Knight's Suo. And the Bishop's Akeno. That's the name of the two in front of me.
　The Red Winged Demon is a pawn, and since they seemed to have some knowledge of our situation, it was easy to make a connection. These two men are their friends. And if they are as good as the pawns, they are several times as good as the pawns.

''(Princess Water, what are your water reserves?)'
'(No........... I'll keep it light when I'm exploring...)

　In a search that might keep them in a combined state for a long time, it would not be wise to merge with Rin in a compressed state. It was a natural decision, but it had completely backfired on them currently. Nekomiya (Ket Shih) also had her full body hair upside down and her tail pinned up, as if she was blatantly wary of the two people in front of her.

　The boy in school uniform who called himself Suou released his smile and tilted his head in wonder.

'What, are you nervous?'

　There was no hint of hostility in his demeanor. The Bishop Akeno's in the Sister's outfit crossed his arms and gave me a sceptical look, but the Knight's Suou could even be described as rather friendly, if anything.

The first thing to say is that we're not the enemy. The unfortunate bickering happened because the pawn guys didn't communicate well enough, but...
I don't trust you.

　Nekomiya said in a tense voice.

'I don't know what your intentions are, but you attacked our base and kidnapped one of my classmates. Even if you ask me to make up with you now, I can't comply.
So it was a fatal accident. I mean, you wouldn't believe me. The way you look at it, it was just a coincidence that you came here.

　Suou shoved his hands into his pants pockets. Kyousuke glanced at the armband. Not everything is legible, but he can barely make out the part that says 'Technical High School'. It's Japanese, after all. It's also a high school armband.
　The sounds of "Suou" and "Akeno" also remind me of Japanese names.
　Then again, Akeno's sister's uniform may not be from this world as well. There is a good chance that these two are trippers, but at least the atmosphere they exude is not human.

'Possibly not a coincidence, was it?

　Nekomiya's speech was still accompanied by theatrical gestures, but his words were more relaxed than usual.
　He was stalling for time. Washio, Mushikasa and the others must be wondering why Kyousuke and the others weren't coming back sooner. At such times, there is an arrangement to send a signal to the heavy duty branch school again to inform Ryuzaki and the others of the unusual situation.

I want to ask you one more thing. You guys know about our situation. Why in the world?　Where did you guys come from?
Not one, but two. You're curious.
'You'll have to forgive me for this, won't you?　It's not fair to know what's going on one way or the other and try to be friends.

　He doesn't just talk the talk; he can also improvise. Nekomiya's fighting ability is not so great, but this kind of tact is extremely reliable. It's not like he's been selected as the leader of a squad.
　The Knight's Suou let out a ''hmm,'' and put a hand to his chin. Although he was a boy with a noticeable crude demeanor and appearance, his bare bones were quite sumptuous as he had a neat face.

It's not a coincidence, is it? I want to talk to you as quickly as possible, but........
It's no use, Suou.

　Akeno, in his sister's uniform, who had previously crossed his arms, snorted.

'There's no way you'd comply if I told you what happened. I'm just stalling for time. Reinforcements will be coming soon.'
What, really?

　Nekomiya clucked his tongue at Akeno's penetrating words and actions. He had been noticed.

'Her betrayal is still definite. We need to report to the king.''
I know. That's too bad.

　She?　Betrayal?　What in the world are they talking about? Kyousuke struggled to think through his thoughts to understand, but the two in front of him were not going to give him that kind of time. It was Suou who moved first. He thrust his hands into his pockets and approached us with a large gait. His gait was clearly different from the previous one.
　The appearance of that tsk tsk walking on the red carpet of the church is the Yankee itself. Stopping only a few steps away from Kyousuke and his friends, he bent forward and said in a pose like cutting a mensch.

''Let me say hello again. I'm Suou, Suou. I'm Suou of the Night. Now I'm going to tie you guys up.

　A word of belligerence for a change. It's a declaration of war.

