[86 Side Stories] May 19th – Shin’s Birthday (Reverse)

“――Captain Nouzen.”

He looked back, and saw a girl with silvery white hair, dressed in the deep blue Republic army uniform and a long sleeved coat. She was Major Anrietta Penrose, of the 86th Mobile Strike Package.

“What is it, Major Penrose?”

“Annette is fine. Dispense with the formalities.”

Annette, who was staring intently at him for quite a while, looked as though she had long forgotten about her actions.

Shin was holding onto the philosophy book he lost days ago. The bookmark gave a silvery glow from that angle, looking alluring.

“It’s your birthday, no? Sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you before.”

With a stoic look, Shin received with one hand a case of cufflinks.

Those were accessories to fasten the shirt sleeves instead of buttons, but they were not usually worn on formal attires. Except for the battle dress uniform and army uniform, he hardly wore any service dress.

Naturally, Shin frowned.

“……Why give me this?”

“Didn’t you hear my apology?”

“I don’t really use it.”

“No point returning it to me now. I don’t have any other gift prepared. Also, officers have to attend parties, and you need formal wear.”

Even if there is, I don’t want to go.

Such words seemingly appeared on his face. Annette quietly sighed reluctantly.

“I’m leaving. Make sure you wear it then…got it?”

She then wordlessly shoved it into him.

The cufflinks were made of little rubies and platinum, along with fine orange flower patterns.

For some reason, Shin appeared to be pouting as he slowly reached his thin fingers in.

“Make sure you wear it, especially when going out with Lena for such events.”

――Currently, in Annette’s room.

There was a choker that came with the cufflinks, to be given to Lena two months later

Of course, Shin did not know about this, yet.

You are reading Eighty Six, shin's birthday (reverse) in English / Read Eighty Six, shin's birthday (reverse) manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

[86 Side Stories] May 19th – Shin’s Birthday

――Let us all celebrate together.

Yes, she did say that.

“…Well, he slipped off to accept another mission.”

“Ehh……”

Annette took a sip of the replacement coffee as she said this. Lena knew of the mission’s importance, but was dejected about his absence.

May 19. Shin’s birthday.

He himself had forgotten about it, but Lena learned of the day through the remaining records of the Republic, and wanted to celebrate for him.

They were at the headquarters of the 86th Mobile Strike Package, Rüstkammer Base, in a corner of the officers’ mess nobody else would visit in the day. Lena was like a white, fleeting flower pelted by rain, sprawled upon the handrest of the sofa alone.

Good thing her subordinates aren’t seeing her like this, Annette thought as she picked up a Savoiardi served for tea.

The hazelnuts and precious cocoas, luxurious produces of the Federation’s South, were the real deals. They are really delicious.

“You’re dispatched to the United Kingdom, right? That place is another important frontline.”

It would be May, including that day, and it was expected that the 86th Mobile Strike Package would be deployed for missions into various countries.

“We are soldiers…we should be prepared for this…”

“What you say is different from what you feel, Lena.”

If she were a kitten, her ears and tail were clearly dropping in disappointment.

“…Speaking of which, didn’t you say you want to celebrate Shin’s birthday? You haven’t talked much to him recently.”

“That…”

Moreover…she did that foolish thing.

After their dispatch mission to the Republic, Lena heard from Annette about what was going on with Shin.

Well, it was to be expected then, but ever since, they had been shunning each other.

The excuses from them are pretty flimsy though, so Annette thought as she slipped another Savoiardi into her coffee.

If she had taken a photo of Lena’s current gloomy look, that would probably be a nice present for Shin.

Such a prank should be fine, especially for Annette, a childhood friend of Shin, and someone the latter was comfortable with as a comrade.

“Well, it is not just Shin; the other 86ers have forgotten about their birthdays, and will not celebrate them. We’ll know if we just look into it, right? And even if we do know, we can just pretend not to.”

Various administration means were done for the entire Strike Package to see if there was an appropriate day to celebrate their birthdays and years. The 86ers did not really care about it, but there were plans to celebrate everyone’s birthday (as there were thousands of them, every day would have been a celebration).

However, it was impossible for them to celebrate every day, so Grethe instead suggested that ‘everyone born in the same month celebrate together on the same day’. Shin and Kurena were born in May, that seemed harsh.

Lena suddenly leaned forward.

“I cannot pretend not to! …I failed to notice, and now that I know, I have to celebrate his birthday…I think…”

Thinking about this, Lena was dejected once again.

Well, that is really troublesome, so Annette suggested.

“Anyway, how about giving a present?”

“Eh?”

“I bought one before you quarrelled. One for Shin, one for Second Lieutenant Kremy and one for Second Lieutenant Rikka, even though it was a month later. Spent an entire day on the next street choosing them.”

One could easily imagine how difficult and time-consuming it would be to choose a person’s present. Any more persons involved, and it would get ugly if they ended up arguing about the fairness of the gifts instead.

“But…the Captain should be busy preparing for the dispatch…”

Once again, Lena started to dither.

This might get a little troublesome, so Annette thought as she took that thing out. Ahh, seriously.

If Lena is unable to hand the present over to him, then let her find an excuse to pass my present on instead.

“So, useless Miss Lena, on your best friend’s behalf…you listening?”

Ahh seriously, why am I being the good guy here?

“――Captain Nouzen. This is a lost item. It’s yours, right? This book is a little hard to understand.”

“? Ah, sorry.”

Typically, a corporal had no need to deliver a lost item over. The hard covered book was once left in the waiting room, but disappeared somehow.

Shin had read that book before, but it was a mean to break free from the “Legion” voices. Guess it’s probably a prank from the cat, or Frederica, so he thought initially.

“…Hm? ”

Shin realized something, and opened the book with one hand. The thick pages naturally flipped to another side.

Stuck between the pages was not a note slip placed in place of a bookmark, but a metal bookmark, a silver plate with fine carvings.

He took it out, and a heavy, embossed card fell upon the page. There was faint fragrance, a familiar sweet violet.

The words were written in Heliotrope in, in the elegant handwriting he was acquainted with over the past month and the half year two years ago. The card was specially designed with outlines of Licorice and a standing Juggernaut.

“We shall do the celebration next year…happy birthday.”

“…Isn’t it a little too early, Lena? There’s still half a month.”

But by then, they would be on the battlefield. Guess there’s no helping it, so Shin thought as he closed the book.

In July–if they would return, he wanted to celebrate the birthday of a certain person, currently scampering down the hallway.

You are reading Eighty Six, shin's birthday in English / Read Eighty Six, shin's birthday manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

Winter vacation is different from summer. It is shorter, and due to various events, it did not seem like a vacation.

