Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or Toaru Kagaku no Railgun/Toaru Majutsu no Index
The Trinity of Tokiwadai
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Eight: Magic God Invasion - High Priest's Endgame
The earth beneath High Priest's feet twisted unnaturally, transforming into churning dirt. The old, frail-looking figure, his skin like ancient bark, shot forward at an alarming speed, surfing atop the wave of dirt. His piercing green eyes gleamed with malevolence as he raised his sword for a decisive thrust. The jagged aura around him flickered, reflecting the raw power of his earth magic as he bore down on them.
"Accel, intercept him." Rui-chan's voice filled Naru's ears in a faint whisper, carried seamlessly by the Number 3's emulated Audiokinesis.
Without hesitation, Accelerator flared his golden angelic wings, his tailored silver suit catching the glimmer of light from the chamber's chaos. A gleaming energy sword made of Telesma materialized in his hand, radiating divine brilliance. With a powerful flap of his wings, he launched himself at High Priest.
High Priest's blade met Accelerator's Telesma weapon with a deafening clang, sparks flying as the two forces collided. The Magic God executed a swift feint, aiming to unbalance Accelerator, but the Number 1 countered with a precise parry, redirecting the thrust away from his center. Accelerator retaliated with a slashing arc, his blade humming with power, only for High Priest to twist his sword upward and block the attack, the force of their clash reverberating through the chamber. Undeterred, Accelerator pushed forward, feinting low before delivering a thrust aimed for High Priest's midsection. The Magic God deflected the blow with uncanny speed, his golden sword spinning in a defensive arc before lunging forward again, their blades colliding in a dazzling display of light and sound.
"Naru-chan," Rui-chan's calm voice cut through the noise, her tone steady yet urgent, "Charge at him now while he's distracted. Mikoto-senpai, hit Naru-chan with your strongest lightning bolt. Naru-chan, use your chakra to wrap that lightning around yourself."
Naru's cerulean eyes narrowed behind the demonic crimson of her Panzer Demon Frame. Without a word, she flexed her hulking armor, the piledriver mechanisms on her arms ready. Mikoto-senpai, her chestnut hair swaying around the floral clip she always wore, raised her blade, Worochi-no-Aramasa. Drawing energy from the storm that raged around her, Senpai directed a massive bolt of electricity at Naru. The lightning surged forward, drawn to Naru as she channeled her chakra to wrap it around herself. The brilliant glow enveloped her hulking armor, arcs of electricity crackling and dancing across its surface as she charged toward High Priest.
"Why do we need this open channel, Rui-chan?" Naru asked in a low whisper as she closed the distance.
"So everyone knows what everyone else is doing." Rui-chan replied matter-of-factly. "Coordination matters, especially with Kamijou, Shutaura-san, and Arisa-san here. We don't usually fight alongside them."
Naru nodded subtly, focusing on her target.
"Accel, disengage!" Rui-chan's command came just as Naru leapt the final few feet toward High Priest. Accelerator flapped his wings and shot away in a burst of golden light, leaving the path clear for Naru's electrified charge. "Shutaura-san, Arisa-san, please remind the Magic God that talking during a fight is not a free action."
High Priest summoned a towering barrier of hardened dirt, grounding the electricity that surged from Naru's frame. Her fists, enhanced by piledrivers, crashed into the wall with a Double Sudden Impact, releasing a thunderous shockwave. The Magic God's laughter echoed through the chamber. "You are fools to use electricity against a master of earth magic, though I must admit that using a melee attack to attempt to deliver it was clev-"
He was cut off mid-gloat as Shu-chan hurled her rare earth discs with precise aim, each landing with a resounding impact before detonating in bursts of controlled energy. Arisa-chan followed seamlessly, raising their shared left hand and shooting a volley of glowing rainbow-colored magic bolts at him. The bolts streaked through the air like radiant meteors, their vibrant hues trailing behind them as they converged on High Priest. The combined assault struck with unrelenting force, sending him staggering backward, his once-imposing barrier splintering under the strain. The cracks spread rapidly, the shimmering fragments of his defense collapsing like shattered glass.
Seizing the opportunity, Naru surged forward, her massive Panzer Demon Frame pounding against the ground as she closed the distance with determined speed. Her fists, charged with raw chakra energy, aimed squarely at the reeling Magic God. But High Priest, with the reflexes born of his ancient mastery, quickly recovered. With a guttural command, the ground beneath his feet roared to life, a geyser of dirt erupting in a violent column. The surge propelled him skyward, narrowly evading Naru's devastating strike as her massive armored fists smashed into empty air.
Undeterred, Rui-chan hovered mid-air, her rainbow-feathered wings spreading wide as they shimmered with prismatic light. Her cerulean eyes narrowed in focus as she conjured a barrage of AIM energy lances, their sleek, crystalline forms glowing with potent energy. With a swift motion, she unleashed them, the lances streaking toward High Priest like a hailstorm of radiant power. However, the Magic God responded with his signature earth magic, summoning a swirling maelstrom of dirt and stone. The barrier rose like a living vortex, absorbing the onslaught of energy lances. The chamber was filled with a cacophony of clashing forces, the lances exploding against the dirt shield in bursts of dazzling light and flying debris, each strike leaving a faint, glowing residue before fading into the chaotic din of the battle.
"Kamijou, punch those dirt fists into nothingness." Rui-chan ordered sharply, her voice cutting through the chaos with authority.
"Leave them to me!" Kamijou shouted as he raced forward, his spiky black hair damp with sweat. His infamous Imagine Breaker met the onslaught of dirt fists shooting up from the ground, a sudden assault launched by the enemy just as the [AIM Sovereign] finished speaking. Each strike of his supernatural-negating right hand dissolved the constructs with a resounding crash, like the sound of shattering glass. "By the way, what's the plan?"
"Whisper," Rui-chan snapped. "I'll forward the necessary details. Otherwise, you'll just tip him off."
Kurama's voice hummed in Naru's mind. Your bestie is good…
Of course she is. Naru sent back as she smirked beneath her helm as she waited for her next chance to press the attack.
Rui-chan's voice came over the channel, explaining the plan. "Push High Priest onto the launch track of the Parasatellite 01 and hold him there. Shutaura-san, Arisa-san, assist me in keeping him suppressed with your explosive discs and Telesma bolts."
As Shu-chan and Arisa-chan carried out the directive, adding their explosive rare earth discs and rainbow-hued magic bolts to Rui-chan's relentless barrage of AIM lances, all raining down on High Priest and the swirling maelstrom of dirt shielding him, Naru hummed thoughtfully. So Arisa-chan's magic uses Telesma?
She's a Saint. Of course, it does. Kurama replied with an accompanying image of him shrugging.
Their combined efforts forced High Priest into a defensive stance, hunkering behind towering barriers of hardened earth that groaned under the strain of holding back their relentless assaults. From his fortified position, he retaliated with another barrage of massive, cannonball-sized fists of dirt, each one propelled with crushing force. The air trembled with their passage as they hurtled toward the group, their sheer size and weight creating explosive impacts wherever they landed.
Yet, for all the bluster and power behind his attacks, there was an odd sense of anticlimax. The group, honed by countless battles against overwhelming odds, handled the earthen onslaught with practiced precision. Kamijou's Imagine Breaker dispelled the incoming projectiles with the sound of shattering glass, while Accelerator's Redirection deflected others harmlessly into the walls. Naru and Mikoto-senpai alternated between pulverizing the fists mid-air with devastating strikes and slicing them apart with crescents of electrified energy.
For a Magic God, one of the supposedly most powerful beings in existence, his tactics felt surprisingly unoriginal. The relentless dirt fists, though impressive in scale, lacked the ingenuity or overwhelming dominance one might expect from someone bearing the title
He's going easy on us. Kurama remarked dryly.
