Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

"For the past week, Section Two has been discussing this matter with higher-ups, but for some reason, many people in the government are extremely enthusiastic about 'catching lone wolves' and have put a lot of pressure on us, demanding that we act as soon as possible."

Kazanari Genjuro added that, judging from his expression as he explained, he was indeed having a headache over the matter.

“The government people… But didn’t Master explain to them how terrifying Miss Zero was?”

After Kazanari Genjuro said that, Tachibana Hibiki couldn't help but ask this question.

"Of course, I had already described the enemy's strength to them in detail, but..."

Hibiki Tachibana's question reminded Genjuro Kazanari of the numerous discussion meetings he had held with government officials over the past week.

[I'm sorry, but we simply cannot handle such a task at the moment. Zero is not a mindless noise; from any perspective, she is an enemy that our Section Two cannot defeat at present.]

[Commander Fengming, you don't understand the value of the relics that Lingyi possesses. You don't know what we could do if we could obtain them.]

We certainly understand that the relic in her possession is indeed extremely powerful, but...

【Oh, since Commander Fengming understands, then there's no problem.】

[You just said Zero Armor is very powerful, right? In that case, we will give you more material support and more command of troops. We hope you can bring us the results we want.]

Wait, that's not what I meant.

[Commander Fengming, understand your place. Don't be too greedy. Do what you're supposed to do to make up for the mistakes your Second Section made in the past.]

【…】

Just like the meeting minutes above, no matter how much Kazanari Genjuro emphasized the danger of Zero and the difficulty of capturing Zero to government officials, he always received even stronger pressure to capture Zero.

The only redeeming quality was that the higher-ups at least didn't order them to use sticks and shouting to capture Lingyi. After this meeting, the resources he could mobilize inexplicably increased, making him incredibly well-equipped for a single battle.

"Anyway, that's how it is, you understand now, Tachibana."

"Kaze no Genjuro said."

"So, whether I mentioned it or not, we'll be fighting Miss Zero for a while now?"

After Commander Kazunari's explanation, Hibiki Tachibana understood the current situation, and after understanding it, her feelings were mixed.

On one hand, because of this incident, she was able to do something that made her incredibly happy, like watching a meteor shower with her best friend. On the other hand, because of this incident, she also had to prepare for a battle with Lingyi a week later.

"That's about it. Since we have to set up a trap to capture Lingyi no matter what, then setting up a trap based on your spontaneous actions, Tachibana, will naturally be more covert."

Kazanari Genjuro nodded and said.

"So, if I cooperate with you all, Master, I can go see shooting stars? I understand, I will try my best!"

Having understood the cause and effect, despite some inner conflict, Tachibana Hibiki no longer refused. There was no reason for her to refuse something that could both help everyone and fulfill her wish to see shooting stars.

"Yes, as Hibiki's temporary body manager, I also think this is good for Hibiki. As long as Hibiki's mind is strong enough, not only will the possibility of her going berserk be greatly reduced, but the melody of the chant will also allow Symphogear to unleash even more powerful energy."

Sakurai Ryoko, who was standing next to her, nodded in agreement, seemingly pleased that Tachibana Hibiki had perked up.

"Oh, is that so?"

This is the first time Tachibana Hibiki has heard this statement.

“Ryoko-kun is right. The physical training I had you do, Tachibana, was more about tempering your will so that you could adapt to more of Symphogear’s power.”

Kazanari Genjuro also confirmed this.

"Okay, in that case, I'll have to work even harder."

Although I don't understand it very well, I know that Hibiki Tachibana will do her best, that's just her style.

P.S. Is the evening beautiful?

Chapter 73 Leaked Intelligence and Countermeasures

The door, decorated in a subtly luxurious style, was pushed open forcefully, and a spirited girl with short, flaxen hair barged in, attracting the attention of the sophisticated girl sitting inside wearing a white bow in her hair.

[I'm back, Mirai! Good news! We can go see the meteor shower next week!]

The energetic girl seemed very happy. As soon as she returned, she ran to the intellectual girl who seemed to be on good terms with her and loudly expressed her joy.

[Huh, Hibiki, really?]

The energetic girl's words seemed to surprise the intellectual girl, who couldn't help but show joy upon hearing the news.

Of course, let's go see shooting stars together then! Ah, I can't wait to see shooting stars with the future!