Before the end of the year, Daiya’s room was in a complete mess, and after an (continued) attempt to clean up, he gave up, Daiya held back a yawn as he walked down the road to school, the sunlight stinging his eyes. During the end of year, he had to visit his grandmother’s house at the farm, and accompany his relatives’ children with poker, games, karuda and hanafuda; his life over the past few days was topsy-turvy. The gold morning sunlight was bright and clear, dyeing his eyes amidst the frigid air of January.

Wiping off the tears in the his eyes, Daiya spotted a slender figure.

The person had long blueish silver hair, and was wearing a cute pastel blue peacoat and a uniform skirt that seemed a little too cold for this weather.

“Oh, Anju ”

“Ah, Daiya. Good morning…no.”

After saying that, Anju stopped.

Daiya too stopped before her.

They inhaled.

“Happy New Year.”

“Please continue to take care of me this year.”

They proceeded with the formal greetings.

Even when a new year arrives, it did not necessarily mean that thing would exactly change, even though it felt so.

Looking around, similar scenes could be seen on their way to school.

Shin and Lena apparently went to the shrien together, Kaie, Kurena and Shiden went to do their first sales. They probably had exchanged new year greetings. Daiya himself was one of those who returned to his hometown, as aforementioned. Anju too had returned to her hometown, and this was the first day she met up with her friends.

They continued their way to school, walking next to each other.

Anju had a muffler on her; it was a Christmas gift from the previous year――10 days ago. Daiya noticed, and his cheeks relaxed.

Similar, there was the pass holder dangling from Daiya’s bag. It was given by Anju, who beamed as she spotted it, but Daiya did not notice.

“Guess we can’t relax as much next year as we are now.”

“Exams are important! But…do make sure you do not catch a cold.”

Saying that, Anju giggled.

“Just worried about a cold? Sure can be relaxed when you’re one of the top scorers.”

“Ahh…”

Daiya grimaced as he scratched his head.

Everyone would call it ‘surprising’, but Daiya was one of the better performing students. As for how good he was, he was capable of being ranked one of the top twenty during their regular tests.

On a side note, while Anju was smiling away, she was always competing for the highest scoring girl with Lena every time..

“Well, Shin and the other guys have to cheat again. That guy definitely did it on purpose during the mid-terms.”

“Our homeroom teacher, that ‘chief of staff’ really has a smile that can kill…”

The young teacher was dubbed this moniker, for though he was a young teacher, his personality and smile were ridiculously terrifying.

In any case, they had no real goal in life, and would not take their exams seriously. However, they did go overboard trying to cheat.

Leaving aside Annette and Kaie, who were not caught, Shin and Raiden were blatantly cheating for the subjects they did not care about, Theo was just copying everything, hoping to attain average scores. Shiden was hoping to get everything right while copying away. Kurena and Haruto gave up as they found it to be a bother. Furthermore, everyone had to work hard for the sports meet before the tests, and the school festival after. Surely one could imagine them in a sorry state.

On a side note, the best of the lot was Vika, who scored perfectly average marks for every single subject. It was not a coincidence. He deduced the scoring and weightage of the tests, and just had to answer the questions that would get him to the average score.

These guys are geniuses at using their minds for useless purposes.

Daiya himself was a little miffed that his friends were blatantly cheating.

“Well, Lena’s angry about that. Especially Shin. She just told him, you got to revise of this well.”

Before their eyes was Lena, walking in her school uniform with a serious look.

For her at least, a student’s duty is to study. It was no wonder she would end up saying that.

“According to the test results rankings, we’re going to hold a study meet starting January. Everyone got to buck up.”

“Even if you say that, I suppose it just a regular gathering to play……”

Lena’s idea was probably not too bad.

Simply put, it was not that everyone was dumb, and there was no real need to organize a study meet.

They just did not want to study, to score high in all their subjects..

Daiya burst out laughing imagining his friends being carefree about their studies, and how infuriated Lena would be.

“…Sounds rather interesting. Can we join too, Anju?”

Anju smiled in response.

“Of course. But Lena might get a little angry…we will end up playing anyway.”

At this time next year, surely.

There might not be study sessions for everyone to enjoy together.

You are reading Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 6 in English / Read Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 6 manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

[86 Side Stories] SCHOOL -IF : Kadokawa Contest Winner 2018

TN Note: Written after Lena won this poll: https://promo.kadokawa.co.jp/ln-heroine/

There was a convenience store down the slope behind the high school, and the boy walking out from there frowned once he saw Lena.

Lena looked up at the face half a head taller than she was, and teasingly pointed with her index finger.

“Hm hm. You broke the school rules, Shinn.”

“…Lena.”

Shinn sighed, and at the same time, resigned himself to this fate. This scene had repeated countless times ever since he enrolled.

“Sorry to trouble you every time, student council president.”

“It is work after all…do not think that you can silence me with a bribe.”

Saying that, Lena opened her mouth in a childish manner.

“Just one mouthful.”

The shaved lemon ice was divided equally down the middle using two sticks.

At the parking lots of the convenience store was a no-parking sign by a large tree, and next to it was a bench. Lena’s legs were closed together as she beamed away, enjoying the faint blue, icy, sweet ice snack.

The sun was shining really brightly in the summer afternoon. In this residential area filled with much greenery however, it was cooling to remain under the shade, probably due to the breeze. The eyes had adapted to the greenery, staring at the dazzling, blooming midsummer scenery like a daydream.

Boys typically had higher body warmth, and Lena assumed that Shinn must be feeling hot. While she had yet to finish her dessert, Shinn had already opened the second pack. The arm showing from the sleeve looked somewhat sweaty.

Just to note, Lena never thought about why Shinn went to the convenience store alone to purchase two servings of lemon popsicles.

“Thank you for this. As thanks, what shall I deliver for our next club activity? Something handmade?”

“…Yeah. Something like a powder drink mix added to water.”

Shinn tersely noted, ngghhh, and Lena’s cheeks were puffed. She, a princess, never held a kitchen knife, nor entered a kitchen except during cooking lessons, and was really bad at it.

She was bad at it, and nobody looked forward to her cooking, but she was really miffed by this.

“I think that as the winner of the pageant contest, a handmade item from you will delight those guys at the club, Your Highness.”

The question was no longer whether the youths at the club would be excited.

Leaving that aside, Lena was completely flushed.

There was an annual beauty pageant contest during the school festival, and needless to say, the results last year were obvious. Thanks to her classmates’ scheming, Lena was voted first for cosplaying in a fiery military uniform.

