Cinderella: Book 5 Chapter 1

## Verse 1

Stirred by a **gunpowder** scented gust of air, locks of dark rose-colored hair flew about wildly.

The yakuza woman, who killed everyone in her path as she unleashed her violent desires, fearlessly approached the figure who **looked exactly** like her.

"You have terrible taste in clothing for an imposter. Do you enjoy dressing up in such gaudy attire?"

"You're no better yourself."

Both women continued to smirk at each other, their eyes locked.

"So, who are you?"

"Cinderella."

"...Huh?"

"**Nice name**, right?" laughed Cinderella.

The yakuza woman raised her gun.

 The protagonist of a fairy tale faking their name? What a joke.

 But I understand. Women who can't be serious

 should be killed.

 I have no intention of fighting.

 It's savage to kill without reason. Right?

 You lie. You're the same as me, aren't you?

 I know exactly what you're thinking!

## Verse 2

**Reality Cinderella:**

As soon as our eyes locked, I knew.

This imposter was the genuine article.

Her face, her voice, and while her physique was slightly different...

She was a woman smeared with the same soot as me.

## Verse 3

**Library Cinderella:**

The mirror image of myself laughed with a deadly intent.

Without a moment's hesitation, I returned her grin and shot directly at her eyes.

Blinding the enemy with the first strike is one of the most basic tactics in warfare.

## Verse 4

**Reality Cinderella:**

I barely dodged a bullet that grazed my temple.

Blood gushed out, clouding my vision, and I collided with an automated door as I tumbled to the ground.

This bank... Heh. I guess God really does exist.

## Verse 5

**Library Cinderella:**

The woman took shelter inside the building and snatched a child sitting on the sofa as hostage.

It was despicable. It was low. The poor kid couldn't even cry out in fear.

Without hesitation, I aimed my gun and fired at her.

## Verse 6

**Reality Cinderella:**

Taking a bullet along with the hostage was part of the plan. I would have done the same thing.

Using the momentum, I leaped behind the counter with the child as a shield.

As I landed, I pressed a button hidden under the desk.

## Verse 7

**Library Cinderella:**

The shutters rattled as they came down over the doors and windows.

"You wanna lock us in here?" I laughed at the woman crouched on the other side of the counter.

In that moment, flames erupted right before my eyes.

## Verse 8

**Reality Cinderella:**

There was still people on the floor when the explosion went off.

This was the bank I used for "laundering."

Never expected those color ball grenades I had planted to taunt the police would actually come in handy!

## Verse 9

**Library Cinderella:**

I tried to pry open the shutter and escape outside, covering my mouth to avoid the hot air and scent of burning flesh.

But the woman who had been hiding behind the counter shot me in the back.

You fucking piece of shit!

## Verse 10

*Before*

Flames spewing forth, Cinderella tumbled out of the bank, and began crawling pathetically on the ground.

Her hair was singed, and her back burned with pain from the gunshot wound.

"Hey, if you're really Cinderella, then where are your **glass slippers**?"

the woman snorted as she emerged from the bank, weapon in hand.

"That was a childhood dream of mine. Maybe if you give them to me, I'll let you off easy."

"...No way. They're mine."

"Well, aren't you just a little princess," the woman spat back.

"You may have the same face as me, but you're a terrible negotiator."

As Cinderella groaned in pain, she shot back, "Unlike you... I'm still **pure** of heart!"

Using a sharp piece of glass, Cinderella sliced the woman's Achilles tendon.

 AAAAAAH! It hurts! Bitch! How dare you!

 Foul language hurts my ears.

 I'll kill you. I don't care if you're me, defy me and you're dead!

 ...Good. I knew...

 You're the same as me.

*After*

The yakuza woman feigned defeat and hurled a knife from her coat at Cinderella.

But it was easily deflected.

"If you think you've got me **figured out**, know that I've got you figured out too," Cinderella said in a voice that oozed affection, as she embraced the yakuza woman who was now on her knees.

"Sorry, but those slippers you're longing for? They only fit me."

"Heh, I know... I knew that already."

As the clock **struck twelve**, the gun pressed against the woman's temple went off.

The spell that kept the woman from her prince was broken, leaving behind only the soot-covered corpse of the yakuza.

## Discordant Poem

[Combat Report No. 1463777]

Encounter between CINDERELLA\_A and CINDERELLA\_F confirmed.

Battle has commenced as planned.

[Combat Report No. 1463778]

No rejection response observed between CINDERELLA\_A and CINDERELLA\_F.

[Combat Report No. 1463779]

CINDERELLA\_F has eliminated CINDERELLA\_A.

25% EXTEND rate achieved.

However, it should be noted that the rate is lower than anticipated.