of Gronia. "…I think, there are many children here too wanting to have family. If you did really mean that… when the world becomes peaceful again, let's take care of them together."

 "……." After Leah heard her words, she looked rather satisfied.

 "Sorry, I was being too serious." Then she lifted her back from the wall. "We have a lot of things to do."

 Twenty minutes later.

 Trying to not be detected, they turned ADS Coffin into auto-control mode and reached the hideout of Wizard on foot.

 Lucid said. "Heron is there… The Wizard who bullied us looked so tall and scary… but now they become so small."

 Revenant answered. "Well… it could've been expected." Lucid made a curious face. "Umm, why?"

 "Unlike Wilbur's Jehuty Biotech, Heron's faction wasn't even that big in the first place. She was just an underling who abducted children for Wilbur's projects. Even her staffs were mostly sent by Wilbur or mercenaries."

 "But Wilbur was finally brought to justice by Colonel Karin."

 Just like Lucid said, with the help of Olympian, Karin could destroy their company. Not just for that, with the collected evidence and the data she recieved from Administrator, Karin proved Wilbur as an undeniable criminal and Jehuty met complete downfall. But Wilbur himself could manage to escape.

 "Speaking of that Wilbur… he's here too."

 Not just for Heron, but Wilbur who was turned into Replacer Pawn is waiting in that building.

 "Really?"

 "Well, I guess it's obvious consequence. Heron and Wilbur always worked together, And he had nowhere to go anyway."

 "I see…."

 A bit worried eyes, Leah saw the Replacer guards from afar and told Lucid.

 "Did your boss say Wilbur has a connection to the Replacers?"

 "He told us. …I was there too when they were doing experiments on me."

 "…Unfortunate. Then, as you already assumed, Those guys… they're not normal people. They're all Half-Corruptors. This might be difficult…."

 Then Revenant turned her head and looked at everyone.

 "Let's get this over with. See, You guys came here for Heron, right?"

 Dorothy said. "Yes."

 Leah's hands were still in her pocket, and she moved her chin in that direction and pointed out. "This is their last base. That much, it's hard to get through. We need a plan. so…."

 She glanced at Lily and Regina. Perhaps she thought Regina is stronger, so she asked. "You're Regina, right? I read the data your boss gave to me, and I think you're the strongest Counter in here…."

 "I am Regina. …Though not sure about the part of being the strongest."

 "Okay. So, can you handle all those Replacers by yourself?"

 "I don't think so."

 Revenant continued. "Figured. Not that I blame you, even I can't do it. anyway, just assaulting the frontal gate will fail. What do you think, Ms. maid?"

 Lily answered. "Surely it won't work. How about this? As Counters are engaging with the enemy at the entrance, the other team sneaks into the building and assassinates Heron… if she's trying to escape with aircraft then we must bombard it with rockets."

 Lycoris said. "Isn't that… what Olympian did?"

 "Hmm?"

 "I also read Karin's battle report. Boss did the same thing there."

 Lycoris was clearly in doubt. "Do you know why did it work? The enemy couldn't do anything against Olympian. But do you think you can withstand all those guns Replacers have by yourself?"

 "Obviously, I and Miss Regina, and you Lycoris should work together. If we try hard then it might work."

 Regina felt absurd after hearing that. Anyway even before she objects, Lycoris yelled in disapproval. "Try hard? That's not how it works! No, never! It's just suicidal!"

 "Then what do you propose, Lycoris?"

 "I don't know but yours isn't right."

 "Why are you only complaining? At least I suggested a plan."

 "Hey! Don't say it like that, and that's not even a plan you came up with anyway!"

 "*Sigh*…." Leah turned her eyes to Regina again. "So, you got any better idea?" Regina silently shook her head. Then they wasted ten or twenty minutes for nothing but an argument between Lily and Lycoris.

 Skia and Liona also thought about what they should do. But Dorothy clearly didn't look happy and kick a rock, since they had to do but stand here and talk. Heron is just right there.

 Then Lucid saw Dash was sitting and hesitating rather than thinking so asked her. "Dash, what's wrong? Do you have something to say?"

 "N-No, I'm just… it's okay, this might sound funny…."

 Lycoris nudged her. "What is she saying? Come on, we're all friends. Just say whatever you want."

 "Umm… Miss Lucid, you said that you can control Corruptors, right? Then maybe you can also manipulate those Replacers who are technically Half-Corruptors…?"

 "Or… maybe not?"

 "Ah, Ahahaha…, Oh… I shouldn't have asked."

 As soon as she finished, only the silence dominated.

 'Oh… now they're all looking at me.'

 Now Dash felt tremendous awkwardness so pushed her face down between her knees.

 "Wait… that might be…." Regina then suddenly mumbled with a face of realizing something.

 "Even I who have the ability couldn't imagine to use it like that… you're so creative, Dash." Lucid winked.

 "Eh, eh? Really?" But Dash herself seemed rather confused. "Wait… Can we really though? Your control only can work on one or two Corruptors, right?"

 Lily mildly grinned. "No, actually it's good enough."

 Though she herself said but couldn't understand. But everyone reached an answer. Still not knowing her contribute, Dash just followed the rest.

 Thirty minutes later….

 Lucid successfully captured one Replacer who went on a patrol. Then they loosely fastened rope on their wrists to connect each other and let the Replacer hold it. They walked to the gate.

 "Hmm? Rurik, who are those girls?"

 Lucid closed her eyes and used her brain waves to let it speak.

 "He, Hehe… our boss said we require them. So I captured them alive."

 As the guard checked everyone, he suddenly felt chill. "…Huh, okay. Man, it's cold outside, isn't it?"

 "Yes. Oh, right. Where is Madame Heron again?"

 "Why are you asking that?"

 Lucid hurried to end the conversation since the guard may have a suspicion.

 "No, no… just. I will go now. I think Wilbur is waiting."

 "……."

 The guard silently gazed at him.

 …Maybe he realized because of that question?

 Awkwardly, like nothing happened, they tried to walk in the base. Then, from behind,

 "Oh, I remember! I think she's with Boss in the basement lab? Come to think of it, he said he needs more experimental subjects."

 Hearing that, Lucid's heart raced so fast that she barely could contain it.

 "T-That's right. Okay, probably so. I-I need to go, okay."

