Vol. 11 Ch. 3

Chapter 3

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The scene changes, and time goes back a little.

—Aiee…

Mikoto groaned.

She stroked her leg. It was an act to alleviate the pain a little, even if it was just a placebo.

She had a damp cloth wrapped around her left knee. It was secured with taping.

Shizuku did it, but she still couldn’t ease the pain. In the end, she could only endure it.

—Aaah, moo, this is the worst.

He complained without thinking.

“I can’t believe I couldn’t dodge those rubble. I’m really getting old. Even if I had…” He would have gracefully avoided a similar problem in the underground labyrinth of Syria.

—Don’t say a high school freshman is getting old.

Shizuku bent down while checking Mikoto’s knee.

—… I’m not sure from here, but if I were a doctor, I’d tell you not to move.

—It’s inevitable. Does kämpfer training really increase physical endurance like this?

—Luckily, it stayed at this point.

Shizuku looked towards the mountain of rubble and dirt in front of her.

The piece of concrete that fell seemed to have been aimed directly at Mikoto. Despite moving out of the way, sh At the last moment, his left leg was injured. The piece of concrete was as big as a a sack, something that would have been devastating for a normal person.

Despite not seeing her, Mikoto could hear the atmosphere from the neighboring room.

—Natsuru, you don’t care about him, do you?

-Probably.

—Then it’s okay, I guess.

—Wouldn’t it have been better to tell him he was fine, even if it was a lie?

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“I wanted to avoid burdening Natsuru. There’s no point in making him worry more than necessary.” Shizuku watched Mikoto.

—It must be nice to have a boy worry about you, right?

“That’s best left for when Natsuru and I are in a relationship. For now, we’re just good friends.” friends.

—That strength of yours is somewhat enviable.

—It would make me happy if you said that, Shizuku.

Mikoto tried to stand up, saying, “I’m fine.” Although it hurt, there she was, enduring it.

But he frowned.

—It would be a problem if the collateral ligament were damaged.

—We’re kämpfer, so it’s definitely fine.

Mikoto looked to the side once more.

—Have Natsuru and Akane-chan already left?

—I can’t hear their voices or any noise. It seems they’ve left, hasn’t it?

—Will they be able to come here?

—It seems that for now it is impossible.

Shizuku bandaged Mikoto before observing the room. This room, too, was cold. It seemed that They had once installed experimental equipment and tools, but apparently they had removed them and Now it was empty.

Mikoto asked:

—Is there any way out?

—Yes, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to meet with Natsuru and the others right away.

—That’s what I want.

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Being with the all-powerful student council president was comforting, but it would certainly be better to be with four instead of two. In addition, the white Kämpfer had also joined.

—Without a doubt, if we are scattered, we will fall into the hands of the enemy.

-Come on.

—Can you walk?

-I’m fine.

She smiled. Shizuku offered her shoulder without saying anything.

—Hold on to me.

-I’m fine.

—You won’t be able to fool me.

He could walk for a short time and maybe even run. But he didn’t know what would happen next. So he didn’t I had no other option but to continue.

He leaned on the tall woman.

-… Thank you.

—You can thank me when it’s all over.

Shizuku said. When will it all end? What does the end really mean?

Still leaning on his shoulder, she walked awkwardly. Shizuku headed toward the opposite wall.

—Let’s go out this way.

There was a door with its hinge almost dislodged.

—There are enemies, aren’t there?

—I’m praying there aren’t any.

Without trying to open it with her hands, Shizuku kicked it violently. The powerful force of kämpfer made it The door would crash into the opposite wall and break in two.

—Do I think Natsuru heard that?

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—Perhaps it’s a sign.

Shizuku peeked her head out into the hallway. Mikoto did the same.

There was nobody there. A dimly lit corridor stretched out to the right. The emergency light was on. so it wasn’t completely dark.

—Are there lights here?

—We haven’t turned off the electricity.

Does anyone live here?

—They probably turned on the lights because we invaded. To make it easier for the pursuers… for the white fighters.

It was a convincing explanation. Mikoto thought Shizuku’s logic was as clear as ever.

Mikoto walked down the corridor with Shizuku. Leaning on her inevitably slowed them down.

—I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

—You don’t need to apologize. If you have someone you can trust, do it. That’s what it means to be president. of the student council.

