Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or Toaru Kagaku no Railgun/Toaru Majutsu no Index
The Trinity of Tokiwadai
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Six: Dianoid Disorder - St. Germain's Gambit at the Graviton Base
As Mikoto and her group navigated through the labyrinthine halls of the Dianoid in search of Frenda-san, tension hung thick in the air. She moved in tandem with her Trinity teammates and Tokiwadai kohai, Ruiko and Naru. Alongside them were Accelerator, the Number 1 Esper, and Ruiko's boyfriend. Despite the reassuring presence of her powerful allies, unease prickled at the edges of Mikoto's thoughts. The hallways were eerily empty, the silence broken only by their cautious footsteps and the occasional distant sound of fighting.
Naru had explained earlier, her tone calm and analytical, that the Magicians they kept encountering every so often were not independent foes but unwilling extensions of a greater enemy: St. Germain, as they had collectively introduced themselves. These individuals, victims forcibly transformed into vessels of the greater entity's will, had their identities overwritten, leaving no trace of who they once were. This revelation complicated things significantly, as they weren't true Magicians but controlled puppets, making it imperative for the group to incapacitate them without causing lasting harm.
Steeling herself for the next clash, Mikoto resolved to neutralize them quickly and safely, her determination fueled by the hope that these victims of St. Germain's control could still be saved. Each encounter carried the weight of responsibility, as she had to balance her offensive power with careful restraint to avoid causing unnecessary harm.
I have to be precise. She thought, gripping her hands tightly, electricity crackling faintly at her fingertips. These people didn't choose this, and I won't let them suffer any more than they already have.
It wasn't long before they came under attack again. Magicians dressed in elaborate, almost theatrical outfits emerged from the shadows of a large commercial area. The once-busy space, lined with abandoned shops ranging from high-end boutiques to electronics stores, had been transformed into a battlefield. The polished marble floors bore cracks and scorch marks from earlier skirmishes. Shattered glass from broken storefront windows crunched underfoot, and flickering advertisements cast erratic light over the chaos.
The Magicians, clad in elaborate stage costumes complete with dramatic capes, top hats, and pristine gloves, conjured black carbon lances seemingly from the very structure of the Dianoid itself. The lances hurtled toward the group in deadly waves. Accelerator stepped forward, his expression calm and unbothered, allowing his automatic Redirection to handle the incoming assault. The lances froze mid-flight, their momentum nullified, before ricocheting harmlessly away, embedding themselves into walls or breaking into inert particles. Without a word or visible motion, Accelerator activated his emulated Divine Judgment. The effect was immediate as several of the attacking Magicians staggered, their movements faltering before they collapsed unconscious. Their bodies crumpled to the ground as if their strings had been suddenly severed, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet for a brief moment.
Ruiko complemented her boyfriend's Redirection with her extensive arsenal of emulated defensive Esper abilities, conjuring glowing barriers wherever necessary to intercept stray lances that managed to slip through Accelerator's defense. While effortlessly maintaining the barriers, she activated her own version of Divine Judgment, causing several more Magicians to collapse unconscious in rapid succession. Their coordinated attacks faltered, and their bodies fell limply to the ground, leaving the battlefield momentarily unbalanced.
The couple's efforts in knocking out the Magicians were aided by Naru, who unleashed a relentless array of elemental and raw chakra attacks. Streams of blazing fire spiraled toward the attackers, erupting in controlled bursts that scorched the air and forced the Magicians to break their formations. Simultaneously, jagged spears of ice shot out, glinting dangerously as they struck the ground and created barriers that disrupted their movements. Raw chakra bolts crackled with a vibrant, unearthly energy as they zipped through the air, targeting clusters of Magicians and forcing them into disarray, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to Ruiko and Acclerator's Divine Judgment.
For her part, Mikoto raised her hand, electricity sparking around her fingertips before coalescing into precise bolts of lightning. Her attacks struck individual Magicians, rendering them unconscious while ensuring they sustained no permanent harm. She gritted her teeth, annoyed by the sheer persistence of their enemies. It was like fighting the same enemy over and over, their tactics repetitive yet relentless.
Their teamwork was seamless, each member's abilities complementing the others. Together, they pushed through the commercial area, incapacitating the controlled individuals one by one. It was then, as they subdued the last of the attackers, that Mikoto's group came across another familiar set of faces: ITEM.
The two groups collided near the center of the space, a commercial area lined with shattered storefronts and toppled mannequins. Broken glass glittered on the ground, and the remnants of abandoned merchandise lay scattered amidst the debris. ITEM was still locked in combat, finishing off their group of St. Germains. Evidence of the intense skirmish was visible in the scorched walls, embedded carbon lances, and fractured tiles underfoot.
At the forefront stood Kinuhata Saiai, confidently pressing forward through a barrage of carbon lances with her Offense Armor ability. The deadly projectiles shattered or deflected harmlessly off the invisible field protecting her, as if repelled by an unyielding force. Her calm, deliberate movements betrayed no hesitation as she closed the distance between herself and the controlled Magicians, her focus sharp as she prepared to subdue them.
Her outfit consisted of a white, long-sleeved blouse with subtle pleats running down the front and a neatly tied black ribbon at the collar, tucked into a high-waisted, pleated brown plaid skirt that fell to mid-thigh. The pattern lent her a sophisticated yet approachable look, further accentuated by a black belt with a silver buckle. Cream-colored knee-high socks and black platform shoes completed the ensemble, giving her a polished, preppy appearance. Despite the chaos of battle, her clothes remained untouched, shielded by the same formidable ability that made her nearly invulnerable.
As Kinuhata-san advanced, her teammates supported her, each contributing to the task of finishing off the remaining Magicians. Shizuri Mugino, the Number 5 Level 5, the [Meltdowner], stood nearby, her presence commanding and calm amidst the chaos. Her prosthetic eye moved with precision, tracking the incoming lances with rapid adjustments that Mikoto's electromagnetic senses detected. Each calculation allowed Mugino to intercept the deadly projectiles effortlessly. Using her prosthetic hand, she crushed the carbon spears with fluid, controlled movements, her strength and poise leaving no room for error. The quiet confidence in her actions added an almost unsettling grace to her destruction.
Mugino's outfit mirrored her refined presence. She wore a tailored cream tweed jacket, its subtle open front delicately edged to add elegance. It was paired with a matching high-waisted midi skirt that flared gently at the hem, emphasizing her sophisticated style. Beneath the jacket, a soft yellow turtleneck provided warmth and a pop of color that complemented the ensemble's neutral tones. Sleek black knee-high boots finished the look, their modern design giving her a sharp, contemporary edge. Mikoto noted how Mugino's calculated strength and polished attire worked together to project an air of confidence that was as striking as it was intimidating.
Mikoto absently rolled her eyes, briefly distracted by the thought that both Kinuhata and Mugino still seemed to be trying to charm their way into their teammate Hamazura Shiage's pants. The idea was mildly amusing, though it also added an edge of irritation. It didn't help that ITEM's last member, and Hamazura-san's girlfriend, Takitsubo Rikou, had clearly stepped up her appearance as well.
Takitsubo-san was dressed in a beige pleated pinafore dress with wide straps and a high square neckline that framed her figure with understated elegance. The dress was layered over a fitted white turtleneck top with short sleeves, the contrast between the fabrics adding a sense of refinement. The pinafore flowed gracefully to mid-calf, moving softly with her every step. She accessorized with a minimalist wristwatch and sleek black ankle boots, completing a look that was both modern and sophisticated. A stylish tote bag hung over her shoulder, adding practicality to her ensemble without detracting from its polished appearance. Expertly carrying a gun in a ready position, she moved with quiet determination, taking well-aimed shots at the attacking Magicians. The composed precision of her actions, coupled with the elegance of her attire, created a striking contrast that did nothing to diminish her calm, understated presence.
The outfit was a stark departure from the casual tracksuits Takitsubo-san typically wore. Mikoto couldn't help but note with mild amusement how effective the change was. It was a quiet but deliberate statement, one that made it clear she was holding her own amidst her teammates' attempts to catch Hamazura-san's attention.
More pressing, though, was the fact that Mugino wasn't even relying on her Esper ability, a choice that emphasized just how insignificant these opponents were to her. The controlled Magicians' attacks, while persistent, had posed no real threat to ITEM, and Mugino's refusal to use her signature power made that abundantly clear.
"These individual St. Germains are weak," Mugino remarked, her tone dripping with disdain as her gaze swept over the fallen Magicians. Ahead of her, Kinuhata-san delivered a final blow, knocking the last of their opponents unconscious with practiced ease.
"You're right about that," Accelerator agreed as he and the Trinity approached ITEM, casually flicking his fingers to send a trio of St. Germains flying before they could ambush the group. The Magicians crumpled to the ground, unconscious. "They're throwing themselves at us to stall for time rather than actually trying to win."
"Yeah… though it looks like they've had enough of us," Naru said, her smirk radiating predatory satisfaction as she gestured toward a group of shadowy figures retreating further into the darkness. "Running off like that? Cowards."
"Looks like they're falling back." Ruiko observed, her tone low and measured as her eyes scanned the area.
Kinuhata-san stepped forward, casually dusting off her hands.
"Is that because we super scared them off?" She asked with a teasing smirk, her voice carrying a playful edge.
Accelerator shook his head, crossing his arms. "Unlikely. Idiots who challenge us usually aren't the brightest. They're either too dumb to know when to quit or too fanatical to care."
"Agreed," Mugino said, her voice sharper now, her narrowed eyes following the last of the retreating Magicians. "So, if they're not running out of fear, then why-"
"I think I know why they're stalling," Takitsubo-san said, her voice calm yet serious as she nodded toward a flickering, partially wrecked monitor near the group. With deliberate movements, she placed the gun she'd been holding into her tote bag before gesturing at the screen. The static-filled display flickered erratically, but the image it revealed was unmistakable. One of the St. Germains stood beside Kanou Shinka at the graviton-style artificial gravity control device that the Dianoid used to mitigate the threat of earthquakes, his expression unreadable. Below the image, bold subtitles laid out a chilling announcement: St. Germain's intent to convert the device into a black hole bomb.
It was a brazen taunt, announcing their plan so openly. There was no doubt it was St. Germain feeding them this information either, the message was laced with an arrogance meant to provoke. Having seized near-total control of the Dianoid, they were one of the few capable of manipulating its internal audiovisual systems, projecting this ominous feed onto the monitor. The message was clear: they wanted them to know exactly what they intended and dared them to stop them.