"If you don't comply, well, there's nothing we can do. I'm not going to kill you, but if you're going to resist, I don't know.
Let's get out of here!　Utsurogi, Princess Water!

　Nekomiya shouted and Kyousuke and the others ran to the exit of the church at exactly the same time. The idea of whether they could escape was just noise. In this situation, there is no choice but to escape. As long as that side doesn't answer what will happen if they are caught, I'll rule out the option of being quiet.
　I put my hand on the heavily closed door of the church and open it.
　But just as I'm about to jump out, the words come from the front.

'I'm sorry I'm late to tell you,'

　You can see Nekomiya, who has four feet on the floor at your feet, gasping for breath.

"Running away is another form of resistance. I'm sorry I left it out.

　Before you know it, Suou, the Knight, who was standing in front of you, kicks wildly with his hands in his pockets. It's a so-called yakuza kick. The kick landed on Kyousuke's chest, and with a burst of impact, the body was lightly blown away.

''Goooooooo...!
YEAH...!

　Kyousuke and Rin's screams echoed and their bodies were pushed back inside the church in a parabolic pattern.

'Utsurogi!　Princess water!

　Nekomiya let out a scream. Kyousuke raised his body.

''Nekomiya, go quickly!''
Wha...
You know how to shadow-walk!　Quickly!
......................

　Nekomiya nodded and slipped out of Suou's arms, which he tried to capture, and jumped into the shadows.
　It was one of the Ket Shi's race abilities that Serena had talked about. It crossed from shadow to shadow, moving from shadow to shadow. The clearer the shadow was, the farther they could move, but in this bad weather, it would be enough to get them out of a tight spot at best. Still, it would be good if we could escape. If you can meet up with Washio and the others and let Ryuzaki know.

''By the looks of it, Ketsey's Phase 2 isn't over yet.

　With his hands in his pockets, Suou muttered.

''Can't help it. It's better to just bring these two back.''
''Hmm. The "Characteristic Amplification" is quite rare for Phase 2. The pawns didn't seem to know that.

　Knight in front and Bishop in the back. They are completely sandwiched between them in the small church.
　Kyousuke has no intention of giving up yet, either. He's not the only one here. At least he wants to let Rin get away safely. I can see that Rin is wrapped around Kyousuke's body, making his whole body tense up. She wasn't just nervous, but I could feel her will to protest against Kyousuke's thoughts.

'It's not just because I'm here or anything, run away.'
Yeah, I don't mean to belittle myself...
I can't...

　While dodging the slightest conversation, I check the movements of Suou and Akeno.
　Suou, as usual, is walking Yankee, while Akeno, his spine tense and twitching, is closing the distance. I could see a black lightning bolt of energy rushing through both of Akeno's arms. It's the same as the one the pawn used. But I don't think even the power is the same. Even in the unlikely event that it was weaker than that one, Rin, who is not in a high-pressure state, can't withstand that attack.

　Kyousuke clenched his fist. The fist clenched by Rin is hardened from the tip.

''Uo-o-ai-yaaah!

　He turned around and slammed his fist into Suou as hard as he could. However, the knight Suou didn't even show any pretense of avoiding it and received the punch with his face.

''Nah........!

　Kyousuke couldn't help but shout out at Suou's attitude, which he didn't even receive, let alone avoid.

''Ooh-oh.''

　Underneath the slammed fist, Suou smiled with his double teeth peeking out.

''It's so light. Even though it's still Phase 2, it's still like this with a slime and a skeleton.''
"d*mn it...!

　Kyousuke clenched his fists even more and punched Suou repeatedly, but Suou kept his hands in his pockets and didn't move as if he hadn't moved the slightest bit. It was a much shallower handful than the pawns in their sturdy armor. No matter how uncompressed they were, they were still defenseless. And yet, like this.

''Oraaah!''
Ggh...!

　Another yakuza kick with his arm in the pocket. Kyousuke's body is lightly blown away.
　Suou sat up Yankee as he looked into Kyousuke's body as he fell down.