 They went inside as the guards were talking to each other behind. Inside the base, there were so many other Replacers as well, under the stressful pressure they couldn't say anything, just silently went down to the basement.

 About ten minutes later….

 Walking down the descending stairs, strangely it gets colder and colder. It's not because of Regina who was walking next to them. Lucid felt the stronger presence of Corruptor or Corruption Wave.

 'There can be no doubt… Wilbur is here. It feels exactly the same to the Artificial Corruptors he created…!'

 Then suddenly… though Lucid completely dominated the mind of the Replacer until that point, he suddenly walked out in the direction forward. Everyone saw her frightened eyes, and Dorothy asked in a weary voice. "Hey, Lucid… What's going on now?"

 Then suddenly all lights are gone. Feeling ominous, no one said anything.

 And, After that….

 The lights were turned on again, from above both Wilbur and Heron looked down at them.

 "Heron!" As soon as Dorothy saw her face, she yelled the name. Just like the wicked witch of the west, Madame Heron was shaking out of anger. "You… There were fools who always interrupted me… that was you! Even though I took care of you, like a mother I gave everything! Foods, house, even the body you lost…!"

 Then Liona yelled, louder than ever. "No! You treated us not like your children but trained dogs, to bring more tools you can use! You're nothing but a villain!"

 Skia didn't say anything but beaming a cold gaze. Nothing was shown in her headgear, just pointing gun at her.

 Dorothy also said. "That's right! You old hag… we found the real family, someone who sincerely treated us like a real family! We will save the other kids from someone like you!"

 Hearing all that, Heron shook her entire body and tried to say something. But Wilbur stopped her.

 "Mister Dean, why…?"

 "Don't interrupt me, I got beef with that loan shark bitch."

 Then Wilbur met Dash's eyes.

 "You fucking garbage… What the hell are you doing here? Are you seeking your own graveyard?"

 She made resolute eyes and silently leered back. Wilbur slammed the railing. "What? What are you fucking looking at?!" But Dash said, feeling only pity. "Wilbur… You're really a miserable person. Not just me, everyone tried to give you a second chance. But you were always trying to exploit them."

 Then Wilbur moved his hand under the forehead and laughed. "What the fuck are you even talking about? You literally begged me for your life a few months ago!" And then he turned his eyes on Lucid. "And you too, you miserable huge failure! Do you think you could get me, if you bring them to me?"

 Then he puts both hands on the railing. "Ha! This isn't even funny. There is no way you can win, and that doesn't even matter! You only have a few years left!"

 "You don't know anything… There are people who know more and better than you, but you never admit it. After Boss took care of my body, everything you had done to me… they're all completely gone! And you thought your antics were technology!"

 "What…! No way, that Coffin Company, and its boss…! Right, he's the Administrator!"

 "…Administrator?"

 Wilbur looked shocked for a moment, then sneered.

 "Ha, haha… hahaha… what a fool. He fixed you? You're nothing, useful to nobody and you know that. He's really deviant, isn't he? Why would he *take care* of your body?"

 "You're the deviant one, he's not someone like you!"

 "This is getting ridiculous… You don't know anything about me. All you have seen is just mutating Replacers or creating Corruptors. Nothing beyond. Nothing what I will accomplish! You understand no design of me!"

 Then Lycoris mumbled. "…This guy is something, isn't he?"

 Wilbur couldn't hear that and continued. "But enough of that, I've got something for you!" then, the replacer who was controlled by Lucid suddenly appeared next to Wilbur, then changed into Corruptor form, then literally integrated into Wilbur.

 Regina said. "How could he…? Corruptor was sucked into his body?"

 "No way… Nobody said this. Wilbur is a Counter? No, maybe he took a Replacer surgery?" Revenant immediately felt a threat and tried to comprehend the situation.

 "That's right, Blue-haired woman!" Wilbur flipped a finger and said. Then, more Replacers came down and walked into the greedy flesh of Wilbur. "But not that I wanted it! That damn Dominic betrayed me! Though now I have the power to eat any Corruptors and grow bigger… but I hate this!"

 It seems like Wilbur completely forgot the cruel experiments he had done on other people. Revenant, without hesitation, shot Wilbur's head.

 Like a balloon, it exploded. But soon, the other head grew from its expanding grotesque body. "Now I'm equal to you monsters! And all I want at this point is nothing but revenge… fair and just revenge!"

 Then he jumped down. "Lucid, you fucking bitch! I will fucking kill you right now and here! And the rest of you…! Counters, eh? Well, if I eat all of you, then maybe I have a chance against that Dominic who made me a disgusting monster like this!"

 "Tsh… Sis, hold on!" Watching Wilbur threw a flesh at Lucid, Dorothy immediately reacted and grabbed her out of it. Wilbur spew out another wave of attacks on her way.

 Leah carefully observed. 'Dominic…? Is he the mastermind of the Replacers? Maybe immediate superior? Wilbur never considered the Replacers as companions. Just as potential enemy or rival. That's why he didn't hesitate to dispose of them all as soon as the battle began. That means….'

 Regina was thinking in the different perspective. 'One of them I saw was the guard at the front gate. That means… clearly, this Wilbur is the last enemy here. However even though Revenant shot him in the head, it wasn't effective at all. How can we deal with this monster? Is there a limitation for regeneration? Maybe there are other weaknesses?"

 But even though he kept throwing the melting chunk of flesh, he couldn't land a hit on Dorothy. Wilbur said to Heron. "Madame, if you don't want to die then get out now! I'm going to use THAT!"

 "T-That?!" Then she left the room in a hurry. "I-I will leave the rest to you!"

 There, with a bang sound… Skia fired her rifle at Heron but it was blocked by the door.

 Now they're locked here. While everyone was nervously looking at Wilbur, he now burst out in laughter like a crazy maniac. "Ha, hahahahaha! Hahahahahahah…!! Now you're all dead, dead to me! You idiots, should have run away while you still had a chance!"

 Then suddenly his whole body liquefied like a pile of goo on the floor.

 Looking at such grotesque vision, Lycoris said. "W-What is this? What's this guy is doing?" And she tried to stab him with her spear. But intuitively feeling a danger, Lily stopped her. "No! Don't get any closer, Lycoris!"

 Wilbur's lower body itself spread out like spilled milk. Making a very disgusted face, Revenant tried to shoot his head or limb or literally everything, but it did apparently no damage to him.

 "This is… no way, we can't stop him with mere guns!"

