Encore 62 — The Battle of Wonderland (II)

Yuichi charged at me with his lightning blade. I walked back slightly—Yuichi sliced towards me. I jumped over him, dodging his sword.

⟨The Singularity, [Sacred Lightning], is selected.⟩

⟨Your physical condition has improved. The effects of [Sacred Lightning] are now balanced.⟩

⟨[Sacred Lightning] is at its max level.⟩

⟨Do you wish to evolve it?⟩

I just used it, so what's this evolving stuff? Yes, I'll evolve it. Just let me use it!

⟨Evolution request accepted.⟩

⟨Evolution complete. [Sacred Lightning] is now stronger.⟩

"ALPHA!"

[Relax.]

As I landed, Yuichi stabbed towards me. He stopped before hitting me.

Ah, I did it again. It was lucky, I guess. Using Authority on will is harder than I thought. I never meant to use it then.

I gathered lightning to my fist. It sang like thunder and flashed proudly. Thunder roared as I struck Yuichi's gut. The lightning output increased, creating a second, delayed impact. Yuichi coughed blood and almost instantly struck back at me.

I stumbled. Yuichi raised his sword above his head, cutting down towards me. I dropped down on purpose; Yuichi cut across his body, missing me.

I propelled myself upwards and spun myself on my arms. I knocked his sword out of his hands.

In that instant, Yuichi froze up.

His muscles aren't listening to him. That form takes a lot out of him.

I backed away.

"Where's Kanata-san?"

I asked him.

"Why would I ever say something to you?!"

"Meaning that she's in the bungalow..."

I muttered out loud.

Yuichi flinched, reacting to my statement.

I didn't know where she was but now I do. I simply said that out loud as bait.

If that's true, I should get to Myraliana. I know we sent her since she's the strongest among us but even she can't handle Kanata-san.

I'll immobilise Yuichi and head there myself.

·———·

Myraliana arrived at the bungalow and took out the guards who resided outside of it. She entered the inside of the bungalow and was met by an unexpected person.

"Kazuya isn't with you, is he?"

Myraliana furrowed her brow and gritted her teeth in frustration as she summoned Ascalon.

(The worst person I could encounter has come...)

She thought, preparing herself for battle.

Alice stood in the lounge of the bungalow, glaring at Myraliana.

"Sorry, who?"

"Don't play dumb with me."

Her anger increased.

Meanwhile, Myraliana aimed Ascalon at Alice. The blade glowed white.

"Seeing as you came here, I'm guessing you've found out what the Everheart is."

"..."

Myraliana stayed silent, listening to Alice as she began spouting.

"You mustn't steal the Everheart. The world is doomed for destruction at the hands of the gods."

"Not the Imperi?"

"They're all cut from the same cloth. It doesn't matter. When the surface is destroyed, Wonderland will be the only safe haven for those who are lucky enough."

"Yet you're using children as fuel."

"..."

Alice stared at Myraliana.

"To think that you found out that much on your own. And here I thought that you were common mercenaries, wanting to steal it for money, but you're here to destroy it so I sacrifice no more people?"

She began laughing hysterically as she realised Myraliana's true goal.

"Necessary evil as I call it. Those children were sacrificed for the survival of the 10,000 residents in Wonderland."

"I know I'm not the one who should say this but... you're twisted."

She said to her.

"I'm protecting my people... I don't care what you think of me because I'm not doing it for you. Although, if you want, you could also combine with Wonderland."

Myraliana pointed her sword at the ground.

"You fucking piss me off! You're just like her!"

"Hm?"

"You speak of protecting your people but you're also the one sacrificing your people! Did they get a say in being killed?!"

Alice reminded Myraliana of a woman from her past. One that she hated from the dark depths of her heart. The person was fairly righteous but their sense of justice was distorted and twisted. That person killed her entire family.

Alice winced.

"Mercenaries don't ask for permission to kill others."

"Yes, because I'm not trying to protect them. I don't kill my comrades, do I?"

"They're not dead, their lives are being preserved as life for the—"

"Same thing. They're dead, are they not?"

The woman was troubled by Myraliana's insinuation. She slowly lost her temper.

"I DO NOT KILL MY PEOPLE! THEY ARE MERELY BEING PRESERVED FOR THE SURVIVAL OF—"

"Then, when will they be able to move again?"

"Well—!"

"I don't care."

She plunged her sword into the ground; it appeared under Alice and pierced her foot. It rushed up toward her face.

Alice smacked it with her fist, breaking the blade.

"Fuck. Ascalon; Restore."

Myraliana pulled Ascalon out of the ground and the blade reappeared with a grey glow.

"Refine."

It turned red.

She rushed at Alice and sliced at her with finesse. There was no pattern to Myraliana's attacks, which threw Alice off slightly.

"I see you don't follow any sword style!"

She leapt over Myraliana.

"That's probably the dumbest thing I could do. Ascalon; Extend."

Ascalon's blade turned green before stretching out towards the crimson-haired woman. Alice barely dodged it. It scraped her cheek.

"That sword has a lot of gimmicks."

"A lot more than what needs to be used on you."

(Her Singularity is problematic too... She's been parrying close strikes with something that isn't mana...)

Myraliana stayed on guard as Alice raised her hands. A transculent jelly coated her arms.

"What is..."

"My Singularity—Jelly Coat. It nullifies a lot of things and has never been cut. Unfortunately, it can only coat my arms, so I can't block your strikes anywhere else."

"Why would you tell me your weakness?"

She smiled.

"Because I want to show you how powerless you are. I want to kill you then, I'll go to kill Kazuya. It's a handicap, in other words. Do you still think you can kill me?"

(I've been told not to kill so...)

Myraliana thought.

"I'll cut those arms you deem to be so precious."

The girl raised her sword above her head. Her blade did not glow in any colour. She breathed and held her breath before releasing it all in a single shout.

"ASCALON!"