'You're the skeleton, Utsurogi? I've heard about you from Koganei.''
Koganei...!

　Kyousuke stands up as he holds his body down.

'Koganei-kun is still safe!

　Rin also shouted. Immediately after that, Akeno, who had built up energy in both arms, released a bolt of lightning to hold down Kyousuke and the others' bodies. Kyousuke fell to his knees again as an intense pain that burned his entire body.

''Guaaaah!''
"Yikes!
Yeah, hey, Aquino. Don't interrupt me while I talk to you.
M.....

　Bishop Akeno moved his hand away somewhat awkwardly.

'Koganei's safe. After all, he's now a friend.'
My friends...?　A friend...?
Yeah. He wants to apologize to you.

　I didn't understand what Suou was saying, but only in the end I understand clearly. Koganei says he wants to apologize. If that's the case, then even more so, we can't stop here. Putting all his strength into his body, Kyousuke stood up again. Compared to earlier, his body is somewhat, somewhat heavier than before. Rin's fatigue and damage are directly reflected in her fatigue and damage.

''(Himemizu, are you alright...?)
(Isn't this a little... spicy?

　Rin's consciousness has ceased to exist. If it continues like this, it won't be surprising if it breaks off at any time.

You're a friend of Koganei's, aren't you?　So don't do anything to make him sad. Okay?

　How far does Suou really mean it?
　Are Suou and Koganei friends?　First of all, is that, in and of itself, a fact?　While holding down Rin's body that was about to melt down, Kyousuke glared at Suou.

''Well, I can't follow that suggestion...''
How's that?
'Because I don't believe it.... Besides, I can't leave the branch school now. It's about Himemizu, and I'm needed by everyone. We all have to go home together, so I'll take Koganei back with me.
"Oh, I see.

　Suou crossed his arms and nodded in agreement.

''You're really light.
What...
I'm not very good with words. You're just stringing together randomly that kind of thing that came to mind. Well, that's what being reincarnated as a skeleton means, isn't it? You don't have anything you want to do yourself, so you only talk about the superficial things like that.

　After all, Kyousuke can't understand what the man in front of him is saying. At that time, Rin, who seems to be slumbering and doing her best to keep her form, barely speaks up.

''U, Utsurogi-kun.......Koganei-kun.......''
Himesui, take it easy!
Because I want to take Koganei-kun home. Because that's the truth....

　Rin seemed to be desperate for something to happen. What was she trying so hard to protect? It's like protecting a dandelion that you found on the side of the road from being trampled. That's how it feels. But Suou snorted at her words.

'I dunno. You're just assuming that because someone told you to, aren't you?　You really want to take Koganei home?　If you just want to be with your friends, then why don't you come over here?
That's not...

　Kyousuke felt like he was being stirred around, his arm plunged into his heart. He certainly was. There was no need to force himself to stick to the branch school if he was going to be a part of it. Why was he thinking of taking Koganei, himself, home?　Didn't you try to find another way?
　Kyousuke couldn't tell the difference between means and purpose. Kyousuke put his head in his hands. What on earth did he want to do?

　What I wanted to do. What I wanted.

　I wanted to help people. To support somebody. To have someone say "Thank you" to me.
　Such memories are faint. No, it's not a memory. It's an emotion imprinted deep in the strata of my mind.
　Kyousuke puts his head in his hands. No matter how much he searched for the source of those feelings, no response came out. He is unconcerned with anyone's words, nodding, forgiving, prioritizing, and receiving 'thank you' in return. There is nothing in it. Because the only purpose was to be appreciated, to make someone else feel better.

The guy who goes through the Transition Denaturation Gate and becomes a skeleton, well, that's what he's all about. There's no meat, no meat, no motivation.
Stop!

　Rin's voice is loud and high pitched.

'Stop, stop!　Don't pick on Mr. Utsurogi.　Just now, just now, finally....
Letting them find what they want to do and then trying to solve it won't change anything. Hey, Utsurogi, do you get my point? You know what I'm talking about?

