A Birdcage of Pain.

　Eina and Bear.
　The two girls were locked up in a prison with that name.

　It was a place where they had been locked up many times before, and where children were forced to kill each other under the name of "sword fighting".

　I no longer felt anything about killing children in the same situation in front of me, and I was used to it, whether it was one on one or against multiple opponents.

　I was not afraid to reap the life of anyone in order to win my own.

　No, but...

"...... Why? !

　I shouted.
　It's called a birdcage, and you can see it outside the bars.
　The "aristocrats" were sitting deep on the couches, looking at the inside of the birdcage and twisting the corners of their mouths.

　I clap my hands when I see the two girls facing each other in the narrow cage, puffing on their cigars.

"Well, you should have seen their faces.
"Yes. You've been like a doll lately.
"I didn't know ...... that 'B' and 'A' were close. Maybe because they're both Irunes?

　"B" gritted his teeth.
　I want to throw the long sword I'm holding at them right now.
　I desperately suppressed that feeling and tried to think of a way out of it.

　In front of me, there is a girl with no hands.
　The only one I've ever spent time with.

"...... Eina.

　She mutters and looks up.

　What she wants to do out there.
　I've heard so many things.
　I've laughed at the things she wishes she could do.

　And most of all.
　We're almost there. If we could just get through today, we could get out of there.

　And yet.

"......

　I lowered my long sword.

　The other Eina's eyebrows twitched.

　But Bear had no reason to want to kill her.

　This birdcage of torment could not be released unless one of them lost their life.
　Both Eina and Bear knew this well, having been thrown into it many times.

　But that doesn't mean...
　If you take Eina's life and get out, Bear will have nothing left.

"Hey, what's going on?　You're not gonna do it?
I don't think so. It's ......, but Eina's going for it.
"Whoa!　This is disastrous!　I thought we were going to see a story of friendship, but ...... it's all a bit dull.
As a spectacle, ...... it's a bit of a letdown.

　You can say whatever you want, he said, looking at the long sword he had lowered.
　But it is true that if you don't entertain them, it is a little bit of revenge.

　Bear can't kill Eina.

　But...

"Oh, no!

　With a dull thud, Bear's body was blown away.

"Eina ......?

　A cold glare looked down at her.
　The fist that he swung out was through his cuirass.

　Surely, the nobles were saying.
　The nobles had said that Eina was going to do it. But I didn't expect it to be this easy.

Why, Eina, ......?

　Bear is kicked in the side of the head and rolled over.

　The crowd cheers.

"Aww!　Good, good, good!
That's Bear's face. Has he ever made that face before?
No, no!

　"No, no!" The nobles sipped their drinks happily, their eyes fixed on the birdcage of pain.

　It's another busy day. Maybe more than usual.
　I'm sure it's because they know that these two are going to kill each other.

"--Yes. ......
"......

　A toe thrusts into the abdomen.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

　Oh.
　I'm sure you're not the only one.

　He knew how badly Eina wanted to get out.

　But there was also a feeling that welled up inside Bear.

　How could he just cut himself off so easily?

"Hey, you're not taking it easy, are you?


"Yeah, I'd love to beat you to death, but ...... it's time."

　The palm of his hand on the ground. Bear sensed it too, as he tried to get up on all fours.

　Why is this birdcage called "pain"?

　--Slowly, the ground heats up.

　There was no time limit, but gradually the ground became as hot as a steel plate.
　If neither of you has a decision to make, you will suffer and burn to death.

　I know.

"d*mn it, Eina, ...... I'm ...... for you, .......

　Kick.

　Another roll on the ground, and Bear grabs his sword.

　Yeah, I got it.

　Stumbling to his feet, Bear grasps the long sword.

"Well, you're right. That's what friendship is all about.
When you're on the verge of death, you want to save yourself.
That's why I'm in this birdcage of pain. Hey, ....... It's a classic.
It's an old one, and it's time for some maintenance.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

　He swung his long sword and ran.

"Aaahhhhhh!

　Eina then jumped backwards until she was up against the bars of the birdcage, and rolled as an evasive maneuver as she slashed.

　As she dodged, the long sword sliced through the air and struck the bars with great force.

I'm not sure what to do.

　You can't just duck and dodge.
　You'll need to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　The dull clang of steel echoes through the air.

Listen to me.

　It was then.
　The first time Eina's voice touched my ear.
　Just a whisper, just a whisper.

What are you talking about now, ......?
We're both going to burn. But I'm glad to hear that I'm a bigger part of your life than I thought.
"What?

　Her fist went on the offensive, leaving Bear blinking at her like she was talking nonsense.
　It's fast enough to be handled by a long sword.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

"The first place you struck the sword. That's where it's vulnerable. I thought I'd check the birdcage just in case, but it's a good thing I did.
You. How did you do that?
Oh. Every time I'm thrown in, I have to be steady. It's the proper thing to do.

