Survive in Azure Files

Feeling the sensation of falling, looking up at the band of light hanging high in the sky, I tried to calm myself as much as possible and made a futile attempt:

"Key, what do you want to do?"

However, Key, who had just used me as a human shield, actually answered my question:

"My companion, your acting just now was really outstanding!"

……what?

I was slightly startled, and tried to remain calm: "Of course."

As he was speaking, Key had already fallen heavily on the grass, leaving two deep footprints.

"You're amazing. You were able to act so naturally scared and foolishly that the guy totally believed you."

Key pulled me along and ran wildly across the Millennium campus, saying to me in a friendly and respectful tone: "With our assistance, the princess will definitely accomplish her mission."

I tried to understand the current situation, and suddenly found it a little bit ridiculous?

Key actually sincerely believed that I was her partner, and that what happened just now was all a tacit understanding? All acting?

It was this stupid thing... that almost killed me?

The rising anger swallowed up all other unnecessary emotions, burning more fiercely.

Key, who hadn't noticed my abnormality, continued, "It's already this late, let's not worry about it anymore. Just tell me the most suitable place to start the protocol, and I'll send my followers to intercept."

"……Not urgent."

I must make Key pay for daring to fool me.

"It's not the right time yet." I said sincerely, "Key, are you willing to believe me?"

"Of course." Key answered without hesitation, "In this world, only you, me, and the princess are truly the same kind."

Same kind, huh?

"Then surrender."

"What? But..."

I turned around and saw Nero chasing me from a distance.

"Not everyone in Millennium cares about the life or death of a hostage like me." I said calmly, "In order to truly accomplish our mission, let's give up this time. Believe me, I will do my best to protect Alice."

Key's pace gradually slowed down.

It was not just because of my words, but also because, ahead, there was a girl with dazzling blonde hair waiting.

"Ha! Don't even think about taking the master away!" Asuna shouted from a distance.

"……I see."

So, Key stood still and turned his head to look at me:

"Then please cancel the [Reverse Mystery Archiving] first."

Another term I have never heard of, but it is not difficult to understand.

What it refers to can only be my current halo.

I asked, "Why?"

"I have a way to help you hide it from those people better." Key's eyes were calm, and he urged, "It's too late to explain. Just like I believe in you, please believe me. Everything is for the purpose of achieving our mission."

...That's right.

Trust is always mutual.

The fact that "key regards me as a trustworthy person" and the value of exploitation make it worth a gamble.

What's more, no matter whether it is Nero or Asuna, their speed when running at full speed is extremely fast, it's like they are flying close to the ground, and they can reach us in the blink of an eye.

Without even a weapon, what could Key do with his bare hands in just a few seconds?

In a split second, I made the decision, but I deliberately delayed for a second before removing the divine name.

I lament my own over-caution.

After all, I almost failed because of underestimating the key before, and I am still frightened by the brush with death before. How can I not be so cautious?

If you have done this, it should be foolproof...

"boom."

A dull thud occurred at the moment when the halo behind my head disappeared, just over a second before Nero arrived.

I looked down with a dull expression, and saw a white, smooth hand pressing against my chest.

In order to strike out in such a short time, he didn't even accumulate much energy.

But deep in my heart, a deep feeling of loss suddenly arose.

"She is the princess, AL-1S..." Key's tone was as cold as ice, "But, she is not Alice."

I actually... I actually fell for such a trick again in such a short time... Such a simple trick...

Or, because of this kind of insignificant mistake...

My nails dug deep into my flesh, almost breaking my teeth, and my whole body began to tremble violently.

Key just stared at me coldly, and then Nero, who flew over with a roar, chopped him on the neck with a knife, and he fainted on the spot.

Only those eyes filled with mockery are deeply imprinted in my heart.

"Owner!"

Asuna rushed to me and looked me up and down with concern. Seeing that I had no obvious injuries, she patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief: "Are you okay? Do you want me to take you to the infirmary now?"

Didn't answer immediately.

I took several deep breaths until my breathing became steady, then quietly took the keychain from my waist.

The fox doll hanging above has been torn into pieces.

With the slightest touch, it was completely turned into powder.