—Wow, that’s so cool! You’re winning me over.

—Stop talking nonsense.

The corridor twisted occasionally, but was mostly straight. It was level, which was convenient. for Mikoto.

Shizuku showed no signs of fatigue. This was thanks to Kämpfer’s resilience and her belief in never giving up. to win in moments like this.

The hem of her clothing was torn, revealing her navel. It had been bandaged for Mikoto. Shizuku I thought there was no need to feel embarrassed since they weren’t in public view in this place underground.

—If the bandage loosens, let me know.

—Don’t worry… Shizuku, do you know first aid too?

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—In survival skills, Mikoto is better.

—Even so, it’s impressive. I was surprised you underestimated me.

—At that moment, I thought it was the right thing to do. You were bleeding.

—You could have cleaned the blood with a cloth.

—I would have done it if we had alcohol.

—It itched. I got scared.

—When I heard that strange voice, I was surprised.

—But that tickled, of course…

Mikoto blushed as she said that. It was a fact that she felt strange.

Shizuku was relatively calm.

—Even if I repeat it, I don’t have those kinds of tastes.

—I don’t have them either. But, anyway, you sometimes hint at that, don’t you?

—If that situation arises, it’s best to say so.

It was an answer I didn’t quite understand. Could it be compared to reading the atmosphere in a Blind date?

—Shizuku, you’re popular with the girls, right?

—Yes, I am.

—Uuoh, you said it.

“There’s no point in being modest here. I always get gifts from the girls at Seitetsu. I wonder why?” —Because you are kind.

It slipped out without him thinking.

—That’s normal, isn’t it? Do you prefer it to be cold?

“It’s not right, but maybe that’s the most appropriate thing for Shizuku.”

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—From now on, I will be even kinder.

—That makes me feel a little happy, I guess.

“Don’t say such weak things, Mikoto, be more cheerful. That’s more like you.” —Do you think Natsuru would say the same?

They were words spoken without thinking, but Shizuku looked at Mikoto’s face.

—Yes, I’m sure I would say that.

They passed under an emergency light. Darkness gradually enveloped them.

They turned a corner. The place had become a slightly wider space. Although dark, it wasn’t There were water leaks. There was a rusty metal table and remnants of abandoned materials.

—Shall we take a break?

Shizuku put Mikoto down on the floor for a moment and dragged the table over. She made Mikoto sit down on i —It’s better to put your feet flat on the ground instead of letting them dangle. It’ll be more comfortable that way, -Yeah…

Mikoto sighed slightly.

—Somehow… if I were a boy, I’d definitely be in love with Shizuku.

—Don’t say embarrassing things.

—She’s smart, beautiful, has a great body and can do everything, and she’s still kind, she’s the best.

—But Natsuru won’t fall in love.

-That’s how it is…

She sighed deeply.

Mikoto, questioning herself as well, felt sorry for Shizuku. At the same time, she also thought that

Her childhood friend was insensitive. Even though she was so loved by such a wonderful woman, how could he Could he be so indifferent towards her?

—Instead of being insensitive, could it be that he simply lacks sensitivity?

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“He doesn’t like me. In a way, that’s pretty clear, isn’t it?” —But Shizuku doesn’t give up, does she?

-Of course.

She received a firm response. She could feel Shizuku’s determination.

—I wouldn’t be myself if I backed down now.

—Is there any other good way?

—Not really. Same old thing. Approach her as usual and try to get Natsuru’s attention.

Repeat it.

—I hope everything goes well.

—I’ll make it work… What’s wrong?

Shizuku frowned slightly in a subtle sign of distrust and looked at Mikoto.

—Even though it’s Natsuru, Mikoto acts with a lack of confidence.

—Well, it’s just that…

Mikoto lowered her voice slightly. It wasn’t just because of the pain.

—I’ve always been thinking, what am I to Natsuru, really?

—You’re her childhood friend, aren’t you?

—But that’s not the same as being his girlfriend, is it?

Mikoto swung her legs. Then, remembering that Shizuku had called her attention to it, she quickly

She placed them on the floor.

—Hey, that’s it, I like Natsuru.

-I know.

