Episode 121: The Monster
It was supposed to be just a routine investigation.
A simple on-site survey of the remains of a research facility that had once conducted experiments on angels.
However, in that ruin, where Rinka and Lutra accompanied him, Tourak witnessed an unexpected sight.
(What… is happening…)
The strongest, the loner—this girl who should have been one of the walls he needed to surpass was being consumed by another girl identical to herself. This scene shook Tourak’s mind more than enough.
Standing beside him, Rinka also lost her composure, her face twisted in anger. If she had any abilities, she would have used them immediately and attacked.
“――This is why I hate humans.”
A familiar voice, but with an unfamiliar expression. The girl, who looked exactly like Solciera but was undoubtedly someone else, noticed Tourak and his companions and smiled.
Her smile, which resembled a doll mimicking a human’s grin, left Tourak frozen in place. However, Rinka glared at her with hatred and called out the name.
“Zero!”
“Yes, and you are… Ah, right! Agiri Rinka. We met once at the hospital, didn’t we? How about it, have you become even a little bit worthy as a friend for my master?”
“That girl is Zero…”
Tourak had heard about her existence from Rinka. The monster residing within Na Takikai. The very source of Solciera’s power.
“Hmm, so you’re the contractor of my sister. Then, let me greet you properly,” said Zero as she stood up, delicately curtsying.
“My name is Zero. I am the Queen’s Coffin and the origin of the brilliance people call stars. Feel free to pray if you wish. On a whim, I might grant your wishes.”
Despite her meticulous movements, there was no heart in them. Her every action felt mechanical, as if she were following a program, emphasizing how different she was from a human.
“Well―shall we proceed with the execution?”
“Wha…!?”
In the next instant, Zero appeared in front of Rinka. It wasn’t teleportation but rather an extraordinary physical movement exceeding human capability.
Zero grabbed Rinka by the neck and slammed her against the wall. Rinka tried to pry off the hand digging into her throat, her face contorted in agony, yet Zero’s grip didn’t loosen.
“Guh… ahh…!”
“Stop it! Lutra, do something!”
“Wait, Tou… right now, Onee-san―”
As Tourak moved to intervene, a magic circle unfolded around him. Silver chains shot out from the circle, binding his hands and feet and trapping Lutra, who had transformed into a sword.
An exchange that couldn’t even be called combat. Tourak and Rinka had already been completely defeated.
“Stop it… please.”
“Stop? Don’t be ridiculous. Are you telling us to stop after stealing our precious time with the Master? You humans are not only tasteless but also shameless. Well then, let me dispose of you with my own hands.”
“Giih…!”
Zero tightened her grip on Rinka’s neck. Tourak struggled desperately against his bindings, but the silver chains absorbed his magical power, growing stronger.
“…aaah…!”
Just as Rinka’s vision began to blur and she was about to lose consciousness, a calm yet powerful voice spoke up.
“Zero, stop this.”
Solciera, whose disheveled clothes she adjusted while glaring at Zero, was the source of the voice.
Upon hearing this, Zero sighed and released Rinka.
“Tch, still such a softie as always. But that’s what makes you endearing,” Zero said with a snap of her fingers, causing the silver chains to vanish.
Coughing and collapsing, Rinka barely managed to stand while Tourak instantly assumed a defensive stance. Ignoring them, Zero approached Solciera with light steps.
“I won’t allow you to harm them.”
“Mm, well, if you insist. Technically, you are the master, so I’ll listen to you.”
From behind, Zero embraced Solciera, her usual smile still plastered on her face.
“We didn’t come here to play around, did we? Fulfill your role.”
“That’s true too.”
Like a capricious cat or a snake capturing its prey, Zero traced the contours of Solciera’s face with her fingers. Despite this, Solciera remained expressionless. Watching this, Tourak finally asked.
“What is your purpose?”
At Tourak’s words, Zero summoned a large scythe and held it ready, tension filling the air once again.
“Who gave you permission to ask questions?”
“Zero. They are my… friends. Treat them with respect.”
“Friends, huh? Then, what kind of expression will you make when they die?”
Tourak instinctively positioned his sword to protect the staggering Rinka. Seeing this, Solciera sighed.
“If you have time to say meaningless things, quickly accomplish your goal. I dislike being kept waiting.”
“Hehe, still the same as ever.”
