Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 5 - Prologue

It was a dim room.

A bluish white magic circle was floating on the wall.

A thin light ran as if that magic circle was split vertically. The next moment, that light widened in width at one go.

Kuh

The light pierced the eyes that were used to darkness. He avoided the light with his hand against the radiance outside the door and scowled his face.

Get outside, Hida Kizuna.

A voice came from inside the light.

Kizuna opened his crunched eyes and focused his eyes to the light. By doing that, he could see a faint outline of a person. That shadow of a person was pushing out its right hand forward. Something that was the same like the magic circle floating in the darkness was shining bluish white on that palm.

The door that was until now didnt even flinch when he kicked and hit it was closed with a slide. It was likely that magic circle was accomplishing the role of a key.

He confirmed his own appearance by the light that was shining in. After his Heart Hybrid Gear was removed by Zeross Forbidden Armament [Code Breaker], he was soon taken captive by the imperial guard of Vatlantis. Thanks to that, he was still in his tattered pilot suit.

His wound from being thoroughly whipped by Zelsione hurt. But, it was fortunate that he was given treatment before he was thrown alone into this cell. His left leg that was pierced by a sword was also wrapped in bandage.

After he rose from the simple bed, sharp pain traveled his leg. As if to ascertain it, he took a single step with his left leg and put his weight on it. It was quiet painful, but he could walk.

Kizuna looked around the single cell with width of four and a half tatami. Whether it was the bed or the tray, it was a room that was molded from a single material that was like plastic. The lighting was only a single lamp on the wall that was like a LED. There was nothing else.

How long had he been confined here he wondered? Five hoursno, perhaps eight hours. He was locked inside a dim room, so his feeling of time was blurred.

What are you doing? Get out quickly.

He could hear an irritated voice. His eyes were mostly used to light now, so he could confirm the owner of the voice.

Her hair was blonde in bob-style that was worn in braids. Her amazingly well-ordered face had the beauty and cuteness of a western doll coexisting in it. However as if to reject those two factors, her right eye was hidden by an eye patch. He could understand that she was a member of the imperial guard by the uniform she was wearing.

This woman was the one that threw me into the cell. If Im not mistakenshe was called Clayda of Quartum.

Her appearance was around the same age like Kizuna, but her appearance had strange presence and pressure. It was likely that she had survived much scenes of carnage. After piling up a journey that she had walked and experienced, compressing it, that body was now built up by density far higher than normal people.

This Clayda of Quartum that was clad in a dangerous air would show unbecoming foolishness if she was in front of Zelsione. But, from her current bearing, such thing couldnt be imagined even for a bit coming from her.

Kizuna exited the cell while being cautious of Clayda. The outside was a long corridor. Similar with the solitary cell, a pure white corridor without any decoration was continuing endlessly. And then, similar doors were lined up at the left and right walls with fixed interval between them.

Are Himekawa, Yurishia, and the others also locked up here?

And thenwhat about Aine?

What happened to Aine?

Clayda was leaning on the wall and stared at Kizuna suspiciously. One of her hands was holding a scabbard that was greatly curved like a crescent moon.

Oi, Claydaright? I have something I want to

Suddenly something cold could be felt on his throat.

!? -

A sharp blade almost cut off Kizunas neck. The sword that was drawn out from the scabbard that Clayda held was surprisingly thin and long. That elegant sword that was extremely curved like a crescent moon, he didnt understand at all just when it was drawn, and when it was swung. He didnt notice a single gesture or even any presence.

Sweat floated on Kizunas forehead.

If she felt like it, Ill be cut down instantly.

Kizuna. Ill say it one more time. Dont try to do anything unnecessary.

Clayda stared at Kizuna with her only eye. There was no anger or hate in that eye. For Clayda, Kizuna was not an important existence or even a dangerous existence.

YeahI understand your skillbesides I cannot equip my Heart Hybrid Gear, I got no way to resist here.

Kizuna slowly raised his right hand and displayed the bracelet that was fitted on his arm.

