Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 1 - Ch 3

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Previously on Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia...
Waking up to Aine in his room, Kizuna is startled by her intentions. Their confrontation is interrupted by Himekawa, who misunderstands the situation and attacks Kizuna. Aine intervenes to defend Kizuna, escalating the fight and destroying his room. The next day at school, Kizuna finds himself the subject of gossip and hostility. He is assigned to an all-girls class, much to his dismay and the anger of Himekawa. Later, Aine invites Kizuna to lunch, leading him to a secluded spot by the sea.
The soothing scent of aroma oil permeated the bathroom. Within the generous confines of a bathtub, designed for complete relaxation, white limbs gracefully drifted. A deep exhalation signaled a rare moment of true calm in her day. Yet, the bath taken after an near-death experience left her emotions in a tangled state. Haa. A soft sigh escaped her lips, a natural reaction to the comforting warmth. She prepared to rise and cleanse herself. -! Ouch! With a yelp, she sank back into the water. Lifting an arm from the hot water, she revealed a ghastly bruise. Her entire body was a tapestry of contusions and painful inflammations. The humiliation was unbearable. As the ace of America, she considered herself the world's strongest, brimming with such self-assurance. Despite this, Hida Kizuna. She had been rescued by that seemingly powerless, amateur rookie. Her, of all people. At that critical moment, her Cross Hybrid Count was completely depleted, a situation beyond her control. But now, her Hybrid Count had recovered to over half. It was almost miraculous. If she were to fight again after this, would the events of today repeat themselves? Hida Kizuna. Uttering his name made her chest inexplicably warm. How strange, she mused. The men who had been close to her in the past were either consumed by envy of her prowess as a super ace, openly hostile, or approached her with hidden agendas. Yurishia gazed down at her chest. Buoyed by the hot water, her white breasts floated gently in the tub. She placed a hand upon them. It was here she had embraced Kizuna's face. Her hand moved, caressing her left breast. Nn. This breast had felt Kizuna's touch. Then, her hand tightened its grip. Yurishia's lips curved into a smile. What an unusual man. The feeling of being touched by Kizuna brought her genuine happiness, a sense of pride even. Her own feelings were the most perplexing aspect of it all. How are your wounds? Kizuna inquired, looking at Reiri, who had come to visit. Inside the expansive treatment room, every surface—floor, walls, and bed—was stark white. Reiri, clad in a black military uniform, seemed to float ethereally within the space. Yes, everything is fine. More importantly, how is Yurishia? Three days had elapsed since the battle on the uninhabited island. Following the conflict, Kizuna and Yurishia, after being recovered, were immediately transported to Nayuta Lab. The wound Kizuna sustained while shielding Yurishia was severe, necessitating hospitalization. According to the examination results, she had no significant issues and was released the same day. She'll be returning to school starting today. It's quite bothersome how she keeps asking to see you. Reiri offered a wry smile. Is that so? And what about her Heart Hybrid Gear? Ah, regarding that, you can check it yourself with this. Reiri retrieved Kizuna's student device from her breast pocket. Upon receiving his student device, Kizuna examined Yurishia's vital signs. Her Hybrid Count had indeed recovered to approximately half. As I suspected, our Heart Hybrid operation was successful. It seems so. However, recovering that much merely through an embrace is quite remarkable. Furthermore, she fired continuously until the island's shape altered, and still retained this much remaining. That's true. It's strange, but why did it succeed? His consciousness was clouded, and he couldn't recall the event clearly. However, he retained the sensation of his face buried in something incredibly soft and yielding, his hand even grasping it, yet the specifics eluded him. The Hybrid Heart is also significantly influenced by the trust and affection between the involved parties. We don't know if that might have played a role. Nevertheless, Kizuna crossed his arms, contemplating. Hmmm, there are too many things I don't understand. I didn't do anything significant that would make Yurishia trust me, let alone love me, that's impossible, I suppose? Kizuna, a guy like you... Reiri held her head. Well, it's fine now. Rather than dwelling on that, take this incident as a lesson. The unexpected can always occur, and it might happen again. Reiri fixed Kizuna with a serious gaze. That's why it's crucial to always maintain your Hybrid Count in a safe range. I understand, okay. Hybrid Heart is by no means a game or something to be trifled with. It's a vital method for protecting all of your lives and even influences the survival of mankind. Kizuna released a deep sigh, weighed down by the heavy responsibility placed upon him. Then, he sighed once more, this time from the sheer absurdity of the actions required to fulfill that responsibility, which seemed contrary to its gravity.