“Ah, that is…”

“It was really a fight, but as to be expected, you won, Your Highness.”

“So I say, stop calling me ‘Your Highness’…!”

Well.

It was unknown who started it, but ever since the school festival, Lena was dubbed ‘Her Highness’.

The reason was probably the official looking military cap and the intimidating army uniform.

“I am really happy that many supported me, and…really happy to win it all, but, calling me ‘Your Highness’…!”

“Doesn’t it suit you very well, Your Highness?”

“So I say, stop calling me that! This is an order! I-I am ordering you as the Queen!”

Lena yelled, her face clearly red even under the tree shade.

Seeing that, Shinn chuckled.

“Sure, Your Highness…I can’t hear you.”

You are reading Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 5 in English / Read Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 5 manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

[86 Side Stories] SCHOOL -IF : The Sports Hall after School

Bam. The hard ball bounced, making a blunt sound resembling a metal wheel hitting the wooden floor, creating a ruckus amongst several students.

Most of them were boys, along with a few girls.

“――Daaaaaaa!! Shit, it rimmed out!”

“Hmph, nice chance, Seo. Hit it!”

“No Kaie, you know I slipped here!! ―――aarrggghh I know this would happen!”

“You two are bad at this man. Let’s settle thisー”

“……It’s really impressive how you never hit one, Raiden-san! I’m amazedー”

“Shut up Daiya! Who’s the first one to leave the basketball club in the first place!?”

“But I slipped. Not my fault!”

“Yay! It’s iiinnnn!”

“Shiden, over to you.”

“Righto! I’m going to beat you two up!”

“Shinn! Wait!”

“Always at this time, you guys,――ah shit!?”

“……What are you guys doing?”

With a thud, the metal doors were opened. Iska asked, his arms folded together as he leaned on the door. The dark blue blazer formed a huge contrast to the natural silver hair, along with the gold trimmed school crest unique to the third years.

There were two basketball courts on the vast sports hall this high school was proud of. On each side of the basketball courts, there were ladder shapes formed out of tape. There were ten or so boys and girls standing behind the shorter side, the free throw line. All of them looked over in unison.

Under the hoops hanging from the ceiling, the tall one and short one–Raiden and Seo–were standing together, sighing.

Looking at the situation, it appeared they were playing a game involving a basketball and a hoop. It seemed they were to stand behind the free throw line, and shoot in order. If they miss, they have to keep shooting until they make a shot. In the meantime, if anyone after them scores, the ones before who failed to score will be eliminated. The rules were simple. There were only three basketballs, and at most, one can eliminate two.

Shinn went to pick up the old basketball bouncing on the floor (nearly falling over), and answered,

“What’s the name called, Knockout?”

“Nobody’s asking what’s the game called. Anyway, isn’t the floor to be waxed today or something?”

For that reason, all club activities in the sports hall were suspended for the day.

Each club had to assign someone to help wax the floor, by drawing lots. As one of those involved, Shinn looked over at a corner of the sports hall. There were lots of mops used to wax the floor, just left there.

On a side note, the kendo dojo is located elsewhere, and the kendo club activities were not held in the gym, but it relied heavily on the other clubs. All the sports clubs were to handle menial tasks like cleaning the grounds, clearing the leaves around the dojo, and waxing the floor.

“We got a lot of guys with nothing to do. Didn’t spend too much time finishing up everything.”

“…………”

It seemed strange, but Shinn seemed to have a knack of making friends.

Because of that, it was pretty normal to play games on the court after the floor is waxed.

“Even if I give you a hundred steps leeway, don’t do this stupid thing after waxing the floor. There’s no point waxing now, is there?”

The floor was still slippery after all.

But despite that, Shinn remained blase about it.

Iska was a year older than Shinn, and they were of different clubs. Shinn never addressed him in formal language, not showing him any respect as a senior.

“There’s still some time……you fine with this, Alice-senpai?”

“It’s……”

“What, Iska? You got a problem?”

Looking over, the female retired captain of the kendo club appeared to be there. She had long black hair, and she was shaking her head.

He saw her lips curl into a smile, and clicked his tongue, averting his eyes. Since their freshmen year, they were in the same class the entire time, having formed a rotten bond. He had difficulties dealing with her.

“You playing? It’s slippery.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“Now that you mentioned it, I had a day like this during my first year. There was some time after the floor was waxed, so I suggested that we play dodgeball, but you didn’t let me”

“Huh? When did that happen?”

“……Captain, actually, we want to play dodgeball……”

Shinn muttered straight to the point. Either way, it seemed Alice did not hear him.

“Seriously……you want me to report you to the school if you say that again? What if someone else shows up right now……?”

Speak of the devil.

Iska felt some domineering force behind him, and immediately froze.

He did his best to compose himself, so that the juniors before he would not realize, retreating quietly to the side, and glanced towards the girl. Then, he noticed it was a short, slender girl with long silver hair.

The girl spoke up. The faint pink links showed a kind smile.

She followed with the voice of a silver bell.

“――Shinn?”

Shinn, who had maintained a stoic look the entire time, suddenly gave a tense look Iska noticed.

“I heard you are waxing the floor here, so what exactly are you doing now?”

You are reading Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 4 in English / Read Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 4 manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

[86 Side Stories] SCHOOL -IF: Summer Festival

26 year old Shourei Nouzen had a brother ten years younger than him, who was in the most rebellious phase of his life.

“I’m back…eh? Shinn, are you going to the festival?”

“…”

He asked, seeing Shinn wearing a yukata which was very rare. The latter however remained silent as usual.

Their mother’s voice came from the living room downstairs in reply instead, saying that he was going to spend the Tanabata festival with his classmate. Upon hearing that, Ray had a thought. If Shinn was simply going out with his classmates, he would not be wearing a yukata.

“A date, right? How’s she like? Who is this pretty girl?”

“……”

He was ignored.

Yep, he’s at the age when it’s really hard to understand him. Ray thought as he returned to his room, and while he was undoing his tie, he heard a voice beyond the ajar door to his room..

“Brother.”

“Yeah?”

“I can’t tie the obi.”

So Ray wanted to say, can’t you just wear a heko obi since it’s a man’s yukata? But since he was asked, he might as well tie the kai-no-kuchi musubi.

“Seriously, you’re always looking for your brother whenever you have troubles. Also you’re watching anime right now …”

Ray spotted Shinn watching anime on his smartphone.

Well, he’s working hard at least. Having thought this far, Ray didn’t chime in any further.