Mikoto turned toward Ruiko and Naru, her expression sharp. "Can they actually turn it into a black hole bomb?"
Ruiko nodded, her tone grim. "It's possible. The system could be reconfigured into something catastrophic, but they'd need specific knowledge to pull it off. Still, we can't assume they're bluffing."
"We don't take chances." Mikoto said firmly. "We need to move now."
Mugino crossed her arms, a confident smirk tugging at her lips. "They picked the wrong people to mess with. ITEM doesn't back down."
Ruiko nodded but raised a hand to signal for everyone to wait. "Yes, just give me a moment to calculate the coordinates for the teleport. St. Germain's magic is disrupting the upper dimensions, so I'll need time to compensate for that."
Ah! That explains why we didn't end up next to Frenda-san in the first place, Mikoto thought, nodding as the realization clicked. Then again, why do I get the feeling that's not the whole picture?
"Fine," Mugino said, her tone tinged with impatience. "But don't take too long or we're walking."
Ruiko gave a distracted nod, her focus clearly directed toward the intricate calculations needed to account for the interference.
While Ruiko concentrated, Naru, ever the imp, smirked and turned toward Accelerator, her mischievous gaze locked on him. "What about Frenda-chan? Aren't you worried about her?"
"Frenda can handle herself," Accelerator replied with a nonchalant shrug, his confidence as unshakable as ever. "In fact, I'd bet she's already making her way down to the artificial gravity control device. She's not the type to sit around waiting for someone to save her."
Even bogged down by her computations as she were, Ruiko managed to nod in agreement, though the small, mischievous smirk on her face hinted at more than admiration for Frenda-san's resourcefulness. There was an unmistakable flicker of something more, expectant lust, perhaps, just barely contained beneath her composed exterior.
Not so out of place if you stop to think about it. Mikoto thought with a resigned mental sigh. The reason she didn't search for Frenda-san in a panic after our initial teleport into the Dianoid didn't place us near her is because Ruiko is being driven by her libido. She's banking on an apology makeout session later to smooth over not immediately going after Frenda-san.
"I see, I see. So that's why we didn't go straight after Frenda-chan," Naru remarked with a knowing nod, clearly having pieced together her best friend's motives as well. She shot Ruiko a meaningful look that made the ravenette meet it, and Mikoto's exasperated one, with a surprising amount of pride. No embarrassment. No attempt to deny it. If anything, Ruiko seemed pleased with herself for orchestrating a situation that might lead to the canoodling she wanted.
"Like I said," Accelerator reiterated, his tone firm, "Frenda can take care of herself. She's a pro and more capable than most in handling trouble. She doesn't need us rushing in to rescue her."
As Accelerator continued to heap praise on Frenda-san's skills and independence, Mikoto tuned him out. He could go on for hours when given the chance. Instead, she turned toward Kinuhata-san, her curiosity piqued. "Why are you girls not surprised that Frenda-san's here?"
Kinuhata-san gestured toward Takitsubo-san, who stood quietly beside her, her usual calm demeanor unshaken by the chaos.
"Rikou sensed her with her ability and let us know," Kinuhata-san replied simply.
Mikoto nodded as the realization hit her. She had momentarily forgotten about Takitsubo-san's AIM Stalker, which allowed her to track Esper AIM Fields with unnerving precision. Frenda-san might be a Level 0, but as an Esper, her AIM Field was still detectable.
Ruiko cleared her throat, drawing the group's attention back to her. "If we're all in agreement to confront the St. Germains at the graviton-style artificial gravity control device, we need to get moving. I've finished computing the coordinates for the teleport. Naru, I've sent them to you."
Naru checked her phone, giving a quick nod. "Got it."
"Then let's move," Ruiko said decisively, taking hold of her boyfriend's arm and Mikoto's with practiced ease. Without hesitation, she initiated the first in a series of teleports that would carry the group to the Dianoid's basement levels. The air was heavy with anticipation as each member of the group prepared themselves, their resolve firm for the climactic battle that awaited them below.
The metallic doors slid open with a faint hiss as Frenda stepped into the massive chamber at the lowest level of the Dianoid, Kamijou and Hamazura close behind her. The air was cool and carried the sterile, metallic scent of technology, mingling with the low, steady hum of the machinery. The room was vast, illuminated by a stark white glow from overhead lights that cast sharp reflections off the polished steel walls. At the center of the space stood the graviton-style artificial gravity control device, an imposing structure bristling with advanced components. Designed for anti-earthquake protection, its complex array of machinery and conduits pulsed faintly, a testament to the immense power it housed.
Frenda's sharp eyes quickly scanned the room, locking onto the two figures near the device. One was Shinka-kun, his shoulders tense as he held an ornate belt in trembling hands. The artifact shimmered with an otherworldly beauty, its fine gold and silver threads seeming to ripple like liquid light. Radiant jewels embedded within the belt sparkled with an almost hypnotic brilliance, their colors shifting like starlight reflected on a calm sea. At the center, a particularly large gem pulsed faintly, its intricate patterns resembling constellations alive with cosmic motion.
Standing opposite him was the female St. Germain, her confident smile never wavering as she noticed their arrival. She turned her gaze toward Frenda, Kamijou, and Hamazura with a smirk that carried a mixture of amusement and contempt.
"Ah, it seems our guests have arrived." She said smoothly, her voice rich with mockery. Her free hand twirled her ornate treble clef staff with practiced elegance before suddenly bringing it to a stop. With deliberate precision, she placed the end of the staff close to Shinka-kun's neck, the sharp point hovering dangerously near his skin.
The gesture was calculated, her smile sharpening as her eyes flicked back to the trio. Though she said nothing overt, the placement of her treble clef staff near Shinka-kun's neck sent a clear, silent message. The unspoken threat was evident to the seasoned onlookers but passed unnoticed by Shinka-kun, whose focus was entirely on the artifact in his hands.
Shinka-kun shifted uneasily, his gaze flickering to the shimmering belt. Doubt and hesitation were written across his face, his fingers tightening slightly on the artifact as if trying to steady himself. The female St. Germain tilted her head slightly, her expression softening into one of almost maternal coaxing as she shifted her attention back to him.
"Shinka-kun, you have the power to make your deepest desires come true. Just put on Venus' Girdle." She said, her voice smooth and hypnotic, each word carefully chosen to dissolve his resolve.
Shinka-kun's gaze flickered nervously between the artifact in his hands and the woman before him. Doubt etched itself across his face as he took a hesitant step back, his voice barely audible. "I don't know... This doesn't feel right."
The female St. Germain leaned forward with calculated grace, her hand trailing lightly along Shinka-kun's chin. Her smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with persuasive intent.
"You doubt yourself," she murmured, her tone as soft and beguiling as silk. "But with this, your Frenda-chan's heart will be yours. Isn't that worth it?"
Frenda felt a surge of anger flare within her, her jaw tightening as she resisted the urge to shout. The way the woman manipulated Shinka-kun's emotions, preying on his insecurities, sent a chill down her spine. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, but she forced herself to stay calm, her mind already calculating their next move.
She shot a quick, determined glance at Kamijou and Hamazura, the unspoken urgency in her expression conveying everything she needed to say. Kamijou's brows furrowed as he nodded, his stance shifting slightly, ready for action. Hamazura's gaze hardened, his usual easy going demeanor replaced by grim focus. They all understood the stakes.
Frenda leaned closer to them, her voice a whisper, firm and resolute. "We need to stop this. Now."
The weight of her words left no room for hesitation. She straightened, her sharp eyes fixed on the artifact in Shinka-kun's hands, the shimmering belt that could spell disaster if they didn't act fast.
"Don't do it, Kanou-san!" Kamijou's voice cut through the tension, firm and unwavering. "As an Esper, using magic could kill you!"
Before anyone could respond, a sudden metallic clang echoed through the chamber as an air duct cover crashed to the floor. The sound drew every eye upward, just in time to see Index-san drop down from the exposed duct. She landed with the effortless grace of a cat, her white robes fluttering slightly as she straightened herself. Floating down after her came a tiny, almost pixie-like figure with golden hair that gleamed faintly in the dim light. There was no mistaking her identity. It was the depowered Magic God, Othinus, her piercing gaze scanning the room with unsettling sharpness despite her diminutive size.
Frenda's chest tightened, and her breath caught as panic flared in her mind. Othinus? Here? No. This can't be happening. She's the Magic God who destroyed everything!
Her hand twitched toward the explosives tucked away in her purse, her instincts screaming at her to act. But she forced herself to stop, swallowing the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.
No, calm down, Frenda. Othinus is not your enemy anymore. She is powerless now. Just keep it together. Taking a steadying breath, she tightened her grip on her composure and refocused on the situation at hand.
Frenda had just managed to tamp down her panic when Index-san, patting down her robes with an air of calm authority, spoke up. "I agree with Touma. As a Magician, I can assure you that using magic would put you in grave danger."
Othinus's sharp eyes darted between Shinka-kun and the artifact. Her voice was blunt, cutting through the air like a knife. "St. Germain wants to break Touma's heart by making him watch you die, young man."
Frenda clenched her fists, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She wanted to shout, to tear the cursed artifact away from Shinka-kun, but her mind raced for a better solution. Any rash action could cost them dearly.
Before she could act, the Trinity, led by Ruiko, Accelerator, and ITEM, burst into the room with a clear sense of purpose. The sight of her allies brought Frenda a surge of relief, but it was Ruiko and Accelerator who made her heart settle the most. Seeing her girlfriend and boyfriend arrive, ready to back her up, sent a wave of reassurance through her. Still, she quickly masked the emotion with a teasing smirk, unwilling to let her relief show too easily.
"What took you so long?" She called out, her tone playful despite the gravity of the situation.
Ruiko returned her smirk with a sultry smile, her tone light as she promised, "I'll make it up to you later."
Accelerator, on the other hand, gave a nonchalant shrug.
"We trust you to handle yourself." He said simply, his voice carrying an undercurrent of respect.
Frenda felt heat creep into her cheeks, she knew what Ruiko was implying, but she quickly refocused as Shinka-kun suddenly shouted, his voice cracking through the air.
