Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 5 - Ch 2

The citizens of Zeltis were walking on the street with smiling faces that were overflowing with expectation.

It was the city of the common citizens which was surrounded by the most outside castle wall. At the sides of the street, stores aimed at that procession were lining up. Not to mention beverages and snacks, there were also various things like opera glass and souvenirs sold. That sight was exactly the same like the shopping district that was adjacent with tourist attractions or sport facilities on earth.

The people were talking with enjoyment, they ran their thoughts of the fun things that would happen after this and made their heart swell with anticipation. And then, ahead of that procession, the facility that was their destination was displaying its dignity proudly.

It was something that was completely like the Colosseum of the ancient Roman Empire.

On its outer wall that was created by the same black stone, several reliefs of angels fighting were carved. Slashing with sword, stabbing with spear, grappling with bare hands. Their figures were completely unlike angels. As if to color those reliefs, light of magic power was flowing on the wall. How the colorful radiances were flowing even looked similar to the flow of electricity that ran inside integrated circuits.

As if being invited by those angels and magic power lights, the people were being absorbed one after another into the entrance of the Colosseum. When they came out of the passage, there a huge battle field was spreading with diameter that surpassed five hundred meters. And then surrounding it were audience seats where a hundred-odd thousand people could watch the battle at the same time.

The extent of this Colosseum was for the sake of the battle between magic weapons, and even possibly between people wearing magic armor.

Similar to the ancient Roman Empire, Vatlantis made criminals and prisoners fight, which was exhibited as a spectacle event.

The most popular was the competition between fellow humans wearing magic armor. The appearance of magic armor was nice, each one was rich with personality, with various weapons making the people watching entertained. Besides being granted magic armor was also the proof that the persons ability was recognized as suitable. There was a showy impressiveness in a battle between fellow strong warriors, it was only natural that the audience would be excited.

However, if they fought using that kind of weapon, the audience too wouldnt end up safe. There, this whole Colosseum was constructed by means of sorcery mechanisms. The battle field was wrapped by many layers of Life Saver, creating a solid wall that was invisible to the audiences eye. Thanks to that, there was not a single worry that stray bullets or blown away magic armor would plunge between the audience seats. At the same time, it also served as the cage so that the prisoners fighting in this place couldnt escape.

Several huge floating windows were opened above the battle field and the audience seats. And then phrases to promote todays show were streamed, heating up the audiences excitement in one go.

The gathered hundred-odd thousand people understood. That the match today would be a special competition card which they had never seen until now. And then, that this match was also attended by the emperor who returned after ten years and the second princess.

It was the beginning of a festival without doubt.

Aine who was sitting on the throne which was prepared for the sake of royalty was overpowered by the Colosseum which she witnessed for the first time and the excitement that ruled the place.

This iswhats this commotion?

Yes. This is one of the events to celebrate Ainess-samas return. Magic knights with pride in their strength will devote all their strength and skill as attraction. Especially since there is Ainess-sama and Grace-sama in attendance this time to watch, so I had prepared a treasured card.

Aine made a frown and looked over the audience seats and the battle field.

Making people fight as an attraction like thisits not a good hobby.

However Nee-sama, didnt you say that in Lemuria there is also a similar attraction like this that made people fight each other. Something likeboxing or pro-wrestling?

Sitting on the two lined up thrones, at the right side was Aine and at the left side was Grace. In contrast with Aine, Grace was waiting for the start of the match in a cheery mood.

Those are just sports, its not killing each other like this.

Aine answered without looking at Grace. It even felt like there was a tear growing in her voice.

Zelsione who was standing by beside the two took a step forward and lowered her head reverently.

Ainess-sama. The objective of this match is not for killing each other. Until the end it has the objective of pitting each others skill, it doesnt mean that one side will die for sure. Besides, the people fighting here are not just enemies or prisoners. For example there are Clayda and Lunora there who are members of the Quartum, they originated from this Colosseum.