　Bear couldn't help but laugh as Eina raised her head.

　But Eina's fist pierced through her.

"Gubuh!
I don't know. I'm not sure what you're talking about. You forgot what you said, didn't you?
".......


"The only difference is whether or not you remain determined to kill the f*cking aristocracy one day.


　You said we were getting out.
　We're going to get out of here together, I swore.

　And then, oh, sure enough.
　I must be a fool to have given up.

Once we're out, we'll have to relearn.
Yes, I'll take care of you all the time.

　I ducked a fist and swung my long sword at him.
　In the same time, Eina kicked the bars and jumped, ducked, and slashed the bars again.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I know what you mean by brittle.
　The welded parts were rusting.

　If I repeat this a few times--

By the way, I'm bluffing, so please do another part.
You're being too rough with me, ......!

　I know where to aim.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm not sure I can do it.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. It's not so much the feet as it is the temperature in the cage that's making it hard to breathe.

　But still, Eina puts her hands on the ground and throws a spinning kick.

　The movement, which seems to have a real intent to kill, seems to innocently please the "nobles.

　I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who's been trying to make friends with her.

"You're terrible.
"Oh, it's a sign of trust.

　He showed his teeth and struck the cage with his long sword.



You know how to run, don't you?
Yeah, I've been down that road a hundred times, you son of a b*tc*.

　There'll be a lot of guards.
　The nobles will be desperate to keep you from escaping.

　But...
　But we'll get out of here alive. Both of us.

With you and me, there's nothing to worry about.
That's right...!

　The image of Eina, smiling fearlessly, blurs.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

　At that moment, Eina's kick knocked the bars away.

"Let's go!
"Yeah, yeah!　This is great!

　The two run like rabbits.

What?
Don't let him get away!
Military police!

　The screaming nobles are too bloated to even move. All they can do is howl.

　The only thing they can do is howl, and Eina stops Bear from heading towards them.

I can kill them any time. More importantly.
"...... I know, today is...
Escape Day!

　Run down the aisle.

　A flurry of armored soldiers came at me from the other side.

I've never seen anything like it!
Let's dance!

　The guards of this house are insignificant.
　Eina and Bear, split in two, attacked the armored knights from right to left.
　One after another, they set them down, killing them when they had the chance and running down the aisles.

　It's a path they've taken many times.
　I was lambasted for being a child, and not even blindfolded.

Haa...... haa......!
Eina, are you okay?
Yeah, it's ...... fun.

　No wonder you're sweating. I was in a birdcage of pain.

　That's why I'm so determined. Bear nodded his head in concern at her strong smile.

　Once we're through this door, we'll be in the garden. Once we're through there, they won't be able to follow us. There's no way a nobleman could chase two children around, considering the rumors.

　Open the door and run.

There they are, kill them!

　They found us. I knew it.
　I raise my longsword, knowing I can still do it.

　How many times had he done this?
　Even though they're mooks, they're adults. And they're wearing armor.
　In contrast, I'm merely using my willpower to hold on to my nearly exhausted strength.

"You bastard!

　He rushed in and swung his long sword.

You're a little kid-- don't you dare!

　The blade swung, and Bear sensed something.

"Poison?
"Kill and you're done!
"You're such a piece of trash, nobleman!

　He howled and kicked him in the face.
　As he stumbles back, he plunges the long sword into his neck and looks back at Eina as he falls, croaking like a frog.

　She seems to have beaten him too, and they nod at each other and start running again.


"Haa...... haa.......
"Eina!　What's wrong with you?
I'm fine. It's ...... almost there, isn't it ......?
Yes, but!

　It's a garden, a nobleman's garden.
　It's as big as a light forest.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

This is no time to be stubborn.
"No, ......
I don't mean that.

　You'll be able to get a lot more than that.
　A terrible fever.

"...... Eina?
I said, ".............



　Before Bear could even look up, there was a sickening wind noise.

　A dull thrusting sound, a tree. A piercing arrowhead.

Over there!
"It's quite a fun hunt, isn't it?
The Marquis. ......

　Our pursuers.
　Gritting his teeth, Bear carries Eina on his back.

Leave me. ......
You can't!

　It's probably poison. I don't know how I didn't see it, but Eina has a not-so-short cut on her ankle.

Not yet. ...... We'll take the escape route ...... and show it to the doctor. You said you could get the money from the priest's place.
Yeah, well, ...... can you carry me on your back to ...... get there?
I'll go!　You said that the two of us could make it back alive. ......!
Yeah. ...... Yeah. ......

　There's still time.
　No matter how powerful the poison...

　Almost there.
　Almost there.

　--Wind shear.


Oh, did you hit it?
I don't know. ......!
They must have gone in pretty deep.
Keep looking, keep looking!　What if they get to the top?
Ha-ha-ha!