 Then he said. "That's right, you arrogant bastards! But not just for guns, but literally, literally you can't do anything! And all of you're trapped in here with me, you fools!"

 Dorothy put down Lucid on the upper floor. And quickly jumped to Liona and held her, then went back. "Hey, use Toto to destroy the door!"

 "Do you think I'd allow you to do that?!" Then Wilbur threw another flesh bombs at her. But it was blocked by Regina's flying ice spikes.

 "What's this?!" Wilbur looked in the direction where the ice was coming. He assumed the lower floor was already entirely covered by his all-consuming liquid body, but Regina created a giant ice platform, and everyone was standing on there.

 "Umm… What should we do now…? Maybe I can cut him off with my scythe?" Dash looked at Lily, Regina, Leah and timidly asked. but Regina declined. "No, That's not a good idea. Since that monster can absorb anything by touching, you might be sucked into it."

 Then Regina whispered to Skia…. No one else could hear it, not just Wilbur.

 Regina shouted. "Dorothy! Bring down Lucid here!"

 "Wait, we have nothing to kill him, right? What's the point?"

 "Lucid shouldn't be there anyway!"

 "But if we can break the door with Toto then everyone can…!"

 Dorothy though said so, but already the entire room is filled and covered by the disgusting flesh barrier of Wilbur. It's impossible.

 "I-I think it can't be helped…!" Dorothy grabbed Lucid and got down. Then she asked. "What should we do now?!"

 Regina, having a specific plan in her mind, just pretended that she was cornered and had no other choice. "Like you said we need to escape but we can't use the door… I will break the ceiling!"

 "O-Oh, right. But could you do that? I didn't know you're that strong…!" Liona said.

 How could she even break a thick, metal wall with only ice?

 No matter how sharp they are, it seemed to be impossible.

 "No, you can't! Idiot!" Wilbur also shouted. But….

 Regina silently just threw ice spikes upward.

 And then, she herself rather surprised by its speed and power. Her eyes opened wide. 'Was I always this strong…? No, it can't be. Edel… she did something to my body.'

 "W-What the?! I didn't exepct she's an exceptional Counter…!" Seeing the strength of her Counter ability, Wilbur quickly expands his own fleshes. "N-No, I can't lose them in here! I should cover this entire room…!"

 While slowly the flesh barriers crawling and climbing up, many lights were broken, and the whole building was shaking and even the small rocks were fallen. Regina tried to hide her plot so chaotically aimed.

 In the end… the flesh walls completely covered the entire room, only a few frozen stakes were stuck up there.

 Lycoris let out a terrified voice. "I-It's over…!"

 Even the giant ice platform Regina created is beginning to melt. Wilbur shouted. "Ha, hahahaha… hahahaha!!! Stupid people like you never learn your place! Did you think you had a chance?! Idiots!"

 And he glanced at Dash and Lucid. "You, fucking loan shark bitch! If you died there then you wouldn't have to suffer this! It's all your fault, do you understand?! And you, Lucid… you fucking broken garbage! I will fucking give you the most painful death!"

 Both Dash and Lucid only made a terrified face and dropped their heads. But….

 Among silence, Regina's voice quietly resonated….

 "Your name is Wilbur, I ask?"

 "Huh? Why do you even fucking care? You're gonna die anyway! Oh, right, so you want to know who killed you at the end?! That's right, it's my fucking name! Wilbur Whateley!"

 Letting out a cold sigh, her deep blue eyes did glint beautifully, Regina's long white hair flowed like majestic snow. At that moment she looked like a regal statue of frozen crystal.

 "We're not related by anything, and I did have no personal grudge on you. But I do know one thing."

 "What?"

 "You're a short-sighted man."

 With that, she flipped her finger.

 All of sudden, in the entire building loud noises happening, as if huge machinery was activating, unrecognizable multiple sounds were played. Wilbur knows what that is and is very alarmed by that.

 "W-What? What's the meaning of this? I already got rid of all the other Replacers! How the emergency power is activated?! Did Coffin send another units?!"

 Though Wilbur asked Regina, Skia answered him instead.

 "No, we're the everyone here. And… you're already done."

 "But how…? Wait, you're that Skia, aren't you? Heron told me that one of you is a cyborg."

 Then water drops fell from above.

 Wilbur noticed and looked up. All the ice spikes Regina threw were melting too.

 Skia said in a quiet voice.

 "Regina asked me. Can you hack the system of this facility. And without any interruption I could take over all controls. Regina ordered me. When she flips her finger, release all the power to this room."

 To Wilbur, her voice sounded like a whisper of Tartarus.

 "You… never cared anyone but yourself. If your ally was still up there, then he could have stopped this."

 Then clamoring sounds shook through the entire building. With a desperation that he never felt before, Wilbur tried to pull back his melted body but it was too slow.

 "D-Damn it, Damn it, no, how could this be?! How could this be happening to me?!"

 Skia closed her eyes. "……Goodbye."

 And,

 Like the thunderbolt of Zeus.

 Electricity ran through the power cables installed in the ceiling, and passed down over the melting ice, striking down Wilbur's twisted wretched heart of devil.

 "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 The room was dominated by flickering crazy yellow and blue light. Even though he was turned into a Replacer, and by the power of Replacer Pawn that absorbed other Corruptors, his body couldn't take such tremendous damage. He screamed like a tortured demon and unrecognizable words were spilled from his mouth. Then his whole body was completely roasted, dead.

 The greasy flesh barrier was darkened and lost its life. Those attached to the ceiling were falling down.

 The sight of the remains of Wilbur looked like nothing but the aftermath of the judgment he deserves.

 "Wilbur… if you listened to anything we ever advised… you wouldn't end up like this." Though everything what he had done to her, Dash was still sympathetic. Lucid said too. "He was a guy who only tried to exploit others. He would've been ended up like this, even if it wasn't us."

 Revenant glanced at Regina. 'If it wasn't Regina, then we could have all died in here. She really has a good composure and wits, doesn't she?'

 Everyone was relieved as they finally could get out of that mess. But Dorothy shouted in a hurried voice. "Wilbur or whatever, this fool is done, right?" She continued. "It's not done yet! Heron could've run away already!" With that word, she grabbed Liona and jumped.

 "Hey, what are you doing?!"

 "Break the door with Toto. Hurry, we need to chase her fast!" Dorothy rushed her.

