The Crisis World XX

Chap. 93: The Peak of the Fight

Brraaakkh…

Those moments of peace did not last long because suddenly the Family Mart wall we were occupying at this moment suddenly collapsed like something had hit him from the outside. And as the wall fell, I could see Astaroth's face behind it.

"I'll finally find you."

Luckily I was able to dodge and survive, even though Tetsu's sword was his victim. Half the blade was successfully destroyed by Astaroth, even so I still continued to brandish my sword.

Tetsu said it was okay to be one of my other good luck. Fortunately the destruction of my sword did not have much effect on Tetsu.

But the real problem is this person in front of me. Her abilities might be slightly below Oita-san's, but it was her regeneration ability that made her look like an immortal. Wanting to slash his hand or stab his heart was also not too influential for him.

"Dam."

Our current distance with Astaroth is roughly about 5 meters. That distance was almost meaningless to Astaroth because of the speed he had. But even so, right now he did not directly attack. He was astonished by our current formation.

Astaroth saw that there was something odd about Black Rain. Is correct. The two Assassin members also fought alongside Black Rain against her which left her confused and slightly chuckling.

"Awaha …! You two have finally revealed your true form, you traitor!" Astaroth spoke to Nimis and Ardenter.

"It is also true .., if this continues I will be a real traitor" said Nimis.

"Hmm …?" Astaroth asked in silence.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Nimis was still able to speak normally when we were all alert and a little scared.

"Me and Ardenter! Get out of your Assassin group!"

Nimis said it out loud and out loud which surprised us with his decision. Ishikawa-san looked at Ardenter, but she just kept quiet and seemed to agree with what Nimis said.

"You're saying you don't like this country and the people in it? Then I will say the same with you …. Get out of my country, you colonialist!"

Astaroth did not respond to Nimis. He also seemed surprised by the decision Nimis made. But it didn't seem to be a big deal to Astaroth, because after a short silence, he laughed instead.

"AHAHA .. AHAHAHA …!!! You really said that to me?! Well .., you all deserve to be exterminated."

A grin came out of Astaroth's mouth along with the huge aura we could feel coming from him. Our alert again increased high when feeling that.

Zwuush…

"First of all, we exterminate the weakest pest!"

Astaroth moved very quickly towards Mei-senpai and was already within range to attack her. He was already preparing to cut his neck with his hands, while Mei-senpai was still unable to digest what had happened because Astaroth's movements were too fast for his eyesight.

Triying…

"Hoho .. You're pretty good too."

"I won't let you touch him!"

Mei-senpai who was already unable to dodge and could only widen her eyes resignedly, luckily there was still Ishikawa-san who quickly parried her with her artificial shield.

"But you're too weak."

"Damn-Dam!"

Brraaakkh…

Astaroth pushed the two of them so hard that it bounced far away and destroyed this wall of the Family Mart. Fortunately, the two of them did not suffer any serious injuries.

"Gazu-san! May-senpai! Ka—!"

My eyes widened when suddenly Astaroth was already in front of my face. Whereas before he was a considerable distance away from me, my body could not move due to being surprised by his presence.

"You should not care about others when you are in danger, Subject C's host."

Graabb…

"Ahaakkh …!!"

Astaroth strangled me with his strong grasp and lifted me high. It was so strong that it made its sharp nails penetrate the skin of my neck and almost touch the bone of my throat.

"Nrrrghhh …!!"

I tried to rebel and tried various ways to get his hands off my neck. But even though I was able to heal myself from the heavy wounds, being suffocated and in a state without oxygen for long enough to make me limp and dizzy.

"Iraya!"

Tetsu's cry rang out from within the sword that I no longer held firmly. And in the end, I removed my grasp from Tetsu's sword and let it fall down.

"Don't die, Iraya!"

While in the air, the Sword of Tetsu shone and out came Tetsu from within the sword which without pause directly attacked Astaroth and aimed right at his neck.

Craaassh…

"W-What?!"

"Hmm .. Who are you? A spirit? You're stronger than the Spirit I used to meet, but unfortunately I don't have time to play with you right now."

Braakkh…

"Ahaakkh …!!"

Tetsu who tried to slash Astaroth's neck, was surprised that his slash could only penetrate a small part of Astaroth's skin. It was as if his skin was made of iron that could not be pierced by a sword.

Astaroth then immediately kicked away Tetsu and bounced towards one of the Family Mart glass refrigerators that was damaged from colliding with Tetsu.

"Damn you .., As-Astaroth!"

Hinokami no Chikara: Hi no Zangeki!"

