Volume 0 — Part 1 — Chapter 5: The Flickering Blade
The buildings seemed larger than usual.
The suspended roads were tangled like a celestial labyrinth from which no one could find the way out. They drew complex figures in the night sky—without ever actually crossing each other—defying all earthly logic.
At the top of one of these giants of glass and steel, Luó observed.
Since Aliss' disappearance, his gaze had hardened.
Her attention — usually absent — remained fixed on the enclave that held her prisoner.
The cold wind whistled around him, sliding down his spine.
But elsewhere…
Someone else felt the same way.
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Face to face
On a lower road the overturned transporter lay destroyed.
On one side — an elegant man, cape fluttering in the night:
the A-rank hero.
On the other — a small individual masked as a rabbit marked 9, rapier in hand, feline tail waving.
The fight was inevitable.
The hero spoke first:
— Justice always strikes.
We have the advantage.
Your leader is already in our hands — the only one that really matters.
Shouldn't you deliver her...rather than fight me?
Nine was silent for a moment.
Serious.
Strangely serious.
—The princess is important. Very important.
But that doesn't change anything.
He raised his blade.
— I came to recover what you once stole.
So give up... before suffering humiliation.
The hero sighed — accepting the duel.
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Nine's Memories
Inside, however...
> She really got screwed…
I want to hide in a hole... like before...
Her tiny hand gripped the large blade.
He took a deep breath.
> What would she say... in this kind of situation...
A memory resonated.
> Everyone is like that except me... my hands are too small...
—Then be the exception that proves the rule.
You have hands — so you can wield the blade.
He jumped.
The rapiers clashed.
> You only have two choices: die... or come out of hiding.
His blade aimed at the hero's skull.
Narrowly dodged — a few blonde strands cut.
Fight back.
Parade.
The two fighters exchanged a shower of thrusts.
The metal vibrated in the night.
No clear benefit.
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The objective
In the middle of the dance of blades:
> My goal… Casa Blanca…
The artifact must be recovered.
He jumped back.
Five minutes remaining.
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The transformation
Nine removed the scabbard.
White bandages unfurled in the air, floating around him.
They wrapped around his arm, merging with the blade.
He attacked.
A dazzling blow.
The hero avoided by instinct.
New exchange – clash of points.
The floor cracked into shattered tiles.
Nine slipped, pivoted — upward strike.
The hero was thrown into the air.
Nine chased after him and smashed him to the ground.
Then incanted:
—Breath for me…
Always blow for me...
You who caress my fur...
Blade arc.
— O eternal companion — wind of each day.
A storm of debris and wind struck the hero.
Total disorientation.
Nine appears behind him.
Clean shot.
Projection.
The hero bounced against the barriers and collapsed, unconscious.
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Recovery
Nine exhaled deeply.
In his hand — a small white cube.
Casa Blanca.
He activated his kitsune form and rose up.
— Exfiltration location request.
Answer :
- Negative. Transfer to others.
He threw the cube skyward.
Gloved hands later retrieved it.
Mission accomplished.
Nine disappeared into the night.
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The Awakening of the Hero
The hero opened his eyes, semi-conscious.
> I got weaker…
My blade felt it...
I chose the easy way...
This boy... his heart is still wavering...
And me…
I forgot myself.
He closed his eyes.
The night resumed its silence.
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