Date A Live Light Novels Volume 3 Prologue - Chapter 2

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Date A Live Light Novels

- Volume 3 Prologue - Chapter 2 Here:

- You can see Date A Live Volume 3 just :

Volume 3

Prologue: The Black Visitor

"I'm a Spirit."

Monday, June 5th.

After hearing this statement from the transfer student standing in front of the blackboard, Raizen High School class 2-4 sank into silence.

But the reactions that everyone showed were not the same.

Most of the students could not understand the meaning to her words, and had expressions along the lines of "What's the matter with this person? A girl that loves to daydream? Or is there something wrong with her?" on their dumbstruck faces.

Furthermore, there were a lot of boys who were mesmerized by her stunning beauty, and as a result, were not able to hear what she just said.

—However, Itsuka Shidou's reaction was totally different from his classmates'.

"...Wha-!"

With deep wrinkles appearing between his brows and sweat dripping from his face, Itsuka Shidou observed the carefree transfer student standing beside the table.

It was a girl who tied her black hair into two ponytails. Her skin was as white and smooth as silk. That neck of hers exposed from her collar was so slender it was as though it would break if the slightest bit of strength was applied.

The most significant aspect was her bangs. Although the girl had an astonishing beauty...... her bangs were abnormally long, almost covering the left side of her face.

However, Shidou could not help but feel lucky because of that.

Her right eye was not covered by the bangs—the moment they made eye contact, Shidou was mesmerized akin to that of being tempted by a devil. Thus, if he was looked at with both of her eyes, Shidou would probably be the same as the rest of the boys mentioned earlier.

Shidou swallowed, and took a glance at the blackboard.

At this point, the girl took the white chalk at the blackboard and wrote her name.

"Tokisaki......Kurumi."

Shidou said this name in a low voice that no one could hear.

Spirit.

Just now—Kurumi had indeed said this term.

Right now in the classroom, only three people truly understood the meaning in those words.

"............"

Shidou glanced at the seats on his left and his right.

The girl seated to his right—Yatogami Tohka showed a dumbstruck, surprised expression that was obvious at a glance.

In contrast, Tobiichi Origami, who was seated at Shidou's left, though her face did not show any change, cast a cold, murderous glance at Kurumi..

Afterwards—after Shidou finished observing the reactions of those two, the moment he looked back to the front......

"......!"

Shidou held his breath, while his shoulders trembled for an instant.

However, that was perfectly normal. Because Tokisaki Kurumi was using her right eye, which had long eyelashes, to stare at Shidou.

"......Wha—"

Shidou could not move his body. At this point, Kurumi's eyes and mouth changed to form a smile.

"I hope I will get along with everyone in the future."

After finishing, she slightly bowed.

While no one sensed Shidou's fear, the classroom gave a resounding applause.

Chapter 1: Second Transfer Student

Licking her lips, she tasted sweat.

The Personal Territory that surrounds her body is able to control gravity, humidity, temperature as well as anything imaginable.

Therefore, if one wants to know the reason for perspiration, one must consider external factors. For example, excessive exercise, serious illnesses—

Or, overwhelming panic.

"............"

Tobiichi Origami swallowed her saliva, as though trying to regulate her breathing, tightly held the handle of the high efficiency laser blade <No Pain> in her hand.

Currently wrapping Origami's slender body, is not the school uniform that she is used to wearing, but a suit that has a splicing device and a Realizer unit made for combat equipped.

Modern magicians wear these in order to perform magic, mechanized armor.

Wearing this, the magicians that expands their Personal Territory, could very well be called superhumans.

However—Right now. Origami who is currently a superhuman, has been totally driven into a corner.

"—Uwaaaaaaaa!?"

"......Tch."

In response to the cry that came from the communicator, Origami softly let out a sigh.

A familiar sound. That was the anti-Spirit team that Origami belonged to, an AST member's voice.

That makes—nine people already. All members besides Origami have already been defeated.

"......Ku"

While Origami used surrounding obstacles to hide her figure, she gave an order inside her head.

At once, the light within Origami's Personal Territory bent, the screen showing the scene that Origami's normal vision could not.

Near Tenguu Base where the JGSDF was located, the special training grounds.

It was where Origami and the AST members used when they had the CR-Unit equipped, special areas that have been applied with magic.

And in the center of the desolate forest of rubble, a girl whose hair was tied in a bunch calmly stood.

—Takamiya Mana.

As Origami silently recalled the girl's name, she observed Mana's body posture once more.

Her age is about 14 to 15 years old. Under the left eye of that adorable face is a tear mole, with remnants of innocence still remaining.

However, encasing that petite figure is an unadorable mechanized armor that did not match that girl at all——CR-Unit.

It was slightly different from the models that Origami and the AST members normally use, the shoulders are outfitted with military equipment resembling shields. It is said to be the newer prototype from the AST team's equipment

"—Hey, the last person. Wherever you are hiding, please hurry up and come out now."

Mana simply stated, while totally ignoring the AST members that lay at her feet.

Although it cannot be seen from this angle, but the neutralized eight members of the AST should have collapsed in the shadows of the surrounding obstacles.

It was an absolute one sided power. It was just like having a Spirit as an opponent.

—It was the end of last month when she was posted to this Tenguu base.

It was said, that she was the JGSDF's trump card.

It was said, her ability to control the Realizer unit is one of the top in the world.

It was said—that she k.i.l.l.e.d a Spirit by herself.

Just based on those rumors, she would indeed be an abnormal monster.

However, on her first meeting she said sentences on the lines of "Is there anyone who can beat me here? Even one is okay." Of course, for the AST who prided themselves as elites, there is no way they would take it lying down.

Thus, as an excuse to find out Mana's combat ability, a special mock battle of one versus ten was held.

Although truthfully speaking, Origami had no interest in this......

"......"

Without saying anything, Origami remembered the conversation that she had with Mana the day before.

The day that Mana had been posted to Tenguu base, Origami and the AST members were looking at the battle images from the other day.

Mana looked at the image showed on the screen—Itsuka Shidou, and said.

"—Nii-sama."

Origami has never heard of Shidou having such a sister before. After Origami raised this issue to her, Mana spoke with a shocked expression.

(!! Master Sergeant Tobiichi knows Nii-sama!? Umu......Nn, okay, I can tell you the details.—But, this mock battle, you must participate, this is the only condition.)

After that conversation, there were no other choices left.

In the end, Origami had to participate in the exercise—

The result was the same as what she currently sees now.

Nine members have already been neutralized; Origami has also lost all other equipment aside from her laser blade for close combat.

On the contrary, Mana was still untouched.

"......Hey, at this rate time is going to run out you know?"

Mana let out a sigh, letting out such a statement that seems to lack keigo.

It was not a solution to keep hiding like this. Origami allowed her body to float, appearing in front of Mana.

"—Oh. Finally determined aren't you?"

"......"

Origami gave a mental order in her head, activating the thrusters on her back.

Origami's inventory is only left with one <No Pain>. There is no other available option aside from close combat.

Leaning her body forward, she flew into the sky at an intense speed.

"How straightforward. I don't dislike that you now."

As the corner of Mana's mouth rose, the shields on her shoulder started to change, equipping itself onto her two arms.

"<Murakumo>—Twin Blade Mode."

The next instant, huge blades of light emerged from the tip of the shields.

However, Origami did not stop moving.

Bringing <No Pain> above her head, she accelerated even more.

But Origami knows that she will lose if she rushed in like this.

"—Now's the time."

So, the instant that Mana's and their Personal Territories touched, she rapidly shrank the size of her Personal Territory.

The Territory that is usually expanded to a radius of three and a half meters has been reduced to that of one-tenth.

Instantly, the parts of the thrusters that are outside of the Personal Territory regained their original weight.

At the same time Origami disconnected the thrusters from the wiring suit, grabbed the deactivated <No Pain> tightly and curled up, moving under Mana's elbow.

"Wha......?"

Because of the sudden action, Mana widened her eyes.

The thrusters that lost its controller followed the law of inertia, bearing down towards Mana like a gigantic bullet.

"Tch! Too naive...!"

However Mana swiftly regained composure, using the laser blade to cut the thrusters in half.

Sparks scattered everywhere, the two halves of the thrusters fell to the ground with smoke billowing out.

But- this was the opportunity that Origami was waiting for.

"—Tch!"

The blade of <No Pain> reappeared once more, falling towards Mana's back.

Aiming for the opening as Mana focused on intercepting the thrusters, an unblockable hit.

As Origami had targeted, the blade of <No Pain> left a light scratch on Mana's CR-Unit.

—However.

"Wha......"

Origami was left speechless.

The instant the sharp edge of the laser blade made contact with Mana's equipment; her whole body had the feeling as though one was being constantly stroked by a palm—Origami's movements stopped.

"—Fuu, that was dangerous"

Mana turned her head towards Origami to make eye contact.

Origami felt difficulty breathing. It's unmistakable. Mana had stopped Origami's movements, with just her Personal Territory alone.

......Truly, it wasn't a result that had not been predicted.

It had been considered that with just Mana's reaction time, maybe she could have already dealt with Origami immediately after she had intercepted the thrusters. Whatever the reason, she was right next to Mana, right inside her Personal territory.

But disregarding the above, if it was Origami's Personal Territory that has been shrunk to thirty centimeters, such an action is not impossible, at least that was calculated to be.

But......it was not calculated to be that easy.

"Too bad, it's checkmate."

Mana slowly turned her body, the blade of light touching Origami's shoulder.

At the same time, the alarm above their heads sounded. Afterwards, voices came from the battle suits.

"Battle practice has ended. The winner is Second Lieutenant Takamiya Mana"

After the battle practice.

Origami who returned to the hangar inside the base, was rearranging her thoughts while staring at the ground.

As though wanting to recall that feeling she felt several minutes ago, tightly gripping her right hand.

"............"

Due to deactivation of the Personal Territory, the body feels extremely heavy. Just the act of raising the arm and clenching the fist brings about the abnormal feeling that one is swimming in an extremely viscous mud.

But it was also due to this phenomenon that hinted at her own uselessness, Origami unconsciously added strength to that tightly held fist.

"Takamiya——Mana"

As though she were showing off, that ability to make use of her Personal Territory and special suit to that extent. Truly, she was without doubt a legendary genius.

This should be something to celebrate. Mana is a human, an AST member. Meaning, she has the same goal to take down Spirits like Origami. If there are more magicians that are just like her, the success rate for combat should greatly increase.

But, even though this fact had been understood, an unexplainable sense of frustration grew stronger and stronger within Origami's heart.

"......She's strong"

Origami stared at her clenched fist and said. At the same time, a voice came from overhead.

"—You're amazing too, Master Sergeant Tobiichi."

Hastily raising her head, not knowing when she came close, Mana who was wearing the combat wiring suit is standing there with sports drinks in both hands.

"Don't mention it."

After saying it, she offered the sports drink in her left hand.

"............"

Even though she had just deactivated her personal territory, Mana's movements did not seem to be sluggish at all.

Origami looked at Mana in confusion, at the same time raised her heavy arm and took the bottle.

Mana gave a satisfactory nod, continuing her conversation after taking a mouthful of the drink.

"To tell you the truth, that was really scary. Even though it was just a few millimeters of the tip of the blade, but I haven't had anyone that can touch me in combat for a long time. "

No sense of sarcasm added, just a pure assessment of Origami's ability.

"What must I do—to be as strong as you?"

Origami asked Mana, who looked as though she was troubled with her brows knitting together,

"I've heard you have killed a Spirit before. I'd like to hear the details."

Regarding Origami's words, Mana lightly shrugged her shoulders.

"Killed.......a Spirit, you say? Well, what you've said isn't wrong—"

Faced with that uncertain reply, Origami slightly slanted her head.

"What's the matter?"

"Mm...... the thing is, [that], is a little different from the rest of the Spirits—even so do you still want to listen?"

"Whatever it is, no matter how little is the information. Please tell me."

"Hm, it doesn't matter......Although this can't be widely said in public, but I think in the near future you will have the chance to see it for yourself.—I was posted here for this reason after all."

Towards that declaration that did not reveal much, Origami tilted her head.

"......? I've heard that you had been posted here to boost our combat ability."

"What you said isn't totally wrong. But to be accurate, I was posted here to confirm the signs of [a certain Spirit]."

"A certain Spirit?"

"Yes. All this time, I have been chasing after the most brutal Spirit. Its codename is—"

As Mana was about to continue.

Bang! Bang!

The heads of the two had been hit.

"......Sss"

"It hurts."

Origami and Mana held their heads and turned their heads to the right at the same time.

Standing there was, the AST's team leader wearing the JGSDF's military uniform• Kusakabe Ryoko, in her hand was some rolled up book.

"You. Two......"

