Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 14.5 - Ch 3.3

Kizuna-kun!? Did something happen to Aine-san!?

Himekawa's surprised voice erupted as she saw Kizuna returning, Aine cradled in his arms.

Clad in a light blue bikini adorned with red and pink floral patterns, Himekawa, who had donned a white parka over it, rushed towards Kizuna, her parka's fringe fluttering in the sandy breeze.

Yurishia followed close behind her.

I thought you two had disappeared for a moment—what exactly happened?

No, don't worry. She's just taking a short nap. It's not like she drowned or anything.

Yurishia's brow furrowed.

Sleeping, you say?

Peering at Aine's face, Yurishia's expression conveyed her lingering doubt. Yet, just as Kizuna stated, Aine was indeed emitting the peaceful breaths of a slumbering person.

Himekawa also let out an amazed shrug.

To get so tired she falls asleep, she's just like a child.

Even as a hint of complaint escaped her lips, Himekawa's smile resembled that of a doting mother observing her child.

Still, Aine-san looks cute even when she's sleeping, doesn't she?

Kizuna remained quiet, a wry smile playing on his lips. Then, still holding Aine, he moved towards the area lined with beach parasols and addressed a person shaded by one.

Shikina-san.

A girl wearing glasses looked up. Her swimsuit was a navy blue one-piece, its design from a distance easily mistaken for a school swimsuit.

A portable keyboard swayed from a cord around her neck. She took the keyboard into her hands and, as her fingertips tapped the keys, a floating window materialized before Kizuna, displaying text in a flowing script.

What's the matter? Did something happen to Aine?

This was Shikina Kei. Though petite in stature, with a body that appeared almost childish and lacking significant curves, she was actually 24 years old. A close friend of Kizuna's elder sister, Reiri, since their university days, she now served as the head of Nayuta Lab.

In stark contrast to her brilliant mind and considerable talent, her ability to interact with others was remarkably stunted. She could only converse in spoken words with Reiri.

We performed the Heart Hybrid, but she lost consciousness afterward. Sorry to trouble you, Shikina-san, but could you look after her for a bit?

Roger. I'll arrange for a female staff member from the lab to handle it. Lay her down over here.

Kei stood up, vacating her seat. Kizuna entered under the parasol and gently laid Aine down on the leisure sheet.

A helicopter will arrive in five minutes. You don't need to worry about Aine.

No, it's fine even if you don't go that far, but please take care of her.

This arrangement felt like a forced departure, and Kizuna worried Aine might be angry upon waking. However, he resigned himself to the situation, acknowledging it couldn't be helped.

This event was scheduled for two days and one night anyway, with their return to Ataraxia planned for tomorrow. By the time Aine awoke, they might already be on their way home. He pondered this as he gazed out at the sea, his eyes eventually fixing on an island floating offshore.

It was a populated island, spanning about three kilometers in diameter. This was the Strategic Defense Academy Ataraxia, the front line in battles and research concerning the magic weapons originating from the AU collision and the Entrance.

Connected to megafloat Japan, where Kizuna and the others were presently, by a linear railroad, it operated as an independent float with restricted entry, accessible only to authorized personnel. Within its confines resided the academy, dedicated to cultivating human resources, and a research institute, alongside a city to support its inhabitants.

Kizuna and the others were students attending Ataraxia's high school division, while Kei headed the research institute, Nayuta Lab.

Within Nayuta Lab, research into the phenomenon of the AU collision was actively underway, concurrently with the development of weaponry capable of defeating these magic weapons. Currently, no method proved effective other than the Heart Hybrid Gear, but the hope was that one day, a weapon to counter the magic weapons would be successfully developed there.

Come to think of it, what happened with the final match of the beach volleyball?

While Kizuna had been engaged in the Heart Hybrid with Aine in the sea, the Himekawa & Yurishia pair and the Sylvia & Reiri pair were supposed to be contesting the final match on the beach.

Upon hearing this, Himekawa and Yurishia's shoulders slumped in dejection.

.We lost.

