Date a Live:This is not the date I wanted! Chapter 249 249: Changing the Scene

"—Bandersnatch... were actually completely wiped out?"

Standing on the high platform of the observation tower outside the forest, Ellen widened her eyes in disbelief.

Just monts ago, twenty Bandersnatch that attacked as the vanguard were all destroyed in an instant by a mysterious beam of light fired from the Fraxinus facility.

If it were rely destroying twenty Bandersnatch, it wouldn't be anything surprising. Ellen herself was confident she could turn those drones into scrap tal in an instant. But the problem was, the power contained in that cannon blast was so terrifying that even Ellen felt a slight chill in her heart.

To say it was using a sledgehamr to crack a nut would be too mild. If forced to give an example, it was as extravagant as using a massive mountain to crush a few ants.

Let alone twenty, even if there were thousands or tens of thousands of drones, as long as they were within the attack range of that light cannon, they would be blasted into powder.

[Wh-What a powerful Spirit power value...]

From the communicator attached to her CR-Unit ca the timid voice of the operator. Ellen frowned slightly, feeling sowhat angry at her subordinate's pathetic display.

But she quickly realized that expecting everyone to remain as calm as herself, the strongest Wizard, in any situation was indeed asking too much.

"...I see. As expected, it's not just an ordinary facility."

Letting out a breath, Ellen cracked her knuckles, looking full of fighting spirit.

Currently, Ellen was wearing the silver CR-Unit crowned with a king's na—Pendragon. The strongest armor and blade custom-made for her. Wearing this combat equipnt, Ellen had the confidence to defeat anyone.

Of course, for small fry like Itsuka Shido, she could pin him to the ground without even needing to touch him.

"..."

While thinking this, Ellen couldn't help but recall how, due to a mont of carelessness earlier that day, she was princess carried by Itsuka Shido and even kissed on the forehead.

Thinking of this, Ellen gritted her teeth in irritation.

"Second Squad, prepare. I will be deploying as well. Stay alert for anti-air artillery fire."

"Yes!"

Following the command, the drones waiting behind Ellen imdiately reacted. Readying their weapons, they orderly followed Ellen and flew towards their destination.

However—just at this mont.

"...!?"

From the jungle on the ground, several fierce-looking cannons suddenly popped out of the dirt, their muzzles aid at Ellen in the sky.

Boom boom boom boom—

A series of continuous firing sounds rang out. Each missile, about the size of an adult, left a trail of green smoke and rapidly approached Ellen's squad.

"Hmph, petty tricks."

Ellen said with a look of disdain. Having long been on alert for anti-air attacks, the Bandersnatch and Ellen had deployed their Territories early on. Attacks of this level couldn't possibly harm Ellen's side.

However, sothing unexpected happened to Ellen.

Those incoming missiles basically didn't hit Ellen or the drones. Instead, when they reached the sa altitude in the sky, they self-destructed.

Then, the sky above the jungle was enveloped in a greyish white smoke.

"Tch, so that's how it is."

Ellen couldn't help but click her tongue.

It was already night. Being in a forest away from the city, there wasn't much light to begin with. However, both the CR-Unit and the Bandersnatch were equipped with sensory identification systems capable of night operations, ensuring they could execute missions even at night.

However, a special substance mixed in the smoke was interfering with the normal operation of the sensory identification systems.

"This is Ellen. What's the situation?"

[...]

(Are radio communications jamd too?)

Ellen estimated that her current field of vision was no more than two ters, basically no different from a blind person.

Boom boom boom—

Continuous explosions sounded from within the dense fog. After rely three breaths, it returned to silence again.

Ellen knew that the Bandersnatch accompanying her had already been completely wiped out by soone.

At the sa ti, she also understood that the other party's next target was herself.

"Ridiculous. Do you think you can finish off with just this?"

Despite being in a disadvantageous situation, Ellen still showed a fearless and strong smile.

"..."

There was no response from within the fog.

"—!"

Suddenly, she drew the laser swordCaledfwlch from her back. Gripping the hilt tightly, she violently twisted her body, and a swift and fierce sword aura instantly drew an arc around Ellen.

Clang! The magical blades clashed fiercely in mid-air, sending intense sparks flying.

However, the other party didn't seem to intend to engage in a contest of strength. Seeing that the strike missed, they quickly retreated and widened the distance.

