by Kamiya Yuu
It was like the ‘Mute Scream’, extending the gap between zero and one second to infinity.
The only difference was–
(I’m so slow–! Hurry up and move…!)
Her body was unable to catch up with that one second stretched to its limits.
It felt as though she was drowning in a sea of tar, her movements so slow and sluggish, frustrating.
–But to Naoto and the other bystanders, it was to a point of magic.
All the spare parts and tools were flying, returning to where they belonged through the pull of gravity–that certainly appeared to be the case.
If such a scene itself was not a ‘miracle’, what else would be?
“…I can’t believe it…hey, Naoto–is that woman really human…?”
Vermouth could not help but mutter and ask, but Naoto answered,
“Yep, that’s a genius. You see it, AnchoR?”
“…More amazing, than, amazing…”
“AnchoR, you shouldn’t be mistaken. That is simply–the limits of an ordinary person.”
AnchoR turned her head around as she dealt with the incoming bombardment assaults of the enemy, and RyuZU–
“….For now.”
Showed a conflicted expression in her tone as she answered–
However, Marie left these external matters far behind her head.
Her consciousness was locked in, so deep in, so sharp, so magnified and intricate.
She recalled Vermouth’s words,
Aren’t you underestimating the brain of a veteran soldier? One so grizzled even the weapons are part of his flesh and blood?”
Yeah Marie thought.
I did underestimate them. Right now, I’m able to understand because I’ve mastered all the machinery I touched. The movement formed by the gears, cylinders, wires, screws, springs, and the parts–I understand them all.
If I have the heart, I can state the types and number of parts involving each section, even their state of deprecation.
No, not just this, this machinery, the massive movement involved–
—And even this city–!!!
(–Uu.)
Her spreading consciousness realized danger.
There was an automatic cannon firing at them from approximately 3km away.
Naoto and the others were busy with the nearby enemies, and did not seem to have realized–
Marie was about to warn, but she was short of breath.
She was unable to breathe, suffocating in the sea of tar. Her body, once in a superhuman activity state, recalled its status as a human, and her clear consciousness was increasingly dulled.
(Not–yet!)
Her work was yet to be done. She needed another second to adjust the control system–it failed. The system needed another two seconds to recover.
There was another 8 seconds left. Marie concentrated her drifting consciousness and continued to work–done!
–Machine reboot, starting.
1, 2, 3–success. Another 3 seconds left.
(–Move. Move move move move move move move–get moving–Halter!)
There was no mistake in her work. That should be the case.
But the machine, with momentum entered, did not respond.
–All she had to do was to wait for Halter to wake up.
The automatic cannon fired. Marie could even sense the bullet accelerating in the barrel.
Why did Naoto not realize it–Marie had such a doubt, but she immediately answered her doubt.
That person–‘could not hear anything faster than supersonic’–at this moment, she realized this.
There was still–1.2 seconds left.
This cannon was aimed so accurately, even Marie was about to laugh at this. This cannon was fired in a straight line at this, and in 1.2 seconds, the cannon would rip and batter Marie’s body, blowing up the opened armor from within, blowing Halter’s brain apart.
Marie clearly saw this future visual–but at that moment–
Her feet shook.
Marie’s extended consciousness was captured back into its original time, and she lost balance.
While the impact swept her to the side and sent her flying, she finally understood, barely.
The machine was slightly shifted to the side–that alone caused the certain fatal cannon to miss like a dream.
And then, the ‘Black Tortoise’ with Halter’s head connected to it spun around massively, as though the earth was twisted around, and with its right arm, skilfully grabbed Marie right when the latter fell off.
And also, it fired the main cannons on the shoulders, the thermobaric cannon vaporized the automatic cannon that was more than 3km away, with such startling precision and speed even for Naoto’s standards–or RyuZU and AnchoR’s standards.
The ‘Black Tortoise’ even ignited flames, without even a single pause, spinning the inner wheels on both legs, racing off–no, it was drifting around in a large curve, firing the 30cm machine gun.
The torrent of bullets were as accurate as a sniper rifle, eliminating the enemies even RyuZU and AnchoR could not fend off.
“–M-mama!”
AnchoR hurriedly ran over to catch Marie while the latter was thrown off by the recoil of the intensive machine’s movements.
But at the same time–the ‘Black Tortoise’ continued to run berserk.
The sub cannons in both hands were spraying shots–no, firing shots wildly as it spun around, using its thick armor and massive legs, sending the surrounding light-armor automata flying.
Marie blankly widened her eyes in shock as she saw the rampage of this demon, muttering,
“…hatler…?”
Coming out from the ‘Black Tortoise’ connected with Halter’s brain was just an artificial killing intent.
He was crushing everything he could see, trampling them, and there was nary an emotion to be felt from within.
“Did I…fail somewhere–”
While Marie asked with a shocked voice, Naoto merely noted blankly,
“Fail? Eh? When did you fail, Marie? That’s uncle alright.”
‘–Eh?”