In any case, Heart Hybrid Gear is not a safe weapon. Pay meticulous attention. If there is a next time for something like this, then it will not be strange even if someone dies.

Preferably, if we can just stop using something like Heart Hybrid Gear

However, there is no other way to oppose the AU other than Heart Hybrid Gear.

Certainly, they couldnt oppose the AUs magic weapons with their current weaponry.

So in the end, there is no other way than to do Heart Hybrid.

Right. Combine the heart of two people and create a single power. That power recovers the energy and even strengthens the Heart Hybrid Gear. This greatly influences the fate of all Ataraxias students, and also the fate of mankind.

That was a little exaggerated.

But, well if the other party doesnt feel like it, then it wont succeed right? I also got to respect the other partys feelings but, thinking of that, I become more and more confused just why the Heart Hybrid with Yurishia succeeded.

Two, or three days later you will be discharged from here. Until that time, keep thinking as much as you can.

Reiri left the treatment room.

Kizuna who was left alone collapsed onto his bed.

He kept worrying for a while, but in the end no answer came out.

After that, he spent three days in the lab before Kizuna was finally released to go.

It was already time to go to school, so he didnt go back to the dormitory and directly went to the school.

In the end, one week passed. For some reason, I already feel nostalgic.

He opened the door of second year first group.

Kizuna-!

U, uwa, Yurishia.

The moment he entered the class, Yurishia rushed to him.

Their distance was close.

And then her face was close.

Commotion and agitation ran through the class.

You okay? Your injury is already better?

A, yeah. But, my collarbone still has a crack, and the hole on my back is not closed yet ahahaha.

Yurishia was dejected.

I, Im sorry it hurts doesnt it? Because of my fault

Eh? Ah, no. This is not Yurishias fault right? Its not a big deal. Rather than that, Yurishia, you okay? I heard that you dont have any big wound though.

My even though Kizuna is also injured, you still worry about me. Im happy

She pressed her cheek and stared at Kizuna with upturned eyes.

Kizuna was severely shaken.

Wh, who is this person?

Certainly, her appearance was Yurishia.

But her behavior didnt seem like Yurishia at all.

Actually, I wanted to go visiting you immediately you know? But, that mean commander hindered me its really vexing!

That mean commander is my Nee-chan though.

Wait a second, the two over there. What are you two doing flirting here! This is the school!

Himekawa showed an energetic appearance.

Myy, Hayuru-san. This is a matter between me and Kizuna. I wonder if someone uninvolved like you can kindly not interrupt us?

As a public morals committee member, I have the responsibility to protect the order of this academy! I cannot overlook actions that disturb the public morals!

Really, the two of them are amazing huh.

Even though Yurishia just went through a life-or-death battle like that, she came normally to school and talked idlely, Himekawa too reacted to that as if it was only natural.

As expected from the aces of America and Japan. His respect to them raised another notch.

At that time, Aine entered the classroom.

Myy Aine-san. Good morning.

What is it?

Yurishia moved in front of Aine and she faced her with an elated face.

Aine too wants to do Hybrid Heart one more time correct? Just so you know, from now on I have the confidence that I can achieve Hybrid Heart successfully anytime. I wonder how about you?

Thats unrelated to you.

Well, I think Aine-sans Heart Hybrid was merely something like an accident, wasnt it?

Kuh

Aine ignored Yurishia and sat at her own seat. Her face looked like frustration and impatience were mixed in it.

Okay, everyone go back to your seat. Oo, Kizuna, so you come back

Sakisaka-sensei entered the classroom.

The class began.

After surviving through a life-and-death battle, he felt it, just how irreplaceable, how important an ordinary day like this is.