The blood vessels on her forehead bulged, and at the same time pointed to the scrap iron retrieved from the training grounds with a *Shwa!*—

It was the thrusters that had been cleanly split into two.

"Didn't I say it was a mock battle!? Why did you have to destroy such expensive equipment!?"

The two of them, while staring at Ryoko's extended finger, replied.

"I used half-assed methods to try and ambush Second Lieutenant Takamiya but failed."

"Although we say it is a mock battle, but if we don't fight for real—, then won't we obtain inaccurate data? That's what I deduced."

As such, the heads of the two were hit once more.

"What an insight. Tell me that after properly researching the cost of the parts to build those realizer units! Our budget isn't unlimited you know!"

"Understood."

"Got it."

"Really now......"

After leaving behind a "Be more careful next time", Ryoko left shrugging her shoulders.

Once the figure of her back disappeared, Mana unhappily pouted her lips.

"I say, Captain-dono really is a headache. It is because of that that makes her as annoying like those Spirits."

"I agree."

Origami nodded, Mana happily grinned.

"I feel that we can get along with each other very well, Master Sergeant Tobiichi. We are people who treat Spirits and the like as enemies, if we were to be so materialistic, we won't be able to win even if we could."

After saying that, she exaggeratedly shrugged her shoulders.

Origami wordlessly reassessed Mana's face once more.

As expected......Not just the looks, or the atmosphere, they were both very similar to Shidou's.

But, Shidou should only have one sister.

Even if no words were exchanged, but she did see her a few times before. Itsuka Kotori. Needless to say, she was a different individual from Mana.

However—according to Origami's data, Shidou was adopted. The possibility that Mana was Shidou's real sister cannot be totally denied.

"Second Lieutenant Takamiya."

Origami naturally asked.

"As promised. Tell me about the relationship between you and Shidou."

"Shidou......? Who's that?"

Mana tilted her head. ...... That's unusual. Origami continued while stunned.

"A few days before while we were watching the battle with the [Hermit]—that's the name of the youth inside the video. You, who called that person nii-sama. You promised to tell me if I participated in the practice."

"......Sss, Nii—sama......?"

Mana lightly frowned.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just a light headache......"

Saying that, she pressed the side of her head with her hand.

Origami felt that at this moment Mana looked familiar.—Just last month, like Shidou inside the video.

"......Sss, Sorry about that. It's all right now. Ah, that issue about Nii-sama."

Mana shook her head lightly as though trying to shake off the pain, retrieved a very small pendant from the chest area of her battle uniform

And, opened it. Inside was a photograph of a small boy and girl.

"—Shidou."

Origami softly spoke. That was undoubtedly, Itsuka Shidou when he was young. And at his side, was a girl with a tear mole as her feature—that was Mana no matter how you looked at it.

"This is?"

"A photo of the past.—My only clue, between me and Nii-sama."

"Please tell me the details."

Although Origami stated as such, Mana scratched her head as though she was troubled.

"Even so I must apologize......But I don't remember anything at all."

"......? How come?"

"No......To tell you the truth, I don't have memories of the past?"

"Amnesia?"

"It can be simply understood like that.—But, once I saw that image, I recalled something. I have called that person Nii-sama before in the past."

"Then why, must you still give me that condition?"

Origami said in surprise, Mana apologetically bowed her head

"No—......I wanted to see Master Sergeant Tobiichi's ability. In this platoon you must be considered the strongest. To be honest, you've exceeded my expectations."

"............"

Origami wordlessly looked at Mana's face. Even though it was a one sided win she said that her expectations were exceeded, her heart felt a little complicated.

Mana looked up at Origami and continued.

"That......Master Sergeant Tobiichi. I'm sorry, but I have another request to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"Even though it may be selfish, that......Information on Nii-sama, you do have it right? As long as it is within your limits, can you please tell me?"

"..........."

Not knowing since when the situation seems to have reversed......Origami thought for a while, slightly nodded her head and agreed.

"—Name, Itsuka Shidou. Age—sixteen years old."

"Right."

"His family consists of his father, mother and sister. Currently his parents have left the country for overseas work. He is adept at household chores."

"Umu......"

"Blood type is AO RH+. Height is 170.0cm. Weight is 58.5 kilos. Seated height is 90.2 cm, upper arm 30.2 cm, forearm 30.2 cm. Bust 82.2 cm, waist 70.3 cm, hip 87.6cm."

"......Okay?"

"Eyesight for the right eye is 0.6, left eye 0.8, grip strength for right hand 43.5 kilo, left hand 41.2 kilo. Blood pressure 128/75. Blood sugar level 88mg/dl. Urea level 4.2mg/dl"

"S, Stop stop! I don't want to know those things."

"Is that so?"

Origami nodded slightly in response to Mana's frantic shouts.

"That saying, haa, those really were detailed information. Was that a joke?"

"Not a joke. Those were correct measurements."

"..................."

Origami replied with a straight face, Mana knitted her brows with perspiration forming on her face.

"......Sorry, what exactly is the relationship, between Master Sergeant Tobiichi and Nii-sama?"

Regarding Mana's question, Origami replied with no hesitation, confusion or stutter.

"Lovers."

◇

"Hold it. What are you doing Shidou?"

"Hehh?"

In the living room at home, Itsuka Shidou who was asked this question all of a sudden incoherently responded.

Turning his head, with black ribbons tying her hair into two bunches, a uniform wearing girl stood with hands on her hips.

Shidou's sister• Itsuka Kotori— Commander Mode.

Round, cute eyes seemed to slant unhappily, with the Chupa Chups lollipop stick in her mouth, pointing straight up as though it were the tail of an animal intimidating its enemies.

"What am I doing......Of course I'm preparing to go to school."

Shidou gave his appearance a glance once over. Wearing a high school uniform (summer uniform), a bag in his right hand, a bento in his left, no matter how you look at it, it is of a person that was about to go to school.

But Kotori shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, as though it were an American sitcom.

"Okay, let me rephrase myself. Shidou, what's that in your left hand?"

"Just a bento."

"For yourself?"

"No......It's for Tohka."

That's right. Shidou's own bento has already been kept inside his bag. The bento in his left hand was for the girl living in the condominium nearby—Tohka.

"Then how do you wish to give it to Tohka?"

"I'm planning to put in inside her mailbox......"

As I can't hand it to her personally at school, so by using the mailboxes spare key, it is placed inside every morning.

Saying this, Shidou gave a short "Ah!"

"Aaa, you're worried about that. It’s that season where the weather gets really warm; you're concerned about hygiene aren't you? Relax; I've put cold packs as well as anti-bacterial sheets. Well it'd be perfect if I'd put dried plums inside, but Tohka seems to hate dried plums—Ah!?"

Halfway through his sentence, his shin was kicked by Kotori. Shidou fell towards the front while curling his body. The bag fell to the floor, but at least he had saved Tohka's bento.

"Wha, What are you......!"

"Because I wanted you to die once. Why are you still putting it in her mailbox?"

"Th, That's because if I don't I can't give it to her. After all we go to school at different times—"

"That's the reason."

Kotori took out the lollipop in her mouth and faced Shidou.

"It has been two weeks since Tohka moved next door. Shidou—have you and Tohka ever went to school together before?"

"Eh? That is......"

Moving his line of sight to the front, he counted the number of times in his head.

"......Now that you've mentioned it, no. Not even once."

Shidou said while using his now bag-free right hand to scratch his cheek.

Shidou and Tohka had once been living together for a short period, but at that time, it seemed as though weird rumors were starting between classmates, in the end they had to go to school at different times.

That being said, they are currently neighbors and not living together, they have no need to be so paranoid anymore. The truth is that the two of them usually go home together.

But not knowing if it has become a habit, but even till now Shidou still goes to school slightly earlier.

Well, it is also because Tohka was more of a late riser than Shidou.

Kotori used her hand to support her forehead with an expression of disbelief.

"After much difficulty in getting her to stay next door, being classmates, there is no reason to waste the event of going to school right?—After all if other Spirits appear again in the future, they won't pay any attention towards Tohka, so you must take this opportunity to be with her."

"Mu, Muuuu......"

Shidou squeezed out a sound from his throat as though he was groaning.

—This world is sometimes prone to sudden disasters known as spacequakes.

Just as it is coined, [Spatial Earthquakes], using the epicenter as the core of the spatial area in a designated perimeter, causes a horrifying explosion that causes everything inside to disappear.

Even though spacequake predicting methods and ways to rapidly rebuild structures have been developed in this modern age, it is still a serious natural disaster.

Although it is not usually publicly revealed—but the real reason for these spacequakes, is due to the existences of [Spirits].

Spirits that are usually non-existent in this world, whenever they materialize, the spatial boundaries would cause a violent quake. This has been believed to be the cause for the spacequakes.

Of course, humans who know of this thought of multiple counter-plans to defend against such a threat.

Among those plans can be divided into two groups.

One, using military might to destroy the Spirits.

While the other plan is—

"You got that Shidou? The next time a Spirit appears, you must make her fall in love with you."

"I, I got it."

Looking as though he gave up, Shidou replied with a sigh.

That's right, that is the other method.

To make contact with the Spirit, engage in conversation with them, after her emotions reach a peak—kiss.

Although not knowing why, Shidou has the power to seal the power of the Spirits.

And targeting that power, is the organization that Kotori belongs to, <Ratatoskr>.

"Very well. So, go to school with Tohka for today. Okay?"

"Mn. Understood."

There is no other meaning behind it. Shidou picked up his bag and headed towards the door.

"Slow down Shidou. You forgot something."

Midway, Kotori's voice sounded, Shidou looked at his hands.

"Ah? Is there anything else?"

"This one, this."

Kotori extended her hand, showing the equipment in her palm,

She then extending her right index finger and pointed towards her ear.

As though she wanted Shidou to put on the equipment immediately.

"......That? Why must I......?"

"Because the time is just right, so let's train you while you're at it. Alright, now wear it already."

As such, Kotori half forced Shidou to put it on his right ear while smiling.

"Tra, Training......What exactly is this for anyway."

"Is that so—Today's topic is, to chase away Tohka's jealousy."

"Ha.....haa? Let jealousy......disappear? What's that all about?"

"Nn. Do you still remember last month's incident when Yoshino appeared?"

"......A,aa."

Shidou softly muttered.

Yoshino is a small female Spirit that appeared after Tohka......But, when she appeared, Tohka started to throw tantrums for no apparent reason.

"That's the key point, if Shidou becomes intimate with other girls, Tohka will become unhappy."

"Eh......? Wha, What?"

At the same time Shidou started to protest, Kotori looked like she chanced upon an idiot, let out a sigh.

"A.n.y.w.a.y, If Shidou's relationship with other girls is good, Tohka's mental state will slowly become unstable—In the end, that will cause a backflow of the Spirit's power. If that is going to happen every time a new Spirit appears, it’s going to be troublesome."—"Therefore,

(Kotori pointed her finger towards Shidou.)

today when you go to school, staff members from <Ratatoskr> are going to do various stuff to fan Tohka's flames of jealousy. Shidou, your job is to deal with it when it happens."

"Deal with it, but......That, what exactly should I do......?"

"It's going to be fine, come on now."

Although Shidou had an expression of total confusion, Kotori seemed to not care at all, pushing Shidou by his back through the door.

"It's almost time for Tohka to leave her house. For further details, just listen to the instructions through the transmitter."

"No, wa, wait a second......"

Despite Shidou not totally understanding his situation, it was no use trying to oppose Kotori in this mode; this fact has been deeply understood over the past two months. Having no other option, he started to wear his shoes.

At this point, Kotori's voice sounded from behind Shidou once more.

"Aaa, right, right, there's one more thing. We have a guest today as well. Well, it’s fine if it’s just a simple greeting, try talking to her for a while."

"A guest?"

Regarding Shidou's question, Kotori did not respond, but went upstairs. Since she said she would give instructions through the microphone, most likely she was going to <Fraxinus> via the balcony on the second floor.

Not understanding what was going on. But, it was not a solution to continue like this. Shidou opened the door and stepped outside.

All of a sudden, the sunlight dazzled Shidou's corneas.

"Nn......"

Today was 5th June. By now it should already be the rainy season, but for some reason the skies were clear recently.—As if the heavens have already used up the rain on last month.

Different from the previous years, there was no cloud cover, strong rays of sunlight directly shone onto the earth, causing the temperature to rise.

Unable to bear with the summer heat, Shidou changed into his summer uniform.

At that moment.

"Aare......?"

Looking at the silhouette standing under the sunlight outside the Itsuka residence, Shidou can't help widening his eyes.

Standing right there is, a girl that looks the same as Kotori's age.