Its the fault of this thing right? No matter how much I yelled, I cannot equip my Heart Hybrid Gear.

He showed his nonresistance, but Clayda still didnt put away her sword.

Oiis there still something else? Rather, I want you to put away this sword already.

With a single motion of Claydas wrist, Kizuna would have his throat cut and then die. His flowing out sweat followed along the sword at his throat and dripped down from the edge.

Claydas expression warped slightly in displeasure. Her soft looking lips opened grudgingly.

Also one more thing. Dont call my name familiarly, black magic armor. No matter how high a position you have in Lemuria as a magic knight, in here you are lower than the frontier savage. By all rights, you should have your neck cut off just like this.

Similar when it was drawn out, the sword was stored back to its scabbard instantly. That sword which was close of being semicircular was sheathed back skillfully. Kizuna honestly felt impressed as if he was seeing acrobatics.

Good griefif only there wasnt that annoying order coming out to not kill you.

Clayda murmured in a bad mood. However Kizunas ears couldnt catch that murmur. When she noticed Kizunas dubious expression, Clayda lightly clicked her tongue and pointed ahead of the corridor with her chin.

If you got it already then quickly walk. Dont make wait any longer than this.

He had something else he wanted to ask, but it wasnt worth being slain. Kizuna endured and began to walk the corridor in silence.

After progressing forward while harboring anxiety, he could see a small entrance like the ships hatch. His anxiety grew violent of what was going on outside. Would he get suddenly pushed down from the sky and below there would be a mountain of needles awaiting? While thinking of such things, he came outside resolutely.

And then Kizuna reflexively gulped from the spectacle that spread before his eyes.

This iswhere is it?

A gigantic black wall that was towering high was spreading in his sight fully. The wall that gave him the impression of an armor that was shining black was higher than three hundred meters. The outrageously high wall was continuing until far beyond, that the wall far ahead looked misty.

And then magic weapons were heading for the black wall in an endless line. Just how many machines were there? The magic weapons that were creating an orderly line were slightly different from the usual magic weapons that he was familiar with. The Blue Heads and Albatross appearances that were like knights were the same, but on top of the armor color being painted in different colors of white and red, there was also a crest like a hemming or a family crest painted on them together with the splendidly refined ornament decorated on them. The magic weapon at the head of the line was carrying a huge flag, it was like a parade would be carried out after this.

When he looked carefully, the line wasnt made from only magic weapons, vehicles that were reminiscent of cars and huge palanquins were also mixed inside. Even amidst them all, his eyes were attracted to a golden palanquin that was put in the center of the parade. It was a triangular pyramid of stair shape with a height of about ten meters. It was like its summit was cut off, creating a flat space. There a statue that seemed like a goddess and a chair decorated with gold and silver jewelry were put on it. Perhaps the main lead of this parade would sit there he guessed.

A level below it, imperial guard members wearing red mantel were standing straight, glaring at the surroundings without moving an inch.

At the opposite side of the black wall, behind the line there was boundless wasteland without a single grass growing continuing. In the scenery of the desolate land littered with fissures, wind was running through while rolling up clouds of dust.

Dont tell me, is thisthe AU?

He was captured in Tokyo and then he was immediately thrown into the cell of Vatlantiss battleship. Since then he was continuously in a room without any window, so he didnt understand where this scenery he was looking at was located.

He could imagine that the ship was moving from the slight vibration of the floor. The scenery spreading before his eyes was like the wasteland of Arizona.

Kizuna looked up at the black wall that cut off the light.

But, what is this wall? Who was building something like this? Or else, was this thing something that was brought along through the Entrance?

When he dropped his gaze, there was a ramp that was stretching out to the ground from below his feet. Ahead of the ramp was a car with a strange design, like a magic weapon combined with an automobile, it was stopping in place. The large car that was like a truck had its behind half like a box made from mirror, while its front half was a magic weapon that was similar with a horse. He guessed that the magic weapon was the engine substitution.

