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It's very complicated, of course. The power supply to the surface plane alone, not to mention the Originium engine is a tremendous undertaking.

But if Snowsant thinks she can draw it, perhaps she can.

I wanted to study up for my new job, so I went ahead and memorized every blueprint I could find!

D- don't worry! It's just about memorizing something and drawing it out. Even I can handle that!

...That's all, huh?

So many Reunion.... There's no end to them....

You go on ahead and take up a position at the next intersection.

At least pin down those Terracottas.

On it!

What about me, huh? Isn't anyone going to pin me down?

All I had to do was ask? Now that's what I call service.

(There's something not quite right about her shield——)

I'm coming, Officer Ch'en——!

Hey now, you've got a fine looking weapon at your side there. But instead you're using that hunk of junk? I'm kind of offended.

And you, little one, you seem to have some power you can't quite control. Why don't you put on a show for me?

Don't let her get to you!

I won't!

What gives? Why is everyone acting all cool these days? Don't tell me modern human society is all about repressing your feelings?

It's no fun fighting people who can't use their full power. You keep looking at my sword and shield? Go on. Take your best shot.

——Don't mind if I do!

——! You broke her shield!

So you did! Congrats.

Oh, would you look at that. Got a new one.

Pfft. I knew it...

Ch'en Sir, the enemy is hitting our defensive line, we can't hold on much longer!

...Withdraw the L.G.D., close the gate, and activate the defenses.

Stall for as long as possible.

I hope Lava has a plan.

What the hell, you're running away already?

Looks like we're almost to the end of the line here... is it that building?

It's big.

Who needs a building that tall anyway?

I'm back. Is the evacuation complete?

Other departments already left L.G.D. HQ and our teams have surrounded the area as planned.

Don't let anything through our net. I want minimal casualties.

Understood.

I'm sorry, where's Lava?

Operator Lava left after obtaining a structural diagram from Snowsant...

We have to trust her.

You mean we have no choice but to trust her.

The Nian broke through the perimeter! The gate has been breached!

Is the surveillance system still working? Track her movements!

Don't get into a firefight. It'll only end poorly for us.

Lava was right. We can't fight the Nian until we know her true form, and her true power——

And how to defeat her once and for all.

Lava!

I hope you've found a solution.

We have to blow the core of the city's defensive cannons. I'll lead her there.

And how are you going to do that? It's not like you can just ask her.

I see you've gotten a taste of her sparkling personality.

Anyway, you let me worry about that.

Nobody home? Weird.

Did I bump up the difficulty too quick? I should've known they were too weak.

Hm?

Movement? Where?

Here.

Ooh! I was worried I hit you too hard last time. It's such a relief to see you alive and kicking, li'l Lava.

To gather up all that power in your staff and blow open such a big hole with a little tap on the ground——

You're pretty strong, compared to what I've been seeing.

...This is city's core district.

I know, I've been brushing up on modern technology these last three days. Intercity networks are such a handy invention. It would be nice to have them out over the whole continent someday.

You really learn fast.

Aww, I'm average at best.

After all, I'm on kind of a tight schedule every time I wake up.

Your brothers and sisters are that impatient?

I was thinking about it, after last time. There's no way you had such detailed information. You were playing me, weren't you?

Gold star for figuring that one out.

What about your sister? Where is she again?

How did you——

——that's none of your business.

Ooh, I see how it is.

I envy you two. You don't have to kill each other just to remember your faces.

A flowery flame. You mad?

...Did you just say 'kill each other?'

You couldn't have...

Twelve.

Twelve, including me.

I've been fighting my eleven brothers and sisters for a length of time your tiny mind couldn't possibly comprehend.

It's really pretty dumb. What happens when your right hand fights your left? What changes when you steal from yourself?

It's completely pointless.

I guess you don't get along with your siblings.

...Are you trying to play me again?

Who knows?

That's the first time you've attacked without some pithy one-liner.

But don't think that's going to work out for you.

Mmm! What are you doing...? Are you trying to tear this place down?

Gah.

I can't beat you in battle. I know that.

'But...?' Where's the 'but?'

What a pain in the ass. It's so dark. Why don't I just make us a huge battering ram and call it a day.

I would advise against that.

Why——

Wait, what's this? This core? It's a forge.... No, it's a weapon? A siege weapon?

This heat.... Did you build this?

Looks like you didn't learn everything when brushing up on modern tech. Still, I think you should already understand how this thing works.

I made you a giant city defense cannon firecracker. Want to set it off?

This isn't enough to scare me.

——How about now?

You....

You're a special girl, li'l Lava. Look at you compressing the space around the explosion.