Surprisingly—
The disappearance of Javelin, Cocoa, and Hipper still had not been discovered yet.
The castle servants remained busy preparing the royal wedding while the nobles focused entirely on the ceremony itself.
Meaning—
Yuuki's group still possessed a narrow window before chaos erupted.
And they intended to exploit every second of it.
Several commandeered noble carriages quietly moved through the city streets toward the cathedral district afterward.
Yuuki rode within the lead carriage alongside Yorktown, Enterprise, Illustrious, Javelin, and the disguised Hipper.
The remaining girls occupied separate carriages nearby while maintaining encrypted communications between all units.
Outside—
The sight of multiple armored women wearing elegant golden cloaks naturally drew attention from civilians and nobles alike.
Yet instead of suspicion—
Most simply assumed they were elite personal guards escorting important wedding guests.
Which honestly worked perfectly.
Especially since nobody expected invisible futuristic commandos to infiltrate a fantasy wedding.
Hipper meanwhile remained hidden beneath a disguise hood quietly seated beside Javelin.
Unlike before—
She no longer appeared weak or broken.
Yet she still preferred remaining unseen until the proper moment arrived.
Because personally—
She wanted Pierre to see exactly who returned to confront him.
At the same time—
Far across the cathedral district rooftops—
Anis, Rapi, Takao, and Atago quietly moved into elevated sniper positions overlooking the entire ceremony grounds.
Advanced scopes synchronized instantly.
Wind calculations.
Target mapping.
Guard patrol routes.
Emergency extraction paths.
All continuously processed across their HUDs.
Takao calmly settled into position afterward.
"Visual confirmed."
Atago softly smiled beside her.
"What a lovely place for a hostage rescue."
Anis meanwhile adjusted her rifle happily.
"Oh this is WAY better than standard Counter missions."
Rapi quietly monitored the cathedral entrances.
"Stay focused."
Meanwhile—
Inside the lead carriage—
Hipper quietly stared at her own reflection in the window.
Because moments earlier—
Yuuki had handed taught her how to use the clothing generator after she freshen up in the hovercraft.
And the resulting reaction still lingered in his memory.
The moment the device materialized elegant fabric instantly around her body—
Hipper genuinely froze.
Because after spending years bedridden and broken—
She never imagined herself wearing beautiful clothing again.
Now—
Instead of medical wrappings and weakness—
She wore an elegant dark dress suited for a noble gathering.
Refined.
Beautiful.
Dignified.
Hipper quietly touched the dress fabric afterward.
"…Strange."
Illustrious softly smiled beside her.
"It suits you wonderfully."
Yorktown nodded gently.
"You look healthy again."
Hipper slowly lowered her gaze.
"…I truly believed those days were gone forever."
Yuuki quietly looked toward her afterward.
"Well."
Then casually—
"Now you get to crash your sister's wedding looking amazing."
Hipper immediately looked away slightly embarrassed.
"…Please refrain from saying things like that so casually."
Enterprise quietly glanced toward Yuuki afterward.
"…You really are good at restoring morale."
Yuuki blinked once.
"I just said she looked nice."
Yorktown softly laughed afterward.
"And that alone already worked."
Meanwhile—
Outside the cathedral—
The wedding bells slowly began ringing.
Meanwhile—
Several additional carriages quietly approached the cathedral district from different directions according to Yuuki's deployment plan.
Inside one carriage—
Neon, Nimi, Laffey, and Unicorn prepared for infiltration among the smaller wedding guests.
Neon adjusted her masquerade mask proudly afterward.
"All right."
Then dramatically—
"Operation Tiny Infiltration Squad begins now."
Nimi immediately sighed.
"That is not our official operation name."
"It SHOULD be."
Laffey meanwhile leaned against Unicorn sleepily.
"…Laffey requests less walking."
"You slept on the way here…"
"…Still tired."
Unicorn softly giggled beside them while carefully fixing Javelin's veil ribbon she secretly kept as remembrance.
Even despite the tension—
The small group somehow managed maintaining warmth between them.
And honestly—
That helped keep everyone calm before the inevitable confrontation.
Meanwhile—
Inside another carriage—
Belfast sat elegantly beside Ade, Soda, Cocoa…
…and Nayuta.
The white-haired wandering monk quietly observed the bustling city outside while hidden beneath stealth generated by the anti-bobby suit.
The effect concealed her presence completely.
Even nearby civilians unconsciously ignored her existence as the carriage moved.
Cocoa herself still looked amazed watching the stealth system function.
"…This technology truly makes no sense."
Nayuta softly nodded.
"This humble one agreeth."
Then calmly—
"Yet one quickly groweth accustomed to impossible things around Yuuki."
Ade quietly giggled afterward.
"That's true."
Belfast meanwhile calmly reviewed infiltration routes toward the cathedral servant passages.
"Once inside…"
Her voice remained composed as always.
"We shall blend with the wedding staff and establish interior control."
Soda nodded quickly.
"We already know the servant routes from earlier infiltration."
Cocoa herself straightened slightly afterward.
"I know where most of the kitchen staff rotate during ceremonies."
Then carefully—
"If we move correctly, nobody should question us."
Nayuta meanwhile looked surprisingly interested in the operation itself.
Because despite initially remaining behind—
She ultimately chose to accompany Belfast's group.
Not for combat.
But curiosity.
The wandering monk genuinely wished to witness what kind of chaos Yuuki intended to unleash upon the wedding personally.
And honestly—
Everyone suspected it would become spectacular.
Esche herself quietly floated hidden beneath Nayuta's cloak.
The tiny fairy spirit remained unusually silent now.
Because unlike the others—
This confrontation directly determined her future.
The fall of her corrupted bearer.
The liberation of the Sacred Tree.
And perhaps—
The end of the island's false peace itself.
Then softly—
Esche whispered beneath the cloak.
"…This one desireth to witness the ending personally."
Nayuta quietly lowered her gaze toward the hidden fairy.
"…Thou wishest to see him fall."
Esche's tiny expression hardened sadly.
"Aye."
Then quietly—
"The current bearer abandoned compassion long ago."
Meanwhile—
Ahead of all the carriages—
The grand cathedral slowly came into view.
Wedding bells echoed across the city.
Nobles gathered.
Guards patrolled.
Priests prepared the ceremony.
And entirely unaware of it—
An invisible storm was already surrounding them from every direction.
======================
The grand cathedral stood at the center of the capital like a monument to old nobility and false peace.
Its towering white spires reflected the afternoon sunlight beautifully while massive stained-glass windows illuminated the surrounding plaza with soft colors.
Normally—
It would have been a breathtaking celebration.
Today however—
The atmosphere felt heavy beneath the elegance.
Because nearly every important noble family across the island had gathered for the wedding.
Carriages filled the outer roads endlessly.
Servants hurried between guests.
Musicians played ceremonial hymns.
Rows of armed guards secured every entrance.
And at the very center of it all—
The royal family presided over the ceremony.
Even the king himself had appeared publicly to honor the wedding of his son.
The ruler of the island sat upon an elevated royal platform overlooking the cathedral interior.
An older man.
Tired.
Refined.
Yet burdened.
Because unlike many of the nobles celebrating around him—
The king clearly understood exactly what his son had become.
Yet he remained powerless to stop it.
The reason sat hidden beneath the mountain.
The Sacred Tree.
Pierre's position as its bearer granted him authority even the crown itself struggled to challenge.
The barrier protecting the island depended entirely upon him.
Meaning—
For years—
The king endured watching his drunken son spiral deeper into corruption while the nobles pretended not to notice.
Because opposing Pierre risked destabilizing the island itself.
And fear made cowards of everyone.
Several nobles quietly whispered nearby as the ceremony preparations continued.
"His Highness appears drunk again…"
"Well, that is hardly unusual."
"At least the Sacred Tree still protects us."
"Those poor brides…"
"Silence. Do not speak carelessly."
Fear.
Always fear.
Meanwhile—
Pierre himself stood near the cathedral altar already half-drunk despite the ceremony not even beginning yet.
His noble attire remained disheveled.
Alcohol stained portions of his sleeves.
Yet nobody dared criticize him openly.
Because the moment the corrupted crest upon his hand glowed—
Everyone remembered exactly who held power over the island.
And outside—
Hidden among the arriving guests—
Yuuki's group quietly watched everything unfold.
The final act was about to begin.