How long are you going to stand around, black magic armor. Get down quickly and enter the prisoner transport.

His back was pushed away by Clayda and he slipped off the ramp by a few steps in totter. He almost fell and rolled down, making him have cold sweat. Kizuna turned back to complain at Clayda, but she just pointed ahead with her chin to urge him to hurry like before.

Kizuna descended the ramp reluctantly, then he looked up at the car fixed with the glass box.

Was this the prisoner transport that Clayda told him just now?

The surroundings of the car was circled by the imperial guard, he could feel their will of not letting him escape absolutely.

It would be pointless even if he tried to escape now.

Just as he was urged by Clayda, he entered inside the mirror cage.

Eh?

Looking at the situation inside, Kizuna raised his voice reflexively.

It looked like a mirror from outside, but looking from inside, the boxs wall looked like a transparent glass. So to speak it was the same like a magic mirror. And then, the moment he saw the faces of the people sitting on the floor, relief and happiness welled up inside him.

Everyone! You are all safe!

Hearing that voice, the looking down Himekawa, Yurishia, Sylvia, and Scarlet turned at him with surprised expressions. And then, all at once they showed him smiling faces like blooming flowers. It was like colorful flowers were blooming in profusion inside the bland prisoner transport.

Yurishia stood up faster than anyone and hugged at him with a leap.

Kizuna!

Owaa, Yurishia! E, err, is everyone okay!?

Himekawa and Scarlet, and Sylvia too raised their body and directed at him their happy faces. All of them were similar to Kizuna, they were in pilot suits covered all over with wounds. There were many tears here and there, so the pilot suit that had been sexy from the start, now became an excessively suggestive clothing.

The corners of Himekawas eyes were slightly teary, and she smiled as if she was relieved from the bottom of her heart.

Kizuna-kun yourselfIm glad you are safe.

She softly wiped her tears with her fingertip, then in a complete change she glared at Yurishia who was hugging Kizuna.

Thats that, but Yurishia-san! What are you doing taking the chance in the middle of the confusion! Right now is a time of crisis, so please discern of the time and place!

How annoying. Dont be a hindrance in this moving scene of reunion Hayuru.

Yurishia didnt mind it and pressed her breasts that were nearly bared to Kizuna. The huge breasts were crushed tenderly on him, transmitting soft pressure to Kizunas chest.

Scarlet that was watching that also looked daggers on Yurishia and lost her temper.

What are you saying-! This is the scene of the moving reunion between me and Kizuna!

Scarlet slipped through Himekawas side and she too jumped at Kizuna. She quarreled with Yurishia for a spot and hanged on Kizuna.

Uuthe, the both of you are not fair desuu. Sylvia too

Sylvia too hugged around Kizunas waist with a face that was going to cry. Yurishia and Scarlet were hugging at him, so there was no other empty space. However due to that, Sylvias pose looked like she was burying her face on Kizunas groin.

Wha-, what shameless thing all of you are doing!

Himekawas fury exploded.

O, oi, everyone, I got it already! Release me a little!

Regardless of Kizunas desperate appeal, the three kept clinging at him and wouldnt let go.

Why dont all of you have any air of tension! Never mind that, just separate from himm!

Due to Himekawa who looked like a demon, the three were torn off from Kizuna. Himekawa breathed hard with her shoulders heaving while looking at Kizuna with a glare.

So, Kizuna-kun. What kind of situation is this? Where are we! Were we taken into the AU? What is going on in Tokyo? And Ataraxia? Also, what about Aine-san?

I dont know, even I

At that time the door behind him closed. The door became perfectly one with the transparent wall, making them unable to comprehend where the door was.

Yurishia patted around the wall to investigate, but she couldnt find even the littlest gap.

Its the same like the cell, looks like its locked by sorcery or something

Deciding that it was meaningless to investigate further than this, Yurishia separated from the wall and returned back to Kizuna and the others. The state where she played around just now was hidden, the color of her eye was serious.