—I see… Not only as a man, but also as a friend. For a long time, even when we were

While researching abroad, I thought about Natsuru quite a bit. I imagined things and all. But how can I put it? I t in scenes where Natsuru and I, that “ru” (contraction of the word “man” in Japanese) are married, building a home and venturing together.

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Mikoto slowly recalled everything that had happened up to that moment, expressing her thoughts word by word word.

—I think I’d probably want to be her adventure partner. Ever since we were little, we used to

Building polystyrene boats together and chasing snakes in the mountains. I think it’s an extension of That’s it. We’re very close friends.

—…

—I really like him. That’s why… well, I wonder if I’d also want to have intimate experiences with him Natsuru. But even if we remain friends, I’m sure I’ll be satisfied.

Mikoto smiled and looked at Shizuku. The pain in her feet didn’t bother her as much anymore.

Shizuku was still standing. She was probably prepared to act quickly if something happened.

Something. He didn’t ask Mikoto to do the same. He was worried about her.

She opened her mouth.

—But is this okay?

—Yes. I already told Natsuru. Even if he rejects me, I want us to remain friends forever. He understood.

For her, it was a turning point. Her restless heart calmed. No longer needing to be controlled.

Because of Kaede, she would have dragged everyone down with her.

Her mind is clear. Now all that remains is to wait for Natsuru’s answer. Whatever it is, Mikoto will accept it.

His determination is unwavering.

There was a soft sigh. It wasn’t Mikoto. It was Shizuku.

—…That’s Mikoto’s life, huh? Is it because you’ve been abroad for so long and have a clear self-awareness?

—It’s not that dramatic.

—That’s your strength. I’m so stubborn. I even think I’m childish.

—No, Shizuku is much more mature!

Mikoto laughed. It was a genuine laugh, typical of her.

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Shizuku relaxed a little.

—Even I don’t understand it. There’s also the possibility that I’ll be rejected.

—If they can be friends, that’s fine.

—Friends? Does Natsuru think the same?

—If he considers you a colleague, it’s the same as a friend.

Mikoto waited a moment before speaking.

—Shizuku and I too…

-That’s how it is.

Shizuku spoke in a soft tone.

—I think the words “companion” or “friend” are good words.

-Yeah.

Then he scratched his cheek.

—Actually, I also want to follow Shizuku’s example. You know, I’m not that active with Natsuru.

—Because I don’t know any other way to do it.

That idea of ■■Shizuku’s was still not understandable to Mikoto. Perseverance is also a mental barrier to She overcame it, but she overcame it as if it didn’t even exist. Despite being a person with an attitude Positive, Mikoto couldn’t be like that when it came to romantic relationships.

—Shizuku doesn’t hesitate when it comes to sexual things… Like I said before, I think about it too, but I can’t ac —It’s not easy. Do it if you can think of it.

Shizuku said it so casually. With her tone, it seemed much easier than “going to the store and buying candy.” Mikoto shook her head.

—It’s not that easy. Being active in sexual things… How do you do it?

—Do you really want it?

—When they tell me directly… I get a little nervous.

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—You just have to think about it all the time. For example…

-Hey?

Shizuku leaned close to Mikoto’s ear. Even though no one else was around, she whispered only to her. Mikoto’s face immediately turned red. She seemed to have heard something incredible and was opening and cl repeatedly.

—I-… Is it true…?

-That’s how it is.

—D-…Did you do it all by yourself?

—It’s not something to do in the company of many people, do you think?

—E-… That’s too bold! Uaah…!

—It’s not about being daring, I just don’t do it in front of others.

Shizuku shrugged.

—I-I’ve never done it before… I feel… like I’ve lost…

Mikoto lowered her head. Shizuku’s earlier words still echoed in her mind. There was no other way.

to describe it as a strong stimulus.

Shizuku smiled ironically.

—Even winning like this is strange.

—Do you think Akane-chan would be surprised if I told her?

—Stop, please. It’s embarrassing.

She didn’t seem embarrassed at all. After all, she was the student council president of

Always. Even though they were alone, Mikoto was surprised that they could talk about something like that. She strangely impressed.

—Hyah, wow, what a scare!

Mikoto slapped her face with her hands. If she hadn’t, she would have turned red.

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“I can’t beat Shizuku no matter what. I don’t want to lose, but I realized there are instances…” in which I can’t win anyway.