The energetic girl said happily, her eyes filled with anticipation for that time.

[That being said, Hibiki, how much of your report is left? Don't forget that's the deadline. If Hibiki doesn't finish the report before then...]

After calming down, the intellectual young woman asked the energetic girl in a somewhat worried tone.

【ah!】

Upon hearing the intellectual girl's question, the energetic girl's expression, which had been filled with joy, suddenly froze, as if she had thought of something terrible.

【Oh no! Yueyi has been so engrossed in her cultivation lately that she completely forgot about the report. How could this happen? She finally had the chance!】

The energetic girl clutched her head, her expression one of great pain, and let out a loud wail.

There's no other way, Hibiki. I'll stay with you. Let's try our best to finish the report this week.

The intellectual girl looked somewhat helpless, as if she had anticipated the energetic girl's behavior.

Thank you. I will continue to work hard in the future!

Despite facing a painful future, with the help of the intellectual girl she calls the future, the energetic girl rallies her spirits and heads to their shared desk, ready to begin her arduous struggle with her study report and hoping for a miracle like the one that happened at the end of summer vacation in the past.

Lingyi fell silent as she watched the high-definition footage from the surveillance camera.

She originally planned to monitor Tachibana Hibiki's daily life to see if she could glean any information from it, but then she witnessed the scene before her.

"This is a trap, isn't it? This is undoubtedly a trap."

Lingyi immediately thought of it.

She didn't believe that under her pressure, Section Two would still have the confidence to release Tachibana Hibiki out of the headquarters' defense perimeter.

If Tachibana Hibiki's current behavior is true, then besides a trap, Rei can't think of any other possibility.

"Although I understood after failing to capture Tachibana Hibiki that Section 2 would eventually set traps or something to ambush me, it's only been a week. Isn't this a bit too hasty?"

Lingyi was slightly puzzled as to where their confidence came from.

"Hmm... Logically speaking, it's illogical to do this after only a week. Even if it's done quickly, the damage I caused will take a long time to heal. In other words, is there external intervention? Some force that can not only influence the Second Section's decisions but also provide them with sufficient resources? The government?"

Let's do a little investigation.

After a brief moment of thought, Lingyi conducted a simple investigation in a certain direction based on her conjecture.

"Unusual troop movements, unusual weapon deployments, and unusual deployments of all sorts of miscellaneous supplies... Hmm, there are even meeting minutes with Section Two... So, it's because of pressure from some government officials that Section Two acted so quickly? In other words, they might urgently need to do something to stop the higher-ups from getting their hands on something."

The man's mouth.

Soon, Lingyi obtained information about the unusual movement of weapons and military supplies through various means and made his own deductions.

Although the Second Section itself is well protected, the government, as an institution composed of many people, has some government employees who do not have any particular awareness of prevention.

By investigating the loopholes created by these undisciplined individuals and those around them, one can glean some highly confidential information from their unusual behavior.

"That's roughly the situation. The credibility of the information will depend on the subsequent investigation. Right now, we need to consider how to respond accordingly to the other party's action."

No matter the reason, regardless of whether Section Two set a trap using Tachibana Hibiki as bait, Rei would not let this opportunity pass.

For Lingyi, it was easier to break through this makeshift trap than to exploit the loopholes in the Second Section headquarters, which was already well-prepared and whose defenses were likely to increase day by day.

"Through previous actions, the other side should have a basic understanding of my fighting style and my capabilities. In other words, with sufficient manpower, this trap should have been designed to target me in various ways and to deal with various routine situations."

Lingyi's thoughts began to flow through her mind. Judging from the scale of the enemy's personnel mobilization, the enemy had ample manpower and resources this time, and had enough tactical freedom to target her.

"In that case, it is necessary to use this ability that has never been shown to the enemy before, and a new tactic based on that ability."

Having understood this, Zero made this plan.

If known combat methods can be countered by the opponent, then use methods and techniques that the opponent would never normally think of.

Ironically, due to his relentless collection of relics and his relentless crackdown on the Bavarian Light Society, Zero possesses a considerable variety of heretical technologies.

"Hmm... Based on the heretical technology I have, considering the aspects of concealment, surprise, and operability, I've got it. We can do it this way. If we do it this way, not only will the probability of success be guaranteed, but it will also be easier to escape if we fail."

