DxDanmachi: Voyager of Worlds Ability

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"Stop!" A sharp voice rang out, halting the battle between Tatsumi and Kurome.

"Lady Alice!" Seeing Chelsea's sudden appearance, Tatsumi and Kurome immediately ceased their attacks and retreated to her side.

They had known Chelsea was present but hadn't expected her to intervene.

After all, she was under Mika's protection, and his strength was undeniable. Moreover, she possessed a Teigu that granted invisibility.

Therefore, they hadn't been concerned about her safety.

But now, her appearance presented a dilemma. To them, Chelsea, without combat abilities, was a liability. If Night Raid targeted her, it would be disastrous.

Neither Tatsumi nor Kurome could ignore her safety.

To Tatsumi, she was his "Big Brother's" woman, someone he was duty-bound to protect.

Kurome, also serving Mika, considered Chelsea a friend.

Therefore, they prioritized protecting Chelsea above fighting Night Raid.

Meanwhile, Night Raid also ceased their attacks and retreated, regrouping as they observed the trio. Their expressions were complex.

They recognized the "Alice" standing before them.

After all, Chelsea and Bulat had captured and incapacitated the real Alice before bringing her back to their base.

She was currently safe and sound at their hideout.

Therefore, they understood Chelsea's intentions: to help them escape.

"What are you doing here, Alice?" Kurome asked, her voice laced with a hint of reproach despite her outward friendliness.

Chelsea, understanding Kurome's frustration at having their duel interrupted, whispered, "His Majesty is quite fond of the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid. You both know that."

Tatsumi nodded slightly. Having traveled to the capital with Mika, he was aware of his thoughts on the matter.

Seeing Tatsumi's confirmation, Chelsea continued, her voice filled with a newfound confidence.

"His Majesty intends to let you all go after he leaves. He plans to absorb the Revolutionary Army through more peaceful means, converting their talents to serve the Empire. Therefore, these members of Night Raid could become our allies in the future."

"However, you two were fighting too intensely; they had no chance to escape. That's why I intervened."

"So that's what's going on…" Tatsumi suddenly understood.

Mika taking Susanoo away was a deliberate act of mercy, giving Night Raid a chance to escape. If Mika had joined the fight personally, few, if any, of them would have survived.

Thinking of this, Tatsumi's battle lust subsided. He had enjoyed the fight, but now there was no need to continue.

Kurome, on the other hand, was ecstatic.

"You're saying Sister might rejoin the Empire?" she asked excitedly.

"Of course! You know the current Empire is different from before. His Majesty despises the former Empire," Chelsea reassured her gently. "He won't punish your sister."

With this confirmation, Kurome smiled.

Seeing both Tatsumi and Kurome's hostility dissipate, Chelsea turned to address Night Raid.

"Let's end this here tonight."

"The judgment against those corrupt officials has been carried out. You've done well. I'll spare your lives for now."

"But if you return, death awaits you."

With that, she gestured for them to leave. Tatsumi and Kurome nodded in agreement.

Night Raid, though unwilling to retreat, recognized the danger they were in from Chelsea's frantic signals.

They knew the distant battle was over. If they didn't leave now, the Emperor might return and capture them all.

They were certain Mika had defeated Susanoo because, moments ago, the link between Najenda and her Teigu had been severed.

This meant Susanoo had been destroyed.

Najenda knew they were in grave danger.

Despite the urgency, she couldn't help but look at Chelsea with concern.

She knew Chelsea was defying the Emperor's orders to give them a chance to escape.

This meant Chelsea would face severe consequences once Mika returned.

Najenda desperately wanted to take Chelsea with them, but it was impossible.

Even if they could defeat Tatsumi and Kurome, Chelsea's earlier report had stated that she was marked by the Emperor's new Teigu.

There was no escape.

"Let's go!" Najenda turned and led Night Raid away. As their leader, she knew hesitation could be fatal.

Seeing Najenda's decisive retreat, Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared they might act impulsively and be killed.

"If anyone is to die here, let it be me," she thought resolutely.

With Night Raid gone, Tatsumi and Kurome relaxed.

"Quickly, tend to the wounded! Take those with serious injuries to the medics immediately!" Tatsumi shouted to the guards who had gathered.

"Yes, sir!"

After checking on Wave, Run, and Seryu, and confirming their injuries weren't life-threatening, Tatsumi remembered something.

"Kurome, I'll leave this to you. I need to go check on something."

With that, he quickly departed.

...

"It should be around here."

Navigating the streets and alleys, Tatsumi quickly reached his destination.

He scaled a tall building and spotted his target on the rooftop.