 Meanwhile Heron who escaped from the room….

 Wilbur didn't say she was permitted to leave alone. However, after Wilbur became Replacer Pawn he acquired formidable abilities but it's not like he's invincible. Heron was in a helicopter, not knowing whether Wilbur was winning or losing, anxiously hesitated whether she should fly or not.

 And then just now, she heard Wilbur's painful scream. This only means one thing: Wilbur lost. Now she must leave. But as soon as a helicopter is about to ascend….

 "Y-You are…?!"

 It was Replacer Knight, raising her sword with a menacing grin.

 "No!"

 Ten minutes later….

 This facility became nothing but a ruin after all Replacer was dead. They aimlessly searched where Heron went, and eventually Lily found a Helicopter and called everyone. Then… they saw her corpse.

 "When I found her, she was already dead." Lily said.

 Dorothy asked. "But… who killed her anyway?" Levenant answered. "The only people who know this place are either us or the Replacers. Probably they judged she has no use for them anymore."

 Lycoris couldn't convince herself. "It maybe… but…."

 By the information she collected, Heron herself was rather obedient and not incompetent like Wilbur.

 Then, Lucid saw and picked up the letter under Heron's bleeding body.

 Everyone looked at Lucid and she read it loud. "Coffin Company is getting really bothersome. We sent Cecilia. So you…." She continued. "Umm… I can't read the next line because of blood."

 Then Lily's eyes opened wide. "Cecilia… no way! And this only means…!"

 Levenant had no idea. "…What? Wait, Is she someone related to Heron?"

 Lily didn't answer but called back the ship. "We need to go back to Coffin Company right now! Master and President Jia are in danger!"

 .

 .

 .

 In the old Japanese castle of Heian period style. Through the paper screen door, the shadow of a woman was seen. In the heartland of the Mirror World, the place where the Orochi herself felt nostalgia. She who took the body of the first Nanahara's priestess, doesn't seem to welcome Replacer Bishop.

 "Never thought children of man have grown this powerful…." The lady in the room said.

 "No, your strength is diminished."

 Orochi was clearly displeased.

 "You insolent little girl… how dare you speak like that to great Orochi?"

 "Unlike the past, nobody fears you at this point. Though you ancient beasts have the divinity…."

 "What's the point of this provocation? You Replacers wanted concubine's strength, were you not?"

 "Supposed to be. My apology."

 "……."

 Orochi felt bored. "That's enough, Go now."

 "Then… I will meet you tomorrow." Then Replacer Bishop left.

 'She isn't too eager, isn't she? Maybe she doesn't serve any purpose at this point.'

 'This was one of the expected results but I can't help it. I should initiate another plan, then.'

 Inside the room, the sound of snake moving could be heard from there.

 The next day, House Nanahara.

 Determined to finish Orochi today, so in the morning everyone boarded to ADS Albion and warped to the Mirror World. Though Nanahara herself commands several units and a fleet, Prydwen's ship has the cloaking field ability which gives more advantages.

 Though Chinatsu herself couldn't hide the ominous feelings.

 Nothing was found just like yesterday. Just like her expectation, All the Onimushas are gone, they saw nothing but a deserted town.

 "Can you see it, Milady? No one is left."

 "You're right…. But why?"

 "Don't worry about it. I will protect you from any dangers."

 Chinatsu tried to feel the presence of Corruptors or Corruption Wave, but she failed.

 "No wind I can feel. As if nothing is here… Chifuyu, what about you?"

 "No question for me. You know I'm not good at such things."

 "Maybe we have no choice but go down and find them."

 Chifuyu thought. There were many Corruptors yesterday but now is gone. Maybe Orochi gave up the invasion?

 It can't be.

 And she faced the unexpected foe, Bishop, in here.

 One thing is clear: To secure the safety of this land they need to defeat Orochi who commands the Youkais. Then the Replacers will withdraw from Japan.

 'That shall be everything.'

 With determined mind, Chifuyu advised. "As always, I shall escort you. I advise you to divide the team into two divisions led by Pendragon-kou and Hansol-kou, since both of them can put up a good fight even against Orochi."

 Chinatsu agreed. "Brilliant idea." Then she gave a suggestion to both Lisa and Hansol.

 Ten minutes later….

 It is decided. Hansol is going with Minato and Masaki and Amy. Elizabeth is going with Roy and Ryan and Morgan. Chinatsu is going with Chifuyu and Aki. Though it was unexpected that Amy herself wanted to accompany Hansol, She explained since they're lacking searching skills she should assist them.

 Hansol's division will move to south then to west, then to north and return to the east.

 Lisa's division will move to east then to north, then to west and return to the north.

 Since Chinatsu is the most capable person to sense the enemy, so she will move on her own.

 Then the team was divided into three and moved.

 While they were departed to the east, Roy talked to Lisa.

 "You became vastly stronger than before."

 "It's not the strength I deserve to use."

 Maybe she still thinks it was her mistake.

 She said. "Maybe… this happened because I led the institution."

 She was a girl of such personality. They knew her and kept silence. But Roy couldn't. "Though we may mourn for our loss, but should not regret it. Whoever led us, it was inevitable."

 "No, if you were elected instead of me… and you're still hurt because-"

 "We don't need to talk about that anymore. It's not your fault."

 Roy said. "I'm no smarter than you and would make more stupid decisions. That old lizard saw that coming, he carelessly went out."

 Though he said, he soon felt sorry for the ancient guardian. "It's up to you now. You're his successor. Just like him, you can lead us well. I don't doubt you."

 "I will try."

 "You don't have to try. You're doing well even now."

 …….

 Then, they fell into awkward silence again.

 They joined with Chinatsu's division again, and followed the direction she chose now.

 Elizabeth said. "Miss Nanahara. The Old Voice who guided us was like both teacher and protector to us."

 Chinatsu turned her head. Lisa asked. "I want to know more about this Orochi. What was she to your people?"

 Chinatsu carefully tried to collect her thoughts.

 She tilted her head.

 Then she gently opened her lips. "Maybe she deserves our pity and sympathy."

 Like a young mother who tells her kid the old Japanese tales, she began her story.

 "From long before, this land was under attack of Youkais from the Mirror World. Onis claimed they were the masters of Japan but humans took it away from them. Our ancestors said otherwise."