—Don’t say that too much, I’ll feel really embarrassed.

—Perhaps I should do it too…

—I don’t know if it’s right, but at least it will help alleviate the dissatisfaction.

—Ugh… should I try harder?

Mikoto made a strange decision. She hit her face with determination to motivate herself.

—Great, I feel like I’m regaining my energy!

He turned to Shizuku.

“It’s time to move soon. If we don’t hurry, we won’t be able to meet up with Natsuru and the others.” However, the black-haired woman was staring in the opposite direction.

—…

—Shizuku?

—I agree to the meeting. But it looks like things are going to get complicated… Will you be able to run and esca —Huh? Well, I have these legs…

—Good. Then I will protect you.

Shizuku conjured two daggers with chains. She called out into the darkness.

—Come out into the light.

Two shadows advanced.

One of the girls has poster-colored green hair and is a healthy-looking girl. The other has a smile. kind face.

The first is Hitomi Minagawa, the second is Sayaka Nakao. Both are white kämpfer. Sayaka was wearing a scimitar, while Hitomi was unarmed.

—Good evening, Madam President.

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Hitomi greets her. Sayaka, having been fighting recently, remains silent.

Shizuku moves to protect Mikoto with her shield.

—Just the two of you? What’s this about?

—Do we need to tell you?

Hitomi asks.

—We’re separated, so two is enough. We’ll take care of you.

—… From the way you’re talking, have they gone after Natsuru and the others too?

Shizuku prepares her dagger. Her gaze watches intently, monitoring the movements of the two women.

—That’s what’s expected of the president, but I prefer not to comment.

—What do they plan to do with us?

—Don’t worry. I won’t kill them.

—That’s a relief.

Shizuku’s words did not inspire confidence. Not for a moment did she consider accepting the enemy’s words. just as they were.

—I’ll take you to Kaede-sama. There will be much to discuss. How about we strengthen our friendship?

—When I want to go, I’ll go on my own. I don’t like being given orders.

—You have no right to refuse. I’ve been told it’s okay if you don’t die.

Hitomi’s eyes moved slightly.

—Daa!

Sayaka, understanding his intention, kicked the ground.

Quickly closing the distance with Shizuku, despite the darkness, the blade of the saber flashed. The tip The sharp blade plunged towards Shizuku’s throat.

Shizuku covered her throat with a dagger and threw another at Sayaka. The dagger with a chain tried to entang around her legs.

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The short dagger didn’t pierce her, but the chain wrapped around her leg. Even so, Sayaka kept pulling. force.

—Nng!?

Shizuku lost her balance. It was just a small gesture, but it was enough for Hitomi.

Balls of light were fired from her hands. They headed towards Mikoto and then exploded.

—Kyaahh!

—Mikoto!

Shizuku exclaimed in a distressed voice. Mikoto turned around and fell off the podium. She got up in response t by Shizuku.

-I’m fine…

She was forcing a smile. She held a katana in both hands. It was with her own sword that she blocked Hitomi’s magic.

However, she couldn’t move much and suffered the aftereffects of the explosion. Her bangs were burned, her b He suffered burns. He even sustained bruises from the blow. Undoubtedly, if it weren’t for Kämpfer, he would ha serious injuries.

Upon confirming that Mikoto was alive, Shizuku removed the dagger entangled around Sayaka and quickly returned to its original position.

—Don’t move.

—I’m fine… kohon.

Mikoto was coughing due to the bruises.

—Aah, what a shame.

Hitomi looked as if she were about to make a gesture of disapproval.

—The president said she’d catch us, but she didn’t care about Kondou-san. Here, we’ll make you disappear.

—Disappear…?

—I will kill you.

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Hitomi displayed a hateful smile.

Shizuku looked back at him firmly.

—… Minagawa-san.

-Tell me.

—Don’t make me angry.

—Ara, does even the president ever get angry?

-Clear.

She brandished a short dagger.

—Like now.

Shizuku put all her strength into it and kicked the ground.

Although she intended to make a light jump, she jumped high. She seemed to be heading for the ceiling.

Just before the crash, she spun around and landed upside down. She kicked the ceiling with both feet. The reve speed.

—Nakao!

Hitomi screams. Sayaka prepares her sword, but a dagger with a chain points at the body, preventing her. move.