Wearing a cool one piece dress, a white summer hat as though wanting to hide her eyes, under the sunhat revealed blue green hair just like the ocean, and those sapphire eyes are constantly glancing towards Shidou's direction.

Also—what was even more striking was that in her left hand, for some reason, had a funny looking rabbit on it.

"Yoshino!?"

There's no way one would forget the name of a girl with such personality. Shidou walked up to Yoshino's side.

"Yahooo—, Shidou-kun. It's been a while hasn't it—"

At this moment, the rabbit puppet in Yoshino's left hand, started to talk by opening and closing its mouth.

"Oh, oh, It's been a while—That, um, Yoshinon."

While slightly nodding his head, he replied to the puppet. This puppet was called [Yoshinon]. Yoshino's friend.

This puppet was originally just an ordinary puppet, its voice undoubtedly originating from ventriloquism—but when Yoshino puts it on, it is said that the second personality known as [Yoshinon] would emerge from within her.

The key thing was, the puppet's movements and speech, was totally not of Yoshino's will.

"Is anything the matter? Has today's checks been completed?"

"Nn—, physical examinations has been perfectly finished—, but there is still a need for practice—"

[Yoshinon] said while waving its short limbs.

"Practice?"

At the same time Shidou said that, [Yoshinon] suddenly raised the edge of Yoshino's sunhat.

"......Sss"

Yoshino seemed to be very afraid, her shoulders jolted for a second.

But after swallowing hard, she opened her shaking lips and said.

"Good, good morning, Shidou-san......!"

Yoshino used a voice that was more audible than last month to greet him.

"Woah!?"

Shidou widened his eyes, and took a step backwards.

Yoshino who was shy in nature and fearful of humans, fully relies on [Yoshinon] to deal with outside issues, who doesn't speak much at all. This was the first time that Shidou heard Yoshino speak at this volume.

At this point, some buzzing could be heard from his right ear.—It's Kotori. She must have reached <Fraxinus> already.

"What? She can already talk to me and Reine you know?"

"Really? Isn't that amazing Yoshino?"

After Shidou said that, Yoshino seemingly embarrassed pulled down the edge of her hat, but the edges of her mouth seem to show signs of a smile.

Then, accompanied by the sound of the Chupa Chups being moved around in the mouth, Kotori continued to speak.

"Even though it is still early, but I wish to let Yoshino live outside of the warship.—Having Yoshino as a conversation partner, the mental stress accumulating in Tohka should be lesser, this shouldn't be a problem......Since in <Ratatoskr>, it’s better to let Spirits have a better understanding of society and live happy lives."

"Umu. Isn't that great?"

"Nn. So that's why today we let her introduce herself."

"Is that so?"

"Yoshino's home outside of the warship, is the first choice that place?"

Following Kotori's voice, Shidou looked up to face the high class condominium next to the Itsuka residence.

The building where Tohka is currently staying, it is said that <Ratatoskr> specially designed it for Spirits to live in. Even if something unexpected happens, it seems that it won't be easily destroyed.

"So......I see."

"But—whether a proper conversation can be held is still questionable."

"Aah......"

That's right. Even though the rooms are different, but no matter how you look at it they can be considered neighbors.

No, even before that Tohka and Yoshino were originally Spirits. But it was not understood why till now Yoshino seemed to still have a bad impression of Tohka, it would be best if they can properly speak to one another.

Then, the condominium's automatic door silently opened.

A girl walked from inside still yawning.

She had hair as black as night and seemed to be exceptionally conspicuous under the glaring sunlight, a beautiful appearance and crystal eyes that gave off a steady feel.

It was Shidou's classmate, Yatogami Tohka.

"......"

Looking at her appearance, Shidou held his breath.

Tohka at present was not wearing the western jacket she had been wearing the past week, but the short sleeved summer uniform with a ribbon.

Well, Shidou was also wearing his summer uniform, so that was nothing to be surprised about......But upon seeing the uniform that placed even more emphasis on her good figure, he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat.

"Nn......? shidou!?"

Only now did Tohka seem to have noticed Shidou's presence, she widened her eyes and shouted.

"Wh, isn't it extremely rare to meet each other so early in the morning!"

"Aa, aaaah......Go, going to school with Tohka sometimes doesn't seem to be a bad idea......What's wrong?"

Shidou said with his eyes swimming all over the place. The cheeks of the questioned person took on a red tinge, her expression immediately brightened.

"Yeah! Umu, that—I think, is not a bad idea."

Tohka nodded happily. Not knowing why, but having displayed her joy so openly could have been embarrassing.

As Shidou was wondering what to say next, he passed the lunchbox in his hands to her.

"Also, this. This is today's share."

"Ooh!"

Tohka accepted the bento, displaying a wide smile.

"What is the menu for today!?"

"Nn, today is asparagus wrapped in bacon, meat and fried eggs, and macaroni salad with tomatoes. Ah, and rice is fried rice with chicken."

"What—"

After Shidou said that, Tohka revealed an expression of shock, furtively looked around her surroundings and held the lunchbox tightly.

"Is, that okay shidou!"

"Ha......Wh, what?"

Shidou asked cluelessly while Tohka continued in a low voice.

"Asparagus wrapped in bacon, meat with fried eggs and whatever else is too grand and won’t we be in a lot of trouble if everyone knew about this......? Who knows, they might cause a riot over this bento—"

"No, they won't."

"Re, really......That's good. Bu, But, to make chicken fried rice from rice that sort of blasphemous act......Isn't this breaking international laws?"

Tohka said in a serious tone. Really now, where on earth did you learn all this from.

"It won't, it won't. ......Ah, do you dislike chicken fried rice? If you want I can exchange lunchboxes with you?"

It was because both of them had the same bento, that made Origami very unhappy. As such, since two weeks ago, the menu had undergone slight changes.

Well, since most of them were leftovers from last night, there was little difficulty in preparing them.

But in the instant that Shidou made that proposal, Tohka hugged the lunchbox and *fuun fuun fuun fuun fuun* shook her head at such a speed that one would worry that her head might fall off.

Shidou looked at her and made a troubled smile. Well, as long as she's happy, then it's worth cooking everyday.

Tohka, with an expression still showing panic, gingerly held her lunchbox, took several deep breaths as though trying to regulate her emotions. At this moment,

"Nu?"

Tohka suddenly widened her eyes, and faced the young girl beside Shidou. It seemed that she only noticed her just now.

"Ooh, isn't this Yoshino? Long time no see!"

Revealing an innocent smile, Tohka started the conversation.

Although a lot had happened, but it seemed that Tohka didn't care about that anymore.

"......Ss!"

However, Yoshino started to retreat with trembling shoulders.

"Fight! Fight!"

"Ss, Uu, Mn."

Under the encouragement of [Yoshinon] in her left hand, Yoshino firmly stood, *Suu~~* took a deep breath, and took a step forward.

As though her determination had been set, her eyebrows moved.

"Aa......, amenbo, akaina, a, i , u, e, o......!" (Translation note here)

Not knowing why, she started to speak sentences used for phonetical practice.

"......Mu."

Tohka mumbled, furrowed her brows in worry and turned to look at Shidou.

"This......What is this? Code words?"

"No......Yoshino?"

Shidou smiled forcefully and asked, [Yoshinon] waved its arms with a *pata pata* sound.

"Aah—, very good! Practice makes perfect! Retake! More AGAIN!"

After speaking a few words with Yoshino. Yoshino nodded slightly, and once again stood in front of Tohka.

"G, g, good......morn, ing......"

Using a voice that was smaller than the volume used to greet Shidou, but still clear nonetheless, she greeted.

"Wooah, good morning!"

"......"

Yoshino's figure trembled for a moment......but held back the urge to escape.

A length of time passed, Tohka and Yoshino stood face to face, not exchanging words.

Hence, Kotori's sharp voice sounded out once more into Shidou's right ear.

"—What's with the silence Shidou. Yoshino is very uneasy. Try saying something encouraging."

"Eh......?Aa, aaaah......"

As Shidou responded, he glanced towards Yoshino.

Now that she mentioned it, she does look different from last time.

"Yoshino, you wore a sunhat today."

That's right, the previous time she was wearing a cap.

"......Ss,......Th, that's right."

Yoshino actually wanted to hide herself by using [Yoshinon], but resisted it in the end, inclining her head and replied.

"That's because......today was very warm, that, Reine-san she......that."

"Aaa, no wonder. It suits you a lot. You look cute."

"......Ss!"

At those words, Yoshino's face went red with a *Po!*

Looks like that shy personality of hers still hasn't changed. Shidou gave a bitter laugh.

"Hold on, how can you stop the conversation like this. You haven't talked to Tohka yet."

"Aa......Is that so.—He, Hey, Tohka, don't you think so as well?"

"Mu?"

She probably didn't know that the subject of the conversation would turn to her, responding to Shidou with a tone of slight surprise. After which, her vision fell towards Yoshino's direction once more.

"Nn. Umu. It's very cute, Yoshino."

"......Ss! Th......Thank you, very much......"

Yoshino replied while staring at the ground, forcefully raising her head towards Tohka.

"Th, that......Tohka-san, is also......very cute......"

"Nu? Wh, What the......That's embarrassing."

Saying that, Tohka puffed her cheeks. Tohka embarrassingly smiled. once again moving her sight towards Shidou. God knows why, but her cheeks are slightly red.

"shi, shidou do you......think the same as well?"

"Heeei?"

Not expecting the conversation would turn toward himself. Shidou gave an incoherent reply

"Today I'm wearing a different uniform......How does it look?"

Stuff like that had already been noticed the moment they saw each other. Raizen High School's cool summer uniform, totally fits Tohka. Cute to the point that whoever dares to deny it should be executed, one should start thanking Japan's weather for this.

"Oo,ooh......It suits you."

"......Mu, is that so."

After Tohka said that, the surroundings once again fell into silence.

Instantly, a beeping sound transmitted into his right ear.

"Hey, that's no good at all!"

"Wh, What's wrong......?"

"What's wrong you say, of course that's wrong. What are you doing Shidou. The practice has already started you know?"

"Haa......? Wha, What do you mean?"

As Shidou lowered his voice, Kotori loudly sighed.

"I already told you. Today's lesson, is to not let Tohka get jealous.—Shidou, since you already said 'You look cute' to Yoshino , why didn't you say the same to Tohka?"

"Heeei......?"

Shidou let out a stupid voice as he recalled his previous actions. ......Now that she mentioned it, aside from 'It fits you', nothing else was said about the person herself.

"Th, That's a no go huh......?"

"Of course it was. Saying to other girls flattering words like 'You're cute', but not saying that to her.—Even if she didn't notice, but her emotions have slightly dipped."

"N, no, but Tohka would mind those—"

"I'm telling you."

Kotori spoke with a tone of admonishment.

"While Tohka is indeed a Spirit, and is clearly different from humans in many ways. But, you cannot treat her as different in this particular area. In this field Tohka, after all is just a normal girl."

"......"

Hearing those words, Shidou bit hard on his lip.

Even though he did say he would let Spirits lead normal lives, but it seems that at some levels, he still viewed her as a special existence.

Shidou tightly clenched his fist and faced Tohka's direction, and spoke.

"Toh,Tohka!"

"Ye,yes......!?"

Was it due to the sudden increase in volume, Tohka seemed to have been frightened by that as her shoulders were trembling slightly.

"Wh, What is it shidou?"

"Y, you're cute too!"

"Hu......hueh?"

Tohka blushed, her body leading back.

Not knowing why, his face started to blush as well. But Shidou disregarded that as he continued to speak.

"Aaa, cute! Extremely cute! That summer uniform totally suits you! When you came out of the condominium you gave me a shock! I couldn't take my eyes off you! All of a sudden I couldn't speak! You're that cute! To the extent that I can't describe it anymore—"

At this point, Tohka used her hands to cover Shidou's mouth, sealing off the words he wanted to say.

"Mu......mugu."

"I, I understand already so time out."

Saying that, Tohka quickly turned her back towards him.

Up till now what he had just said were truly from his heart. ......But, it seemed a little too effective.

As Shidou was thinking about this, sharp laughter came from the transmitter.

"Pu......, kuku, haha, ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

No need to guess that Kotori was the one laughing. Shidou could faintly hear movements from a chair. It seems that she was adjusting her seating position.

"Very well done Shidou. Just like an idiot would do."

"Sh.......Shut up......I know that myself."

Shidou groaned, his forehead starting to perspire.

"But, it looks like I've made her mad again......Hey Kotori, what should I do now?"

"Haa? What are you talking about?"

"Eh?"

"Tohka's emotions are rising rapidly, and its stopping at the maximum. You've got her into complete excitement. Why don't you walk to Tohka's front to look at her expression? It's going to be interesting more or less."

"Ah......? Wh, what?"

Shidou started to question. But Kotori did not respond to them, and continued to speak.