"I never planned to go through with this!" He yelled, throwing the artifact to the ground. The shimmering belt clattered across the metallic floor, its radiant light dimming slightly. "The only reason St. Germain picked me was because I'm a 'normie' who might stand against Kamijou-san."
Frenda rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Then choosing Shinka-kun for that is just stupid."
St. Germain gave a casual shrug, her smirk undiminished.
"You work with what you've got." She replied dismissively.
Index-san stepped forward, her eyes narrowing.
"That so-called Venus' Girdle is fake anyway." She stated bluntly.
Shinka-kun's shoulders sagged slightly, a hint of relief in his voice as he nodded. "I figured as much. I was just playing along to stay safe."
St. Germain's expression hardened, the teasing light in her eyes replaced by cold determination. She sighed, her tone resigned but dangerous. "I was hoping to avoid this, but what's done is done."
From the shadows of the vast chamber, more figures emerged. Thirteen other St. Germains stepped into the light, each one distinct in appearance but unified in their menacing presence. They ranged from towering and broad-shouldered to lean and agile, their expressions poised and ready for battle.
Ruiko wasted no time, teleporting directly to the graviton-style artificial gravity control device.
"I'll handle disarming the bomb." She shouted, her voice commanding as she formed layers of glowing barriers around herself and the device.
Frenda's eyes widened in disbelief.
"St. Germain actually managed to set that up?" She muttered.
St. Germain smirked at her reaction, clearly enjoying the disbelief. "Do not underestimate my technical skills simply because I'm a Magician."
Index-san stepped forward, her tone steady and resolute. "In the meantime, Othinus and I will prepare a countermeasure against St. Germain's magic."
Ruiko's voice rang out from within her protective bunker, cutting through the din. "Stop wasting time! Take them down already so I don't have to worry about the St. Germains attacking me from behind as I disarm the bomb!"
Accelerator cracked his knuckles, the dangerous glint in his crimson eyes promising devastation. His expression hardened as he stepped forward.
"You heard her," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Let's end this."
St. Germain's smirk never faltered.
"The only ones facing defeat here will be you." She replied with icy confidence.
Frenda's hand moved instinctively toward the explosives hidden in her purse. Her heart pounded as she prepared to fight, her mind laser-focused on what needed to be done.
"Let's see how long you can keep that smug look." She muttered under her breath, ready for the battle ahead.
Accelerator surveyed the battlefield as the fourteen St. Germains charged, their coordinated assault filling the vast chamber with the echoes of polished shoes striking metal floors. Each moved with unsettling confidence, their theatrical outfits and matching treble clef canes making them look like performers preparing for a show rather than a battle. Accelerator clicked his tongue in irritation, shifting his weight slightly, his crimson eyes gleaming with dangerous focus.
With a single step forward, Accelerator unleashed his emulation of Divine Judgment. The nearest St. Germain, a towering bodybuilder with broad, chiseled shoulders and a commanding presence, faltered. His imposing frame, dressed in the same theatrical attire as the others, momentarily stiffened. He wore a tailored black tailcoat adorned with intricate gold embroidery on the cuffs, paired with a red-and-white-striped waistcoat over a crisp white dress shirt. His top hat sat at a slight angle, adding a touch of flair, while round glasses reflected the light of the chamber. In one hand, he gripped an ornate cane shaped like a treble clef, its polished surface gleaming faintly. For a moment, his broad shoulders heaved as though struggling to draw breath. Yet, instead of collapsing, the man straightened and smirked, his composure returning with unnerving ease.
"Did you honestly think we wouldn't prepare countermeasures for your spell?" The bodybuilder asked, his voice a deep rumble, resonating with smug confidence.
Snorting in disappointment, Accelerator waved a hand dismissively. "Spell? Are you dense? I'm an Esper. That wasn't magic."
The St. Germain chuckled, unfazed. "Esper technique, spell, what difference does it make? It's all semantics."
"Semantics, huh?" Accelerator's lips curled into a mocking grin. "Fine, I'll play it your way."
With a sudden burst of energy, Accelerator launched himself at the bodybuilder St. Germain, his cane snapping out from his arm brace with a mechanical click. The polished metal rod gleamed under the harsh lights as he swung it at the Magician's side. The St. Germain blocked with his treble clef staff, the sound of metal clashing echoing sharply.
"Not bad." The St. Germain remarked, his smirk widening as his free hand transformed mid-motion, elongating into a sleek, flexible sheet of metallic material that twisted toward Accelerator like a striking serpent.
"Not good enough." Accelerator shot back, his tone laced with derision. He spun his cane with precise control, deflecting the twisting arm with a metallic clang that echoed sharply in the chamber. Taking a quick step forward, Accelerator drove his knee into the Magician's midsection, the force amplified by his vector manipulation. The blow landed with bone-shaking power, sending vibrations rippling through the Magician's body.
The St. Germain stumbled slightly under the impact but didn't collapse. Instead, his arm reformed smoothly, the flexible metallic surface coalescing back into its original shape. The gleam of the material under the harsh light hinted at its unnatural properties, but Accelerator's attention remained on his opponent, his crimson eyes narrowing in irritation as he readied himself for another strike at the Magician.
However, before Accelerator could press the attack, two more St. Germains stepped into the fray, both exuding an air of confidence and menace. The first was a tall, commanding figure with deep brown skin and sharply chiseled features, his strong jawline adding to his imposing presence. His sleek black tailcoat, lined with rich red satin and edged with crisp white trim, added a striking elegance to his appearance. Beneath the coat, a fitted red-and-white-striped waistcoat sat over an open-collared white shirt, offering a glimpse of his muscular chest. A bold red bow tie and a perfectly angled top hat completed his flamboyant ensemble. In his hand, he held a polished black cane shaped like a treble clef, its surface gleaming faintly under the lights. The round glasses perched on his nose reflected a sharp glint, amplifying his poised demeanor.
The second St. Germain, equally muscular, stood beside him with a mischievous smile that added an unsettling charm to his otherwise theatrical appearance. He wore a tailored black tailcoat, also lined with red satin and accented with crisp white trim, perfectly framing his striped waistcoat over a pristine white shirt. His look was distinguished by a neatly trimmed mustache and an impeccable red bow tie. White gloves adorned his hands, one of which tipped his matching top hat in a mocking gesture, while the other gripped a sleek black treble clef cane with a silver handle. The two of them moved with synchronized precision, their flamboyant outfits and polished demeanor contrasting starkly with the lethal intent in their eyes.
"Three-on-one?" Accelerator quipped, eyeing the trio with disdain. "You sure you don't need more?"
The dark-skinned St. Germain smirked. "Your confidence is admirable, but let's see how long it lasts."
"Do you always talk this much, or is it just to make up for being boring?" Accelerator shot back, sidestepping a lunge from the mustached Magician. As the cane narrowly missed his side, he pivoted and slammed his own cane into the Magician's shoulder, sending him staggering.
"Showmanship is an art." The one with deep brown skin countered, twirling his cane before bringing it down in a powerful strike aimed at Accelerator's head.
Accelerator deflected the blow with ease, spinning his cane to counterstrike with enhanced speed. "And here I thought you were just compensating."
The bodybuilder St. Germain, recovering from the earlier blow, lunged forward with his metallic fist, his movements exuding raw power as he aimed to overwhelm Accelerator with sheer force. Accelerator twisted mid-motion, manually redirecting the incoming strike with his vector manipulation, causing the blow to veer harmlessly to the side and slam into the floor with a resounding crack. He could've left it to his Redirection but where was the fun in that?
"Keep trying." Accelerator taunted, his voice cold and mocking as he stepped into the Magician's space and delivered a solid punch to his jaw. The impact, amplified by precise vector control, sent the St. Germain reeling back. "Maybe you'll get lucky."
Idiots don't even realize they have no chance of hitting me in the first place. Not with my Redirection up and running, Accelerator thought derisively as the dark-skinned St. Germain attempted to flank him, his cane swinging upward in a calculated strike. Unfortunately for the Magician, Accelerator had anticipated the move. With a fluid motion, he caught the attack mid-air using his own cane, the impact ringing out sharply in the metallic chamber. The Magician overextended, and Accelerator seized the opportunity, delivering a crushing kick to his side. The blow, enhanced by his vector manipulation, sent the St. Germain flying, his body skidding across the metallic floor with a heavy thud.
As the battle raged on, Accelerator's sharp gaze caught a faint gleam on the skin of the St. Germains each time they were struck. The subtle metallic sheen on their bodies wasn't just decorative; it hinted at something more. Accelerator narrowed his eyes, deciding to test his theory. As one of the St. Germains lunged at him, swinging a treble clef cane in a wide arc, Accelerator stepped aside, redirecting the attack effortlessly. Instead of countering with brute force, he reached out with his vector manipulation, sending a precise probe through the contact point where his cane deflected the Magician's.
The feedback was immediate. His manipulation detected an unusual density and conductivity in the material of the St. Germain's skin. It wasn't a natural surface; the molecular structure had been altered. Accelerator's crimson eyes narrowed further as he adjusted the vectors of his next blow to exploit the material's properties. Another clash gave him more data, confirming what he suspected. The Magician's skin wasn't just hardened; it was layered with a carbon allotrope of exceptional strength and flexibility.
Graphene. He realized, the word snapping into place in his mind. The structure was unmistakable. One-atom-thick layers arranged in a honeycomb lattice, granting immense durability without sacrificing pliability.
Figures. He thought, sidestepping another swipe from the Magician's cane. That trick lets them boost their defense without compromising movement. Clever, but not clever enough.
To confirm his theory, he directed a controlled burst of vectors at another St. Germain, this time targeting the surface of the Magician's arm. The feedback confirmed high electrical conductivity, as the burst transferred seamlessly across the graphene layer. Accelerator allowed himself a smirk, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
"Thought you were smart with that graphene skin of yours, huh?" He muttered under his breath, watching how the Magicians moved with confidence in their supposed invulnerability. His gaze flicked briefly to the [Railgun] as she unleashed crackling bolts of electricity that dropped her opponents in seconds. The sight brought a bloodthirsty grin to his face.
Lucky me. Looks like I've got the perfect counter for you clowns
Smirking, Accelerator decided it was time to end this farce. "Let's see how your fancy defenses hold up."
