"He also told me, being born with this power made me a talented and precious existence... He told me I could become a hero... If you heard these words which changed the meaning of your life, what would you think? -- Wanting to live and die for that man is only natural." This man was pouring his heart out with his monologue. ...Was he that devoted to Cao Cao? Unfortunately, that man is a terrorist. And even now, he has kidnapped Kunou's mother and is planning some kind of conspiracy. "Perhaps he was just using you?" To my words, the man laughed. "Is there anything wrong with that? He, Cao Cao! He taught me how to use my power and gave me the reason to live. That is enough! With this I can live on, my previously worthless life is finally rewarded! There is nothing wrong!!! Sekiryuutei!" I was silent as the man tearfully spoke out his deepest thoughts. "...To us who were treated like rubbish, he is the light...! My power is for defeating devils, angels, and the various gods...! Where else can I find something like that...!? Also... whether Devils, Fallen Angels and Dragons -- they are the enemies of mankind...! This is common sense! And you -- both a Devil and a Dragon! Humans cannot regard you as anything but a threat!" A threat? True, seen from a human's perspective, I may be a fearsome existence. Cao Cao -- that man is a person who has given meaning to life for those possessors who spent their lives in tragedy as a result of their Sacred Gears. To this man before me, perhaps it was a chance of a lifetime. However--
His legs shaking, the man stood up. He slowly stepped towards me, his hostility intact. "Don't look down on us humans...! Devil...!" Yelling, he slowly approached. Yes, I am a devil, this fact will never change. I clenched my fist, took a great step forward and sent it into the man's face...
"Yes I am, a devil!" Crash...
His face hit, the man flew away backwards, his back smashing heavily into one of the pillars in the station. Sprawling on the ground, he lost consciousness. I spoke softly to the fallen man. "Due to the things you do, there are those who are crying sadly. No matter what your reasons are, I must blow you away." Throwing the man a final glance, I focused my gaze on the darkness in the tunnel ahead. Just a little more and we will reach Nijou Castle, let's go. Everyone has probably defeated their assassins, and is advancing now. "Kunou, let's go." "Mmmhmmm!" I carried Kunou on my back, spread my dragon wings and flew towards the end of the rail line. Gliding as I flew along the subway rail line, I kicked away a bunch of attacking monster hunters and finally reached the subway station in front of Nijou Castle. Leading Kunou up the stairs, I reached the outdoors. As I walked towards the eastern gates -- everyone else had already gathered. "Sorry, I'm late--"
I apologised as I approached--
"Cough..." (Vomiting sounds...)
Clad in her valkyrie armour, Rossweisse-san was leaning against an electrical pole, vomiting repeatedly. ...The 100 yen shop valkyrie, the drunken valkyrie, and now the vomiting valkyrie. Amazing, throughout this Kyoto trip, she has been gaining so many new titles in my heart...
"Ah, it's great you guys are fine." Kiba smiled to welcome us. I was still troubled by Rossweisse-san's unusual state, but it really was great that everyone arrived safe and sound. Oh! There was some minor clothing damage but no obvious injuries. It looked like everyone was attacked on the way here. For the sake of emergencies, Kiba and I each carried one portion of Phoenix Tears. Luckily for us, none were needed so far. "Asia are you OK?" "Yes, thanks to Xenovia and Irina protecting me, the assassins were defeated." "Leave it to me!" "Well it's because having a healer gave us better odds." Already in their combat outfits, Irina and Xenovia spoke. My only worry at the time of separation, turned out to be redundant. Well, since Xenovia and Irina were present, there was no point in worrying. Xenovia's Durandal -- was in a carved sheath! It really gave off a different impression when kept in a sheath. The offensive aura did not spread out at all, does this mean the sword no longer needs to be kept in an alternate dimension? "...Rossweisse-san, how is she..."
"Yes, she was fighting the assassins. Perhaps the motion was too intense, and she couldn't bear it..."
Kiba also didn't know how to judge the current scene. Crash...
At the same time as we gathered, the massive gates gave off a great heavy sound as it opened. Watching the opening door, Kiba laughed wryly. "Looks like they are waiting for us, and the performance is about to start." "It is as you say. They are looking down on us." As Kiba spoke in self mockery, I also sighed. Once we confirmed with one another, we set off into the confines of Nijou Castle--
"Before he fell, the assassin I defeated said that Cao Cao was waiting for us at Honmaru Palace." Kiba spoke as we walked. Honmaru Palace eh? Within the boundaries of Nijou castle, we walked past the gardens of Ninomaru Palace, and could already see the moat around Honmaru Palace. We passed through the yaguramongate that connected to Honmaru Palace. The place we reached was -- full of rows of ancient Japanese eaves. The garden was swept nice and clean. These were all illuminated by lights so even in the dark world of the night it was as bright as day. "I see you have defeated the Balance Breaker-using assassins. Though they only count as low or mid class Sacred Gear possessors, they do have Balance Breakers after all. It is surprising that you all were able to defeat them." I caught sight of Cao Cao's figure standing in the garden... There were also many other members all around the buildings. All of them were wearing the same old uniform as before. "Mother!" Kunou cried out. Following her gaze I found -- a beautiful woman in a kimono standing there. I could see fox ears on her head, as well as several fox tails. This must be the kyuubi leader. What a true beauty! "Mother! I am Kunou! Please wake up." But no matter how much Kunou cried out, Yasaka-san remained unresponsive. Beneath the darkness in her eyes was a completely expressionless face. Kunou angrily glared at Cao Cao and his group. "Contemptible, you guys! What have you done with mother!" "Didn't I explain already? We hope to have your mother cooperate during this time for a little experiment, little princess." Saying that, Cao Cao tapped the ground with his spear. In that instant --
"Oooh... ooh... ah...!" Yasaka-san began to cry painfully, and her appearance began changing dramatically! Her body began to shine and its form gradually transformed! Expanding constantly, the nine tails also began to blow up in size. Oh...! The giant golden beast's roars reverberated across the night sky. Before our eyes, a massive fox monster had appeared! So big! At least ten metres tall, she was probably about the same height as Fenrir?