"Well......I won't punish you for the time being.—Tch, its almost time to call Yoshino back now. You'll be late if you don't go to school now you know?"

Just as Kotori said that, Yoshino gave a deep bow.

"To, Today, I'll......have to go now. Please take care......Shidou-san, Tohka-san"

"Ooh, come again okay?"

"Nn—goodbye."

Shidou and Tohka lightly waved. Yoshino gave another deep bow, and ran off with a *pata pata* sound.

"......Well let's go now, Tohka."

"Nn, yeah."

Shidou and Tohka started to walk down the asphalt road together......But,

"......Tohka? Can you wait a while?"

Noticing that there was something wrong with Tohka's back view, Shidou stopped in his tracks.

That's right—Tohka's clothes is the cool summer uniform. Meaning to say, that normally underwear—espicially the straps of the bra should slightly show. But......

"Nu? Is there something wrong?"

"Tohka......You, did you properly......put that......thing on?"

"? Put what on?"

"......Br, bra."

Shidou slowly muttered out that noun. But Tohka inclined her head to the side with an incredulous expression.

"Bra? What's that?"

"..................!"

Shidou held his breath, at the same time he pushed Tohka back into the apartment.

"Wh, what's the matter shidou?"

"That's not something that you can just say 'what's the matter'!! You, don't tell me you, haven't been wearing it all this while!?"

"Li, like I said, what is it!?"

"..................!"

Shidou tapped the microphone in his ear. After that, Kotori's voice could be heard.

"Aaa, well, even though I did mention that we had prepared them......But it looks like she doesn't even know what are they used for in the first place."

"Now's not the time for that! It can still be passable if it is the winter uniform, but if the current situation continues......!"

"Yeah, It should be placed in the topmost compartment of Tohka's closet, why don't you teach her how to wear it?"

"M, me......!?"

"Is there anybody else around. Right, you'll be late if you don't hurry up."

"......Aaargh, dammit......"

Shidou with his determination set, turned towards Tohka.

"Tohka, can you take me to your room......!"

"Nu......? Aaa, that's okay I guess......"

Led by a seemingly troubled Tohka into her room. Maybe it was done as a precaution, but before entering her room, they passed through three layers of walls that were extremely similar to those of bank vaults. Seemed like the living space of the apartment was not as large as it appeared to be from the outside. "Here."

Saying this, Tohka opened the door. The layout of the inside was almost the same as that of a normal apartment.

Shidou closed the door and looked further inside along the corridor.

"Ve, very good, next can you bring the item on the topmost compartment in your closet over?

"Nu......? I, I got it."

Tohka took off her shoes while tilting her head, following Shidou's instructions, and brought a pale pink bra over to him.

"Is it okay like this?"

"Erm, aa, aaaa......"

With experience in staring in a girl's underwear of the same age at zero. Shidou waved at Tohka with a red face.

"Al, alright Tohka, bring that to......"

Even though it is certain that no one would listen, but Shidou still felt very embarrassed as he lowered his voice.

The same time the method of wearing a bra was taught via whispering, Tohka's face turned beet red.

"Wha......! Whawhawhat are you saying shidou——!"

As Shidou continued, Tohka raised the bra up high with both hands and stared.

"Put this......breasts...directly......?"

"Aaa, that's correct."

"Mu, muu.......Do I have to wear it?"

"......That's right. It'd be......a problem if you don't."

"In, in what way would it be a problem?"

"No......It's still okay right now, but if it were to rain......that, would......"

A while later, after seemingly understanding what Shidou meant by those words, Tohka's already red face went into a deeper shade. If it were a manga, smoke would probably come out of the ears by now.

"Wha......What are you thinking!"

Tohka yelled as she covered her chest with both hands.

"That, that's why I told you to put it on!"

After that, Tohka stared at the bra once more while groaning "Umu......"

"I, I know that already. I'll wear it for you to see......"

Nodding with red ears, she ran out of the corridor with a *pata pata* sound

"Haaa......that was really dangerous."

Fuuu, Shidou sighed in relief.

—However, after a few minutes, Tohka reappeared at the corridor once more blushing.

"shi, shidou......It is okay like this?"

Finishing her sentence, Tohka walked up shakily.

Not knowing the reason why, but the shirt that was taken off was now worn in reverse.

"Tohka......Wh, what's with that appearance?"

"Thi, how do you hook this......?"

"Aaah......"

In just a sentence, Shidou immediately understood the reason for this situation.

This is her first time wearing a bra after all. Trying to hook it by herself must have been too difficult.

As Shidou frantically thought of a way——

"Enough trying to think, just go and lend her a hand."

Kotori said that as though it was a chore, Shidou's cheeks twitched a few times.

Although he wanted to retort something back......But there was no other alternative method. Shidou swallowed, opening his trembling mouth and spoke.

"I'll......I'll hook it for you, so turn around."

"Wha......"

Tohka stared with widened eyes, failing to think of another way, she was the same as him in this area.

After some hesitation, Tohka slowly turned around, her back facing Shidou.

From the gap between the unbuttoned shirt, he could see that beautiful back. Shidou couldn't help but gulp.

"Do, don't just stare at me......"

Tohka embarrassedly turned her face around, using both hands to hold her shoulders, as though the shirt would immediately fall off.

Shidou fiercely shook his head.

"I, I understand......"

The same time sweat started dripping from Shidou's cheeks, he was muttering "It can't be helped, it can't be helped", using trembling fingers to hook the bra. At the same time,

......Next time I'm going to buy a front hook, Shidou firmly decided in his heart.

◇

"Muuuu......I feel uncomfortable moving around in this."

"......Bear with it. That's how it is."

"Mu, muuuu."

Tohka looked unaccustomed as she kept turning her body. Shidou supported his forehead that still had not cooled down and sighed.

Just like that, around ten minutes passed in silence.

Shidou and Tohka who just walked into a crossroad, seemed to hear the footsteps of someone running over.

"Eh?"

Shidou's eyebrow twitched as he turned to face the direction of the sound, but it was too late.

On the left, a girl who looked like a high schooler, was biting on a piece of bread and,

"I'm late I'm late~!"

Saying the lines that even modern shoujo manga would leave out, she came running over at a horrifying speed. On a side note, even though she was biting on toast, the pronunciation of her lines were perfect.

"What......!"

The intention to dodge flashed, but it was too late. Shidou was knocked down by the high school girl, falling on his butt.

"Aa....Ow ow ow."

"Ar, are you okay, shidou——!"

Tohka swiftly crouched and asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine but......"

Shidou patted his behind as he stood up, facing the direction of the girl who knocked him down. If Shidou, as a guy, felt the force of the collision that hard, it must be unbearable for the girl.

"It—hurts!"

As expected, the girl at a distance close to them, let out such a shout. However——

"Nnwha......"

Shidou's face turned red, his shoulders shook.

That's totally understandable. That's because the girl that fell by the road, splendidly flipped her skirt, revealing her butt to Shidou.

......I don't know why, but it felt like when she fell down, she took the opportunity to roll up her skirt in the chaos.

"——Kya!?"

But Shidou's suspicions, were instantly blown away by the girl's shout.

The girl hastily covered her underwear, looking at Shidou with flushed cheeks.

"Did, Did you see!?"

"No, no, that......"

While Shidou was getting troubled over how to reply, the girl slowly stood up and walked up to Shidou.

"I've been seen by a guy like that......Now I can't get married anymore!"

"Haa......!? No, that."

At this point, the girl suddenly pressed her body onto Shidou

"Hyii......!?"

"Wha——!"

Not just Shidou, even Tohka was left speechless.

But, the girl didn't mind at all, using her finger she drew circles on Shidou's chest and continued.

"Will you......take responsibility?"

"Eh, no, even if you say that......"

Perspiration flowed down from his face, Shidou shifted his line of sight away. Aaa, the weather is so hot. So hot, so hot.

"St, still not letting go, you!"

The instant Tohka wanted to seize the girl's shoulder, the girl lightly dodged, leaving Shidou's side.

"Please, won't you take some time to consider!......What would......happen next."

After saying that, not knowing why, she ran off in the direction that she came from.

Tohka, after looked on, stunned for a moment, "Uu—", she pouted her lips and gazed in Shidou's direction.

"Wh, what's the matter......Tohka."

"......Nothing, its nothing"

Tohka turned away, and walked towards the school's direction.

"Wait, hey, Tohka—"

This moment, the transmitter in the right ear started to beep.

"Shidou, out~~"

"Wha......?"

Shidou knitted his eyebrows, following that was Kotori's sigh of impatience.

"Shidou, what were you doing. Saying that was a definite no no. You can't let Tohka throw a tantrum."

At this point, Shidou finally realized the situation.

"Don't, don't tell me that girl was......<Ratatoskr>'s......!?"

"Correct. One of our staff. Why, don't tell me you're disappointed?"

"......Guwuaa."

Shidou's face twitched as he pulled his hair.

"Aa—aa, why don't you make a more peaceful way of dealing with that.——Or, properly do something that would salvage the situation."

"Sal, salvage?"

"Yes, gently hold her shoulders, whisper softly into her ear: 'Don't throw a tantrum already, I'm not interested in other girls other than you......?' or stuff like that"

"Is that even possible......! In the first place, why would doing that make Tohka feel better?"

"Hehe, don't say that, it just may work. You forgot about just now? To girls, they love to listen to good things about themselves."

"Guh......"

"Alright alright. More importantly, are you okay with just standing here like an idiot? Tohka's silhouette is almost gone now."

"! Ha......"

Shidou's shoulders gave a jolt, moving his line of vision to the front. But, Tohka's figure had already disappeared.

"Oh no......"

He broke into a frantic run, but surprisingly, he quickly saw Tohka's figure once more.

As though hiding around the corner, Tohka stood there with her cheeks slightly puffed.

"Toh, Tohka......"

"......Nn. Let's go, shidou!"

Looks like she was waiting for Shidou, but that unhappy tone still did not disappear.

"Oooh, okay......"

Shidou gave a short reply, his brain furiously thinking.

Taking one deep gulp, his determination set, slowly bring the arms around Tohka's shoulders......That was supposed to be the plan.

But, it seems that he didn't have the courage to do so.

Softly patting Tohka on the shoulder, Tohka turned her face around. And then,

"D, don't, don't throw a tantrum already, I'm, I'm not interested in other girls other than you......?"

There's nothing to lose if it was said, Shidou followed the instructions and did so.

"......!"

When Shidou finished, Tohka immediately widened her eyes and stared.

"You, whawhawhawhat are you saying shidou............!"

"N, no......so, sorry, forget about that."

At the same time he received Tohka's reply, he felt so embarrassed that he wanted to die. Shidou waved his hand trying to hide it.

"Mu......muuu."

Not knowing why, Tohka softly groaned, and once again started walking

......but, it felt, as if her footsteps were lighter than just now.

◇

From the Itsuka residence to Raizen High School, is a walking distance of thirty minutes.

If it were the usual, Shidou would have reached school at around eight o' clock——But because of waiting for Tohka, and various incidents that happened, they were slightly late.

The hands of the clock located on the school exterior pointed the time to 8:20 am. There was still ten minutes till morning homeroom.

"......We'll be late unless we hurry."

"Nn, you're right."

Saying that, they walked in the entrance. At this moment.

"Itsuka-senpai!"

Waiting at the entrance was a girl that seemed to be a freshman, called out to Shidou.

"Eh......me?"

"Yes......"

The girl looked uneasy, shyly held out a letter like object to Shidou.

"I've always liked Senpai! Please, won't you read this?"

"Ha......haaa!?"

Shidou stared at the girl handed over to him. That envelope with a heart for a seal.

Looks extremely like an old fashioned love letter.

"L......, love letter......!?"

His body shook. Shidou took a step backwards.

......But, very soon he noticed something. There's no reason for stuff like this to keep occurring, most likely she's also one of <Ratatoskr>'s staff. If I don't firmly reject this, there's no doubt that the alarm will ring like last time, and I'll be forced to play that punishment game.

Shidou swallowed his saliva, took over the envelope, intending to tear it to pieces.——However, looking at the girl's teary eyes, couldn't help but stop himself.

......Even though I know she's one of the staff, it would go against my conscience to do that.

Shidou handed the letter back to the girl and shook his head.

"So, sorry. I don't have the ability to answer to your expectations......"

As soon as Shidou finished, the girl's expression looked as though she were about to burst into tears.

"That......that's right. I'm sorry for being so direct......!"

The girl quickly turned, and ran off down the corridor.

"Araara. What a pity"

"Humph, who'd fall for such an obvious trick?"

"......Although we did plan for a love letter event, but our staff hasn't made a single move yet you know?"

"Eh?"

Shidou's face involuntarily twitched.