Naru's smirk widened. Then we'll make him pay for it.
"Accel, charge up!" Rui-chan commanded, her voice cutting through the din of battle.
Without hesitation, Accelerator shot upward, his moppy white hair whipping around his pale face as golden Telesma gathered around him in a radiant, pulsating aura. The golden light grew brighter, illuminating the chamber as his power intensified, the energy swirling around him in anticipation. Below, Senpai and Naru sprang into action at Rui-chan's next order.
"Naru-chan, Mikoto-senpai, take down High Priest's barriers."
Senpai, her chestnut hair catching the golden glow, swung Worochi-no-Aramasa in wide arcs, unleashing her Kusakarisen (草刈り閃, Grass-cutting Flash) technique. Each swing of her sword sent crescents of cutting electricity slicing through the air, their brilliance carving into the barriers. Beside her, Naru, encased in her hulking crimson Panzer Demon Frame, charged forward and delivered devastating Sudden Impacts, her piledriver-enhanced punches slamming into the barriers with a force that reverberated through the chamber. The combined assault of lightning and brute strength tore into High Priest's earthen defenses, shattering them piece by piece.
As the barriers crumbled under their relentless assault, Accelerator capitalized on the opening. With a sharp, focused motion, he unleashed a concentrated beam of Telesma, the radiant energy tearing through the air like a golden spear. The beam blazed toward High Priest with unrelenting force, its brilliance casting stark shadows across the chamber walls.
High Priest, however, remained composed, the eerie glow of his green eyes narrowing as his weathered features betrayed neither panic nor strain. With a measured movement, he raised his ancient golden sword, the blade gleaming ominously under the flickering chamber lights. The crimson aura surrounding his head twisted like ethereal flames, heightening the oppressive atmosphere. He swung the sword with precision, intercepting the Telesma beam mid-flight. The clash of energies crackled in the air, a stark reminder of the Magic God's formidable power.
The deflected beam veered off course, slamming into the chamber walls with a deafening explosion. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, causing loose debris to rain down from the chamber's ceiling. Dust and rubble erupted into the air, obscuring vision momentarily as the powerful shockwave pressed against the group, forcing them to steady themselves. The fiery brilliance of the Telesma strike illuminated the chamber for an instant, casting their determined faces in sharp relief.
High Priest's weathered features broke into a faint, almost amused smile as he began to speak, his black sclera and piercing green irises glowing faintly. "Impressive. Truly, you've managed to entertain me. But-"
"Now, Mikoto-senpai!" Rui-chan's voice, whispered through her emulated Audiokinesis, cut sharply across the chamber. "Hit him with Orochisen (オロチ閃, Orochi Flash)!"
Mikoto-senpai moved without hesitation. Her hand darted to the hilt of Worochi-no-Aramasa, the magical blade radiating restrained power as she swiftly sheathed it. With flawless execution, she immediately followed through with an Iaijutsu technique, drawing the blade in one fluid, precise motion that radiated focused intent. The weapon crackled with raw energy as eight serpentine dragons, formed entirely of lightning, erupted from the blade. Their sinuous forms illuminated the dim chamber with radiant arcs as they coiled and surged toward High Priest with terrifying speed, their electric bodies humming with destructive intent.
The Magic God, however, merely chuckled. With a deliberate tap of his ancient golden sword against the ground, the earth beneath him roared to life. The floor buckled and cracked as eight serpentine dragons composed of hardened dirt and stone rose to meet the [Railgun]'s summons. The earthen creatures moved with an unnatural grace, their jagged forms brimming with latent power as they launched themselves toward the incoming lightning constructs.
The clash was immediate and explosive. The chamber was bathed in blinding light as the lightning dragons coiled around their earthen counterparts, arcs of electricity sparking violently against stone. The earthen dragons resisted, their rough scales grinding against the glowing serpents as they lunged and twisted in a deadly dance. Sparks flew as the lightning scorched the dirt constructs, sending plumes of dust into the air. Shards of stone cracked and splintered with each impact, scattering across the floor.
One lightning dragon sank its electrified fangs into an earthen dragon's neck, its body glowing with an intense energy that pulsed outward in waves. The stone construct responded by coiling tightly around its attacker, the grinding pressure shattering the lightning dragon into a burst of sparks. Another pair of dragons spiraled violently mid-air, their movements a blur of light and shadow until both disintegrated in an explosive burst of rubble and electricity. Each elemental force fought for dominance, lunging, snapping, and twisting as the room quaked under the sheer magnitude of their battle.
As the battle between the dragons raged, Rui-chan's calm, commanding voice whispered into Naru and the rest of the team's ears through the audiokinetic channel. "Everyone, charge up your most powerful attacks now."
Naru didn't need the prompt. She had already begun gathering chakra, her hands cupped before her as she concentrated the opposing forces of positive black chakra and negative chakra in a precise 8:2 ratio. The swirling energies glowed ominously in her palms, requiring a level of focus and finesse that was challenging in this chakra-less world. Fortunately, both she and Kurama were capable of generating their own chakra, and their vast reserves combined provided more than enough fuel for the technique. Yet, the delicate balance required reminded her why she usually employed this move only in conjunction with her Festung Demon Frame, designed specifically for ranged attacks.
Not switching to Festung? Kurama's voice questioned curiously, echoing in her mind. The Bijūdama's yield will be limited without it, even with the extra charge time your bestie has bought you.
Not taking the risk that the Magic God would capitalize on the split-second opening the switch will create in my defenses. Naru replied, her cerulean eyes flicking toward the others, who were also preparing their own powerful attacks. Besides, we're underground. A low-yield blast is better than collapsing this whole chamber on us.
Their telepathic exchange concluded just as the elemental clash reached its climax. Lightning and stone collided in a final, catastrophic crescendo, the chaotic symphony of destruction reducing both sets of dragons to nothingness. Dust swirled through the chamber as faint streaks of dissipating energy glowed dimly, leaving behind the acrid scent of ozone mingling with scorched earth. The air crackled with residual static, a vivid reminder of the ferocity of the battle.
High Priest emerged from the chaos, his crimson aura flickering faintly as he stood amidst the wreckage. His golden sword hung at his side, the blade gleaming ominously. Though his expression remained composed, a glimmer of irritation flickered in his glowing green eyes as he surveyed the battlefield.
"Everyone! Now!" Rui-chan ordered as everyone unleashed the attacks they'd prepared at the Magic God, having used the cover of Senpai's Orochisen clashing with High Priest's own earthen dragons to ready themselves like Rui-chan had instructed.
With practiced fluidity, Shu-chan used the right hand of her and Arisa-chan's shared body to hurl a brace of rare earth discs, her movements precise and deliberate as her dark hair shifted with each motion. The discs arced through the air, made explosive by Shu-chan's Earth Palette ability, heading unerringly toward High Priest. As the final disc left her hand, she spun gracefully, seamlessly yielding control to Arisa-chan. With a touch of theatrical flair, Arisa-chan raised their left hand, forming a playful finger gun. A shooting gesture followed, unleashing a radiant, rainbow-hued beam of Telesma. The magical energy shimmered with otherworldly brilliance, its vibrant hues intertwining as it streaked through the battlefield's chaos, aiming directly at the Magic God with relentless precision.
Mikoto-senpai, her chestnut hair glowing softly under the storm conjured by her magical blade, reached into her skirt pocket and retrieved a Dark Matter coin, its surface glinting faintly in the charged air. The coin, meticulously crafted by Rui-chan for Senpai's signature technique, seemed almost alive as it shimmered under the swirling tempest of electricity around her. Her chestnut eyes burned with fierce determination as she took aim, her posture steady despite the chaos of the battlefield. With a precise motion, she fired, and the railgun unleashed its devastating power. A blinding streak of orange plasma tore through the air, the atmosphere crackling violently as it carried the borrowed energy from the storm surrounding her. The sheer force of the shot caused the ground beneath her to tremble, its radiant path illuminating the chamber with an intensity that left no doubt about the destructive force it carried toward its target, High Priest.
