CounterSide IF

by SwanSixWings

Counterside: Line Battle Arena's fanfic of alternate history setting.

1. BOOK I Twisted Fates

Counter:Side IF

BOOK I: Twisted Fates

BOOK II: Rise of the Administrator

BOOK III: Legacy of the Voice

BOOK IV: Minuet of Draco Serpensque

BOOK V: The Urban Fairytale

BOOK VI: Karin's Counterattack

BOOK VII: Old Veteran

BOOK VIII: Mater Matriae

BOOK IX: Waltz in the Dark

BOOK X: Bellum Replacericum

BOOK XI: The Origin

BOOK XII: Imperium Sine Fine

BOOK ONE

Twisted Fates

"I'm… I'm sorry…"

The Last Valkyrie left her pupils again.

The battle is lost too.

The man in the darkness let out a sigh. As if talking to the image on the screen, Administrator talked to himself.

"Nobody is more important than her, that much I know. However this was certainly the fight that we could have won. I grew tired of this, Valkyrie."

"Counterside… E-e-ffec-ct… Level… Level… E-estima-a-te… &^&%*"

"Perhaps I, too, have to ditch you just like you ditched your pupils. Obviously, we both know that you have no right to blame me."

The Hive Control reported. "D-d-dimensio-on s-surfa-ace-e… completely destroyed… Multiple… Category 6 Corrupted Objects… Detected… The true m-master of this world… is c-coming… Bow down… Bow down to the almighty!"

"I'm more frustrated with you than the failure itself. "

To lay down this situation as Chess, now the Queen is on the wrong position. And that wasn't what Administrator commanded.

With overwhelming resentment, Administrator said.

"Oh, maybe I shall prove myself how much I can do without you."

Then he made the last order.

"Hive Control, execute Protocol: CoW. Aborting spacetime access."

This was the last claim he made upon this world.

"To play fair, I will venture into the unknown and uncharted Counterside. Everything shall be randomized, Even the starting members as well. You might not even be there, it could be also very hard or even impossible to fight with Demon Lords. But I'd rather like to develop new strategies than keep dealing with your tantrum and shitty attitude, Hilde. Farewell."

.

.

.

"Oh…. So you guys are the Coffin Company in this world then?"

Under the serene moonlight, the black rectangular-shaped robot asked.

"…! Your voice… certainly, it's you! Admin!"

"No, I'm not Admin. I'm Machine G.A.P."

Just like he proclaimed that everything will be different….

There were certainly dramatic changes.

"So you ARE Hilde of this world. I cannot escape from you, after all. But now I have you two instead of Shi Yoon and Mina?"

"Sir?"

"Umm… Mina? What is this robot talking about?"

Those two are Hansol and Aki.

it's supposed to be Shi Yoon and Mina.

Both Hansol and Aki couldn't be compared with either of them, actually.

"Maybe Coffin Company in this world has more employees, perhaps. Guys, I'm sorry but please wait. Let me call Soo Yeon."

Talking to himself, Machine Gap exaggeratedly swung its arms.

While Hansol and Aki just stood there and watched it cluelessly, Hilde picked up the familiar name and said.

"You see, Admin…."

"Please, Hilde. I'm using a phone. Also, no. I'm not Administrator."

"That's not what I'm talking about… she died. Very long before…."

"Okay, the connection is on."

Suddenly from its eyes the hologram is projected: Image of Hana Kim.

But… wait.

Hilde said something strange. Concerned more about that, Administrator asked Hilde through Machine Gap.

"What did you just say? The vice president is deceased?"

The Hologram said. "This is Hana of Coffin Company."

What is going on?

Hana is in the clothes that Soo Yeon wears.

Machine Gap couldn't do anything but stare at its own projection, being struck dumb.

"Sir? What happened?"

"…What in the…."

"Is there any problem?"

"No way… who are you again?"

Assuming this was just another friendly joke, Hana replied.

"Yes, this is vice president of Coffin Company, Kim Hana. Do you require assistance?"

"Y-You… are in the charge of Coffin…?!"

Hilde sighed.

"Didn't I say? Soo Yeon met her unfortunate fate."

"WHAT?!"

With that note, everything fell into silence.

Motionless Machine Gap stood there like a stone, Hilde averted her eyes as if trying to escape from the unpleasant topic. The rest of them couldn't hide their bewildered faces, not knowing what they were talking about.

Three hours later.

Bring Machine Gap to the president's office of Coffin Company, Administrator began his research about this world.

Nothing makes any sense.

Okay, so who exactly are still left in this world? What's the condition of The Administratorate?

After he quickly gathered information, he couldn't believe the situation of this world.

"This is a completely different game. There is no Qliphoth game, everything is randomized, seemingly much harder than original worlds what I have been through."

Year 2046.

A month ago, unknown terrorists who called themselves "Replacer" launched several Lost Ships on earth, in that process the whole world was clouded with Synthetic Corruption Waves released from them.

This Synthetic Corruption Wave is differentiated from Natural Corruption Wave from Countersides, so-called other worlds.

Speaking of the Administratorate, it was completely shut down as its headquarter was assaulted by an unknown enemy.

The only thing left to struggle against Corruptors and Replacers are local Taskforces and militias. But still, they have no chance to win, only slowing down their inevitable defeat. It will only take a few months for Synthetic Corruption Wave to turn this world into uninhabitable hell.

The World doomed to begin with.

Then again, where was the original Administrator who was assigned to this world? No data could be found about him.

While Administrator contemplated this, someone knocked on the door.

"It's me, Hilde."

"Yes. Come in."

Perhaps it might be better to ask Hilde about this world.

"It took a decade to see you again, and what you do is calling a girl at night. You have been changed, aren't you?"

"Why do you keep pretending as if you're knowing me? I am built of metal and not flesh, Captain Hilde."

Hilde rolled her eyes.

"It is fool of me that expecting some repentance. but you're still toying with me like that. You know what, never mind. I'm out."

"No, wait! what exactly happpened to the Administratorate while I was gone?"

"It's none of your business, Machine Gap. After all, unlike Admin you took no part in that incident."

Hilde gave a taunting smile.

Administrator thought there was only one way to get through this.

"Alright, you win. I'm Administrator that you were looking for. You also want to meet me in person, is it not? We'll have a long discussion."

Hilde said. "In that case bring Americano."

"What?"

"Buy me a coffee then. A-Me-Ri-Ca-No."

"You want the iced coffee?"

"Fufu… yes. That's my favorite."

'Quite mediocre taste you have….'

Then Machine Gap turned into sleeping mode. in serene silence, the white-haired lady lain on the couch, her grinning face was illuminated by graceful moonlight.

Thirty minutes later.

"Okay. I'm back, Hilde."

"Oh… care to show some courtesy, dear? You startled me."

Hilde mumbled in a slightly unpleasant voice and raised her body.

"How about showing some discipline then? A squad captain sleeping in the president's office?"

"Oh, so you're playing boss now? Stop lecturing."

The Administrator turned on the light, then put down the cups of coffee on the table.

"Sorry. I mean, you're the founder of Coffin, aren't you? Probably you took care of everything by yourself. It wouldn't be wrong to call it Hilde's Band. But perhaps Soo Yeon's Band?"

"Why do you keep saying her name?" Hilde looks disturbed while she drank her coffee.

"That's what I want to inquire. So allow me to ask directly." Administrator said. "What happened to her? I don't remember anything."

"Do you seriously not remember anything? She was killed by a Corruptor."

"What? Mere Corrupted Object killed her?"

"You heard me right. when they breached into the last line, she insisted on staying in rear to buy more time for retreating men while I tried to force her to escape. Then, one single blow to her eye took her life."

Administrator said nothing.

Only the grim voice of Valkyrie filled the room, like shadow of deaths.

"After that, I went to you."

"What? me?"

That might be the other Administrator he wanted to know about.

"But you were gone, long before I realized. I felt was nothing but despair, wondering whether you would come back to us one day or just gone forever."

'So he resigned.'

Hilde stared at him.

"But you never betrayed us. I knew it. You always had plans and returned to me. In the right time."

'Does she recognize me as him? It looks like so.'

Administrator fixed his tie and said.

"Yes, the plan. Speaking of it, Should I have to be gone, the mother computer is supposed to execute the backup scenario."

"That's right, I thought we were all left behind in this doomed land. But it was not. Suddenly the world had been changed by a mysterious force which eventually turned out to be the Administratorate of yours."

"But someone attacked HQ and got away."

"Wait, even you don't know? When I went back to your base all I saw was nothing but machines, and you were in complete control."

Hilde sipped her Americano.

"You don't know who attacked our HQ, then." he said. "Oh, the coffee was cooled. Should have drunk it quick."

Hilde pushed the empty cup to the side, still watching every movement Administrator made with delighted eyes. That felt rather awkward to Administrator. The mood was being more than simply friendly.

"Do you have anything to say?"

"No, nothing. I'm just so glad for the fact we finally reunited."

"What…?"

That was certainly not expected, he almost could spit it over.

"A-Admin? Did I say anything wrong?"

"Uh… Umm… Hilde?"

"Yes?"

Out of hesitation, he really tried hard to choose the words to not hurt her feelings.

"Don't get me wrong, I have some poor memory. But…."

"But what? Just ask. That's the point of this meeting, isn't it?"

"I-I'm terribly sorry for asking something like this but… how close are we again?"

Just as perplexed as the Administrator, Hilde answered in vague tones.

"What are you talking about? Is it your turn to make a joke? Are you trying to seduce me now?"

'Judging by that, I think she only sees me as a friend, I think. Thank goodness.'

What a disturbing relationship it would be, if the former Admin and this Hilde were lovers and he has to pretend it now.

though that was said, Hilde still kept crossing, shaking, bouncing her legs.

She asked. "So what are we going to do now?"

"Do what? What do we even need to do?"

Administrator stopped drinking and looked at her.

"A-Ah… umm… the night is still young, isn't it? I-If you like then I can-"

"No, I think you need to get some sleep. Don't we have the world to save? We will get busy tomorrow."

