{1}
At the resting room of outdoor cafe 'The Two Swans <Albiero>'.
The young girl with her sky-blue scarf was continuously shaking the teenage boy, who was sleeping on the makeshift bed.
"Shel-nii, wake up quickly— The festival is starting soon—!"
"...... Let me sleep for an hour more. I worked till late last night."
"No— if you don't hurry up, the festival will end soon! Hurry, hurry!"
...... The Stars Festival will be held for three consecutive days, so it will not really matter if we miss it today.
Sheltis grumbled in his mind, and opened his eyelids slightly. He coincidentally looked straight into a listless Yuto, who looked like she was about to cry.
"Shel-nii...... are you really not going?"
"Uh...... that............"
"Do you hate being with Yuto?"
"...... No, nothing of that sort...... Ahhh, damn...... I understand, I admit defeat, alright!"
He could not endure that pitiful look of hers, and jumped out of his bed in desperation.
The three days of Stars Festival, which is dedicated to the Queen, will be held at the Second Living Sector.
The whole plaza was filled with banners of stars and the moon, as well as ceremonial decorations like pinwheels and wind chimes, which symbolizes the never ending winds of the floating continent. In comparison, the streets had a more typical look to them. They were typically filled with colorful balloons or ribbons, and the streets were bustling with activity from the various types of stalls.
"Oh, it has really started. So it is that lively right from the opening ceremony."
Sheltis took a brief glance at the surroundings after he placed Yuto down. The place was already filled with people, to the point where one will easily brush onto the shoulders of the passerby while walking.
"Ah- Sheltis! You are slow, I've waited for so long!"
The girl in overalls walked through the crowd. Her left hand was holding on a balloon, while the right was cotton candy.
"...... You are enjoying yourself really early."
"Well, I am waiting for you guys while enjoying myself. Ah, the balloon's for Yuto. Here's the pocket money as well - you can buy whatever you like."
"Yay! I like Eyri-nee the most!"
Having received the pocket money and the balloon, Yuto ran towards the stalls excitedly.
"Is it fine for Yuto to be alone? It will be bad if she gets lost."
Eyriey showed a confident smile:
"Don't underestimate me. There's a tracker attached to that balloon."
"...... So you have already expected her to get lost...... Forget it, it will be fine if we can get hold of her location."
Giving up on Yuto, who was already out of sight, Sheltis walked on with Eyriey.
Countless stalls were lined up along the two sides of the streets. Despite food and game stalls taking up more than half of the numbers, there were a few unique stalls around as well.
"Ah, Sheltis, look at that. There's a stall with a signboard that says, 'Helping you to find your lost items'."
"Probably a shinryoku spell that grants far-sight. It should not be a difficult spell if the area of effect is not too wide. Should be popular at festivals like these."
On the other side, was a temporary clinic set up by a shinryoku healer.
In this civilization where shinryoku and machines blend in harmony, the rapid mechanization may cause an illusion of a decline in shinryoku's usage, but in festivals like these, there are still remains of shinryoku deeply rooted into their culture.
"Oh right, Eyriey. How's it going?"
"Hmm? This cotton candy is delicious. Sheltis wanna try some?"
"I don't mean that......"
"I know, I know. You are talking about the message that I had left at Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>, right?"
Her mindless speech in the crowd had caused Sheltis to be in quite a shock. However, there was no suspicious glares from nearby. In such a festive place, there should be no one who is interested in listening to the conversation of others.
"There's no action from Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> yet. Since it was left there only yesterday, plus the fact thatTenketsu Palace <Sophia> is busy preparing the ceremony of handover from the Queen to the Priestesses, there's not much hope to begin with - wasn't you the one who had said that, Sheltis?"
"Mmm...... you are right. Not to mention, this is all just my hunch."
He lifted his head and looked into the sky.
Blue and white. On the blue sphere of sky that reminds one of the deep seas, were clouds floating at a soothing pace. There is also chalk colored Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>, that pierces through the clouds and the sky.
"Eyriey, isn't it time for the cannon salutes?"
When the Queen's praying period is over, the control of the barrier will be transferred to the Priestesses. At the same time, Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> will fire the cannon salutes, to signify the official start of the Stars Festival.
However—
"...... Eh? That's strange."
The person who broke the silence was Eyriey.
"What's wrong?"
"No, it just feels strange. It's already past the scheduled time for the cannon salutes."
She took a look at the clock located on top of the street light, and compared it with her own watch.
"Hmm? It's the same? My watch seems normal."