Rui-chan and Accelerator, well-practiced in working together, gathered their respective energies with unwavering focus. Rui-chan's shimmering AIM energy coalesced into a prismatic lance, its surface refracting light into dazzling rainbow hues, while Accelerator's Telesma manifested as a radiant golden spear, glowing with divine intensity. With flawless synchronization, they hurled their lances at High Priest, the twin projectiles cutting through the air like streaking comets. Mid-flight, the lances converged, their normally opposing Science and Magic-based energies merging seamlessly into a single supercharged weapon. The resulting lance pulsed with an otherworldly brilliance, its combined power amplifying exponentially as it streaked toward High Priest, tearing through the chamber with the force of a small supernova.
For Naru, her Panzer Demon Frame glowed faintly with chakra that shimmered along the crimson armor's surface. Her sharp cerulean eyes locked onto High Priest, unwavering in focus, as she cupped her hands together, channeling immense reserves of positive and negative chakra swirling between them. The energies fused into a delicate yet immensely powerful balance, forming the unmistakable sphere of a Bijūdama, its surface pulsing and rippling like molten fire. With a decisive thrust of her hands, the Bijūdama erupted into a devastating crimson beam of chakra, roaring to life with an intensity that shook the chamber to its core. The beam tore through the air, its scorching brilliance cutting through the chaos like a blade, illuminating every corner of the battleground. The chamber quaked under the overwhelming force of the supercharged chakra, its blazing radiance standing as a testament to Naru's destructive might as it hurtled unerringly toward the Magic God.
As the last obscuring remnants of the clash between Mikoto-senpai's lightning dragons and High Priest's earthen constructs dissipated, High Priest turned to the incoming onslaught with an expression of impressed surprise. Without panic, he tapped the tip of his golden sword against the ground. The dirt around him rose and swirled before solidifying into a diamond-like prism that encased him completely. But they were ready for this. Kamijou, his spiky black hair damp with sweat, had already raced ahead of the barrage. With a loud, wordless cry, he slammed his Imagine Breaker into the diamond barrier. The supernatural sound of shattering glass reverberated through the chamber as the barrier crumbled, leaving High Priest vulnerable.
As Rui-chan used a telekinetic grip on Kamijou's clothes to pull him clear of ground zero, the unleashed attacks struck in perfect sequence, each one a devastating force that shook the chamber to its very core. Shu-chan's rare earth discs detonated first, their explosive power, imbued by her Earth Palette, erupting in fiery blasts that sent shockwaves rippling outward and scarring the floor with jagged craters. Arisa-chan's Telesma bolt followed, streaking forward with radiant, rainbow-hued brilliance before detonating in a dazzling explosion of multicolored light. Mikoto-senpai's railgun shot tore through the aftermath with a deafening crack, the orange streak of energy slamming into High Priest in a burst of devastating force. The fusion of Rui-chan's prismatic lance and Accelerator's golden spear converged next, their harmonized energies clashing against the Magic God in a kaleidoscopic explosion of light and sound. Finally, Naru's Bijūdama tore through the chaos, a crimson beam of raw power that carved through the maelstrom and struck its target with devastating force, unleashing a cataclysmic explosion that illuminated the entire chamber.
The chamber shook violently, dust and debris thickening the air as the ground heaved under the relentless force of their combined attacks. As the haze began to settle, the faint glow of High Priest's crimson aura flickered through the devastation. He stood unscathed amidst the wreckage, his golden sword held steady in his gnarled hand. The protective energy that had enveloped his body withdrew, coalescing back around his head like the flame atop a lit match. A deep chuckle rumbled from his frail looking form, his piercing green eyes glinting with faint amusement, though the subtle tightness in his expression betrayed a shadow of irritation.
"What is it going to take to bring this guy down?" Arisa-chan demanded, throwing her hands up in exasperation like a petulant teenager. Her voice rose into a whining tone as she glared at High Priest with a pout. "How am I supposed to properly punish him for interrupting my yoga-leering time with Naru-chan if we can't even land a decent hit?"
High Priest let out a derisive snort, his piercing green eyes gleaming with condescension as they swept over the group. His expression twisted into something halfway between amusement and disdain, as if the entire battle were a trivial inconvenience.
"The one who should be irritated here is me." He retorted, his tone dry and cutting. "As amusing as this little game of ours has been, it's starting to wear thin."
His crimson aura flared slightly, casting an eerie glow that accentuated the tension in the chamber. The faint flicker of energy around his head seemed to pulse in rhythm with his irritation as he shifted his stance, his golden sword steady in his hand. Despite the intensity of their combined efforts, the Magic God remained composed, exuding an air of effortless superiority that only deepened the mounting frustration of his opponents.
The faint hum of energy surrounding his head pulsed with an agitated rhythm as he shifted his stance, his golden sword gleaming faintly in the dim light. With an effortless sweep of the blade, he performed a dramatic horizontal slash, and the ground beneath his feet began to shift. In an instant, a large section of the chamber floor dissolved into dirt, shrouding him in a swirling, metallic dust cloud that moved like a living entity. The particles within the cloud shimmered with an iridescent, silvery sheen, interspersed with a faint, oily vapor that gave it an otherworldly quality.
Rui-chan reacted swiftly, her rainbow-feathered wings flaring wide as she delivered a forceful flap, generating a sharp gust of wind that began driving the encroaching cloud away from the group. The swirling mass of shimmering particles rippled under the gale, momentarily slowed but still creeping towards them.
"Stay back!" She commanded over the audiokinetic channel, her voice cutting through the tension prompted by High Priest's latest move with clarity and urgency. "That cloud is a mix of quartz shard dust and cadmium vapor! The shards will shred your lungs, and the cadmium will poison your blood in seconds if you breathe it in!"
Her words, sharp and commanding, cut through the rising tension, drawing the group's attention and grounding their focus on the immediate threat. Each syllable carried an undeniable authority, pushing hesitation aside as she prepared for the next move.
"Accelerator! Help me disperse it! Now!" She barked, urgency lacing every syllable as her wings flared wide, readying for another powerful motion to combat the deadly cloud.
Without hesitation, Accelerator spread his own wings, their white feathers glowing faintly as they caught the golden light of his aura, standing out against the distorted haze of the toxic cloud. The radiance of his angelic form seemed to clash with the ominous threat before him, his movements deliberate as he prepared to act.
"Tch!" He muttered, his tone carrying a hint of irritation, though his movements were sharp and deliberate. With a mighty flap of his wings, another blast of wind surged forward, merging with Rui-chan's gales to drive the deadly cloud farther from the group. The shimmering haze began to fragment, its edges thinning and breaking apart under their relentless efforts.
"Keep it moving!" Rui-chan barked again, her voice resolute as she poured more effort into her gusts. "Don't let it settle anywhere, or it'll kill anyone it touches!"
Kamijou instinctively took a step back, his spiky black hair damp with sweat as his wide eyes darted toward the ominous cloud.
Encased in her hulking crimson Panzer Demon Frame, Naru kept her sharp cerulean eyes fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding looking toward Rui-chan. Her tone was steady, though an unmistakable edge of readiness underpinned her words as she asked over the channel, her fists clenching in anticipation. "Need me to step in and help clear this, Rui-chan?"
"No," Rui-chan whispered firmly over the audiokinetic channel, her rainbow-feathered wings flaring as they sent another powerful gust of wind to drive the shimmering cloud farther away. "Stay focused on High Priest. He's using the cloud as cover to set up an attack. Be ready for his next move."
Naru nodded inside her armor, her voice calm despite the tension in the air. "Got it. Just give the word."