—… Hiic.

Hitomi lets out a small moan. She covers her face with her hands and rolls backward. Then Shizuku lands. in position.

The back of the white kämpfer’s hand was torn. Shizuku, while launching a counterattack, He wielded the dagger. The wound opened wide, revealing flesh.

—… President…

Hitomi presses the wound with her other hand. Blood drips between her fingers.

—You were pointing at my face…

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-Yeah.

Shizuku glances briefly at the dagger blade. She flicks it quickly. Blood marks the floor.

—I’m going to leave your face unrecognizable.

Jump again.

This time Shizuku doesn’t reach the ceiling. She does a half-turn in the air and throws two daggers simultaneou One of them intends to attack both. The chains move as if they were alive, attacking both of them.

Upon landing, she crouches down and picks up a dagger. Then she throws it at Hitomi.

Hitomi fires a ball of light. It explodes upon impact with the tip of the dagger. For an instant, the light blinded

all.

Shizuku had anticipated that. She changed direction and lunged toward Sayaka.

—Let me see the library committee’s skill!

—Please, let Mishima-san see it…!

—I know of Akane’s power…

Shizuku’s daggers and Sayaka’s sword clashed.

Generally, the reach of the sword is more advantageous, but Shizuku’s movements showed no such advantage disadvantage. Rather, with sharp, three-dimensional attacks using the dagger’s pointed tip and chains, He was superior to his opponent.

-Chairwoman…!

-Here!

It vanished from sight for an instant and then immediately reappeared. With the hilt of the dagger, it struck cunningly Sayaka’s hand.

—Ouch…

He completely ignored her and headed towards Hitomi.

—Don’t mess with Mikoto.

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Hitomi grimaced and activated a spell directed at Mikoto within Shizuku. It consisted of three balls of light that m towards Shizuku with different paths.

The black-haired student council president dodged one attack while running, knocked down another with a He punched and dodged the last one with a dive-like movement. He covered his face with an explosion. from flashes to protect oneself.

He inhaled and stopped.

—Ha!

The black-haired girl wielded the dagger like a whip. The chain twisted and the blade pointed at Hitomi.

Her face tensed.

—Not just my face… you’re aiming!

—I also point to the body.

The dagger flew towards the center of his chest.

It pierced her, but only superficially. Hitomi dodged at the last second with a step back. Even so, a wound is… a wound. Blood stained his clothes.

Shizuku distanced herself slightly. She wasn’t letting her guard down. She hadn’t lost her fighting ability.

Meanwhile, Sayaka tried to approach Shizuku again and again. But each time, the dagger blocked her path.

Not only that, he was pointing the gun at her to kill. Shizuku wasn’t even looking at her.

In addition to the dagger, Shizuku also attacked with her body. She would throw herself into hand-to-hand comb

The dagger was aimed at her face. Hitomi barely managed to dodge. Shizuku kicked, aiming for her lower abdo The kick barely missed and struck her thigh. Hitomi stepped back, enduring the pain, and launched a sphere of light with the right hand.

Shizuku did a backflip. The sphere of light vanished behind her. Then she ran again.

—Kuuh!

—Too slow.

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Before he could prepare himself, beauty rushed into his arms.

With a short dagger, he attacked the flank, without pausing, passing underneath in a low stance. Moving complicatedly with the fingers as they pass one next to the other.

The chain wrapped around Hitomi’s ankle. She pulled with all her might.

—Kyaaah!

Hitomi fell spectacularly backward. Her back hit the ground hard. She gasped for breath.

—Hitomi-san!?

Sayaka ran toward her. Her actions clearly showed her intentions. Changing direction, she let go The chain temporarily broke. And it jumped.

Hitomi had jumped right on top of Sayaka. Her goal was to confuse her and attack her from behind. It would be Attention was dispersing. As expected, Sayaka’s gaze turned towards the sky.

He landed right behind her. He tried to plunge the short dagger into her neck.

—Sfft…!

Miraculously, Sayaka managed to dodge the blade. She tried to turn around mid-air to draw her sword. But Shizuku wasn’t stupid enough to expect it.

He lifted Sayaka’s leg. Then he twisted his body and launched a spinning kick.

—Whew!

Hitting her side, Sayaka rolled towards Hitomi, with an expression of pain.