Zero lifted Solciera’s hand and kissed the back of it before laughing mockingly.
“Then, let’s be going, shall we?”
Satisfied, Zero disappeared into the depths of the ruins. Left behind, Solciera turned to Tourak and Rinka without changing her expression and said.
“So, what would you like to ask?”
■
“Star Reader’s Staff, don’t overdo it, alright? Especially when it comes to beautiful girls, I always tell you they’re important, right? Right???”
“Yes… sir.”
I was angry. The reason goes without saying.
“To think you’d choke someone? Rinka’s pale, delicate neck? With your grip, it would snap instantly, wouldn’t it?”
“But they were the ones who interfered first. A little pain wouldn’t hurt…”
“EH?”
“I’m sorry.”
“There won’t be a next time.”
“Yes.”
“…But playing the role of a madman like that was impressive.”
“Buddy♥”
I give credit where it’s due. But don’t repeat it.
A mysterious beautiful girl causing trouble for other beautiful girls is unacceptable. Star Reader’s Staff hasn’t quite grasped the balance yet.
Not to mention, that data body of his is dangerous. Probably, even in my Solciera state, if it came down to a purely physical fight, I’d be easily subdued.
…So could Miuye possibly be physically the strongest?
Anyway, having Zero stay any longer would likely complicate matters further, so I sent Star Reader’s Staff somewhere else. I could’ve stored him inside me, but that would prevent me from doing the act of “Na Takikai is actually Solciera, but truly a kind-hearted ordinary girl underneath…”
It’s crucial to speak while Zero is absent.
This dynamic is important.
A beautiful girl harboring a monster she can’t fully control within herself.
Hmm, splendid.
“And… are you alright?”
Was the first thing you asked really about my wellbeing? Seriously, protagonist-level goodness indeed…
“I don’t understand what you’re worried about. To me, it seems like you two are the ones not okay.”
Casually brushing her hair aside, I straightened my clothes and maintained my usual cool demeanor. Still, they couldn’t forget that scene.
“Not that, we’re fine. Rather, earlier you―”
“What is it?”
I asked innocently. Just moments ago, I was almost devoured by Zero, perhaps even partially eaten.
My feigned ignorance sounded like a warning to them not to delve deeper.
Both of them, fundamentally good people, seemed hesitant.
Seeing this, I exhaled and said indifferently,
“Our purposes for coming here must be the same, right?”
“You mean, the records of angelic experiments conducted by Kisou Academy?”
Linda was the first to change the subject, and her consideration warmed my heart deeply.
By the way, we came here looking for records of angelic experiments.
Huh.
…Eh? Here?
There’s no way such a thing exists here.
This is a decaying field.
Hmm, but since Solciera is here, it would look better if this place yielded some results.
“Star Reader’s Staff, can I request something?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Can you find or create records of angelic experiments?”
“The second part is asking too much.”
Star Reader’s Staff kindly accepted my request. All I need to do now is maintain my mysterious tragic beauty act until he returns.
“Yes, I was investigating how much Kisou Academy knows about angels. After all, isn’t Kisou Academy something extraordinary? If they’re trying to control those embodiments of destruction, I must stop them with my own hands. I dislike people who don’t know their limits.”
“So the rumors were true. The Student Council President of Kisou Academy withdrew from the Territorial War to capture angels.”
“Yes.”
Clam mentioned something similar before; probably so. But it will likely fail.
There’s no such description in the original story.
“I’ll stop that plan. So, you two should worry about the Territorial War instead. You’ll get ambushed if you let your guard down.”
“But… we can’t just leave it alone.”
“I told you already, didn’t I? I dislike people who don’t know their limits.”
I glared at Tourak.
Sorry, Tourak. But you need to be recognized as an interesting guy by Rokuhara in this Territorial War.
“Indeed, with Kisou Academy’s current strength, victory is difficult. But the probability isn’t zero. Do you know anything about a man named Rokuhara?”
“Yeah, he uses Demons Gear like me and is ranked S.”
“That’s right. And adding to that, you definitely can’t win against him in your current state.”
“……!”
Tourak clenched his fists in frustration. But it’s the truth.
That guy’s insane. He’s genuinely strong.
“Trying to save someone right in front of you is one of your good qualities.”
I said this and showed today’s warmest smile.
