Chapter 6: Return of A Hero
Part 1
"Well then, as everyone gathered, I shall notify you."
The reason of the alarm bell was due to the appearance of Abyss.
According to the report of Drag-Knight scouts, the kind was a large-sized one.
The place of appearance was estimated to be the ruins in the south west, and the appearance time was late at night.
"Currently, we are being stationed in the second and third strongholds and several Drag-Knights of the district defense unit are heading to the subjugation. But, the enemy is a large-sized one. In preparation for the possibility that it breaks through and damage extends to the Fort City, We will also form an interception unit and prepare for battle. Get ready and stay on alert while waiting for orders."
In a serious voice, Instructor Raigree explained.
Some female students sighed in relief after hearing that, but––
"They really are a bunch of peace idiots, eh. The young ladies of this academy."
"...?"
To the mutter of Krulcifer who was standing alongside the wall of the hangar, Ben asked back.
"They shouldn't expect reinforcements from the Capital so easily."
"What do you mean? Everyone who is here are officer cadets, right? Unless the Drag-Knights of the army from the Capital come––"
"Your voice is too loud, Ben-kun."
Sharis who came around suddenly put her index finger on his mouth and smiled wryly.
"Just to note, you're a former Prince and a Drag-Knight. I thought you knew the circumstances on that point about this country's military situation."
"To put it simply, there is a lack of manpower. That's the practical problem."
Tillfarr who was on the side shrugged her shoulders.
"Yes. Even you should know that this isn't an ordinary city."
And as Nokuto added, she slowly walked towards the door going outside.
"Where do you intend to go?"
"We are of the "Knight Squadron". So we should proactively take the initiative in case of emergency. "
Now that the Drag-Knights of the army were almost all out, there was military power which could oppose the Abyss.
Sharis returned a smile and the three girls went out as such.
"Well then, Ben. I'm going."
Coming to pat his shoulder with her hand was Lisha wearing a Dress Gear.
The attack of a large-sized Abyss.
"Please, be careful."
"I'll be all right. I'm a strong girl after all. However, it's regrettable that you can't accompany me. Even though I intended to use this opportunity to teach you how to attack."
"Krulcifer, even though you're of the "Knight Squadron", you didn't go for the subjugation?"
As Ben stepped up and asked so,
"For overseas students from foreign countries like me, an original battle standard is established by the school regulations. And on top of that, I have no obligation to be involved in a direct battle with the Abyss. Otherwise, I can at least cooperate with other forms of support, such as information transfer and goods supply beyond the scope of danger to my life. I can help if I want, but a complain will come from my country, so I don't intend to do so."
"Such a selfish girl, huh." Ben smiled wryly.
Krulcifer was an overseas student from Ymir, a large country in the north.
If learning the technology and knowledge of Machine Dragons was the purpose, to take the initiative, and fight in the crisis of other countries and lose their life would be the most unreasonable.
"Nii-san. You mustn't go."
As Ben was separated from the crowd, Airi came over in front of him.
"With that Wyvern, you can't attack and you can't use the other sword. There is nothing that your current self can do, Nii-san. If it's Lisha-sama and the "Knight Squadron" who's there, they can defeat even a large-sized Abyss. So––"
"I know. I know, but I can't just stay here while watching them getting hurt."
Ben irritatedly said.
The military power of the "Knight Squadron" was reduced to half, by the fact that the third-year students who accounted for half the number of the members, had gone to the Capital for practice.
Even so, about ten Drag-Knights were strong enough to be able to find a chance of victory against a large-sized Abyss.
"Is there anything bothering you? From now, I plan to only see the situation from a distant position, but––"
"No…"
"Then, I'm going."
"Please, be careful."
As Krulcifer got up to leave, Ben began to walk slowly in the hangar. In order to look for unknown questions and answers.
Part 2
"Is this thing –– that Abyss?"
From the ground and the sky about 200 miles away from the target, about ten members of the "Knight Squadron" confirmed the Abyss.
