Chapter 29
Pastel shouted at every Student she encountered.
“Get into the buildings! It’s Paralysis Gas, so don’t breathe it in and Barricade/stand off in the interior! Don’t let your Guard down just because the effects aren’t immediate. Get to the interior!”
The flustered students evacuated to the buildings.
A Wolf Pack charged through the paralyzing smoke. As it was about to pounce on a Student, Pastel kicked off the Ground.
The fangs of the wolf that took a Leap were exposed. The Student’s Eyes Widened. A Sword Strike flashed. A spray of blood erupted. Blood splattered on the Student’s cheek.
The Wolf Pack lunged. Pink Hair fluttered in the smoke. The Sword Path created a silver Wave. The Wave swept away the wolves in All Directions. Silver light flashed. A spray of blood erupted.
Blood droplets scattered, and the smoke turned into Red Smoke.
Emerging through the Red Smoke, Pastel shook her head briefly as if To Shake off her excitement, then pushed the Student she had protected. The Student was pushed back in a daze.
“Get into the interior!”
She shouted at the students who had stopped their Evacuation and were Staring Blankly.
“Get Inside! Hurry!”
After guiding everyone, she came back out of the building.
Pastel looked at her Surroundings. The Academy was devoid of people and thick with smoke.
She exhaled as she ran. The Chemical Smell of the Paralysis Gas irritated her nose. She frowned.
“What’s the intent behind this terrorism?”
[What could possibly be in the Academy?]
『We’d need to know exactly what Organization it is to figure that out. For now, given the mild Paralysis Gas and a Wolf Pack that even students can handle, it doesn’t seem to be the Demonkind Radical Faction.』
The Demon Thought for a Moment.
『Did a New Organization emerge while the Church fell and I was imprisoned? The New Organization might have come to steal an artifact.』
[Huh.]
“What’s in the Academy?”
『You seem to have forgotten, but the Demon King's Inheritance was dormant here.』
“It was?”
『Sky Island is the Final Great Battlefield between humans and Demonkind, a Bizarre island floating between the Human Realm and the Demon Realm. There are many Strange artifacts besides the Demon King's Inheritance.』
[Huh.]
『With the Sky Island Governor-General's Office gone, the Academy manages various Strange artifacts. Most only have Historical Value, but something must have caught the eye of the New Organization. It’s a common occurrence.』
[Why did they Build a School in such a sinister place? Did they say it was originally an Officer Training School? Then I guess it makes Sense to Build it in a sinister place.]
“I don’t know what their goal is, but it’s probably Artifact Seizure, right?”
『Yes.』
“So if we just quietly Barricade/Stand-off in the buildings, they’ll eventually leave?”
『Judging by their Bold actions, Organization Promotion is also a goal, so a Student Massacre will be outside their Object of Consideration. Organizations like this need a cause that resonates with someone and notoriety. That’s how Talent gathers and funds flow in. But a Student Massacre is just Unpleasant notoriety. It doesn’t Help with Organization Operation at all.』
“That’s a Realistic Consideration.”
Pastel pondered.
“Understood. Then the Student Council will Focus on Student Evacuation rather than Terror Suppression. We’ll trust the Knights Order and the Guard Unit for the Resolution.”
[It’s a bit late to join the Control Tower and represent the students' Stance as the Student Council. It’s better to evacuate the students at the Site.]
She turned her steps and ran toward the garden. There were many friends In Confusion due to the Sudden situation.
『Good thinking. If there happens to be a Knight-Level among the attackers, you won’t be able To Win anyway.』
“What’s so special about a Knight-Level?”
[Wasn’t Mr. Kadin even a Semi-Knight Level, let alone a Knight-Level?]
『The Knights Order is a term that groups one Knight-Level and its Subordinate Troops. I don’t know about now, but in the past, there were fewer than twenty Knight-Levels in the entire Empire.』
[Oh.]
[A level that competes for the World's Strongest?]
[Ugh.]
[If I meet one, I should Escape immediately.]
[Go! Our side’s Knights Order must be rushing to the Academy.]