Im back

He came back to his dormitory room after a long while.

After school, he was invited by Yurishia because she wanted to have a celebration for the hospital release, but he asked her to postpone it for another day.

For today he wanted to be in his room, alone for just a little,

Captain, welcome home desu!

Sy, Sylvia!? Why are you in my room?

Sylvia in an apron was rushing to him happily until the entrance. And then she welcomed him with a smart salute.

Yes! While Captain was absent from home, its Sylvias duty to protect this room desu. Also, I heard about the strategys success desu. As expected Captain, how amazing desu!

Strategys success is it?

Whats wrong desu? Is Captain not happy with that desu?

He suddenly returned to his senses.

No. Thats not it you did well guarding this place for me while I wasnt here.

He patted Sylvias head.

Her golden hair was soft, it felt far more comfortable than he imagined.

Ehehe, I was patted desu.

With a beaming smile, Sylvia returned to the room.

Sheesh, but somehow I feel healed.

Kizuna followed Sylvia and entered the room as well.

Ooo?

Lined up on the table were fish and chips, roast beef, meat pie, Yorkshire pudding, and other dishes he rarely saw.

Did Sylvia prepare this?

Yes! These are dishes from Sylvia's homeland, Britain, desu!

British food.

Ah, just now, Captain thought British food was bad, didn't you, desu?

Uh, you hit the nail on the head.

Please try eating it. It will taste absolutely delicious, desu!

He picked up a chip, the so-called fried potato that looked harmless, and brought it to his mouth.

Oh, it's unexpectedly good. I mean, it's delicious! The notion that British food is bad has become a popular meme, so I was mistaken. So, authentic British food is unexpectedly tasty like this.

It's great that Captain understands, desu.

Sylvia proudly puffed out her non-existent chest, clearing her throat.

Sylvia seasoned it with a Japanese taste, desu. Mainly, Sylvia used the taste of food from a British restaurant in Japan as a reference, desu!

Could this really be called British cooking, then?

Sylvia heard that Captain was being discharged from the hospital today, so Sylvia prepared a celebration, desu.

She was smiling warmly, her face bright and untroubled.

Sylvia is happy to have a good captain as a subordinate, desu.

Eh? N, no. That's not true, is it?

He felt uneasy about such high praise.

Captain, you are kind, desu. When Sylvia first came from Britain, Sylvia felt anxious, desu.

Now that you mention it, why did Sylvia come to Japan?

Sylvia has a high aptitude for Heart Hybrid Gear, desu. Because of that, Sylvia came to Ataraxia, which is the center of research and development, desu.

Heee, Nee-chan told me too, but as expected, you really are excellent talent, huh.

Sylvia shyly fidgeted with her fingers, poking them into each other.

Even like this, Sylvia is a noble, desu. Sylvia's family has an ancient and honorable lineage, but we lost our fortune and then our home, desu. My family is currently in our homeland, London, living in a small apartment, desu.

Eh, that means

Not in the Megafloat UK, but her homeland? Then that meant the AU army had

It's fine, desu. They are surely safe, desu. That is why Sylvia will become a full-fledged knight and return to Britain. Sylvia will be recognized by Her Majesty the Queen, and the Silvercut house will be restored, desu. If that happens, then Sylvia can live with my family again, desu.

Sylvia tilted her head and smiled cheerfully.

I guess that's fine. Someday, we'll definitely take London back together with the strength of the Kizuna squad!

Yes! Definitely, desu!

For the sake of this small squad member too, he had to do his best.

Kizuna swore it in his heart.

Sylvia's smile remained until the very end when she went back to her own room.

Kizuna lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

I am holding everyone's lives.

However, even though I've resolved myself to definitely go through with Heart Hybrid when the time comes, mere resolve is meaningless.

What about the other party's feelings?

Is this really okay for the other party?

From the perspective of those around me, how do they see it?

If I respect the other person's will and don't go through with Heart Hybrid, will I still be resented for letting them die?

Or the opposite?

He couldn't sort out his thoughts, and his mind kept circling in the same place.

Aah, I don't get it. Rather, it would be better if someone else just replaced me.

