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Tl: Sam

…

Minato Ward, Tokyo.
Towering over that place, normally bustling with crowds of people, was the red steel tower that could be called the symbol of Tokyo.
However, unlike usual, a mysterious foreign object was clinging to that steel tower.
Seeing it, the Awakened guarding the city pointed with puzzled expressions.

“What is that?”
“Gross…”
“Could that be… a chrysalis?”

What was clinging to the tower looked like the pupa of a giant insect.
Measuring easily 100 meters, something gigantic resembling a butterfly’s chrysalis was wrapped around the tower with silk.

“Is it… a monster?”
“No way, I’ve never seen a monster like that before?”
“I mean, there’s no way we can beat something like that…”

Faced with the suddenly appearing mysterious object, the Awakened grew terrified.
Then, suddenly, with a sharp creeeak-crack-crack!, cracks ran along the portion corresponding to the pupa’s back, and massive wings emerged from the fissures.

『Kyuiii…』

Emerging while letting out a high-pitched cry was an ultra-gigantic butterfly.
Just like the chrysalis, its body measured 100 meters in total length, and its wingspan was likely even greater. Its wings, shrouded in wing scales, shimmered in iridescent rainbow colors, while its large compound eyes glowed with an eerie light.
The name of that monster was Cosmo Insect.
Its rank was EX II.
An ultra-gigantic monster bearing the title of “Wings of the Cosmos.”
Even in the other world, it was an ultra-rare creature with only a few confirmed sightings, usually flying about in the vacuum of outer space.
It was a terrifying monster that would occasionally descend to the surface to lay eggs, bringing about catastrophic devastation.

『Kyuiii…』

Having completely emerged and reached adulthood, the Cosmo Insect fluttered its fully extended wings and scattered scales. Reflecting the light, the glittering scales rained down upon the earth. It looked just like beautiful snow, captivating the hearts of all who beheld it.
However, those scales were a “powder of death.”
Once attached to a living being, the scales would absorb the target’s magicules. Organisms drained of their magicules would wither like mummies and perish. The scales were so minute that brushing at one’s skin would never dislodge them.
And after wiping out the surrounding living beings, the Cosmo Insect would suck up the scales along with all the absorbed magicules, replenishing the energy required for flight.
In other words, this act was a “meal” for the Cosmo Insect.
Every area where the scales fell became the Cosmo Insect’s dining table.
Slowly, yet steadily, the scales rained down upon the ground.
As its feeding time drew closer with every passing second, a single figure visually confirmed the Cosmo Insect from the rooftop of a nearby building.

“This is Amatsuki, Chief of the First Subjugation Division. Target confirmed. Commencing subjugation operations now.”

Having reported over the wireless radio, Amatsuki drew her katana and pointed its tip toward the falling scales. And then,

“Discharge: Ice - Keraha.”

She chanted softly and activated her spell.
Then, in the very next instant, the countless scales dancing through the sky froze all at once.
The Cosmo Insect’s scales were susceptible to temperature changes, losing their effect when exposed to extreme heat or cold. The scales frozen by Amatsuki’s magic lost their efficacy, accumulating across Minato Ward as nothing more than harmless powder snow.

“It’s so pretty…”
“Cold! It really was snow!”

Unaware that it had been a powder of death, people cheered merrily. The Cosmo Insect’s attack had completely misfired.
Amatsuki already knew the properties of the scales thanks to the Labyrinth Analyzer. Yet, even knowing about them, the only reason she could counter them was simply because she possessed extraordinary power.
Chasing after Tanaka’s back, she had honed herself relentlessly, reaching an ability level that placed her among the very best in the world. In terms of ice magic in particular, calling her the absolute best in the world would be no exaggeration.
The Cosmo Insect’s misfortune was that it had crossed paths with someone like her.

『Kyuiii…!』

Its meal interrupted, the Cosmo Insect emitted a shrill, discordant screech, beating its wings to take flight.
Its 100-meter massive body soared through the air, swooping down toward Amatsuki standing on the rooftop of the building. The Cosmo Insect clearly recognized exactly who had interfered with its meal.
Grinding its powerful mandibles with a clicking chatter, the Cosmo Insect charged at Amatsuki.
The size difference between the two was staggering. It seemed like an overwhelming disadvantage, yet Amatsuki was not shaken in the slightest.

“Coming right to me like that… that saves me the trouble.”

Placing her hand on the katana sheathed at her waist, Amatsuki leaped into the air.

“Enchant: Ice - Keraha.”

Amatsuki activated magic once more, wreathing her blade in freezing air.
Then, aimed straight at the Cosmo Insect lunging to snap her in two, she drew her blade.

“Tachibana-Style Swordsmanship, Rakuyou.”

Like the trajectory of a fallen leaf dancing in the breeze, a supple sword flash was unleashed.
Combining both softness and tenacity, that slash cleanly bisected the Cosmo Insect’s colossal body, just like a leaf torn straight down the center.

『Kyu… iii…』

Ice magicules invaded its interior from the cut surface, freezing the Cosmo Insect’s entire body in an instant.
The rate of its body’s collapse accelerated, shattering into fragments long before it could even hit the ground.
By the time Amatsuki touched down on the ground and slid her katana back into its scabbard, the Cosmo Insect’s flesh had completely transformed into particles of ice and vanished.

“…Target annihilation confirmed. Returning to standby location to prepare for the next appearance.”

Activating her radio, Amatsuki spoke with clinical composure.
The strongest combat unit boasted by the Ministry of Monster Control: the First Subjugation Division.
As its leader, despite possessing power at the very pinnacle of Awakened individuals, she never let arrogance take hold, coolly and methodically carrying out her duties.

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