—We’re on the same student council… I’m the librarian…

—You’re fired.

Shizuku spoke coldly.

The chains snaked around and bound them both. To prevent them from cooperating, he kept them separate.

Then, Shizuku returned to Mikoto.

—I’m sorry. It took me a while.

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—I’m fine… Really, Shizuku is strong.

Mikoto was impressed. In fact, from her position, she rarely saw Shizuku in trouble. Despite to face two kämpfer instead of one, and even in a one-on-two battle.

—It was a serious fight after a long time. I’ve exhausted my energy.

—It seems you can still keep fighting.

—It would be good to stop here, for your beauty and health.

He was checking Mikoto’s injuries, examining her body from various angles.

—… Your burn doesn’t seem that bad.

—It stings a little.

—Since your clothes are wet, sometimes I press them to remove the heat. I just want to apply the ointment.

—We can’t ask for too much, can we? Medicinal herbs often grow in the jungle.

—We’re in an underground location

Shizuku implicitly told Mikoto, “Don’t move.” Then she headed towards the white kämpfer.

Separated, the two were immobilized in the same place. In their hands, she made one appear once more dagger.

“Now, what to do?” Hitomi said in a voice filled with a mixture of hatred and fear.

—… Kill us?

-Sure.

He lowered the dagger. It plunged right in front of Hitomi’s face.

—I want them to pay for harming Mikoto. And also for targeting us.

—Kill us for such simple reasons…? We can’t move anymore, you know?

“Don’t you find it exciting to deliver the final blow to defenseless girls?” Shizuku suggested as she held the She held daggers in both hands and prepared to attack. One dagger was pointed at Hitomi’s heart, and the othe It was pointing directly at Sayaka.

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She was in a position to attack at any moment. And at this moment, she had crossed the line of what It is permitted by humanity.

His arms were full of strength.

“Wait!” exclaimed someone who was neither Hitomi nor Sayaka.

“Hey, Shizuku, wait,” it was Mikoto. She walked awkwardly, approaching Shizuku.

Shizuku answered without turning around.

—Are you going to arrest me?

—Yes, well…

—They said they didn’t need you. They intended to kill you.

—However, I don’t think this is a valid reason to do the same, is it?

—It can also be considered a valid thing.

—If it’s about Natsuru… I don’t think I’ll do it.

Shizuku’s movement suddenly stopped.

He turned slowly to look at Mikoto.

—What a clever way of putting it.

-I’m sorry.

Mikoto apologized. Even so, she felt relieved. Although he was an enemy kämpfer, she couldn’t allow that Shizuku committed a murder here.

—I’m glad you said that. But letting these girls through here would be very lenient.

-I agree.

-To do?

Mikoto looked down at Hitomi and Sayaka.

Both had escaped the danger of losing their lives, and it was clear they were relieved. who had lost strength. Sayaka exhaled sharply.

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—Wasn’t there something you wanted to ask?

Mikoto said.

—For example, about leaving here, or the purpose of this place.

—That’s right, isn’t it? May I ask you a few questions?

Shizuku crouched down. She looked at the two of them alternately.

A smile formed on her face. However, although it had humanity in it, in certain aspects she seemed mechanics.

Hitomi shrank slightly.

—…Aren’t you going to help me…?

—I already helped you.

Shizuku said, as if she were thinking about the words.

—Now it’s your turn to help. We don’t know anything about this place. You’re going to tell us everything, right?

—Do you think I’ll say it…?

—Yes, I believe so. No, actually, yes, I trust you. I’m sure they’ll do anything for the president of the council.

A student at Seitetsu Academy, right?

She smiled again.

Hitomi was trembling with fear. You could see her lips trembling. Even so, she answered firmly.

—B-But you’re still the president, right…?

—Yes, I am the president. Sangou Shizuku is very loyal to her duty.

Shizuku slowly moved closer to his face.

—Okay, will you tell me now?

■

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Harakiritora shifted restlessly in bed.

Despite being a lively messenger, the visceral animal generally didn’t move much. It remained seated.

and he could only speak. However, if necessary, he could walk, and even move from one place to another with two legs.

—He’s not coming back, is he?

She murmured softly in another voice. Of course, she was referring to Natsuru, since she’d seen him coming an several times, I hadn’t seen him return.

