Undefeated Hollow Devil Chronicle

by Gaevontracey24

Nhazul, who was a prince from the Empire that was destroyed five years ago due to the revolt, met with the princesses of the new Kingdom, Lizsharte and Rias, by accidentally breaking into the bathroom of the girl's dormitory. The ancient weapons found from the ruins, the Drag-Ride. Nhazul was now known as the "Stronges Undefeated Emperor"

2. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

…

"Haah… I've done it now."

In a gloomy basement, Nhazul Ryuadia woke up.

It was enclosed by stone walls and iron grills; a plain isolation cell with one bed and a bathroom.

Neither handcuffs nor fetters were placed on him, but all his personal belongings were confiscated.

Of course, even the two Sword Devices were hung to his waist. A stolen knife, a tool kit and even the pochette which he got back from the cat were seized.

Though he did not know the exact time, as he saw light coming in through the skylight, Nhazul guessed that it was probably around the time of breakfast.

"What a bummer! Even though a work reservation was made today…"

With a sigh, when he carefully thought about it, he noticed that it wasn't the time for that.

"I mean, my real identity was also completely exposed…"

Nhazul's characteristic –– his silver hair inherited from the Old Empire's royal family.

And, the black collar which showed the "criminal" who received amnesty from the new royal family.

With that much evidence gathered, his identity had probably been already specified.

The Old Ryuadia Empire which had laid out tyranny for a long time, was destroyed by a coup d'état.

It was about five years ago that Nhazul, who was a survivor of the old imperial family, was released by the amnesty of the New Kingdom Atismata––, and signed a contract with the condition of "undertaking miscellaneous affairs of any person".

The contents of the miscellaneous affairs varied from a domestic servant, bar waiter, carpenter, and blacksmith to fieldwork.

In the beginning, alone without doubt, he managed the work given by the New Kingdom as if it was a matter of course, but now he was acknowledged for being a "convenient guy" by various people, up to a schedule of one month later, he had become so popular that he was swamped.

To handle a new request this time too, Nhazul had plans to head to a certain place, but––

"No matter how you look at it, I won't make it in time for work…"

Looking at a page of his notebook, the only thing which was not confiscated, Nhazul grumbled.

Even though the job schedule was still tightly packed.

From the afternoon to the half-day rest, he was out of luck to have come across that cat.

"If I drop the job that I already promised to do, my debts will increase again. What on earth should I do––"

"Are you awake? Prince."

"Uwah…!?"

Nhazul was startled by a voice that he suddenly heard.

Before he was aware, on the other side of the iron grill, one girl was standing there.

With blond hair in which one part was tied up with a black ribbon, and deep crimson pupils, sharp like the point of a sword.

Wrapping her body in a white uniform, she displayed a smile that somewhere had a shadow.

"Errr, you're––"

It was a light-complexioned girl with a height slightly shorter than Nhazul's and small stature.

Nevertheless, the girl's presence was fearfully strong.

She was clad in fearlessness, strong and absolute self-confidence which did not let anyone get closer.

It was a girl who gave the impression of having both sweetness and heat just like an ignited cake containing plenty of alcohol.

"Fufufu" that girl suddenly laughed in a low voice.

"Thank you for the help last night. Incidentally, it was a wonderful pick-up line. To the extent that I was unintentionally charmed."

"…Ah!?"

For an instant, Nhazul raised his voice.

He remembered!

She was the girl whom he had held down by force when Nhazul fell into the bathroom last night ––

To the presence which got filled with the girl's anger, Nhazul felt cold sweat stream down his back.

"Fufufu. Well, there is something I really want to tell you though. Besides, the Principal wants to talk with you. Follow me."

As she turned her smile which had a shadow somewhere to Nhazul, the blond girl opened the lock of the prison.

"…The Principal?"

"Hou. You have an honest face, and your mouth also stands. Do you intend to say that you crept into this girl's dormitory without knowing?"

"Eh… Eeeeeeeeee?"

To the girl's reply, Nhazul raised a voice of surprise.

He hurriedly took out his notebook and looked at today's date.

[Workplace] Fort City, "Cross Feed" Academy.

[Client] Principal, Relié Aingram.

[Work contents] New Kingdom, Maintenance of Drag-Rides in the fourth Machine Dragon Hangar.

"Th-Then, don't tell me here is… where I was scheduled to come work at, this time ––"

The Girl's academy of Drag-Knights founded by the New Kingdom Atismata.

That's why the girls who had attacked me yesterday were using Drag-Rides, huh.

As Nhazul who realized this was standing petrified and half amazed,

"Lisesharte Atismata."

"Eh…?"

From the girl in front of him, words and a smile came back.

"It's my name. New Kingdom First Princess –– commonly known as the Scarlet Princess. I'm the Princess of the New Kingdom which destroyed your empire five years ago. Nice to meet you, Prince."

Plop, his shoulder was tapped by the smiling girl.

Her eyes were not particularly laughing.

"Eeeeeeeeeeh!?"

Nhazul's scream echoed in the underground prison.

"Phew… then in the end, let's just say that this time was an unfortunate accident, okay? Nhazul Ryuadia-kun."

Nhazul who went to the Principal's Room was receiving an explanation from Principal Relie about the school itself which was the scheduled workplace at the same time as he talked about the circumstances which led to this uproar.

This was the academy of Drag-Knight officer candidates managed by the New Kingdom Atismata.

It was a place which trained the so-called officers –– high-rank persons even among government officials including military and civil officials, and moreover speaking in detail––

"An academy which trained humans engaged in Drag-Rides, huh…?"

"You can say that."

To Nhazul's question, Principal Relie nodded with a smile.

Although the Principal, she was still young.

She was probably in her late twenties or so. Even if one said teacher, the woman of allowable looks called herself Relie Aingram.

She herself was also the daughter of a financial group which held a market directly associated with the nation, in other words, one of the native cased young ladies.

And –– she was one of the few acquaintances of Nhazul who was from the former imperial family.

Both the Drag-Ride and the Sword Device were weapons which were used as a pair.

Drag-Rides were usually enshrined in a place called a "hangar" in various places; by pulling out the Sword Device from the scabbard and pushing a button in the grip, one could transfer –– summon –– the matching Machine Dragon.

With weapons other than Drag-Rides, such a thing was not possible.

It was a possible feat precisely because there were the Mithril Dite, metal which turned into light and enabled the metastasis of the space, and the Force Core, a nuclear stone which was the source of power of a Machine Dragon.

The structure of the transfer itself was not yet clarified.

That the Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated from the ruins, and that the investigation of the ruins themselves was not readily progressing due to certain circumstances was the main cause.

But even so, the power which the Drag-Rides held hid a power too extraordinary to refrain from use by the reason "the technology cannot finish clarifying it".

Therefore, the competition on surveying(researching) the structure and even the principle clarifications of the Drag-Rides was carried out intensely in each nation.

"It has been more than ten years since the Drag-Rides were discovered from the ruins. Their use has almost been prohibited to us women, due to the trend and the system of androcracy[1] that the Old Empire laid. But––"

As Relie cut her words, Lizsharte who was standing beside Nhazul suddenly opened her mouth.

"With the coup d'état five years ago, that perception completely changed after what the New Kingdom established. Aside from the exercise aptitude to use for the handling, the data reported that the compatibility aptitude of the airframe control of women was far above men, and thereafter, they established a special training organization, and concentrated their efforts on that upbringing in order to prepare Drag-Knight officers who won't lose to those other countries–– something like that."

"Yes, that's right."

To Lizsharte's supplement, Relie nodded.