"Found her. Night Raid's sniper, Mine." He smiled, looking down at the unconscious girl.

Due to their previous tacit cooperation, and Tatsumi's understanding of Night Raid's principles, he had held back when unleashing the lightning strike.

Although it appeared devastating, its power had been significantly reduced.

Therefore, Mine hadn't died; she was merely unconscious.

But Night Raid hadn't had the chance to search for her.

After all, Mika's battle with Susanoo had just concluded, and he might return at any moment. If he did, Night Raid would be trapped.

Therefore, for their comrades' safety, searching for Mine had to wait.

"Excellent. And her Teigu, Pumpkin, is here as well."

He picked up the unconscious Mine and her Teigu and turned to leave.

But after taking a few steps, he stopped.

"Big Brother didn't order us to capture Night Raid. And Alice said he intends to recruit them. I can't just imprison a Night Raid member."

"It's too dangerous for her. Given Night Raid's reputation, no one can guarantee her safety in prison."

He knew that even though the Empire had changed, assassinating Imperial officials was a serious crime. Imprisoning Mine would make it difficult for Mika to recruit her later.

After a moment of thought, Tatsumi shook his head.

"I'll take her back to my place and tie her up. Without her Teigu, she shouldn't be a threat."

"As for what to do with her afterward, I'll ask Big Brother tomorrow."

With that, he carried Mine toward his home.

…

"So you've learned to issue false decrees, have you?" Mika chuckled, holding the Teigu core he had extracted from Susanoo. He had brought Chelsea back to the palace.

During their battle, Susanoo's power had suddenly waned before Mika swiftly defeated him.

He knew the reason. Susanoo had exhausted the life force he had drawn from Najenda. Without her life force to sustain him, he was no longer a match for Mika.

Mika, curious about the structure of a biological-type Teigu, intended to study the core.

Upon returning to the palace, he learned of Chelsea's deception.

However, he wasn't angry. After all, her actions aligned with his own intentions.

Although Mika held a certain respect for Night Raid, he wouldn't jeopardize his own Familia's safety for them.

His instructions to Tatsumi and the others had always prioritized their survival.

Even if they killed Night Raid members, Mika wouldn't be concerned. Death was, after all, an assassin's fate.

Mercy was only an option when they held an absolute advantage.

After all, to Mika, his own Familia was paramount.

As long as his companions were safe, sparing the enemy was acceptable.

However, he still needed to address Chelsea's actions. He couldn't simply ignore her defiance.

Seeing Mika's calm demeanor, Chelsea was overwhelmed with guilt. She decided to confess.

"I'm not really Alice. I'm a member of Night Raid, a spy sent to infiltrate the palace."

Raising her head to meet Mika's gaze, a cloud of smoke enveloped her, and her true form was revealed.

"I let Night Raid escape because I'm one of them."

"I deceived you."

"Please, kill me."

Closing her eyes, Chelsea awaited her fate. She had never feared death.

"Gaea Foundation: Imperial Arm of Disguise—so this is your Teigu," Mika chuckled, looking at the makeup box in her hand.

Observing her resolute expression, Mika's heart stirred slightly.

"You were prepared to die when you let your comrades escape, weren't you?" he asked, approaching her.

"Yes," she replied, her eyes still closed, her resolve unwavering.

Mika gently lifted her chin with his finger. "You are even more beautiful than Alice," he said softly.

"Thank you for the compliment. Please, kill me."

"Are you truly so eager to die?"

"Yes. I've accepted my fate."

"Then I won't grant you your wish."

"Captured spies are meant to suffer; I won't let you die so easily."

Chelsea's eyes snapped open at his chilling words, only to be met with Mika's smiling face.

"I have other punishments in mind."

With that, he lifted her into his arms.

"W-What are you doing?!"

"I'm going to turn 'Imperial Consort Alice' into 'Imperial Consort Chelsea'."

"I'm going to exercise my Imperial privilege."

With a playful grin, Mika carried her towards her chambers. It was the first time he had entered her rooms since appointing her as his consort.

…

As dawn approached, the darkness of the night began to fade, the remnants of the battle between the Imperial Guard and Night Raid still lingering in the air.

Lubbock stealthily returned to the scene.

"As expected, the Imperial forces have withdrawn."

He carefully observed his surroundings before entering the courtyard where the corrupt officials had been staying.

"This must be the place Chelsea mentioned."

Before Night Raid's retreat, Chelsea had subtly indicated the location of the other estate. After confirming Mika hadn't pursued them, Najenda sent Lubbock to investigate.

He quickly found secret mark on a wall. Digging beneath it, he unearthed a hidden message.

It was from Chelsea.

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