Tobiichi Origami was currently clashing with Artemisia in space.
Honestly, the other party's strength far exceeded Origami's expectations.
"Hah—!"
A spear thrust out. The sharp spear aid for Artemisia's abdon like a fierce dragon bursting from the sea.
"Naive."
Artemisia swung the sword in her hand. The blade accurately struck the spearhead from the side, parrying Origami's attack with skillful finesse.
Subsequently, in Origami's field of vision, Artemisia's figure suddenly enlarged.
It was an acceleration utilizing the Territory. Being able to complete the acceleration motion before the enemy's brain could even react. It was a high-difficulty technique used in battles between Wizards.
In less than 0.1 seconds, the distance between Artemisia and Tobiichi Origami shortened from two ters to one ter.
"Not good!"
Origami's pupils contracted sharply.
Unlike Artemisia, the weapon Tobiichi Origami was currently using was a long spear. This mid-range lee weapon required maintaining a certain attack distance to keep an advantage in a clash against a sword. If this distance was shortened, the highly flexible one-handed sword would conversely gain the upper hand.
Although Origami had been consciously maintaining this distance, in the continuous series of clashes, Artemisia still seized upon an opening.
A cold glint flashed as Artemisia's sword slashed down from above.
If it were an ordinary Wizard, they would probably have been defeated directly by this strike. But Origami was different; her rich combat experience allowed her to react quickly, her body flashing to the side under the effect of the Territory.
—Swish!
The sharp blade fell less than a few centiters away from Origami. Several strands of pale white hair were severed, scattering in the vast universe.
Missing with one strike, Artemisia didn't stop there. Her sword abruptly changed direction mid-air, slashing towards Origami once again. However, in this tiny opening, Origami had already retracted her extended spear, bringing it to her side to block the slash.
Yet, Artemisia's attack did not cease.
Normally, after swinging a sword, there is usually a brief mont to adjust one's stance before launching the next attack. Artemisia, however, completely bypassed this process during her assault.
If Ellen's sword was strong in its "heaviness," then Artemisia's sword was strong in its "fluidity." No sooner had the first strike ended than the second slash followed, closely followed by the third and fourth slashes. The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, not giving her opponent a single mont to catch their breath.
Above, below, left, right, straight ahead—Artemisia's slashes ca at Origami almost simultaneously, nearly sealing off all directions she could dodge.
"Guh..."
No matter how she tried, it was impossible to block them all. Origami took a hit to her abdon and flew backward.
After flying twenty ters away, Origami finally stabilized her posture.
[Alert: Armor damage 3%.]
Fortunately, although Artemisia's attacks were fast, their relative lethality wasn't high. Under the dual defense of the Territory and this suit of armor, Origami wasn't injured.
"Hmph... you're quite capable."
Not pursuing further, Artemisia looked at Tobiichi Origami with interest.
"That spear must be absorbing magic from the battlefield to substitute your consumption. It would be quite bad if this turns into a war of attrition. It's the first ti I've seen such a CR-Unit. Where are you from, Wizard? Why are you helping Spirits?"
"None of your business."
Hearing Artemisia's words, Origami frowned slightly.
It wasn't surprise that she saw through the characteristics of the "Brunhild" from their exchange just now, but rather, Origami felt a sense of incongruity from her words.
"What about you... Artemisia. Why did you leave the SSS to join DEM? You shouldn't have any reason to pledge loyalty and risk your life for them, were you threatened?" (For details, please refer to the original spin off manga "Date A Strike".)
"Hm? Why bring up the SSS here? Speaking of which, how do you know my na?"
Hearing Origami's question, Artemisia showed a confused expression.
"...Never mind, it feels like this will affect the mission. I'll put this question aside for now."
After looking down in thought for a mont, Artemisia sighed, not continuing to dwell on the issue.
"Hey, how about you just surrender like this?"
"What?"
Hearing Artemisia's words, Origami couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in surprise. To this, Artemisia scratched her cheek in slight distress and explained with a bitter smile.
"Well, my mission here is only to capture the Spirit and that boy who can use Spirit power. Killing humans... how should I put it, I'm still a bit resistant to it. Not to ntion, such an excellent Wizard like you... if you surrender and beco a captive, I could ask the Director later to take you in as a subordinate."
"..."
Tobiichi Origami could sense that this woman wasn't joking. However, whether Westcott would actually take Origami in as a subordinate as she said, or lock her in a cage to serve as experintal material, was another matter entirely.
"Sorry, but I have a huge, unsettled score with DEM."
"Is that so? What a pity."
Hearing Origami reject her invitation, Artemisia couldn't help but sigh in regret.
"So? Are you ready?"
"Ah... almost."
After adjusting her breathing, Origami tightened her grip on the Brunhild's spear shaft.
Artemisia is very strong. After engaging in actual combat, Origami clearly recognized this point.
Not just the amount of magic generated, but magic control, the scale and precision of the Territory, physical capabilities, martial arts—every single aspect has reached the absolute peak. Other than Ellen Mathers, this was the first ti she felt such imnse pressure in a battle against a Wizard.
Even equipped with the most cutting-edge Realizer, the probability of her defeating Artemisia remained minuscule.
However, strangely enough, Origami's heart was exceptionally calm at this mont.
(If... it were Yutsuki, what would she do right now?)
That Ryougi Yutsuki, who once nearly killed her in her inverted state, what answer would she give when facing this situation?
Perhaps she would answer like this:
"There is no need to defeat them head-on. Make up for your shortcomings in other areas. I've never been interested in comparing who is stronger or weaker. The only thing I need to think about is how to achieve the victory I need."
(...So annoying.)
Realizing she was actually trying to figure out her love rival's thought process, Origami inevitably felt sowhat displeased.
"...Artemisia Ashcroft. You are strong. Consistently stronger than ."
After calling out the other party's na with respect, Origami took a deep breath and concentrated.
"—As a Wizard, that is."
"Spirit Dress of God's Authority, Number 1: Ehyeh."
Silently reciting the true na of the Astral Dress in her mind, the Brunhild armor was instantly adorned with a pure white veil of light. Several wings shimring with dazzling light hovered around Tobiichi Origami.
"A Spirit?!"
Seeing Origami's transformation, Artemisia was initially startled, then an expression of sudden realization appeared on her face.
"I see... The Spirit who stalled Ellen during the capture of Sister was you, Devil. You were wearing a CR-Unit, so I didn't recognize you."
Saying this, Artemisia revealed a refreshing smile.
"That's great. Since you are a Spirit, I can kill you without any reservations."
"..."
Origami didn't reply. Her eyes were fixed tightly on Artemisia, ready for battle.
Then, like two magnets attracting each other, the two darted into the void simultaneously.
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