Chrome Shelled Regios Read online

  Also by Shūsuke Amagi

  Chrome Shelled Regios series

  Chrome Shelled Regios

  Silent Talk

  Sentimental Voice

  Confidential Call

  Emotional Howl

  Red Nocturne

  White Opera

  Mixing Note

  Blue Mazurka

  Complex Days

  Impact Girls

  Black Arabesque

  Grey Concerto

  Scarlet Oratorio

  Next Bloom

  Spring Burst

  Summer Night Rave

  Crying Autumn

  Initiation Log

  Desire Report

  Winter Fall (Part 1)

  Winter Fall (Part 2)

  Legend of Regios series

  Riggzario Baptism

  Ignasis' Awakening

  The Appearance of the Regios

  Chrome Shelled Regios

  Chrome Shelled Regios

  Book One

  Shūsuke Amagi

  Tokyo, Japan

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1: School Begins

  Chapter 2: Life as a Student

  Chapter 3: Training

  Chapter 4: Platoon Match

  Chapter 5: Point of Difference

  Chapter 6: On the Polluted Earth

  Epilogue

  Appendix

  Regios

  Electronic Fairy

  Filth Monsters/Pollutant Beasts/Contaminiods

  DITE

  Kei

  Novel Illustrations

  Baka-Tsuki

  Project Staff

  Translators

  Editors

  Updates

  Prologue

  Everyone held their breath, to seal the flood of terror rising in their throats.

  "......"

  Nina did the same.

  Sitting at the back of the bus, she looked out of the window, peering past the short, fat businessman sitting before her with his head tucked beneath a pair of trembling arms. On the other side of the dirt-smeared window was a vast wilderness. Cracks crept across the parched ground. Jagged shards of earth rose towards the sky. A tall, dark mountain loomed before Nina.

  But everyone on the bus knew it wasn't a mountain.

  "That's......Blitzen," murmured a man sitting in the middle of the bus. He observed the dark shape through a pair of binoculars. Nina could see big drops of sweat on his face, his large Adam's apple bobbing as he gulped nervously.

  Nina squinted at the dark shape. It wasn't a mountain. It was a city. What looked like a mountain peak was in fact the top of a tower. Atop that tower was a tattered flag, fluttering in the wind. Nina couldn't make out the crest on the flag that carried the city's name. She couldn't confirm if the city's name was indeed what the man had uttered.

  A strong gust of wind struck the bus, rocking it.

  "Hey!"

  Startled and surprised, the passengers bent over in their seats and held their heads down. They curled up, instinctively trying to hide. Instead of covering her head like everyone else, Nina held her breath and continued to stare at the city, trying to see any kind of reaction from it.

  The city was already dead.

  The bus squatted on its legs, immobile.

  The buildings in the city were also dead. Terrible wounds were carved into most of the buildings near the city's edge. Nina could see that a part of the city's rim had been gouged away, creating a mountain of debris. Columns of smoke rose everywhere. The attack must have happened recently.

  It would be impossible to find any survivors just by looking at it from the bus. Nor could Nina get to the city to see if anyone was still alive. The bus was weak and insignificant outside the city. Nina knew that probably there weren't any survivors; humans couldn't breathe without the air shield around the city, and this city had lost its shield.

  Next to her, Harley said in an anxious voice, "Nina..."

  "Don't worry. We haven't been discovered."

  Nina realized her voice was trembling. She felt compelled to lick her lips, but she suppressed that desire and gazed resolutely at the attackers hovering in the sky above the city. Even though her mouth was dry, cold sweat broke out on her skin.

  "This is the world we live in, Harley," she said to her childhood friend, but she did not get a response from him.

  The effortless movements of the cruel attackers above the city made them look regal. The attackers...they were called Kings of Nature — filth monsters. They flew lower, flying slowly between buildings.

  "Now!" someone roared shrilly.

  The driver started the engine. The legs of the bus rose, raising the body upward.

  Nina's line of sight rose with it. The bus began to hop, moving away from the stricken city. It was better to leave this place. The bus continued to run. Nina looked back at the shrinking city.

  After they had put some distance between the bus and the city, Harley sighed. "It's safe now."

  As the tension in the bus eased, Nina clenched her fists tightly and said "...We're so weak."

  The sound of huge feet trampling the ground at the edge of the city rang in the peoples' ears. The footsteps of the city drowned out all other sounds — even the furious roar of the wind.

  "Are you still not giving up?"

  It came from a voice loud enough to be heard over this din.

  A girl spoke to a boy in the city's roaming bus station. Strong winds shook her golden hair. Her clear blue pupils looked directly at the boy. Her youthful face, which made her look younger than she really was, was full of disapproval and unease. She gazed at the boy standing at the bus stop.