"…Can't believe hearing that from someone who ditched his job for a long time."

Hilde sat there with a grumpy face. Administrator stood, then stretched his hand to her.

"Come on, at least I can escort you to your home."

"…Should you have to?"

"What else do I have to do? Stop being stubborn."

"Stubborn, you said?"

Hilde leered at him with infuriated and frustrated eyes. Pressured by her angry attitude, Administrator stepped back.

Both hands on her waist, Hilde pushed her face closer to him.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Who's the stubborn one here again? Is it not the guy who disappeared without words, doing his own thing, then suddenly called the girl? She didn't even complain at all, if I recall correctly! So tell me?"

"I-"

The Administrator turned his face.

"I'm… I'm sorry…."

'Though… that isn't even my fault. I just arrived this world.'

For a few seconds, She glared at him with no word. Then she sighed.

"Whatever. You still don't want to waste your time on me, right? I don't need your escort. Goodnight."

"Wait!"

Administrator grabbed her shoulder. Hilde stopped immediately. Maybe she didn't hate him that much.

"Maybe I wasn't that much considerate at all, and chose the wrong words. So…."

"So What?"

"W-We are fighting together, right? I promise, I will never leave you alone."

Administrator held out his hand, wanting to shake hands.

With no expression on her face, Hilde turned around and softly gripped Admin's hand.

Administrator asked. "Why do you still wear your gloves?"

"Why do you care?"

"Don't you feel this isn't weird?"

"Not really. If you're done, let me go."

With a frowned face she answered.

"Look, I trust you and I want you to trust me. Is it so unreasonable to demand mutual respect?"

"It's not like that. If you trust me then just quit it now."

Then Administrator said with a frustrated tone.

"Hilde, do you really hate me that much? I decided to meet you in person because I do care about you and our relationship as partners. Do not treat me like this."

"Oh, look at this. So the boy called his old girlfriend then whining like a little bitch. I'm not your toy, you idiot. Do you think you can still do whatever you want on me?"

This tedious trivial argument annoyed Administrator greatly, and out of trembling anger, he shouted.

"Look, I don't fucking care about your shitty metaphor, Just take off your stupid gloves, NOW!"

"What the… what are you doing?!"

Admin forced to pull them off by himself.

"Hey, stop it!"

But once he did, Administrator witnessed something totally he couldn't expect. Hilde's hands were grotesquely deteriorated, as though burnt rather than affected by Corruption Wave effects.

Admin couldn't continue. Just being frozen where he stood, only saw Hilde's watery eyes filled with shame and embarrassment. She wasn't crying, but the mood was completely ruined like so.

"Hilde. What is this? What happened to you?"

"It happened when I tried to save Soo Yeon."

Then utter silence dominated the room.

Administrator couldn't find any word.

Hilde held out her hand awkwardly.

"So you're finally done, right? I didn't want to show this to anyone. Of course, not even you. But if you're happy then we're good. Give me back my gloves."

Realizing he completely screwed things up, Admin couldn't say anything.

But certainly something was getting on his mind.

Hilde became like this by trying to save her pupil, that's the opposite from Hilde of other universe.

'When the time comes, Hilde always withdraws from the battle, abandons her pupils whoever she chose. I have seen them so many times, almost safe to conclude it as scripted event. But this Hilde might be different.'

'But why does she keep those scars? It won't be hard to treat since they were not caused by Corruption Ray. Did she refuse it? To remind herself of her own sin?'

"Hilde."

"…."

"So you feel guilty from it. She died because of you. Carrying that with the determination that never to allow something like that will happen again."

With the other hand, the Administrator touched her fingers demurely.

"It is also my fault, you can blame me. No, this is the burden that we should share. You have endured this much, and I applaud your patience."

He lowered his head and kissed her on the hand. Then gracefully he put the gloves on her hands.

"Admin."

She called him in a calm voice.

"Yes?"

"What are you even talking about, you creepy dumbass!"

But in the end, Hilde's fist flew into Administrator's cheek.

"Ggh…!"

"That was really cringe! And you know, should you have to kiss there with your dirty lips after drinking coffee? Disgusting!"

Then she slammed the door as hard as possible and left the room.

Administrator was left alone, sat on the floor, then lay down in the totally defeated mood.

"This is a good beginning, isn't it? Now she has all the reasons to dislike me."

However Administrator couldn't see Hilde's face, what she actually feels right now.

Like reunited with long lost childhood friends, she couldn't hide her delighted joy, made a broad smile without even realizing it.

'He might be changed. No, certainly changed in the good way.'

As she stepped down to the outside of Coffin Company, pale moonlight from the deep blue celestial body silently fondled her silver-white long hair. Still couldn't believe she could see him again, Hilde felt like she was walking in a dream. In the old days when she didn't need to worry about Corruptors and the end of the world.

It's not just the hope she forgot was reminded. Unexplainable sentimentality she has now, can't wait for the next day to meet him again.

"Welcome, Administrator. Sorry that I couldn't say it there. I really missed you, and I was quite lonely honestly. But I never doubted you would return to me one day. And just like the man that I kept my feelings on it, you never betrayed me."

"I always knew it. And this time you will…."

Hilde raised her arm. Then she stretched her hand to the moon.

"Save me, and save this world."

She gently and firmly held air with her hand. as if she would never lose him this time.

.

.

.

The next day.

In Coffin Company, Hansol could be found in the training room from the early morning, using his practice sword to hit the sandbag.

The boy had been trained in swordsmanship under Hilde and tried to become a knight. While he still cannot be compared to Shi Yoon of the universes that Administrator is familiar with, his diligence is still worth to note.

"Whew…."

He just finished the set, and wiped sweat from his forehead.

After a short break, he clenched his practicing sword again. But he noticed Aki was standing behind.

"Aki? I didn't realize you were here. You don't have to come this early."

"It's okay. I don't have anything to do at home, so…."

She handed over orange juice.

"Here. You look thirsty."

"Thanks."

Though after that, they didn't say anything.

Aki just joined Coffin Company yesterday. They still don't know anything about each other, and haven't even talked that much. She hoped maybe Hansol would lead a conversation, but clearly he was way more interested about beating a sandbag than talking to the cute Japanese girl.

Several minutes passed. Then Hansol put down his bamboo sword and talked to Aki.

"It's about time."

"Okay."

Aki was just sitting down next to Hansol and playing the mobile game.

She turned it off and grabbed her great sword leaning against the wall like an umbrella.

It was so boring, Aki thought.

After the Replacer incident, Administrator gave no free money to Aki and she had to make a living by herself. But her NEET personality wasn't really helping anything, this unfamiliar environment only made her nervous.

As if she shouldn't be here. This isn't where she belongs.

While they were going to the meeting room, Hansol stared at Aki's sword.

"Umm, what's wrong?"

"I'm just curious about your sword."

Aki asked. "Is there anything weird about it?"

"Sorry, not being weird. Honestly I never have seen that many Counters using large sword like that. Perhaps you're really good at Corruptor hunting?"

"N-No. I'm not. You will be disappointed."

Then Hansol said. "But that's your choice of weapon. I respect that."

"What do you mean?"

"You see, even some Counters prefer ranged weapons than melee weapons."

"Really?"

"The standard tactics of many Taskforces are taking good position and formation, and bombarding Corruptors with heavy firepower. It's only natural."

"I see."

"The problem comes from there. Melee Counters. Ranged Counters cause no issue since they can mix into the team like non-counters Soldiers. But Melee Counters just like you and me?"

"What about it?"

"To fight we must engage with Corruptors. It makes them hard to shoot. Also, usually Melee Counters are much stronger than Ranged Counters or Soldiers, so they can wipe out Corruptors easily, take more rewards."

"I get it."

"In the mercenary groups they were hated. Often they're only asking Ranged Counters and soldiers to attack Flyers or something with high defense. My friend once said, he really didn't like their attitude. It's not like they're buying bullets anyway."

'Oh my god.'

Aki was clearly not interested in that.

That's why Aki has been no one but an unemployed NEET. She only watched Anime and played Video Games. Reality isn't something that she cared about.

Then Aki entered the meeting room with Hansol. He kept dragging that conversation alone.

Then, suddenly someone opened the door.

Four girls Aki never really knew.

It was hard to explain but Aki was scared. It was visible that she was shaking, feeling pressure from unfamiliar guests. She even felt threatened even though they didn't say anything yet.

'One of them is a Chinese. But who are they?'

The girl with long brown hair smiled.

"Hi! You're Aki, aren't you?"

"Y-Yes…."

Aki barely could speak, only felt anxiety.

Seo Yoon figured that out and she thought Aki is just ignorable. Then she greeted Hansol.

"Excuse me. You're Hansol, am I correct?"

"Yeah. So, Alt Squad. Seo Yoon, Eu Jin, Xiao Lin, Kim So Bin. I assume you're Seo Yoon?"

"Great! You remembered everyone's name!"

They held each other's hands.

Judging by the scars and strength of Hansol's hand, he seemed to have good experiences. But judging by his kind and mild attitude, Seo Yoon thought she shouldn't worry too much about him as well.

"But how did you know that I'm Seo Yoon?"

"From the data I got. Sobin uses heavy weapons, Lin uses a sniper rifle. Eu Jin uses pistols. You're the only one who wasn't mentioned in there."

"We're not worthy of your attention, but I'm so honored."

"Oh, you don't have to say like that."

While they were talking, Eu Jin who looked like a delinquent approached Aki.

"Hey, you. Your name is Hirose Aki, right?"

"Y-Yes ma'am! I mean, right!"

Eu Jin laughed and hit her back. This girl is so weird.

"What's wrong with you? Don't be so nervous. We're friends."

"A-Ahaha, hahaha…."

Sobin said. "Eu Jin, quit. You're being rude."

"What, didn't I say we're friends? This is what friends do. Hey, Aki. Don't you think we're friends?"

"R-Right…."

Xiao Lin still held her gun and glared everywhere since it was her habit as a sniper. Then she met Aki's eyes.

"What the hell are you looking at?"

"N-No, I'm sorry…."

"Tch…."

