Chapter 28

The less screentime they have in the original, the more their activities flourish

Chouta is strong.

 

No, seriously, Chouta is strong.

 

It’s obvious that the goddess-like person is a Chouta fan. Rikidou Chouta’s awakening of his Frozen Fairy Burst was so incredible, that it made me think so.

 

Specifically, what was amazing was his combat style.

 

His fundamental style was to use his supernatural ability to craft ice weapons and swing them around with his well-trained muscles. But now, he’s added an array of advanced techniques to his repertoire.

 

He created countless ice pillars around Netzach, remotely controlling them and firing them off like a flurry of attacks.

 

He even created ice wings on his back, taking to the sky amid a mist of steam—somehow soaring through the air as he engaged Netzach in an intense aerial battle.

 

──And then, seeing that, En unfurled wings of blue flames on his back and took to the skies too, which made it even more amazing.

 

With En, it’s a technique used in the original work, so it’s fine.

 

He was actually supposed to acquire the ability to fly in a later episode, but being inspired by a rival and growing faster than in the original work is a typical trope in fanfiction, so I won’t say anything about it.

 

But Chouta, what is that!?

 

Were you someone capable of such a high IQ battle style!?

 

…Well, even though he’s a bit of an idiot, he has always been a genius when it comes to fighting. He’s quick-witted, and his ability to think on his feet has helped him out of tight spots in the original work too.

 

Thinking about it that way, it’s not so strange. But seeing him awaken as this handsome man, repeatedly showing off stylish new moves, even I couldn’t keep up with it all.

 

──Well, since it’s cool, it’s fine!

 

After calming my chaotic thoughts, that’s the conclusion I reached.

 

The power of the Fairy Burst, the pinnacle of abilities, is special in many ways, and none of the techniques he’s developed are unreasonable given the setting. Actually, it’s exactly what the Fairy Savers would do… but I’m even starting to wonder if this wasn’t his official fighting style all along, and I had just forgotten what was in front of my eyes.

 

But, I see… now he won’t be made fun for being the only one among the three who can’t fly anymore. Huu, Chouta has grown up so much, and it makes onee-san happy.

 

『Uooooaaahhh!』

 

“Guh…!”

 

But Netzach is strong too.

 

This is Chouta’s debut of his new form, so he could have been overwhelmed a bit more. That’s what I thought, but he was fighting so hard that he remained evenly matched, even while facing the two of them at once. Him reflecting both Chouta’s ice and En’s flames with his bare fists truly embodied the Sefirot of “Victory”.

 

The clash of their powers was so intense that my top hat almost flew off.

 

Even though I’d put up a barrier just in case, a lightweight like me could easily have been blown away just from watching nearby.

 

No, “Watch from there,” is what I was told so I’m here watching but I’m realizing now that I’m more suited to watching from a high vantage point than from up close.

 

“En, let’s match up!”

 

“Got it!”

 

But it seems like their duel is nearing its conclusion.

 

Perhaps because it was a collaboration with the newly activated Fairy Burst that their initial moves felt a bit hesitant, but they seem to have gotten a read on each other’s movements through the fight. Their coordination is gradually becoming more refined.

 

As expected of the ace of the Savers, even the look of calm is gone from Netzach’s face. He knows he’s being pushed back.

 

“Ice Breaker Bullet!”

 

『It’s no use!』

 

Countless ice pillars were deployed around, launching like missiles one after another.

 

Netzach soared into the sky, expertly dodging as he flapped his eight wings, but he couldn’t evade all of the ice pillars. A few on a collision course hit him directly, and he had no choice but to face them head-on.

 

He shattered the ice pillars that came for him with bold punches.

 

But that was exactly what the two were aiming for.

 

『What!?』

 

Chouta's ice pillar attack, named "Ice Breaker Bullet," was a diversion.

 

Using the storm of countless launched ice pillars as cover, the real threat—En, cloaked in blue flames—closed in from the side.