Baaaarrr…

A surprise attack was issued by Nimis who directed his fire slash towards the hands of Astaroth who was choking me. He broke it and I fell to the ground holding my neck free, despite having to cough badly afterwards.

"Hmm …? You really attacked me?"

Swuushh…

While Astaroth was still trying to regenerate his hands again, Ardenter did not give him time to rest. He immediately shot and clashed with Astaroth.

With a smile on his face, Astaroth could still be slightly surpassed by Ardenter regarding the shootout and attack. But it didn't last long when Astaroth had already started to get a little serious.

Buuackh…

"Curtain!"

One strike to the stomach made Ardenter's movements slow down slightly, without wasting it even Astaroth directly attacked him back and beyond Ardenter easily.

Sryying…

"Now what else?"

Ardenter slightly jumped back and moved aside letting Nimis attack him from Astaroth's blind spot just now. The cooperation of the two of them was completely synchronized so well that it made Astaroth a bit of a hassle.

When Astaroth wants to attack Nimis, there is always an Ardenter who deflects or attacks him first so that Nimis is not injured, and vice versa.

Astaroth attacked Ardenter this time, trying to stab him right into the heart of Ardenter with his hands and sharp fingernails. But before that happened, Ardenter resisted Astaroth's attack with both hands while simultaneously locking it so that his right hand could not move.

But his left hand is still free and he intends to behead Ardenter.

Craaassh…

Nimis really didn't let that happen. He immediately split Astaroth's palm all the way to his arm, so that his left hand this time bloomed like a flower.

"Hehehem .. I must admit, your cooperation is indeed very good. But …."

"?!!!"

"?!!!"

Shiii…

Suddenly Astaroth's eyes shone with great light that made the two of them have to close their eyes.

Baaagghh…

"OhhoOokHh …!!"

But indeed that was targeted by Astaroth because when Ardenter and Nimis were not ready, he immediately kicked the stomach of the two alternately very hard until bounced far away.

Ardenter and Nimis bounced to the point of destroying the rest of the Family Mart wall. And this time only left me and Herlin who are not fit.

Astaroth then walked leisurely while grinning from his mouth that had never stopped descending since the start of the fight. Nimis, Ardenter, Ishikawa-san, Mei-senpai, even Tetsu had been defeated by him easily. What the power of this man.

"Iraya, don't let your guard down!" shout Cecilia.

"I know!"

Before it got to the distance it could to attack me, Astaroth paused for a moment and looked right at me. He seemed to want to talk to me, while I was just on my guard while picking up my fallen sword and channeling the aura of Cecilia onto the broken Sword of Tetsu.

Ziiing. Klaaank…

After a while, the green aura had managed to replace half of the broken sword blade and this sword could be reused. Astaroth was also aware of it and praised me for being able to do something like this.

"You certainly have a knack for this, Host Subject C."

"…."

"… But unfortunately you're too naive. That's why people around you always die and leave you. If only you'd worked with me earlier, it would have been intact until now that your family and friends you care about are intact."

"…!!"

"Don't listen to him, Iraya!"

Cecilia tried to wake me up. He was right, if only I could be stronger from the start, surely things wouldn't be as bad as this. But it's all gone and there's nothing I can do to change it.

And it's time for me to look to the future and protect the people I can still protect. That thought had been embedded in my mind at the moment, so whatever he said would have no effect on me anymore.

I looked at Astaroth with a sharp and optimistic gaze. Exactly like the gaze I used to put out a long time ago. Astaroth who realized that his plan had failed could do nothing more.

"It didn't work, did it? Then I just need to—Hmm …?"

Astaroth tried to walk again, but realized he could not. As if he was being bound by something invisible, he tried to rebel a little but still could not and finally he realized that this was the power of Herlin's Mind Power.

"You ...," said Astaroth confused and annoyed.

"Iraya, now!"

Swuush…

Without wasting the opportunity Herlin gave me, I darted straight towards Astaroth and tried to slash his neck in a single strike. Astaroth widened his eyes when I wanted to behead him, but at the last moment I could see him, if he let out a smile.

Praanck…

"God …."

Sryii…

I landed perfectly after slashing Astaroth's neck. Or I think so. I was shocked because there was no blood around me or at least on the sword I was wearing to slash it. I don't know why I don't feel like I've cut something, that means ….

"You failed."

"Ap—?!"

I looked behind me. Astaroth was already in front of Herlin and was holding and feeling Herlin's chin gently. While Herlin was just silent and did nothing as he was still shocked by everything that happened, Astaroth managed to get out of Herlin's Mind Power and moved swiftly dodging my attack.

"Your face is truly beautiful, Herlin Ririsaka .. especially the color of your eyes."