Lin turned her eyes away as if she saw something disgusting.

Then Eu Jin said.

"What, Aki. You hate her too? What a coincidence, I really fucking don't like her as well!"

"N-No! Not at all! I'm just… just…."

"Just what?"

"Just… I mean…."

Being annoyed by her pathetic speech or social skills, Eu Jin gripped Aki's jaw and tilted up.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Just what? Say it!"

"U-Umm…."

"Eu Jin, just… please. Stop it. Go somewhere else."

Actually, Eujin really didn't know Aki was scared. She wasn't the sharpest one in the group, so she was just asking without any malice.

but Sobin recognized Aki was taking a lot of stress from here. So she tried to soothe her.

"Sorry, Eu Jin is thick-headed and somewhat barbaric. Don't mind her too much."

"…And ugly too."

Quitely Xiao Lin added on that.

"What the fuck did you say, you skinny little shit?!" and Eujin yelled back to her.

"N-No, you're not skinny, A-Ahahaha…."

"…What?" Sobin couldn't understand why Aki responded to them while she was talking to her.

But her voice itself was too small so nobody clearly heared that. Eu Jin asked in an annoyed tone. "What? What did she fucking say?"

"She said you have a damn horrible face, musclehead."

"What?! Wow, Aki! How could you say that to me?! What about our friendship?"

"N-No! Never! I didn't!"

"What? You fucking bastard… Aki said she didn't say that. Do you wanna die?"

"…Did you actually believe that?"

What a living hell to Aki she had to go through.

Now she was also worried about her state in the workplace. It felt like Hansol to judge her like worthless garbage.

Saw through this, sympathetic So Bin talked to her.

"Hey, Aki."

"Y-Yes?"

"You have no friends, aren't you?"

Aki really wanted to cry now.

"No, I have. Y-Yes, That's right. I'm just not familiar with Koreans, that's all…."

"Hmm."

Sobin said. "So you don't have Korean friends, then?"

"A-Ah… I mean, yes, I think, A-Ahahaha…."

Then Sobin smiled and held out her hand to Aki.

"We can become friends, then! I will help you, and you will help me, are we good?"

"Y-Yes? Okay!"

….

But Aki thought. This is just pretending, isn't it…?

It makes her more sad because Sobin took pity on her.

Aki really wanted to go home. She really couldn't take anymore.

Then Hansol approached her.

"So, Aki. I was right, am I?"

"For what?"

"Look, they're Counters but they're all using guns, aren't they?"

'Seriously?! Are you still on about that? I just… want to go home… I want to play video games… I want to watch anime… please…."

Crying inside, Aki couldn't say anything anymore.

The rest of them were talking about something useful and productive.

Then a few minutes later, Machine Gap and Hilde came as well.

Though they held a briefing, Aki literally couldn't pick up anything. Her head had gone completely blank long before, and couldn't even figure out what they even talked about.

Not only Hilde and Hansol, but even Machine Gap kept asking whether she understood or not, but clearly Aki didn't.

Then they went to the cafeteria, finished breakfast, boarded to the ADS Coffin….

…And finally arrived in Other World, so-called Counterside.

'I-I really want to go home… I really tried hard enough. Please…."

Had no strength left within her, Aki couldn't even hold her weapon properly. In fact, she could barely stand.

Of course, Hilde realized she wasn't good enough to become the combatant as well. So she decided to counsel Aki.

"Rookie, come here."

After declining Seo Yoon who offered coffee that she brewed by herself, Hilde came there with the coffee Hansol brought.

"C-Captain? Did I do something wrong?"

"Don't be nervous. Just come over here."

This is it. I'm so done, Aki thought.

But at the same time, since she could finally go home and no longer need to be pressured by anything, this might be the better way, she thought.

"Hey, you."

Hilde took a sip, then looked down at Aki.

"S-Sorry."

Hilde sighed.

"You really are a misfit, aren't you? But it's okay. At least you know your limit. I have seen a lot of weirdos who didn't know their place and killed by Corruptors."

Hilde Continued. "Yes, you really don't have to step out on something like this. If you're willing, then you can help your colleagues in a different way."

"Umm… I don't know what you're trying to say, Captain Hilde."

"I'm saying, you can become an Operator, since you're sedentary type."

"O-Operator…?"

"Not everyone in Taskforce is a fighter. So I'm saying… hmm? Seo Yoon?"

Like a vixen she approached with a forced smile.

"Mr. Gap called you!"

"Got it. What in the world does that man even think…?"

"…Man? It's a machine, you know?"

"My mistake. Anyway, Aki. Consider my offer."

"W-Wait, I will go with you… huh?"

But Seo Yoon clutched Aki's arm.

"W-What are you doing…?"

"Hirose Aki."

Pushing her against all, Seo Yoon stopped smiling and glared at Aki like a predator who cornered prey.

Just like her expectation, simply doing this perfectly worked on this craven.

What a pushover.

"Ku…!"

"I'm going to ask a few things. Hope you don't mind it."

"O-Of course!"

"It wasn't too long since you joined this Taskforce, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"I think you need to make big money… but you don't want to work. Aren't you?"

"T-That's not true…. I-"

"Liar."

Such a deep voice coming out from her was unexpected.

Seo Yoon slowly brought her face closer.

"Y-Yes! Money is what I want!"

"Figured."

Seo Yoon, then making that fake smile again.

While she loosed Aki's arm, she circled around her as if not allowing the prey to escape. She acted as though she was thinking about something.

"Ah! That's right. What a good idea that I came up with. If money is the issue then we can solve this problem together!"

"…."

"Are you fucking listening?"

"E-Eeeek! Yes, yes!"

"I can see you panicking. honestly…."

Seo Yoon smirked and pressed Aki against the wall again.

"You're calling yourself a Counter, but so easily got scared. Even more than non-Counters that I have met. You're so cute."

"…."

"But enough of that. Aki, you don't care about this company, don't you?"

"It might be…."

"Good."

With that reply she made distance again, smiling.

"That hunk of junk ship… still I can see decent values in it. Don't you think?"

"W-What…?"

"Don't make me say the fucking same thing twice. If you don't want to make me angry."

Aki focused like never had been in her entire life….

"Do you remember what our mission is? Eliminating Corruptor Core. Alt Squad was ordered to lure the mass of Corruptors. But what if Fenrir Squad couldn't handle the enemies heading to Coffin directly and everyone dies? How an unfortunate event that nobody could expect, don't you think? So-"

"B-But, Captain Hilde seems quite strong, isn't she? And…."

"Aki."

"Yes?"

"Do not interrupt when I say. You will lose your tongue next time."

"E-Eeeek…!"

"Ah… where was I? Yes, I think I know what you need to do. You only need to damage the generator of Coffin, so making it unable to jump. That's all. Then… we will scrap that off and give you 10%. What say you?"

Aki could know immediately. Seo Yoon won't take an answer but yes.

"Y-Yes, I will do it, I will do it!"

"Good girl."

Patting Aki's head, Seo Yoon gave her a gentle and warm smile: She was clearly mocking Aki.

But none of that was important to Aki. What really matters to her is how should she inform this to Hilde or Machine Gap?

Would they believe this? How should she address this…?

'You're the one who looks pathetic here, Seo Yoon. Do you really believe that I couldn't think of using the power of Counter for crime because I was stupid? But how should tell this…?'

Meanwhile.

Looking at them from ADS Coffin, Hilde said to Machine Gap.

"What a sight. If this was like the Administratorate of our times then she'd be put into trial immediately."

"Have mercy. They went astray because they were thrown into a harsh world without parents taking care of… or something like that."

"Mercy? Admin, she literally tried to poison me. Seo Yoon, was that her name? Probably she thought she's clever."

Machine Gap pinched her cheeck.

"You should call me Mr. President!"

"Ku… that hurts, you fool. Stop it."

"No FOOL! Mr. President!"

"I get it, I get it! President, stop doing that!"

Rubbing her skin, Hilde made a grumpy face and looked through the window.

"Why are you so mean to girls anyway?"

Machine Gap crossed its arms and replied.

"Because only losers do date. And I'm not a loser."

"What logic is behind that foolish nonsense?"

"From the responsibility of SAVING THE WORLD! Of course! It's all the same to me and even that sounds like some foolish nonsense, isn't it?"

"NO."

Hilde looked at Machine Gap like some weird idiot.

"…Why are you talking so strange anyway?"

"What are you even talking about? This is the courtesy you asked for and you got it! Don't you feel it?! The privileged magnificence!"

"Guess none of this is serious to you, Admin. Playing around like Machine CEO…."

Then the eyes of Machine Gap sparkled again, raised its fingers.

"Ha! You broke the rules again! Must, never, call, me, Admin! Punishment! Punishment… hmm?!"

But this time Hilde tightly gripped Machine Gap's arm.

"What is this? Hilde, what are you doing to your own boss?! You shall be punished even more!"

"I don't think so."

"What a blasphemy! Is this how you're treating CEO?!"

Hilde, somewhat hesitating about how should she put this, then after she made up her mind she opened her hand and carefully said. "It seems like you're dedicated for that CEO role, aren't you? Then how about doing more proper way. Like I suggested, Aki should be…"

But Machine Gap said as it withdrew its arm. "I decline."

"You don't have to be that cold. You also know that, unlike Hansol who took years of harsh training under me, that poor little girl is good for nothing and even she knows that. What in the world she was thinking, to join the Taskforce like this?"

"That's what I said. She's good for nothing. What can she do anyway? She took no education as an Operator or anything else in that particular matter. Aki isn't even good enough to become an assistant for anything since that also requires minimal skills for that specific field. All she can do is just being an errand girl."

Hilde sighed, leaning on a wall.

"So are you going to just throw her into battlefields like that?"

"…Maybe we can use more janitors."

"What? We have machines for that. Wait… no. That should work."

Then, someone knocked on the door and came in.

It was Aki.

She made a frightened face, her entire body was shaking as if she was about to collapse. Fearing someone might eavesdrop, she turned her eyes everywhere.

"Then, Captain Hilde, you can leave and sort things out. I shall oversee things from here."