With a crackle of energy, he began emulating Electromastery, his crimson eyes narrowing as arcs of electricity danced along his cane. The bodybuilder St. Germain lunged at him, his massive frame bearing down like a freight train. Accelerator sidestepped effortlessly, swinging his cane and delivering a powerful jolt of electricity directly into the man's graphene-coated chest. The effect was immediate. The Magician's body seized as the electricity conducted perfectly through the graphene, rendering him unconscious in seconds.
The other two St. Germains hesitated, their confidence visibly shaken.
"So much for your countermeasures," Accelerator said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Turns out your shiny skin just makes you a better conductor."
He raised his cane, now crackling with lethal arcs of energy, and unleashed a wave of lightning at the remaining two. The electricity surged through their defenses, dropping them to the ground in moments. Accelerator lowered his cane, stepping over the unconscious figures with a look of disdain.
"Pathetic." He muttered, glancing at the other St. Germains still engaged in battle with his allies. "Guess I'll clean up the rest."
With his powers surging, Accelerator charged toward the next group, fully intent on finishing the fight.
As the St. Germains charged, Mikoto squared her stance, her sharp gaze locking onto two nearly identical figures breaking off from the group to face her. Both men moved with a refined elegance, their appearances perfectly synchronized. Each wore a classic black tailcoat with crisp white lapels and striking red linings that shimmered faintly with their movements. Their waistcoats, boldly patterned with red-and-white diagonal stripes, were tailored flawlessly over pristine white dress shirts. Matching red bow ties and black top hats with red bands added an air of theatrical elegance, completing their almost absurdly polished look. In their gloved hands, they each gripped polished black canes, the handles intricately crafted into treble clefs that gleamed under the chamber's harsh lights.
As they raised their hands in unison, carbon lances materialized around them, shooting toward her in rapid succession. Mikoto leapt into motion, sparks flickering at her feet as she propelled herself with electromagnetic force. Her body twisted mid-air with acrobatic grace, narrowly evading the lances as they embedded themselves into the metallic floor behind her.
Seriously? What's with the stage performer outfits? Mikoto thought, her irritation mounting. The tailored suits, flashy red linings, and matching treble-clef-topped canes made the whole encounter feel more like a bizarre, over-the-top magic show than an actual fight.
She landed lightly, her sneakers skidding briefly against the floor, the sound sharp against the chaotic din of the chamber. Without missing a beat, she shifted her weight smoothly, her body moving with practiced agility as she dodged the next wave of attacks. The carbon lances shot past her, embedding themselves into the floor and walls with a resounding crack, but she remained unfazed, her focus unwavering as she waited for the right moment to counterattack.
The St. Germains moved in tandem, closing the distance with disturbing swiftness. With a fluid motion, their canes shimmered and elongated, transforming into sleek swords while retaining the decorative treble clef handles. They attacked in perfect synchronization, their strikes coming from opposite angles as though they shared one mind. Mikoto dodged with casual ease, her electromagnetic senses giving her an edge in tracking their movements.
"Creepy." She muttered, sidestepping a coordinated slash. "You two actually move like you share a brain."
One of the St. Germains smirked, his voice smooth and unsettling. "Does this unnerve you?"
"Nope." Mikoto replied nonchalantly, flipping backward to avoid a thrust. Electricity crackled faintly around her as she landed. "If anything, it just makes you easier to track."
Despite her words, Mikoto couldn't deny that the uncanny synchronicity of their movements unsettled her. She gritted her teeth, summoning a surge of electricity that danced across her fingers. Her body tensed as she waited for the perfect opening. The twin St. Germains lunged again, their movements seamless, but Mikoto was ready.
"Enough of this circus." She muttered, thrusting her arms forward. Twin bolts of supercharged lightning erupted from her hands, crackling with raw energy as they struck both St. Germains simultaneously. The electricity coursed through their bodies, bypassing any defenses as they collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Mikoto exhaled sharply, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Why did I have to get the weak ones?" She muttered to herself, glancing down at her defeated opponents. Despite her flippant remark, she couldn't shake the faint unease their creepy synchronicity had left behind.
As the St. Germains charged, Mugino's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. "Kinuhata, stick with me! Takitsubo, hang back and defend the nun and the former Magic God. Hamazura, back up Frenda."
"Got it!" Kinuhata shouted without hesitation, already moving into position to act as the vanguard. With the near-invulnerability granted by her Offense Armor and the devastating long-range power of Mugino's attacks, placing herself in front was the most logical choice.
"Understood," Takitsubo replied calmly, her eyes sweeping the area for potential threats as she steadily advanced toward the two Magicians.
"Leave it to me!" Hamazura called out from his position beside the blonde, already gearing up to fight alongside their former teammate, determination written across his face.
Satisfied that her team was in position, Mugino turned her attention to the oncoming threat. She and Kinuhata quickly found themselves face-to-face with one of the St. Germains. This one appeared to be a little girl, though her childlike appearance did nothing to mask the chaos she commanded. Dressed in a whimsical, cabaret-inspired outfit, she wore a miniature black vest over a red-and-white-striped top with lace-trimmed sleeves. A large red bow sat prominently at her waist, matching the one perched in her dark, bobbed hair, which was adorned with small, fluffy black bunny ears that added an oddly playful touch to her unsettling appearance. Her skirt was an explosion of vivid peacock feather patterns, shimmering with iridescent blues, greens, and golds, edged with red lining and black lace. Fishnet stockings and polished black shoes completed her doll-like charm, her wide eyes gleaming with mischief and menace.
With a wave of her treble clef staff, pillars of dark, dense carbon shot up from the ground around the little girl. Unlike the usual formations of the St. Germains' signature spears, these carbon structures coalesced into jagged, uneven clusters. Their surfaces shimmered faintly, as if pulsing with life, an unsettling energy radiating from their rigid forms.
Before their eyes, the carbon began to undergo a startling transformation. Dark tendrils rippled and shifted, morphing into vibrant green vines that spread and intertwined. The sharp edges smoothed out, weaving together in intricate patterns to form wolf-like shapes. The creatures' bristling bodies sprouted patches of moss, their textures a mix of rough bark and smooth, glossy leaves that glistened under the harsh chamber lights.
The air grew heavy with the earthy scent of fresh plant matter, as though a forest had inexplicably sprung to life in the sterile, metallic environment. As the transformation neared completion, the creatures solidified further, their snarling faces twisted into expressions of sentient aggression. Their glowing neon green eyes burned with an eerie, otherworldly menace, the faint luminescence pulsing rhythmically like the heartbeat of some unnatural force.
With a collective snarl, the horde surged forward. Their claws scraped against the metallic floor as they moved with predatory grace. Each motion was fluid yet unnervingly precise, as though the beasts were guided by a singular, malevolent will. Their menacing presence filled the chamber, the glowing eyes casting an unsettling light that danced across the walls and ceiling.
"Seriously? She's pulling plant monsters out of thin air now?" Kinuhata muttered as she rushed forward, tearing into the beasts with her brawler fighting style. Using her Offense Armor, she slammed compressed nitrogen-enhanced punches into the creatures, scattering vines and leaves with each blow.
"How does her power over carbon let her manipulate plants? That's just super cheating!" Kinuhata shouted mid-fight, delivering a powerful kick to a snarling plant beast. The creature flew across the room, crashing into a wall and exploding into a heap of greenery. The forceful kick, however, was a little too high, causing Kinuhata's skirt to flip slightly and expose a glimpse of her panties.
"Kinuhata~!" Mugino hissed in warning as she unleashed her Particle Waveform High-Speed Cannons, obliterating a cluster of plant beasts in a blinding burst of energy. Her tone was sharp with irritation. "Watch your skirt!"
"Super sorry!" Kinuhata shouted back, her face flushing crimson. Embarrassed, she held her skirt down with one hand while driving her fist into the skull of a plant wolf lunging at her, splintering its woody head with a single punch.
"Still super getting used to fighting in outfits like this!" She added, her voice a mix of apology and frustration.
"Just be more careful!" Mugino scolded, incinerating another group of plant beasts with pinpoint blasts. "Imagine Hamazura's reaction if he finds out you flashed everyone because you got careless in a fight!"
"I super said I'm sorry!" Kinuhata whined, her blush deepening as she pummeled another plant wolf into a pile of mangled vines. One hand remained firmly on her skirt as she worked to keep her modesty intact. "W-Why don't you answer my question already! How come St. Germain can super cheat like this and control plant matter too?"
Mugino sighed in exasperation, pausing briefly to sweep another group of plant beasts with her Particle Waveform High-Speed Cannons. The glowing beams tore through the horde, leaving smoldering remains in their wake.
"Carbon is the backbone of all life on Earth, genius." She snapped. "If she can control carbon, she can manipulate living organisms too. Though why she's focusing on plants instead of, you know, something more lethal is anyone's guess."
The little girl St. Germain giggled with unsettling amusement, her laughter cutting through the chaos as if the destruction of her creations was nothing more than an entertaining spectacle. Even as her plant beasts were torn apart, incinerated, or pulverized by her enemies, she remained unfazed, her treble clef staff twirling idly in her gloved hands. The relentless onslaught against her creations seemed to amuse her further, as though the battle was simply a game to her and her beasts were nothing more than disposable pawns.
"Because plant matter is stronger than animal matter." She chimed in, her tone playful. "Plants have cell walls, not just membranes. They're much harder to tear apart."
"Guess we'll have to prove her wrong," Mugino growled, unleashing another salvo of beams that vaporized several wolves in a brilliant flash of light. The heat was so intense that the moss on the creatures briefly burst into flames before disintegrating entirely.
Kinuhata didn't slow down, punching through the beasts with relentless efficiency. Each strike left craters in the walls or floors as she destroyed her targets, her blows enhanced by compressed nitrogen. She ducked under one lunging at her, then grabbed its midsection and hurled it into a group of its companions with such force that the pile exploded into a mess of vines and leaves, clearing the immediate area.
As the numbers of plant beasts dwindled, the little girl St. Germain waved her staff again, summoning fresh replacements. The horde surged forward, their snarls filling the air as Mugino and Kinuhata continued to cut them down. Mugino's beams melted through the creatures, sending superheated vines flying in all directions, while Kinuhata's punches pulverized the beasts into inert piles of greenery. Despite the onslaught, the two steadily made headway, their combined efforts tearing through the seemingly endless supply of plant monsters.