“I shall explain matters in a way Master Marie, so pitifully lacking in understanding, can do so–or that even a monkey will be able to understand. If you assumed that we are under attack, Master Marie, you should be headed to an optometrist.”
Marie turned around, and found that RyuZU stopped attacking, smiling there as she stood still.
–After a reminder, she realized that they were not attacked by the ‘Black Tortoise’ in any way.
Bu in that case, it was horrifying, what was with the emotionless precision…?
And to prove that, the ‘Black Tortoise’ fired another two shots from the main cannon.
The heavyarms automata several kilometers away were hit directly, vaporizing–and then…
“–Shit…which bastards were attacking me while I’m sleeping?”
Once there was no enemy to be wary of,
The ‘Black Tortoise’–no, Halter finally let out a muzzled voice from the external speakers, howling unhappily.
Upon hearing this, Marie inadvertently blinked with teary eyes, seeming hiding her tears as she exclaimed,
“Halter! Halter, do you hear me!?”
“Ah? …oh Milady. What’s with this situation…wait, what’s with this disgusting vision–compound eyes? Wait, did you connect me to an automata? Look what you’ve done.”
Once Halter understood the situation, the voice changed from anger to disdain, and Marie refuted while teary and smiling,
“Seriously–look what you made me do! What were you doing before this!”
“Oh, sorry…I had a little nap.”
Upon hearing Halter’s words, Marie repeated blankly,
“–Napping…you didn’t respond when I connected to the voice installation because of–”
“Oh, did that happen? No well, my sensors were cut off, so I felt like sleeping for some reason…sorry about that. I real
ly am. It seems I haven’t had such a nice nap for a long time.”
“–”
Marie gave off a dangerous presence, shivering.
So that’s it? This guy doesn’t care about my worry, and just slept, is that it?
–I’m so gonna kill him.
“Missy, I told you, didn’t it? That big brother would wake up–with the worst, highest mood possible.”
While Marie made this dangerous declaration, Vermouth interrupted with a laugh.
“Those soldiers attacked while sleeping on the battlefield will abandon all ‘reason’ at the next moment, and fight back. The body and mind are so tense to the limit–it’s the perfect time to kill. So one of the few things people will abide by on the battlefield–is to forbid night attacks.”
Marie looked bewildered, but unsurprised as she sighed.
And on the other hand, Halter, in the head of the ‘Black Tortoise’ that displayed peerless skill, looked skeptical upon seeing an unfamiliar face, saying,
“–Are you that kid with the head left? What, have you woken up to that kind of interest?”
“Impossible. This is the amazing body your Missy gave me. Don’t judge this by its appearance. There’s a big cock down there. If I like it, I might even fuck that little slut I’m in love with in the ass.”
“–Oh?”
RyuZU spoke with a chilly voice,
“This person, who intends to reach his demonic claws of epic pervertedness at Master Naoto is a homosexual–or I shall correct myself, a homosexual doll?”
The scythes of the death god closed in, but Vermouth continued on with much boldness.
“Calm down, Missy doll. It’s just an expression. I’m just the number one fan hoping to see your master topple this world around.”
“…Is that so? I shall interpret that as an accurate analysis of Master Naoto and spare you. However, if you are you look at my Master Naoto with those lewd eyes–”
“I said that I didn’t, did I. I do like women as any ordinary man will…but too bad you missed the chance. That kid was dressed up as a girl–little girl Naoto wasn’t bad either, you know?”
RyuZU immediately froze.
Like a data automata that was not greased, she turned to look at Naoto with a creaky voice.
“—-Master Naoto, have you finally awakened to such unique fetishes when I ceased to function.”
“I’m used to seeing those eyes from everyone else, but that contemptuous eyes of your are really depressing, RyuZU! It’s a disguise, a disguise!”
“Papa…you were dressed…really cute, you know?”
“—-So, other than me, and that amalgam of that upsized Mister, everyone else saw it?”
RyuZU’s question voice was quivering.
Even Marie could tell the feelings in them.
It was a rare, startling fact, but it appeared that RyuZU–was utterly devastated.”
Marie sighed, and told RyuZU,
“If you don’t mind, the one who dolled Naoto up did take photos. More importantly now is–”
“Understood. I’ll snatch them even if I have I have to kill.”
RyuZU gave a cold expression, cutting Marie off.
And in the face of the pressure from RyuZU’s glare, “Ah, she’s for real” while Marie had such a thought, and was preparing to die–
AnchoR tugged at RyuZU’s sleeve, saying,
“Sister…this…”
She took a few photos out from her pocket, and handed them to RYuZU.
With trembling hands, RyuZU received the photos, looked around, and after some careful observation, embraced the photos in her chest, marvelling away. She quickly kept them within, showing the smile of a Saintess.
“AnchoR–as my sister, you accomplished something really wonderful. You do know you did just save someone’s life, do you not?”
“…Is that mine?”
Marie let out a trembling voice.
AnchoR then beamed at her sister, before reporting,
“And…and, I went on, a date, with papa…I’m really, really happy!”
The smile vanished from RyuZU’s face.
