Long-term salvation

Xiangzi noticed a strange gleam in the eyes of the red-haired woman, and a look of eagerness - could it be that this person in front of him was wearing an armpit-exposed witch costume?

"Huh?! I'm the director!"

A thin man next to him, as thin as a bamboo pole, shouted angrily. He had an unshaven beard and dark circles under his eyes that were almost as big as a panda's. He looked like he had just finished a difficult job:

"I knew your 'organization' would constantly reinforce this 'reality,' and once everyone accepted this 'reality,' they would... Damn it! I should have prioritized the design of the Chronosphere over the Paradox Engine..."

"Okabe-san, you scared that girl, and what the hell are you talking about?!"

"Call me Fenghuangin Kyouma, Christina!"

"Wulusai! Be normal!"

Looking at the two people fighting in front of him, Xiangzi took a step back and hid behind Saikawa Ayane. This made Makise Kurisu and Okabe Rintaro stop playing around.

With some embarrassment on their faces, they looked at each other, and then began to explain to Xiangzi the existence of the Global Occult Alliance, the Army Without Borders, etc., and also briefly explained the characteristics of the other world.

In the nearly half an hour, Xiangzi's expression quickly changed from "What horror story are you talking about" to "I'm tired, I hope the world will be destroyed soon", and finally to that confused and stupid expression that made him drool even if he was cured.

But this is not the end. Makise Kurisu took out the "Bit Particle Cannon" and turned on the projection screen in the room. Although this is essentially a small toy for changing channels, it would be a different story if a higher-performance battery was replaced... At least it can use high-intensity electromagnetic signals to burn through small electronic devices such as mobile phones.

After the projection screen was turned on, the book [fragmented pages] recovered from the battle last night soon appeared on it.

"After our preliminary identification and interpretation, we can basically confirm that this object is the 'Takeuchi Bunsho', which has been transformed by the energy of the other world. The original work is a forgery, and the content is full of nonsense like the emperor's eternal lineage."

Makise Kurisu spoke calmly. She took out a retractable rod and swiped it across the screen.

"These inbred creatures will probably give birth to a mentally retarded child in a few years."

"When I think about that idiot becoming emperor," sighed Saikawa Ayane, her lovely face filled with exhaustion and despair, "I feel like this country is hopeless... Then let his reign be 'Taishō,' just like that one, with the same saintly qualities as before."

Xiangzi was a little confused after hearing this. She thought for a moment and asked:

"What has this to do with the remaining pages of this book?"

"Humanity's extreme conditions and the energy of the otherworld have alienated this book, making it possible to communicate with the otherworld."

Makise Kurisu said this and turned the screen to the latest news headlines and internal police announcements.

"Many people have gone missing in Tokyo recently. We suspect a cult may be at work. Our friends in the police force will also begin an investigation. Please be careful, Xiangzi. You will definitely be a target."

"But I still need to pay back the money," Xiangzi lowered her eyes. She already understood what everyone in the room was thinking. "I can't..."

"Official armed shrine maidens receive a fixed monthly salary of $4000 USD. Rewards are awarded based on the level of danger each mission carries out, starting at $10 USD. Insurance, medical care, and tuition are all included. And if you're struggling academically, there are plenty of PhDs and university students here who can help."

"But I owe 160 billion yen."

"As I said before, if your merits are high enough, the Army Without Borders will make your creditors disappear—which is much faster than paying off your debts."

"I'll join," Xiangzi agreed quickly. Then she remembered something more important. "Will you provide food?"

"...Meals are provided, and you can take food home from the cafeteria."

"I'll join!"

Xiangzi repeated firmly.

Armed Shrine Maiden Toyokawa Shoko (Part 4): School Begins, Transfer Student from Dun-Dun

Time passes slowly.

Unlike a stage girl who escaped back to Dun Dun, Chihaya Aine escaped from there:

Due to language communication problems, Chihaya Aine quickly ended her study abroad in London, returned to Japan and transferred to Haneda Girls' Academy.

After meeting the penguin girl picking up stones, the 16-year-old JK widow and the grumpy girl with long black straight hair in the past few days, Chihaya Aine has successfully integrated into her new life... and even has the idea of ​​"forming a band".

Maybe even get a cat.

So, on a clear and sunny day, when Chihaya Aine followed the melodious piano music to the music room, she thought she would find the most suitable keyboard player:

Pushing the door open, Aine saw the blue-haired octopus, who was dozing on the table, suddenly jump up. Her right hand subconsciously reached for the brown handbag beside her. A matte black metal object flashed inside the bag.

what is that?