Hey, Eina.
......

　The weight of her body told her that she had little strength left.
　The weight of her body was telling her that.

　So that was her last full effort.

　She leaned forward and draped her head over Bear's.

　Instantly, there was a dull thud, something breaking through the skin, a sickening sound.

　The red dripped down Bear's face.

"Eina, ...... answer me, ......2 you're the one who said people can escape!
"............ Bear, baby.
What?

　A warm, slick feeling caressed her cheek.
　Her face is stained red with her blood.

I'm sorry, .......

　Hold on.

　Her body, which had been trying so hard not to fall...
　She fell to the ground with a thud.

"...... Oh.

　Her vision was so red that she couldn't see clearly.
　But...

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

　Only the corpse of the girl.
　The only thing I can see is the dead girl's corpse and the expression on her face as she smiles, trying not to worry even in death.

　I can still see it clearly in her bloodstained eyes.


　What, the two of us will be okay?
　What do you mean we'll make it out alive?

　You've only dragged each other down.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

　That day.
　For the first time. Bear.



"There he is!
Oh, yeah. Come on, time to shoot.
Get him!　Kill him.






"Aah!












　--Klingbloom residence.


"Huh?

　Arawn's speed is much faster than before.

　The thrusting kick was powerful enough to pierce his abdomen if he could not catch it.
　That's why Mion almost flew backwards herself to kill the impact.

　But even so, there was no way he could cancel it out.
　He rolled on the ground and finally let out a breath.

"Ko-ho.
Die.
......!

　But Mion isn't going to let that happen.
　With his fingertips in control, five swords rushed at Arawn from behind.

　Aylin spins around to avoid the arrow-like swords flying from his back without turning around.
　He took one look at Richter coming at him from the side, grabbed one of the swords and threw it towards him.

"Hmm.
It doesn't seem to be tangled, though.


Don't be naive.
That's what I'm talking about.

　Arawn narrows his eyes and takes the opportunity to kick Mion away.

　He doesn't try to push her away as she bounces a couple of times.
　With Richter on the offensive, he can't afford to take any chances.

　But.

"The two of you fighting together. --They're just dragging each other down. That is.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

"One of us is not as good as the other.

　Then he looks Richter in the eye.

Even more so when one of you is weakened.
"Hmm. That's why we're both going after him.
Is this some kind of trust thing?
...... I hate to admit it.
...... Really?

　Then I'd rather .

I'll show you how counterproductive that can be!

"Air Aria.

　The technique was aimed at Mion.
　Mion grits her teeth and jumps down to avoid the foot.

　It's the end of the world if you're on the receiving end of it, so she uses her Ariadne to attack from afar, but Arawn is closing in, determined not to let her escape.

I'm not sure what to say.
"Don't be silly, you can do whatever you want--!

　Mion howls.
　But the projectiles are nothing to it. Aylan kicks them all away and strikes another blow to the abdomen.

The "Air Aria" can't dodge.

　This is a very painful weakness for Mion right now.

The only reason your body can't keep up is because you've been away from the fight. You are, after all, too warm for anger, my dear.
"You tell me ......!

　I'm not going to stab Mion in the back when he's coughing up blood.
　Aylin narrowed his eyes as Richter's gladius struck from behind.

You're getting weaker and weaker. Why don't you quit?
I refuse.
The only time wiles work is in ...... child's play. Be strong or you will die. Don't delude yourself into thinking you're going to hear from me, or at least try to kill me.

　Then you still have a chance.

　I don't know why I'm giving you this pointless advice. I don't know why I'm giving you such meaningless advice, but you won't listen to me anyway.

　As a shura, fighting itself is fun.
　Two of you at once is a good way to improve yourself.

　But.

I'll finish .......

　If only Mion wasn't so slow.
　If only Richter were in better shape.

　There was much to be regretted, and most of all, much annoyance.
　Even in that state, the fact that you seem to think that the two of you...


"Nocturne.


What?
I waited for an ally. It was like exposing your ...... hand.

　Aylan's arm leaps for Richter's neck.

　I'm not sure what you mean by that.

　And what that means is...

　It means that Richter is no longer capable of a stroke.

It's time to finish.

Capriccio.

　A tightening, arm-breaking arthroplasty, followed in an instant by the neck.

　A submission with the legs, about to break his neck.

......!
Mr. Richter!

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Because of his desperation.

　You can see through it.

"That's why you're weak.

　Aylan grabbed up the knife as if he knew where it was coming from.

　And then... I'm not sure if you've seen this before.


I'm not sure what to say.
Aaaaaaahhhh!

　Aylin evades the four swords that the crazed Mion unleashes and closes in on Mion.

"Come on, soldier.

　She stomps down on Mion's face as if to smash it into the ground.

　She turns around and asks.



Do you still want to do it?

　With a knife still in his abdomen.

　Richter is still on his feet.