I don't usually wake up this early.
It's kind of a nice feeling, though, isn't it?
It is!
A rifle Blaze? Are you sure there isn't some kind of mistake?
I'm sure. That was definitely a Blaze.
But a Blaze can't manifest as any weapon with a complex structure.
That might be why she's called an Exception.
An Exception?
In any case,
it looks like Lilith is out again today.
The Exception and the Irregular...
This is fate... Tor Kokonoe.
We lived in a closed-up past
With an ever-distant future and time unmoving
Finding in our battle now what we were searching for
The power to believe in each other, beyond even destiny
We'll get stronger, you and me: a pair to the end
This light reflects a bond even deeper than our wounds
I want to protect you... and so my soul runs out to you now
Just hand it over to me (all of it)--even your pain
We're together (together) that's why (that's why) we can make it our strength
I'll be your shield, and yours alone
My back to yours, I believe in miracles (in meetings)
No one can intrude on that (can't stop it)
Looking down on our limits from far above: Absolute Soul
"#05: Level Up"
Wow! So that's the power of Level 2, huh?
She really is on a whole other level!
Guess we've got to try harder!
Yeah!
Level 2... so that's what the Rite of Sublimation does.
Honestly, I never really felt like I'd leveled up.
I guess it does give you more speed and power than before.
Amazing! You've got a major lead!
I-I guess I do. Me--in the lead!
That's fantastic, Hotaka. Here.
Oh... uh-huh.
Um... it's probably because you've been cheering me on.
So thank you.
I didn't do anything. You're the one who's been working so hard.
Not really...
Hey, uh, Kokonoe?
Kokonoe's right, Miyabi.
Tomoe!
You can't Sublimate if your physical and spiritual strength
don't match your new level.
You deserve to be proud!
That's right! Me, I leveled up ages ago, and now I'm in the top tier!
Right, Kokonoe?
Why are you asking me?!
K-Kokonoe... that look you're giving us...
You dog!
You've got the wrong idea!
Ah! I expected nothing less.
She's not coming up.
Is Julie--
Julie!
I'm sorry. We don't swim back in Gimle.
I thought I could just do what I'd seen others do, but...
I never saw that coming. Julie is actually bad at something?
There's a first time for everything.
But you should take it easy today. Just rest, okay?
Ja...
You'll catch a cold if you stay sopping wet like that.
Tor...
What say we take our new levels out for a spin?
Oh, you'll get what's coming to you.
Now I kind of wish I couldn't swim, either.
Tor, please teach me to swim.
I should. We'll probably have summer lessons, and--
Sorry! You go on ahead!
Tor?
Another outstanding brew, Sarah.
Thank you, miss.
What are you doing?
Can't you tell? I'm enjoying my afternoon tea.
That's not what I mean. You haven't been in class.
Is everything all right?
I completed my high-school studies ages ago.
This academy is just a way for me to kill time.
So you must have good grades.
Still, you'll never make friends like this.
Aren't you sweet. Wasn't it only yesterday
you jumped out in front of a girl to protect her?
It's only right to help your friends.
I suppose I don't hate that about you.
Listen, I need to ask you something. About yesterday. Why did you--
Just a moment.
If you'd like an answer to that question... I know:
Come with me--right now.
Miss!
Don't make me tell you again.
That Kokonoe has a lot of nerve playing hooky!
I wonder what happened to him?
It's utterly disgraceful.
Tor...
Look! Turner! It's Turner!
When you said "come with me,"
I never thought it'd be to a theme park!
"Theme park"? I beg your pardon!
This is a dark fantasy world of love and nightmares:
This is Deathnewland!
Could you turn it down a notch?!
How can I? I've been planning a visit ever since I knew
I'd be coming to Japan!
Oh! Rogers! It's really him! I've got to take a picture!
Come on!
B-But where?
Whoa! Hang on a second--wait!
And why would we do that? Onward to Deathnewland!
Over there!
Turner!
Oh, Turner, you're so adorable! I'm so glad I met you, Turner!
3, 2, 1:
How's that?
For an Exceed, you sure look a mess.
My exhaustion is more mental than physical.
Oh! Let's go there next! C'mon!
You're amazing!
I should be. Hunting's been my hobby since I was a child.