It had no legs. From its trapezoidal large build like jelly, two arms like spires stretched left and right, and two purple spheres like eyeballs were floating inside the body close to the top of the head.
It was just that much a creature.
A Slime type said to have no sentience. However, that Abyss, a large-sized one as the report said, boasted of an extraordinary large build which could swallow a castle. In the inner part of its translucent body, a slightly dark red sphere –– It's core could be seen.
"Okay, I will fire."
Lisha who was left the command suddenly set up her Breath Gun with a fearless smile.
The main weapon of the Chimeric Wyvern took aim at the Abyss' core.
"Are you going to shoot all of sudden!?" One member of the "Knight Squadron" that was behind her shouted so as she was frightened.
"It won't begin unless I try, right? Here I go!" Lisha, showing no signs of being scared pulled the trigger of the cannon.
Immediately after, the shock dashed across the Abyss' body surface.
It's mucus scattered.
"Gopoh, Gopopopoh…"
Without caring about Lisha's bombardment, the Abyss continued its advance. No, it reacted to the attack and increased its movement speed.
Climbing over the third stronghold which was before it, it was imminently approaching the last defense point –– the rampart of the Fort City second block.
"The bombardment didn't work…?"
Among the general-purpose Machine Dragons that posseses a Breath Gun, the Chimeric Wyvern used one which had the highest power.
However, the bombardment only flipped a part of the body surface it didn't touch the core at all.
"Tch… It looks like that big thing's body is made of troublesome mucus. It seems to scatter the Breath Gun's power by conveying the impact and heat on the surroundings."
"So, what's the strategy, Commander?."
『It's obvious. Simultaneous shootings while aiming at the core. Everyone, take a distance of 200 miles and load to the maximum. The power will fall if you're too far. I'll do the countdown. Understood?』
Lisha was convinced of her victory.
A concentrated fire (barrage) released by a dozen Drag-Knights.
Based on the previous bombardment, as long as she confirmed the situation of the body fluids scattering, this power should be able to go through.
"I'll begin the countdown. We all shot at zero… 5, 4, 3…"
Following Lisha's orders, all the machines set up their cannons loaded to the maximum.
"2, 1, zer––"
At that time. The strange sound of a flute resounded from somewhere in the neighbourhood.
(Where is this sound? From the rear of the Abyss––)
When Lizsharte thought so in the corner of her head, the shock of the salvo shook the atmosphere.
At the same time, something unusual occurred to the Abyss before their eyes.
"What…!?"
The dark red core inside the body that they were aiming at. It suddenly swelled like foam filled with wreckage.
Immediately after, before the bombardment hit, the Abyss burst itself.
The explosion of the core.
『Deploy a barrier! Use also the Machine Dragon roar!』
Lisha's shout was drowned out by a roaring sound and disappeared.
Part 2
"To all machines of the "Knight Squadron" platoon, evacuate! We will rebuild our posture once again. Those who can't use any weapons, step back for the moment!"
The failure of the planned attack. And knitting her brows at the reality of there being great damage, Lisha groaned.
"We can still fully fight! Don't panic!"
Calling out so to her comrades, she tried to raise their willpower.
But,
『Hou, you've really gotten used to acting like a Princess, eh, Lizsharte.』
"…!?"
Suddenly, through somewhere –– a man's voice which became hoarse could be heard.
It was not a member of the "Knight Squadron".
It was a Drag-Knight attached to the defense corps of the New Kingdom army that had chased after the Abyss which broke through the strongholds.
A man wearing a gray Machine Dragon and standing still in the sky, at the rear of the Abyss which charged could be seen.
『But you know? You aren't of such caliber.』
"You bastard! Who do you think you are!?"
Immediately after her words, a flash bombardment was released by that Drag-Knight towards Lisha.
『Commander!』
『Princess!』
The screams of her allies echoed on the dragon voice communication.
"Kuh…!"
It was at a timing where she was completely taken back, but Lisha barely evaded a direct hit.