"Oi… oi…"
Pierre staggered slightly near the cathedral altar while holding another glass of alcohol carelessly in one hand.
"It's my wedding, yeah?"
Then loudly toward the gathered nobles—
"Why does everyone look so damn uptight?"
Several nobles immediately forced awkward smiles.
"N-Not at all, Your Highness."
"We merely await the brides."
"Indeed…"
Yet behind those fake smiles—
Whispers quietly spread throughout the cathedral hall.
"…He's drunk already."
"When is he ever not?"
"Look at the way he speaks before the king…"
"Quiet. Do you wish to die?"
Pierre meanwhile continued laughing to himself while completely ignoring royal etiquette.
The Sacred Tree crest upon his hand faintly pulsed beneath the sleeve.
Dark energy subtly crawled beneath portions of his skin now that Yuuki understood what to look for.
Rapture corruption.
The prince truly had infected himself with it.
Yuuki quietly observed him from the gathered guests below.
And honestly—
The moment he saw Pierre properly—
His opinion of the man somehow worsened immediately.
Because there was no dignity in him.
No refinement.
Only arrogance enabled through fear.
Nearby—
The king silently watched his son with exhausted eyes.
Disappointment lingered clearly within his expression.
Yet he remained silent.
Because even he no longer possessed authority over the bearer of the Sacred Tree.
Meanwhile—
The infiltration teams continued moving smoothly throughout the cathedral.
Enterprise, Yorktown, and Illustrious had already activated stealth and silently disappeared into the wedding interior.
Their armor systems concealed them completely while they established tactical positions near potential conflict points.
Enterprise quietly monitored the upper balconies.
Yorktown secured evacuation pathways.
Illustrious remained near the noble seating areas prepared to protect civilians if things escalated.
At the same time—
Neon, Nimi, Laffey, and Unicorn blended naturally among smaller noble guests near the rear sections of the cathedral.
Neon quietly whispered afterward.
"Wow."
Then softly—
"This wedding seriously feels cursed."
Nimi calmly adjusted her mask.
"Stay focused."
Laffey meanwhile quietly take pastries from a dessert tray while nobody looked.
"…Operational snacks acquired."
Unicorn softly sighed.
"Laffey…"
Meanwhile—
Belfast, Ade, Soda, Cocoa, and the hidden Nayuta infiltrated through the servant pathways flawlessly.
The cathedral staff remained too busy preparing the ceremony to question additional maids appearing among them.
Especially Belfast.
Because somehow—
She naturally looked more professional than the actual staff.
Several servants even unconsciously obeyed her instructions without realizing it.
"Please move the ceremonial wine there."
"Yes ma'am!"
Cocoa herself looked mildly stunned.
"…Lady Belfast just took over part of the cathedral staff…"
Ade quietly whispered back.
"That happens a lot."
Far beyond the cathedral—
Rapi, Anis, Takao, and Atago maintained sniper overwatch from distant elevated positions surrounding the district.
Their scopes continuously tracked guards and Pierre himself.
Anis softly whistled afterward while observing the prince.
"…Wow."
"I officially hate him already."
Rapi quietly synchronized target markers.
"Remain disciplined."
Takao calmly spoke through comms.
"All units remain in position."
Then lower—
"No sign they discovered the missing bride yet."
Which meant—
Yuuki still possessed the advantage.
And somewhere within the cathedral—
Prinz Eugen quietly stared at her own reflection one final time before leaving the preparation chamber.
The wedding dress looked beautiful.
Elegant.
Pure white.
Fit for royalty.
Yet to her—
It felt no different from chains.
Because this was not the future she wanted.
Not the wedding she dreamed of.
If she ever married—
She wanted it to be beside someone she truly loved.
Not as a political sacrifice handed to a drunken monster.
Her violet eyes slowly lowered afterward.
Perhaps…
Once everything ended…
She and Hipper could finally leave this world together.
Quietly.
Peacefully.
Yet the thought immediately hurt.
Because Javelin still remained trapped here.
And Eugen knew exactly what Pierre would do to the destroyer afterward if she disappeared.
"…Damn it…"
Her fingers tightened slightly against the dress fabric.
Then quietly—
"…Someone."
Her voice nearly broke.
"Please…"
"…steal me away already…"
A servant slowly approached afterward before bowing respectfully.
"Madam."
"It is time."
Eugen closed her eyes briefly.
Then nodded once.
Her body moved afterward—
Not willingly.
But like someone dragged toward execution.
Step by step—
She walked through the cathedral corridors toward the grand ceremonial hall.
And the moment the massive doors slowly opened—
Thousands of eyes turned toward her.
The nobles admired her beauty immediately.
Soft whispers spread through the hall.
"She's gorgeous…"
"A true shipgirl…"
"What a waste…"
Pierre meanwhile grinned drunkenly near the altar.
Yet Eugen barely even looked at him.
Her expression remained empty.
No happiness.
No excitement.
No smile of a bride about to marry.
Only quiet resignation.
Then—
Suddenly—
She felt it.
Warmth.
A strange comforting feeling gently touched her heart.
Her steps slightly faltered.
The voice.
That same reassuring presence from before.
The mysterious person who called to her across the darkness.
He was here.
Inside the cathedral.
Eugen's eyes slowly widened.
Then instinctively—
She began quietly looking among the gathered guests.
Searching.
Trying to find the source of that warmth.
Because for the first time in years—
Hope appeared inside her heart again.
And deep down—
Prinz Eugen desperately wanted to believe.
Maybe—
Just maybe—
Someone really had come to steal her away.
Then—
The ceremonial announcement echoed throughout the cathedral once more.
"Presenting the second bride…"
Pierre drunkenly turned with a grin already forming.
"Javelin…"
The gathered nobles quietly looked toward the cathedral entrance expecting another broken girl walking toward despair.
Instead—
Javelin entered smiling.
Not broadly.
Not arrogantly.
But with visible hope in her eyes.
And that alone immediately confused Eugen.
Because Javelin no longer looked terrified.
She looked relieved.
Safe.
The destroyer slowly approached beside Eugen afterward before subtly whispering under the music.
"…Don't worry."
Eugen's eyes widened slightly.
Then Javelin softly smiled.
"Trust me."
Her voice carried warmth now.
"…We're going to be saved."
Eugen immediately stared at her.
"…What?"
Javelin's expression brightened further.
"Everyone is ready."
"…Everyone?"
Eugen's heart skipped slightly afterward.
Because Javelin sounded completely certain.
Not delusional.
Not desperate.
Certain.
The destroyer quietly glanced toward the gathered guests subtly.
Then whispered again—
"You'll see."
Eugen immediately began scanning the cathedral again afterward.
The nobles.
The guards.
The royal family.
The guests.
Somehow—
Something truly did feel different now.
The air itself felt tense.
Like hidden currents moving beneath the surface.
And then—
That same warmth touched her heart again.
Stronger this time.
Reassuring.
Protective.
The mysterious voice from before was definitely here.
Watching.
Waiting.
Ready.
Eugen slowly looked toward Javelin again.
And for the first time in many years—
Prinz Eugen found herself unable to fully surrender to despair anymore.
Because Javelin looked exactly like someone who had already seen salvation with her own eyes.
"Dearly beloved…"
The priest's voice echoed throughout the massive cathedral while sunlight filtered beautifully through the stained-glass windows above.
"We have gathered here today before God to witness the sacred union—"
"Yada yada…"
Pierre drunkenly waved one hand impatiently near the altar.
"Can we skip straight to the 'I do' part already?"
Several nobles visibly cringed.
Even the king quietly closed his eyes in exhaustion.
Pierre meanwhile openly licked his lips while staring at the two brides beside him.
The look alone made Eugen feel sick.
Yet the priest—clearly used to enduring the prince's behavior—simply continued the ceremony while pretending nothing happened.
The wedding music softly played.
Nobles watched silently.
The guards remained alert.
And hidden throughout the cathedral—
Yuuki's people quietly waited.
Then finally—
The ceremony reached its decisive moment.
The priest raised his voice solemnly.
"If any among those gathered believe these souls should not be joined in holy matrimony…"
"…speak now."
"…or forever remain silent."
Silence immediately filled the cathedral.
Eugen slowly lowered her gaze.
Of course.
No one would speak.
No one would oppose Pierre publicly.
Not the nobles.
Not the king.
Not the servants.
Fear ruled this island too deeply.
Her fingers quietly trembled afterward.
Then silently—
One final prayer escaped her heart.
