Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

After learning everything that had happened, Kanade Amagami put aside these things that she couldn't fully understand yet and turned to ask Genjuro Kazanari for answers.

"I guess so. I was planning to discuss some matters, but before everyone had arrived, I received her message, so I came over first."

"By the way, I also have some ideas to discuss with you all now that you've woken up. The main topics are some hidden intelligence and arrangements for the future."

Kazanari Genjuro briefly explained their work to Amayu Kanade.

"Master! Has Miss Kanade really woken up? Ah, Miss Kanade, it's so wonderful that you're so healthy!"

Just as he was explaining to Amagami Kanade, Tachibana Hibiki, who had also been invited to the meeting and had rushed over upon hearing that Amagami Kanade had woken up, appeared at the door.

“BA...BAKA, don’t run so fast, and don’t shout like that, there are sick...patients inside, ha…”

Following closely behind was Yukine Chris, whose physical strength had improved significantly after training, but who was still panting heavily as she kept up with Tachibana Hibiki.

"Phew... Ha, is Chris alright? Would you like some water?"

Kohinata Mirai, who also followed, was in slightly better shape than Chris, as she was still part of the track and field team.

"Ah, sorry, Ms. Kanade, do you remember me? I'm the one you saved, and I'm a fan of you and Ms. Tsubasa."

At Chris's prompting, Hibiki Tachibana lowered her voice, but it was still obvious to the naked eye that she was very excited.

She was aware of Amayu Kanade's condition. Although she knew that he was not in immediate danger, she couldn't help but worry. Now that she saw him safe and sound, a knot in her heart was untied.

"Tachibana Hibiki? Hmm, it's good that you're still alive. Genjuro-sama just told me about you. You did a good job."

Kanade Amano had a good impression of this fan who had saved her long after she had fought using Gungnir.

"Commander, the rest of the people have arrived."

While Tachibana Hibiki was excitedly chasing after her idol, Ogawa Shinji also brought the remaining core members of SONG, including Tsukuyomi Chō, to the scene and reported to Kazanari Genjūrō.

Thus, the combat personnel, the logistics staff, the commander-in-chief of SONG, and the two newly recovered non-staff members gathered in this relatively spacious area.

"Phew—well then, let's begin this meeting. First, I have something to announce."

Seeing that all the key personnel had arrived, Kazanari Genjuro sighed, found a slightly elevated spot, and, with a somewhat reluctant expression, looked at everyone and announced the start of the meeting.

"Master, have you found a way to change the current situation?"

Seeing Kazanari Genjuro's expression, Tachibana Hibiki felt uneasy and asked with a hint of expectation.

"No, what I want to announce is that, unfortunately, despite our best efforts to negotiate, we were ultimately unable to retain SONG's staff."

"For the next three working days starting today, all SONG employees, including myself, will be reassigned to new units. SONG... is hereby dissolved."

However, the answer she was expecting was shattered, and at the same time, her long-held hopes and convictions suffered severe damage.

"What—you're kidding, right? Master, you're joking, right? You must be joking, right?"

Hibiki Tachibana could hardly believe what she was hearing, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words.

"It's true, Tachibana. This is the will of the United Nations and the government, or rather, the will of Zero, who has already completed the domination of humanity."

"If this order is not followed, SONG will not receive financial support from any force, including the Fengming family. Without financial support, SONG will naturally be unable to operate."

"Although it is extremely regrettable and extremely unwilling, we must and can only admit that our fight against Lingyi has been a complete failure."

Kazanari Genjuro answered Tachibana Hibiki's question in a tired tone he had never used before.

Over the past few days, he and his companions have exhausted all their efforts to try to prove the necessity of SONG's existence, but in the end, it all came to nothing.

No matter how he pleaded the pros and cons to his superiors, the reply from those superiors with their slightly emerald-green pupils was always the same: "Either disband SONG and disband its staff, or take all of SONG to the streets to beg."

"Damn it, is she targeting us? To prevent us from having any chance to retaliate, she's even resorting to this kind of tactic."

Understanding what Kazunari Genjuro meant, Chris couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment and powerlessness regarding the current situation.

Not only were Symphogear, which was a key asset, stripped away, but SONG, which provided logistical support, was also targeted and forced to disband.

Although Chris understood that this approach was consistent with the other party's usual style of doing things, she still felt terrible when it actually came to fruition.

“This is not an action targeting us… no, it’s probably not targeting us. Perfect timing, in the last moments, let’s explain all the intelligence that SONG has gathered during this period.”

Having composed himself and shaken off his bad mood, Kazanari Genjuro began his final effort.

Although he couldn't prevent SONG from disbanding, he still tried his best to do everything that might help him defeat Zero, even though he wasn't sure if these efforts would work.

"Based on the intelligence gathered around the world these past few days, after achieving dominance over the world, Zero has not done anything particularly outrageous, and society is generally still operating according to the old system."