—Waiting here isn’t so bad.

He jumped out of bed. Because of his short legs, he couldn’t land properly and rolled away.

He got up immediately. He started walking.

—The problem is with the door handles, huh? When they’re made for humans, they become It’s complicated. I can’t reach them or turn them properly.

Mentioning his circumstances as being like a stuffed animal, he jumped up. He clung to the doorknob, exerting weight on her.

The knob turned and the door slowly opened. Harakiritora stepped out into the hallway.

After confirming that no one was there, he went to the next room. He opened the door in the same way and He entered.

It was Akane’s room. It wasn’t any different in size from Natsuru’s room. There was a black plushie in it. the bed.

—Sepkuku-san.

—What’s wrong… oh, you’re a Harakiritora.

He was Akane’s messenger, the rabbit Sepkurousagi.

—What are you doing here? Come on up, come on up.

-Good.

Harakiritora climbed onto the bed. He sat down opposite Sepkurousagi.

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—I’m glad to see you so cheerful, Sepkuku-san.

—Of course I’m in good spirits… though not completely. Lately, I’ve been quite distracted.

—Ahh, I see.

—You too, huh? I thought it was too early…

With a somewhat disappointed tone. Being a plush toy, it has few variations in expression.

—Did something happen to Natsuru-san and the others?

—Probably, right?

—This place seems familiar to me. Doesn’t it, Sepku-san?

—I agree. It seems familiar somehow.

—It’s like our birthplace, isn’t it?

—Yes, something like that.

Although the conversation seemed casual, those involved were as serious as stuffed animals.

—I don’t see Akane around here. And the Pocky are still there. What about you?

—Natsuru-san hasn’t appeared so far either.

—Now that you mention it, I heard glass break.

—It doesn’t seem like a peaceful place, does it?

The two visceral animal plushies looked at each other.

—There’s not much else to do like this. Shall we go see the others?

-Alright.

Sepkukurousagi and Harakiritora agreed.

The two stuffed animals walked down the hallway. Watching a stuffed animal with its entrails hanging out move disturbing, almost making any witness faint, but now there was no one present.

They arrived at Shizuku’s room. As usual, they jumped for the doorknob to open it.

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KandenYamaneko was lying face up on the bed.

—How shameless you are.

Harakiritora reproached him.

—It’s a big problem. Entering a woman’s room without permission.

KandenYamaneko answered as she stood up. All her hairs were standing on end, an expression of her numbness.

—There is no woman in a stuffed animal.

Sepkurousagi continued approaching. He sat down on the bed.

This time, the three of them adopted the lotus pose. Undoubtedly, an unusual image.

—What happened to Shizuku?

Sepkurousagi asked.

—Call her Shizuku-sama.

—Who cares? All humans are the same.

—Shizuku-sama hasn’t returned yet. She said she was going to eat.

—Well, it’s a long time.

-That’s how it is.

If their arms were longer, they would have crossed all three. But since they weren’t, they simply nodded. a “Hmm”.

—Is he involved in any trouble?

Harakiritora said.

—I think it’s strange that Natsuru-san isn’t involved in any trouble.

—Akane brings trouble upon herself when she transforms. If she’s not transformed, she’s probably… hidden somewhere.

—Shizuku-sama is confident in herself, so I don’t think things have gotten that bad.

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Each one has their own personality. However, all the stuffed animals noticed that something was different than —Oh, by the way, isn’t there another colleague around?

Sepkurousagi said.

“He probably brought Mikoto-san too,” Harakiritora said.

—I don’t remember meeting him before… Did we ever meet?

—Why don’t we go see it now?

This time it was Sepkurousagi who led the way, heading towards the next room.

Mikoto’s room was just like the others. It was part of the old hostel and had barely been renovated. Her bag was placed in front of the wardrobe. And Chinnkunorain was lying on the bed, lost in his thoughts. thoughts.

Sepkurousagi, climbing onto the bed, exclaimed in surprise.

—What’s wrong with him? Is he dead or what?

“Yes, it’s based on dead animals,” Harakiritora said as he climbed up as well. Then he followed.

Kanden Yamaneko.

—Look at that tongue sticking out of this stuffed animal!