Seeing her creations fall, the little girl St. Germain waved her staff once more, this time conjuring a single massive beast from the remaining plant matter. The creation resembled a monstrous scorpion, its carapace constructed from thick, intertwined vines and layers of bark forming a segmented exoskeleton. Moss and clusters of leaves adorned its massive frame, while thorny brambles coiled around its legs. Its pincers were jagged and large enough to crush metal, but its most intimidating feature was the third pincer at the end of its curled tail, which twitched ominously as it prepared to strike.
Mugino narrowed her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Big, ugly, and probably just as dumb." She muttered. Deciding to end the fight quickly, she unleashed a salvo of her Particle Waveform High-Speed Cannons, aiming for the beast's head. Much to her frustration, the beams scattered harmlessly off its reinforced carapace, light refracting in dazzling arcs around the chamber.
The little girl St. Germain giggled, her voice high-pitched and grating. "Did you really think I wouldn't create a countermeasure for your beams, Level 5?"
Mugino snorted, unimpressed. "You think you're the first to try? Please."
With calculated precision, she directed a fresh volley of her beams at the ceiling above the scorpion, blasting it apart and causing it to collapse in a cascade of debris. The rubble crashed onto the beast, crushing it beneath the weight of the ceiling like the bug that it was.
The little girl St. Germain froze, her smug expression replaced by shock. Her wide eyes darted between her attackers, the confident smirk that had moments ago adorned her face now replaced by a flicker of fear. For a fleeting second, she seemed at a loss, her grip tightening on the treble clef staff as if willing herself to regain control.
Before she could recover, Kinuhata darted forward with blinding speed. Her small frame moved like a bullet, cutting through the chaos with startling efficiency. From her pocket, she pulled a sleek, compact taser, its polished casing glinting in the chamber's harsh light.
Without hesitation, Kinuhata thrust the device into the Magician's side, the sharp prongs making contact with the frilly fabric of her dress and pressing against her ribs. The taser emitted a crackling burst of electricity, the bright arcs illuminating the moment with harsh, jagged flashes.
The little girl St. Germain's body jerked violently, her muscles locking up as the electrical charge surged through her. Her staff clattered to the floor, the ornate treble clef handle spinning uselessly as her grip failed. A gasp escaped her lips, her eyes rolling back as her knees buckled beneath her. Within moments, her petite form crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Kinuhata straightened, the taser still humming faintly in her hand. She gave a curt nod of satisfaction before stepping back.
"Super effective." She muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with dry amusement.
Mugino raised an eyebrow, glancing at the taser. "Where did you get that?"
Kinuhata shrugged nonchalantly. "One of the stores that got wrecked earlier. We're fighting controlled people, so I figured this was super safer than my usual takedowns."
Mugino nodded in approval. "Smart. Did you pay for it?"
"Of course I super did! The store had a QR code for wireless payment so I wired them the money for it." Kinuhata said, rolling her eyes. "Hamazura would throw a fit if I didn't."
Satisfied, Mugino gestured toward the rest of the fighting occurring around them. "Good. Now that you've had your breather, let's go see if the others need help."
Kinuhata gave her a confident nod. "Ready when you are."
With that, Mugino led the way, her determination unwavering as they prepared to rejoin their allies and finish the fight.
As the St. Germains charged toward them, chaos erupted in the chamber, each member of Naru's group squaring off against their share of the attackers. Naru dodged a volley of carbon lances fired in her direction, the sharp projectiles whizzing through the air with lethal precision. Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine, a sensation she had learned to trust implicitly.
Beneath you! Kurama's deep, rumbling voice echoed in her mind, sharp with urgency.
Naru reacted instantly, chakra surging into her legs as she leaped high into the air, just as a carbon lance shot up from the ground where she had stood moments ago. The jagged spear grazed her trailing boot, narrowly missing her.
Thanks. She sent back to her partner even as she flipped in mid-air to avoid a second lance and landed lightly in a crouch.
You'd better stay sharp. Kurama growled, his tone half-scolding. These St. Germains aren't playing around.
I noticed. Naru shot back, pushing off the ground in a burst of speed to close the distance to her targets.
Ahead of her, three female St. Germains stood in formation, exuding theatrical elegance mixed with whimsical cabaret charm. The first wore a fitted black vest with bold red lapels over a striped bodice, accented by a skirt embroidered with intricate dragon patterns. Dramatic peacock feathers fanned out behind her, and red bunny ears perched on her head added to her flamboyant look. The second had a sleeker appearance, dressed in a red-collared vest over a white shirt and high-waisted black shorts, her subtle bunny ears giving her an understated charm. The last was adorned in a sequined dress with peacock feather patterns along the skirt that shimmered under the light, complemented by a feathery headpiece and long black gloves.
Their polished black treble clef canes glinted menacingly as they conjured wave after wave of carbon lances. Naru evaded the relentless barrage with a combination of chakra-enhanced agility and finely honed reflexes, her movements a blur as she closed the gap between her and the three Magicians. Just as she prepared to engage, the St. Germains waved their canes in unison, summoning a swirling mass of carbon from the ground.
The carbon transmuted into plant material, coiling and growing around their forms like an organic tempest. The mass expanded, forming a colossal botanical battlesuit that dwarfed its creators. Thick, twisted vines wound together to create robust limbs, while large, dark green leaves layered over the torso formed a protective armor. Vibrant blooms in vivid reds and blues dotted the armored suit, adding an unsettling beauty to its menacing presence. Cascading tendrils and aerial roots draped from the suit, swaying fluidly with every motion. Massive hands, made of tightly bound vines and tipped with jagged thorns, promised devastating power. The bodies of the St. Germains disappeared entirely, encased within this monstrous floral construct.
Impressive. Kurama mused, a note of admiration in his voice. Looks like they're pulling out all the stops.
Yeah, yeah, I'll give them credit for creativity. Naru replied, whistling lightly as she activated her Panzer Demon Frame. The crimson armor materialized around her, its demonic hue gleaming as the massive twelve-foot suit took shape. Thick armor plates encased her limbs, while the domed helm with its vaguely human visage gave her an intimidating, otherworldly appearance.
The battlesuit struck first, one massive vine-covered hand swinging down toward her. Naru sidestepped and countered with a piston-enhanced punch from her Panzer's right arm, activating Sudden Impact. The blow landed with an earth-shaking crack, tearing through the suit's left arm and scattering vines and leaves.
But before she could press her advantage, the vines regrew almost instantly, the arm reforming in a matter of seconds.
It regenerates fast. Kurama observed, his tone calm but alert. You'll have to outpace it.
Don't worry, I'm just getting started. Naru replied, pivoting to dodge a vine whip that lashed out toward her legs. She surged forward, activating Double Sudden Impact to deliver a pair of piston-powered punches. The first shattered part of the suit's chest, and the second sent one of its legs crumpling. Yet, as before, the damage was short-lived, the plant material knitting itself back together in moments.
Frustrated but undeterred, Naru switched tactics. She stomped the ground with force, channeling her chakra into the earth. In response, chunks of debris erupted from the floor, launching themselves in rapid succession to sever the battlesuit's tendrils. Though the strategy effectively disrupted its attacks, the golem's regenerative abilities quickly countered her efforts, re-forming its tendrils as fast as she could destroy them.
The battlesuit retaliated with a flurry of thorny projectiles, the sharp spikes ricocheting harmlessly off the Panzer's thick armor. Despite their ineffectiveness, the thorns achieved their purpose, momentarily distracting Naru and allowing the battlesuit to charge forward unimpeded. Its massive hand swung with surprising speed, aiming for a devastating strike. Naru reacted instantly, ducking beneath the blow and countering with a powerful drive of her armored shoulder into the suit's midsection, sending it staggering backward.
This thing's durability is getting on my nerves. Naru admitted, leaping back to reassess her approach.
Then stop messing around and use fire. Kurama suggested dryly.
Fine, fine, you win. Naru replied, summoning a carefully controlled burst of flame. The fire surged from her palms, licking over the plant material with precision. As the flames intensified, they consumed the battlesuit, the vibrant greenery blackening under the heat.
The St. Germains' screams tore through the air, raw and guttural, each cry laced with searing agony.
"N-No! Th-This... c-can't b-be!" One shrieked, the words choking out between pained gasps.
"C-Curse... y-you!" Another howled, their voice cracking under the weight of their torment, defiance crumbling into utter despair.
The third let out a continuous scream, the sound reverberating through the chamber until the flames overwhelmed them. The botanical construct crumbled to ash, and the trio collapsed, their unconscious forms smoking gently.
Dismissing her Panzer, Naru teleported to their side, pulling out a tube of Medigel. She knelt by one of the St. Germains, applying the gel carefully to their burns.
"I hope these aren't as bad as they look." She muttered. "Mikoto-senpai and the Oversight Committee are going to kill me if I went overboard again."
That's your biggest concern? Kurama asked, exasperation clear in his tone. Not the wellbeing of these innocent victims you just burned to a crisp?
Priorities, Kurama. Naru replied with a smirk, carefully treating the next St. Germain.
I give up. Kurama sighed, his voice filled with mock defeat. Just carry on.
Naru chuckled softly, finishing her work before standing and turned her attention back to the battlefield.
Let's wrap this up. She thought, determination flaring anew.
As the St. Germains and everyone in their group picked out their opponents, Frenda found herself paired with the skank adult imitation of herself. The same one who had thankfully failed to seduce Shinka-kun. Standing tall with her treble clef staff resting against her shoulder, the St. Germain radiated smug confidence, her glossy blonde waves and cabaret-inspired outfit giving her a theatrical air that grated on Frenda's nerves.
"Looks like I get to deal with the budget version of me," Frenda quipped, a smirk tugging at her lips as she adjusted her skirt.
The St. Germain's smirk sharpened. "Oh, darling, budget? Please. I'm the deluxe model, and you're just the prototype."
"Prototype?" Frenda scoffed, reaching into her purse and palming one of her pyramidal explosives. "You're about as deluxe as the knockoff handbags they sell on street corners."
"Would you stop antagonizing her? She's a powerful Magician!" Hamazura hissed from behind her.
""Shut up, Hamazura!"" Frenda and the St. Germain snapped in unison, their mutual annoyance briefly uniting them.
