Without hesitation, Kannazuki answered Kotori with complete confidence.
The crew members below the platform swallowed nervously.
"Much as I'd like to keep playing with you, I have other things to do."
Ellen tightened her grip on Origami's throat as she spoke.
Then she slowly raised the Light Sword in her other hand and pressed it against Origami's cheek.
"Mm..."
"Isaac seems quite fond of you, and I'd rather not kill you. But you look like the scheming type. I can't just let you go."
Deciding Origami was too dangerous to leave alive, Ellen moved to drive the Light Sword through her head.
But just then—
"—!"
Something bright appeared in the pitch-black sky, hurtling toward them like a meteor.
Ellen instantly recognized it as a torrent of high-density magic and raised her Territory to block it.
The Magic Cannon struck Ellen's Territory, sending sparks flying.
But not even Ellen could stop a warship-class, high-energy Magic Cannon with personal equipment alone.
After several seconds of resistance, faint cracks began to spread across her Territory.
"What... is this...?"
Ellen looked troubled.
She clearly had no idea where the Magic Cannon had come from.
Perhaps because Ellen had to hold off the Magic Cannon, Origami could clearly feel the Territory restraining her grow weaker.
"—!"
Origami seized her chance, twisting free of Ellen's grip.
She lifted her right foot, and a small blade about ten centimeters long sprang from its tip.
Pouring all the magic she had left into the blade, Origami kicked toward Ellen's abdomen.
"Ugh—"
A sharp pain shot through Ellen's stomach, drawing a groan from her.
Realizing Origami had caught her off guard, Ellen endured the pain and used her Territory to seize her.
Then she hurled Origami into the wall of the building ahead.
"Gah—"
Origami had no