Kamijou, still staring uneasily at the dispersing haze, took another hesitant step back. Seriously? Was he really such a coward? Come on! Even Arisa-chan wasn't panicking about this. A quick glance back at her girlfriends confirmed it for Naru. Arisa-chan maintained a cautious distance from the cloud, her demeanor wary but far from panicked, unlike the so-called [Hero of Academy City]. And it wasn't just because Shu-chan was in charge. Naru could always tell who was in control, and in this moment, both of her girlfriends were clearly sharing command of their shared body. Their steady composure in the face of danger was a seamless collaboration, a stark contrast to Kamijou's visible unease.
Suddenly, Kurama's voice roared in Naru's mind. Move! He's coming right at you!
The warning was almost simultaneous with Rui-chan's sharp voice cutting over the audiokinetic channel. "Naru! Incoming!"
High Priest burst from the dispersing cloud with alarming speed, his golden sword catching the faint light as it glinted ominously, its tip aimed with lethal precision at Naru. The aura of menace surrounding him was almost tangible, his movement more akin to a predator closing in on its prey than that of a frail-looking man. Naru's cerulean eyes narrowed, her sharp focus kicking in as her instincts screamed at her to act.
Without a moment's hesitation, she slammed her armored fist into the ground, her Panzer Demon Frame amplifying the strike through the piledriver mechanism built into her arm. The Sudden Impact sent a shockwave rippling outward with explosive force. The ground quaked under the impact, the shockwave shattering the dirt wave beneath High Priest and sending chunks of debris flying as it collapsed in on itself.
But the Magic God was undeterred. With a fluidity that belied his withered appearance, High Priest launched himself from the disintegrating wave. His movements were unnaturally smooth, twisting his body mid-air in a display of agility that bordered on supernatural. The golden sword in his hand remained steady, its blade glinting with the promise of death as he redirected his momentum and shot toward Naru again, the thrust of his blade as ferocious as his gaze.
"Senpai!" Rui-chan's voice cut through the chaos, but Mikoto-senpai was already moving.
Her chestnut hair caught the faint light as Senpai swung Worochi-no-Aramasa, the magical blade releasing a massive crescent of cutting electricity with a Kusakarisen. High Priest twisted mid-air with unnerving agility, his golden sword intercepting the attack in a dazzling clash of energy, sparks scattering like fiery rain. The strike created a fleeting opening, allowing Naru to retreat, her crimson Panzer Demon Frame glowing faintly as she repositioned herself to maintain distance. While she trusted the formidable durability of her armor, she had no desire to test its limits against the power of a Magic God unless absolutely necessary.
"Shutaura-san, Arisa-san, force him back!" Rui-chan commanded over the audiokinetic channel.
Naru's girlfriends acted without hesitation, Shu-chan hurling supercharged explosive rare earth discs while Arisa-chan unleashed radiant Telesma bolts. High Priest summoned a fresh wave of dirt beneath him, using it to surf away from the barrage. His piercing green eyes flicked toward Rui-chan, narrowing as he noted Arisa-chan's momentary glance in her direction. Naru's heart sank as she realized what the Magic God had pieced together.
Shit! Arisa-chan just gave away that Rui-chan is the one coordinating us!
Hit him! Hit him hard enough to distract him from that realization. Kurama's voice roared urgently in Naru's mind.
"Hit him! Hit him hard!" Rui-chan echoed over the audiokinetic channel, her tone sharp and commanding, mirroring the urgency of Kurama's shout.
Rui-chan and Accelerator remained focused on neutralizing High Priest's toxic cloud. Accelerator conjured powerful gusts of wind, trapping the shimmering cloud within a tightly controlled vortex. Meanwhile, Rui-chan had shifted her efforts from controlling the airflow to methodically creating chemical compounds through her diverse emulated Esper abilities. She poured these mixtures into the swirling toxic mass, seemingly triggering reactions that neutralized its lethal components and caused it to settle on the ground as an inert, viscous sludge. With their attention fixed on this crucial task, the responsibility of keeping the Magic God occupied fell squarely on the shoulders of Naru, Mikoto-senpai, Shu-chan, and Arisa-chan. Well, Kamijou too, but he was still distractedly eyeing the toxic cloud with a look of fearful weariness, leaving him unable to be of any help.
Naru moved first, her crimson Panzer Demon Frame glowing faintly as she slammed her armored fists into the ground with a Double Sudden Impact. The piledrivers built into her arms amplified the force of her strike, sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the chamber toward High Priest. The ground trembled under the sheer force of the impact, fissures radiating outward as the wave barreled toward its target.
Almost simultaneously, Mikoto-senpai, her chestnut hair illuminated by the glow of the storm conjured by Worochi-no-Aramasa, swung the magical blade with practiced efficiency. A massive crescent of crackling electricity surged forth with a high-powered Kusakarisen, its brilliant arcs of lightning lighting up the battlefield as it raced toward High Priest with unrelenting force.
Not to be outdone, Shu-chan and Arisa-chan moved in unison, their shared body executing seamless motions. Shu-chan's right hand hurled a brace of rare earth cartridges, each one imbued with explosive energy with her Earth Palette, primed to unleash devastating blasts upon impact. Arisa-chan, taking control without missing a beat, formed a playful yet deliberate finger gun with her left hand, firing a radiant volley of Telesma bolts. The glowing bullets of magical energy streaked through the air, their rainbow hues weaving a dazzling trail of light as they joined the others' attacks.
A swirling maelstrom of dirt surged around High Priest, twisting and rippling like a living barrier that absorbed the relentless attacks aimed his way. His piercing green eyes narrowed as he fixed a sharp glare on Rui-chan. "So, you're the one coordinating all of them, aren't you? Well then, I suppose it's time to put a stop to that."
Suddenly, the ground beneath High Priest surged upward, joining the mass of dirt already writhing around him as though animated by an unseen force. With a fluid, almost unnatural motion, the earth opened beneath his feet, enveloping him entirely as he sank into the depths. The stone sealed itself seamlessly behind him, leaving no trace of his descent. A heavy rumble reverberated through the chamber, the grinding of shifting rock and earth echoing ominously, a forewarning of the danger that now lurked unseen below.
The group froze, their collective focus sharpening as they scanned the floor for any hint of his re-emergence. Tension hung thick in the air, the only sound the faint vibration of stone shifting beneath their feet.
"Where did he-" Naru began, her voice tinged with alarm as her cerulean eyes darted across the room, searching for any sign of movement. Her pigtails shifted faintly within the confines of her Demon Frame, the anxiety etched across her face evident in her sharp cerulean eyes.
Without warning, the ground beneath Rui-chan erupted with a deafening roar, chunks of dirt and stone flying outward as High Priest shot forth like a bullet, his golden blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. His initial thrust was swift and unrelenting, aimed directly at Rui-chan's heart with deadly intent. Her blue eyes widened in alarm as the attack closed in, coming within a hair's breadth of her. With a sharp intake of breath, she twisted her body, her rainbow-colored wings flaring with a brilliant burst of energy that propelled her backward in a desperate bid to evade. High Priest, undeterred, followed up with a swift swing of his blade, the golden edge slicing through the air where she had been moments before. The sheer force of the swing created a powerful gust that sent her hair whipping around her face and rippled through the chamber, scattering dust and debris in its wake.
A swift beat of her wings propelled the AIM Angel just out of reach of High Priest's blade, allowing her to retreat a few feet with quickened yet measured breaths. Hovering mid-air, her wings maintained a steady rhythm as she regained her composure. Her sharp blue eyes remained locked on the Magic God, her resolve unwavering despite the close call. Around her, fragments of debris lingered briefly in the air before crashing to the ground, a stark testament to the destructive force she had narrowly escaped.
