The path of the Black Sword, what Isabel calls the “Sword Seeking Penalty,” sometimes formed mysterious barriers. Like the Auditors of Vengeance, they appeared in an instant but were incredibly sturdy. They manifested like transparent curtains, intercepting any attack before vanishing just as quickly. Unable to bypass these walls, the timing and appearance of which were unpredictable, Sera and Gerard found themselves unable to press their attack.
“This…!” Gerard exclaimed, “Just dealing with this one opponent is already troublesome…!”
“I apologize, but I’ve moved on to the next stage. I believed you two could still handle this level,” Isabel replied.
“This level, you say? Hah… Hahahaha! You speak as if there’s still a ways to go…!” Gerard retorted.
“Let’s keep it a secret for now whether there’s still a significant distance to go. By the way, what do you think is the most powerful concept among the ‘boundaries’ that exist in this world?” Isabel asked.
“What are you talking about?!” Sera demanded.
“Is it national borders? The separation between stars and space? Or perhaps the boundaries of the earth’s strata deep within the ground? No, those are incorrect. The most powerful ‘boundary’ I recognize is the trajectory of the sword I wield, in itself.”
As if explaining clearly, Isabel unexpectedly began to retreat, keeping her sword raised for visibility. Then, in line with the trajectory of the Black Sword, those curtain-shaped barriers appeared for an instant.
“Yes, I can create barriers from the trajectory of this sword. And they are also the most powerful barriers I create. You must have sensed it by now, with the defensive barrier ‘Window Curtain’ protecting me? You’ve felt with your skin that this cannot be destroyed, haven’t you? They appear for a moment, but their durability is guaranteed. They vanish in an instant, but as many barriers remain as there are sword trajectories, so it’s not much of a problem. Ah, yes. The ‘Arbitration Barrier’ applied to your arms was also created from a sword trajectory, and it also possesses considerable strength. You had trouble dispelling it, didn’t you? You did. This barrier is—”
“………”
Isabel’s abrupt barrier lecture began. Or rather, Isabel was revealing her own techniques. The ‘Arbitration Barrier’ applies to a part of the body, preventing further damage from flowing out, but in exchange, it obstructs all forms of healing and regeneration. She was indeed explaining various techniques. Sera and Gerard, unable to grasp the situation, remained calm but their eyes widened in disbelief.
‘What is her intention?’ Gerard telepathically asked.
‘…My intuition tells me she’s not lying. What she’s saying is probably all true,’ Sera replied.
‘All true…? You don’t think she’s trying to confuse us with false information?’
‘Not at all, it doesn’t feel like it.’
‘Hmm, hmmm?’
They couldn’t understand Isabel’s objective. So far, the only things that had become clear were that Isabel was incredibly strong, on a level that Sera and Gerard couldn’t defeat even when fighting together. And ironically, this explanatory period was also serving as a break and strategy-planning time for Sera and Gerard.
‘Can Sera’s “Blood Dye” take her sword?’ Gerard inquired.
‘I’ve tried countless times. But there’s no sign of it responding to my command. Since she can create barriers along the sword’s path, perhaps the sword itself is constantly protected by some kind of barrier. Like my and Gordiana’s auras, perhaps?’
‘If that’s the case, could my Dainsleif absorb the magic power from that barrier— No, that won’t work either. Even if I could destroy it, it would likely just be replaced by a new barrier.’
‘I considered continuously touching her with the Innocent Blood War Princess’s aura, but the curtain barrier interferes at inconvenient times. While I can remember all the paths of the sword, fighting while cross-referencing them is surprisingly difficult. Because she’s stronger, I always end up reacting.’
‘You… you remember the trajectories of swords moving at that speed…? No, that seems impossible for me…’
‘Eh, why?’
No matter how much they discussed via telepathy, they couldn’t find a solution. Perhaps this was the first time the two of them had fought an enemy with such a wide gap in skill. To anyone’s eyes, this was a desperate situation with no apparent way out.
‘So, what do we do? Give up?’ Gerard asked.
‘Hahahaha! That’s impossible! My heart has been pounding for the first time in a long while!’ Gerard exclaimed.
‘What a coincidence, I was just thinking the same thing!’ Sera replied.
However, that’s precisely why it was exciting for them. Sera and Gerard, slightly (or perhaps greatly?) influenced by Kelvin’s disposition, were indeed filled with excitement. They couldn’t win even with their full strength. Conversely, this meant it was a rare, truly rare opportunity for them to fight an opponent they couldn’t reach, even after giving it their all. Normally, one would try their best, repeat trial and error, and only then, by exceeding their limits, could they achieve something truly great.
…However, there was one thing they wanted to confirm before that.
“Hey, do you intend to defeat us? You seem to be holding back,” Sera asked.
“Yes? …Now that you ask again, I wonder. I’ve been too busy trembling at your progress to focus on defeating you, so I honestly haven’t been in a state to do so,” Isabel replied.
As expected, Isabel didn’t truly see Sera and Gerard as enemies. While she might have intended to eliminate them at first, her emotions gradually shifted in a different direction after witnessing their strength. Now, like Kelvin nurturing his disciples to grow, she was enjoying Sera and Gerard’s development. Although Kelvin looked forward to what came after, Isabel seemed to find her reason for living in this act itself.
“Well, isn’t that a trivial matter? My purpose is the revival of Adams and the normalization of the entire world. My goal is by no means to destroy this world or take your lives.”
“Wasn’t the revival of that Adams person said to require strong souls? Or are our souls insufficient?” Gerard inquired.
“No, the fact that you can defeat “Gloria” is more than enough. However, it’s not as if there’s no need to sacrifice those who are motivated and have promising futures. For the sacrifices, let’s see… I believe it would be fine to select appropriate individuals from the ‘Barbarian God’ Hazama and the ‘God of Destiny’ Patrick, as well as others who have gathered here.”
“…Aren’t those your allied Fallen Angels?” Sera asked.
“Fufufu, it’s fine. I dislike them. Gods who indulge in laziness and rely on the strength of others are unnecessary in the new world. Ah, but rest assured. I’ve grown fond of you. As long as you possess such noble hearts, you are my beloved children. I shall guide you to the righteous path and protect you from all events. For I am the ‘God of Protection.’ It is my natural duty. So, please strive daily so as not to be abandoned by me?”
Isabel wiped away a tear and spoke these words with a very pleasant expression.
“………”
‘I see, she has her own troublesome ideals. If we don’t deal with her now, it will be problematic later,’ the two of them agreed.
“Honestly, you’re so condescending,” Sera remarked.
“Indeed, she is a being on a vastly higher plane,” Gerard replied.
“Hmm, perhaps that’s so. However, that vastly higher plane—”
“—What would you do if we laid our hands upon it?” Sera interrupted.
“Yes?”
The moment Isabel tilted her head, Sera and Gerard’s bodies began to glow mysteriously.
The long-awaited anime adaptation will finally begin broadcasting tonight at 10 PM! Please note that the broadcast time may vary depending on the station!