"Whatever. Just watch me from there."

Hilde just went outside of the ship with Aki.

Though Aki tried to spill out everything about Seo Yoon - still being very nervous she couldn't determine the moment for doing so.

Then they did a short briefing again.

Squad leader Seo Yoon should lure foes from Corruptor Core, then Captain Hilde will destroy it. After its demolition, ADS Coffin will give a signal with tracers so everyone should return to the ship.

It's that much simple. No genius strategic or tactical layers were there.

Pale as dead Aki might be, this probably felt like a crisis never she faced before.

Seo Yoon mocked her with half-hearted encouragement as she left, also Xiao Lin and Eu Jin hit her back and joked. Only Sobin was different and she actually gave a sincere apology.

But Hilde knew everything and felt rather unpleasant about all that.

"You're really patient, aren't you?"

"U-Umm… patience?"

"If I were you, I definitely wouldn't tolerate such treatment from others."

Aki, from the bottom of her heart still being shy, cautiously replied.

"Perhaps they're just… having rough lives. Don't worry about me, I'm just fine."

"You're in my team, and my subordinate now. What kind of captain wouldn't care about her person?"

This Hilde definitely has a sense of responsibility and values it more than anything. Because of that, somehow Aki was convinced that she could trust her.

"Captain Hilde, I have something to tell you…. can we go somewhere else?"

If I can't say it right now then there is no chance, Aki thought.

But Hilde flipped her side hair without any facial expression. "You're going to say that Alt Squad is planning to betray us, don't you?"

"H-How did you know that?"

"When you're old and experienced enough then you can handle people like them quite easily."

"Then what should we do… I mean, captain, if you knew it from the beginning then why didn't you stop them?"

Hilde sighed.

"Did you forget who is our commander? Machine Gap said we should just carry on."

"T-Then, perhaps he didn't know about this…?"

"No, he's not a fool. He knows it but… the order wasn't changed."

"What? W-Why?!"

Meanwhile, in a distant location, Alt Squad already took their position, without any intention to follow the order.

Not even a single Corruptor nearby. Observing both Hilde and Aki with binoculars, Xiao Lin could assume their conversation by reading their lips. not just for that, Aki never got into the ship. Apparently she wouldn't take part in their scheme.

Xiao Lin raised her head. "Just as I thought, you went too far. she's not going to do that." But Seo Yoon seemed not to care at all. "We don't even need a trash like that bitch anyway."

"You didn't plan to give her a 10% share in the first place, didn't you?"

"No? I thought it'd be very entertaining to have her as our servant and toying with her. If we get sick of her then we can seize her Counter Watch and sell off it as well."

"…Oh my god, you're always more than my imagination."

Seo Yoon gave a kind smile unlike her attitude. "I will take that as a compliment."

"No, it's not… You know what? Whatever you say."

Eu Jin, out of reluctance, stepped forward.

"Captain Seo Yoon."

"What's wrong, Eu Jin?"

"Do we really have to do this? I mean, me and Sobin too… shouldn't we reconsider…"

Seo Yoon made a serious face and pondered what would be the best answer in this situation.

Should she behave in a forceful manner? Should she try to reason it? Perhaps the latter is better.

"No, it's okay. We have no other choice than the life of this."

Then Sobin protested. "Do you honestly think so? I mean…." But only that much was what she could do.

Not because Sobin feared Seo Yoon, but naturally she had such a personality that doesn't want to break the harmony of the team and try to get along with everyone.

Seo Yoon read that from Sobin's face.

Then Seo Yoon gently grabbed Sobin's shoulder. like at that time, when everyone was abducted by Replacers.

"You're doing nothing wrong, Sobin."

"…."

"It's all my fault. everything… yet my own obligation can't take other means unsafe. I will protect everyone… even if it costs my life."

Seo Yoon turned and walked away, she gave a speech in spirit of determination.

"You all probably doubt yourself, and doubt me as well. Listen well, the world where we are living now is a very cruel place with no hope: The Administratorate had fallen; the Replacers dropped the lost ships releasing Synthetic Corruption Wave which will turn everything into monsters. Then what?"

And, she paused a second, then raised her rifle.

"If they capture us again then surely this time we will be dead. But that's how it is. Nobody said life isn't unfair, and we can do nothing about them from the very beginning. Even then we have Alternative Factor. Corruption Wave isn't what something we should fear, but…."

The gun she held was shaking a little bit. But this is part of her speech technique. "We only fear the era of the Replacers and their reign. Destiny only allowed us to live as nothing but fugitives." But again she raised her hand stretching bravely. "That's fine! We're good, good enough to take such challenges!"

Seo Yoon tried to make such a bright tone through her voice.

"We earned our freedom already! And whatever means necessary we made a lot of money as well! With that, I'm going to make our little hideouts all over the world, to run away from the Replacers till the end of time. Get it? This is a game now: Whether they can catch us; or can we believe each other to the end of our lives. When you see gangster movies they all die at the end, right? We should be the opposite of that!"

For some reason, Eujin saw her actually having plans and hope. Sobin silently stared at her, and Lin only could make a dismal face and dropped her head.

"I believe I have shown my leadership to you… so, can you trust me?"

"Of course, why are you even asking it? with our cap I fear nothing!"

"Then I will take care of everyone, Yoon, Eujin, Lin. so fight well."

"…I have nowhere to go anyway. I'm worried about you girls than me."

Like wounded rodents licking each other's scars, in this desolate Other World of endless purgatory, they lit up their hopes like sorrowful candles. it's all they can do, relying on each other to erase inexplicable, uneasy feelings.

"But… Cap, what are you going to do next?"

"What?"

"Aki didn't betray Coffin Company, didn't she?"

"…."

Seo Yoon looked at the watch, then she replied. "Seven minutes later, level 1 or 2 Corruptors will come through to the ship due to the Corruption Wave Emitter that I installed secretly. Lin has an Anti-Counter round that I got from the black market: We will shoot down Captain Hilde first. Then it's over! Either wiping out Coffin Company or Corruptors."

"…So, in the end we became villains."

Feeling bitter, Eu Jin let out a sigh. Sobin only could avert her eyes.

About six minutes later.

Aki was sitting on a rock and watching Hilde and Hansol sparring.

Since Machine Gap already foresaw what Seo Yoon tried to do with that Corruption Wave Emitter, they didn't move an inch from the ship.

"While I was gone you have been improved a lot, Hansol."

"Thank you, master. But I don't feel that much different…."

"No. your moves and connections became very fluent. Perhaps you really are worthy of the title of Knight at this point."

To Hilde, Hansol already seemed to be at the same level as her latest pupil, Soo Yeon.

"Very encouraging compliment you gave me, Master."

"But don't you think isn't it rather strange? You're a Korean. How could you be inspired by medieval European tradition? I still don't understand why you're trying to style yourself as one."

"I'm already what I always have been. The ego of knight is presumable."

Then Hilde rolled her eyes.

"Oh, is that so?"

"There is no doubt. This is my destiny. I've read all about Arthurian tales."

"And how does that even function as guidance? You may not believe me but I saw the real Artorius in his time who was nothing more than a typical Roman. Isn't that funny that even though he's the icon of knight but he had nothing to do with chivalry at all? And I saw a lot of crusaders a few centuries ago, many of them didn't even keep their creeds."

"N-No, though I read about them and didn't mean more than that, master."

Hilde thrust her blade while they were talking, for she was finding repetitive movement.

With clear noise, his sword was blown away. Out of breath, even Hansol himself could know he was lost. The pupil had a really hard time keeping up with his master.

"You… really never aged. How can a man dream of reaching your caliber?"

"Though it proved my point, isn't it? Perhaps you should become something else rather than a knight. Title doesn't mean anything on battlefields. Knight is yet another group of chosen soldiers who adopted Christian code. How about becoming a viking of Counterside?"

"That's… I will not lie, interesting suggestion."

"Whatever, that's not important. They're coming. Hansol, take up your sword."

From afar she can feel the hostile presence by sensing Corruption Wave. Hilde, now wields twin swords, thinking they should have to sally forth to prevent from Corruptors damaging the ship.

Hilde gives the command to Aki.

"Follow me, Aki."

"Captain?"

"I'm saying that Seo Yoon and others might come over and attack the ship and you when we're engaged with Corruptors. It will be better to have you in my sight. Don't fight with Corruptors but just run away from them. I don't expect anything from you anyway."

"That's… I'm just getting in your way, am I?"

Then she ran off.

"You know that? Good! Come to me, Hansol!"

"Yes, Master!"

Such an incredible speed, Aki stared at them.

"They're very fast! Can't believe I'm a Counter just like them… wait! Don't leave me here!"

Aki slapped her own cheeks twice then followed them.

When Aki caught them up, Both Hilde and Hansol slew level 1 Corruptors pretty easily.

While Hansol was measuring the distance between him and the enemy then slashing or stabbing in the precise momentum, Hilde on the other hand, stretched her arms and span like a vortex: by Regin and Fafnir everything in her way was shattered into pieces.

'No wonder she's called a captain.'

Then Hansol said to Aki.

"Can you see it, Aki? that's one of the greatest moves the master has."

"The Greatest…?"

"Bladestorm."

"…."

"Maybe I need to invent my own signature move as well…."

'…Invent, did you say? It looks like just a spinning top. You don't have to be creative, it seemed to be.'

Within minutes all those level 1 Corruptors were gone.

But after that, a dust storm arose. Hilde stopped motionlessly at once, cautiously focused.

"Something is not right… Wait."

Hansol and Aki talked to each other, not knowing the impending doom.

"Look, she's totally fine even after ceasing the movement."

"Oh, I see."

"That's the difference between me and my master. There is a clear gap."

'…What a worthless definition of skill gap.'

Stuck the swords in the ground, she tried to concentrate but it's becoming hard to breathe more and more. such pressure only belongs to her - after Hilde realized who she was dealing with, her eyes opened wide and shouted in such a hurry, unusual manner.

"Hansol, Aki! Fall back! We must run, right now!"

"Y-Yes?"

"She said run! Hurry, Aki!"