"Uh… Kuh! What the hell are you trying do…!? Captain of the guard corps deployed from the Royal Capital––"
Lisha glared at the Drag-Knight standing still in the sky and shouted so. In response, the man in his prime, serenely, "You are mistaken."
Declared so as if ridiculing her.
"It's from the Imperial Capital that I came, Your Highness Princess Lizsharte. Acadia Empire, Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief, Velvet Barth is my name."
"...!?"
The rebel army which was scheming the restoration of the Old Empire, and the man who carried that will in his body.
"So you betrayed the New Kingdom? And you even went as far as to expressly pull an Abyss from the ruins––"
"Do not say a disgraceful thing like betraying. I got back on the right track. I obtained power."
The voice of a man who was elated with success could be heard in the head through the dragon voice.
"Did you think that you could beat me with one surprise attack? Your arrogance will cause your loss, Velvet."
Being shot on the flight device, Lisha calmly set up.
Velvet who also saw that had a composed expression.
"I can win. After all, luring you out like this was also to create a chance for victory."
The gray Drag-Ride got down from the sky.
Strengthened Flight Type Machine Dragon EX Wyvern where there was the Old Empire's army symbol on the coating.
The guard squad commander Velvet picked up a small golden flute in front of the Abyss which fell in the mud.
"Now, hatch out. Eggs."
And, he put his mouth on the flute with a cruel smile.
A never heard before harsh dissonance resounded on the rough earth.
Just after.
On the surface of the Abyss which had exploded and crumbled down in the mud, countless oil bubbles floated.
What came out were birdmen of black metal. A herd of Gargoyles like the one which attacked the academy a few days ago.
There were born from the Abyss' body.
『This is bad…』
『Such a number…! Even though we have never fought more than two Abysses at the same time…』
『What do we do…, I haven't heard about this––』
『In the first place, to think that the garrison in the army were enemies …』
Black metal wings gradually covered the sky of the morning glow from which the day began to rise.
There were about 30 Gargoyle Type Abysses.
"––Awaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an Army in itself. Tiamat!" Lisha cancelled the connection of the damaged Chimeric Wyvern and wore her Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat.
However,
『Lisha-sama! Please, prepare for withdrawal! A fight with this level of military power is dangerous!』One member of the Knight Squadron shouted so through the dragon voice communication, but Lisha gave her head a small shake.
『Sorry, but it seems to be impossible. The enemy has wings. Even if we run away into the Fort City, they will fly over the wall. We have no choice but to fight them here.』
『B-But––. We will gain time, so at least Lisha-sama must escape! You who is the Princess cannot die here. Also for the sake of the people of the New Kingdom which finally obtained peace.』
Moreover, another member shouted as to urge her.
But––,
『Do you mean –– surviving is also a Princess' duty?』
Lisha's wry smile came back through the dragon voice.
"Then, I'm not fit to be a Princess after all."
With these lines, she lonely turned around.
"It's bothersome, I'm not good at it. At surviving by sacrificing someone, extolling someone's death as heroic, doing at least one speech to the citizens who survived and being exposed to applause."
『...』
"That's why I will fight. It's surely the mission which I can do as a Princess."
As soon as she asserted this, Lishas Tiamat flew.
"Tell all the Knight Squadron's members, from here on we will engage the enemy. Those unable to fight as well as the injured should take shelter within the walls. The members who can fight, cover me. Go down a little to not be hit by the Airborne Fortress."
『Lizsharte-sama...』
"Now, let's play. Traitors."
Wielding her Sword Device, Lisha summoned her auxiliary armaments.
Twelve more Airborne Fortress and the Seventh Heads.
"That's quite a foolish mouth you have, Princess."
The defense squad Commander Velvet twisted his mouth in an arc, and once again pushed his lips to the flute.
Part 3
Meanwhile, Ben was about to go out of the hangar.
"Where do you intend to go? Nii-san."
Airi asked Ben who had an expression showing that he had already made up his mind.
"I am going to help Lisha!"
"You can't!"
Airi flatly told so.
"With that Wyvern, even if you can defend, you can't defeat the Abyss; you also can't use the other sword. There's nothing that the current you can do, Nii-san."
