My youth story cannot be a knight war

Another clash erupted, the two colliding in mid-air before bouncing off each other. The resulting shockwave swept away the dust and ground beneath them, leveling the entire field as if plowed over and over again by a steamroller. Not even a single stone larger than five centimeters could be seen on the surface.

[“Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!”]

Zaimokuza gasped violently, feeling as if a red-hot stone were stuffed into his lungs, the burning pain unbearable. Thick white smoke billowed from his entire body, the result of high-speed friction with the air. The scarf wrapped around his neck was slowly dissipating into powder at the ends, a testament to the near exhaustion of his inner strength.

[Of course, he believed the other party was the same.]

[Several tiny flames burned on his scarred armor, and Kousaka's body began to sway slightly, but his black compound eyes remained fixed on Zaimokuza, a mixture of emptiness and rage in them.]

"Hmm... It seems we've all reached our limit, Mr. Kousaka."

The scene before him began to double. Zaimokuza shook his head, raised his fist, and spoke softly, his gaze fixed on Kousaka. Crimson flames began to ignite on his fist, and all the remaining fire elements in his body began to converge on his raised right fist.

[Just as Zaimokuza said, he is now almost exhausted and can no longer continue sawing.]

[Since that's the case, then I'll gather all my remaining strength into the next strike, and let the final move decide the outcome!]

【“——”】

Kosaka's animal-like sense of danger made him aware of Zaimokuza's intentions. A strong growl erupted from his throat, and he raised his arms. As he swung them, the bone blades on his arms reflected a cold light that chilled him to the bone marrow.

【“——It’s coming!”】

Zaimokuza suddenly roared, the light radiating from his fist turning from vermilion to incandescent. He lunged towards Kousaka, who also rushed towards him without hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, the fifty-meter gap was shattered in the blink of an eye. Zaimokuza threw a punch at Kousaka, and Kousaka slashed back at him.

The sharp bone blade sliced ​​through the air, slashing towards Zaimokuza's neck, while Zaimokuza swung his right fist towards him—the G1 worn on his waist!

Zaimokuza had never considered killing Kousaka. Even now, when he was forced to fight, the thought had not crossed his mind. He only wanted to wake him up.

The experience accumulated from countless battles over the past year has made Zaimokuza well aware of the consequences of holding back in a life-or-death struggle, but he has no regrets, because in his heart, the people around him are always more important than himself. If this battle truly meant only one person could survive, Zaimokuza would only hope it was the other person, not himself.

Miraculously, as if sensing his thoughts, the bone blade swinging towards Zaimokuza's neck stopped at this moment.

[The pause was extremely brief, probably less than a millisecond, but it truly stopped, and then—the slash continued.]

Blood splattered, staining the faces of the two men who were so close to each other. This blood...belonged to Zaimokuza.

The blade of the arm blade penetrated about a quarter of Zaimokuza's neck. If he applied more force, he could have severed his head, but this was already a reality that would never happen again.

【"……well done."】

The two stared at each other silently. Kousaka, who had been as ferocious as a wild beast, suddenly spoke. Though his voice was hoarse and unclear, his former calm and rational nature had indeed returned. He broke free from his fury and regained consciousness.

Kosaka slowly lowered his head and saw a fist pressing directly against the belt at his waist. Sparks and white smoke flew from the belt. Zaimokuza's punch directly short-circuited G1 and also restored his sanity.

【『End』】

A muffled, unpleasant, mechanical male voice echoed from his belt, and then the armor covering Kousaka's entire body vanished. Even his twisted hands began to disintegrate into ash from the shoulders, revealing his original arms. Kousaka looked at Zaimokuza and smiled.

His current appearance was not suitable for children. Two long wounds tore directly from the sides of his mouth to the area near his earlobes. Every time his mouth twitched, blood flowed out of the wounds. The lower half of Kousaka's face was dyed red. From the side, Kousaka's face was stretched into a huge "smile" by the two wounds.

【"Caimu seat..."】

[As soon as he finished saying this, Kousaka lost consciousness and fell on Zaimokuza.]