Astaroth still continued to touch and touch Herlin's face before he finally strangled her and lifted her high up. I, who did not want to be silent, saw that and then stood up and attacked Astaroth again.

But Astaroth used a cunning way, he used Herlin as his own shield which made me pause for a moment before my sword pierced through Herlin's chest.

Baakkh…

Astaroth then quickly kicked me in the stomach which made me bow, then behind the neck with the heels of his shoes which made me prostrate, and finally strangled me again with his other hand.

Me and Herlin, who were being raised by Astaroth, could not do much and could only rebel a little. But it was all for nothing because Astaroth's strength was way above the both of us.

"Ahaakkh …!!"

Herlin who was not yet fit again vomited blood from his mouth. His body had been too weak before. Damnit damnit! If this is allowed to continue then Herlin's life could be in danger. I have to do something immediately!

The cecilia! That woman, she doesn't have a plan. Usually at times like this he would instantly protect me and keep me safe no matter what. But I did not expect it, the answer uttered by Cecilia.

"I will come out of your body and surrender myself. This is the only way you can all survive."

That's not what I meant, you stupid woman! All these plans I made so you wouldn't go back into Astaroth's hands. Not even giving yourself up like that.

"But if I don't get out now, you're all gonna get killed. This is the last thing I can think of right now, you can't stop me" said Cecilia stubbornly.

Damnit damnit! This lady. Why is he acting so stupid now. My body started to glow greenish in color, Cecilia was really serious about her selfishness this time.

"Tu-wait .. Cecilia …."

"What happened to you? Do you want to blow yourself up? Just so you know, an explosion can't kill me."

Damnit damnit! You can't go out now. If you were to come out, his condition would be no different from losing. But she did not reply anymore, Cecilia was already preparing to come out from inside my body and turn herself in.

"Don't .. get out .. Cecilia …."

"What did you actually mutter from earlier?"

"Wait!"

Suddenly Cecilia spoke loudly making the attention of me, Astaroth, and Cecilia was fixed on her. The light from my body also slowly dimmed indicating that Cecilia did not come out and wait for Herlin's plan.

I looked at Herlin and he gave me a look I hadn't seen in a long time. The look he gave off when I first met him, the gaze of a murderer. I don't know why I feel creepy when I see him with that look.

"Yet your gaze will be ... What will you do?"

"I never thought I'd call you again ...," Herlin murmured.

"Hmm?"

"… Banshee."

The name is called Herlin. That's his Unseen name. That means the creature will come. I don't know if he can help or not, but I hope he can be the solution to this impasse.

Degh's…

Suddenly my feathers and Astaroth stood up. There was something approaching with a cold and terrifying aura. Something was heading this way. Astaroth who realized he was in danger immediately let go of his strangulation and jumped backwards.

"Uhuukh .. hah .. shit I can't breathe. Herlin, you okay ... what?"

Just as I was about to finish my words, suddenly a woman appeared in front of the two of us as if blocking Astaroth and protecting us. The woman did not set her foot on the ground and flew gracefully. This is Herlin's The Unseen. The banshee.

Banshee looked at me. My hair stood up when our eyes were fixed, he tried to ascertain whether I was the enemy or not and he seemed to remember my face. I then looked towards Herlin who was still having trouble breathing and approached her.

"You okay?" my many.

"Yes, but for now don't approach me just yet. It can provoke his anger."

"His anger?"

I looked towards Banshee who was already looking at me with a horrible killing gaze. I slowly retreated away from Herlin and over time his face returned to normal.

"Whatis that? Contract creatures? At that time he also called out to her, but she immediately ran away after that. Is he going to use it against me this time?"

Many questions were on Astaroth's head at the moment. But the biggest question is the name of the creature. The banshee. He had heard the name before long before he came to Japan.

"Banshee …."

Herlin called out to Banshee, and she brought her ear closer to Herlin's mouth so that she could hear him more clearly. Then Herlin pointed at Astaroth and gave the order to Banshee.

"… Destroy that person."

Herlin's orders are heard clearly and Banshee prepares to execute Herlin's orders.

"AAAaaAAarrRRRRRrRRRRGggGggGghhHhhh !!!!!!!"

A very loud shout was made by Banshee so that everyone here had to cover their ears so hard. Banshee's face then turned ghastly and her nails also extended. There were no more graceful women like before, only monstrous monsters remained.

Swuush…

Banshee started moving. It disappeared because of its extremely high speed. While Astaroth who realized that he was the target of Banshee was immediately vigilant again. He glanced to the right and left because his eyes had difficulty knowing the movements of the Banshee.