Good grief, we let our guard down. I knew the commander was strong, but Sylvia-chan's physical prowess is also astonishing. We were deceived by her appearance, which suggests a small animal; it's as if she's truly a lion cub when we thought she was just a kitten.

Ah! Captaiinn-!

That very lion cub came bounding towards them with a wide grin.

A transfer student from Britain, Sylvia Silkcut of the middle school section. Her bikini featured attached frills. Her bust was such that there was no need to worry about any shaking, even when she was running. For some reason, Kizuna let out a sigh of relief at her smoothly flat form.

Sylvia rushed towards him, leaping at Kizuna without a moment's hesitation.

Captain, Sylvia won desu~

She nuzzled her head against Kizuna's abdomen, eliciting a pleasant response from him as he gently stroked her silky blonde hair.

Yeah, that's truly amazing, Sylvia. It's a significant accomplishment to have defeated Himekawa and Yurishia, who are both part of Amatarasu.

With her head being petted by Kizuna, Sylvia beamed with pure ecstasy. From behind Sylvia, Kizuna's elder sister and Ataraxia's commander, Hida Reiri, approached.

It's the prize for your victory. Sylvia, wish for anything you desire. I'll grant it if it's within my capabilities.

Anything!?

Shock surged through Yurishia and Himekawa. Yurishia's eyes gleamed intensely.

The Commander, who is also Kizuna's sister, is offering to grant any wish! Does this mean Sylvia can have Kizuna with his guardian's approval!?

Himekawa also pondered this, furrowing her brows.

You don't mean!? When the Commander said 'anything,' could she possibly mean something involving Kizuna-kun!?

Sylvia placed a finger on her lips, tilting her head.

As Sylvia contemplates... Sylvia wants to try experiencing a Japanese tradition: striking a blindfolded target desu.

Wha-!?

Yurishia's face flushed crimson, and she exclaimed involuntarily.

But, but, this is a rare opportunity desu, so Sylvia also wants to glimpse the world of adults... this is difficult desu.

Ha!?

Himekawa couldn't believe her ears. What exactly was the pure and innocent Sylvia referring to? Her expression shifted, revealing a look of utter bewilderment.

Yurishia anxiously questioned Sylvia.

You mustn't, Sylvia! That kind of game is far too early for you!

Himekawa quickly echoed Yurishia's sentiment.

That's right! Something like the 'world of adults,' and moreover, such an extreme act—it's immoral and utterly shameless! Sylvia-chan, please remain pure and innocent just as you are now!

Sylvia responded with a puzzled expression to the two who were approaching her with menacing looks.

Sylvia truly doesn't understand what you two senpai are discussing desu. Sylvia heard that the game of blindfolded watermelon striking is a popular summer activity in Japan desu. Furthermore, this is a rare chance to have both of you senpai, the aces of Japan and America, present desu. Sylvia wishes to observe the demonstration of you two senpai, who are fighting in the 'adult world,' for her studies desu. Sylvia absolutely cannot witness such things in the middle school section desu.

Aaah! Both of them held their foreheads, faces contorted in exasperation. Reiri gazed at the flustered Yurishia and Himekawa with an amused expression.

Good heavens, you two have completely dirty minds.

A window from Kei materialized before everyone's eyes.

There is a method to fulfill both of your wishes.

Kei retrieved a spherical device, resembling a ball, from a nearby stacked case. Its diameter was approximately thirty centimeters. Seeing Kei hold it with one hand, it appeared to be lighter than its size suggested.

The object featured vertical stripes on its surface, with a green light emanating from the black sections. Depending on one's perspective, it bore a resemblance to a watermelon. Numerous such watermelon-like devices were present inside the case, which Kei proceeded to extract one by one.

This is an automatic aerial target for training purposes. Its designation is 'Watermelon.' This device flies along an unpredictable trajectory.

Yurishia grinned broadly.

I see! So, it will be a game of smashing that thing then?

Precisely. A competition to determine who can shoot down this Heart Hybrid Gear-equipped target the fastest.

Himekawa also displayed a confident smile.

That sounds intriguing. I shall demonstrate the strength of Japan's ace to Sylvia-chan.