Drag-Rides were super weapons to the extent that they rendered the existence of swords, guns, cannons, and horses which were the main force of war previously, useless.

Since their appearance, it already came to the point where it was impossible to talk about anything without words including war, diplomacy, commerce and industry.

Taking that into consideration, even Nhazul knew at least that a Drag-Knights training institution existed.

However––

"B-But, why was I called?"

It was the principal Relie who made the request for work.

As Nhazul asked about that with a bemused expression––,

"Oh my. I see that the "Strongest undefeated" of all people is quite modest, eh."

A seemingly mature, teasing smile returned.

"Strongest undefeated".

An Official Mock battle which made use of Drag-Rides was held once a month in the coliseum of the royal capital.

As there was also a prize depending on the military record, it was the nickname attached to one who boasted of the most participation frequency from his combat style, and Nhazul was called so, but––

"It's probably strength in no way inferior to that of Lisesharte-san who is one of the best users even in this academy. I think that it's by no means an inappropriate job for you though."

"…Hou."

As if to disapprove of Relie's words, Lizsharte twitchily shook her shoulders.

(I-I have a bad feeling about this…!)

"I-I don't mean that, it seems that this place is a girl's academy, so for me to work here––"

"It's regrettable, but we lack manpower."

Relie answered before Nhazul's rebuttal.

"The history of Drag-Knights is rather short, isn't it? Most of the users of the Old Empire which monopolized the Drag-Rides for many years have died with the coup d'état. In that case, though reluctant, I can do nothing but regularly invite a male cooperator. Be it a Drag-Ride's mechanic or a Drag-Knight."

"…I can hardly do maintenance, you know?"

"You just have to learn here after. Just having a prerequisite knowledge as a user is valuable."

Relie replied immediately.

"The New Kingdom fourth Machine Dragon hangar is located in the premises of this academy. Your work is there, so from today I will have you go there three times a week. It's dirty, the work is hard and there is also the danger of injury. I can't give such a job to young ladies from good families, can I? Don't you think that you should also feel honored and privileged to have been born male?"

With a teasing voice, Relie smiled.

"…"

(She's pushy as usual, eh…)

Nhazul thought as he smiled wryly.

It had already been several years since he had met Relie for the first time, but nothing about this quite indifferent personality, deftness and malice had changed.

She should be the eldest daughter of the Aingram House, the big mercantile House of a financial combine class, but she was quite unique.

When Nhazul inwardly sighed, Relie took another deep breath,

"I'm still thinking about what work to give you as a Drag-Ride user, so I will tell you soon ––okay?"

"Right", when the conversation was settled,

"Principal. Can I have a little time?"

Suddenly, Lizsharte stuck out her hand and interrupted the conversation.

"I understood the story. But, we haven't admitted this man yet."

She stared at Nhazul with a sharp look and said.

The edge of her mouth made a faint smile.

"…"

Is she really a Princess, this child?

How to put it, I feel a really bloodthirsty presence.

No, well, I did such a thing in the bath, so it might only be towards me though.

"My doubt has not cleared up.

This man is guilty of being a peeping tom, a molester and a pervert underwear thief. There is no way we would let such a 'man' work in this academy. I mean, we should first hand him over to the army. And we should judge him in a judicial place and let him get some fresh air after he ate smelly food for several years."

"N-No, like I said, it was a misunderstanding––!?"

Nhazul tried to object, but being thrown a glance at by Lizsharte, he shut his mouth.

"I see, he said that he accidentally intruded into the bathroom as he was chasing a cat. But, how can he prove that? Principal. I think that giving shelter to a criminal who is not worth trusting is rather dangerous."

"You're right. We are acquainted, so I know Nhazul-kun really well, but––"

Relie said that and smiled wryly.

"I can't assert at all that this uproar was really caused accidentally."

"Shouldn't you assert there!?"

With somewhat teary eyes, Nhazul complained.

He was sure that she would support him.

"But actually, no one can prove whether or not it was on purpose. Then, he is also a victim in this matter, and so is Lisesharte-san who is the top student of the second year, too. May I leave his punishment to your discretion?"

"Eeeeeeeeeeh!?"

(Why did you leave it to her!?)

Nhazul desperately swallowed the cry of his soul and endured.

As a pardon at the time of the New Kingdom's establishment, Nhazul was forgiven for the crime of being former royalty and released on parole, but at the same time by the contract which he signed, he was charged with a debt of an amount equivalent to 1/5 of the national budget.

That such an 'offender' Nhazul becoming a criminal furthermore was very inconvenient––

"Fufu."

Lizsharte who saw that Nhazul panicked scornfully laughed in a low voice,

"Then, let's see. I will give you one chance of redeeming yourself."

"…Eh?"

"Whether you are really worth enough to work in this academy as a 'male' Drag-Knight. Or just a simple pervert. I will test your fighting spirit and ability."

Saying so, Lizsharte touched the handle of the sword at her waist and at the same time slowly walked before the door of the principal's room.

"If you are defeated by me, you will be taken to prison as a criminal; if you win, I won't mind you working by acquittal. The match will be a mock battle of a one-on-one fight using Drag-Rides. ––It's all right with that, isn't it? Curious onlookers."

The moment that Lizsharte said so and turned the doorknob of the room,

"Kyaaaaa…!?"

The female students who had gathered over the door noisily fell into the room and were overlapping on one another.

They were apparently concerned about the treatment of Nhazul whom they heard rumors about, and it seemed that they were listening outside, over the door.

"Spread it to everyone in the academy. The more spectators, the better. A show where the New Kingdom's princess will beat the Old Empire's prince."

The female students who heard that raised happy voices and left.

"It has become something big! Lizsharte-sama challenged this pervert to a duel––"

"It seems that the other party is the 'Strongest undefeated'. Does anyone know the details?"

"In the first place, he is a prince of the Old Empire, isn't he? That underwear thief, I mean."

"Appearance-wise, he's my type –– but it's a shame."

Hearing such voices along with Lizsharte who got out of the room, Nhazul became speechless.

At this rate, this talk would spread all over the academy before the duel.

"…"

Somehow, it has become something big…

"I wonder if I should review the educational system a little. Don't forget that this place is a diligent academy."

To Relie's amazed mutter, Nhazul unintentionally swallowed his words,

No matter how you look at it, it's your influence…

"By the way, Nhazul-kun. Before the duel, there is a place I want you to stop by a little."

"Errr… where is it?"

"The reception room is immediately nearby. Your teaching older sister is waiting for you there."

"––Eh?"

To Nhazul who raised a surprised voice, Relie returned only a smile.

"Geez, what is Nii-kun doing? I'm amazed."

The Academy reception room for visitors.

As expected of an academy where noble children gathered, in this room which gave a high class impression along with the furniture and furnishings, two females were standing stock still.

One is a female Student who was a calm black-haired girl that rang a bell.

The other was a beautiful adult woman in her mid 20s with the long same silver hair and the same collar as Nhazul, she is shown to be quite tall. She normally keeps her hair tied down in waist-long low ponytail but will wear it a high ponytail when she's about to fight. She has a stoic, serious expression most of the time. She is also said to possess good fashion sense and the way she carries herself is seen as being regal, like a high-born lady looked somehow more mature than her Little Brother Nhazul's She has a very good figure, having a trained yet voluptuous body without any trace of fat on her and large breasts while not being too muscular.

"Um––, I'm sorry for a lot of things Leanna Nee chan

First of all, Nhazul lightly apologized to the girl, Leanna Ryuadia who was his older sister.

Airi who saw that shrugged her shoulders along with a sigh, and moved her gaze towards the girl beside her.

"She is my Student in my class. Her name is–– may I ask for it?"