There was no cannon salutes. That meant the control of Hyouketsu Kyoukai was not successfully transferred over. Logically speaking, that was something that will never happen. The maintenance of Hyouketsu Kyoukai is a huge ritual that is linked to the survival of the floating continent. At the very least, the time in regards to the handover should be flawlessly accurate.
Could it be that some accident had happened?
"...... Ymy."
As he mumbled out the name of the girl who is already a Priestess, Sheltis looked towards the huge tower.
{2}
"Meimel, Syun-rei. I've made you guys wait."
The two Priestesses were already waiting for Ymy in the middle of the room when she reached the floor.
Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>, two hundred and eighty first story - the Grand Holy Hall.
The ceremonial equipment shining in a yellow brilliance, together with a huge colorful stained glass etched with images of the stars and the moon. This is the biggest praying hall in Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>, as well as the sacred room that is used for the initial training for the Priestesses.
"............ Morning, Ymy."
The Priestess dressed in kimono turned around. The expressions on the typically docile girl was much more stiffer than usual. It was probably due to her nervousness.
"Morning, Syun-rei. Let's work hard together today!"
"...... Mmm!"
The people outside Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> were perhaps already enjoying a lively celebration of the Stars Festival.
However, for the Priestesses, they were about to carry out their absolute mission. They are to gain control of the barrier from the Queen, and then the three of them will have to maintain Hyouketsu Kyoukai together for three whole days.
"Speaking of which, Meimel doesn't seem nervous at all."
"Fufu, how rude - I am really nervous too?"
Despite saying that, there was still a slight smile on Meimel's face.
"Alright, the three of us are already here. Salah-sama has been maintaining the barrier for a month, and she is nearly at her limits. We should hurry there to take over, yeah?"
There is the Queen, and her five Priestesses. However, not all Priestesses are staying in the tower. In practice, there will always be around two Priestesses who are in charge of patrolling the borders of the continent. This time, the three Priestesses staying in Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> will be tasked with maintaining the barrier.
"Well I'll be heading there first. See ya later!"
Meimel gave a slight teasing look. She then disappeared into the lift.
Her destination is the highest story of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> - the story named <<Paradise>>, where the Queen was. The handing over of Hyouketsu Kyoukai cannot be passed to all Priestesses at one go. As such, by sequence, the Queen will first hand it over to Meimel, then to Syun-rei, and finally to Ymy.
"............ Leon."
"Syun-rei, don't look so worried. Just do as you normally do."
The silver-haired young man propped his body off the wall of the Holy Hall.
"You need not worry about the things of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>. You just have to focus on maintaining Hyouketsu Kyoukai. Leave the rest to me."
"............ Mmm!"
The girl let out an almost inaudible voice, and nodded her head.
"............ I'll do my best."
With that, the black-haired Priestess trotted towards the lift as well. Upon seeing all of that, Ymy could not help but to mutter.
"...... Leon is really something."
"How so?"
The young man gave her a questioning look.
"It feels like Syun-rei trusts you from the bottom of her heart."
"Obviously."
Leon's reply was not out of pride. There must be a undoubted trust between the Priestess and the Sennenshi who is in charge of protecting her. However...... why was it so? Despite knowing that it is something to be expected, she still could not help but to be envious of Syun-rei and Leon's relationship.
...... If only I can have someone whom I can entrust myself to, just like how they are-
"Ymy?"
"...... No, nothing. Sorry for the sudden lapse."
Ymy hurriedly squeezed a smile, and acted as though nothing had happened.
"Ah, that's right. Can I put this in your care?"
She took down the necklace which has a blue crystal hanging from it, and handed it to Leon.
"That's how it is. Please take care of me, Leon."
"Ah, so it is Ilis."
"I will not be back for these three days, so I hope there will be someone whom she can talk to."
"This fella is really troublesome."
"Can you please use the words 'afraid of loneliness' instead? Not to mention, you should have nothing much to do as well, since Syun-rei is not around."
Machine crystal<Ilis> flashed about in Leon's hand.
"Well then. I shall get going as well. I will leave the rest of the things to you both."
Ymy stretched out her hand in front of the small lift located in the Holy Hall.
It was then, when she heard something.
*Ding...... innnnn............ nnn......*
*......plop*
The sound akin to a falling water droplet, is the sound created by the spreading lights of shinryoku.
Similar to how a water droplet strikes the surface of a pool, which creates small ripples - the light that envelops the three Priestesses are expanding outwards at a blinding pace.
It passes through the walls of the Holy Hall, and went out of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>. The light gradually stretches out to a size big enough to encase Orbie Clar, including the other conservation areas that are outside of the floating continent.
"............ Capture."
Syun-rei opened her tightly shut eyes.