The blade that had pierced Zaimokuza's neck also turned to ash and slowly dissipated. Fresh red blood flowed out of the wound, unblocked. Zaimokuza supported the unconscious Kousaka and knelt down facing each other.

The dim Yamadam spirit stone at his waist flickered with a faint white light, and the white armor replaced the original red. The next moment, it dissipated in the distortion, transforming into Zaimokuza's original appearance.

[“Gupu——you——are——”]

He covered the horrific wound on his neck with one hand, blood oozing from between his tightly clenched palm and fingers. Zaimokuza smiled at the unconscious Kousaka, then spat out a mouthful of blood.

【Then Zaimokuza also lost consciousness. The two unconscious bodies rubbed against each other and then fell unconscious in opposite directions. Blood slowly spread from the two fallen bodies and pooled together.】

【The battle to the death ends here.】

11. The Ending is Decided (4K)

【Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Scientific Police Research Institute. 】

10:25 AM

Today marks two days since the annihilation of Unidentified Lifeform No. 35. While the entire Toshima Ward suffered some damage in that battle, compared to the razing of the entire Itabashi Ward, this is a significant improvement. The most serious consequence is that the entire street and buildings, including the entrance to Ikebukuro Station, need to be renovated. Other than that, even the subway remains operational.

The now-former Superintendent of Police, upon realizing that his impulsive authorization had been misused, even going so far as to launch missiles into the city, suffered a heart-and-respiratory arrest. He immediately suffered a high blood pressure attack and passed out, being rushed to the hospital for the second time within an hour. Upon waking, his complexion was so pale and pale it looked like psoriasis. It wouldn't be surprising to think he'd expired the next moment.

He had originally thought that Toshima Ward would follow the same fate as Itabashi Ward. To quell the mounting public outrage, he feared it wouldn't be as simple as resigning. He'd likely find himself no sooner off the podium than in the open back seat of a prison van.

So when the former Superintendent of Police learned that the biggest damage to Toshima Ward was the streets needing repairs, he burst into tears right in front of the reporter. He was relieved of his sentence and could finally enjoy his retirement.

[And this is how the whole thing came to an end. Although those who lost friends and relatives in this incident are heartbroken, the world never stops for anyone. Life must go on, even if blood and tears are shed all over the ground.]

In their response to the media at the press conference, the Metropolitan Police Department only briefly explained the cause and course of events, describing how they cleverly set a trap, gradually leading Unit 35 into a deadly trap and weakening it. They then reluctantly sacrificed the area near Ikebukuro Station to annihilate Unit 35 in the wasteland outside the city, thus avoiding even greater casualties.

They then kept silent about what happened in the wasteland after the annihilation of Unit 1. They denied any mention of a casual witness who saw a G1-clad officer attack Unit , an accomplice, and that the subsequent battle between the two was the cause of the destruction of the wasteland and several mountains. They righteously denied the possibility that the G system, the police's most advanced weapon, could have gone out of control.

Given the precarious situation of the police, whose reputation is on the verge of collapse and in urgent need of repair, even if this incident were true, it must now be false. As for the possibility of a similar incident occurring again... they chose to trust in the wisdom of future generations.

This matter has thus come to a gloomy end, but it still leaves many issues that must be addressed, the biggest of which concerns the G1 system.

【And now, one of the people involved in the incident that the Metropolitan Police Department kept secret two days ago has arrived here.】

[“Torso, erosion rate 57%, right leg, erosion rate 35%, left leg, erosion rate 29%, left hand, 76%…”]

Ebina, donning a slim-fitting black OL dress, held a pointer, pointing at the CT scan on the blackboard in front of her and the smaller data map below. She pointed at each part of the image, like a teacher teaching anatomy to medical students. The image reflected in her reflective glasses resembled a doctor who, at any moment, would pronounce the famous phrase "Eat well, relax, and don't stress" to proclaim the end of a terminally ill patient's life. The whole person exuded an eerie medical atmosphere, and even the surrounding smell of motor oil smelled like a nasal filter coated with formaldehyde.