"Yes. I am… a first year Nokuto Leaflet. I apologize for last night."

The girl who gave a quite calm impression softly bowed her head and stared at Nhazul.

Last night was the bathroom intrusion incident.

She was one of the three girls who chased him at that time.

"It seems like you were really running after a pochette which was stolen by a cat. I am sorry for having treated you like a pervert."

"I-I am sorry, too. Um––, I didn't think that there was underwear in it… But, what a relief. It looks like the baggage is perfectly safe."

He thought that she was a fairly severe child last night, but she apparently seemed to be an honest and good child.

(I'm happy that she believes me…)

As Ayato looked at Nokuto and let his troubles melt––

"Um, though I'm sorry to interrupt your happy conversation."

Leanna who was looking at their exchange with reproachful eyes coughed, seeming to be in a bad mood.

"Because of Nii-kun, it isn't time for that now though."

"Ah…"

The moment Nhazul came to his senses,Leanna sighed once again.

"Hah… Even though for appearance's sake, I have told my surroundings that you're a cool younger brother, what on earth will you do about it? Peeping tom, underwear thief, molester. To think that a relative of mine is a criminal, please think about my position in the academy."

"F-For appearance's sake, huh… not that, like I said, it was a misunderstanding!?"

"Yes. I think that only your face seems like a Prince roughly. It is a little unreliable though."

"…You'll be cleaned off if you thought that she was praising you!?"

It was simply shocking.

As expected, this girl called Nokuto is a little strange.

"Shall I get down to the main issue?"

cough* clearing her throat, Leanna sat on the sofa.

As Nhazul did the same and sat opposite to her, Nokuto poured tea in the teacup from a teapot which had been prepared.

"To be frank, I think that it will be good that Nii-san occasionally sees painful experiences, but––"

"Cruel!?"

Not paying heed to Nhazul's reaction, Leanna continued with a serious look.

"This time only is a little special. If Nii-kun were to be caught, how would I be able to pay back the debt alone?"

"…"

(It's a cruel way to put it…!)

The brother and sister of the Old Empire's royalty were coldly treated.

In the amnesty contract exchanged at the same time as the New Kingdom's establishment, one became a "person in charge of odd jobs" and worked bearing a part of the national budget of the New Kingdom.

And the other would live in a place where the royal family's eyes would reach.

It was agreed that if Nhazul were to run away or commit misbehavior, Leanna would be punished instead.

However, Nhazul had not thought of this agreement in itself to be dissatisfied.

Although there was the restriction that he must receive miscellaneous jobs from anyone, he was the "property of the Kingdom", so he had not received compulsive treatment so far.

To begin with, it would not be strange even if the Old Empire's imperial family, which had been exerting tyranny for many years, were killed with the unjust resentment of anyone.

In such a sense, they were made to work to pay a debt –– so as to atone for their crime; and depending on the situation, it could be said that they were protected by the New Kingdom.

Well, there were also other little circumstances which were concealed though.

"With that said, Nii-kun must win against Lizsharte-sama by any means necessary. However––"

Starting to say so, Leanna faltered.

"Is that child strong?"

Nhazul asked.

This was because in the tournament of Drag-Knights held in the capital where he had fought, Nhazul had no memory of Lisesharte participating in it.

students of the academy are not admitted to participate in the tournament. It is also for the concealment of military strength, and if an officer cadet student were to lose, it would not look good enough to be shown publicly."

"I see… which means."

"Yes, instead, there is regularly something like a campus battle in this academy. Lizsharte-sama is currently undefeated. Moreover, after having begun to use a Divine Drag-Ride, she continued winning successive victories with an overwhelming strength."

Divine Drag-Ride.

Being able to handle it, which held a special power among the Machine Dragons would certainly

means that she was a powerful opponent.

To Leanna's words, Nhazul was troubled,

"Well, it'll be a little tough, I guess."

As he scratched his head…

"Yes. Then, I will advise a way so as to be able to withdraw the duel to Lisesharte-sama."

"

Oh my. You shouldn't, Nokuto."

With a gentle smile, Leanna stopped Nokuto who offered to do so.

"It's best that he takes responsibility for his own actions himself. Geez, for a long time you immediately act when you make up your mind and you can't become calm at all, so you only encounter such bad experiences."

"Uwah, you're cruel!? Even though I have been doing my errands of "person in charge of odd jobs" all along since the day of the contract!?

"Hmm. Then Nii-kun, are you saying that you want to become the hostage of the New Kingdom in my stead?"

Leanna took up Nhazul's rebuttal with a cool expression.

And just now, she ran her white fingertips onto the back of Nhazul's neck.

"…!? Wait,Leeana, what are you––!?"

As she approached his face until a distance seemed to kiss him, Nhazul got excited.

"Nii-kun. Being watched as a hostage is really hard, you know? Because of this collar, I'm always seen by strange eyes from others. Even so, I earnestly think that it's my personality and the fruits of my efforts that enable me to maintain smooth human relations. Ah, and then, even I considerably contribute to the debt repayment after all, you know? If I concretely have to say how much I earn in the side jobs which extend until midnight while studying the deciphering of ancient manuscripts excavated in the ruins or the update of the Drag-Ride's manual in the academy––"

"U-Understood. It was my fault…"

"Fufu, I've won again. With this, it's 102 games, 102 victories. I wonder when the day will come when I will be defeated by Nii-kun"

With a childlike smile, Leanna abruptly stood up.

It's always like this…

In his fights over these several years, there was no way that Nhazul was able to lose.

This Older Sister Teacher had a between constitution a long time ago and always clung to her mother and Step-father, but now she was extremely strong.

As Nhazul found such an aspect of Leanna unexpected,

"You get along quite well, eh."

She said and smiled wryly.

"Well then, shall we go already? Follow me."

"Go? To where?"

"To the Machine Dragon hangar. An airframe check before the mock battle is an indispensable matter in the academy after all. Just in case, I will guide you up there. And while we are at it, I will teach you a countermeasure against Lizsharte-sama."

Saying so lightly, Leanna left the reception room ahead.

As Nhazul followed afterwards while sighing,

"Well but, if you haven't yet lost to anyone, I guess Nii-Kun is also like her, right?"

A voice full of conviction tickled Nhazul's earlobes.

"…"

And after heading to the Machine Dragon hangar which was away from the academy and having Nhazul's Sword Devices returned––

Finally, the time of the duel came.

(In the Dome)

"Well then, the Machine Dragon match between the New Kingdom's First Princess Lizsharte and the Old Empire's Seventh Prince Nhazul is about to begin."

At the same time as the voice of Rias gremory as the referee , the stage was wrapped in cheers and seething emotions.

The Drag-Ride practice field located in the school premises;

Fenced in with a circular stone wall, there was a broad ring spreading out to a mound.

At the center, Lizsharte and Nhazul were facing each other.

The ring at the center was low and the shape, which was loftier the more it went to the exterior, was reminiscent of that of the Coliseum of old times.

Strong lattices were stretched on the spectator seats, and in addition, several Drag-Knights constantly deployed barriers in order to protect students, so viewers did not have to worry about being affected.

As Nhazul looked around, not only a large number of female students, but even instructors seemed to have come to watch this duel which was supposed to be a private battle.

"I wonder why so many people have gathered…"

Under the watchful eyes of a great number of the school's staff, Nhazul became nervous.

I see that all of them have a little too much time to spare.

He was selfishly made an actor of an amazing show, but…

"Do you want to know the reason? Nhazul Ryuadia. The reason why I challenged you to a duel."

Standing in front of Nhazul, Lizsharte fearlessly smiled.

