ch41-ch60 · 056-ch55

Chapter 55: Rock and Chartreuse

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Rokuro and Chartreuse had moved to a nearby park.

It was one of those parks you find in office districts—just a bit of greenery and a place to rest, with no playground equipment. Since it was mainly used by salarymen on their breaks, it actually saw more people on weekdays than weekends.

That said, it wasn't completely deserted on a Saturday either.

Rokuro faced Chartreuse, keeping an eye on their surroundings.

"...Wow, it's really been a while. You've grown so much... you're a full-fledged adult now."

Rokuro tried to approach her with a cheerful tone, but Chartreuse's gaze remained stern.

"You should know that I didn't come all this way to exchange pleasantries."

"Yeah, shame about that. I never thought that little Charru would show up here as a knight."

The air between them grew even more tense.

If she had come from Ceylo as a knight, her mission would be the same as Melkid's—namely, to seize the 'Egg' and eliminate the Black Knight. Even if they were old acquaintances, he couldn't just let that happen.

...However.

"I really didn't want to fight you."

"...I am a knight of Ceylo. And you are a traitor. Fighting is inevitable."

Though she spoke of her pride as a knight, Chartreuse's eyes showed a hint of sorrow for just a moment. But she quickly returned to an expression of resolve.

"Here I come, Rock."

"H-hold on a second, you mean to fight here? If knights clash in a place like this, it'll put everyone around us in danger. Surely causing trouble for the people of this world isn't what you want either?"

Unlike the mountaintop shrine where he'd fought Melkid last time, this was still the middle of the city. Carelessness could easily hurt innocent bystanders.

"You need not worry about that... Emerald Crystal Palace!!"

When Chartreuse brought her hands together and formed a seal, thin green walls of light appeared around them like a cage and rapidly expanded.

The walls formed a cube about twenty meters to a side, centered on the two of them, creating a barrier that prevented intrusion from the outside world.

"This is an application of the 'Membrane' technique! ...I had no idea you'd become capable of using such powerful eiyō techniques."

Looking up at the walls that covered even the sky above, Rokuro expressed genuine admiration. At the same time, seeing a glimpse of Chartreuse's strength, he realized this wouldn't be an easy victory.

"As expected of someone chosen for the Underz."

"Underz? ...It seems you're mistaken. I am not an Underz."

"What?"

With this much power, joining the Underz would be natural. Above all, anyone sent as an assassin would surely be someone of Underz level or higher—or so Rokuro had thought.

—No, that prediction wasn't entirely wrong. Chartreuse wasn't an Underz, but she was something even greater.

"—That is!"

Rokuro couldn't hide his surprise. Hanging from the necklace Chartreuse took from her collar was... a green stone.

"Hatch, Green Bird!"

The stone instantly grew to the size of an egg, cracked open, and from within emerged a beautiful bird of jade color.

The Green Bird gave Rokuro a single silent glance, then alighted on Chartreuse's shoulder. From there, it spread its large wings and enveloped her entire body.

"'Unison'!!"

The Green Bird transformed its body into particles of light and fused with its master.

When the light subsided, a beautiful female knight clad in glowing green armor stood complete.

"I am one of the Seven Knights, the Green Knight Chartreuse=Lime! Great sinner Rock, prepare yourself!"

Chartreuse's spirit and pressure filled the interior of the 'Emerald Crystal Palace.'

"...This seems like it'll be far more than just 'not easy.' Well, no helping it—awaken, Black Bird!"

This time, Rokuro's black stone shone, and a six-winged crow was born.

"Here we go... 'Unison'!!"

The Black Bird transformed into black flames and surged into Rokuro's body.

"The Black Knight Rock=Rock, has arrived!!"

Seeing the Black Knight who had completed his unison, Chartreuse was suddenly overcome with nostalgia. But she shook her head and switched gears.

"...It seems you're finally serious, Rock! ...However, I will prove myself superior to the strongest Black Knight. I will defeat you at full strength and avenge Satchio-san!"

When Chartreuse brought her hands together above her head, green light gathered and took shape, eventually forming a double-edged greatsword as long as she was tall.

"The Green Knight Chartreuse, arriving!!"