Upon arriving at the garden, she saw a Student who had climbed up a garden tree and was trembling. A Wolf Pack surrounded the tree and barked.
Paralysis Gas wavered on the Ground. The Student’s hands lost strength, and they fell. The Wolf Pack lunged.
Pastel picked up a stone and threw it with all her might. A Faint sound of tearing air struck the atmosphere. The trajectory surged and collided with the target. A wolf’s head exploded, and remains scattered.
The Wolf Pack that had been lunging at the Student Froze as a Group. The girl pounced on the Wolf Pack. The Wolf Howl rang out like a Scream.
Soon, it became quiet.
Pastel, now Blood-Soaked, rescued the Student - who was for some reason trembling at the sight of her - and guided them to a nearby building.
She came out of the building and walked for a while.
She clutched her head.
“Ugh.”
A Strange drowsiness washed over her.
[The Adrenaline is coming.]
[Wolves weren’t a Great Threat, so I was operating with a Sound Mind (probably), but constantly smelling Blood was making my body excited.]
[I’m Worried that at this rate, if I meet a Strong Person I can’t even beat, I won’t be able To Judge rationally and will just Attack the person.]
[Hormone Friend, Calm Down.]
[If you Calm Down, I’ll gift you the Friend Friend title.]
[It has twice as many letters, you know.]
[Twice.]
Pastel shook her head.
[I Think I’m okay, but maybe not.]
A Clapping Sound was heard from somewhere.
“I enjoyed watching that un-Kraft-like good deed. Or is it a Kraft-like good deed? You guys are so insidious, after all.”
A man wearing a Black Robe approached from the smoke. The smoke moved To Avoid the man, as if defying the Laws of Nature.
[A Mastermind, no matter who looks at him]
Pastel put on a Serious Face and aimed her sword. She opened her mouth, with her hormones surprisingly not Running wild.
“Are you the Culprit?”
“Hmm?”
The Man tilted his head and examined his own Black Robe attire.
“Why even bother asking? It’s obviously a bad guy’s outfit. Did you Think I might be a good person? Oho, what a kind heart.”
The Man marveled.
『Young Kraft.』
In that moment, the Demon calmly said.
『He’s Knight-Level.』
[Eh.]
[A Knight-Level appears right away.]
[Ehh?]
The Man pondered before pulling a dagger from his chest.
“Shall we see your skills?”
His finger hooked into the Dagger Ring and spun it. His elegant Dexterity caught the dagger in a Reverse Grip.
It felt like cold water had been poured over Pastel’s mind.
[Uwaah.]
[He says he’s at Knight-Level.]
[I picked the wrong Opponent/Target…!]
[No wonder, no wonder!]
[No wonder my Hormone Friend, who was hazy just a moment ago, Suddenly went quiet…!]
[Our friend was Strong-Weak-Weak-strong, huh?]
[I’m Strong-Weak-Weak-strong too…!]
[A Total Best Friend!]
『Escape, yes, you’re good at that.』
Even before the Demon spoke, Pastel turned her body and sprinted away.
[Uwaah.]
“I’ll yield the first move - Wait, what?”
A flustered voice could be heard faintly, but she didn’t Look Back and broke into a Full-Speed Run.
[Uwaah.]
Her Pink Hair fluttered.
Her vision shifted rapidly during the Full-Speed Run. She rounded buildings and went up and down stairs.
Upon reaching a Secluded Place, she stopped Running. She let out rough breaths.
[Ugh, I almost died.]
[I really joined the Student Council for nothing.]
『Hmm, Escape doesn’t suit you.』
The Demon Said Calmly.
“Pardon?”
[What is he talking about?]
A presence was felt right behind her.
“You run well - “
Her Adrenaline surged.
Pastel immediately turned her body and swung her sword. The Sword Strike, carrying the momentum of her Turn Around, aimed at the Man.
The Man, surprised, reached out one hand. His fingers touched the Sword Path and moved. The atmosphere rang.
The blade was caught in his fingers, and the Sword Strike stopped.