Immediately Hansol moved without question. Since Aki was so slow, Hilde grabbed the back of collar of Aki's shirt and escaped there quickly.

At the same time.

After disabled the bomb that Seo Yoon planted, Machine Gap destroyed the Corruption Wave Emitter as well.

Perhaps this is all he needed to do, that's what the Administrator thought, and let Machine Gap lie down on the rock Aki was sitting.

'When I saw there was no Shi Yoon or Mina but Hansol and Aki, I worried a bit but I think I can pull this off. I have Alt Squad and Seo Yoon. Hilde too, though she's somewhat different. Perhaps it won't be too hard.'

But suddenly Machine Gap heard that Hansol and Hilde were rushing toward him very quickly.

"W-What?! What's the hurry?"

"What's the hurry, are you saying? Administrator, is this part of your damn plan too?!"

"…What are you talking about?"

Hilde literally threw Aki in the ship. Then as if she's clenching the collar that Machine Gap doesn't have, she raised it.

"Sollicitatio! Sollicitatio is coming! I don't even know what the hell are you even thinking, but we must leave now! Otherwise that rookie, and my pupil, everything will be gone! This damn old ship too!"

"Wait… Hilde, it's not Ministra?! Sollicitatio? What… but how?!"

"What the hell is even Ministra anyway?! Why do you always hide everything from me?"

Then Machine Gap also saw it. It's definitely not Ministra, and it was actually Sollicitatio incoming, level 5 Corruptor. Not that she is an unbeatable opponent but right now there is no chance of winning at all.

Administrator can know. If Hilde intercepts her then probably she can make a good fight, but while doing so the other Corruptors can surround the ship and destroy it.

"We will leave immediately! I removed the bomb and the emitter already. Get in the ship, now!"

"Move, move! move!"

Bang.

That's the moment. As if the time stopped, from a distance the bullet pierced through Hilde's arm. Then the captain of Fenrir collapsed like a doll.

"…Master? Master!"

She vomited blood, and with other hand wiped out her mouth. Hilde stood again but it is clearly visible that she lost her strength significantly.

"It's… nothing. That wretched minx… should have punished them before this happened."

Assisting Hilde, Machine Gap said.

"I made the incorrect move."

"So you… can make mistakes… sometimes."

"This is my mistake."

"F-Fufu… but then… I don't see it's not so bad of you… honestly admitting it."

But how can a mere bullet do this much damage to the S rank Counter? Suspicious may it be but it's not something he should be concerned right now. She's sweating, breathing hardly. Machine Gap said to Hansol.

"It will take a full minute to warp to Normalside… Our World. We're bailing out."

"…."

"but I need you to hold the enemy. Can you do this?"

"Leave it to me, sir. I will prove myself as a knight on this ground."

In other parallel universes Hansol was nothing more than a page. But in this world he's showing something more than that is in him.

"I don't want to lose you here. Just jump on the ship when it's ready."

"…."

With his sword tilting toward the unknown enemy, Hansol looked at the front. A few seconds later she came to him: The White-haired Witch. accursed dark crosses circling this Corruptor. It's definitely unlike anything he has faced before.

More tightly gripping his sword with both hands, Hansol hardly suppressed his tension. Sollicitatio crossed her arms and floating, slowly approached with vile face.

"So you're the pupil of that last Valkyrie. Comes after that foolhardy girl, very unwise. Though I wanted another confrontation with her yet fate never allowed us. O mortals, your name is borne curse! Endless culling among your brood, betraying the betrayed. All is to fall into eternal doom."

'U-Unbelievable… so this is level 5 Corruptor?'

"Very well, I shall test your power. It will be entertaining to compare you with that Lee Soo Yeon."

"…Soo Yeon?"

"Had not the Valkyrie explained about her yet? The sacrifice who I wanted to reconstruct… Alas, but she was long gone. Hilde cried, like a mother who lost her lovely daughter. I was there, witnessing a delightful sight."

Then, the dark crosses were rotating even faster.

"…Perhaps it ought to be happening again, on this day."

"Tch!"

They came from both left and right. At that moment, Hansol judged that he can't block two of them at the same time so he jumped. But Sollicitatio, watching that movement, she yelled with wicked laughs. "What foolish move you made! Did the Valkyrie teach you how to walk on clouds?"

Immediately the cross was launched and tackled Hansol's body.

"Gu-Gaargh…."

"Fu… Fufufu… What is this? I wasn't serious at all. But it seemed that you're already done."

To fallen Hansol the crosses were slowly encircled, as if taunting they made bizarre and uncomfortable noises. And then, one of them threw itself from forward.

"There!"

Hansol shouted and parried it, but at the same time the other crosses charged from everywhere. Hansol, can't run away, can't do anything, but only hit back one at a time… and is about to fall.

'So this is it….'

From above Sollicitatio let out a deep sigh, looking down without disrespect.

"So even something like this is the disciple of that Valkyrie. Perhaps even you will not believe how troublesome that the Administratorate once was. O how the mighty have fallen. But it is the destiny of all mortals for struggling to death. I shall grant a death without pain."

And suddenly.

From the sky, the battle-angel fell down like a meteor, with wings of steel.

"Valkyrie…? Why do you protect that unpromising boy with your life?"

"Corruptors like you will never understand… I'd rather die than commit more sin."

Soon, Hilde embraced him and ascended. Sollicitatio muttered by herself.

"Sin… like that Seraphel, the winged never should bother phenomenons of earth. Only the one who broke the law will be bound themselves in the concept of it."

Sollicitatio, with raising her finger pointing at the whirling crosses on the ground, the accursed dark forces were rising in the same pattern. And the witch designated the ship. From that, the crosses launched. But suddenly….

Something black, like a fly, came out from it.

"W-What?! What is this? A robot?!"

"A ROBOT?! I have a semi-autonomous remote controlled machinoid interface developed with a combination of state-of-the-art science and advanced technology!"

Like Facehugger from Alien movies, Machine Gap attached to Sollicitatio's face and was loudly yapping by himself. Sollicitatio was wiggling her arms in the air to shake it off but it didn't work at all. Due to her losing focus in momentum, the crosses flying were all scattered in random directions.

"How dare you… get off from me!"

But as if maniacally laughing, Machine Gap kept shaking and making beep beep noises, then its voice was changed dramatically.

"I am Machine G.A.P. R.B. Mk.2!"

"This voice… Y-You are Administrator?! It can't be-"

Then it immediately executed self-destruct sequence, making an explosion with a mushroom cloud like nuke.

….

Through window Hansol saw everything, and as if that was the end of their new president, he made sorrowful face.

"It's all over. But in the end, you sacrificed yourself in selfless spirit." he said, "We shall honor your name."

Then Hilde said. "H-Honoring what? It's a-all his error. I-If he didn't do this then…."

"Master."

As if being about to be passed out, she forces herself to maintain consciousness. Though Aki tried to do first aid by using drugs and bandages in the ship, but Hilde could barely talk.

"G-Give me… your hand."

"…."

Without a word, Hansol grabbed his master's hand.

"You d-did well, against such o-opponent…."

"…."

"T-That idiot didn't die. It was merely a robot controlled by Administrator. That's right, the founder of the Administratorate. You m-must help him… a-and save this w-world… and become the true knight to v-vanquish the evil and protect t-the weak…."

Tears fell from his eyes. Glasses become blurry. But even then Hansol could see the last moment of his master: Eyes wide opened and firmly gripping his hand; entrusting her last will to the pupil.

"I will, Master."

"N-Never expected that t-this will be my l-last words… h… ow… m… iser… ab…le…."

But with that promise of Hansol, relieved, Hilde finally….

Dropped her hand.

Finally her eyes were closed, Hansol, out of mixed emotions of anger and grief, cried loudly.

"Masteeeeeeeerrr!"

….

But, Aki called Hansol while scratching her cheek.

"Hey, Hansol…."

"…."

"She's still alive."

"…What?"

Hansol turned his head and looked at Aki.

"Look, I think she fainted but is not dead yet. Her heart is still beating as well…."

So he moved his finger under Hilde's nose. Indeed she's breathing, she really is alive. Hansol, took off his glasses and wiped his eyes.

Perhaps this might be a miracle… he said with a comforted tone.

"Of course, she couldn't die by something like that. She's my master, after all."

"But we need to bring her to the hospital quickly."

"Yes, we will. And then she will be recovered soon."

Losing strength in his legs, Hansol flumped next to Hilde. Aki was standing, just looking her squad mates, then turned her eyes to the window.

The Great Smog of Synthetic Corruption Wave, skyscraper buildings, and the lost ships stuck in the ground. Just now Aki felt that there is no safe place left in this world with her heart, even though she understood it very long before with her head. Perhaps she realized that so many people have been fought like this till this point. Lives and deaths. Thinking about something like that, Aki felt she has grown up a little bit.

On the other side, Alt squad was running away from their foes.

Xiao Lin successfully sniped Hilde with an Anti-Counter round. But all they witnessed afterward was literally that white-haired witch Sollicitatio toyed with everyone, such overwhelming evil that one could oppose, not even dare to halt them: Realizing what they were facing Seo Yoon tried to run away but they were surrounded by Corruptors, coming from everywhere.

'How did they know where we were? Damn it, this can't be happening, this shouldn't be happening! Where it went wrong? And why?'

Being totally confounded, Seo Yoon attempted to breach the line by herself so pressed herself boldly, even taking a few hits by herself. Eu Jin shouted. "Level 1 or 2, they don't matter, but what's with that witch?!" Sobin asked Seo Yoon, while shooting down Corruptors with her chain gun. "Cap, we're running out of bullets! How far should we go?!"

But Seo Yoon can't give an answer to that. They already reached the point where they're supposedly meeting the broker who agreed to take the ship parts and scrap metals - if the plan succeeded - but nobody was there, and no one waited.

'That fucking bald bastard! So this is what they were going to do in the first place? Or they couldn't get here now because it's swarmed by Corruptors?"

While Corruptors were surging over and over, Seo Yoon thought of that man who promised to send a Dimensional Ship. With erupting fury she hit the wall hardest she could. Completely exhausted in both mind and body, everyone knew at this point. …because of that, Xiao Lin said. "Cap…."