"Beneath this apparent operation, we observed numerous matters related to Lingyi that were most likely interfered with by her. After summarizing and analyzing these traces, we deduced some matters that may have been done by her."

"First, a widespread anti-war movement has swept the globe. Complex geopolitical conflicts arising from a variety of reasons have been resolved at an astonishing speed in a very short period of time. In the past few days, all the dissatisfaction caused by the conflicts seems to have been wiped away by an invisible hand."

Soon, based on the information they had collected over the past few days, Shinji Ogawa began to explain the most reliable intelligence they had analyzed to the Symphogear users.

"...You mean, the first thing Zero would do after taking control of all humanity is to make those adults who are hurting each other put down their weapons and shake hands in peace? Although from what I know, she might actually do such a thing, wouldn't that make us the ones who are unjust?"

Upon hearing the first thing Shinji Ogawa said, Chris's expression became somewhat conflicted.

Having experienced war and deeply abhorred it, she knew very well how magnificent Lingyi's actions were, a miracle that could undoubtedly be praised for a long time. This made her feel a little doubtful.

"Secondly, also globally, on the basis of 'peace,' all countries have unanimously stopped all investment in unorthodox technologies and military-related industries. The unorthodox technology materials have been sent to unknown regions, and military-related products have been sealed in warehouses and will never be used again. Our company, SONG, is also a target of this."

Shinji Ogawa did not answer Chris's question, but continued to present another piece of information that the Second Division had analyzed that was closely related to the present situation.

"It is indeed her consistent style to eliminate unstable factors when she has the upper hand, and it is certainly very characteristic of her."

Fengmingyi didn't think there was anything wrong with this.

Given such a huge advantage, it is reasonable to use this advantage to further expand it, since both unorthodox technology and military force are things that could potentially resist her control.

"The third point, wow—this is also the most controversial issue at present: many laboratories around the world that conduct cutting-edge research have been closed one after another during this period, and many exploration plans, including space exploration, have been halted. All research into deeper science has been prohibited by legislation in various countries. Humanity has been subjected to what can be described as the most severe blockade in terms of exploring the frontiers."

Finally, taking a breath, Shinji Ogawa carefully explained the last and most serious incident they had investigated, which was suspected to be the work of Rei.

P.S. It looks so good, a new card from Sky Striker!

Chapter 18 The Conflicted Tachibana Hibiki

In her dormitory at Lydian Conservatory of Music, Hibiki Tachibana lay slumped over her desk, her mind preoccupied with numerous tasks.

Several days have passed since her mentor announced the disbandment of SONG.

At this time, SONG's original address was deserted. Although she kept in touch with her master, they did not communicate much because he was busy with his job.

It wasn't just the members of SONG who parted ways; Kazanari Tsubasa and Maria, along with the newly awakened Kanade Amamiya and Serena, also began their new lives.

Kazanari Tsubasa is unable to participate in SONG's work, and with Amayu Kanade's awakening, she is currently helping him recover while working as a singer. Last time she contacted him, she said she would bring a new album to Tachibana Hibiki.

After losing SONG as her refuge, Maria was relocated to a new residence by the government to continue her work as a singer, while her sister, Serena, was sent to a national secondary school.

Meanwhile, the future, Chris, and Diao continue their repetitive and unchanging daily campus life according to the past arrangements.

Is this situation normal? Of course not, but Hibiki Tachibana has no other choice. Right now, she can only maintain her inner will to resist, not knowing how much longer she can hold on.

But this rebellious spirit began to undergo a severe test after she learned what Zero had done.

[What should we do? If we continue fighting, the war that Zero-chan stopped will probably start again, and the people who finally achieved peace will be in trouble again.]

[But if they don't continue fighting, Zero-chan's heart will forever remain in that torment, and everyone will stop moving towards the future under her control.]

Such anguish filled Tachibana Hibiki's heart; she didn't know what to choose.

According to SONG's conclusion, if Lingyi is allowed to act arbitrarily, humanity will achieve a result that, while stagnating forever, will also be perpetually stable.

After learning this information, Tachibana Hibiki has been troubled by this problem ever since.

Whether it's the outcome of the future being blocked, everyone remaining stagnant in the present without pain or death, or the outcome of enduring the constant suffering in the present allowing humanity to continuously move towards the future, both seem to have some merit.

Which one should I choose? Ugh—J

The thought of this made Hibiki Tachibana extremely conflicted, and because she cared about so many people, she couldn't make any choice.

"Wake up, didn't you ask me to tutor you, Tachibana?"

Just as Tachibana Hibiki was hunched over the table, struggling with her thoughts, a hand pressed down on her head, stroking her flaxen hair and urging her to get up from her rest.

"Um—Ryo-chan, I really can't do it, there's just too much to catch up on."

Looking up at the girl beside her who was watching her helplessly, and remembering her own situation, Tachibana Hibiki tearfully said that she really couldn't do it, she really couldn't focus on her studies.