 "At first they tried to find the way of coexistence. But they were banished to the other world because of men's hostility and ambitions."

 Though Roy felt repulsion from the blaming words that man's hostility and ambitions she said, but didn't interrupt her.

 "Many Youkais fought against Tennos, circling many periods. Though many Onmyojis - Japanese Priests - tried to stop them coming with rituals and sacred seals, their efforts proved futile. The power of hell was theirs to command."

 Her voice became darker and darker. "Then… there was a god who lent her power to one girl was… Orochi. Many Mushas - Samurais - followed her, and with the divine power she finally could close the gate of Mirror World, saved this land from Youkais. When the age of peace came, people asked wisdom from her."

 "The Tenno was fearing her influence. Other priestess too felt envy on her. Their envy grew deeper and deeper."

 "And one day, The Tenno tried to accuse her for she used evil power of Youkais. Orochi escaped from attempts of assassination with her, but she was mortally injured and gave her body to Orochi. Being left alone, the divine beast fell into a nothing but vengeful Youkai… all she sought was nothing but punishment and vengeance and opened the gate of hell again."

 Chifuyu stood next to her and said nothing. Chinatsu only mumbled at the end, feeling lonliness.

 "And, her descendants are… us."

 When the story was finished, Elizabeth felt sorry for her.

 "Never expected she has such history with you people."

 Chinatsu made resolved eyes, But she couldn't hide other complicate feelings behind it.

 "But… as a Head Priestess of Nanahara, We cannot forgive her. We shouldn't let this world fall by her hands. Even if it costs my life… I shall keep this land peaceful."

 Her clothes was blown by winds deceased. In this grey field of the deads, it feels like they're in the old Japanese fairytale.

 They walked more then decided to rest for a while at the old house.

 then few minutes later….

 They witnessed an azure light ascending, and the white one closely followed.

 In the sky, the white snake and blue dragon were fighting each other.

 Chinatsu shouted. "Miss Lisa! It's Orochi, she finally came!"

 Morgan said. "They're moving too fast. I don't think we can hit her with guns."

 Ryan shook his head. "It's more like an eastern dragon rather than a snake. Burnett, what do you think? Can you pull her with your chain?"

 "…Can I? I mean, I will try but… It will not work."

 Chinatsu said. "…Maybe I can help."

 "Yes?"

 "Unlike my sister, I'm less skilled at swordsmanship, but I practiced Yin-Yang energy control and sealing techniques."

 Chifuyu also said. "She will be much help than me, in this situation."

 Roy couldn't even guess what they're talking about.

 But as long as they're saying so, they will do whatever they can help, so he said. "Then I ask you to help Lisa, We will find Hansol and others!"

 And then the three ran off.

 Nanahara Sisters and Aki too, hurried.

 Like Minuet of Draco Serpensque, young lady of winged Pendragon who threw azure energy daggers at the beautiful woman riding on the giant snake who commands the spirit of fire and wind and ice and earth with magical sphere.

 'Though we fought yesterday too….'

 Orochi's power grew stronger. At that time she just used hailstorm by mixing elements of wind and ice, now she's using all the elements. At the beginning she raised small boulders from the ground, at the same time, she created giant tornados.

 But Lisa has wings of dragon. Up, down then descending fast, and rises again, she dodged all and threw the daggers with crazy speed.

 However her divine energy doesn't do anything to Orochi.

 Then Orochi, placed her hands on the sphere and cast giant flaming Japanese Kanji.

 Though, Elizabeth even could dodge that easily. She now stopped attack and looked at her.

 Orochi asked.

 "Princess of the West, What's wrong?"

 "You weren't serious yesterday."

 "No grown-ups be too harsh to child, *giggle* *giggle*."

 In air-to-air battle, Orochi has better acceleration but Lisa has better mobility. But unlike her who might die by one shot, To Orochi Lisa's attacks don't do any damage due to her regeneration.

 "We're tied, are we?"

 "Tie?"

 "Stalemate, I meant."

 "Stalemate?"

 Orochi couldn't understand the foreign words. "Nobody wins in this situation. Because you can't hit me, and I can't damage you."

 Then Orochi for some reason laughed.

 "Oh, isn't it obvious that I never learned your tongue, am I? Hmm… tie. it surely is so. Honestly, this concubine was seriously attempted to hit you and tried really hard. But you were moving surprisingly quick."

 She admitted Lisa's skills frankly. Elizabeth thought.

 'How is someone like this a monster who cursed Japaneses for centuries?'

 Orochi asked. "Though we met as enemies but you had a courtesy to greet with your name. Would you mind to talk more?"

 Lisa then threw a dagger into the thin air and nodded. Orochi smiled.

 "Hora, That power you use is the divinity… right?"

 Like an excited kid, she asked in a jolly tone.

 "Correct. Since you had been a divine beast, maybe you recognized."

 "Indeed! If this concubine couldn't see them then she wouldn't hold back. So that made me wonder. How did you attain divinity? Was it from your birthright?"

 "Yes? Born with divinity… is it possible?"

 "Though never I witnessed them by my own eyes but in the past, a country called Da-Qin brought forth such individuals. So, you're not one of them, are you saying?"

 "This is legacy, blessed by the ancient beast who led us from the medieval times. He fell to Darklord Gha'agsheblah recently."

 To inform her only made Elizabeth feel bitter.

 Seemingly, Orochi too felt the same way.

 "Once there was a time that we, divine beasts, combined our strength to protect the reality from Dark Lords. …So no one is left now. But this concubine alone."

 "Have you met him before?"

 "He had four legs, scaled body, giant wings, wasn't he?"

 "Were you friend to The Old Voice then…?"

 Then she smiled. As if she met an old friend, her attitude was friendly and warm.

 "Hahaha, so he actually used that name in the end! Even Ganesha said that's just a corny name." Then she turned her face, making a depressed voice. "So… everyone is gone. Ganesha, Coatl, and him… nobody left."

 "……."

 Why?

 This isn't the person whom Lisa expected from the Nanahara's fable.

 'A woman like this tried to invade us with Corruptors…?'

 Yesterday she attacked Elizabeth without a word, but even at that time she held back.

 Then what?

 What is she actually thinking?

 Lisa asked. "Why are you fighting?"

 "Oya?"

 "The time has passed. The Tenno's sin has nothing to do with these people."

 Orochi now turned her eyes at Chinatsu down there. "The daughter of Nanahara told that to you, was it not?"