Her gentle black pupils were giving off a emerald glow, having received the shinryoku required for the territorial spells.
"............ Nature sector, to the north of the Park Number Three. The southwest side of the conservation sector. There are traces of Priestesses and Sennenshi."
"It's tough for you, Syun-rei, but please continue to trace their location. I shall be performing the telepathy. Ah— ahem."
"To the two pairs of Priestesses and Sennenshi that are patrolling, it has been hard on you all. As for the people of the living sector, good day everyone. I am Priestess Meimel. Sorry for the sudden interruption, but I have something important to tell everyone, so I have no choice but to do it via telepathy."
An amplified voice of Meimel rang in Ymy's mind. Not just herself, but Leon and Run, and everyone in Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> should be hearing Meimel's voice as well.
"Everyone, listen to me calmly - just not too long ago, Hyouketsu Kyoukai, which sealsGarden of Corrupted Song <Eden>, has been breached by the Yuugenshu."
"Meimel!"
Leon lifted his head in shock. Meimel was way too direct with her speech.
The contents of the telepathy bears a huge impact. The residents may fall into a state of panic should they know that Hyouketsu Kyoukai had been breached.
"Leon, believe in her."
Ymy nodded at the silver-haired young man.
...... Meimel knew that better than anyone here, so please trust her in whatever she is about to do.
"Thousands of Yuugenshu are approaching Orbie Clar. To elaborate, the floating continent shall come under their attack within less than an hour."
The tall Priestess continued on without pausing.
There was no room for hesitation - Meimel's calm tone clearly emphasized that point.
At the same time, her message cannot be vague. That will result in her unease being revealed for all to see, which will cause panic among the residents of the living sector, resulting in chaos.
"Does everyone understand the situation we are in? As such, I seek cooperation from the residents of the living sector. Please head to the underground shelters within thirty minutes. The guards of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> will be protecting those places with their lives on the line. Understand?"
Meimel heaved a huge breathe of air.
This time, her audiences had been changed to the fellow comrades that were outside of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>.
"The following content goes out to the two Priestesses and the two Sennenshi that are on patrol. Due to the time constrains, I'll cut to the chase...... Just as you have all heard, the situation is in a dire state."
The Priestess in her gown shrugged her shoulders.
Her tone was as lazy as ever, but it had a sense of authority in them.
"Currently, our biggest problem is that there are just too many Yuugenshu that have broken past the barrier. The Sennenshi and guards in Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> will not be able to handle them all by themselves. As such, the Priestesses will have to support as well...... However, that will result in a situation where there will be no one who can maintain Hyouketsu Kyoukai. Queen-sama is about to reach her physical limits, so the Priestesses will have to take over as quickly as possible."
However, if the Priestesses are to take over at the highest story, then there will only be the Sennenshi left that will be fighting against the incoming Yuugenshu.
"As such, I am about to convey the suggestion from the Queen - ready?"
"I can still hold Hyouketsu Kyoukai by myself for about three hours.
All Priestesses, Sennenshi and the guards on standby are to eliminate the Yuugenshu that has broken past the barrier within the time period...... However, I will not be able to do anything should the time exceeds three hours. Once the time is up, the Priestesses will have to take over the control of Hyouketsu Kyoukai. Please remember that clearly."
Eliminate the Yuugenshu within three hours, and then the Priestesses are to take over the control of Hyouketsu Kyoukai from the Queen. Those are the absolute conditions for protecting the floating continent.
"As such, I am asking a favor from the Priestesses who are patrolling outside of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>. As you all know, Yuugenshu are a creature with a mist-like body, and are floating upwards from Garden of Corrupted Song <Eden> ten thousand meters from below. They will be reaching the borders of the floating continent first, which means they will strike from the conservation sector and the nature sector. As such, prior to them attacking the living sector, please reduce their numbers as much as you can. Thirty...... no, a minimum of forty percent. The rest of us in Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> shall take care of the remaining Yuugenshu. That's all, and good luck everyone."
The telepathy ended.
Meimel turned around, her forehead filled with sweat.
"Everyone heard it as well. We have to destroy all Yuugenshu within three hours, then gain control of Hyouketsu Kyoukai from the Queen. These are the absolute conditions to protect the floating continent. Once the time is over, even if there are remaining Yuugenshu, the Priestesses will still have to head to the highest story. We will not be able to wait, even if we are to see the Yuugenshu attacking others."
"That's enough. That is what us Sennenshi is here for."
Having received Leon's agreement, Meimel showed a smile.
"That's really trustworthy. Then I shall leave this place to Syun-rei and Ymy - let's go, Run."
With that, the Priestess turned away from everyone else.