Both of them had not yet donned their Drag-Rides.

Wearing a "dress gear", clothes which fitted on the body and were suitable for wearing a Drag-Ride, they were standing stock still on the ring.

After the match preparation was completed, they drew their Sword Devices and at the same time that the referee checked that they had mutually connected their Drag-Rides, the signal of the duel beginning would be given.

The rules used here were almost the same as those used at the tournament of the capital though.

"––Is it because I'm a Prince of the Old Empire?"

To the princess right before him, Nhazul asked.

The Old Empire which had spread tyrannical rule for more than 100 years, and forced people to comply with the trend and system of androcracy.

The New Kingdom Princess would want to knock down the fallen Prince who was a survivor of that Empire.

Gender and nation. A duel which conceived both bonds.

From a spectator's point of view, there might certainly not be a more eye-catching show than this.

But––.

"I will tell you if you defeat me."

Nhazul was very concerned about this.

Was it really only because of that?

Lizsharte was certainly a belligerent girl.

But, shortly after Nhazul fell into the bathroom and pinned her down that time, the gaze which she directed towards him –– was not just that of shame.

"Um, may I confirm one thing before the fight?"

"What? Did you get frightened? It will be unsightly to beg for your life at this late hour."

"Begging for my life…? So you really intend to kill me!? …It's not that I want to talk about. Um, if it's a draw, could we make it as if this match didn't happen?"

"…"

A moment of silence.

Suddenly, Lizsharte's atmosphere changed.

"Fufufu. Is it my imagination?"

To Nhazul's question, Lizsharte brushed up her honey-colored forelock and smiled.

"We're already at this stage, and I have the impression of hearing sleep-talking."

"It's not sleep-talking, I'm seriously––"

"I see. Then, that's good."

Lizsharte narrowed her eyes and put the handle of her Sword Device in her hands.

"If you can say that after being aware of my true identity, then that's still good."

Her piercing gaze gave a shiver to Nhazul.

That child is definitely not an ordinary Princess!

"Player Nhazul, get ready for the connection!"

At the same time, the crimson-haired ruin Princess referee urged Nhazul.

"…"

Nhazul reluctantly pulled out his Sword Device.

From one of the sheaths of two different colors; the white one,

"Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, Wyvern."

While holding the button attached on the hilt, he shouted.

The pass code in order to transfer a Machine Dragon before oneself.

The silver lines of the sword blade which recognized the contractor's voice wore a red-green light

kiin*. Particles of light gathered before Nhazul and a blue Machine Dragon appeared.

"Connect On"

As he muttered again, the armor instantaneously opened and covered Nhazul's body.

The head, both arms, shoulders, waist, legs and the wings and armaments.

The dress gears which were similarly excavated from the ruins efficiently conducted the energy from the Force Core and protected the equipped parts (of the body) as it also generated a powerful barrier, different from a common barrier, on its surface.

The machine armor which imitated a dragon was equipped as if uniting with Nhazul and he became a Drag-Knight of about two sizes bigger than the body of the person himself.

Ancient weapons excavated from the ruins.

However, that power which concealed a great military power was quickly engulfed by a huge pressure from the opposite side.

"Is that other sword just for decoration? Nhazul Ryuadia Lucifer."

"…!?"

At that instant, Nhazul opened his eyes wide enough to know his biological full name.

Lizsharte's body was covered with a red Machine Dragon which he had never seen before.

The outward appearance was completely different from that of the three types commonly known as General-purpose Machine Dragons, that is, Flying-type Machine Dragons (Wyvern), Ground-type Machine Dragons (Wyrm) and the Customized-type Machine Dragons (Drake).

A red Machine Dragon much higher than Nhazul's appeared in front of him.

"New Kingdom royal family personal unit. Divine Drag-Ride –– Tiamat. This Machine Dragon is on an entirely different level from those you know."

"…"

Divine Drag-Ride.

It's a rare species of Drag-Ride whose existence has only been confirmed for each species in the world.

Its airframe performance was far above that of a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

But––, at the same time, the consumption of both spiritual and physical strength and the processing degree of difficulty were also in a different league.

The possession of a Divine Drag-Ride, where it would not be strange even if one were to die when using it, was severely restricted by the New Kingdom, and its use was only permitted to those with suitable ability.

In other words, the fact of being able to use it was proof of a peerless talent and unremitting efforts.

However––, while being aware of that fact, Nhazul remained calm.

(It's all right. ––I should still have a chance.)

Nhazul 's Wyvern was a basic general-purpose Machine Dragon, but its parts and armaments had been remodeled with a specialization in offense.

In the capital, the skill of the one called the "Strongest Undefeated" who managed the largest number of mock battles and yet had never suffered one defeat in a match.

Even if he were to have a Divine Drag-Ride as an opponent, he should be able to hold out somehow.

The audience, which was lively and excited, fell silent.

The high-pitched sound of the bell echoed to the ring as if to break the atmosphere which was strained to the limit.

"Mock Battle, Start!"

At the same time with the referee's voice, the two Drag-Rides began to move.

It was Lizsharte wearing Tiamat that flew first.

At the same time that the red Machine Dragon which bore the name of a Goddess handed down from the ruins flew up to the sky, she set up the Breath Gun –– the large gun in her right arm that was the Machine Dragon personal (exclusive) armament.

Nhazul drew out his Machine Dragon blade and tried to chase Lisesharte in the sky with his Wyvern which also possessed the flight function, but when he saw her setting up the Breath Gun, he stopped his movements in mid-air.

"No way, does she intend to shoot it right from the start…?"

Breath Gun.

So to speak, the main armament which envisioned strong flames harking back to a Dragon's breath.

A blow with a high temperature and impact, that loads the energy from the Force Core which is the power source and releases it. It held power enough to easily blow up one building.

But, there was the part which required a "charging" until the firing and one could make enough distance for an evasive action; that a defensive stance could be taken was the flaw.

Actually, even Nhazul had currently taken a suitable distance enough to be able to evade it.

Therefore, the opening in a one-to-one fight was not something which one should quickly aim at, but––

"Fufufu…!"

As if reading the intention of Nhazul, Lizsharte laughed.

And, the cannon's sight which was originally aimed at Nhazul abruptly deviated slightly sideways,

"…!?"

Boom!

It fired.

A light beam of high temperature with undulation was shot from the sky straight toward the ring on the ground.

But, it was of course not aimed at Nhazul, so he would not be hit as long as he did not move.

Is it intended for a threat or a warm-up?

To Lizsharte's incomprehensible action, Nhazul's body slightly stiffened.

That moment––

"Ah"

Lizsharte, who was far in the sky, looked down at Nhazul and swerved her mouth.

In her right hand was the cannon which fired just now.

And her left hand––, was holding the hilt of the Sword Device.

The Sword Device was one of the control sticks to mentally operate a Machine Dragon and its armaments, in other words––

" ––!?"

Suddenly, a shock as if being hit by a large hammer ran down Nhazul's flank.

He was flipped aside and thrust away along with the Wyvern.

In other words, Nhazul was pushed out to the trajectory of the original bombardment which Lizsharte shot by deliberately deflecting her aim!

"Wha…!?"

An inescapable timing where he was completely taken by surprise.

Although the armor of Nhazul's Wyvern had been tuned to be relatively hard, it would end with a single blow if he were to receive the attack of the main armament with its maximum output head on.

Nhazul instantly set up his blade diagonally so as to use it like a shield for the bombardment.

He fully poured energy from the Force Core and equipped it on the blade.

Originally, it was an ability to amplify destructive power, but by doing so, he would deflect the power of the bombardment and he himself would also be flipped off from the trajectory of the bombardment.

