◇At the Old Shibuya Scramble Crossing

 

The once-thriving buildings have collapsed, leaving only debris in the city. The past prosperity is gone, replaced by a huge black medieval castle-like structure nearby, asserting that this place no longer belongs to humanity.

Here, two transcendents face each other.

One is a black knight, named Mordred.

 

The other is a woman in a white military-like uniform.

The official attire of the Human Liberation Army, white to counter the black.

Her name is “Divine Armor” Aya Ryuenji.

 

Mordred: “Finally, you came out of your hole, humanity’s last hope. Have you given up? Hahaha! Congratulations! You’re finally liberated!”

 

Mordred, the black knight, gazes at Aya while removing his armor.

Dressed like a jester, he looks at Aya with a smile tinged with madness.

With a fake expression, the clown laughs at her.

 

Aya: “I’m not the last hope…”

Mordred: “Huh? I thought humanity would have ended without you… Well, whatever. So? Why did you come out again? If you had behaved, I was told by Hades-sama to leave you alone. Losers should quietly spend their remaining days.”

 

Aya remembers.

Five years ago, humanity was defeated by their sudden invasion.

 

The war, lasting about a year, was almost one-sided despite humanity’s united effort.

Even transcendents were killed, and now only four members, including herself, remain in the Human Liberation Army.

 

For four whole years, humanity has endured the bitterness of defeat.

 

Tokyo and its surrounding areas were completely dominated by the black knights.

Undying magic beasts, called ‘Immortals,’ roamed the surface.

 

Therefore, the Human Liberation Army, based in the intricate underground passages of Western Japan, just endured day by day.

 

Food was scarce, and those who ventured above for supplies were often killed by Immortals.

 

The future was bleak, hearts worn down, conflicts among comrades increased.

People who spoke yesterday might be dead the next day.

In a dark world without law, many turned to crime.

 

Sometimes, to maintain order, they even had to take the lives of their comrades.

 

It was like living in hell.

 

But…

 

Aya: “Humanity hasn’t lost.”

Mordred: “What did you say?”

 

Aya never gave up.

 

She rallied humanity, thinking it was her duty, and because she was granted the power to do so.

 

And most importantly, she believed he would never give up.

 

She learned from him that not giving up was their only weapon.

 

So, she looked up again, not averting her eyes, and said loudly:

 

Aya: “I said humanity hasn’t lost yet!!”

Mordred: “Hahaha, OKOK… fine. But those eyes… I really don’t like them, you know… It’s just…”

 

Mordred releases a surge of magic power and killing intent towards Aya.

 

Mordred: “I really don’t like it.”

 

At that moment, the magic beasts surrounding Aya start to scream.

They were only held back by Mordred who wanted to talk to Aya.

 

The Immortals, which had been surrounding Aya, now attack her.

 

In response, Aya also shouts:

 

Aya: “Everyone, start fighting!! Avoid engagement as much as possible!!”

Soldiers: “Ooooooh!!”

 

The Human Liberation Army, waiting in the rear, also responds with magic and skills.

Immortals can’t be killed, but it takes time for them to revive, so they confront them with all their might.

 

The magic beasts and the Human Liberation Army are in a stalemate.

 

Then, more black knights arrive, the forces of the Round Table.

Compared to Mordred, a member of the Round Table, their magic power is around S-Rank.

The general soldiers of the Black Empire.

 

The balance seems about to break, but countering them are…

 

Tendou: “Haja Issen!! Put your spirits into it, everyone!!”

 

Ryunosuke Tendou and other former S-Rank humans from around the world counter the attack.

The major part of the Human Liberation Army’s forces is gathered in Shibuya today.

Their purpose is one: to bring back Kai if he appears today.

 

If he doesn’t, that’s fine.

 

But if he does, Kai, who knows nothing, will likely be killed by the Black Empire.

 

They’re also waiting for the same.

 

However, victory for the human side is unlikely.

The enemy starts with Imperial Species and other monsters exceeding 100,000 in magic power.

The Black Knights have many strong warriors exceeding 1,000,000 in magic power.

 

The gathered forces today, even with S-Rank, are significantly outmatched in magic power.

 

Normally, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

 

But…

 

Aya: “Really… Divine craftsmen are such a pain… If you die, this fight would end in a moment…”

Aya: “─ God of Blacksmithing’s Protection!!”

 

As Aya grips her artifact and utters those words, all the equipment of the Human Liberation Army glows red.

It’s the power she gained when she reached transcendence.

 

The magic power of everyone is enhanced by the same amount Aya increased with her artifact.

 

The enhancement is…

 

─ Nearly 500,000.

 

Soldier: “Osshaaaa!! Let’s go, everyone!!”

 

With that incredible buff, the fight turns in favor of the Human Liberation Army.

However, the enemy is Immortal; they can’t be defeated no matter how many times they’re killed.

It’s a war of attrition, and their target is…

 

Aya: “If you die, all those magic beasts will die too, right?!”

Mordred: “Haha, very perceptive. If you can defeat me!”

 

Aya and Mordred clash.

Mordred stops Aya’s sword swing with wires extended from his fingers instead of a sword.

It’s Mordred’s skill, but no one on the human side knows that.

 

Aya: “Aya, let’s do this together!”

Ryunosuke: “Yeah!”

 

Ryunosuke Tendou joins her.

With Aya’s power, Ryunosuke’s magic power exceeds 1,000,000, reaching transcendence.

 

Mordred: “Hah, really a nuisance… Oh, that’s right, I forgot! I prepared something earlier!”

 

Mordred steps back as if remembering something.

 

Mordred: “Just a month ago, when I crushed one of your bases, I found something interesting. This one was so earnestly trying to save those weak trash alone. I couldn’t help but capture her. Her high magic power made it impossible to control her mind, but with my power, I could control her body. But she’s so stubborn, her heart won’t break… So!…”

 

Aya and Ryunosuke glare at the laughing Mordred.

 

They both know.

 

Who he’s talking about now.

 

Who’s currently captured by him.

 

And even this operation is aiming for their rescue.

 

Aya: “Aya, Ryunosuke… run away…”

 

Mordred flicks his finger lightly, and parting the crowd of magic beasts, she appears.

In silver armor, with silver hair flowing, tears streaming down her face, she unwillingly holds a sword, facing them.

 

Mordred: “If you kill them, maybe your heart will break too.”

 

The name of the silver Valkyrie is called out.

 

Mordred: “Go for it, Reina-chan! Kill our enemies!”