  Looking troubled, the boy kept glancing back and forth between the girl and the bus waiting to depart. A chain held up the long multi-legs of the bus that were folded and bent. The body of the bus swayed along with the movement of the city, bumping against a cushion pad. Since it was dangerous when the city moved, the driver and all the passengers were staying in the small waiting area. This kind of bus was built to withstand up and down shaking, but it couldn't stop from swaying sideways.

  "Layfon!"

  The only passenger not yet in the waiting area – Layfon, looked away from the bus. He had tea-colored hair and blue eyes. His face showed an expression that came from the loss of adolescence. This look was now coupled with a powerless smile.

  "Even so, I can't stay here anymore, Leerin."

  Layfon didn't raise his voice, so Leerin stepped closer. Even with her expressive eyes right in front of him, Layfon didn't feel attracted to his childhood friend.

  "But-! You didn't have to pick a school that was so far away!"

  "Even here......" Again, the sound of the city's movement drowned him out. A strong gust of wind blew past them. Layfon reached out and placed a hand on Leerin's shoulder to steady her.

  "It can't be helped. The only place that gave me a scholarship was Zuellni. The orphanage's money can't be spent on me, right?"

  "You must have forced yourself to choose such a distant place. There are closer places you could have gone to. If you took the scholarship qualification exam next year, you could find a school that's closer, right? Then you could stay here with me..."

  It didn't matter what words came next; nothing could change Layfon's mind. To emphasize that point, he shook his head slowly.

  "I can't give up on leaving."

  Leerin held her breath. He couldn't bear looking at the pain in her clear eyes, so he looked at his hand on her shoulder. His hand was like that of an old man, hard and rough.

  "I've made my decision and I won't change my mind. Nobody wanted it to be like this, not even me. But Her Majesty wants me to experience the outside worl
d. Besides, she doesn't wish for my presence here."

  "I wish for it!"

  This time, Leerin's powerful and persuasive words caused Layfon to hold his breath.

  "Is it not enough that this is my wish?"

  To Layfon, Leerin's crying gaze and words were too cunning. He tried to find some words to pass this over, but couldn't find any. He felt pain, pressuring him to convey his feelings.

  Layfon's lips trembled, as did Leerin's.

  They were each trying to find the right words to say.

  In the end, they realized that the right words to say didn't exist. No matter who wanted Layfon to stay, nothing could change the fact that he was leaving. Layfon himself didn't intend to stay, and there was nothing that would change that. And if he tried to make Leerin agree with him, there was no doubt she would be hurt.

  A shrill whistle sounded behind him.

  As if it was trying to tear the two apart, the simple sound of the whistle squeezed between the noise of the city's footsteps and the furious howl of the wind, echoing through the bus station. It was a warning that the bus was about to depart. The driver, having blown the whistle, entered the bus. He started the engine. A vibration different from the city's, radiated out from the battered body of the bus. The passengers in the waiting area took their luggage and headed for the vehicle.

  Layfon's lips stopped trembling. He took away his hand from Leerin to pick up the suitcase beside his feet. That was all he had with him now. His other belongings would be given to the kids at the orphanage or tossed away.

  "I have to go," he said to the teary-eyed Leerin. As if feeling this was a truth she couldn't change, Leerin's trembling also stopped.

  She gazed at him with reddened eyes.

  "Since the decision's been made, I want to start anew. I can't return to the orphanage or to Her Majesty's side. It's the price I must pay for my actions. I'll make up for them any way I can. But nobody wants that; they just want me to disappear. Even so, things can't be resolved with just my going away......"

  He couldn't keep talking. He didn't want to lie. But even if he were to tell the truth it'd only sound like an excuse. He hated himself for acting like that.

  "Even so, I haven't really made up my mind."

  He added weakly, "Though I really want to start over in many areas......"

  "Enough!" Leerin cut him off coldly. Layfon held his luggage tightly, not daring to look at her.

  The driver blew his whistle again. The bus would be leaving soon.

  "I'm going now."

  Dejected, he turned his back to Leerin.

  "Wait!"

  The small voice stopped him.

  What happened next was a single, brief moment.

  Leerin grabbed ahold of Layfon's shoulder and forced him to turn around. Her face was so very close to his.

  It was only for a moment that they overlapped.

  The rough but soft pressure overwhelmed Layfon. In that swift moment while he was numb and spaced out, Leerin jumped away. Her smile was stiff but that meaningful look of having played a prank was familiar to him.

  "You have to send letters though. I don't think everyone wants you gone," she said before running away. Looking at her figure flying past in a flurry of skirts, Layfon realized why he felt so strange.

  Ah, I see...... because she's wearing a skirt......

  The lively Leerin didn't like to wear skirts, but she was wearing one today. And there was also the sweet and soft feeling that the swift moment left on his lips. As if to feel the warmth left on them, he touched a finger to his lips.

  So naive...

  While mocking himself, he hurried to the bus.

  I'll write when I get there.

  Yes. He had decided.

  The bus started moving. Wishing to take one last look at the scene, Layfon sat in the last row, gazing at the city he had spent his entire life in till now.