Thus, Shidou looked around with an embarrassed expression, and spotted another girl. Just like the one before, a love letter was in her hands.

"Th, that is......"

"One of our staff."

"Th, then the other kid was?"

"Accepting a love letter from a kouhai, letting this once in a lifetime chance escape you. It's been hard on you to reject that love letter."

".................."

Shidou moved his line of vision around wordlessly.

......? What did she mean by that. I don't get it.

"Well, at least you didn't receive a confession in front of Tohka, that's why it’s still considered safe."

"......Is, is that so?"

Shidou replied with a hollow tone of voice.

"? Did the girl from just now want something, shidou?"

Tohka's incredulous voice came from behind. Shidou hastily shook his head.

"No......it, it's nothing."

At this point of time, he once again heard Kotori's voice.

"But, that means that today's punishment can't be used already. Too——bad."

"......What were you planning to do to me if I failed?"

"Nn—? I was going to spread Shidou's photos of the past when you put wax in your hair, giving off expressions like 'Don't I look dashing like this?' all over town."

"Don't spread that!"

"Then, it’s also about time for me to attend homeroom, time to go to school. That, don't forget today's lessons."

Leaving behind that sentence, the transmission was cut.

"Really now......"

◇

Sliding the door and entering the classroom, at the blackboard near the entrance writing something was his classmate Tonomachi Hiroto, who looked towards Shidou.

"Aa——? I was wondering why you were later than usual, so it's because you were together with Tohka-chan. U——wa, u——wa."

Saying that with a sad face, the chalk in his hands were drawing an aiaigasa^{[3A 1]}. Of course the names were [Itsuka] and [Yatogami].

"Are you a grade-schooler?"

Shidou dryly laughed.

However Tohka revealed an extremely troubled expression, taking turns to look at Shidou and Tonomachi.

"Mu...muuu, we can't go to school together......? I didn't know that there was such a rule......"

Tonomachi waved his arms in panic, as though trying to erase words on a blackboard.

"It, it's not like that——How could that be Tohka-chan? This can be said to be a model of perfection——or should I say that it is something like a riajuu explosion——"

Responding to Tonomachi's explanation, Tohka widened her eyes.

"Riajuu? What's that?"

"Aaa—that's someone like Shidou who does not suffer from a lack of girls, a Fucking Nice Guy."

"Hey......"

Shidou glared at Tonomachi from the corner of his eye. But Tonomachi did not back off in fear, showing a wide grin instead.

"Mu, is that so. But......That's troubling. If shidou were to explode, I would be...... extremely sad. Can't you do something about it?"

With no shred of sarcasm or joking around, Tohka innocently said.

Under that innocent gaze, Tonomachi——

"Cur......Curse youuuuuuu!"

Yelled loudly and ran out to the corridor.

"Waah, What, Tonomachi he..."

"Well, forget it, don't mind him. He'll come back after a while."

Saying that Shidou, went towards his seat at the second row.

Looking at the seat on his left. As usual, a beautiful girl was sitting there.

Pale skin with an expression like a doll, the girl seem to create an atmosphere that did not seem that she belongs to this world.

"Good, good morning......Tobiichi"

"............"

What a terrifying pressure.

"——Morning, Origami."

Just as he was about to repeat himself again, the girl—Tobiichi Origami nodded her head slightly in response.

The usual cold greeting. However, today will not end so easily.

Origami looked over Shidou's shoulder and identified Tohka's figure, her gaze sharpened.

"You two came to school together."

"Eh? Aa, aaaah......that's, that's right."

"Is that so?"

Not showing any expression, there was no differences in her tone either. Then why, is there a feeling of overwhelming pressure.

"......Nu?"

It is impossible to not notice such an atmosphere. In the seat on Shidou's right, Tohka faced Origami after placing her lunch and bag down.

"What, do you want something?"

"Not really."

"......Humph."

Not hiding her displeasure, Tohka made a sound.

That's right, normally Tohka would not treat any one with hostility......But this girl was special.

Well, it really can't be helped.

Origami belongs to the JGSDF's AST—Meaning to say, humans that plan to use military might to destroy Spirits like Tohka.

And truthfully speaking, before Shidou sealed Tohka's power, they did have an all-out battle with each other.

Furthermore, Origami had her parents killed by Spirits, possessing abnormal hostility and hate towards the Spirits. It can't be helped that they are not getting along very well.

At this moment in time, the bell sounded from the PA system.

"......! Al, alright already, homeroom's starting! Tohka, sit properly, okay!?"

"Nu? Uu, umu......."

Tohka hurriedly sat down in her seat.

Shidou did the same, thanking the heavens in his heart as he did so.

The scattered students gradually returned to their seats. On a side note, Tonomachi had also crept back into the classroom through the rear entrance. He's surprisingly a man who sticks to rules.

Not long after, the classroom door opened. A short curly haired female wearing glasses walked into the classroom.

Resembling a student no matter how you looked at her, but this was really a homeroom teacher in the flesh. Okamine Tamae twenty nine years old (nickname: Tama-chan)

"Great, good morning everybody."

After making the usual greeting, Tama-chan-sensei was taking out the attendance book——And suddenly stopped.

"Aaa, that's right. There's something I have to tell you all."

After that, she surveyed the chattering classroom with eyes that seem to hint at something else.

"Huhu, well, this class, is going to have a transfer student!"

After a short pause, Tama-chan-sensei said. Instantly, the classroom erupted with a resounding "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH".

Well, that was understandable.

After all speaking of transfer students, they are one of the biggest events of campus life. Truthfully speaking, when Tohka first came to this class, everyone was just as excited.

"......Nn?"

At this moment, Shidou tilted his head.

Tohka just transferred (let's just put it like this for now) here a few months ago, why would there be a new transfer student be in this class, Shidou's mind surfaced these thoughts. In addition, the number of classmates shouldn't be less than that of other classes.

"Well, please come in—"

Shidou's train of thoughts, were cut short by Tama-chan-sensei's easygoing voice.

The door slowly opened and the transfer student entered the classroom.

Instantly, the classroom fell into complete silence.

Appearing was a young girl. Even though it is such a hot day, she still wore her winter uniform's jacket and black stockings.

Just like a shadow, that description was very fitting.

Pitch black hair, her long fringe covered the left side of her face, aside from the right eye nothing else could be glimpsed.

But, not just that, that girl was the same as Tohka—a Spirit possessing otherworldly beauty—having a coquettish attractiveness that did not lose out to her.

Gu, the sound of everyone swallowing reached Shidou's ears

"Now then, please introduce yourself to everyone."

"Nn."

Under Tama-chan's encouragement, the girl nodded her head with a graceful movement, picking up the chalk with her hand.

And on the blackboard, wrote down the name [Tokisaki Kurumi] with graceful penmanship.

"My name is Tokisaki Kurumi."

Then, using a larger volume, the girl, Tokizaki Kurumi continued to say.

"I, am a Spirit."

"......!?"

That, noun.

Shidou had a uncanny feeling as though his heart was being squeezed tightly.

In the midst of the rowdy students. Only Tohka and Origami, made similar reactions as Shidou.

Perhaps Kurumi had noticed this fact, for a moment, she turned towards Shidou and smiled.

"......Sss."

"Eh...eheh How......great! That was quite an introduction with impact there!"

Perhaps noticing that Kurumi did not wish to continue, Tama-chan *Pa!* clapped her hands to indicate that it was the end of the introduction.

"Well then Tokisaki-san, would you please sit in that empty seat over there?"

"Nn. But, before that, I have a favor to ask first."

"Hm? What is that?"

As Tama-chan-sensei said that, Kurumi raised a single finger.

"Due to the recent transfer I'm still not used to the school. It's fine even if it is after school but I wish that someone can take me around the campus."

"Aa, right. That's true......Then can the class representative——"

However, Kurumi started to walk in the middle of the teacher's words, stopping right in front of Shidou's desk.

"Hey—can I ask you to help? Shidou-san."

"Eh......"

Shidou faced with this unexpected turn of events, could only dazedly sound out with his eyes becoming dots.

"M,me......? And how in the world did you know my name?"

"You can't......?"

Kurumi looked extremely hurt, revealing an expression as though she might cry if she were to be rejected.

"N, no, that kind of thing......"

"It's a promise then. I'm in your care, Shidou-san."

Kurumi gave a sweet smile, under the eyes of the stunned classmates, started to walk towards her designated seat with light footsteps.

Chapter 2: A Spirit's Invitation

The moment Tama-chan-sensei left the classroom after morning homeroom, Shidou immediately fished out his handphone from his pocket and called Kotori.

Moments later, a sound indicating that the connection was successful rang out, Kotori's voice came out from the handphone a while later.

"Hello—hello, Onii-chan?"

An easygoing voice that was totally different from that sarcastic tone earlier. It was the normal Kotori, not in commander mode.

"Hey, Kotori."

"Really now—why are you calling at such a time? If the phone had rang ten seconds earlier, it would have been confiscated by the teacher you know—"

"You should have properly set it to silent mode first."

"I kinda forgot to do that today—"

Kotori unhappily said.

"Well, is anything the matter?"

"Ss, ah, that's right. The truth is......"

As Shidou continued to speak, he glanced towards Kurumi.

Even though she said something shocking like "I am a Spirit" during her introduction, Kurumi was currently subjected to a situation where she was being surrounded by a sea of people and questions. It was not just the students from Class Four, in order to sneak a peek at the rumoured beautiful transfer girl, even students from other classes have gathered. It was just like the first day Tohka arrived.

At this point, he accidentally made eye contact with Kurumi. Kurumi faced his direction and slightly smiled, Shidou instantly blushed and held his breath.

"Onii-chan?"

"Aa, aaah......Today my class had, a transfer student......but that person, said."

"What?"

"I am...... a Spirit."

"............"

When Shidou finished speaking, Kotori did not answer.

In response to that was the sound of rustling clothes. It was just like, the sound of changing the ribbons of her hair.

"——Tell me the details."

Kotori continued speaking with a tone that was different from just now.

"Even if you want me to tell you in detail......It's just like how I told you. When the transfer student made her introduction, she said 'I am a Spirit'......Although there is no basis to it, but it felt as if she was saying it to me."

"Isn't that just your imagination?"

"......"

"Well, forget it. A person that knows such terms like Spirits is already very abnormal. I'll investigate more."

"Oh......Please do."

Just as Shidou ended the phone call, the bell indicating the start of the first lesson rang.

◇

At a corner of Tenguu Base. Inside the observation room that compiles data on Spirit wavelength throughout the cities of Southern Kanto region.

"......Impossible."

The AST team leader Kusakabe Ryoko, frowned as she let out a groan.

"Is there a mistake? This."

The man currently operating the central control tower—— Sergeant First Class Ashimura turned to face her, shaking his sweating face at the same time.

"I'm extremely sorry. But the precision of the observation machines, even if within the country it is also considered to be the best."

"......Is that so."

Rechecking the numbers shown on the screen, after making sure that there was no mistake, forcefully let out a sigh as though she was trying to discard her frustrations.

Shown on the screen was the numerical results of a certain human.

No, using the word human would be lying.

After all, those numbers, insinuates at a calamity that kills off the world.

"......Spirit, transferring into high school? That joke is not even amusing."

That's right. Today at 9 am in the morning, she received the message from Origami to the base.

Requesting to investigate, because there is a transfer student who self proclaimed that she was a Spirit in my class——

Even though she was doubtful, she still ran the scanner on the girl, but——

Ryoko wiped her forehead. Sweat damped her sleeve. Despite the air conditioning being turned on, her skin had become slightly moist.

This of course had a reason. To transfer into high school, a family register and residential addresses is a must, but there are other documents required for the process as well.

A dangerous creature able to eradicate an entire street with just a single finger; yet she was able to escape this field of observation, and possessing the knowledge of how human society works and knowing how to use it effectively. It was impossible not to shudder thinking about that.

"Leader? What are you doing?"

At this point, a weird greeting expressed behind her.

Only one member would use this kind of words. Turning her head, Mana was standing there as expected.

"......Nn?"

Mana showed a serious expression, furrowing her brows in displeasure.

"——This is......finally showed up huh, <Nightmare>."

"<Nightmare>?"

Ryoko asked in surprise. Mana forcefully let out a sigh with her brows locked together.

"Codename <Nightmare>. ——The one that I'm hunting, the most brutal Spirit."

"Most brutal......Spirit?"

Ryoko shivered as she repeated that solemn phrase, "Nn", Mana nodded her head.

"The Spirit that caused the deaths of at least ten thousand at present. If we take those victims who haven't been identified into account, the numbers should be a few times larger."

"Ten, ten thousand......!? Un, unbelievable, why wasn't there an evacuation call? And also, a spacequake of that scale——"

"You're wrong."