"Uh, ah…!"

Objects of high speed came flying while aiming at Lux who was blown off and was rotating in the air.

As he quickly swung the partially damaged blade and flicked off the four flying objects, they stopped in the sky and returned to Lizsharte's surroundings.

"That's––!"

"Hmm. You're better than I thought."

Lizsharte, wearing Tiamat , looked down at Nhazul and fearlessly smiled.

A little away around her, four huge arrowhead-shaped objects were floating.

"I never thought that you would escape my attack with only a sword, handling from that posture. It really hurts my pride. Should I say as expected of the "Weakest Undefeated"?"

"W-What did you just––!?"

Looking up at Lisesharte in the sky, Nhazul sweated.

"What's wrong? You've probably heard about my special armaments from your big sister, haven't you?"

"T-That's right, but––"

A special armament which only a Divine Drag-Ride could use.

Nhazul had also heard from Airi about the special armament

Legion airborne fortress that Tiamat possesses.

There were long-range throwing weapons of small streamlined metals which were controlled and held a propulsive strength themselves.

Usually four of them were equipped to the airframe; after launch, the units could freely move, and directly impact damage to the enemy.

Of course, Nhazul also intended to be cautious because of that troublesome disposition, but––

"…Kuh!"

(But, no matter what, that way of using them––)

At the same time as the start signal, Lizsharte had launched the

Legion airborne fortress to the side while flying, so that they would not be noticed by Lux. In addition, she aimed the Breath Gun at Lux.

A Divine Drag-Ride exceeded a general-purpose Machine Dragon in terms of output and efficiency.

When suddenly being aimed at by the main armament, anyone would focus his attention there.

As she deflected her aim to the side and fired and attracted Lux's attention towards his right side, she threw the

Legion Airborne Fortress which she made take a detour from the left side so that they escaped his field of vision; then, she pushed him into the original trajectory of the main armament's maximum output and attacked him.

A one shot kill strategy.

Devil like tactics without any mercy.

What was frightening above all else was that there was no stagnation (moment of pause) at all to this series of actions.

No matter how excellent the tactics were, as long as there was any unnatural movement, it was possible to perceive and avoid them.

But, even in the mock battles in the capital, Nhazul had almost never fought against this kind of opponent so far.

Is she really a Princess of the New Kingdom? That child––

"Old Empire's Seventh Prince, Nhazul Ryuadia."

When Nhazul was recovering his balance, Lizsharte's voice came down.

"Honestly, I underestimated you, but I take back what I said. You aren't bad. Just a little, I'm impressed. That's why I'll take this opportunity to say it now. You'd better release (disarm) that Wyvern which is about to break and use that other Sword Device."

It was a tone of voice which contained a deep affection and which was somewhat gentler than before.

A small stir came from the surrounding audience seats.

"I don't know what kind of Drag-Ride it is, but it should be better than that partially destroyed one. Show it to me, your full strength."

"…Um. Then, may I again say one thing?"

To Lizsharte's words, Nhazul looked up at the sky.

The blade which was Nhazul 's main weapon was already partially destroyed and the defense armor was also shaved off to one third, so it could no longer generate a complete defensive barrier.

The remaining equipment of his Wyvern was one Breath Gun for barrage shooting, three Machine Dragon claws blades (daggers) for close range combat as well as for throwing, and also one Wire tail for medium-range.

None of them was a weapon which could pierce through the defensive barrier and thick armor of Tiamat.

But––,

"I'm sorry––. I can't use this sword."

Even so, with a composed attitude Nhazul said that.

"So, if it becomes a draw at this rate, could we come to an agreement regarding this matter? Honestly, I'm tied up with other jobs. S-Sorry for the b-bath. I apologize––"

Lizsharte's eyebrows became stiff from Nhazul's words.

And, not only her cheeks, but also her whole face became red and the whole Machine Dragon's body shook.

Of course, Nhazul was speaking seriously.

But, she probably thought that she was being underestimated.

"Oh, I see. It sounds as though you're not an ordinary –– BUT A BIG FOOL!"

Lizsharte suddenly hung up her Sword Device to the sky and shouted.

"Tiamat! Reveal your real nature!"

At the same time as her voice, a big noise spread like ripples around the audience seats.

Immediately after, a dazzling light ran around Tiamat and something was transferred (summoned).

It was an auxiliary armament whose use was usually avoided because the burden (put on the body) was great.

It was a main armament two times bigger than the cannon set up a little while ago. That was linked –– connected to Tiamat's right shoulder and right arm.

"That's––!"

A huge gun barrel which had seven muzzles.

The Goddess Tiamat not only gave birth to an army of demons and controlled them, but she also turned herself into a seven-headed dragon.

Nhazul only heard about that auxiliary armament which was called

Seven Heads

Seven-Headed Dragon from Leeana but––.

"Are you good at dancing? Nhazul Ryuadia."

An absolute confidence and an intimidating smile.

Logically speaking, the burden and processing degree of difficulty should also double in proportion to the number of the arms, but––

"Kuh…!"

Compared to that, Nhazul's equipment was extremely weak.

The airframe performance itself was still far inferior, too.

A too overwhelming military power difference.

But, precisely for this reason–– Nhazul perceived a chance of winning.

"P-Please wait a minute! Princess Lizsharte! Do you intend to kill your opponent? If you went as far as to use Tiamat's auxiliary armament, no matter how much you hold back, it will still go beyond the scope of a mock battle!"

The instructors, responsible for monitoring, who saw that hurriedly tried to stop her, but,

"So they say, but? Do you want to throw in the towel?"

To the question of Lizsharte who was floating in the sky, Nhazul shortly, but clearly––

"No –– I don't."

Answered so.

"Then, perish in this place! With the pride of the Old Empire!"

At the same time Lizsharte shouted, she wielded her Sword Device.

At that moment, the throwing weapons which were floating whirlingly around her––, the sixteen LegionAirborne fortresses began to attack all at once.

Part 2

"Nhazul-san…"

Nokuto had been watching the mock battle which began with Lizsharte's fierce attack in the audience seating.

"Oops. This is terrible! We must quickly tell the teacher and stop her––!"

As expected, even Tillfarr, a girl with a usually light tone, said in panic.

Although there was just one grade of difference between them respectively Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto, they were called the "Triad" in the academy and they were also childhood friends.

The third year student Sharis whose father was serving as the vice-commandant of the New Kingdom army had the lead status with seniority. She enjoyed both play and study.

Especially, Sharis who had a strong sense of justice also volunteered to join the paramilitary section.

It was already five years since the New Kingdom was established.

Although the custom of androcracy was gradually dying out, the people's consciousness could not change immediately.

Even the people opposed to the new government itself and the kind of treatment towards women and riots were unending.

For this reason, she bore the pride of protecting the students from the male offenders who sometimes showed up in the academy, too, but––

"To think that such a fight would happen––"

By now, they realized that it was them who made that uproar that big a deal.

For this, the three girls felt some regret.

Incidentally, the three girls were in the end made to write a letter of apology about the matter where they destroyed the women's dormitory by using Drag-Rides as "they went too far".

"I'm sorry, Lux-kun."

At this rate, not only would Lux lose, worst, he might also die.

In the case that Lizsharte were to use Tiamat , the students who only possessed a general-purpose Machine Dragon would be no match for her.

It had only been once that she was seen going as far as to transfer the auxiliary armament.

The innumerable units which flew about freely inside the broad ring, LegionAirborne fortresses.

The main armament of super-heating power which completed its charge and would be shot if Lux were to stop moving even for a moment, the Seven HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon.