 

The blue flame sword in his right hand pierced through Netzach’s body, knocking him down from the sky onto the icy battlefield below.

 

Awaiting him was Rikidou Chouta, ready with an axe made of ice.

 

"Finish it, Chouta!" (tl note: a closer translation would be “Decide the outcome, Chouta!”)

 

"Got it!"

 

Go for it!

 

I held my breath, watching the conclusion.

 

Chouta raised his axe and lunged toward Netzach, who had been knocked down onto the stage.

 

With two against one, especially after activating their Fairy Burst, the advantage was clearly ours. But these were the rules he’d agreed upon. He wouldn’t call us dirty.

 

Netzach, you were indeed an archangel worthy of the name "Victory."

 

But in this duel, victory belongs to the Savers! I was sure of the outcome—until that moment.

 

──Suddenly, a flash of light streaked across the sky.

 

The force could almost be mistaken as a lightning strike. But the sky was clear, without a cloud in sight.

 

This was because it was no natural phenomenon. The blinding light that had just roared in from above was actually bombardment fired by an angel.

 

…That was a close call.

 

If I hadn’t instinctively redirected its trajectory with my "Lightning" ability, Chouta would’ve been caught in that blast. Even with his ice armor to soften the blow, such an unexpected ambush could have been fatal.

 

Who’s intervening in this fun duel! (tl note: kansai dialect is used here.)

 

What a buzzkill. I don’t mind intervening, but I hate being intervened.

 

Annoyed, I looked up at the sky, but the sight of an unexpected person’s figure there made me gasp in surprise.

 

"The Sefirot Women Camp is here…"

 

This is bad... this is bad. (tl note: the second time is in kansai dialect)

 

Even the cheat original protagonist was alarmed at the sight of two archangels slowly descending from the sky.

 

Seriously, how are we going to deal with this situation?

 

『The name of the Sefirot of Victory weeps, Netzach. To think you would be cornered by mere humans.』

 

『…I’d prefer you not interfere, Malkuth.』

 

The first to descend to where we could see was a beautiful girl with olive hair, carrying a marine-blue treasured sword. (tl note: houken (treasured swords) are swords for shaking off evil or malevolent spirits or worldly desires. Not real swords.)

 

She had eight wings spreading from her petite back, and her long hair, flowing down to her knees, fluttered in the wind generated by her attack.

 

Her tone was polite as she addressed Netzach, but the condescending look on her face conveyed an oppressive impression.

 

Netzach stood up, tearing off his tattered jacket, and gazed at the girls with a look of protest.

 

──One of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, Malkuth of the "Kingdom."

 

She, too, was an archangel on the same level as Netzach, and was the King’s right hand man, called the final sword of Keter.

 

Also, she’s cute. Cute (important).

 

In the anime “Fairy Savers,” she only appears near the end of the story, so she only has few minutes of screentime. But as a rare female character—and what’s more, a striking miniskirt girl with glowing absolute territory between her short white robe and long boots—she became unforgettable in that brief appearance. She was the one who awakened my fetish. (tl note: zettai ryouiki (absolute territory) refers to the area of bare skin in the gap between overknee socks and a skirt or shorts.)

 

To add, while the other Ten Archangels of Sefirot each had their own unique sense of justice and were somewhat disjointed, she was the only one utterly devoted to Keter. That’s why she’s cute. Keter, go explode.

 

When someone like her—Malkuth—had appeared in Tsabaoth, it was surprising, but considering her loyalty to Keter, it made sense.

 

What was more troubling, however, was that alongside her, another archangel had descended—one with a maxed-out murderous intent, the very one who had separated us in the hyperspace zone.

 

『Okay, let's round them all up, Tifa. If you and I team up, we're unstoppable.』

 

『…Yes. You're right, Malk.』

 

Behind the olive-haired girl stood a tall, blooming blonde beauty, nearly 180 cm tall—another of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, Tiferet.