"But––"
"I understand Nii-san's feelings. But, in this world, there are things which can't be help. No matter how much you do your best, there are many things which can't be reversed. We, the Old Empire's royalty should have seen it as unpleasant it was!"
Throwing off her usually clear expression, Airi appealed to him.
"But I am not of the Old Empire's royalty!" Ben got annoyed which surprised Airi.
"I'll be all right, Airi. I won't leave you alone, so––"
Airi calmly looked downward to these words.
"I 've already finished the output adjustment of that Machine Dragon. It has to the bitter end been analyzed by me who's still studying, but… I cannot guarantee more than ten minutes…"
"Thank you."
As Ben smiled to his not-little sister, he approached Krulcifer who was outside the door.
"Krulcifer. I have a request."
"…What is it?"
"Please activate your Fafnir. Not to cover me, but to save Lisha. You are the only person who can go out of the Fort City right now."
"Didn't I say it before? I cannot go fight using this life that belongs to the religious country Ymir."
Krulcifer told so in a calm tone until the bitter end.
"I now know the identity of this "Black Hero". Let's make a deal, i'll tell you if you listen to me."
"All right."
Krulcifer nodded after a short pause.
"Then, let's go."
And, the two people unsheathed their Sword Devices at the same time.
Part 4
"Kuh…! Haah!"
Lisha roughened her breathing and put strength to all parts of her limbs.
She perturbed the opponents with a total of 16 Airborne Fortress, blocked their movements with the Divine Raiment Heavenly Voice, Gravity Control, and surely consigned them to oblivion with the maximum bombardment of the Seventh Heads at last.
An extreme battle which fully used the three major armaments of the Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat.
She performed an attack with output beyond the limit consecutively and the Knight Squadron's members who covered her were also making frantic efforts, but they were still outnumbered.
Even so, without loosening the offensive, she continued to reduce the enemies' number little by little, but––,
"Kuh… Haa!"
Finally, the limit which couldn't be extended with just feelings was approaching.
Her vision grew hazy and her hands and feet no longer did what she wanted.
"Haa…, Haa…!"
There was about a dozen of Gargoyle type Abysses remaining.
Of course, even if only one was remaining, it was not an opponent to which you could let your guard down, but finally the chance of being able to execute the last plan came.
"Sharis, Tillfarr…, are you safe?"
Narrowing down the dragon voice to only the "Knight Squadron"' members, Lisha called out to them.
『I'm sorry, but Princess, I was saved by a comrade and have already begun to withdraw.』
"Yes, it looks like I'm also at my limit...My armaments have been blown off along with the armor of both my hands..."
To the reply with a voice which got husky, Lisha smiled wryly.
"You guys should withdraw. Instead, I have a request. Tell the instructors who are in the Fort City to come out to attack. If my aim from now on succeeds, that is."
『Princess. Don't tell me it's...?』
Sharis guessed Lisha's intention.
"Yes, i'm..,going to aim at the boss who possesses that flute."
It was recorded that Abysses originally had the habit of attacking living things indiscriminately.
Nevertheless, that defense squad captain Velvet who sided with the Old Empire, far from being attacked, showed no signs that he could get caught up by their attacks.
And, the golden flute which the man possessed was not a Drag-Ride's armament.
It was probably a treasure of the ruins, and he was manipulating the Abysses using it.
"How unsightly, Lizsharte. Originally, it was a mistake in the first place that the likes of a bitch like you, who must have lived waiting upon a man even if for a while, to seat on the seat of Princess."
Velvet who was staying in the air behind the Abysses was looking down at Lisha with a smile of mockery-
"Hmm. So that's to say, men are fellows like you who act conceited and make up repetitive excuses after it's over? And yet, they can only say things when they are in an absolutely advantageous situation, huh. I see; then it's natural that the Empire has been destroyed by we, the women."
"…You've some nerve. No, I shall give praise for that remarkable bluff. Even though you're exhausted to the extent that the Divine Drag-Ride which you wear has already begun its rampage."