There should be no means to go up against these two overwhelming powers with only a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon Wyvern.

"You do not need to worry. Sharis-kun."

Suddenly, Nhazul's older sister who was next to her –– Leeana called out to Sharis so.

"About that incident, it's something that Nii-kun did selfishly, so it's the natural consequences of his own deeds. He holds an odd sense of justice, so he's always dragged into unnecessary troubles. At first glance, he looks sensitive, but he's just a softhearted and simple fool, so it can't be helped."

With a fairly serious look –– no, even with a smile, Leanna indifferently continued her words.

"…You're an unexpectedly interesting child, you––"

When Sharis returned a wry smile seeing that she was so indifferent,

"But, even to such a hopeless Nii-kun, there is only one thing that even I admit; he has a lot of good sides."

Leanna said so and gently pointed at the center of the ring.

With a smile tinged with a little pride.

"That's––?"

When Sharis asked back and moved her gaze to the ring, it could be seen with a big noise.

"Once he has decided something, he will carry it out until the end."

Part 3

Within the ring practice field, a fierce fiery whirlwind blew.

After being launched, the LegionAirborne fortresses attacked with their own propulsion.

Nhazul dodged all of the simultaneous attacks which consisted of a total of 16 units –– by a hairbreadth, including the additional auxiliary armament.

"Kuh…!?"

Anxiety appeared on the face of Lizsharte who manipulated them by swinging the Sword Device in her left hand

Even though the offensive was completely one-sided, she desperately swallowed her voice, not shouting "why?".

Not even one of the units of LegionAirborne fortresses which she manipulated had been destroyed.

Nhazul just dodged and repelled them.

Only using the partially destroyed blade, the Breath Gun, the daggers and the wire tail.

Each of them was a basic weapon of a Machine Dragon, but Nhazul skillfully used them to defend against all the attacks.

Of course, it was not as if the attacks were not totally hitting him.

In fact, Nhazul's armor was also being torn off gradually and even the barrier which he had deployed was also running out of power.

The remaining arms (weapons) also got gradually damaged each time they repelled the LegionAirborne fortresses.

Nevertheless –– he showed no signs of falling.

So, that's the reason why he is called "the weakest undefeated"!

Just five minutes since Lizsharte was going all out.

No, it was "already" five minutes.

It should be impossible for an ordinary general-purpose Machine Dragon to hold even dozens of seconds against a Divine Drag-Ride going all out.

That fact which was beyond Lizsharte's calculation, restrained her tactical thinking.

She sent a fleeting glance to the big clock of the academy and checked the needles.

There were still about three minutes before the end of the match.

But, at this rate, Lizsharte's stamina would run out before the timeout.

"Lizsharte-sama!?"

A voice from a student in the audience seats reached her who was struck dumb.

"Kuh…!?"

The moment when she was distracted in thinking, she saw a dagger thrown by Nhazul approach.

It was too late to dodge it.

"Don't underestimate me!"

But, as Lizsharte wielded her Sword Device and pointed it out before her eyes, the dagger changed the trajectory as if being flipped by an invisible force and fell to the ground.

"…!?"

At that moment Nhazul's complexion changed due to this mysterious phenomenon, Lizsharte inhaled.

"Haa. All right, the "strongest undefeated"! In order to express my respect for your skill, allow me to show it to you! The Divine Raiment of my Tiamat, that's!"

"…Eh?"

Divine Raiment––。

The moment when he heard these words, Nhazul stiffened for a short moment.

"Prostrate yourself under the name of God! Heavenly Voice!"

At the same time with a loud voice, Lizsharte once again pointed to Nhazul with her Sword Device.

That moment, the Wyvern that was flying in the sky at high speed until now fell to the ground.

The armored leg which held out suddenly sank along with the foothold.

"This is––!?"

Divine Raiment

The moment when he heard these words, Nhazul stiffened for a short moment.

"Prostrate yourself under the name of God! Heavenly Voice!"

At the same time with a loud voice, Lizsharte once again pointed to Nhazul with her Sword Device.

That moment, the Wyvern that was flying in the sky at high speed until now fell to the ground.

The armored leg which held out suddenly sank along with the foothold.

"This is––!?"

Divine Raiment was a special ability which only a Divine Drag-Ride possessed.

It was said that this ability existed only for the Divine Drag-Ride type and the true nature of each of the Divine Drag-Rides was almost unknown.

From the information he also heard from Leanna this was not included in it.

Judging from the strong burden put on his whole body along with the Drag-Ride, and the movement of the dagger which was stopped a little while ago, Tiamat's Divine Raiment seemed to control gravity.

But, the situation had already been checkmated when he realized it.

The LegionAirborne fortresses circled at high speed like a tornado around Lux, blocking any escape paths. And,

"––It's over. Fallen Prince."

Tiamat's auxiliary armament, the huge gun connected to the right shoulder and right arm.

The Seven Heads aimed at Nhazul.

(…To think that she even used the Divine Raiment! I have no other choice, but to do it.)

Nhazul instantly resolved himself for a certain thing –– at that time,

"––Wha?"

Kaboom!

Along with that sound, Lizsharte, who wore Tiamat, violently inclined to one side.

Almost at the same time, the gravity exerted on Nhazul and his Wyvern was also released.

Lizsharte seemed unable to fully grasp what happened and stared at the Machine Dragon which was wrapped around her body.

(This is bad––!)

Compared to a general-purpose Machine Dragon, not only is a Divine Drag-Ride's processing degree of difficulty high, and the exhaustion of the user intense, but there was also a more fundamental danger.

It was the fact that it could rampage.

A Drag-Ride's operation methods can broadly be divided into two types.

The body armor processing by moving the armor wrapping one's body with the limbs and power condition, and the mind processing done by thought via the Sword Device.

Generally, a skillful use of these two methods would operate a Machine Dragon, but under extreme fatigue and burden, the user's rhythm would go amiss and the Machine Dragon would act beyond expectations –– In other words, the rampage begins.

If he did not settle it quickly, it would become dangerous for both parties.

The moment Lux saw that, he used his Wyvern's maximum output and flew into the air.

"Kuh…!? W-With such a thing…"

Clear agitation and a color of fatigue appeared on Lizsharte's face.

But, she instantly changed her expression.

Lizsharte quickly wielded her Sword Device and injected a new thought.

The 16 LegionAirborne fortresses which were flying around Nhazul lost their output and fell to the ground.

Cutting of control.

She focused her consciousness and power which were originally distributed to other arms, and chose only one point, channeling all that destructive power.

All that energy was converged into the main armament, the Seven Heads.

"Like I would loooooosssssssse!"

At the same time with an earsplitting scream, Tiamat returned to being under her control.

Nhazul rose and stabbed his sword and Lizsharte determined the target under her eyes (below).

The two people's fight reached the climax. At that moment––,

An incident, which should have never occurred, occurred.

Guuu Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa H!

"…!? This sound is––!"

Vertically piercing through the clouds, the scream of a beast descended.

From high up in the sky above the practice field, an inhuman intruder interfered.

(During the Gargoyle Attack)

It is not just against a fellow Drag-Knight that a Drag-Knight should look out for as an enemy.

No, more importantly, humanity's natural enemy to which they must be very careful of, entered this world just now.

It is a mysterious mythical beast which has come to appear occasionally from the ruins where the Drag-Rides were discovered about ten years ago.

There exists countless species and it was said that they would indiscriminately attack humans and animals once they came across them.

What separated them from common beasts was their strength, their mysterious mode of life and their unique abilities.