 

Angels are generally tall. Even Tiferet, a female angel, is like a supermodel. I have to look up at her even while she’s standing on the ground.

 

Yet among the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, Malkuth, standing at around 150 cm, has a strong immature, youngest sister vibe, which is quite endearing.

 

Her face is dignified, but thanks to her height, she doesn't feel too intimidating.

 

With the arrival of two unexpected special guests, the rough arena suddenly became more dazzling.

 

The audience, awestruck, watched them with rapturous gazes. …Yeah, no offense to Netzach, but these two had that divine angelic presence. I know how they feel. They practically radiate light.

 

However, for us, this situation was a living nightmare.

 

Three of the Sefirot Archangels had gathered, and two of us were already worn out from fighting Netzach.

 

To make matters worse, Malkuth and Tiferet were close enough to give each other pet names, so there was little chance they'd hold each other back.

 

In the original story, the two were at odds due to their differing principles. But here, Tiferet was consumed by her hatred for humans, aligning their goals. Because of this, while it was a treat for fans to see them getting along, I wished it hadn’t happened in such a dire situation.

 

Still, I can understand the feelings of the goddess-like person… These two are rare female characters. Of course, you'd want to give them more screen time!

 

If I were to write a Fairy Savers fanfiction, these two would be my heroines. Especially Malkuth, who has so little screen time in the original work, making it easy to expand on her character with fabricated settings.

 

『Hold it right there, you two! We’re in the middle of a duel! Besides, this is my island! You’ve no place here!』

 

『The evaluation of humans is complete. Our orders from the King are to erase them from this world immediately. I cannot listen to what you say.』

 

『G, grrr…』

 

Netzach, irritated by the interruption of the two, raised his voice in protest, but the petite angel shot him a cold glare and dismissed him curtly. At those words, Netzach fell silent, unable to respond.

 

Netzach, you’re weak! You're the Archangel of Victory, but you’re weak in verbal battles! Can’t you try a bit harder? Aren’t you the older brother!?

 

No, maybe it’s because he’s the big brother that he’s weak against the youngest sister… whatever! Being the compassionate one backfired here.

 

"…Shut up."

 

I heard a low murmur.

 

It wasn’t my voice. That frustrated tone belonged to the very person who’d had his fight with Netzach ruined by her.

 

"What 'the evaluation is complete'──… What exactly did your King see in us!? Does he have any idea who the hell it was that fought that son of a bitch while vomiting blood?!"

 

Peh He spat on the ground, glaring at the girl looking down at him from above. Ah, I saw her show-off panties. As expected, even she wears them. (tl note: mise pan (show-off panties) is an abbreviation of "panties that you can show off)

 

Oops, no good, no good. Now’s not the time to focus on her absolute territory.

 

『…What is it? Do you have complaints about us? The humans who killed oni… Chesed, dare to challenge us? You insolent fools, don’t disgrace yourselves!』

 

Ah, she almost called Chesed onii-chan.

 

In the original work, she berates him with things like, “You’re a good-for-nothing traitor,” or “You’re a halfwit who can’t even understand the King’s will,” and “You idiot! Go die! I hate you!” but… yeah. But in this world, since they’re not enemies here, I guess they got along okay.

 

Chesed-kun was kind, and he probably cared deeply for his youngest sister… poor guy.

 

Still, just as she has her reasons for hating humans, humans also have their grievances with them.

 

With the intense duel between the men interrupted, Rikidou Chouta’s frustration gauge had hit its peak after the one-sided accusation from her.

 

Just as he looked, he’s not very patient. He couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted out.

 

"Who’s the shameless one here, you brat?! Don’t think you understand a person just by looking at their shitty side! Look at me… at us! We’re not so worthless that you can just dismiss us!!"

 

『!』

 

『Malk, move back!』

 

In an instant, the ice armor Chouta was wearing began to emit a blinding light.