Shinn’s been working really hard, and had considerably grown up as compared to his younger days when he would just rely on others whenever he encountered trouble. However, it’s not too different from asking for help whenever he felt that he couldn’t settle it himself.

Maybe I pampered him too much …while Ray started to reflect upon his actions, Shinn in turn looked really disgusted.

“I never said I needed your help.”

“Yes yes, you never said it, okay?”

You’re still relying on me though. What’s different about that? Aren’t you just saying that while having me tie this for you?

Ahh, Ray sighed.

“Since you’re so arrogant, tie a bunko (light novel) knot yourself.”

“What is a light novel?”

Lady Margaret Millize’s sixteen year old daughter was in the prime of her age.

“Mother, is it weird for me to be wearing this?”

“…Lena, are you asking for my thoughts on it?”

Lady Millize answered, feeling really relieved.

Lena was standing before the tall mirror, sizing herself up and checking if there was anything inappropriate. It had been a while since she had experienced such an emotion.

Lena lifted her sleeves, turned her back towards the mirror to see the obi, and was beaming away.

“Very cute. Have confidence in yourself.”

The refreshing, orange colored yukata had bright butterfly patterns on it, and a bunko knot. It seemed rather large, but was still glamorous. The silvery white long hair matched with a satin cloth, were tied into a ponytail. The butterfly ornament matching the yukata would also creak whenever she moved..

She was dressed in a manner suitable for partying with friends. But on a closer inspection, one could see that Lena had put on makeup, which was a rarity for her. While she was trying to maintain her dignity, she hid her vibrant, pink lips.

“But …”

“A fine lady cannot have such a flustered look.…have a seat and calm down. There is still some time, right?”

For some reason, Lena blushed.

“Ah, there’s still some time …”

She looked around uneasily, and after lowering her eyebrows, said with a teeny-weeny voice.

“Well, you’re waiting for someone to pick you up, no?.”

Lady Millize was a little curious.

“Ah.”

“Receive you!?”

The man who yelled was seated on the sofa in the living room, acting nonchalant as he was reading the newspaper upside down, trying to eavesdrop upon their conversation in an exaggerated manner. That man was Vaclav Millize, her husband, and Lena’s father.

“Someone…will come by to receive you!? Are you going on a date with some hustler!? I don’t know which lecher is so bold…!”

“Wrong, you mean which boy.”

Lady Millize looked over at her husband with bewilderment.

“…Dear, did you return from work early today?”

“Impossible!? It is a father’s responsibility to worry about his daughter! What if something happens!?”

Lady Millize walked over, and looked at her husband as if he was a fool.

“Fo …do you know how overprotective you are being?”

“Repeat yourself! Sort out what you say!”

“Are you a fool?”

“Sort yourself out!”

“Do you know that you are acting like my father did while I was still a student? Your skin is as thick as the Grand Mur.”

“So you say…”

While the two of them were arguing, the intercom bell rang.

This time, Lena reacted as though her invisible cat ears had pricked up. Before her boorish husband had realized, Lady Millize waved her hand without looking at Lena, who nodded and hurried towards the corridor.

By the time her husband found Lena missing, it was already over.

“I am leaving! ―kept you waiting, Shinn…”

The uneasy look from before had vanished without a trace, and only the cheerful cheers and the footsteps of the geta echoed.

You are reading Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 1 in English / Read Eighty Six, School if, Chapter 1 manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

“Lena. Happy birthday.”

Saying that, Raiden suddenly took out a large canvas tote bag.

It had the sewing of a light pink spotted cat. While the design was cute, it seemed to be for something else. It was made with firmer fabric, and seemed to be something used by housewives buying groceries, not a gift.

“Thank you very much. Speaking of which, is it today…”

She forgot as she had been busy recently

“Yeah…so continue to work hard today.”

…Why?

Of course, it seemed Raiden got her this shopping bag for this purpose.

“Ah, you’re here, Lena. Here.”

Theo called for her as she walked down the corridor. He handed her a scenery collection with a ribbon upon it.

“S-since I received a present last time, this is my thanks. Just this.”

Kurena was blushing for some reason as she handed over a cute kitten print photo frame.

“It is a nice smell, so I will put it on your desk…just to make sure you will not lose it, I suppose?”

Anju gave an impish smile. She was delivering a heart-shaped basket containing a rose potpourri.

“In that case, what I shall give is this. This, to be accompanied with tea.”

Frederica gave boxes of candied rosewood sweets that were lined together like jewels.

“Yes, Lena. This is from me. If only we have a party.”

Arnett gave little gemstones of red and silver, along with a thin choker made from orange flowers.

“Colonel, happy birthday. This does happen from time to time.”

Grethe’s gift was a wine red rouge with a bright brand logo.

“Ah, Colonel. It seems you’ve been bogged down by many things. Erm, this is from your subordinate.”

Dustin was looking bashful for some reason. He handed over a handkerchief set.

“Ahh Your Highness. A certain someone~~~~~ won’t be giving this thing, for sure, so put it on for the time being!”

And Shiden, snickering away for some reason, handed over a cloisonne ring.

“Colonel Millize. I heard that today’s your birthday.”

“A token of our appreciation. The Federation has few tea sets. It was difficult trying to find one.”

Major General Richard and Chief of Staff William arrived at the headquarters for some reason. Their gifts were a can of synthesized tea and a white porcelain tea set.

“Pi!”

Even Fido gave her a gift. It was a Lira flower stalk plucked from the forest in the back, a rarity for this season.

Every few steps she took, someone would stop her, and she would greet. For every person conveying their well wishes to her, the presents in her hands increased in numbers.

Lena never expected that everyone would be celebrating her birthday. While embarrassed, she was really delighted. Ah, there’s a birthday menu for you today, Colonel, so the massive head chef said as he passed her by.

She returned to her office, carrying the filled tote in her clutches.

Huh?

She was wondering why her Aide, a second lieutenant, was standing at that peculiar position. The aide’s slender position so happened to be blocking a white marble low table.

The female bespectacled officer with red hair and some bangs continued flatly as she stood at that strange position,

“The bouquet is from me.”

“Th-thank you very much?”

So, why was she standing at such a mysterious position.

“This thing is a little delicate, and somewhat heavy for a female. I thought I should wait until you bring your items here.”

“…?”

The aide did not respond to Lena’s questioning look, took the Lira flower from Fido, slipped it into the vase behind her, and hurried off.

The blocked low table finally entered Lena’s sight. There were lilies and various strange flowers inserted into the crystal vase, forming a faint flowery silhouette under the dim sunlight.

And right over there was an extra thing she never saw when she left the office in the morning.

