kscans

Chapter 655 - The Declaration

An explosion, cannon fire—and then, silence.

The reactive warhead of the [Ruby Rabbit Bullet], launched from its shattered barrel and aimed true at the rear guard of the North-South raid, should have unleashed a massive burst of light and sound.

Yet, neither reached the eyes nor ears.

Before the very eyes of the players, who were split between desperately fleeing and preparing for a final stand, the explosive warhead's fury was crushed, as if squeezed by an invisible hand.

So, what exactly happened? That's simple—

"Tch... there she is. Troublesome Fan Number One."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think!?"

—though she hadn't managed to counter that first sword strike, someone who had kept their wits about them amidst the rapidly unfolding situation had made a splendid judgment and moved her body accordingly, joining the fray.

Still, to make it in time so perfectly...

"Not bad. As expected of the 'Instructor.'"

"I told you that's forbidden too! Honestly!"

Nortalia's eighth-ranked, [Bell-Mail]—with her trademark ponytail bouncing energetically, she leaped forth. It was none other than one of my own martial arts tutors.

Honestly, I knew it. If they were serious about crushing me, the [Acrobat], there was no way she—my nemesis in so many ways—wouldn't show up.

And what's more.

"—Oh my... you're quite the cutie up close."

Appearing smoothly from the crowd after Rinne was a man in a black coat, his voice gentle and his words lacking any sense of tension.

"—I'll say it as many times as necessary: don't be fooled by his atmosphere. 'Behind the scenes' he's a good, normal young man, but in a fight, he's... well, you know."

Finally, joining the two of them... was a familiar face who had calmly restored order to the chaos and was now giving the 'advance' command to the raid, striding forward at a leisurely pace.

[Bell-Mail], [Wolf Pack], and [Full Auto]—ah, I see. I get it now.

"Haaa... so they really came to crush me, huh...?"

I was facing another three-man ranker cell for the second time today, but the composition of this one was the major problem. The 'worst case scenario' I had dreamed up beforehand of 'what would be bad if they came at me' had just become a reality right before my eyes—whoops.

"Whoa...! It's started...!?"

"Ahhh... this is a full-on giant monster battle now."

With no choice but to see off the advancing army, I watch from atop the pile of rubble as the great mass of players moves away. A flash from who, a roar from who, a shot from who—a 'commotion' on a scale that could be the end of the world erupts violently.

What the hell, that looks super fun. Unfortunately, it seems I won't be allowed to join in... but hey, in terms of splitting their forces, I guess the pincer attack was effective.

Three rankers, and all of them specialists in 'suppression warfare.' If I could draw them all out by myself, that's more than enough of a victory.

—Anyway, but still...

"A perfect interpretation. Just as I thought, Princess."

I bite back a murmur and a smile inside my mouth, ensuring it doesn't reach the three of them, nor the ears of the great [Bell-Mail].

Goldow-san had said it, whether as a joke or not, and I too had considered the possibility in a corner of my mind. And I was aware that the public was loudly, endlessly hoping for that, their expectations swelling as they waited for the moment.

But I thought, 'No, that's not right.' Because, you know?

I know which one the [Sword Queen] I know would prioritize.

She, who had playfully said she was looking forward to a rematch, where would she point herself—that was already decided.

Right now, Iris... Iris is the king of a defeated army.

She is the master of a faction that failed to achieve victory, falling to an irregular before the enemy castle.

In other words, the opponent she has sworn a personal revenge against is me, but also not me. The crimson eyes of the king, the master of Sotalm, are fixed on only one thing.

The Eastern Faction, us, who must be brought down.

The 'Princess,' who has become far more willful since rediscovering her forgotten smile... has become far more willful, and precisely because of that, she will never mistake what she wants.

What she wants more than anything right now is...

"—The same thing I want. Victory. Right, Iris?"

I knew you wouldn't just come flying at me on a whim. Ah, and that's why it's a completely perfect interpretation, and why I like it from the bottom of my heart.

That part of you that goes all out to win—honestly, I love it, you strongest of all—

"...You two understand, don't you?"

"Ah, ha, ha... of course..."

"Ahh... the 'Queen' did mention it—if he's smiling, be on high alert."

Well now, three pairs of eyes are on me. They're looking at me like I'm something dangerous, but I'd appreciate it if you'd let me quietly raise my voltage.

No matter how much I steel my resolve, the odds of victory against a lineup that feels like a three-man 'Haru-killer' squad probably won't improve much.

So, yes—whether I can break through this or not remains at fifty-fifty.

Beyond the maze. Beyond the base's passage. Before our castle, a massive silver flash joyfully rends the sky, and I can't stop the smile from deepening... at this point, I figure there's no need to stop it, and I let go.

"[Trance]."

While sensing that, with great regret, a multitude of sighs are likely being directed at me across worlds, I bring the limited-time fan service to a close.

"Hmph... here he comes. Everyone, as we discussed. Rinne-san will be the core of our defense, prevent him from entering the passage at all costs. Gin, you will focus on—"

"Not as a person, but as a small, speed-specialized raid boss... I get it. Leave the monster to me. It's my specialty."

"I wonder if 'monster' is enough to describe that...!?"

As I listen to the voices of my 'enemies' from ahead, saying whatever they please.

I don my 'hood,' and I chant a song.

"—'The Red Circle remains in this world.'"

No, that is not a song.

"—'The Memory is carved into this soul.'"

It is a bequeathed, undeserved declaration.

"—'The Glimmering Crown resides in this body.'"

The perfectly fitting rabbit ears flicker, and the fluttering white and blue becomes tinged with red.

Alright, Princess, just you wait. I have no intention of playing the part of a 'Prince,' a ridiculous nickname if I ever heard one—

"—My Name is Rega-Lielta, the King Clad in Red."

—but I'm gonna have a blast going all out... and if I can, I'll be right over!