Izuna... your important second life, which should have been saved for a more important occasion, was wasted by me just like that.

"I am fine."

It's just that I really "died" once.

I shook my head, looked at Asuna and Nero who were looking at me worriedly with clear eyes, and answered calmly:

"I am now better than ever."

Nero and Asuna looked at each other and didn't say much.

They must love me. Even if they don't love me now, they will love me in the future.

With this in mind, I glanced at AL-1S, who was lying unconscious on the ground.

"Nero, take me to see Liyin and Himari."

I said, “Take this with you.”

Chapter 105: Adjusting Yue Liyin, enough is enough.

On the avenue leading to the Millennium Tower.

I walked forward with my head held high, while Nero, who was following me with AL-1S on his back, looked a little listless.

As for Asuna, I asked her to go to the game development department and help me retrieve my dropped cell phone, the briefcase containing the Shitei Box, and my shoes.

Also, if you run into Momoi, Midori, or Yuzu, please let Alice know that I'm safe. If you don't run into them, that's fine, I'll do it myself after I get my phone.

“…That.”

Finally here.

I slowed down my pace and looked sideways at Nero, who had a guilty look on his face, which was rare for her.

"What's wrong?"

"Really sorry……"

Nero lowered his head and pursed his lips: "If I had been more careful, this might not have happened."

I was able to make the hot-tempered Nero reflect on her own behavior. It was obvious that I had indeed occupied a place in her heart.

"You also said it was 'maybe'." I shook my head and sighed, "You have made the wisest choice."

From a rational point of view, this is an indisputable fact.

Key noticed the enemy approaching too quickly, and decided to hold me hostage too decisively. Given the distance between me and it, even Nero would not have been able to stop it in time.

Even with Nero's experience in carrying out missions... I'm afraid he has never encountered a hostage who needs to be taken care of as much as I do.

At least up to this point, the judgment of this Millennium Ace has not made any mistakes.

After a moment's silence, Nero nodded slightly, but he was still unhappy.

"but."

I changed the subject: "Next time, if you encounter a similar situation, don't hesitate when I ask you to do it."

This was Nero's only, biggest mistake tonight.

She cares about me.

But perhaps, it was precisely because of this concern that she could not maintain her trust in me at that moment.

Just like now, Nero's face was full of confusion and he couldn't make any decent response.

This is not a surprise. Even if I said so, even if she agreed against her will, she would still be tied down by her feelings.

In the final analysis, it was because I was too weak. That was why it became a relationship that needed protection, rather than one that was worthy of trust.

...Is this the reason why I didn't conquer Nero and many other students?

I feel something.

"……sorry."

Nero's reply finally came, just as I expected.

I glanced at her and said calmly, "It's okay."

After that, there was no words along the way.

Until Asuna brought me the belongings I left in the club room of the game development department, and told me that she ran into the game development department halfway, and conveyed my words truthfully.

As a compliment, I patted my lovely maid's head.

"Hey! Why are you touching me all of a sudden!?"

Nero seemed to be in better spirits. Although he was dissatisfied, his body did not resist at all.

Asuna just smiled foolishly and said "hehehe", and lowered her head to facilitate my actions, like a loyal golden retriever.

I took back my hands that were on the heads of the two maids, took the shoes from Asuna and put them on, then the cell phone and the Shitei box.

Holding the briefcase in my hand, Alona's caring words, which only I could hear, were so close that I finally calmed down completely.

From now on, I must never let the Shiting Box leave my reach.

Then, I glanced at the messages I received on momotalk, quickly replied, and put my phone away.

Looking up at the blonde girl, I nodded slightly:

"Thank you, Asuna. You can go back and rest today."

"Okay, Master. See you next time. If you need any help, please call me. Please call me, please."

"Well, I see."

After getting the answer, Asuna smiled with satisfaction and walked away lightly.

Nero, AL-1S and I continued forward and soon entered the Millennium Tower that soared into the clouds.

Taking the elevator directly to the top floor, I pushed open the door of the conference room. Liyin and Rimu had been waiting there for a long time.

After seeing the situation in the conference room clearly, my eyebrows raised slightly.