There was a square plate of antique design, with a round disc ornamented with little gemstones, a round, oblique mirror and a cylinder reaching into the disc. The closest thing resembling it would be a microscope.

There was also a large screw on the desk, probably a music box. Lena twirled it as it creaked, not knowing what would happen. For some reason, a nostalgic melody rang from the music box, and the disc spun at the same rate. There was a mirror in the cylinder, so it probably was a kaleidoscope. The images displayed in the round mirror opened like a peacock, or a window of roses, the vibrant floral patterns everchanging before her.

So pretty it was, she was completely mesmerized before she knew it. It had nostalgia-inducing curves, the moving light and colors flickering around.

She lost count of time, and forgot to breathe. She did not know why the sender chose to give this. Beneath the paw of the stand was a note with the twin headed hawk emblem of the Federation.

The handwriting was a little erratic――but Lena could recognize his neat words.

“Happy birthday, Lena.”

Fufu, so Lena gave a wry smile.

He, as the battalion commander, was hassled by various matters. He was cooped in the hangar with the research team and the mechanics, busy testing the “Reginleif” system updates. However,

“Seriously, can you not have waited for me a moment…Shin?”

Lena herself had once ran away, so this time, she would let this slide.

You are reading Eighty Six, Lenas Birthday in English / Read Eighty Six, Lenas Birthday manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

Let’s show some love for the long ranged weapons! Hello everyone, this is Asato Asato.

Missiles and cannons might be the easiest to ignore in a combat robot show, with probably as much relevance as air, but I want to give them some time to shine. There are times when I want to see the ace unit bombarded abruptly and unreasonably by a large area of effect bombardment.

So, with that in mind, the enemy this time is,

A Railgun

On,

A Railway Artillery.

A dream fusion of the modern long distance cannon, the railgun , and the World War 2 long distance cannon, the railway gun!

…Right, sorry. That’s just what I wanted to do. I didn’t care about how realistic it is.

And so, I’ve kept all of you waiting.

Presenting the third volume of 86, “Run To The Battlefront (Part Two).”

The plotting phase of this “Run to the Battlefront” was supposed to something more light-hearted.

The first volume was too grim, so I wanted to write a story of the Eighty-Sixers racing down a brand new battlefield, a happy, entertaining story, as the tagline would imply!

So I thought.

But when I started writing, I found that it wasn’t as lighthearted as I would have liked.

Those who have read the story knows how it isn’t as lighthearted, but as an author, I was shocked at Shinn being the plot crusher here. The plot changed, the ending changed, and all that’s left from the initial draft is ‘the enemy is a railgun’. What is this…!?

This time, a few notes.

・Nachzehrer

This is a demonic fusion of the Caspian Sea Monster, the largest transport carrier in the world that is the AN 225 Mriya and the Stealth Bomber B2 Spirit. Just to note, such weapon classifications do exist, but the specifications were all made up by me.

Yeah, I just wanted to do this. I don’t care about reality (etc).

・Rejoice, this is the Hell you guys love

The line appeared in the last part of chapter seven was copied from the editor-in-charge Kiyose-san when this series was decided to be adapted into a manga (just to say, nothing really terrifying happened. It’s just a little joke that we’ll be really busy starting from now). So when I heard those words, I decided that I would make sure the sergeant or someone else say this.! I kept it on standby until now.

・Fido

I think it’s bad balance to just talk about Kiyose-san, so to make it up, I’ll talk about the other editor-in-charge Tsuchiya-san.

Fido was destroyed at the end of volume 1, and was revived in volume 2, partially because I-IV-sama’s design is really cute, and the other half of the reason is that Tsuchiya-san loves Fido.

After all, every meeting, Tsuchiya-san would always ask me if Fido will revive…

Finally, the thanksgivings.

To the editor-in-charge Kiyose-sama, Tsuchiya-sama, thank you both for guiding this reckless me and the lost Shinn once again, pointing out precisely what the faults are.

Shirabii-sama, This volume is full of battles! Thank you for the amazing illustrations provided. Apologies for causing you all sorts of problems.

I-IV-sama. There are two impressively big objects this time around…!

I always wanted a chance to get you to design a long ranged cannon when you became the mecha designer. I’m really grateful.

To Yoshihara-sama, who’s in charge of the manga adaptation, I kept thinking “I want to have a read the manga soon!” when I saw the character roughs and the powerful storyboard . I really hope that the serialization will begin soon. I Want to read it…!

And also to all the readers who received this book. Thank you for the support all this time. This third volume finally focuses on Shinn’s psyche, so I hope you will continue to love him. For the fourth volume next time, I’ll make sure to write a happy, light-hearted story! A light-hearted story where he and she finally meet, and bicker with the other Eighty-Sixers! See you next time!

And so, I hope this book will bring you on a journey to pursue the sunset, to his battlefield amidst the scenery of the crimson sunset and the azure night.

When writing this afterword. BGM：Seiran Keppuroku.（Ali Project）

You are reading Eighty Six, Volume 3, Afterword in English / Read Eighty Six, Volume 3, Afterword manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

A blackout was implemented; the frontlines remained silent aside from the night patrol squadrons, and she remained in contact through her Para-RAID with all the surviving forces.

Faced with this serious predicament, Lena pursed her faint colored lips.

They were already prepared.

They had known that this day would come. The Republic, which had long ignored the destruction beyond them as they cooped up within their solace, was at its final moments, trying to resist with it’s feeble might in the face of the “Legion” assaults.

As the ‘death god’ stationed at the Eastern frontline had predicted, there was a difference in how they faced their enemy, for the proud Eighty-Sixers kept fighting, knowing that they could not run from their final fates.

In any case, she had pleaded the various sections—to regroup in the Eighty Five zones, that aid would be provided, before switching her Para-RAID off without answering any question, and hurrying off towards the control room. There was no need to answer those questions. If they truly intended to help, they would arrive here, in the Eighty Five Legislative Zones. Before then, she would have to clear the mines between the Eighty Sixers and the Republic, and open the gates of the “Grand Mur”.

Lena gently pressed upon a certain thing that was hidden within the inner pocket of her black uniform.

That was their final hope.

A figure stealthily appeared upon the corridor that she had just passed through.

“—What are you intending to do, Captain Vladlena Millize?”

At that moment, Lena was grabbed by the shoulder. She immediately turned around.

Seeing the person before her, she murmured.

“Brigadier General Carl-Stahl…!”

She waved his hand aside, and glared at the man who was a head taller than her.

This moment was the Rubicon that determined whether the Republic, the Eighty-Sixers and Lena could survive.

Surely she could not allow this man, who was hesitant in despair, get in her way.