"What are you doing, Lin? We can still live. Keep fighting! We need to keep running away from here, and if we can send a distress call to Our World then perhaps…."

Half out of her mind, Seo Yoon forced herself to say it. In the eyes of Xiao Lin, even she could see Seo Yoon was completely broken down. Yet without any blame or anger, Xiao Lin said.

"It's all over, Seo Yoon. But it's okay. You tried your best for all of us."

None of that does matter. No one will come to rescue. Everyone on Earth is hardly focusing on keeping the lost ships and the Replacers in check, and that wasn't even enough. Seo Yoon already knew this - she just couldn't admit it.

Though they said nothing but Eu Jin tried to avert her eyes, and Sobin dropped her head, finally Seo Yoon felt something inside her is breaking down, completely collapsed.

"Ha, Aahaha, hahaha… I'm sorry, I'm sorry… everyone, I… failed you."

Hugging her rifle like a doll, she was sitting down, crying. that's the hidden side of her which she tried to not reveal to anyone: Not an aloof mercenary lady but a powerless little girl who lost her mother. Lin wiped tears out for her, Eu Jin patted her back and said you can't always win in life. and Sobin, after she took down her rifle, said you don't need to struggle anymore, she embraced Seo Yoon with open arms.

On this wasted, deserted Counterside. Those girls were like the last remaining fragments of proof, warmth and hope. However from above there, Sollicitatio descending, said.

"Sorrow in vain, lied in lies. Rejoice, sisters. When the true king of kings marches, your heart will be freed from the sin, your body will be granted the paradise. To the purest souls there be gifts…"

Celestial darkened in dreadful force diabolical, the witch was said in lenient voice of woman which doesn't belong to Corruptor like herself.

"…You shall all be reborn as servants of Thagirion."

And, even till their final moment… no one in Alt Squad blamed their friends.

.

.

.

In the deepest darkness.

Administrator has watched the screens. Even if Machine Gap exploded still he could observe the ship did reach Normalside and sent the Valkyrie to the emergency room. Sitting there fingers crossed, he thought.

The day is over - in defeat, he lost Alt Squad too. Perhaps they became the Shadow which is named as Demon-Type Corruptor or the dead.

Administrator turned off all hundreds of monitors. No light in the room, motionlessly he was thinking about future plans.

'The boss of that stage was supposedly Ministra and not Sollicitatio. No way we could win there, even if I had Shi Yoon and Mina. If I were fighting against destiny, then it was her trap. I shouldn't go there at all.'

'Seo Yoon, Eujin, Xiao Lin, Sobin. All were killed in action. Hilde is wounded in action. Fortunately Hansol seemed to be as strong as young Soo Yeon, but I lack cards to use at this point.'

'This is late game now. But with this, the queen of chess board is removed. leaving only a pawn and a knight….'

'Replacer King probably presumed so, if not then other Dark Lords. Could they turn the board around all they can see is the Administratorate out of hope, I can imagine.'

'However, all Administrators never played chess. They shall realize what they were dealing with, soon.'

Then he went out of the room.

In corridor, through windows the clouds and raindrops were seen, upon a dismal but serene landscape. Administrator passed through the small cleaning robots and huge sentry bots armed with plasma guns. There, he entered the machine lab.

Familiar dusty smell. When he stepped into the room he sensed the presence of someone.

"It's… you. Rosaria."

Without turning on a light, Administrator said.

"Indeed it is I, Asmodeus the Great."

One of the Dark Lords - There is no Qliphoth Game so they are merely assuming the positions of what the fate gave them - Rosaria le Friede was manifested behind him.

"The former player already resigned. Yet another news reached my ears… surprise! We got a new player and he is you. To be honest, it really baffles me since there is no point left to continue further."

"…."

"No glory to me participating in unfair games. Give it up, will you? Mayhap you'd better consider hosting another game in another game board."

Rosaria made a jubliant face like a little girl found her new toy. Administrator looked back with leering eyes. In darkness his eyes were lit.

He asked. "How much do you know about us?"

"More than you imagined, but less than you expect."

"Probably I'm the one who should say that. To me, this world is out of comprehension yet."

Rosaria laughed.

"Ahahaha! I see what you think now! Scenario like this tempts you with a new challenge, isn't it? You're nothing like that loser!"

"Allow me to ask one question. There was no Fenrir, no Jormungandr, and not even Loki in this world. What happened to them?"

"Ah, Yes. There are quite many other campaigns without the Replacers, but it's quite rare that not even the wolf is available to Admin. Yet you had your queen, aren't you?"

"Hilde, I suppose. Where is Thor?"

"Do you mean Orcus the Berserker, brown-haired boy? Or that blond boy of Delta Seven? What was his name again… Jake! How unfortunate! He died even before you came here."

"…."

His face became dimmed. As if mocking him, Rosaria kept saying.

"You can throw questions as much as you want but it will not change a thing! Indeed, there were only Brynhildr and Odin! But foolishly you lost her. Wait, she didn't die yet. But it matters not! With your power now, you're no match for Dominic even!"

"So you have no knowledge of us, after all."

"…What?"

"Administratores played neither Chess nor Ragnarok. Such interpretations were integrated from only your conceptions, Dark Lords."

"Then what did you do with us in this whole time?"

"Nothing special. it's just Trump."

Spoken plainly and Rosaria looked and then delivered such disdain tone. "So that's the perspective how you view this world. Trump? Ridiculous…."

Administrator nodded. "The question what I need to bring is about the rule itself. Were there any limitations regarding outer force intruding?"

Now Rosaria understood why he was talking so roundabout, and with delightful face she answered.

"I see! There is no such thing. Do whatever you please to make the game interesting. Yet I wonder what last resort is available to you by any means?"

"It is my will."

Then the Administrator raised his arm and gestured toward silent oblivion forth. After a few seconds, breaking utter darkness crimson red lasers flashed through the space, the shadow moved among shadows, rather the darkness itself was materializing.

With her thundering voice Rosaria cackled and asked.

"Remarkable! To all of us the new Admin brought a surprise! What is this, Machine God Type: Dark?"

"What? What is that?"

The entire room is filled with noises and lights that black metal made.

"Uh, you don't remember? We had a vacation, and you brought that giant Machine Gap Robot."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Then it's fine! If it's not Machine God then what's that thing then?"

Finally all systems online, the warmachine glittering its red eye fully emerged from the depth of forbidden oblivion. Looking down with a cold glare, the Administrator's face was recognized by the camera.

"No queen is left in my hand. Neither the lady nor Mina was spawned so no king be available to the player. This is the Joker, the forgotten one in many universes and histories."

"Joker, are you saying?"

"The God in form of mechanism… Deus ex Machina project. Future-at-War tried to reconstruct the imitation of its existence in the name of Titan, yet this is true power what they couldn't grasp it."

The Administrator turned on the switch to behold its deployment upon this universe. Something, looked like black Titan, stood there in a malicious and cold-blooded image.

"Olympian."

A day later.

While Hilde was in the hospital, Aki asked her senior to train her and Hansol somewhat reluctantly accepted it. While they were sparring, an enormous figure entered: It was the new CEO.

No, the founder of the Administratorate, as Hilde said.

"…."

"Administrator, sir. So you have returned with a different machine."

It looked incredibly powerful. Probably it can just stomp the Corruptors like bugs with that huge body alone.

"The name is Zeta Machine Gap, the successor of Machine Gap MK-II."

'What a corny name….'

Aki could barely hold her laugh, turned her head.

Hansol tried really hard to play along with him. "Z… Machine Gap?" Then Olympian with a deep growling voice spoke. "It is only appropriate."

"But isn't this just Titan? I saw the Future-at-War made giant robot like this. Well, with the black and red color scheme it looks much stronger."

"…."

"So that's Zeta Machine Gap. I see. But Master Hilde told me that you're the Administrator, so what should we call you then?"

"…Hmm."

The Administrator was pondering a bit, then answered.

It has no point left to act like that, it seemed to be.

"Forget formalities. Just call me Administrator then."

"Oh, good. I'm so relieved that we got a competent and mighty leader."

Hansol chuckled with relief.

'….'

The Administrator thought. 'I can feel the absence of Soo Yeon more than anything. Though she's not a good business manager, she certainly had the charisma to hold people around her. But now without Hilde, I'm forced to take such responsibility.'

"So, what do we do today?"

"You are granted a day off. Do whatever you want."

"…Huh? Shouldn't we do something?"

'Awesome.'

What kind of company is like this…?

Though Aki didn't have any complaints.

But nonetheless, without Alt Squad and Hilde, the Administrator must have to recruit employees or find alliances. Not that it seemed to be easy since he's practically in the late game stage anyway.

Hansol tried to follow Olympian who entered the President's office but then he saw Kin Hana, Lena and Chloe.

"Vice president."

"Sorry, he and I have something to discuss."

Then she entered the room as well.

That's just that. As Hansol turned back and pondering about today's plan, Lena said. "Hansol, are you busy?"

"No, not particularly."

"Then how about spending time with us?"

"What, are you guys going somewhere?"

Chloe giggled.

"Kukuku, yes we are! I have tickets for the cyberpark of Alphatrix."

"Great!"

But thinking something else, Hansol asked in a hesitating tone.

"So, how many tickets do you have? If it's only three then I can't go."

"Huh? Why?"

Chloe poked Lena with her elbow and whispered, though deliberately loud enough for Hansol catching it.

"Probably he's going out with that Japanese girl."

"Aki? Oh, I see. So she's his type."

"No, it's not like that. I mean, she looks very unfamiliar with everything in Korea, so-"

To them, Hansol looked quite funny because this guy was always serious.

Lena teased him. "You two will make such a cute couple! Though it's a shame you never gave us a chance. Perhaps aren't we good enough for you?" Chloe did the same. "Oh, that must be. Maybe I should pray to spirits to give me more luck."

"N-No, it's absolutely nothing like that. You two look really cute, after all. Anyway…."