 

Using my "Search" ability, I noticed that his ability was being concentrated, and it seemed that Tiferet noticed this as well as she leaped back, calling out to Malkuth.

 

However, Malkuth, who had looked down on him, couldn't react quickly enough to dodge.

 

"This… is the power of humansssss!!"

 

With a roar, a tremendous wave of energy burst forth from his crimson armor. Just the aftershock made my whole body shiver. I wondered if the En would warm me up again later, but it was a single point of blizzard light emitted from his body.

 

The principle behind it was simple. The freezing power he typically dispersed chaotically during his Burst State was focused into a single, explosive point.

 

This bombardment shot forth from Chouta's armor like a beam of light, and in an instant, it engulfed Malkuth, who quickly raised her sword as a shield.

 

『Kyaaaa!?』

 

…Yeah.

 

Not yeah, but it was a realistic scream. It may be extremely criminal to say this, but seeing an unyielding, beautiful girl, looking down on us, suddenly caught off guard and letting out a girlish scream, it was very pleasant.

 

I don't want to hurt her, but there’s this strange, satisfying chill in my chest.

 

Thinking such things, I continued to watch Chouta unleash his unknown special move.

 

"Peh… how’s that…"

 

With a smug grin, the crimson ice armor surrounding Chouta began to crumble.

 

Due to its overwhelming power, it must have drained even the energy used to form his ice armor.

 

Compared to the blizzard he released in Burst State, this was incomparable. If it had hit me, I doubt I would have escaped unharmed.

 

But Malkuth, who took the attack head-on,— was still standing, though parts of her body were frozen.

 

Still, even if her body was safe… that kind of thing.

 

Her face was flushed red, perhaps from the shame of being made to scream by the human she looked down on. I was a bit jealous she wasn’t soaked like I was because her sword had acted as a barrier. That sword really was strong.

 

She glared at Chouta with eyes burning with anger and spoke firmly.

 

『Don’t make fun of me! As long as I wield this Holy Sword Malkuth, granted by our god, Ein Sof, an attack of that level is nothing more than a gentle breeze!』

 

Nothing more than a gentle breeze (resolute), you say. You… you were screaming loudly just a moment ago.

 

You say that with a resolute look on your face, but I saw everything through my Clairvoyance. You flinched right before that attack hit, didn't you?

 

Ugh, I want to make a retort…! “What's going on, Malkuth-sama! Archangel Malkuth-sama!” I’d love to keep pushing until she starts shaking with embarrassment!

 

But I won’t.

 

It’s a serious moment, and that's not the character of the mysterious older sister.

 

“The ten angels are still, immature.”

 

I just looked at her with a warm gaze.

 

“What are you saying with a red face, ojou-chan?”

 

『……！　──！』

 

He- he said it! As expected of you, Chouta-san! You said what I couldn’t without hesitation. I really admire you.

 

Seeing Malkuth’s face turn red as she trembled was delightful. It felt like even the audience was now looking at her with a gentle warmth. Upon her arrival, they were looking up as if they revered her charisma , but now it had completely changed.

 

I had a feeling she was being watched as an idol on her island. It seemed she was very popular.

 

With a sigh at her youngest sister’s behavior, the Archangel of Beauty, Tiferet, gently tapped her wings.

 

『Calm down, Malk. You're not a child anymore.』

 

『H… Hmph! I am calm! I am Keter-sama's final sword, after all! Even now, I’m completely composed!』

 

『Oh, really? Come on, turn around. Your hair's got ice on it.』

 

『...! Ugh!』

 

Cute (definitely).

 

If an angel like this were an ally, I'd support her for the rest of my life.

 

There's something delightful about a high-and-mighty girl breaking down in shame… Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a warm fuzziness as I watched Tiferet brush the ice off Malkuth's hair.

 

I never realized how amusing this character could be. It’s a shame she had so little screen time in the original.

