[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 23 - End of the line (1)

"Bronya? Why did you attack me?" Wendy's voice trembled, her Herrscher form intensifying.

"Wendy!" I called desperation lacing my tone. "Listen... Bronya is kind and trustworthy. She may seem detached, but her heart is pure!"

Wendy's expression softened for a fleeting moment, tears brimming in her eyes.

"That's why... Believe in Bronya! Believe in us!" I urged, feeling my blade on the verge of shattering.

She gazed at me, nodding with uncertainty, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Turning to my friends, I pleaded, "Principal Theresa, find a way! I can't hold it much longer! Kiana, Mei-senpai, please, take Wendy away!"

They swiftly grasped the urgency as I confronted Bronya, my voice strained with worry. "This isn't like you... Idiot."

"Bronya, hurry up and eliminate the 4th Herrscher," the unknown voice hijacking Bronya's actions commanded.

With determined steps, Bronya readied herself to strike Wendy with her laser-equipped Project Bunny. The charging energy hummed ominously in the air.

Before Bronya could unleash the attack, instinct propelled me forward. I sprinted towards her, throwing myself at her back to stop the impending strike.

"Bronya, please! Don't do this!" I pleaded, my voice strained with urgency.

My arms wrapped around her, attempting to restrain her, but she resisted fiercely, struggling to break free. The relentless charge of the Project Bunny continued, its glowing form casting an eerie light around us.

I sprinted toward Bronya, desperation urging me forward. Kiana's voice echoed behind me, filled with urgency and concern.

"Shin! What are you doing? Move!" Kiana's shout was a rallying cry, urging me to act quickly.

Bronya's struggles lessened for a fleeting moment. Amidst the chaos in her eyes, a glimmer of recognition flickered. But despite the faltering resistance, the charging energy from Project Bunny remained unyielding.

The earth trembled beneath us, signaling the imminent peak of the surging energy. Time dwindled, each passing second felt like a weighted eternity. I needed to act before it was too late.

"Bronya, listen to me! You're stronger than this! Fight it!" I pleaded, the urgency dripping from my words, hanging in the air.

As the energy crackled and surged toward its zenith, my heart pounded with a growing sense of dread. I was running out of options, but I couldn't stand by and watch.

With a surge of determination, I dashed forward, reaching out to Bronya. There was no time to hesitate; I wrapped my arms around her in a firm, yet gentle embrace.

The charged energy continued its ascent, threatening to unleash catastrophic devastation. Amidst the chaos, I smiled faintly, hoping my warmth might reach her.

There wasn't a grandiose action or a spectacular display. There was only the silent hope that my touch, my embrace, might spark something within Bronya.

The charged tension hung heavy in the air as Bronya's tears silently traced her cheeks. Her valkyrie battlesuit shimmered, and her strength waned, her consciousness slipping away.

"Bronya..."

"I... Shin..." Her voice trembled as she whispered, then she fell limp in my arms, overcome by unconsciousness. "Sorry."

"No... It's fine, I'm here now," I murmured, holding her closer.

"Impossible... even the highest authority, Why did Bronya stop...!? Tsk, I guess it's time for plan B."

Mechanical beings, Technical Mechas, began to reveal themselves, surrounding us, their movements calculated and menacing. I was cornered, holding an unconscious Bronya in my arms.

"Shin! I've called Major Himeko! She should be here now!" Theresa's voice echoed, offering a glimmer of hope in the dire situation.

"Principal Theresa... There's too many of them," I uttered, my voice strained with worry.

"Yeah, Shin, I want you to go with Mei and Kiana. I'll give you a path," Theresa said confidently, preparing to face the imminent threat.

"What about you?!" I couldn't help but feel anxious about leaving her behind.

Theresa assumed a determined stance, her confidence unwavering. "Are you underestimating me? Your principal?"

"There's no time for jokes..."

"Really, I'll be fine," Theresa reassured me with a confident smile.

I nodded, acknowledging her determination. "I'll be back."

"Hehe~ Now then! Go!"

As Theresa conjured lightning spears, I lifted Bronya gently, cradling her unconscious form. The spears launched towards the encroaching mechas, creating a chaotic path with their explosions.

I dashed through the clearing, following the path Principal Theresa had created, every step propelled by urgency and the hope of safety for Bronya.