"Who told you to neglect your studies for half a semester because of training? There are only three days left until the final exams, and you only need to pass three courses. If you take one course a day, you can at least pass the minimum requirement."

After calling out to Hibiki Tachibana again, Rei sat back down opposite Hibiki, holding her previous weekly test score sheet, and continued to sort out her mistakes with a dark expression.

"Lingyi, coffee or black tea?"

While Rei was trying her best to motivate Tachibana Hibiki, Kohinata Mirai stepped forward with a packet of tea leaves and a packet of coffee powder and asked her something.

"Thanks, Hinata. Coffee is fine. Do you have any sugar? I prefer it sweet. Also, Tachibana probably needs some temporary energy boost and energy. Thank you, Hinata."

After thanking Kojimi for her request, Rei gave her instructions.

"Hmm, no trouble at all. After all, I asked you to tutor Xiang, so I can certainly help you with this. I remember the kettle is placed..."

Shaking his head, Kohinata Mirai indicated that he didn't care, and then focused on preparing drinks for the two who were tormenting each other.

Compared to Hibiki Tachibana, who didn't get enough extra help with her studies, Mirai Kohinata managed to barely pass after putting in the effort.

But she could only pass; she didn't have the energy to help Tachibana Hibiki improve further.

So, seeing her troubled best friend, and remembering that in the distant past, Lingyi had tutored her at her request and seemed to have a very clear mind, she went to ask her for help.

Meanwhile, Zero agreed to Kohinata Mirai's request because she was quite free anyway, and went to their dormitory to fill in the gaps in the gray-white Tachibana Hibiki's mouth, which had already burned out and was spitting out white mochi.

"Although I was mentally prepared, it was still very difficult."

Forcing a student whose grades have consistently hovered around the passing mark and who has missed half a semester's worth of lessons to pass is a torment for both the student and the teacher.

"I'm so confused, my brain is a complete mess, I can't think straight anymore. Let's take a break, Rei-chan."

After studying for who knows how long, feeling her brain greatly strengthened by knowledge, the round-eyed Hibiki Tachibana raised the French flag in the face of endless homework.

"Forget it, let's go here first."

Seeing that Tachibana Hibiki had completely exhausted all her academic potential, Rei took a sip of coffee and gave up on continuing to pour knowledge into Hibiki's brain.

Although this last-minute cramming will likely result in the student forgetting most of the knowledge in a couple of days, that's something Tachibana needs to consider later. Right now, it's more important to pass the final exams and avoid failing.

"Yay!"

Upon receiving the order to be liberated, Tachibana Hibiki unleashed a vitality that seemed completely different from before.

"There's quite a difference between your study and relaxation states."

Seeing Tachibana Hibiki's status change, Zero couldn't help but complain.

"That's how it sounds."

Kohinata Mirai was not surprised by Tachibana Hibiki's reaction. Hibiki did work hard when studying, but unfortunately, she didn't have that kind of talent.

"However, if I may be frank, given Tachibana's current progress, she should be prepared to retake the exam. You've seen Kohinata's condition, haven't you?"

After tidying up the scattered test papers on the table, Lingyi thought for a moment and then said...

"Hibiki's condition...it's probably because she's been troubled by something lately."

Upon hearing what Rei said, Kohinata Mirai quickly recalled the psychological issues that Tachibana Hibiki had discussed with her after the SONG disbandment meeting that day.

"What could be more terrifying than failing the final exam?"

Lingyi was a little confused, not quite understanding what trouble Tachibana Hibiki could have.

In order to create a more ordinary atmosphere on ordinary days, she will not use her extraordinary abilities unless necessary, hoping to erase the memories as smoothly as possible.

"To put it simply, Hibiki is troubled about why she is fighting Rei. Knowing what Rei has done in the world, she doesn't know whether she should continue fighting Rei."

After hesitating for a moment, Kohinata Mirai told Rei about the problem that Tachibana Hibiki had been troubling her for the past few days.

When Hibiki Tachibana asked her for advice on this issue, Mirai Kohinata couldn't offer any good suggestions.

After all, for her, the happiness of the important people in front of her is more important than thinking about people who are far away.

So if she had to choose, she would not hesitate to choose to relieve the suffering of the important person in front of her.

"I'm sorry, but I really don't understand. Ugh, I'm sorry to have troubled you with this."

Hibiki Tachibana expressed some apology, after all, the other party had gone to such lengths to help her improve her grades, but she was unable to fully cooperate because of her own problems.

"Do you want me to help you forget it? If you forget this problem, you won't be bothered anymore."

Looking at the girl with a guilty expression, Lingyi tilted her head and offered her advice frankly.

"Lingyi-chan, your plan is way too obvious. There's no way I'm going to agree to that."

Even Tachibana Hibiki could tell that Rei's intentions were obvious, and she expressed her excitement.