Before Pink Hair could figure out what was going on, she heard the tired-looking girl across from her turn off the player and said with some dissatisfaction:

"You don't look like you're from the wind band club, and I don't remember what you look like. Are you a transfer student?"

This blue-haired girl has a cute and delicate appearance. Her every move and gesture carries the elegance and courtesy of a young lady from a wealthy family, but there is also a vague sense of majesty and mystery that makes people feel incomprehensible - one kind of wants to understand her, touch her, and then... make her cry.

Press her against the wall, press her against the ground, hold her hands down.

Such a cute and majestic face must look very beautiful when crying, right?

"Speak," the blue-haired girl frowned slightly.

"Uh, yes, I transferred in a few days ago."

Aine, who was frightened, came back to her senses. She shrank back, and keenly noticed that the other party was not in a good mood. It would be more accurate to say that the displeasure and fatigue on the latter's face were beyond words, and there was a hint of anger in her face, as if asking "Why did you disturb my rest?"

"I heard music... and I thought it was you playing it."

"I guess so. It's a recording of me playing the piano. I just happened to find it in the preparation room today, so I took it out to listen to." The blue-haired girl sighed and sat down again. She lowered her eyes and gathered the scattered books and documents, intentionally or unintentionally using her body to block the things on the table. "My name is Toyokawa Shoko. What's your name?"

"My name is Chihaya Aine! Class A, Grade 1!"

Aine responded loudly subconsciously, her body tensed like a British guard in front of Buckingham Palace.

This startled Toyokawa Shoko, who had recently been suffering from intense training and study. After hesitating for a few seconds, she nodded and encouraged him:

"Okay, very spirited!"

"Hehehe... No, I'm here to look for band members!" Chihaya Aine, who had been grinning foolishly, came back to her senses. She clasped her hands together and put on a more ingratiating smile. "You're a great talker. Can you join my band?"

band.

After Aine said this, she saw the other person's face grow even darker, but soon a sadness and nostalgia that she couldn't understand was added... Just as she began to blame herself for being too straightforward, the girl named "Toyokawa Shoko" sighed and slowly spoke:

"I don't want to join any band, and I don't have time to practice music. Sorry, please find someone else."

"Well, that's fine."

After driving away the uninvited pink-haired girl, Xiangzi stood up and locked the door to the music room. Then he slumped down in his chair, sighed deeply, rubbed his cheeks with his hands, and took out the things from his brown bag.

9x19mm Minebea P9 pistol.

Haunted by nightmares and past memories, she suddenly woke up and almost drew her gun and shot - almost killing an innocent ordinary person.

Is it really appropriate for me, who is still living in my daily life, to hold this weapon?

Looking at this weapon that was powerful enough to take a human life, Xiangzi pursed his lips, checked the safety again, stuffed it into the bottom of his bag, and then took out the notebook that recorded the content of the training course.

The music room probably wouldn't be open for another hour, so it was a good place to be alone. But for Xiangzi, it still held a certain inexplicable nostalgia, especially for the piano in front of her... Thinking of this, Xiangzi's fingers holding the ballpoint pen paused slightly, but she immediately remembered something more important:

She had just ignored the risks of outsiders. If the instructors and seniors knew about this, she would definitely be severely reprimanded - even if the pink-haired girl was fine, it would be troublesome to clear her memory afterwards, and she would definitely be fined and asked to write a self-criticism.

Review is secondary, deducting money is absolutely not allowed.

After mentally admonishing himself for being lazy, Xiangzi focused his attention on the course content at hand:

"Let me see. Tonight there's AS driving, repair, and maintenance... If it weren't for the extra pay, I wouldn't want to be one... There's also eight types of light and heavy weapon shooting... physical training... I don't feel like long-distance running... and studying the boss's ideology..."

BOSS.

The leader of the Army Without Borders, the savior of destiny.

There were many legends and records about this man, and Xiangzi had seen his photo; he was a handsome young man. But even after hearing that he had more than a dozen lovers, she didn't lower her opinion of him—when it came to making money, he was a real spendthrift, as if he had the backing of several old men with too much money to spend.

For Xiangzi, just seeing the rising figures in her bank account and the bonuses and salaries on her seniors' payrolls, she developed a favorable impression of "Mr. Rhodes":

"Good man..."

Looking at the notes she had left on her notebook, Xiangzi smiled, but she suddenly remembered the first time she was thrown into the STEM world and met the boss.

She first wore a headband-like device, then lay in a transparent container resembling a coffin. Almost as soon as the staff operating the instrument said "Start connection," she saw the world before her suddenly change, just like that rainy night:

After a moment of trance, Xiangzi found herself standing in an endless sea of ​​pure white flowers. Beside her appeared many men and women like her, but their figures were blurry, as if they were standing on the other side of opaque glass... This was obviously done intentionally by someone.