Before long, Lingyi had a preliminary idea in mind. Considering the possible actions and arrangements of the other party, this tactical idea had the highest probability of success.

"If that's the case, the preparations will be a huge undertaking, and we have to act before the other side starts making arrangements. Time is a bit tight, so it seems we can only entrust some of the less important parts to Chris."

Lingyi pondered.

While her chosen method had advantages in many aspects, it had one major drawback: the extensive preparations required beforehand made it a strategy that traded a huge amount of preliminary work for a significant advantage during the battle.

"First, come up with a plan, and then go find Chris. It's been a while since I've seen her; she's been putting the defense work here to the last bit these past few days."

As Lingyi thought this, she closed the monitoring window on her computer, opened the 3D map and modeling software, and began to create the necessary plan diagrams for the solution.

P.S. Goodnight.

Chapter Seventy-Four: Dreams

Neon lights adorned the streets and alleys, their colorful and intricate glow filling the view. The bustling sounds of people entered from all directions, many playing and laughing.

【here it is?】

Not only did I ask this question, but I also recalled that she had just been sitting at a table, so why was she in this place that seemed to be a festival?

[Chris-chan.]

Before I could figure it out, something suddenly touched my face.

Even though I didn't feel anything, I knew what it was and how I would react.

【Oops--Zero, don't scare me!】

As I said this, my gaze shifted slightly, and I noticed the figure holding a can of beverage in each hand.

Her platinum blonde hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, her slender body was wrapped in a beautiful yukata adorned with intricate patterns, and her face, though covered by a white eyepatch, was still beautiful thanks to her careful makeup.

This girl, the one I remember as Lingyi, appeared before me.

The festival was in full swing, the crowds were a bit too big, and there was a girl in front of me who looked like a dream.

I understand now, I'm lost, I'm intoxicated. Everything is so beautiful. All the troubles are just distant illusions, and all the suffering is like a dream that cannot be truly felt.

[What's wrong, Chris? We rarely hang out together, why are you spacing out? Didn't you say you wanted to go to the festival with me?]

A clear, calm yet slightly joyful voice entered my ears—no, it was a delightful voice that echoed in my mind.

My original rationality began to melt away, and my consciousness, which was about to break free, became blurred. I had completely forgotten why I was in this place. All my consciousness was greedy for the beautiful scene before me.

Ah, I understand. I'm just... just participating in this festival for the first time, and I don't know what to do.

In a hazy dream, I responded to the girl before me, and an overwhelming joy burst forth from the depths of my heart.

"I see. But this is my first time attending a festival like this. What should we do? Perhaps we should go back the way we came?"

The girl in the yukata tilted her head slightly, her right eye squinted, her lips slightly pursed, and her raised index finger placed under her lips, as if she was having a very difficult time.

[Pfft, stop pretending. I know, Lingyi, you've definitely made a detailed plan, haven't you?]

I smiled, and as usual, I revealed my friend's little trick.

She has always been like this, meticulously planning everything before and after she does it, which makes her seem very reliable. It's impossible for someone like her to panic because she's unsure of herself.

【Ugh, did I do it or not? What if I overslept and forgot? It's not impossible that I didn't plan to. So, did I do it or not?】

Although she said that, the girl in front of me had already reached behind her back and pulled out a small notebook that was both brand new and old.

[Ta-da! The ultimate summer festival guide! Pretty amazing, right? I spent ages compiling this guide so you can visit all the booths and see the best shows.]

The platinum-blonde girl, with a smug expression, flaunted her small notebook. The brand-new cover and the worn pages perfectly showcased the girl's hard work.

Wow, Zero, you're pushing yourself too hard! Doesn't that get tiring?

I then feigned surprise.

I've always known that Lingyi is very good at gathering information and making plans, but the level of detail she went into still exceeded my expectations.

Well, seeing that expression on your face, Chris-chan, means my efforts weren't in vain. Anyway, looking at the time, my recommendation is... um, let's go buy some portable snacks first.

The girl in front of me took my hand. I didn't feel anything, but a genuine joy welled up inside me.

After this initial joy, the scenes begin to flash back and forth, sometimes showing the frustration of trying to win at the game's stalls, and other times showing the delight of never-before-seen delicacies.

Each pause touched a nerve somewhere deep within me, filling my mind with a dreamlike joy.

I don't remember the scene I just experienced, because the details of that scene are now vague and unclear.