[…Right hand, erosion rate 100%]

[The pointer touched the last CT scan of an arm, whose internal structure was almost completely obscured by some kind of growth.] Ebina finally paused, turned around, and threw the pointer onto the table in front of him. He placed his hands on the table and raised his head. The eyes behind his glasses, which usually held a smile, were now as calm as the bottom of the Dead Sea.]

"Except for your brain, which currently shows no signs of erosion, at least half of every part of your body has been occupied by enhanced nerves. The total extent of erosion has exceeded 75% of your total body area."

"According to calculations, you only need to transform twice more at most before your entire body will be completely occupied by the spreading enhanced nerves, and then..."

【"Become a Gurongi."】

As these last words fell, the atmosphere in the entire laboratory felt as if covered with a layer of ice. A bone-chilling chill permeated the entire space, and the source was this one sentence.

The pointer that Ebina had thrown onto the table finally rolled to the other side, fell from the edge, bounced a few times, and finally landed next to a black leather shoe.

【“…”】

Looking at the fallen pointer at his feet, Kousaka Kyosuke lowered his head in silence. His long, uncut black bangs hung down, obscuring his vision.

He was now completely wrapped up, leaving no part of his body exposed except for the upper half of his face. His collar was raised, forming a circle around his neck and the lower half of his face, but a hint of white bandage could still be seen through the edges, like an Egyptian mummy freshly removed from a coffin.

"Although this result was predictable, frankly speaking, your current rate of erosion is completely abnormal."

Seeing that Kousaka remained silent, Ebina didn't wait for his reply and continued talking.

"Originally, even if you continued to fight using the G1, it would take you at least a year to complete this irreversible process, Kousaka-kun. After all, as the erosion deepens, the speed actually slows down. This is also reflected in Yoshiki's case. Currently, his total erosion rate is only a little over %, % lower than yours... but the stability rate is completely different."

"And now, Kousaka-kun, your irreversible progress is at least ten and a half times faster than originally predicted. This rate of change is truly outrageous. It's beyond absurd; it's a paradox in data science, akin to a 'flying arrow's immobility.'"

[“It can be said that without the intervention of an external force, this would be impossible to happen, and this external force…”]

Ebina rested her hands on the table, her curvaceous waist curved into a breathtaking arc, like a female snake standing upright. Her gaze towards Kousaka was piercing and cold, like a snake.

"Kousaka-kun, I think you have an idea, right?"

[…Nagano Prefecture.]

Under Ebina's gaze, the silent Kosaka spoke softly.

"During the battle at Sotoba Village in Nagano Prefecture, the unconscious Zaimokuza and I finally saw Zero. As it left, it patted me on the shoulder, leaving a deep palm print... After that, I realized my mastery of the G1 system had deepened considerably."

“Huh~ I knew the changes started around that time. After all, all the test data indicates that the changes accelerated around that time, but…”

A deep hue flashed in Ebina's eyes as she recalled the young man in white she had met briefly when she had visited Zaimokuza Hospital and left. She had never imagined that she had actually passed by the culprit behind the current series of tragedies, and even had a pleasant conversation with him... This world sometimes has a dark humor that leaves one speechless.

"It's not just Yoshiki. Zero has even set his sights on you, Kousaka-kun. And no matter how I examine you, I still can't figure out what it did to your body."

"While the rate at which your body is being eroded has greatly increased, Kousaka-kun, your combat power has also been greatly enhanced. Your synchronization rate with the G1 has now reached %... What is Zero's purpose in doing this? Is there any benefit to it or the Gurongi clan?"

"Who knows? I'm afraid only that person knows."

Kosaka shook his head slightly, then looked up at Ebina and asked in a deep voice.

"Ms. Ebina, there's no need to continue discussing these meaningless topics. We all know you're terrible at changing the subject."

"So please tell me directly, from now on, how long will it take for me to become a Gurongi? Or...how long can I live?"

"...Kousaka-kun, has anyone ever told me how annoying you are when you speak your mind?"

The corners of Ebina's mouth twitched, and he stared at Kousaka with a forced smile. However, when his gaze converged on his calm black eyes, the curve of his mouth gradually disappeared, and he finally sighed helplessly.

