The orange laser is so radiant they had to close their eyes so as to not get blinded by its brilliance. The orange laser burned a clean hole through Tokisaki Kurumi's back.

The Kurumi clone that got hit didn't even react in time before another flame pillar from the sky descended and turned her into ashes like a divine judgment from the heavens.

"Onii-chan!"

Kotori cried out in joy. Tohka, Yoshino, Mana, and Yatsuki are also happy to see the big hero finally make an appearance. Kurumi also looked at where the flame pillar and orange laser landed with glee.

A figure floated in the air as he slowly descended with the help of invisible platforms. It looked like he's creating miracles but this guy is not here to entertain.

His black clothes fluttered with the wind. He had a flimsy-looking blade that looked very dangerous. His calm expression belied the roaring rage within.

"Shido (Shido-san)!"

Tohka and Yoshino called out to him without holding back. They had complete faith that once this person is here everything is settled.

"Squad leader."

Mana and Yatsuki endured their injuries to confirm the arrival of their superior. His presence assured them that all will be well.

"Ah~ Ah~"

Kurumi moaned for some reason. She placed her hands to her cheeks while shrieking like a fangirl.

"Shido, finally, you are here…"

Wu Yan scanned the area while ignoring Kurumi. He ascertained that Kotori, Tohka, Yoshino, and Shiori are all safe and sound. He released a sigh of relief.

He turned his attention towards Mana and Yatsuki.

He saw the wounds they sustained and he frowned. He heard about their dispatch but even after rushing here using the teleportation device on Fraxinus he's still a bit too late. His precious subordinates are already hurt.

When the two of them were sent out, Wu Yan still didn't know about the kidnapping that took place at his house. The two of them faced Kurumi about the same time Wu Yan came out of his room, ill-prepared as they are.

Wu Yan managed to stop Kurumi before she can execute Yatsuki and Mana. Thank the heavens he got here in time.

Finally, Wu Yan turned his attention towards Kurumi. He stared down at her with malicious intent, this intention took the form of an invisible pressure that rained down upon that place.

"Kurumi…"

Wu Yan said with a low tone.

"You've done it now…"

Kurumi felt strange when Wu Yan talked to her like a stranger. Her body flinched on a subconscious level. She expected him to come here yelling like a berserker and attacking without saying anything but she didn't expect this little reaction from him. She felt very uncomfortable for an unknown reason.

Her joy is greater than the unknown fear lurking within her. She laughed in a joyful manner.

"Ara ara, Shido-san, I had to invite these guests over since you kept rejecting me every time in such a cruel fashion."

"I said this already but…"

Kurumi showed him an evil grin while tilting her head.

"You cannot say no…"

"Is that so?…"

Wu Yan glanced at Kurumi. He then glanced at Yatsuki's direction, he also glanced at Tohka and the girls' direction.

"Let them go…"

Kurumi frowned at his calm tone.

His nonchalant attitude is really confusing for her. She donned a serious look.

"Since Shido-san is already here. The prelude should be waived, I have no further use for them."

Arms appeared from the ground beneath Mana and it transported her over to Tohka and the others before restraining her just like it did the other spirit girls.

"You guys should sit tight and witness the union between Shido and me…"

Kurumi laughed out loud like this is all a joke to her.

Wu Yan glared at her.

"What? Are you going to threaten me with hostages?"

"Ara ara, you're misunderstanding something here…"

Kurumi rested her head on the tip of her flintlock gun. This is an event meant for the two of us so I am not going to let anyone else interfere.

"Why don't you let them go then?"

Wu Yan asked in a distant tone.

"Of course, that's to make sure you don't reject me by running away."

Kurumi shut her eyes and she spread her arms.

"It's so hard chasing you down after you run away so I have to get a bunch of spectators to make sure you stay for the whole duration of this event."

Wu Yan looked at Kurumi with cold eyes. He tried moving his right hand towards Tohka and Yoshino but Kurumi stopped him before he can do anything.

"Ara ara, Shido-san, I said there should be no outsiders to interrupt us. How mean of you to make me repeat that…"

Kurumi chuckled and the arms binding Yoshino and Tohka tightened as they yelped in pain.

Wu Yan stopped trying to release their seal.

"I know about the thing between Shido-san and Tohka."

She said with a mischievous tone.

"Those arms are strong enough to crush an unarmored spirit. I seriously advise against releasing the spirits' seals. I don't know what might happen before you unleash their seals, they might go splat, you know?"

Wu Yan's expression turned grim but he took Kurumi's words seriously anyway. He stopped trying to release their sealing bracelet. He raised his head at Kurumi.

"You went overboard, Kurumi…"

This time, he failed to hide his anger and a bit of it leaked out in his tone.

"Reine, beam teleport Yatsuki back up."

Wu Yan's voice was followed by a beam of light that teleported Yatsuki away from the battlefield. He was the only one who wasn't restrained so he decided it would be best to evacuate him before the situation changes.

"Kurumi!"

He walked towards her.

"I was busy thinking about how to save you just like how I saved Yoshino and Tohka. You see, I wanted nothing more than to see you smile in bliss…"

Kurumi's expression collapsed and before she can say anything Wu Yan interrupted her.

"But, I understand now."

Wu Yan's low tone reverberated throughout the surrounding area.

"I have run out of words to persuade you. I see almost no option left that would make your anguished heart move towards the better. I see now that pain is the only way to get through to you."

"Kurumi, I am going to whoop your ass."

"Ah… Hehe… Hahaha!!"

Kurumi giggled at first but she gradually increased her tone and volume until she's laughed with her head facing the sky. The golden clock in her left eye turned quickly.

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