Therefore, the majority of powerful nations placed forts, barriers and fort cities near the several ruins, and deployed Drag-Knights in preparation for unexpected circumstances.

Even those fort Cities, located between the capital and the ruins, were cities catered to defensive positions.

But––,

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?"

"W-Why is an Abyss suddenly appearing in a place like this––?!"

"Is that… a Gargoyle type recorded in the books!? Why didn't the alarm ring!?"

"Everyone, calm down! Lower-class students, do not draw your Sword Devices! Gather without panicking and take shelter in the school building!"

Screams rose one after another from the female students in the audience seats.

Besides Officer Candidate Drag-Knights, there were very few students who had combat experience.

Though the appearance rate of an Abyss was quite low, they are basically several times stronger than Drag-Knights.

Furthermore, since they originally flew from the ruins, which were dozens of kilometers away from the Fort City, a notification of its appearance would generally come from the forts or barriers.

In addition, if it happened that Drag-Rides were deployed in crowded areas like the audience seats, it was a foregone conclusion that the deployment would be delayed by the summons.

When suddenly coming across a wild beast in a downtown, one would not have the time to leisurely load bullets in a gun in front of the beast.

Even the eight student Drag-Knights who were deployed to stretch the barrier of the audience seats were completely petrified in face of this sudden occurrence.

"What on earth happened…?"

A female instructor, Raigree stared at the sky while gathering the students and put her hand on the Sword Device at her waist.

The habits of an Abyss are quite similar to that of a carnivore.

The tendency of counterattacking what attacks it first or running after a prey trying to run away was a typical behavior that belonged to these monsters.

If someone were to make a careless move from the ground, the Abyss which was in the sky would react and might start to attack the audience seats below.

Therefore, Raigree hesitated in her decision.

But, at that time––,

Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The mechanical type Abyss with a winged person shape, the Gargoyle howled.

At the same time, from a part of both its wings which were spread apart, it scattered feather type light bullets.

The shooting direction was below.

In other words, the audience seats –– in this practice that moment when the instructors and students held their breath.

Nhazul Ryuadia sliced the Gargoyle in the sky.

"What…!?"

The moment when Lizsharte had her attention attracted by the Gargoyle high in the sky, Lux Acadia accelerated further.

He sharply raised his partially destroyed blade in a posture to thrust it upward.

He passed across Lizsharte and further closed in upon the Gargoyle in the sky.

"Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Immediately after, from both wings of the Gargoyle, feather-type light bullets were released directly under.

But,

"Drag-Ride ROAR (Howling Roar)!"

On the front of Nhazul Ryuadia's Wyvern, a spiral shock wave was developed (unfolded).

It was a Drag-Knight's basic technique which flipped the enemy throwing attack by means of a shock wave generated from the Force Core.

The attack's trajectory was deflected by it and the light bullets poured down not on the practice field, but over the surrounding vacant landscape.

Bang…!

A moment later, a roaring sound and a shock wave burst in succession.

The blast wind blew down trees, stirring up violent sandstorms.

From the audience seats, female students' screams could be heard.

"What is the meaning of this!? Why did the Abyss suddenly appear––"

As Lizsharte, greatly shaken, was going to set up the Seven Heads Seven-Headed Dragon of her Tiamat,

『––Lizsharte-sama』

Lizsharte could hear Nhazul Ryuadia's voice directly within her head.

It was the communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides –– Dragon Voice.

While sending his voice, Nhazul Ryuadia blocked Gargoyle's way.

"––Shaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Long and slender arms, and claws which shone purple.

Nhazul Ryuadia parried high-speed consecutive blows drawn out from there with his partially destroyed blade.

『With my Wyvern's fire power, I cannot destroy the Abyss. So, please, go down to the ring on the ground and aim at the enemy.』

『Do you intend to order me around? To begin with, can you hold back the Abyss all by yourself––』

『I will somehow manage. The signal of the bombardment will be immediately after I brandished my sword.』

『H-Hey! Wait a minute!? Nhazul Ryuadia!』

beep, he selfishly cut off the dragon voice's communication, and Lizsharte gritted her teeth.

But, the fact was that, due to Tiamat's extreme consumption, her operation limit was approaching.

Certainly, there was only enough spare energy to release one more shot at the maximum output.

Nhazul Ryuadia's judgment was correct.

However––,

"Is he crazy!? Even a kingdom army's Drag-Knight alone can't do anything––"

When Lisesharte, who went down to the ring on the ground, looked up at the sky, she saw this scene.

Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.

The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Nhazul Ryuadia flipped and parried them with his blade.

Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as to not let one breathe, the power of each blow was enough to make the receiving armor creak each time.

On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.

Chasing Nhazul Ryuadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.

The black of the Abyss and the blue of the Wyvern.

The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks , while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Nhazul Ryuadia's mind was not confused.

He could assume only minimal evasive action.

If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its attack target.

To the audience seats where there was his older sister Leenana and –– the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.

Thus, it was a situation where even his defense options were restricted.

However,

(It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)

The ability which could be called the essence of Nhazul Ryuadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.

The life-or-death crises which he had overcome on countless occasions.

The Drag-Ride's armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.

His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.

At this moment –– Nhazul Ryuadia's scenario was completed.

By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle's chest in perfect timing.

"Guih…!?"

To the sudden counterattack of Nhazul who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.

On its hard body, a wound the size of a finger.

That was only it, but the Gargoyle's mechanical expression turned harsh.

Nhazul Ryuadia's combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.

There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.

Among the frightened female students in the audience seats on the ground, Nhazul Ryuadia's ears also heard that a big stir occurred.

"Guaaaaaaah!"

The Gargoyle's movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.

It could not be determined whether it recognized Nhazul as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.

The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.

It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.

『Nhazul Ryuadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!』

A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Leeana on the practice field.

"Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

When Nhazul, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and reflectively set up his blade.

But, the Gargoyle passed through Nhazul's side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.

At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.

The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.

The aim was–– the audience seats!

While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken switched his Wyvern's propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.

Catching up with its back, Nhazul brandished his blade overhead. At that time,

"Guaaaah!"

The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.

During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Nhazul's ability and saw through his intention of fighting.

Nhazul's action purpose –– was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.

The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Nhazul.

"Kuh…!?"

Nhazul's slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.

Nhazul Ryuadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.

"Shaaaaaaaaa–"

From below to above, a flash of claws.

It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Nhazul Ryuadia's shoulders.

In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.

"Ku, ah…!"

The Wyvern's system shut down and Nhazul Ryuadia started a free fall.

But at that moment––,

"…I see. I understood."

Lizsharte's smile was reflected in the eyes of Nhazul Ryuadia who turned his face.

"If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy––. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I'm the same, too."

"––Gi!?"

The Gargoyle's agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.

Seventh Heads Seven-Headed Dragon.

The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat which Lizsharte drives, possessed.

The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle's strong metal body and pulverized it.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.

Nhazul Ryuadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.

To the peace which returned after the beast's defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.

"However, what a man… you are."

Lizsharte who caught Nhazul Ryuadia canceled Tiamat's connection and laughed.

How many humans were there in this place that understood the fearful Nhazul Ryuadia with the current offense and defense?

『––the signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.』

The first words which he said with the dragon voice's communication.

In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Nhazul R1yuadia was the scenario that Nhazul Ryuadia had drawn up completely.

Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think "this guy is dangerous".

Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.

Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attack at that opportunity––

"However –– you're a fool after all."

With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.

And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.

"Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, have something important to announce!"

Nhazul Ryuadia's fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.

"…"

The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.

Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.

(It somehow went well, I guess…?)

After ascertaining only that, Nhazul Ryuadia finally lost consciousness.