She paid no attention to the commotion around her, and Naru couldn't blame her, not with far more pressing matters to address. Her frantic movements, combined with the plunging neckline of her dress, had resulted in an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction that demanded immediate attention. Her left breast had slipped free of her bodice, leaving her inadvertently exposed, nipple and all, to everyone in the room. Because, it appeared that Rui-chan, for reasons only she might know, had chosen not to wear pasties, making the situation all the more awkward.
"S-S-Saten-san! Y-Your- I-I mean- put it back!" Kamijou stammered, his face flushing a deep crimson as his words tumbled out in a panicked rush. His hands flailed in an awkward attempt to shield his vision while also conveying his utter mortification. His voice cracked and grew increasingly high-pitched as he squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head sharply to the side, his entire demeanor radiating embarrassment. "I'm not looking, I swear! I didn't see anything!"
Thankfully, he was the only one visibly affected, as the rest of the group remained focused on the ongoing battle, their attention fixed on the movements of High Priest. Rui-chan, entirely unbothered by the wardrobe mishap, maintained her composure with remarkable ease. With a fluid, almost practiced motion, she calmly adjusted her bodice, slipping her exposed breast back into place. Her blue eyes remained sharp and focused, the effortless correction of the slip highlighting her unshakable poise amidst the chaos.
"Focus, Kamijou-san." She said evenly, her voice cutting through the chaos with calm authority, as though she hadn't just inadvertently flashed her left boob for everyone to see. Her unwavering gaze remained fixed on the advancing enemy, her composure unshaken despite the situation.
High Priest seized the opportunity, propelling himself forward atop a surging wave of churning dirt, his guant yet unsettlingly powerful form poised to deliver a decisive strike. The golden sword in his gnarled hand gleamed ominously, its blade glowing faintly with an unsettling energy that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his movements. Each ripple of the dirt wave beneath him echoed with the grinding of stone, his advance relentless and swift as he aimed directly for the Number 3.
Before the Magic God could close the distance with Rui-chan, Accelerator lunged forward with startling speed, his white hair whipping wildly around his pale face. The golden Telesma surrounding him surged with radiant intensity, coalescing into a divine blade that shimmered with an almost ethereal brilliance. With a sharp, fluid motion, he swung the energy-forged weapon toward High Priest. The two swords clashed with a deafening metallic cry, the golden light of Accelerator's blade meeting the eerie glow of High Priest's weapon. Sparks erupted from the point of contact, illuminating the chamber with dazzling flashes that painted its walls in stark, shifting shadows.
High Priest retaliated with calculated ferocity, slashing and thrusting with an uncanny precision that belied his frail appearance. Accelerator parried with equal expertise, his radiant blade deflecting each strike with a ringing hum. The Magic God's sword carved through the air in sharp arcs, but each attack was met with a swift counter, Accelerator's strikes forcing him to shift his footing atop his unstable dirt wave. With a sudden, forceful blow, Accelerator's blade connected with High Priest's, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber. The sheer force of the collision drove the Magic God back, his glowing sword trembling under the divine pressure. Forced to retreat momentarily, High Priest's dirt wave faltered, granting the group a fleeting reprieve as the radiant brilliance of Accelerator's weapon bathed the room in golden light.
"Thanks, Accel." Rui-chan shouted to her boyfriend as she finished adjusting her bodice, ensuring it was secured tightly enough to avoid a repeat of her earlier mishap. Her shimmering wings spread wide, each feather firing off lasers that arced through the air at unnatural angles, expertly streaking toward their target with precision. The beams herding High Priest toward where they wanted him.
"Don't mention it! Just try not to flash everyone again!" Accelerator snapped back, his red eyes narrowing as he surged forward, golden Telesma swirling around him. He closed the distance to High Priest with startling speed, relentless in his determination to push the Magic God into the carefully chosen location.
"I'll try my best," Rui-chan whispered over the audiokinetic channel, her voice momentarily soft before regaining its firm edge as she shifted back into command mode. "Naru-chan, hit the ground with a Double Sudden Impact to disrupt the dirt tsunami heading our way."
Without hesitation, Naru slammed her armored fists into the ground, the piledrivers embedded in her Panzer Demon Frame's arms activating with a thunderous crack. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the chamber, meeting the advancing wall of dirt High Priest had conjured. The ground quaked violently, the dirt tsunami collapsing under the force, though not without retaliation. From within the collapsing wave, High Priest unleashed a barrage of diamond lances, their razor-sharp edges gleaming ominously.
Rui-chan's shimmering wings flared as her prismatic halo glowed brightly. Redirecting her beams, she intercepted the diamond lances mid-air, her aim precise. Each laser curved unnaturally, streaking across the chamber to destroy the incoming projectiles.
Kurama's amused voice echoed in Naru's mind. Correction, your bestie isn't just good. She is terrifying. If I didn't know better, I'd swear she had a Sharingan.
Naru smirked.
She doesn't need one. She replied, her cerulean eyes sharp with confidence. She has emulated Precognition and Clairvoyance, coupled with experience commanding armies. This is nothing.
"Mikoto-senpai, use Kusakarisen to take out the dirt tendrils he'll send next." Rui-chan's voice cut through the channel again, directing the next move.
Mikoto-senpai, her chestnut hair whipping around her face, didn't miss a beat. Drawing Worochi-no-Aramasa from her side, the blade's storm of electricity surged outward. She swung it in wide arcs, sending crescents of crackling energy slicing through the tendrils snaking out of the ground. Each strike severed the writhing dirt constructs before they could reach the group, reducing them to harmless dust.
"Kamijou, deal with the giant hand!" Rui-chan commanded.
As if on cue, a colossal dirt hand, towering like a small building, erupted from the ground, its shadow casting an ominous veil over Naru. The jagged fingers of the construct clawed toward her with destructive intent, but Kamijou was already moving. His spiky black hair, damp with sweat, clung to his forehead as he lunged forward with unwavering determination.
"I've got this!" He shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. His right hand thrust forward with force, slamming into the massive construct. The instant his Imagine Breaker made contact, a sound like shattering glass echoed through the chamber, sharp and crystalline. The hand, once an imposing manifestation of High Priest's magic, disintegrated into a harmless cascade of dust, the spell holding it together completely undone. The remnants scattered in the air, leaving nothing but silence and a faint haze of dirt in their wake.
"Arisa-san," Rui-chan continued seamlessly. "Fire a volley of Telesma bolts to his right. Accel, cut him off when he goes left. Shutaura-san, toss your rare earth cartridges under him to force him to jump."
Arisa-chan and Shu-chan sprang into action. Brilliant bolts of Telesma streaked toward High Priest's right side, prompting him to veer left atop his churning dirt wave. Accelerator, surrounded by his golden aura, intercepted, forcing the Magic God to hesitate. As the ground beneath him began to swirl, signaling another attempt to dive underground, Shutaura hurled her charged cartridges into the vortex. The explosions disrupted the terrain, leaving High Priest no choice but to leap into the air.
"Now, Mikoto-senpai!" Rui-chan shouted. "Hit him with your strongest railgun! You know where to send him!"
Mikoto-senpai reached into her skirt pocket and retrieved a fresh Dark Matter coin, her chestnut hair, secured by her signature floral clip, glinting faintly in the storm's charged light. With her fierce gaze locked on the target, she harnessed the tempest of electricity swirling around her, summoned by her magical blade, and raised her hand with deliberate focus.
With a sharp crack, her railgun fired, unleashing a blinding streak of orange light that tore through the chamber with devastating force. The electromagnetically catapulted coin struck High Priest mid-air, slamming into him with unrelenting power. He attempted to raise his golden sword to block the incoming railgun, but it faltered mid-arc, the sheer speed of the attack overwhelming his defense. His piercing green eyes widened in shock as the Dark Matter projectile struck, sending him hurtling across the chamber. The precise trajectory of the attack was no coincidence, as every detail had been meticulously planned by Rui-chan.