　With his hands in his pockets, Suou stood up. Before long, the beastly, copious expression plastered on his face disappeared and was replaced with only a cold, glowering one.

''You're empty. Just like that skull.'

　Empty. When Kyousuke heard those words, he felt as if he was getting terribly far away from his existence.
　As a result of turning away from what was inside him and forgetting to protect it, it had all drifted away when he found himself. Now, I don't even know if I really wanted to bring Koganei back. I don't even know if the friendship I felt for Koganei was real.

　Maybe she just wanted to be appreciated for helping him.

　It's not just Koganei. Ryuzaki, Sakuma, and Serena as well. The same is true of Washio and the others' apology, which they readily accepted.
　Or Ei.
　Or Rin.
　The truth is, I didn't think anything of them.

No!

　Rin shouted in a desperate voice.

'No, no!　Mr. Utsurogi is not that kind of man!　I don't think that's what's inside of Mr. Utsurogi.　Because...
''Well, that kind of thing isn't something the outside world dawg on. Himemizu-san.

　Suou said as he scratched his head raggedly.

And that's not a very good way to talk about it. I'm sure that if you're empty, you'll be able to dismiss the desire that is stuck in the bottom of the empty space with the word 'such a thing'. If you admit it, you are unloved.
Ugh...
Don't feel bad. This one's a little too sick to deal with, but it's a necessary step in the process of dealing with you. Well, I'm going to take care of you until the end. Hey, punk.

　Had he been completely bored until then? Bishop Akeno, who was removed from the conversation, only crossed his arms and said, 'Come on. In the first place, he wasn't really interested in this topic, or rather, in Kyousuke's inner life.

So, Suou. Can we get him now?
Oh. It's all yours.

　Akeno let his hands fill with black energy again. Bishop Akeno slowly approached Kyousuke, who was stunned and lost, and Bishop Akeno slowly approached him.

　Just then.

''Utsurogiiiiiiiii!

　Like breaking a stained glass window, a single flying object flew into the church.
　It was an unexpected shadow. The form, which looked like an eagle and a lion joined together, circled and sent its wings flying like arrows, causing Akeno's energy filling to cease. Kyousuke, who had been losing himself until then, couldn't help but huff and puff.

''Wow, Washio...!
'Whoa!　Howling Feathers!

　The feathers that flew did not pierce Suou and Akeno's bodies and did not cause an inch of damage. But it was a distraction.
　Attendance number 40. The griffon Washio Kouta grabbed Kyousuke's arm with his raptor-like paws and flew out of the broken glass at breakneck speed as it was. The sludgy Rin clung to him desperately to keep him from melting down.

'I told you so, Suou.

　Looking away from it, Akeno says in an accusing voice.

'That there could be reinforcements coming. Utterly, they got away with it after all.
Oh, I'm sorry. You didn't even remember that you said it.
.........

　At Suou's words, Akeno bit his lip and fell silent. It was true, apparently.
　Suou keeps his hands in his pockets and sprouts red wings from his back.

Well, I ain't going to let you go. But I'm going to call Koganei for now. I'm sure he's still wandering around somewhere else looking for the reincarnated Ooga.
Hmm. Then I'll leave the chase to you.

　Akeno spread his wings as well, and the two demons took off separately from the church.




'Just in time. Glad you made it in time.

　Washio said as he re-positioned Kyousuke on his back. Rin took a breath, no longer having to worry about slipping off for the moment.

　After that, Washio had sent a signal to the branch school to announce the emergency after receiving Nekomiya's report, and then he flew straight to the church where Kyousuke and the others were. I didn't know it, but the speed of the griffon's flight was a big deal. Thanks to that, they were able to escape, albeit temporarily.
　However, while riding on Washio's back, Kyousuke didn't say anything as he slumped down.

'What's the matter, Utsurugi? You don't look well.''
Yeah, yeah. Washio-kun, it's just that........

　Instead of Utsurogi not answering, Rin says that.