As though trying to interrupt Ryoko, Mana voiced out melancholically.

"The spacequake that <Nightmare> causes is merely that of the usual Spirits. Even though we can't say that there were no victims, the numbers did not reach a hundred."

"Th, then why......"

"The reason is very simple. ——directly, killing with her own hands. Those ten thousand humans."

"..................."

Ryoko held her breath.

The <Princess> and <Hermit> that had appeared in Tenguu City in the past, even though they did cause severe spacequakes, they did not actively attack humans.

However, if a monster capable of rending the earth, were to start killing people by its own will.

How horrifying would that be. As an AST member, such a scene was easily pictured.

"——Then, what preparations should we make?"

"Eh?"

Mana asked as she lightly stretched, Ryoko dryly questioned.

"If a Spirit appears. There's no other thing to consider other than killing it."

"That's true......But, don't we need to evacuate the citizens? After all this situation is——"

"There's no need to worry. Please leave it to me.——Dealing with [that], is what I'm best at."

"Aa, wait, hold on!"

Ryoko grabbed Mana's arm as she was trying to quickly leave.

"? Is there a problem. Isn't it better to deal with it earlier?"

"......I'll say this first, the team leader here is me. You are not to take action by yourself."

"............"

Mana pondered for a while as though she was considering something, then slightly raised her hand.

"Understood. I'll follow your orders."

However, she then gave Ryoko a look as though she was judging something.

"But, please do not forget. I am posted here by the [Association], having permission from the General to take independent action."

"............I understand."

Ryoko twisted her face in boredom, releasing Mana's hand.

◇

The hands of the clock hanging above the blackboard, has already gone round three times.

In Shidou's line of sight, the homeroom lesson before going home has started. Accompanying the bell and entering the classroom was Tama-chan-sensei, who opened the attendance book and started to relay information.

A normal and unexciting scene. However, at present, Shidou was being tortured by an uncanny panic.

To give a reason why......

"............"

Kurumi took the chance when the teacher was not focused to turn towards Shidou, making eye contact and lightly waving her hand.

"That, um."

Feeling that it would be rude to not respond, Shidou gave a bitter smile and waved back.

""............""

As such Tohka and Origami who sat beside Shidou, not making any jokes, were using stares sharp enough to cause dermatitis to stare at Shidou.

"......Wh, what should I do?"

As Shidou sighed in despair, Tama-chan-sensei closed the attendance booklet.

"That's all for homeroom today. ——Ah, one more thing, recently in this district, there seems to be cases of disappearances happening. Everyone, please try to move in groups. Remember to go back home before dark, okay?"

"............Nn?"

In response to Tama-chan-sensei's words that seemed to be aiming at children, Shidou slightly raised his eyebrows.

Now that it was mentioned, the morning news seems to have also reported similar cases. As the name Tenguu City came up, his attention was caught.

It was okay if it was Shidou, but it could be worrisome for Kotori's case.

......Well, if it was that imouto-sama, the number of things to worry about would probably be larger.

Just as Shidou was thinking about that, the call to stand at attention was enunciated. Shidou got up from his seat and bowed. Apart from the clattering sounds made by the tables and chairs when they were standing up, chatting between students can also be heard.

It was after school. But ——Shidou still had stuff to do.

Shidou took out a miniature earphone from his pocket, equipping it onto his right ear.

Very soon, an enthusiastic voice vibrated his eardrums.

"——It's time. Are you ready, Shidou?"

A young voice, possessing a large amount of pressure. Shidou's sister, Itsuka Kotori's commander mode.

Although it can't be confirmed from here, but the elites on the bridge of <Fraxinus>, should be fully prepared to conquer the Spirit.

"I don't believe it, it really is a Spirit. ——To tell you the truth, I thought it was just Shidou's delusions."

"......Hey."

In response to Kotori's joke, Shidou slanted his eyes.

But that was not without reason. To tell the truth, Shidou himself was doubtful. Spirits transferring to school as a transfer student and what not.

The result of Kotori's observations of Kurumi, was sent to Shidou's handphone at lunchtime.

In conclusion——Kurumi is, a real Spirit.

"——Hey, it can be considered a good thing. The other party has already sent an invitation. If the alarm doesn't sound off, the AST can't be nosy as well; isn't that an outcome that we've hoped for? Right now, please focus on raising the other party's feelings towards you and let her fall in love."

"......Nn. I guess......you're right."

Shidou half-heartedly said.

It's just as Kotori says. However, Kurumi's motive is still not clear at present, Shidou's heart felt complicated.

"What's with you, that kind of cowardly response. Going to KISS with another Spirit, you're feeling conflicted?"

"............Th, that's not it......But, no, its not like I'm not in conflict here......"

"Good then. Unfortunately, it looks like we don't have enough time to chat anymore?"

"Eh?"

As Shidou let out a stupid response, his shoulder was poked a few times by someone.

"Shidou-san, Shidou-san."

"Uuooh......!?"

Because it was too sudden, Shidou got a fright.

"Sorry, did I scare you?"

The girl standing there——Kurumi said with an apologetic look.

"To, Tokisaki......"

"Ufufu, it's all right to call me Kurumi."

"Aa, aaah......Then, Kurumi."

After Shidou said that, Kurumi continued while smiling happily.

"Can you bring me around the school? I'll be in your care."

"Oo, ooh."

Shidou looked as though he was trying to hold down his accelerated heart beat, placing his hand on his chest as he nodded.

............A beautiful appearance just like it was man-made. An attitude that exudes grace. Elegant movements. Through Shidou's five senses, strongly emphasized her existence.

It was almost as though the eyeballs and the brain rejected all other impurities other than Kurumi, placing them outside his recognition.

"Ahem!"

"......!"

Shidou was brought to his senses by that fake cough. Turning to the sound, Tohka was glaring at his direction while folding her arms.

"Ab, about that......"

Looks like he was found out. Shidou made a sound trying to explain.

"Well then! Let's hurry and go. Fufu, I'm so happy."

However, before he had time to finish, Kurumi started to walk towards the corridor with light footsteps.

"Aa......he, hey!"

"Uufufu, Shidou-san should hurry up as well."

"——Shidou, now Kurumi is our top priority. Hurry up and go after her. Tohka's mental state, still has not reached critical point. Buying a yellow bean bun for her when you return home should fix that."

At this point, Kotori's voice sounded out from his right ear.

Looking to his right, a displeased Tohka entered his line of sight......But he had no other choice. Shidou left behind a "Sorry!", chasing after Kurumi out to the corridor.

"Well then, where should we start looking?"

Kurumi, who was waiting not far away from the classroom, inclined her head and asked.

"Aa, aaah......that's right."

At the same time, Shidou was at a loss, Kotori's voice rang into his right ear.

15000 meters above Tenguu Base.

The secret organization <Ratatoskr>'s airship <Fraxinus> was currently floating.

Materializing randomly, dangerous lifeforms that causes destruction to this world, [Spirits].

Letting her fall in love and become powerless, staff members burdened with this difficult and extremely amusing task, are currently in the midst of battle.

At the bridge located in <Fraxinus>'s center, the thirty staff members inclusive of their commander Kotori were gathered. Everyone went to their workstations, controlling the command tower with experienced movements.

"Favorability is at 45.5. No change at all."

"Mental state, green on average. A stable state."

"Spirit wavelength 150.0. Difference from the previous scan at an acceptable range of minimum 3.4."

"——Umu, so everything is all right?"

Asked Kotori, who was reclining in <Fraxinus>'s commander seat located at the centre of the bridge.

The ribbons tied in her hair were black. The military uniform on her shoulders were maroon. No matter how you looked at it, she resembled a cosplaying girl who was being influenced by movies.

However, the cute looking girl who is totally out of place in the bridge of the ship, after surveying her subordinates, eased herself and looked at the screen.

On that giant screen, showed that Spirit, Tokisaki Kurumi's image.

The various factors on the screen, through the windows of the subordinates' computers, after processing through the AI, were indicated in real time in wordform.

That's right, it was just like the images of a galge.

At this moment, Kurumi in the screen tilted her head, her cute lips slightly raised.

"Well then, where should we start looking?"

"Aa, aaah......That's right."

Following that, through the speaker, Shidou's voice rang out.

One can understand without asking. It was a voice that was troubled over the sudden question. Kotori sighed as she pressed the communicator, bringing the microphone to her mouth.

"Shidou, hold on for a moment. Let our side take a look at the situation."

The instant Kotori spoke, a new window opened up at the main screen.

This was the minimap of Raizen High School where Shidou was currently at. Various classrooms and facilities were indicated on top, the locations of Shidou and Kurumi were indicated by red dots. Following that, various routes were shown after calculating the distance of their current location and movement routes.

The first place to go is ——

①The rooftop. ②The infirmary. ③The cafeteria, commissionary.

Which one to choose.

"——A great opportunity."

A voice, sounded out from behind the commander's seat where Kotori was at.

Turning around, a tall youth stood there with his hand on his chin. He is the vice commander of <Fraxinus>, Kannazuki Kyouhei.

"It's wonderful to leave the decision of sequence of movement to us. If the sequence is organized correctly, it could very well bring about an impactful outcome."

"Well, you're right——Everyone, choose! Five seconds!"

After Kotori finished, the monitor in her hand swiftly displayed the result.

"Umu, the rooftop's the most popular choice huh?"

"Of course, the rooftop can be said to be the school's best hangout place for youths! A place full of freedom and an excellent scenery to boot! There's no other choice than this!"

Just as Kotori muttered, below the bridge, <Dimension Breaker> Nakatsugawa loudly yelled.

"But......Normally speaking, the rooftop is usually locked right? Because it's too dangerous."

However, next to him, <On Probation> Minowa, used his hand to support his chin as he spoke.

"Eh......Is, is that so?"

With that, Nakatsugawa slightly protested. However, Kotori let out a cough before speaking.

"There's no problem. The school currently has numerous helpers infiltrated within, it's possible to open it using the key before Shidou and Kurumi arrives."

"Th, that's right! So the rooftop is still the best——"

"Hold it right there!"

At this point, <Tired Too Early> Kawagoe looked over from the right.

"How can you leave out the infirmary? Legally placed beds, and curtains to block people's sight. Isn't it one of the few places that makes one excited in a school!"

"Wh, what's with you! Aren't you being too perverted! The rooftop is an excellent place......!"

"Humph......why don't you clean up your nosebleed before you start to protest, eh Nakatsugawa-kun?"

"Ha......!"

"Is that so?"

Listening to the verbal battle between the rooftop faction and the infirmary faction, Kotori looked at the image on by her hand once more.

"Speaking of which, who voted for ③?"

Once Kotori asked, a hand was raised immediately.

"......It's me."

A woman looking as tired as hell, opening her eyes that had thick dark circles, turned her vision over here. Murasame Reine. <Fraxinus>'s Analysis Officer whom Kotori fully places her trust in.

"Reine huh? What a surprise. Can you please tell me the reason?"

"......Aaah. It's not a reason that is alarming. Just simple elimination, that's all."

"Elimination? Is the rooftop and the infirmary a no go?"

With that, Reine shook her head.

"............It's not like that. Just that, the infirmary has a health teacher frequenting the area. If we want to bring out the destructiveness of the infirmary itself, we would still have to wait for another thirty minutes. ......The rooftop has a similar reason to it. If you ask why, the scenery of the setting sun...... wouldn't that be wonderful?"

After hearing Reine's words, Kotori slightly raised the edge of her lips.

"——As expected, you are quite the romanticist huh, Reine."

Following that, she brought the microphone to her mouth.

"Shidou, you heard that? Bring her to the cafeteria and the comissionary."

"......Right, well then, shall we go to the cafeteria and comissionary to have a look first? It'd be necessary in the future."

"Nn, I don't mind."

When Shidou finished, a cute smile appeared on Kurumi as she lightly nodded.

Don, don, Kurumi's hallway slippers gave off a sound similar to that of a clapper, walking to Shidou's side.

"Well then, let's go."

"Oo, oh."

Overwhelmed by Kurumi's enthusiasm, he started walking after some difficulty.

To reach the commissionary on the first floor, they have to reach the staircase on the west building first. The two of them walked down the corridor with leisurely footsteps.

At this point, the students who are returning home, shot glances over.

——Wah—who's that girl, so cute—. A transfer student? Isn't next to her Itsuka-kun from Class 4, what's going on? Aaa, looks like she wanted him to personally bring her around the school. Eh, isn't Itsuka Yatogami's husband? But I've heard that even Tobiichi was taken down by him, promised to be his mistress or something.

Hey hey, not satisfied with two-timing now he wants to defile the transfer student? Feels like Itsuka-kun is being a horny playboy!

......Whatever you people say.