At this moment, Xiangzi noticed someone's gaze fixed on her. Turning her head, she saw a young man standing in the distance, angels and falcons flying behind him, casting shadows in the bright sunlight. A legion of machines stretched out into the distance like a forest, with no end in sight.

"Toyokawa Shoko? Interesting—it seems you showed up a little early, how unfortunate."

The man's gaze shifted away, and the entire illusory world collapsed, like a consumable item that appeared or disappeared at his will.

"But I look forward to your activeness."

Only a sun burning with golden flames remained, slowly enlarging in front of Xiangzi.

Slowly zoom in... A stormy night... Skyscrapers enveloped in golden flames... Towers rising all over the world... The end of an era!

"!!!"

The empty feeling of the ballpoint pen slipping from her hand woke Xiangzi from her illusion. She took a deep breath and heard her heart beating wildly - the sunlight was shining into the music room from the window, and the faint conversations of students outside came in slowly, carrying the beautiful atmosphere of daily life.

"Strange, he's the only one who calls me 'unfortunate'... I can't let my imagination run wild anymore," Xiangzi took a few deep breaths, shook her head, and slapped her cheeks hard, making a crisp sound. "I have to finish my preparation quickly, because I have a class test tonight... Damn, there's not enough time. Do I have to skip class this afternoon after all?"

The blue-haired girl took out a new notebook and began to write furiously.

+ + + + + + + + +

Toyokawa Kiyoshi reported that Xiangzi's father woke up from a hangover. He sat up, but did not see his daughter. There was only a cold lunch box on the small round table outside.

The bento was quite filling but tasted cold.

Toyokawa Kiyoshige was used to this.

"Xiangzi, it seems like you haven't appeared at home for a long time..."

What is she doing lately?

Ruoye Mu was also very curious, or rather, worried, about what Xiangzi was doing recently.

So, Miss Wooden Man, who likes cucumbers, decided to find an opportunity to ask in detail.

Armed Miko Shoko Toyokawa (V): First Battle

Tokyo's summer nights are like film immersed in developing solution. The city's neon tubes continue to spasm in the darkness, dyeing the surging crowds below into colorful waves.

The bursting of the bubble economy has already begun, but most people are still slow to realize it, just as they are unaware of the reality of the world.

The armed shrine maiden Toyokawa Shoko's fingers gently stroked the trigger guard of the rifle. She was wearing slightly thin tactical gloves, but the murderous intent of the weapon in her hand seemed to be transmitted through the fabric, making the girl feel some unspeakable uneasiness in her heart.

"Team Two has entered the idle construction site from the east," Saikawa Ayane said over the comms channel. She checked her rifle, especially the magazine and silencer. "Don't make a big noise. There are quite a few people living nearby."

"What is the enemy?"

Shiraishi Mizuki asked. She wasn't holding a rifle like the others, but a general-purpose machine gun. The ammunition belt extended all the way to the back of the miko. If it weren't for the assistance of the mechanical exoskeleton, she would probably have difficulty using it in combat... But Xiangzi didn't believe this:

The girl saw with her own eyes how this senior fought with a bear in the forest and won, without any exoskeleton or protection!

"Anotherworldly monster, a cultist... a controlled sacrifice, anything is possible," Saikawa Ayane sighed. "Forget about Mizuki, but I must warn you, Xiangzi—don't show mercy—training an armed miko with strong clairvoyance is difficult and expensive. If you lose her because of a moment of indifference or reluctance, the gain will be worth the loss."

"Only by staying alive can we bring back information and save more people."

You may have to "deal with" the innocent people who have been bewitched for the sake of your own life and the lives of more people... What a cruel world.

Thinking of this, Xiangzi took a deep breath and nodded slowly.

But before the girl could say anything, she heard Saikawa Ayane on the other side chuckle, reached out and patted the girl on the head, and said in a slightly teasing tone:

"I'm just warning you in advance. If the battle isn't that urgent, we can use electric shock weapons, the exoskeleton's powerful punches, or even high-strength harnesses. Of course, if their heads are noticeably deformed or mutated, it's best to just shoot them."

Electric shock weapons... Xiangzi subconsciously reached back and touched the sturdy black sword - armed priestesses often use some melee weapons to ensure their own safety. Among them, electric shock weapons that can be attached with adjustable current intensity are extremely popular, and their appearances are naturally varied.

For example, daggers, sticks, Japanese long swords, European two-handed swords, swift swords or very classic naginatas, etc., depending on the melee training and pre-employment experience of the armed shrine maidens.

"Yes, Xiangzi understands!"