　At that time, Kyousuke's emotions were directly transmitted to Rin. It's a side effect of the merging effect.
　That's why Kyousuke's emotions are also conveyed to Rin when he salvaged something outrageous in the process of trying to find out what's inside of him. Terribly egotistical, yet distorted and empty, Kyousuke Soraki's desire. An empty, empty, empty, empty desire to just be thanked by someone else, Garando.
　If it's true, Kyousuke doesn't think that he only cares about himself. He doesn't even care about others. Since he can't look at the essence of others, he can't look at what's inside of him. That was no small shock to Rin.

　Everyone has the desire to be appreciated.
　But to treat one's own life lightly for that reason, or to be unable to realize the essential feelings of others, much less to combine the two, is too distorted.

''Washio........''

　Utsurogi opened his mouth to speak, and Rin listened to him.

''Nah, what?''
Why did you save me...
What?
I don't know, it could have been dangerous. It could have killed me.
'Uh....'

　Washio looked somewhere in the distance, as if he was extremely embarrassed at the mention of the subject.

''No, I didn't apologize properly, so...''
What...?

　Look what's popping up, those are the words.

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, seriously.... I don't know, I don't know. No, I don't really know.
.........
But now that I think about it, I don't really dislike you that much. I was probably just, you know, sulking. I'm sorry.

　Rin's heart is filled with anticipation and gloom at the same time.
　Would Washio's words moisten Kyousuke's heart? The timing is too bad, too bad. But perhaps his words could be gospel to Kyousuke, who was sinking in shock after being shaken by Suou's words. Washio Rohta's words of sincere apology.

''Washio........''
What?
Thank you....
What, come on. I just want to say thank you...

　The black energy body that flew in from behind landed on Washio shortly afterwards.

''Whoa!''

　Washio screamed and lost his balance in the air. The aftermath of the impact hit Kyousuke and Rin as well. Washio's body, which was moving over the mountainous forest towards the heavy duty branch school, fell as if he was turning. Rin and the others were thrown into the air.
　The branches of the coniferous trees were snapped and the trunks creaked, and the three bodies rolled down the mountainside. For a moment, it was hard to understand what had happened. But soon understanding caught up with me. It was either the Knight or the Bishop from earlier. Either of them had come to chase after Washio.

　It was Kyousuke, followed by Rin, who immediately woke up the body. A little distance away, Washio was lying on the ground.
　When considering a fall from a height, the amount of bruises and broken bones that could occur, the damage would be greater for a biotype monster. In fact, Washio was bleeding from all over and couldn't move.

''Washio-kun, are you okay!''
Oh, my God, I'm alive...
Good....

　Rin breathed a sigh of relief. Kyousuke rushed over to her as well, lagging behind her.

''Washio........''
Sorry..... I failed.......... What should I do with this.........

　Slowly, Washio stood up, but he was still faltering on his feet.

'That was a moderate flight speed. But it's a shame. If I had been able to awaken to Phase 2, I could have gotten away with it.

　It's that story again. Rin was a little freaked out by the voice that came from behind her back, but her anger and frustration came first.
　The bishop, Akeno, stood there, her neatly dressed sisterhood clothes sprouting venomous red wings from her back. Her appearance eloquently illustrates that her essence is not a saint, but a demon. In her hands, she was boiling black energy with a bee in her hands.

'But it's over now. I'm done with you. You will be proud to be the best in our army.
d*mn it.

　Washio flies a feather and tries to attack Akeno. But she just brushes it away with her hand, looking depressed.

'Run away, Utsurogi-kun!　Combine!
'Oh, oh, oh...'

　Despite his hesitant response to Rin's words, Kyousuke accepts them. Rin wraps herself around Kyousuke's body, but somehow, her whole body seems limp in comparison to what it was before. The combination didn't feel right. Kyousuke's body is distant.

'Hey you two, get down!

　Washio shouted and pushed Kyousuke and the others just after the combination. Just after being covered up like that, a black spear-shaped energy body pierces the ground around it. I'm not just going to catch it. I'm going to hurt it until I lose the energy to run away.
　We have to get away. It's not if we can escape. We've got to escape.