 "……."

 "What's the point of keeping that to this point? It's just an old story. too old…."

 "Then…?"

 "Do not misjudge concubine. Youkais have their own path. Just like you humans warring each other with whatever reasons created."

 "But… technically you're not Youkai, isn't it?"

 "They recognize me as one. If the one is worshipped as a god then she should take such responsibility as well. Concubine used them in the past for vengeance, and now it's their turn to use me."

 "Do you really wish to punish Nanahara bloodline as well?"

 "……."

 House Nanahara.

 To Orochi herself, it is the legacy of her beloved servant. But….

 The snake opened its mouth and fired lightning bolt but didn't aim Lisa.

 Orochi was apparently trying to hide her emotion and feelings. "We talked too much!" and she continued. "Come, Concubine revealed her hands to you! Warriors of the west like fair fight, isn't it? Defeat me, if you dare!"

 "…Is this our fate?"

 "Hahahaha… Hahahaha!!!"

 Orochi laughed loudly for some reason. Then, suddenly talisman papers flew toward her.

 "What is this…?" Elizabeth noticed that and tried to dodge but she didn't need to do so. In fact, Chinatsu was the one who threw them.

 "Tch… just cheap trick of priestesses!"

 They're all attached to flying snake. By that it lost the power and just fell.

 "What the… So that's the power of East Asian spells? Wait!"

 When Elizabeth looked at Chinatsu, a pink-haired assassin ran toward them. "Behind you, Chinatsu!"

 Chifuyu heard that and tried to block the way. But….

 "Hyaaaaa?! H-Help…!"

 Aki screamed.

 Replacer Bishop didn't attack Chinatsu but Aki. After she punched her gut, she took the unconscious body and immediately vanished into the shadows.

 "Ku… How could I? No…!"

 Why Aki, though?

 Whenever she appears, her decision makes no sense.

 Why did she attack not herself nor Chinatsu but Aki who isn't important at all?

 But whatever that was, Chinatsu was focusing on Orochi and yelled at Lisa.

 "Miss Elizabeth! Orochi is digging and running away!"

 "…Sorry. It's too late."

 The white snake just rubbed its own body to the ground and tunneled down.

 Elizabeth knew that she cannot do anything, since she has no technique to damage her. After Orochi was completely gone, she descended to Chinatsu as she folded her wings.

 A few minutes later, When Roy brought Hansol and others, they heard that Orochi was gone and Aki was captured. Hansol tried to encourage Chifuyu so she doesn't feel guilty about it.

 But what's really strange about this event was….

 While everything was happening, no Corruptor was seen.

 Elizabeth tried to seek Orochi after that but it was futile.

 Leaving behind the confusing feelings, They returned to House Nanahara with ADS Albion.

 At that night….

 Feeling someone's presence, Chinatsu woke up from sleep. As she raised her upper body and was stroking her hair, she recognized the woman in her room.

 It was Orochi.

 "Yamata no Orochi… How did you get in here?!" As Chinatsu tried to find the sword next to her, the white snake rubbed itself to her stretched hand like a puppy.

 "……?"

 Chinatsu couldn't understand so looked at both Orochi and the snake. She was standing next to the opened door and leaning her left arm against it, and then her right arm behind her back was brought forth. she held a Sake bottle.

 "I've decided to talk for a little. See? I brought a fine Sake too!"

 Though she hesitated a little but Elizabeth told her what happened today. Chinatsu isn't a cold woman who can hate anyone without a clear reason, so she rolls out of bed and sits with her on the outside floor.

 The wind felt cold, soon it became rather neat and nice. Orochi gave a cup of Sake to her, and Chinatsu gently took it. Orochi gave a gesture to the snake which was sitting on her lap.

 "Your ancestors had an old tradition: Throw away weapon after battle and drank together as friends and forgot they were foes. It's all gone." Then she giggled. "You finished the cup I gave, so I will give an answer to any question."

 Chinatsu asked. "…Do you hate humans?"

 "I was. And still do. But you mortals are always changing, never have been the same."

 "…That doesn't make an answer. I asked, why did you harass us through the long history."

 "No."

 Wagging her finger in a playful attitude, Orochi pointed at the empty cup. "Tch, Tch. One more cup, for one more question."

 Chinatsu drank again.

 "Do you hate us too? Hate enough to try to kill us?"

 "……."

 A moment later Orochi broke the silence.

 "……No."

 "You're lying."

 She replied. "If I was that serious, then I'd have destroyed this land long before."

 And then Orochi gave the bottle to her. "It's your turn to pour. I want to ask."

 "……." Without a word, Chinatsu filled her cup. After Orochi finished, she gave her question. "What do you want to do with this land?"

 "Of course, I want to preserve."

 "Obviously. Give me more."

 She asked after she took a sip of Sake. "Then how are you going to protect it?"

 "…I don't know."

 Orochi then looked at her like a mother watching her daughter. "You feel you have to do something about it, though you don't know anything about it." It was the same face she had shown to the first priestess.

 Orochi quietly said. "Look your sister."

 "Without any doubt, Chifuyu is strong. However, she follows the path of swordsman, leaving no hesitation to protect someone."

 "Ho?"

 "As head priestess I cannot take such path. To sacrifice oneself in order to protect someone… I'm not allowed to do that. I cannot abandon my responsibility as head priestess."

 "Oho, then what's this head priestess to you?"

 Then Chinatsu said somewhat uncertain voice.

 "As the representative of all houses, one should become the ear of gods."

 Then Orochi shook her head. "No, that's only the meaning you imagined."

 "…Pardon?"

 "Mortals forgot the meaning of the word they created as time passed. That's the same for you!" Orochi laughed in a bright mood.

 "I ask you, daughter of Nanahara. You think the first priestess cared about something like that?"

 "……." Chinatasu couldn't say anything. Her words didn't sound wrong, but comforted her. Orochi made a broad smile. "You can take that Sake. Tonight is very warm and bright, isn't it? The stars and sky could be good drink companions, too."

 She stood and caressed the head of white snake. "Think, child. What did they mean when the word was invented? The next time we meet, one of us will die. I want to hear the satisfying answer from you."

 Then the Orochi rode to the back of snake which flew like an eastern dragon and disappeared.

 Chinatsu, still holding a Sake bottle, filled her own cup and thought.