"…Please…"
"…someone save me…"
Nothing happened.
Several seconds passed.
The silence became suffocating.
And just as Eugen's hope threatened to collapse again—
A calm male voice suddenly echoed across the cathedral.
"…Yeah."
"I do."
The entire cathedral froze.
Every head immediately turned toward the source of the voice.
Then—
Yuuki slowly stood among the gathered guests.
And the reaction was immediate.
Because the first thing everyone noticed—
Was how absurdly handsome he looked.
Several noblewomen visibly widened their eyes.
Young ladies quietly gasped.
Even servants momentarily forgot themselves staring at him.
Tall.
Refined.
Calm.
Confident.
And unlike Pierre—
Yuuki carried himself with effortless presence.
As though he naturally belonged above everyone else in the room.
Pierre immediately blinked drunkenly.
"…Huh?"
Meanwhile—
Eugen's eyes widened completely.
Because the warmth she kept feeling—
Finally had a face.
"…Yeah."
Yuuki calmly stood among the stunned wedding guests while adjusting his gloves slightly.
"I have a problem with that drunkard."
Absolute silence filled the cathedral.
Then whispers immediately exploded throughout the hall.
"Who is that man?!"
"He interrupted the royal wedding!"
"Is he insane?!"
Yuuki however simply looked directly toward Pierre standing near the altar.
Then casually—
"Those women are mine."
The statement instantly stunned everyone.
Even Eugen herself visibly froze.
Yuuki continued calmly afterward.
"He technically stole them from me."
Then faintly grinning—
"So naturally…"
"…I'm here to steal them back."
Several girls hidden throughout the cathedral visibly reacted immediately.
"So cool!" Neon squealed quietly from the guest section.
Even Yorktown softly smiled.
Enterprise sighed quietly.
"…He really said it publicly."
Illustrious meanwhile looked visibly pleased.
"My, how bold."
Even Hipper herself nearly smirked hearing that declaration.
Because honestly—
Walking into a royal wedding and openly claiming the brides took absurd confidence.
Pierre however immediately exploded in fury.
"Insolent bastard!"
The Sacred Tree crest upon his hand glowed violently.
"You dare challenge THIS prince?!"
Yuuki casually shrugged.
"Yeah."
Then bluntly—
"What exactly are you gonna do about it?"
Pierre's face twisted instantly.
"THEN DIE!"
Dark energy erupted from his hand toward Yuuki violently.
Several nobles screamed.
Eugen herself instinctively stepped forward in panic.
"No!!"
Because she already knew what Pierre's power could do.
Yet—
Nothing happened.
Yuuki remained standing there completely unharmed.
Pierre visibly froze drunkenly.
"…What?"
Yuuki casually sighed.
"Yeah…"
"You forgot one important detail."
Pierre grabbed a nearby ceremonial rod in rage before charging toward him recklessly.
Yuuki simply caught the weapon effortlessly mid-swing.
"I'm not bound to this island."
Then calmly—
"And unlike your victims…"
"…smart people prepare first."
Pierre's eyes widened.
Then suddenly—
A hidden figure materialized beside him after throwing aside an invisibility cloak.
Before Pierre could react—
BOOM.
A devastating punch slammed directly into his face.
The impact launched him completely across the altar platform.
He crashed violently through decorative furniture before smashing directly into the cathedral piano.
The entire instrument exploded apart.
Everyone stared in shock.
Then—
Hipper slowly lowered her fist while glaring murderously toward the collapsed prince.
"I waited YEARS to do that."
Her voice practically growled.
Eugen immediately widened her eyes completely.
"…Sis?!"
She stared at Hipper's restored body.
Her healthy appearance.
Her legs.
"…How are you—"
Before she could finish—
Several royal guards immediately charged Yuuki.
That however proved to be an enormous mistake.
Because suddenly—
Multiple armored women materialized throughout the cathedral after disengaging stealth mode simultaneously.
Golden cloaks flowed behind them.
Advanced armor illuminated brilliantly.
And within seconds—
The guards were completely overwhelmed.
Yorktown and Enterprise moved protectively between civilians and combat zones.
Illustrious calmly shielded panicking guests from stray debris.
Rapi and Anis provided synchronized overwatch fire through the cathedral windows with pinpoint stun shots.
Atago and Takao redirect the VSD drones to shoot non-lethal shots at the approaching guards.
Meanwhile—
Nobles throughout the cathedral stared in absolute disbelief.
Because this no longer looked like a simple interruption.
It looked like an elite military extraction force had invaded the wedding.
Several guards rushed to protect the king instinctively.
Yet notably—
None of Yuuki's people attacked the royal family directly.
Only those attempting to harm them.
Which the king himself immediately noticed.
Amid the chaos erupting throughout the cathedral—
Neon, Nimi, Laffey, and Unicorn immediately rushed toward Javelin.
"Bride secured!" Neon dramatically announced while pulling the destroyer away from the altar.
"This is not the time to sound cool!" Nimi complained while helping escort Javelin backward.
Laffey quietly dragged unconscious guards aside.
"…Efficient extraction."
Meanwhile—
Hipper calmly walked straight toward Eugen through the shattered altar debris.
Eugen still looked completely stunned.
Not only because Hipper stood before her healthy again—
But because she looked alive.
Truly alive.
Hipper reached her sister before grabbing her wrist firmly.
"…Sis…"
Eugen's voice slightly trembled.
Hipper softly snorted afterward.
"Yeah."
Then casually—
"I can walk again thanks to him."
Eugen immediately looked toward Yuuki again afterward.
The man currently standing against the entire cathedral without fear.
Then unexpectedly—
A faint smirk slowly appeared on Eugen's face.
"Heh…"
"I knew there had to be some idiot out there willing to steal me away eventually."
Hipper immediately sighed.
"Yes."
Then bluntly—
"That dummkopf."
Eugen immediately laughed softly.
"…I missed hearing that word."
Hipper however looked oddly serious afterward.
"…I won't be using it anymore."
Eugen blinked.
"…What?"
Hipper crossed her arms lightly.
"Herr Kommandant dislikes harsh attitudes."
Then quieter—
"And apparently hates tsunderes."
Several nearby girls quietly looked away trying not to laugh.
Hipper awkwardly cleared her throat afterward.
"So…"
"…I'm not one anymore."
Anis nearly choked laughing through comms.
Eugen meanwhile stared at her sister in disbelief.
"…You changed."
Hipper slowly nodded.
"…Yeah."
Then more softly—
"I finally had a reason to."
She gently pulled Eugen forward afterward toward Yuuki.
"Herr Kommandant."
Hipper gestured calmly.
"This is my dumb little sister."
"Prinz Eugen."
Eugen immediately rolled her eyes slightly.
"…Still calling me dumb."
Then finally—
She looked directly at Yuuki properly.
For several seconds—
Neither spoke.
Then Yuuki smiled faintly.
"A pleasure."
Eugen quietly stared at him afterward.
The mysterious warmth she kept feeling.
The man who openly invaded a royal wedding for them.
The person her sister trusted enough to follow.
Then softly—
"…I never expected someone would actually come steal me away."
Her violet eyes narrowed slightly afterward.
"You're either extremely stupid…"
"…or dangerously smart."
Yuuki immediately answered.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Pierre suddenly roared from the shattered piano ruins afterward.
"YOU DARE?!"
Dark corrupted energy erupted wildly around him now.
"If you touch them…"
"…I'LL KILL THEM!!"
The Sacred Tree crest violently activated again.
Yet—
Nothing happened.
No chains formed.
No magical suppression activated.
Pierre immediately froze.
"…What?"
His eyes widened in panic afterward.
Because for the first time—
The Sacred Tree no longer obeyed him.
Esche quietly floated hidden above the cathedral beams watching silently.
The magical bindings placed upon Eugen, Hipper, Cocoa and Javelin had already been removed.
Yuuki casually looked toward the prince afterward.
"Yeah."
Then coldly—
"Tough luck."
He gently pulled Eugen and Javelin safely behind him afterward.
The Mark 86 armor partially materialized around his arm instantly.
Repulsor systems charged brightly.
Yuuki's expression hardened completely now.
"This…"
The glowing cannon intensified.
"…is for every woman you stole."
Then—
BOOOOOOM.
A repulsor blast slammed directly into Pierre's face at point-blank range.
The corrupted prince flew violently backward through the cathedral once again.
Stone exploded.