We're both bad.

　Washio said in a whisper.

Shit!　Washio-kun, I'm not talking about an apology right now...
I don't know if I'm going to make it.
What are you...

　You're telling me, Rin stopped speaking involuntarily as she tried to say. A couple of the black spears from earlier were stuck in Washio, who had pushed Kyousuke and Rin's bodies away. Bright red blood was constantly flowing from the wound.

''Ha, go quickly........ Why do you think I covered for you........

　Washio says as Akeno approaches with a cold expression on his face.

''But Washio... you...''
You know, for times like these, morons have to be dressed to the nines.

　The black spear fired by Akeno stabbed into Washio's body again.
　He said that he would add it as a fighting force, but does that mean that Washio, who hasn't reached Phase 2, has low priority? Or is he planning to capture them after weakening them to the last minute? Is it simply that Washio is simply receiving the spear aimed at Kyousuke and the others?

''Utsurogi-kun!

　Rin shouted. But Utsurogi's body didn't move, as if it had frozen up.
　Washio clicked his tongue and then turned around and leapt towards Akeno.

''Mmm...!

　The action was indeed surprising, but Akeno intercepted Washio with a black energy in his fist, although his reaction was somewhat delayed. The fist pierced his chest.

''Gofu........''

　Blood leaks from Washio's beak.

Washio........!
Hey, you know, Utsurogi. I didn't really mean it, you know. I'm just too scared to have confidence in myself if I'm not bullying a weak guy...
What are you talking about?

　Kyousuke screams. A mournful voice that seems to squeeze out of the empty depths. But it was a line that was stronger and more weighty than any words Kyousuke had ever uttered before.

''It doesn't matter!　I said I forgive you!　I told you I didn't care!
"Utsurogi-kun!

　Rin forced Kyousuke's body to turn around. She takes the initiative from Kyousuke's body, which is still unable to move. Forcing Kyousuke's body to thrust from the outside, Soraki Kyousuke's body. There was a strong resistance, but Rin screwed it up.
　Where did this kind of power come from, the mortally wounded Washio? He formed around Akeno's body as he tried to pull away, clinging to it, sinking his claws and bill into it and not letting go. Frustrated, Akeno releases several black spears, and Washio's body becomes like a hedgehog.

'Let go, Himemizu!　Let go!
I'm not letting go!

　He ran down the mountainside in a tumbling fashion.

'So!　I know how Koganei feels!　If you see him, tell him, okay?　You tried to sell me out that time, but I didn't want to...
Washio!

　Washio's voice screamed frantically from behind him. As if to drown it out, the sound of flesh and bone being torn apart echoed through the thick foggy mountain forest.




'Phase two at the end, eh? A little close.''

　Bishop Akeno kicked the griffon's wreckage off the slope and clicked his tongue as it rolled down the slope. A powerful neurotoxin was being secreted from the feathers stuck into its entire body. This wouldn't allow him to chase the fleeing skeleton.
　The final attack had a demonic quality to it. He didn't expect to be killed, but he was attacked where the poison had robbed him of his body functions. As expected, he didn't have enough time to knead the Black Red Qi for capture. Well, the secretion of neurotoxins was not very powerful among the Phase 2 abilities that a griffon could express. Let's give it up.

　Nevertheless, we can use this poison.

　Once my body is healed, I'll drag the Gryphon's corpse and return to the old castle once it's healed. After all, the demonic beasts that we had already adjusted didn't have a chance to come out, but we can add a new ability to that one.
　Perhaps they should gather in one place and move. I'll leave the chase for that one to Suou.

　I hope we can at least get in touch with them.
　Akeno takes out his cell phone from inside his sister's clothes and sighs.

'But to be attacked by a single griffon and have this happen. Even though there was carelessness and chemistry, don't cry for the name of Bishop.......

　With a bit of bitterness, Akeno waited for the poison to drain out of his body.