Zelsione pointed at a blonde eye-patched girl and a blue haired beautiful woman among the four Quartum standing still behind her.

Clayda was the girl who led away Kizuna from the cell in the battleship into the prisoner transport. Right now she was not in her imperial guard uniform, but she was wearing a battle outfit that clung tightly to her body. She wore a no sleeve short vest with vertical line in it. Together with that was a hot pants with size that was abnormally little. And then on her back she was armed with a thin sharp sword that looked like a crescent moon.

The other one, Lunora, was a female with elegance and beauty like a daughter from a good family rather than a swordswoman. However, the atmosphere her body was clad in seemed bizarre somehow. She put on the white shirt of imperial guard and a see-through camisole under it. At her lower body there were only panty that was tied with strings at the left and right sides and tights until above her knee, her appearance looked like she was coming outside in the middle of changing her clothes. Her look was really inflammatory, but she wasnt merely sexy but also caused a bizarre pressure towards those watching her.

The cause for that were the large gashes carved on her beautiful face and body.

There was a diagonal painful-looking scar from her forehead until her cheek that seemed to be coming from a sword cut. The wounds were not only on her face. There was a large scar along the valley of her breast that was like a vertical stitch. Similar scars were also carved on her neck and abdomen, and her legs and arms. It made one wonder just how many life and death battles she had acted in this Colosseum. Aine felt a shudder in her back just from imagining it.

I grew to desire them no matter what while watching the fight of these two many times. They were scouted by this Zelsione truly.

Grace was staring at the proud Zelsione with astonished eyes.

What scouting. Isnt that just your quick hand, or your bad habit of philandering huh?

Behind Zelsione were the Quartum and then also Aldea who recently was added as a close-aide standing in a slightly distanced spot.

I feel obliged by the praise your highness bestowed me.

Zelsione made a theatrical bow. Aine spontaneously leaked out a smile looking at them. She then asked Zelsione while once again staring at the faces of the four Quartum.

Other than Clayda and Lunorathe other two didnt originate from the Colosseum?

Yes. Elma is a native-born of the imperial guard.

Elma was a beautiful girl with an atmosphere like a caged lady. She had cute charm points with her long gently wavy white hair as her characteristic, and her ears which were a little like beast ears with how it pranced up.

The combat uniform she was wearing was also like a feminine dress, there were frills arranged on it making it seem like young lady, her skin was exposed in places like the valley of her breasts or her stomach, its exposure rate was high. Besides a large slit was inserted right in the middle of her skirt, her thighs and panty were in plain sight, the essential places werent hidden. The modesty of lady was combined with obscenity in that figure, creating a dangerous feeling of immorality.

She pinched her skirt and bowed elegantly.

Ainess-sama, its lovely to be in your presence. This is truly a great honor to serve as your highnesss guard in this occasion.

Yes. Take care of me, Elma. And the remaining one is

A girl with flaming red hair.

She is called Ramza. There is a little special circumstance

At that time, a powerful music began to flow in the Colosseum.

Oo, it will begin soon Nee-sama.

Grace raised her voice happily.

At the same time with the opening of the battle fields gate, white smoke blew out. Inside it a figure with light brown skin was walking. A splendidly tight body with the muscularity. Her short cut blonde hair and the white costume that hid the body unsatisfactorily suited the light brown skin.

Aine had seen that figure before. Rather, it was someone she couldnt possibly forget even if she tried.

Thats Gravel!? Why is she?

She was a soldier of Vatlantis who assaulted Ataraxia and struck Aine with her gunsword. The opponent who acted a mortal combat with Kizuna at Okinawa.

Ainess-sama, Gravel is under the suspicion of the crime of treason. Right now she is being entrusted to me and is under investigation.

Treason?

Just what in the world happened? Aine stared fixedly at the back figure of Gravel who was slowly walking to the middle of the battle field. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but it looked like there was tiredness seeping on her back.