As Velvet sneered at her, he put his lips on the flute and sent a breath.
A strange noise that was hard to describe resounded, and the Abysses came back behind Velvet all at once.
"As you wish. I'll ride on the one-to-one fight that you desire. I shall give you a glorious death..."
Setting up a large-sized blade in a overhead position, Velvet declare so.
"What a funny joke. It will only be a shame even if my life was taken by a small thing like you." As Lisha returned a smile to that, she pulled a small blade and flew up.
Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat vs. Strengthened Flying Type Machine Dragon EX Wyvern.
It was even difficult to fly straight to where Velvet was, who was waiting in the sky.
If it was a one-on-one fight, the result could be seen.
The enemy was also confident about it.
Precisely because of this reason––, there was a chance of victory
"Come on, you should scatter that life! False princess!"
The moment when the energy from the Force Core streamed down Velvet's large sword.
Lisha threw her set-up blade before his eyes.
"––!?"
The throwing of the small sword. At the same time, Tiamat which was rising suddenly stopped.
It wasn't limited to just Drag-Knights, if you lose your weapon in a battlefield, it will lead to an immediate death.
Velvet cut off the blade which was thrown with his large sword swung downward.
"Fool, did you think that such a move would work?"
There were no substitute weapons in Lisha's hands.
The fight was decided.
"Haha. It's you who made a mistake."
Lisha's small laughter reached the ears of Velvet who was facing her.
Her hands were holding slender twin swords.
The two Swords Devices corresponding to the Chimeric Wyvern.
Once one wore a Machine Dragon, the Sword Device could only be used as a control stick.
If the Sword Device to control the Machine Dragon was taken away or destroyed, one's defeat was decided.
Aside of using it that way, it was for self-defense before wearing a Machine Dragon, it could not be used as weapon after wearing the machine.
Thus originally, it was an attack which could not be predicted.
If it was a Sword Device where the Force Core was used in a part of the sword blade, one could also break through the barrier of a Drag-Ride.
Velvet had completely exposed an opening immediately after shaking off his large sword.
(Got you!)
The moment when Lisha wielded her twin swords with conviction,
"It's a shame, bitch."
"Wha––!?"
Lisha's senses became dull as if time stopped.
As if the flow of time which she felt slipped through her recognition.
Velvet's large sword was swung first.
The fragment of the armor scattered before Lisha's eyes.
In the blue sky where the sun rose, one red flower bloomed.
"Ku, ah…!"
The twin swords being flipped, Lisha who had a part of her armor broken fell on the ground.
As if seeking something, she stretched out her right hand to the sky and suddenly ran out of energy as such.
『Lisha-sama!』
A member of the "Knight Squadron" that was preparing for withdrawal screamed.
But - it was no use.
"Ha! Hahahahaha!"
Velvet's sneer resounded in the wasteland and the sky.
"W-What… is this…?"
Hearing Lisha's groan, Velvet fearlessly smiled.
"Quick Draw"––. It's a kind of Drag-Knight secret art once handed down to the Empire's army. After reaching the Imperial Guardsman Knight Squadron's head, and after five more years of training –– I finally mastered it."
"Quick Draw"
A special move that dishes out unseen attacks with just one stroke, in an instant, through a sequence of movements from the perfect overlap of manipulating two differing systems.
The Drag-Knights' three secret arts had been handed down as a legend even after the New Kingdom establishment, and a person who mastered even one of them was praised as a super first class user.
"I have been sharpening my fangs for this time for five years after the day of coup d'état. I endured the painful act of becoming the watchdog of you damn bitches. Hahahahahaha! It's the best feeling!"
"You low-life…!"
Lisha, still lying face up with her arms and legs outstretched, chewed her lower tip.
"With this, I've achieve my purpose. Afterwards, I'll hold you hostage and only use you as in a deal with the Queen."
Velvet played the flute and called back the Abysses behind him.
Lisha herself had no more cards to play.