That unity did not last however, as with a dramatic wave of her staff, the St. Germain conjured her first attack. From the ground, massive forms began to take shape, twisting and growing until they solidified into plant-like beasts molded into the forms of bears. Each creature loomed imposingly, their bodies crafted from thick, interwoven vines and bark, with dense clusters of leaves covering their limbs. Moss draped over them like fur, and flowering plants adorned their hulking forms, giving them an almost regal aura. Their eyes glowed an eerie emerald green, and their massive paws, reinforced with sharp, thorn-covered branches, looked capable of shredding steel.
As the plant beasts finished forming, Hamazura took a cautious step back, eyeing the monstrous forms.
"Why bears?" He muttered.
Frenda, a hint of dry amusement in her voice, replied. "She probably likes bears?"
Smirking with pride, the St. Germain responded. "Bears are powerful, majestic creatures. What's there not to like?"
With a flourish, she pointed her staff at Frenda and Hamazura, declaring, "Attack!"
The plant beasts roared to life, surging forward with surprising agility. Their glowing eyes locked onto Frenda and Hamazura as they charged.
Frenda sprang into action, tossing a pyramidal explosive from her purse directly at the lead bear. The small device landed between its vine-covered paws and detonated in a flash, reducing the beast to splinters and ash.
"One down!" She shouted, reaching under her skirt to draw her pistol. With practiced efficiency, she ejected the current magazine, retrieved a spare from her coat, and loaded one filled with armor-piercing rounds. Taking aim, she fired a series of well-placed shots at another bear's legs, the specialized bullets slicing cleanly through the supporting vines and sending the creature crashing to the ground.
Meanwhile, Hamazura fired wildly at a third bear, his standard bullets barely slowing the beast down. "What the hell, Frenda? I've only got regular bullets! This isn't fair!"
Scowling, Frenda paused long enough to dig into her coat pocket and toss him a magazine of Pyro bullets, along with a handful of her pyramidal explosives. "Here! Maybe next time, you'll come prepared!"
Catching the items, Hamazura muttered, "I thought the job today would be easy…"
"There's no excuse!" Frenda shot back, rolling to avoid a swipe from a bear's thorny paw. "You should always be prepared!"
"Fine, fine, I'll try harder in the future!" Hamazura grumbled, loading the Pyro bullets into his pistol.
As Hamazura opened fire with the new ammunition, the rounds ignited on impact, engulfing a nearby bear in flames. The creature thrashed violently before collapsing into a heap of smoldering foliage. At the same time, Frenda switched to her Handheld Anti-tank Missile Warheads. Drawing one from its holster beneath her skirt, she aimed and fired at a pair of advancing bears. The explosion ripped through them, scattering flaming vines and bark across the battlefield.
"Nice shot!" Hamazura called out, now using one of the pyramid explosives Frenda had tossed him to obliterate another bear.
"Just keep shooting!" Frenda snapped, reloading her pistol with Pyro rounds. She dispatched the last of the plant bears with a combination of precise gunfire and another well-placed missile.
Panting slightly, she turned back to see the St. Germain smirking. With a wave of her staff, the Magician summoned a fresh batch of plant beasts, their massive forms emerging from the ground once more.
Before Frenda could act, Accelerator appeared in a blur, his crimson eyes glinting with cold fury. With a single motion, he unleashed a carefully controlled firestorm, incinerating the newly formed beasts in an instant. The flames roared, consuming the creatures until nothing but ash remained.
As the St. Germain looked on in stunned silence, Accelerator stepped forward and grabbed her head with his right hand. A crackle of electricity surged through his fingers, shocking her into unconsciousness.
Frenda pouted, her hands on her hips. "I could've handled it, you know! I was gonna shoot her with an Electroshock bullet and see her squirm."
Accelerator glanced back at her, his expression indifferent. "You still can."
"Oh yeah!" Frenda exclaimed, drawing her pistol and loading the special bullet. She fired at the unconscious St. Germain, the electric charge jolting her body violently. Frenda grinned as the Magician convulsed on the floor. The bitch deserved it for all the trouble she put them through today!
Beside her, Accelerator smirked faintly, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.
Hamazura, standing awkwardly nearby, muttered, "You two are terrifying…"
But Frenda didn't care. She was too busy enjoying the moment with her boyfriend, a triumphant smile lighting up her face.
As the St. Germains charged, Touma found himself squaring off against three of them, each radiating a mix of elegance and menace. The first, a striking woman with a sleek, athletic build, moved with confidence. She wore a red tie and a tailored black vest cinched tightly at her waist over a red-and-white striped shirt with three-quarter sleeves. A vivid red sash flowed behind her, and her skirt alternated between stripes and cascading red ruffles that blended into a train adorned with peacock feathers shimmering in hues of deep blue and emerald. Black lace-topped stockings and glossy black heels accentuated her long legs. Her dark eyes glimmered with anticipation as she twirled the treble clef staff in her hands, her high, glossy bun adorned with a red bow and bunny ear-like accents adding a disconcerting playfulness to her appearance.
The two male St. Germains flanking her were no less imposing. The first had sharp features and meticulously styled dark hair, his black tailcoat lined with deep red accents. A matching waistcoat with bold red-and-white stripes over a crisp white shirt, complemented by a slim black tie, gave him an air of sophistication. His trousers and polished black shoes completed the look. The second man exuded theatricality, wearing a tophat alongside a tailcoat with alternating stripes of black and deep crimson. His pinstripe trousers and red tie added to the refined ensemble, while his glossy black shoes caught the light with an almost unnatural gleam. Both men gripped their treble clef staffs, their gazes locked onto Touma with a mixture of amusement and predatory intent.
As they advanced, their staves moved in unison, drawing sharp arcs through the air. Touma tensed as he felt a shift in the atmosphere, his sixth sense flaring. From the walls, floor, and ceiling, carbon lances began to materialize and shoot toward him with deadly precision. Touma twisted sharply, narrowly avoiding the first lance. A second spear erupted from the floor beneath him, and he leapt to the side, his instincts honed by countless battles guiding him. The movement was swift and fluid, narrowly evading the attack as the spear sliced through the air where he had just been.
"Fukou da!" He muttered under his breath, frustration bubbling as he dodged yet another lance. His right hand shot out to meet one of the lances mid-air, the touch of his Imagine Breaker negating its supernatural formation and reducing it to harmless dust.
The St. Germains pressed closer, their attacks relentless, forcing Touma to dodge and weave through the lances they shot at him. His every move was focused on evasion, but the fury of their assault left him little room to counter. He was thus helpless to stop them from closing the distance, where they swung their treble clef staffs with calculated force, each strike coming with the intent to overwhelm. Touma saw one of the staffs coming toward him and instinctively raised his right hand, expecting his Imagine Breaker to shatter it. Instead, the staff connected with a sickening crack, sending pain shooting up his arm.
Touma cried out, clutching his broken arm to his chest. He vaguely registered Index and Othinus shouting his name in alarm. ""Touma!""
The St. Germains laughed, their voices tinged with mocking amusement.
"Did you really think we'd fight you without taking precautions? These staffs are wholly natural. Weapons prepared especially to defeat you." One of them taunted, spinning their cane with ease.
Through the haze of pain, Touma gritted his teeth.
"Fukou da…" He muttered again, but his resolve hardened. Despite his injury, he focused on evading their next attacks. The staffs swung at him with brutal force, but he ducked, sidestepped, and rolled, staying one step ahead. One staff grazed his shoulder, and another struck his side, but he powered through the pain of the blows, his survival instincts keeping him moving.
"You're deluding yourselves!" Touma shouted, his voice carrying a mix of defiance and anger. "You act like you're something special, even beyond a Magic God, but you're just normal Magicians clinging to illusions!"
"Normal Magicians? Can normal Magicians spread themselves over so many bodies?" The female St. Germain taunted, her voice dripping with mockery as she swung her treble clef staff in a wide arc toward him. He ducked low, rolling under the blow with practiced precision, and lashed out with a swift kick as he came up. His foot connected squarely with her knee, the impact drawing a sharp hiss of pain from her lips. She stumbled back, her balance faltering as she clutched the struck limb, her confident smirk replaced with a flicker of irritation.
"About that, how did you manage that?" Touma asked, leaping back to avoid a downward swing from the top-hat-wearing St. Germain.
"Fishing for information? Do you honestly think we'd tell you anything?" The second male St. Germain retorted as he lunged with a swing of his staff. Touma ducked under the blow and countered with a solid shoulder check, sending the Magician crashing into Mr. Tophat in a tangle of limbs.
"But why don't I humor you?" The female St. Germain interjected, her tone dripping with mockery as she rejoined the fray, her treble clef staff swinging wildly toward him. Her murderous smile widened as she continued, her voice oozing smug condescension that Touma had heard from far too many villains. "After all, you're about to die, so it's only fair."
Then, in a tone loud enough for all to hear, she declared with theatrical flair, "We can spread our collective identity through television!"
"You're bluffing!" Touma shouted back, his voice filled with defiance. "If that were true, you'd already control more people. Whatever method you're using, it isn't television!"
From where he cowered under Takitsubo-san's protection, Kanou Shinka's fear gave way to courage.
"They use pills!" He shouted, his voice trembling but firm. "The same pills I saw them eat! That's how they spread their control!"
The St. Germains' laughter echoed in the chamber.
"And how does knowing that help you?" One sneered, their staff slicing through the air toward Touma.
Suddenly, Index's singing voice cut through the chaos. It was a beautiful song, her voice unwavering as it soared above the din of battle. Touma couldn't make out the words, too focused on his fight and the throbbing pain in his arm. Instead, he charged at the St. Germains.
"You're mad!" One of them shouted as Touma closed the gap.
He smirked through the pain. "You honestly think this is the first time I've fought with a broken right arm?"
Clutching his broken right arm tightly with his left hand, Touma maneuvered his injured limb with remarkable precision, using his battle instincts to evade the flurry of staff strikes aimed at him. A staff came dangerously close to his head, and he ducked low, his movements sharp and deliberate, before springing upward to slam his shoulder into one of the St. Germains, throwing them off balance.
With gritted teeth, Touma used his left hand to guide his limp right hand forward, pressing it against one of his opponents. The touch unraveled the magic binding their identity to St. Germain, and the first opponent collapsed immediately, their treble clef staff clattering to the ground. Before he could recover, a second staff struck him hard in the ribs, making him stagger, but he powered through the pain. Maneuvering his right hand again with his left, he reached his next target, pressing his Imagine Breaker against their chest. The second St. Germain crumpled as their magical link to their shared identity dissolved.