“That rope wrapped around his neck is unsettling. Was it supposed to be a tie?” —It’s more a case of asphyxiation or hanging, isn’t it?

-… Yes, thanks.

—Uwaaah, you spoke!

Sepkurousagi was surprised. Chinnkunorain spoke without much intonation.

—I am Chinnkunorain.

—Then everything is clear.

Despite Sepkurousagi’s words, Chinnkunorain’s reaction was slow.

-I see.

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—Let’s skip the formalities. Hey, what’s Mikoto doing?

-Don’t know.

—That’s a straightforward answer, huh.

—I don’t remember anything. I was looking at the ceiling and you came up.

—You probably saw something.

—No idea. I’m not very interested.

—You’re a cheeky fellow. You must have a long tongue for a reason.

—It is an honor to be praised.

Although he didn’t seem to feel honored at all, Chinnkunorain didn’t seem worried.

—Uhm, what do you mean by “I don’t remember”?

The question came from Harakiritora.

—At least you should remember when we got here, right?

—Well, I suppose so.

—Didn’t you talk to Mikoto-san here?

—No, I didn’t do it.

His tone seemed to say it wasn’t a big deal. However, his lack of intonation made everything sound the same.

—Was he leaving the room?

—Were you out for a walk?

—No, I was taken for a walk.

-Hey?

Harakiritora asked in surprise. Sepkurousagi and KandenYamaneko were looking in that direction.

Chinnkunorain.

—Sakura-san came in and took me away. “Listen and stay calm,” she told me.

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Harakiritora intervened.

-And then?

—I was taken to where Mikoto-san was. When Sakura-san held my body, her eyes shone, and Mikoto-san stag

—Are you saying that Kaede manipulated Mikoto?

Sepkurousagi expressed his disbelief.

—Something like that, yes.

—Idiot, you should have said so sooner!

—Talking was annoying.

He delivered his lines without showing any sense of danger.

The stuffed animals were astonished. They were usually quite calm no matter what happened, but It depended on the situation. A change was coming in the lives of his colleagues.

Upon hearing this from Chinnkunorain, the most concerned turned out to be surprisingly the KandenYamaneko —Wh-Wh-Wh-What do we do!? Shizuku-sama, Shizuku-sama.

—Hey, didn’t you say you trusted Shizuku?

—It will be an unpleasant surprise. If it’s Shizuku-sama, she’ll probably win… but if her beautiful face He gets hurt somehow!

Nervous, he moved from side to side, swinging like a pendulum without stopping.

“I don’t think your partner will lose easily,” Sepkukurousagi said.

—But with this, there will probably also be white kämpfer.

—Ah, I see.

—Sakura-san controlled Kondou-san to cooperate with the white kämpfer, perhaps.

“Yes, Shizuku-sama also said that Kaede was suspicious,” KandenYamaneko added.

Upon hearing Harakiritora, KandenYamaneko agreed. Chinnkunorain remained silent.

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“But what are we going to do?” asked Sepkurousagi, his ears twitching rapidly.

—If we continue to interfere, won’t we be flagged by the moderators?

“But we haven’t even seen the moderators, have we?” That’s the Harakiritora mentality.

—We realized that each of us had been sent under their respective powers.

“Well… it’s ridiculous to behave so haphazardly,” Sepkurousagi said.

—Saying it’s not the same without Akane doesn’t make sense.

—The presence or absence of Natsuru-san makes a big difference.

—I am always by Shizuku-sama’s side.

KandenYamaneko responded quickly. Only Chinnkunorain remained silent.

—Okay, shall we do something? We know what stuffed animals can do, but it’s better to do something than to b Doing nothing, right?

-I agree.

—I agree too.

—And you, marathon dog, what do you plan to do?

Chinnkunorain, with a rope around his neck, answered the question.

—I will follow the will of all of you.

—Then it’s best to hurry. This isn’t the time to be relaxing here.

Sepkurousagi jumped out of bed. Then Harakiritora, and KandenYamaneko. Only Chinnkunorain fell rolling dow —Let’s go for a walk around this house. It would be nice if Natsuru-san and the others were around. somewhere.

Harakiritora jumped up and turned the doorknob. The door opened.

“But…”, Chinnkunorain murmured.

—After it’s all over, what will become of us?

There was no response from this group.

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