If she remembered right Aldea should be her comrade.

Aine who thought that took a glance at Aldea who was behind Zelsione. However Aldea was expressionless, it seemed there was no particularly strong emotion welling up in her even after looking at Gravels figure.

The music suddenly stopped and a different tune began to flow.

And the wall at the opposite side of Gravel opened and similar white smoke like before was blown out. Cheers thundered in the Colosseum. From inside the misty smoke which was like mist, the figure of the opponent appeared.

The instant she saw that silhouette, Aine gulped.

She wouldnt mistake that person even just from his figure. Aines heart was ringing like an alarm bell.

KiKi, zuna?

With his whole body swaying the white smoke coiling around, Kizunas figure appeared. In place of his pilot suit, Kizuna was wearing top and bottom which was prepared by the promoter for him, he was walking while looking straight ahead. His clothes had similar design with Vatlantiss military uniform, giving a masculine style to Kizuna. The fighting warriors wouldnt liven up the place if they had shabby appearances, so Kizuna was made to wear that for the production.

Aines clenched hand was trembling hard.

What isthe meaning of this?

Zelsione tilted her head as if she didnt understand the meaning of Aines words.

The meaning?

Why is Kizuna over there!? Dont tell me that you plan to make Kizuna fight

Of course. There is no other meaning than that for someone to stand in the battle field.

Aines astonished expression hardened.

Is something the matter?

After returning to her senses with a hah, Aine lifted her eyes.

Stop this match right now! Zel-! I should have told you already to treat everyone courteously! Yetwhats, with this-!

Zelsione kept back Aine with a wheedling voice to calm her down from her agitation.

Please rest assured Ainess-sama. This is just an entertainment you know, entertainment.

Entertainmentyou say?

Yes. This is the unveiling of the black magic armorKizuna. This is to let the people of Vatlantis to know, and recognize of Ainess-samas friend. Ainess-sama also wished for them to live as a member of Vatlantis correct?

Tha, thatsif thats the case, thats certainly fine, but this is too rushed orno! If they die before that then it will all come to nothing.

Kizuna is a really strong magic knight. I think he doesnt compare unfavorably with Gravel. Rather, Kizuna has defeated Gravel once hasnt he? Then there is nothing to fear. Besides, this Zelsione who has actually fought him gives his strength my stamp of approval.

Grace too had her eyes shining from deep interest, she chuckled fufu after hearing that.

Hohou, Ill look forward to this then. Moreover the opponent is that beast with tanned skin.

Zelsione nodded as if to say thats exactly what I think too.

Yes. Furthermore combined with the fact that he is a rare species of male, there is no doubt that he will become the star player of this Colosseum.

Unable to endure, Aine yelled with a loud voice.

Youre wrong. At his current state, Kizunas strength is the same like being nonexistent! He is going to get killed by Gravel!

Grace and Zelsione reflexively looked at each other. For the two of them who didnt know about Heart Hybrid and Climax Hybrid, they couldnt comprehend at all just what Aine was talking about. However, they at least understood that Aine was worrying about Kizunas safety.

For just an instant, cold light flashed in Zelsiones eyes. That light wasnt noticed by anyone before her expression changed into a troubled one. Zelsione then whispered into Aines ear as if she was reluctantly exposing a secret.

Of course, there is also the case where the fighters bet their lives. However, just as I told your highness before, this is an entertainment. This is not a battle where they are taking each others life, but its nothing more than two fighters displaying their respective strength. They are not really fighting for real.

Eh

That means, this is a fixed game?

Aines expression softened a little.

Ainess-sama, if Kizuna can suddenly become famous here, surely he will be able to regard Vatlantis as his second home and live a happy life here.

!?

With a violent shake, Aines heart was greatly wavered.

Living together with Kizuna in Vatlantis. A happy life

Aine stared at the center of the battle field with trembling eyes. Surrounded by cheers that shook the Colosseum, Kizuna and Gravel confronted each other with glaring eyes.

