Chapter 1195 - Greetings
Strengthening of existing abilities at even tiers, acquisition of new abilities at odd tiers.
Although it is the basic evolution pattern of Anima, in which exceptions rarely exist, the all-purpose full-body garment that is Iris's split-body, namely Anciel Irisé (Seven-Colored Garment), has followed the basics and never strayed far from the path.
The beginning First Tier. In the very early stages, just after being born, it was limited to a 'slightly convenient battle garment' that could tamper with its own and its master's Status within a reasonable range only during non-combat.
The next Second Tier. The adjustable spec range was greatly expanded in various ways, and 'outfit changes' were unlocked regardless of being in combat. From here, the signs of a jackpot were already bubbling up.
Entering the high-class, Third Tier. While customization resources were steadily piled up, finally, not only the inside but even the appearance became freely changeable—if it felt like it, it could even escape the realm of 'armor' and become a 'sword', beginning to wear the dignity of lawlessness.
Fourth Tier. There are no points worthy of special mention, but for that very reason, various existing performances were greatly strengthened.
And, the Fifth Tier.
A milestone tier for the Anima, which many see as a destination far ahead, or a distant goal to be crossed. Because the difficulty of thought-control clung to it, the 'outfit changes' during combat, which had been in a state where it could hardly be said to be mastered and stopped at a mediocre level of operation, were improved.
The implementation of the long-sought 'set function'. By declaring the keywords assigned to each, whether verbally or through thought, instantaneous battle style switching became possible.
Furthermore, the Sixth Tier, which would be spent together for a long time. Just like during the Fourth Tier, a second major resource increase was achieved, and it truly reached the point of being an all-purpose garment.
Thus, now.
Finally, one of the current destinations of Arcadia. What is the newly obtained power of [Anciel Irisé (Goddess of Dream and Reality)], which has lined up at the same Seventh Tier as the first-to-arrive [Generalissimo] Goldow's [Goldion (Golden Armor of the Hero)]?
What is the power acquired by the split-body of the soul, so that it may still be worthy of the master of the soul source (Iris), who has already been stamped as the 'strongest' by none other than the world itself—that is,
"...Nn, terrible visibility."
The power to go anywhere.
Without letting unseemly bubbles escape from her mouth with a gurgle... Underwater vocalization, which should be impossible for anyone in common unless they possess the special privilege known as the Water Spirit's Blessing.
Kicking that common sense aside as if it were only natural, the garment worn by the [Sword Queen] who muttered softly was no different in shape from usual—however, it shone brilliantly in the dark water, and the attending phosphorescence was the point of difference.
The newly acquired ability of the Seventh Tier Anima [Anciel Irisé (Goddess of Dream and Reality)], its name is Reworld (Manifest World Wish) (T/N: kanji reads 'Manifest World Wish', furigana reads 'Reworld').
Land, sky, sea. It is the power to almost completely adapt to each of the constituent elements of the world that exist, whether real or virtual, by freely switching avatar suitability.
If so, for the current Iris who has activated her aquatic adaptation, namely Leviathan, the underwater is precisely her territory. Since the laws of the environment are different to begin with, it does not go as far as being exactly like on land, but she can swim almost as if running, and if she wants, she can even kick the water currents.
The weight of the water is almost zero. In other words...
"...I see. This is likely to appear in my dreams."
The monsters that quietly revealed themselves from the dark water—meaning she is standing, or rather floating, on a stage where she can fight head-on with the lined-up, indescribable beasts.
Two giant bodies, six minions.
In other words, two estimated boss-class and six small fries. No different from the information brought by Yurayura, Sayaka, and Haru, their appearances could only be described as bizarre, and an instinctive sense of rejection could not be denied.
First, the former. The two pure white giant bodies that calmly floated up from the darkness had an estimated total length of thirty meters. Their most prominent feature was a round head with only a mouth, where no parts resembling eyes could be found.
And long arms equipped with Top Five fingers shaped exactly like a human's, with an eerily long lower body possessing a tail fin that gave an impression close to a killer whale, dolphin, whale, or shark.
Reminiscent of the so-called 'Ningen' or 'Hitogata' known as unidentified mysterious animals (UMAs) of the Arctic... or rather, its appearance was almost exactly as Iris knew it.
If there was a fantasy (strange) point, it would only be that a halo like an Angel's was floating above its head.—An eerie monster's appearance, an Angel's halo, and 'white'... It was certain that there were memories that inevitably came to mind, but now was not the time for speculation.
Staring only at the fact that the faint yet precious light source would help with visibility, next.
The six small fries were, simply put, dark brown merfolk.
However, they were not the beautiful ones spoken of in fairy tales or pleasant stories, but were upside down to begin with. Beyond the neck growing from a hideous fish face that looked as if 'a fish's head was forcibly distorted to look human-like' were strong limbs equipped with large fins. Perhaps fishmen would be more correct than merfolk.
In addition... whether it was a tail or what, an indescribable tentacle-like organ, resembling an octopus, a squid, or perhaps a sea anemone, grew from their backs.
To be honest, both were the kind of appearances she wouldn't want to get close to even if asked—however, unfortunately, the other side, regardless of being big or small, had already locked onto their prey (Iris) who had leaped out from the 'castle' all at once.
If so...—No. Of course, it is a no.
"...Nn. Now then..."
Even if that were not the case. To repeat, even if that were not the case.
Even if, as a rank-holder. Even if it was not a conquest she faced with the intent to conquer as a 'star' standing at the peak of players. Lest we forget, the [Sword Queen] who is here,
"...—I wonder which one of you frightened my fiancé?"
Is heading here harboring a slight personal grudge.
In an instant, the water is severed.
The event that occurred was not because the white giants went wild, nor because the dark brown small fries unleashed magic, nor because some unknown entity brandished a power beyond human comprehension.
It was simply that the 'strongest' of the virtual world brandished the known that everyone recognized.
Not evaporation, but annihilation. Like an infinitely expanded version of a similar situation that occurred at the place of their Niarize, where her heart was stolen during their fateful encounter in the past... a known and limit-breaking tyranny.
The blue-silver, clad in a white-based battle dress (T/N: kanji reads 'combat garment', furigana reads 'battle dress') attended by phosphorescence, played in the air within the waterless underwater where a 'hole' had suddenly been opened—and shining in her hand was the blade of the 'sword' that had delivered the greeting.
Thus, as planned.
A flash to start with. While watching the giant bodies, which had already reduced to one, and the small fries, who were plunged into a near-death state by the aftermath, pitifully falling through an unfamiliar environment.
"Basically, I won't forgive you."
The Queen-sama's probing begins solemnly.
Please rest assured, both Ningen-kun and Fishman-kun are strong without exception.
Each of them firmly possesses monster specs of the Overlaid class.
Whether they can play a proper active role, I don't really know.