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CHAPTER 266: THE GREAT LIBERATION BATTLE 8

 

—From Drake’s POV—

「Mhm. Sorry to keep you all waiting.」

Though I was a bit thrown off by how different Kinu-neesan’s mood was from earlier, the moment she returned to her usual self, the tension in the air quickly dissipated.

Honestly, I feel like I’ve figured out exactly who we should never, ever piss off.

Kinu-neesan, when she’s seriously pissed, is absolutely terrifying. I’ll be sure to carve that into my heart…

Even so, what left the strongest impression on me wasn’t that—it was the smile on Aniki’s face as he watched.

Fearless, unreadable, yet filled with a pure childlike joy that naturally bubbled to the surface—it was that kind of smile.

「So then—what’s the plan? From here on, it all comes down to what you want to do, Aun.」

At Kinu-neesan’s words, everyone turned their eyes toward Aniki.

「…I think we’re done playing neutral.」

Aniki’s voice dropped low, sharp as a blade.

「Calvados crossed the line. It’s time we settle the score properly.」

His words made my chest burn with heat, and I couldn’t help but grin.

He never bends his convictions. No matter how powerful the opponent, he never lies to his own heart. That’s why I can say without hesitation—Seiha, and Aniki, are the best.

Everyone else seemed to feel the same way.

「Got it! I’m gonna get real fired up for this one!」

「But of course. All is as Aun-sama wills it.」

「Heh, this is gonna be fun.」

「Yeah. Time to smash ’em.」

Smiles spread naturally across everyone’s faces. We were all waiting for Aniki’s next words.

Then, like a mischievous brat about to pull a prank, Aniki grinned.

「You bastards ready to dance? …We’re takin’ this vibe to the top!!!」

It was like fuel had been thrown on a blazing fire—our emotions exploded in an instant.

Maybe… I was waiting for him to say that all along.

◇　◇　◇　◇

—Dragon Tower, First Stratum Main Battlefield — Heil’s POV—

At the deepest part of the first stratum, the battlefield was thick with the scent of scorched metal and blood.

Before the full-scale war at Dragon Tower began, we’d managed to thin out Calvados’ forces significantly and entered this group battle in nearly perfect condition. As planned, the opening phase was going in our favor—or at least evenly.

But everything shifted for the worse the moment Calvados sent in their Number 3 party—Gala.

Honestly, the last thing I wanted was for Gala to be deployed right as things were hanging in the balance. The timing was too perfect… no doubt this was Submaster Steadman’s move. He’s methodically driving us into checkmate.

And to make matters worse, their absolute top force, Ambrosia, still hadn’t moved from the rear.

That severely limited our options. And as for the kind of card that could turn this situation around…

「I was kinda hoping this’d go a bit smoother…」

Trying to hold back Ciel was making things tougher than I’d thought. But still—

「Heil, I’ll fight too.」

「Not yet. We need to somehow set up a one-on-one with Garcia—」

「I appreciate the thought. But even I know this power gap won’t close on its own if I just sit here doing nothing.」

True, unleashing Ciel would dramatically change the situation. But standing in front of Garcia were four members of Ambrosia, each rated individually at SS-rank. Even for Ciel, taking on Garcia wouldn’t be possible unless he was at full strength.

But if we could bring him into a one-on-one with Garcia while he’s still fresh—then we still have a chance…

Garcia was right there—just a few moves out of reach…

「Damn it… this is frustrating.」

「What are you saying? It’s not over yet. You can’t let yourself get discouraged, Heil.」

「You’re right. But I can’t see any way to turn this situation around—」

—And then… the sky roared.

A moment later, everyone on the battlefield witnessed a sight none of us could believe.

Tearing through the sky with a deafening roar, a jet-black dragon dove straight into the center of the battlefield.

DOOOOOOOOOM!!!

An ear-splitting crash, a shockwave, and a huge plume of dust rising into the air.

Nobody had expected this. Everyone froze—staring wide-eyed, speechless, motionless.

The raging battle that had been growing fiercer by the second was suddenly wrapped in silence.

And emerging from within the swirling dust were five figures clad in distinctive kimono outfits.

At their head walked a man with a crazed smile whose presence was overwhelming—far beyond anyone else on the field.

He raised the corner of his mouth even further and declared as he looked around.

「Yo, Calvados. Had your fun, huh? Well now it’s payback time—I’m here to wreck everything you’ve got!」

Friend and foe alike were still struggling to process the scene, but caring nothing for that, the master of Seiha—the Thunder Emperor—shouted, slicing through the silence.

「…It’s a bloodbath. Go wild, Seiha!!!」

A few seconds later, the entire battlefield erupted.

A massive tornado spiraled into the sky, while azure flames scorched everything in sight.

Elsewhere, torrents of magical arrows rained down, and blood sprayed from every direction.

And charging toward Calvados’ main camp where Ambrosia was waiting, were a demonic figure wreathed in crackling lightning and a red-haired battle fiend hefting a massive axe one-handed.

(Are they seriously planning to take on Calvados’ five strongest with just the two of them!?)

While everyone was still trying to grasp the situation, the one who reacted first—was Ciel.

Ciel instantly stacked double enhancements on himself, kicked off the ground with force, and in a single leap closed in on Garcia, launching a fierce kick.

Garcia barely managed to block it, but was still sent flying dozens of meters. As Ciel closed the gap again for a follow-up, Garcia raised his distinctive greatsword to counterattack.

Ciel’s instinctive move forced Ambrosia’s remaining four members to engage the two rampaging demons, naturally creating the one-on-one match between Garcia and Ciel.

This—this was the very scene I had dreamed of. The one I had almost given up on…

The perfect moment.