“I am going to clear the landmines and open the “Grand Mur”…call in all the forces on the frontlines, concentrate our firepower against the “Legion”. We might have hope…”

“Enough. It’s better off for the Republic to be wiped out by the “Legion” than to let the Eighty-Sixers in. The citizens might be better off.”

“At this juncture, how are you–…!”

Still so obsessed with thinking that the Albas are the only humans, that only the Albas have the right to reside peacefully in the Eighty Five zones like delusion, and watch our country be wiped out?

“There is no way the Eighty Sixers will fight for the Republic.”

Upon hearing these sudden words, Lena felt a verbal lashing upon her face.

“They, oppressed, abandoned and harmed by the Republic, will not agree to our pleas at this point. Thy have no obligation, no reason to save us…at most, they will mock us, saying that we deserve it.”

Lena gritted her teeth.

She knew that.

She could not bring herself to shamelessly ask them for help, to protect them.

But.

“They have no obligation, but they have a reason. We have generators and production plants. These facilities remain necessary to survive, to keep fighting. There is no way that they won’t understand that, having fought all this while.”

A frown appeared on Carl-Stahl’s scarred face.

It appeared that he had witnessed something truly intolerable.

“How idealistic you are…maybe they might have such thoughts initially. However, they will soon realize that it is better to resist the “Legion” with their own might than to protect the useless citizens incapable of protecting themselves.”

“…”

“When that happens, what next? Slaughter might be a better outcome here. You should know, having studied history, that what happens next will not be as nice as you will like it to be, especially…for a young woman like you.”

Once he mentioned this possible future, Lena was left terrified.

Not that she had never assumed this possibility.

Having commanded many battles, she might have gained the trust of the Processors in her squad. However, to them, she was merely a white swine flailing away safely at the back.

She had accounted for such a possibility—that once the Eighty-Sixers were summoned, they would be slaughtered.

She had also thought of the wanton violence that might happen.

But even so.

She reached her hand out to the letters and photo beneath her uniform, gently placed in her inner pocket, and concealed with a waterproof bag…just in case the “Legion” began its assault.

Those were the final words left behind for her.

“But even so…I don’t intend to give up right from the beginning and wait to be annihilated. I might die giving all I got…but I want to keep fighting until the end.”

Or else, she would be unable to face Shinn and the other members, who had lived that way, and believed that she too would do so.

The two pairs of silver eyes met each other—and suddenly, Carl-Stahl looked aside.

“Do as you please.”

He turned around and proceeded down the long corridor. A large assault rifle was slung around over his shoulder, resting upon his large back, swaying heavily. It was a well maintained 7.62mm rifle produced by the Republic, capable of firing once or thrice.

That was probably the gun Carl-Stahl had used during his youth.

The rifles assigned differed for each soldier, who could only use their personal rifle during training and combat. It was a mass-produced assault rifle, but each had a distinct quality. Only those familiar with their rifles could use them well.

It was the rifle Carl-Stahl obtained during his youth, had used during the battles against the “Legion” ten years ago, and remained with him till this point.

“Brigadier General–?”

“Having dreams is a privilege for the children, Captain Millize. And it is the duty of an adult—to protect such dreams before they wake and be crushed by the cruel reality.”

With one hand, he removed his tie, and tossed it to the ground. At that moment, Lena noticed that beneath the thick officer uniform were the clashing combat boots fit for practical purposes.

Had he always intended to…?

“Wait and be crushed, Lena. Wait and see how your beautiful dreams are crushed by reality.”

“Wai—”

Unknowingly, Lena reached her hand out towards her ‘uncle’…only to immediately purse her lips, and clench her fist.

The boots clattered as she saluted the silhouette that had no intention to face her.

“Yes, good luck—Brigadier General Carl-Stahl.”

Upon saying those words, Lena again returned to the corridors of the military headquarters.

She quietly meditated over her last words towards him. Again she repeated it until it was ingrained in her mind, into a tiny guiding star in a corner of her mind.

If one day, we arrive at the end of our journey.

Yes, Shinn.

Surely, I will head towards where you rest.

To the destination of your journey.

†

The endless hordes of “Legion” continued their onslaught, the cannons rumbled, and the blades clashed.

Suddenly, Shinn was seemingly reeled over by something.

He seemed to have heard a voice.

He was taking on the masses before him, battling for his life. That moment lingered for but a second, and was quickly devoured by the battles, forgotten as it vanished.

Never once did he think it would be ‘her’ voice during her last moments.

You are reading Eighty Six, Volume 3, Interlude in English / Read Eighty Six, Volume 3, Interlude manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com

“No Face to Vast Network One”

“All phases of Operation has been completed.”

“Operation ended. All “Legion” forces in Network are to cease combat operations.”

“Retreat to Controlled Areas.”

†

Outcome wise, the first joint operation of countries against the “Legion” since the inception of the war was a success.

They were unable to regain land from the “Legion” Controlled Area. The probe West into the corridor resulted merely in the dominion of a frontline centered around the old high speed railway, but a consensus from the three countries was that they could expand territories from there. The “Legion” had spent many years amassing forces for an all out assault, failed, was forced to retreat, and did not have enough strength to begin another immediate assault again.

By working together, humanity could fight against the “Legion”.

A small step it may be, it brought a great amount of hope.

†

“──Even so, this is still not an optimistic situation.”

It was morning in the Federation capital, St. Yedder, snow falling outside the windows.

Standing before the massive desk in the President’s office were the Western Army Chief of Staff and the 177th Mobile Division Headquarters commander, who said.

“The Western Army had lost 60% of its forces. A regular replacement of forces will be insufficient, and we will have to cut down on the education cycle for all specialist cadet schools, officer cadet schools, and boot camps. However, it is it is undeniable that training would be insufficient. The training facilities too will require the same number of candidates, which will result in decrease of the Federation national power.”

In War, the army was not one to produce, but to guzzle resources and manpower. The age groups of productivity and repopulation had been drafted into the military for national defense purposes. Surely the Future National Power would be depleted.

The United Kingdom and the Alliance too might be facing the same situation. Both had low populations, and their situations might be more dire.

“In contrast, the “Legion” might have some depleted squads, but the production Weisels and the electricity generationg Atomarias remain unscath. Regeneration abilities wise, they are able to mass produce weapons far beyond our side…and it is likely that this will only get worse as the war goes on.”

“No need to mince your words, Major General. In other words, if we are to continue pushing through with our strategy, given the situation, humanity will lose due to weariness if it cannot regain the entire continent…am I correct?”