"Hmph. After leaving DEM, to think you've beco so weak that you have to rely on sneak attacks. You truly disappoint ....Takamiya Mana."

Ellen said disdainfully.

"...As expected of Ellen. It seems it won't be that easy to get you."

Hearing Ellen's words, the enemy, who had remained silent in the smoke, suddenly responded.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew past. Smoke is, after all, just smoke, and it was quickly dispersed. The other party's figure instantly appeared in Ellen's sight.

A girl with blue long hair tied into a single ponytail and a beauty mark under her eye. Although she looked no older than a middle schooler, the black-and-blue CR-Unit wrapping her body undoubtedly displayed her extraordinary past.

Takamiya Mana, Itsuka Shido's biological younger sister, and also the forr No. 2 Wizard in DEM, second only to Ellen.

"By the way, as long as I can finish you off, I don't mind what thods I use. So even if I'm asked to use sneak attacks, I feel absolutely no burden."

Seemingly annoyed by Ellen's belittling words, Mana pouted and retorted.

"I didn't expect you to appear here."

"After all, this is a very important matter to Nii-sama. How could I stand by and do nothing? I apologize, but with here, things won't go the way you imagined."

At Mana's provocation, Ellen frowned unpleasantly.

"You siblings always make feel unpleasant. —Although it's too late to say this now, I really should have killed you both back then. Honestly, Ike's hobbies are truly a headache."

"...What did you just say?"

Mana frowned in confusion.

"Well, what could it be?"

"Hmph... forget it. Anyway, I won't let you pass through here."

Seeing Ellen play dumb with her, Mana didn't intend to pursue the matter further, readying her weapon to block Ellen's path.

"You? Even if you hide in that kind of smoke again, you are no match for ."

"Don't worry, I won't. After all, I can't see anything in that smoke either."

"—Oh?"

She had morized the positions of all the drones before entering the smoke to destroy them. —Receiving this implication from Mana, Ellen's gaze sharpened.

"..."

"..."

Then, there was no need to continue the conversation. Pointing their weapons at each other, the two Wizards clashed once again.

______________________

"Kotori, what's the situation on Mana's side?"

Yutsuki asked worriedly.

"The initial sneak attack failed. She's currently engaging Ellen. Kannazuki and the others are also providing support."

"That's good..."

Hearing Kotori's answer, Yutsuki breathed a sigh of relief.

"But... we can't use this place anymore."

Yutsuki looked around. The dreamy tropical paradise had been battered by DEM and Shido's Instant Flash Roar Burst Blast. It wouldn't be strange if it collapsed suddenly right now. Making Shido blush in a place like this was obviously impossible.

Seemingly understanding this as well, Kotori nodded and answered.

"Indeed. Then, prepare to initiate Plan 2."

"No way..."

Hearing this, Yutsuki's face instantly turned bitter. Honestly, compared to a swimsuit date, she was even worse at Plan 2.

However, even if Yutsuki was reluctant, the plan had to continue.

Kotori lightly snapped her fingers. The entire swimming arena transford and folded like a chanical fortress, finally disappearing into the forest. Subsequently, Yutsuki felt like she was taking an elevator as the floor rapidly sank several ters underground.

The lights turned on. At so point, a carmine carpet had appeared under their feet, and tables were laid out before them. Imdiately after, staff mbers wearing tailcoats and evening gowns scattered around, playing instrunts and beginning to serve dishes.

In just a few minutes, the originally relaxing and comfortable swimming arena had turned into a dignified and elegant banquet hall.

Ratatoskr still maxed out their talent points in the weirdest places. Yutsuki sighed speechlessly.

"Wh-What is this?"

"Wow...! Isn't this quite luxurious? And the machinery just now was amazing!"

"Agreent. Transformation is a human romance."

"...Uwaah, amazing. To do this without even needing my power..."

The Spirits expressed their amazent one after another.

However, such an occasion clearly didn't match Spirits wearing swimsuits. So Kotori called the female staff from the wardrobe team to take everyone to change into matching evening gowns.

"N-No need! Give the clothes! I'll put them on myself."

Blushing bright red, Yutsuki rejected the female staff's proposal to help her change. She took the evening gown and ran into the changing room alone.

"Ugh... the notes I painstakingly made are basically useless now..."

Looking at the swimsuit date strategy recorded in her phone, and then at the evening gown in her hands, Yutsuki couldn't help but let out a depressed sigh.