"Kuh…"
She pulled the trigger with a fingertip as she struggled, but Tiamat no longer reacted.
(Finally, this time has come again…)
As her consciousness become cloudy due to fatigue and bleeding, Lisha suddenly heard a voice.
『Lisha!』
"B-Ben...?"
Is it a dream, or an auditory hallucination?
Lisha though that either was fine if she could talk to him at the end.
"Ha... my bad. I've been defeated. Haha..."
『Only a little more. Please stay conscious only a little more. If you do so––』
『Forget about me, abandon me. You don't need to worry. It may be conceited, but you don't need to come help me, so...』
Thanks to that, a small of amount of strength welled up within her.
『Instead, listen; keep my secret until the end––』
Part 5
"Listen, not-Ben Acadia. You know? I ran away. I wasn't able to die as a daughter of the proud Earl House."
A hollow voice was sent to Ben through the dragon voice.
"Knowing that I was abandoned by my father, I was told to choose either becoming an assassin of the Empire or die. I was so scared that I wasn't able to kill myself. Therefore, I once gave up on everything and decided to become a person of the Empire. From the beginning –– I wasn't qualified to be a Princess."
『Lisha...』
"It was hard for me to behave like a Princess. But in fact, I wanted to become one, too. I, a person who betrayed the Empire once, might be saying something selfish. But you know; now I like everyone… I wished to be recognized this time for sure."
『Listen to me.』
The voice of Ben who took a deep breath came back
『I don't care about your past or anything. Because I'm here to save you!』
Lisha smiled wryly and looked up at the sky.
"You are really an idiot."
Before Velvet's shot could reach her, A blue Machine Dragon –– Ben's Wyvern was there.
He deployed the barrier at maximum output and defended against the impact with his armor.
But, the Wyvern which took a direct hit from the main cannon was smashed to pieces on the spot.
"Kuh…! I don't know who it is, but stop this useless struggle––"
Velvet, whose bombardment was repelled for the price of a Machine Dragon, chewed his teeth and set up his large sword.
The army of Machine Dragons which was waiting behind him set up their weapons all at once as it was the signal of attack.
"Ben…? Why––"
"Sorry, Lisha. Even though I had you repair it with much trouble."
At the same time, standing in the way before Lisha lying down face up, Ben revealed a lonely smile.
Then, he cancelled the connection of the seriously damaged Wyvern and quickly put his hand on the other Sword Device remaining on his waist.
Part 6
"––Manifest, Violent Dragon which devours the gods' flesh and blood. Cut off the cloudy heavens, Bahamut!"
At that moment, particles of light gathered at high speed.
What appeared was black lump of Mithril Dite wearing an ominous blood lust and brilliance.
From the head –– which imitated a dragon's, two piercing eyes shining red peeped out.
"This is…––?"
To that uncommon power and presence, Velvet in the sky raised his voice.
"Connect On"
The Machine Dragon which appeared before Ben transformed into countless pieces of armor and wrapped his whole body.
"Don't tell me…, you are––?"
Lisha who saw this stared wide-eyed and muttered.
Soon after, in front of the 100 Machine Dragons of the Rebel army approaching before him, Ben who wore the jet-black giant dragon Bahamut blocked their way.
In his hand, a large sword of a black deeper than darkness was held.
"I don't know who you are, but it doesn't matter! I will get rid of both of you!"
In accordance with Velvet's voice, the first three machines brandished their blades and charged.
They intended to load energy from the Force Core to them (blades) and cut down the whole barrier.
The simultaneous attack of the three machines from three directions, the right, the left and the front attacked Ben.
At that moment––,
"––Eh?"
The moment when the three Drag-Knight were about to swing down their swords, the Drag-Rides which the men were wearing burst into pieces.
The armor arm holding the Machine Dragon blade, the Force Core in both shoulders and the Sword Device hanging on the waist.
The three points which were vital points of attack, power, and control were pulverized in an instant.
And at the same time –– the three machines which came attacking all at once at that.
"What…!?"
The eyes of the men who were defeated were not able to see anything.
What on earth happened?
