They eventually moved inside the fort to inspect the interior.
"Hello? Anyone there?"
Musketeer X had arrived at the World Tree Fortress. The gate opened, and Floria stepped out to greet her.
"That flag... you're with the Genji Army. I am Floria, the administrator of this fortress. How can I
help you?"
"I am Musketeer X. I have been conducting guerrilla operations in the city outskirts, but I have
achieved significant results. I have come to join the main force for the final day."
Floria looked troubled. "I see... I'm afraid you just missed them. Everyone has already moved to the
Old Capital to prepare for tomorrow."
"I see. We crossed paths, then." Musketeer X smiled softly. "Understood. I will head to the Old
Capital immediately."
"May we meet again. Safe travels."
"Alright, unload the supplies! Everyone to your assigned sectors!"
Shana's group arrived at the Old Capital and immediately began fortifying the area. While some
crossed the bridges on foot, the amphibious vehicles—Black and White—simply drove across the
water, just as Ikoma had planned.
From a hidden vantage point, Zexceed's eyes widened.
"What's that? Engine noise? Damn it, you two, look! The Genji Army is already here!"
"W-what do we do? We have to get out of here!"
"This is bad... if they spot us, we'll be surrounded!"
"Look, that suspension bridge over there looks clear!"
"We have to make a break for it. Now or never!"
Moving low to keep their capes from fluttering and revealing their flags, the three crept toward the
bridge. Zexceed moved with agonizing caution, but they eventually reached the foot of the bridge.
"Phew... okay. From here, we just run."
"Wait! Zexceed-san, look!"
Following Yukko's finger, Zexceed saw Shana and the members of the Nine Wolves. Shana was
standing in the open, pointing at various landmarks and discussing tactics with his comrades.
"What's the play, Zexceed?"
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance," Zexceed whispered, drawing his rifle. "You got careless, Shana."
He took aim.
"Taking him out won't end the war, but it'll cripple the Genji. If we kill him now, we might actually
have a chance tomorrow."
"Losing the Nine Wolves would be a massive blow to them."
"Plus, I'll take that sweet bounty for myself."
Zexceed steadied his breathing. His heart was hammering against his ribs, making the crosshairs
dance. Suddenly, he felt a hand on each shoulder. Yukko and Haruka were standing beside him.
"Zexceed-san, even if you miss, we'll just settle it tomorrow. Take it easy."
"Yeah, yeah! Relax, relax!"
Their touch calmed him. The erratic sway of his steadying circle shrank until it was pin-point accurate.
"Thanks. Okay... here we go."
Through the scope, he saw Shana raise a hand to wave at someone. Zexceed squeezed the
trigger. The bullet streaked through the air, a direct line to Shana's heart.
"Got him!"
But in the blink of an eye, a white shadow blurred into the frame. The bullet didn't hit Shana. It
buried itself in the chest of the newcomer who had lunged in front of him. The Nine Wolves
immediately spun around, spotting their position.
"Dammit! I missed! Someone got in the way! Yukko, Haruka, run!"
"On it!"
"Full sprint, go!"
Musketeer X had arrived at the Old Capital with ease, thanks to her Airy Board. Near the bridge,
she had encountered a familiar face: Yamikaze.
"Oh! You finally made it?"
"Affirmative. Tomorrow is the end."
"True. But this isn't exactly the 'dramatic reunion' you were hoping for, is it?"
"I took down the Lion King, Richie, yesterday," she replied. "With that achievement, I will be content
if Master Shana simply pats my head."
"Whoa, so it was you who got Richie! Come on, I'll take you to him."
"Gratitude."
As they walked—or rather, as she glided on her board—they chatted.
"You've gotten really good at handling that thing."
"Affirmative. I worked hard."
"That's awesome. You gotta let me try it later."
"Permission granted. Consider it payment for the escort."
"Sweet, thanks!"
As Shana came into view, Yamikaze called out. "Shana!"
"Oh? You're finally here?"
(Finally?) Musketeer X's heart leapt. (Did he already know I was coming? Ikoma-sama wouldn't
have told him... was I already dancing in the palm of his hand?)
She slowed her board, trying to steady her breathing as she approached the man she admired.
Shana raised a hand to welcome them.
Then, she saw it. A flash of a Heike flag in the distance. A player leveling a rifle. Yamikaze noticed
it a split second later, his voice cracking in a scream.
"Wait—SHANA!"
"Huh?"
Musketeer X didn't think. She pushed the Airy Board to its absolute limit, leaving Yamikaze in her
wake.
"Master Shana!"
The crack of the rifle echoed. Musketeer X threw herself into the air, her body a shield. The bullet tore into her chest just as she crossed Shana's path.
"Wh—Hey!"
(Thank goodness...) she thought, her vision blurring. (I protected him...)
-------------------------------
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