Zwuusshh.. Sryiiig…

Banshee managed to hit Astaroth's chest even though he tried to avoid it. Four claw marks were engraved on his chest which started to bleed freshly. I can't even see the movement Banshee and Astaroth can avoid it.

"Tch! The Unseen is indeed troublesome if it has a master."

There was something strange about Astaroth's injuries this time. His regeneration slowed down like never before. It seemed like the Banshee attack could slow down Astaroth's regeneration.

"Ce-Quick .. and also strong," I murmured.

"That's the power of the Banshee. It was The Unseen that was assigned to take care of me."

"assigned? Assigned by whom?"

"If it were, you could say .. by my parents."

"O-your parents?"

Banshee again attacked Astaroth in a row. He didn't give Astaroth the slightest chance to strike back, the strange ability Banshee had that could slow down Astaroth's regeneration really put him ahead.

"Damn it!"

Baaaarrr…

Astaroth let out a huge fireball that was directly directed at Banshee. But it had no effect on him and it made him even more angry. Banshee parried him and sent the fireball off in the other direction, unfortunately it was heading towards Herlin.

Sryii…

Fortunately I was still able to split the big fireball earlier with my sword so that nothing hit Herlin. Banshee who felt that she was hurting Herlin lost her battle focus and Astaroth took advantage of it.

"Because of you now!"

Bzzz.. Bzzztt…

"AAAaaAAarrRRRRRrRRRRGggggGghhHhhhh !!!!"

The loud screams were again made by Banshee. But this time more towards the cries of pain, he was hit by a crushing attack from Astaroth that made him in pain. His body was electrocuted by Astaroth and Banshee instantly fell silent.

"Hmph …! The fucking Unseen. He's making my regeneration slow, what's his ability? That's disgusting, "Astaroth murmured.

Degh's…

This time Astaroth again felt a pain in his chest. This was not because of Banshee's attack, he had also sensed this before. Strange pain like something's piercing his heart.

Degh's…

"AaaAarghh !!!"

Craaassh…

Astaroth shouted loudly as something slashed out from within his chest. He punched his breast skin and showed me something that did that to him and I recognized it.

"What happened to her? Did Banshee do that?"

"No, Banshee can't do such a thing."

"Wait, that …. Isn't that the same black hand as Oita-san's?"

"Black hands?"

Herlin tried to see it more clearly. And he could see it this time if there was a black hand that slid out and hollowed out Astaroth's chest. This was a rare opportunity for them and Herlin did not want to waste this.

"You're right. Haha .. Banshee! Attack him until he can't regenerate anymore!"

Herlin took a deep breath and shouted as loud as he could. He ordered Banshee to come back to beat Astaroth who was in trouble to face the black hand.

"AaaAarrhhhh !!"

Banshee started moving back. Astaroth's previous attack might have been influential to him, but he could still do his duty to protect Herlin at this time.

Craaassh…

Attacks and claws repeatedly hit hard on Astaroth who is still struggling to the pain in his chest. His body was badly torn apart but strangely he was still alive and still screaming in pain.

"Di-He didn't die either" I murmured.

"Iraya!"

"What's up, Cecilia?"

"Change places with me now, I want to do something to her."

"Huh? What can you do?"

"Just do it fast!"

"All right, all right."

I also exchanged consciousness with Cecilia and this time I was in her place, in a clean white room with a little lighting. I'm sure that he has no intention of taking my consciousness completely because I've conquered those Spirits before.

"Hah .. what the hell is he," said I who then sat on this white floor.

My appearance changed again. My hair is back completely green and my irises are orange, just like Cecilia's. Cecilia who took my consciousness then spoke to Herlin.

"Herlin!"

"Iraya—no, Cecilia?"

"Right, when I told you to pull that Unseen of yours. Do, huh? I have a plan to defeat him."

"Plan? I don't really understand what you mean but fine."

Herlin nodded and agreed to Cecilia's plan even though he didn't really understand. Then they refocused again on the Banshee and Astaroth fight that began to side with Banshee.

Astaroth was still in pain with Banshee's attack as well as the black hand that perforated his chest. While Banshee also did not stop to attack Astaroth with her sharp claws. But it was enough for the current Banshee, since Herlin had called out to him.

"Banshees! Back off right now!"

"??!!!"

The Banshee obeyed Herlin's orders and flew backwards next to Herlin. While my body was being controlled by Cecilia, it walked slowly towards Astaroth who was kneeling in pain.

He raised Astaroth's lowered face and made him look into his eyes forcibly. Astaroth who was still trying to regenerate despite the speed of his regeneration decreased drastically only resignedly looked into Cecilia's eyes.

"Look at my eyes .. and feel the hell you created yourself."

Seriate