“Yes. Thus, I believe there is a need to revise our strategy…”

In the short term, if another assault of similar scale was to begin, humanity would be unable to withstand it.

They sent in a massive counteroffensive, and destroyed the “Morpho”. Both objectives were completed, but the initiative remained with the “Legion”. It was understood that the Federation had been weary, and made lots of sacrifices.

“We are not going to gradually move forth, but to focus on limited offensives. While maintaining our defensive lines, we shall establish a squad, and focus our firepower to eliminate the cores of the “Legion”. The Western Army has viewed them as the first candidates, but we never expected you to have the same opinion, Your Excellency”

The Federation, formerly a military superpower, viewed them as elite.

“We shall create a strike force centered around the Eighty-Sixers, the young soldiers who were saved from the old Republic…pardon us, but you have long reviled using those youths as sacrifices for the peace of the country. Does this proposal go against your ideals?”

“That’s the case, but they volunteered──and hoped to go the frontlines. I had no choice.”

Ernst looked out of the window, viewing the snowy St. Yedder as he answered calmly. It was an early Winter morning, and the capital was beginning preparations for the Christmas Eve festival.

“They have their own ideals, and I have no right to refuse just because I pity them. If they would rather choose to return to the battlefield, I do hope for a few comrades to accompany them. And furthermore, regarding Shinn…Captain Nouzen, I do hope to keep them in a place as safe as possible.“

He glanced aside at the holographic email floating in the air as he quibbed.

The file of the Federation army’s Gifted had a personal stamp on it. That stamp stood out on the personal file filled with the special notes involving the operation.

“The strike force will have to attack the core of the “Legion”, and is also expected to provide aid to the surrounding countries. If they are to be deployed around various countries, and be placed under the charge of the foreign commanders, there will be some attention given to them, at least…I am not willing to have them become lab rats just because they are young capable Canaries.”

Ernst glanced aside, and the Major General’s face was rigid. In contrast, the Chief of Staff snorted.

“The unsavoriness of our army has caused this. So that is the scepticism you have, Your Excellency.”

So he said, showing a malicious sneer as he tilted his head.

“But as for that Captain Nouzen, will he be willing to accept having a guest officer as his commander? He will be the direct subordinate. Is he not more likely to choose the current Division, rather than obey the commands of his old oppressor?”

“I mentioned it to him. He just returned from his break yesterday.”

The Chief of Staff raised an eyebrow, and Ernst shrugged.

Including Shinn, Nordlicht Squadron had participated in the reclamation of the old San Magnolia Republic administrative zones, but in the battle for the first area, there was a deadlock against the enemy. Thus, the main forces retreated, regrouped with the reinforcements, and retreated.

A soldier’s battle efficiency would drop after a certain amount of time had elapsed in an operation. As a former military superpower, the Federation had forayed north and south, and had a clear understanding of timely handovers and rest. It was temporary, but the youths could finally get some rest.

“That was what I too worried about, but it seems there was no need for that. Because ──…”

†

Shinn was dressed in military uniform, for it was an official moment for a soldier, and the military black trench coat draped over it, he strolled down the Federation capital under the snowy clouds.

The National Cemetery took up a large area of St. Yedder’s suburbs, and visible were the powder snow was like ash, the skies concealed in a veil of white, yet glowing slightly, and the Lilacs surrounding the cemetery, the leaves fallen and the black bark exposed to the chilly winds. Amidst the monochromatic landscape in this snowy veil, the clusters of graves stood, scattered with the uniform-clad vestige of various ages and genders, probably of the Western Army soldiers who returned at the same time.

It was said these snowflakes were the flowers of winter. In Spring, it was the Lilacs that bloomed. In Summer, it was the Roses beneath the Lilacs that bloomed. In Autumn, the Salvias littered the ground. The heroes who had no visitors to their graves could get an equal yearly amount of floral offerings. Shinn recalled that he had never seen the scenery of the National Cemetery other than the winter season.

It appeared there was lots he knew not of.

At a corner of the many new graves, Shinn stood before an ordinary one.

“──It’s been a while,Eugene”

Eugene Lantz.

Etched on the stone grave was the name and the gap of seventeen years between his birth and his death, and it remained silent in the tranquil morning of the large cemetery, covered by the thin layer of snow that fell over the night.

“Sorry for being late.”

But Eugene was not there.

Half the body was left behind. His will and memories were no longer inside.

Shinn could hear fragments of the lingering wishes and thoughts of the Dead who remained. For him, it was not a difference of values or religions, just a matter of fact.

There was no Heaven, and no Hell.

All the Dead, without exempt, would return to the darkness at the bottom of the world.

Thus, Shinn was not talking to anyone else but the Eugene in his memories. Even so, Shinn needed this plain gravestone with only a name just to hold a personal conversation, which he found a little unfathomable.

Inscribed on the gravestone was his name, birth year and death year. Once all who knew him disappeared, he would be rendered merely a record.

The Federation soldiers that returned to the void wanted graves to remember them by, and back on the Eighty Sixth area, the 576 comrades entrusted their redemption on small aluminium fragments. What they truly wanted after death was probably not the graves however, but rather people to remember them by.

“The Western frontlines remains as it was when you’re alive.”

He places the flowers he bought at the entrance before the grave. The Federation was in the middle of a harsh winter, so the flowers were white Lilies raided in a greenhouse. The tender white color looked exceptionally white when compared to the polished black granite gravestone.

The granny selling flowers knew he was a soldier; after all, he was dressed in military uniform. This is a gift from me, so she handed another bouquet of flowers to Shinn. On this snowy day, the granny arrived early in the morning at the entrance of the National Cemetery, where the KIA laid asleep. She pursed her lips, lifted her head, as though it was her mission to do so.

“The surviving Eighty-Sixers of the Republic have all been protected by the Federation, and the army has decided to start a new squad centered on them, specialized in piloting “Juggernauts”. Once the break’s over, I will be deployed there.”

Ten thousand men or so in total, a large battalion, in fact.

Practically all the surviving Processors volunteered to join the Federation army.

A year ago, Shinn and his comrades made the same decision.

“──You asked me before, why I want to fight.”

Or rather, Eugene wanted to ask, only to be interrupted, and never got the chance to.

Neither Shinn nor Eugene would have expected it to be the last conversation between them.

Death remained impartial to all, sudden.

That was why the Eighty-Sixers insisted on living to the very end with no regrets, to keep living until they had no regrets, and to continue fighting with this dignity.

And they had nothing other than that.

“To be honest, I still don’t know. For us, for me, I don’t have the reason to fight like you spoke up. I have no place to return to, no place I want to go to…and nothing I want to protect.”