"Meimel, where are you going?"
"Do you even have to ask? Who will be protecting the civilians if we do not head over to the living sector?"
The senior Priestess replied calmly, with her back still facing them.
"But, what about Hyouketsu Kyoukai?"
"Ymy, I shall leave Hyouketsu Kyoukai to you. We have always deployed multiple people to maintain the barrier, in order to play safe. However, you should have undergone training to maintain Hyouketsu Kyoukai by yourself, right? In actual fact, one Priestess is all it needs to maintain the barrier. To be safe, Syun-rei can support as well. Shouldn't the remaining Priestess lend their strength on the battlefield?"
"But......! If so, let me go instead. Should Meimel leave Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>-"
Currently, the one in command is Meimel.
Ymy and Syun-rei lacks the experience, and has never lead the whole of Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> before.
"Ymy? How are you able to lead the battle without a Sennenshi protecting you by your side?"
"That...... However, didn't Meimel say that Priestesses are absolutely not allowed to die?"
An important task of protecting the civilians will be added to their objectives, should they head to the living sector to fight. Despite being a Priestess, such a mission would be way too dangerous for her.
...... As such, being the Priestess of the lowest position, I should be the one heading out. Should anything happens to me, they should be able to find a replacement for me easily.
"Ymy."
The senior Priestess in front of her slowly turned her body.
"You must remember - there is no Priestess who should die in vain. The positions are just arbitrary - it does not mean that I am more important than you, due to me having a higher position than you."
...... How unbelievable. The positions of the Priestesses are bestowed by the Queen herself. Ymy was surprised to hear that from Meimel, as someone who views the positions with great importance, more so than anyone else.
"Just like how Syun-rei is good at territorial spells such as far-sight and telepathy, you do possess the absolute strength of shinryoku. Every Priestess have fields which they are good at - for me, its the barrier types. I am the only one who can construct barriers around the shelters, and fight."
"Still...... Even more reason for me to go!"
Facing Meimel who had continuously kept her calm, Ymy raised her voice.
If she is to direct her powers to the barriers of the shelters, then Meimel will not have enough shinryoku to protect herself. Should she come under an attack from Yuugenshu in that condition......
"Ymy, that's what Priestesses are. Priestesses are to protect the floating continent with all their might, while the Sennenshi are in charge of protecting the Priestesses. The floating continent can retain stability for over a thousand years due to such a trusting relationship. It is natural of us to put ourselves in danger to protect the people of the living sector. Isn't that right, Run?"
Meimel winked at her guardian and Sennenshi.
"Don't worry. I will protect Meimel."
...... I have finally understood.
I understand how deep the trust is between the Priestesses and their Sennenshi. I have understood what I, someone who does not have my Sennenshi, lack. The absolute relationship that is brought down for over a thousand years, is right in front of me.
"Well then, it's been decided - we shall be in charge of destroying the Yuugenshu that are heading towards the living sector. Despite us aiming to annihilate all of the Yuugenshu, considering the fact that we have to protect the civilians who cannot escape in time, we can probably clear about forty to fifty percent of them. As such, once they have broken past this line of defense, there will be nothing else protecting Tenketsu Palace <Sophia>. Leon, I shall put Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> in your hands...... You must give in your everything. I shall not let you off should anything happens to the Priestesses and the Queen."
"You just like to worry for nothing. You yourself should concentrate on protecting Meimel."
Having heard Run's provoking speech, Leon struck back with an aggressive smile.
"Syun-rei, Ymy. I shall be engaging the Yuugenshu at the hall at two hundred and forty first story. Please take over the defense of the Holy Hall. Once three hours is up, head over to the highest story."
"...... Mmm."
Ymy placed her hands gently on her chest, and gave a nod...... the overwhelming pressure had caused her chest to hurt a little. The final line of defense is herself and Syun-rei. That place shall be the last fortress that protects the Queen.
"Ymy, what about this fella?"
Leon took out machine crystal <Ilis>, that was tied to a necklace.
"Leon, bring me along with you. I can track the Yuugenshu that are entering Tenketsu Palace <Sophia> and give you the respective reports. You can then instruct your subordinates at the hall."
"Well, it seems like everything has been settled. Well then, dismiss. Let's hope that we can all be safe."
Meimel clapped her hands, and gave her last order.
The Grand Holy Hall. Everyone at there began to make their moves, according to the tasks assigned to them.
{3}
"Just not too long ago, Hyouketsu Kyoukai, which seals Garden of Corrupted Song <Eden>, has been breached by the Yuugenshu."
— Priestess Meimel's telepathy message had spread through the whole of the living sector.
Sponsored Content