“But don’t try to save everyone. There are people you should save.”
“Kei… are you included in that list…?”
Ignoring Tourak’s words intentionally, I stood up and approached Rinka, placing a hand on her neck.
“Kei…”
“My name is Solciera now. Please don’t call me that.”
The key moment here is to lower my eyes briefly in sadness ♥
Even with Tourak’s incredible visual acuity, he’ll catch that subtle emotion.
A glimpse of normalcy from the usually enigmatic beauty.
That’s the secret ingredient.
“Zero seems to take quite a liking to you. Is everything alright?”
“Likes me!? That’s liking me!?”
“Because usually, she’s indifferent to humans. That she openly displayed emotions and attacked you… Could something have happened between you two while I wasn’t aware? She hinted at something similar too.”
“…Ah, I don’t know.”
Rinka tilted her head as if truly unaware. Her skills honed during the Silver Twilight made her performance convincing, but futile.
Fufu… hiding the fact that you confronted Zero at the hospital, aren’t you, Rinka?
But remember, that was me.
Ah~ ^^ The utmost care from a beautiful girl fills my heart~.
“Yes. Then it’s fine. Stay still; I’ll heal the bruise so it doesn’t leave a mark.”
I healed the faint bruise remaining on Rinka’s neck. It would probably disappear within a day even without treatment, but doing it now has meaning.
“Rinka, don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”
“…Isn’t that something you should say too―”
The moment she attempted to counter, I whispered softly into her ear.
“If you get too close to me, you might really die someday. So, please, leave me alone.”
With judicial oversight absent, I have carte blanche to whisper and touch the beautiful girl to my heart’s content.
Do whatever you want while you can!
Why not indulge in a bit of百合 (yuri) and give her a gentle hug?
“Alright, I’ll be heading back soon ^^ Remember, I know everything. Behave yourself.”
“Please, Star Reader’s Staff! You were criticizing me earlier but now you’re touching and whispering in ears?”
“Touché… Aren’t you doing the same things you criticized me for?”
Real talk started, so I cut off the conversation.
Still, Nana’s older sister doesn’t hold back when delivering real talk.
“I’m not Kei. I’m… Solciera.”
Saying this, I turned my back on them. At that moment, my mysterious tear ducts activated, shedding tears.
“Kei-kun…!”
As Tourak reached out with a pained cry, a gust of wind blew through.
“Only I’m allowed to touch her.”
Perfect timing arrival by Zero, a.k.a. Star Reader’s Staff. Impressive.
“I’m home ^^”
“Welcome back ^^ Did you find what I asked for?”
“Yes, surprisingly easy to find ^^”
Seriously?
“Master, I’ve obtained the information. Apparently, the technology to control angels has already been established.”
Star Reader’s Staff said this while embracing me from the side and moving his face unnecessarily close. In his hand was a data chip copied specifically for this occasion.
Ah, I see.
Gotcha, Star Reader’s Staff!
“Thank you.”
I took the chip and casually threw it behind me.
“…Uh, what’s this?”
“You two were going to investigate this place anyway, weren’t you? You’ll find out sooner or later. Here, take it. Now, leave quickly.”
Bravo, Star Reader’s Staff!
Even while pushing them away, kindness still seeps through—this is the move of a truly kind-hearted girl.
“Truly remarkable, partner…!”
Star Reader’s Staff happily grinned and unnecessarily entangled his legs with mine. Let’s not overdo it; falling would look bad.
“Hey, is this alright, Master? You’re so kind… uh, starting to feel uncomfortable here (whisper).”
Finally, Star Reader’s Staff whispered into my ear.
Caught off-guard by the sudden Solciera ASMR, my shoulders trembled.
What?! I was almost letting out a squeal!
“Even in Eco Mode, it’s impossible. My energy’s drained… I’m tired already…”
Apparently, Star Reader’s Staff can no longer use telepathy.
Alright, time to head back.
“…Let’s go, Zero.”
“Alright, farewell then, commoners.”
Summoning a magic circle, I stepped into it and vanished.
“Wait, Kei-kun!”
“…Sorry.”
Sorry for ignoring you both. I’ll support making your original storyline better to compensate.
And with that, I disappeared from the scene.
“Phew, almost forgot the camera.”
Don’t do that, seriously. Please be more careful, Star Reader’s Staff!
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