She extended her right hand towards Kousaka, folding three of her five fingers, leaving only her thumb and pinky.

"Six months, that is, half a year."

Ebina spoke calmly, his voice as composed as that of a morgue attendant, the composure of someone who had foreseen death.

[“In half a year, your body will be completely eroded and transformed into Gurongi’s physique. At the same time… that will also be the time when your body will completely collapse.”]

"But I think you've roughly guessed this, right?"

She spoke, looking at Kousaka's left face, which was hidden by her collar. Even though it was mostly obscured, a red palm print could still be seen. Judging by its size, it clearly belonged to a woman. Noticing Ebina's gaze, Kousaka silently tugged on her collar and pulled it up, concealing the "gift" left by Makishima Saori before she was discharged.

"Furthermore, this timeframe starts from the moment you stop using G1. Even if you do nothing from now on, you'll only have six months."

"...Looks like I don't need to ask Miss Ebina anymore, right?"

“Of course.”

[Ebina said coldly.]

"You must immediately cease using the G1. This isn't a negotiation, it's a notice. The problems exposed by the G1 during this battle are truly serious, requiring immediate repair."

"So, what should we do if more Gurongi appear next?"

"Hmm~"

Ebina pursed her lips towards the other side of the laboratory. Kousaka followed her gaze and saw a red full-body armored suit in a storage cabinet in the corner. The electrified alloy shell gleamed with steel-like reflections.

"If another Gurongi appears, you can use this Ω that I was originally planning to give you. While its power is vastly inferior to the G1, I think it should be sufficient for your current body, Kousaka-kun, right?"

“Can I refuse?”

"What do you think?"

[Looking at Ebina's unquestionable eyes, Kousaka knew that this matter was non-negotiable... Next, he should use this time to arrange all his funeral affairs.]

Six months. This was the last time Kousaka Kyousuke could remain in this world. He had to use this time to complete everything he needed to do and settle down, at least to avoid leaving any regrets. With a heavy heart, he slowly stood up, ready to say goodbye and leave.

"Wait, I have something else for you, Kousaka-kun."

[Ebina's voice caused Kousaka to pause for a moment. Then, he reached under the table, picked up a box, placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Kousaka.]

[The box was about to fall to the ground when Kosaka reached out and caught it. In the center of the box facing upwards was a black and white logo, and the black and white color scheme was particularly eye-catching.]

【“…”】

Kosaka looked at the logo, his eyes suddenly frozen for a moment. Because it happened so quickly, even Ebina, who had been watching him, didn't notice the change in his gaze.

Kosaka opened the locks on both sides of the box with his hands and lifted the lid, revealing the contents of the box with a crisp click.

[A black and white flip phone was quietly embedded in the high-end cushions that met the regulations. A black chip was also embedded in the top cover of the phone. The shape of the chip was very similar to the head after he used the G1 transformation.]

[Kousaka reached out and picked up the phone, and Ebina explained it to him in due time.]

"This is the permission to use Sleipnir, which also doubles as a weapon. Although it's a support AI specifically designed for the G1, as long as you own this phone, you can also use other G-series weapons."

"The secret code to summon Sleipnir is 5821. You must get along well with that child."

Kosaka silently lifted the cover of his phone, then pulled it down to the left. The hidden mechanism on the back swung, and the phone instantly transformed into a gun. Looking at the instruction manual on the screen, Kosaka's fingers quickly pressed the corresponding "106" button, then pressed the Enter key.

Burst mode

A robotic male voice, similar to the one used in the G1 system, rang out from the phone. Kousaka slowly raised the pistol, aiming it at Himena Ebina.

"Hey, hey, hey, Kousaka-kun... what are you trying to do?"

[Looking at the black muzzle of a gun, transformed from a cell phone antenna, pointed at him, Ebina's expression suddenly stiffened, a drop of cold sweat trickled down his forehead, and he spoke in a dry voice.]

"Kousaka-kun, have I offended you in any way? Uh... could you please put the gun down? Let's have a proper talk—"

【boom--】