Kizuna was staring hard at Gravel that he even forgot to blink.

Previously she was an opponent with whom he acted a battle that was on the verge of life and death, but mysteriously he didnt have any ill feelings or hatred towards her.

Gravelits strange to say long time no see, but why are you in this kind of place?

On the other hand Gravels eyes felt down, her face looked a little lacking in vitality. Her glossy tan skin also seemed to be somehow dull.

Kizunathats your name right? I am already not the me of before. Right now Im merely a captiveIm in the same position as you. No, now that I have received utter humiliation, perhaps Im even lower than you.

Kizuna felt a shock that even resembled an impact from the murmur coming out of that dark expression.

She was completely like a different person than the Gravel he once crossed swords with. The killing intent, ambition, the power of soul that he felt amidst the defense and offense in paper thin difference, he couldnt feel at all of all those things from that time.

Whats wrong? You are really down.

Reacting to Kizunas voice, Gravel lifted her gaze with upturned eyes.

You are concerned about the opponent you will kill each other with after this?

Kizuna knitted his eyebrows. He recalled the thing Zelsione announced to him in the cell.

{Ill grant you the chance to be liberated. Tomorrow, if you can triumph in the duel that will be carried out in the Colosseum, you will be free. But, if you lose}

Killing each otherhuh. So this is an attraction where people watch the prisoners kill each other.

Thats right. I never thought that I will be able to see you again in this kind of place and shape.

Gravels mouth was slightly smiling. However that was a self-deprecating smile, that sneered at herself.

So its true that the one who loses in this match will die?

Thats right.

But, I also heard that if you win you can be free.

Gravel snorted.

I was also told that. But dont believe those guys words. Even if you win you will only be put in the next fight anyway. And then, you will continue to kill your opponent to win and advance to the next round, and die when you lose.

Something like thatI want to refrain from that huh.

This body is smeared with humiliation. I dont feel precious of something like my life at this late hourbut if there is still a sliver of hopeif my life can still become useful, then there is still something that I have to do!

After letting out a deep breath, Gravel yelled with a tensed voice.

Zoros!

Together with that voice, orange light enveloped Gravels body. That radiance was compressed and crystallized, creating a magic armor.

Eros!

Kizuna too immediately called his own Heart Hybrid Gear. In response to that voice, pink particles equipped Kizunas body with armor possessing black luster.

As if already estimating the timing, fireworks were launched all at once around the Colosseum. Fierce explosive sounds thundered, beads of light fell from the sky, amidst all that, cheers that resembled screaming welled up from the audience who reached the peaked of their excitement.

The gong of the battle rang.

Three line particle cannons were floating behind Zoros in wing shape. Twelve cannon muzzles in total from the four wings were directed at Kizuna. While they were just the common equipment, but it was Zoross main equipment that possessed powerful destructive power. The street of office buildings of Ataraxia was cruelly returned to ashes after receiving the volley from them. Gertrude of Masters had her Heart Hybrid Gear destroyed after receiving bombardment from close range. And then she became heavily wounded to the degree that all the bones in her body broke and she wandered between the boundary of life and death.

Here I go Kizuna!

Kizuna too deployed several layers of Life Saver.

Yeah, I too cannot die in this kind of place!

Zoros ignited its particle cannons. Flame explosion rose up at the spot where Kizuna was standing, Kizunas figure was hidden by the flame. Surprised and disappointed voices leaked out from the audiences who thought that he was instantly killed. However, Kizunas figure who flew out from inside the explosion like gliding made cheers to be raised once more.

Shit! Thats too severe for a preliminary attack!

His Life Saver quickly reached the limit with the attack just now. In his condition without Climax Hybrid, Kizuna didnt have any method of fighting. What he could do was just continuing to lay out Life Saver and blocked the attack. Cold sw