Blue Archive: Miracle's End

One Final Miracle

Approximately fifteen minutes later, both Shiroko and Iori arrived together at the Broadcast Tower. Despite coming together, there was an undeniable tension between them. They kept their distance, deliberately avoiding each other's presence, as if neither wanted to acknowledge the other.

Izuna immediately noticed the strained atmosphere and couldn't help but feel concerned.

"Sorry for calling you both here so suddenly..." she said, breaking the silence.

"It's fine," Iori replied flatly. "I already figured out what you were trying to do the moment you mentioned meeting at the Broadcast Tower."

"Yeah..."

It was Shiroko, however, who caught Izuna's attention the most. She refused to meet Izuna's gaze, her posture stiff--- almost as if just being in the same room as her was making her anxious.

Ah... I see...

It's because of back then... that trip we had...

Izuna knew why. Shiroko was still carrying the guilt from that night--- the night she had stopped Izuna from seeing Sensei and confessing to him. Even now, Izuna couldn't completely forgive her. A part of her still held onto the anger, blaming Shiroko for what had happened.

Yet, a part of Izuna also empathized with Shiroko, understanding why she had acted the way she did.

And though she didn't want to admit it, Izuna knew that if their roles had been reversed, she might have done the same.

After all, they all loved their teacher... and they'd want all the opportunity to have him for themselves only.

"The Broadcast Tower is responsible for transmitting all live news throughout Kivotos via blimps, radios, televisions, and even the phones used by every student," Kayoko chimed in as she approached the group nonchalantly. "As long as Sensei is still somewhere in Kivotos, there's no doubt he'll be able to see the broadcast we're about to perform."

"Izuna believes that searching for Aruiji-dono is no longer possible. If he truly intended to leave without saying goodbye to a single student, then it's clear--- he has no intention of ever showing himself to us again."

Izuna clenched her fists, desperately trying to keep her emotions from spilling over.

"This is why... this is the only solution Izuna can think of," she continued, her voice wavering. "To use the Broadcast Tower--- to say what we need to say to Aruji-dono before it's too late."

"To think you'd go this far... Kuda Izuna," Iori remarked---not in a mocking tone, but with a hint of admiration and awe.

"Yeah. If it's for Izuna's love for Sensei, then she's willing to do anything," Izuna replied confidently, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Each of them nodded in agreement, prompting Kayoko to begin preparing the equipment for the broadcast.

As she worked, a question suddenly came to Iori's mind--- one she didn't hesitate to voice.

"The broadcast can only be used one at a time... which means all four of us will have to take turns. The question now is--- what order should we go in?"

"I don't mind going last," Kayoko said as she continued adjusting the equipment. "I'm still thinking about what I want to say to Sensei."

"Then, Izuna doesn't mind going before Kayoko---"

"No!"

Shiroko's abrupt outburst cut Izuna off, her raised voice startling both Izuna and Iori. They turned to her, surprised.