Published at 17th of August 2019 8:55 am

Volume 15, Chapter 6: Kiriha's Determination

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

Saturday, July 3

While they had gathered the information they needed and everyone had safely returned to room 106, Kiriha's gloomy expression remained the same. Koutarou understood Kiriha's feelings, there were mountains of doubts.

“...Why didn't Tayuma try killing us?”

That was the biggest doubt in Koutarou's mind.

If more of the weapons produced in the factory had been sent at Koutarou and the others in the control room, they might have been killed as they had been trapped. But for some reason Tayuma hadn't done so and Koutarou couldn't understand why.

That was where Kiriha answered his doubts, having thought about it hard, she had already found the reason.

“He probably planned on killing the intruders at first. That was why he placed a trap by the control room.”

The information the intruders would want is gathered in the control room, and a trap was placed around the room with only one entrance. Kiriha believed that the original plan was to kill the intruders on the spot.

“But on the way, they noticed that the intruders were us and changed their policy.”

“What kind of policy would that be?”

“I can think of two reasons. The first is that Tayuma and the others want to learn of our abilities.”

If the intruders had been the Sun Rangers, they would have been wiped out. But it had been Kiriha and the others that came. That's why Tayuma changed his policy.

To Tayuma, Koutarou and the others were unknown enemies that had given him a hard time in the past, and there was a high chance that they would appear during the battle with the surface dwellers. With only a portion of them arriving at the control room, it would be better to find out about their abilities rather than trying to use force.

For that they threw a standard combat unit at Koutarou and the others. From the data taken on that, they would send in a force that would definitely win next time. That's why Tayuma had left full of confidence. There was no reason why they had to be defeated there.

“It should also be to give the People of the Earth information about the earthquake weapon.”

The other reason was believed to leak the knowledge of the earthquake weapon to the People of the Earth.

If the conservative faction left the earthquake weapon be, they would lose their home and be forced up to the surface and dragged into a battle. That said, even if they found out about it, there was no guarantee that the People of the Earth would believe it. There, decisive evidence was given to them through a definite route. The most definite route would be through the Kurano family leading the People of the Earth. If someone from that family were to find evidence in the enemy base it would become very convincing. In other words, Kiriha was being used as a messenger to deliver this information to the conservative faction.

This could be considered a highly efficient method. In fact, having seen the information around the earthquake weapon with her own eyes, she was now moving to take measures against it. It was only a question of time before all of the conservative faction did the same.

“Damnit, so we're all moving in accordance to Tayuma's... no Maguz's plans...”

Koutarou grinded his teeth in mortification. Their opponent was always one step ahead of them. With that in mind, the chances are that it would stay that way in the future as well.

“So Kiriha, what will you do?”

Theia directed a severe glance, rarely seen in room 106 these days, at Kiriha. As she thought of what would happen next, she couldn't help but show the expression of a princess. Theia believed that battle was no longer anything that could be avoided.

“...I can't find one... a way to settle things without anyone getting hurt...”

But Kiriha still hadn't reached a conclusion. She could see several choices in front of her, but regardless of her choice, there would be casualties. That's why she didn't choose something she could see, but desperately sought after a different choice.

“There might be a choice where nobody gets hurt. But there's no time to find it. Kiriha, you need to take action right away.”

“I know... but...”

Kiriha bit her lip in frustration. In truth she actually knew that as well. In fact she had spoken to her father, Daiha, about the coming battle just the other day. Even though she knew, she couldn't accept that choice when faced with it.

Kiriha's actions were always based on kindness. Intelligent as she was, she always tried to stay on step ahead of others and made sure that problems never happened. Whether it was in politics or in private, she always strived for a conclusion where no one was hurt.

“My thoughts are that when your choices are limited and casualties can't be avoided, then the choice that will cause the least casualties is preferable.”

“But... hurting the surface dwellers or having them become enemies of the People of the Earth is something I can't accept.”

But because of that, she couldn't help but hesitate when faced with a decision that would cause casualties. She was completely different from Theia who acted just. Even though she knew she had no other choice, she couldn't make her mind up. Kiriha was at a loss. Her expression distorted with frustration and she strongly grasped her fist.

“...Kiriha-san.”