 

However, there's no time for idle thoughts.

 

She may look like a cute girl, but Malkuth’s combat power is the real deal. That sword of hers is bad news.

 

Chouta’s all-out attack barely made a dent, thanks to the protection of the Holy Sword Malkuth. We can only make a conjecture on how terrifying it is.

 

On the other hand, Chouta, having used up a lot of energy with that attack, is no longer in his Fairy Burst State. The only one left capable of fighting is the En, who is still worn out from battling Netzach.

 

Yes, if you think about it calmly, it’s a desperate situation.

 

And that means it’s time for the cheat original protagonist to step in.

 

Leave it to me!

 

『Wait, T-kun!』

 

T-kun? Oh, T.P. Eight Olishua—so T-kun. That's the first time I've heard it called that. Sounds kind of like I was born from a Buddhist temple.

 

Just as I was about to step forward, brimming with excitement, I was stopped by the voice of Netzach, the archangel who’d just been talked down by his younger sister.

 

『I’ll take care of things here! You take them and get out of here!』

 

──!?

 

Leave this to me and go ahead, you say. Isn’t that one of the top 3 lines that you want to say at least once as an original protagonist!?

 

Hearing those words, I played it cool and responded with a question to match the mood.

 

"...Are you sure?"

 

『What, I’ve never been eager with Keter’s plans. While I can’t give you full support, I can at least take care of things here! Surely you have a mission to fulfill, too?』

 

Thank you, Netzach-sama!

 

You’ve been reliable despite some quirks along the way!

 

“Thank you, Netzach."

 

『Fuh… May Sefirot’s blessing be upon you!』

 

If he’s willing to take over, I’ll gladly accept. Staying behind might make for an epic scene, but then no one would be able to lead the En and Chouta away.

 

It’s a modest role, but being entrusted with something by a character from the original story is also part of a original protagonist’s duty. I activated the "Dark Phoenix," jumped on its back, and used Telekinesis to pull Chouta along.

 

"Whoa!"

 

"En, get over here, too!"

 

"...Aah."

 

Chouta seemed to have something to say as he looked at Netzach standing in front of Tiferet, but he had no chance of winning in his current state with the Fairy Burst gone. I quickly launched the Dark Phoenix and reached out to grab En’s hand, pulling him up from where he’d been discussing something with Haniel.

 

"We’re making our escape. Hang on tight."

 

The original goal of reuniting with Rikidou Chouta had already been accomplished.

 

Although it was a shame not to have brought Netzach over to our side, now wasn’t the time to linger, given the arrival of two archangels.

 

Netzach should be fine. Given the situation with the Abyss, things shouldn’t get too dire. Even if he claims it was “Because they interrupted with the duel,” he shouldn’t be branded a traitor. Keter is quite lenient with his family.

 

And with that, I made a swift exit, like a true phantom thief.

 

Sorry, Kabbalah-chan! I’ll teleport back to pick you up as soon as I drop off En and Chouta.

 

『I won’t let you escape!』

 

With her eight wings, Malkuth took to the sky, leaving the arena behind to pursue the humans flying away on the giant black bird using powers similar to those of the now deceased Chesed.

 

Although they were already far away from the arena, if the distance was within 10 kilometers, they were within Malkuth’s range.

 

Taking pride in the fact that she was different from Netzach, who specializes in hand-to-hand combat, she gripped the Holy Sword Malkuth with both hands and began to gather sacred arts energy at the tip of the blade.

 

Its power would be incomparable compared to the one that interrupted their duel earlier. With this, I will shoot down these accursed humans, and make sure they can never come to Fairy World again, Malkuth was about to release the light, when it happened.

 

『What...!?』

 

A single arrow of light flew from below—from the roof of the arena—and struck him in the back, interrupting Malkuth's sword strike.

 

『This, arrow... Binah...?』

 

While she was distracted by this for a few seconds, her hated enemies managed to escape from the scene.

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