His family was dead, and he was unfamiliar with the inherited culture , the hometown he grew up in was already erased in the darkness of his memories.

Furthermore, he used the laments of the countless ghost as guides, remembered the memories and souls of his dead comrades, and lived on with the goal of slaying his brother. It was truly difficult of him to look forward to a future without his brother.

The distant future that might not be there, or the tomorrow that should be right around the corner remained so vague, ambiguous, unpredictable.

Shinn still had no wishes, nor did he have anything he wanted.

However.

“But I want to…I promised to bring them to the very end, and I guess I know that what I want to show them isn’t the battlefield.”

There was also a girl he bade farewell to a year ago.

Ever since that, she struggled alone on the Republic battlefield, all to catch up to them. It would be overly cruel for her to catch up only to see a battlefield filled with death everywhere.

Before he went on the special scouting mission, they had a last conversation that night. Shinn back then had assumed that there would be no aid, but hoped that she could survive, not hoping that she would witness that devastation.

“…The sea,

Back then, the one before him had said that he wanted to show his sister the sea, for she had not seen it.

He wanted to show her the unknown she did not see.

“I don’t really want to see it, but I want to bring people along. I hope to show them the unknown, the things they haven’t seen. I guess I’ll use this as the reason to fight.”

This wish could not be fulfilled, for this world was chained by the “Legion”.

Of course, the gravestone would not respond, and it did not contain Eugene’s soul at all.

However, he felt that the approachable, kind peer of his would smile and say, That’s good.

“I’ll come back again…next time, I’ll tell you things you haven’t seen.”

The gravestone did not respond.

Instead, the laments of the mechanical ghosts seeped into this tranquillity. The thoughts of the comrades trapped in the battlefield kept lamenting with their final words, wandering around, seeking release.

I get it. I’m not going to forget all of you.

He turned around silently, and the moment he stepped forward, he vaguely spotted a person in the corner of his eyes. It resembled Eugene, or his dead brother. The moment he looked over, he found a long haired girl turning her head back amidst the fluttering veil of snow, her silhouette resembling Kaie, and yet like the person who had unwittingly caught up to them.

He left behind the Dead that had returned, and gave pursuit to the ghosts that wandered the battlefield, along with his comrades-in-arms who had not returned here.

The heroes laid in eternal rest, silent amidst the powder snow that fell as they watched the Death God walk away.

There was always an old granny at the entrance before the “National, Cemetery”, and she would always give Nina a bouquet of flowers.

Nina’s little body hugged the bouquet of Lilies that were too big, and walked down the path to her brother’s grave, which she was already familiar with.

Over the past half year and so, Nina started to slowly realize that dying meant that her brother would never return, and would never meet her again.

It was said her brother was killed, and in other words, a certain person caused him to be unable to return.

It made her sad, despondent, crestfallen, and so she wrote a letter to that person, but till this point, she did not receive a reply. That might have been a bad person, and did not respond, or perhaps the letter did not reach him.

It was said this ‘war’ was really terrible, and many died, just like her brother. Maybe that baddie died too.

Nina thought that if the baddie met her brother in Heaven, he could say sorry to her brother. Her brother was a kind person, and surely the baddie could be forgiven, and they could be friends in Heaven.

Because hating a person would make a person feel angry, painful, not a good thing.

At that moment, she noticed a pile of soft milky white before her brother’s grave, different from the cold white snow.

She teetered forth, carrying it…they were Lilies, and the snow had yet to pile on them. Someone must have offered them just now.

She looked around, and within the gaps of the grave, a person that had walked far away entered her sights. That person was a little taller than her brother, a boy of similar age.

And like the brother she saw for the last time, he was dressed in a steel-colored uniform.

She recalled seeing that person somewhere.

She recalled him having fun with her brother.

“…Erm,”

Without thinking, she called out softly, but the voice could not reach the other end of the snow veil.

Glad that you came?

Glad that you remembered?

Or are you glad that you managed to make it back alive, unlike my dead brother?

For some reason, the young Nina felt a strong urge to say something.

“Erm,…thank you very much…！”

The voice was sucked into the snow, and the young girl, not knowing how to shout, could not convey her voice.

But even so, she felt that the vague silhouette at the other end of the powder snow turned his head around slightly.

†

The “Juggernauts” and their loyal follower, were buried in the Spring garden at the very end of their journey. The young officer of similar age was dressed in the steel-colored uniform of the Federation army smiled calmly.

“Pleased to be of acquaintance, but not exactly. This is the first time we are meeting though.”

As for why those words sounded so elated, Lena did not know.

“It has been a while, Handler One. Geade Federation Captain, ex-Spearhead Squadron leader, Shinei Nouzen.”

She was completely dumbfounded.

Lena’s silvery white eyes widened as she looked up to the youth who introduced himself.

He was of similar age to her, just graduated from officer cadet school, and promoted twice at such a young age, already the rank of Captain. He had the pitch black hair of an Onyx and the bloody red eyes of a Pyrope, a handsome white face to the point of aloofness.

Lena never knew of his appearance before.

The photo they left for her was too crude, taken from a far distance, and she could not see their appearances clearly.

But the voice,

The calm, stoic voice seemed a little distant, yet it sounded comfortable—

“…,Shinn…？”

The boy naturally smiled back with some wryness.

“That’s the first time you called me that. Yes, it’s me, Major Millize.”

“You’re, alive…”

“Yeah. Didn’t manage to die.”

Whether the voice was somewhat curt, or overly blunt.

Lena barely held in the tears that nearly burst out.

She did not want her eyes to be blurred by her tears, for fear that if she blinked, he would disappear.

Instead, she did her best to smile.

It was likely she was looking unbecoming, but she cared not for that.

Over these two years.

These two years, while the Republic stagnated, and was finally vanquished—what happened to them?

They crossed the “Legion” controlled area, arrived at foreign lands, and were dressed in uniforms differing from their homelands.

Needless to say, over these two years, they had been fighting.

For them, fighting to the very end was a form of pride, a journey they embarked on with a smile.

“…I have always been chasing after you.

The red eyes were beaming.

“I know.”

“I caught up.”

“Yeah.”

For some reason, that quiet voice seemed so nostalgic.

She held his outstretched hand with two hands, the tears finally falling against her will, but a smile naturally formed.

She had no chance to say those words.

But this time, she finally could.

“Henceforth──I too will fight alongside all of you.”

You are reading Eighty Six, Volume 3, Epilogue in English / Read Eighty Six, Volume 3, Epilogue manga stream online on 86-eighty-six.com