At a speed which the eyes could not catch, Bahamut swung its blade, and the moment when the swords crossed, the fight was decided.
––Why!?
"Devour time and accelerate, Bahamut."
Before they could understand the situation, Ben's large sword flashed once more and knocked down the three machines before him.
"This guy is awesome!
The three Wyvern of the Old Empire that were already destroyed instantly lost their power and propulsion output, and fell headlong.
Although barely picked up by their friends' Machine Dragons which were on the ground, they were no longer able to fight.
"You bastaaard!"
After a pause of several seconds, five Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army once again attacked Ben simultaneously.
" Reload on Fire "
But, their attacks from the top, bottom, right, left and the front were fruitless and once again all the five machines were simultaneously shot down.
"Kuh…!?"
"What does that mean––!?"
"What is happening, what the hell––"
"I-Is that a Divine Drag-Ride…!? Why does it easily, like that…!"
A great number attacked all at once, and faster than anyone of them could swing his sword –– or could pull the trigger of his gun, they were knocked down in an instant.
Just like a cheap-looking drama-like spectacle.
The rebel army stirred to the nightmare-like reality.
"D-Don't panic! That guy is just a Drag-Knight like us!"
Velvet raised his voice and rebuked his subordinates.
『There is no way that that guy –– a man has enough aptitude to use a Divine Drag-Ride for a long period of time! Besides, his movements will surely become dull soon after his attack! Aim for that chance!』
"Haah!"
The Drag-Knights who received instructions from their commander surrounded Ben and attacked him once again.
Certainly, Ben loosened his movements for a few seconds as he got tired from the processing of Bahamut.
"Guaaaaaaaaah!"
But, the next moment when his movements became slow and it looked like he showed an opening.
He pulverized the seven Machine Dragons of the Old Empire that entered his range in an instant.
"…Impossible!"
Once again, unrest ran among the Old Empire's Drag-Knights.
"A jet-black Divine Drag-Ride… You bastard…! Don't tell me –– your the one at the time of the coup d'état…!?"
"No. I am not that guy. Though, I am the one that will kick your butt."
Part 7
"Haa… So, you've done it. Nii-san…"
On the other hand, Airi who asked Nokuto,who came back to the Fort City, went out of the rampart together with her, and was gazing at the battlefield as she deeply sighed.
At a site separated from the rampart and about several hundreds miles away from the wasteland of the battlefield.
"What's happening? Ben-san is… That black Divine Drag-Ride––?"
"…Nokuto. Can you keep secret what I'm about to tell you now?"
Unlike her usual straight atmosphere, Airi whispered in a slightly casual air.
"Yes. I swear on the pride and the master of the household of attendants, the Leaflet House."
As Nokuto nodded, Airi suddenly began to talk after a deep breath.
"That is Nii-san. The strongest Drag-Knight riding the Empire's strongest Machine Dragon Bahamut. In the coup d'état five years ago, the one who destroyed 1200 Machine Dragons of the Empire army all by himself –– the "Black Hero"."
"––!? What do you mean by that? Airi Acadia."
Nokuto opened her eyes wide and asked Airi.
"It was a Prince of the Empire –– that destroyed the Old Empire? Why…?"
In mid-air where numerous explosions occurred, the Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army charged furthermore.
"Reload on Fire –– That is Bahamut's Divine Raiment. Its ability is a 10-second magic called Compression Strengthening."
An ability which rapidly decreases the energy and phenomenon until a fraction of it remains in the former five seconds, and then explosively unleashes their power in the latter five seconds.
"It decelerates the flow of time in the target to some fraction in the first five seconds, and accelerates it several times in the last five seconds. Thus, the moment when the enemy showed the preliminary movement of his attack, he easily overtakes it with an accelerated slash and destroyed the enemy. It's Nii-san's technique called "quick shot"."
"Quick shot..."
A special move which saw through the enemy's attack preliminary movement, used the acceleration by Reload on Fire and instantly destroyed the enemy's Drag-Ride.
