Acquiring her Single Target capability (in-game) meant pouring every ounce of damage into a single hostile unit, ensuring not a single shred of impact went to waste. But make no mistake, it wasn't a downgrade but more like enhancement.
Misono Mika found her control over this power becoming increasingly adept. If she wished, her Call of the Stars and Kyrie Eleison would no longer cause irreparable destruction to surrounding buildings or strike friend and foe alike.
'Kyrie Eleison, which I didn't dare use lightly before, can now be deployed without reservation. Haha☆~, what wonderful news.'
Mika felt incredibly cheerful. The snow-white wings on her back fluttered in jubilation. She made a change, bringing her body and mind into unity. No longer would she hesitate to lend a hand to those in need out of concern for collateral damage.
Do what you like, regardless of others' opinions. Stay away from what you hate, and don't mind using force if necessary.
Everything would be done on a whim.
Another minute passed. Araka Kibito led his men toward her, as this path led to the central crane.
"Lady Mika! You're... you're alright!"
Kibito, leading the group, offered his concern. He surreptitiously looked Mika over and felt a surge of admiration. Her clothes weren't even soiled.
As expected of Lady Mika. The Kabane that left them helpless couldn't even manage to stain her outfit. If it weren't for their presence, she might already have summoned a rain of meteors to crush every monster in Yashiro Station once and for all, just like she did at Aragane Station.
Mika shook her head slightly. She pointed toward the crane ahead. "Go do what you must. Don't worry about the Kabane threat; I will guard your backs."
Something brewing below wasn't something these people could handle. Since she chose to help, she would see it through to the end to prevent any sudden variables or unnecessary casualties.
Her words acted like a stabilizing anchor. The men felt their hearts, which had been racing with tension, slowly calm down.
It was settled! With their big carry stepping up, how would mere Kabane dare to act up!
"We leave it to you!"
Kibito suppressed his excitement. Not daring to delay any longer, he led the group toward the crane.
Within the team, Mumei kept her head down as she passed Mika. Mika's voice rang out from behind her.
"Mumei, if you're tired, rest beside me for a while. Leave the rest to them for now."
"But..."
"Don't tell me you don't trust me to protect you?"
"I didn't mean that."
Mumei shook her head and finally stopped. Even if she caught up now, she couldn't actually help much.
"How do you feel after your little rampage?"
Mika withdrew her gaze from the mine below and turned to smile at Mumei. "You're too easily influenced. A few words from Enoku were enough to make you lose your cool."
"I... Wait, how do you know that name?"
"I accidentally overheard your conversation while taking a walk."
Mika winked at her as she spoke. It was definitely intentional.
Mumei sighed with a complicated expression. She stared gloomily at the gun in her hand. "I messed everything up. I even put Kibito and the others in extreme danger."
"If you hadn't stepped in to save me at the critical moment, that Kabane would have knocked me off the tracks into the mine."
"Even if the fall didn't kill me, the Kabane wandering down there would have torn me apart."
Mumei lowered her head, her eyes dimming. She muttered self-deprecatingly, "It would have been fine even if you just abandoned me. The weak have no right to live."
"Is that your own honest thought, or something forced upon you by others?"
Mika looked into Mumei's eyes, trying to judge if she was lying. As expected, Mumei guiltily shifted her gaze elsewhere.
The girl didn't actually want to die, yet she deliberately acted as if she were indifferent to life and death. This personality flaw was inseparable from her upbringing.
Amatori Biba and his Hunters promoted a philosophy: the strong live, the weak die, and the weak have no right to exist. It was blatant Social Darwinism. In such an environment, it would be a miracle if Mumei didn't have psychological scars.
Mika patted Mumei's shoulder. "I don't agree with your law of the jungle. That theory isn't even worth discussing."
"Because humans aren't animals. Humans have rationality, values, empathy, and compassion."
"The laws of the wild don't apply to humanity."
Mumei bit her lip. She felt Mika's words weren't without merit, but she couldn't bring herself to negate the theory Biba always preached.
Mika watched Mumei silently, saying no more. She didn't need to convince her all at once; matters of belief required time to correct.
★ ★ ★
Inside the crane, Ikoma and Takumi worked together to start the machinery. As the steel cables tightened, the obstacles blocking the Koutetsujou's path were slowly lifted. Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.
"Now we just need the Koutetsujou to pass through safely, and our mission is complete."
Kibito watched the rising obstacles, praying silently that no more accidents would occur.
"Don't worry. With Lady Mika's help, we have nothing left to fear."
Kurusu Konochi noticed his worry and offered comfort.
"You're right. I'm overthinking it."
"We just need to do our jobs and not cause trouble for Lady Mika."
Aboard the Koutetsujou, the passengers erupted in cheers after seeing Mika's divine display of power.
"I'm so glad everyone is safe!"
Ayame Yomogawa patted her chest, her heart still racing. Seeing Mumei and the others surrounded had her heart in her throat. Fortunately, Mika's strength was as reliable as ever.
"Lady Ayame, the crane has started. We can depart now."
A retainer stepped forward with the suggestion. The path was clearing; if they moved now, they could pass through smoothly.
"Fine. Notify all samurai on the train to stay on high alert!"
Ayame didn't hesitate, ordering the Koutetsujou to move immediately.
Meanwhile, deep within the pitch-black mine, a gargantuan creature fixed its malicious gaze on Misono Mika, who stood directly above.