 'The true path….'

 The next day.

 Everyone went back to Mirror World again. This time, Chinatsu said she knew where Orochi is. They reached the point where the Nanahara house exists in our world. She was there, strolling in the front yard alone.

 Orochi didn't make any action till ADS Albion landed.

 Chinatsu said to Chifuyu as she stepped on the ground. "Chinatsu. I'm about to duel with Orochi. If I lose… The fate of Nanahara family will be at your hand."

 Chifuyu said. "Milady, What are you saying? I object! I am the sword of Nanahara, if there is an enemy who opposes us, I should face them first!"

 Chinatsu tightly grabbed her hands. "Chifuyu, my sister…." She continued. "This is fate unsolved which has passed down upon its bloodline. We're in the age that not just for our land, but the whole mother earth is in danger… this story must have to come to an end."

 "High Priestess…."

 "Then, I will leave the rest to you."

 Chinatsu gave a soft smile to her sister, then made a determined face as she approached Orochi. She never did summon a sphere, let the white snake spit a sword, and only held that as a weapon.

 "So! How about it now? Are you prepared to cut me as the high priestess of Nanahara?"

 "I'm… prepared."

 Then, with incredible speed Orochi swung her blade. But as it was expected from the sister of Chifuyu, she unsheathed the blade and blocked it. Chinatsu then pushed the sword and shouted. "But that's not for killing you! I will make the world she dreamed…!"

 Orochi bounced back then she slashed her blade from right to Chinatsu's gut. "The first priestess recognized her destiny for slaying Youkais. Will you not end this endless calamity by slaying me?"

 Then Chinatsu deflected that attack with the sheath. "You know more than anyone that's not true."

 The two kept exchanging their attacks and argued. Though Orochi seemed to hold back, just like when she was testing Elizabeth.

 "There was a secret passed down to the head priestesses. It's the diary written by the first priestess. What she wanted us to know is… In the beginning, the Youkais coexisted with humans. However their Youki - energy of Youkai - mutated them to go berserk, attack other living beings…."

 "……."

 "That mutation is so-called Corruption Wave that modern people refer to. To protect the Youkais from turning into Corruptors, also to save those Corruptors someday, the first priestess of Nanahara contracted with Orochi and sent all Corrupted Youkais to Mirror World."

 "……."

 "But Denno tried to kill and slay all remained Youkais. Having sympathy upon Youkais, the priestess allied herself with them and fought together… That was the end of the diary. That's the untold truth behind history. Youkais were lost. But since Nanahara's priestess was deeply respected by everyone, they made up lies…."

 Chifuyu opened her eyes wide. Even she didn't know that. and….

 It was also the answer for how could Nanahara family survive even with jealousy of Denno and other priestesses.

 Also, It was the sad past that humans blamed Youkais for all their fears about unexplainable diseases from Corruption.

 "Never again… we shall not make the world like that…! If we believe each other then nobody has to become a sacrificial lamb, I will put an end to the story…!"

 Orochi only defended herself from Chinatsu's attacks. She never fought back, just kept listening to Chinatsu and slowing down her own hand.

 "And, that is the meaning of High Priestess of Nanahara to me!"

 The sword of Chinatsu then clashed with the enemy's blade. Orochi lost her grip and her blade flew away.

 Her sword was stuck on the ground.

 Then, finally Orochi made a face of being relieved from all sins and regrets.

 "You did great… cut me now. This head is yours."

 "…Never."

 "Ho…? And why is it so? Can you convince me to the end then?"

 "Because… because, if the first priestess was here, even if she didn't know anything about you… she would choose the same."

 Hearing that.

 Orochi silently looked up at the sky of Mirror World.

 "Someone like me should have died there. All Youkais did respect me like their god but all I cared was blinded revenge. Your ancestor left the last word. Help the people and not hate them… but I cannot overcome such loss. The sorrow was a too heavy burden to me… and I was turned into a monster from heart deep."

 She continued.

 "But one day, she was in my dream. I couldn't meet her eyes. How could I see her face after all I had done?"

 Chinatsu sheathed her sword and said. "You… tried to forgive yourself by death. By the hands of me inherited her blood…."

 "…I sent all other Youkais. Only I will be buried down in-"

 Then.

 From a distance, the sound of a bullet pieced the air like demon's claw.

 Orochi immediately knew where it was coming from. She threw her body, and took the destructive bullet instead of Chinatsu. Everyone standing there was surprised.

 It was Replacer Bishop, and she finally seized her chance.

 Not just her. There was no Youkai, but the Onimushas who turned into Corruptors were coming. Bishop herself seemingly commanded them, while she fixed Aki's body next to her. At once, hundreds of Fallen Samurais charged at Chinatsu and others.

 "I was… careless…. Should have… known…."

 Orochi rather felt furious by realizing she couldn't control the situation. Her white snake too, for some reason, collapsed on the ground and was trembling painfully.

 "Orochi… no, Orochi-sama…." In realization of everything now that she felt herself like the first priestess, Chinatsu shed tears and held the hand of the ancient guardian.

 "It's been a long time that the daughter of Nanahara called me like that… But I ask you for one thing…."

 "…And what would that be?"

 "Can you… accept me?"

 Chinatsu nodded. Then, her hand was pulled to Orochi's heart.

 Elizabeth then just turned her head and illuminated her azure wings, creating blue knives from thin air. She flew with incredible speed and threw all daggers on Bishop.

 "Even my blades couldn't penetrate Orochi! How can a mere sniper gun could do that?!"

 Bishop raised her rifle and blocked. "Well, This isn't ordinary rifle. The round what I used, too…." And the gun was broken.

 "It doesn't matter… it's destroyed now."

 Then Bishop became invisible again.

 Elizabeth tried to detect her presence. But then….

 Suddenly, with an explosion ADS Ablion itself crashed and unveiled itself.

 Apparently, Replacer Bishop moved really quickly and damaged the ship. Not just for that, Countless Onimushas are about to engage with everyone. Ryan asked Morgan.

 "Can we retreat? Is Albion working?"

 "It's bad… the engine is completely gone. Even with auto-repair setting, it will take three hours."

 Then Masaki, next to Ryan, enflamed his fingers. "Now, finally we can have fun! Can you keep up, old-timers?" Ryan laughed. "Well, well. You got a spirit, aren't you? I won't be outdone by young people yet!" Masaki said. "We shall see how true it would be!"

