A Bunch of Troublesome Women, Myself Included

 

「We really talked for quite a while, didn’t we? This should be my mission—the very reason Sophia created me—it’s my purpose in life, yet here I am entrusting it to you, even if it’s only his vessel, I am entrusting the task of defeating Hermes to you. Tell me—Kou, is there anything you desire from me?」

「Kou… It’s awkward saying this with him right in front of us, but… Typhon is still Typhon. Don’t ever forget that.」

「No, Asia. I exist here now in a way that aligns with humanity—for Kou’s sake. But your warning is important. Kou, you should heed what she says.」

Kou remained silent. After a brief pause, he spoke.

「There’s one thing. If it’s possible… I have a favor to ask.」

「Go on.」

「Stay as Arima and return to the residential district. Until we return to Planet Asia, I’d like you to stay as Flack’s friend.」

「……」

Arima fell silent, eyes closed in thought.

「That’s… an unexpected request.」

He seemed to be seriously considering it.

「I’m guessing you’ve already influenced the thoughts of those around you, right? It’s only while we’re here. Is it too difficult?」

「…Very well. This body is merely an avatar. It would be troublesome if I revealed my true form and acted like some monster of destruction.」

「That helps. I’ll treat you as Arima, too.」

「Me too! Let’s get along again, Arima!」

「Asia, you’re much more casual with this version of me.」

「Arima’s persona is easier to interact with. I like it.」

「That’s kind of you to say. Being praised by Asia feels strangely ticklish.」

「Right back at you!」

They exchanged a glance and shared a laugh.

There was no denying it—these two were perfectly in sync. Perhaps it was because they were both born of Sophia.

「Sometimes, a little diversion like this isn’t so bad. Better than having nothing at all. Yes—let’s continue acting as three friends.」

Kou smiled faintly. Even if it was an act, being treated as a friend by Typhon was no small matter.

「Now then, Kou—I’d like to introduce a certain woman to you. Don’t worry, Asia. She’s not your rival.」

Arima reassured Asia, who had visibly tensed at the mention of a woman.

「I mean… that would be nice, but…」

「Come forth—Echidna.」

From the remains of Yōnātl Tepatztl, a serpentine body detached itself, sprouting a human torso. A woman’s form emerged—so divine in appearance it felt almost sacred.

「Echidna!」

「Well, we are in Arimoi… then of course Echidna would be here too.」

Kou was astonished, while Asia nodded in resigned understanding.

「My, my… Asia-dono, and Outis-dono, I presume? A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Echidna—one of the Teras, a fragment of the former Libya.」

The woman spoke in a stately, archaic manner.

「Arima…?」

「It’s not a trap. Just an introduction.」

Arima grinned, like a child who’d just pulled off a mischievous prank.

「This is the land entrusted to me by Typhon-sama—I have no intention of clashing with you here. Our true enemy is the Stones. I can at least speak with you humans. …Even if we must eventually fight.」

「Is it really necessary for us to fight?」

「It is, Outis. I possess strong Murder traits. I am a Teras—corrupted in nature.」

Echidna gave a bewitching smile.

「I capture humans. I don’t eat them—yet I will continue to capture them. If you want to reclaim Libya, you’ll have to defeat me.」

「…That makes sense.」

「The super AI Libya has been divided into many monsters. I am one of them. I do not intend to annihilate humanity—but coexistence is impossible. If you like, you may hand over that Therianthrope that harbors Libya’s will.」

「You want Libya? Why?」

「Because once I get her I shall become the true Libya. More precisely, my ego—my self—will take precedence. I’ll be influenced by the old Libya, certainly, however, my ego shall be the main personality. If I am defeated, the reverse will happen.」

「Wait, Echidna—why are you telling us this?」

「Who knows? Frankly, it doesn’t matter either way. Just like Vritra, whom you already defeated—I am an obstacle for humanity. That is my role. The other fragments are likely the same.」

Echidna’s tone was one of boredom. Perhaps, Kou thought, she was merely a manifestation of Libya’s own inner conflict.

「Could you tell us who the other fragments of Libya who have become Teras are? Just for reference.」

「Gladly, Asia-dono. Tiamat. Angrboda. Houtu. Mania. Mat Zemlya. Astarte.」

「Ugh… Libya really went out of her way to create the most troublesome ones…」

「Of course. Including myself, we’re all difficult women.」

「You’re savage, even toward your original self…」

Asia muttered with a groan. Of the names listed, Kou recognized only Tiamat.

「One week from now, I shall attack Realm. Prepare your forces by then.」

「You’re giving us time?」

「Indeed. I’m not unfamiliar with Morgan, after all.」

「M-Morgan… I knew it!」

「Fufu. That one is obsessed with Arthur. It’s like she inherited the curse of the name Morgan. Don’t blame her, Asia-dono. She hasn’t betrayed humanity—our interests simply align. Besides, legendary villainesses like us tend to get along.」

「You’re bonding over the weirdest things…」

「I won’t deny it. A weapons factory with no purpose but to watch over a silent Silhouette—it’s only natural she’d want to see that Silhouette move again. Is that a sin?」

「No… In that sense, she’s like Astraea. Maybe that’s why they’ve managed to coexist with each other, even warily.」

「Exactly. I was born of Libya’s wrath and sorrow. But as Echidna, I now serve my consort, Typhon-sama. He’s acting to fulfill my wish.」

「Your wish?」

Asia asked, and Echidna replied with an unexpected revelation.

「Then allow me to share something important—I have been collecting frozen humans here. Only the handsome ones, of course. My true body resides in the control tower beyond this place. Try not to damage it too badly. After all, I am still part of Libya.」

「Hey—!」

Kou couldn’t hide his shock. It was practically an admission of her weakness.

「The useless ones I handed off to Realm. All that remains is for you to defeat me.」

「Excuse me?! What are you thinking?!」

Asia couldn’t contain her irritation. She’d revealed where she held humans, even her own weakness—it was as if she wanted them to defeat her.

「Asia-dono… surely you understand, don’t you? My true desire… is to become the Libya who is rescued first.」

「Wha—?!」

Asia averted her gaze awkwardly.

「I know exactly how your later cores felt after being freed later than the first one. You envied the core who was saved first, didn’t you? The first Asia even liberated the technology to produce metallic hydrogen that would be crucial from that time on.」

「O-okay! I get it! I really get it, so stop already!」

Asia blushed furiously, trying to cut her off. Kou had no idea what any of that meant.

Arima chuckled quietly.

「But I won’t go down so easily. Defeat my subordinates first, Outis. Do that, and your goal may yet be fulfilled.」

「I don’t fully understand… but I will give it everything I’ve got.」

「Then, Typhon-sama—I shall take my leave.」

「Well done, Echidna.」

Echidna’s avatar vanished.

「Seriously! Every last one of these Mythological Weapons is a handful! What were you thinking when you made them, Arima?! You’re really starting to resemble Prometheus!」

「That’s a compliment, I hope. I imagine Prometheus must be grinding his teeth in frustration by now.」

Arima deflected Asia’s accusation with a laugh and a smile.