Only the female St. Germain remained, her staff raised and poised to strike, yet she hesitated, her movements faltering as uncertainty gripped her. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Touma lunged, enduring the searing impact of her weapon connecting with his side as she swung it in a final desperate gasp of defiance. With a final burst of determination, he maneuvered his right hand into place, slamming it against her chest. The magic unraveled instantly, and the last St. Germain collapsed to the ground. Touma stood over them, breathing heavily but resolute, his left hand still gripping his shattered right arm.
As the last of his opponents fell, Touma's legs buckled. The toll of the battle, his broken arm, and the blows he had endured finally overwhelmed him. With his vision darkening, he collapsed into unconsciousness, the sounds of Index's song and the fading chaos the last things he heard.
As the St. Germains charged, Mugino's sharp, commanding voice rang out. "Kinuhata, stick with me! Takitsubo, hang back and defend the nun and the former Magic God. Hamazura, back up Frenda!"
"Understood." Rikou replied calmly, her eyes sweeping the area for potential threats as she steadily advanced toward Index-san and Othinus.
Rikou moved with practiced ease, her tote bag securely slung over her shoulder. As the chaos erupted around her, she reached in and pulled out her custom-built submachine gun. The weapon's matte black chassis was accented with vibrant pink highlights, a striking combination that stood out against the muted tones of battle. Its extended magazine promised sustained fire, while cutting-edge features like an advanced recoil absorption system and a precision laser sight ensured that every shot counted. The integrated holographic sight provided a crisp reticle for pinpoint accuracy, even amidst the most chaotic conditions.
Rikou tightened her grip, the familiar weight of the weapon grounding her in the moment. She couldn't help but allow a faint smile to touch her lips as she remembered Shiage giving her this gift. It wasn't just a tool of destruction; it was a symbol of trust and love.
"Thank you, Shiage." She whispered softly, her voice filled with quiet gratitude as she prepared to defend those in her charge.
Before her, a pack of St. Germain's plant beasts advanced. These creatures were as unnerving as they were intricate, their forms constructed entirely of intertwined vines, broad leaves, and vibrant clusters of flowers. Some resembled birds with wings bristling with foliage and glowing emerald eyes, while others looked like sinuous lizards with floral-adorned tails that coiled like living whips. At their helm stood an old man St. Germain, his sharp eyes alight with purpose as he directed his botanical horde with commanding waves of his treble clef staff.
Rikou fired the moment the beasts entered her range, the muffled reports of her SMG's silenced shots cutting through the chaos of battle. The Pyro rounds she had carefully loaded during the brief lull between repositioning to defend the Magicians and the horde's arrival proved invaluable. Each impact ignited the creatures on contact, their vibrant greenery erupting into bursts of flame. The air filled with the sharp crackle of burning plant matter as the beasts' forms were reduced to smoldering embers, their menacing charge disrupted by the searing heat.
This is manageable. Rikou thought, focusing on her aim as she took down one beast after another.
"Watch it!" Kanou-san cried out in warning just in time to allow her to dodge a lashing vine aimed at her legs.
"Thank you Kanou-san, but stay behind me!" She called over her shoulder to the boy, who was cowering nearby, his presence making her job infinitely more difficult. His stumbling attempts to stay out of harm's way only drew the attention of more plant beasts, forcing Rikou to split her focus.
The situation shifted dramatically as a loud crash above signaled the arrival of Stephanie Gorgeouspalace. The eccentric mercenary tumbled into the room through an open air duct, landing on her feet with a flourish. Her camo jacket and pants were splashed with dramatic white, feather-like accents, while her green bullseye T-shirt added a touch of humor to her combat-ready look. The pink-tinted goggles perched on her messy blonde hair gave her an air of quirky confidence.
In her hands, she gripped a futuristic PDW (personal defense weapon) with a sleek white-and-black chassis, its surface bearing the scuffs and scratches of extensive use. Having spent the last few weeks immersed in learning to handle firearms, Rikou's sharp eye quickly noticed that, despite its polished, professional appearance, the weapon was cobbled together from various components.
"Need a hand?" Gorgeouspalace-san asked, a playful grin on her lips as she raised her PDW and began firing.
As they fought side by side, Rikou asked. "Gorgeouspalace-san, where did you find that weapon?"
"Oh, this?" Gorgeouspalace-san replied between bursts of fire. "I built it after the Power Lifter I was using for the job with your boyfriend got busted. Didn't bring another weapon. I thought today's gig would be easy. Used parts from the Power Lifter to throw this together."
Rikou raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "And where did you get the bullets for it?"
Gorgeouspalace-san smirked. "It doesn't use bullets. Fires mock rounds made of tungsten steel with compressed air. Lightweight and efficient."
Rikou reloaded her SMG, letting the mercenary cover her. "That's ingenious, Gorgeouspalace-san."
Gorgeouspalace-san shrugged, her grin widening. "It's nothing, really."
Before Rikou could respond, the sound of gasping voices caught her attention. Behind them, she could hear Index-san and Othinus sharply calling out Kamijou's name, their tone laced with panic.
""Touma!""
Glancing over her shoulder, Rikou risked a look at the [Imagine Breaker]'s fight. Her heart sank at the sight of Kamijou standing defiant but clearly battered, his right arm hanging broken and useless at his side. Three St. Germains surrounded him, their treble clef staffs raised high, using them as brutal bludgeons. Kamijou barely managed to evade each strike, his movements sluggish yet determined as he refused to back down.
"Hey! I think we might have our own problems!" Gorgeouspalace-san's sharp shout snapped Rikou's attention back to the chaos at hand. Turning back, her stomach twisted as the tide of plant beasts surged toward them, their numbers suddenly multiplying at an alarming rate. The snarling creatures charged with renewed aggression, their glowing neon green eyes blazing like a forest on fire.
Rikou cursed under her breath, her mind racing as she pulled a handful of grenades from her tote bag.
"Cover me." She instructed firmly, her voice steady despite the tension thrumming in the air. Without waiting for a response, she tossed the grenades into the densest clusters of beasts. The explosions tore through the horde, the sharp concussive blasts sending vines, moss, and shattered leaves flying in all directions. The immediate area cleared briefly, giving them a momentary reprieve. Gorgeouspalace-san didn't miss a beat, raising her PDW and firing controlled bursts into any beasts that tried to regroup.
"Got your back." She called, her voice calm but focused as she continued to lay down suppressive fire. Rikou nodded in silent appreciation, already pulling another grenade as she prepared for the next wave.
Suddenly, cutting through the cacophony of the battle raging around them, a voice rang out, clear, authoritative, and distinctly female. "We can spread our collective identity through television!"
"You're bluffing!" Kamijou-san shouted back, his voice filled with defiance. "If that were true, you'd already control more people. Whatever method you're using, it isn't television!"
Kanou Shinka, his fear momentarily overcome, stepped forward.
"They use pills!" He shouted. "The same pills I saw them eat! That's how they spread their control!"
Index-san's eyes lit up with understanding.
"That's it!" She declared. "I know how to unravel the spell now."
Without hesitation, she began to sing, her voice rising above the chaos, "Glória in excélsis Deo, et in terra pax homínibus bonae voluntátis... (Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will...)"
The old man St. Germain's expression hardened.
"I won't allow you to finish that song, girl!" His voice dripped with intent, as if the very sound carried weight and threat.
With a decisive swing of his staff, jagged carbon lances erupted from the ground beneath Index-san. The sharp, obsidian-like spikes glistened menacingly as they surged upwards, aiming directly for their unsuspecting target. Each lance vibrated with power, slicing through the air with a sinister hum as if they were alive and intent on their deadly task.
Oh no! What can I do to protect her from that!? Rikou thought desperately, her mind racing as she exchanged a panicked glance with an equally helpless Gorgeouspalace-san. Only Othinus, floating next to the nun, seemed unfazed.
Index-san's voice rose in defiance: "Laudámus te, benedícimus te, adorámus te, glorificámus te... (We praise You, we bless You, we adore You, we glorify You...)"
Just before the deadly lances could strike Index-san, Accelerator-sama appeared at her side in a blur of motion. His eyes locked onto the incoming threat as the lances twisted violently mid-air, their lethal momentum turned outward by Accelerator-sama's Redirection. The redirected projectiles tore through the surrounding ground, creating an explosion of shattered stone and dust that gouged out a jagged crater. The sudden rupture added precious distance between Index-san and the treacherous terrain, momentarily halting St. Germain's assault.
Unfazed, Index-san continued, her hymn unwavering: "Grátias ágimus tibi propter magnam glóriam tuam... (We give You thanks for Your great glory...)"
Without pausing, Accelerator-sama held Index-san firmly, his unwavering grip ensuring both of them did not touch the ground where St. Germain's next attack might strike. With a subtle application of Aero Hand, he kept her hovering safely above the cracked earth.
"Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis, Deus Pater omnípotens... (Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father...)" Index-san's voice rang clear, rising over the chaos like a beacon of hope.
Through all of this, her hymn continued uninterrupted. Her voice carried through the chamber, resolute and unwavering, a melody promising salvation and the end of St. Germain's scheme.
"Dómine Fili Unigénite, Iesu Christe... (Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son...)" Index-san sang with increasing strength, her conviction palpable.
St. Germain's face twisted in fury as the hymn continued, each word striking him with the weight of inevitability. Index-san pressed on, her voice unyielding: "Dómine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris... (Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father...)"
The old man summoned wave after wave of his plant beasts, an overwhelming horde that would have been far too much for Rikou and Gorgeouspalace-san to handle alone. Thankfully, Accelerator-sama was there. With a single burst of his emulated Aero Hand, he unleashed devastating cutting winds that tore through the majority of the creatures, reducing them to shredded vines and scattered leaves.
As always, the power of the Number 1 is beyond impressive. Rikou thought, admiration flickering in her mind as she and Gorgeouspalace-san swiftly dispatched the few remaining stragglers with precise, well-aimed shots.
Accelerator-sama's grip remained steady, his presence a silent reassurance as Index-san's hymn drew closer to its crescendo. "Quóniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dóminus, tu solus Altíssimus, Iesu Christe... (For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ...)"