That was where Koutarou reached his hand out to Kiriha. He undid her clenched fist and held it.

“Koutarou...?”

Unable to understand his intentions, Kiriha stared at Koutarou. She had the expression of a child looking to her parents for answers, it was an expression that reminded Koutarou of how she had looked eleven years ago. That's why Koutarou smiled with all his might and talked to her in a gentle tone.

“If Kiriha-san and Kii-chan say they need me, then I will help in any way I can.”

When she was just a young girl, Kiriha had been too understanding. That's why if Koutarou had told her to what path to take, she likely would. However, Koutarou believed that wasn't good enough. While she might pretend to understand everything on the outside, she was deeply hurt inside.

“And if we fail even then, then I'll regret it together with you for as many decades as it takes.”

What Kiriha and Kii needed wasn't someone who told them what was right. Being smart, she already knew that. What she needed was just one thing. To be able wholly accept what she didn't want to speak.

“So tell me. What is it that Kiriha-san needs right now? What should I do?”

Koutarou knew that was the kind of girl she was, in the past and in the present. And he was going to accept anything she said. With that strong desire in his mind, he held Kiriha's hand.

“...Koutarou... Onii-chan...”

Kiriha was taken by surprise by Koutarou's words. He was saying that he would disregard good and evil, and side with Kiriha. Those words reminded her of eleven years ago. Of Koutarou who had cried because of his own helplessness, and of herself, desperately trying to save him. Kiriha noticed that Koutarou was saying the same things she had back then, that he was accepting her weakness.

“...Thank you, Koutarou...”

That's why Kiriha squeezed Koutarou's hand back. In response to that, Koutarou squeezed her hand harder. Kiriha used her free hand to wipe away the tears that had started to fall. She was happy for Koutarou's feelings, but she had no time to cry. Right now she needed to take action before anything else.

“Please listen, Koutarou, and everyone else too.”

After wiping away her tears, Kiriha raised her head. Not even the faintest trace of weakness could be felt from her anymore. Her expression had returned to that of a calm commander.

“From here on, we, the People of the Earth, will use armed force the stop the out of control radical faction.”

As a member of the conservative faction, Kiriha herself was a pacifist. The fact that she had steeled herself for battle was a heavy one. That was how far the situation had progressed. And that was conveyed to the girls of room 106. Their connection ran deep.

“While it is deeply regrettable for the People of the Earth to fight against each other, we can't leave them be. we will capture the leaders of the radical faction, stop the use of the earthquake weapon and protect both the surface and the underground. For that end, we need your power!”

The radical faction were still People of the Earth. If possible, Kiriha didn't want to hurt them. In order to avoid that, she had desperately struggled until now. But she had now finally made up her mind. If she didn't, she wouldn't be able to protect anything. She couldn't sit and roll her thumbs while her hometown was brought to ruin.

“Please, lend me your power! The enemy is far to great for us alone to handle!”

The radical faction was strong. They had gathered huge funds without being noticed, had the help of magicians and were mass producing weapons. Their actions were also quick, and had brought the situation to this point. While the conservative faction had the number advantage, it would be hard to turn this situation around. That's why Kiriha needed the help of Koutarou and the other girls of room 106. While she didn't like involving them with her battle, she had no option choice.

“Fufun, I've been waiting for those words, Kiriha! You are my rival! I'll kick those radicals to the curb so we can return to our original fight!”

“Theia is right, Kiriha! We'll beat them up with a smash and bang and go play somewhere again! The summer vacation is almost here!”

“I will help too! Magic is being misused, so this is my job!”

“I'll go too. I can't let this be since Maya-sama is involved in this.”

“Kii, just leave this to me. You can relax and rely on me.”

“Master, what will the band of knights do?”

“The Satomi band of knights will all sorties. We are going to support the People of the Earth's conservative faction.”

“As you wish, my lord. I will stake my life to do so.”

“What will you do, Sakuraba-senpai.”

“I will help too of course. Kurano-san is my friend after all. What about you, Kasagi-san?”

“Me too. A landlord and tenant share mind and body. Right, uncle?”

“That's right. I shall help too. I'm also interested in the underground country.”

The girls offer their help one after another. Not a single one was against it. There was not a single person in this place with a relationship so shallow they could abandon Kiriha in her predicament.