Benches shattered.
The cathedral immediately descended into absolute chaos afterward.
Nobles screamed.
Servants fled.
Guards scrambled in confusion.
Broken debris scattered across the sacred hall while Pierre slowly rose from the shattered stone with blood running down his face.
"BASTARD!!"
Dark corrupted energy violently surged around his arm while the Sacred Tree crest pulsed erratically.
Yet despite the rage—
Pierre himself looked shaken now.
Because for the first time—
His authority had failed him.
Yuuki meanwhile calmly stood between the rescued girls and the prince like an immovable wall.
Then casually—
"…Wow."
"You're tougher than expected."
Pierre growled furiously.
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Yuuki ignored the threat entirely before looking toward the royal platform instead.
"You're the king, right?"
The ruler visibly stiffened slightly being addressed directly.
"…I am."
Yuuki slowly stepped forward afterward.
Then his voice echoed clearly throughout the ruined cathedral.
"Prince Pierre."
"I openly challenge you to a duel."
The entire cathedral instantly quieted again.
Even Pierre blinked in confusion.
Yuuki continued calmly.
"A duel for the brides' hands in marriage."
Then more seriously—
"And a duel to relinquish control over the Sacred Tree."
Pierre's expression twisted instantly.
"NEVER!"
Then suddenly—
Yuuki slowly raised his hand.
The crowd immediately gasped.
Because glowing upon Yuuki's hand—
Was the crest of the Sacred Tree itself.
The same sacred mark borne by the royal bloodline.
The same symbol Pierre carried.
Whispers exploded throughout the cathedral.
"The Sacred Crest?!"
"How is that possible?!"
"The Tree acknowledged him?!"
Even the king visibly widened his eyes completely.
Because within island law—
The Sacred Tree's acknowledgment carried divine authority.
And if two recognized bearers invoked formal challenge—
The duel became absolute.
Pierre himself staggered backward slightly.
"…No…"
Yuuki's voice remained cold afterward.
"You attacked me first."
"Which means the conditions are already fulfilled."
Then firmly—
"The Sacred Tree recognizes the duel."
Far above the cathedral—
Esche quietly watched in silence.
The ancient laws she upheld for centuries had now turned against Pierre himself.
Yuuki calmly lowered his hand afterward.
"So."
"Let's settle this properly."
Then bluntly—
"A duel in the arena."
He pointed toward Eugen and Javelin afterward.
"If I win…"
"I take the Tree."
"And I take the brides."
Several girls immediately blushed violently at the wording despite the situation.
Then Yuuki casually continued—
"If I lose…"
"…I'll become your dog."
The reaction was immediate.
"COMMANDER?!"
Several shipgirls looked horrified instantly.
Even Hipper visibly froze.
Yorktown's eyes widened sharply.
Enterprise immediately frowned.
The mere image of Yuuki serving Pierre nearly made several girls murderous.
Akagi's voice practically exploded through comms.
"SHIKIKAN-SAMA ABSOLUTELY NOT!!"
Even Nayuta visibly looked alarmed.
"O great hero…"
Pierre meanwhile suddenly burst into loud drunken laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
He pointed toward Yuuki mockingly.
"You actually think you can challenge THIS prince?!"
Yuuki simply stared at him calmly.
"…Yeah."
Then coldly—
"Outside."
"At the cathedral square."
His visor softly illuminated.
"In front of the entire island."
Then firmly—
"Bring your best armor."
"Bring your best weapons."
The challenge echoed throughout the cathedral like thunder.
And for the first time in years—
The people of the island finally witnessed someone openly stand against the corrupted bearer of the Sacred Tree without fear.
"Commander…"
Yorktown's voice carried clear concern now.
Because despite all their faith in him—
The thought of Yuuki risking himself against Pierre still unsettled everyone deeply.
Especially after hearing his wager.
Even Enterprise quietly stepped closer afterward.
"…You placed too much on the line."
Nearby—
Hipper visibly frowned.
"If that bastard somehow wins—"
Yuuki immediately raised one hand calmly.
"Relax."
His expression never wavered.
"I know exactly what I'm doing."
Then softer—
"You girls trust me, right?"
The group immediately fell silent afterward.
Because the answer was obvious.
Yuuki then smiled faintly.
"Then believe in me."
And strangely—
The moment he said that—
The warmth inside their hearts strengthened again.
That mysterious connection.
That reassurance.
Not blind obedience.
Not forced control.
But trust.
Pure and unwavering.
Even Eugen felt it now.
The strange comforting warmth surrounding Yuuki.
Hipper felt it too.
So did Javelin.
And for the first time—
The three newly rescued girls finally understood why the others followed him so naturally.
Because standing near Yuuki somehow made fear feel smaller.
Even Esche quietly observed him from above.
The moment she branded his hand with her mark earlier—
She sensed it clearly.
A light far brighter than her own sacred power.
Something vast.
Warm.
Protective.
Unyielding.
Which was exactly why—
The Sacred Tree spirit instinctively chose him as her next bearer.
Not because he was strongest.
But because despite possessing overwhelming power—
He still chose kindness first.
Pierre meanwhile furiously staggered toward the cathedral exit while guards scrambled around him.
"READY MY ARMOR!!"
Dark corrupted energy surged violently around him now.
"I'LL CRUSH THAT BASTARD IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!!"
The nobles immediately scattered from his path in fear.
Yuuki simply watched calmly afterward.
Then he turned toward his girls again.
"Find a good place to watch."
His faint grin slowly returned.
"You're all going to be very surprised later."
Anis immediately narrowed her eyes suspiciously behind the comms.
"…That smile means he's planning something stupid."
Rapi quietly nodded.
"…Extremely stupid."
Neon however looked excited already.
"Which means it'll probably be awesome."
Meanwhile—
Outside the cathedral—
The massive public arena square rapidly began filling with citizens and nobles after hearing rumors spread through the city.
A duel.
Against the Sacred Tree bearer himself.
For the brides.
For the Sacred Tree.
And against a mysterious outsider powerful enough to openly challenge the prince.
The entire island was about to witness history.
"You really are a dummkopf…"
Prinz Eugen quietly muttered while Yuuki casually pulled her away from the ruined cathedral together with Hipper and Javelin.
The crowds surrounding the cathedral square immediately parted for them.
Not from fear.
But shock.
Because they were literally witnessing a man walk away holding the prince's brides after publicly declaring he intended to steal them.
Eugen meanwhile quietly stared at Yuuki's back while being led through the chaos.
Then softly—
"Risking yourself for my hand…"
Her orange eyes slightly narrowed afterward.
"You truly came to steal me away from my abusive fiancé."
Yuuki glanced toward her briefly.
"Stealing someone away from a terrible future sounds pretty reasonable to me."
Then casually—
"Besides."
He lightly pointed toward the hidden Sacred Tree crest on his hand.
"I also came for the Sacred Tree."
Then toward the girls beside him—
"And for....."
"Javelin."
"Hipper."
"Cocoa."
Finally—
His gaze returned toward Eugen.
"And you too, Miss Eugen."
Then faintly smiling—
"By the way."
"The name's Yuuki."
Eugen quietly observed him for several moments afterward.
Then unexpectedly—
A small amused smile finally appeared on her face.
"Heh…"
"I suppose that makes you my new fiancé now."
Several nearby girls immediately reacted.
"COMMANDER MOVES FAST," Neon whispered dramatically not far from them.
Eugen however continued calmly afterward.
"Rather poor timing for introductions though."
She gracefully lifted portions of her wedding dress slightly while walking.
"I am Prinz Eugen."
Then proudly—
"The miracle of the Third Reich."
"The third ship of the Admiral Hipper-class heavy cruisers."
Her orange eyes gleamed confidently again for the first time in years.
"I survive every battle."
"No matter how fierce."
Yuuki looked toward her afterward.
Then bluntly—
"…Really?"
Eugen blinked once.
"You looked like you were about to cry earlier. More like luck."
Hipper immediately snorted beside them.
Javelin quietly giggled.
Eugen visibly froze slightly.
Then slowly narrowed her eyes toward Yuuki.
"…Luck."
"You certainly possess quite a lot of nerve."
Yuuki casually shrugged.
"I do."
Then softly—
"But maybe it's more than luck."
His grip around her hand remained steady.
"Because neither you nor Pierre expected me and my girls would actually come steal you away."
Eugen quietly looked at their joined hands afterward.
The warmth.