"T-Then if he's so strong, why is Ben the "Weakest Undefeated"––"
"That's because that move is too hard to use."
Part 8
30 machines, 40 machines, 50 machines…
At the moment when they were about to attack, the Machine Dragons of the Old Empire army were shot down.
The Old Empire's Drag-Knights army of approximately 100 machines, which existed as Velvet's unit had been reduced to less than half in no time.
『It's useless even if you try to gain time. Nii-san's Machine Dragon aptitude's numerical value is much higher than the basic aptitude value of us, women.』
Airi's composed voice reached even Velvet through the dragon voice of Nokuto's Drake.
No way––
In the reality where he could only think so while doubting,
"D-Don't kid with me! Are you telling me that this bastard is that "Black Hero"!?"
Even while being flustered, Velvet furthermore issued instructions to his Drag-Knight subordinates.
But, even their movements to strike at the opening of Bahamut's Divine Raiment, Reloading on Fire were seen through and they were crushed in no time.
"Who are you?! Why do you bastard––!"
"Don't you remember me? I'm the Seventh Crowned Princed of the Old Empire."
"Fu, kukuku…! Hahaha!"
Seeing that, Velvet burst into laughter.
"Please surrender at once. Further struggle is meaningless."
"Why?! Ben Acadia! Why do you, a Prince and survivor of the imperial family, turn your sword to us?! Do you intend to become a hero by fighting for the people!? You are wrong! With such superficial feelings, be it the people or the country –– you will not move anything!"
"I'm not a hero, and i'm not a prince."
Ben answered so with a dry smile.
"Please listen, Lisha."
"I was not the Ben Acadia you all know, for as I Ben Tennyson, his Alternate Universe self and as hero, I'll save this empire from the likes of him!"
While hearing it, he turned his large sword towards Velvet and declared.
"I am not the Black Hero, I'm the one who had saved the universe countless times!"
Velvet raised his sword and sent a signal to his subordinates.
"In that case, You should die! As a cornerstone of a new Empire, rot away under the justice of the Acadia Empire that I serve!"
All the dozens of Machine Dragons remaining simultaneously began an all-out attack.
"Reload on Fire"
In response to it, Bahamut's Divine Raiment activated.
It ate time –– and accelerated.
The special move –– "quick shot" which saw through all the attack's preliminary movements, and pulverized the enemy in an instant.
At the same time that several Machine Dragons' armors were smashed to pieces, Velvet attacked as he wove his way to the momentary opening.
"Ben!"
Ben heard Lisha's scream.
"Apologize to His Majesty the Emperor in the other world! Traitor!"
Velvet let out a sharp, straight line slash.
A high speed flash by quick draw.
When the inescapable slash attacked Ben's Bahamut––, Velvet saw it.
"W-Why…!? Your Divine Raiment… You shouldn't have been able to use it yet ! Why was my quick draw defeated––"
『Just because you can use the quick draw, there is no way you can win with the same technique against the one who invented it, right?』
Airi proudly said.
"W-Wait! You invented it!? That can't be! You were still 11 in those days––"
"Good-bye, Velvet. Though I can't judge you as royalty anymore."
As Ben coldly said that, he dialed his Omnitrix and transformed into Upgrade and merged with Bahamut
Velvet was surprised on what he had saw.
"I don't want to fight for the Empire as a Prince, nor for your sake. I fight as a hero, and defeat evil like you!"
Upgrade turned Bahamut's right arm into an energy cannon.
"Should I create a new move? I'll call this Galvanic Shot"
As Ben declared, the energy cannon was shotted into Velvet, disintegrating him.
"––Thank you, Ben."
"…"
To the words of the Princess whose eyes were moist, Ben responded with a smile.
Then suddenly, his body along with Bahamut slanted.
"H-Hey!? Are you all right? Ben!"
"I'm just reached my limit..."
He cancelled Bahamut's connection and replied so.
His consciousness became gradually blurred.
While faintly hearing the shouts of joy of the "Knight Squadron" audible from far away, Ben slowly closed his eyes.