“Everyone... thank you...”

Kiriha's chest grew hot and she was moved to tears. As she looked at the girls of room 106 she felt truly glad that she came to the surface. She also wanted to spread this relationship to the surface dwellers and the People of the Earth. With that in mind she had to stop the radical faction no matter what.

Part 2

What Koutarou and the others were calling the earthquake weapon had been given the name of Earth Dragon. In the People of the Earth's culture, the spiritual energy running underground was likened to a dragon. The name was taken from that. The dragon of the earth was stirred up to create earthquakes.

Elexis who was in the control room quite liked the name. The enterprise he managed himself also had dragon in its name after all.

Elexis was currently facing a brand-new computer, performing the final adjustments to Earth Dragon. This very advanced product was very delicate, and not only did have to harmonize with spiritual energy technology, but even with the help of magic, it would be difficult for it to reach its designed power. As a result, Elexis had been nailed down in this room for days with scarce change.

“I'm back.”

“Ah, welcome back, Maya.”

It was Maya that brought change to his life. When she came unexpected things happened one after another. Having completely lost to Koutarou, Elexis remained on Earth because he liked that Maya.

“How did it look?”

“They're a nonsense bunch as always. I think they've gotten even stronger than before.”

“What about Koutarou-kun?”

“Especially the boy... Here, you should take a look for yourself.”

“Thank you, Maya. I'm looking forward to it.”

Maya handed Elexis a memory card. Inside it was combat data about Koutarou and the others, retrieved from the weapons and information from the sensors placed around the factory. With this, Koutarou's and the girls' of room 106 combat capabilities should be properly measured. It was information that Elexis and Maya wanted.

“Elexis, that's quite the attitude when you have a beauty like me in front of you.”

“Hm? What's that supposed to mean?”

“You've got an expression like you've gotten a love letter from your lover.”

“I guess I can't dismiss calling Koutarou-kun my lover. Isn't that the same for you?”

“Fufufu.... we're quite twisted, aren't we?”

Maya and Elexis smiled at each other. This kind of situation would often happen lately. Looking at it broadly, the two thought similarly, so they didn't need to pay attention to other. But when it came to details, they could enjoy themselves as the other had ideas they themselves would never have.

“There's that, and it's partially a reaction to something that I don't like.”

“Are you stuck in your work?”

It was rare for Maya to bother with someone else's feelings. She would walk down her own path regardless of what others thought.

“No, that's not it. While it takes time, work is proceeding smoothly.”

“Then what is it?”

“Honestly speaking, I can't say I like this situation. I understand their goals, but their means are weapons of mass destruction and kidnapping.”

The same was true for Elexis. He rarely complained about others. That became a natural part of him as he was someone who stood above others. But ever since Maya's appearance, that part of him was gradually changing.

“Fufu, Then I guess we both have a guilty conscience about it.”

“I'm not rejecting the method itself. It's something I might use myself. However that kind of method needs to be limited and controlled. Yet they are giving priority to their feelings.”

While Maya and Elexis were working together with him, they didn't hold positive feelings for Tayuma. Both of them prioritized their goal, but Tayuma was too excessive. The two didn't like that.

“Evil has it own way of blooming.”

“That's right... In that regard, you are truly beautiful, Maya.”

“I can't obediently feel happy about being called an evil woman.”

“Hahaha, an evil woman, huh! I see, that's certainly what it would mean!”

“Gee... so shameless...”

The two were in the process of building their relationship as partners. However, their realization to the fact that they had built a relationship with an equal was slow, and it was questionable if they were seeing it or not.

“...Jokes aside, what is that Tayuma doing?”

“That would be kidnapping. He has gone with Maguz to go capture Kurano Daiha.”

“So it's finally starting.”

“Yes. The People of the Earth's civil war is about to begin.”

“...Leaving my standpoint aside, I would like to see Koutarou-kun and his friends shine. That way would be more elegant.”

“It's not I don't understand how you feel... do your best. Maki...”

The two's goal was far off. It's first step was cooperating with the People of the Earth's radical faction. What they got in return brought them closer to their goal. That's why it was still unclear how the two would influence the People of the Earth's future.

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