Terrifying. Kurama said, his tone carrying a rare note of genuine admiration. Absolutely terrifying.
Naru's smirk widened as she watched the Magic God's trajectory.
Of course Rui-chan's scary. She told Kurama, her tone brimming with pride. She's part of the Trinity.
Mikoto's chestnut hair whipped around her face as she unleashed her railgun, the electrically charged coin tearing through the air with a deafening crack. The streak of orange light struck High Priest with devastating force, his gnarled, otherworldly frame hurtling across the chamber. The impact sent him crashing into the bullet-shaped Parasatellite 01 space probe at the heart of the mass driver silo. The collision reverberated through the chamber, the sheer force rattling the structure and momentarily silencing the chaotic echoes of the battle.
Without a word, Mikoto sensed Ruiko release a burst of radio waves, the subtle energy radiating outward as her wings of rainbow-colored feathers unfurled to their full span. The prismatic glow of her halo intensified as she activated the mass driver, the chamber trembling as the colossal machinery roared to life. A resonant hum filled the air, building into a crescendo as the dormant energy of the launch system surged into action, the sheer power radiating throughout the silo.
"Do you think-" High Priest began, his gravelly voice cut off as torrents of dirt erupted from beneath him. The ground buckled and shifted as he commanded the wave of earth, riding atop it like a tidal wave in a desperate attempt to escape the launch track where they had cornered him. His crimson aura flickered fiercely as he pushed his power to the limit, the wave of dirt barreling toward freedom.
Ruiko's prismatic halo shimmered brilliantly, her wings stretching wide as she conjured shimmering barriers around High Priest. The radiant shields trapped him within their bounds, and the tsunami of dirt collided against them with a resounding crash. The barriers strained under the weight of the impact, ripples of multicolored energy coursing along their surface, but they held firm. High Priest, undeterred, drove his golden sword into the barriers as he approached their edge, the ancient blade causing small cracks to spiderweb across the glowing surface. Yet, despite his efforts, the barriers held fast, keeping him confined.
The mass driver roared to life with a blinding surge of energy, flooding the chamber with searing light and a storm of massive electrical discharges. High Priest, trapped within Ruiko's shimmering barriers, was enveloped by the crackling arcs of electricity as the colossal machinery unleashed its devastating power. Bolts of energy lashed out in all directions, illuminating every corner of the silo with a harsh, otherworldly brilliance as the air itself seemed to hum with raw power.
"You dare!" High Priest bellowed, his voice a mix of fury and disbelief, reverberating through the chamber. He struck his golden sword against the radiant barriers, each impact ringing out with a metallic clang as he struggled in vain to escape. His enraged cries grew louder, defiant against the relentless storm of energy. "Insignificant mortals! You think this will end me? I will return! I-"
The Parasatellite 01 hurtled upward, its immense force cutting off High Priest's enraged cries as it collided with him, dragging him along the launch track before propelling both into the vast expanse of space. His furious roars echoed momentarily, then faded into silence as the probe ascended, leaving behind a blazing trail of light. The massive plume of plasma generated by the launch slammed against Ruiko's shimmering barriers, which strained under the force but held firm. The chamber trembled violently, the ground quaking as the unleashed power reverberated through every corner of the silo, its walls shuddering under the sheer intensity of the blast. Ripples of unleashed energy surged through the air, creating a deafening cacophony that seemed to shake the very foundation of the structure.
Ruiko's rainbow-hued shields expanded outward, their shimmering colors dazzling against the raging inferno, casting mesmerizing patterns across the chamber as they absorbed the brunt of the devastation. The barriers strained under the overwhelming heat and destructive force, their vibrant glow flickering ominously as the flames and energies unleashed by the launch pressed against them with relentless fury. The sheer power threatened to engulf everything, a relentless tide held back only by Ruiko's unyielding resolve and the shimmering prismatic shields she maintained.
The launch was over in mere seconds, the space probe and High Priest vanishing into the heavens, but the aftermath was far from over. The chamber roared with residual energy, the oppressive heat intensifying rather than dissipating, pressing down on them with suffocating force. A tremor ran through the walls as the unleashed energy sought release, battering against Ruiko's weakening barriers. Her voice rang out, sharp with urgency.
"We need to get out of here! My barriers won't hold for long!" Her wings trembled as the strain mounted, the once dazzling glow of the shields dimming as they began to falter under the onslaught.
Heeding her warning, the group sprang into action. Mikoto glanced over at Naru, who stood encased in her Panzer Demon Frame, the hulking crimson armor towering over the others. With a hiss of energy, the bulky suit began to shift, collapsing inward as Naru switched to her Jager Demon Frame. The transformation revealed a sleeker, leaner armor, the undersuit of roiling red chakra now complemented by hardened energy plates. The new suit's compact jetpack flared to life, its bladed wings unfolding with precision. Without hesitation, Naru grabbed hold of Kamijou and Shutaura-san and Arisa-san's shared body before launching herself into the air, the thrusters propelling them rapidly toward the exit.
Mikoto watched them streak away, her gaze lingering for a moment before she sheathed Worochi-no-Aramasa, the storm of electricity crackling around her sword dissipating. Before she could move, Ruiko's rainbow-colored wings wrapped around her and Accelerator, the feathers glinting with ethereal light as they were pulled close. In an instant, the world blurred, and Mikoto felt the familiar but still disorienting pull of teleportation.
They rematerialized in a corridor just outside the launch chamber, the abrupt transition leaving Mikoto slightly unsteady on her feet. She turned to see Ruiko and Accelerator dismiss their Angel Modes, the radiant wings and glowing halos vanishing into nothingness. The dimly lit corridor brightened momentarily with the crimson glow of Naru's Jager Demon Frame as she jetted toward them, her compact jetpack's sleek wings adjusting for a controlled landing. In her armored arms, she carried Kamijou and Shutaura-san and Arisa-san's shared body with practiced ease.
The hiss of Naru's thrusters subsided as she touched down smoothly beside Mikoto, Ruiko, and Accelerator. At that moment, with a burst of radio signals emanating from Ruiko, the heavy blast doors behind them slammed shut, the reinforced barriers cutting off the deafening roar and the catastrophic energies of the mass driver. Naru gently set her passengers down, her sharp cerulean eyes sweeping over the group as she assessed their condition. With a soft sigh of relief, she dismissed her Demon Frame, the crimson armor dissolving into a faint shimmer of chakra as she allowed herself a moment to breathe.
She wasn't the only one letting out a relieved breath; everyone around her did the same. The oppressive tension that had gripped them moments ago began to fade, gradually replaced by a shared sense of relief. Mikoto allowed herself a brief reprieve, her hands still faintly tingling from the lingering adrenaline of the fight. Around her, the others mirrored her exhaustion, their expressions heavy with the weight of the battle they had narrowly survived.
When they reached the surface and exited the mass driver complex, Naru's sharp cerulean eyes immediately caught sight of the comet streaking across the night sky. It glowed brilliantly, its icy nucleus shimmering in tones of white and pale blue. A long, ethereal tail of luminous dust and ionized gas streamed behind it, casting a faint glow that seemed to stretch endlessly through the heavens. Its path was unmistakable, heading directly toward the heart of Academy City with an ominous inevitability.
Well, shit! Kurama cursed at the sight. Damn! What the hell? Is the Magic God trying to pull a Madara or something?
Ignoring her partner's outburst, Naru spun around sharply, her twin blonde pigtails whipping through the air with the motion.
"Rui-chan, is that what I think it is?" She demanded, her voice sharp with urgency.
Rui-chan, frowned deeply as she nodded. "Yes, that's the Arrowhead Comet. The same one the Parasatellite 01 was originally designed to land on."
Naru's face twisted in frustration, and she jabbed a finger toward the glowing object in the sky. "Comets are mostly dirt! The Magic God controls dirt! Why, by Science, did you shoot him at it?"