Hunting as a hobby? It's like a whole other world...
Really? It's not rare at all where I'm from.
I've dismantled and assembled guns time and time again.
You ought to know everything about a weapon that can take life,
a weapon you entrust your own life to.
Guns are the weapon I'm most familiar with.
It's like guns are my soul.
Your soul...
Isn't your Blaze the same way?
My Blaze?
Behind you!
Nicely done!
"Tor" "Lilith"
Congratulations! You two have our highest score!
I got a Rogers! This is a park exclusive, you know.
You're like a little kid!
That's a low blow.
Didn't you say you had something to ask me?
Why did you use your Blaze in front of all those people yesterday?
Oh, that? It's only natural to show your Blaze to your Duo.
I was so excited to learn you were the wielder of an Unrivaled Blaze.
To find out I wasn't the only one in the whole world.
Then I felt it:
You, the Irregular, are the only Duo for me.
The only one? But...
My gun fires on the foe; your shield blocks their blades.
Just like a guardian knight.
And so...
I'll break my own rules to say this:
Be my Duo, Tor Kokonoe.
Well, it is past curfew.
Tor... Tor!
Welcome back, Tor.
Thanks, Julie. I needed that.
The resident advisor's on patrol.
I, uh... I'm sorry I'm late.
Nej. It's no problem at all,
as long as you're all right.
Actually... I was out with Lilith.
Were you?
And... she asked me if I'd be her Duo.
But...
Sorry. I already have a Duo who means a lot to me. I can't be yours.
B-But that's...
I swore--to her and to myself--
that I'd stand by her.
My feelings aren't about to change.
I'll never forgive you for rejecting my invitation twice.
And now she hates my guts.
She did actually ask me to be her Duo before,
and I just didn't want you to worry...
I'm sorry I kept something so important from you.
Nej. You're your own person, Tor. But more than that...
Thank you. For choosing me.
N-No... I mean, thank you.
Let's head back. It's getting chilly.
Then...
Julie?
I'll do this to warm up.
Yeah... nice and toasty.
Ja.
I wonder if Kokonoe is back yet.
Ready for your bath, Miyabi?
Yeah.
He's gotta be okay... right?
H-Hey, now! Listen, uh...
Er... could you do that in the bathroom?
Yeah, of course! What am I doing?
This is so unfair.
Now that the naughty student who skipped class yesterday
has been duly punished,
I have an announcement!
It's time to take on the second-year students in an interclass battle!
Yes, none other than...
...the Mordraco!
"Mordraco"
The Mordraco?
But this time you won't fight other Duos, but rather class against class:
all the first-years against a select group of second-years!
If you think you've got the upper hand because there are more of you,
boy, have you got another think coming!
Those second-years are all at Level 2 or 3!
And, as it turns out, so are a few of my own students.
So! Without a firm strategy, you'll get the snot kicked out of you!
So do your best! Go get 'em!
She's just so casual about it!
Not that they won't give us a run for our money, I'm sure.
If we have to fight, I want to take the best they've got.
Ja. We're stronger than we used to be.
I'll beat anyone I fight, no matter their level!
Wh-Why is everyone so excited about this?
I get where they're coming from, but this is a group battle!
I wish they'd put more focus on a class victory.
Who, are you?
Lilith!
I hate to interrupt, but can we get the Mordraco underway right now?
I shall take you on alone as the first-year representative.
The Mordraco, alone? Are you pulling my leg?
What's the rush?
Very well... then how's this?
A rifle Blaze!
Now, who wants to be hunted next?
What's with her?
This is a problem.
I realize you're an Exception...
...but now my carefully prepared Mordraco has been ruined.
Not to worry. Instead, to deepen ties with my classmates,
I shall hold a dance party.
I, the host, shall do a round with each of you.
We shall dress up in Blazes, and dance to the clash of weapons.
You mean to take on all the first-years alone?
Aren't you a feisty little princess!
And the title of our dance tune... hmm.
I know: "Survive."
A fellow extraordinary Unrivaled with a rifle Blaze...
We can't let down our guard.
Ja, I know. We'll take her down.
Julie?
Next time: "Survive."
"Next time: Survive"
I've got your back, Tor.