“Whoa, your reaction spee - “
Immediately after, Pastel Let Go of the sword and swung her fist. Her fist struck the Man. A Shockwave rang out.
The man who caught her fist with his palm was pushed back slightly and frowned.
“Oof, what kind of monstrous strength is this?”
[Eh.]
[A real Knight-Level.]
With both her sword and hand caught, Pastel snapped fully awake.
The Hormone Friend that until just now had been dominating her mind spoke to her Cheerfully.
[Hehe, it’s not working.]
[I don’t know.]
[Bye-bye.]
The Hormone Friend flew away with a swoosh.
[Swoosh~.]
[Uwaah.]
[Friend, don’t go!]
[Don’t leave me alone in this scary situation!]
[We’re friends!]
[Uwaah.]
“Oof, that hurts.”
The Man dusted off his hand that had blocked her fist, then moved. He supported Pastel’s legs and lifted her into his arms.
“Heave-ho!”
[Eh.]
The Man, who had gently lifted her in a Princess Carry, Suddenly bounced Pastel up and down.
“Eohwadungdung Eogiyeocha!”
Pastel bounced along with the motion.
Her vision bobbed up and down.
[Ehh? Ehh?]
[What? What?]
Having completely shattered her will To Fight, the Man walked away in satisfaction.
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
[Uwaah.]
[I’m being kidnapped…!]
Her body trembled.
[Shiver, shiver.]
“I-I don’t have anything on me.”
[It’s true.]
“Oh! I know that very well!”
The Man burst into Laughter.
“There’s probably no one who knows that better than we.”
[Uwaah.]
[A Premeditated Crime…!]
[A completely Evil Kidnapping…!]
[Shiver, shiver.]
Kidnapped just like that, she arrived at the building housing the Chancellor's Office. She was carried down the corridor.
“Please put me down.”
“Really?”
The Man casually pointed down the corridor. The corridor filled with corpses and a Pool of Blood filled her vision.
[Uwaah.]
[A Scene of Massacre…!]
“P-Please put me down somewhere else.”
The Man burst into Laughter again.
“All right! All right! I’ll put you down in a bit.”
They arrived at the rooftop. There was a large number of Personnel wearing Black Robes. Every robe was stained with blood.
A Sharp Gaze fell upon them.
The Man walked calmly toward the center.
And stood before someone who looked like a Mastermind.
The Mastermind, who had been examining a Blood-stained Artifact Device, turned around. The Black Robe swayed. A Plague Mask covering their face came into view.
The Man opened his mouth.
“I brought her.”
Eyes stared at Pastel from behind the mask. Then, they looked at the Subordinate.
“Why did you bring her?”
It was a dry voice.
“Huh? Was I not supposed to?”
The Mastermind looked at the Subordinate, then ignored him and examined the Artifact Device again. A Gloved Hand performed an Operation on the artifact.
Silence flowed.
Another Black Robe approached.
“Ready for confirmation.”
The Mastermind handed over the device. The robe took it and went to one side of the rooftop.
As the gathered Crowd cleared a path, a Black Magic Circle was revealed. The device was placed in the center of the Magic Circle.
The Man scratched his head.
“Oh my, you really had no interest.”
Pastel was set down on the Ground.
[Ehh?]
Receiving Pastel’s Gaze, the Man shrugged and approached the Mastermind. This time, an inaudible conversation flowed, perhaps about Business.
Pastel shrank back and darted her Gaze Here and There. The surprisingly Mild Atmosphere slightly eased her tension.
[Was I just kidnapped?]
[Am I in a surprisingly okay state?]
She rubbed her arms with her hands.
[It’s okay, Pastel.]
[You were just kidnapped, that’s all.]
[As long as you keep a Sound Mind, you can survive.]
“Begin.”
The Mastermind made a Gesture/Hand Signal. The robes waved their staffs. The Black Magic Circle emitted light.
The Artifact Device in the center floated up. White light burst forth.
Suddenly, the Ground trembled faintly. It was a small vibration, like a water glass shaking. Though Faint, it shook the rooftop, shook the Earth, and reached her entire field of vision.