Do you think a human who wants to become the replacement for a vulgar man like you exists in this world?

Kizuna jumped to his feet.

A silver-haired girl was standing at the room entrance.

Chidorigafuchi! Why? How did you get in!?

I tricked... no, I persuaded that tiny girl that I needed to enter for the mission.

You! What exactly are you doing to my healing!

I know that you are a vulgar being already. (TN: Here, the sound of 'healing' and 'vulgar' in Japanese is similar. One is 'iyashi' and the other is 'iyashii'.)

No one is saying that here!

It's because you were a vulgar being since birth that you lament it so much, aren't you?

Don't force that on me! I don't think I'm that vulgar!

Aine widened her eyes and stepped back.

To think that you wouldn't lament your own existence, which is like that, how pitiful I wonder. Just how wretched your own existence is.

My apologies for not being aware of that myself. So, if you don't mind, I want you to teach me just how amazing your existence is, then.

Oh well, I'll specially teach you, then.

Aine went up onto the bed, then stood imposingly over Kizuna. She looked down on Kizuna with full pressure.

If I had to say, I'm the queen.

Queen!?

No, a god.

God!?

Certainly, only her attitude was imposing.

So, how about for real?

Aine lowered her stance from that posture and straddled Kizuna.

I wonder, just how many humans in the whole world truly know about themselves, what kind of person they are deep down?

That philosophical approach isn't what I'm aiming for. Instead, listen to my request.

Kizuna relented, gesturing for her to proceed. "Alright, state your demand."

"Perform a Heart Hybrid with me," Aine stated, her voice firm.

"But Aine, after our previous Heart Hybrid, your energy levels haven't depleted significantly, have they?" Kizuna questioned.

"That's not my concern. What I truly desire is the [Corruption Armament]," she clarified.

Aine maintained her usual composed expression, making it impossible for him to gauge her emotions. A subtle hint of impatience flickered in her eyes.

"Wait, isn't there something more critical?" Kizuna probed.

"There is nothing more important," she declared unequivocally.

She truly meant it!

"My greatest frustration is my inadequate combat prowess. Therefore, nothing surpasses the urgency of obtaining the Corruption Armament right now," Aine explained.

"No, you're already quite strong, aren't you? You mentioned you wouldn't lose in close-quarters combat," Kizuna countered.

"In practice, enemies rarely venture within arm's reach. Without a viable long-range attack option, one simply cannot fight effectively," she retorted.

Indeed, during their aerial dogfight above Ataraxia, her reliance on conventional weaponry seemed to present a significant challenge.

"That's precisely why the [Corruption Armament] is necessary," Aine insisted.

"The Corruption Armament... you've mentioned it before. Is such a thing truly that valuable?" Kizuna wondered aloud.

Aine proceeded to remove her outer top, then began unbuttoning her shirt.

"Hey! Just because you're wearing a pilot suit underneath doesn't mean you can just--" Kizuna started, taken aback.

Beneath the unbuttoned shirt lay simple, white brassiere. This was not part of her uniform.

"I'm attempting to shift the mood. If I can acquire the Corruption Armament through this, then it's a small price to pay," Aine explained.

Kizuna once again looked up at Aine's form.

Her breasts, so full they seemed almost disproportionate to her slender frame, appeared excessively large when viewed from below. They possessed a remarkable volume, creating a palpable pressure.

"Now, touch it," she commanded.

"That's... even if you tell me to 'come now!' like that..." Kizuna stammered.

"How irritating," Aine muttered.

With that, Aine took Kizuna's hand and guided it towards her breast.

"Wai!"

He sensed a slight tremor in Aine's hand, but it was barely perceptible.

A strange warmth spread through his palm. Touching through the fabric of the brassiere felt even more indirect than touching through the pilot suit. The rigidity of the bra and the subtle embellishments on its surface provided a faint stimulus to his palm, yet it inexplicably quickened his heartbeat. The brassiere seemed like the final bastion protecting her precious breast.

"C-come on, touch harder," Aine urged, pressing Kizuna's hand more firmly against her chest. His fingers met the yielding pressure of her breast pushing back.