Waving his hand, Hansol saw them left. When he returned Hansol witnessed Aki playing a mobile game with her phone with a charger connecting to the wall.

Hansol thought. 'Is video game the only thing in her mind…?'

But what kind of game she does play anyway? So he silently approached her.

'What game is even this?'

Looks like some kind of side scroller game? No, it doesn't look like the player has control over individual character. Examine further, suddenly a girl with yoyo hit Aki's character then he just turned around.

Then Aki lost.

"God fucking damn it! Fuck this shitty game, and fuck you too! I'd rather have a Brahmin take a diarrhea dump in my ear! Eh… waaah!"

"Uh… sorry."

"How long have you been there, Hansol?"

"Did you completely not notice anything?"

"I mean, I was so into the game…."

"What game is this anyway?"

With some reason she proudly said. "This is the best gacha game in our time, New Age!"

Hansol silently gazed Aki, as if looking at something pitiful.

Recognizing his face, Aki said as if defending herself. Or rather crying. "What? What?! It's fun. Everyone knows it, Everyone plays it!"

Hansol, let out a sigh, said. "What sort of pervert are you? What are they even wearing…? Half naked girls just throwing themselves into a catfight? And you're a girl, by the way. It looks so strange that a young woman having a hobby like this."

By extremely surreal criticism, Aki couldn't even argue back, like a stone she was sitting motionlessly, completely frozen….

"Hey, stop playing video games and let's go somewhere else."

"Why do you even care? I'm just Hikikomori. All I need is video games and anime."

Aki turned her head and pouted.

Maybe she's angry because Hansol talked shit about her favorite game.

"Sorry, sorry. Yup, I was acting like a jerk, am I? I apologize. I will try that game too, if you want. So would you stop playing video game today? I want to let you know what's in the town."

Immediately Aki, sparkling her eyes, moved her face closer to Hansol and said. "Really? Really! You must play it, it's the best game ever!"

"I-I promise, I will play it…."

Such enthusiasm… if only she used that for something productive.

Thinking something like that, Hansol made dry laugh.

"When you're prepared, meet me at the entrance."

"I will!"

It's hot outside.

Since Aki is a foreigner, Hansol thought she's very unfamiliar with almost everything in Korea. So visiting places where she could get foods and stuffs, then they reached to Apocalypse convenience store.

When Hansol asked about her diet, she said.

"I tried all Cup Ramens and TV dinners in this store, probably I know more than you!"

That rather shocked Hansol. 'Seriously? You're a girl. You don't know how to cook? Just putting a bunch of ultra processed foods in your stomach for years? I'm seriously worrying about your health right now….'

Anyhow they went here and there, two hours passed.

It's already noon and they had to eat lunch, so naturally Aki suggested.

"We should go back to Apocalypse convenience store again."

"…Why?"

"Because…."

"I seriously oppose that. Just try something better than junk foods."

"Then what do you propose?" Having no idea what to say, Aki asked back.

"Have you tried Korean foods?"

"No. I just don't feel like that. They're too spicy to me."

'Such is prejudice. Not all Korean foods are unbearable disgusting chili pepper abominations.'

"Alright then, it's not like I want to force you. Just choose something else than the fake foods of Apocalypse."

"Then can we go to McCready's?"

"That's all? Like, I will buy the launch so you can…."

"Come on, let's go eat burgers!"

Hansol sighed.

They went to Alphatrix Mall. Obviously there is the cyberpark that Lena and Chloe said, but in the basement floor they can find McCready's what Aki craved so much.

"I'm hungry already! Hansol, what do you want? Big Mac? Since you're buying it, I will order it for you!"

"I guess that's fine… I'm going to just sit there."

Hansol looked around. Since it's launch time, Lena and Chloe might be here.

But it seemed to be not. Then he saw a young lady with long black hair in a luxurious white dress: Acting in an elegant and refined manner with beautiful voice it was rather hard to not notice her presence.

'That woman. It's Shin Jia, The head of Alphatrix. Who are those kids with her?'

Equally, it's hard to ignore those girls as well: A long-haired girl with strange legs; a girl wearing glasses and holding strange looking monster or weapon; and a girl wearing a headgear.

"You saved and I won't forget it. But sis, we're still worrying about the other kids!"

Dorothy said to Jia with a somewhat rebellious tone.

"I absolutely can't allow it. We still couldn't identify what the Wizard is, and we still have to deal with Replacers as well. Protecting you safely is what I want-"

"I know! But…."

Dorothy said with her eyes wide opened. But then, she interrupted Jia and realized she acted rude again. "I'm sorry. You know, we don't need any Supporters anyway, so can you let us go? Please? We can do it by ourselves!"

Jia sighed and closed her eyes. "I believe Dorothy said to me that Jia is like a godsister to her. Then such a responsibility is also what I need to care. No big sis will send her families to a dangerous place."

"…."

"…Do you want potato?" Skia suggested a french fry dipped in ketchup, held toward Dorothy.

Dorothy questioned back.

"Why do you always eat potatoes?"

"I feel better with them."

"Eat your burgers too."

"No."

She's a bit weird sometimes, Dorothy thought while she bit a cheeseburger.

Liona said to Skia. "Then can I have it?" Surely, Skia's headgear made 'O' signal and she gave it to her.

Hansol thought. 'I never have seen a device like that before.'

Those strangers were never seen in this town before.

Then Aki brought burgers.

"Are you hungry, Hansol? Surely I am!"

"Huh? Ah, yes. Thank you."

While they were eating, Hansol kept looking at that side and carefully picked up their words.

'Wizard. The criminals who are responsible for the death of Arius.'

Aki felt uncomfortable when she saw Hansol making scary eyes filled with hatred and hostility. 'It's just a young lady with her three sisters, right? I don't know why Hansol leers at them so intensely. Nothing looks weird to me.'

Hansol and Aki said completely nothing to each other.

But when those three said they need to go to the bathroom, Hansol suspected that was a lie and said to Aki.

"Aki, That's it for today. I will see you the next day."

"Y-Yes…."

Hansol thought. 'There is no way it's true. Why are they going toilet together? Not just for that, with that giant sword and a gun?'

As he expected they just went outside.

Hansol, being unnoticed, silently chased their trails.

Two hours later.

The three girls arrived at the theme park that it once was.

This is a restricted area due to contamination of Synthetic Corruption Wave coming out from the giant lost ship.

"We came to the right place, aren't we?"

Swallowing saliva, Dorothy couldn't hide her tension. Skia displayed 'O' signal with her headgear.

"Dorothy, is this okay?"

Liona said while caressing Toto.

"Of course! We brought Eternium Shield as well, so if we could reach them then we can-"

"But just like Jia said, we don't even know who our enemies are."

"Then you just stay here and watch over. I'll go by myself."

"B-But they might have guns!"

Dorothy sighed. "If you're worrying so much then why did you come here in the first place? You should be well realized when do you need to push and when you need to pull off."

Then from behind the man spoke. "Good advice. But I suggest you should listen to your own, however."

Hansol. To the three girls who were very nervous, even though he was approaching slowly without hostile signs, he looked like an enemy.

Dorothy yelled. "W-what? who are you?!"

"You all should go back. I shall take this."

"No, I don't think so, you look like one of those puny Wizard goons!"

Then Dorothy rushed out and jumped, launched a dropkick. All the dust she made clouded over their figures.

"No! Dorothy, you don't know whether he's working for the Wizard or not!"

"It's okay, look." Skia made 'X' signal on her headgear.

After the dust clouds blew away, the sight was revealed: Hansol unsheathed his sword quick enough to block Dorothy's kick.

"How…?"

"You're fast. Could have got me."

Hansol stepped back, swung his sword.

He said in a calm voice. "The Wizard. That's what you guys are looking for?"

But took it as an offense, Dorothy skated back then bounced forward. "What if we do?!" as though doing ballet she stretched her leg, rotated her whole body to kick him.

Kang!

"You did it again…!" Realizing that sharp kick didn't work on him at all, Dorothy was surprised.

"That was quite a heavy blow. What's with your legs?"

His words disturbed her mind, Dorothy rushed in a zig-zag motion she threw her attacks with both her left and right legs.

"You, Wizards, Made, Me, Like, This!"

Aiming his head and stomach and legs, a total six blows were delivered but Hansol blocked everything: His right hand gripping the handle; his left hand pushing the side of the blade with his palm.

This made Dorothy angry even more, she ran forward then jumped, spinning her entire body in the air.

"Aren't you a friend of the Wizard?!"

This attack can't be blocked.

But that much it's so slow.

Hansol saw through it and rolled his body to the side, dodged it skillfully, just as he expected rotating Dorothy smashed the ground with her leg. As if the whole ground was shaking, it made a small crater.

"No. I'm also the one who wanted to take my revenge."

From Dorothy's behind Hansol was standing, moving the blade right next to her neck. Actually, Dorothy already knew he's not her enemy, so she admitted her defeat and pushed away the sword with her finger.

"I see you're stronger than me. If not, then we're good."

"…."

Then she stood up, asking while she pulled her hand forward.

"My name is Dorothy. That girl with a strange weapon is Liona. The other one is Skia. What's yours?"

Hansol gave a handshake. "Yang Han Sol."

"So why do you hate the Wizard anyway?"

"They killed someone I knew."

"…I'm sorry to hear that."

Dorothy averted her eyes, lowered her head. Hansol pushed the glasses with the index finger.

"It's okay. But why are you guys here?"

"Those bastards manipulated us to do their biddings. Once we realized their disgusting secrets, they tried to kill us. Sis Jia helped us, but I'm still worrying about the others left back in there."

"So you're saying that certainly the Wizards are here?"

Hansol wasn't sure about that since he could see the lost ship.

Dorothy nodded. "Yes." and she pointed the theme park. "Madame Heron, she's working for the Replacers. They do some hideous experiments using the children to make them Replacers. We should get hurry."

Out of anger, Hansol ground his teeth with intensely unpleasant face.

Dorothy was slightly startled by that.

"I believe that's all you need to know."

"I see."

Hansol and Dorothy walked to Skia and Liona.

