Hiyori crept silently to the second floor, her senses sharp, her heart steady. But before she could advance further, a group of strong guards appeared, blocking her path. One by one, she engaged them, her movements precise and deadly. Within moments, each guard lay defeated, groaning on the ground.
Suddenly, a boy stepped forward from the shadows. "So… you're my rival," he said, a smirk twisting his lips. "What a weak girl. Are you mentally prepared? Because I'm going to cut you into pieces."
Hiyori's eyes narrowed, unwavering. "If you lose to a girl, it'll be a shame for you," she said coldly.
Hennry laughed, his confidence brimming. "Don't be so cocky, Hiyori. Let's see what you've got."
He drew his sword with a sharp flick, taking a combat stance. "So… it's a sword fight, huh?" Hiyori muttered under her breath.
In an instant, Hennry lunged at her neck, but Hiyori twisted aside gracefully. "Do you really think I'm that weak?" she taunted.
Hennry's grin widened. "I don't need to think—you are weak. And I'll prove it."
"Oh, try it," Hiyori replied, her hand slipping to her side. With a quick motion, she released a small rubber band, and a beautiful black-and-purple antique sword appeared in her grip.
Hennry's eyes widened at the sight. "What a beauty… Hey, girl, if I kill you, can I have that sword?"
Hiyori's voice was calm and unyielding. "If you manage to kill me, take it."
The duel began in earnest. Hiyori moved like a shadow, every step precise, every strike perfectly timed. Hennry attacked with aggressive, powerful swings, but she blocked and dodged with fluid, kung-fu style movements—rolling under low strikes, spinning away from heavy attacks, and landing quick counters. The fight raged for thirty long minutes, steel clashing and sparks flying from every contact.
Finally, Hiyori summoned every ounce of her speed and strength. With a swift, precise strike, she drove her sword into Hennry's stomach. He collapsed to the floor, dropping his weapon. Panting heavily, he looked up at her. "I… believe it. You're not weak."
Hiyori nodded. "And you… lose. Now I need to find the keys to unlock the prisoners."
From the prison, everyone pressed close to the bars, watching the scene unfold outside. Hennry, lying on the floor, gazed at her with newfound respect. "You're a pure-hearted girl," he said softly. "You risk your life for people you don't even know. Even if you came for a friend, it's… incredible that you'd put yourself in such danger to protect them. You've got guts."
As Hiyori began to walk past him, he called out, "Hey, girl! Take these keys!"
Hiyori paused, turning back. Hennry held the keys out to her. "But… why are you giving me this? You could have hidden them," she asked, confused.
"I've made too many mistakes in my life," Hennry admitted. "Now… I'm too old to care about myself. Take this and free them. One of your friend is in serious danger deep down—go save him before he is killed. This place may look safe, but it's deadly. Go… and go fast."
Hiyori didn't hesitate. She took the keys and rushed to the prison, moving quickly to free every captive. "You come with me!" she commanded the prisoners. "Where I say, you go—or I kill you!" Fear silenced them, and they obeyed, helping her move the others safely.
As she climbed to the fifth floor, a loud explosion echoed from somewhere above, but she ignored it, focusing solely on freeing the prisoners.
Meanwhile, Yuki and Raihtasu finally arrived at the library. Raihtasu scanned the room instantly. "Lyra said we needed this book," he said, voice tense.
Yuki frowned. "But why does she need a book in the middle of all this?"
"I don't know. Just find it," Raihtasu replied, scanning the shelves. They searched every tome but found nothing.
Yuki shook her head. "It's not here. We need to split up. Maybe there's another library… or maybe it's in Zero's room."
Raihtasu frowned. "Zero has a room? But… he's a robot."
"Zero is a robot? He has a room?" Yuki whispered, utterly confused.
Raihtasu motioned. "You go that way, I'll take this path."
Yuki nodded and ran, following a narrow corridor to a staircase. She climbed rapidly, finally reaching the top of the castle. There, sitting on a towering pillar, was a girl.
"Where… am I?" Yuki whispered to herself. "I need to find that book."
Suddenly, the girl moved closer. Yuki gasped in fear. "Ahh!"
Elsewhere, Lyra and a man named Weston were in battle. "Lyra, you take this!" he shouted. She blocked his attack with a snow-sharp strike, pressing a button on her arm. A boy in another room received the signal, standing immediately and ordering all the robots and soldiers to rush the castle lobby.
Back in the library, Elsiya's unconscious body, bleeding heavily, caused sparks to ignite across the system. Zero's giant frame twitched violently, moving as though out of control.