The same time his face twitched, he tried hard to ignore those hurtful words, accelerating his footsteps.

Then, a voice different from them, Kotori's voice entered his ear.

"Nnnn......?"

"? Is something the matter, Kotori?"

"No......There are two people tailing your movements.......There's a possibility that you have been marked by someone."

"Eh, eh eh.....?"

Faced with such a dangerous possibility, Shidou couldn't help but cry out.

"Quiet. ......Our side will proceed to confirm this. First put your concentration on Kurumi. ——And also, you are walking with a girl, why aren't you saying anything, so dense."

"Eh? ah......"

Due to being overly conscious of the surrounding stares as well as the nervousness of walking with a girl, he had left Kurumi by herself.

"......Oh crap."

While muttering, he peeked in Kurumi's direction.

Suddenly——Shidou felt his own heart violently skipped a beat.

But there was a reason behind it of course. Because Kurumi was using her right eye that was not covered by her hair, to gaze straight at Shidou.

Naturally, their eyes met. In that instant, Kurumi gave a sweet smile as though she was truly overjoyed from the bottom of her heart. It was as if she was waiting for Shidou to look at her direction this whole time.

"Ku, Kurumi. Is it okay if you walk while not looking at the front?"

Shidou asked her with a squeak, Kurumi widened her eyes.

"You noticed that? And you're even concerned for me, Shidou-san is really gentle."

"N, no......that kind of thing!"

"Please don't be modest. It was my fault for staring at your side view and getting mesmerized."

"St, staring......!?"

Shidou felt his blushing cheeks.——Wh,whwhwhat did this girl just say? Stare? No no, I don't understand. This normal looking appearance is totally wasn't worth looking at, this fact Shidou was totally aware of.

"Why are you going all soft over her words, Shidou."

Hearing Kotori's sighing voice, Shidou's shoulders violently shook.

"So, sorry."

"......But, this is indeed a type that we have never encountered before. Not only integrating herself into society——she also mastered the ability to get into other's good books."

Kotori made an "Umu" sound while she was pondering.

"It's because she's an interesting existence that's why we need to know more information......Well, we'll ask her while raising her favorability. ——Looks like choices have just arrived. Wait one moment."

The screen on the bridge of <Fraxinus>, once again showed a multiple choice window.

①"The thing about Spirits that you mentioned in the morning, what did you mean by that?"

②"Kurumi, which school did you used to attend?"

③"Kurumi, what kind of panties are you wearing today?"

"All members, choose!"

Accompanying Kotori's shout, the members below the bridge pressed a key at the same time.

The result was quickly displayed on Kotori's monitor.

"As expected, looks like its ①."

The result everyone chose was the same as herself, Kotori rested her chin on her hand.

"A proper choice. Kurumi shouldn't know that Shidou possesses knowledge on Spirits. It'd be good to try making her waver."

Behind, Kannazuki said it as such.

"That's true.——On a side note Kannazuki, which one did you choose?"

"I chose ③."

"Let's hear the reason first."

Kotori turned her body around and said.

"The thighs that are being isolated by black coloured stockings can be said to be the treasure of humans. Did you have to ask why?"

Kotori snapped her fingers. For an instant, two extremely muscled giants entered the bridge, grabbing Kannazuki's two arms.

"Take him away."

"Yes!"

The two men answered at the same time, dragging Kannazuki off with them.

"Com, commander! Have mercy! Have mercccccccyyyyyy!!!!"

*Pishuu* following this sound, the door closed.

In the midst of the silent bridge of the ship, Kotori sighed while she spoke.

"'Kurumi, what kind of panties are you wearing today?'......Hey, what do you guys think of this choice?"

"We, well, you obviously can't use such a dirty line to raise the atmosphere."

The staff members at the lower portion of the bridge replied with bitter smiles.

At this point, Kotori suddenly twitched her eyebrows.

"Ah!"

At the same time Kotori changed her position, her elbow pressed the switch of her microphone. To put it simply, the conversation from just now was heard by Shidou——

"He, hey......Kurumi, what kind of panties are you wearing today?"

In the image, Shidou who took that as a command, really did follow it to the letter.

"Panties......huh?"

"......!"

As Kurumi dazedly questioned back, Shidou finally realized what a ridiculous line he had just said.

"Ah, no, just now that was——"

As he hurriedly waved his arms around, he jabbed the earphone as though protesting.

"Idiot, that was not an instruction just now! the correct choice was ①. '"The thing about Spirits that you mentioned in the morning, what did you mean by that?'"

"Ha......Haa!?"

"Well first of all try to clear up the misunderstanding! Just now that was just a joke, then start asking the real question!"

"Oo, oh......" Shidou softly groaned, turning towards Kurumi.

"A, about that, Kurumi."

However upon looking at Kurumi's expressions and movements, he couldn't help but stop.

As Kurumi raised her eyes to look at Shidou, she suddenly lifted the edges of her pleated skirt.

"......Want, to see?"

"Eh!? N, no, just now that was——"

Even though it was not like he did not want to look, he couldn't very well say it outright.

Just as Shidou was in a mess, Kurumi looked at her surroundings, then hid into the shadows of the nearby cabinet used to store cleaning equipment.

"Ku, Kurumi......?"

Shidou knitted his eyebrows in response towards Kurumi's puzzling movements.

Kurumi shyly blushed, opening her small mouth.

"It's okay......you know, if it's Shidou-san."

Saying that, the hands that were holding onto the skirt, slowly rose.

"Eh......eh eh!?

Shidou, in reaction to this totally unexpected turn of events, widened his eyes.

However when Shidou was at a loss as to what to do, Kurumi had already lifted up her skirt. The thighs wrapped by the black tights slowly showed——even that forbidden triangle zone was slightly showing. Through that black fabric that was being stretched on both sides, white panties could be seen in an instant.

"——!!"

Shidou immediately closed his eyes, grabbing Kurumi's skirt and pulling it back to its original position.

"Ara,ara."

Kurumi said while showing an incredulous look.

"What's wrong? If it is Shidou-san......I don't mind, you know?"

"No, that's enough! Now! Let's go already!"

"Ufufu, Shidou-san is shy~ Aaa, but, if we want to continue, can you please let go of my skirt first?"

"......!"

Being reminded of that fact, Shidou's eyes sprung open. ......If it were to be seen from the side, the present Shidou, is undoubtedly a super pervert who brings girls to dark corners to lift their skirts.

"So, sosososososorry......!"

Hastily letting go of his hands. Kurumi let out a snicker with an expression as though she did not mind at all.

"Shidou, don't panic, first adjust your body posture."

At this moment, Kotori's instruction arrived. Shidou unnaturally coughed. As they continued with their route, following the previous instruction and asked.

"A, about that, Kurumi."

"Nn, what is it?"

"In the morning, didn't you say 'I am a Spirit'? What exactly, are Spirits?"

After Shidou's question, Kurumi was stunned for a moment——But very quickly, revealed a slight smile.

"—Ufufu, please don't play dumb, Shidou-san. Don't you know it clearly? The issue, about Spirits."

"............"

Faced with Kurumi's reply, Shidou held his breath.

"What, this girl."

Kotori let out a surprised sound similar to Shidou.

"Confident that Shidou knows about the Spirits......What in the world is going on here?"

Shidou did not require prompting to understand, and asked the question in Kotori's stead.

"Ho, how do you know, the thing about me knowing.....?"

"Fufu, that is——a secret."

"Eh?"

"The reason I came to this school was just to meet with Shidou-san. Because I knew about Shidou-san, that's why I've been longing to see you. There was never a day that I wasn't thinking about Shidou-san. So—right now, I'm extremely happy."

Finishing her words, Kurumi's cheeks were dyed a light pink.

"..................!!"

Shidou felt his cheeks giving off heat. Even though he couldn't see it, his ears would be emitting steam by now.

Why. Why is this. Whether it's flirting or a girl in love, it's totally in a different dimension. This existence known as Kurumi was already too cute to describe—this feeling assailed Shidou.

It was just like in middle school, the feeling was just like getting drunk after licking the whiskey that his father placed in the glass cabinet, a drowsy drunkenness. As though he would crumple to the floor with the slightest touch.

"Hey, isn't the situation reversed like this!"

"Ha......"

Kotori's voice brought Shidou back to his senses.

"Well......let's continue moving."

Shidou deeply breathed in, moving forward while trying to hide from Kurumi's gaze.

The reason was......ever since then as long as they made eye contact, he felt as though he was rooted to the spot.

"......Keh, not going to spill it that easily huh. We have no choice, continue to attack. ——I don't care if it is cowardly anymore. We can't let her take control of the situation."

"Sh, shut it......"

"Well......It is frustrating to be led around by the nose. Let's try to make her waver."

After Kotori finished speaking, the main screen of the bridge displayed multiple choices.

①"Kurumi, your hair is really beautiful." Gently stroke her hair as if nothing has happened. ②"Ah, it's dangerous!" Pretend to trip and fall on her. ③"Hey, it's this way." Naturally hold her hand.

Umu, Kotori raised the Chupa Chups that was in her mouth.

The choices were all unintentional body contact. It was slightly risky... but it is precisely because her mental state was stable, that resulted in the AI making such decisions. It truly was an effective method to shorten the distance.

"——Everyone, choose!"

After she was done, she immediately glanced at the voting results on the monitor beside her hand, Kotori nodded.

"③ huh? Well that's the easiest one."

"Well said, ① seems to be too close, while ② is too obvious."

At this moment, not knowing when he reappeared beside Kotori, Kannazuki spoke up.

Golden hair in a mess, his chest slightly showing, the western pants that he usually wore was nowhere to be found, replacing that was a pair of tights with characters printed on them.

"Ara, it seems that you escaped safely Kannazuki."

"What a dangerous place. Who exactly are they?"

"To prepare for the situation when they're needed of course."

"Then why did they try to take off my underwear?"

"It's just you."

"What now, was I being overly conscious?"

Kannazuki ended with a "Ha ha ha.", quickly turning serious once more.

"However......Attempting to make bodily contact, there's another method to do so."

"Say it out."

"Ha. First of all, get Shidou-kun to lie on the corridor."

"And then?"

"Then use various angles to observe the Spirit's underwear that is under those tights."

"Are you doing it again?"

Kotori's attempt to snap her fingers once more was stopped by a frantic Kannazuki.

"The, there's more. The Spirit would feel embarrassed from letting her panties be seen right?"

"Umu."

Then of course, she would forcefully step on Shidou-kun who would be lying on the corridor! This way the relationship between master and servant would naturally deepen——"

Following the sound of Kotori's finger snap, the two giants once again reappeared on the bridge, taking Kannazuki with them.

"Wh, why, Commander!"

Ignoring Kannazuki's cries, Kotori took the microphone.

"Shidou, it's ③, go and hold her hand."

"Understood."

Shidou nodded his head in response to Kotori's instructions. ......But before the instruction, he felt that he heard the cry of someone who was about to die. He didn't understand why, but it felt as though he could not ask too much about this.

"............"

Shidou forcefully gulped, looking at the road ahead. Turning left at the T-junction would be the staircase of the west building.

What a great opportunity. At that point, the act of holding Kurumi's hand while she intends to continue moving, "Aaah, this way this way" pointing out the correct direction to her replayed itself in his brain countless times.

However——

"Hyii......!?"

Shidou widened his eyes in shock. Just as they were about to reach the T-junction, Kurumi suddenly held Shidou's hand.

"How did this happen——"

Kotori let out a similar, surprised cry.

But the awkwardness that Kotori felt cannot be compared to what Shidou is feeling right now . The palm of his right hand, was being wrapped in soft, slender and somewhat cool fingers, applying minute force in them. An imaginary yet strong pressure. It felt as though his nose would start bleeding if he were to be careless.

"Ku, Kurumi......?"

This however wasn't CG but reality, Shidou turned his head mechanically like a robot, speaking after much difficulty.

"Wh, whwhwhwhwhwhwhat should I do now......?"

Turning his head to look, Kurumi who was holding Shidou's right hand, shyly looked downwards, turning her face to one side.

"As expected......I'm troubling you, aren't I?"

"......!! No, none of......the......sort."

With Shidou's words, Kurumi relaxed her shoulders looking relieved.

"Sure enough, Shidou-san really is gentle."

Ending her sentence, Kurumi bashfully smiled.

"N, no......"

——It feels like, I don't know where to look now. Shidou's eyes swam around. His consciousness started to become muddled. You can't. Kurumi you can't. Kurumi-chan is really an angel. Such thoughts were continuously assaulting his brain.

"——Hey, Shidou-san."

Kurumi's small mouth parted slightly.

"What......is, it?"

"I have a request to ask of Shidou-san. ......Would you please listen?"

A peculiar feeling. As though as long as Kurumi wished for it, he would unconsciously nod his head and agree to it.