Thinking for a while, Hansol asked. "So how are you going to deal with this?" Dorothy shrugged. "What can we do anyway? Just grabbing kids and running away."

"…."

"What, do you have any better ideas?"

"You do that. I will finish off everyone."

Then Hansol headed to the former theme park.

Liona tried to stop him. "N-No! Probably there will be many Replacers and Mercenaries…!" But Hansol didn't listen - pulling Liona's jacket, Dorothy said. "It's fine, he's a Counter."

At the front gate.

"Stop! Stay back! Don't come any closer! Who the hell are you?!"

"I'm the vanquisher of evil, and the protector of the weak."

"What the fuck…?"

Hansol made a sudden movement, then in the blink of an eye, he punched the guard's gut.

The watchman fell.

"Wicked beasts. I don't even need to use my sword."

With a scornful look, he walked toward the other guard.

"H-He is Counter! Intruder, We have an intruder! A Counter is… Gurrgh!"

Hansol quickly dashed and knocked him down too.

Inside, he could witness a lot of attractions abandoned: Roller Coaster; Carousel; Ferris Wheel. Seemingly there were many other mercs too, Hansol could confirm it as they rushed to him after they heard the noise. yet none of their bullets could penetrate his skin, so Hansol defeated all of them easily with his fists.

Then he saw a Pendulum Ride.

"It's… a Viking."

In Korea, they refer to this type of machine as Viking. Perhaps because of that, it reminded him of the joke what Hilde made: "How about becoming a Viking of Counterside?"

In a gloomy mood, Hansol thought about his master, then snapped into reality when he was shot by a sniper.

"…That little hurt."

It did no damage to him - after all, he's as strong as that Soo Yeon who was the S rank Counter. Then Hansol chased the guard who foolishly provoked him.

"You…."

"N-No!"

"I don't feel Corruption Wave from you. You're not a Replacer."

The man didn't say anything, so Hansol held the blade to his neck.

"Y-Yes, I'm not! Please let me go, I will tell you everything!"

"What were you mercenaries even doing here anyway? This is heavily contaminated area."

"I don't know! Our boss said that the Replacers might come to this place so he told us we should patrol this district, and everyone got his own Eternium Shields! We're are not bad guys, we've been doing this for months!"

After he finished, Hansol hit his neck and made the sniper faint.

'What are they concealing? What's the purpose of all this?'

From above.

Such assault from nowhere by S rank Counter on this strategically insignificant area was still a mystery to Heron. While touching her own chin, she asked. "Do you recognize that boy?"

The merc captain in a suit of armor said. "From our database, we identified him as… Hansol Yang of Conffin Company."

"…Hansol?"

"That guy is famous among Taskforces. He's a pupil of Hilde, after all."

"Hilde! So that explains. Since she's one of the few S rank Counters."

Heron smoked a pipe, was pondering a bit then said.

"My, my. I really cannot recollect any memory with them. All we have done was taking care of kids out of kindness, aren't we?"

Then a mercenary rifleman opened the door and reported.

"Ma'am! Not just for that Counter, the cells we locked infested children in are under attack by a trio of girls!"

"Hmm… Mm-hm…."

After Heron finished smoking, wrapped the pipe with a handkerchief, said to the merc captain.

"Sometimes these things are happening. Call my helicopter. I have research data to hand over."

"You mean we're going to abandon this area?"

"…."

Madam Heron went silent, and her eyes met with Hansol.

'I can see it through your eyes, boy.'

But even if they saw each other, He only knew her name. Hansol, not knowing she is the person whom he was looking for, still tried to search elsewhere.

When a helicopter came she opened the window and got into it, and said to the mercenary captain.

"He will make a good sample, I do believe."

"Troublesome prey he will make, If I have to capture him alive."

"No, dead or alive, that man probably won't care for a Counter specimen."

"Then, this might be a good chance to test my body enhanced by the power of the Replacer."

Then, Heron grinned like a wicked witch.

"I expect nothing less from you."

Ten minutes later.

Sitting on the chair where Heron had occupied and stretched his legs on the desk arrogantly the merc cap was, when Hansol broke through the door he said. "Hmm, so-called S rank Counter boy has come."

"Where is Heron?"

"She left."

"…So that old woman was her."

The merc cap kicked the desk to Hansol. with such horrific power it flew to him, but Hansol caught it rather easily.

Seeing that, the merc cap cracked knuckles and taunted. "This will be fun. I have seen a lot of spoiled brats with Counter Watches. None of them realized it's nothing but a stupid toy."

"Is that so?"

"You should have seen how I put them in their place again, son. Giving some good beating then they suddenly remember how they should behave. It looks like you too, need some first-handed lesson!"

The Merc cap rushed. Hansol, in turn, now kicked the desk back.

Watching it, as if a predator of old nature he hopped on it then jumped, to Hansol he smashed with both hands.

but Hansol dodged, and he kept dodging the punches flying towards him. when his fist hit the wall it felt like the entire building was shaking.

Yet Hansol, crossed his arms, was only avoiding them and said. "I admit that you have some serious power. Perhaps your suit did the magic? But unlike the Counters you're clearly lacking speed. What's the point of attack that you can't land on the enemy then?"

This is futile, even the merc cap realized. So he backed away and said.

"You haven't seen the best of me…." Then, somehow he made very strange growl noise.

"Ggggghhhhhh… Uuuuuooooooo!" Easily anticipated what he was trying to do, Hansol now gripped his sword.

"To humans I give mercy. To Corruptors I give death."

Then like a nothing but monster, hands on the floor, like a spider it crawled and coming to Hansol in terrifying speed. "Hmhmhmhmhmhm… Huhahahahahah…!"

Holding the sword with left hand, Hansol faced the Half-Corruptor and ran into him. Mocking the knight's confidence and courage, the merc cap laughed. But….

Being punched in the chest Hansol made a painful face, but at the same time, he stabbed at the neck of his enemy with his sword, and then, slashed him off.

With heavy dull noise, the merc captain's head fell.

"I… lost?"

"The weakest of us is he who has fallen into the trap of arrogance, just because he became stronger than before."

"Ggghhh… gghhahahah… so, you're telling me that I'm weak… but, you…."

The whole fight didn't even take two minutes. The merc cap died with that, thus he couldn't hear what Hansol mumbled after.

"…I was the same."

That was bitter.

When Hansol left the room and went outside, he saw the scenery of darkening twilight. Watching the setting sun next to the gigantic ominous lost ship, Hansol said. "Though we keep fighting like this for each day but I can't see how its end will be like…."

Leaving behind the enemies he defeated, Hansol walked away. When he came to the front gate, at there Dorothy and Liona, and the children they saved were waving hands, calling his name.

"You did an amazing job, Hansol!"

"That was great!"

Skia, though said nothing, gave a warm smile to him as well.

Looking at them, Hansol chuckled in easy mood.

"But perhaps this is fine, for each day I fight for people I didn't know. Like a true knight."

.

.

.

Showing Shin Jia how Hansol handled the Wizard with the OZ trio by the hundreds of monitors in the dark doom, the Administrator said in impressed tone.

"Didn't I assure you that you really didn't need to worry? Indeed, those girls are promising as well. They already learned selfless spirit."

Jia pondered what should be said about that, but can't find any words so she said what she just wanted to tell. "I was like that too when I was at their age."

Administrator said. "Oh, You're great too, of course."

This is that secret basement where the Administrator watched over everything: Unlike HQ of Administratorate nobody couldn't find it. However to earn trust and help from Shin Jia, he invited her.

"So you are indeed the Administrator."

"You sound like rather unexpected."

"I am. I assumed the Administrator is like someone much older or a robot. But you are really younger than I imagined. What happened to your predecessor?"

"There was no succession. Only one Administrator can be assigned upon each universe as it is the rule: And I be here in front of you."

Then Jia looked at him like a little girl full of curiosity.

"How old are you, then?"

"Such is a pointless concept to likes of us."

It was rather an odd conversation, but Jia apparently liked it.

"Fufu, you're very interesting."

"…."

The Administrator cleared his throat and fixed his tie.

"Do you know why I called you in here? Even if this decision certainly reveals all weaknesses to you."

"Implying you're trusting me… or rather, you wanted to be trusted, aren't you?"

"Exactly. you always had plenty of wits."

Hearing that, Jia made a very happy smile. Somewhat unfamiliar with the mood like this, Administrator was rather bewildered.

"…What? Did I say anything weird?"

"No, absolutely not. It's just… it feels so pleasant to get compliments from someone who's actually smart."

"No such great figure I am, perhaps it's best to not refer to me in that way."

The Administrator tried to turn his eyes, but for some reason, Jia moved and tilted her head to meet his eyes. Again, and again. So he said, with a sigh.

"With behavior like that, You remind me of young child."

"Oh, Perhaps…."

Jia then backed away and sat on the desk.

"Well, children can't take their eyes off something they like or love. May you be right."

"…."

What is this interaction? Administrator wondered.

"I believe I have the right to become a friend of you."

"We already are."

"…If it's so, then I want to make a proposal immediately."

"You have all I can spare, or even more."

"I…."

How odd. Why is she so supportive? Administrator felt rather awkward.

"While I was absent, the Replacers executed Operation Terraside. But we can overcome this. To do so, my power alone is not sufficient unfortunately. I require your aid also-"

"Deal. I will do everything what you ask."

"…."

Perhaps there might be actually a type between individuals.

Although he felt that in a troublesome way till this point, yet looking at Jia, Administrator realized it could be happening in the other way around too.

"But… I have one condition."

"And what would that be?"

"Promise me that if everything is over… then fulfill my request."

"Many is beyond even my strength yet you will be promised to have what you desire. I assure it as a friend."

Satisfied, Jia nodded.

Watching the screens again, Administrator thought. In the world that is doomed to start with, where the Lady never existed, where everything had been twisted because of that, and, where he should have to deal with the essentially identical consequence reminding him of the neglected due ironically.

Yet, watching those who fight even in such insane difficulty, Administrator saw no despair lies in time to come. Perhaps, hope is something always with them like shadow.