Sparks flew between Yurishia and Himekawa, igniting an unexpected rivalry between the aces of Japan and America.

As Kei tossed the watermelon into the sky, its internal small thrusters propelled it upward instantly. Subsequently, several more watermelons were launched. Each watermelon began erratic movements in various directions, propelled by thrusters installed on all their sides.

Then, I shall begin first—Cross!

Brilliant golden light enveloped Yurishia's body. As this light erupted, a blue armor manifested beneath it.

The armor shimmered magnificently under the descending sunlight. It exhibited a deep, sophisticated coloration, appearing as though multiple layers of dark blue had been applied to its surface. Resplendent golden light traced patterns across the blue.

This was the radiance of Yurishia Farandole's Heart Hybrid.

She was not wearing a pilot suit, so the armor was equipped directly over her white bikini, revealing a rare sight seldom seen normally.

Now, I shall present my magnificent performance for the future member of Amaterasu.

Fumyuh!?

Yurishia's boastful words caused Sylvia's cheeks to flush, even as she felt surprised.

Then, begin!

Simultaneously as Keis signal was given, Yurishia brandished her particle guns. She attempted to aim at the targets, but their swift movements made accurate shooting incredibly difficult. The watermelons, as if taunting her, circled around Yurishia in a continuous loop.

“Yurishia-san. Isn’t it quite challenging to shoot them down with a gun?”

Yurishia responded to Himekawa’s observation with a confident smile, then pulled the trigger.

“Ah!”

The airborne watermelon was obliterated. A collective gasp of admiration escaped the onlookers. Yurishia’s guns, however, showed no signs of stopping. She extended both arms, firing without pause. Her gaze remained fixed ahead, yet the watermelons streaking left and right met explosive ends.

Next, she elegantly rotated her body and twisted her arm, assuming an almost impossible-looking stance before unleashing another shot. This seemingly random blast annihilated a watermelon that had been moving with deceptive agility.

Her movements were as beautiful as a graceful dance.

Finally, aiming her gun directly above her head, she shot down the last remaining target.

“Finished, right?”

She turned towards Kizuna and Sylvia, offering a playful wink.

“Incredible desu! This is Yurishia-senpai’s true strength desu!”

Sylvia regarded Yurishia with evident respect. Apparently unfazed by the attention, Yurishia nonchalantly brushed off her blonde hair, her ample chest, already notable, bouncing with the motion.

“The time taken was approximately twenty seconds. Now, the next turn belongs to Hayuru.”

“Understood. Then, Neros!”

Brilliant crimson armor encased Himekawa’s body. The deep, lustrous red gleamed beautifully. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the armor exuded an aura of menace. Its design bore a subtle resemblance to traditional Japanese armor.

Like Yurishia, she was clad in a bikini, resulting in a higher degree of exposed skin compared to her usual pilot suit. The sight of her figure adorned with the Heart Hybrid Gear while wearing such a swimsuit appeared somewhat daring.

“Then, here I go!”

Kei was already launching over ten watermelons, sending them soaring towards the open sea.

“Wha- Why are they going so far?!”

Himekawa rapidly ascended into the sky. Himekawa’s Neros was optimized for close to mid-range combat and lacked prowess in long-range engagements. Engaging her thrusters, Himekawa pursued the watermelons. As she closed the distance, she dramatically announced the name of her ultimate technique.

“Blade!”

Swords streamed through the air, expertly guided by Himekawa’s will. Typically, these swords hovered behind her, but now they shot forward like arrows from a bow. The blades swiftly caught up to the watermelons, cleaving them cleanly in two.

“I did it! Next…”

At that precise moment, something unsettling occurred with Himekawa’s unit. She abruptly lost momentum and immediately began plummeting towards the sea.

“Wha- What is this…?”

Himekawa hastily opened her cockpit window to assess Nero’s status. There, she discovered that the Hybrid Count, the energy source for the Heart Hybrid Gear, had depleted to a mere 5%.

“Kuh… This is Himekawa! I’ll be performing an emergency landing on a nearby island! I apologize, but I’ll need rescue services.”