The confidence.
The absurd recklessness.
Then softly under her breath—
"…You truly are a dummkopf."
Yet despite the insult—
Her voice carried unmistakable affection now.
Then finally—
Prinz Eugen smiled properly.
A genuine smile.
Not the fake teasing one she wore to hide pain.
But real amusement.
"So then…"
Her violet eyes slowly met his again.
"How long can you keep me entertained, Herr Kommandant?"
Then teasingly in German—
"I'm rather looking forward to finding out."
Yuuki immediately answered.
"Save the flirting until after I win."
Then casually—
He gently patted her head.
Eugen visibly blinked in surprise afterward.
"…You just speak Iron Blood."
"Yep."
"…Bold."
"With your teasing, that makes us even."
Behind them—
Anis immediately laughed loudly through comms.
"Look at him casually stealing the bride in public!"
Neon dramatically joined in.
"Commander has officially become a romance novel protagonist."
Rapi quietly sighed.
"…Focus on the duel."
Even Hipper herself looked mildly exasperated.
Yet honestly—
Seeing Eugen smiling again after all those years made none of them want to interrupt the moment.
Once they reached a safe position overlooking the massive cathedral square—
Yuuki calmly activated his armor interface.
Then—
Several cubic devices materialized around the area before instantly deploying a glowing ionized barrier around the girls.
A familiar translucent blue cube surrounded them completely.
The same defensive barrier Yorktown and Laffey remembered from the very first day they met him.
A barrier capable of withstanding overwhelming firepower.
Yorktown softly smiled seeing it again.
"He still uses it…"
Yuuki turned toward the girls afterward.
"So."
He casually rolled his shoulder once.
"Stay inside while I deal with that bastard."
Then gently—
He let go of Eugen's hand.
For some reason—
The moment his warmth left her fingers—
Eugen quietly felt disappointed.
Yuuki then calmly stepped beyond the protective barrier alone toward the cathedral square arena.
The gathered citizens immediately parted seeing him approach.
Meanwhile—
Inside the barrier—
Eugen remained beside Hipper while still processing everything happening around her.
"So, you are well and able to walk now. I am....
Then suddenly—
"Frau Eugen!"
Eugen turned immediately.
"Nimi…?"
The destroyer instantly hugged the cruiser tightly.
"Yes!"
Then emotionally—
"I'm alive."
"Alongside several others."
Eugen visibly softened afterward.
"The little ones…"
Then seeing the others—
"Laffey…"
"Unicorn…"
The small destroyers softly smiled toward her.
"…Miss Eugen," Laffey quietly mumbled.
Unicorn nodded happily.
"We really came to save you."
Eugen's expression slowly warmed further afterward.
Then her eyes shifted toward the unfamiliar silver haired beside them.
Neon immediately waved dramatically.
"Yo!"
"It's Neon!"
Then proudly—
"Fellow Nikke and elite firepower specialist."
"…Self-proclaimed elite," Rapi corrected through comms.
Neon ignored her completely.
"I'm also Cocoa's new teammate."
Eugen blinked.
"Another Nikke…"
Then her gaze slowly moved toward the armored women standing in the barrier with them.
"…May I know the identities of the women who rescued me?"
Without speaking—
The armored figures slowly disengaged portions of their helmets.
Nanometal dissolved elegantly revealing familiar faces beneath.
Eugen immediately widened her eyes.
"…What."
Because standing before her—
Were people she never expected to see again.
Yorktown softly smiled first.
"It has been a while, Eugen."
"…Yorktown…"
Enterprise crossed her arms quietly beside her.
"Good seeing you alive."
"…Enterprise…"
Illustrious gently smiled afterward.
"We finally found you."
"…Illustrious…"
Eugen visibly looked overwhelmed now.
Then—
Several more figures entered the barrier area afterward.
Four maids.
Perfectly composed.
Perfectly elegant.
Cocoa was among them.
Eugen immediately froze again.
"…Belfast?"
The head maid gracefully bowed.
"Yes."
"It has indeed been a long while."
Then gesturing beside her—
"These are Ade and Soda."
Eugen blinked repeatedly afterward.
"…Wait."
"Cocoa mentioned those names."
Her eyes widened.
"You two are Ade and Soda?"
The two Nikkes immediately nodded politely.
"Yes, Lady Eugen."
"We are Cocoa's squadmates."
"The Nikke Maid For You squad."
Eugen slowly stared at the growing group around her.
Then toward Hipper.
Then toward the others.
"…Just how many allies did Herr Kommandant gather?"
Belfast calmly answered first.
"Lady Wales."
"Lady Avrora."
Enterprise continued afterward.
"Eldridge."
"San Diego."
Then calmly—
"Akagi and Kaga."
"Vestal."
"Akashi."
"The Bulin sisters."
Neon proudly added afterward—
"And the coolest Counter Squad."
"Rapi, Anis, and me."
Rapi sighed through comms.
"…Please stop introducing us like celebrities."
Takao's voice quietly echoed through the communicator afterward.
"Sniper positions remain secured."
Atago softly added—
"We are watching over everyone."
"Atago and Takao." Eugen slowly looked around again afterward.
Then unexpectedly laughed softly.
"Heh…"
"To think Herr Kommandant gathered this many allies already."
Then quietly—
"And they all trust him."
Nimi softly stepped forward afterward.
"Not merely allies."
Then calmly—
"He also recruited a fairy spirit…"
"…and a legendary Pioneer."
Eugen visibly blinked again.
"…Legendary Pioneer?"
"…Fairy?"
Then—
Another figure quietly materialized inside the barrier beside the group after disengaging stealth.
An unfamiliar woman with long silver hair.
Dressed like a wandering monk.
Elegant white-and-black robes flowed softly around her while a blue haori rested over her shoulders.
Several shipgirls instinctively glanced toward her again despite already knowing her identity.
Because honestly—
Nayuta carried an unusually mysterious atmosphere around her.
Then—
A tiny glowing figure gently floated upward from beneath the monk's cloak.
Soft platinum light illuminated the barrier interior immediately.
"That would be this one."
Esche gracefully bowed midair while her butterfly-like wings fluttered softly.
The nearby girls still had not fully gotten used to seeing an actual fairy.
Nayuta calmly folded her hands afterward before introducing herself properly once more.
"This humble one is Nayuta."
"Recent Nikke addition unto O Great Hero's faction."
Then gently gesturing toward the tiny spirit—
"And this one is Esche."
"The Guardian Spirit who severed thy chains from the prince's grasp."
Eugen quietly stared at the fairy afterward.
Then slowly—
Her eyes shifted toward Yuuki standing alone in the massive arena square beyond the barrier.
And the more she heard about everything—
The more absurd it became.
The man had:
infiltrated a hidden island,
invaded a royal wedding,
rescued imprisoned shipgirls and Nikkes,
recruited a legendary Pioneer,
befriended a magical fairy spirit,
stolen the Sacred Tree itself,
and publicly challenged the island's strongest authority.
All within a single day.
And somehow—
He still stood there completely calm.
Without fear.
Without hesitation.
Like this was simply another mission to him.
Eugen softly smiled afterward while quietly watching his back from inside the barrier.
"…What an unbelievable dummkopf."
Yet unlike before—
The word no longer carried mockery.
Only warmth.
===================
The cathedral square rapidly transformed into a formal dueling arena afterward.
Priests and ceremonial officials hurried across the massive stone battleground while activating ancient magical formations embedded beneath the city plaza.
Glowing lines illuminated across the ground.
Barrier pillars rose around the arena edges one by one.
Soon—
A massive transparent dome formed over the battlefield.
Designed to contain destructive sacred energy during official Sacred Tree duels.
The surrounding city meanwhile descended into complete frenzy.
Citizens flooded toward the square from every direction.
Nobles gathered upon elevated viewing platforms.
Servants whispered nervously.
Guards established defensive lines around the outer district.
Because today—
The impossible was happening.
A mysterious outsider bearing the Sacred Tree crest had publicly challenged Prince Pierre himself.
And not for politics.
Not for territory.
But for the brides.
The entire island buzzed with disbelief.
Meanwhile—
Yuuki calmly stepped into the center of the arena beneath thousands of watching eyes.
No fear.
No hesitation.
Just quiet confidence.
His long coat lightly shifted beneath the afternoon wind while the Mark 86 systems remained hidden beneath partial nanometal layers.
Above—
The barrier dome reflected sunlight beautifully across the battlefield.