"No! No! It cannot end this way!" The old man St. Germain bellowed in defiance, his voice raw with desperation as he waved his treble clef staff wildly. A massive tide of carbon surged forth at his command, aiming to smother them all in one final act of vengeance. The effort proved futile as the wave dissipated harmlessly, effortlessly deflected by Accelerator-sama's Redirection.
"Oh, don't be such a sore loser, St. Germain," Othinus taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "Take it from someone who's been defeated by Kamijou Touma and his allies before. It's far less humiliating if you accept your loss with grace."
Rikou might have taken offense at being lumped in with Kamijou-san's allies. She and her team were allies of the Trinity, not Kamijou-san. That their friends just so happened to align with Kamijou was purely coincidental. The distinction mattered! But now wasn't the time to argue semantics. It would ruin the moment. Besides, she was far more invested in watching St. Germain finally get what was coming to them.
"Shut up, you failure of a Magic God!" St. Germain snarled, his composure cracking further. His fury turned into incoherent screams as the final, resonant words of Index-san's hymn echoed powerfully through the chamber, "Cum Sancto Spíritu in glória Dei Patris. Amen. (With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.)"
The very air seemed to vibrate with the sacred power of her song, enveloping the space in a palpable force that marked the inevitable end of St. Germain's schemes. His protests and rage were swallowed by the hymn's overwhelming presence, sealing his defeat with divine finality.
Ruiko's fingers danced across the graviton-style artificial gravity control device's holographic interface, her mind moving even faster than her hands. Her emulated Electromastery allowed her to seamlessly interface with the device's systems. The program St. Germain had used to reconfigure it into a black hole bomb was remarkably advanced, and she grudgingly admitted that it was impressive.
"How did a Magician pull this off?" She muttered under her breath. Sure, they could possess people and presumably steal their knowledge, but the level of complexity here was almost beyond belief. It was a reminder of the dangerous blend of magic and technology St. Germain brought to the table.
With a final surge of computation, Ruiko pinpointed the core of the invasive code and began systematically dismantling it. Her immense processing power, coupled with her deep expertise in counterhacking, made her uniquely suited to the task. The City had relied on her for similar challenges in the past, first exploiting her extraordinary computational capabilities and later her refined experience, which she now put to work unraveling the malicious program piece by piece. The tension in the air was palpable, each second feeling stretched as she worked with laser focus. Finally, with a flash of sparks from the console, the program was neutralized, and the black hole bomb threat was no more.
With her task complete, Ruiko dismissed her protective barrier bunker with a satisfied sigh, leaning back just in time to hear the final lines of Index-san's spell-song echoing through the chamber: "Cum Sancto Spíritu in glória Dei Patris. Amen. (With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.)"
As the final note of the spell-song resonated through the chamber, the magic binding St. Germain's collective consciousness unraveled entirely. The last conscious body collapsed to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut, lifeless and still. With that, the threat of St. Germain was brought to an end, their existence extinguished forever.
Ruiko pouted, crossing her arms as she surveyed the scene. "Looks like I missed out on all the fun."
Accel snorted as he strolled over, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "You did. But your job was more important. No point in having fun if we all get sucked into a black hole, right?"
Ruiko crossed her arms, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "Easy for you to say. You got to smash things while I was stuck babysitting the Dianoid's systems."
"Babysitting?" Accelerator replied with mock offense, leaning slightly toward her. "From where I'm standing, you just saved everyone's asses. Pretty good for a babysitter."
Ruiko rolled her eyes but felt the tension in her shoulders ease. "Fine, I'll take the compliment. Just this once."
Before she could say more, Frenda-chan, having already finished checking on Kanou-san, came skipping over with a bright, teasing expression. Ruiko's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she quickly composed herself.
Of course, she'd check on him first. This was his first Incident. Naturally, she'd be worried about her friend. Ruiko told herself this firmly, though she couldn't quite ignore the tiny sting of jealousy bubbling in the back of her mind. Yeah, totally not jealous. Not at all.
Frenda's playful grin widened as she stopped in front of them, hands on her hips.
"Don't pout, Ruiko." She said with a wink. "We'll make it up to you. Promise."
Ruiko huffed, crossing her arms again but failing to hide the softening of her gaze. "Really?"
"Really." Frenda said with a wink, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Besides, I've got a few ideas for how we can make things interesting later."
Ruiko couldn't help but laugh, her earlier frustration dissipating. "I'll hold you to that, Frenda-chan."
Accel rolled his eyes but smirked faintly. "You two done planning your playdate? We've got clean-up to finish."
Ruiko waved him off, her good mood restored. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."
With a bounce in her step, she joined the others, ready to wrap up the mission and looking forward to whatever Frenda-chan had in store.
As the battle concluded, Shinka stood amidst the chaos, trying to process the whirlwind of events. Before he could dwell on his thoughts, Frenda-san appeared in front of him, her eyes wide with concern. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug, her arms wrapping around him as if to shield him from the world. Her heartbeat was strong and steady against him, a grounding contrast to the tumult that had surrounded them moments before.
"I'm so glad you're okay." She said, her voice trembling slightly with genuine worry. "I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this. You didn't deserve any of it."
Shinka felt a surge of warmth at her words, a flicker of validation amidst the chaos. He returned the embrace, holding on tightly as if anchoring himself to something real. "It's alright, Frenda-san. I'm just glad you're safe too."
Frenda-san pulled back slightly, enough to meet his gaze. A small smile of relief curved her lips, and for a moment, the chaos seemed distant.
"Good. You're tougher than you look." She teased, her tone lighter, but her eyes still flickering with gratitude and mischief.
Shinka chuckled softly, finding solace in her familiar banter.
"Guess I proved I can keep up, huh?" He replied, the joke carrying a hint of sincerity.
Her expression softened, but before he could savor the moment, concern flickered in her eyes. Her gaze darted across the room to her partners, who were regrouping after the fight.
"Now that I know you're okay, I need to check on them too." She said, her voice firm but caring.
Shinka nodded, understanding the unspoken bond she shared with her girlfriend and boyfriend.
"Of course. Go to them." He said, his voice tinged with a faint wistfulness he couldn't quite suppress.
Frenda-san's lips curved into a fleeting smile as she added. "Stay safe, Shinka-kun."
With that, she turned and hurried towards her partners, her steps light but purposeful, leaving him with the echoes of their moment.
The girl in the pinafore, who had been armed with an SMG and carrying a tote bag full of grenades, Takitsubo-san if he had caught her name correctly, stepped forward. By now, she had tucked her SMG neatly into her tote bag, the bag hanging lightly at her side. Her expression remained calm, her eyes reflecting a quiet understanding as she approached him with measured intent.
"You have my sympathy." She said, her voice low but empathetic.
"Yeah, mine too." The blonde with the goggles - Gorgeouspalace-san, was it? - chimed in, offering a sympathetic wince. "Looks like you really drew the short straw."
Shinka managed a weak chuckle. "Thanks."
Index-san, less subtle and much less empathetic, chimed in bluntly.
"You never had a chance." She said, gesturing towards Frenda-san, who was now playfully flirting with Saten-sama and Accelerator-sama. "Look at them. You were never going to compete with that."
"Index-san!" Othinus snapped, her small form bristling with irritation as she scolded the nun. "That was unnecessarily cruel."
Index-san ignored her entirely and walked off, her head held high, the tiny Magic God - That was what everyone called her, right? - following after her. They moved toward Kamijou-san, who was unconscious and being looked after by Misaka-sama. Nearby, Shinka guessed from her tone that Namikaze-sama was teasing her senpai with a smirk, likely ribbing her about her obvious affection for the high schooler.
Shinka sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping under the weight of reality.
"Yeah." He muttered, his voice low. "Yeah, I know. I know full well."
His lips twisted into a bitter smile as he continued, more to himself than anyone else, "That's why I didn't even put up a fight when Frenda-san said we should stop being sex friends and just be friends."
Takitsubo-san gave him a comforting pat on the back.
"You'll be okay." She said simply, her tone steady and kind.
However, even that small comfort was fleeting. A voice called out from across the room, the guy on her team shouting, "Rikou!"
Takitsubo-san glanced over her shoulder, her calm expression softening into a small, gentle smile. She gave Shinka a final reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before stepping back.
"Take care." She said quietly, her tone steady and sincere. Then, without hesitation, she turned to rejoin her group, her footsteps light but purposeful.
Gorgeouspalace-san lingered a moment longer, offering Shinka one last sympathetic look, her goggles catching the light as she adjusted them with a slight nod.
"Hang in there, kid." She added before trailing after Takitsubo-san, her stride casual but deliberate. Shinka watched them both go, their figures blending into the surrounding chaos, leaving him alone once more.
I am all alone, huh… The thought settled in his chest like a weight. It was a painful truth, made worse by the fact that today of all days was his birthday.
Happy birthday to me. He thought wryly. But as he glanced across the room, his eyes landed on Frenda. She was laughing now, her playful energy lighting up the space as she bantered with her partners.
Her advice echoed in his mind. If something doesn't work out, learn from it and do better next time.
Taking a deep breath, Shinka straightened his shoulders, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. I might not have won Frenda-chan's heart, but I'll make sure to succeed with the next girl I fall in love with.
With that thought, he steeled himself, ready to face whatever came next.
Done and done! Thanks to Nameless as always!
And so our valiant heroes storm the castle and rescue the fair maidenly boy from a dire fate! All because some dickwaffles thought they could get the jump on Touma when he was vulnerable. It's really scummy, but that's AC for you. Nobody is never not willing to not take an advantage and go a mile with it. Still, while bittersweet to the victim of this round, he grew stronger for it. Good on you, Shinka.
Nameless: Yeah, poor Shinka. Well, he's 12. He's got plenty of time to grow. Plus there's plenty of other fish in the sea to try his hand at making his one and only, or whatever combination thereof. As you're aware by now, we don't discriminate against alternative romantic arrangements.
I mean, he's a cute guy. I'm sure once he grows up, girls will be fighting to get a slice of that. Plus he's already trained from his time with Frenda~ ;) His future girlfriends will either thank her or curse her!
Nameless: As for my thoughts on the chapter… I liked it. A lot. Been a while since we've had such an action focused chapter. Hope you guys liked it. Though, I wonder… Did you guys spot the commonality between the fights? I won't say it here but let's just say that it says a lot about St. Germain.
You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!