“…Is that so? You’re happy?”
“Uh…erm, um…?”
AnchoR nervously nodded. RyuZU gave a sarcastic smile as she curled her lips, saying,
“Is that so? Now that is wonderful, AnchoR. Next time, if you are to exclude me, I shall deal with it as necessary, so be careful. To be precise, I shall be dealing with it through force.”
“Woah, RyuZU!? I won’t allow you sisters to fight–”
“…So-sorry…but AnchoR doesn’t want to fight…AnchoR probably might end up winning accidentally.”
“What are you saying, AnchoR? The one to be punished will be Master Naoto, of course.”
“–Eh, me!?”
Naoto exclaimed in a squeal.
RyuZU coldly stared at her master, saying,
“It is rather unfortunate, Master Naoto–but the negotiation will be limited to a ‘sisters combo’ at most.”
“I-I”m so sorrrryyy!! I fail as a husband for leaving my wife behind on a date!”
Naoto immediately kowtowed.
Halter watched everything from above, and sighed, saying,
“–I say, isn’t it time for you guys to answer my first question? What’s the situation now?”
Oh yeah. Marie shook her head. As Halter finally returned, she nearly forgot their current predicament. She shook her head, and was about to brief him on everything, but Naoto stood up to cut Marie off–simply answering,
“An interesting situation”–
“We’re going to beat up those idiots who wrecked RyuZU, uncle Halter and the entire Akihabara until they cry, boil them alive. Anyone that gets in our way, send them flying, anyone naggy, shut him up. Just like that.”
–It appeared those words were more than enough. Halter then said.
“I see. Now that’s interesting. I’ll chip in.”
“That’s the reason for that machine. How are you do?”
“No problems–thanks Milady. You did good as always.”
Halter skilfully manipulated the hand of the ‘Black Tortoise’, giving a thumbs up.
Marie looked somewhat nonchalant and somewhat delighted as she looked up at Halter, lfiting her chest as she proudly boasted,
“Of course. Who do you think I am?”
““Haha–now then, Naoto. It looks like you’re the commander now. What’s the order?”
Halter chuckled as he asked.
RyuZU and AnchoR stared at Naoto.
Vermouth did the same, and even Marie too pricked her ears, hoping not to miss out on what Naoto would say.
Naoto, RyuZU, AnchoR, Vermouth, and–Halter.
When she first heard his plan, she found it silly, and even when she decided to take action, found it silly. Even when she actually did so, she found it silly. Even at this point, she felt it was silly.
But at this point, for some reason, it felt that no matter what she could hear from Naoto’s mouth–she could do it all.
All the stares were gathered upon Naoto, who gave a defiant smirk.
He looked around the military that surrounded them, muttering,
“…Right, looks like the remaining forces are gathered around us as planned.”
As long as they left Marie behind and continued to suppress, they would be able to let Marie leave the battlefield, so that she would be able to get to work safely.
That was the reason for Naoto and the others’ intention to delay their assault by 30 seconds.
“First–in the remaining 38 seconds, we’ll eliminate all 378 enemies without killing anyone♪.”
Upon hearing those words, Halter chuckled.
“What’s with that–easy peasy.”
Such words caused everyone present to give a little smile–and then…
–22 seconds.
The gang spent that amount of time eliminating the remaining 378 enemy weapons, machines and threats–
Pointing middle fingers at news helicopters as they stormed in.
The massive gates were opened, and Naoto and the others entered the palace.
The path was wide, the height tall enough for Halter, controlling the heavyarms automata, to stroll in leisurely.
They moved forward in a straight line, finally arriving at the massive hall in the atrium.
A group of people were waiting.
They were dozens of armed JSDF soldiers, watching them with numerous barricades on.
Right behind the soldiers were 2 slightly dated armored soldiers.
It appeared they knew of what happened outside the palace, and there was a fearful atmosphere directed at Naoto and the others, but it was obvious that they had an agitation of not wanting to give up their lives so easily.
Right when Marie was pondering about what to do–
Walking up front from behind the JSDF soldiers–was a young woman.
She waved off the hands of the soldiers blocking, and went right at them.
Marie beamed, Looks like she remembers me” she thought.
“Please wait a moment.” Marie told Naoto and the others, before moving forward.
Both of them stood 2m away from each other, stopping in their tracks.
Marie bowed elegantly,
“–Nice to meet you for the first time Princess Hoshinomiya.”
“Yes…nice to meet you, I suppose. For the first time, we’re meeting each other, Miss Terrorist.”
The woman facing her–Houko too lowered her head elegantly.
After a wordless greeting, Marie continued,
“Now then, I shall give my name. My name is Maribel–manipulated by the worst terrorist in history who caused such a crisis to this country.”
She pointed at the back, indicating it’s him. Naoto, who was pointed at, widened his eyes,
“–H-hey you! You just tried to push the blame right? You left an exit for yourself so that you can blame me if things go wrong now, right!?”
And Marie showed a smile, ignoring the boy who continued to yap behind him.