Pierre however had not arrived yet.
Meaning the prince was likely preparing whatever weapons or armor he intended to use.
Yuuki meanwhile simply waited patiently.
Far behind the arena—
Inside the ionized defensive barrier—
His girls quietly watched him from safety.
Not one of them looked worried anymore.
Because after everything they witnessed today—
Their confidence in him had become almost absolute.
Yorktown softly crossed her arms.
"He's calm."
Enterprise quietly nodded.
"That usually means the enemy is already doomed."
Anis meanwhile leaned comfortably against the barrier wall as she came with Rapi, Atago and Takao. After finishing their role of cutting reinforcement into the cathedral during the wedding.
"I almost feel bad for Pierre."
Rapi immediately corrected.
"…Almost."
Neon looked visibly excited.
"Commander said we'd be surprised."
Then dramatically—
"I'm expecting maximum destruction."
Hipper meanwhile quietly watched Yuuki standing alone in the arena.
And strangely—
She truly wasn't worried.
Not after seeing the impossible technology he carried.
Not after watching him casually retrieve the Sacred Tree itself.
Not after feeling the warmth connected to him.
Even Eugen softly smiled while watching him.
"…He really believes he'll win."
Prinz Eugen quietly watched Yuuki standing alone beneath the massive arena barrier while the crowds roared around him.
And strangely—
That confidence slowly spread into her own heart as well.
Back then—
Fifteen years ago—
The old Eugen would never place everything upon a single person.
She always preferred having multiple escape routes.
Multiple winning sides.
Betting on two horses instead of one.
Because trusting completely meant risking disappointment.
Risking pain.
Yet now—
For the first time in years—
She found herself placing everything upon one man alone.
The man who openly walked into hell just to pull her out of it.
The man willing to challenge an entire island for her freedom.
The man who looked at her not as property…
…but as someone worth saving.
Eugen softly lowered her gaze afterward.
Objectively—
Running away from a wedding with another man sounded terrible.
Escaping her fiancé.
Abandoning the ceremony.
Choosing another person publicly.
Yet—
If the fiancé was abusive…
Cruel…
Corrupted…
Then perhaps—
There was nothing wrong with wanting salvation instead.
Especially when the hand reaching toward her felt so warm.
Her fingers slowly touched her own chest afterward.
That mysterious connection remained there.
Comforting.
Gentle.
Safe.
A warmth she instinctively understood she would never lose again.
And honestly—
The thought alone made her smile softly.
Then—
Prinz Eugen quietly blushed.
"…What a dangerous man…"
Nearby—
Hipper quietly crossed her arms while watching Yuuki as well.
And despite her calmer demeanor now—
The same warmth rested within her heart too.
The same reassurance.
The same trust.
For years—
The sisters survived through despair alone.
Now however—
They finally possessed someone standing beside them willingly.
Not because he had to.
But because he chose to.
Hipper softly exhaled afterward.
"…Dummkopf."
Yet unlike before—
The word sounded almost affectionate now.
Nayuta meanwhile quietly observed Yuuki with thoughtful eyes.
"O great hero…"
Then softly—
"Thou standeth before an entire island without trembling. Makes this humble one wonders if thou could once revive the goddess's squad once more."
Esche herself floated gently beside the monk afterward.
The tiny spirit quietly watched Yuuki below.
And deep within her ancient heart—
The Sacred Tree had already made her decision long ago.
Meanwhile—
Throughout the arena—
The crowds suddenly erupted loudly.
Because finally—
Prince Pierre arrived.
The arena suddenly trembled violently.
BOOOOOOM.
A massive armored figure crashed directly into the battlefield from above, cracking portions of the stone arena floor beneath its sheer weight.
The crowd immediately gasped loudly.
Pierre's combat armor looked monstrous.
Thick black metal plating covered the entire frame while corrupted crimson energy pulsed through glowing veins across its surface.
Skull-shaped armor plating decorated the shoulders and chest.
Jagged spikes protruded from the limbs.
The entire machine looked less like noble equipment—
And more like something dragged out from a nightmare.
Dark matter corruption visibly infected portions of the armor itself.
Even the priests maintaining the arena barrier looked visibly disturbed.
Pierre's distorted voice echoed from inside the machine afterward.
"BASTARD!!"
The massive armor pointed a gigantic weapon toward Yuuki furiously.
"I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU!!"
The crowd immediately erupted into panic and excitement simultaneously.
Because the prince clearly intended to kill him publicly.
Meanwhile—
Yuuki simply stood there.
Still wearing his tuxedo.
Completely unmoved.
He hadn't activated the Mark 86.
Hadn't summoned backup armor.
Hadn't deployed drones.
Hadn't called the GDI legions.
Nothing.
He merely looked mildly unimpressed.
"…Right."
Inside the observation barrier—
Several girls immediately reacted.
"…That armor is huge," Javelin whispered nervously.
Neon however tilted her head.
"Commander still isn't using his armor."
Anis softly snorted afterward.
"That usually means Pierre is about to embarrass himself."
Even Nayuta quietly narrowed her eyes watching Yuuki.
Because she sensed it too.
The complete absence of tension from him.
Pierre meanwhile revved the corrupted armor systems loudly.
Massive exhaust ports released black smoke behind him.
"I WILL CRUSH YOU BEFORE THE ENTIRE ISLAND!"
Yuuki casually adjusted one glove afterward.
Then finally spoke.
"Are you done compensating yet?"
The crowd immediately went silent again.
Even Pierre froze briefly.
"…What?"
Yuuki calmly looked up at the enormous armor.
"Big armor."
"Loud entrance."
"Skulls everywhere."
Then bluntly—
"You're trying REALLY hard to look intimidating."
Several nearby citizens accidentally laughed before immediately covering their mouths in fear.
Pierre's rage instantly exploded.
"I'LL KILL YOU!!"
The massive armored prince charged forward violently—
And Yuuki still hadn't even activated his own armor yet.
Or perhaps—
He simply didn't need armor at all.
The massive corrupted suit charged across the arena violently like a rampaging beast.
Stone shattered beneath its weight.
The crowd screamed.
Pierre swung one gigantic armored fist directly toward Yuuki's head with enough force to pulverize solid concrete.
And Yuuki casually sidestepped it.
BOOOOM.
The punch completely cratered the arena floor instead.
The entire crowd froze.
Because Yuuki moved impossibly fast.
Not armor-assisted.
Not boosted.
Just—
Fast.
Pierre immediately spun and attacked again.
Another devastating strike.
Yuuki lightly shifted sideways again.
Clean.
Effortless.
Like he already knew every movement before it happened.
Inside the observation barrier—
Even his own girls visibly widened their eyes now.
"…Wait," Anis muttered.
"He's not using the armor."
Rapi quietly stared at Yuuki's movements carefully.
"…Those are his natural reflexes."
Yorktown slowly crossed her arms tighter afterward.
Because suddenly—
A terrifying realization quietly formed among all of them.
Maybe—
The Mark armors weren't what made Yuuki dangerous.
Maybe—
They merely prevented him from accidentally going all out.
Pierre roared furiously while swinging repeatedly afterward.
Massive armored fists tore through the arena.
Shockwaves erupted.
Stone exploded everywhere.
Yet Yuuki simply continued weaving around every attack with absurd precision.
One step.
One lean.
One jump.
Nothing wasted.
At one point—
He casually leapt over a sweeping strike entirely.
The gigantic armored fist passed beneath him while his tuxedo barely even shifted.
The crowd collectively gasped.
Neon immediately pointed dramatically.
"HE'S STYLING ON HIM."
Takao quietly narrowed her eyes.
"…His physical capability is abnormal."
Even Nayuta looked visibly stunned now.
"O great hero…"
Her voice softened slightly.
"…Thou hast yet to utilize even a fragment of thy true strength."
Meanwhile—
Pierre's rage only grew further.
"BASTARD!!"
The corrupted prince wildly threw another armored punch.
Yuuki landed lightly afterward while calmly looking up at him.
Then casually—
"You swing like a drunk construction vehicle."
Several citizens accidentally laughed again.
Pierre visibly snapped completely.
Pierre's corrupted armor suddenly shifted configuration.
Multiple weapon ports opened across the shoulders and arms.
Cannons.
Missile racks.
Crystal-powered emitters.
The crowd immediately panicked seeing the prince finally preparing ranged weaponry.
"Die!!"