Rui-chan winced, guilt flickering across her blue eyes. "I couldn't change the trajectory of the mass driver. Just forcing my way through its protections to fire it off was hard enough!"
"Enough!" Accelerator interrupted sharply, his red eyes glowing faintly with irritation. "We don't have time to play the blame game. We need to figure out how to stop that damned thing."
Mikoto's chestnut hair, secured by her signature floral clip, shimmered faintly in the comet's glow as she adjusted the red ribbon at her neck. "Ruiko, can you contact Kazakiri-san from the Imaginary Number District? Maybe the two of you can work together and use your combined demolecularization ability to destroy it, like you did with Radiosonde Castle."
Shu-chan and Arisa-chan's shared body stepped forward, their sleek Black Crow combat uniform gleaming in the moonlight.
"Or," Shutaura suggested, her black eyes narrowing, "we could use the City's anti-orbital weapons, like during the Silent Party Incident."
"I can't reliably get Hyouka to manifest from the Imaginary Number District. And It's not working right now." Rui-chan said with a shake of her head, her tone grim. "As for the City's defenses, they're already doing all they can."
As if to emphasize her words, the night sky above Academy City erupted in a dazzling display of firepower. Beams of concentrated energy lanced upward, their radiant brilliance momentarily illuminating the urban landscape below. Massive railguns discharged with deafening cracks, sending streaks of glowing projectiles hurtling toward the heavens. Interspersed among the energy beams were streaking missiles, their contrails weaving intricate patterns against the inky expanse as they raced toward the incoming threat. The coordinated barrage painted the sky in a chaotic dance of light and motion, a testament to the City's formidable defenses.
Yet, despite the sheer scale and intensity of the assault, Kurama's voice echoed grimly in Naru's mind. It won't be enough.
Accelerator scoffed, his tone sharp. "The Magic God won't let it be that easy."
Almost on cue, a portion of the comet broke away from the main body, its icy surface fracturing with an almost deliberate grace. The detached mass hurtled forward with blinding speed, reshaping itself into a glowing, translucent shield that radiated an eerie light. The City's powerful beams of energy, heavy railgun projectiles, and streaking missiles collided against the shield in a cacophony of explosions and blinding flashes. Yet, to their horror, the shield absorbed every attack with unnerving ease, dispersing the destructive force as if it were nothing more than a gentle breeze.
Kamijou stood amidst the chaos, his spiky black hair more disheveled than usual, his high-collared uniform rumpled from the earlier battle. He groaned audibly, frustration etched across his face.
"Fukou da~!" He muttered, his voice carrying an edge of exasperation. Slowly, his right hand rose toward the sky, his fingers tightening into a steady, deliberate grip. The air around him grew inexplicably heavy, a palpable tension building as though the world itself was holding its breath. There was something new, something untested, stirring within him, a force that seemed ready to break free.
Before he could act, Shu-chan and Arisa-chan's shared voice rang out in a melodic, commanding chorus. ""Leave it to us!""
Kamijou glanced back, confusion flashing across his face. "Wha-"
Naru ignored him, her cerulean eyes locking on her girlfriends. They clasped their hands together, their fingers interwoven in a tight grip. Their thumbs rested lightly against their lips, their head slightly bowed as though in prayer. The quiet gesture was filled with resolve, an unspoken vow that resonated with everyone present.
""This time, we will protect the City!"" They declared, their voice ringing with unwavering conviction. The sound resonated with an ethereal harmony, its echoes weaving through the open air, blending seamlessly with the surroundings and amplifying its otherworldly melody. It was as though Shu-chan and Arisa-chan's voices had melded into a single, unified melody, forming a heavenly chorus that transcended the mortal plane. The otherworldly quality of their declaration echoed like the tolling of a sacred bell, imbuing their words with the weight of a solemn vow. The sheer force of their conviction reverberated through the air, stirring something profound in the hearts of those around them, cutting through the tension and igniting a flicker of hope amidst the impending doom.
From the heavens, a radiant lance of rainbow-colored energy descended, its brilliance cutting through the darkness like a divine decree. The celestial spear struck the Arrowhead Comet with unerring precision, the sheer impact igniting a blinding explosion of light that illuminated the entire night sky. The comet shuddered violently under the overwhelming force, its icy nucleus and tail fracturing into countless shimmering fragments. A wave of golden radiance erupted outward, engulfing the horizon as the comet disintegrated, its remnants scattering harmlessly into the atmosphere. The ethereal glow lingered, painting the heavens with streaks of gold and prismatic hues, as though the sky itself bore witness to the miraculous event. For a brief moment, the world stood still, awash in the breathtaking spectacle of destruction and salvation intertwined.
Kurama's voice hummed with awe. So this is the power of the Saint of Miracles.
Naru watched the spectacle, her chest swelling with pride.
Yeah. She murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. My girlfriends are amazing.
The private lounge of the Spa Resort Serene Springs was a picture of tranquil luxury. Its tatami-matted floors radiated warmth, while the low wooden tables bore intricate carvings, each detail hinting at an artisan's touch. Plush floor cushions were scattered around the tables, inviting comfort, and soft paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, their golden light casting a soothing glow over the room. Tall bamboo partitions provided privacy, and the faint aroma of sandalwood drifted through the air, mingling with the quiet bubbling of a small indoor fountain that added a serene rhythm to the atmosphere.
Dressed in matching yukatas provided by the resort, their hair still damp from the onsen, the group was sprawled out in relaxed positions, savoring the calm after the storm. Naru sat snugly on the lap of Shutaura-san and Arisa-san's shared body, her petite frame fitting perfectly as her girlfriends gently dried the Chibi's blonde hair with a soft towel. Each motion carried a quiet tenderness, a warmth mirrored in Naru's contented smile as she leaned against them, basking in the closeness.
On the nearby sofa, Ruiko reclined against Accelerator's side, her long black hair still glistening. Frenda-san mirrored her position on Accelerator's other side, both girls casually patting down their hair with towels as Accelerator rested with a rare air of ease, his red eyes half-lidded. Kazari-san sat alone on a divan next to their sofa, her golden-brown eyes observing the room with quiet curiosity, while Mikoto entered with Kuroko trailing behind her.
Mikoto's chestnut hair, damp but neatly combed, framed her face as she announced, "I needed this. A trip to the onsen was exactly what I needed after the madness with High Priest."
She settled into a sofa across from her friends, the relaxed lines of her simple yukata flowing softly around her as she adjusted her seating. The pale fabric, adorned with delicate floral patterns, draped gracefully over her frame, its loosened obi lending an informal, carefree charm. Her shoulders sank as she leaned back, exhaling deeply, the air of relief evident in the unguarded ease of her posture. The gentle rustle of the yukata as she shifted added to the tranquil atmosphere of the room, a soothing counterpoint to the chaos they had endured during High Priest's Invasion, as the Magic God's destructive rampage was now being referred to.
Kuroko wasted no time, her tawny hair bouncing as she attempted to perch herself on Mikoto's lap with her usual overzealous enthusiasm. Mikoto barely reacted, her chestnut eyes narrowing in irritation as a spark of electricity arced from her fingertips. The weak zap made Kuroko flinch, eliciting a startled yelp that quickly gave way to nervous, apologetic laughter.
"Forgive me, Onee-sama!" Kuroko exclaimed, her tone brimming with playful contrition as she hastily settled beside her, fussing over her yukata with an almost theatrical display of care.
The playful scene drew laughter from their companions, breaking the lingering tension from earlier events. Ruiko shook her head in mock exasperation, a smile tugging at her lips as she tucked a damp strand of her dark hair behind her ear. Beside her, Naru smirked knowingly, her sharp cerulean eyes sparkling with amusement as she leaned back into her girlfriends, clearly enjoying the familiar dynamic between Mikoto and Kuroko.
