| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
The city lights were visible in the distance. The Flare Torch, the tower that served as a landmark for travelers approaching Torch Town, was now a beacon of hope for us.
The encrypted message I had sent from the communications room to the base in Torch Town seemed to have gone unnoticed, as there were no signs of any mecha searching for us.
“Father…”
Perhaps out of a sense of helplessness, I found myself whispering my father’s name. Even if I urged Arkecius toward the city, with the damage our machine had sustained, we would eventually be caught by our pursuers.
“Leafa, the Geist Armors are getting closer.”
“…It seems so.”
We had managed to buy more time than expected, but now five repaired Geist Armors were heading our way. Even if they stopped to assist their comrade, at least four would still be pursuing us.
“There they are! Capture them!”
A searchlight beam stretched out, illuminating Arkecius. Realizing our position had been fully compromised,I wiped the sweat from my hands onto my sleeve and tightened my grip on the control stick.
“Leafa, at this rate…”
Alfe’s voice was strained with fear. Although the distance was still considerable, the display screen showed that a unit equipped with Gatling cannons was leading the charge. While I might survive in the cockpit, even a glancing blow would be fatal for Hom and Alfe.
“…I know.”
I bit my lip, desperately trying to think of a way out. Arkecius’ arms were damaged, and Hom was too badly injured to fight. It was out of the question to have the unarmored Alfe use magic.
We’d have to go for broke.
We had made it close enough to see the city lights. If there were signs of battle, the military would have to respond. Even if they didn’t, there would still be patrol squads stationed around the city.
If they attacked us, there was only one course of action I could take to protect Alfe and Hom.
Ars Magna resting on my lap seemed to respond to my thoughts, flipping its pages until it stopped at the entry for Last Vanish.
This light magic spell was a last-resort technique used by Crusaders, the highest order of holy knights. Glass had left a record of the spell’s formula in Ars Magna, but had never actually used it. To be precise, Glass was never qualified to do so.
Light magic, in its essence, could only be invoked by those bearing the “Stigmata,” a mark bestowed by the goddess. However, the same aether as the goddess Aurora now coursed through me, theoretically enabling me to cast it. But Last Vanish, one of the ultimate light magic spells, was essentially a suicide spell, turning everything within a few hundred meters to ashes. While there was a chance I might survive due to Aurora’s aether, I wouldn’t know unless I tried.
“……”
I read through the incantation, taking a deep breath.
—Should I say something to Alfe before I do this? But I really don’t want to say goodbye here…
Just as doubt began to cloud my resolve, I heard Hom’s voice.
“…Master.”
When I opened my eyes, I saw Hom had jumped down from Arkecius.
“Hom! Get back here!”
“No, I cannot obey that order. I will buy you time… so please, Master, escape with Lady Alfe.”
Hom looked up at Arkecius, her voice firm, her gaze filled with determination.
“You… you can’t be serious…”
Even though she had been healed by Alfe’s magic, Hom was still gravely injured and far from being in any condition to fight. It was reckless for her to face armed Subordinate Units in such a state, especially unarmed. Yet, despite this, Hom was prepared to go, fully aware that it could mean her death.
“Being born to Master and meeting Lady Alfe… I was truly happy.”
“No… no… Hom… That’s not happiness! Come back, Hom!”
Ignoring my desperate plea, Hom dashed forward.
“Hahaha! The homunculus is coming right at us!”
“Good, grab her!”
“Homー!!”
Just as Hom was about to collide with the Geist Armors—
“That’s far enough!”
A shell suddenly struck the ground right in front of the Geist Armors, sending up a cloud of dust.
“Damn! It’s the Imperial Army!”
At the mention of the Imperial Army, tears welled up in my eyes.
“Father!” I recognized the mecha named Löwe, which I had seen in the military hangar, rapidly approaching the Geist Armors with their jet engines.
The most agile among them was the unit leading two squads of six machines each. With masterful use of both its magic cannon and sword, it swiftly neutralized the Geist Armors, reducing their morale and taking down all five in just a matter of minutes.
The lead unit, having subdued the Geist Armors, then approached Arkecius.
“Uncle Rudra!”
Even before Alfe, using her Pure Eye to detect the aether, cried out, I already knew who it was. No one else could be as strong, as cool, and as dedicated to protecting us as my father.
“…It’s all right now, Leafa.”
“Father…”
Hearing my father’s gentle voice through the loudspeaker filled me with immense relief. Everything’s going to be okay now. With the Almoria Grass in hand, we could return to the city with him.
Although we had faced extreme danger, I realized that this too was a form of happiness.
I needed to quickly reclaim the happiness from the days when my mother was well.
Löwe1
The Löwe is the current mainline mecha used by the Arcadia Empire Army, standing at 8 meters tall.
This sixth-generation mecha employs the new Fraternity Frame, a movable frame that is highly versatile and easy to operate, allowing it to adapt to various situations by switching its armaments.
Equipped with propulsion devices on its back and calves, the Löwe boasts high horizontal thrust capability.
When compared to the Soldat, the main mecha of the rival nation, the Holy Kingdom of Carleil, the Löwe excels in mobility but falls short in output and armor thickness.