Energy blasts erupted across the arena violently.
Explosions swallowed entire sections of the battlefield.
The priests maintaining the barrier visibly strained under the shockwaves.
Then—
Yuuki softly spoke to himself.
"…That's my cue."
His expression finally sharpened slightly.
"Get set."
He slowly raised one arm.
And suddenly—
A katana materialized directly into his grasp.
The same black-bladed weapon he once used against Takao.
Elegant.
Deadly.
Beautiful.
Golden ribbons attached to the sheath flowed dramatically through the air beneath the arena winds.
Then—
Yuuki calmly stepped through the explosions.
Not hurried.
Not pressured.
Just composed.
The image itself immediately stunned the entire arena.
Even the nobles visibly froze.
Because somehow—
The man looked absurdly cool standing there in a damaged battlefield while wielding a katana in formal wear.
Several noblewomen visibly blushed instantly.
"…He's handsome…"
"That pose…"
"Who IS he?"
Inside the observation barrier—
Multiple shipgirls immediately reacted.
"…Oh no," Yorktown sighed softly.
Enterprise quietly looked away.
"…There it is."
Neon blinked.
"What?"
Illustrious gently smiled.
"Our Commander accidentally attracting women again."
Meanwhile—
Akagi's voice immediately exploded through comms.
"WHO ARE THOSE WOMEN LOOKING AT SHIKIKAN-SAMA?!"
Kaga quietly sighed nearby.
"Nee-sama…"
Even Eugen visibly narrowed her eyes slightly seeing nearby noblewomen staring toward Yuuki.
"…Hmph."
Hipper immediately noticed.
"…You're jealous."
"I am not."
"…You absolutely are."
Eugen crossed her arms afterward while trying to remain composed.
"He simply looks…"
Then quieter—
"…annoyingly attractive."
Meanwhile—
In the arena—
Pierre unleashed another barrage furiously.
Yuuki finally moved.
===========
Far above the island—
Inside the command deck of the Daedalus—
The duel broadcast filled every main screen across the bridge.
The entire command crew watched in complete focus.
Even the usually energetic atmosphere aboard the massive carrier had gone unusually quiet.
Because despite everyone's faith in Yuuki—
The stakes of the duel remained painfully clear.
On the central display—
Yuuki calmly walked through explosions while wielding his katana beneath the arena barrier.
Golden ribbons danced through the smoke.
Every movement looked impossibly composed.
And honestly—
It only made him look even cooler.
Which unfortunately caused additional emotional damage elsewhere on the bridge.
Akagi violently bit into her handkerchief while her tails fluffed aggressively behind her.
"Shikikan-sama…"
Her voice almost trembled emotionally.
"…please do not lose…"
Then slowly—
A dangerous aura radiated around the carrier fox afterward.
"Because if he does…"
Akagi's red eyes narrowed possessively toward the arena feed.
"…Akagi shall personally erase this island from existence."
Because everyone aboard fully believed she would actually attempt it.
Kaga immediately sighed beside her sister.
"Nee-sama…"
Then calmly—
"Please refrain from threatening mass destruction while on the command deck."
Akagi however continued staring intensely at the screen.
"Those women in the audience continue looking at Shikikan-sama…"
Her tails puffed further.
"…Akagi dislikes this greatly."
Wales softly crossed her arms nearby while watching the duel.
"Lord commander certainly possesses dramatic flair."
Then amused—
"He intentionally waited until the ranged weapons appeared before drawing his blade."
Avrora quietly smiled beside her.
"Beloved seem rather fond of theatrical entrances."
San Diego meanwhile leaned forward excitedly.
"Commander looks AWESOME!"
Eldridge quietly nodded from nearby.
"…Cool."
Vestal however looked more focused on Yuuki's physical state readings.
"His vitals remain perfectly stable."
Then softly—
"Honestly, Prince Pierre never stood a chance."
Nearby—
The Bulin sisters enthusiastically watched the duel like entertainment.
"Buli! Commander super cool!"
"Buli buli!"
"Hit him harder buli!"
Meanwhile—
Onscreen—
Akagi immediately clutched her chest dramatically.
"…Shikikan-sama is too cool…"
Kaga quietly looked away afterward.
"…She is hopeless."
The crowd expected Yuuki to finally draw the blade.
Instead—
He didn't even unsheathe it.
Yuuki simply rested the katana across his shoulder casually while watching the incoming missile barrage approach.
Then—
WHAM.
He struck the first missile aside using only the scabbard.
The projectile violently changed trajectory before exploding harmlessly against the barrier wall.
Then another.
WHAM.
Another missile spun away.
Then another.
And another.
Each strike perfectly timed.
Perfectly controlled.
Yuuki wasn't destroying the missiles—
He was literally batting them away like inconveniences.
The entire arena slowly descended into stunned silence.
"…What in the…"
Pierre visibly froze inside the massive armor.
Because the scene looked completely absurd.
Yuuki casually walked forward while redirecting missiles one after another using nothing but the katana's sheath.
No armor.
No shields.
No fear.
Just pure ridiculous skill.
Inside the observation barrier—
Even his own girls visibly stared now.
"…He's SLAPPING missiles away now?!," Anis muttered in disbelief.
Rapi quietly narrowed her eyes.
"…His reaction speed is monstrous."
Takao herself looked genuinely stunned now.
Because even among master swordsmen—
That level of precision bordered on impossible.
Yorktown softly sighed afterward.
"…Commander really was holding back during our duel."
Enterprise quietly crossed her arms tighter.
"That explains why he avoids sparring seriously."
Meanwhile—
Several noblewomen in the crowd looked even more enchanted now.
Because somehow—
Yuuki made redirecting missiles look elegant.
Akagi however immediately exploded emotionally aboard the Daedalus.
"SHIKIKAN-SAMA IS TOO COOL!!"
Her tails flailed wildly.
"He even deflected explosive weaponry stylishly!"
Kaga quietly covered part of her face.
"…Please calm down."
Back in the arena—
Pierre finally lost all restraint.
"STOP LOOKING DOWN ON ME!!"
The corrupted armor unleashed overwhelming suppressive fire across the arena.
Heavy machine guns erupted from both arms simultaneously.
Thousands of rounds screamed toward Yuuki in a storm of metal and fire.
The crowd immediately panicked.
Several people turned away entirely expecting to see him shredded apart.
Yet—
Yuuki calmly spun the scabbard once afterward.
"…Sure."
Then—
For the first time—
He slowly drew the blade.
A sharp metallic sound echoed across the arena.
Pierre's machine guns continued roaring relentlessly.
But Yuuki simply moved the katana once.
Then again.
Then faster.
The blade began spinning in precise arcs around him.
Not wildly.
Controlled.
Perfect.
Every bullet striking the blade instantly changed momentum.
Redirected.
Deflected.
Neutralized.
The sound became surreal.
TINGTINGTINGTINGTING.
An endless metallic symphony echoed throughout the arena while sparks illuminated the battlefield.
And beneath Yuuki—
Flattened bullet heads slowly began raining onto the stone floor one after another.
The crowd stared in absolute disbelief.
Because Yuuki wasn't merely blocking the bullets.
He was controlling them.
Redirecting their force through rotational momentum while barely moving from his position.
Even the machine gun barrage itself slowly lost effectiveness against the impossible precision of his blade.
Inside the observation barrier—
Everyone stared speechlessly.
"…What the hell…" Anis whispered.
Rapi quietly narrowed her eyes further.
"…That level of sword control should not physically exist."
Takao's expression became intensely focused now.
Because what Yuuki displayed surpassed ordinary swordsmanship entirely.
"…Sensei…"
Even she quietly admitted it inwardly. She imagined how much she could learn from him. Taking him as a master was the best wish she had ever made.
Meanwhile—
Pierre finally exhausted the machine gun barrage.
The weapons overheated violently.
Smoke poured from the barrels.
Silence suddenly returned to the arena.
And there—
Yuuki stood untouched.
Not a single bullet had reached him.
Then calmly—
He rotated the katana once.
And smoothly returned the blade back into its scabbard.
Click.
The sound echoed sharply through the completely silent arena.
Then—
Several women in the audience visibly swooned outright.
"…He's incredible…"
"…So handsome…"
"…What kind of man IS that…"
Inside the barrier—
Akagi immediately screamed through the comms again.
"SHIKIKAN-SAMA IS TOO PERFECT!!"
Even Eugen quietly covered part of her face now.