  Regios could be seen in every corner of the world. The existence of these cities was as natural as breathing air. Numerous buildings were built on a flat circular surface, growing shorter as they ranged out from the center of the city where the tallest buildings were located. Located beneath the table were legs — huge metallic legs clustered together. With precise movements those legs walked together, as if to take the city far away from the roaming bus.

  Layfon gazed at the center of the city, where the city's tallest tower stood.

  The huge flag atop that building billowed. On its field was a dragon with the body of a lion that seemed to be breaking a sword with its teeth, but the sword was unyielding. The flag with that crest weaved into it, danced a wild dance in the wind.

  Layfon stared at that huge flag, wondering what the first line of his letter to Leerin would be about.

  Chapter 1

  School Begins

  It's been a month since we parted ways and I've finally reached Zuellni. I got here just in time for the opening ceremony. There were five bus changes before I got here; living in a single city back then, I never realized how hard traveling could be. Getting to another city isn't easy, since all cities move according to their own desires. I never understood why the ancient alchemists made the cities self-aware. But now I see that it was done so they could avoid filth monsters and protect us. I understand that now.

  During the trip, some filth monsters passed by my bus. Their cruel and dangerous appearance was horrifying. The thought of being attacked on a bus with no way to escape was enough to make all my hairs stand on end.

  But don't worry, our bus didn't get attacked. I think our driver was quite the professional. He stopped the bus for three days to avoid discovery. At that time, my heart ached. It's scary enough to be attacked by the filth monsters. Compared to that though, it would have been worse if the bus was damaged and marooned on this dry and scarlet earth. That would've been a death sentence. Even so, in the end I reached Zuellni safely.

  I'm writing this letter in my dorm room. It's a double, but luckily I don't have a roommate. I've never had a room all to myself. I'm really happy about this.

  How are you doing over there? Getting used to your new life?

  I just realized that I still don't know your address. I'll send the letter to your school. I hope it gets to your hand safely. It'd be great if you could include your new address in your response. After all, the head wouldn't want to see my letters going to the orphanage now.

  Well –

  I wish eternal peace for your new life and the city you're standing on.

  To my dear Leerin Marfes,

  Layfon Alseif

  The mobile cities, Regios, are spread across the world in their myriad forms. From the basic, standard form that provides everything necessary for human survival, to forms that specialize in specific areas.

  One of those forms is the Academy City.

  Zuellni – Academy City Zuellni.

  The school buildings in the center of the city provided facilities for all study areas.

  Large groups of students were heading for the great hall, which was large enough to accommodate all students inside.

  Dressed casually, General Studies students walked as they chatted with friends.

  Uneasy smiles sat on the faces of Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering students, who weren't used to the uniforms they hadn't put on in a long time.

  The Alchemy and Medical students wore dirty white coats on top of their uniforms.

  The Military Arts students, unlike the others, marched towards the hall with heads held high.

  Students with different characteristics were all swallowed into the hall.

  The purpose of this autonomous city was to exist for and be used by its students. Today, it was holding an entrance ceremony to welcome its new first years.

  But it looked like the ceremony would be delayed.

  An hour later.

  Layfon stood with a confused expression on his face.

  "Anyway, shall we sit down and talk?"

  "Ye-Yes!"

  H
aving given a tense answer, he still couldn't sit on the sofa as requested.

  The student before him sat at a large business desk. Unlike Layfon, he had an air of maturity about him. Silvery-white hair framed an elegant face bearing a gentle expression, but his calm silver eyes seemed to be judging Layfon.

  That piercing gaze of his caused Layfon to dart his gaze around in panic. Through his shoes, he could feel the softness of the carpet beneath him. The sofa and table used for meetings sat before him. Bookshelves lined one of the walls, filled with informative scrolls.

  Before Layfon entered this room, he's seen a plaque with the words "Student President" carved into it next to the doors.

  "I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Karian Loss, a sixth year student."

  Students were enrolled for six years in Zuellni, so Loss was in the highest grade.

  And he was also the Student President.

  The person in charge of this school.

  "I'm Layfon Alseif."

  With a straight back, Layfon clearly delivered his name. He felt cold sweat beading his forehead.

  Karian smiled.

  They were alone in the room.

  "I wasn't planning on punishing you."

  The voice tinged with a bitter smile helped Layfon to calm down. He'd been tense the whole time, as he had no idea why he had been summoned to this room.

  "First, let me convey my gratitude. Because of your help, none of the new students were injured."

  The opening ceremony was canceled because of a commotion.

  Two Military Arts students, coming from enemy cities, had met by chance before the ceremony, resulting in the commotion. They went from staring to quarreling and eventually to fighting.

  Military Arts – Different special powers that were born to protect humanity from harm on this polluted earth.

  The Military Arts is the area that fostered such special power users.

  If people fought each other seriously using such powers, worse coming to worst, even normal students could have suffered injuries or been killed. In Karian's eyes was genuine gratitude.