“It is indeed the Navigation Device!”
The Black Robes observing the vibration let out Cheers. They hugged each other and shared their joy.
Joy and delight filled the rooftop.
Yet, amidst that good atmosphere, Pastel was isolated in many ways.
Instead of the Mysterious artifact, the Black Magic Circle, which should have been mere background, filled Pastel’s vision.
The Black Magic Circle was drawn not with Magic Stone Powder, but with something squishy.
[Huh.]
Her memories flipped, and something similar came to mind.
There were the Monsters that filled the Mansion and the Giant Magic Circle drawn in the garden.
[I’ve seen this somewhere…]
[I really have.]
Feeling confused, Pastel shook her head. A Magic Circle wasn’t a special technique, and there was no need to make unnecessary connections.
[They couldn’t have been the ones who carved the Magic Circle in my Mansion and created the Monsters.]
[They couldn’t have been the ones who made my loyal Retainers sacrifice themselves to protect my Idiot Family Head.]
But Pastel couldn’t Hold back and walked over. Surprisingly, she reached the Black Magic Circle without any interference.
A Sweet Scent emanated from it.
The original scent that neither Magic stones nor Magic Stone Stimulants could ever match.
She reached out as if possessed. As her finger touched the Magic Circle, squishy Black Gelatin rubbed off onto it.
She put the Pudding Residue on her finger into her mouth. The Meat Pudding moistened her tongue. Her nerves thrilled and raced.
Her brain Crackled.
The euphoria of regaining what was lost.
The satisfaction of easing the emptiness.
Pastel’s lips trembled faintly.
[Hah.]
A crooked smile formed on her face.
The Man approached.
“What’s wrong, Young Excellency?”
The Girl kept her Head Bowed and her lips moved slightly for a moment.
As she Refined her words and suppressed her emotions, her lips moved slightly before she spat out a single sentence.
“Have you, by any chance, ever caused me harm?”
“Oh, plenty.”
The Man answered Coolly.
“I see.”
The Girl closed her mouth. She fiddled with her Sword Handle before taking her hand off.
The Surroundings became Bustling. As the Mage swung his Staff, the gelatin that made up the Black Magic Circle floated up and was placed into a box. The rooftop began to be cleared.
An Airship flew in from Beyond the Sky. It arrived at the rooftop, and Rope Ladders were lowered. The Black Robes grabbed the ladders. The Rope Ladders were pulled up one by one.
The man walked toward a ladder, then looked back.
“See you next time, Young Excellency.”
“Why…”
The Girl finally couldn’t Hold back and opened her mouth.
“Why are you doing this?”
The Man paused. Then, he looked back at the Mastermind, who was lost in thought while examining the artifact, and climbed onto the Rope Ladder without answering. The ladder went up.
The Girl stared at the Mastermind, who was left alone.
“Why are you doing this?”
Silence flowed across the rooftop.
Having finished their thoughts, the Mastermind placed the artifact in their chest pocket. A Gloved Hand grabbed the Rope Ladder.
“Love is greater than anything else.”
A dry voice rang out.
“There will come a day when you understand too, Pastel.”
The Rope Ladder went up.
The Black Robe fluttered.
Left alone, the Girl stared blankly up at the departing Airship until it disappeared beyond her vision.
Clouds brushed past the sky.
The Girl suppressed her emotions and opened her mouth.
“Lord Demon, I have something I want to do.”
A Cold Voice rang out.
“I’m going To Kill all of those people.”
[For the Retainers who protected such a powerless Family Head.]
“What Should I Do?”
The Demon was silent for a moment.
Then, he spoke slowly.
『You’ll need to Gather Talent and Build your Force. There are too many things you can’t do alone.』
“I’ve decided.”
The Girl tore her Gaze away from the Sky and turned her body. With a cold face, she descended from the rooftop.
“I’m going to make money, Gather people, and Build a Force.”
[Until I kill them all.]
The first semester ended.
『…But surely that method isn’t Smuggling, right?』
[Oh, come on.]
『Young Kraft? Why aren’t you answering? Hey?』