Because honestly—
Watching Yuuki casually defend against machine gun fire while elegantly sheathing his blade afterward should not have been attractive.
Yet somehow—
It absolutely was.
Inside the observation barrier—
Neon slowly blinked afterward while watching Yuuki completely ignore countless opportunities to simply destroy Pierre outright.
Then suddenly—
"…Wait."
Her eyes widened dramatically.
"Nimi…"
Nimi looked toward her.
"…What?"
Neon slowly pointed toward Pierre's corrupted armor still standing mostly intact despite Yuuki clearly being capable of dismantling it already.
"…Don't tell me Commander wants the armor."
Silence briefly followed.
Then several girls slowly realized it too.
Anis immediately groaned.
"Oh my god."
Rapi softly exhaled.
"…That explains everything."
Takao quietly narrowed her eyes toward the battlefield.
"So that is why he is prolonging the duel."
Yorktown softly smiled afterward.
"Commander is evaluating the equipment."
Enterprise calmly added—
"And likely avoiding excessive damage to it."
Meanwhile—
Neon looked horrified and impressed simultaneously.
"He's literally fighting carefully because he wants to LOOT the enemy."
Anis slowly crossed her arms afterward.
"…That sounds exactly like him."
Even Rapi softly laughed.
"Heh…"
"So he's robbing the prince of his armor while stealing his brides."
Then amused—
"What an efficient man."
Nearby—
Nayuta quietly observed the corrupted armor carefully.
"Armor infused with ancient magical energy…"
Her gaze slowly shifted toward Yuuki.
"Of course O Great Hero desireth it."
Esche herself quietly floated beside Nayuta afterward.
"The armor draweth power from sacred amplification pathways."
Then softly—
"Though corrupted."
Neon immediately grinned.
"Oh Commander is ABSOLUTELY taking that home."
Anis nodded immediately.
"Vice Commander Vergil's gonna lose his mind once he sees it."
Rapi quietly added—
"…Assuming Commander leaves enough pieces intact."
Meanwhile—
Down in the arena—
Yuuki casually rolled his shoulder again while staring at Pierre's armor.
And the girls now fully understood that expression.
He wasn't impressed by the armor.
He was already mentally adding the armor into the GDI research inventory.
Amid the silent arena—
Yuuki casually touched the side of his ear.
"Jarvis."
His tone remained completely calm.
"How are we holding?"
Inside his hidden systems—
The AI immediately responded.
"Almost complete, sir."
Pierre meanwhile struggled to regain control of his corrupted armor systems while preparing another attack.
Then suddenly—
A soft mechanical voice echoed through Yuuki's visor.
"Hacking complete."
"New device detected."
"Pairing with unknown external system."
Yuuki faintly smirked.
"Good."
Then—
The corrupted armor abruptly stopped moving.
Pierre blinked inside the cockpit.
"…What?"
The machine suddenly froze mid-motion entirely.
Its red corrupted visor lights flickered violently.
Then—
Shifted blue.
The entire arena fell silent.
Pierre immediately panicked.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Yuuki casually raised one hand.
And the giant armor copied the exact movement.
The crowd collectively blinked.
Yuuki waved.
The armor waved too.
Pierre visibly screamed inside the cockpit.
"WHY IS IT COPYING YOU?!"
Inside the observation barrier—
Anis immediately burst into laughter.
"Oh my GOD."
Neon pointed dramatically.
"COMMANDER HACKED THE MAGIC ARMOR."
Rapi quietly covered part of her face.
"…Of course he did."
Even Nayuta looked visibly stunned now.
"O great hero…"
"…Thou hacked enchanted armor…"
Yuuki meanwhile casually tested further movements.
The massive corrupted suit perfectly mirrored him now.
One arm up.
One arm down.
Turn.
Spin.
Then suddenly—
Yuuki smoothly stepped backward.
The massive armor copied him exactly.
And before anyone realized what was happening—
The gigantic magic armor began moonwalking across the arena.
Absolute silence consumed the city square.
Because nobody in this world had ever seen anything remotely resembling Michael Jackson's dance moves before.
The enormous corrupted war machine smoothly glided backward across the battlefield like some cursed performance art piece.
Pierre's horrified screaming echoed from inside the cockpit the entire time.
"STOP MOVING MY LEGS!!"
Several citizens visibly stared in awe.
"…What kind of sacred combat technique is this?"
"Is he controlling the prince remotely?!"
Even the priests maintaining the barrier looked spiritually confused.
Meanwhile—
Inside the barrier—
Neon collapsed laughing.
"HE'S MAKING THE EVIL MAGIC ARMOR DANCE."
Yorktown quietly sighed while hiding a smile.
"…Commander really cannot resist."
Then somehow—
Yuuki escalated further.
The giant armor suddenly began performing exaggerated synchronized Parapara dance movements straight out of Dragon Ball.
Pointing motions.
Rapid arm swings.
Rhythmic footwork.
All performed by a gigantic corrupted skull-armored war machine in front of the entire island population.
The arena completely lost all dignity instantly.
Pierre sounded like he was about to mentally collapse.
"STOP THIS!!"
"YOU'RE RUINING MY IMAGE!!"
Anis nearly fell over laughing.
"There WAS NO IMAGE LEFT."
Even Hipper visibly turned away trying not to laugh openly.
Eugen meanwhile fully covered her mouth now while shaking from suppressed laughter.
"…He turned the prince into a public clown…"
Esche quietly floated beside Nayuta afterward.
"…This one hath never witnessed sacred duels conducted in such fashion before."
Nayuta softly nodded.
"…Nor this humble one."
Meanwhile—
Yuuki calmly continued controlling the giant magical armor remotely while standing there in a tuxedo like none of this was remotely unusual.
Then—
He grinned.
"Come on…"
The giant corrupted war machine immediately copied him again.
Yuuki pointed both hands outward dramatically in an embarrassing manner.
"Right and right."
The armor mirrored him perfectly.
"Left and left."
The massive skull-plated machine shuffled accordingly across the arena.
"Spin and turn…"
The armor twirled awkwardly despite being several tons of corrupted metal.
Then finally—
Yuuki pointed his index fingers at himself and flashed an exaggerated smile.
"And a BIG smile."
The armor's blue visor lights literally brightened in response.
The entire arena completely broke.
Several citizens openly burst into laughter now.
Nobles looked spiritually devastated.
The priests maintaining the sacred duel barrier seemed moments away from questioning their careers entirely.
And inside the armor—
Pierre sounded like he was experiencing psychological death.
"STOP CONTROLLING MY BODY!!"
Meanwhile—
Anis and Neon completely lost it.
Anis nearly collapsed against the barrier laughing.
"I CAN'T BREATHE."
Neon pointed toward the dancing armor while wheezing.
"COMMANDER TURNED THE FINAL BOSS INTO A DANCE PERFORMANCE."
Even Rapi quietly covered her mouth now.
Because despite herself—
She almost laughed too.
Hipper visibly looked away entirely while shoulders slightly shook.
"…I refuse to acknowledge this duel anymore. To think that Pierre has been made into a joke."
Eugen meanwhile finally failed to suppress it.
A genuine laugh escaped her openly.
Bright.
Warm.
Beautiful.
The first truly carefree laugh she had in years.
"…Pfft—"
Then harder—
"Hahahaha!"
Even Javelin stared happily afterward.
"Lady Eugen is laughing again…"
Yorktown softly smiled seeing that.
Because regardless of how absurd Yuuki's methods were—
He truly had already saved them emotionally.
Meanwhile—
Far above aboard the Daedalus—
Akagi stared at the live feed in total disbelief.
"…Shikikan-sama…"
Kaga quietly sighed beside her.
"…He hacked magical armor solely to humiliate the enemy publicly."
San Diego however looked amazed.
"THAT'S SO COOL."
Even Vergil's voice suddenly entered comms sounding exhausted already.
"…Yuuki."
"What?"
"…Please tell me you at least recorded the armor systems before making it dance."
Yuuki casually answered while still moving.
"Already done."
"Good."
Then quieter—
"…Carry on, I guess."
Back in the arena—
Yuuki finally stopped dancing afterward.
The giant armor froze completely again.
Pierre sounded emotionally shattered inside.
"…I hate you…"
Yuuki casually adjusted his tuxedo sleeve afterward.
"Okay."
"Now…"
Yuuki casually rolled his shoulder once afterward.
"We can continue the duel seriously."