"Some things never change." Ruiko muttered under her breath, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. Mikoto, however, brushed off the teasing smiles with a huff, turning her attention to Ruiko as if to move past the scene entirely.
"How did you manage to get another VIP reservation here so soon?" Mikoto asked, her curiosity laced with skepticism. "Isn't it ridiculously hard to get one? Even for the wealthy and the well connected?"
Kazari-san nodded in agreement. "It usually takes months just to book a spot, doesn't it?"
"Right?" Naru added, her cerulean eyes narrowing playfully. "And even longer to actually get to use it."
Ruiko smiled enigmatically, offering no direct answer, though the faintest glint of mischief shone in her blue eyes.
Frenda-san giggled, her blonde hair brushing against her yukata. "Didn't someone buy a controlling stake in the resort?"
"Ruiko-sama bought Spa Resort Serene Springs just for easier access?" Arisa-san gasped, her voice chiming melodiously from the body she shared with Shutaura-san. Her black eyes widened in surprise, her astonishment evident.
"I just wanted ready access to the City's only onsen." Ruiko replied with a casual shrug, as though such an extravagant purchase was the most reasonable thing in the world.
Drying her hair with deliberate motions, Kuroko shook her head in exasperation, her tawny hair falling over her shoulders. "Only you, Ruiko-san."
The sentiment was silently echoed by everyone present. Mikoto crossed her arms, a small, incredulous frown tugging at her lips. Naru leaned back slightly, her cerulean eyes narrowing in a blend of surprise and amusement. Kazari-san's blue eyes sparkled with a blend of admiration and disbelief, reflecting her awe at Ruiko's casual extravagance. Meanwhile, Accelerator, lounging back against the sofa he shared with his partners, smirked in clear amusement, his red eyes gleaming. Beside him, Frenda-san sat perched with a relaxed posture, a soft snicker escaping her as her sharp blue eyes glinted with playful humor.
Ruiko, unfazed by the reactions, smoothly deflected the focus away from her indulgent purchase. Turning her attention to Shutaura-san and Arisa-san, she offered them a warm smile.
"That spell you pulled off with the Arrowhead Comet was amazing." She said sincerely, her tone tinged with genuine admiration.
Arisa-san, ever humble, corrected her. "It wasn't a spell. It was just a plea to the Christian God for a miracle."
"Did it kill High Priest, too?" Mikoto asked, her tone curious but cautious.
Arisa-san shrugged lightly. "Maybe? The Christian God is a real god, right? That would put him above a Magic God."
Everyone turned their attention to Ruiko, their expressions expectant as they waited for her input. Crossing her arms, she met their gazes and replied honestly, "I can't say for certain. What I do know is that the General Superintendent has confirmed that High Priest is dead. He also assured me that the other Magic Gods of True Gremlin, like Nephthys and Niang-Niang, don't pose a threat."
"And we're supposed to just trust him?" Mikoto asked with a snort.
Kazari-san looked hesitant but said, "Maybe, at least about this? Crowley-sama wouldn't want the City destroyed, would he?"
Kuroko, unconvinced, muttered, "Considering everything I've heard about him, I have my doubts."
"We don't have much choice but to believe him. It's not like we can do anything about it," Shutaura-san said pragmatically, her tone resigned.
"Well, if it helps, I've confirmed some rumors that Crowley let Kihara Noukan and the Anti-Art Attachment loose on them, so I'd say there's some truth to his claim that he dealt with the Magic Gods." Naru added with a casual shrug.
"The talking dog and Crowley's top anti-magic weapon, huh?" Mikoto mused, recalling the admittedly sparse intel Ruiko and her analysts had pieced together from their heavily redacted profiles in the Bank and limited other sources. "If they were involved, I guess there's some basis to what the General Superintendent says…"
"You've confirmed those rumors, Namikaze-sama?" Frenda asked, blinking in confusion as she dabbed at her damp blonde hair with a towel.
"You missed a spot." Accelerator remarked, grabbing Frenda's towel. He began tenderly drying the still-wet strands of his Scandinavian girlfriend's hair, his usually sharp crimson eyes softening slightly as he focused on his task. The gentle motion of his hands contrasted with his otherwise aloof demeanor, the care he showed unspoken but unmistakable.
"Thanks, Accelerator." Frenda said, offering her boyfriend a grateful, affectionate smile that lit up her face. "Anyway, as I was saying, I thought Ruiko was still verifying those rumors."
"Naru-chan has some connections I don't." Ruiko said with a casual shrug, finishing with her hair before draping her towel neatly over her shoulders.
"What Rui-chan said." Naru confirmed with a smirk.
"I'm still not convinced everything is truly over." Kuroko remarked, her skepticism evident as she finished drying her hair and mimicked Ruiko, draping her towel over her shoulders.
"I agree, Shirai-san." Arisa-san chimed in with a nod. She gently finished drying Naru's hair before leaning down to place a loving kiss on her girlfriend's forehead. "But at least we can take comfort in knowing the immediate threat has passed."
Accelerator's red eyes gleamed faintly. "Leave it. If the guy shows up again, we'll deal with him then. For now, we should just relax. We're as prepared as we can be for whatever comes next."
"Fair enough." Mikoto reluctantly agreed with a sigh.
Ruiko suddenly stood, her yukata shifting gracefully as she announced, "It's time for our massages. Let's head to our rooms."
As they rose to follow, Naru cheerfully declared, "Having a filthy rich friend really is the best."
Mikoto grumbled her agreement, adjusting her obi as she muttered, "Can't argue with that."
"Tch, if she's got it, might as well flaunt it." Accelerator remarked with a soft snort, adjusting his grip on his crutch as he straightened up.
Frenda-san, her sharp blue eyes sparkling with mischief, chimed in. "I'd say it's a good thing she's spending it on us and not hoarding it like a dragon."
"It's a practical use of resources." Shutaura-san said in her usual measured tone, giving a slight nod.
Arisa-san, her voice lighter and teasing, added from their shared body, "Practical or not, we're definitely enjoying the perks."
"It's very generous of Ruiko-san to share like this." Kazari-san, ever polite, giggled softly.
Kuroko smirked, her tawny hair bouncing as she remarked, "I suppose even an overindulgent display has its merits when it's for the right reasons."
Ruiko led the group out of the lounge with a smirk, her long black hair swaying as she turned her head slightly to deliver a parting remark. "If you've got money, spending it on your loved ones is only right."
Done and done! Thanks to Nameless as always!
And the Magical Saint of Miracles gets the win! Damn are Magic Gods BS. For real, the High Priest is just crazy tough. They are called Natural Level 6s for a reason, huh? Guess even miracles are needed just to kick their butts. And doggo once more got the kill. As expected of the gentleman.
Nameless: So… We had Shutaura and Arisa save the day instead of Touma in this arc. Before anyone finds fault with that, take note that this is similar to canon. Except there it was Kihara Noukan with the Anti-Art Attachment before he could unleash some kind of power to save Academy City from the Arrowhead Comet. In the TOTverse, Noukan didn't need to do that but as hinted at in the epilogue scene, he did hunt down and kill High Priest as per canon. We wanted to shake things up and give Shutaura and Arisa a chance to shine. If you'd be so kind, please let us know if our choice was a good one.
Once more, even for ojou-samas, it seems the Trinity has a heck of a ton of capital. Leave it to Ruiko to generate it. At least the rest of the girls get a budget to spend thanks to technically being employees.
Nameless: Another thing to note is that we've got Ruiko throwing the insane amounts of money she stole from other countries when she was the [Army Slayer] around to splurge on herself and her friends. Considering she had Oyafune Monaka get on her case once already for hoarding it and not putting it to use, we thought we might as well have her put it to use. Not all of it would've gone into Eden Corp after all.
You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!