Then, how about we organize the situation. Scarlet, what about the other members of Masters?

Scarlet pointed behind them. There was a glass car the same like the one where Kizuna and the others were in right now.

When I was put in here, I saw them getting in the car behind.

I see. Anyway it seems that we can think of them as safe for now. Then, Sylvia-chan. Werent you standing by above the sea separated from Tokyo? How could you be captured I wonder?

Sylvia curled her body as if to shrink herself.

Sylvia is sorry desulooking how the fleet of the AU appeared, Sylvia thought that Sylvia has to help everyone and returned to Tokyo desubut suddenly a mysterious light enveloped Sylvia. After that Taros suddenly disappeared. It was already the best Sylvia could do to land in emergency just before Taros could completely vanish desu.

Himekawa tilted her head with a difficult face.

Is thatthe enemys new weapon?

When Aine used Code Breaker, Himekawa and Yurishia were under the magic of Zelsione and lost their senses. That was why they didnt know about the shocking truth. But the sight of that time had been burned behind Kizunas eyelids.

That was AinesZeross Forbidden Armaments power.

Himekawa opened her eyes wide at Kizunas answer.

ForbiddenArmament, what is that? Is that different with Corruption Armament?

Its a weapon with special power that surpassed Corruption Armamentthats a Forbidden Armament. Zeross Forbidden Armament [Code Breaker] has the power to terminate all enemies completely. Anything that touches the magic circle Zeros created will be decomposed into shining letters and graphics. In front of that power, whether it is magic armor or magic weapon or battleship, things that are created by AU technology will be completely useless.

Yurishia lightly whistled.

Thats really shocking, for such amazing weapon to be loaded inside Zeros.

But, Sylvias Taros is not a weapon of AU desu. Despite so it can still be shot down by Aine-san desu?

Aah, thatsCode Breaker doesnt affect just the enemy, it will also disintegrate Heart Hybrid Gear.

If he believed Hida Nayutas story, then both Heart Hybrid Gear and magic armor was using the same Core and the product of the same technology. If he thought like that, then he could believe that it was only natural for both of them to be similarly disintegrated.

I see now. Because of that our brainwashing was also cancelled.

As expected of Yurishia, she had quick understanding. Putting aside Scarlet who was having a question mark above her head, they continued the talk.

Butt, like they than that is mostly invincible isnt itafter all in front of that power, no one can do anything, whether its us or those AU fellows.

Scarlet crossed her arms and asked while groaning.

NnI dont really understand but, doesnt that mean that we obtained a powerful weapon? Then wont we get the absolute advantage in the battle against the AU like this! With that there is no way we can lose anymore-!

Yurishia sighed in astonishment towards the elated Scarlet.

Yet despite so, why do we have to meet this kind of experience I wonder?

Ehhu, huh? Thats right isnt it, why is it?

There was no one that could answer that question.

But, the sight at that time was left in the memory of all of them.

The figure of the general of the enemy, Zelsione kneeling in front of Aine.

{Vatlantis Empires imperial princess, your highness Ainess Synclavia. I offer you my utmost welcoming.}

That wasjust what was it I wonder?

In contrast with Himekawa whose eyebrows were knitted, Yurishia returned an answer calmly.

If we comprehend it as it is, Aine is the princess of the AUsomething like that I guess?

Thats stupid.

Kizuna murmured so inside his heart. However there were also several things he happened to know.

Each time they did Heart Hybrid and Climax Hybrid, Aine said that she recalled her lost memory.

No, rather than calling them memories, it was more a puzzling image that floated inside her head. Mysterious scenery and preposterous events. The memories were completely like something that came from a movie. However, even if it was preposterous, it was not incoherent, but an image of a world with order.

So that was really a real memory.

Aine was scared to remember her memory. That she was going to become someone that was not herself.

And then now it had become reality.

Even though she was that scared, even though she was that desperate.

Have I ever seriously thought about Aines