Despite holding Felicia hostage, Matsunaga showed no signs of gloating. He seemed to find it entirely conceivable that Ichiro might just watch her die. With the atmosphere stretched taut around them, it was Felicia who spoke first.

“Itchy.”

“Hm?”

Felicia bowed her head hesitantly for a moment, then asked...

“Itchy, you want to fight Kiryu... right?”

“Well, yes.”

“And you want to beat Kiryu... right?”

“Well, yes.”

What emotions were driving her in that moment? Felicia, as though making up her mind about something, pulled a dagger from her breast pocket. The masked Shinobi that was restraining her hurried to take it away, but she had inputted her action a moment sooner.

“What?!”

“Ah!”

“Wah!”

Sounds of astonishment rang out from all over the room.

One of the stone walls burst in, allowing ingress to a 50-meter-tall Power Golem. There was no point in restraining Felicia at this rate, and the bowgun team with their aim fixed on Ichiro couldn’t help but shift their attention to the golem. In an instant, everything holding Ichiro back was gone, and he had the opening he needed to take flight.

Ichiro didn’t even hesitate.

The Dragon Wings on his back unfurled, and he flew towards the hole in the ceiling. Below him, chaos reigned.

The massive Power Golem’s first act was to protect its master. It reached for the squad of burly Shinobi, sending them flying before they knew what was going on. Even Matsunaga was struck dumb by the sight as the golem put Felicia on its hand and fired up the rocket boosters on the backs of its legs.

“Itchy!” Felicia shouted. As Ichiro headed for the surface, Felicia’s golem was hot on his heels. “I never actually figured out what to do, and I really don’t want to see you two fight...”

He could barely hear her over the roaring verniers, but he could tell that Felicia was screaming with all her might.

“...but I also wanted you both to do what it is you want to do! So...”

Her golem was specialized for power alone. It lacked speed and stamina. The boosters ran out of fuel almost immediately, and the golem lost its thrust. The massive 50-meter body slowed, floated, and then tilted into freefall. Felicia lost her balance on its hand.

Ichiro grabbed her fragile arm.

“I-Itchy...” she stammered.

Ichiro pulled the stunned Felicia upwards and cradled her in his arms. The Power Golem disappeared in the distance below.

“Thank you, Felicia,” Ichiro said honestly, without changing his expression.

“N-No problem...” she managed.

“That’s all I wanted to say, but I can’t exactly leave you behind now, so why don’t you join me?” he asked.

“Sure...” He could feel her nod awkwardly in his arms.