Part 5

After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte's daily routine.

Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.

Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.

It was not necessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.

"Phew…"

As she lightly sprinkled hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte's face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.

Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.

The girl had tasted such things until now.

(But–– what is it? This feeling…)

However, today's feeling was different from any of that.

"To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me… Besides––"

She thought that this was the first time.

(A man who also tried to help and protect me…)

That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Nhazul Ryuadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.

(This was the first time. That I thought I "lost"…)

The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the "man" who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.

Even from her father who planned the coup d'état to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.

She had never once held something like romantic feelings.

But––.

(It might have been fortunate that this had been seen by that guy.)

While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.

Even though it was a secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.

The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.

"Hmm, phew…"

When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.

"Nhazul Ryuadia… huh"

The girl's shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.

"There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh…"

With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.

That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a "person".

Part 6

He had a dream.

Six years ago. One year before the coup d'état occurred, the scene when Nhazul Ryuadia headed to the Imperial Court.

The world's largest country, the Ryuadia Empire.

A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.

In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Nhazul Ryuadia was looking up at the sky.

"Even though you didn't come to the imperial capital for a long time, that's a fairly long face. Dear little brother."

A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar–– the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.

He was Nhazul Ryudia's eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front lines because of injury and disease due to an accident.

Thus, he had a really close relationship with Nhazul Ryuadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.

"Was I wrong?"

As his gaze fell to the water's surface of the pond, Nhazul Ryuadia muttered.

The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family's mantle on his body was cold and stiff.

"No, you did well."

Fugil answered in a calm tone.

"The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father –– to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 10."

The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experimentation of powerful drugs using poor citizens.

Nhazul Ryuadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.

"But, His Majesty the Emperor didn't even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction."

"…"

Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.

To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.

"It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she is still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident…"

"…"

"I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty's way of doing things is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives."

"What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire."

Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.

It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.

It was an inhuman ruler's smile.

It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.

"The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report."

Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.

"––Despite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords."

"…You're right."

To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.

"He neither takes the populace's life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn't carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of "Standing above others". Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited –– to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the "irrational misfortune of others"."

"…"

After Nhazul Ryudia lightly nodded to Fugil's words,

"Yes… That's why this empire –– the world doesn't change anymore. It can't be changed. As long as the empire's army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I've heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters."

"Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now––"

"––No, I don't think so."

Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Nhazul Ryuadia dia said clearly.

"So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It's for that reason that I came today to the imperial capital."

Lux Acadia's smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.

That scene became dim and disappeared.

And Nhazul Ryuadia regained his consciousness.

Part 7

"Hmm…"

The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.

A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.

Nhazul Ryuadia woke up on the bed of the room.

A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.

"This place is––?"

"Ah… D-Did you wake up!?"

"Uwah…!?"

Hearing a voice nearby, Nhazul Ryuadia, startled, sprang up.

A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.

It looked like this place was the academy's medical office.

"D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but––"

With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Nhazul Ryuadia's face.

She seemed to be extremely worried about him.

"…"

After grasping the situation, Nhazul Ryuadia looked downward for a while,

"Um––, thank you."

He said so with a smile.

"Eh…?"

Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Nhazul Ryuadia

"For having taken care of someone like me––"

"…"

For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise––,

"Nhazul Ryuadia. You're a guy whom I don't know whether you're modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?"

"I don't know. I had been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was a child."

As Nhazul Ryuadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice "I see".

"D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?"

She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.

"Eh?"

"An ordinary human can't do it and wouldn't. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is… Why did you save me––?"

Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.

"…E-Errr, I don't remember well."

Nhazul Ryuadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.

"However, I just think that I have to do it. I'm often scolded by my big sister.

"Nii-kun does what he thinks right away" she says."

When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,

"I see. Well, it's fine. It's my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me –– us. I will leave it only at that."

"You're quite a frank person, eh. Princess."

As Nhazul Ryuadia said with an awkward smile,

"Yes, that's right. I'm a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent."

Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.

The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.

Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.

"Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince of T"

As Nhazul Ryuadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,

"Okay, Nhazul Ryuadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise."

Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.

"A promise?"

"I-I said it, didn't I? The reason why I challenged you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn't let you off like that. S-So––"

"Ah. U-Um –– sorry, I saw everything… But, it was beautiful."

"D-Don't remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is––"

As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Nhazul Ryuadia blocked his view.

Have I said something rude?

As usual, I don't really know how to interact with girls.

As Nhazul Ryuadia thought so and took the towel in front of him––,

"U-Um––, it's this."

An unbelievable sight spread out before his eyes.

In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte's skin could be seen.

She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.

As if saying that "I wanted you to see".

The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because of shyness.

"…It's like that. This is the real reason why I challenged you to a duel. You had seen this in the bathroom at that time, so––"

"…"

The girl's fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.

Nhazul Ryuadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.

"W-Why don't you say anything!? How about you say something?"

"…! U-Um, errr––"

While completely forgetting himself, Nhazul Ryuadia thought.

That's right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.

When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths––

"Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear––"

"Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you an idiot!? Pervert! Die!"

I failed again! Let's forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there…

While Nhazul Ryuadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.

But, everything else was fairly visible to Nhazul Ryuadia.

"Is that crest… possibly –– the Old Empire's?"

"…D-Did you finally notice? ––So that means, you haven't told anybody about this, right?"

As Nhazul Ryuadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back on her clothes sat on the chair.

The Old Empire's crest which modeled a black dragon.

That brand was on the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.

"Why in the world––"

"I can't tell it yet. But, don't speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?"

"…"

The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.

It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.

Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Nhazul Ryuadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.

Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.

It was not "I want you to overlook it"… but rather "I want you to believe in me".

Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.

Surely –– it was not a guilty, simple secret.

Even Nhazul Ryuadia himself had such a past.

That's why he understood.

This child had probably not done anything bad.

"It's all right. I won't tell anybody."

"Really? Can you swear it?"

"Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess."

Nhazul Ryuadia straightened himself and bowed his head.

Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.

"Thank god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confine you in the underground prison by that duel, but––"

"Eh… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?"

So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!

As expected, it wasn't the way of thinking of a Princess.

She's pretty rough, this child…

"Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow."

"Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start––"

The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.

Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.

When Nhazul Ryuadia was relieved so,

"Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as an officer candidate student to our academy."

"Ah, yes. Understood."

Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Nhazul Ryuadia reflected on that meaning,

"––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?"

He instinctively screamed.

"I-It's a joke, right…? I mean, in the first place, I'm a man––"

"A-And, call me "Lisha" like my classmates. This is a promise, too."

It looked like she was completely serious.

Seeing Lisha's bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.

Nha broke into a jog so he could get exercise so he could finish his work, his ears pricking up as he heard a girly scream for help. Skidding on his feet he turned towards the direction of the noise his eyebrows lowering as he decided to help the girl that was in trouble.

Only a few minutes passed till he found himself looking at a man trying to force a black haired girl against the wall, not thinking for another second as Nhazul rushed forward. He threw a punch at the man knocking him back and away from the girl as a serious look dominated his face. He relaxed as he figured that the man was unconscious turning to speak to the girl only to find a sharp pain piercing his stomach.

"Sorry. You were a threat to us, so we decided to get rid of you early. If you want to hold a grudge, then hate the God who put the Sacred Gear inside you." Yuuma spoke with a cold smile as she pulled the light spear from his stomach flying off as Nhazul collapsed onto the ground.

'I can't believe I died cause of helping someone…I wish…' He thought his eyes growing heavy as the crimson glow of a magic circle appeared no more then a few feet away from him.

To Be Continued.