"Aa, aah——"

However, in that instant.

"Nuwaaa......!"

"......Ss."

Accompanying the shouts, a clattering noise sounded out from behind them.

Looks like the cleaning equipment cabinet placed in the corridor had fell. The brooms and dustpans were everywhere.

Afterwards, the two students who seemed to be the perpetrators, falling to the ground in a heap.

"To, Tohka......Origami!?"

Shidou couldn't help but shout. That's right, they were undoubtedly Tohka and Origami.

"Ara ara? What are the two of you doing here?"

As Kurumi held Shidou's hand, tilting her head in wonder.

Seeing that scene, Tohka and Origami hastily got to their feet.

"It, it's about that! Even though Shidou wanted to bring Kurumi around school, that......there's still some things that must be done, haven't you heard about it!"

"——Tokisaki Kurumi, touring the school does not require the action of holding hands. Let go right now."

"! Right, that's it!"

Tohka in a rare act of fully agreeing with Origami's words, nodded her head forcefully.

"Ah......"

Once someone had pointed it out, Shidou then realised that his hand was still being held. Hastily trying to let go——However, Kurumi took the chance to add strength into her fingers, making it impossible to let go.

Kurumi took a peek at Shidou before turning to the two, and started to act.

"The truth is I have, contracted a severe case of anemia. Then this gentle Shidou-san held my hand. Please don't blame Shidou-san."

After hearing that, Tohka and Origami turned their sights on Shidou. "Is that so?" was sent along with their gazes.

"Eh, eeeehh......That is, well, um......"

He didn't know why, but he felt that in this situation it would be best for him to continue to hide it from them, Shidou vaguely answered.

And in the next instant, Origami suddenly knelt onto the floor.

"! Origami! What's the matter?"

Shidou had a shock from the sudden turn of events.

"Anemia."

"............"

Shidou's face twitched. Naturally, sweat dripped from his forehead.

"I can't walk by myself."

"............"

"A gentle person."

"......Oo, oh."

Shidou, under a mysterious pressure, held out his free left hand.

"What's the matter with you two. That's so laughable!"

Tohka stared at Kurumi and Origami, grabbing his two arms——

"——Ha!"

Taking a second look at Shidou's two arms, her expression suddenly changed.

"shi, shidou! I also have anemia!"

"Is that so......?"

"U,umu, to tell you the truth, my butt doesn't have a lot of flesh!"

"No, that's not what anemia is......"

As Shidou bitterly smiled, Tohka held her arms out while looking troubled.

"An, anyway, I want it too!"

Saying that, she tried to hold hands.——But, they were already occupied by Kurumi and Origami.

"Guuuu......."

Tohka showed an expression as though she were about to cry, standing right in front of Shidou, lowering her waist as though she was about to pounce.

"Hey, hey——Don't tell me——"

At this moment, a handphone ringtone sounded out from nowhere.

"——Hello."

Origami took out her handphone from her pocket, starting a conversation.

Although she gave a carefree reply, he did not understand why she shot a sharp glance towards Kurumi.

"......Understood."

With that, she silently ended the phone call.

"Something urgent came up."

After Origami increased her grip on Shidou's hand, she reluctantly let go.

Immediately, Tohka took the opening to grab Shidou's hand tightly.

"............"

Origami took a peek at Tohka, then using a hateful glare, looked at Kurumi and walked off.

Before leaving, she whispered a sentence into Shidou's ear "Beware of Tokisaki Kurumi.".

"Wh, what......?"

"Shidou-san? Aren't we going?"

"Eh? Aa, aaaah......"

Under Kurumi's prompting, Shidou continued walking with his two arms still being held.

......Needless to say, the stares from the surroundings had increased.

Six in the afternoon.

Shidou who brought Kurumi around the school to view the facilities, as well as Tohka who half forcefully forced them to let her follow went out of the school gate, walking on the street that was dyed red by the setting sun. ——Of course, Shidou's arms were already freed.

"Well, that's most of it. Did you get it?"

"Nn, thank you very much. ......Really now, it would have been better if it were only the two of us."

"Ha......haha."

Shidou gave a bitter smile to the joking Kurumi.

Truthfully speaking, Shidou was grateful to Tohka.

With a burden, it made <Ratatoskr>'s instructions much easier, even though they still went to the event spots such as the rooftop and the infirmary, no romantic atmosphere was created.

No, even if he did raise Kurumi's affections for him, there was still reason to worry...... But how to say it, if he and Kurumi were to enter a location with such an atmosphere, it felt like he would be eaten.

Kurumi did indeed possess that special attractiveness.

Just like——that's right, just like a carnivore, or a bug-eating plant.

"No no......"

Shidou shook his head at those thoughts. Describing girls like they were predators or bug-eating plants, even if he didn't say it aloud it was still rude.

——At this moment.

"Well then, Shidou-san, Tohka-san. I'll take my leave from here."

Nearing the crossroads, Kurumi gave a bow and said.

"Eh? Oo, oh......"

"Mu, is that so? Well see you again tomorrow."

As Shidou and Tohka waved their hands, Kurumi disappeared into the setting sun.

"——Aaah, aaah."

After saying goodbye to Shidou and Tohka, Kurumi said aloud while she walked on the street under the setting sun alone.

"I still can't——slightly, I couldn't bear it. It took so long for me to find it, I still want to enjoy school life for a while longer."

After muttering to herself, her body spun around in a rhythm.

"......Ufufu, this enjoyment, I'll leave it to the last part to enjoy then."

Suddenly——Kurumi who was dancing along the street, bumped into something.

"——"

Putting strength into her legs she managed to stay upright, looking in front. It looked like Kurumi had bumped into a man's back. Men who looked like delinquents, were all gathered at the side of the road.

"Ara ara, I'm really sorry."

Kurumi bowed her head and said, while trying to walk away. However,

"Hey. Wait a second, little lady. It was your fault for being careless, don't think that things would end just like this."

The man who Kurumi bumped into gave a sinister smile.

Just like a response, the man's comrades, separated out and surrounded Kurumi.

"Ara, ara?"

Kurumi tilted her head in wonder, one of the men let out a whistle.

"Hey hey, her looks aren't that bad. A great catch?"

"Hey—hey—, what's your name? I want to be friends with you!" Just like that, the gangsters continued to look at Kurumi all over, speaking and gaggling.

Aaah——At this point, Kurumi understood.

"Onii-san——Don't tell me, you want to go out with me?"

Kurumi said while faintly smiling. The men were stunned for a moment, then started laughing with their hands on their foreheads.

"Hey hey, go out she said. Meanie—. Ec——chi!"

"But isn't this fine. What, you like this type too?" "Nn. To an extent. ——Leaving that aside, how about we change locations? There's too many people here."

Kurumi's words caused a commotion amongst the men, the men entered an alley while surrounding Kurumi.

After forcing Kurumi into a dead end, the man who Kurumi had bumped into showed a lecherous smile and extended his hand.

"Well......then, I won't stand on ceremony now."

But——That extended hand did not touch Kurumi, shifting slightly downwards.

"Ah? What are you doing. If you aren't gonna do it then let me——"

The man's comrade shrugged his shoulders and said. But the man who reached out for Kurumi, interrupted his words in panic.

"N, no! My body is......!"

"Your body?"

At this moment, his comrades have also noticed.

From Kurumi's feet, her shadow rapidly expanded, and the countless white arms that grew from it——was in the middle of dragging the man's body into the shadow.

"......!? Wh, what is this......!"

"U, uwaaaaaaa......!?" Everyone started to yell.

However, it was already too late.

"Ufufu, fufu."

Kurumi's smile twisted, at the same time everyone's legs were caught by the white arms, their bodies gradually being pulled into the shadows.

"Well, even though they are pieces of trash that's usually not worth eating...... But since I have a main dish waiting in the near future, why not taste a little to get my tongue used to it first——I'm sorry now."

Kurumi put her hands together with a *Pa!*

Instantly, the moans of the men nearby vanished entirely.

Kurumi closed her eyelids as though she was enjoying a meal, feeling her stomach with a sigh.

——In that instant.

"......Ara?"

Faced with that sudden feeling assailing her, Kurumi's eyebrows twitched.

That feeling of having one's entire body being felt all over. To be swallowed by a giant creature without even chewing, that's probably the feeling right now.

This feeling is not the first time she has felt it.

A barrier that modern magicians employs with the help of a machine called a Realizer• Personal Territory.

Even amongst them this one is special. That's right, can't be mistaken——It's that girl.

"——Tch, one step too late, huh?"

As though to confirm Kurumi's suspicions. A young girl appeared in front of Kurumi's eyes.

Hair tied up in a bunch, a girl that looked like a middle schooler.

Even though she was wearing casual wear such as a colorful parka jacket and a culotte skirt. The surrounding air, was as dangerous as a ferocious beast who caught sight of its prey.

"Looks like you've been wildly eating again, <Nightmare>."

"Ara ara, you are......Takamiya Mana-san, correct?"

Kurumi slightly slanted her head and said, Mana unhappily let out a *Humph*.

"Even though it is commendable for you to remember my name, that attitude makes me want to puke."

"Ara, I apologise for that then."

Kurumi bowed her head, honestly apologising.

"However, names are very important. I would be very unhappy if I were to be called <Nightmare> and the like. May I ask that you call me Tokisaki Kurumi?"

As Kurumi finished, Mana slanted her eyebrows in irritation.

"Because it's important, that's why I don't wish for my name to be called by you. Exactly because it is important, that's why I do not wish to call you by that name."

"That feels difficult."

"Shut up, Spirit."

Mana's gaze sharpened.

Kurumi's skin, felt a chill.

◇

After saying goodbye to Kurumi, Shidou accompanied Tohka to the supermarket nearby to buy ingredients for dinner.

Right hand laden with heavy plastic bags, they walked on the street that was darker than before.

"Well—It sure was the right day to come today."

Naturally showing a smile. That's right. Today they had entered the supermarket when it was the time to give discounts, buying large amounts of meat with 30% off the normal price.

"shidou! What's for dinner today? Hamburger steak?"

These few weeks Tohka has gotten used to guessing the menu. She happily said in excitement.

"Ah, I vote for hamburger steak as well!"

This moment, Kotori's voice came from the transmitter that was still in transmission.

Shidou, lightly shrugged, the corner of his mouth slightly raised.

"Ah— What should I do. There's still stewed carrots with fish floss and Sanshoku donburi!"

"Mu, muu, even though those aren't bad at all, can't we have hamburger steak?"

"Hold on, what are you saying. Since we got our hands on mixed meat, let's not be stingy and use it all in one go!"

As Tohka said with her eyebrows knitted together, Kotori's voice came from the transmitter at the same time.

In front, the sounds of sports shoes rubbing on asphalt could be heard. Shidou turned his head towards that direction.

"Nn?"

Over there is, with a ponytail and a tear mole as her features, a girl the same age as Kotori, stood there with eyes widened in shock.

Wearing a parka jacket and a culotte skirt. Her white sports shoes, has striking red spots on them for some reason. ......Just like, bloodstains.

"......?"

An unfamiliar face......at least that was how it was supposed to be, Shidou tilted his head.

He doesn't understand why, but there was a slight familiarity......it felt as though they have met somewhere before.

At that moment, Shidou noticed that the girl was staring straight at his direction. Shidou couldn't help but turn his body around. She must have seen something shocking in her line of sight.

However, nothing was there. Aside from the streets the he was used to walking along, the equally spaced telephone poles as well as the garbage disposal marked by nets, there was nothing else that can be seen.

That means, the one that the girl was looking at, could only be Shidou—

Shidou's thoughts stopped at this point.

"Nii"

The girl opened her trembling lips.

"Nii?"

Shidou questioned back. However the girl did not reply, instead running up and jumping into Shidou's chest.

"Wha......"

Just like that using her arms to wrap around his torso, as though she was deeply moved, forcefully hugging him. Even though the victim is Shidou and the culprit was the girl, there was nothing wrong, if their positions were to change a little, they would immediately be noticed by the police. ......No, under this kind of circumstance, it is totally possible that Shidou would be the one caught instead.

However, the thoughts made by Shidou, were interrupted partway.

The girl buried her head into Shidou's chest, saying,

"——Nisama(Nii-sama)......!"

"Ha......Haaa!?"

In that instant, the street as well as the bridge of <Fraxinus>, the voices of the Itsuka siblings beautifully coincided with each other.

View the next article to read the next chapter of this Volume and thx

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Izayoi - My Name is Maou you can call me Izayoi san too, I’m 14 years old. i'm a fan of anime and novels so i wanted to share my passion with all of you By posting the light novels of some animes that i really loved :)

Date A Live Light Novels Volume 3 Prologue - Chapter 2