 Then he swung his arm. "Eat this!" Then the purple flame crawled on the ground and rushed to Onimusha. But from behind, an arrow flew faster than that.

 "All the practices in the archery club… is for this moment!" Minato said. Chifuyu also pulled her katana. "I ask two of you to protect my sister!"

 ""Got it!""

 Hearing their answers, Chifuyu ran towards enemy alone.

 As she confronts one of the Onimusha, from behind her, something flew quickly, stabbed his face.

 'A chain…?'

 It was Roy who was closely following her while hitting and blocking the Corruptor Samurais with his black shield.

 "Miss Chifuyu, don't push yourself hard! We can't assist you!"

 That's true.

 but….

 'This is the only chance to set my mistake right!'

 Aki was with her, but she failed to protect her.

 Coffin Company tried to help them. She, too, must help them.

 With more strong-willed eyes, Chifuyu said. "I will leave them to Roy-kou!"

 "Didn't you hear me? Wait!"

 Roy kicked an Onimusha coming to him and talked alone. "Why girls are all like that, anyway?!"

 Chifuyu kept pushing herself, swiftly slaying any enemies in her way.

 But unlike the enemy at the first few lines who were mostly nameless hedge Samurais, the lines behind them were giving her serious challenge. Mostly former veteran generals and officers, they combined both offensive and defensive stances perfectly.

 She barely could find an opening, and Chifuyu yelled in frustration. "Why do you interrupt me? How could you be convinced by that villain so easily? Did you forget your honor?!"

 One of them said as ticking their bones. "Now… outside… Replacers that… tried to make the world… for someone like us… who became an monster…." The light was shown from their eye holes, and one of them thrust their spear. Chifuyu blocked it.

 "How disgusting… You all had the life of true warriors, serving your lords with pride. now turn the blade to kinsmen for selfish desires like that?!"

 "Your thought… would have been changed… if you became like us…. we… want to return… to homeworld…."

 '…Is it possible to break their formation?'

 Then.

 From a distance, extreme and excessive hatred spread, green auras crashed into Onimushas. Cannot be blocked by armor or spear, wrathful flame of oblivion swept the entire space where they stood and erased all materials, further they burnt down whole bodies.

 "Hansol-kou?!"

 There is only one man who wields unthinkable power like this. Hansol just deflected their spears with his blade, and only with that his enemies were disintegrated into green ashes.

 "Hurry, Chifuyu!"

 "But… how?!"

 Then suddenly someone grabbed her waist from up, and raised her to sit on the back of giant white snake. Chifuyu could see the woman resembled her sister, but the woman's white hair reminded her of Orochi.

 "Orochi…? No way, you took my sister's body…?!"

 Then Chinatsu said. "It's not that, Chifuyu."

 She turned her head to meet her sister's eyes. "Orochi-sama decided to lend her strength… once more."

 "Wait… is that true?"

 She couldn't understand the situation.

 From the lips of head priestess, the voice of old guardian was heard. "It's same as that time… though I helped them, they returned only hatred."

 Then the woman in front of Chifuyu talked in the voice of herself. "No way, Chifuyu will not hate us!" It looks like she's talking to herself, though….

 Chifuyu only sighed.

 The snake just flew and approached Aki. After Chifuyu landed on the ground, she tried to grab Aki and put her body on the back of the white snake. But at the moment, she felt the presence of the enemy again.

 '…That was careless of me…! I let my guard down to save Aki… and She waited for this moment?'

 Bishop's claw was aiming at the heart of Chifuyu, as her body was unveiled. Then….

 "W-What… how?!"

 She couldn't move. By thick threads coming from nowhere, she was completely restrained.

 It was Amy. While she halted Bishop, Chifuyu successfully moved Aki to the back of Snake. Watching the white snake leaves to ADS Albion, Amy tightens them up more. "I was slightly pissed when you took Aki from us. She's my friend, you know?"

 "Ku- *Cough* *Cough* How, how could you be here already… huh?!"

 Then Bishop realized. Pendragon looked down at her from above, flipping her hair.

 'So that's what that was? She read my move and set her own trap…?'

 Elizabeth can fly. But she didn't try to rescue Aki by herself.

 Instead, she wanted to make sure everything going in the safe way, so brought Amy instead.

 They didn't make a plan for this. She's just a shrewd person and after carefully observing what her friends were doing, she made the best support she could give.

 Being completely outsmarted, Bishop busted out maniac laughs.

 "Ahahaha… hahahaha, hahahahahahahahaha!!!! I didn't expect to use this more… But Coffin Company is competent unlike others, I can give you that… hahahahaha!!!!"

 While the snake hurried to fly to the ship, Chifuyu closely looked at Aki. She made no response, so desperately called Aki's name.

 …But no matter how loud it was, it never reached Aki's mind.

 As if she herself was alone in the different world, and awakened in the forgotten darkness….

 Someone's presence dominated her consciousness.

 'Let us use our perception, my old friend Aki.'

 'Be eternal the days we spent together just like I remember.'

 'On the world to be doomed by destiny, one becomes you and I.'

 What was that?

 Who was calling her?

 The voice was gentle but it also gave her unspeakable headache.

 'Who are you…?!'

 'I don't remember anything, please…!'

 'My head… it hurts! please, stop…!!'

 It's futile. Chinatsu put her hands on Chifuyu's hand, made her stop.

 "Chifuyu."

 "……."

 "We need to help everyone, now."

 "…Understood."

 And then the white snake turned its head where everyone was fighting: Masaki was throwing more fierce flames; Ryan skillfully dodged swords and knocked out enemies; Morgan and Minato from a distance were shooting arrows and bullets together. Chinatsu herself too, unseathed her sword again and rushed at the Onimushas.

 However, from Bishop's body once again dark energy or lifeform was erupting again. Amy's threads were cut down and she could escape just like before. After that, against fallen Onimushas they continued a hard and bloody fight. Soon, the battle was turned in their favor.

 At the same time….

 In front of Coffin Company, a man in black suit and a woman in whit dress talked each other then he looked at his own wristwatch and said.

 "It's about time."

 Jia turned her head and saw a black car coming this way. then….

 Its door was opened, and a pink-haired maid greeted them.

 It was Veronica.

 "My sincere gratitude for allowing me to serve you once more, Master."

-- EP.IV END